As Stonebreaker disappeared behind her, the sounds of the forest settled in. The rustling of leaves seemed ominous in this place rather than comforting. The distant cries of wolves caused shivers down the spine. Daega huddled deeper into her sling and kept silent. Naha, ever reliable and sturdy, continued her trek toward Shattrath undisturbed.
 
As the ride wore on Ebonywind became restless. The silence of travel, that she thought would be comforting, became oppressive. Instead of giving her mind rest, it left it free to chase about the same things that had been harrowing her these past weeks.
 
As the silence weighed more and more heavily upon her she found herself looking for something, anything, to alleviate it. A sharp squeal from her communication stone drew her attention to it. Nothing came through, just a quick noise as sometimes happened for no apparent reason, but she reached into her pocket and pulled it out. She stared at if for a few moments wondering if she dared use it. Could she speak to him? Would he even answer? She sighed. She had to try. She could stand the silence, the loneliness, no longer.
 
She ran her finger across the magical stone and pictured him in her mind. She did not know how the stone knew what she was thinking or who she wanted to speak with, but at the moment, neither did she care. When she heard it whistle, the signal that it had contacted the stone on the other end, for a moment she didn’t know what to say.
 
Finally she spoke, attempting to keep her voice strong. “Grizz? Are you there?”
 
She waited several moments and just as she had started to despair that he would answer, she heard his familiar voice over the stone. “Ebonywind?” She frowned at the stone. He sounded… groggy?
 
“Grizz? Did I disturb you? My apologies. I will contact you another time.”
 
“No! Wait! You didn’t disturb me. Where are you?” He sounded slightly confused now.
 
“I am just traveling. Along a road in Terokkar forest toward Shattrath. I just wanted–” She frowned harder. What did she want? Wanted to talk to someone. A friendly voice. It seemed so trivial now. “I am sorry.”
 
“Wait. Hold on. I’ll be right there.” She heard the stone muffle and then silence. What did he mean he would be right there? The ride from Stonebreaker Hold to Shattrath was three days at least. She sighed and tucked her stone back in her belt pouch. Perhaps she had woken him and he was still confused.
If she could judge the time correctly in this strange place, it was just past midday when Daega began fidgeting in her sling. With a half smile for the young elekk, Ebonywind found a small clearing along the road and brought Naha to a halt. She lifted the elekk from her sling and let her wander into the taller grass beside the tree to tend to her “business” while she pulled out her food satchel to give them all a light meal.
 
A double handful of grain and some fresh plucked grass seemed to satisfy Naha. Chicken was content to swipe a few grains of Naha’s meal and Daega happily chewed up some dried fruit Ebonywind produced for her. Sitting down to nibble at her own meal of dried meat and bread she watched the animals enjoy the break from traveling.
 
After two bites of her own food she sighed and tucked it back in the food pouch. She simply couldn’t find the urge to eat. She sipped water from her water skin and looked about her, trying to gauge how much distance they had covered when a curious bird coming toward them along the road caught her attention.
 
Always suspicious in this place, she stood quickly and grabbed her mace off Naha’s saddle. The bird settled to the road not far from where she stood and after a moment it blurred then took on the shape of a familiar Tauren bull.
 
“There you are!” Grizz said with a smile.
 
Ebonywind relaxed and strapped her mace back onto Naha’s saddle. “Grizz?”

He smiled. “Hello, Ebonywind.”
 
She stared at him in puzzlement for a moment. “What are you doing here?”
 
His smile broadened and he stepped closer. “You called – here I am!”
 
She swallowed hard and stifled the urge to run away. “I did not expect you to come. I… just… wanted someone to talk to.”
 
“Well it’s much easier to talk face-to-face, don’t you agree?”
 
She looked around nervously, shuffling her hoof in the grass. What could she say to him? She never thought he would actually travel to find her. “I suppose…”
 
He studied her for a moment before stepping closer to reach out and tentatively poke a large patch of missing fur on her arm. “Busy, hmm?”
 
Absently, she reached over to cover the bare patch from his view. “It is nothing. What have you been doing lately?”
 
A twitch of his muzzle told her he had caught her not-so-subtle change of subject but he did not comment on it. “Oh, not much of anything, really.”
 
“You have returned to Azeroth then?”
 
He shrugged and smiled. “I like it much better there. Don’t you?”
 
She frowned and tried to phrase a careful response. “I… have not been back recently.”
 
Grizz echoed her frown and moved to sit down against a nearby tree. It seemed he was ready to drag this awkward conversation out for some time. “Not even briefly?”

She looked down, unsure how to answer. She had returned, very briefly but nothing useful came from that return. “I… went briefly a couple of days ago. I needed to speak with the Elders in Thunder Bluff.” She sat as she spoke, absently wrapping an arm around Daega when the little elekk huddled against her side.

“What about?”

“I was seeking advice, but they had none to give.” She sighed slightly. “So I returned to Outland.”

Grizz frowned again as he studied her. “What sort of advice?”

She could not meet his gaze, instead focusing her attention on scratching Daega behind the ears. “Nothing important.”

They sat in silence for several moments when Grizz smiled and spoke again. “So! You said you wanted to talk? I’m all ears.”

“There was nothing specific…” She felt like a fool now, calling him at all. “I was traveling. It was very quiet. I… just wanted to hear a voice.”

Grizz nodded in understanding. “Sometimes it can be very lonely out here.”

She nodded in agreement. “Indeed. During the day there is too much silence, at night…” She hugged Daega close when she jumped from a sudden sound in the forest.

The silence began to stretch out again when Grizz huffed and stared straight at her. “Ebonywind… you look like hell. What’s going on?”

She frowned. This was part of the reason she didn’t want to see him. She knew what she looked like and why, but there wasn’t anything to be done about it. “It isn’t that bad. I… I am fine.”

“You look like you haven’t eaten in a week!”

“I eat. I saw Grizo at Stonebreaker last night and he gave me a warp burger.” She didn’t admit that she had only taken a couple bites before her appetite gave out and she gave the rest to the worg guarding the inn.

“And you haven’t eaten since then?”

She looked away again and fussed with a piece of grass. “I wasn’t hungry today.”

Grizz huffed again and began rummaging around in his pack. “I should have some food in here somewhere. Would you like some?”

She shrugged, wishing there were a way to convince him she really wasn’t hungry.

A moment later he pulled out a cold-spelled food pack. He opened it up and pulled out a large hunk of roasted clefthoof. “Here you go!”

“I… am not really hungry, Grizz,” she said, taking the clefthoof reluctantly.

“You should eat it anyway.” His gaze raked over her reproachfully and she slumped and stared at the meat. “Really.”

She sighed and nibbled at the clefthoof. She could hardly choke it down with him watching her so she laid her arm across her knees wondering if he was going to sit there all day waiting for her to eat it.

He frowned at her, staring at the clefthoof that she tried to carefully ignore. “You should take better care of yourself, Ebonywind.”

“I am fine, Grizz. You should not trouble yourself.” With a forced smile, she took an exaggerated bite of the clefthoof and worked to chew it and swallow it to reassure him. “Mmmm…. See?”

He stifled a chuckle then pulled out a drinking skin. “Something to drink?”

She inhaled sharply as the last time she had a drink with Grizz rushed through her mind and she began choking on the bite of clefthoof. After a few minutes of coughing, and motioning to Grizz that she was fine, she found her voice again. “I—I have water.”

He nodded satisfied and opened his water skin to take a drink. “Good, water is what I was having too!”

She sipped her water trying to ease the last of the tickle in her throat. After a few moments he spoke again, seeming more and more awkward as time passed.

“How are your sisters doing?”

“I do not know.” She wiped water from her muzzle and put away her water skin. “The last I heard, Redwind had left. Nobody knew where. Gentlewind… I have not seen in many months.”

“I see.” Grizz stared at the dirt between his hooves as the silence stretched out between them yet again. “This isn’t going well, is it?”

She looked up at him confused. “What isn’t?”

“This whole talking thing. I’ve spent the last months thinking of everything I’d want to talk to you about, but now you’re here and just… pfffft.” He threw his hands into the air in an evaporating motion before letting them fall into his lap.

Ebonywind sighed, resting her chin on her arms. “I… wish I knew what to say, Grizz. I did not meant to call you here. I… just… wanted to hear a voice.” She swallowed hard, her own voice dropping to a whisper, “Your voice.”

He smiled warmly at her. “It’s good to hear your voice too, Ebonywind.”

She looked around the forest suddenly, having made a decision. “I do not like this place. I was leaving. Would… would you like to travel with us?”

He peered at her confused for a moment. “Us?”

She smiled slightly. “Me, Chicken, Daega and Naha. They don’t talk much so are not very good company.”

“Oh! Yes, of course I would love to.”

“I am headed to a place called Nagrand. I have been told it is on the other side of Shattrath City.”

He smiled. “I am familiar with it.”

She nodded then and rose to her feet before she could change her mind. Carefully she reached out a hand to help him up. He took her hand and held it but put no weight on her as he rose. The warmth of his hand in hers felt good to Ebonywind and she was reluctant to let go. He squeezed her hand slightly as if he did not wish to let go as well.

Finally he said quietly, “Shall we?”

Swallowing hard she nodded, gently releasing his hand.

“To Nagrand,” he said, helping her load Daega and Chicken back onto Naha’s saddle.

Chicken rustled her feathers and clucked nervously as another roaring howl echoed just outside the walls of the outpost. Daega began to shiver and tried to burrow her way under the blanket. Ebonywind sighed and let the elekk in before laying a comforting hand on the chicken. She wasn’t getting nearly enough sleep. She couldn’t bring herself to force them to sleep in the stables where their fear could eat at them all night long but neither would they allow her to rest. She knew she would have to move on soon. Perhaps tomorrow was the day after all.

She had heard of a Horde outpost in a place called Nagrand. She was told of lush green hills and clear blue lakes. She found it hard to believe there could be any beauty left in this shattered world but she would take the chance. On the morrow, she would gather her things and leave this forest of fear and move on to Nagrand.

The nagging feeling she was supposed to be somewhere else had returned as well. Another reason to move on. As if something was grabbing her very soul and dragging her somewhere. To something. It wore on her as much as the night sounds of the forest did. She felt worn out. As if her strength was slowly being squeezed out of her. Her arm was not as sure in battle, her resolve not as strong. She had stopped looking at her reflection when she refilled her water skin because she hardly recognized herself. Her fur was dull and dry. Patches of it were missing from the wounds she took in battle. She had not given herself enough time for them to heal properly. There was pronounced loss of weight. The strong muscles that once wielded hammer and axe with confidence were withering away.

She sighed and hugged Daega close for comfort. She couldn’t keep on like this. This strange world was wearing on her. The constant battles were wearing on her. The loneliness was wearing on her. Most of all the pulling wore on her. She could not find it yet it never let her go.

She had no energy to weep so she lay there silent in the darkness. She needed to move on. She needed something. Hope. A friendly voice. Something.

She sighed. She would move on tomorrow. But she would also contact Grizz. She needed to hear his voice.

Makeshift refugee camps spread out around city just behind the first wall. A second terrace stood before her but she had yet to make it through the Lower City. The stories she heard of what had once been a magnificent Draenei city did not prepare her for the near ruin she stepped into while making her way to her next posting in Terrokar. Tumbled stone and trash littered the area. The paths leading from one place to another were nothing more than where the ground had been worn down to dirt as bodies made their way around the ruins or tents. The smoke from small fires, some with makeshift pots dangling precariously over them, choked the air. The noise of different voices, some guttural and loud, some melodic and soothing, blended together in a cacophony of sound that left the senses confused.

She carefully led Naha through the crowds, making her way up to the upper terrace. As she emerged from the tunnel she saw a gathering of Draenei troops training for battle. A few Blood Elves stood to the side conversing among themselves, yet dressed in their own battle gear. A sense of urgency permeated the air in this section of the city. Couriers rushed about carrying messages. She could hear orders being barked in a strange language she didn’t understand. As she made her way through the bustle, she felt someone grab her arm and shove something into her hand.

She turned and stared into the blue-skinned face of a very large and well armored Draenei.

“Take this to Aldor rise. And be quick about it!”

Before she could protest he had already turned back to a cluster of other warriors talking in heated tones in that strange language she’d heard earlier.

With a mental shrug she turned around and looked for her destination. After wandering a few moments she hailed a passing guard and asked him where she could find Aldor Rise. He pointed up and she saw it. A great ledge above the wall of the city accessible by a strange stone lift. She’d seen many types of lifts in her time. Her people constructed them for Thunder Bluff and other locations where they built villages out of the reach of others. What was strange about this one was that it had no pulleys that she could see. No mechanisms whatsoever.

She urged Naha up the ramp that led to the lift and tapped it cautiously with her hoof before stepping on. With a motion that set her stomach on edge, the platform whisked her to the top where she did not waste any time disembarking.

The area was larger than she had imagined. Ahead of her a great temple rose from the stone. To both sides buildings bustled with activity. A waterfall splashed idly to her left and when she looked up to see the source, gasped to find the water poured out of a small island floating in the middle of the air. Still staring at it, she moved forward to find someone to deliver the strange parcel to.

She came across yet another armored Draenei and approached him cautiously as he sent a group of marksmen on their way.

He frowned when he noticed her and her hands twitched, ready to pull her weapons should she need them. Draenei were associated with the Alliance. Though she had heard this city was neutral ground, she still had her doubts.

“Well?” He said tersely, looking pointedly at her.

Ebonywind stared for a moment and held out the small package in her hand. “I was told to bring this here.”

He took the package and quickly opened it, examining the contents before wrapping it back up. “This goes to the temple,” he said, pointing and shoved it back into her hands.

She frowned as he moved away and began issuing orders to others that had arrived. With a sigh she laid Naha’s reins over the kodo’s neck and gave the command for the beast to wait for her. A smug satisfaction came over her as she realized the massive animal stood right in the middle of the path up the stairs to the temple, forcing the Draenei standing there to move or get wholloped by her slowly swaying tail.

Ebonywind could feel a great swelling of power as she stepped into the temple and slowed her steps. She felt no danger in it, but it was strange and surrounded everything. A soft glow lit the room and the Draenei males and females that moved about quietly. A tall, elegant Draenei female with warm eyes approached her finally and smiled. While Ebonywind had felt nervous around the armored male outside, this female radiated warmth and safety.

“Greetings, stranger. May I be of assistance?”

Ebonywind swallowed hard and held out the package. “I was told this needed to come here.”

The female smiled and gently took the package. “And I’m sure someone just shoved it at you as you stepped into the city, barked an order and sent you on your way without even so much as a “by-your-leave”, didn’t they?”

Ebonywind shrugged and nodded.

The female turned and passed the package to a young Draenei male who bowed to her and took it away.

“I thank you for your kindness in bringing it. You look road weary, though. May I offer you some refreshment? Or perhaps-” she smiled as she pointedly looked over Ebonywind’s shoulder where Naha still stood, feet planted firmly, at the bottom of the steps as the Draenei male at the bottom tried vainly to get her to move, “-something for your mount that seems to be perplexing Adyen so?”

Ebonywind hunched her shoulders, suddenly feeling a bit guilty as the woman smiled at her. She chuckled gently as she led Ebonywind to a table with a carafe of a curious lavender drink and some crystal cups. “It will help him to remember humility and patience,” she said, pouring the liquid into two cups and handing one to Ebonywind. “I am High Priestess Ishanah. You are one of the Tauren from Azeroth, though you are not familiar to me. Are you new to the city?”

Ebonywind nodded, carefully sipping the juice. It was sweet and refreshing and unlike anything she had ever had before. “I am Ebonywind of the Golden Plains.”

Ishanah studied her for a moment and as she met her gaze, Ebonywind suddenly felt as if she were speaking with a soul as old as the winds themselves. She shivered, feeling exposed by that gaze and looked away first.

“At first,” Ishanah said setting her glass on the table, “I thought you had come to this place to seek the Aldor. Something about you calls. Draws you on.”

Ebonywind shivered, the reminder of the constant calling in her mind piercing her.

“While the Light watches over and protects all good beings, I see now you are not a follower. Something else – or perhaps someone – watches over you. The presence is strong. Do you not feel it?”

Ebonywind shook her head, unable to look at Ishanah. “I cannot feel it.”

The priestess frowned slightly. “I think we are just a rest along your journey path, Ebonywind of the Golden Plains. There is somewhere else you must be. Come, I will show you to the Caregiver. You may rest safe among the Aldor tonight. But tomorrow, you must continue your journey.”

Ebonywind nodded and let the priestess lead her to another building, unable to find the words to speak to her further. Her mind was awhirl as she was introduced to yet another Draenei female who showed her to a small room with a plush bunk to rest in for the night. She hadn’t spoken to anyone to the strange feeling that plagued her. Had not even spoken of it to Grizz. It pulled and pulled still and she could not find the source, yet this strange priestess had mentioned it from nothing.

She sighed and stripped out of her armor, stretching out on the bunk. Naha was bedded down nearby with a bin of fresh grasses. Daega was fawned over by the stable hands and bundled up into a small stall near Naha where Chicken also made herself comfortable. Tonight, at least, they would all rest warm and safe. Tomorrow she would pursue this strange feeling again.

Daega nudged her hip with her blocky head before laying her small trunk over Ebonywind’s thigh. She reached out and ran a soothing hand over the young elekk. The chicken, sitting on her other side, ruffled her feathers at the movement and settled back down into her nap. Both creatures knew something was bothering her and had spent the last two days under hoof or in her lap at every opportunity. She appreciated their concern and the comfort they brought her.

She had wanted to speak to Grizz. There were so many things she wanted to say to him. The fear and panic gripped her, though, the moment she looked into his eyes and she found herself unable to speak what was in her heart. Always the fear.

When she and Grizz had parted ways so long ago she thought she would never see him again. His ties were to the battle in the Outlands, hers to the fight on Azeroth. Now, after so long without him, he was back in her life again. She sighed and wrapped her arm around Daega, drawing comfort from the sturdy creature.

Back in her life, yes. It seemed every time she turned around, there he was. Still, she did not understand how. She was prepared for his friendship. It hurt her heart, but she knew it would heal. Sometimes, though, his words confused her. The things he said led her to believe he missed what they once shared as much as she did. Or perhaps it was only her own heart wishing for such.

She sighed heavily again and scooped Chicken up into one arm and Daega into the other. She moved over and deposited the bird in the small basket strapped to Naha’s saddle and settled Daega into the large sling on the other side. With one last look around she mounted up and urged Naha out of Zabra’jin. It was time to move on. She had done all she could for this post and had been sent on to a posting in Terrokar Forest. Perhaps being out of the gloom of the marsh would help clear her head.

As she slowly moved closer to full wakefulness her mind began to work furiously. She remembered returning to Azeroth to take part in some of the Fire Festival activities. Summer was always her favorite time of the year and since her strongest element was Fire, she always tried to take some time to honor the flames of the Fire Festival. How would that explain this sickness though? Her body ached, her mouth tasted terrible, her head hurt.

She frowned and winced as that small motion made her head throb harder. She relaxed the muscles in her head and face trying to ease it some. A strange memory had caused the frown though. Grizz. Grizz had been with her when she traveled to honor the fires. He had also gone with her to stamp out the Alliance fires. More of a game to the two sides each year, he had suggested they do it together this year. Nervous around him but eager to stay in his company, she agreed.

How many fires had they stamped out? She could not recall. She remembered returning to Thunder Bluff and being offered that lovely festival robe for her efforts. Then…. she frowned again. She and Grizz sat on the edge of the rise talking. What did they talk about? After he offered her a mug of that nutty flavored ale she didn’t remember much.

Had she had too much ale? She didn’t remember drinking more than one mug. Or was it two? It had such a smooth, nutty flavor that she enjoyed and she was so thirsty after all the activity, and so nervous about being with Grizz, she hadn’t paid much attention. Surely two mugs of ale couldn’t leave her feeling like this.

She slowly brought her hand up and rubbed at her crusty eyes. Her head and body protested the movement but she knew she likely needed to get plain water into her system. When she wiped away the last of the sleep, she opened her eyes and looked down, checking for physical injury. She frowned again at what she saw. What was she doing sleeping in her swim clothes?

Movement in the small bed next to her caught her eye and she looked up. Her breath caught in her throat and she stared at the occupant, unable to speak.

“Good morning,” Grizz said.

 Perhaps I am. Perhaps this strange land which I have found myself in is affecting my stability. The loneliness still beats upon me. The pulling tears me apart from within. Chicken and Daega, though I love them dearly, are not very good company. I talk to them nonetheless, just to hear a voice. I would return to Thunder Bluff to stay if not for the pulling.

Some nights it becomes too much to bear. I cannot sleep, I cannot eat. I wander trying to follow it but cannot find my way. I must find a solution soon before I go mad.

I suppose I should not have been surprised to see Grizz there. I have seen him many places as of late. I do enjoy seeing him; hearing his warm voice. I was sure that this night was the night I had to let him go, though. I had to free myself from the sorrow. I wanted him to know he need not feel sorry for me. I was so sure that was the only reason he wished to see me at all.

At last when I had prepared myself to say goodbye, finally when I was ready to begin releasing the sorrow and accepting what no longer was, I am lost and confused again. All he said was that he still cared for me. I could not answer him. There is so much unknown. Does he still love me or just care for a sad and pathetic friend? I do not know.

I must at least admit to myself that deep within, a part of me will always love Grizz very deeply. The most beautiful memories I have are those times we spent together in Feralas. However he has his path he must follow, as I have mine. I will be happy with his friendship. I must focus on the future.

Tomorrow I will return to the Outlands. Something still calls to me there. Something draws me back even as I rest my head in the comfort of a hammock in Thunder Bluff. I will return to find it.

While traveling to a place called Cenarion Refuge I encountered one of the odd beasts that inhabit this land. It’s strange, trumpeting cries from beneath a crude bridge caught my attention first. The noise was not unlike the cries of a young kodo, though much higher in pitch. When I went to investigate I found a gray-skinned beast with a long, prehensile nose tangled in some vines and muck.

It appeared to be young, and frightened, though when I freed it from its prison it seemed to have enough intelligence to know I would not hurt it. It seemed unhurt overall, though it did have a few minor scratches from its struggles to free itself and some crusted claw marks on its flank. A few drops of healing potion helped with those.

I took the beast to the refuge with me. I could not turn what was obviously a calf loose back into the marsh with no mother to care for it. The druids there told me it was an elekk. A massive herd beast native to this world and often used as riding mounts or beasts of burden. They told me she (they were able to tell the gender though I am not sure how) was not native to this area of the world and could not explain how she could have gotten here.

When I asked if I could leave her there I was told rather tersely they had no time for orphan elekks and I should return her to where I found her. I chose not to argue the point, but neither could I abandon her to the dangers of this place. Perhaps I should not take satisfaction in learning she was not housebroken when I let her stay in their Inn with me that night. I did leave rather hurriedly for Swamprat Post the next morning.

Though I could see and hear the life around me, I still cannot sense it. I miss the quiet murmurs of the elements around me. I miss the voices of the spirits. Being so far from home, in this strange land, it makes it even worse. I am sure there is something in this Outland that I must find, but not today. I have decided to return to Azeroth. I need to see home again. I have been too long gone from it. Perhaps little Daega would enjoy a visit to Mulgore.

I cannot return to my tribe yet. I cannot return until I have learned to reclaim what I have lost. I can visit the towering city of Thunder Bluff, though. I need my own people about me. I miss the murmur of Shu’halo voices. I admit, I am lonely for my own kind. Grizz has spoken to me several times over the communication stone since I traveled to Outland. I still enjoy the sound of his voice more than I should. I must tell him he need not feel sorry for me.

There is much to be done here in this never-ending war yet the nagging feeling has returned. I do not belong in this place. It pulls at me to go… somewhere. I suppose I felt it before now. It has been tugging at me for days. I chose to ignore it in the hope I would see Grizz again. I realize, though, that I must move on, both from this place and from my thoughts of Grizz.

I have heard word of a place where life is in abundance. A marshland bordering this peninsula. While I am doubtful of finding life anywhere in this forsaken land, I will travel there soon. Perhaps it will bring me closer to what is calling to me.

I was put to the task today of gathering meat from the hellboars that wander the lands here. A strange goblin thinks he can purify the meat to make it edible. I do not think I wish to try his cooking. I have some dried food I brought with me from Azeroth. I will continue to eat that as long as I can.

It came as quite a surprise when Grizz showed up not far from where I was stalking a pack of hellboars. It shocked me so much I nearly gave my position away to the beasts.

His armor has changed since last I saw him, but little else. Even as he smiled and greets me in his friendly way, my heart still aches for what we once had. I suppose I should be thankful just to see him, though. To know that at least we are still friends. Indeed, the ache of loss is still there, but though it took me far longer to realize than it should have, I understand that someday it will heal.

We traveled together most of the evening. Though he didn’t say so, I believe he just wanted to watch over me. His company was welcome, no matter his reasons. I have been alone and in silence for too long.

At one point he lost his footing and tumbled from the edge of this wretched land. My heart froze in my chest until I saw him fly back up in the form of a bird. Never have I been so grateful for what the druids teach. I offered my hand to help him up the slope. I must admit that worry still gripped me. I had to reassure myself that he truly was all right. When he placed his hand in mine and I could feel the strength, at last I could take a normal breath. I hope he did not realize I held his hand longer than necessary. I hope it did not upset him.

Somehow I found myself agreeing to travel into the Hellfire Ramparts with Grizz and some of his companions. Ayusta I had met before. The others were unfamiliar to me. Though I did not feel as if I belonged among them, they were cordial, even friendly, and did not seem bothered by my inexperience.

We gathered at a pre-determined point outside the Ramparts. I began to grow concerned when it took Grizz so long to arrive. When a great brown bird showed up with us, I breathed a sigh of relief. As the brown feathers flowed into soft white fur, I was reassured he was safe.

So relieved I was to see him, it took me a moment to realize he was not wearing his armor. As he took on the form he was born with, he stood before us in a small loincloth and white cloak. I should be ashamed for not turning away sooner, but he was not unpleasant to look upon.

When I at last gained my senses and turned away, my face felt warm and my heart beat wildly in my chest. I knew I had to regain my composure; I could not afford to be distracted in the coming fight. As well, my time with Grizz had ended. Though my heart ached for those happy times we once had, those memories were in the past. I should be thankful he is still a friend.

I remember little of our running fight through the Ramparts. The tainted orcs did their best to slay us as we did our best to weaken their forces at the citadel. I fought hard to do my part in the battle but often wondered if I was even needed.

In the end, the mission was accomplished. We left that place of evil and corruption and each went our own way. I rode back to Thrallmar alone but feeling as if I had learned something. I did not need to travel alone. There were many groups I could offer my skills to. Perhaps one would allow me to join them. Perhaps it would ease the loneliness that hung about me.

Perhaps, with other company, I could at last shed the pain in my heart.