Grim Views

The snow was blaringly white and the air held a bitter chill. Zalyna shivered slightly in her thin vestments. She briefly envied some of her fellow more heavily-armored Horde as they quickly mounted outside of the cavern's entrance. She had never seen Alterac Valley before and hesitated before hopping upon her own mount, a striking green and turquoise battle-ready hawkstrider - fondly named Bael. Absent-mindedly she patted the beast's feathered neck as her emerald eyes took in the sight before her. The valley was thick with tall pine and rocky outcrops covered with a thick layer of snow and ice, it was majestic to say the least.

Zalyna didn't allow herself to waver any longer, and quickly launched herself into the saddle giving the reins a quick jerk letting her mount know it was time to go. She urged him onward, following the others. It wasn't long before she finally caught up. She eyed the bunker as she quickly dismounted and ran inside. Little did she know that her healing abilities would soon be put to the test. Though she was accustomed to escorting small groups, aiding as mender should the need arise (and it always did), this encounter was much different.

At first she fumbled, mumbling unaffective prayers...yet somehow she managed to keep everyone alive - with the additional help of other menders. It was a learning experience, and Zalyna made quick mental notes of what to do the next time. Captain Balinda Stonehearth was quickly dispatched and so the group moved straight for the Alliance's General. Perhaps the mistake that cost the Horde the battle.

Everything moved in a blur as a swarm of different classes entered the General's stronghold. This time the young priest was ready, she prayed to the Light in short quick bursts. It was working! Zalyna swelled with pride as she watched each of her targets regain their stamina and strength to keep fighting. Despite her improvement and her fellow Horde's fighting abilities, they lost... Their only respite was that they had lived to see another day and another fight - and there would always be another fight for Alterac Valley.

It had been a long while since Zalyna had stopped to put her thoughts onto paper. She took a brief moment between her training and aiding the Horde forces in Alterac Valley. To be truthful she spent the majority of her time training, learning what spells she could. The young Blood Elf absent-mindedly watched her small companion hop across the small room at a local inn in Orgrimmar. For a moment she relished the peace from dealing with her pushy teachers and incompetent pairings.

Then it was back to work. Back to work on her second task. She was thankful her Inquisitor was being so patient with her as she took her time to complete it. Zalyna sighed as she opened her journal and began penning a letter to Inquisitor Malebrignon.

Inquisitor Malebrignon,
I have been working on the tasks you set before me. I wanted to write to you before my memory failed me. You asked that I speak with my fellow light wielders and gleam a bit into their source of power. I was lucky enough to speak with Ecylpse before she left us. Though the goblin contraptions made it a bit difficult.

I questioned her on her source of power, and to my surprise learned that hers was of the shadows. I inquired further and found it interesting that the two were not so different as I had originally thought. Without light, there is no shadow and without shadow, there is no light. She had stated to me that "true power comes from a balance of all that holds the spark of life." I must admit speaking with Eclypse gained me more insight than my own trainers had.

Unfortunately our conversation was cut shorter than I would have liked as Kailei's Final Task had begun. I am also humbled that Inquisitor Ryanica had offered me a chance to witness the event, it was most exciting indeed another great learning experience. I hope to be writing you soon with more details of my own task, but perhaps more after the holiday as everyone seems to be quite occupied with Winter Veil upon us.

Peace through Annihilation
Zalyna

((The underlined letters are links to the screenshots of parts of the conversation.))

Zalyna's training has been going well, extremely well, and as she nears her last spell to master...she takes a moment to pen Tuskinar a letter. The letter is in regards to their first meeting and the task that he had given her - two hundred honorable kills.

Dear Tusk,
I am delighted to inform you that your task has been completed! In nearly one skirmish with the enemy in Alterac Valley I was almost there. We managed to take back the Valley by depleting their resources and the Alliance scum that managed to move, quickly turned tail and ran for the hills. Then to continue, I was called to aid with a battle in Warsong...alas it was not to be ours. I did manage to mend our injured as we reluctantly retreated. Some time later (I forget with the amount of training my trainers have been putting me through), I was needed again in Alterac Valley. But we maintained a similar strategy as earlier, and victory was ours again.

I have included some documents to verify my kills. I hope that should be enough.

Peace Through Annihilation,
Zalyna

Zalyna folds the papers -A beginning total of honorable kills, First victory in Alterac Valley, Second Victory in Alterac Valley, and Final honorable kill count- and tucks them in with the letter.

Working on the last pieces of her second task, Zalyna contacted Deminthus for a meet. The two met at the Wyvern's Tail in Orgrimmar.

Dear Inquisitor Malebrignon,
I was able to meet with Deminthus. We had a quick conversation at the Wyvern's Tail before he left with the Siegebreakers. During that time I was able to learn that like myself, he also relied on the Light. He stated that it helped him to serve his purpose - the mandate, 'Peace Through Annihilation'. Though he didn't necessarily rely on prayer as priests do. It was a very informing conversation.

I belive this means that all is left with my set task is to speak with another Grim Paladin and learn my final spell, and be done with my training. I look forward to my next task, Inquisitor.

Peace Through Annihilation,
Zalyna

((Part of the conversation was carried over in whispers since Deminthus left for the RBG...[x] and [x]))

Finally! Zalyna thought happily as she began on her report to her Inquisitor. She had finally completed her second task. Her hand made quick brisk strokes and she couldn't help but grin happily. She was one step closer to fulfilling her dreams. She knew that the tasks were important for the guild and for testing herself, but ultimately she wanted to be on the front lines doing as much as she could possibly do.

Dear Inquisitor Malebrignon,
I have finished your second task completely. I have spoken with Arrothien and discovered that we are not so different - even though he is not a mender. As a paladin he also relies on the Light and follows the mandate. We also share similar views on the Light itself. Such that it should be commanded rather than served, I believe that is close to what Arrothien spoke of.

And finally, I have mastered my final spell and released from further teachings. There is always more to learn but I feel it will be best spent on the battlefield.

Peace Through Annihilation,
Zalyna

*a violet "M" is scratched on the last of the report*