The dreams occured again. Just like they do every night for the last few weeks. At first, they were unclear; fragments of blurred images of figures, lights and shadows. But they gradually got clearer and clearer, like a cloth unwounding from my eyes. Its transluscence ever fading. Yet, I got no respite even as these dreams got more vivid; they showed images. Terrible images of death and destruction. I saw fires engulfing villages and towns. Innocent people were seen being stalked and butchered by bloodthirsty orcs while dragons flew overhead, spewing flames and lighting Valeria in a spectacular inferno.

And the screams. I could not block them even if I tried. What is happening? Are these mere nightmares or visions? Deep down I knew the answer. The powers imbued to me by the crystal of Fire did not give me the luxury of a frivolous dream and despite such power, I am filled with worry and fear. Nonetheless, I stubbornly clung to hope that maybe, just maybe, I am mistaken.

"Celesta, are you in here?"

Elena's concerned voice woke me from my meditation. Opening my eyes, I turned my gaze towards the entrance of the temple's meditation chamber and saw my close friend and confidante since my arrival at the temple of Fire as its crystal's guardian.

"Yes I am, Elena," I replied as I stood up and began to adjust my clothes. Grabbing my focus staff nicknamed 'Celesta's Devotion' by my peers, I approached my friend. Elena Graveheart is the High Wizard of the temple of Fire. Her skill in the arcane arts has earned her renown. It could have been even higher if most people chose to overlook her petite frame and striking features. In spite of her reputation I have found her a charming and kind woman who would not hesitate to lend a listening ear or a helping hand to anyone, even strangers.

"I'm so sorry for interrupting your meditation, Celesta. I know how important it must be for you now with all the dreams you've been having..."

I dismissed the apology with a wave and a friendly smile and noted with small satisfaction at seeing Elena's posture visibly relaxed at the gesture.

"So how is my favourite Fire Crystal Guardian this morning?" asked Elena with a wide smile. Her grey eyes twinkling merrily.

I pondered on my reply. But not before rolling my eyes at her dry sense of humour. Elena had the uncanny ability to discern someone's mood just by observing them. That made lying to her a very a bad idea. Besides, she already knew about my dreams which I revealed after much prodding. Elena's patented inquisition is very effective and she did not even need to use any magic.

I hope.

"The same as yesterday morning and the morning before, I'm afraid," I replied with as much nonchalance as possible. Just because she is emotionally observant does not mean I could not stop trying. It was like a little game the both of us played and the frown that formed on Elena's face confirmed my subsequent defeat.

"Celesta, you need to share this with someone. Even if it's not with me. This couldn't be healthy to you. It wouldn't do for a crystal guardian to be distracted from her duties by visions."

"Dreams, Elena. Not visions. Dreams," I corrected her.

Elena let out an annoyed sigh before speaking again.

"What about your sisters? Sylvanas is in a better position to help you being a guardian herself..."

Elena paused upon seeing my downcast face when I heard Sylvanas's name. No word had been heard from the land of Mist for almost two
seasons. The last had been a hastily written letter consisting more like formalities to an acquaintance rather than to her own sister and fellow Crystal Guardian. What little she divulged was mention of dark days and sleepless nights. In addition, her tone sounded distressingly weary. It was as if she was fighting an immense battle in her head as she was writing the letter to me. I hope my two letters to her have been received in good health. Inside, I am not too sure.

The lands of Earth, Mist and Water are rumoured to be in a more precarious state than us. Arielle has just sent me a message from Earth. She sends her love and wishes but I fear that her young age is making her too eager to prove her mettle. Being the youngest of a revered family and having two elder siblings holding important posts would surely be an impetus to follow in their footsteps. It did not help that from her correspondence, Arielle frequently complained of how the elders frequently compared her to Sylvanas and I. I just hope that she does not decide to do something too foolish and impulsive.

"Why don't you go visit her, Celesta?" asked Elena gently. "It would probably mean a lot to her if you did."

"I would, Elena, if I could" I murmmured. "But I have to stay here where the crystal would function best. Times are becoming uncertain and my duty to Valeria overrules a sister's concern over her siblings. Besides if not for these silly dreams, I would be able to concentrate better at finding out what's troubling Valeria."

Elena snorted.

"Really now? Well then, if they aren't prophetic then I suppose this bit of news would come as a shock to you," she said.

"What is it?"

Elena took a moment before answering my question.

"As you know, the orcs have been raiding our borders for quite awhile and these incursions have increased steadily these few weeks." I nodded in affirmation. "Somehow these raiding bands have united into a cohesive force, as cohesive as orcs as can be, and have actually launched an actual invasion of the land of Fire last night."

At this, Elena paused for a slight moment to read my expression.

"Leon Ironhart is currently coordinating Fire's defences and he has sent a guard of warriors to protect you and the crystal. They're on their way here as we speak."

So it was true. It tried so hard not to believe it but in the end I was deluding myself. I felt my shoulders slump as if the entire orc army were marching on them. Gripping my staff tighter with my fingers, I rested my weight wearily as I walked slowly out of the meditation chamber to the balcony overlooking the vast plains of Anduin. The view was breathtaking in the light of the late morning sun. I shuddered at the thought of such beauty destroyed at the hands of these...

My eyes widened at a sight I could scarcely believe even with my keen elven sight.

"Elena, what is that?" I whispered as I pointed a finger at a black blob moving ever closer towards the temple. Moments later, a defeaning horn blew followed by fiery missiles hurled towards us...

Chapter 2! read and review please:)