Memoirs of a Horde Soldier

[Shixin]

I wanted to share this story with you, written by a guildmate from my Hand of the Phoenix days. Quite simply, it is some of the best WoW Fanfic I've read to date.nnHope you enjoy as much as I did.n_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________nnnMemoirs of a Horde Soldier by SkyspykennnKvin stepped onto the soft ground of Zangarmarsh, a portal from Thunder Bluff closing behind him. He looked like he might throw up.nn"Ugh... I swear I'll never get used to that." He shook his head and tried to steady his nerves. In his left hand he carried a small orb. "Here it is," he said, holding it out to his squad leader.nnSkyspyke took the orb and looked it over. It was small, smooth, and a pale cream color--like a much larger-than-average pearl. "How does it work?" he asked.nnKvin's eyes brightened. "It's simple, really. You see, the Memororb is attuned to your biological signal, and captures the arcane essences resonating from your--"nn"I meant," Skyspyke interjected, "how do I use it?"nnKvin looked disappointed. "Oh..." he muttered. "All you have to do, is concentrate on the memories you want to deposit while holding it. It will take a few seconds to process, but in a few moments time, you'll have a recording of your memories that you can watch and play back as much as you'd like."nnSkyspyke was genuinely impressed with the Priest's work, and made sure to let him know. After relaying new orders and dismissing Kvin for the day, Skyspyke turned his attention to the Memororb. Closing his eyes and feeling slightly foolish, he began to deposit the memories of his most recent adventure during his new guild's Trial of Swords...nn* * *nnSkyspyke's breath was visible in a small cloud as he cautiously stalked his prey. Though he could barely feel it, it was freezing inside this cave; his thick skin and racing heart made it easy to ignore Winterspring's eternal tundra. nnSoft crunches were all that marked the small group's advance into Mazthoril Cave. Skyspyke led the way, Lurke close behind, impatient as always. "These dragons don't pose much of a threat," he remarked haughtily. It was true though: the pair had easily disposed of more than a few dragonkin since their entrance into the caves. nnSuddenly, the tunnel before them opened up into a vast cavern, and there, on either end, were the two great drakes that they had been hunting. The soft crunches stopped as Skyspyke took in the sight of the blue drakes. Pushing aside the regret and distate of slaying such magnificent creatures, Skyspyke prepared himself for the mission at hand. nn"Here we go," he warned quietly.nnCharging in shield first, Skyspyke began to trade blows with the drake, parrying with his shield and keeping the creature's attention focused on him. The drake's partner from across the cavern immediately perked up and let out a mighty roar that shook snowflakes from the cavern ceiling. Without any sign of physical damage, the first drake simply fell to the earth with a cold, hard crunching of snow of and ice. Lurke's magics had done the job, and done it well. nnThe second drake stooped over the carcass of its fallen comrade and howled in mournful frustration. Taking this time to bandage a wound and prepare for the impending battle, Skyspyke calculated his next move. nnTaunting the drake with a roar and a charge, however, failed to give Skyspyke any kind of advantage. This drake was tougher, stronger, and more motivated to fight than the last. Every blow that Skyspyke blocked rocked him to his core and shook the ice from his armor. Skyspyke took a blow to the chest that dented his breastplate and knocked the wind out of him; he was going down. In a last ditch effort for both survival and honor, the proud Orc warrior made his last stand, the Mark of Honor on his face glowing orange in unison with his eyes. He wasn't going down so easily.nnBut then--a sudden burst of the Light flooded his system with energy. The paladin in the group, Iverron of Silvermoon, had healed him! What audacity! Such dishonor!nnWith just a few heals from the paladin, the two Orcs defeated the great blue drake easily, the trial completed--but not with honor.nn"What was that?!" Lurke raged.nn"I thought this was our trial, Madame Templar," Skyspyke seethed.nnAkallabeth tried to assure the pride-stricken Orcs that she had seen what she was looking for, but the two would hear none of it. Iverron the Blood Elf paladin defended his actions, but that only enraged the warlock further. Iverron and Lurke began arguing, each walking dangerously close the point of no return. nnBut as Skyspyke tried to explain the reason for their outrage to Lady Akallabeth, Iverron of Silvermoon spat on Lurke Deadeye! Spat! nnIn a rage of disbelief, Skyspyke roared in the face of the paladin: "You did NOT just do that!!" The Mark of Honor burned brightly. In the defense of his men, the passion of the moment, and out of his own Orcish pride, Skyspyke threw down a challenge to someone clearly out of his league. Iverron accepted the challenge, but didn't count on the Orc putting up such a fight. Quickly disarming the paladin and stunning him with a blow to the head, Skyspyke did what he could to bring down the Elf's arrogance. nnIt only took a few blows before old wounds began to resurface. Skyspyke could feel the wounds of past battles, not yet fully healed, bring him down. Lasting longer than expected by all present, Skyspyke was finally forced to his knees in agony.nnIverron smirked. "Yes, on your knees... right where you belong."nnWhile Lurke raged and Akallabeth scolded, Skyspyke tried desperately to hide an oncoming seizure. He hadn't had such a seizure in some time, but this one threatened to bring him down. Shaking with the tremors of shame, rage, and past wounds, Skyspyke was able to keep it together long enough to prevent a full-blown physical meltdown. The Mark of Honor fizzled and returned to its normal black, while Lurke knelt down beside him. With Iverron defending his actions and the Templar displaying her disgust, Lurke said quietly to his parole officer/squad leader: "Until my soul shatters, I am your Orc." Skyspyke looked into his eyes, and nodded in understanding.nn* * *nnSkyspyke stopped the memory there. Kvin, another member of his volunteer/parole-induced squad, had shown up and helped dispose of a third drake, completing the trio's Trial of Swords. Skyspyke contemplated the memory that he had just deposited into the Memororb and let his thoughts wander. He knew exactly what memory to deposit next...

[Shixin]

It had been four long years.nnFour long years of uncontrollable and oftentimes sporadic seizures that took days to recover from. Skyspyke's frame had been crippled completely; his arms worked (barely) and everything above the neck worked (usually), but everything else was either emaciated beyond repair or contorted at useless angles. His fingers, for example, were locked in an eternal cramp that made reading a single book an all-day affair. nnHealers of all kinds had tried to heal Skyspyke from the moment he was rescued from the battle field. Although he couldn't remember it, the Night Elves that had saved him had beseeched the Moon Goddess for aid just moments after reaching the relative safety of the second bulwark. For whatever reason, the Moon Goddess' light couldn't save him. Much later, after Sylvannas' forces had joined the Horde, priests of the Forsaken, commanding a twisted version of the Light, had also tried to heal him. Skyspyke could remember the cleansing sensation of the Light... oh how beautiful the world had seemed for that moment! It had felt like... like living in darkness for an entire lifetime and then suddenly seeing the sun; or like being bedridden for your whole life and then recieving the strength to leap up and roar with all the pent up energy of a thousand lifetimes... but the the light faded gradually as the curse took hold once more, replacing the shroud of darkness that hid even that sweet, brief memory of light from Skyspyke's mind. nnShaman from Thunder Bluff had tried their hand at healing him as well. Months after the Battle of Mount Hyjal, Skyspyke had been sent to the Tauren capital to recuperate. The high rises of Thunder Bluff and the untouched beauty of Mulgore relaxed his soul like little else could. He could still remember the frantic prayers of the Horde Shaman beseeching the spirits for aid... and then the spirits' reply: a breath of fresh air infused his body with new life waking up parts of him that had been sleeping since he fell in battle; he felt... lighter, alive... but not whole. It felt like his muscles were communicating for the first time with the rest of his body, as if that connection had been severed for ages and then suddenly rejoined. It was like a dead leaf beginning to color again... nothing about his broken and twisted frame improved, but there was a stirring of life within him. ...But again, the breath of life was snuffed out by despair once the Shaman's prayer had ended; Skyspyke's frame remained unchanged. nnDruids from Thunder Bluff were the last to try. Their magicks, however, had absolutely no effect whatsover on Skyspyke's body. Skyspyke wondered why after three minutes of chanting he couldn't feel anything when the Druids had warned him that sudden muscle and tissue growth could be painful. Perplexed, the lead healer surmised that their magicks, which were based on augmenting the natural ebb and flow of the body's healing process, were being totally blocked by the nature of the curse that gripped his body. There was just some inherent feature of this curse which retarded--and indeed, halted completely--the growth of any new muscle or tissue. Quite simply, there was just nothing that they could do for him.nnAnd so with heavy hearts and tender counsel they left the proud Orc to accept his fate:nnHe would be broken forever.nn* * *nnSkyspyke stopped the memory of his Rebirth... he had gotten ahead of himself a little bit. He cleared his mind and then began to concentrate on the events that had led up to that monumental occasion...

[Shixin]

"This way, Friend."nnTal Spiritwalker led his charge into the most sacred area of his beloved city. Usually wary to share this part of Thunder Bluff with outsiders, he nevertheless led this proud Orc warrior with honor and deep contentment. This Orc had given everything to defend the Spirits and the world at the Battle of Mount Hyjal, and that was enough for him. Plus, the Orc had lived in Thunder Bluff for over six months now. He was practically Tauren in Tal's eyes.nnTal chanced a quick peek over his shoulder. The Orc looked so fragile in the pale moonlight that Tal thought he might break in half just from the exertion of moving himself from place to place. He wheeled himself along in that metal contraption with incredible difficulty. The Orc didn't notice Tal looking at him; all of his concentration was on moving his arms and pushing the wheelchair forward. There were handles on back for someone to push him, but the Orc wouldn't allow himself to be a burden; he wheeled himself around no matter how hard or far it was. On more than one occasion, however, Tal had pushed him anyway just to move things along. He would grumble and complain, but Tal could tell that the Orc was thankful for every bit of kindness showed him.nnTonight, however, was not about haste. It was about this crippled soldier's journey for purpose. This Orc had lived to fight for his people, and now that he couldn't, he saw himself as nothing but a burden. He felt useless, worthless, and good for nothing. Though his physical condition had stabilized in the months he had been in Thunder Bluff, his spirit had been taking a turn for the worst, and the Elders of Spirit Rise had prescribed a journey into the depths of his own soul. nnTal stopped at the entrance of a grand cavern. It was dark inside, but there seemed to be a faint green glow radiating from its depths. nn"This is as far as I go, my friend." He turned to look at his friend in the eye. "The rest is up to you." nnSkyspyke nodded in understanding and took one last calculating look into the cavern before setting off. In what seemed like barely a minute, he had reached the source of the faint green illumination. He gasped in a mix of wonder, awe, surprise, and honor:nnHe was staring into the Pools of Vision.

[Shixin]

For a moment, Skyspyke just sat quietly, bathed in the green glow of the pools and overwhelmed by the serenity of their stillness. Tal had not mentioned this in his invitation to go on a little walk and show him something interesting. Skyspyke didn't know what to think.nnHe knew, of course, the significance of the pools; he had written of their importance in one of his most recent historical works, Thunder Bluff. Always eager to pull his own weight, Skyspyke had found something that he could do to contribute despite his handicap: write, albeit very slowly and often with Tal's aid as a scribe. He had quickly realized that there were very few written accounts of the Tauren history and so began to collect the oral traditions, legends, myths, and genealogies of the Tauren. He had even petitioned to visit the Pools of Vision before, but his request had been politely refused. nnAll the more reason why Skyspyke was so surprised to be here. The Pools granted visions to those who peered into their depths, but the Tauren tried to keep this part of the city sacred and special. It didn't always end up like that (and would soon change completely with the acceptance of the Forsaken into the Horde), but the fact that they had granted him a moment alone with the Spirits in this place was a great honor to him. nnNot wanting to dissapoint, he peered over the edge into one of the illuminated pools... and saw his reflection staring back at him. He gasped when he saw the reflection of a white wolf sitting beside his own. He looked to his right, but there was nothing there. He looked back into the pools and sure enough, there was the reflection of the white wolf beside his own as if his physical self were sitting right next to Skyspyke's wheelchair. The wolf's reflection seemed playful; his tongue was hanging out and it gave a quizzical look as if wondering if Skyspyke was any fun. Just as Skyspyke began to smile, the wolf's countenance changed: it stared into Skyspyke's eyes with a penetrating intensity that said "Follow me." The wolf turned away and walked into the depths of the pools, disappearing from view. Skyspyke stared into the pools for a few more seconds, but nothing happened.nnWith a sigh, he backed away from the edge. There was no way he was going in that water. He couldn't even float in his condition, let alone swim. Whatever the wolf had wanted to show him, he would have to do it some other way, because he wasn't risking his life to see it that way; he was just about to start a new work, The New Horde, and he had just finished the research necessary to do so.nnAnd therein, he realized suddenly, was the first lesson that the Spirits had wanted him to realize: that he still valued his life and the good he could do with it.nnBefore he had any more time to decipher the powerful lessons of such a simple vision, the soft green glow turned a violent red as impossibly scarlet flames shot upwards from the surface of the pools. Skyspyke was thrown backwards onto the ground and out of his chair. Lying on his back and shielding his face with one crooked arm, he watched in horror as legions of undead poured into the room. Ghouls and skeletons in horrible clarity made way for hulking abominations and then sniveling warlocks. There was nothing pretend about these demons: they were real. Skyspyke could feel the heat of the flames mixed with the palpable stench of undeath fill the caverns. He cried out for help, but his pitiful yelp was lost in the noise of clunking armor and rattling bones. The undead made way as an all too familiar figure stepped into the cavern:nnThe Death Knight that had nearly claimed Skyspyke's soul on the slopes of Mount Hyjal nearly a year ago stood before him in all of his harrowing glory, brandishing the same runeblade that had stained the Orc's soul. There was no doubt about his intentions. He had come to finish the job.nn"The only sure thing in Life, is Death, brave Warrior," he said, "and Death itself has come for you." The Death Knight raised his runeblade and pointed it at Skyspyke's chest, which throbbed in pain from the memory of their last encounter. He struggled to run, to escape, to move out of the runeblade's line of fire... but the Death Knight just laughed a horrible, heinous laugh that filled the caverns and shamed what was left of Skyspyke's soul. The rest of the undead joined in, and Skyspyke stopped struggling. In his heart, he always knew that Death would come for him this way. He just hoped that he wouldn't be a slave for too long before one of his brothers cut him down on the field of battle...

[Shixin]

There was an pompous, condescending laugh that filled the caverns as everything froze in place before suddenly bursting into a million tiny insects that buzzed away. The only thing left standing in the cavern was the Death Knight, runeblade still poised to strike, pointed right at Skyspyke's heart. Behind the Death Knight stood a creature that the warrior knew all too well. Its leathery wings fluttered nonchalantly as it finished laughing, the echoes of it reverberating into the depths of the caverns.nn"Yes..." the Dread Lord said with an air of contnentment. "There's the passion that I'm looking for." Skyspyke was so confused at what was going on that he just stared open-mouthed at the Nathrezim. He towered over the Death Knight, his dull purplish armor barely reflecting any of the light emanating from the pools. It was like this creature sucked the very light and hope out of whatever surrounded him. nnThe Death Knight suddenly burst into a carrion swarm of disgusting-looking insects that dispersed rather quickly. The Dread Lord stepped forward, completely relaxed, playful even. He was so tall, especially since Skyspyke was still on his backside looking up. The demon seemed impossibly tall, dominating the cavern with his dark presence. The force of the Dread Lord's will crashed upon Skyspyke's mind as it stepped closer. It eyes began to glow bright green as it simultaneously burst into yet another swarm of vile insects and said in a matter-of-fact tone:nnYou will be mine.

[Shixin]

Skyspyke blinked. nnThe white wolf now stood in the middle of the cavern where the Dread Lord had first appared.It glowed a soft off-white that blended seemlessly with the soft green of the pools. The playfulness had passed; the wolf once again penetrated the Orc's sould with a look that said "Follow me."nnBefore Skysypke could respond, a massive shape flapped its way skyward out of the pools. It was too much. Skyspyke dropped to the floor, lying completely on his back, his strength nearly spent and his surprise overpowering. He couldn't differentiate between reality and the pool's visions anymore; before him hovered a majestic-looking bronze dragon, and he couldn't tell if it was actually there or just in his mind. Its wings flapped steadily to keep it hovering, sending a very real-feeling force of wind and displaced air at Skyspyke that made him shiled his eyes for protection. As the dust settled and the sound of the dragon's fappling wings stopped, Skyspyke felt another presence enter the room. He opened his eyes to the most confusing sight of the evening.nnThe dragon was gone, replaced by an imposingly imperial high elf. This elf had the distinctive quality of being royalty, or else of one having some awesome power that naturally warrants awe and reverance from those in his prescence. The confusing part of what he saw, however, was the figure standing before the high elf with his back to Skyspyke. He knew before the figure even turned who it was; the question on his mind was whether this was the past or future he was seeing, for before him stood a healthy, whole, and noble version of himself. nnHe was magnificent. His body was perfect. There were no signs of demonic corruption or physical disabilities. He seemed taller, stronger, and more commanding than he ever remembered being. This then, he fervently prayed, must be the future...nnHis other self turned to him, smiling wryly. It was a sportive smile of understanding and encouragement. A smile that said, I know it sucks, but it will turn out allright in the end. Skyspyke was a little taken back by the tone of this smile. He had never been so playful. nnBut as he tried to react, his body gave up. His strength was so completely drained and his mind so totally tired from the confusion and stress of his visions and/or encounters (who could really tell?) that his system shut down completely. His last concious perception was the voice of the resplendant high elf chuckling, "Wow, my friend. You really took a beating, didn't you?"nn"Bah," the other Skyspyke replied good-naturedly. "It wasn't so bad. You shoulda seen the other guy..." The two laughed as the broken Skyspyke slipped into oblivion wondering just what the hell was going on.

[Shixin]

Skyspyke awoke to a dark cavern. The pools were not illuminated the soohting soft green of the spirits; it was pitch black, except for one bright spot.nnThe white wolf, which glowed a soft off-white, sat comfortably in the darkness not five feet away from the waking Orc. It cocked its head as if to ask, "Everything allirght?"nnSkyspyke unthinkingly replied with a grumble. "I'm fine..." Realizing that he was talking to a hallucination, he tried to correct himself. "I mean, uh..." but he couldn't think of anything to say that would make him feel less foolish. He crawled towards his wheelchair, faintly outlined by the light of the white wolf, grumbling something about “going crazy.” nnThe wolf looked into Skyspyke's eyes as soon as the Orc had settled into his chair. "Follow me," the eyes said. Skyspyke obeyed, following the white wolf as it turned towards what he hoped to be the exit. He had seen enough for one night.nnThe walk out of the cave seemed to take significantly longer than the walk in. Finally, however, he could make out light that didn't come from the wolf. Just outside the mouth of the cave, he could make out Tal's silhouette against the backdrop of the night sky. There were so many stars out... but then again, the stars were always so vivid in Thunder Bluff. Just another reason why Skyspyke felt so at home here.nn"Ah, you're back, my friend! Why, you look like you've seen a ghost!" Skyspyke didn't know what to say, but was lost in the attempt. "It’s allright, my friend. What you saw is for you and you alone, and is only to be shared as the Spirits direct.” Skyspyke still didn't know what to say. He was suddenly feeling things he hadn't felt in a long time.nn“Come,” Tal said, “lets get back. It's gotten late." Skyspyke was deeply grateful that Tal didn't press him for an account of his experience. He felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and gratitude for what he had in life; he couldn't explain it, but he suddenly felt so blessed to have what he did that all could do was utter a feeble, yet heartfelt, "Thank you."nnTal smiled, touched by the depth in those words, but said nothing as he pushed Skyspyke up the path and towards the Orc's hut. The white wolf strolled alongside the pair, either unseen or unacknowledged by the Tauren Shaman. nnFor the first time since the Battle of Mount Hyjal, Skyspyke was grateful for having survived.nn***nnSkyspyke closed the memory, remembering just how amazing that feeling had been. The Spirit's visions had done the job, changing his whole outlook on life. He had realized that there was still hope, and that his life was still full of worth and meaning, regardless of his physical disabilities. That day had changed the course of his life forever. He remembered how much he had changed after that. In fact, if it wasn't for that moment, and the spark of life that had been rekindled within him, what happened next might never have transpired...

[Shixin]

"I'll go!"nnEveryone in the room looked at Skyspyke a bit incredulously. Politely--but incredulously. This wasn't something to be taken lightly.nn"Seriously," he continued, "I can do it. You can't spare the manpower for something like this. If I go, you don't have to worry about problems you've been discussing for the past hour." Sensing an impending argument he said again, "I can make it. Me and Steele can handle the journey. It's only a few days to Splintertree."nnThe Tauren in the room exchanged cursory glances. "There's been a lot of Alliance activity in Ashenvale lately," an aged Tauren Shaman replied. "What if they don't take kindly to your passing, Friend?" Many heads nodded in agreement. nn"I think," Tal interjected, "That the Hero's Mark should be enough to dissuade any hostile action." Tal referred to the Mark of Honor, a black tribal tattoo on the right side of Skyspyke's face given in honor of his actions at the Battle of Mount Hyjal. The Druid wasn't convinced.nn"I would like to think so, young one, but we can't be sure. It would be wiser--"nn"It would be wiser, Elder, to take the Spirits' counsel over our own flawed reasoning."nnThe aged Shaman smiled. "Well said, Friend. Let us consult the Spirits." nnTal flashed Skyspyke a smile as he joined the small group of respected Thunder Bluff Shaman. Skyspyke's mind began to wander as the group preformed their ritual. nnIt had been some time since he had been outside of Thunder Bluff, and although he loved it here, he couldn't deny that his spirit yearned for the freedom to roam the world. He wanted to see new things: things that he had written and read about as a scholar in his year as an honorary citizen of the Tauren capitol. He longed for adventure, for a chance to put his new attitude to good use. He was still broken, but he wasn't useless, and he wanted to prove it. This mission to Ashenvale was perfect for him: it involved minimal risk but would be rather helpful to the cause. He said a silent prayer to the Spirits for the chance to prove his worth and repay them for their kindness. He felt the gentle kiss of the wind reply in the affirmative. He smiled.nn"It is decided then," Tal said beaming with excitement. "Skyspyke of the Horde shall carry out this mission." The other Shaman nodded in agreement. Whatever they had seen or heard from the Spirits, Skyspyke could tell, had convinced them. Not a single pair of eyes reflected any doubt in his ability to accomplish the mission.nnGratefully, Skyspyke bowed his head. "Thank you, Elders, for giving me this chance to prove my worth. You honor me with all you have done for me."nn"You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Friend of Thunder Bluff," the aged Shaman who had opposed the idea countered instantly. "You've already proved your worth to the world and then some. May the Spirits continue to guide you as they have always done." He bowed his aged, bearded head in mutual respect.nnTal slapped Skyspyke on the back (something that he had picked up from the Orc, actually), grinning from horn to horn. nn"You better get packing," he said. "Don't forget to write."

[Shixin]

There were many more trips to Ashenvale in the years to follow, and Skyspyke made sure to write home every time. He surprised himself when he started thinking of Thunder Bluff as his home. His loyalty still lied with the Warchief and his with his people, but his home was most definitely now Thunder Bluff. It was where he had been reborn, where he had found meaning in life again. The Tauren were so open and friendly that he felt like one of them; he never felt like an outsider or a visitor. And so every time he would be sent out on a mission to deliver messages or receive reports and supplies, he would write back to those he had come to call his family.nnThe missions he was given were never dangerous (per se) or critical to the war effort, or even very difficult actually. That's why he always volunteered and why the Elders usually allowed him to go. Sometimes it would be completely unrelated to the war; an Elder would require a rare herb, or another would ask for a certain scroll or book in some far off library. Skyspyke embraced these missions and saw the world like he never had before. He chronicled every part of every journey in preparation for his magnum opus, which he hadn't quite named yet. He didn't even really know what his life's work would be about, only that it would be an epic history of the races of Azeroth and their struggles against demonic corruption.nnAnd then... something happened that, yet again, changed Skyspyke's life forever. It was one of those critical chance meetings that altered the flow of history, set in motion by choices long since made and paths long since set.nnAs he wheeled himself into the Crossroads of the Barrens, he took a deep breath and smiled. "Almost home," he purred to his great pack-Kodo, Steele. Steele replied with a snort. He'd just as soon be done with all the walking. This extra stop, which took him past his home but not to his home, was aggravating.nnAnd then it happened. Skyspyke was making his way into the inn to drop off a pack of supplies when a small group of elves--Blood Elves, Skyspyke remembered--began making their way out. Their words and demeanor were ones of humility and gratitude towards their host, Inkeeper Plainswind, as they made their exit after what was clearly an overnight stay.nn"Really, Boogrand, you can call me Dareth," the lead Elf said with a laugh. "After all the stories we've swapped since being here, I think it's safe to say we're on a first name basis." nnThe Tauren innkeeper laughed a deep, satisfying laugh as he replied, "Yes Friend, I think you're right. May the Earthmother guide your paths, Vareth."nn"And yours, my new friend."nnSkyspyke eyed the Elf with curiosity, noticing his regal demeanor and splendor. He was simply dressed, yet still elegant and refined, and exuded a cheerful influence to those around him. The two made eye contact, and Skyspyke literally felt the light of his gaze fill his stained soul with warmth and hope. Whoever this man was, he was a powerful wielder of the Light, and Skyspyke didn't need any books to tell him that. nnVareth the Blood Elf stopped in his tracks. "By the Light," he barely whispered. He couldn't believe his eyes. This was just the opportunity he had been praying for.

[Shixin]

"Excuse me, good Orc," the Blood Elf asked with sincere genteel, "Did you serve in the Battle of Mount Hyjal, perchance?"nnSkyspyke was taken aback, both by the kindness in his voice and the sincerity of his question. "As a matter of fact, I did, Stranger." Summoning up as much civility as he could muster, he continued, "Might I ask who you are, good Elf?"nn"You may, Warrior of Azeroth. I am Ambassador Vareth Sunstryker of Silvermoon. I have been travelling through the Horde lands on a special envoy, and I recognize the mark you bear so gallantly upon your visage. Might I inquire as to your name as well, Warrior?"nn"You may, Ambassador," Skyspyke said, sitting up as proud and tall as he could at the ambassador's praise. "I am Skyspyke of the Horde, and I welcome you to our lands. I'm not sure that your people have been seen in this land before. How have you been recieved?"nnVareth was impressed. This Orc hadn't even batted an eye to see a Blood Elf; most Horde members gaped and stared, not having seen an Elf in some time, and if they had, they were not sure what to make of seeing one here and now. He couldn't blame them though; their recent break from the Alliance was relatively unknown to the common people. This Orc here must be somewhat experienced with Blood Elves to regard him with such normalcy. "With surprise, Skyspyke of the Horde, as well as confusion. But regardless of both, I can personally vouch for the hospitality of the Horde, as hosts such as Innkeeper Plainswind here has attended to me and my party as honored guests. Why, all night he entertained us with the choicest meats of Ogrimmar flown here just for us." Vareth flashed Boogrand a smile, who beamed at the praise.nnSkyspyke liked this Elf. He was sincere, cheerful, tactful, and diplomatic--yet he didn't give off an air of disdain or superiority. He wasn't flattering either, only sharing the feelings of his heart with everyone; and the Light radiated through him gracefully and invitingly. nn"I am honored by your praise of my people, Ambassador," Skyspyke replied sincerely. "I hope then that you don't think me rude when I ask why you stopped me just now. I'm sure you have more important matters to attend to than a passing veteran." nnVareth's eyes twinkled. nn"Skyspyke of Ogrimmar, there is nothing more important to me right now than helping you to your feet, and I believe that I know just the way to do it."