Post by Adendra on Jul 31, 2006 10:10:59 GMT -5
Grunt Thudok of the Kargath Expeditionary Force rested his old bones by the fire after another long day of tromping through the steppes and canyons. Helping himself to a fresh mug of Ale, he studied and fiddled with the small hornbeam box he'd found. It was a pretty little box, he thought - probably Tauren-made judging by the carvings and just big enough to stash a couple of valuables. He'd been a little surprised that the bosses let him keep it but they were focussed on the expedition and were sure that the box wasn't related. It rattled enticingly as he turned it over again - now if he could only find a way inside.
Finally, he pressed on a little carved fish and heard a faint click. He found that the box top would now slide diagonally. The old orc smiled in anticipation as he slipped the box open and peered inside by firelight. Anticipation quickly turned to disappointment as he explored the contents - some old herbs, seeds, feathers, a little jewelry and a small stack of yellowed letters tied with ribbon. "Ah well, The jewelry at least might sell at auction" he thought. With nothing better to do for the evening he took out the first letter and began to read... smiling a little at the childish hand and bright purple ink.
Dear Momma,
I hope this letter finds you and Poppa safe and well.
I'm writing to you tonight from my new favorite spot in Bloodhoof Village - the shores of Stonebull Lake. I'm learning to fish. It's um... meditative, which is nice sometimes. Aunt Aska says that she'll teach me to cook whatever I can catch.
I miss you both so much, but we're settling in alright. Aunt Aska and Uncle Gart have made us feel welcome. I hope cousins Fyr and Naal will get used to us soon. I know you said to be patient with them but it's hard, especially for little Ely.
Thank you for the package. Ironfeathers, huh? They're beautiful and strong - just like you, Momma. I braided one into Ely's mane because she begged - she's so cute. I'm going to keep the rest in a safe place tho'. Uncle Gart says they'll make good armor for me one day. I'm sending back a little peacebloom with this letter. I gathered and preserved it myself. I hope you can find a use for it in the field.
I've started training with Uncle Gart. He says it won't be long before I'm ready to go train in Thunder Bluff. Then I can learn to pop in to Moonglade just like you do Momma. Maybe we can even meet there sometimes... and he says I'm going to learn to shift into the form of a bear and other things too! I'm so excited and scared at the same time. What if I can't get back out? and I know I'll feel lost without the healing I've learned - he says I can't do both at the same time. Someday I want to fight by your side tho' so I'll learn all I can and practice hard. There's much to be done here in Mulgore and in the Barrens too, I hear.
Time to tuck Ely into bed, she sends kisses. I send hugs and kisses too. I dream every night of having our family together and safe at home again. I hope I'll be able to fish in the stream that runs behind the great-fire. Please be careful out there.
Yours Always,
Adendra
"'Always' huh?" he thought half aloud. Thudok carefully packed the all of the contents back into the little carved box and stashed it safely at the bottom of his pack for now.
Finally, he pressed on a little carved fish and heard a faint click. He found that the box top would now slide diagonally. The old orc smiled in anticipation as he slipped the box open and peered inside by firelight. Anticipation quickly turned to disappointment as he explored the contents - some old herbs, seeds, feathers, a little jewelry and a small stack of yellowed letters tied with ribbon. "Ah well, The jewelry at least might sell at auction" he thought. With nothing better to do for the evening he took out the first letter and began to read... smiling a little at the childish hand and bright purple ink.
Dear Momma,
I hope this letter finds you and Poppa safe and well.
I'm writing to you tonight from my new favorite spot in Bloodhoof Village - the shores of Stonebull Lake. I'm learning to fish. It's um... meditative, which is nice sometimes. Aunt Aska says that she'll teach me to cook whatever I can catch.
I miss you both so much, but we're settling in alright. Aunt Aska and Uncle Gart have made us feel welcome. I hope cousins Fyr and Naal will get used to us soon. I know you said to be patient with them but it's hard, especially for little Ely.
Thank you for the package. Ironfeathers, huh? They're beautiful and strong - just like you, Momma. I braided one into Ely's mane because she begged - she's so cute. I'm going to keep the rest in a safe place tho'. Uncle Gart says they'll make good armor for me one day. I'm sending back a little peacebloom with this letter. I gathered and preserved it myself. I hope you can find a use for it in the field.
I've started training with Uncle Gart. He says it won't be long before I'm ready to go train in Thunder Bluff. Then I can learn to pop in to Moonglade just like you do Momma. Maybe we can even meet there sometimes... and he says I'm going to learn to shift into the form of a bear and other things too! I'm so excited and scared at the same time. What if I can't get back out? and I know I'll feel lost without the healing I've learned - he says I can't do both at the same time. Someday I want to fight by your side tho' so I'll learn all I can and practice hard. There's much to be done here in Mulgore and in the Barrens too, I hear.
Time to tuck Ely into bed, she sends kisses. I send hugs and kisses too. I dream every night of having our family together and safe at home again. I hope I'll be able to fish in the stream that runs behind the great-fire. Please be careful out there.
Yours Always,
Adendra
"'Always' huh?" he thought half aloud. Thudok carefully packed the all of the contents back into the little carved box and stashed it safely at the bottom of his pack for now.