Scene Music: Stormwind City Theme
A dark and stormy night: the perfect time to tamper with the dark arts of magic. Or so Thainor thought to himself. The dark arts have always been a great source of power for him; the summoning of dark demons, igniting his enemies in searing flame, sending them to flee in terror, pain. He has followed the path of a warlock for years, and has mastered almost every single spell he could have dug up from old books that he comes across, or from the warlock’s lair in The Slaughtered Lamb of the Mage Quarter in Stormwind City.
The warlock close his eyes and sighed, inhaling the scent of the the old muck from the crypt, and small particles of dust from inside his research chamber. “Alright, Thainor; it’s time to put your plan into action.” A wicked, yet also creepy, smile spread across his face, hidden behind his hood, succumbed in darkness. Turning away from his desk, he began to walk down the hall, his footsteps echoing off the halls of the crypt.
For months now, he has been reading up on a series of complicated spells on the dark arts, being a warlock, he believes he can succeed. He has memorized all the steps, requirements, everything he would need. Others have become quite aware of his strange interest, and have question why he has always resided in his chambers for the portion of the day, only to come out to eat or when called upon, either by the Alliance that require assistance on their war against the Horde, or when they require his abilities in action.
Walking downstairs, past the darkest, most dank rooms the crypt possessed (which he was quite used too), he came to a small chamber-like room, with a few coffin lids scattered across the floor. A young woman stood in the corner of the room.
“Greetings Porena,” he greeted the woman.
Porena put her skull that she held in her right hand onto her belt. “Likewise, Thainor,” She replied. “What can I do for you?”
Thainor walked into the middle of the chamber, putting a backpack that he carried with him down on the floor in front of him. “I need you to leave me alone with my work for awhile. Once I am done, you can come back whenever you please.”
“Of course.”
Porena walked to the entrance of the chamber, and started to ascend the steps. “Oh, and Porena,” he called out, making her stop. “Make sure nobody bothers me while I am down here, I need no distractions.”
She nodded and continued up the stairs.
Once she was out of ear-shot, Thainor began to get to work. He opened his bag and unloaded the things he needed. He grabbed a stick of chalk, some soul stones, and a steel dagger. He put the items on the floor expect for the chalk, and began to draw demonic symbols onto the cold floor.
Several minutes passed as he drew the symbols that he required from memory. The white powder left the trails of the strange symbols that no mere person could understand. Once he completed the drawings he put the chalk down and stepped away from the circle of symbols. He put his hands together and began to chant.
Thainor closed his eyes. He let the power flow into the spell. The runes on the floor glowed. The soul stones he put in the middle of the circle glowed too. The spell was almost complete. He put everything he had into the spell. He-
“Hey Thainor,” said a voice from inside the main chamber. Thanor groaned in annoyance for his disruption and quickly stopped his spell. Thanor looked to the source of the voice to find one of his...friends... named Geo. Geo is a young human male, around five-foot six. He had pale skin, green eyes, with shaggy brown hair. "How's it goin'?"
Thanor grunted in response. He stood up and quickly gathered everything that he had out and put it into his bag. "Leave me alone, Geo. Can't you see I am busy?!" he roared. "And how many times do I have to tell you to NOT come and see me when I'm working!"
“Aww, come on friend!” Geo groaned, rubbing his temple. “You have been cooped up in those old spell books for weeks – no, months now! You need to have a break: head out, grab a drink and relax!”
Thainor growled, “Geo, I know that you know I am not the type of person that relaxes.” He pats his backpack. “Besides, I have found some new books on some other spells I have been researching for the past few months.”
His old friend lost all is posture, deciding to push Thainor a bit further. “How do you even know those spells will even work?” he asked, “You already are a powerful warlock as is! What do you need to do more research for, when you can scorch your enemies in one hit of a Soul Fire spell?”
"You know me. I am the type that studies a lot. You know how much I like magic, especially dark magic," said Thanor as he finished packing his backpack, ready to return home to his chambers. "Now leave me alone." he picked up the dagger and walked over to the stairs past Geo. But, Geo was not going to let him get away so easily so he stood in his way.
"Come on, just one drink," he pleaded, "Please?"
"No..." said Thanor.
"Please friend?"
"No."
"Just one?"
"I said no."
"One drink. Just. One. Drink."
"NO! I SWEAR I WILL UNLEASH MY DEMONS ON YOU!"
"Just one drink and I will not pester you about it later!"
"UGH!" Thainor threw his arms into the air. "Fine. Just one drink, alright? Then will that make you happy and leave me alone?"
Geo smiled triumphantly, and nodded.
Thanor let out a long, drawn-out sigh, but this time, in defeat. One day, I am going to kill him...slowly...painfully... nobody will hear his screams....
*******************
Thainor, Geo, and a few other friends (of Geo anyway) went to the most known inn in Stormwind City: the Pig and Whistle Tavern, located in Old Town. The rain has let down a little bit, coming down in a drizzle than a shower. They rode down the streets on their mounts. Thanor rode his Dreadsteed, while the others rode on their own mounts, horses, Nightsabers, the robo-mounts.
Twisting and turning around corners they finally arrived at the bar. Patrons entered and left, some drunk, stumbling about, slurring their words, not really able to form a coherent sentence. They dismounted their rides, Thanor dismissed his steed back to the Twisting Nether, and entered with the others.
Scene Music: Inn/Tavern Theme
Laughing. Arguing. The clank of mugs. These were the first thing to hit Thainor's ears as he entered the crowded bar. Many of the tables were already filled, so there were not many seats for them to sit at.
Thainor sat down at a table big enough for him and the others. A barmaid made herself known immediately, taking any orders that they wanted. Geo flirted with said barmaid. Thainor ordered a Lagrave Stout. The barmaid left soon after the orders were taken. Thanor stayed mute, while the others who sat at his table were blabbering away.
Ugh... I do NOT want to be here right now. He thought, annoyed. Since he has been stuck in his researching, he never left his place, or study quarters. He is determined that he has discovered a old spell that could empower the warlock by taking the energy of his victim, and quite a few others that do more...damage.
"So... Thainor," said Geo, who broke the silence, much to Thainor's pleasure, "what were you actually working on down there?" he asked.
"Just some spells." Thainor replied simply.
"...what sort of spells? The others and I have been quite curious, since you have never been seen this way before."
"Look its none of your business," he snapped at him, "I am just looking at some forgotten spells, nothing else!" he slammed his fist into the table, letting some of his rage out in the hit, almost knocking down items that sat on it.
Geo leaned back in his seat. "Whoa whoa whoa! Calm down, friend. I apologize I didn't realize it was that important to you."
"Just mind your own damn business," said Thainor in a threatening tone, "You all should know to never bother me when I'm working. Especially when I am not in a good mood, and right now, I am not."
"Bah! You are never in a good mood..." Geo mumbled under his breath.
By that time the barmaid returned with their drinks. Thainor gripped his by the handle and took a sip. The beverage flowed down his throat as he drank. Geo talked with his friends, some were regular citizens while others are guards and fighters for the Alliance. The conversations went from what happened in their day during their duty, then they would trail off to family members, fights, and girls. Thanor stayed silent, not wanting any participation in any type of conversation. He could try to leave but then Geo would pester him, not letting him head out the door.
Gods, get me out of here! He pleaded mentally.
As if an answer to his prayers, one of Geo's friends engaged in argument with a bystander. Both were drunk. The friend threw the first punch. The room quickly went silent as everyone in the room stared at the fight. Geo quickly stood up to break them up. Geo's friend wailed on his opponent, we shall name said opponent 'John' for now. John was knocked into a nearby table, knocking over the food and drinks that rested on it. Geo's friends jumped onto John, pummeling him with punches to the face.
"Fight!" someone yelled.
"Ten gold on the big one!" another yelled.
Other drunks decided it was a fantastic time to have a huge brawl in the inn. The whole inn broke out into pure, drunken violence. Other fights broke out. One man grabbed a glass and used it to smash it into the back head of another. Once of the barmaids ran out to call the guards. Some men shouted words that would make some of the Horde soldiers haul ass and run away screaming for mercy while others made you shiver from the mental images.
Thainor took this chance and he sneaked out of the bar before the guards could show up. Some of the brawlers would try to lunge at him, only to receive a blow from him or they would get knocked down by another bystander. Thainor ran out the front door and into the night. He believes he heard someone call his name, but paid it no mind.
[Stop Music]
*******************
The moon was still high in Azeroth's sky, shining down, illuminating the land in a soft glow. The denizens of the city of Stormwind slept. Others walked in the dark night, heading home after a long day of working. Adventures entered the city, visited the inns to settle down for the night, or are just walking through.
Thainor skulked in the shadows to avoid any passing guards and any other townsperson. He did NOT want to deal with anyone right now. He wished he could just blend in with the darkness. Emphasis on 'blend'. His armor let off a red glow; his eyes also glowed red, like a fire from under the hood. It was a little enchantment he wanted when the armor was being made.
He managed to make it back to his home. His research is going to have to wait. He was tired, and needed his sleep. He took off his robe, putting it on the dresser and slid into bed, falling asleep instantly.
The next morning Thainor walked through the streets of Stormwind. The birds sang, the sun was out, the commoners walked to and fro between the districts. Nobody paid him any mind as he walked his way toward the front gates out into Elwynn Forest.
Once he reached the gates he nodded to the guards in greeting. The guards have gotten used to him and his daily walks so this wasn't a strange occurrence. They nodded back and continued to stand in place. Thainor walked to a oak that over looked a lake, and he sat down. The sound of the waterfall always calmed him down. He walked to this very spot often.
He sat there for hours until the sound of footsteps and armor were heard not to far from where he sat. He turned his head slightly, looking out of the corner of his eye to find some figures dressed in black, flanked by others in armor. It was hard to make out who or what they were. Thainor raised an eyebrow but paid them no mind. He turned his attention back to the lake.
The footsteps stopped behind him. There were no voices, and he was getting quite annoyed by the silence. He turned around. "What do you–" he started to ask, only to get hit straight in the face. He was knocked back a few feet. He was sprawled out on the grass, face down in the dirt. He groaned in pain. What the hell? he thought. He quickly shot up to his feet and whirled around to his attacker(s). Once he saw who...or what just attacked him, he switched into a battle stance.
The figures wore black robes, others purple. From first glance, they looked like they were part of a cult. Some looked like orcs, while others looked like undead. Making Thainor come to only one conclusion he could think of... He charged a Shadowbolt spell in his right hand and a Corruption spell in the other.
"What are you doing here Horde scum!" he roared. "I should kill right where you stand!"
"We are here to . . . take care of you Thanor," the leader replied. His devotees began to charge a spell that apurple and light blue glow emanating from their palms. "Begin the spell!"
Thainor's eyes went wide. Assassins!
"Like hell you are!" exclaimed Thainor. He launched his Shadowbolt toward the nearest cultist. His spell hit its mark, downing the advocate immediately . He counted that there still was about ten adversaries for him to slaughter. Four were stabilizing their spell while the rest having recovered from the initial shock had charged at the brutal assailant who smirked before conjuring a rain of fire killing one and injuring four of them. After charging and launching a array of Shadowbolts, he quickly used the Shadowfury spell to stun the enemies that came to close. He used a Corruption spell on a few of his attackers, slowly draining their energy, but they still had enough to continue their assault. While his attackers were recovering from his Shadowfury spell, he launched a Soul Fire spell at the leader but missed.
"He's too powerful! Switch to plan B..." the leader yelled before he and his colleagues charged a spell and launched it at Thainor.
Thainor was having a fun time killing his attackers. He laughed wickedly as he downed one after one, either hitting them with a spell or slicing his way through them. Suddenly, a spell hit him that caused him to stagger and fall to his knees. What trickery is this...? he thought as he felt his energy suddenly fade away. Two figures came out and hoisted him to his feet. They brought his body over to the leader.
"Heh heh heh heh.... its almost over, boy," the leader laughed.
"I will...kill...you...you....bastards!" he hissed as he panted for breath.
The leader chuckled and turned to his comrades. "Throw him in!" he baded. Thanor was carried over to a enigmatic-looking portal that they created while he was distracted. He began to think that they were going to incarcerate him in the portal for who-knows how long.
"Goodbye, Thainor of the Alliance!" was the last thing he heard before being tossed into the portal, evil laughing following.
Everything quickly faded into darkness afterwards, his body slowly falling through the vortex to who-knows-where.
*******************
It was a glorious and sunny spring afternoon in Equestria. Birds chirped happily in the trees, and critters ran across the ground, searching for shelter from the lingering cold nights. For the Regent of the Sun, this meant more ponies coming to the Day Court to complain about today's society, to request something they require (as an example, somepony wants something to be built), or, mainly from the noble ponies, complain about their problems.
Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria, sat atop of her royal throne, listening to the rambling of the pony before her. His request was simple: to build a bridge across a river to Manehatten to resuce travel time. Celeste smiled a smile thhat makes you feel warm and happy.
Celestia canceled out the voice of the pony in front of her. She began to think of her beloved little sister, Luna, Co-ruler of Equestria, Regent of the Moon, Overseer of the Night Court. They were recently reunited a year ago, redeemed from the grasp of the evil mare: Nightmare Moon. Luna was saved by the Elements of Harmony, ancient artifacts of Equestria. Ever since the return of Princess Luna, she has been recuperating to everything that has changed since her... banishment. The environment, rules, even the speech has changed. She believes nopony loves her night still, and to add, nopony heads to Night Court. She just sits there, only with her guards and maids as visitors.
Celestia has reassured her, telling her that it is going to take time for everypony to get accustomed to her again. She wanted her to make some friends, which Luna did, with one of the maids that services her. Even Celestias's student: Twilight Sparkle, managed to make friends with her.
"...What say you, Princess?" asked the pony that she forgot about. Celestia returned her attention to the pony that has been talking the day away.
"I will have to talk to the construction crew about that, Skims," she replied, "But I assure you, it will be done, if they agree."
Skims smiled, "Thank you, Princess. I'll be on my way now." She turned around and walked out of the throne room, the massive doors losing behind her with a loud thud.
"That's the last one for today, your Majesty." Said one of the guards.
"Thank you, Iron," said Celestia. She stood up from her throne. "If you will excuse me, I will be in my quarters."
Celestias's horn glowed a soft pink, and she disappeared from the throne room in a flash of light. She reappeared in her sleeping quarters. She walked over to a dresser and slipped her golden slippers off, using her magic to levitate them under the dresser, and levitated her crown off to put it on top. She canceled a spell that she used on her mane, making the unseen breeze disperse. Her mane changed color to a light-pink color, the rainbow-like colors fading away as the spell went away.
Celestia decided it was time to take a nice, warm bath. She trotted over to her bathroom, closing the door behind her and turning on the water. Once it was filled and warm enough, she sat in the bathtub, enjoying a good bubble bath, and a trashy novel. Call it a guilty little pleasure, but she had grown fond of those stories. The warm water released the tension in her muscles, allowing her to feel more relaxed than she had in ages. Feeling extremely relaxed, the princess closed her eyes and let herself sink further into the tub, muzzle barely above the surface of the bubbly water.
*******************
After the bath, Celesita wore her royal regalia once again and departed her room to her sister's room to lower the sun and have Luna raise the moon. She walked out to her balcony, spreading her wings and into the sky toward Luna's tower. Once she was close enough, she saw her sister just walking out onto the balcony. Celestia smiled, and glided down to meet with her sister again.
"Hello, Lulu," said Celestia once her hooves touch the ground, and folding her wings back into their resting position. "How are you today?"
Princess Luna yawned, giving her wings and limbs a stretch. "I have been well, Tia," she replies tiredly. "I have been reading a book on modern Equestrian history, and others on the same subject. I believe I finally know enough about the country to resume my responsibilities over the night."
"That's great Lulu!" Celestia looked up toward the sun. "Are you ready to bring yet another night to Equestria?"
"Yes." replied Luna. She closed her eyes letting her horn glow a soft blue hue. But, before she could do anything her horn stopped glowing and shivered.
"What's wrong?" asked Celestia, concerned for her little sister.
"Did you...feel that?" exclaimed Luna. She looked out into the distance. What was that..? she wondered. I sense a disturbance in the magic around us...
Celestia gave her a confused look. What was her sister talking about? What did she feel that she didn't-
*shiver*
Celestia's eyes went as wide as saucers as she too, felt the strange disturbance. "I...I did," she replied. "I feel a strange magic source nearby...." she trailed off as she looked toward a certain forest in the distance. "The...Everfree..."
"Do you think it is... *gulp* Nightmare?" the Regent of the Moon asked and cringed when she said his name.
They feared that the Nightmare that consumed Luna might return one day. When the Elements were used on her, her presence was removed from Luna, letting her return to her young self before being corrupted. Perhaps this was him letting himself known? Maybe he is slowly regaining his energy, waiting for the day to get revenge, and perhaps take Luna back?
"I...I don't know dear sister," said Celestia. "I think I will send my guards in to investigate. But if they spot something, they must not engage."
"Are you sure this is wise, Tia?"
"Yes, Lulu. I will make sure to send one of our best into the forest, and to report back their findings."
Celestia didn't want to send anypony into the insecure forest, but she wanted confirmation that nothing was amiss in the forest. Once she lowered the sun, Luna raised the moon to signal yet another night in the peaceful land of Equestria. Celestia went to the Captain of the Royal Guard and requested to gather his best ponies, and to send them into the forest, and report any suspicious. She made sure that he say to them that if anything were to happen, to do not engage whatever is in the forest. Only defend themselves if necessary.
