Already evening in Stormwind, and I'm walking through Old Town, towards The People's Militia headquarters. Their Commander, Minetha Nightingale, has agreed to be interviewed for The Azeroth Journal. When I come in and announce the reason for my visit, a nice but serious militant offers me a seat where I can wait until Commander Nightingale comes back.

It seems that I've arrived just in the same moment as a new member is being accepted in their ranks, which is, in my humble opinion, good news - we need more security in our city these days.

At last, my interviewee walks in, with a tired look in her face, obviously from a hard day's work. But as soon as she notices me, a smile comes to her face, and offers me a seat and a coffee. I must say that, if they let the imprisoned criminals taste it, the widely known expression "prison food" completely changes: one of the best coffees I've ever tried!

Commander Nightingale is a woman in her early thirties, married and with a child, but nobody would say so by looking at her body complexion, which is obviously the result of a life of training and hard work. Her insignia shines on her clothes, stating her rank and protecting her from mind control magical devices aswell. Her clean uniform, serious haircut and polished weapon speak of her dedication and discipline.

But let's get to the point. First, I wanted to know more about this woman's life, uncover the truth behind the rumors.

Doe: Were you really a pirate in your youth?
Nightingale: (lets out a hearty chuckle, seems to find it really funny) Straight down to business... I like you reporters, your job is alike to ours. And to answer your question, yes and no. I wasn't a pirate that would shout "Yarr! Land ahoy, mateys!". (quietly snickers to herself) I used to work on a boat, though, yes.

D: A sailor, then?
N: (nods)

D: I've also heard that you were held captive by the orcs, is that true?
N: Held captive? No. Lived with? Yes. I'd like to clear up a few misconceptions about the whole race.

At this point, Commander Minetha starts to speak unintelligible words, both gutural and complicated to my ears, with a smile on her face.

D: You speak Orcish?! That's really amazing, indeed, you must have spent much time with them...
N: Three years. (becomes serious again) The orcs are -not- a bloodthirsty race, seeking to destroy us. All they ask for is a place in this world... A place to call their own, where they can live, as a race, as a family, as we do here. During my stay with the orcs, even though it came about from unfortunate incidents, I learnt that they love peace much more than these warmongering so-called "believers of the Light", no names mentioned (smiles and winks).

D: What made you change your life to become a defender of the peace and order? Did it have something to do with the birth of your daughter?
N: (smiles) You've investigated quite a bit, haven't you? (grins). Yes, it had very much to do with the birth of my daughter, and settling down and getting married as a whole. Having a child is a life-changing experience... Changes your values in life completely (smiles again, and her expression softens as her eyes look away in the distance of the past for a moment). Though, it didn't make me a defender (shrugs).

D: Why not?
N: Because... -that- is one long story. I am a defender, yes, but not because my daughter was born. My daughter is involved in the whole thing. It dates back to the time after she was born, me and my husband moved to Eastvale. Me, my husband and the village major, (no names mentioned), decided on starting the Militia to counter Stormwind pulling back the troops, and threats rising from around - We defended our town. Then the Militia were stationed in Hillsbrad, now moved to Stormwind.

D: And why that change for the headquarters?
N: Well, we're employees of course, and it seemed that the town of Southshore had no more need for us. And Stormwind needed assistance, and has needed, since the Evacuation.

D: Now that you mention it, as you surely know better than me, a group of Scarlet Missionaries has appeared in Stormwind... They scare and upset many citizens with their religious speeches, and the situation is becoming worse with the rumors that they're raising some kind of "army". What's your personal opinion, and the People's Militia official stance towards them?
N: Well, Scarlets have been stationed in Stormwind for as long as Scarlets have existed. The Militia are watching them with caution, but they are breaking no laws, there is nothing wrong with what they do (her kind expression fades away to give place for a more serious look). Well, trust me... If they do something, we will be all over them (and smiles again, this time fiercely). As with all criminals in Stormwind.
***DISCLAIMER*** Neither Commander Minetha Nightingale, nor The People's Militia, consider this group as criminals.

D: We've also heard some complaints about lesser crimes, like pickpockets, and general lack of security in the streets, being the newcomers the most affected by this.
N: Well, we will never be able to prevent crime.
D: Even in the RAS conference there was an attempt to pickpocket one of the attendants... What recommendations would you give to the people who visit our beloved city to avoid being victims of these crimes?
N: Stay out of the dark alleys: Cut Throat Alley and Old Town's back alleys, for example. And the Mage District, even though it's beautiful, is also dark, mysterious and a bit shady at night... A few bars there harbor some criminals.

This statement brings something to my mind, and I gather the will to speak, though I'm aware that I could be considered a fool for paying ears to what you hear through the grapevine.

D: I've heard just a few things about a group called "dark embraced" or something... but I haven't been able to discover anything at all about them.
N: Ah, well, we're on the same ground about that then.
D: Could you be talking about this, when you warned about the Mage Quarter?
N: In any case, The Militia are not open to disclose such information. And no, I don't mean them in the Mage Quarter. If the location of this supposed organization would be known, do you think their existence would be a doubt and that they'd still be free?

Nightingale's words surely don't uncover much, but at least the Militia seems to be investigating the issue, which is just one more proof of the extreme care that these worthy group put in protecting Stormwind's citizens, not only pursuing crime where it's found, but also preventing it.

D: And, last, among all the situations that the Militia's had to deal with, which one would you choose as the worst?
N: The worst situation... (her eyes look away while searching through her memories) The prize has got to go to the kidnapping of Lady Quintessa Lescovar. It was interesting, very well planned. We managed to fool them though (smiles).

D: Happily, indeed... what happened with the criminals?
N: Unfortunately, due to a little legal loophole, the crimes they committed were outside our jurisdiction, so we couldn't capture them. But, they didn't get away unscathed either.

D: Well, I guess that was all... unless there's something that you'd like to add, Commander.
N: Nothing really, but wish you and all of Azeroth a good, safe day!

Finally, I ask Nightingale for a picture of her - she blushes, but agrees to let me take a shoot of her and her cat in the Militia headquarters. When asked to pose in the way that makes her feel most comfortable, she quickly adopts a martial position, which makes her strong will and devotion shine in her face.

This woman, devoted to her family and her work, caring but strong, is, without a doubt, the person you'd like to have protecting your town - or your worst nightmare, if you're a criminal!

Just when I'm about to bow as a farewell, Commander Minetha kindly offers me the opportunity to get to know better the everyday life of the Militants, by accompanying some of the recruits in one of their patrols. I must admit that I feel honored, and happily agree to contact her again soon to arrange a new appointment. So, dear readers, be prepared for a new article soon about Stormwind's city life and The People's Militia!