I won’t go back.

"Time to split, honey"

Lash flicked Tinksy a glance, looking anxious as Aldo appeared to be in this fight for the long haul. He did not, however, hesitate before turning to follow her. He might not like it but he had been given an order earlier and he was bound and determined to follow it. Not that it ultimately mattered. Shortly after turning he felt a sharp pain in his back and then...nothing.

"...Wha" Opening his eyes Lash flicked his gaze around in confusion. Where was he? Movement off to the side caught his attention and he turned to peer at it. Aldo and Kae. No. That's not right. He was leaving so...why is he still here? -THEY- were not right either, washed out and seemingly devoid of color...actually that was everything around him.

Return...

Flicking an ear Lash glanced about in confusion "Return? What? Oh...oh no." Pinning his ears the rogue's attention was drawn up to the wraiths descending upon him. "Go away! I'm not dead yet!"

Return...

Backing away quickly he let out a sudden yelp as the holy light flared. Okay. No that wasn't fun. Time to go find his body and not be here. Twisting around he took off racing away from the wraiths towards where the others were running. As he got closer he could FEEL himself, feel his heartbeat slowing, slowing...stopping. "No. No you are NOT stopping. I'm not dying here."

As if it was responding to his sheer conviction his heart took another beat after the pause and returned to a steady pace. Exhaling in relief he slowed to a walk as he neared the group only to scream in surprise and hit the ground as chains wrapped around his legs and arms. NO. No he was so close!

...Come Return.

Digging all four sets of claws into the ground Lash strained his muscles trying to stop them from pulling him back to that horrid place. "No. No I am NOT going back there. Stop. please." Trying to reach a claw out towards his body Lash let out a quiet whine as the others picked it up and left, oblivious to his presence on the other side. "...wait for me!"

As the group vanished his whine turned to a growl even as the screams started to echo up from where they were dragging him. No. NO. Snarling furiously he lunged one last time, finally being rewarded by the breaking sound of chains. "You are -NOT- taking me back there." As the chains gave way he used the momentum to launch himself away from teh wraiths...and then promptly hit the ground as a screech sounded overhead.

Rolling over slightly Lash furrowed his brows in confusion. "Wha..." Screaming down out of the sky again was a spiritual gryphon and it was relentlessly driving the wraiths back. Sitting up fully he watched as the gryphon finally drove them away before landing in front of him "...Oh uh. Hi?" The gryphon tossed its head and eyed him sideways before abruptly shoving him slightly with its beak.

"Oh." Flicking an ear slightly he slowly made his way to his feet, looking back towards Thundermar. "Do...do you think you could help me get there?" The gryphon tossed its head and dropped a wing for him. Flicking one last glance towards where the wraiths had been he let out a slow exhale, placed a hand on the gryphon's back and vaulted up. "Alright...lets go buddy."

Consequences

“Quelthorin. On your feet.”

Rolling his head to the side Sol perked a brow before oh so slowly sitting up “Tyrana. To what do I owe this lack of pleasure?”

“We're going to see how much of an edge you've lost while you have enjoyed our hospitality. Now get up, or I will have them drag you up.”

Sol furrowed his brows slightly at that but finally stood and made his way over to the door to wait for it to open. “You wish to...spar?”

“Yes. And be warned, if you even attempt to strike me...well. I would highly advise you do not.” Motioning for the guard to lower the barrier the Blood Knight Master simply tossed Sol his shield and a dulled blade. “They will assist you with your armor and show you to the ring. Do not make me wait.”

“If I remember right, you always made me wait on you.” Sliding the shield onto his arm Sol grimaced slightly at the feel of the padded metal biting into his arm but at the same time the feel of its heft renewed the paladin. Turning to the nearest guard he gave the man a once over before nodding. “Right. Lets get this over with.”

A short period later Sol found himself once more clad in the gold and black armor he so often wore and  staring across the arena to his one time paramour. “So, pretty sure you didn't just call me out here to admire me, are you ready?”

As an answer the woman across from him simply threw a hammer of light forcing him to quickly raise his shield in defense. “Perhaps. A better question is are YOU ready? You seem to be getting soft, couldn't even rise to greet your mentee?”

Sol scowled and scooted around the arena to force her to keep moving instead of lining up another attack. “Should have known you would have someone watching. Honestly, don't you have better things to do with your time or are you still that obsessed with me?”

Despite his moving the other paladin simply turned and flung her hammer at him again “Trying to get under my skin won't get you anywhere. You and I both know it's simply the bluster of a small scared man who got caught in a web of his own making.”

Slowly the scowl turned into a frown “Is that what this exercise is all about? Getting me out here so you can beat on me while blathering?”

Shifting her stance once more the other paladin finally started to advance on him. Each step was punctuated by the ring of her hammer bouncing off of his shield sending him into a retreat. “No. If I wanted to beat on you I could easily do it in your cell. Your guards answer to me and me alone, so if  you ever want another visitor you would be wise to remember that.” Smirking at him she finally shoved her shield against his to pin him to the wall. “No, this is about making a point. The point is this, you are a small man who keeps trying and failing to protect those around you.”

Mindful of her earlier warning Sol allowed himself to be trapped in the corner. “You're demented. I do perfectly fine taking care of those around me thank you very much.”

“Oh? Then tell me. Why is it you haven't settled on someone yet? Why is it you keep even those close at arm's length when it comes to the real you? Afraid they will learn who you are?”

“They know who I-”

“No darling, they know who you want them to think you are. You and I both know the truth. A king's guard who couldn't even guard his king because he...left. Ran away. Rather pathetic. You couldn't even leave when I asked you to, not for me. Oh no. But when it came to saving yourself? You ran. And yet you still have the gall to wear that title.”

As her words droned on Sol slowly grew more and more still. She wasn't wrong, but she wasn't right either and he damn sure wasn't about to explain it to her. Snarling quietly the pent up frustration that had been building in the paladin over the months of his confinement finally broke loose. He wasn't a warrior so there were no flashy signs to point to the anger, simply a slow rise in the intensity of the light around him until finally it manifested in a pair of golden wings.

Realizing she had perhaps gone too far Tyrana twisted and slammed the pommel of her mace into the other paladin's helmet. The action was crude in the extreme but ultimately successful as his light was quenched and he simply crumpled to the ground. Pondering the visible dent in his helmet she winced slightly before shrugging “Take him back to his cell.”

One of the guards who had rushed over the moment things had started to go south likewise looked to the dent before giving her a dubious look “Ma'am?”

“He likes showing off how little the wards bother him, let him put his skills to good use for a change. Have someone keep an eye on him however, it wouldn't do for him to escape before it's his time to see the magisters.”

An offer.

“Sol? You awake? Hurry up we don't have a lot of time.”

Rolling off the rather uncomfortable bunk Solendenus Quelthorin made his way to the bars of the cell and peered out cautiously.  “Malus? The fel you doing here? If the guards saw y-”

“They would cut off my head as a matter of principal. So stow it and listen. You're in deep shit this time brother. Word is they've rounded up a few of the more...troublesome members of society and are billing them as traitors and malcontents in an effort to pretend like they are doing their part.”

“My family has done nothing but support Silvermoon in this war, why did I get caught up in this?”

When the unseen figure spoke again Sol was positive he could hear the rolling of eyes in his tone. “Well lets see, in your relatively short life you have managed to go from a model of nobility to a pirate, oh sorry a ~Privateer~, and then you traded that in to follow our inside prince into the outlands and for whatever reason thought it would be a GREAT idea to stay after everyone sane bailed ship.”

The voice paused and then dropped to a more serious tone. “Your biggest problem though is that you didn't let your friendships with the alliance go. There's war Sol. People saw you not just spare but save the lives of those men in darkshore. There's been talk and none of it has been kind, you might have fallen into a hole even you can't climb out of.”

The paladin scowled at the bars and then sank down against the wall. “Maybe, but I wouldn't change what I did.”

“Even if it cost your son his freedom or his life? Your mother? Your men? That is your biggest problem Sol. You don't think beyond what happens to you, after all if you sacrifice yourself for others you don't have to be here to see when they pay for it right?” There was a slight pause before the voice spoke again this time with a rueful tone. “I suppose though that I don't have much room to talk.”

Leaning his head back so he could stare at the ceiling Sol let out a quiet sigh. “Still wouldn't change it. If I let those people die by our blades for a war we never wanted to be a part of what sort of person would I be? My men are loyal to me because I promised them that we would never knowingly be a part of such a thing.”

The figure finally stepped into the light revealing a tired looking void elf. “There is still time you know, you and yours could come join us. Be free of all this.” Pausing a moment he gave Sol a pointed look “Be alive.”

“They wouldn't go, I wouldn't. This is our home.” Rolling his head to the side Sol gave the other elf a wry smile. “Besides, I think your void might have a few...uncouth words to say about me.”

Chuckling quietly the void elf gave him an amused look before sobering up again. “The offer will stay open Sol. Think on it, please? I'm sort of running low on friends these days and would like to keep the ones I still have.” Not waiting for a reply Malus Bloodfire stepped through a rather mundane portal to somewhere other than the heart of enemy territory.

Watching his friend go Sol finally let his head drop back against the wall. “Shit.

Justice?

“Quelthorin, I see you are finally where you belong.”

Not even bothering to look at the doorway Sol absently flicked a dart of light towards the voice. It wouldn't make it past the barrier but it still expressed his thoughts on his visitor quite well. “Join me and I could say the same about you.”

Master Thendra frowned slightly but barely gave the dart a glance “Bold words for a man behind bars.”

Flicking another light dart towards the actual target against the wall Sol let out a quiet laugh “I don't remember you complaining about me being bold before, matter of fact pretty sure you thought of it as an asset.”

A slight blush warred with the scowl on the woman's face before finally fading again “It was a mistake. One I do not plan to repeat.”

“Mm...” Letting the darts and target fade away the paladin finally sat up on the bed and gave his visitor a once over. “Is there something you want or did you just come to gloat? If it's the latter, you can get lost, I'm not interested.”

That finally got a smirk from Thendra “Mm..can't I just enjoy you finally finding a hat that fits? You've worn so many over the years after all. Dutiful son, father, heir, pirate, fanatic...” Pausing a moment she gave him a pointed look. “Traitor many times over.”

Rolling his eyes Sol turned away again “What can I say, I have a good hatter.”

“How many of them will your son wear? Perhaps we should deal with him before he can inherit them.”

That got an immediate reaction as Sol rolled off of the cot and moved to stand across from the Bloodknight Master. Despite herself the woman took a half step back at the hatred burning in his eyes before catching herself.”If you so much as lay a hand on one of his shed hairs I will get out of this cell and make you wish you had never thought to answer the light's call.”

Clenching her jaw the woman lifted her chin to stare up at the taller elf “Don't threaten me Quelthorin. I'm not the only one who remembers who you were and it wouldn't take much to get your few freedoms taken away.”

Shoving back from the barrier he simply gave her a cold sneer. “That wasn't a threat, that was the only warning you will ever get. Do not touch what is mine.” Turning away from the entryway Sol moved over and sank down on the cot again blatantly ignoring the woman now.

“We haven't forgotten Bloodwarder, justice always finds its due.” Turning away from cell she absently motioned to one of the guards. “Turn on the dampening, he has no need of the light where he is at.”

In the Light

It was funny really. You would think being shot at point blank would hurt but other than the impact he felt nothing. Maybe this was what dying felt like. Falling to his knees the paladin was distantly aware of someone shouting his name behind him and then many bullets and arrows slamming into the Mag'har but it was if everything was coming from a long distance away. When his body hit the ground  everything seemed to at once turn blindingly white and as dark as night.

-

Pushing himself to his feet Dustin looked around in confusion. Where was he? Turning in place he abruptly paused and stared at the figure running towards him. “Caroline??”

Throwing herself into his arms the woman gave the paladin a long kiss before finally pulling back. “Oh Dustin, what are you doing here?” Reaching a hand up she gently cupped his cheek and caressed it with a thumb.

“I, I don't know? Where is here?” Keeping one arm around his wife's waist the man twisted to look around them once more. Here seemed to be the home they had built together but that had burned down. Hadn't it?”

“We're in the light. You though, you do not belong here. Not yet.” Giving him a warm smile the woman leaned up to share one more kiss with him. “Go, I don't want to see you back here for a long time mister.”

Returning the kiss he paused to give her a slight smile. “Yes Ma'am. You always were the ruler of the house.” Resting his forehead against hers a moment Dustin finally stepped back and watched as everything once more faded to darkness.

Memories

This late at night the graveyard was quiet beyond the chirping of the night insects. This was fine as far as the drenched figure was concerned, he didn't need anyone thinking he was any crazier than he thought he was. Stepping off of the beaten path Dustin made his way towards the small fenced section bearing the Stonefield name and paused outside the gates. It had been a while since he visited, probably too long.

Exhaling slowly the paladin pushed open the creaky gate and made his way inside pausing to pay respects the the various family members interred here and then finally to a wall bearing the names of those kin who either could not be buried or were in the family graves left behind. That duty done he finally let himself make his way to the two newest graves. Reaching out a hand he slowly rested it on the top of the larger stone before finally sliding down it, he didn't need to see the inscriptions to know what they said.

~

Caroline Stonefield,                      Lily Stonefield

beloved wife and mother              beloved daughter. 

~

Tilting his head back Dustin let the rain wash over his face for what felt like an age before finally speaking quietly. “I still miss you two. When I lost you, I formed a group to try and fill the hole left behind made of people who had likewise lost those they held dear. I was an idiot.” Brushing a bit of hair back out of his eyes the paladin finally closed them. Even so many years later the memory of the last time he saw them came as clear as if it had been yesterday.

~

“Papa!” The shrill squeal of his five year old daughter caused the paladin to pause and turn in amusement so he could catch her as she predictably flung herself into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Don't go papa, you just got home!”

Giving her a tight squeeze Dustin gave her forehead a kiss and set her back down on the ground. “I have to go but I promise I will be back before you even know it alright?”

Lily's pout stated without words that she very much felt it wasn't alright. She was her father's daughter though and she finally gave a begrudging nods. “Okay. Can I have a pony when you come back??”

Laughing the man picked her up again and headed back towards their home. “Your mother and I will talk about it alright?” As another pout started he gave her a sly look “I hear the horse fair is coming around soon, maybe we will discuss it there.”

He was rewarded with a shriek of happiness and a fierce neck hug. Reaching the door he finally passed the girl over to her bemused mother and kissed both of their cheeks. “Keep your mother in line Lily, I love you both.”

~

The news had come the next week. War had come to his home and none in their town had survived. Rubbing his face rapidly Dustin finally reached into a pocket and pulled out a small intricate pony figurine. Giving it a long look he simply placed it on the smaller grave and stood to walk away. Even now he couldn't bring himself to say goodbye.

Freedom

The sound of his feet pounding against the forest floor seemed to echo all to loud despite the racing figure's attempts to quiet them. Left Quickly ducking left he was rewarded by the thunk of an arrow hitting the tree he had just been near followed by an annoyed oath from his pursuer.Flicking a glance over his shoulder the rogue narrowed his eyes slightly before putting on a burst of speed and rounding a tree. As soon as he was out of sight he quickly turned and lunged upward dragging himself up into the branches. A few moments later the sound of feet stopping in the leaf litter below told him that his ruse hadn't been fallen for.We could go up? ~Not yet~ Pondering the branch he was standing on currently the man made a decision and raced towards the end of it. Using his slender build to his advantage he pressed as far as he could before abruptly forcing the branch down to use the inevitable recoil to propel himself towards the next goal. This hadn't gone unnoticed and once more the race was on. Cliff ahead ~Good, ready?~ I am always ready.Putting on a burst of speed he was rewarded by a surprised oath as the people chasing likewise sped up. When the edge came instead of stopping as one would assume he simply flung himself into the abyss. Sparing a brief moment to relish the feeling of air across his skin and the crash of the ocean below the man finally turned to flick a cheeky salute at those above. That bit done he simply rolled in the air spreading arms that were already becoming stone talons and flexed the ephemeral wings that quickly solidified sending the now draconic form skimming across the surface of the water.Across his hearthstone a voice obviously fighting between annoyance and amusement called out “That sir, was cheating.”Kord simply chuckled at that and lazily beat his wings to gain height so he could retrieve his men. “You are simply upset you lost again.”

Smoke dreams

“...can sneak up and be in place to support the injured falling...back. Sir?”

Blinking once Sol shook his head and glanced around with a somewhat confused look. This had already happened hadn't it?

“Sir are you alright?”

Apparently not. Rubbing his face roughly the paladin turned to the man who was talking. One of his assistants, what were they talking about? “Fine, sorry simply tired. Go over that once more?”

The man gave him a concerned look but turned back to the notes on the table between them “I was saying that if we fall out now and shift our position we can be in place when the inevitable wounded start arriving.”

Nodding the paladin stood and waved a hand “See to it then.”

The priest saluted and slipped out of the tent leaving Sol to stare at the canvas wall with a frown. He wasn't left to his thoughts long as a scratch at the flap announced the arrival of his squire. “Dalithen. Anything to report?”

“Nothing of interest. Horde is stalled so we've been tending to the scrapes that get filtered back to us.” Sinking down on his cot Dal shot Sol a look”This is gonna be bad isn't it dad?”

Sinking onto his own Sol just gave his son a tight lipped smile in return “We knew it was going to be with that right turn.”

-------------------

“Commander! We're under attack, left flank!”

Letting out an oath Sol kicked his horse into a gallop “On it. Get the injured and priests to the center!” As his men scrambled to follow his orders the paladin lunged off of his charger letting it dissipate back into the light and took a quick look around. Kaldorei? Here? No, this was wrong. The faces were wrong, he was wrong.

Giving his head another shake Sol shook out his flail then took a defensive stance. If need be he would defend those they were protecting with his life but he really really hoped it would come to that. “Stand ready, here they come!”

The night elven charge was strange to behold, the normally graceful movements were broken and disjointed as if they themselves had too many joints. It was only when they got closer that Sol realized this was because to a man the force was made of walking corpses. Inhaling sharply the paladin moved to consecrate the ground under his feet only to scream in pain as the light itself turned against him.

Undeterred by the show of light the night elven corpses marched through the Sin'dorei forces knocking aside any they cam in contact with till they stood surrounding Sol. Twisting in place the paladin gave them a pained look “What are you doing? Why are you doing this? We are not part of the slaughter!”

If the corpses cared for his words they did not show it. As one the group closed in reaching out to drag the paladin down into darkness. -------------------

Sitting up with a gasp Sol let out a groan as his arm and ribs protested the movement. Looking around groggily he did his best to figure out where he was before finally sinking back down. He was at the hospital with Dustin. There had been no night elves, no ambush aside from the one Dustin's mercenaries had set and most importantly no light turning against him. Pushing the sweat soaked hair back from his eyes Sol stared up at the ceiling. Strange dreams indeed.

A New Beginning

The days since their parents had fought had been tense. Cala and Ri had done their best to try and cheer their parents up but it seemed as if it was an uphill battle with gravity getting stronger day by day. After about a week of this things finally appeared to be going back to normal with the exception of quiet conversations that cut off any time either of the younger Brightdawns walked into the room. The looks his parents gave him when they thought he wasn’t looking unsettled Ri possibly even more than the fighting had.

Finally after a particularly long day of just such things happening he had had enough. Walking into the kitchen he stared at his parents for a long moment then finally spoke “WHAT is going on? You both keep walking around looking at us like we’re just going up up and vanish and keeping secrets and it’s starting to worry me.”

Vala bit her lip a moment as she pondered her son before leaning against her husband “I suppose it has been unfair to you and you are more then old enough to know as well as have a say.”

His father nodded to that and wrapped an arm around Vala’s shoulder “Things are becoming dangerous for families such as ours. We have been discussing ways to protect you and your sister but, there are very few options that will keep us all together.”

The family was separating? Ridan recoiled at that news as if he had been hit with a brick. “What? You can’t honestly be planning for us all to split up? Who will protect Cala?”

His mother frowned slightly at that “Protecting her is the point of this Ri. Things are getting bad and if open war breaks out just existing would be good enough of a reason for either side to hunt all of us down. Even Cala.”

Rathasin nodded to this and looked his son over “Cala is going to go stay with your grandparents in Stormwind. She will be safe there. Your mother and I were discussing sending you to Silvermoon to apprentice to a trade but, there is another option if you wish?”

The news still had the young hunter numb so he simply nodded his head. “What…is the other option?”

“There is a group, Sanctuary.” Pulling out a much worn poster he passes it over “They do good things for people all over. You have a good heart and a good head Ri, I think it would be someplace you would feel at home.”

Taking the poster the younger elf gave it a look before slowly lifting his eyes again “But…”

Not letting his finish Vala moved to wrap her son in a tight hug “I know this isn’t how you imagined leaving home would be. It isn’t when you imagined it either. We know you will do well though.”

Moving to put a hand on Ridan’s shoulder Rathasin smiled “This will all be over before you know it so we won’t be apart long. I promise.”

Ri clutched the poster tighter and nodded “Okay…I’m going to hold you to that.”

—————————————————————————————————-

Squinting at the poster Ridan turned it this way and that before looking up at the building in front of him dubiously. Perhaps going off of an old poster wasn’t the best way to find this group.

The Fight

“Mama and Papa are fighting.”

Glancing up Ridan furrowed his brows a moment then let out an oof as Calathe attached herself to his waist. “About what?”

The girl shrugged and buried her face in her brother’s stomach “I dunno, but they are being loud and I don’t like it.”

Crouching down so he could give her a proper hug Ri hummed “Let me go see what’s going on okay? You can stay down here and play with spark.”

On hearing his name the fox poked his head out from under the elf’s desk and perked an ear curiously. Spotting Cala he tilted his head before slowly stretching and padding over for attention.

Cala nodded and wrapped an arm around Spark ignoring his namesake sparks. “Alright, I will.”

Satisfied his sister was taken care of Ri headed upstairs only to pause at the door when he heard the raised voices.

“..Warchief has gone insane, when will you see this? Stop being so stubborn and open your eyes!”

“-MY- Warchief? Rathasin, what about YOUR King? Are you going to honestly sit there and tell me he had no knowledge of what would happen?”

“He is not the one who murdered his own people!”

They were really fighting. About a topic that was banned from the house no less. Cracking open the door Ridan peered out at his parents anxiously only to see them glaring at each other over the kitchen table.

“Those people were traitors! You heard what they did same as I! Lordaeron belongs to the horde, to bring the former heir to the throne to this meeting and then attempt to lure our people away? There was no other way this was going to go and they KNEW it. This alliance of yours knew this would happen.”

Rathasin snarled slightly at that “And what’s that make you dear? You are married to one of the alliance after all. How long before they come for us? How long before your precious Horde comes for Calathe simply because her eyes don’t match yours?”

The sudden silence told Rathasin he had gone too far. Reaching out a hand to his wife the Queldorei sighed “Vala, I don’t mean it that way. I…look this has me scared. For you, for the kids. For everyone we love.”

Valitheris pulled back from her husband’s touch and stared at him for a long moment. When she finally spoke it was soft and pained. “No, you did mean it like that Rath. I..need to go.” Turning away from him she fled through the door and into the night leaving her husband to drop his hand and let out an oath.

Closing the door again Ri slid down it only to start in surprise at his sister’s presence beside him “Cala? How long have you been there?”

“I…Heard them argue more. Is mama coming back?”

Pulling the girl into his lap he gently wiped away the tears starting to form in her eyes with the hem of his shirt. “Of course she is.” Wrapping his arms around her he silently added an “I hope.”

Family

“Ri?”

“Down here!” The down here in question happened to to be the basement of the family's home. A place the young Elf spent most of his days at anymore working on, well, none of his family was QUITE certain what it was. The muffled booms that shook the house every so often was not conducive to instilling curiosity in them either. Well, any but his little sister.

Skipping down the stairs the young girl paused on the last one and peered over the railing at her brother. Glancing up Ridan flashed her a grin then waved her over. “C'mere Cala! Have something for you.”

The girl's pale blue eyes brightened at that and she finally hopped down to wander closer “What is it?”

The only answer she got was an amused flick of golden eyes and then suddenly a bright flash as the mechanical rabbit rumbled to life. “What do you think?”+

“OH! Did you make this? Is it mine? Truly? You're the best!” Tackling her brother into a hug Calathe gave him a large grin then turned to her new pet. “Does it have a name? What does it eat? Does it eat?”

Hugging his sister tightly the Ridan crouched down beside her. “Truly it's yours and you can name it whatever you want! Doesn't eat or anything so Mom and Dad can't complain about you having a pet.” At that comment he gave her a sly look.

She brightened more at that and picked the rabbit up. “I'm going to go show it to them right now! They will be so excited I just know it.” True to her word the girl bolted for the stairs yelling for their parents in excitement.

Watching her go Ri smiled and casually kicked a spare bolt into a pile of scrap. The boom that resulted from this event got a startled yelp and then a sheepish look. Probably wise not to tell his parents that he had been trying to make it a weapon before giving up.

The Family Legacy

The first indication that the dream was not one of her own was the fact that it was taking place at Quelthorin manor, but one quite unlike its current state. Gone were the harsh distant scenes of a land ravaged by the scourge but gone also were the gardens and the stables Sol claimed to be his legacy to the land.

When the sound of voices did come it was as if she were tuning into a radio that wasn't quite on the correct frequency. One of the voices sounded much like Sol that it might have been his but then again, there was a deepness and sense of age that his voice lacked. The other voice still had the high lilt of a young child but it sounded right, an unripe hint of the voice it would become.

“Why do you have to leave? We need you here papa.” With almost agonizing slowness the scene came into focus. An man clad in the armor most recently seen being worn by Dalithen was kneeling in front of a young red haired boy who looked like he was doing his best to plead with him.

“Sol, you know why I have to leave. I do not want to but it is my duty, our duty. One day you too will be called to it and you will understand.” Pulling the boy close the older man gave him a tight hug then ruffled his hair. “While I am gone I know you will protect your mother though, right?” The boy wiped his nose and nodded “Yes papa.”

Giving him a tight smile the older Quelthorin stood and took a step back. “I will be home before you know it. Be good for your mother.”

Again and again this scene was repeated with the aging of the boy into a young man marking the passage of time. Each time the two spoke and as the years progressed Sol stopped asking his father to stay and simply asked when he would return. Finally the images paused again on a scene much like the first only this time with the young man showing the first hints of his adult form. “Dad! Wait, let me go with you! You know I have been training and I could be useful.”

Turning to regard his son the older elf gave him a pensive look “Not this time Sol. You're needed here with your mother”

“Why? The ward stones protect us from all threats and life is so dull. I'm not a kid anymore, you know I can be an asset.”

Hesitating as if he were just about to say something Sol's father finally shook his head “No. Stay here with your mother, I will be home as soon as I can. Maybe next time you can come with me.”

Sol gave him a scowl and turned away “It's always next time. Fine. I will hold you to that promise.” As that scene faded another was already taking its place, this time without sound. A small group of soldiers in ceremonial armor stood at attention outside of Quelthorin gates while their commander spoke with a wary looking Sol. When the two men had finished speaking the commander passed over a letter and they took their leave while Sol turned to walk back inside turning the letter over and over in his hands.

When he finally found his mother the young man passed the envelope over and watched anxiously as she opened it. Even without sound the utter sense of loss etched on her face revealed the contents of the letter. Closing his eyes a brief moment Sol visibly pushed his own grief aside and moved to comfort his mother.

The sense of the dream/memory faded as the sun slowly peeked through the curtains. As she came back to full wakefulness the sense of where Sol was seemed to have definitely moved to where Dalithen's room was at.

Tea Time

“Where's your Mage-priest at Quelthorin? Run back to the other light slingers?”

Flicking his ear in annoyance Sol continued to stare down off the walkway that looked out over the approach. The opposition had become stronger the past few weeks and he was beginning to wonder if their decision to stay had been a wise one.

At the paladins's continued silence the owner of the voice jabbed again “Maybe he ran off and left you behind. Is that why you're up here pouting?”

He'd had enough. Twisting as lithely as a cat despite the heavy plate Solendenus shoved the felborn elf up against the wall and pinned him there with a sword through the abdomen. “Say another word. I dare you.”

Meeting Sol's emerald green fel fueled eyes for the briefest moment the elf knew he had gone too far and wisely kept his mouth closed. His brain may have been fel addled but he still retained a healthy sense of self preservation.

Jerking his blade out the paladin stepped back and let the man fall with a sneer. “What's the matter? Light got your tongue Feldawn? You always were all words and no action. Run off and get your miserable hide patched up.”

Picking himself up Antiras Feldawn slunk off to find a healer and have his wounds tended too. One day the paladins would not be so coveted by their prince. On that day he would make sure to repay the humiliation and pain he had suffered.

Watching the other elf for a long moment Sol frowned then finally turned to stare back out over the railing. Oh hell. Doing a quick tally in his head he was very much not okay with what it came up with. Grabbing his hearthstone the man keyed in a private line “Andreo, time for us to get gone. Shattered sun's here and they've not come for tea.”

Never a dissapointment

The old suit of armor wasn't much to look at. Faint ornamentation from a bygone era scrawled down the breastplate to join a bit haphazardly with the legs, unfortunately centuries of adjustments to make it fit various young men had gotten the alignment a bit out of place. Next to it stood a second suit, smaller but not less durable or ornate. Smiling slightly Sol turned from the pair to glance at the door as Dal slipped in with a quizzical look on his face. “You wanted to see me?”

The older elf nodded and motioned him forward. “I have a new task for you, one long overdue.” At the faint groan he chuckled and motioned to the armor “Come tell me what you can see about this armor.”

Frowning slightly Dal made his way over to inspect it. “It's old...but well take care of. Been adjusted a lot.” Running a finger down the scroll-work he tilted his head slightly as he came to a pattern more felt then seen. “I can't really see what this is, looks like it's been buffed out too much.”

Sol grinned slightly at that then simply placed his hand upon the armor. With a soft murmur tendrils of light snaked out to follow the patters leaving behind a faint glow as it passed.

Inhaling sharply at the revealed pattern the young man reached forward to gently trace it once more. “Who's armor was this?” Regarding his son for a moment Sol glanced back to the armor “It was mine once upon a time. Before that it was your grandfather's, and before then your great grandfather's. We can trace it back nearly to the founding of the sunwell though it is probably older, records are sketchy from back then.”

Dal pondered that thoughtfully then nodded. A moment passed in silence before the implications finally dawned on him and he turned to look at Sol in question again.

“Yes, it will be yours one day too. That is why your new task is to see to its restoration and oversee its fitting. You do admirably with my armor but a suit of your own is even more important.” He smiled slightly and gave the youth's shoulder a squeeze. “You're not always going to be my squire and it's been tradition that this suit is passed on until the new knight can afford one of their own. I'm glad to see it continuing with you.”

Dal stared between his father and the suit a few times before finally throwing his arms around Sol in a hug fit to squeeze his breath away. “I promise I won't let you down.”

Squirming slightly to get enough room to breath Sol chuckled and patted the other's back “I know you won't. You never have.”

Hiding in plain sight

The quiet clank of armor and murmuring of voices was the only thing to reveal that thirty elves were getting ready to return to a hostile land that had already given it a good go at killing them once. No...Thirty one. Sol frowned and eyed the figure standing off to the side in the plain armor of a squire. “Dalithen “ The figure flinched slightly then lifted his chin as he looked back across at Sol. “Sir.” “I thought I told you that you were not going.” Dal's look didn't waver as he watched his knight thought the slight shift of his body betrayed his nervousness. “That is correct Sir.” “Then what are you doing here?” Bright green eyes flared a brief moment in stubborn defiance. “Preparing.” Sol simply stared at him then frowned again. “No. If I were to allow you to go now it would be seen as playing favorites and you know I do not know that.” “But...” “I said no. I need you and the others here helping those still too wounded to travel with us.” Dalithen's ears pinned back but he offered no further argument on the subject. Finally he turned and made his way across the armory to the Matron of House Quelthorin who had watched this all silently. Taking a position beside her he dropped his voice so it wouldn't carry past the two of them. “He won't let me go.” “I know. He's worried about you. This is his way of protecting you and your fellow squires.” “It's not fair though! We don't need protecting, we need to learn what it's like out there. How can we do that if he doesn't take us with him?” Turning to regard the young man beside her the old mage's eyes crinkled slightly as she smiled “You sound like he did when he was a squire.” Dal just scowled at that and folded his arms. “Yeah well. It's still not.” She chuckled softly at that and laid a hand on his arm. “Perhaps it may not seems so now, but it does give us time to continue your training. There is still much you have to learn about your family.” That did the trick. Dal's scowl was replaced by a smile as he placed his hand on hers and turned to escort her out. “I would like that very much Grandmother.”

The Girlfriend’s Brother

The day had been hot, long and altogether irritating as far as Sol was concerned. He had recently returned to the front after another lecture from his mother on how he couldn't waste his days avoiding things for the rest of his life. Things had gone pretty much as expected, he was given a small unit made of mostly priests, paladins and a few rangers to fill in the holes and from there they moved to assist in the push. By now most of the heavy work had been done and they were simply keeping the legion from flanking those who flooded the tomb hoping to deal with what was within. This didn't mean it was easy. To add insult to their injuries about midday the heavens opened up and a sulfurous smelling rain poured fourth leaving its unpleasant stench behind instead of relief from the heat. Finally things had calmed and Sol had dismissed his unit to go rest and get cleaned up. Once the last of them was safely away the paladin had turned and trudged up the path himself wanting nothing more then to find a shower and his bed, possibly with a lovely mage if she was off work. Unfortunately his path to this bliss was rudely blocked by one of the more demonic looking demon hunters. Drawing up warily Sol gave the man a nod. “Something I can help you with?” The demon hunter narrowed his eyes, or at least that was the impression Sol got, and gave the bedraggled man a once over before his face took on what was undeniably a sneer. “You are Solendenus Quelthorin yes?” The only sign Sol gave of his annoyance was a slight flick of the ear before he plastered on a pleasant smile “I am, yes. Who may I have the pleasure of being addressed by?” “I am Castolen Firelight.” The demonhunter didn't seem inclined to add much more to that, in fact he didn't need to. It only took a few moments for the wheels in the paladin's head to click into gear at which point he gave the other elf another, longer look. Once you got past the demonic features the resemblance fair smacked one in the face. “Ah, I see. Well then. I suppose this conversation was bound to happen some day. Would you care to come to my tent and we could talk there? The weather looks like it is winding up for another turn south.” Sol's face continued to keep the pleasant expression though he was unable to keep the weary, and somewhat wary, sound from his voice. “I am quite fine where we are though I do thank you for the offer. Cooped up for ten years and all.” The hunter gave what could easily be mistaken for a genuine smile. The subtle shift of his body betrayed his amusement at the other elf's discomfort and gave away the fact that he was enjoying keeping the paladin in the appalling conditions. That nearly strained the pleasant smile to the breaking point but years of dealing with irritating people gave Sol the will to keep it in place. “Very well, how may I help you then?” Seeing he wasn't going to manage to get a rise out of the paladin Castolen motioned up towards the mage tower. “I will keep this brief. I understand you and my sister are an item that is not an item, I could care less about who she beds as she is an adult. However...” The demonhunter let his words hang on the air a moment before continuing. “However, know this. She is my sister and if you bring harm to her or cause harm to be brought to her you will know what it is like to be a demon before a hunter. Is this understood?” Sol's eyes narrowed at that “I would never intentional harm nor bring harm to your sister.” Cas waved a hand dismissively “I do not care what you intend or do not intend. I care what you -DO-. If you do this thing intent or not I will hunt you, Is that more clear?” The paladin sighed once then rubbed his forehead. Why tonight of all nights? “If it will get you to go away and let me continue on then yes, perfectly clear.” The demonhunter smiled abruptly at that. A bright, almost cheerful smile. In and of itself that was quite possibly the most disturbing thing he could have done as far as Sol was concerned. “Excellent. Do enjoy your bath.” With a lunge the man snapped open a pair of fel wings to glide down towards the rest of his kind. Staring after him Sol just let out a quiet sigh and turned to trudge the rest of the way up the hill. Some days his life was a bit too interesting.

His Father’s Son

Thump. The sound was easily heard through the open door as was the pleased chirp. This was repeated a few more times before the woman made it to the doorway. Neither of the occupants had noticed her yet but it was only a matter of time. Leaning against the frame she let a small smile play over her lips. The scene inside would have been one of domestic bliss had it been any other home and any other paladin sprawled on the couch idly tossing a ball for a small dragonhawk. In this home however, it was one of melancholy. “You are going to spoil him if you haven't already.” The young creature let out a squeak of pleasure as soon as he noticed her and fluttered over to dart around her feet in excitement. The man on the couch simply leaned over to retrieve the forgotten ball and chuckled softly. “Spoil him from what? Life as a house pet? His clutch-mates are already many times his size and the stable master doesn't think he will get much bigger.” Giving the hawk a gentle pat the matron of house Quelthorin made her way inside and settled across from her son. Settling back in his chair from where he had risen when she walked in Solendenus regarded his mother curiously. “What brings you to this little corner? I don't have anyone visiting who is in dire need of new clothes right now.” “Can a mother not visit her son without it being for some purpose?” Sol cast her a long look before quirking a smile “She could, yes. But I know you too well.” The look she gave him for his comment would have cowed most people. He simply gave her a flippant smile in return. Chuckling softly again she settled back in the chair to watch him for a long silent moment before finally speaking. “I wish you would finally settle down, have a family. I would like grandkids eventually you know.” Sol let out a quiet groan and shifted around to sprawl on the couch again “I have plenty of time for that mother, I don't see why you are in such a rush!” Glancing over to her again the expression on her face caused his words to falter. Letting out a soft sigh he turned and sat up again. “I'm...not ready. I haven't found anyone that I feel would be right to settle down with.” “What about that Firelight girl? You enjoy her company and she obviously enjoys yours.” “She's not ready either.” She simply sighed quietly and folded her hands in her lap a moment. “Then I wish you would be more careful. So many times I've been afraid a messenger would arrive to tell me that there has been a horrible accident.” Sol snorted quietly at that and absently tossed the ball across the room for the hawk. The little bird looked at it before fluttering over to curl up in the woman's lap instead. “I am careful, wouldn't have lived this long if I wasn't. I'm not my F-” “Not your father, yes I know. But you are more like him then you realize.” Snapping his gaze to her Sol scowled “What is that supposed to mean?” “You are young, impetuous. So full of life and full of yourself. Convinced of your own invincibility and driven by a need to test it at every turn to spare those you care about.” Dropping her gaze to the small hawk the woman gave it a gentle smile. “But you, much like he did, forget what would happen to us if something happened to you because of that.” That got another scowl “I don't forget.” “Then what? You choose to ignore the pain it would bring because you would not have to see it?” That's not-” “I know it's not what you meant. Because you do not see that.” She let out a quiet sigh and finally looked up at him. For the first time Sol was struck by how old she looked. The very fact unsettled him. “I will...do my best. I promise you that. I can't stop being who I am but I can try to lessen what I throw myself into head first.” Giving him a sad smile the matron stood and moved to kiss her only son on his forehead “I know you will. You are your father's son.”