All Washed Up....

Serpentshrine Cavern.

The very name conjures up images of vile reptilian beasts that lurk it's dark, dank and humid corridors. The smell of death is thick in the air compounded by the constant hiss of the steam pumps above our heads. Water drips from the ceiling like the constant drizzle under the trees of Duskwood. Annoying at best.

You can barely breath down here. Azrael has made it all to clear of his disapproval of this horrid place. Trust me, if I had my choice, I'd be content hunting Clefthoof in the valleys of Nagrand.

But alas, Summit is on a mission.

For in this hell lies not a serpent. But a creature even more sinister. A creature of the elements. The locals of Telredor whisper of a beast named Hydross held prisoner by Lady Vashj. This must be one and the same.

This is our target.

Hydross must be banished from our realm. Our last encounter with Hydross did not fare too well. Thankfully Summit has above average healers that were able to recoup the damage. Fall back and regroup was the order of the day that day. Well, we are ready again. This time we are more prepared. We demand victory this day!

Hydross will be defeated!

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

Hmmmm, Digging through my bags I came across my journal. It seems I have neglected to update it for some time. I must remember to take care of the little things in life more often.

Well, where do I start? After taking my leave of Sterling, I came across a band of adventurers that I have come to call family. My introduction to the guild Summit is somewhat curious. You see, the guild master, Loveth was a priest that I ran into regularly on my adventures but we never really stopped to break bread. We would see each other in passing (mostly durning my mote gathering excursions in Shadowmoon Valley) we would acknowledge one another and tend to our own business.

One day while farming, like clockwork, I run into Loveth who was farming as well. I had heard of Summit's conquests so I decided to do some research. That's when I discovered his GM status. I quickly made my way to a mailbox and sent off a letter of interest in joining Summit's ranks. It seems that fate has been at play all along. Elune truly watches over me. It was not long after that that I began my journey with Summit.

And what a journey it's been!

I recall posting earlier about my extreme desire to enter the gates of Karazhan. I now farm Karazhan on a regular basis. There isn't much within those walls that I haven't experienced. As a matter of fact I'm due at her front gates this evening. I look forward to conquering her halls once again.

Let's see, so what do I keep at the top of my priority list these days?

I would say Serpentshrine Cavern and Tempest Keep are keeping Azrael and I busy these days. Bolstering my raiding commitment to Summit is of utmost importance to me as well. Certain situations have kept me from meeting my obligation as of late. That is soon to change however.

With that said, I must take my leave. Duty calls.

"Ande'thoras-ethil"
~~Aurendar

Greeting fellow citizens of Azeroth! I must apologize for by absence. I've been a bit busy out in Shadowmoon Valley as of late. Netherwing Shelf to be exact! I guess it's pretty obvious that I've been working on getting into good graces with the Netherwing faction. They are a wise and powerful race. It is an honor to be in their company.

A lot has happened since I wrote in my journal. Most importantly is the fact that Commander Garnil Thunderman has relinquished command of my guild Sterling. Fellow member Bjorke Aurelius has now taken the reigns of Sterling and is keeping her steady. I don't concern myself too much with those kinds of politics so I will leave it at that. I will say however that my desire to face the denizens of Karazhan has reached addiction levels and my patience grows thin.

In other 'Aurendar' news I have decided to permanently mount my beloved Valanos' Longbow above my fireplace. It has served me well. I have donned a new weapon of choice. It is known as a Gyro-Balanced Khorium Destroyer. Let me tell you this, even I fear it's power at times! I have never been the sort to brandish a firearm such as this but my love affair of full metal jackets grows by the day.

May Elune have mercy on those that find themselves on the business end of my peace-keeper. They will surely need it. Even with it's power, I fear that when I finally breach the gates of Karazhan, I shall find a new arm to keep at my side that makes this death-dealer look like a pop-gun!

Time will tell.

Anyway, I was relaxing here in Shattrath City and found my journal in my bags. No better time than the present to catch up.

Now I must get back to nursing this Darnassian Ale. Peace Be With You -

"Ande'thoras-ethil"
~~Aurendar

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