Brothers In The Horde, Brothers For Life

Born to a well established family, Illiothiodan and Illiothiodon, were very well off during their early years. Their family was well known in the Holy Hierarchy and their parents were two of the highest ranking citizens within the Order of Light. Their Father, Illio, was a High Priest and was the rock on which the family based it's values. Their Mother, Illyanay, was a High Priestess and Ward Mother to their friends.

My his 8th season, Illiothiodan, showed signs and knowledge of following in his father's footsteps, having learned the art of healing and prayer early. He continued his daily sessions alone, or with his brother, and during their weekly sessions with their father. His knowledge grew and his strength with his abilities grew as well. Knowing that one day he may be called upon to take up in his father's stead in the ranks of the divine.

Illiothiodon, though also well versed in the practices of preservation and healing, yearned for a little more, sneaking off during their parents long meetings, or absences he would seek refuge with their Uncle, Shadraylan, whom many in the family considered an outcast for following the darker path of Shadow Casting.

It wasn't long before Illiothiodon was soon showing the signs of walking the Path of Shadow. His hair turning jet black and his will and resolution focused mainly on his new found love of the Dark Magic coursing through his veins. His parents, wanting nothing to do with the Uncle and his teachings and students, soon outcast him and barred him entrance to their home from that moment on. Illiothiodan ever loyal to his brother, packed his few belongings and ran to catch up on the road with Illiothiodon.

"What are you doing here?" Illiothiodon asked.

"Staying with you, my brother. Home isn't home without everyone there. And you and I are not much different from eachother. Whether you walk the Path of Shadow and I walk the Path of Preservation, I still have room for you in my life. Just as I do Uncle Shadralyan." Illiothiodan responded.

"Point taken brother, but what of mother and father? They don't want me and neither does the rest of the family. And I'm not sure our Uncle looks kindly on those that cast him out."

"Well, unbeknownst to you and our parents. I too have been meeting with our Uncle. Not for training but for conversation and laughs. We are both welcome there, you and I." Illiothiodan remarked with a smirk.

Illiothiodon erupted with a smile and laughter at his brother, "You are sometimes too smart for your own good!"

"Aye, but smarter than you! I would have at least colored my hair to keep from showing off that I had changed paths!" Illiothiodan commented as he dashed off to escape the "retaliation" of his brother.

The two brothers laughed and talked as they journeyed down the road to their Uncle's home within the hills of Ghostlands. Ever one for secrecy the only ones who knew the location of this humble structure were the students, the Master, and the two brothers. They rounded the hill and disappeared into the small cave, ensuring the "rock" covering was still in place and proceeded to hail their Uncle.

"Master Shadraylan, it is us, your nephews!" They both yelled with laughter in their voices.

"Ah! My two favorite people..well other than my students of course!" An echoing voice returned to them.

"What brings you here this day lads?" Shadraylan asked as he looked at them quizzically.

"Well...." Illiothiodon was cut short.

"You see, Mother and Father found out that Illiothiodon had taken your lead in choosing the Path of Shadows. Well, rather saw than found out with that ghastly hairdo of his," chuckling Illiothiodan continued, "and they kicked him out of our home and not one to be there without my friend and brother, I left as well. And, well, here we are."

"I knew it may come to that, and so did you Illiothiodon. I told you of the consequences within the family. Yet, Illiothiodan, you know full well you won't be allowed to return to the home you knew or be inducted into the Order the moment you stepped foot outside that door to follow your brother." Shadraylan sighed.

"The bond between brothers in this family are strong, yet broken easily. I am surprised in you though, young Illiothiodan, for when I chose the Path of Shadows, your father turned his back to me and said he had no brother. The bond you two have as brothers will prove far stronger than tempered steel in the years to come. And I know full well, you two will prove far more cunning and more devastating than any enemy could ever hope to comprehend."

A puzzled look stole over their faces as they both chimed together, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, in the years you have before you, training and fighting, you two will show a bond that none have seen thus far. The Path of Shadows and the Path of Preservation fighting along side eachother and forcing the enemies of the Horde down to their knees before them in an unprecedented pace. You two will force the change of the Priestly ways. Forever. Be it good or bad, I know not, but I do know that you two will be the turning and focus point of this change." Shadraylan responded.

The three shared a light dinner and small talk remembering the past and having laughs at the stories they grew up on. The Sun faded as the Moon rose and bathed the hills in her ghostly light. The fire grew small as the three moved to separate rooms to sleep until the dawn had returned.

When they awoke the next morning, Shadraylan was no where to be found. Illiothiodon was first to find the parchment entailing their future from this moment forward. He read the note aloud as they dined on fresh bread and meat their uncle had left them.

"My dearest Nephews. My apologies for not being here upon your awakening. But I had things that needed urgent tending to. Know this, you are well loved and still thought of on both halves of your family. Whether they say it, show it, or not. Know well in your hearts that you are being prayed for. Your paths will differ slightly from each other in your training and fighting styles. But, for the majority you two will fight as one. Your foes will cower before your power and the gods will know your accomplishments. Keep your spirits high and do not falter in your dealings with the enemies. Your Spirits and your Will will never break as long as you two stand together. If either of you turn on the other, then know full well, we are doomed to darkness at the hands of the Undergods. Those sworn to evil and destruction. Despite what others say, the Priestly Path of Shadows is not evil. Just more attuned to devastation to our enemies. Seek out Thrall in Orgrimmar and heed his words well. I have sent a messenger ahead to inform him of your arrival. Do not fail him, he is a born leader and knows what he says and knows how to deal with our enemies. He does not give out tasks that he knows his followers can't accomplish. Seek him out and follow the Horde and ensure our victory!"

The two brothers stared at eachother in silence and looked around at their Uncle's home once more. Illiothiodan noticed two packages and handed one to his brother. Opening the wrapping, they each pulled out a fine robe. One Red, one White. Illiothiodan donned the robe of white showing that he follows the Path of Preservation. Illiothiodon donning the robe of red, showing the Path of Shadows. They stood in silence for a moment, and doused the fire, and headed to Silvermoon City.

Thus, our two brothers have come to Durotar, and their future is laid before them...