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.
12/31/2006
For the past two years I have been trying to get on the Wintesaber Trainers’ good side which, by the way, is no small task. This small group of reclusive Night Elves raises and trains Wintersabers in Winterspring and getting exalted with them means you can purchase one of their fast and beautiful mounts for a mere ninety gold. But don’t let the amount of gold fool you, for there is a greater price to pay to ride one of these cats.
Rivern Frostwind is the Elf to talk to and start your journey. He can be found in northern Winterspring atop Frostsaber Rock. Getting to the rock can be quite dangerous as well. There are stealthed tigers all over the area ready to claw you open and feed you to their young. You might have to get used to getting knocked off your mount and mauled every time you make your way to the frozen peak. You should be fine as long as you don’t stop running.
I had to make some adjustments to myself in order to complete this quest. Being a Holy Priest would only hold me back when it came to killing quickly, so I enhanced the shadow spells I had and acquired a few more. I almost never rested or drank except when killing Frostmaul Giants by myself and only stopped once in while to repair and empty my bags full of junk that quickly turned into a nice amount of gold.
I accepted Rivern’s many quests of bringing hundreds of meat from Chillwind Chimaeras and Shardtooth Bears; slaying dozens of Frostmaul Giants, and most of all killing thousands of Winterfall Shaman and Ursa. In the end it was easily over eight hundred quests I had to do, but I regret nothing. I met many great people along the way. We were to carry the same burden which in turn would create a bond among us that will always remain. When I see someone mounted on this beautiful beast I can look at them and nod, and we’ll both think “I know… I know….” and smile.
10/24/2006
It was a windy autumn day in Azeroth. After getting a bag of candy from the Stormwind Innkeeper to help rot my teeth, I was in the mood for a lightning show and decided to take a ride through the Blasted Lands.
As I went up and down the red clay hills snacking on a delicious lollypop, I violently pulled the reigns, and my jaw along with the candy dropped to the floor. The Dark Portal that leads to Outland had been opened. A black and green cosmic cloud swirled endlessly in the hellish doorway. This was the kind of moment when the saying “curiosity killed the elf” did not apply. I had to go through it, and I had to see what lay beyond it.
Once I was through, I was greeted by a battle between demons and members of the Alliance. I quickly went to seek out a gryphon master to fly me to safety. He informed me I was in a place called the Hellfire Peninsula, and he would be able to take me to the nearest town. The view from Honor Hold (the town I had flown to) was both breathtaking and terrifying. Where was Hogit when I needed him?
I gathered up my courage and decided to go exploring. After ridding for some time, I finally arrived in the Zangarmarsh. This was an alien place I had never imagined; the creatures and flora that surrounded me put all my logic into question. Hogit and Cornpo were never going to believe me!
I rode on south to a savanna looking place by the name of Nagrand. Here is where I found the biggest diamond that has ever existed, and a herd of Elek whose riders almost cost me my life! Fortunately, I was able to get away and show you the pictures because you know what they say, “SS or it didn’t happen!”
Outland is full of wonder and adventure. There is much to do and learn. I have come back to Azeroth in search of reinforcement, for I cannot tackle this place on my own. LFM OUTLAND!!!
