It has been quite a beginning in Stormwind for me. There are many wonderful things to be seen here, as I had predicted. The humans are a masterful race, talented in many fields. The city is a wonder all on it's own - there is a beautiful garden here that I believe father would have enjoyed.
How are things with the Exodar? The Blood Elves, I hope, are not giving you too much trouble. They are a lost people, my brother, but in time they will find themselves again, just as we did. I hope you, too, are not working too hard. For your own sake, yes, but also for those around you. We both know how irritable you get when you have exhausted yourself.
Here it seems they have their own problems. Not long after entering the streets of Stormwind, I met a young Gnome, Brenry, who had been called away to oppose our old foes, the orcs. Naturally I agreed to help him. Such things I learned! Did you know, Oren, that the gnomes are also a dispossessed people, like ourselves? They have been banished from their home city by invaders. Sometimes it seems as if the whole of the plane needs righting. In any case, Brenry and I helped it along a little, fighting back an orcish troop who had taken residence in a human fort. They are as fierce an enemy as ever, Oren. There is still the bloodlust in them we saw long ago. Brenry and I were ultimately victorious, with the help of a few others. Some Draenei in fact. It is good to see our brothers embracing this land.
In closing, I repeat my wishes for your good health. Take care out there, Oren. The elements willing, I will be back to visit soon. Be safe, brother,
- Onaron
Onaron
Oren, brother.
A new day, and new trials. Today I ventured west from Stormwind and found a much different land than the lush forest of the human capitol. In that place, the desolation seemed only to be matched by the hopelessness of the people found there. It pains me to see the noble humans fighting amongst themselves. A group called the Defias Brotherhood have taken it upon themselves to take what they can in these uncertain times. They prey on the defenceless when all people should be united. I cannot understand them, brother, but I do pity them. There was one glimmer of hope in all of this. I aided an aged Kaldorei in regaining a lost trinket that meant much to a banished farm owner. The Bortherhood had burned their house, but the trinket (a lost compass, of all things) was secure in a heavy chest. I wish I had stayed with the Kaldorei long enough to see the look of relief on the human’s face when he returned the compass.
I met and talked with some of the farmers. A similar tale of woe is shared by them all. One in particular, named Saldean, gave me lodgings. I fear for him and the safety of his family, but he would not be moved. I admire his resolution. It seems a trait shared by many who follow the Light in this part of the world. I met another, too, this time in Goldshire, a small town south of Stormwind. She was a peculiar one indeed. Goldseer was her name, though in breaking with human tradition she didn’t seem to have a last name. She was a pleasure to speak to, and she taught me much about the local plant life. She is an ally of the Light, brother. Many such are to be found here. Speaking of the plant life, however, you would not believe the varieties to be found here! Yes, you may turn your nose up at my excitement but there is a lot to be garnered from these blooms and bristles. As Norbundo says, “All that is, is alive.”
In any case, I have met Tannysa. She has arranged for me permanent lodgings with one Maria Lumere, an alchemist here in Stormwind. The benefits are two fold – a place to rest my feet and a group who know and appreciate the fauna of Stormwind and beyond. I worry that I may get too comfortable brother, and never see the Exodar again! In all seriousness, you are welcome to visit any time. I say this, though I know your duties and stubborness will prevent it from happening.
I hope you are faring well, Oren. May the elements guide you,
- Onaron
Onaron
Oren, brother.
I wish that this letter were full only of the descriptions of various blooms and thistles that I have encountered during my continued stay here in Stormwind. You would have been bored, yes, but somehow I think you would prefer that than what is actually occurring hereabouts. The Defias problem is much larger than I had anticipated. They are not just some small group of human thugs out to make a quick gold piece. No, they are ruthless and they are organised. It seems my friend, Goldseer (do you recall my mentioning her in a previous letter?) has a history with the brotherhood. She was determined to weed them out and had put together a small group for just that task. She called on me to aid her, and how could I refuse? She was marching into certain danger – and I don’t think any of us realised just how great the danger was. We survived, but barely. The brotherhood had etched out a large base, underground in Westfall where they were building a great engine of destruction. They were thwarted, for now. I long to devote time to my plants, but find myself more and more often following leads into the motivations and origins of this evil organisation. My good friend, Brenry has been instrumental in this. The Defias Brotherhood is well sustained, brother, having roots in Stormwind nobility itself!
One such lead has lead me to the Stormwind stockade. I needed to speak with a man in captivity, but unfortunately he had led a riot amongst the prisoners! We were able to quell the disturbance for the most part (with the help of some battle hardened Draenei, you may be happy to know!), but I fear that they will merely rise again. It saddens me to write this, but there is a strong undercurrent of crime in these Eastern Kingdoms. From the outside there looks to be a united front, but I can delude myself no longer. I do not want to shepherd the very people I came here to learn from. No-one has really asked me, I know this is what you would say, but I also know what you would do. You always say, “When in doubt, follow the light.” On this we can agree.
Tell Sulaa that I have contacted Umbrua, and that she has agreed to aid me in my training. I feel that I will grow immensely under her careful tutelage. Perhaps while you are there, Sulaa may reveal to you some of the secrets of the elements? Then again, perhaps not. A brother can hope, can he not? I have also found an old friend of yours – Delan! Anchorite Delan now. It seems he found the Light after all. He asked me to give you his best wishes, which I have now done. He also asked of me that I help keep his adopted home of Darkshire safe. Yes, it is as maligned as it sounds. Many evils stalk that forest at night, and even during the day! Of course I said I would help, but what can one do? What they can, I guess? Isn’t that what you would also say?
In closing, I would also like you to give my regards to Lexion and Ma’naru. I remember that Ma’naru’s anniversary of birth is coming soon; may the elements protect them both. They may as well look to you whilst they are at at.
Take care, my brother.
- Onaron
Onaron
Oren, brother.
You will be pleased to know that I have been doing as asked, helping to keep the number of undead in the region of Darkshire controlled. I do not know if they will ever be completely free of the Scourge there, but I am thinking that we can keep them, at best, managable. There is one thing, perhaps, I think you will not be pleased to find out - there are Blood Elves here around Stormwind. Perhaps it is merely my naivity, but I determined that the Blood Elves would forsake this land after falling out with the Alliance? Then, I guess we too are a people who long for home. The experience of seeing her (for it was a female) was a surreal one. I was at that moment running for my life. I was returning to Darkshire after scouting the Raven Hill cemetary (a task set me by your old friend Delan), when I was set upon by wolves driven mad with hunger, with the Plague, with living in that acursed place. Were it not for the spirit of the wolf, made known to me by Umbrua (may the Elements protect her always!), I would be not able to write this to you now. Even as it was they were nipping at my heels! In any case, I managed to evade them (though not unscathed) only to find myself at the feet and mercy of a Blood Elf scout. She sat atop a steed that itself had returned from death. This, as I'm certain you have realised, is significant. It confirms that the Blood Elves have allied themselves with the Undead! Whether this is common knowledge, I do not know, but I am certain that it was not known by our people when I left the Exodar. Perhaps the strangest aspect of this meeting, however, was that I am still alive to relate it to you. She looked a forboding foe, and in my weakened state I fear I would have been no match for her, yet by some miracle of the Elements I managed to escape! When I think on the meeting, I wonder if she did not in fact spare my life. Blood Elves are not known for their mercy when dealing with the Dreanei, and yet I believe that if this one truly wanted me dead, it would have been so. I do not have a conclusion as yet, brother, but it is something to contemplate.
This rogue Blood Elf was not the only discovery I have made. As part of my duties to the people of Duskwood, I was brining an old hermit some supplies from the town (he has become too old and the journey too dangerous for him to make), when I happened across a hidden path. It bore semblances to Kaldorei architecture, and so I continued long it, hoping to find some safe haven from the Undead horrors skulking between the trees. What I found instead, brother, was a very large, very imposing green dragon! It was at least as large as Razormaw's aspect - even bigger! Being a green dragon, I thought that, perhaps, it would still be welcoming, as Tannysa has told me that her poeple are strong allies with them; but I did not go near it. I cannot tell you exactly what made me keep my distance, but something intangible stayed me. I will have to ask Tannysa's advice, perhaps she will have an explanation? I left that place, and quickly, feeling less fearful the more distance I put between myself and the great beast - a strange sensation when ploughing toward a forest filled with the walking dead!
I did manage to find the old hermit's hut again. Abercrombie is his name, and he is a pleasant fellow, if not a little eccentric. The things he asks me to bring, I do not understand (ghost hair and zombie juice?), but they seem to bring him happiness, so I do not question. I fear for him, but like the farmers in Westfall, he should be allowed to live where he feel he should. We cannot allow even our basic freedoms to be surrendered to those who cause us fear. Perhaps, with a friend to guide him he will make it back to Darkshire or even Stormwind in time. We will see.
Speaking of friends, I met a charming Kaldorei female doing her own part to keep Darkshire safe. There are others as well - individuals and small groups who do whatever they can to keep their birth or adopted home as free as possible from danger. It is a good thing to witness, and gives me hope. I must remember to ask names in future, however - it is no good that I send you letters full of nameless people!
And, even after all of this, I managed to further my studies regarding the local plant life. I have come to the conclusion that Elwynn Forest must be the capitol for silverleaf in all of Azeroth! This is not a bad thing; silverleaf is well known for it's encouragement of the constitution. I will need to embace surroundings less comfortable than those in the immediate vicinity of Stormwind, however, if I am to continue to study - I cannot become knowledgable of silverleaf alone! I will not leave until I am certain that the people here are safe; and even then only for short periods. I am feeling a strong kinship for the residents of Stormwind and it's surrounds, and I do not like the thought of not being here were the worst to happen.
It is early morning now; the sun is breaking over the hills and so it is time to sleep. I have been using the nights to collect my herbs, as I find it is much easier to do when in the form of a wolf, and I still do not like to do that when others are around; not since I scared Ma’naru. It would not kill you, I think, to write to me. I know you are busy but, please, if you could find the time, I would appreciate it.
The elements protect thee.
- Onaron
Onaron
Oren, brother.
Your letter, though brief, was welcome. Perhaps, in future, you could elaborate on the "We are good, glad to hear you're well." Just a thought.
In stark contrast to your apparent lack of activity, however, we have struck another blow against the brotherhood! Brenry and I uncovered one of the links that Defias has to the nobility of Stormwind. Using sources I will not name here, we were able to, quite literally, be in the right place at the right time. Our intentions were to catch the traitor in the act of selling his secrets and then arrest both him and the Defias contact. Unfortunately we were discovered and it is only due to the superior swordsmanship of Brenry that we survived; though both the traitor and the contact were slain. Though we were successful today, I fear the Brotherhood will merely find other ways to communicate with their Stormwind allies.
Given my successes in the morning, I decided to take it easy in the evening; devoting my time to my plants. I have always considered my studies of the flora of Azeroth to be a relatively safe pursuit but, brother, tonight I was almost killed trying to further my craft! I was tracking some wild steelbloom (and yes, it is possible to track a plant - especially when you use your nose, as I do) and, because I was so focussed on my task, I did not realise that I had wandered into a, well, I don't know what to call it. A camp, perhaps? A camp of creatures who, themselves, are ill defined. They were wolves, no doubt, and yet also humanoid. It is a hard thing to explain. One thing I can tell you with certainty Oren, is that they do possess sentient intelligence. The glimmer in their eye (for I came close enough to tell) was not mere hunger or instinct - it was the distinct glow of malicious intent. What's more, while most were mere hulking brutes of fur and talons, some wielded dark magics! I am not all the way certain how I fashioned my escape, but I am still here not to remember it, so I must have! Though I think it was, as the humans have a saying, 'a close shave'. My fear is that, if these creatures do possess an intelligence, that they will organise themselves and strike against Delan and the other inhabitants of Darkshire. I will talk with your old friend to se what solutions present themselves.
On my way back to Darkshire, I passed a grave, seperate from the cemetary that looked as if it had been disturbed recently. Feeling for a family that may come to pay their respects to a loved one, only to find the grave defiled, I sought out the owners. I have come to learn that it was the inhabitant of the grave itself that defiled it! I should have guessed. In any case, Althea Ebonlocke, commander of the watchers of Darkshire, has asked if I might put the poor beast to rest. She has also given me a book, detailing his history in life. I have conflicted thoughts on reading it, as perhaps I will find it harder to slay the creature knowing the man. I think I will read it, however, in the hopes that perhaps it will generate the belief that I am freeing a prisoner, instead of taking a life.
I have spoken to Tannysa about the great dragon I saw, and she has sent word to her superiors in Darnassus. Hopefully we shall have word in a few days. Until that time, I am staying well away from that place, and advising others to do the same.
In the end, it was not all for nothing. I have discovered a flower known hereabouts as kingsblood, and I long to put it to use. Lilyssia, who knows much about such things should be able to help me. Between this and some much appreciated donations by my good friends Goldseer and Brenry, my studies come along nicely. I have sent you along one of my creations - drinking it should allow you to breathe under the water; or at least that's what it did for me. Perhaps you should not venture out too far if you decide to test it.
Take care, brother. It is a pleasing thing to know that you and your family are safe and well.
- Onaron
Onaron
Oren, brother.
I have not written for a couple of days, but it has not been for lack of things happening, that I can assure you.
Brenry and I have continued to do a good job aiding the people of Darkshire by keeping the numbers of undead in the region to a minimum. Much more must be done if the region is ever to be rid of them, but that can only come with time. Delan sends his regards, I should mention. He seems quite please with our work, but I believe many in Darkshire believe that Stormwind has abandoned them. I would like to tell them otherwise, but I can see no evidence to the contrary. Dark times, my brother. But, as you say, I will trust in the Light.
Speaking of, I would ask that you do a favour for me? I fear, in a way, to write this here, so I will not say too much. I want for you to talk to someone (I understand that Velen himself will more than likely be busy, but perhaps Kavaan or Jol?) in regards to what they know of the Light possessing individuals. I do not mean myself and I do not mean in a good way, necessarily. I apologise for my vaguaries, but if you could provide any information. I understand that the Light and Naaru are always benevolent, but do you know of a force which perhaps mirrors the Light and yet means harm? And what of the Kaldorei beliefs and their Gods? What of Elune? As I say, any information would be greatly appreciated, brother.
I do not feel much like writing the pleasantness that I have encountered over the past few days, though there has been much. Trust that I am well, and I will do the same for you. Give my kind regards to your family (may the elements protect them!)
