A Figure on the Horizon

"Deep within the dunes of Tanaris, Aurendar sits. Blade in hand, skinning a fresh basilisk hide. Working the hide ever-so-gently, she peels the precious skin from the carcass. Azrael staring intently at the delicious morsels of meat. Taking her knife, she cuts off a chunk and tosses it away, sending Azrael off to enjoy a nice mid-day snack. Something catches Aurendar's attention off in the distance..."

There. On the horizon. A figure. Moving slowly in my direction. As the form got closer, it began to take shape. Someone mounted, not changing direction. I grab my daggers then ready my bow and quiver. Azrael, by instinct, leaps to my side when he sees my weapons at the ready.

Slowly the figure approaches. I'm hungry. I'm not in the mood to fight. I keep wishing that whoever it is, changes course and continues on their way.. Hmmm, not this day. The figure continues in my direction. I grab a razor shaft and load up. Azrael, glancing up at me with muscles twitching, waits for my command.

As the lone figure approaches, I catch the tell-tale signs of a blue tabard. Soon I notice the familiar glow of a set of Tankatronic Goggles. That can only be one person.

Garnil?

I order Azrael to stand down and I sheath my arrow. There is no doubt now that a member of Sterling approaches. "Aurendar! Well met Hunter!" Garnil proclaims. I offer up some Draenic water and offer him a spot by my fire. I throw a couple of Basilisk steaks on the flames that I had reserved from my kill.

"How goes life in the desert eh?" Garnil asks. My expression must have said volumes. "That good? I see." He mumbled as he tilted the water flask to his lips.

It was clear that Garnil and I had much to talk about. So we began our communion. A communion that should remain between a soldier and her Commander.

Yes. I have decided to return to Sterling. My Home. For the few days that I was away. I truly felt lost. It will be good to return to the Sterling Guild Hall, collect my tabard and rejoin the ranks.

Soon, Garnil had to take leave. Hearthing back to Shattrath, Garnil was soon gone. I sat by the fire, petted Azrael and wondered what my future will bring.

I am happy.

A Punished Land...

Tanaris. I don't care how many times you have been here, the desolation is awe inspiring. Yet, even in these conditions, you manage to find small pockets of life dotting the landscape. Azrael and I have been trudging these wretched sands for hours now.

Oh, I guess I should mention that I had parted ways with my beloved Sterling. We had reached a fork in the road on our journeys. So 6 hours later, I find myself in this wretched land, following the path Elune has laid out for me. I only hope I am following true. One learns not to question the gods.

The Filtered Draenic water I packed is holding steady. There is a small oasis about 2 hours away from where I am that should come in handy to re-stock and get cleaned up. Gadgetzan is about 4 hours beyond that. It will be good to rest, although Gadgetzan isn't known for it's peaceful solitude.

As I walk along, my thoughts turn to Sterling. Did I make the right choice? Could there have been another option? I guess I’ll never really know. As I said before, Elune and Elune alone holds my fate in her hands. How things play out I shall soon learn. One thing I do hope for is being in the company of Sterling once again. I find that I miss them more than I thought.

This morning as I left Theramore Isle, I ran into a Warlock named Meecrob. He wore the guild tabard of a local band of heroes I am familiar with named Talons of the Phoenix. We broke bread together and compared adventures we had been on. I love Azrael but it was good to talk to someone that could actually respond to my babble. We talked for a couple of hours.

Meecrob saw that I was without fellowship and he offered me his colors. I accepted, as wandering alone without muscle in these lands is not a wise move. It turns out that Meecrob is none other than the leader of that band. I was honored. Legend and Lore speak of Talons exploits in Karazhan. The future could get real interesting.

“So Aurendar tell me, can you enter the hallowed gates of Karazhan this day?" Meecrob questioned. “Nay sir, I cannot. One stage eludes me” I responded. “Oh really? And how can Talons serve your needs to see your destiny through?” Meecrob asked. “The Black Morass” I looked down and mumbled. Ashamed at the amount of times I had tried it and was unsuccessful.

“Ah! The Black Morass! Fear not Aurendar. My comrades will walk you through that wretched hive. Those gatekeepers are fodder for my band. You will be well taken care of.” Meecrob assured me. I felt the fire starting to burn in my gut once again. That familiar hunger for battle had returned.

"Welcome To The Talons Aurendar!"

With that, Meecrob took his leave. He had matters to attend to in the Outlands. I looked down at the tabard in my hands, confused as to what had just transpired. I hoped for the best but I had to continue my journey to Gadgetzan.

I will commune with you again once I am settled into my hovel at town.

{From the journals of Aurendar Moonstrider}
"Ande'thoras-ethil"
~~Aurendar

Just Me, Azrael & A Darnassian Ale (OH, and Egem...)

Alone.

Why must I always feel so alone?

My life, even as a small girl was consumed with being in solitude. I suppose that is why I chose the life of a hunter. For the most part, I am alone and the only company I keep is that of my Saber Azrael. If I had a silver piece for every ‘one sided’ conversation I’ve had with him, I’d be aloft on my own epic mount by now.

I was reminded of my singularity last night as I sat by myself with my Darnassian Ale at the World’s End Tavern. A night when I could be at work on some much needed quests that I have at my ready.

Yet I sit.

Soon an old Dwarven friend of mine, Egem from the Shadowstrider’s guild happened by and joined me for a drink. He could see that I was troubled “AUR! What be troubling you this fine night! Good drink, friends, what more could an adventurer want?” He bellowed. “Adventure???” I mumbled in my flagon as I finished off the last of my Ale. “Kylene! Another Ale and a Dwarven Stout for my friend here!” Egem pulled himself up to my table and turned an ear to my plight. “I helped some comrades acquire their last fragment for an Apprentice’s Key they had been searching for. I had acquired mine some time ago, so I was happy to help. The Black Morass was on the horizon. I was excited. Unfortunately today Aurendar would not be included in that battle. The choice of battle partners had already been made. And I lost. So I sit. My destiny with Medivh must wait yet another day." I said while taking my Ale from Kylene. “WHAT!!?? Say the word Aur, I haven’t cracked my knuckles on my fellow Alliance for some time now! From the sound of things, I'd bet 20 flagons that it's long over due it is!!” Egem shouted, effectively hushing all other conversation in the bar. Now, for those that have never had the ‘pleasure’ of dealing with the dwarven kind, it is important that you know that they are quick to anger. “Relax Egem. Your not going to kill anybody this day.” I re-assured him.

While I sat quietly enjoying my ale, Egem was off on a tirade. Through the years, I’ve learned to turn him off but I have to be honest, I was a bit upset.

Well, I think I will stop here so as to not say words that I would soon regret. I must head to the forests of Terrokar to hunt Warp Stalkers. They make the finest burgers!

Until next I write –

~~From the journals of Aurendar Moonstrider~~

"Ande'thoras-ethil"
~~Aurendar

Gronn With The Wind...

Silence.

Nothing but the wind in my hair, I close my eyes and journey to a far off land in my mind's eye. I'm in a place where there is no war, no conflict, no use for weaponry or armor. Azrael relaxing by a cozy fire in my hovel as I prepare for an evening of quiet dining and writing in my journal “AYE LASS!!! ANYBODY HOME??

“I thought ya for dead I did!” Flight Master, Rip Pedalslam squawked as I landed at my Destination. “That’ll be forty silvers!” he continued. I paid my dues. “Tally-ho!!" God I hate gnomes. You see, I’ve journeyed far across the Outlands to Toshley’s Station. What would drive a hunter to these desolate parts you ask?

I’m on the hunt…

A few days ago, I happened by a lonely Ogre named Grok in the Lower City district of Shattrath. He suggested I meet with an ogre in Blades Edge to discuss aligning myself in good graces with the ogre clans. Bottom line, such an act would make this Night Elf’s life A LOT easier! Needless to say, I jumped at the chance.

Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it sounds.

According to Mog’dorg the Wizened, I must slay five beasts. “Not nary a worry” I exclaim but am cut off short as Mog’dorg finished what he was saying. “Da beasts you seek are none other than da sons of dat dragon killing Gronn himself Gruul!” He heartily laughed with every ‘word’ uttered as I sank deeper and deeper into my boots. “You best find comrades to keep you company Aurendar! Gruul make feast out of dat kitty kat you have dair and you be desert you will!”

With that, he turned to his fellow ogres and started doing, doing… Ogre stuff.

Unfortunately the ogre is right. Legend tells of the atrocities committed by this infamous Gronn. I shall look forward to introducing Gruul to the business end of my bow. But not today.

For now however. The son’s of Gruul await. And wait they must. Four comrades in arms must join with me in battle. Four comrades in arms I am without.

This day, I wait….

~~From the journals of Aurendar Moonstrider~~

"Ande'thoras-ethil"
~~Aurendar

Things That Go Bump In The Night (Part Two)

“LOOK ALIVE! I’VE GOT FOUR MORE COMING YOUR WAY!” Garnil yelled as he rode full stride toward us with weapons drawn. Behind him, two crocilisks, a tarantula and a panther were in pursuit. With Askashia marking one, and I marking the other, we sent our pets off and let arrows and bullets fly. Dohom dove head first into the melee and sent sword to throat. Through out the action, that oh-so pleasant shrill of Sorowyn’s heals permeated the battle. A welcome dousing of healing light.

With armor and weapons glinting of blood in the moonlight, we repeated this scene over and over again until the last beast was cleared away from our final objective.

Medivh.

While we rested up, bandaged our pets and assessed the situation, Sorowyn was busy skinning hide. We had seen battle, we had won battle. Yet, the worst was yet to come. Medivh was in deep concentration as the Dark Portal before him hummed and sparked with electric fervor.

Stepping over the skinned corpses of dead beasts, we made our way to Medivh’s position. Once we arrived, Medivh called out for assistance in fending off the hordes of Dragonkin so that a possessed Medivh could open the Dark Portal. We don’t want to risk hurting Medivh but should Sargeras show his face, I have a razor shaft with his name on it.

Garnil road at full gallop around the swampland looking for the slightest sign of a portal spawning. “HAIL STERLING! A PORTAL APPEARS! BE AT THE READY!” Garnil roared as he dismounted and ran toward the first gatekeeper with swords drawn. “Aurendar, Askashia! You stand with Garnil! I’ll take care of these vile creatures attempting Medivh harm!” Dohom instructed. With our marks in place, and pets at the ready, we simultaneously release our pets to fight at Garnil’s side. Followed by a volley of deadly arrows and bullets from above. As with any battle, the enemy can get lucky. Sorowyn was there to correct any misgivings. A valuable addition to the party I must say. One by one, the enemy fell. Askashia and I looked at each other with unexpected surprise. “We are winning this day!” Askashia motioned. Her expression spoke volumes.

With that, we mounted and rode to the next spawning portal. Wave after wave, dragonkin after dragonkin they all fell. We were wearing our pride on our shoulders at this point.

But the night was not yet over.

At one of the beasts, we heard the distinct whisper from a disembodied voice. It was the voice of the High Elf we met at the entrance. “The Beacon Aurendar! Use it now!” the voice called out. With that, I ran to the Gatekeeper and dropped the beacon at his feet then waited to see what magic would come of this.

Slowly the beacon began to rattle and bounce around on the ground. “Elune Be Praised!” I yelled. As a giant golden dragon burst forth in washing light and fought along side Garnil! “By the GODS!” Garnil shouted in amazement. A wicked smile shown through on Garnil’s face as he drew forth new found energy with the help of his new partner in battle.

Soon the Gatekeeper met his fate with the help of the Golden Dragonkin. In the blink of an eye, our golden friend was at Dohom’s side making short work of those that would harm him. Before you knew it, the enemy was gone, Defeated. And the Dragon vanished. Our amazement was short-lived as another portal began spawning just through the marsh. Again, the tests of battle are upon us. Battle after battle, dragon after dragon, the war waged on. With warriors so valiant, the gods had to have run in fear at the mighty power that we were able to demonstrate.

Soon, all was quiet. The only sounds were that of the frogs and the crickets in the nearby marsh and of course that incessant hum emanating from the Dark Portal. We wasted no time in bandaging up and restoring that ever-so-precious mana for we knew not when we would be called upon again for battle. One thing we knew for sure however is that call would be coming.

It came too soon.

As we sat mending our wounds, an explosion of light bathed us in its glow. A portal much larger than the others appeared before us and the grim outline of a giant gatekeeper began to take shape. This beast was mightier than all of the others. Blow after blow he just kept coming. Sorowyn focused all of her energies on Garnil as he was directly engaged in battle with the awesome power of this dragon. Bolts of Shadow poured from the dark ones talons finding their way to Askashia, Dohom & I. Askashia and I looked at each other. Again communicating with glances. Stepping up the pace of my blows, Askashia lowered her bow, bandaged up as quickly as she could and resumed the fight at which point I did the same. We wanted Sorowyn to save her mana for Garnil. Finally the great dragon Aeonus took a deep breath and hurled not fire but sand! Garnil was directly in the line of fire. I saw him go down in one stroke.

“GARNIL!!” Askashia screamed as she let her Khorium Rifle drop to the ground and ran to his side. I stood there almost in shock waiting for movement from our fallen Commander. Soon an arm rose and draped itself around Askashia’s neck. Azrael and Scarlet, our pets were keeping Aeonis occupied as Garnil slowly began to gather his feet.

I looked over and I noticed Dohom had his hands full of about six dragonkin. Drawing three razor shafts from my quiver, I let all three fly, pulling three of them off of him and bringing them my way. This allowed Dohom just enough time to quickly finish off the remaining three and run to Askashia and help get Garnil out of harms way.

Sorowyn, down on one knee was tapped out. We gave it our all but victory would not come to us on this day. We managed to make our way to the exit and soon we were at safety. With Sorowyn recharged, she did what she does best and soon, with pets revived, we all raised flagons of ale to our efforts and vowed to return to the Morass to finish the job.

We are mighty, we are not perfect. Together, we shall learn and WE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!

-Fin
~~~ From the journals of Aurendar Moonstrider ~~~

Things That Go Bump In The Night (Part One)

Below are actual accounts as recorded by Aurendar Moonstrider in the year of Elune - 2007:

All things considered, it was a beautiful night. Up above, the moon shown down on me like the spotlight on the stage star at the World’s End Tavern in Shatraath. I’m flattered. Not nary of a breeze this night. The stillness stabbed you like a well placed dagger. It was noticeable. Little did I know that the beauty of Azeroth was short-lived. For this night, death loomed just an ocean away. I had wandered into Ironforge after a long ride on the DeepRun Tram from Stormwind. Ironforge is a great place to take in some sights, grab a Darnassian Ale and strike up conversation with the local adventurers. First though, I stopped at the Auction House to see what the locals had for sale. A recipe for buzzard bites! SOLD! I’ve been hungry for those little morsels for many moons! Azrael isn’t too fond of them however. But I’ll make sure he’s well fed.

Just then I received a message from a local Ironforge courier. It read –

Aurendar,

Your presence is requested on the continent of Kalimdor at the entrances to the Caverns of Time. Ensure you are well stocked as adventure awaits.

Oh and by the way, you have been promoted to Man-At-Arms. Congratulations soldier!

Light Be With You,
Commander Garnil Thunderman
Sterling House

Garnil is an exemplary Commander. I have found it easy to follow his orders thus far. It will be an honor to serve him and Sterling in my new capacity. I hope I live up to their expectations.

Hmmmm… The Caverns of Time. The mere utterance of those words sends me reaching for my Long Bow. No good can come of this. I take one last swash of Ale pay my silvers and make my way to the local Bowyer. I stock up on my favorite Razor Shafts, make sure Azrael has meal and I have water. A quick ride to the griffin master and I’m off to Menethil Harbor to catch the next ferry to Theramore.

2 hours later, I’m standing outside of the gates of Gadgetzan. A vile place where horde & alliance see fit to co-mingle. The only thing I take away from that town is a shower. Eeellcchg. Definitely not one of my vacation spots. I hurriedly check my mail and mount up for the Caverns of Time. An hours ride away.

Soon I am riding full stride through the ruins and up to the meeting stone. There I am met by Garnil, Dohom and Askashia. Garnil is busy looking for a healer in our midst to assist us on our journey. Askashia & Dohom were at rest engaged in conversation.

“Well Met Sterling! It is a good night for battle!” I announced as I approached the party.

Dohom & Askashia looked up as I approached. As they stood and waved, I could tell they were happy to see me. I am fortunate to have met two such great adventurers. They are trusted allies and more importantly, good friends.

As I dismounted, Askashia greeted me in true Darnassian fashion, with a formal bow. I returned the formalities and saluted Dohom with respect. In the midst of conversation, Garnil came rumbling up the hill, his platemail brashing with each heavy step. Quite the imposing scene. I’m glad he’s on our side!

“I think I’ve got one! I think I’ve got one!” He yelled in between huffing breaths from running up hill in full armor. “Just what have you got Commander?” I asked. “A healer! I’ve managed to round up a healer for our run.” From the look on his face, I could tell he scored a trusted comrade. “Sorowyn! We got Sorowyn! She’s on her way as I speak!” Tales of Sorowyn’s adventures are regular parts of Ironforge gossip. Word of her healing ways is known through out the Realm. I have yet to fight along side her and am looking forward to opportunity. This is going to be a great run.

Ummm, Garnil? You never made mention of it in your note. Where exactly are we going sir?” I asked. Gaining composure, Garnil cleared his throat and boomed “The Black Morass awaits us!”

I literally felt a shudder roll down my spine. Lore and Legend speak of The Black Morass & Medivh’s nefarious deed. To venture into that time and take part in that Lore is a true honor…

…And Nightmare.

Once Sorowyn joined up with the party, we mounted up and journeyed down the dank path into the Caverns. Before we knew it, we were standing before the ‘Great Swirl’, the tell-tale sign of a significant area of adventure. One by one we stepped through the portal and into The Black Morass.

“What is this place? Why do I not have a good feeling about this?” Askashia mumbled. Trust me, I felt her sentiments exactly. Never before, have I felt such a heavy and foreboding sense of evil. It was quite overwhelming. With each step the air grew thicker. “STOP! Proceed no further mortals!” a voice called out in the darkness. Off to one side a High Elf approached and offered his assistance. He provided each of us a small device. Something called a Chrono-Beacon. What it’s for, I wasn’t exactly sure but he said when the time comes, you’ll know what to do.

Now be off!

With that, we headed into the Morass.

**To Be Continued**