[Julilee]

11/4/2014

I returned Vilmah's journals to her... and after last night, it seems appropriate to start keeping my own.

Sanctuary has risen. I wasn't the only one who believed justice should never die. And it never truly did -- Vilmah and Nojinbu were still fighting for it all along, even when Garrosh sought their lives. Compared to them, I am a mere initiate. Less, really... I already had no accomplishments to my name, no hardship under my belt. Except, now, for last night's endeavors.

We met at the Blasted Lands base camp, as Nojinbu indicated. He was prepared to give orders, to lead the charge. But then Saphiara spoke up. I don't know, yet, her entire history with the guild, why she said what she did then, but she was right. I was the one who raised Sanctuary's banner. It fell to me to lead. And I told Nojinbu what I intended, and he accepted it.

Several other members of the Horde who were at the base camp decided to join us. I organized the group, and we headed to the Red Portal.

We came in too close, and were met with hostility. But then I had a chance to approach them under a flag of truce. I had expected... to be able to say my piece, at least. If nothing else, it would be a fair warning to this Iron Horde that Azeroth would not be an easy conquest. A show of strength and confidence. I'm no fool; I knew they were not here to make friends. But they just laughed and pulled me down before I had done more than announced my intentions.

The others came, but so did ranks upon ranks of the Iron Horde. We were forced to retreat, barely escaping. I have never come so close to losing my life. It was a sobering experience.

But not one that dimmed our will.

We recouped, and I decided that we should return for a second strike, unexpected on the heels of the disastrous first. Some, including myself, were still injured, but none shirked the task. And the second foray was successful. We drove them back, routing nearly the entire camp. We let their dragonriders go, to bring word back to their superiors.

There was much to discuss that evening. Between their armaments, Garrosh's escape on the back of a bronze dragon, and the presence of a younger Warlord Zaela at the portal, it seemed highly likely these Iron Horde came from some sort of alternate timeline. But much of the how, and the why, we cannot even begin to speculate on yet.

At the end, Vilmah told me I was brave. I told her it was no less than she would have done. She agreed, if wryly. And then she and Nojinbu took up Sanctuary's banner one more.

A wrong has been righted, I think. At least, it is begun to be.

Later that evening, five more came to the banner, including the entire remaining regiment of the Order of Eversong. This after two joined earlier that day, before the assault. Sanctuary is now truly a force to be reckoned with again. I have promoted a number of officers to assist me, first among them Kargron, with Nojinbu and Vilmah of course holding honored positions, and Cerryan from the Order as well having proven himself. As our ranks grow, I may find more whom I can trust deeply.

I am Julilee Liene of Sanctuary, and while I would not say I fear nothing... there is nothing I would not face for justice. For the Horde. And for Sanctuary.

[Julilee]

11/5/2014

I spoke to Saphiara last night, and learned some of the reason for her bitterness. I'd known she tried to lead Sanctuary under Garrosh's rule, after Vilmah, Nojinbu, and others went underground, but I hadn't realized she held it against them that they abandoned the banner. I can't say for myself which position I would have taken... To allow the banner to fall is no small thing, but lives were at stake.

I may have to make such a decision someday, if such circumstances or comparable ones were to arise again. And I know a variety of experience and opinion will help me make better choices. So I asked Saphiara if she would take an officer position. She said she wasn't prepared to lead, but agreed to be an advisor.

I also spoke to Civarra yesterday evening. She turns into quite the chatterbox one-on-one. She mentioned another former ally of Sanctuary that I should try to locate. Though... I find myself wondering where these allies were in Sanctuary's darkest times. But surely everyone with a fair, open mindset found themselves threatened during those days if they spoke up. I cannot blame them for protecting themselves... although in that I can say with surety that I would not have done the same.

Something else significant happened yesterday as well. I made contact with a friendly member of the Alliance, Tuuroto of the Order of the Redblade. He made an amicable overture and I responded in kind. We may be meeting soon. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity, but am trying to remain cautious.

I need to catch up with some of the initiates -- Blodwyen, Paunch, Foozle, Drixle, Kenjin, Somer. I want to speak to Kargron, too. I told him after the battle that I was glad I could depend on him, but we should speak more. Of everyone in Sanctuary, he is the one I trust the most to understand and support my intentions.

There is someone else I find myself trusting as well, but his loyalties lie elsewhere. It's best if I maintain a distance.

[Julilee]

Another new initiate last night. I've run out of tabards at this point, what with ten new members this week. That not being an exaggeration. Luckily, Faelenor had one handy.

He seems like a thoughtful person... but I have the feeling there's something going on I don't know about. Just something he said. I might ask him if he needs help, the next time I see him. I should speak to Amalyn as well, and get to know her better.

I did get an opportunity to speak to Blodwyen, but somehow I just ended up sounding like I doubted her. I didn't mean to. The oaths don't have to be a struggle for everyone. Some people may be born for them, and never have to give them much thought. But I have to wonder how to tell those from those who fail to give them the reflection they deserve until a difficult choice is upon them.

[Julilee]

The Horde has begun making preparations to take the Red Portal. There is no doubt the Alliance is seeking to do the same. I hope to speak to Tuuroto of the Order of the Redblade soon, and perhaps we can coordinate our efforts. The Horde and the Alliance have worked together before when we shared common goals, or at least a common enemy... It is good a place as any to start anew, and set the example.

Yesterday was a relatively quiet day. I spent some time cleaning the guildhall. I threw away much of the junk, but came across some old papers that appeared to be a partial roster of Sanctuary before Garrosh. Not all of it is legible, but I can make out quite a few names. I'm going to try to locate them... Maybe there will be others waiting to take up the banner again, but at the very least the efforts of those who fell should be acknowledged, and forever remembered.

I did find out previously that two former members of Sanctuary are still around, but have joined a different guild. Which guild is a surprise: none other than The Grim. That is, those whose motto is "Peace Through Annihilation," and believe the only way to protect and advance the Horde is to completely destroy its enemies.

I have no idea what to make of that kind of change of heart. What must one go through to have a complete reversal of morality? And I confess that I can't help but feel, narrowly, that if one is capable of believing that the ends can justify the means, one never really believed otherwise. There are no shades of justice.

I will seek them out anyway, to speak to them. The first is Malethia. Even if it is an uncomfortable or hostile encounter, I must know.

While I was cleaning the guildhall yesterday, I started thinking about renovating it. The goblins pretty much just patched it together enough to pass regulation... with a well-bribed inspector. We've also gotten so many people that there isn't even enough room for everyone. I started daydreaming of having an entire garrison where we could marshal our forces, make preparations, and rest when needful. It will be a long while before we have the resources for anything like that, though.

In the meantime, we make do with what we have. Everyone is very generous with one another, more than happy to share what they've accumulated. I prefer it this way, rather than relying on my parents. I haven't even talked to them in weeks.

[Julilee]

I did speak to Malethia. It wasn't as unpleasant as I suspected. I'm not afraid to stare hate in the eye. I can, and can look upon it with compassion. What happened to her shouldn't happen to anyone. I vowed that I would never give up on a member of Sanctuary. I will never cut my losses, or place such priorities on the back burner and forget about them due to other concerns, no matter how pressing. I've vowed it.

I'll send out the couriers today.

Nojinbu accompanied me to speak to Tuuroto. I ended up telling him much more about Sanctuary than he did us about the Order of the Redblade. But he indicated his guild was formerly allies with the Order of Eversong, so it seems I can lay those concerns to rest. If Cerryan and the others trusted him, he must be trustworthy. The next time we get together, hopefully we'll speak more about specific plans for our guilds to work together. He did mention putting on a gathering so that our members could all get to know each other. That seems nice; but I don't know if there will be time for that before it's time to take the Red Portal.

Nojinbu also made me realize that I was still looking to him too often. It's one thing to ask him for advice and another to defer to his experience. I realized that I'd been unsure about my own position in Sanctuary since his and Vilmah's return, but it seems neither is prepared to take up the mantle of guildmaster again. I must do my best, or, as Nojinbu said, better than that. I have to be what Sanctuary needs.

[Julilee]

I'm not sure how to describe yesterday. All I can think of is the Tarot reading that Tuuroto performed. The cards indicated that fate itself would be the genesis of Sanctuary's victory. But the cards were no more than randomly chosen pictures into which we read what we wanted to see; or so Tuuroto claimed. Yet the coincidences are surely enough to give anyone pause.

Nojinbu and I were unexpectedly called to Razor Hill when a defense alert went out. However, when we arrived, it was peaceful. But almost immediately, we were approached by someone seeking help. He spoke of a vision that was haunting him. And he knew the names of some old Sanctuary members – some older than I'd ever heard of, even with the partial roster I'd found, but which Nojinbu recognized. Piecing together what was in the vision, we determined that whatever it was indicating was surely located on the Timeless Isle. So we went.

We ended up stranded on the rocky bluffs. Nojinbu was sure it was a trap, but I knew we could handle it if it were. Then... a ghost appeared, and took on corporeal form. And he recognized Nojinbu, who after a few moments of disbelief recognized him as well.

I almost didn't place the name at first – Vilmah had only briefly mentioned the Warboss before her in her journals. But it was Grisch, returned from being trapped in the twisting nether.

From there, he had watched different "streams" of time, as he had referred to them, which included such possibilities as Vilmah and Nojinbu taking down Garrosh together, and another where Gamon became Warchief. Only now had he finally been able to find the right timeline... although one might wonder, with an inexperienced Sin'dorei leading Sanctuary in this one.

At least I'm not Warchief.

Grisch seemed gladdened that I had done as I had and raised the banner again. He was swift to swear himself to it once more. He and Nojinbu spoke at length that evening, but I was called to other business. I wish to speak with him much more in the future.

The business was that three more members of the Order of Eversong returned, and wished to join their comrades in Sanctuary. Cerryan was not there to sponsor them, but Faelenor was, and Amalyn. Two of the applicants were quiet and amenable, but the third was not.

I hadn't expected to ever face an applicant who was dubious. Typically, one doesn't seek to join a guild like Sanctuary without truly believing in the purpose it espouses. But I suppose some might find they have other motivations, such as staying in the company of their friends. I told him that he must abide by the oaths while he is in Sanctuary, but that he may leave at any time if he decides our guild is not a good fit for him. I will have to watch him, and find an opportunity to speak to the others on a more personal level.

That night, two more former members of Sanctuary returned as well. Both had taken up other positions in the Horde well before Sanctuary's downfall, but sought to rejoin as word of Sanctuary's unprecedented revival spread. One was a former officer. I'm beginning to wonder how many officers I will end up with if I keep promoting everyone who has proven themselves. Those called to Sanctuary have a tendency to do that.

I spoke to Faelenor, too, and he asked that I consider him for officership. I told him I promote those who have earned my complete trust, and he may yet do that. He took it upon himself to give me a good deal of advice. I wasn't offended by any of it; as I told him, I have little in the way of pride. I realize I am completely inexperienced compared to many of those now surrounding me. I appreciate his good intentions... but it does make me wonder where the line lies that separates such intentions from doubt.

I may have little experience in the world. But I have a conviction; an unshakable one. I don't need anyone else's approval, or belief in me. I'm going to do what's right regardless. I will always choose what's right.

[Julilee]

Something bad happened yesterday. I'm not sure I want to talk about it. It's hard to not let it color my view of the world somewhat... But I always knew people were flawed, and some more so than others. I want to stay a trusting person who sees the best in everyone. And it's not like the worst happened. Too, I have to keep reminding myself it wasn't my fault. The shock should fade with time. I hope so, anyway.

Later on, Kenjin asked me for something. I get the impression she's very shy and hates to ask anyone for anything. She told me she was from the Zandalari tribe, which I hadn't realized, but she didn't follow her people on the warpath, even after the Cataclysm destroyed their home. She wanted a new home, so I told her she could have a room in the guildhall, and I'd help her clean it up. It's next to mine, now.

I asked her if she believed in fate; in destiny. She told me she didn't, because it was too cruel to think that she and her people had been singled out for punishment by some divine force. I realized she was completely right. To believe that Sanctuary somehow deserved fate's blessing while others who have suffered didn't is unfair and judgmental. I may believe that justice is the noblest goal in the world, and that it will always prevail; but there are far too many injustices perpetrated by fate to believe it could be working in justice's favor. My discovery of Sanctuary, meeting Cerryan, finding Nojinbu, Grisch's return from the twisting nether -- all fortuitous for Sanctuary, but not destiny. Just random, blind luck.

[Julilee]

Yesterday was a long and at some points harrowing day. Sanctuary was, by order of the Warchief, one of the last Horde forces to enter the Red Portal. A few of us had gone earlier, or had other assignments – including Vilmah – but two parties of us were ready at the appointed hour.

The first order of business was seeing to closing the portal. We were faced with some undesirable consequences for doing so, but the alternative was worse. From there, it was a race to survive as Iron Horde forces dogged our heels. But we managed to deal some blows as we escaped – and along the way, we freed a score of prisoners the Iron Horde had taken.

Everyone stayed together, watched out for each other, and rose to the occasion. Sanctuary suffered no losses. I am so glad.

It was the Frostwolf who became our allies in the midst of it. In the end, they granted us a parcel of land in their cold, ruggedly beautiful mountains. We began building yesterday, and established a rudimentary garrison. The guildhall in Orgrimmar will be getting much less use now; but at least we can get back to Azeroth.

When we had walls around us again, the beginnings of a barracks, and a warm fire, I called everyone together. All of the initiates who had survived the ordeal of the Red Portal had proven themselves worthy of recognized rank in Sanctuary. Those who were too far-flung to make it to the garrison last night, I will promote later.

I write this now while evaluating future plans and missions. One of the members of the other Horde forces who stayed to help man our garrison just referred to me as "Commander". It sounded strange, but... not wrong. Maybe I've finally found the right title to assume. "Warboss" never felt right.

Julilee Liene. Commander of Sanctuary.

I wonder if my parents would be pleased. But I'm not curious enough to bother inquiring.

[Julilee]

I'm often called a practical person. I look at the big picture, and measure my words and my actions. I'm not impulsive. At least, not often.

Kenjin felt it necessary to remind me of the oaths. I know she knows nothing of those we were facing, but it was disheartening nonetheless. I told Faelenor I don't have much pride, but maybe I do. Maybe I just hide it, and it comes out at times. Why else would it bother me that she did that? I don't want to fail Sanctuary... I want to lead by example. Still, I'm no paragon, and I don't believe I have fate at my side either. I'm bound to make mistakes at times. It will be up to me to realize them, and learn from them. And perhaps I never realized that one might have to apply the fourth oath to one's self. Forgiving yourself... That is a challenge.

I hope I have not made us enemies.

[Julilee]

The past few days have gone by so fast. The construction of the garrison continues at a rapid pace. Everyone is contributing resources to their own projects, so we'll have nearly everything we could need.

And we continue to make progress across Draenor, making what allies we can. We've faced parts of the Iron Horde at times, and dealt what blows we could. There have been losses, but still none in Sanctuary. I work hard to endeavor that that does not change.

On a smaller scale, I seem to have re-attracted the attention of the Grim priestess I met some time ago. Lilliana is her name. We didn't get off on quite the right foot, what with her scoffing at me when she found out Kargron had sworn himself to Sanctuary's cause. But she seems to want to correct that... my dislike, that is. Without actually changing her own opinion. By showing up wherever I am, constantly. I have no idea what she's thinking most of the time. But we were in the same area and teamed up for some objectives.

Then she called in her allies when some Alliance attacked us, and the group of them embarked on a hunt. I didn't want any part of it, and was frustrated to have been involved at all. I would have stopped them if I could have. But all I could do was leave.

I saw Paunch later, and had the opportunity to promote him. It turned out he knew Lilliana, and he invited her back to the garrison. I took the opportunity to ask the both of them their opinions on some matters. Lilliana seemed surprised I would seek her opinion, but I've always felt that everyone has something they can learn from someone else. However, the question I asked her still remains unanswered, to me.

One other thing. Faelenor delivered a letter from someone named Lysimachus dej Dynastus. The surname is familiar from my time in Silvermoon, and Faelenor and Amalyn indicated he came from a powerful family, but I never paid much attention to politics and the social scene of my home city. I've always been one for doing, not for talking. I'm not sure what his interest is in Sanctuary, but I responded with an invitation to meet. We'll see what comes of it.