Writer's Note: This is the first story I've put up on any site so any reviews and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: I own nothing in World of Warcraft, it is all the magical property of Blizzard.
To Hellfire and Back
"Please step forward." though phrased as a request, the tone of the speaker's voice made it clear that it was anything but. He stepped forward into the circle of light located in the center of the room, aware of the five pairs of eyes firmly focused upon him. He could still hear the voice echoing off the walls, walls hidden somewhere in the darkness. The Kal'dorei looked around, five hooded figures stood in a circle around him each imposing and eerily silent other than the original speaker.
"Theodran Shadesong, you have been selected for this mission by the Cenarion Circle. You have been breifed upon what it entails and what you must accomplish. Do you accept this mission?"
Theodran listened as the question was posed to him, wondering if he was simply being given the illusion of choice. The druid studied the floor for a few moments attempting to think of a way to refuse accepting this order and then surviving the reprisal. After quickly exhausting what little ideas he had, Theodran's gaze rose meeting the hooded visage of commanding voice.
"I do."
"So it is done, you will leave for the broken world of Outlands in one month time, you are free to go about your business in what manner you see fit, but we expect our report in due time druid."
The hooded figures stepped back into the darkness, seeming to slide backwards instead of walk away. Theodran waited until they vanished from sight, before turning on his heels and leaving the dark room.
The night light of gave the city a silvery glow, as people milled about in the distance, moving about their lives. Theodran looked up to the moon, not minding if he was blocking the path.
"Sitting in the shadows of this Earth, Elune waiting, searching for your pale form,I find whispered secrets and bid farewell by morning's light." He smirked as he continued his silent prayer. "Guide my hand, my mind, and my feet so that I may one day return safely."
He remained still for a few moments longer, basking in the glow of the moon before heading off into the night.
Stormwind was high on the list of places Theodran would prefer not to be, perhaps only second to his actual destination of the Outlands. Stormwind was loud, busy, crowded, in a sense it was everything Darnassus was not. To say it was all bad would be a lie, there were redeeming aspects of Stormwind that he did enjoy. One aspect was in fact the very tavern he was sitting in, a quite bar located in the back alleys of the park district. Having once helped on a mission, with the retired mage that ran this bar had earned him free drinks for life, an offer that he simply couldn't pass up. An offer that he was in fact taking up at this moment, with a quiet drink and table tucked away in the corner of the bar.
A hand slapped his back breaking the silence surrounding him.
"So my friend what brings you to Stormwind this time?" the Kal'dorei looked up to the smiling man who was speaking to him. An aged face grinned down at him, fading gray hair atop the human's head. "Business or boredom?"
Theodran chuckled looking down at this drink "A bit of both I suppose, boredom in avoid my business mostly. And you Mikaeel?" He looked up to his friend motioning to the seat across from him.
Mikaeel slid into the chair offering a shrug as a response. "The same as the last time you stopped in for a drink I'd wager. Successful and good looking." He winked at the druid not caring particularly if his friend found his joke amusing. Settling down Mikaeel tilted his head
"So this business you're avoiding, is there a reason for that ?" The question lingered in the air for a few moments. Theodran's amber eyes avoiding the piercing blue gaze of the mage.
"I...have been tasked with heading to the Outlands by the Cenarion Circle for purposes of research." He spoke slowly, taking a sip of his drink before continuing. "Though at this point I'm quite confident of my abilities to survive there I'm completely unfamiliar with the terrain and environment."
"So why the delay? If every explorer waited until they knew the terrain they would be facing we would all be sitting in the caves we started off in."
Theodran laughed running a hand through his green hair.
"It's not that, I am simply attempting to figure out a way to attain some knowledge of the terrain before I go. Unfortunately there is very little in the way of literature on this area still. Even more so in Darnassus than here."
The mage sat back in his chair tapping his chin for a few moments, a sly grin crept across his visage as he leaned forward.
"If I were to offer you a solution that would only require your gold would you be interested? It would allow you to start your exploration immediately as well."
Theodran raised an eyebrow. "If you were to offer me such a thing I'd be quite skeptical of course, it seems far to good to be true of course. If it turned out to be true though it would depend on the amount of gold."
"Ah of course my friend, I'll have to inquire about the fees but I assure you it would be money well spent." The mage grinned feeling quite content with himself for coming up with such a clever solution to his friend's problem.
"Well then, I suppose I'll be thanking you instead of Elune tonight for guiding me towards what must be done."
Mikaeel's eyes flashed with hidden knowledge for a moment chuckling as he rose. "Interesting choice of words my friend." The mage walked off not caring to explain his cryptic words, "If you do wish to take this offer arrive at the dark portal in three days time."
Before Theodran could ask him any further clarifying questions the mage had ducked down into the depths of the bar.
The elf finished his drink leaving a few coins on the table for a tip, before exiting down darkened alleyways.
Electricity and magical energy seemed to crackle in the air surrounding the Blasted Lands. Fel beasts and their masters prowled the unforgiving landscape as Theodran urged his nightsaber on. His supplies slapped against the beasts flanks as it sprinted across craggy dirt orange rock. In the distance it rose, giant stone pillars seemed to grow out of the ground. Imposing demonic faces adorned the pillar tops, magical energy swirling within.
"The Dark Portal, a towering monument to the foolish nature of mages and warlocks alike." Theo sighed addressing his nightsaber. Heading down the final path leading towards the structure. "I wonder what Mikaeel got for us, perhaps it is detailed maps from human expeditions."
The small base camp outside the portal came into view, a few humans visibly going about their duties.
As he rode in a young human ran forward to greet him offering a salute as greeting.
"Excuse me sir, are you Master Theodran Shadesong."
"I am no master human." He stared down the solider watching as the young man fumbled over his next words.
"I uh well are you or are you not him."
"I am Theodran Shadesong, is there something you require?"
The human shook his head vehemently. "I require nothing sir, I am here to simply deliver a message. Your package awaits you at the top of the ramp." He points to the Dark Portal before sprinting off.
"It seems Mikaeel did in fact come through for us" Theo patted the nightsaber reassuringly. The beast slowly padded its way up the ramp. Curiously, there were no boxes, no scrolls, no packages awaiting him atop the ramp. Just a rather bored looking Draenei who was currently absorbed in playing with a rather large lynx.
Theodran looked around searching high and low for a few moments, aware now that the Draenei had ceased her activities and was watching him. Feeling a bit foolish he turned to her, noticing the the lynx seemed to be studying him as well.
"Excuse me, I am looking for a package. Did you by chance pick it up by mistake?"
She was silent for a moment before standing up, her hand reaching for an imposing looking polearm.
"Guessing you are the druid, Mikaeel spoke of yes?" His eyes widened at her statement.
"I'll be your guide, get your things ready. We leave. Now"