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