Pitch and Rheugan: Meeting

When I get the ball rolling, I really get it rolling. Sometimes, at least. *eyes other storylines*

Couple nights ago, just before Aely and Arrens' wedding. Woohoo, weddings!
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Pitch stepped into the darkened room at the Darnassus inn with a soft "Hello?" A low growl answered him, and he peered around until he spotted a dark huddle in the corner, behind the dresser. He took a step closer. "Rheugan, right?"

The reply was a sharp chuff. Pitch stopped, staring at the shape uncertainly. He could now make out a dark-colored cat- one shaped differently than a cat-formed Night elf- which was watching him warily. Pitch cleared his throat. "I'm Pitch," he tried again. "The, um, the Circle wanted you to talk to someone, right? That's me."

The cat twitched one ear, then moved out of his hiding place. As he did, his form grew larger, until Pitch found himself facing a large worgen instead of the cat. "What do you want, elf?" The worgen's voice was a harsh growl, deep and gutteral. Pitch blinked. "You're Rheugan?" The worgen eyed him without moving."... yes."

Pitch took that as encouragement. "I, uh, came to talk with you," he started, when Rheugan interrupted him with another growl. "About what?," he demanded. "They must have told you what I did. Have you come to kill me, elf?"

"No." Pitch's voice was firm, as was the headshake that followed. Acting on some instinct, the Kal'dorei unshifted, then walked over to the nearby table and perched on the bench. Rheugan's eyes followed him, the aggression in them replaced by uncertainty and something else, something Pitch couldn't identify. "Then what do you want?" he asked.

Pitch hesitated, then slowly stood up before answering. This was definitely not turning out how he had expected. "To.... try to save you, I suppose," he said cautiously.

"Save me?" The worgen looked at him in surprise, then let out a mirthless chuckle."You know what I am, don't you? Do you really want to save this?" He stepped closer, until the light coming in from the door illuminated him clearly.

He was very tall; he could look Pitch in the eye easily, even in his slightly hunched posture. The coarse black fur that covered him didn't completely hide the scars that crisscrossed his shoulders and chest under the ragged vest he wore. His left ear was gone, chewed down to a useless nub. And he stared at Pitch challengingly from green-gold eyes that glowed faintly. His wolfish muzzle curled, the growl turning into a full snarl.

Pitch stared back at him, unflinching. "If you can be saved, yes. Don't you want to be saved?" Rheugan blinked in surprise again, and the Night elf pressed his advantage. "Or did you want them to kill you?"

The worgen stood uncertainly, all aggression gone. His gruff voice sounded almost lost. "I... I don't know anymore." He stared back at Pitch, a hint of challenge returning. "Why?"

"Because," Pitch answered, then hesitated. There were some things in his own past that he had told nobody but his siblings, but he decided if he really wanted to help Rheugan, he had better go all the way. "... because I was in your paws, once," he finished, then waited.

Rheugan stared at him. Abruptly a shudder ran over him, then he... changed, and a small, ragged-looking human stood in his place. Clear blue eyes looked at Pitch with fearful hope. "Can... can you fix me?" he asked, with a hint of desperation. His human voice was surprisingly soft. "Really fix me?"

Pitch could understand the hope, and the fear as well. He wondered what exactly this young human had been through. "No. Not the way you're thinking," he answered Rheugan's question. "But I can teach you to control it." Rheugan nodded hesitantly, and Pitch waved him over as he sat back down. "Come sit down and tell me about it," he said gently. Rheugan crossed the room with surprising quickness, and once he was seated he began.

* * * * * *

"I grew up in Gilneas City," he told Pitch. "I loved it there.

"When the worgen attacked, everyone helped to defend the city. I.. don't remember when I was bitten. Probably the same time Crowley was." Pitch made a mental note to ask who Crowley was later- he was obviously someone important to Rheugan. "But after the fighting was over was when I... changed.

"I... found a pack to run with. I don't recall everything we did, but all I cared for was the hunt. They said I killed some of my friends. I don't know whether it's truth. They finally trapped me and some of my packmates. The rest of the pack fled or was killed.

"Lord Godfrey- he's some sort of alchemist for the King- he gave me a potion that brought back my senses. He said... he said that if I still had any humanity in me, I would live. If I turned out nothing but a beast, I would be killed. I heard that a lot, back then."

He paused, then sighed quietly. "It wasn't hard, at first, but Godfrey became more erratic as time passed and more of us turned up infected. My potion started to wear off, and I had to control myself, with no help. That's when the druids came. They... helped. And once I had the wolf in me under control, they offered to teach me druid shapeshifting."

Pitch cocked his head. "That's interesting. No human has ever been taught that. I thought it was something we just didn't share."

Rheugan looked thoughtful. "I think... maybe it was because we could already change shape. But to get back to my story. I..." He paused again to swallow. "It's hard to speak of it. Once I had learned what I needed, the wolf reawoke. It seemed I had two beasts fighting for control of me, the cat and the wolf."

"What about your bear?" Pitch asked him. "Any trouble from it?"

The small human shrugged. "At times. It mostly seems to sleep, only becoming difficult if I have to fight something. I try to avoid using it, for fear of it joining the fray." Pitch nodded his understanding, and he went on. "Crowley.... he helped us, many of us. And the elves that came. The female seemed especially interested. She's the one that interceded when I...."

Pitch looked apologetic. "Yea. I'm sorry, but can you tell me what happened?"

"I... I had just heard that Crowley had abandoned us to join the Forsaken. They ruined my homeland and took everything from me, from us. When I heard... I was, well, angry. I only wanted to find a spot of peace, and the cat challenged me. It went... out of control."

Pitch snorted, very softly. "I guess you could say that." Then he suddenly sat upright in his chair. He had lost track of time while he sat and listened to the younger druid, and he had almost forgotten something very important. He glanced toward the door, then back to Rheugan. "Rheugan, if I get you out of this room, could you come to Stormwind?"

Rheugan blinked, obviously startled by the change of topic. "I... I don't know.." Pitch gave him an apologetic look as he mentally smacked himself upside the head. Perhaps if he explained things first... "I want to talk more, but I have a wedding to get to," he told the other. Rheugan immediately brightened as he understood. "Oh! Right." "Will you come?" he pressed.

Rheugan still looked hesitant, but was clearly interested. "I.... yes, I will." Pitch suppressed a sigh of relief. "The Pig & Whistle tavern, in Old Town. Any guard should give you directions. And don't worry, I'll be there." The young man actually looked as relieved as Pitch felt as he answered. "All right then, Pitch."

Pitch offered a hand to the human. Rheugan eyed the hand, then shook it. Pitch grinned. "The wedding party will be there, so you may want to wait til it gets quiet." Rheugan nodded. "Right." Pitch nodded back cheerfully. "Okay, I'll get them to let you out, and I'll see you later."

He hopped to his feet and started out when Rheugan's soft voice made him pause. "Pitch? Thank you."

Pitch grinned back at him. "Welcome. Don't forget."

Pitch: Rheugan

I mentioned that my worgen druid Rheugan was going to get into some RP soon, mostly with Pitch. A few nights ago (last week I think?) I finally got the ball rolling.

Also, my sister's druid Jahira? Is awesome. Just saying.
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Jahira purrs at Pitchblàck.

Pitchblàck says: Hello! It's a nice tree, isn't it?

Alanón says: It is

Alanón says: Pitch, I have something to tell you

Jahira looks.

Pitchblàck says: ... and you don't think I'll like it, otherwise you wouldn't have brought my sister

Jahira blinks at Pitchblàck.

Pitchblàck eyes Jahira.

Jahira says: And why would you think that?

Alanón looks a tad uncomfortable.

Pitchblàck says: Because that's what he always does

Jahira says: Maybe I just wanted to come see the place my brother spends so much time?

Pitchblàck turns to eye Alanon.

Alanón says: I did ask her to come, yes

Pitchblàck says: See? So spill it

Alanón sighs at Pitch.

Windstar pricks her ears at the voices, blinking sleepily.

Alanón says: I was called back to Darnassus recently, for a meeting of the Circle

Pitchblàck blinks at Alanón.

Jahira starts spine-scritching.

Pitchblàck says: I thought they were pretending you don't exist?

Pitchblàck stretches a bit and starts purring.

Alanón says: They were, which is why I went. I wanted to see what they were up to

Pitchblàck nods.

Alanón says: You know of the worgen that we've recently welcomed into the Circle?

Pitchblàck says: Yes

Pitchblàck looks curious.

Alanón says: They.... have a special case on their hands

Alanón is beginning to look -very- uncomfortable.

Pitchblàck eyes Alanón suspiciously.

Pitchblàck says: .....and?

Autûmn glances at the druids on the railing.

Alanón says: Pitch....They have a feral worgen

Pitchblàck scowls, but listens.

Alanón says: He, ahh...

Alanón glances around the room. "He attacked one of the companion sabers and killed it."

Jahira winces slightly.

Alanón says: From what I understand, it was a dispute over dominance. When the guards interceded he turned on them. One of them was hurt badly. They don't know what to do-

Pitchblàck interrupts. "No."

Pitchblàck says: I won't do it. Not again

Alanón says: Pitch...

Pitchblàck says: NO!

Jahira says: Pitch...

Pitchblàck says: I TOLD you! Never again!

Jahira says: Please

Alanón says: Pitch listen to me!

Jahira says: Let him finish

Pitchblàck glares angrily at Alanón.

Alanón says: They don't want you to kill him

Pitchblàck blinks at Alanón.

Windstar raises her head, looking slightly alarmed.

Pitchblàck says: They.... don't?

Alanón says: They want to see if you can help him. I told a few of them your story, years ago

Pitchblàck blinks again.

Alanón says: They think his case is similar. They want you to try mentoring him

Pitchblàck looks like he's forgotten to breathe. "And if... I can't help?"

Alanón says: Then they will.... deal.. with him. You need not be involved with it

Jahira puts a reassuring hand on Pitch's shoulder.

Alanón says: But they would like to try to save him first

Pitchblàck says: I... What do they want me to do?

Alanón says: He's being held in Darnassus. Not in a cage.

Pitchblàck starts to glare but stops. "Mkay."

Alanón says: He is held in a room in an inn. Still a prison, but he's being treated as a person

Windstar peeks out from her 'den'.

Alanón says: It would probably be best if you met with him as soon as possible

Pitchblàck says: Mkay. I'll try to get over there in a day or two

Jahira smiles, looking relieved.

Alanón says: Thank you, Pitch

Alanón looks immensely relieved.

Pitchblàck eyes Alanón.

Pitchblàck says: Do you know anything else about him?

Alanón says: His name is Rheugan

Jahira starts spine-scratching again.

Alanón says: He is in his early twenties, so comparably about your age

Pitchblàck nods.

Alanón says: He apparently ran wild for a time before he became a druid .... as a wolf

Pitchblàck pricks his ears.

Pitchblàck says: So he was a worgen first

Alanón nods.

Alanón says: You can ask him about it when you meet him

Windstar is shamelessly eavesdropping.

Pitchblàck says: Mkay

Alanón says: I have to go, but I think I saw Lark heading this way

Pitchblàck brightens.

Pitchblàck says: Mkay. See you later, big brother

Alanón ruffles Pitchblàck's fur.

Alanón says: Good evening, little brother

Jahira says: Goodnight Alanon

Cataclysm Catchup

My cold has me by the ear and is dragging me around without mercy- once I got home from work today I actually spent all afternoon/evening in bed. But, since I haven't done any "catching up" posts since Cata went live, I figured I would cobble one together real quick.

First up, Lark is 85 already. I totally meant to level Turron first, so I could be ready when our guild starts raiding, but once I got on Lark she just kinda took over. I did get Turron to 81, at least, but I'm already planning on leveling Pitch and/or Barraccus next, so no idea when he's going to get finished. There is a bright side (not that the bad side is all that bad, but anyway)- Lark's guild is looking at possibly starting up raiding, so even if Turron gets neglected, I may be able to raid anyways. And on one of my favorite classes, too!

The only bad thing I'm seeing right now, in fact, is that the only decent weapon I've been able to find for her is a stupid gun. Blah.

Lark's been able to keep several of her pets up to her level, which has been great. Komah and Quiloe are already 85 with minimal playtime (stupid cold) and Saetta, her fox, is catching up. She has 2 tenacity pets as well, Seyvo the bear is waiting for his turn to level, and her newest addition, Kevo:
I hate spiders. Loathe, really. Arachnophobia doesn't even cover it. I am justifying her having a shale spider, however, because he looks more like a little stone crab. Crabs I can handle. Besides, he's a good little pet, and the squeaks he makes are adorable.

I'm working on coming up for a story for Saetta, because she will be an in-character pet. It's taking a backseat to my current Dav/Arvoss story, but it will be done eventually.

So other than Lark-stuff, I've also gotten Pitch up to 81 already. Rested xp is a wonderful thing. And besides that, I've been tinkering on my worgen. Meet Rheugan.


He's a druid (yes, another one!) and I will be working him into some RP, mostly with Pitch, as Pitch will be mentoring him. Rheugan is a bit messed up right now, but he's a good kid, and I think it'll be fun seeing what I can put him through. Also, worgen cat form, rawr.


I loved the worgen starting zone, and am already thinking of what toon to start next just so I can go through it again. I'll make a goblin eventually, but for now the worgen have my attention.

Can't think of anything else to add, so til next time Happy Hunting!

Arvoss: Heading Out

Doing this one in 2 parts because 1. Cataclysm stuff is making it hard to concentrate, and 2. I just caught a cold, and brain will likely be muddled for the next week or two. Hopefully I'll still be able to finish this up, but I don't know how long it'll be now.

Urgh, hate colds.

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"You're insane."

Arvoss suppressed his sigh. Lark just stared at him incredulously. "You know what they did out there. Your son and I don't know how many others are missing or dead because of it. And you want to go out there alone?" She shook her head vehemently. "Not going to happen."

"Lass," Arvoss said softly. "Ye cannae stop me. Ah've got ta find out wha' 'appened t' Dav, but Ah'm nae riskin' annehone else's life fer it."

"So you're just going to sacrifice yourself?" Lark pulled out her buzzbox and flipped it on. "We'll see what everyone else thinks."

She made the mistake of not watching him, and he snatched it out of her hands in an instant. His voice became a trifle harder. "Lass, Ah willnae let ye do this. Ah'll be jes' fine, or are ye fergettin' wha' Ah am?"

Lark eyed him, then finally sighed and threw up her hands. "At least take one other, just so you have someone to watch your back. Pitch, for example. I'm sure he can take care of himself out there."

Arvoss shook his head. "Nae, Ah'll nae take yer lad. 'e'll most like need t' be 'ere fer Shaur, anyrate, t' keep 'er fra chasin' afteh me. An' Ah'll nae take yerself, either, sae dinnae ask."

She sighed again, then brightened. "All right, how about Windstar or her brother? They can take care of themselves as well, and that way I can be certain you'll get back safely. Even if they have to drag you back."

Arvoss gave an amused snort. "A'righ', lass. Ah'll call up Star oan mah way out o' th' city. Ye 'appy naow?"

He turned to leave, only to be stopped by Lark's hand on his arm. She gave him a wickedly triumphant grin. "You can call her right now. Or did you forget that you're still holding my buzzbox?"

Davoss: Lost

This one was delayed a bit by AAAAHHHCATACLYSM!! and worgen and new zones and.... well, you get the idea. But here it is finally!

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By the middle of the next day, Davoss knew he was in trouble. The infection had returned with a vengeance, and he felt sick and feverish. To top it off, he realized he had followed the river too far and missed the path to Chillwind. He stood on the riverbank, weaving slightly on his feet, and tried to think of what to do through his muddled brain.

The wound in his stomach still oozed, the makeshift bandage around his middle now stained with fresh blood and pus. The infection brought a raging thirst with it, and he feared to leave the river, his only source of water. He hadn't eaten since before his patrol the morning before- not that he felt the least bit hungry with the sickness spreading through him, but it was one more thing weakening him.

Finally he stumbled onward, still following the river, no longer fully aware of what he was doing, the urge to find help, to move, pushing him on. He did manage to cross the river, then a little farther on he had to stop again as he reached the shore of Caer Darrow. He stood and stared at the lake in mild confusion, then simply turned westward and followed the shore. There had to be people around somewhere, he just had to find them.

He made his slow, painful way onward, toward Andorhal.

* * * * * *

Arvoss sat at home brooding. The news that his son was most likely lost still sat heavily on him, but Lark's words were starting to sink in, putting thoughts and ideas in his head. He knew he wouldn't be able to find any peace until he knew for certain what had happened to Dav, even if he was too late to do anything.

Finally he got up and started rummaging around the house, filling a pack. Shaurria looked up from her favorite cushion with a sleepy mew, and he paused to smile at her reassuringly. "S' nothin', lass. Jes' got sommat t' do. Willnae take long, then Ah'll be back, dinnae fret." The druid blinked at him, then gave a brief purr and laid her head back down, satisfied.

Pack ready, he left the house and retrieved Shade from the nearby stable. Then he rode the deathcharger out toward the Pig. Might as well let someone know where he was going, just in case.

Davoss: Fields of Grief

Lark wasn't the only one to have a rough time at the Shattering. Yeesh.
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The clerk didn't look up as Arvoss stepped up to the desk, his eyes glued to the paper he was looking over. "Name and business?" he asked briskly.

Arvoss swallowed nervously. "Ah'm lookin' fer information oan a partic'lar paladin, sah," he said.

"Paladin's name?"

"Davoss Torbrynn, sah."

"And your relation to Sir Davoss?" pressed the clerk, who still hadn't looked up.

Arvoss hesitated. "Ah'm... Ah'm 'is da," he finally said softly.

"Sir Davoss' father has been deceased for some ti-" The clerk finally looked up, only to cut himself off as he met the shining blue eyes of the death knight. He cleared his throat. "I see," he said tactfully. He stared at Arvoss, not exactly unfriendly but not encouraging either.

After a few awkward moments Arvoss cleared his own throat. "Look, naow," he told the clerk. "Ah'm nae aftah anneh trouble, ye ken? Ah'd jes' like t' 'ear 'ow mah boy's been doin' then Ah'll be out o' yer 'air."

The officiary blinked, then seemed to consider for a second. "Well then," he said, seeming satisfied. "Let's see here." He began shuffling through another stack of papers, then pulled one out and scanned it. Arvoss peered at it as he read. "Sir Davoss was stationed in Southshore some weeks ago," he told Arvoss after a moment, then he blinked again. He cleared his throat again as he set the paper down, then looked up at the death knight. "He, ah, hasn't been seen or heard from since the Forsaken attack," he said with a touch of compassion. "I'm sorry, sir."

Arvoss just stood still at first, then he slowly raised his eyes to meet those of the clerk. His expression had gone... hollow was probably the best way to describe it. His voice was a hoarse whisper. "Sae tha's it, then? Ye say 'e's gone?"

The clerk looked down at the paper again- it was easier than continuing to meet those eyes. "The report doesn't say, sir. It might be that he just hasn't been able to send word yet- communications are still down in some places. But... it doesn't look good, I'm afraid."

Arvoss nodded. Suddenly he looked very, very old. He rested one hand on the desk for a moment. "Thank ye, lad." Then he turned and slowly made his way out of the Cathedral.

* * * * * *

Two weeks earlier...

Davoss steered his charger back toward Southshore absently, going over the report he would give in his head. He had been sent out to look for brigands, and had found them up in the Alterac headlands, far too close for comfort. The magistrate would likely want to send out a force to deal with them. Dav wondered if he would be picked to go.

Thorn suddenly snorted and came to a stop, tossing his head. Dav patted the gelding's neck, then got him going again. But the horse only went a few more steps before halting again, eyes rolling. Davoss looked up ahead to see what had spooked him. That's when he saw the plaguewagons.

He pulled Thorn off to the side, into a stand of trees, and dismounted. Tethering the horse, he slowly crept up on foot, just in time to see the bombing start. He watched in horror as the Forsaken overran Southshore, killing anyone that tried to escape- only the knowledge that he would be killed just like the others kept him from rushing out to fight. Instead, he made himself watch as long as he could. Once it became too much for him to handle, he forced himself to go back to Thorn and mount. Then he spurred the horse into a gallop, heading away from the carnage as fast as he could.

The screams died down in his ears, and soon he slowed the horse, looking around to try and get his bearings. He realized that he was nearing the Fields, and decided that was as good a place as any to get back and make a report on what had happened.

The smell was what warned him. A stiff breeze brought the acrid scent of death and chemicals to both his nose and Thorn's. The charger tossed his head again, snorting, as Dav slowly forced him closer to the Fields. Once he was close enough to see what the Forsaken had made of it, he quickly turned his horse's head and rode away, again.

Once he judged he was a safe distance away, he pulled his mount to a stop and tried to think. The only two options he saw were to either go north up the river to Chillwind and catch a gryphon there, or head to the Wall and Arathi, then to Refuge Point. He judged Refuge Point would be marginally closer, plus there would be little Forsaken presence once he got past Thoradin's Wall. He sent Thorn off at a quick trot.

He found himself dodging Forsaken patrols as he passed by Southshore again, then made it to the river and crossed. Once past that, he spurred Thorn into a gallop again. They reached the Wall, and he pulled Thorn into a sudden halt. He stared in dismay at the Forsaken camp planted squarely across his road home, then turned the weary charger again and headed north and west, back to the river. He hoped the way to Chillwind was clear.

It happened in a brief lapse of attention. He was riding past an abandoned tower when a scourgehook suddenly flew out and wrapped around Thorn's neck, then yanked them both back. Davoss heard the horse's neck snap- the poor beast didn't even have time to scream. Dav managed to throw himself clear of the horse as they flew through the air, landing several yards away from the abomination. He lay still, hoping the undead monster would think him dead and take its time getting to him, and it seemed his hopes were granted as the thing bent over the horse's corpse. Dav held his breath, counted to five, then rose up to a crouch and sprinted for the nearest cover.

The hook flew out and caught him around the middle. He couldn't hold back a scream as he felt the tip gouge into his stomach, then he was flying through the air toward the waiting monster. Pushing the pain to the back of his mind, Davoss summoned a blast of holy power and threw it at the abom, miraculously managing to stun it. He landed in a heap at its feet, stumbled to his feet and ran as best as he could, away.

* * * * * *

Davoss stumbled to the riverbank and dropped, rolling to his side to try and protect his injured stomach. The wound burned, and his shirt under his armor was already soaked with blood. He made himself sit up after a moment, then began painfully pulling off pieces of his armor. His mail shirt had a hole in it from the scourgehook, and he tossed it aside, then pulled off the shirt. The wound didn't look too deep, and his guts were all still inside him, thank the Light. The torn skin around it was turning an angry red, however. He didn't know what disease would look like, and wasn't sure how one caught the plague anyway, but he did know that the injury needed tending, and now.

He called up all the Light that he could manage in his weary, weakened state, then directed it at the gash. It began knitting together, and some of the red faded, but he knew he needed to get a real healer to look at it as soon as possible. He tore up his ruined shirt and used the strips to wrap up the wound, then stood up and stumbled onward, heading upriver. His armor sat on the riverbank, abandoned.


To be continued...

Lark: Mending

Lark was sitting on the edge of the Canal, feet hanging down just above the water level, and Quiloe curled up at her back. She didn't look up as the druid approached, but she spoke up when he drew near. "They cleaned the canal up pretty well. I'd almost consider eating the fish from it." Alanon chuckled as he sat down next to her. "Pitch does on occasion. He doesn't do it often, but you know how he is where food is concerned." She eyed him. "Mhmm. So long as he doesn't do it regularly. I may have to stop kissing him if he does."

That brought a laugh from the druid. "I'll pass the warning along," he told her, then grew more serious. "How are you doing?" Lark shrugged. "I'm managing," she said. "It's hard. Getting older doesn't make it any easier, either." "I know," he replied gently.

Lark looked over at him. "How do you manage it?" Alanon raised an eyebrow at her. "Seeing the ones you come to care for dying all around you? How do you do it?" He frowned in thought, staring down into the Canal. "I suppose it's a matter of balance," he said finally. She snorted. "That's not a real answer." He shrugged, still thoughtful. "Druids are balance, no matter what path they follow. I suppose it might be easier for us to understand."

Lark cut in. "Please don't start that mysticism stuff with me right now. I'm not sure if I can handle it." He looked at her for a moment. "I apologize," he said, then hesitated. "Lark..." "Don't." She cut that off too. "I know what you're going to say. Just don't." "You do realize that he loves you," the druid stated softly. She looked away. "I know," she whispered, then shook her head. "It's not any easier on me, I promise you that. It's too soon after Tuah. I can't right now." "I understand," he said.

Quiloe shifted slightly behind Lark, making herself more comfortable. Alanon watched the wolf for a bit, then reached over to scratch her ears. "Would you mind if I told a story?" he asked suddenly. Lark gave him a curious look. "Sure, why not?" He leaned back and closed his eyes, looking thoughtful, then opened them again and began.

"I met my best friend when I was six and she was four," he said. "We literally grew up together, Her name was Jaryla." He paused to look at her sideways. "I thought for the longest time that you and Pitch would wind up like we were." Lark blinked at him. "And that way was...?" He grinned. "Like I said, we were best friends. We shared nearly everything. We were never more than friends, however," He shook his head with a chuckle. "We tried to pair up once, and had to call it off. We were too alike in some ways, and too different in others." "Mhmm," she responded. "So you thought Pitch and I would end up like that?" "Yes," he said. "I should have known my brother better than that, though."

Lark smiled faintly. "He doesn't do things by halves, does he?" Alanon shook his head, then gave her a piercing look. "I know how he feels about you. But do you love him back?"

She stared down into the water. "Yes, I do," she replied quietly. "And it scares me to death." "Why?" he asked. "Because I've seen so many of them die," she told him. "I'm sick of it. If anything happened to him because he's with me..." "And why do you think something will happen? I haven't discovered any curses on you." Lark ignored his attempt at humor; she seemed to be struggling now to keep her composure. "The last time I felt like this about someone, we had two wonderful months together," she said. "Then I had to bury him and watch his pet die slowly, wasting away on his grave."

Alanon gave her a minute to collect herself, then asked her gently, "And it wasn't worth it? Would you have given up on that time you had together, just to have him live?" "Yes!" she cried, her face so full of pain that he very nearly regretted prodding her this way. "I would have, if it meant that he was still alive. And I can do the same for Pitch if I have to." "But he wouldn't settle for that," he said softly. "You know that."

Lark looked away, blinking rapidly several times. Alanon waited a minute before speaking again. "It's rare that we can love someone without getting hurt, whether it happens sooner or later." She looked back at him, her mouth twisting wryly. "Then why love at all?" He actually smiled. "That is something that each person has to answer for themselves. But for me? I would rather love and be hurt, than to never love at all. Not loving is not living. It's one of the things that shows we're alive."

She stared at him, then gave a very faint smile. "I think you would have gotten along famously with Lath. I can't even count the number of times he told me something similar." He cocked his head. "Who is Lath?" Her smile grew a fraction. "Lathenil Skywing, a Claw druid. He was my.. my first real partner. It's been almost five centuries since he died." Alanon frowned slightly. "I think I knew him." She blinked at him. "You knew him?" "Well, knew of him," he corrected. "He was with Jaryla once, briefly, probably right before he met you if I remember correctly." She stared, then dropped her gaze to her hands. "... I never knew what his life was like before we met. I never asked him." She looked back up. "Alanon?" "Hmm?" She hesitated a moment. "Where is Jaryla now?"

He sighed, deeply. "She fell at Hyjal. She and our daughter both." Lark looked down again. "I'm sorry." "It is long past," he said. "The pain is still there, but it's a good pain." That brought a raised eyebrow, and he smiled. "It means that I still remember her. So long as I do, a part of her still lives." Lark gave him a crooked grin. "Definitely sounds like Lath."

His smile faded. "Lark, I try not to ever tell people what to do. But before you decide what to do about your relationship with Pitch, perhaps you should think about what he'd be happy with." She looked down again, then answered, quietly, "I-.. I will." He nodded, then reached over to squeeze her shoulder. "Goodnight Lark," he said, then stood up and left her.

* * * * * *

Pitch brought his new bike to a stop near the fountain. In the sidecar, Lark looked out over the Harbor. "You can't see much of the damage from here," she commented. Pitch grunted, then looked down at her. "So," he said as he broke into a grin. "What do you think of it?" Lark had to grin back; his excitement was contagious. "It's nice, Pitch. But did you let me be the first to ride in it just to get me back into your bed?" He blinked at her. "Uh, no. Really, that wasn't what I was thinking." She laughed at him and he blushed, then grinned. "Although you know, if you'd like to...." She suddenly sobered. "Except that you don't have a bed anymore." He shrugged. "I'll find something. Until I do, the trees aren't all knocked down."

Lark looked down at her hands. "Um, Pitch? Would you... want to move in with me? You can always move out again if you find something better." He stared down at her for a minute; she could feel his eyes. "That'd actually be great," he said finally. "If you're okay with it." She nodded, glancing back up to grin at him crookedly. "I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't, you knucklehead." He chuckled.

They sat in companionable silence for a bit, then Pitch cleared his throat. "Uh, Lark?" "Pitch," she said immediately. "Please don't, babe. Not tonight." He looked at her, then away, out over the Harbor. "All right," was all he said.

He was hurt, though; she knew him well enough to tell. After a moment, she reached up and found his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He looked down, then grinned and squeezed back. "Want to go see if anyone's at the Pig?" he asked her. She considered, then shrugged. "Why not?" He kicked the bike into gear again, then they headed back into the city.

The Shattering: Lark

Lark grabbed at the bench she was sitting on as another quake started. Nearby, the hippogryphs shrieked and flapped their wings in agitation. Lark silently cursed the temperamental creatures; they were the reason she was stuck in Auberdine, waiting for the ship to come back from Stormwind, instead of on her way to visit Rill at his Winterspring home as she'd promised.

The bird-like creatures were so skittish that they were refusing to fly. All air traffic entering or leaving the village had stopped, and Lark had had to turn back toward home. She knew Rill wouldn't mind once she explained, but she still felt irritated. She couldn't see what he saw in them.

She looked around for her pets, catching a flash of blue light as Komah prowled around a building. Tuah was somewhere close by as well, although she had left Quiloe back at the University under Pitch's care. Rill didn't care for wolves.

Satisfied, Lark returned to watching the dock for the ship to arrive. She paid no attention to the three men until they stopped several feet away, and she realized they were staring at her. She looked up with one eyebrow raised inquiringly. "Can I help you fellows?"

The biggest of the three humans glanced at his companions, then faced her. "Would you happen to be Lark?" he asked. She stared at them, noticing that two of them looked vaguely familiar, although she was certain she hadn't met them before. "Depends on why you're asking," she said flippantly, watching them warily now. The man next to him cleared his throat. "That's her," he told the other two gruffly. "I seen her with Darik a few times, and I recognize her."

The name sent a chill through Lark. "I don't know who that is, and I think you're mistaken," she told them firmly. The big man, who seemed to be the leader, took a step forward. "You knew my brother all right," he said, his tone turning threatening. "You're the one that killed him. Now we're gonna see justice done."

Lark stood up slowly, then froze as the third man, the one that hadn't spoken yet, pulled out a hand crossbow and pointed it at her. "This wouldn't be justice," she said softly, stalling for time. "This is murder, and you'll just be sent off to the gallows in my place." The leader gave a wicked grin. "Who's to say it's murder, when the only one to call it so is dead?" He nodded to the crossbowman, then all four of them had to catch their balance as the earth lurched again. Good, Lark thought. Maybe the quake would give her a chance to get away. And where were her pets?

We're here. Lark managed to keep her sudden relief from showing as she heard Komah's "voice." The huge cat leaped up onto the deck railing behind her, then jumped down to her side, growling loudly. Tuah appeared at the ramp, cutting off the men's escape route, and stared at them balefully.

The ground lurched again, the sky darkening rapidly. Komah didn't move, but his voice had an edge of worry. We have to get out of here, and not because of these scum, he said urgently. "Trying to," she replied quietly. Something was up in the sky, still in the distance but coming fast, bringing roiling black clouds with it. Lark felt a touch of fear, then forced her attention back to the men.

The other two men were watching the cats worriedly, but the leader was staring at the clouds too, and when he looked back she could see he was frightened. "Just shoot her and get it over with!" he snapped. Komah flattened his ears and roared, Tuah echoing an instant later. The startled crossbowman raised his weapon and Tuah hit him from the side. The moonstalker bowled the human over, knocking him into the other two.

Komah rounded on Lark and pushed her toward the edge of the deck. Run, he sent. Now! Lark obeyed without thinking, diving off the deck to the ground. She rolled to break her fall, then sat up as her eyes were pulled upward. Time seemed to stop.

Racing toward Auberdine was a creature so huge that it took Lark a moment to realize it was a dragon. It was misshapen, as if covered in armor plating. Rents crossed its hide in several places, flames leaking out to form a fiery trail behind. The clouds, she now realized, were smoke from the flames.

The ground bucked beneath her, and Lark scrambled to get to her feet. She started off into the forest as the roar of the dragon's flight sounded overhead. The trees around her shook and tossed, a few of them breaking free from the earth to smash into their neighbors. The ground was shaking so badly Lark could hardly keep her footing. Dimly, she felt Komah press against her side, helping her keep her balance as he pushed her even faster.

Then the world exploded.

* * * * * *

Lark woke up to a warm feeling spreading through her body. Komah was sitting next to her, eyes closed, glowing. She stared at him for a moment, then tried to sit up. Careful, she heard, and she stopped to blink at him. "You're healing me," she said incredulously. Yes, he replied. She shook her head, then winced as a stab of pain went through it. "Didn't know you could do that," she muttered at him, and the big cat rumbled in amusement as his eyes opened and the glow around him died down. I wasn't sure if I could either, he admitted. Good to know that I can.

Lark tested her limbs carefully, to find everything stiff and sore, but no broken bones. Most of her exposed skin had been burned from the dragon's flames, but nothing looked serious. Komah's healing hadn't healed her fully, but it had helped. She sat up more slowly, then looked around. Her good humor vanished.

"Oh, dear sweet Elune."



The trees immediately around her were still standing, but she could see others nearby that were now leaning crazily, their roots barely holding onto the earth. Shattered remains of other trees were scattered through the forest. Nearby she could hear the rush of water coming from a rift in the ground. And beyond that lay Auberdine...or at least, what was left of it. The buildings she could see were in ruins, the flightmaster's deck toppled to its side. Flames flickered here and there. The only living things she could see were a few elementals scattered throughout the ruins.

Lark felt numb. She slowly got to her feet, then looked over at Komah. He interpreted the look. There's no one alive in the town. But there is a small settlement farther up. A rescue party, I suppose. Lark looked back out to the village. "How long was I out, here?" she asked him. Little over a day, he replied. But they have buildings up already. You should go there to rest. Lark swallowed hard, then asked the question she dreaded. "Tuah?"

Komah was silent for a long minute. He held back those men while I got you to safety, he finally said. When the dragon hit, however, everything happened too fast. No one got out. I'm sorry, Lark.

Lark nodded without speaking. Tuah... Suddenly she found herself back on the ground, though she didn't remember sitting. Komah was at her side in an instant, nudging under her arm, helping her to stand back up. Come, he said gently. Let's get to shelter.

The Kal'dorei at the outpost made a fuss over her as soon as she stumbled into view. She let them do what they wanted, not resisting as first the healer checked her over, then she was escorted to a hastily-constructed hut. It was quiet and had a cot in it- that was all she cared about at the moment. Once the other elves had left her to rest, she sat down on the cot, staring at her boots. In her mind, she was seeing a young moonstalker batting at them.

Komah stood by her, watching but not speaking. After a long while, she pulled her boots off, then curled up on her side on the cot. Komah lay down on the floor next to her, and she let one hand trail over the cot's edge to rest on his head as she let the tears come.

That was how Pitch found her, shortly before dark.

Finality

It's Tuesday, and I'm sitting here waiting for the servers to go back up. Well, actually I'm writing a blog post, but you get the idea.

Reading a few other blogs while I wait has really brought home the feeling that this is it. Azeroth as we knew it is gone for good. And now I have to make decisions and choices for my characters that I thought I would have more time for.

Arvoss and Davoss never got reunited like I wanted. With everything going on with my other toons, I never got around to it, always telling myself "I had time." Now I don't, and now? I don't really know what to do with that storyline. I haven't touched Arvoss in... well, months, and with Barraccus coming to Feathermoon, will I even want to play him anymore? Or will he wind up on a back burner, like what almost happened to Zuuluu? Right now I just don't know.

I don't like having one of my two original Feathermoon toons in a position like this. But on the other hand, it kinda feels like Arvoss has run his course. He was created mostly for Shaurria, who I still consider one of my RP mains, but now she has Pitch, and Alanon, not to mention Windstar and Tadrith who are still around, so she no longer needs him. A part of me says that I could just let him fade into the background. He likely wouldn't even be missed for long.

Except I don't want to. I've loved Arvoss' character since I started with him. A paladin of the Light, turned to serve the Scourge, then freed to seek redemption and peace, he's been through just about everything you could throw at him and come through with the same solid faith and steadfastness that he's had all his (virtual) life. (Not to mention how much I love his accent.) I feel like he deserves better than to be simply forgotten, I just don't know what that "better" is right now.

Even if I do take him down that path, however, I won't be deleting him. I could always use a banker, and maybe someday, something will come up where he can shine again. But until that day comes, I'm afraid that Arvoss will be in limbo.

* * * *

Pitch and Lark are another source of frustration right now. They've been "just friends" ever since they met, but recently it's been turning into something more. My last few story posts about them should be a good indication of that. But they've been setting the pace for their relationship and I haven't been able to hurry them with it. I do have a story written up for when the time comes, but I really wanted more time (isn't that starting to sound repetitive >.>) before having it happen in-game. I also need to do Lark's story of when the Shattering actually happens, which I've been going through in my head but haven't written yet. It will be a fairly traumatic event for her, but I'm not totally sure how much it will affect/change her yet. Again, I thought I'd have more time.

I'm more worried about her Cataclysm tale, to be honest. Pitch and Lark will wind up giving in and becoming "official" (whoo, spoilers!), and it really doesn't matter when it actually happens. So really it could have happened last night, or it could happen next year, and it won't make much of a difference. So I think I will be putting that story on hold for now, and finishing up the other stuff first.

Anyway, enough of my grumpy rambling, I have stuff to work on. Til next time, Happy Hunting!

Pre-Cata Roundup

A while back I did a post on the things I'd like to do before Cataclysm is released. Since it looks like the Big Patch is dropping tomorrow, I thought I'd take a minute to see how far I've gotten.

Taurros has been moved. I haven't done much with him since (or any of my poor Horde guys), but it's good to have him "home" on Feathermoon. I will likely be moving Barraccus and Quae sometime this week as well, even have their IC "appearance" all figured out.

Quae and Shaurria are probably not going to make it to 80, unless I do some pretty major grinding. Quae is up to 76 now and Shaur is 77, but that's about it. I might just finish leveling them anyways, since the new 80+ leveling zones are likely to be CRAZY at first, but I don't know yet.

Rillian is 80 now and has been farming up points for his gear. He's got some t9 and other badge gear, plus the elemental invasion bosses coughed up some goodies for him, so he's doing pretty good.



Rajast is now 69. I spent all day today on him and got him up 3 levels. Thank goodness for heirlooms! He'll probably just sit for now, but he'll get finished sooner or later.

Arvoss' jewelcrafting hasn't been touched. I am a tad mad at myself, but hey, there's only so much time in each day. Can't get it all done, you know. On a plus side, Turron's JCing is nearly maxed.

Speaking of Turron, I've been neglecting him in favor of my others, but he has gotten another piece of t9 tanky goodness, and his dps set has seen some upgrades. He won't be finished come Cata, but I think I'll be happy.

My pet-craziness has wound down. I'm quite proud of my latest additions, most notably Booggah's new wolf and Lark's latest cat (she has 3 now, I think it's safe to call her a cat person).

Firstly, the wolf!

I took Lark out to Hinterlands on a whim, and there he was. Unfortunately I'd taken Boo back out to Sholazar. It was a long trip, but the old fella was still there, waiting for him.


Curious about the name? Well, Lark's mount is named Wynd. And this cat, Shadowclaw, is going to have a skin change in Cataclysm, to the riding-saber model. So, yea.


And finally, the last member of the gang, just so he's not left out...



The only pet left for Lark now is her fox, once I decide which color I want (the black one is tempting, but I'll probably go for the red/brown one). I'd still like to get Loque'nahak on Booggah, but I'm not rushing it. And he'll get more than his fill of the new stuff as well. *Starts thinking of what Cataclysm pets to tame....*

So that's about it so far. I have a ton of writing to do still, which annoys me. -_- Hopefully I'll get it done quickly. Til next time, Happy Hunting!

Shaurria: Goodbyes

I started thinking this one up, and then I wondered when it would actually occur. Then it hit me- I don't know what might happen with Teldrassil in Cataclysm, so it might be better to do this sooner rather than later. So, when Lark mentioned that Pitch was out of town a couple nights ago? This is what he was doing.

And Shaurria really needed the closure from this anyway. Poor baby.

_____________

Alanon looked up with some surprise as Shaurria came up to where he sat, kneeling in the grass beside him. "C-could we go on a trip?" she asked hesitantly. "We could," he replied, raising a questioning eyebrow at her. "Where would we be going?" Her answer was a whisper, just loud enough to hear. "T-Teldrassil?" Alanon blinked, then set down his notebook and the herb he had been examining. "Shaur," he said gently. "Why do you want to go to Teldrassil?"

She wouldn't meet his eyes; her voice was still soft. "Cause I used t' live there. In Starbreeze." Alanon reached over and gently tilted her chin up, making her finally look at him. "What is it?" he asked her simply. Shaur took a deep breath, seeming to find some courage in the process. Her voice steadied, and she met his eyes squarely. "Long time ago Arvoss asked me if I wanted t' go back home'n say goodbye," she said. "I-.. I think 'm ready." He looked back at her searchingly, then nodded. "I'll get Pitch," he said, then stood up. Shaur reached out to touch his arm. "Just us three," she whispered, and he nodded again.

Pitch met them at the boat to Auberdine. The trip was accomplished in silence, for the most part. Shaurria assumed that Alanon had told Pitch where they were going and why, because the normally garrulous druid didn't say a word. Soon enough they were facing the path that would take them to Starbreeze. They left their mounts there- Shaurria had been adamant about taking Finnall; the white saber could only offer her so much comfort, but he was a comfort all the same.

Shaur stood and stared down the path toward the village for a long time before starting off. A small part of her couldn't believe that she was here, that she was even thinking of going back to her old home, but the rest of her held steady. Thanks to Pitch and his furbolg friends, she no longer thought of the furbolgs as monsters. She knew now that they were simply sick, corrupted, and not truly evil. She still felt a bit surprised each time she realized that she wasn't afraid of them anymore.

Alanon, who was also in his cat form now, touched her shoulder with his nose. Shaur shook herself out of her reverie and started down the path.

She led the way to her old house unerringly, only stopping to make sure the furbolgs were a safe distance away before slipping through the door. Pitch and Alanon waited outside, guarding the door and also giving her some privacy if she needed it.The smallish blue-gray cat stepped through the doorway- and the Night elf entered the house.

She paused to look around. There were no bodies, at least- apparently the local Night elves had found time to clean the village up, although they hadn't done much to chase away the furbolgs. The interior was still a mess, with wrecked furniture, torn books, and broken dishes littering the floor. Suddenly unsure of what to do, Shaur hesitated, then went to the hearth and knelt down.

It had been so long, with so much happening since she had last been here, that she had trouble remembering what the house had looked like while she had lived here. While her parents had been alive. Now there were just dim flickers, half-remembered visions of a happy home with people who loved her.

Finally she just shrugged to herself and started talking, saying whatever came to mind. "I don't know if you can hear me," she began hesitantly. "But I just wanted t' let you know that I'm okay. I... I have people to look out for me now. I'm not alone, so y'don't need to worry about me.

"You'd probably like Pitch and Alanon, and Arvoss, even if he is a death knight. But I guess you wouldn't know what that is, would you? He.. He's real nice. He still looks out for me, even though I live mostly with Alanon now. He's taught me t' be a druid. A real druid, with healing skills'n stuff. He says I'm pretty good at it, though I'll always be a feral first, whatever that means.

"I... I miss you both." Now the tears started, falling fast and thick. She went on with hardly a tremor, though, determined to say what she had to. "I love you, and I'll never, ever forget you. I guess that's what I was afraid of- that if I said m'goodbyes, I'd just forget about you, and I don't want t' do that. But.. You're a part of me, right? So you're always with me in a way. That's how Alanon described it, anyway, and I think he's right.

"I don't know if I'll ever see you again. No one seems t' know what happens when we Night elves die. Th' humans think that they go to be with their "Light", whatever that is, but I don't know if it's th' same for us, or if we just kinda... disappear? But I wanted you t' know that I'm fine, and that I l-love y-you..." Now she finally broke down, burying her face in her arms and sobbing brokenheartedly.

A gentle touch on her shoulder told her she was no longer alone, and she turned to lean into Alanon's arms. He simply held her, making quiet shhing sounds and rocking her gently.

After what seemed like hours, though it was really less than one, Shaur's sobs quieted. She sat up straight, sniffling and rubbing at her nose. Alanon gave her a few minutes more, then lightly squeezed her shoulder. "All done here?" he asked her, and she nodded. They left the house to find Pitch still on guard, and all three druids made their way back to their mounts.

Shaurria was silent as she pulled herself up on Finn's back, then nudged him down the road. Pitch watched her with concern, finally breaking the silence. "You alright, Fuzzy?" It was Alanon who answered. "Yes, little brother," he said quietly. "She's all right." And Shaurria, feeling truly peaceful for the first time in a long, long time, saw no reason to disagree.

Rill and Lark at the Pig

Just because they're cute. And because everything I've written between these two so far has been awkward. >.>
__________________

Rillìan eyes Wildlark up and down.

Rillìan says: Y'gonna drink that're stare at it?

Wildlark shrugs.

Rillìan says: How's yer fella doing?

Wildlark says: He's fine, just out until late

Wildlark eyes Rillìan up and down.

Wildlark says: So don't get any ideas

Rillìan holds his hands up with a snicker. "I ain't."

Rillìan lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Rillìan says: Been a day, ain't it?

Wildlark says: Always is

Wildlark says: Rill?

Rillìan says: Mmph?

Wildlark says: Do you remember that first job?

Rillìan says: Course I do. Y'bloody got me t' sneak int' your room t' rob ya

Wildlark snickers.

Wildlark says: You made it easy. At least you've learned to be more cautious

Rillìan says: Woulda gotten away 'cept for that wolf o' yours, ya know

Wildlark grins.

Wildlark says: No you wouldn't. I knew you were there. Nether, why do you think it took Vei so long to attack?

Rillìan grunts. "Yer spoiling all my delusions, lass."

Wildlark laughs.

Wildlark says: You were younger

Rillìan says: Not so much

Rillìan says: Only been two hundred years, lass

Wildlark says: Still, I'm sure you're a lot better at your business now than you were then

Rillìan smirks slyly at Wildlark.

Rillìan says: Y'want me t' show ya?

Wildlark gives Rill a mock-glare.

Wildlark says: I have another wolf now, don't forget

Wildlark glances down at Komah as he growls.

Wildlark says: And two others as backup

Rillìan waves his hands. "Alright, alright."

Wildlark yawns sleepily.

Wildlark says: Maybe we ought to call it a day

Rillìan grunts again.

Rillìan says: Mind if I walk ya out?

Wildlark says: Nope

Pitch: Another Night At The Pig

I really want to write about Pitch more than I do, but he can be so stubborn about letting me into his head that it's difficult. This time it was so easy, it was rather a surprise. So anyway, here's how things look from Pitch's viewpoint. This actually occurred in between my last 2 Lark posts, for reference.

Poor, poor Pitch. He's so clueless about girls. *pats him in sympathy*

______________________

The Pig was crowded. Too crowded.

Pitch watched Skyborne as unobtrusively as he could. After the talks he had had with his brother, he really wanted to talk to her. But there were so many people around, and besides, Taius was never far from her side. And Pitch didn't know Taius well at all, and definitely didn't want to make the human feel jealous. Especially when there was no reason to.

He thought of just coming out and asking her, but the memory of the first (and last) time he had done that was still strong. He didn't want the attention that would create; he was nervous enough already. So he waited for a good opportunity to ask her, just for a couple minutes of her time.

Pitch's own experience was very limited, he knew, but he also knew that people who liked each other spent time together. Like Alanon and Arien. Or his parents. Or any of the other myriad couples he saw nearly every week at the Pig. And he had hardly seen Sky since they had returned from Ashenvale. He knew it was mostly his fault- he had been so busy doing other stuff, and naturally Sky would turn to someone that could give her the attention that she needed. It looked pretty certain now that that someone wasn't Pitch.

He wanted to tell her it was okay. That he was fine with them remaining just friends, that if she wanted to be with Taius instead he wouldn't get in the way. They certainly looked happy enough together, he thought, as she playfully reached- again- for the human's ponytail.

He didn't mind. He and Lark were spending all the time he could want together, so he wasn't lonely. And while he wished he knew why Lark refused to go beyond "just friends" when they obviously got along so well, he wasn't willing to risk their friendship by pushing too hard for anything more.

Pitch watched as Sky turned to a stranger that had shown up, another Kal'dorei. He kept watching, sure that he would get his chance sooner or later. But the Pig was crowded and he was distracted by the others soon enough. He still hadn't said anything to her by the time he realized that she had left.

A Chat With A Spirit-Cat

Lark sat up, only to discover her hand captured when she tried to stand. She looked back with a raised eyebrow, but Pitch only kissed the inside of her wrist before releasing her with a sleepy smile. She returned the smile as she stood and began gathering her clothes.

Slipping out of Pitch's room and closing the door behind her, she turned to see Komah stretched out on the floor of the shop below. She peered through the darkness for her other cat, then looked at him. "Tuah?" Home, he replied. He got tired of waiting. Lark chuckled as she let herself and the big spirit-cat out of the shop.

She felt a flash of surprise from Komah when she turned for the Harbor instead of the Mage District, but he said nothing. She led the way to the fountain and sat; when he hopped up and settled next to her she started stroking his back absently.

Lark finally broke the silence. "Do you miss Har'koa?" Komah blinked at her, then turned his head away, a gesture she had come to recognize as his version of a shrug. A little. I miss being with my own kind. But it's not bad, I was never the most... "popular." Lark digested that for a bit. "Did you love her?" she asked, and he turned back to blink at her again. She felt his surprise.

He was silent for a few minutes, and Lark started wondering if she had offended him somehow. Finally, however, he answered. We don't understand "love" as your kind do, he said. But, she was my mate, and I would have died for her. As I would for you, if it ever becomes necessary.

Now it was Lark's turn to blink. Before she could form a reply to that, he surprised her again. Lark, why don't you take Pitch as your mate? She frowned. "I would have thought you'd know by now. I don't want to get him killed." But why are you so sure it will happen? She looked away without answering. He gently butted his broad head against her arm. You can't be sure of the future, he said. It might be that you and he could have a long life together. She looked back at him, then gave a crooked grin. "I didn't know you were paying attention so closely when I spoke to Arvoss." He blinked again, and she felt his amusement.

Her own humor was short-lived. She hugged her knees, resting her chin on them and staring out over the Harbor. "He's asked me about it a few times, you know," she said. "He never presses it, though, just lets it drop when I say no." But then he asks again another time, Komah replied. I know. If he's so persistent, though, why do you keep turning him down? Lark shrugged. "You know why. I just.... I'm not sure how much longer I can keep telling him no." The cat's only response was another slow blink.

Lark sighed to herself, then dropped one hand to his head, rubbing gently. After a few minutes of silence, she looked down at him again. "So you don't have any regrets about joining up with me?" she asked him. Komah seemed unfazed by the change of subject. None, he said. This has been as interesting as I ever could have asked for. I'm content. Lark smiled at the affection he sent through their bond. "Think I'm ready to head to bed," she said. "How about you?" He replied by standing up and hopping off the fountain. After you, he told her. Side-by-side, they headed back to the University grounds.

Cataclysm is coming... (picture heavy!)(spoilers!)

(This may sound like a sad post, but it's not really, just very introspective.)

Cataclysm is coming. Azeroth will be torn apart forever. Are you prepared? Are your characters?

Been thinking a bit on this the last few days. It's only a month til the expansion comes out, and then everything my characters have known will be irrevocably changed. How are they going to feel about that, while they're running around dodging Deathwing attacks and trying to stop elemental invasions?

The Plaguelands are slowly being redeemed. How much progress will be made come Release Day? Will Arvoss ever be able to live on his farm again?



What about the zones that haven't been spoken of much? Will the Wetlands still be... well, wet?



What about the Burning Steppes? Badlands?



What about Mulgore and the Tauren? Most of us have heard about the Barrens changes, but nothing about it's neighboring zones. Will the war in the Barrens spill over into the Rolling Plains? Or will it cross the Southfury River into Durotar?



What about Arathi? Hillsbrad? Silithus and Un'goro?

Will Hammerfall still stand after Deathwing comes?



Will the dinosaurs still roam Un'goro?



The Thousand Needles will be no more, except in name.



How will Azshara look after the goblins move in with their new "designs"?





My Night Elves, except for Shaurria, have lived in Ashenvale for most of their considerable lives (Lark included!). So what will happen when their home is torn apart by a volcano? What will they do about the Orcs' incursions?

What will Pitch and Alanon, who have spent most of their lives here nurturing and defending the land, do?

Will their house even still be standing when it's over?


Lark has spent over a quarter of her life in and around the Barrens. Some of the biggest events of her life have been focused here. What will it mean to her when it becomes a warzone?


Equally important to her is Darkshore, where she's spent more time than anywhere except Ashenvale and the Barrens. If the cinematic is any indication, Deathwing will be making one of his fly-bys directly over it.

Lark will be in Darkshore when he does. Will she even survive? What about her pets?



What about your characters? Have you thought about what their reactions will be?

(This post brought to you mostly by my penchant for taking pretty screenshots of the zones while on flight paths. >.>)

"Here with you..."

She heads to bed ahead of him as he puts Riptik down for the night. He joins her there in short order. She turns to face him as he settles at her side. "Barraccus," she asks softly. "Do you ever have any regrets about what happened to you?"

He looks at her curiously. "You mean being a death knight, and everything that came with it," he states, and she nods. He frowns slightly in thought, rolling to his back and staring at the ceiling. "No," he says finally, then looks at her again. "I wouldn't change a thing, no matter what I went through to get here. If anything did change, I most likely wouldn't have met you, Quae."

She frowns now, looking uncertain. "So your family dying, all the torture you went through.... You wouldn't change any of that?"

He shakes his head. "I know it sounds terrible, but Quae... I would go through it all again, so long as I knew that in the end I would be here with you."

She looks at him without answering for a minute, then she reaches over to gently stroke his cheek. His hand comes up to cover hers as it comes to rest on his chest. She can feel his heart beating under her arm, and she smiles.



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This is basically what was going through my mind when I did this picture. (So everyone get your minds out of the gutter! >.>) Haven't done anything RP-wise with these two for ages, and I miss them. I'm still not sure exactly when I'll move them to Feathermoon, but it'll probably be soon. Anyways, enjoy zee artz!

Lark and Rill

I'm not really 100% happy with this one, but didn't want to delay it any longer. I blame writer's block.

Poor Lark is not in the best frame of mind right now. Neither is Pitch, really. This is the beginning of setting up some RP between the two of them that will happen closer to Cata.

I really need to do an "about" post of Rill, just to get a better feel for his character if nothing else.

Anywho, this would have happened early last week, a couple days after the last post about these two. Enjoy!
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It was very, very late. And dark, for that matter. Lark knew she ought to be in bed, but she felt restless. She tried not to think about how she usually got rid of these moods- with a night spent with Pitch- as she made her way to the Docks. He was gone for the night, out in Northrend with Shaur for some reason she couldn't remember now. He wouldn't be back until the following evening, so she would have to deal with it.

She avoided the guards with ease, her Kal'dorei night vision allowing her to see them well before they saw her. A shadowed nook made a perfect place to sit without being disturbed, and Komah was nosing around as well. He would let her know if anyone approached.

No sooner had that thought crossed her mind when she "heard" him. Your friend is heading straight for you. Lark looked up just as Rillian dropped down at her side. He looked over at her with a cheeky grin. "Heya, lass. Nice spot, but what'cha doin' here alone?" Lark snorted, then waved a hand to one side. The soft blue glow from Komah's markings could be seen in the darkness. "Not alone, babe," she told him dryly, and it was his turn to snort. "Ayeh, keep forgetting 'bout your critters."

He kept watching her, and after a moment his expression turned curious. “So why ain’t ya in bed? Gettin’ back t’ your roots?” He snickered, but Lark just rolled her eyes. “Just… couldn’t sleep yet,” she answered. His head tilted as he regarded her. "Where's your fella?" he asked after a pause. Lark gave him an irritated look. "Gone. He'll be back in a couple days," she told him, not quite snapping at him. Rill spread his hands in a placating gesture. "Easy lass. What've I done t' make ya snippy?"

She looked at him, her irritation suddenly draining away. "Sorry, Rill," she said quietly. "It's nothing. Just in a mood." He chuckled, shifting a bit closer. "No worries, lass, though I think y' found the reason ya can't sleep." One hand touched her shoulder cautiously, then when she made no objection he ran it along the back of her neck. "'Lune, Lark, you're stiff as an old board," he commented. She just grunted as his fingers began kneading her neck and shoulders. Neither of them said anything else for several minutes, as he worked at getting the knots out.

Lark was almost falling asleep despite herself when she felt Rill shift behind her. His breath tickled her ear. "Maybe we can put you in a better mood, eh?" he whispered, a little hoarsely, then he gently kissed her cheek. She made no move to stop him, and after a moment he kissed her again, his hands lightly caressing her shoulders. Almost unconsciously, she leaned back against him, and his arms went around her as he nuzzled into her. Her eyes closed as he went from her ear down her neck, his hands moving to her belt and starting to loosen it.

Unbidden, an image of Pitch suddenly came up in her mind. She opened her eyes again with a start, torn by sudden confusion.

She and Pitch had made no promises to each other. She was free to do what she wanted; she was even pretty sure that if she did spend the night with Rill and he found out about it, he wouldn't care. So why did she feel like she was cheating on him?

She couldn't do it. Her hands covered Rill's, stilling them. "Wait, Rill." He seemed to pick up on her change of mood immediately- he was moving his hands away almost before she touched him. He scooted himself back to his original spot, looking her over with a rather regretful smile on his face. "S'alright, lo- lass," he said. "Though I thought we might actually get somewhere this time." Lark couldn't quite meet his eyes. "I'm sorry," she started, but Rill waved a hand, cutting her off as he stood.

Looking down at her for a moment, the rogue reached down and lightly squeezed her shoulder- a casual gesture between friends, no more. "Go on back t' your druid, girl," he told her, not unkindly. As he turned to leave he hesitated, then added, "I'll be in town for a couple days yet, finishing things up, then I'm back t' home. Might go hang around Dalaran for a bit after that, not sure yet. G'night, lass." Lark nodded, but he was already gone.

Komah came up to her, and she absently scratched around his ears before getting to her own feet. She made her way back to her room on the University grounds, then dug out the small bottle she kept for "emergencies". Pouring out a glass of the mead, she downed it quickly, then made herself get into bed.

It was still a long time before she fell asleep.

Lark has the stupidest luck ever...

Remember back when I found Loque? When I wasn't expecting to find him but decided to do a quick fly-by, "just in case"?



I had decided to go look for Araga on Booggah, but at the last second I changed my mind and Lark went instead. I flew up to Hillsbrad, trekked up to the headlands in Alterac, and started looking.

20 seconds later.....


Yup, took about 20 seconds. Half of that was the tame itself. :P

Just... nobody tell Boo, okay?

He(or she, haven't decided yet) took awhile to name, but I finally settled on Keshu. So now when I talk about him it sounds like I'm sneezing. No, this was not intentional.

He's nearly to 80 already, then I'm leveling Shalka before I go find any more pets. Her pets will not be neglected! (Even the OOC ones. >.>)

And yes, Lark is rocking out some T10 shoulders there. All this instancing to level pets is good for at least one thing.