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| - The rock barely missed her, but it wasnt entirely unexpected. She hunched down on the wagon and chucked the horses to go faster. Oddly, though it had always been her home, Lucia was glad she was leaving Goldshire behind. She glanced at the mounted patrol beside her and sighed; remembering how it had all come to be, her leaving. Her home was dark when she reached it. She came in the door and was once again struck by how quiet it was with her children gone. Alexi finally a man had left to begin his journeying as a priest. Her daughter, like her mother, had gone to stay with the magi to learn what they could teach her. To her, they were mere children still, but she clung to them more tightly than they appreciated. In the end, it was time for them to move on, no matter how she resisted the idea. In the hall she lit a small lamp and shielded it as she walked through the small house. Tonight, she wanted to make sure all her windows were secure. After her interference and display in the Stockades she no longer felt entirely safe in Goldshire. She did not fear for the Forsaken, she was growing concerned over the comments and looks she received from her alleged allies while in that stinking hole of a prison. In the kitchen she set the lamp down absently and began to lock the window that overlooked her garden. As she leaned over to reach the shutters, the light caught a small object on the counter. A glimmer of something where there should be nothing. In startled surprise, she looked around to kitchen eagerly; peering into the shadows. No one was there, she sighed to herself. Yet the ring was un-mistakable. Kopfjagger had been here. But how, she wondered. It wasn't possible. It simply could not be possible. She picked up the band and held it in her hand. He must have escaped, as she recalled his last words to her. A small gleam of hope and of joy formed in her mind. She knew what this ring meant to him. She looked out longingly into the darkness and knew he was out there somewhere. Someday, she thought to herself, he might come back to claim back his ring. She took comfort in that. She resolved to go about her normal daily living; or at least as best she could now that her children were gone. The townspeople, however, had other ideas. It certainly did not take long for the rumors to start spreading about her and the undead in the stockades. When the word traitor was scratched into her door, Lucia went to see her dear cousin. Lucy? Jayes, we need to talk, she stated flatly. Lucia sat down on the cathedral steps and stared at her cousin. You must have heard by now, its all over town. He looked at her gravely, I warned you Lucia. When you first came to me for the order. I warned you what could happen. Tell me, Lucy, why? Why did you risk everything for that thing? Jayes you dont understand. She let a sigh escape. You think like they all do, that the Forsaken are just things; evil and un-clean. Because, they are Lucy. They are mindless killers, filth NO! No, not all are like that Jayes, some are like you and I He stared at her in horror. Lucy, dont ever say such a thing again. Have you lost your mind? You liken me to the undead? You dare His fists balled up, knuckles turning white. Jayes please listen to me. That undead in the Stockades, his name was Kop The undead do not have names Lucia, and even if they did, he looked at her more closely, how would you know it? How would you know anything about them? Jayes, I Lucy, I think you should leave. Lucia started, what? Her cousin put a hand on her shoulder, I think you should leave town. Things are heating up here. Some of the things the creatures said have stirred up some issues. Your name has become linked with all that. Maybe you should go stay with my sister. Leave the area for a little while. His head was bobbing as if this was the most wise decision little Lucia could possibly undertake. Jayes. Doubt was painted plainly on her face. Lucy. Listen to me this one time please. It is not safe for you here anymore. I can arrange safe passage for you to Southshore. It is a safe place and quite lovely according to my sister. All this trouble will blow over if you are not around to remind them of it. I suppose so, but.. No buts Lucia. Go, your children are grown and living their lives. You should see more of the world now. He turned to look at her sharply. I dont think he is coming back Lucy. Who? The question had caught her off guard. Your husband, honey. Hes not coming back. It has been too long. Stop waiting for him. Ive seen you, looking down the road, waiting for him to come over the hill. Hes gone Lucy. Its time to let him go. Lucia almost laughed. I know Jayes. I know Ortho is not coming home, but... Say yes Lucy. Please. I cant tell you anymore than that. Say yes. Go to Southshore where you will be safe. Lucia paused for half a second. Yes, fine, Ill go. I need to put things in order, and then Ill go. Jayes studied her. Good girl. He said and brushed her hair back. Go start getting ready. It will have to be fast. Lucia sighed and walked down the many steps of the Cathedral and began to make a mental list of what she would take and what she would sell for her new life in Southshore. So intent on her own business she did not hear the conversation back in the cathedral. Very clever Jayes, came a deep voice from behind her cousin. Thank you, sir. I thought it best to remove her from the problems here. From behind a scarlet curtain a man in ornate plate and chain armor emerged. That is wise. But, I wonder, are you sure you did the right thing Jayes? She could create problems for us, going around spouting that nonsense about the forsaken. It had to be dealt with. He shrugged as if displeased with the report of more heat this summer than the last. Yes, the general mused. You are aware of the reports coming form Southshore are you not? Yes sir. In fact I received my sisters latest post. That is, the one before she died. Im sorry for your loss Jayes, was it bad? The voice did not carry any sorrow. It was simply the correct response to the situation at hand. In the last raid on Southshore. A rogue, probably a troll based on other reports, managed to get past the patrols. Four civilians died; my sister included. He got away. I see. And your cousin? Hopefully she will meet the locales, preferably a certain troll. She is so fond of the Horde; I thought she should see more of them. You seem bitter my friend? A soft chuckle told the lie of the statement. But I like your commitment to the Cause. Sacrifice is required in our line of work. The girl is a problem; you dealt with it. Good man. He slapped the younger man on the back solidly. Jayes rolled back his shoulders and answered absently, Yes, The Cause. General, I would like to request a troop to travel with Lucia. She must reach Southshore safely. He was already reaching for the pen and parchment. Granted. And Jayes, you look worn. Get some sleep and dont worry about your cousin. She will be in safe hands until she reaches Southshore, and then whatever happens to her is not out fault. The general nodded and left. Jayes stood and mused. Yes not our fault. Not our fault at all. Lucia went home and packed, she didnt have much left to be honest about it. Most everything in the house had gone with her children. When the wagon was loaded and the soldiers arrived Lucia stared at her empty house. She solemnly made her way into the kitchen. There, took a shiny gold band from her finger and left in on the counter. A symbol, she nodded to herself. She now wore a band that, although not so pretty or shiny, was worth more than all the gold rings in the world to her. She placed Kopfjaggers ring on her hand. In the wooden counter she carved the name; Southshore. She hoped he knew where that was. From her garden she gently pulled her favorite herbs and flowers and placed them in the wagon. Once in Southshore she would re-plant her garden beneath a new window. She then mailed two letters, one to Alexi and one to Loria, detailing her move and why. Her children were the only ones that knew the whole story. They also seemed to be the only two, aside from herself, who saw the truth in it as well. On the wagon, her tiny amount of belongings tied down and her guard around her, Lucia took one last look at Goldshire. She was forced to duck when a rock came flying from the shadows at her. She slapped the reins on the horse and stared her move. Southshore sounded like a nice place, she told herself over and over again. It conjured up images of a beach and wisteria vines. It would have lovely houses and nice people. Yes, she thought, Southshore will be the perfect place to plant a new garden. During the trip, Lucia was caught up in her thoughts of beauty and peace. She completely missed the shifty glances passing from the soldiers surrounding her as they moved through Elwynn Forest. ((This part of the story was written in partnership by Kopfjagger and Lucia. I have the honor of retelling it but at least half, if not more, of the creative power comes directly from Lucia even though her name does not appear to the left of the post. *bows deeply to Lucia* Thank you, Lucia, for letting me retell our story, I hope to do it justice.))
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