Dawnward Silversword of The Sunguard

"You came back to the past. But you're the only one here."

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: Chapter 2

Prayers and Blessings:

Last Rites 1

Last Rites 2

Argent Crusader Prayers

The Altruist’s Prayers

Quel’thalas

In all things strive to reflect the Light

Prayers

A Child’s Prayers

Elune:

The Charge of Elune

Musings on Elune (Light drunk)

The Spiral and My Beginning:

The Spiral (1)

The Spiral’s Beginning (2)

Gods of the Spiral (3)

The Spiral Broken (5)

The Time Worn Path (6)

Vows to the Light (7)

Sermons and Musings:

To Keep Going

For Those New to the Light

Sacred Flame

Stripping the Light

Sacrifices

Light Based Runes

[dawnmender]

I keep an eye on my blogs and noticed this GIF was broken. Fixed!

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: The Ambiguity of the Light

The Light can be called on by anyone- from undead to trolls to humans, elves and dwarves and more. Doubtless more than one person reading this has fought against a Light wielding enemy or seen them on the opposing side of a battle. But from this comes one of the Light’s most important characteristic: Ambiguity.

The Light can come to your aide as easily as it can to anyone on Azeroth. The Light may come from you in searing flames of retribution or you might find the Light weaving itself as a shield in front of you as you charge, or you might feel its gentle warmth as it mends together flesh. But others can do the same- the Light comes to them in varying degrees of strength and they perform actions that can be kind, evil or appalling acts of cruelty. 

Thus we arrive at a seeming contradiction. Is the Light good and if so then why does it allow your enemy to use it? Why does it allow the undead to call upon it even though the Light burns them? Does it mean that the Light could favor your enemy or another more than you and leave?

The Light will only leave you if you reject it entirely.

If you believe and you are sure of your belief then the Light will never not come when you call. It rests over my head now as I write, a halo that gives me light and when i listen I can hear the Light’s wordless whisper. I can feel it in my hands when I heal. Warm, gentle, and soothing.

If we try to define who and what should be able to call upon the Light and the circumstances proper for it we would limit it to such an extend that the Light would no longer be as it was.

It is easy to figure out that what you believe will differ from one sentient to the next. One man might worship the moon, believing her to be more worthy than his sister who worships the Sunwell. It is the nature of things that symbols will have more than one meaning and that divine will mean different things from one culture to the next.

The Light will come to anyone who calls it and believes they are ‘good’. What good is and how it is defined will change from race, person, and viewpoint of the world. If we began to set rules to this it would make the Light so rigid it would no longer be what it is.

So while the Light is ambiguous it is ambiguous for our, and for many others, own benefit.

For my fellow Blood Elves who read this I encourage them to remember that the light and the Arcane both are our birthright.  Many of us are disillusioned with the Light after the third war. Who has not yet heard of M’uru at this point?  Regardless there are not as many who follow the teachings of the Church of Holy Light or what we learned from our paladin brethren. 

Many incorporate the notion of bending the Light or weaving what we want into being. I will admit I’ve never worshiped the Light and from talking to many of my fellow priests  I have seen many share the opinion of the Blood Knights and many continue to embrace the Light in the same manner they did before the third war.

“The Light sustains us, and it will ease even the heaviest of burdens. To think it has abandoned us is pure folly.”

We have never had the same following that they have had in the Human and Dwarven lands. The Light’s ambiguity applies to us as well though many seem to wish the Light would abandon us entirely.

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: Chapter 2

Prayers and Blessings:

Last Rites 1

Last Rites 2

Argent Crusader Prayers

The Altruist’s Prayers

Quel’thalas

In all things strive to reflect the Light

Prayers

A Child’s Prayers

Elune:

The Charge of Elune

Musings on Elune (Light drunk)

The Spiral and My Beginning:

The Spiral (1)

The Spiral’s Beginning (2)

Gods of the Spiral (3)

The Spiral Broken (5)

The Time Worn Path (6)

Vows to the Light (7)

Sermons and Musings:

To Keep Going

For Those New to the Light

Sacred Flame

Stripping the Light

Sacrifices

Light Based Runes

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: Sunwell Sermons (2)

The previous Sermon

Much as had been done the past two times, the Priest surveys the gathered elves. The raiments of his station were once highly fashionable. But what was once  the height of fashion some years ago had become antique clothing. The antique robes have been dyed in traditional Sin’dorei colors of red and black with golden thread. Gold accessories and green gems serve to emphasize the hooded priest’s station. Whether he is the High priest or once was is left to everyone to guess.

He steps up, up, higher in the air until he levitates a foot off the ground. He holds his hands out, palms upwards to signal he was ready to begin. To those with a keen eye, it might seem as if there was a smile under his hood, warm and fatherly. A rare smile reserved for very few. When he speaks his pained rasp is amplified by a spell.

“I am pleased to see so many here. It truly gladdens my heart that there are those who will come and listen. You renew my strength and hope in our future. To often I go to bed worn and aching. Like so many of you I work until my hands crack and bleed, my muscles worn until I can barely stand. When I return home my children often ask for a story. Despite how exhausted I am I find myself obliging them often.”

His hands gesture. Divine magic sparks to life within his palms, jumping from them to lazily float wherever a possible breeze would take them until they flickered out of existence.  Again his silk gloved hands gesture and holy magic sprang into existence as smoke. The gold smoke rose upwards, taking the shape of a majestic phoenix that rose upwards until it faded away.

“In the early days of Quel’thalas there was a warrior mage- for this was long before Spellbreakers- named Nuadon Sunburner. He is most often associated with his mythical treasures- the sword of Light, the bowl of plenty, the spear of Fire, and the feather of Alar. During the early days of Quel’thalas life was difficult. Trolls fought with us for every step of our home and with the eternal spring yet to be established winter tried to kill us all.”

“Nuadon was one of the most skilled warrior mages among us. He had his spear of fire, his sword of light, and the bowl of plenty. The spear never missed its mark when he threw it, incinerating its targets, the bowl of plenty conjured  food so he never went hungry, and the sword of light cut through the flesh and souls of those that fought against him. But not many know how he got the feather of Alar.

“Alar is often only seen as a mere fire elemental to many but the Sin’dorei know the truth. No simple being from the elemental realm of fire, Alar is a deity of fire and rebirth. Often associated with sacrifices made of duty, A guide on the journey, no matter how perilous the road may be. One long battle saw Nuadon losing his sword arm to the leader of the Amani- a crippling blow to any warrior. Unable to fight as he once did Nuadon fell to sorrow and lost his way.”

He takes a few moments to regain his breath. The black hood with its red embroidery hides the gold eyes as they move from elf to elf in the group. “When we find ourselves exhausted, when we are bleeding, when we have lost something vital to us- it is hard to see our path. It does not make us weak to acknowledge that we cannot always pull ourselves up. Sometimes we need guidance, a light in the dark.”

“And so it was when the world held no meaning for Nuadon, when he was at his lowest low he spotted a burning light in the sky. Alar itself flew across the sky, illuminating everything beneath its fiery wings. Entranced by the light Nuadon followed Alar from the ground.  The path was perilous, leading into what is now known as the Ghostlands. Nuadon was forced to fight again, finding it within himself to pick up his sword. He wanted to see where Alar had flown and see it he would.”

“It was grueling, exhausting, and without rest. His blood stained the ground, sweat drenched his clothes, and there was no end in sight. But still, the afterimage of Alar in the sky was there. How long it took Nuadon to find Alar, we don’t know. The story I was told claimed it took decades before Nuadon found Alar, others say it was only weeks.”

“But find him Nuadon did. Alar waited for Nuadon behind the amani troll that had taken Nuadon’s arm. When Nuadon fought the troll the whole of Qul’thalas shook beneath his fury. The sky cried out in alarm as the earth was drenched in blood.  It made the forest shudder with anticipation as the battle raged on through the night. Even with one hand Nuadon’s skill  and magical items still remained.  Nuadon won by throwing his spear when the Amani tried to turn and run and was incinerated when the spear struck true.”

“Nuadon triumphed over his sorrows and crippling fears when he started to follow Alar through the sky. It was not an easy journey, it was not a kind one. But we cannot overcome the shadows within ourselves if we do nothing.  Nuadon won what no other elf has had since- a feather gifted by Alar. With that feather never did Nuadon grow weary or lose sight of Alar.”

The Priest gestures, waving his arms as he speaks. “To say it is weak to be overcome is a lie. We are a people unified. We defy fate and our enemies as both seek to drive us to extinction. We are strong, we are resilient, we are Sin’dorei. We rose from the ashes of what we once were and like Nuadon we suffered and anguished. Like Nuadon we have traveled down a path without certainty or promise of a reward at the end of it..”

“What became of Nuadon is lost to history. Some say he lived a long, fulfilling life until his lover died and he sailed to find the otherworld. Others claim when he had felt the burdens of the world for to long he called upon Alar to take him into him so he could be reborn from the ashes. His fate is uncertain. But ours is not. We will endure, thanks to you. Every effort you make, every day you are here is a day we will endure.  Some of you have given the ultimate sacrifice for our people, some of you have done things you had never thought you were able to, and all of us have bled and suffered for the sake of our home. I cannot promise that like Nuadon we will find a reward, but I can promise you that you are the reason we are here. You are why we all continue another day. Do not forget that as Alar and Belore have not forgotten you.“

His voice is filled with emotion as he speaks, a deep seated desire for a better future, a better life. The smoke fades away and he holds his hands out to them all. “For those that seek blessings of Alar, I am here. For those that seek the blessing of Belore I am also here. Never forget that you are loved, you are wanted, you are Sin’dorei.”

Sunwell Prayers-

Alar, I offer this supplicant to you. To build them anew and do as you wilt. Relieve them of their burdens, that they may better live. Be their light when the world grows dark. Give them the strength to rise again and bless them with your love and light a fire in their heart. As I will it so shall it be!

Give your heart to the God of rebirth and sacrifice. Give yourself willingly and without fear. Let Alar burn away the unimportant, the shadows that cling to you. Give yourself freely, supplicant,and rise from the ashes!

Alar! Oh, divine phoenix, I give thanks to you with my every breath.  As your supplicant turns to face the dark, they will travel with confidence in the darkest of nights. Though the darkness around them may grow, because you will reside in their heart, a burning spark to guide them towards the light.

In the hottest days of spring, I am reminded of Belore by the sun seared grass in the forest. Brittle and dead the grass provides no comfort. It is life that has the appearance of death. But when the spring rains come the burnt grass will be washed away. Through this it will be reborn anew to become green again. Bless this supplicant with rain Belore, help them be born anew so that spring may come again.

Alar, your supplicant cries out for your blessing. They have mourned through the long dark night. They have cried, lost, and sacrificed and Azeroth herself has felt their sorrow.  Bless them Alar, turn their tears into joy. Let the light return to them and where there was once sorrow, despair, and loss let there be something lighter in its place.

Around us Alar, burn the light of countless lives. Fill your supplicant with Light, renew them with your fire. I pray to you, oh Alar, Phoenix God of Fire and Rebirth, let them burn bright.

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: Belore, Sun God of a Thousand Names

I am the Radiant King of the Heavens,

Giving Azeroth Light and Warmth,

Encouraging seeds to burst forth from the soil

I light the lives of all sentients

Giving them all my light

And put the darkness to flight

I am the spirit of everything that is free

I fly as a phoenix, soaring in the sky

I run as a lynx in the woods

The Sunwell and wild places emanate my power

The trees in Quel’thalas sing of my blessings

I am the sun ripened grain, offered up to the scythe

So that all may be nourished

Without planting there will be no harvest

Without me there would be no spring

I am the God and Goddess of Thousands of names

But know that by all names I am the same

The freedom of the forest, the cycle of harvest

Look to my yearly cycle of my birth, death, and rebirth

And know that such is the destiny of creation

I am Belore, the Sun God. The Radiant Sun, giver of Light and Warmth.

Listen to the words of the Sun, who was called a thousand names before you knew him and will be known by thousands of names after you’ve known him. I am Belore.

My Light is what gives strength to all creation. Mine is the secret of life. Mine is the forests of Quel’thals that  will never again see winter. I give knowledge of life, the arcane, and beyond death I will hold you close.

I am the sacrifice; the soldier that falls in battle, the Farstrider that watches from the trees, the mage guarding the Sunwell, the lynx padding through the forest. Hear the words of the Sun God Belore, the music of whose laughter is heard in the wind and through his grace no winter touches Quel’thalas. I am the Lord of the Hunt and the lightbringer, the sun among the clouds, and the father of all phoenixes. For I am the flesh of Quel’thalas and all of my people.

Let my worship be in the flickering fires of your hearth and mage light, in the words that you sing, all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals. Do not surpress desire and fear, anger and weakness, peace and joy, awe and longing within you. These are part of the mysteries found within yourself and in me. Behold, I am that which has been with you since the beginning and that which at attained at the end of desire.

I sing this prayer to the Sun

The Mother of Phoenixes

To her wild, burning, feminine dance

To her who is born in the winter and reborn in the spring

To the light she gives us all to guide our path

Belore

Let my arrows always strike true

Fill me with your strength

That I might never fall at my post

So i can travel far and rest easy

Dance beneath the trees and be on with the forest

And drink deep of all that is set before me

Listen!

The Sun Goddess Speaks

“I am the fire in your spirit,

The yearning in your soul

The love that warms your heart

I am the mystery hidden in plain sight

And the seeker of the phoenix flame;

I stand and chase the dark away

I am the Light of creation

I am Goddess and God, I am Mother and Father of Phoenixes

I am the fire you adore, call to me…”

Bright Belore, the sun

Whose fire will not be tamed

Those that attempt to tarnish you

Do not realize the futility of their actions

Fill me with your fire and strength

I will bow to none

Above all I will stand

Fill me with your fire Belore

That i may find my own destiny and rise above.

Bright and fiery arrow!

Blaze kindly into my life

God of the Eternal Spring

Grow ever more verdant and lush

Lord of Poetry and Magic

Dance on my tongue like arcane sparks on my hands

Guardian of the Runestones and the Sunwell

Grant me your blessing and sate my thirst

Thank you, Exalted One, for your light and and nourishment.

For the protection your magic gives

For the peace you bring

Belore, to you I promise my best effort

And swiftest arrows dedicated to your name

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: Master Index List

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Argent Crusade / Paladin prayers:

Argent Crusader Prayers

Retribution

The Crusader’s Prayers 1

The Crusader’s Prayers 2

The Crusader’s Prayers 3

Northrend

For the Protectors

Blessings part 1

Blessings Part 2

Silver Hand

Belore The Sun God:

Belore the Sun God 1

Belore, Sun God of a Thousand Names

Belore the Sun God, Giver of Light and Warmth

Death and Final Rites:

Prayers

Final Words for beloved pets and companions

Last Rites 1

Last Rites 2

Elune:

Elune, Malorne, and Death

The Charge of Elune

Musings on Elune (Light drunk)

Elune and the Nature of Her Worship

Prayers to Elune part 1

Prayers to Elune Part 2

Festivals:

The Festival of Light

Healing:

Disease, Magic, and Poison

For Purification with water

Healing with Water

Personal Notes:

Songs I once Sang

The Oak and Holly Kings

Light Based Runes

Stripping the Light

Prayer Musings

Prayers - Identifying who you speak to and how to pray

Sacred Flame

Prayer through Dance

Rituals

To Keep Going

For Those New to the Light

Sacred Flame

Sacrifices

If there is no Higher Power

What is the Light? A tool or something else?

The Ambiguity of the Light

Principles and lessons of the 3 virtues

Do no Harm

Honoring the Sunwell

Prayers

The Altruist’s Prayers

Quel’thalas

In all things strive to reflect the Light

Prayers

A Child’s Prayers

Mantras part 1

A small scrap

Sunwell 

Sunwell 2

Prayers Without Mercy

Prayers to the Light 1

Love and Peace

Personal Stories in the Light:

The Price of Sacrifice

The price of Sacrifice 2

The Spiral and My Beginning:The Spiral (1)

The Spiral’s Beginning (2)

Gods of the Spiral (3)

The Spiral Broken (5)

The Time Worn Path (6)

Vows to the Light (7)

Shadow Prayers:

First Entry

Prayers from the Shadows

[dawnmender]

Sunwell Sermons (3): Bloodwine and Mathion, Growth and Stagnation

The priest  takes a slow breath as he looks to the gathered crowd. Antiquated drab brown robes are embroidered with gold thread, voluminous and worn often. Especially with the recent signs of a long journey clinging to the hem of his robes. With careful, almost painfully slow movements he gestures sharply to levitate himself. A sigh of relief is bitten back and when he speaks his rasp can’t hide the exhaustion and faint pain that hangs  heavily from his words, despite his attempt at a energetic and warm tone.

“Welcome one, and welcome all. It gladdens me to see you all here. No matter how many or how few have made it today know that I could not be happier to see you all. For those that have not met me before, I am Roan Stillwhisper, the Grand High Priest. Today I will share a story I have told very few times. But first, a prayer to offer up.”

He remains silent for a moment, before he holds his hands out. His hoarse whisper carries far more than it should due to the charm hanging from his belt.. As he claps his hands together to hold them just beneath where his heart should be, divinie magic sparks in his palms and fire bursts from his clasped palms to merrily dance in his hands. A sensation of warmth comes from them and those receptive might get the feeling of a comfortable hearth fire sinking into their bones to chase away weariness and give vitality to those willing to accept the Light’s blessing.

“The Light rises from the east. Belore throws his cloak open, bringing the dawn and pushing away the starry night sky. Slowly in the east the Light rises, brightening as Belore is born again with a flash of golden light. He is there, freed. He climbs into the sky, looking down upon his children. We look up and  awaken, the day has begun. The darkness settles into weary slumber. Secrets and creatures of the night life. All is well in the world as the day begins.”

The divine magic in the priest’s hands sways and shivers. Was there a figure swaying there or was that just imagination. When he regains his breath he continues, reciting the story as if he has told it a hundred times before. Something familiar and comforting.

“We have all met a druid among our own numbers. It is more common to see them amongst the Farstriders now and more rare. Centuries ago there was a druid named Mathion whose skill was without compare and his power unrivaled. It was so unrivaled that he created life. Bloodwine was created with nine flowers and nine drops of blood. Made in three days, and  by the third  day there was no woman like Bloodwine, nor has been one like Bloodwine since. Her hair and lips were as red as bloodthistle petals. She had eyes the same color as dreamfoil, with hair as soft as peacebloom leaves and she danced like sea stalks when the wind blows.”

“How he made her truly alive is lost to time. But he had long wanted a demure and pleasant companion to be at his side. And in Bloodwine he had created one. For a time Mathion was happy with the friend he had created. But in time he returned his attention to other matters and let Bloodwine have time for herself. When she was able to explore, to wander and talk she learned of the world and what was in it. She learned where the stars were in the night sky, the songs the sailors sang when they came home to port, every rotting branch, sweet blooming meadow, and shadow cast by the trees in Quel’thalas. She loved the forests true and nothing else would ever replace them in her heart.”

“When she was able to grow, thrive, to experience failure and success, she became so much more than a druid’s creation. It is not so different than when we were children and became people of our own as we grew. We came to learn that the world was not everything we had thought, that monsters were so much more than the scary shapes cast by our parents cloaks. It is the way of the world: our only constant is change, however slight. To ignore change is to become stagnant and bitter. To break and die when we must truly be strong.”

A low, heartfelt sigh escapes the hood and for a few moments he’s lost, staring into the divine fire in his palm. A moment is taken for him to roll his shoulders and continue, sadness lacing his tone.

“Mathion wanted a servant, not a true friend. He returned to Bloodwine after some time away to find that the once passive creation had become someone new entirely. He could not fathom that she became her own person, that she would was more than what she had been.  But Bloodwine refused to be anything less than his equal. A druid’s creation she was, yes. But now she was something more, one of us that would stand proud and tall. Some stories say that they argued and fought but Mathion could not, would not kill her. Other endings say that she attempted to kill him between land and sea, both riding and standing on the ground, where neither night nor day held power. But the ending I was first told was this: Mathion did not understand who Bloodwine had become in his absence but it did not mean he loved her any less than when he had first created her. He was wise enough to know she had become her own person and as a parting gift before she left his house the last time, he gave her the gift of flight.”

“Bloodwine was created to be a friend, to assure Mathion would never again be lonely. But she ultimately awakened to herself, grew and desired to become the master of her own fate. Just like we were once young and ignorant of the world, through tragedy and growth we have become masters of our own fate. We fight in a world where to many would see our people and civilization as the monsters that their parents spins tales of.”

The divine fire in the High Priest’s hands rises up in the form of an owl, flying upwards until it fades into the sunlight.  His head turns to take a glance at the Sunwell behind him. Arcane and divine magic mixed. He sighs as his head turns to look among the gathered.

“We are not monsters. We can choose our destiny. Shape our fate. Every day we fight and strive for a better future- bought with our hard work, our blood, and for many, their very lives. Like Bloodwine, we forge ahead and fight to see the dawn’s light. You are why we continue to exist, you are why we will not meekly fade away. You are bright, everburning, blessed, and loved.”

He holds his hands out towards the gathered.

 “I cannot begin to emphasize how much I have appreciated all of you coming here today. Would be that I could offer you more than a blessing and ease your burdens and sorrows. For those of you that seek a blessing I will remain here for a time. For the rest- Belore bless you and give you strength to meet the dawn.” 

The charm that kept the High Priest’s rasp begsn to falter and his voice fades from the loud rasp it had been to something far more soft. He stiffly steps down to stay on the ground and waits.

“If I am the present. Then you are the future. If I am beaten and broken. You are strong and ready to stand tall.  If I grow bitter and jaded. May you grow wise and compassionate. May the Sun bless you with everything you need to become everything you shall ever be.”

“Belore, holy god. Everburning god. Father and Mother of phoenixes. I give thanks to you with my every breath.  As your supplicant turns to face the dark, they will travel with confidence in the darkest of nights. Though the darkness around them may grow, because you will reside in their heart, a burning spark to guide them towards the light.”

The Sunwell overflows with blessings for us all. May the Sunwell bless you. May this blessing keep you safe when danger comes. May this blessing steady your hand. May this blessing comfort you when you are feeling low. May this blessing comfort you when you are weak. May the Sunwell flow through you. You are chosen, you are magic,you are blessed, you are Sin'dorei. May the Sunwell’s sacred waters flow forever in your  heart and soul

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: Chapter 2

Prayers and Blessings:

Last Rites 1

Last Rites 2

Argent Crusader Prayers

The Altruist’s Prayers

Quel’thalas

In all things strive to reflect the Light

Prayers

A Child’s Prayers

Elune:

The Charge of Elune

Musings on Elune (Light drunk)

The Spiral and My Beginning:

The Spiral (1)

The Spiral’s Beginning (2)

Gods of the Spiral (3)

The Spiral Broken (5)

The Time Worn Path (6)

Vows to the Light (7)

Sermons and Musings:

To Keep Going

For Those New to the Light

Sacred Flame

Stripping the Light

Sacrifices

Light Based Runes

[dawnmender]

Compendium of Light: Musings of Elune

We see her whenever she shows herself in the sky. Elune. The White Moon. In her hands she carries mysteries and magic. But in some mysteries the value is in the seeking of them and the love for the unknown.

Elune is love and she is mercy. The gentle hand that binds your wounds and the hand that stills the blade before it can pierce your heart. She is wild and free, allowing you to catch her only long enough to renew your interest in the chase before she leaves your arms and darts off once more. Teacher and guiding hand. Beloved silver Light and  the wind that runs its hands through your hair in the forest. 

My husband told me once that she was not just one woman but many. He was a hunter in the forest and told me a story that had been told to him. In it Elune spoke without words to her chosen. But her voice was not just one woman. It was young like a maiden, rich and warm, and the wise dry voice of an elder woman at once.

But she is not all kindness and mercy. She will not allow her faithful to call upon her for evil acts or let them be done in her name. Those who seek to profane nature and dedicate evil acts to her will lose her love and magic. They will dry and wither away like plants. If they do not dry and wither away then they will suffer. To lack the Goddess after you have known her is to lose color in life.

She can be the cold and unforgiving waves of the sea rushing into your lungs. The dark wind that makes you shiver knowing something is watching. She’ll hide her silvery light from you and with it gone there is only darkness. Without that light what stops the monsters from our dreams becoming reality?

Power brings responsibility and consequences. The power she gives is not without such consequences, as one should expect. Does she give blessings with the intent to be unkind? I do not think so. She is powerful beyond mortal imagining but not all powerful. Wise beyond mortal imagining but not all knowing. 

I opened myself to the Light today and I rabble in my writing. Power drunk maybe- or Light drunk? Is it possible? High more likely to write so. But what a pleasant way to write.

[ash-summer-deactivated20201028]

Pathfinding

She didn't want to do this.

She didn't want to walk away from the banner of golden flame upon crimson canvas. She didn't want to turn away from the golden city at her back...again.

She didn't want to leave them behind. But her promise had been upheld. The twins were safe and were growing strong under Lady Blackthorns care. They knew of their sister now, but would never meet her. She accepted that and marched on. Leaving the Royal Exchange and out the shimmering gates of Silvermoon.

Each step sparking pain in her chest and stirring up old ghosts. But she noticed something almost surreal as she slipped under the shaded canopy of Eversong. Her ears twitched back and forth. Hearing the sound of wildlife all around her. The birds had returned from the winter, a call of a young lynx nearby, the slightest breeze from a adolescent dragonhawk, lightly blew strands of her hair free as it soared overhead. She stopped and let herself breath.

Her eyes slowly opened as a familiar song settled around her. The hue darkening and fading away to reveal her wolf like wild eyes. The curse sung in her body like it never had before. Years ago she had fled the city alone and numb. Seeking a home destroyed. But now warmth spread from her core. Perhaps she didn't want to do this. Didn't want to accept letting go and forgiving herself for leaving that day. She didn't want to let the rage and sorrow go after another home lay destroyed upon the shore of a lake in the Hinterlands. The urge to hunt those who maimed her and to protect what lay behind her was strong, but now it dulled with the warmth in her chest. They were safe and the enemy far flung from these shores.

She didn't-

No..

She wanted this.

The call of the wilds sung to her as it did when she was a child. Her steps grew determined as she left the paved paths and slipped further into the woodland. South she would go. Back to the clearing of her birth. Back to the homestead that lay in ruins. She didn't want to find a home anymore. She wanted to make one. Black and russet fur flashed in the corners of her eyes. Between the willowy trees Noir and Swiftvryn followed their hunt-sister. Heads held high as they kept pace with her. The raven haired girl marched on. What she needed had always been packed and strapped to the belts around her waist. She kept to her path until a twig snapped free from a branch overhead. A shadow descend upon her with zeal. She wouldn't be leaving all of her siblings behind after all.

Vidias landed nearly nose to nose, well chest to nose with her, the man was a giant. A cocky grin spread wide across his face as he swung his braids behind his shoulder. Topless again now that they were out of the city proper. "I knew we were going to leave but why so soon short stuff?" He teased, falling in line beside her.

"Goodbyes have never been easy and we have much to do." She admitted.

The older elf sighed. "What of our golden haired friend and his panthers? I was growing fond of him." Ash taped the amulet around her neck and the small polished button between its horns. "We aren't leaving them behind. He can find us whenever. His uncle can too." She felt her ears burn with a slight blush. Dusksinger, Moonveil, Morningbrow, Ebontalon, Silversword, Windchaser, The Undying, and both Voidchaser and Dr. Staton flashed across her mind. Each fellow oathsworn, ex oathsworn, brought a smile to her lips, and with that smile the last of her doubts disappeared.

"We are not leaving anyone behind." She stated. "But we can't just hang around the city or camp anymore. We gota get our home back. We gota-"

"Rebuild." He finished for her. "I know and I've requested help." Ashzouren stopped in her tracks, brows pinched high. "Help? From whom?"

"You think a bachelor like me would live like a hermit for a hundred and fifty some odd years?" He flickered his brows at her. Mirth seemed to radiate from him as he turned to face her. Hands upon his slightly swaying hips. "My partner and his people are on their way here. Having to sail of course. Renthir is still growing and he can't fly over the ocean on his own yet." He looks past her with a soft mutter. "Grumpy lizard still has his whelp fat and scales but thinks that just because he carry me and Galen upon his back that he can do anything and everything he pleases."

Ash can only look up at him completely perplexed. "Renthir? Galen?" She felt her wolves draw closer, picking up on her confusion. Swift stopping behind her to nudge her back between her shoulder blades. Noir simply lowered her head under Vidias's hand; demanding a ear scratch. He obliged as his grin grew even wider.

"I've told you of Stormheim and you've been there before. Do you honestly think the two of us can rebuild the family home and stables alone and just how it was?" He rolled his one good eye. "Hel no!" He wrapped a arm around her shoulders, leading onwards. One hand spread out in front of them. A vision of the future aflame within his gaze. He wanted Ash to see it too. "The vrykul have always had a affinity for taming and training beasts of all kinds. Sister, think of what we can do. Think of what we could offer to Quel'Thalas and what we could do to obtain our family status of old. Father would be proud."

It took a obscene amount of effort to stay upright and not trip over the roots and tuffs of grass beneath her feet. "Vrykul are coming here? Along with Storm drakes?!" The younger Summerfall looked up to her brother, delight stamped across her face. Vidias had forgotten for a moment just how young she was. Certainly a young women, but still in awe of the world around her despite the hel she'd been through the last few years.

"Some yes, but not all, and not all are truly vrykul. I rescued Renthir when he was but a few days hatched. Saved him from slavers. Galen is the man who convinced the village to let me stay with them on account I prove my worth and earn my keep." He chuckled deeply. "A good thing our family have a way with animals eh? Both four legged and two?" Ash sputtered. Quickly pushing against his chest with a snort.

"Any help would be appreciated. But storm dragons?" Vidias let out his own snort and freed his sister from under his arm. Patting both wolves as they closed ranks around them. "Only Renthir. We are going to need help with heavy lifting." The pair continued forward. Ashzouren still stunned and silent.

"This is going to take a while isn't it?" She asked at last as they slipped further and further south.

"It will be worth it in the end but yes. It will be grand. I'm sure you've acquired a companion or two in your travels sister. It would be better if they could have a home closer to you yeah?" Ash only smiled. Her mind wandering back to Pandaria and the cloud serpent her and S'hale had raised. "Yes, but it would be odd, having so many strange beasts around."

"Not at all sis, not at all. It's what we were known for before father settled with raising hawkstriders and worgs." At the mention of their father Ash couldn't help but glance his way. "I remember him but you knew him longer. What was he like?"

Vidias chuckled. "We have a long way to go and I'm still not entirely sure if it's enough time to share everything."

"I don't care. I want to know." She whined.

"Well Hel, maybe I should tell you more about our history then eh? You know you're not the only one of our bloodline to howl every now and then yeah? Our great, great uncle was able to take different forms of a wide array of animals. Not druidic in nature, but a true animagus. Maybe it's something you can peruse after we get the homestead rebuilt..."

Their words echoed around them as the children of Summer wandered ever southward. Drowning out as the woodlands enveloped them. They were heading home and back where they belonged for now. The call of the wilds singing softly in their ears. Perhaps one day it would lure the twins away from the city, or maybe one day it would lead Ashzouren back. But for now it was enough to tackle the task at hand. She wanted a home and she would build one. She wanted a life outside the fighting and hurt, and she would forge one. She had found a pack to hunt with and she would not forsake them. But she needed to do this for herself. This wasn't then end of her story, but of a single chapter. There were more still to be written...

More friends to meet...

More hunts to be had...

And maybe one day she could look to raising a pack of her own. Of the two legged kind, not four....

Laughter and howls of delight echoed from deep within Eversong woods. It was good to have been a oathsworn, but she had been wildsworn first.

[indica-dreaming-deactivated2023]

And he continued his journey of redemption as Lord of Shallowbrook, never forgetting his promise to Felthier Truefeather. Surrounded by his family and the company of Cere’thien, Vaelrin Firestorm retired his Oath and set forth for a new era. … his story continues, but that’s for another time. Another day. Another year. Another chapter.  The End. (For now.)

[caelindadewfall]

What a long and strange journey it's been.

I joined @thesunguardmg nearly 3 years ago on a whim (it doesn't seem like that much time but I was just a freshman in college back then and now I'm about to graduate in a month) and because I followed a funny guy named @korkrunchcereal who always spoke highly of the place. And I have to say, it was time well spent. I made so many wonderful friends in the guild, people who will always be with me and whom I hope to continue writing with even as the guild itself fades into memory. Each new storyline gave me chances to develop Caelinda in fascinating ways, culminating in her latest and greatest adventure with her friends and found family. I can't thank everyone in the guild enough for their hard work and dedication, and for how much good material they gave me for inspiration.

I especially want to thank @pyrosophist @theletter27 @afallowmoon @magistrixvoidchaser @zanaeva @razxion and @hellebaardier (yes even you) for being such wonderful writing partners. You're all fantastic!

And now it's time to move onto the next horizon. Whether it be in WoW (fingers crossed for next expansion) or FFXIV, we'll see where the story goes next.

[azriah]

@forever-afk and I applied to the Sunguard together after some friends convinced us to give it a shot. 

In October 2011, I was just starting out at university. I had moved to a different city and opened up a new life chapter in general. WoW was a familiar comfort for me in this uncertain time. 

I remember one of the first things I did when I got the guild invite was DM @felthier to introduce myself. Little did I know then that I was speaking to my future husband.

My experience in the Sunguard was always intertwined with my actual life outside of the computer and online games. I don’t know if I have more or less to say because of that. It was a significant chapter of my life that saw me through school, graduate, move to be with him - taking my cat and all my belongings with me, get married, start out the married life, travel across countries and oceans, and even through the devastating part of Misu’s passing. I love how everyone always put up with my rambling about that cat and even came to love her themselves.

The Sunguard was always there through these things, a staple of familiarity in changing times. I made great friends. The people and stories helped me to grow as a human being. This guild challenged me; I learned some valuable lessons. I’m certainly not the same person I was in October 2011.

For that I will always look back on this time with gratitude, and while I find my heart is a little heavy with the times changing, this time I’m not apprehensive of the future. I’m not sad; it’s bittersweet.

I’m excited for what the future holds for everyone, wherever they end up going. For those that stay on WoW, I hope the Sunguard’s close breathes new life into the server. We had a wealth of talented individuals who I’m sure would do great things on their own. I’m looking forward to the horizon.

Thank you for everything, everyone. 

It’s been a pleasure.

@thesunguardmg

[moonguardsecrets]

Goodbye to one of the finest roleplaying guilds in WoW History. I will forever be grateful for all you've done for us. And how much you've helped me grow as a person. You will forever be a loving memory in my mind's eye and something I shall regal my grandchildren of when that time comes. Whether it was fighting that harsh Winter, running from a Voidsnail, watching people get pummeled by a demonic boob or standing ground against a void seraph. I will miss you forever. You were too good for me.

🎂

[indica-dreaming-deactivated2023]

I am retiring from WoW. Time will tell if I ever come back, but for now I can no longer play a game I don’t play. Where will I go? Focusing on things IRL while casually playing FFXIV. I’m excited to invest into my new character, Vasir’li Solhu, and delving into the lore and story. Plus, I have some pretty awesome people to play with. There’s also Elder Scrolls I need to get into soon.  But overall I’m just going to play it chill and play whenever the feeling rises. Which is a great feeling… freedom to enjoy things at my leisure. I’m not going anywhere though. I’m still around. Ya’ll not safe from my existence. I would have wrote a long tl;dr about my time in Sunguard and WoW but I’m lazy so everyone is scrubs. But lovely scrubs. Love you guys. (I’ll write something longer later maybe IDK)

[emberfallen]

What a long, strange trip it’s been. 

A little over three years ago, I joined The Sunguard. I started roleplaying the year before and had some pretty poor experiences with it, but I knew I loved the premise of it and wanted to advance the story of Avada Emberfall. 

That’s when I ran into @ocarina-of-what and @quelfabulous‘s work: a story of two elves in a guild called The Sunguard. 

So I dropped everything, swapped servers, and applied! First on my priest Feainne, before realizing I loved it enough to move Avada there, too. What followed was three years of an immersive creative environment full of warm, encouraging people who let me take my ideas and run with them. 

But I think now, it’s a good time to close the book that is The Sunguard. It’s bittersweet, but this is the type of ending that really just feels like turning the page. In those three years, I made a ton of incredible friends and maintain long-lasting creative projects. I actually started writing stories, which I’d never done before in my life. My art improved in DROVES (see above!!). I adopted my beautiful dog and spammed the guild with pictures of him. I graduated college and started vet school.  Avada Emberfall leaves The Sunguard as a new officer of @hollowlightadventures, leading their Horde branch alongside @pyrosophist and @makotokino. She leaves as a stronger and more compassionate person than she was before, and she does not look back. But she does smile. 

[sonofkhaz]

End of an Era

Previous

Muroco stood outside the Dawnspire one last time. Before him were rows upon rows of graves consisting of elven men and women who had given up their lives for everything they held dear - their homes, their families, their people. After what had felt like minutes of hesitation, Muroco strode towards a single monument that had been erected in honor of those who had died during the Phoenix Wars. Others had come before and left flowers, jewelry and other mementos around its base in memoriam.

The tauren reached into his cloak and pulled out a simple but carefully crafted dreamcatcher. Outside of fighting, Muroco had few talents, but as a young calf his mother had shown him how to make them from willow bark and wind serpent feathers. It was not much, especially in comparison to the lavish gifts the blood elves were used to, but he gave such dreamcatchers as a rare sign of friendship. 

He stooped down and placed the gift at the memorial’s base. The blood elves of The Sunguard were an odd bunch, and while he questioned some of the things their culture said and did, they had accepted an exile of a bloodthirsty tribe as if he were one of their own. They were the only friends he ever had.

And some of them were no longer among the living.

Muroco straightened up and looked towards the horizon. Rebuilding homes, consolidating governments…none of those things were meant for him. He had no reason to stay behind, and the elves likely had no more use for him. The battle with Irkalla made the warrior realize that there were bigger threats out there, and even larger battles to fight.

He was not done yet. Not until he was considered one of the greatest warriors in history.

“Theia-shoush ahmen,” muttered Muroco. Giving one last look towards the Dawnspire, he disappeared into the horizon, his hooves leaving prints in the tall autumn grass.

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