Writer's Note: Hopefully things will get less awful after this chapter, now that I can move out of the introductions more and move onto more concrete interaction.
Disclaimer: Still don't own World of Warcraft, wish I did I'd be filthy rich in that case
Chapter 2
"I'll be your guide, get your things ready. We leave. Now"
Theodran blinked. He had been expecting some maps or a journal. Not a paid guide to lead him around the landscape. The ocean blue Draenei had strapped the polearm to her back, securing the belongings she had brought with her, her lynx prowling around her feet before settling down with a yawn, seeming rather content to sit there and nap instead of get moving.
"I'm sorry miss, but I did not arrange for any guide, I believe you are mistaken." He stepped off his nightsaber, arms folding across his chest.
The Draenei glared at him, nudging her cat with a hoof forcing it to stand back up. "Well of course you didn't. Your friend did, he called in a favor I owed him. So with that I'm here, once we're done in Outlands I collect my payment from you and go on my way. Now if we're done discussing if you did or did not arrange for my presence here I'd like to get moving."
Theodran stepped closer slightly annoyed at her inability to take a hint. "Look, I don't want a guide, all I need is a map. If you're familiar with the territories and can draw me some rough ones I'll pay you for those. Bu-"
A finger jabbed into his line of sight, as she shot him an accusing glare. "You think a map is good enough? I don't care how skilled you are the first time one of the bursters come from underground or you wander into a flayer den because you don't know which caves they enjoy living in you'll die alone. So don't tell me about not needing a guide."
Her hand retracted stepping back. "I'm not here to babysit some fool who thinks just looking at a map is good enough to survive out here. So." She turned starting to head towards the portal. "Are you coming?"
Theodran watched as she headed towards the gateway, as much as he would hate to admit it she did raise a good point. Even with a map he knew nothing of the beasts that lived in the Outlands, let alone what other dangers may be there.
"Fine, you're my guide." He says quickly unstrapping his belongings from the nightsaber. Dismissing the beast from his command.
Her back was turned to him, as she spoke. "Not such an idiot I suppose. Let's go we've wasted enough time."
Massive. The scale of everything on the other side of the Dark Portal was supremely massive. Stone obelisks lined the staircase, steps guiding them towards what could only be a massive battle. Demons raged attacking the forces defending the stair case, a massive one leading them. Theodran gasped as he realized that the demon had weapons instead of hands, weapons jabbing out directing giant flaming infernals and charging fel guards.
Even the twin moons were huge, hanging high in the sky. Green streams were sprayed across the sky, thousands of stars twinkling off in the distance.
His companion had arrived shortly before him, a bow in her hand as she overlooked the battle. The druid watched as she knelt down speaking to her feline companion for a few moments before she turned to him.
"Welcome to Dr-Outlands. The demons there are under control we're free to move about where we need to, a flight master can guide our path to Honor Hold and from there well... since you're on a mission I'm going to need to know what that mission is and how quickly you need to accomplish it."
Theodran stepped forward annoyed with the Draenei. "I don't even know your name, and you demand to not only my timeline, but my exact mission?"
She took a bit of time to respond to his question. "Anira." The Draenei paused for a few moments before continuing. "There you've got my name, now care to share your plan?"
"Not yet. I'm Theodran Shadesong. There we call those introductions. Normally those are made before ordering one another around. I'm not your enemy here."
Anira whirled on him. "No you're not, but this is a rough land. Demons crawl over every inch, and every living thing here could eat you for breakfast. I don't need to know your name I need to know if you can follow instructions. One wrong choice out here and we both end up as some beasts's lunch. If we're lucky."
"That's not the point, I can follow orders, but there's a difference between following them because I know they're the right thing to follow, and you acting like some power crazed bitch."
"I..." She started, her hands trembling as she seethed. He was worried for a moment if he had pushed her too far, a moment more of trembling passed before it slid away, her expression of anger fading into a neutral one. "Fine whatever, just tell me your damn plans."
He sighed, assuming that was the best he was going to get for now. "I need to survey certain regions of the Outlands. With the Cenarion Expedition dispatched to this area we need people to follow up on the information they've gathered."
She nodded. "Alright, as long as you know the areas you need to I can get you there with minimal interference from local dangers. " She started heading down the stairs, occasionally looking back at him, her eyes mostly fixed on the demons battling the troops farther down. "Speaking of dangers, I assume you can defend yourself?"
He chuckled. "I am not some wingless bird." She raised an eyebrow opening her mouth to question before he cut her off "I am fine Anira, I can handle myself against whatever dangers we may encounter here." Her luminescent eyes flashed for a second before she turned away mumbling something under her breath before speaking aloud. "Let's go. Wasted enough time chatting on these blasted stairs."
The pair moved down towards the flight master, the huntress's cat in tow as they arrived. Theodran spent his time strapping supplies down to their gryphons as Anira dismissed the lynx.
"You done yet?" Her voice came unexpectedly, her approach had been both quiet and covered by the sound of the battle. He nodded patting the beast, tugging a few final straps tight.
"We can take off as soon as we wish"
"Good." She said no more as she swing a leg over the gryphon carrying her bags. "They know the way to or destination. I'll see you there."
He was shocked demons of unimaginable size prowled the landscape. Hideous metal constructs hummed with energy, fel beasts spilling forth from within. Lava exploded forth from scars in the ground, giant schisms and canyons appearing in the distance. The taint of demonic energy lingered in the air as the gryphon beat its wings towards his destination. He could see the Draenei's gryphon up ahead, she was certainly odd but if she was as good as she thought she was then he was most likely in good hands.
Theodran couldn't help but be surprised as Honor Hold came into view, an entire fortress loomed into view. Barrack, guard towers, a blacksmith and even a tavern were planted firmly in the town, banking hard the gryphon spiraled down to the ground. A short while later the druid was grounded once more walking towards his companion.
"Took you long enough." She sounded impatient. "Well we can't head anywhere yet. I need to draw up a path, and I don't have the information to do so. We'll stay here tonight." Anira didn't bother waiting for Theodran to respond, heading off to the inn, the druid following in her foot steps a few moments later.
The inn was typical for humans, seeming a bit out of place amongst the features of the landscape. Soft lilting music drifted out from within, a few patrons could be heard speaking. Anira wasted no time in approaching the owner and demanding two rooms. Theodran didn't even have time to question the need for separate rooms, as she shoved a key into his hand.
"Here key to your room, I'll get you in the morning. Be ready." She didn't say a word more as she headed up the stairs. The best the druid cold do was blink a few times before she was gone.
His room was sparse. A bed, nightstand, and a small chest at the foot of the bed. Not bothering to do much with the packs he had brought in he sat on his bed thinking about how the day had so drastically changed. From maps to a rather surly Draenei guide what he had gotten was not what he expected, but at the least he had a warm bed. Tomorrow would be dealt with when it came.
