Koril sat on the ground in front of the small pool in the Forlorn Cavern of Ironforge, occasionally tossing a stone into its undisturbed depths to watch the ripples. Cause and effect, she thought. For every action there is a reaction, whether good or bad, small or large. If I toss another stone into the pool, the pool will ripple, forever changing ever so slightly the erosion on the rocks surround it. She scowled slightly, and tossed another stone into the pool with a large splash as she reviewed the causes and effects affecting her at the moment.
If I had listened to my parents, I would have never become a warlock and shunned from their home. If I hadn’t become a warlock, I would’ve never summoned the incubus. If I hadn’t summoned the incubus, I would never have become afraid. If I hadn’t become afraid, I would’ve never hungered for the power that made me feel strong again. And if I had never hungered for that power, I wouldn’t be where I am today…a shell of what I could’ve been.
She paused for a moment in her mental ramblings. If I hadn’t become corrupted by the Uor’Tal, I never would have met Daelin… She frowned slightly at that thought. One good thing out of all the bad. Even though it is the most wonderful thing of all…
She shook her head slightly, as if to clear her thoughts. It’s no use dwelling on what’s happened, it’s best to learn from it, and continue forward. It’s time to stop running, turn around, and do something about this mess. She tossed another stone into the pool, this time a bit more gently than the last. It’s time I made sure my fears never become truth, and it’s time to make amends with myself at least.
She heard footsteps upon the stone but didn’t look up. There were many who passed by this way, some rushing along on business, others just meandering about. It wasn’t until the figure sat down next to her that she knew who it was.
“Well, well.” Daelin chuckled softly as he settled comfortably upon the stone. He gave her his usual arrogant grin which she was so fond of, but even that didn’t lift her spirits.
She smiled halfheartedly at him, “hello hotshot.” His grin disappeared a little as he turned his head to look her in the eyes.
“Something’s wrong.”
“Something’s always wrong,” she retorted.
“Then tell me about it.” His voice held some force, it was his job to get information from people, and he was good at it. She couldn’t have refused telling him even if she wanted to.
She sighed softly, tossing the last stone that was near her into the pond as she avoided his gaze by watching the ripples. “I...I can’t keep doing this Dae, I can’t keep being a warlock…” She made it sound so simple, as if that was that, and it didn’t seem he needed any further explanation.
Daelin nodded at her. “I see two options then, Koril. You can retain the majority of your powers, but use them against the demons instead of with them. Fight fire with fire. With your knowledge of them, and your spells, they wouldn’t stand a chance.” She frowned slightly at that, but he continued. “Or…I can gather up a few dozen priests I know, and they can remove the demonic influence from you completely.”
Her curiosity was peaked at that, her brow arched and she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “That can be done?” It sounded impossible…
He nodded once again. “I’ve seen this coming for quite some time Koril. The research and most of the preparations needed for the ritual are already done. But it’s dangerous, and you likely won’t survive it. If you do, you will be greatly weakened.” He spoke in a matter of fact tone and she digested this information quietly for a few moments.
“I became a warlock because I was afraid, Daelin. And now, because of my warlockery, I’m still afraid. It’s time for me to stop running. To be rid of the power that could destroy me? It’s worth the risk.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close in a comforting manner. “I…I just don’t know what I’d do afterwards…how would I fight? How would I defend myself? I know a little of daggers and I’m not strong enough to lift a sword…”
“You could be taught.” His tone suggested he had something more in mind than just that, so she pressed the issue further.
“Who would have the patience to train one that’s never had to lift a finger to defend herself?” She scowled a bit.
“Someone who loves you very much Koril.” She turned her head to stare at him, a look of surprise on her face. The faintest hint of a hidden smirk was on his features as he continued. “It’s about time I took on an apprentice and I could always use a sidekick.” The smirk came out in full now as he couldn’t hold it back any longer.
“You would train me?” She reached up and mussed up his hair, grinning a little.
“If you are willing to learn,” was his only reply. She reached into her sleeve, pulling out the small dagger she always kept hidden there, balancing the blade on one finger alone as she smirked smugly at him, determination in her eyes.
“I will learn.”