Taloris winced as a young Druid of the Talon wrapped his broken skin with fresh bandages. Long gashes raked down the old druid's right side; his arm mangled so badly that it was a wonder that any meat still existed on the bone. The young druidess tugged on the bandages some more with her tiny, deft hands, ensuring that they were tight enough and would not slip as Taloris moved about.
He studied the other druid's face, trying to give himself something to focus on while she jerked about his tender flesh. She was small, her body resembling the shape of a blade of grass. Violet skin covered her thin frame; short, raven black hair that seemed to shift colors in the light framed her angular face in a disheveled manor. Two crows had been inked darkly onto her face, beaks facing her nose while their wings drifted down her high cheek bones. Her eyes had a piercing gaze that did not remain on one target for long, her mouth was small and sharp. In his mind Taloris thought that she may have been attractive, had he been so much younger and she one of the wood instead of one of the sky.
"Nadiena, leave us," commanded a thin and gravely voice. The druid did as she was told, melting into the shadows of the woods surrounding the camp.
"It is ever the ill omen when I hear your voice, Greywind." Taloris' own voice felt as if it had been torn out of his throat, scraped upon the rocks of an ocean shore, and roughly shoved back into place.
Tobias Greywind let a short caw of a laugh escape from his thin lips. "Our paths do only seem to cross during the storms of history, do they not?" The ancient Talon shuffled his way over to the camp fire with a hunched back and a cane in hand. His dull, beady eyes scanned Taloris from head to foot. "You seemed to have had fairer winds, my old friend."
"Your eyes grow weak, yet you still see the truth of things." The old druid drew a sharp breath as he shifted positions. "There have indeed been better days for me, but I fear this isn't the worst of it. I'm sure your crows have already informed you of how bad the infestation in Felwood has become, so what is it that you wish to speak to me about?"
Greywind lifted his eyes to the sky, watching one of the moons as she passed above the trees surrounding their camp. "Even the Grove of the Ancients seem sick with poison these days." He turned his lined face towards Taloris, addressing him directly. "My scouts have reported a thicker infestation of demons in Feralas than the likes of Azeroth have ever seen. They have also brought word of other heartbreaking events from other corners of the globe." Tobias let out a dry, hacking cough. "The plague now spreads its green tendrils from Silvermoon to the Wetlands, the Maelstrom grows ever more unstable with every passing moon tide, wars are escalating between the Horde and the Alliance, and within the Horde itself, and Darnassus fell within this very week. These are dark times, old friend. The winds grow fierce."
Moments passed in silence as Taloris stared at the flames as they licked the dry timber in the pit, lost in thought.
"Tell me about Darnassus."
"In the hours before the sun rose, a pack of dragons made its way into the city. Vile, undead things, with bleeding eyes and sagging, dead skin. The survivors say that much of the city was burned and destroyed by a lone onyx dragon, made blind by arrows. What parts of the city survived that particular dragon's onslaught was said to have been destroyed soon after by several of its smaller companions. Reanimated drakes were with them as well, and it's said that they gave chase to the survivors. They were slow, clumsy things, but felt no pain and gave no cries when they were stabbed through and had limbs hacked off. Many were missing limbs to start with. A gruesome mess they left."
"The survivors..."
"Of that, there were few. Some managed to take flight on a hippogryph, though many of those were taken down by the flying dead. Others managed to slip from the city's walls and disappeared into the forest of Teldrassil. Most were not so lucky though."
"My young apprentice, by the name of Kelebek Swiftclaw, was supposed to be there. Have your crows any word of her?"
"I thought that you may inquire about your little pet." Tobias let out his crow-ish laugh once more. "She seems to have gained a companion, or at least had one. A stone drake. A great thing he was, too."
"Was?"
"It was but a day ago that one of my scouts in Feralas found the corpse of a giant stone drake, half turned back to mud. It appeared as if someone had bedded near him at some point, but with the snow and rains these past few days, it was hard to say for certain."
"What are the probabilities that this is the same drake that Kelebek was thought to be traveling with?"
"You know as well as I that stone drakes rarely move from their earthly realms. Open skies do not suit them at all. Dirt snakes with claws; unworthy of wings if you ask me. We are nearly certain that the corpse is one in the same as your Kelebek's companion."
"And they have not yet found her?"
"Even as fast as the storm crow flies, we would not know if they had just found her right this minute. As of the after the fall of Darnassus, she lives. Her body was not found with the stone drake's, so we must assume that she is alive and on the move. Now, if there aren't any more questions, I have a few of my own."
The old druid went through the laborious process of seating himself on a log to Taloris' left. Several minutes of grunts and creaking joints passed before Tobias was finally seated upon his perch. From the side, Tobias's deep wrinkles stood out in high relief from the fire's light. His long, grey hair hung in thin, loose strands about his face and ears; the last few inches of his beard curled up on the dirt.
Greywind rested his chin on his hands, which in turn rested on the top of his gnarled cane. "Why Felwood? It's but an infected forest, one that's far too tainted for on old bear to cleanse. Why the girl? She's nothing but an orphan, with unknown lineage and that thus far has shown no particular promise of skill. Why these fruitless endeavors, old man? Is age taking your mind as it's taking my physical prowess?" The old Talon cawing laughter filled the air once again. "You've never seemed to be a fool, Galesong. Explain yourself."
"I answer to no man, least of all you Greywind." Taloris straightened out his back, sitting taller upon his log. "However, I'll at least give a nod to your inquiries.
"One man may not be able to save a forest alone, but his aid is better than none. As for the child, even the orphans deserve guidance. Why I chose to take her on personally are reasons of my own that I shall not share at this fire."
"Riddles are but corn to a crow."
"Then let me leave you with yet another, old friend." The old druid pushed himself up into a standing position and faced the old Talon. "But first I must thank you for the help of your flock, and announce that I must be going."
"So soon? I grow weary of traveling with a flock where my bones creek the loudest."
"I must, for does a bear not shit in the woods alone?"
The night winds were filled with Greywind's cawing laughter as Taloris turned his back to the fire and wandered off into the woods of Darkshore.
Showing posts with label Taloris Galesong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taloris Galesong. Show all posts
June 10, 2012
September 2, 2011
Darnassus - The Temple of the Moon
The temple had just released its congregation into the cool night air. Beneath the trees and stars night elves could be seen strolling; some were on their way home, others were just mulling about enjoying the evening. Kelebek walked with a purpose against the crowds.
She ducked inside the temple's doors, taking notice of the calming fountain spilling from the central statue. She began to walk up towards the ramp that lead to the upper balconies most frequented by Tyrande and her husband but before she could get to the foot of the ramp, a guard stopped her.
"Please, state your name and business. Tyrande and Malfurion are rather busy, and will only take the most urgent of inquiries."
"I am Kelebek Swiftclaw. I come to Darnassus and the Temple of the Moon on behalf of myself and Taloris Galesong. We have been battling the demons that plague Felwood, and we seek the aid of anyone who would give it."
The guard eyed the druid up and down, then said "Very well, I shall inform them and see if they will accept your audience. Please wait here."
Kelebek began to pace slowly around the grassy area that surround the large statue fountain. Her hands gripped her staff out of anxiety. She drew a deep breath, and then another. As hard as she tried, her nerves would not relax.
The guard returned and she motioned to the druid to follow her up to the balcony. Once Kelebek was abreast of the guard, the guard said to her "I recommend reverence when speaking with these two. Don't worry too much about formalities, but you will not be heard if you do not show respect. As I said before, they have no time for anything frivolous. There has been much on their minds, so try and be quick, to the point."
Kelebek could only nod as a lump raised in her throat.
They arrived to the large balcony where Tyrande Wisperwind and her husband, Malfurion Stormrage were quietly conversing tactics over a map spread upon a table.
"Kelebek Swiftclaw of Felwood to see you." Announced the guard. Tyrande looked up, nodded at the guard, and the guard took her leave.
"We just can't afford the extra forces, Mal." Tyrande said to her husband, then turned to Kelebek "Demons of Felwood, is it?"
"Yes," Kelebek cleared her throat, "my mentor and I have been battling against the demon spawns that have been plaguing the area for some time now. They're reproducing faster than we can dispose of them unfortunately. Things have become so bad that the waters there run green and putrid. Even our very homestead that we have fought so very hard to preserve is being intruded upon. We are out of our league, and request any and all aid that you could give."
"I've known about the troubles in that area for some time, but I haven't heard reports from any of the scouts sent there more recently. The news about the state of Felwood worries me. What do you believe would be required to help take it back?"
"Hunters to kill off the demons, druids to heal the forests, priests to care for them both and to consecrate the soil to prevent future invasions? I'm really not sure Priestess, I'm not a strategist. I am but a novice druid doing what she can to care about lands that mean so much to my mentor."
"Taloris Galesong."
"Yes."
A hint of recognition flashed across Tyrande's face before she regained her mask of indifferent serenity. The mask of a busy leader with too much on her plate. She turned back to the maps while Malfurion watched her, waiting for her decision.
"Battles in Ashenvale, naga in Feralas, now demons over running Felwood..." Tyrande said to herself out loud.
"I should probably also report the vortex that spawned whilst I was traveling through Darkshore, along with some plagued deer."
A look of concern came over the Priestess's face. "Mal, I thought you had long settled the winds in that area? And the plague in Darkshore? Impossible. The plague has never come to Kalimdor before, it was strictly an issue of the Eastern Kingdoms."
"I'm inclined to think it's nothing more than a side effect from the spill over of Felwood. If there was any other sort of foul play at hand, I didn't see it for myself."
Again Tyrande looked over her map. She closed her eyes and shook her head. She looked first at Malfurion, then back to Kelebek. "We can't spare the forces that are in Ashenvale or Feralas, and if the undead apothecaries have come to the shores of Kalimdoor, that must be dealt with before any demons are dispelled. I'd rather deal with an abundance of demons rather than the horrors of the plague I so often heard about from the Eastern Kingdoms. I'm sorry, but right this moment we cannot send aid to your wood."
Tyrande turned her back and Kelebek took this to be her dismissal. Malfurion watched the little druid walk away. Dejected and distressed, she walked down the ramp of the temple, out into the streets, and somehow managed to find the way to her door through the tears that had impaired her vision but refused to actually fall.
"Are you sure we cannot spare the forces, Tyr?"
"Where would we get them from Mal? Every trained huntress, priestess, and warrior is already employed in battle. Our forces are stretched too thin. This isn't a job for a farmer with a fork, nor is it one that our novices can take on."
"What of the druids? I can think of a few that the Dream can spare for now."
"We need them more than ever there if things are as bad as that novice stated. All the work put in to slaying these creatures here on Azeroth won't mean a thing if the druids can't heal it from within as well as out."
"I will enter the Dream myself then, taking care of things from that side and I will deploy several druids for your disposal. We at least need a few Talon scouts to check out the situation in Darkshore, and the least we could do is ensure the safety of Taloris."
"Bless and curse that old man. Always he has sought the lost causes."
"It seems this time he is over his head. It would be wise to help him, my love."
"I know it would be, but where would we get the bodies to take on such a demon force? I don't doubt the talents of your druids Mal, but they can't take on such a task on their own."
"We can always ask for help from our guests, the Gilneans."
"Ha! As if relations with our neighbors weren't tense enough. No Mal, I cannot do that. At least not now."
"Very well. Then it is decided. I will return to the Dream this very night and free up a few of the druids there. I hate to leave you at such a time, Tyrande, but I think I will be of more use there than I am here."
"Yes, my love. Please return to me soon."
Dismissed by his own wife, Malfurion left the Temple of the Moon for Moonglade. Before he left Darnassus though, he had one important stop to make.
It was a few hours before sunrise and Kelebek was still awake. By the light of a guttering candle she sat at a little desk, pouring over the images that danced across the pages of the book she had bought. A soft knock was made on the door of her room, startling her.
She carefully put the book down and tried to rub the sadness from her face. She opened the door and her eyes widened.
"Miss Kelebek."
It took a moment before the little druid finally found her voice. "Malfurion. What...?"
"I've come to assure you of two things. First, I will be returning to the Dream so that I may free up a few of the Druids of the Talon to scout the area and perhaps aid Taloris in his battles, not to mention battle the sickness of that land from within. Second, in the event that they are out numbered, the Talons will have strict orders to ensure the safety of Taloris. I cannot promise salvation to Felwood, but I can promise that we will try with what little aid we have to offer."
"I...I cannot thank you enough." The druid was trembling with both fatigue and grateful relief.
"Do not thank me yet, little one. There is much work to be done. Now rest your mind, and I suggest staying in Darnassus for a bit. I don't doubt your fighting skills as a student of Taloris, but one soul to look after in an area plagued with demons is enough. There is no time for novice mistakes."
Dejected for the second time in several hours, Kelebek bowed her head and replying "I understand. I have other business to attend to while I'm in this city, but I shall do what I can to stay out of the way." For now, she thought to herself.
"Very well then. I must be on my way now if we are to accomplish anything. Stay fierce, little one." Malfurion laid his hand upon Kelebek's brow as he gave his blessing, and then took his leave.
Kelebek closed the door and stood in disbelief as her candle sputtered its dying light.
Next Chapter: Darnassus - The Black Dog
She ducked inside the temple's doors, taking notice of the calming fountain spilling from the central statue. She began to walk up towards the ramp that lead to the upper balconies most frequented by Tyrande and her husband but before she could get to the foot of the ramp, a guard stopped her.
"Please, state your name and business. Tyrande and Malfurion are rather busy, and will only take the most urgent of inquiries."
"I am Kelebek Swiftclaw. I come to Darnassus and the Temple of the Moon on behalf of myself and Taloris Galesong. We have been battling the demons that plague Felwood, and we seek the aid of anyone who would give it."
The guard eyed the druid up and down, then said "Very well, I shall inform them and see if they will accept your audience. Please wait here."
Kelebek began to pace slowly around the grassy area that surround the large statue fountain. Her hands gripped her staff out of anxiety. She drew a deep breath, and then another. As hard as she tried, her nerves would not relax.
The guard returned and she motioned to the druid to follow her up to the balcony. Once Kelebek was abreast of the guard, the guard said to her "I recommend reverence when speaking with these two. Don't worry too much about formalities, but you will not be heard if you do not show respect. As I said before, they have no time for anything frivolous. There has been much on their minds, so try and be quick, to the point."
Kelebek could only nod as a lump raised in her throat.
They arrived to the large balcony where Tyrande Wisperwind and her husband, Malfurion Stormrage were quietly conversing tactics over a map spread upon a table.
"Kelebek Swiftclaw of Felwood to see you." Announced the guard. Tyrande looked up, nodded at the guard, and the guard took her leave.
"We just can't afford the extra forces, Mal." Tyrande said to her husband, then turned to Kelebek "Demons of Felwood, is it?"
"Yes," Kelebek cleared her throat, "my mentor and I have been battling against the demon spawns that have been plaguing the area for some time now. They're reproducing faster than we can dispose of them unfortunately. Things have become so bad that the waters there run green and putrid. Even our very homestead that we have fought so very hard to preserve is being intruded upon. We are out of our league, and request any and all aid that you could give."
"I've known about the troubles in that area for some time, but I haven't heard reports from any of the scouts sent there more recently. The news about the state of Felwood worries me. What do you believe would be required to help take it back?"
"Hunters to kill off the demons, druids to heal the forests, priests to care for them both and to consecrate the soil to prevent future invasions? I'm really not sure Priestess, I'm not a strategist. I am but a novice druid doing what she can to care about lands that mean so much to my mentor."
"Taloris Galesong."
"Yes."
A hint of recognition flashed across Tyrande's face before she regained her mask of indifferent serenity. The mask of a busy leader with too much on her plate. She turned back to the maps while Malfurion watched her, waiting for her decision.
"Battles in Ashenvale, naga in Feralas, now demons over running Felwood..." Tyrande said to herself out loud.
"I should probably also report the vortex that spawned whilst I was traveling through Darkshore, along with some plagued deer."
A look of concern came over the Priestess's face. "Mal, I thought you had long settled the winds in that area? And the plague in Darkshore? Impossible. The plague has never come to Kalimdor before, it was strictly an issue of the Eastern Kingdoms."
"I'm inclined to think it's nothing more than a side effect from the spill over of Felwood. If there was any other sort of foul play at hand, I didn't see it for myself."
Again Tyrande looked over her map. She closed her eyes and shook her head. She looked first at Malfurion, then back to Kelebek. "We can't spare the forces that are in Ashenvale or Feralas, and if the undead apothecaries have come to the shores of Kalimdoor, that must be dealt with before any demons are dispelled. I'd rather deal with an abundance of demons rather than the horrors of the plague I so often heard about from the Eastern Kingdoms. I'm sorry, but right this moment we cannot send aid to your wood."
Tyrande turned her back and Kelebek took this to be her dismissal. Malfurion watched the little druid walk away. Dejected and distressed, she walked down the ramp of the temple, out into the streets, and somehow managed to find the way to her door through the tears that had impaired her vision but refused to actually fall.
-------
"Are you sure we cannot spare the forces, Tyr?"
"Where would we get them from Mal? Every trained huntress, priestess, and warrior is already employed in battle. Our forces are stretched too thin. This isn't a job for a farmer with a fork, nor is it one that our novices can take on."
"What of the druids? I can think of a few that the Dream can spare for now."
"We need them more than ever there if things are as bad as that novice stated. All the work put in to slaying these creatures here on Azeroth won't mean a thing if the druids can't heal it from within as well as out."
"I will enter the Dream myself then, taking care of things from that side and I will deploy several druids for your disposal. We at least need a few Talon scouts to check out the situation in Darkshore, and the least we could do is ensure the safety of Taloris."
"Bless and curse that old man. Always he has sought the lost causes."
"It seems this time he is over his head. It would be wise to help him, my love."
"I know it would be, but where would we get the bodies to take on such a demon force? I don't doubt the talents of your druids Mal, but they can't take on such a task on their own."
"We can always ask for help from our guests, the Gilneans."
"Ha! As if relations with our neighbors weren't tense enough. No Mal, I cannot do that. At least not now."
"Very well. Then it is decided. I will return to the Dream this very night and free up a few of the druids there. I hate to leave you at such a time, Tyrande, but I think I will be of more use there than I am here."
"Yes, my love. Please return to me soon."
Dismissed by his own wife, Malfurion left the Temple of the Moon for Moonglade. Before he left Darnassus though, he had one important stop to make.
-------
It was a few hours before sunrise and Kelebek was still awake. By the light of a guttering candle she sat at a little desk, pouring over the images that danced across the pages of the book she had bought. A soft knock was made on the door of her room, startling her.
She carefully put the book down and tried to rub the sadness from her face. She opened the door and her eyes widened.
"Miss Kelebek."
It took a moment before the little druid finally found her voice. "Malfurion. What...?"
"I've come to assure you of two things. First, I will be returning to the Dream so that I may free up a few of the Druids of the Talon to scout the area and perhaps aid Taloris in his battles, not to mention battle the sickness of that land from within. Second, in the event that they are out numbered, the Talons will have strict orders to ensure the safety of Taloris. I cannot promise salvation to Felwood, but I can promise that we will try with what little aid we have to offer."
"I...I cannot thank you enough." The druid was trembling with both fatigue and grateful relief.
"Do not thank me yet, little one. There is much work to be done. Now rest your mind, and I suggest staying in Darnassus for a bit. I don't doubt your fighting skills as a student of Taloris, but one soul to look after in an area plagued with demons is enough. There is no time for novice mistakes."
Dejected for the second time in several hours, Kelebek bowed her head and replying "I understand. I have other business to attend to while I'm in this city, but I shall do what I can to stay out of the way." For now, she thought to herself.
"Very well then. I must be on my way now if we are to accomplish anything. Stay fierce, little one." Malfurion laid his hand upon Kelebek's brow as he gave his blessing, and then took his leave.
Kelebek closed the door and stood in disbelief as her candle sputtered its dying light.
Next Chapter: Darnassus - The Black Dog
June 23, 2011
The Hut by the Lake
A young girl-child's voice, somewhere off in the distance.
"Kelebek...wake up Kelebek..."
"...Kiya?" Groggily Kelebek opened up her eyes. Squinting from the bright light that streamed through the little hut's door, she peered around the one room building hoping to catch a glimpse of the child who had woken her from her dreamless sleep.
Slowly her mind cleared as she began to wake up. Who is Kiya? she wondered. Kelebek sat up on her little cot and rubbed her temples as she searched her patchy memory as to who the girl was. Nothing. Always, nothing. With a sigh of frustration Kelebek got up from the make shift bed and walked to the little lake just outside of the hut's front door. The early afternoon's sun danced upon the little ripples of the lake, creating a dazzling effect that, while stunning, hurt the young druid's eyes.
She knelt down on the grassy shore of the water's edge and splashed a bit of the cool liquid onto her face. Rarely did she bother to gaze at her own reflection, but today she studied her features. Her wide mouth sported dry lips, the tattoos that ran vertically down her angular face seemed almost faded, her pale skin had an unhealthy tint to it. She looked tired and worn out.
Kelebek jumped when a low, gravely voice spoke. "Your answers don't lay within the weeds of that lake, child."
"Tal, you startled me." She took a shaky breath, trying to calm her over taxed nerves. "I figured that I'd try to take up shamanism. I hear that all they must do to find their answers is to ask the elements, not crawl about on all fours hunting for them like demons in the night."
Taloris Galesong chuckled quietly. "While Elune may make us sensitive to the tides and nature's beckons, we night elves are not adept at asking the elements for advice." His lined and wizened face grew serious with his next statement. "Did your trip to Winterspring yield any information?"
"No, it was just a goblin looking for a quick pinch of gold. The tip was false." Kelebek winced in pain as she stood up and faced Tal. "When I accused him of false information he began to yell about how I was attacking him. Everlook's bruisers were on me in a minute. I doubt I'll be welcome there again."
The old druid's face was a grim mask. "At least you have returned safely. How was the road back?" While Taloris may not have cared for many folk, for some reason he felt a bit responsible for the young orphaned druid. He couldn't stop Kelebek on her futile search for her long lost family. All he could do is help in what little ways he could while at trying to ensure that she was as safe as possible. She looked ragged, and it worried him greatly.
"I managed to stealth past that demon camp north of here without much problem. We may need to move on soon, they seem to be multiplying and that sludge is slowly making it's way towards this lake. I don't think you can protect Felwood much longer, Taloris."
With a heavy sigh Taloris said, "I've done just about all I could. I've done what I could to protect the woods of Felwood, but I cannot heal the wounds that these demons have created. I've never been gifted in the art of healing."
"Perhaps it's time we spoke with the priestesses of Darnassus. Maybe they can call out to the druids of restoration to heal these lands and round up a few Sentinels to finally put an end to the demon spawn."
"You may be right child, but I think I dislike the idea of walking into the city even more than you. Even the tranquility of Darnassus makes me uneasy."
"Then I will go."
"As you wish child. But please, keep out of trouble."
"I shall do my best, Elder. I'll be sure to ask for the aid of Felwood prior to inquiring about my family."
"I'd rather you would just seek help for the wilds and leave the trail to your past hidden."
Always, he thinks me to be a fool, Kelebek thought to herself. To Tal she simply said "You know I cannot do that."
"Then may luck and Elune be with you, child." With that the old druid turn away and shifted into his usual shaggy bear form. Kelebek watched him as he lumbered off into the woods.
The young druid groaned to herself as she rubbed her bruised muscles tenderly. Never a day's rest. Always searching for answers, always seeking help.What I wouldn't give for a quiet night under the stars... Kelebek sighed to herself and began to collect the few belongings she had. It was going to be a few weeks journey from the little hut that she shared with Taloris to the city of Darnassus. She was unsure of how long she would have to take residence there before she could convince the priestesses of the city to lend her and her mentor a hand with the demons. It would take even longer to carefully inquire about that event that happened oh so many years ago.
With her things packed Kelebek took one final look around the hut. Satisfied that she had left nothing of importance she once again walked outside into what was now evening beginning to settle on the lake. Such a beautiful sight, and yet she knew that if something wasn't done soon, that little lake would become yet another slime pool. She had to get moving.
"An ear to the ground and an eye to the sky. Elune grant us all safety."
With that she swung her pack onto her pack and shifted into her cat form. The orange sun gave way to a sickly green hue as she made haste to the city that held the area's last hope.
"Kelebek...wake up Kelebek..."
"...Kiya?" Groggily Kelebek opened up her eyes. Squinting from the bright light that streamed through the little hut's door, she peered around the one room building hoping to catch a glimpse of the child who had woken her from her dreamless sleep.
Slowly her mind cleared as she began to wake up. Who is Kiya? she wondered. Kelebek sat up on her little cot and rubbed her temples as she searched her patchy memory as to who the girl was. Nothing. Always, nothing. With a sigh of frustration Kelebek got up from the make shift bed and walked to the little lake just outside of the hut's front door. The early afternoon's sun danced upon the little ripples of the lake, creating a dazzling effect that, while stunning, hurt the young druid's eyes.
She knelt down on the grassy shore of the water's edge and splashed a bit of the cool liquid onto her face. Rarely did she bother to gaze at her own reflection, but today she studied her features. Her wide mouth sported dry lips, the tattoos that ran vertically down her angular face seemed almost faded, her pale skin had an unhealthy tint to it. She looked tired and worn out.
Kelebek jumped when a low, gravely voice spoke. "Your answers don't lay within the weeds of that lake, child."
"Tal, you startled me." She took a shaky breath, trying to calm her over taxed nerves. "I figured that I'd try to take up shamanism. I hear that all they must do to find their answers is to ask the elements, not crawl about on all fours hunting for them like demons in the night."
Taloris Galesong chuckled quietly. "While Elune may make us sensitive to the tides and nature's beckons, we night elves are not adept at asking the elements for advice." His lined and wizened face grew serious with his next statement. "Did your trip to Winterspring yield any information?"
"No, it was just a goblin looking for a quick pinch of gold. The tip was false." Kelebek winced in pain as she stood up and faced Tal. "When I accused him of false information he began to yell about how I was attacking him. Everlook's bruisers were on me in a minute. I doubt I'll be welcome there again."
The old druid's face was a grim mask. "At least you have returned safely. How was the road back?" While Taloris may not have cared for many folk, for some reason he felt a bit responsible for the young orphaned druid. He couldn't stop Kelebek on her futile search for her long lost family. All he could do is help in what little ways he could while at trying to ensure that she was as safe as possible. She looked ragged, and it worried him greatly.
"I managed to stealth past that demon camp north of here without much problem. We may need to move on soon, they seem to be multiplying and that sludge is slowly making it's way towards this lake. I don't think you can protect Felwood much longer, Taloris."
With a heavy sigh Taloris said, "I've done just about all I could. I've done what I could to protect the woods of Felwood, but I cannot heal the wounds that these demons have created. I've never been gifted in the art of healing."
"Perhaps it's time we spoke with the priestesses of Darnassus. Maybe they can call out to the druids of restoration to heal these lands and round up a few Sentinels to finally put an end to the demon spawn."
"You may be right child, but I think I dislike the idea of walking into the city even more than you. Even the tranquility of Darnassus makes me uneasy."
"Then I will go."
"As you wish child. But please, keep out of trouble."
"I shall do my best, Elder. I'll be sure to ask for the aid of Felwood prior to inquiring about my family."
"I'd rather you would just seek help for the wilds and leave the trail to your past hidden."
Always, he thinks me to be a fool, Kelebek thought to herself. To Tal she simply said "You know I cannot do that."
"Then may luck and Elune be with you, child." With that the old druid turn away and shifted into his usual shaggy bear form. Kelebek watched him as he lumbered off into the woods.
The young druid groaned to herself as she rubbed her bruised muscles tenderly. Never a day's rest. Always searching for answers, always seeking help.What I wouldn't give for a quiet night under the stars... Kelebek sighed to herself and began to collect the few belongings she had. It was going to be a few weeks journey from the little hut that she shared with Taloris to the city of Darnassus. She was unsure of how long she would have to take residence there before she could convince the priestesses of the city to lend her and her mentor a hand with the demons. It would take even longer to carefully inquire about that event that happened oh so many years ago.
With her things packed Kelebek took one final look around the hut. Satisfied that she had left nothing of importance she once again walked outside into what was now evening beginning to settle on the lake. Such a beautiful sight, and yet she knew that if something wasn't done soon, that little lake would become yet another slime pool. She had to get moving.
"An ear to the ground and an eye to the sky. Elune grant us all safety."
With that she swung her pack onto her pack and shifted into her cat form. The orange sun gave way to a sickly green hue as she made haste to the city that held the area's last hope.
Next Chapter: Felwood
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