The Maiden's Lake

Many years ago, there was an Alteraci warrior of great fame named Fritjof. He was the son of Erikr, a Warlord of the Alteraci. His father was pressuring him to marry and find a wife before his time as Warlord came, and as rumours began to circulate if Fritjof sought the warmth of a woman at all. Fritjof stalked Alterac for many cold months in search of a bride, and whilst all the woman of the land sought to marry themselves to the famous warrior and heir apparent of Alterac, he could not find a woman who he could love in return.

During his twentieth year, his father held a large feast and every Chieftain and Thane across the land were invited. Famous men of no holdings, too. The Chief of Southshore brought his family, including his young daughter Gunborg. She was funny, quick witted, wise and beautiful. And Fritjof was enthralled by her beauty, despite her being some years younger. Erikr proposed this marriage to the Chief and he refused, stating that her hand was already sworn to a young noble from Gilneaum.

Fritjof was scorned and insulted, believing himself to be a much finer catch than any man from the Blackwald. A few nights had passed since the feast, and the young Gunborg, foolishly so decided to leave Fritjof a red rose of her affection. Growing ever more love sick, he decided he would take her from her father's hall by force. Ordering his Companions to arm themselves and join him, they made for Southshore.

Fritjof and his companions snuck into Southshore at the dead of night and stole away the young Gunborg from her father's hall, fleeing for Alterac. Although initially she protested, she fell for Fritjof on their travels. However, the Chief and his riders had caught up with Fritjof's party and battle ensued. With Fritjof and his Companions slain, Gunborg, overcome with despair, cast herself into the Lake.

War broke out between the two peoples for a short time, and both the Chief and Warlord Erikr were slain in the last decisive battle at the lake of their children's death. The Druids calling for peace, and shortly after peace followed.

In current times, long after the War of the Lake, lovers will come to the Lake and place a red rose at the shrine, as Gunborg left for Fritjof, to ask for her aid and blessing in their marriage. Should their love be true and their marriage destined to be prosperous, the rose will remain at the shrine as it was placed. Yet if it withers, the marriage is condemned by the spirit, and cannot be lead by a Druid. This tradition is followed by the peoples of Alterac and Hillsbrad both.