That Damn Role Player

The air in Hellfire dries my throat and eyes. The stench of sulfur burns the nose. How anyone could survive here for any length of time is beyond me. Even the chicken seems irritated and restless. I think her sand fleas left for a more pleasant clime.

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.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am and is filed under IC: Ebonywind, In Character.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.