8/6/2008
Standing at the window Elessedil was able to see all she remembered from this place, the beautiful lilac plants, the arched rooftops, the creatures that roamed the wild treacherous forest. But most of all, she could still sense the Elven magic that remained in Teldrassil, her home.
The heavy robes she had not worn since the sentinels brought her back were still in one piece. Looking at them, they reminded her of the glory she once knew. How long ago had it been? She wanted to remember, but everything was so far away now. She buttoned up her boots and stepped outside. She walked across the lush gardens of purple and green foliage and greeted passersby casting a blessing upon them.
Yes, Elessedil could still grant life to others. This made her smile for a moment, but the smile vanished just as fast as it had come. A flash of the terrible things she had seen shook her core again. Her skin turned cold as the guilt imposed itself once more. Had she let her friends die in that horrible place to save herself? If they were still out there, did they know she was alive?
Outland had drained her spirit, that was true enough. She had wanted to forget everything, the war, the evil, the hatred, all but her friends. Nevertheless, she left it all, good and bad. She had survived. And what now? Sadness.
Elessedil had not seen the end of the war waged against Illidan Stormrage, although she heard the army of Ilterendi had defeated him. She also knew they were gone, and she would never go to battle with them again. Alone, she looked around and recognized no one in this place anymore. The truth was, she recognized no one anywhere anymore, not even herself. She bit her lip to stop it from shaking and ran back into the cottage.
The hinges squeaked when she opened the chest. From within, she took out the old heavy amulet and placed it around her neck. She looked for the small velvet pouch she had hidden at the bottom and pulled its silk ribbon to open it. They were still there, her trinkets and her jewel encrusted rings. She closed the pouch again and stuffed it in her pocket. Her woolen cloak felt heavy and warm as she clipped on the chain. She got on her knees and reached far under the bed. The white glow flooded the room when the staff finally came into view.
The ship arrived on time. The familiar creaking of the wooden steps gave her some comfort. She might never find what she sought after, but there was nothing for which to stay. Was she indeed utterly alone? One word was on Elessedil’s mind as the vessel left the Elven island cutting into the cold, unforgiving waters. She whispered it, perhaps as a prayer. She hoped it would travel across the oceans and that it would be answered. “Hogit,” she said.