Dancing lessons

I spent most of today just moping around Silvermoon.  Chrysalis reached me through my brand and said that we needed to talk, so I agreed to meet her in the Exchange.

We found a bench to sit on, and she apologized for lashing out at me the night before.  I wasn’t really mad at her – just mad at the situation.  Chrysalis has a number of problems of her own, I learned, problems that I either dismissed before or just didn’t notice because I was too wrapped up in my own head. 

She felt used, and I got the impression that she felt a little bit betrayed.  What she thought was a meaningful relationship turned out to be nothing more than someone else’s amusement.  I didn’t tell her how obvious that appeared to me from the very beginning. 

After I convinced her that things were over over between Ysabelle and I (and it took a lot of convincing) she seemed to relax a bit.  I feel like Ysabelle and all the drama surrounding her was like this giant Elekk in the room whenever Chrysalis and I were together.  It felt good to be to just push that aside and relax and have fun with her.  We hadn’t really been able to laugh and relax like that since those first days we met.

We both joked about our miserable and pathetic romances, and she told me that I’m the only man she has in her life now. 

We were alone in the Exchange for a while, but in any busy place like that you’re bound to bump into someone you know sooner or later.  Velysen, Lisette, Erunen, and Zaliron all joined us in time. 

Someone mentioned how it seems we had ourselves a small party, and someone else remarked that we would have a party, except that there’s no dancing.  I think it was Lisette who suggested that Chrysalis and I dance, but I flat out refused – Chrysalis seemed disappointed. 

Lisette and Erunen took it upon themselves to set the example, and began to dance.  They really were something to behold – and after seeing what their idea of dancing was I was even happier I hadn’t volunteered.  I would have stepped on Chrysalis’ toes and quite possibly knocked her over if I had attempted anything similar to what those two were able to do.  They were getting quite hot and heavy, too, and I think I saw each person watching them blush just a little bit. 

Chrysalis seemed especially flushed and got up and left suddenly, walking to the nearby inn.  Erunen glanced at me from his embrace with Lisette and spoke to me through my brand, telling me to go after her.  When did I become the boyfriend who’s job it is run after the girl who stalks away?  I was curious to see what had upset her, though, so I followed her to the inn and found her seated upstairs on one of the beds.

She told me that the weight of everything was just getting to her.  I think maybe watching the couple dancing got her thinking about her own (failed?) relationship.  I was still exhausted from last night, myself, and sat down on the bed next to her.  I didn’t know quite what to say, so I just put my arm around her.  She seemd to calm down and leaned against me, falling asleep. 

After everything that’s happened over the past twenty four hours this was not a situation I would have expected myself to be in – but it’s nice to have something to hold on to.   

More misery

When I woke up this morning on Fray Island, Ysabelle had already gone – which I was expecting.  I didn’t see her until later in the night, when the entirety of the Guard met to assault Theramore Island.  Ysabelle and I arrived in the marsh together, but kept our distance from each other.  I figured it wouldn’t really be appropriate to be pawing her while listening to Alkaiser give orders on where and how to attack – as much as I might like to have been at the time.  

We were each broken into smaller groups prior to invading the island fortress.  I was placed with Miralan, Achates, and Fandaleen.  At the time I thought maybe Alkaiser intentionally placed me in a different group from Ysabelle, but I convinced myself I was just being paranoid.  After what happened later that evening, though, I’m not so sure.

The assault went well for the most part.  We went through the town without much resistance, it took Jaina Proudmoore herself to turn us back.  Even though we were bested by her, we still considered the assault a success.

Afterwards, we each made our back to Silvermoon.  Jaina had us pretty well scattered, so we all trickled into the city one by one.  I met Fandaleen and a few others at the usual gathering place, but left shortly after to change into some more comfortable clothes.  This plate armor is going to take some getting used to.  As I was out walking around I came upon Chrysalis and Nefarirr sitting by the fountain.  Nefarirr was pleasant enough, but Chrysalis saw me and lunged, grabbing hold of me and pulling my face to hers – at first I thought she was going to kiss me, but no such luck.  She was furious, she told me how Alkaiser found out about what Ysabelle and I had done, and that he had ended things with her.  She told me that now Ysabelle was a wreck, that she was begging and pleading him to take her back. 

Then Chrysalis bit me on the neck.  She was blaming me for Ysabelle being so upset, and I just didn’t want to hear it.  I summoned my horse and got away from her as fast as I could.  She tried contacting me through my brand, but I ignored her. 

Just last night Ysabelle told me that she loved me.  She told me that she wanted to be free to be with me.  Why she would lie about that I don’t know, but lie is what she did.  She wanted to be free from him, and she got her wish.  Now she’s upset over this?  Did she ever even want to be with me?  Did she think she could keep me on the side forever?  She knows what it’s like to have to compete for someone’s affection, I know that she won’t tolerate being someone’s second choice.  But she expects me to endure what she cannot?  I don’t know what the truth is anymore, and I don’t even know if she’s capable of telling me the truth. 

This has just been too much.  I’ve been going back and forth with her for too long.  I’m sick of it, and I’m finished.  She deserves the misery that she feels. 

Hot and steamy

For some reason I agreed to join Fandaleen and Ysabelle in that wretchedly hot Stranglethorn Vale.  We spent most of the time ripping through some troll ruins, or at least that what they’re called.  Are they really ruins if the trolls are still living there, though?  I should have asked Fandaleen, she would have known.  Anyway, the trolls were no challenge for us, the only real obstacle of the evening was the oppressive heat and humidity – which didn’t seem to bother the girls.  I think I have a really poor tolerance for uncomfortable situations.

Our tasks completed, we all decided to rest for a while.  I don’t recall where Fandaleen went off to, but Ysabelle and I returned to Booty Bay and got on the boat to Ratchet.  Once there, we swam out to Fray Island.  Perched up on a hill there we watched a young draenei woman fight in the ring down below, the crowd of spectators screaming and taunting her.  She didn’t let them phase her, though, and she defeated every opponent she met.  Hope I don’t bump into her in the Arathi Basin. 

The noise from the crowd went down with the sun, and we turned our attention to the seemingly endless expanse of ocean under the full moon.  We talked for a while, and I was pleasantly surprised at some of the things that Ysabelle said.  As much as I love her, it’s always frustrating the way she frequently has to run off after such a short time with me.  She told me though that she hopes for that the end soon, so that she and I can be together.  It was clearly both what we wanted, considering what was done that night.  I only hope that day comes sooner rather than later.  I don’t like sharing. 

Changing colors

My break ended up being a short one.  I was staying in Gadgetzan, picking up whatever work I could from the goblins in the desert.  Someone up there has a bizarre sense of humor, though, because just as I was beginning to enjoy the freedom of working on my own I ran into Ysabelle.  We worked together for a time, but it wasn’t long before she was called back to Silvermoon. 

Then, Chrysalis started speaking to me through my brand and I pretty much gave up on having some quiet time.  The company was actually very much appreciated.  Apparently I missed quite a bit by not going to the last meeting of the Silverguard.  Chrysalis told me how Alkaiser and the Bloodguard learned that Prince Kael’thas isn’t looking out for us they way we had all thought.  Seems he’s now allied himself with the Legion. 

Maybe it’s just that the news hasn’t sunk in yet, but I can’t admit to feeling too affected by this.  Maybe it’s because I was never really up on what was going on in the Outlands, or maybe I was just too absorbed in everything going on in my own life to concern myself with the bigger picture.  Maybe I still am. 

Either way, the purpose of the Silverguard has changed.  Chrysalis is excited by this, as she can now openly tell people that she follows the Scryers without fear of people judging her.  Despite the bad news she seemed optimistic, and I let her know that I would follow her in any decision she makes.  I know I can trust her. 

Taking a break, again

Last night was spent tearing through Razorfen Downs with Achates, Fandaleen, Jadael, and Ysabelle.  The place didn’t give us a whole lot of trouble, it was made easier by the way the undead creatures were so susceptible to my light-based attacks.  Achates found a nice new cloak, and the lich down there was holding a plate helm that I quickly relieved him of.  

Afterwards I went to see my trainer and learned a wealth of new skills, the most exciting of which being the ability to summon a warhorse.  No more blisters from running halfway across the world in mail boots!  I also learned to carry heavier armor, which is even more uncomfortable, of course – but I’m used to that.

Later on I tried to contact Ysabelle to see if she’d like to get together (preferebly in a place not crawling with walking quillboar corpses), but she was busy with Alkaiser.  So, I thought I might try to meet up with Chrysalis - it had been a while since we’d seen each other – but she was busy with Alkaiser, too.  Used to be I could count on at least one of them, but I suppose I ought to get used to this. 

I’ve decided I’m going to take a bit of a break from this mess, go someplace where I can rest and be alone for a while.  Someplace far away from Silvermoon, preferably.  Tonight there’s supposedly some important meeting of the Silverguard, but I’m sure they’ll manage just fine without me.

Maybe I’ll have some sort of epiphany while I’m away and come back with a fresh perspective on things.  At the very least, I hope I can sleep.

Maybe things aren’t so bad

Tonight was interesting - and a bit unexpected.  In a good way, though. 

I spent a good part of the night being torn limb from limb by mobs of trolls in the hot, sticky beast of a jungle called Stranglethorn.  After I had sufficiently pushed my limits and worn myself to the point of exhaustion, I met up with Ysabelle. 

We went to a little spot I had discovered earlier in the night – a cliff overlooking a pair of waterfalls.  The view was amazing and, having put a safe distance between us and the appetites of the predators lurking on the forest floor, we were able to kick back and relax.  The cool breeze was a welcome change from the stagnant blanket of torridity that the jungle is known for.   Had Ysabelle been able to stay there through the night, I feel I may have been able to sleep peacefully for the first time in a long time.

We spent a good deal of time talking, but before long she did have to leave.  Before she left, she gave me a kiss that rekindled that bit of hope I thought had just about died.  Things may not turn out quite the way I wanted them to, but at least now I know how she feels.  Perhaps that will be enough.

Back to business

Much has happened since I last wrote.  With the Silverguard I took part in a raid on Darkshore, Chrysalis has followed me in joining the guild, and I ventured into the fallen Gnomish city with Ysabelle, Achates, and Fandaleen. 

Chrysalis has gotten much stronger, and I feel like she’ll soon be better with a sword than I am at the rate she’s going. 

Fandaleen is a lot of fun, I’d like to get to know her a bit better. 

It’d be easy to think Achates to be in over his head in just about any situation, the way he carries himself, but I know we would not have made it out of Gnomeregan without his help. 

Ysabelle has opened up quite a bit since we first met.  I haven’t spent as much time with her as I might have liked, she’s been seeing someone – which I didn’t know until know until recently.  Which is fine, by the way, I just don’t know why she didn’t mention to him to me at all, I sort of figured this out for myself.  Still, I wonder if he knows where Ysabelle’s been spending her nights. 

It doesn’t matter, though, I’ve just focused all my attention on getting my work done.  I can’t really say that I’m happy, but at least I’ll be doing some good.  I’ve been having trouble sleeping, too.  Seems the only way I can sleep through the night is if I stay up half of it chopping centaur (or anything really) to bits until I’m too exhausted to do anything but pass out.

The Silverlord has commented on the rapid progress of my training – the result of all these late nights - but I know I’ve snapped at people I probably shouldn’t have in my exhaustion.  The last time we saw each other, Ysabelle also said something about me being more reckless than normal.  Maybe she’s right, I don’t know.  Either way, I’m not hers to look after.  That much is clear. 

Branding

I got a letter from Ysabelle.  She wrote that she had spoken with her lord, and that he would like to meet with me regarding my joining the Silverguard.  So, arrangements were made.  I was to meet with Alkaiser, the Silverlord, outside of Orgrimmar’s Talon Gate that very night. 

There were a few other people there, the Silverlord’s Bloodguards Arathael and Karlei, and a younger girl who’s name I didn’t catch.  There was also a priest there looking to join up, a guy named Nefarirr.  The whole process went by in a bit of a blur, we had to vow our loyalty or somesuch – I don’t even remember what I said, I think I was more concerned about not tripping and falling into the river that we were all standing next to.

Well, after I said whatever I said, I had this mark burned into the top of my hand.  The brand apparently allows me to speak with other members of the Silverguard over great distances, on top of serving to remind me not to blurt out anything stupid in front of one of my would-be superiors.  That’s mainly why I wanted it placed on a highly visible part of my body – so I won’t forget that it’s there.

I wonder if my room in the Keep will be near Ysabelle’s? 

One story ends, another begins

After I left Ysabelle I used my hearthstone to take me back to Silvermoon where I immediately made my way to Bloodvalor in Farstriders’ Square.  I think he was actually a little bit surprised that I had managed to complete the trial, but maybe I was just imagining that.  I feel like people generally have low expectations of me - which usually works in my favor.  But not always.   

Anyway, with the crest I retrieved from the fallen knight in Deatholme, Bloodvalor granted me the title of Bloodknight Adept.  He then had me take the blood of the wrathful, the corrupted kor gem, and the blood-forged ingots to the smith on the other side of the square.  I did so, and the smith got right to work crafting the weapon for me.  One thing that took me by surprise, though, was the reaction from someone else working at the forge nearby.  He saw what we were doing and what materials we were working with and left the area, as if disgusted.  I suppose this is something I should get used to.  Some people simply do not approve of the way the Bloodknights take their power, or maybe they’re just afraid.    That’s okay.  The occasional dirty look is a small price to pay for a weapon like this. 

I have to admit that completing the trial did give me a bit of a confidence boost, even though I did have lots of help along the way.  So, riding high, I marched right into Silverguard Keep and applied to join the guild.  I still had some doubts about whether I truly belong with a bunch like that, but at least this trial taught me that I can hold my own. 

Besides, I already know one of their members, and I think this one will make it all worthwhile.      

A familiar face in an unlikely place

The last thing I needed for my ranseur was a crate of blood-forged ingots, and this required a trip back across the sea to Shadowfang Keep in Silverpine.  Not a big deal since I would have to head back in that direction anyway once this was all over and done with. 

Silverpine is creepy, but Shadowfang Keep is creepier.  The minute I stepped in I had a filthy, drooling, black wolf lunge at me, seemingly intent on having my face for dinner.  I saw another wolf run in from around the corner, no doubt lured by sound of the struggle, and out of the corner of my eye I saw a worgen approach in all his loinclothed glory. 

The feeling of dread I was experiencing at that moment brought me back to my predicament upon entering Blackfathom Deeps.  I think it was right at that moment where I was ready to accept the fact that I would soon be separated from my juggular when a ball of flame smacked the wolf in the shoulder, knocking it off of me with a whimper. 

I heard some muttering in a foul language and turned to see a demon imp hopping towards me, hurling flames at the wolves and the worgen.  I got to my feet as quickly as I could and buried my sword in the neck of the worgen – this just as I saw the wolves writhing in pain on the floor, as if overcome by something, before the imp turned them to ash.

As the room quieted, I shouldered my sword and leaned against the wall to catch my breath.  I kept an eye on the imp, fully expecting me to aim his fire at me next.  The look he was giving me told me that he would like nothing better, I think the approach of a hooded woman from the shadows was the only thing that stayed his hand.  The imp was clearly not the one in control here.

The woman, she didn’t even look at me, just walked right past me and said, “And what are you supposed to be, some kind of hero?”

Near-death experiences don’t exactly put me in the best moods.  Some people might get a thrill out of the excitement, but I’m rather content to remain alive and in one piece.  That’s not to say I’m afraid of a little tussle – I just don’t like to walk into any situation that I don’t know I’ll walk out of.  Needless to say, the whole thing with the wolves left me a bit shaken. 

She might not have realized that, though – or maybe she did, what do I know? - because without thinking I just blurted out, “As a matter of fact, yes.”

I swear I saw her lips form the briefest, faintest smile just then - but I could be wrong.

So anyway, this woman just walks past me into the next room, which just happened to fill up with more wolves who undoubtedly heard our approach.  With a wave of her hand, though, an enormous voidwalker took the place of the imp at her side and began beating the wolves to a bloody pulp.  The woman, meanwhile, was weaving her own hexes and tossing what looked like bolts of shadow at the beasts.  In truth I don’t know what she was doing, but it looked painful.  For the wolves, that is.

I followed her as she made her way through the castle, leaving a trail of dead dog behind her.  I got a few swings with my sword in when I could, but for the most part she was putting the beasts down faster than I could reach them.  So while she did all the work, I made awkward smalltalk in some bizarre attempt at contributing something.  She apparently found me amusing, though, as she let her guard down enough to laugh a few times. 

After a time she began to join the conversation that had up until that point been rather one-sided.  I learned that she was there “treasure-hunting,” and she agreed to lead me to the stables where I could find my ingots.  She really knew her way around, I guess she was a frequent guest of the worgen.

With her as a guide I found the ingots in no time at all, and at that point we both agreed that we’d had enough of the place.  We left the castle without incident and began to walk north along the road towards the Undercity. 

At one point we paused, the woman pulled back her hood and shook out her black hair.  She looked up and met my eyes for the first time, and I thought I was going to pass out.  It was the Silverguard girl from the other night!  Only… she didn’t seem to recognize me, at all.  Which pretty much figured. 

For whatever reason I didn’t say anything about that night in Eversong, she didn’t remember, so I figured she probably didn’t want to remember.  Besides, what difference did it really make?  Then she told me she had a meeting to attend with her guild.

For some reason I’ll never be able to explain, I just blurted out (I do this a lot, I’m beginning to realize – blurting things out, that is), “So do I have to join this Silverguard if I’m to be able to see you again?” 

At this point I expected her to raise an eyebrow or shake her head at my ridiculousness. Then she surprised me and actually invited me along, saying something about it being nice to have someone like me there.  I wasn’t quite sure if “someone like me” was a good thing or not. 

I don’t know what it was about her, but I didn’t want to say goodbye to the girl.  But then I surprised myself and actually turned down her offer.  We parted ways, but she said she wouldn’t mind seeing me again sometime and thanked me for making her laugh (something I’m not sure I was doing intentionally). 

Ysabelle was her name, she told me. 

So - me?  In the Silverguard?  I don’t know, I got a funny vibe being in the Keep the other night - I don’t know that I’m up for that kind of life, following orders and whatnot, being told when to eat, sleep, and when to bend my knee to some guy I don’t know. 

Then again, maybe I’ll think about it.  People have done crazier things for a girl, I’m sure.