Whoo! I return! And with Warcrafty goodness! Sorry for the huge delay. This chapter was a bear to write, and in my opinion, its not even all that good. Just a lot of plot development. Some more of this will tie into the story later on. Here you finally see a bit of Rayford's vision. I tried to write this chapter with a bit of a darker overtone. Let me know how I did. I may end up going back and rewriting it. And by may, I mean there's like a 90 percent chance I will. : P Anyway, many many apologies for the delay here. I'll try to get the next chapter up soon. I'll also post a Prologue in the near future, as well as a Dramatis Personae around the same time, so that you guys can sorta "see" the characters that I'm trying to describe. Warning, shameless plugging ahead! For those of you that frequent wowhead they've got an IRC channel. I'm usually on there, so if you have IRC, come join us. If you want the info, you can go to the wowhead site. Under the more section, there's IRC. The info is there. : P Also, shortly after I posted the last chapter, somebody by the name of Baluf(sp?) created a toon on my server and sent me a mail complimenting me on my writing. To Baluf: Thanks. I kept the letter, and it now goes with Rayford everywhere. ( : For those that ever want to contact me in-game, I'm on Draenor. You can usually find me on either Rayford, Bitola, or Elfsbane. Feel free to drop by and drop me a line. Just remember, if I'm in an instance, and you start talking it up, you won't get much of a response. : P Anyway, with all that said, here's the story.


Ray noted the shocked look on his friends face. The way his jaw had dropped open, with his eyes wide and unblinking. He was sure that his sudden declaration had stopped Bog's train of thought. With a grunt, he turned his back on Bog and resumed working with the stove. He'd never been good at lighting fires, and this was just another one of those times. Mumbling a string of obscenities under his breath, Ray gave up, and lit the fire magically. Behind him, he heard Bog walk a few steps to the table in the middle of the room and sit on its surface.

"Whacha makin, bro?"

"Winterspring Firewater," Ray responded. "Its gotta be hot before you can drink it."

"Yeah, I know, Ray. I also know what happens whenever you drink that stuff, man. Maybe you should hold off for a bit. You know, think things through," Bog pleaded.

It was true. Winterspring Firewater didn't affect Ray in good ways. But right now he needed something that would hit him, and hit him hard. For the time being, he just wanted to separate himself from the sinking feeling that was settling itself in his stomach.

Giving one last glance at his friend, Ray turned back to the stove and set a kettle of the Firewater on it, patiently waiting for it to heat up. As it reached the perfect temperature (just before boiling), he pulled it off and quickly poured himself a mug. Behind him, he heard Bog clearing his throat.

"Um...listen bro. Ya mind pouring me a glass, too?"

He looked back at his friend, one eyebrow raised questioningly. But seeing the look of utter seriousness on Bog's face convinced him that his friends feeling were genuine. Shrugging, he poured another mug and handed it to the Hunter.

Taking a deep breath, Ray began to chug his drink. He regretted it almost instantly, but he continued drinking regardless. Immediately he could feel the raw burning in his mouth and throat. It didn't get any better. As it went down, it also left a sharp, painful burning that traced a path down his throat and into his stomach. There it stayed, but did not settle. It was called "firewater" for a reason. As it spread outward from his stomach, to every corner of his body, it set every nerve ending on fire, leaving a dull yet agonizing pain when it eventually faded.

Somewhere, he was aware of himself grabbing the edge of the counter with one gauntleted hand, and squeezing with all of his might. He became fully aware of it when he heard the sound of stone beginning to crack. But it all existed outside of himself, because all he was at that moment was pain. Pain in his body, and in his mind.

You see, Winterspring Firewater also had one other trait to it. Not only is it one incredibly strong drink, but when too much is consumed in too short a time, it also serves to act as a hallucinogen, bringing forth the minds worst fears. And right now, as he looked down, he could see the gold and silver hilt of the dagger protruding from his chest, the guard pushed up firmly against his chest. He could also make out the dragon heads on the guard which signaled where the hilt ended, and the blade itself began. On each side of the guard there was a dragons head. Each of them had fiery red eyes that seemed to tunnel into his. It was as if they knew what their future held, and they wanted to make sure that, sooner or later, he would meet his fate at their hands.

He felt his eyes well up with tears as he thought about what his future held. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and shook his head. When he opened them again, the dagger was gone. His head still swam with a feeling of lightheadedness, and his skin felt like it might burst into fire at any moment. But he was no longer hallucinating. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to Illaria.

"Ria, I'd like you to meet some friends of mine," he said quietly, hoping not to startle her.

"Ray…" she began. "I…I can't do this. If I stay with you, you'll die. I don't want that on my conscience."

Ray shook his head. Reaching one hand out, he placed it on her shoulder and spun her around. The second he got a look at her face, though, he regretted it. Her beautiful blue eyes were filled with tears, and he could see them continue to stream down her face. She sniffled slightly, and he couldn't help but smile at the sound. She looked so cute and precious, and her concern for his well-being was deeply touching.

Gazing into her eyes, he plastered a reassuring smile on his face as he reached up with one of his enormous hands and, lowering her hood, wiped away her tears.

"Look, Ria, you and I both know what'll happen if we don't stick together. We both saw it in my vision. You leave, Azeroth is consumed by evil. You stay, I die, evil is defeated, and everyone in Azeroth gets a puppy." He mentally chalked up a minor victory as he saw her smile that that last comment. But it was short lived, as she cast her eyes down again and slumped her shoulders.

"But…Ray," she began.

"No. No but, Ria. Which is worse? Knowing that the entire world is suffering because you didn't want one Tauren to die? Or sacrificing the one, and saving the world?" He gazed into her eyes, putting strength behind his words. Honestly, it wasn't strength he had, but he knew what needed to happen, and he was willing to go to his fate, regardless of what it held. "Now, come on. Meet my friends. I think you'll like them," he said smiling as he handed her a towel to dry her eyes.

Still sniffling, Ria nodded, and taking the towel, wiped off the tears, then smiled up at him. Smiling back, he wrapped an arm around her waist, and they both turned towards the door to the sitting room.

They were just passing Bog who, up until this point, had been snapping his gaze all around him, when he suddenly called out. "Gaah! Get away from me you loud, short demon spawn! Ray! Can you hear them? Their annoying voices! I...Can't...Drown it out!" He cried, placing both hands over his ears. He spun around several times, his eyes cast on the floor, as if he was looking for, or at, something. Suddenly, he looked back up at the table where he'd sat his mug and saw a pan. Grasping it firmly, he began swinging it around his knees, trying to it whatever he thought was attacking him.

"Ray! You save Ria! I'll keep these gnomes busy!"

Ray and Ria traded confused glances, then burst out laughing. Reaching out quickly, Ray slapped Bog on the back of the head, trying to snap his friend out of his hallucination.

"Bog!" Ray said. "Cut it out. You'll scare the guests, ya lunatic!"

Bog turned towards Ray, and he could see the light of realization dawning in the Hunters eyes. Bog took a deep breath, attempting to control himself.

"Er...Sorry Ray. You know how I feel about Gnomes. Their high pitched voices drive me up a wall," Bog said, casting his eyes towards the floor. Wringing his hands around the pot for another minute, Bog sat the it back where he had found it, and then shook his head, attempting to clear his brain of the effects of the Winterspring Firewater.

"Bogarden, are you scared of Gnomes?" Ria asked, grinning mischievously.

"Not Gnomes themselves. Just their voices," Ray interjected, the same type of smile on his face. "Now, shall we?" He asked, extending a hand towards the sitting room.

Ria nodded, and together the trio walked into the room.

Immediately he could feel the temperature of the room drop by several degrees, and it all emanated from one corner of the room. Shifting his gaze, Ray could distinctly make out the looks of utter revulsion and hatred in the eyes of several of his comrades. Namely Sukar, Lara, Aly, and Xandir. Four of the people he'd really been counting on.

Before he could begin, however, the quartet all exchanged glances at one another, and together they stood and turned towards the door.

Ray allowed them to walk only a handful of steps before he responded.

"And just where do you four think you're going?" Ray asked lazily, as if the answer was of no consequence.

"Out an' away from her, mon. Night Elfies dun mix well wit' Trolls an' da Blood Elves," Sukar responded. The other three nodded their heads in agreement.

"Is that so? Funny, nobody asked ME if they could leave," he replied. "And last I checked, not only are you four here at my beckoning, but all four of you also owe me a debt. Something along the lines of a life debt, if I'm not mistaken. I'm not mistaken, am I?" Narrowing his eyes, Ray glared fiercely at the four, daring them to speak against him.

"Ray, it is not as if we are dishonoring you, or our debt to you," Xandir responded in his smooth, level voice. "It is simply the fact that we don't see the need to risk our lives for a kaldorei." Xandir spat this last word out and narrowed his brown eyes at Illaria, as if even saying the name of a Night Elf sickened him.

"Mmmhmm...Ya don't say? So, because she's here, you're just gonna walk out. Is that right?" Ray didn't bother to really ask it as a question, and he didn't give them time to respond. "Ya know what I think of that. And you know what'll happen if any of you walk out that door." He accented his threat by placing one hand on the dagger at his left hip as he said this.

The four looked at each other in confusion, not quite sure what to do. It was Sukar that made the first move. Shrugging, he turned back towards the door and went to take another step.

Fzzzz—Thunk!

Ray's dagger embedded itself into the stone right in front of Sukar. Only the Rogue's quick reflexes that spared him a new nose piercing. Sukar leapt back, drawing both his daggers by the time he landed. He didn't have a chance to move, though, before Ray had crossed ten yards between them and stood in front of the door, his axe in one hand and a totem in the other.

"'Ey mon! Whacha do dat fo'?! Ya coulda killed me, mon! An' I ain't had me no chil'ren yet, neither!" Sukar practically yelled.

"You're not leaving. Not yet," Ray responded quickly, biting out each word. "Remember who you owe your life to."

"I dun owe my life ta no Night Elf, dat be fo' sho!" Sukar spit out, narrowing his eyes and tightening the grip on his daggers.

"You're not doing it for her. You're doing it for me. Look, Sukar, lemme ask you something. If you knew that you could help bring peace to Azeroth. I mean all of Azeroth, you would do it, right? No matter what the cost?" Ray spoke calmly and quietly, forcing everyone to pay attention to his words.

"Yeah. 'Course mon. I'd do anyting if it meant raisin me young'uns wit'out da fear of da Alliance comin at us," Sukar responded immediately, glaring at Illaria slightly.

"What if it meant you had to die. Is that too great a cost? Your life for a world of peace." As Ray spoke these words, he could see the dawning in Sukar's eyes. The Rogue knew that he'd just walked into a trap, and that there was no escaping. Nevertheless, Sukar took a minute before answering. "Dat still dun mean dat I gotta risk my life, or da life of me mate fo' some Night Elfy."

"Then don't. You don't even know what I was going to ask of you," he said. "And don't worry, Lara won't be in any danger, either. Just sit and listen to what I've gotta say, ok?"

"Of course we will listen to you, Ray," Aly chimed in. "After all, its the least we can do, right Xan?" Aly elbowed her mate as she said his name.

"Er..Right, naturally we'll listen to what you have to say, Ray," Xandir added. "What were we thinking? We actually thought we'd walk out? Hah!"

Seeing that he was rapidly losing his supporters, Sukar closed his green eyes for a moment and sighed. "Alright, mon, we'll listen ta what ya gots ta say. Though I dun make no promises 'bout helpin you or dis Elfy out." With that, the four turned back and resumed their seats.

Satisfied, Ray too took a seat. Gesturing to another, he indicated that Ria should take the chair at his left, while Bog sat down on his right. Then, looking around, he met the eyes of every individual that had responded to his call. Only Veldara was missing, as her current duties took precedence.

"Ok, I'll break down what I know. At some point very soon, I'm going to die." He heard a faint intake of breath from Illaria, but he continued on regardless. "I'm actually going to die protecting Illaria here. And before you say anything Sukar, yes, its a necessary sacrifice. While I do, in fact, die, somehow my death means the salvation of Azeroth. Don't ask me how, I don't know. As you guys know, Ria and I met with Cairne recently. With his help, we induced my vision, and I was able to see most of the vision I've been having for three weeks now. It was all a bit fuzzy, but I remember quite a bit of it very clearly. I saw Ria and I walking through some foreign planet. Not just another place here on Azeroth. It was a whole 'nother planet altogether. On this planet, you could see pure nether energy flowing across the sky. Reds and purples and blues. The sheer amount of energy flowing through this place was astounding. And for good reason. The planet itself had been ripped apart by some massive force.

The first place I remember on this new planet was a red land. Imagine the sands of Durotar. Now, imagine what it would look like if it had been soaked in blood for hundreds of years. The sands were that red. And every animal here was fierce and mutated, and extremely hostile.

"If you head east from there, you enter a giant forest. This place is like the polar opposite of the first area. Everything here is alive, albeit still not always kind towards strangers. The trees here aren't exactly what they appear to be, however. In fact, they're giant mushrooms, oddly enough." At this description, Taur, who up until now had been looking down at the ground, suddenly snapped his eyes up and looked at Ray intently, but he said nothing. He considered asking Taur what the matter was, but he decided to wait. Taking another breath, he continued on with his story. "The mushroom trees are huge, going up at least 40 yards, easily. The whole place is sort of like a marsh, or swamp, actually.

"Head south from there, and you'll enter some grasslands. This new zone is like Mulgore. Green, somewhat hilly, and peaceful. Its like nature is at balance with everything else. The air was crisp, clean, and cool. And everything was alive and thriving.

"Now, head east and you'll enter another forest. Only this one is an actual forest, and doesn't have any mushrooms for trees. After a bit, you'll leave the forest, and enter some sort of dead zone, where everything has been burned, destroyed, or otherwise corrupted by dark energy. At its center is, or was, at least, some sort of domed city. Shortly after you pass this scarred area, you re-enter the forest.

"Finally, the most evil place in my vision. I don't know what this place is, but I'm glad I don't live there. Imagine if you were to combine the corruption of Felwood and the Plaguelands with the demons of the Blasted Lands. From there, include the searing, burning heat of Burning Steppes. This new place is worse than all that. The amount of just pure evil is overwhelming. Its nauseating, in fact. The air is dark, the ground is pure black, the water is fouler than that of the Plaguelands, and everything there is just pure evil.

"Somewhere is a doorway that leads underground into an expanse of tunnels. These tunnels run all throughout this area, and it's a huge maze. In my vision, I find myself running down these tunnels. I don't know where I'm going, or how I know it, but I seem to know which turns to make to reach my destination. Finally, after several minutes, I sense something. But rather than slow down, I speed up, and round one turn particularly fast, when I'm suddenly stopped cold, and I can feel a sharp pain suddenly bloom in my chest. In my vision, I'm face to face with a Night Elf. He's got some sort of scar running across his cheek, much like yours, Taur," Ray added, glancing at the Warrior. "He's also got some sort of burn marks on the other side of his face. They look fresh, like some recent battle had left him scarred like that. He's also taller than me, with long silver hair. But the most distinctive feature about him? He's got red eyes."

"Wait mon. Red eyes? Ain't no Night Elfy wit red eyes," Sukar interrupted.

"I agree, Ray. Are you sure that they were red, and not a deep orange? By no means am I an expert on the kaldorei, but I have never heard of one with red eyes. Have you heard of any, my love?" Aly turned and asked Xandir.

"I do not believe so, no. A Night Elf with red eyes would be an interesting find, however," Xandir said thoughtfully. He looked as if he was about to say something else, when he suddenly glanced at Illaria. Considering for a moment, he took a short, sharp breath. "And you, Night Elf? Have you ever heard of one of your kind with red eyes?"

It was obvious that the question had caught Ria off guard, and it took her several seconds to register that she was being spoken to. However, she did not respond, and instead tilted her head to one side in confusion.

"Ah, of course. How silly of me. She has not deigned herself to learn Orc. What languages does she speak, Ray?" Xandir asked Ray the question as one would ask another about their pet, and the tricks that it could do.

"Er...I'm not sure, actually. Taurahe, Common, and Darnassian are all that I'm aware of. Let me find out," Ray said as he turned to Ria. Great. I never counted on her not speaking Orc. Guess I get to play to play translator, he thought to himself. He didn't have a chance to say anything, though, before Ria piped up for herself, and in Orc, none the less.

"First off, sin'dorei, I can speak Orc. I was merely thinking back to see if I knew of any kaldorei that I knew of with red eyes. And second off, my name is Illaria. Please try to remember it. Though I am sure that with your constant magic addiction nagging at you, your mind is riddled with holes." She spoke with venom in her voice, and Ray could barely keep himself from laughing at the expression on Xandir's face. The Paladin had been put in his place rather well. "Now," she continued. "Yes, I do know of a Night Elf with red eyes. His name is Darius Rageblade. He was formerly--"

"Formerly General Rageblade," Ray interrupted. "I know who you're talking about now.". The admission of the name left many in the room perplexed, with the exception of Sukar and Taur, who instead showed nothing but fury and rage.

"Do you mean to say, Ray," Taur said quietly, his deep voice strained as he attempted to control himself, "that you are to be killed by the Butcher of Shattered Shield Outpost?"

"Yes, sounds like it."

"Then tell me this, Ray. Will he die?"

"I'd imagine so. Though I haven't gotten far enough into my vision to see it for certain."

"Ya know Ray? Fo'get what I said earlier, mon. If it means dat da Butcher be gettin killed, den I gots no problem helpin you an' da Elfy out."

"Glad to hear it, Sukar. I assume the rest of you are in?" Ray ran his eyes across the rest of the group, all of whom nodded upon meeting his gaze. "Excellent. Well then, for tonight, lets all rest up. We'll take a few days and think up a plan. Maybe I'll get something more out of my vision. Now, as you guys know, there's not enough bedrooms here in the house. But, there is the--"

"Dibs!" Sukar and Lara called simultaneously, much to the chagrin of Aly and Xan.

"--guest...house..." Ray finished. "Well, ok then. The rest of us will stay at the house. Taur, you looked like you were going to say something a bit ago. What was it?"

Taur, startled slightly that he had been caught, cast a look at around the room. Sighing, he leaned further into the group. Ray locked his eyes on Taur's green ones, and waited for the Warrior to speak.

"Ray, I must ask you. You have never been to Outland, have you?" He spoke softly but quickly, his deep voice betrayed the urgency of his question.

"No, I haven't. I've heard stories here and there. Whisperings about it, but I've yet to see it for myself."

"The land you just described. It was Outland, stone for stone." Ray gasped deeply at this revelation. Outland...he thought to himself as Taur continued his description. "The first thing that clued me in was the mushroom forest that you described. That was Zangarmarsh. From there, if you head south, you enter Nagrand. Go east, and you're in Terrokar Forest. Continue on, and you'll see Auchindoun. Even further east is Shadowmoon Valley. This place is even more evil than it sounds. Countless members of both the Horde and Alliance have lost their lives there, and yet the corruption and evil still flourishes."

"So, let me get this straight," he said, his voice cracking as he realized where he would die. "I'm going to die in Outland? In this...Shadowmoon Valley?" Taur nodded his head solemnly.

Ray could feel his breathing picking up, but he said nothing. He couldn't speak. Couldn't think. All that was running through his mind was the thought of her. The only other Druid that he had really gotten to know. Maybe I'll be able to find her. Just maybe. Ray shook himself out of his thoughts and looked around at the faces of his friends and allies. It was then that he realized that he might have to fight this battle alone. Composing himself, he spoke. "Right. Well then. Tonight, lets go ahead and rest up. Tomorrow we'll come up with a course of action." Standing, he signaled the end of the meeting.


Outside, Illaria had found a boulder to sit on. It was sunset, and she liked seeing the last rays of sunshine as day gave way to night. While Mulgore didn't compare to Teldrassil in terms of beauty, she still found it quiet and peaceful, and she loved the serenity and feeling of balance that seemed to permeate the land.

So wrapped up in her revere for it was she that she didn't even hear Ray walk up to her. Only when he was past her did she remember where she was, and the danger that seemed to accompany her. Seeing him had brought back all the sadness, depression, and overwhelming despair that she had felt back at Cairne's hut when it had been revealed that Ray would die for her. He was a kind Tauren, quite unlike what she had been brought up to believe. True, while she had had plenty of contact with Tauren's during her time in the Circle, she had thought that it was only due to the fact that they were Druids.

But it wasn't just his kindness. There was something else about him that she admired. Not just admired. That she found attractive. It may have been his sense of humor. Or duty. Or the fact that he was determined to see his destiny through, even though it would mean his death.

While she had had several lovers back in Teldrassil, none of them had really felt right. They had all been after one thing. Her position. Her title. Her father was a councilor to High Priestess Tyrande, and it would be hers upon his death. It was a glorious and honor filled position, and many people sought one's like it, though few succeeded. There was only one way into it. Heritage. If a high councilor died, their position would be passed onto the eldest child. Or, in the case of women, the husband. Many male Night Elves had been interested in her solely because they wanted her fathers position.

But she had a feeling that Ray wouldn't care. He had risked his life on the assumption that she was still a member of the Circle. He had continued to risk his life based solely on her word that she intended to defect. Now he was calling in favors from friends to help her. And not just favors. Life debts. He had go to such lengths to help and shelter her, and yet she wouldn't be able to pay him back for his kindness. And now that she knew he would die saving her...It was all too much.

Illaria felt her eyes well up with tears as all these thoughts ran through her mind.

As he shrunk off into the distance, she wished that she would be able to thank him for everything that he had done.


It was several hours before Ray returned. But he wasn't alone. He had brought some female companionship along with him. After leaving the house, he'd headed to his favorite bar at Thunder Bluff, the The Bar on the Bluff. There, he'd picked up this evening's company. They'd originally planned on going to her home for the night, but when she'd learned who he was, she insisted on going to his house instead. His family was slightly famous, and so he'd always gone to lengths to hide his identity when in Mulgore. It wasn't because he was ashamed. Far from it. It was because he felt that those accomplishments weren't his own. When it was time for him to be remembered, he wanted to be remembered because of what he had done. Not because of his name.

After they'd arrived, he had given her the "grand tour," which eventually led to his bedroom on the third floor. Once they'd rolled around in the sheets for a bit, they ended up on the small couch he kept in the room. There he sat, sweating slightly from the nights activities while she lay stretched out on it, her head in his lap.

He sat there silently, wrapped in nothing but the darkness of the night. His mind was reeling with the thoughts of the day. So many emotions bounced around inside him, he wanted to burst into maniacal laughter one moment, then break down sobbing the next. He felt excruciating depression, followed by nothing but hardened resolve.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, trying to slow down the swell of emotions by losing himself in the buzzing in his head, which had been induced by the liberal amounts of alcohol he'd consumed earlier that evening. But even that couldn't distract him, and he felt his mind continue to wander to his fate. Opening his eyes again, he raised one of his hands. Concentrating for a moment, his efforts were rewarded when a small flame appeared in the air above his hand. He wove his hand from side to side while manipulating his fingers, forcing the flame to alter its shape into various forms.

He glanced down at his partner. Her eyes were still shut, and she seemed quite asleep. He unwrapped his other arm from around her, and raised it to the same level as his first hand. Pouring forth more effort, he was again rewarded when a small sphere of ice appeared above his other hand. He moved this one around too, and, although he tried again and again, he couldn't get it to change shape.

Ray began to draw the two opposing elements closer together. When they were within just a few inches of each other, he could feel them pushing back at his hands, trying to keep away from the force that would extinguish them.

The closer her drew them, the more they resisted. When they reached two inches, they began to reach out tendrils of pure mana to one another. He continued to push, and their tendrils increased in number and width. He experimented by pushing them closer together, and then pulling them further apart, just to see what their reactions to one another would be.

But he soon got bored, and, with a sigh, closed his left hand into a fist, dismissing the spell. He focused his gaze on the fireplace on the far side of the room. His bedroom was fairly large. Roughly 30 yards across, and 40 yards deep, and the couch and fireplace were on the furthest opposite ends of one another. To his left was the door, and just past that was the left wall, up against which sat his bed. To his right was the right wall, which had a dresser and a bookshelf, filled with more types of books than one could find at most libraries. And on the opposite side of the room was the fireplace, which sat next to a window overlooking the property.

Concentrating, he thrust his hand forward, projecting the flame towards the fireplace. In his current state, he hadn't expected to get anywhere near the fireplace, let alone the solitary log that was resting in it. He was quite pleased with himself when it burst into flame, lighting the room and warming it up rather quickly.

The sudden change in temperature caused his companion for the night to stir, then awaken. Blinking sleepily several times, she smiled up at him from her position. He smiled back and reached a hand down to brush away a lock of hair.

Sitting up, she stretched and yawned. "What time is it?" She asked.

Ray let loose a yawn of his own, taking a moment to consider. "I'd say around 2am. Maybe half past. Why? Got somewhere you gotta be?"

She gave him a pitying look, one that said he'd hit the reason for her question right on the head. "Yes, I do, unfortunately. Though I'd much rather just snuggle up close to you," she traced a finger down his arm, then along his thigh. "Unfortunately I've got to meet somebody early tomorrow, and I have to get home."

"Of course. Not a problem. I'll help you find your clothes. I'm sure that they're pretty well scattered around the house," he flashed her another grin, this one a mixture of wickedness and dark desire.

Silently, the two gathered her clothes together, and after she got dressed, he bid her goodnight. Ray stood in the entrance to his home for several long moments, watching his companion depart. As she faded into the night, he could feel an overwhelming depression and sadness begin to rise up within him.

He let out a long, deep sigh, and shut the door. With tired, weary steps he made his way up the stairs and back to his bedroom. Once there, he shut the door and leaned up against it. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. Now that he was alone, he could feel the full weight of his destiny weighing down on him. He wasn't scared of death. Members of the Elfsbane family had a history of...He shut that line of thought down. For now, he was still alive, and he was determined to enjoy all that he had.

Opening his eyes again, he walked over to the window and gazed out at his land. It had always been quiet and peaceful and secluded. He was descended from eight generations of Shaman/Druid couples, and as such, their connection to the land was strong. Strong enough that, over time, nature itself had guarded their home. Since then, innumerable enchants and spells had been placed on the surrounding area, preventing all who would trespass from finding the house. Unless they were welcome guests, they could wander the woods for days and not find the house. Thus, it had been protected against scavengers for the many years that Ray had been away. He loved this house, and he'd been hoping to pass it down to his children. When he'd had some, that is. Now, though, he'd have to think of what to do instead.

He had so many matters to attend to. He'd have to make sure everything was in order before...Ray shook his head, attempting to stop the train of thought.

Sighing again, he let his gaze roam over what was essentially his backyard. As his eyes passed over a large boulder, he noticed something odd, and he had to do a double take when he realized what it was.

It was Ria. She was on the boulder. But not alone. She was surrounded by all kinds of creatures native to Mulgore. Squirrels, rabbits, a few birds. He even saw a Prairie Stalker and Crag Coyote amongst the group. But nothing seemed the least bit frightened. It was as if they were all at balance, wanting to be near the source of peace that had been introduced to the region.

But that wasn't all. Wherever his gaze landed, it was pitch black. He inclined his head to look at the sky. It was cloudy. Very cloudy. The elements had probably sensed his mood, and conjured the clouds to show that they empathized with him. But right in the middle of the cloud cover was an area that wasn't clouded over. And it was through this circle that the moon shone forth brightly. Brighter than he'd ever seen, in fact.

He pondered this for a moment, wondering why there was a hole in the clouds. And then it hit him. She was a Night Elf, and odds were that she was praying to the Moon Goddess, Elune. He'd heard stories of Night Elves and Elune, but he never thought he'd see a sign of it.

He let his eyes drift back to her. She was still wearing the shirt and pants he'd gotten for her the first day they'd met. She had her back to him, so he couldn't see the expression on her face, but he could tell that it was inclined upwards toward the moon. He imagined that her eyes were closed, and that she was uttering silent prayers to the Moon Goddess.

He wished that they had met under different circumstances. She was, after all, quite beautiful, and as much as he enjoyed seeing her naked body, he always found himself staring into her glowing, icy blue eyes. They were so large and beautiful and expressive. She seemed so innocent, and he could tell that she was having trouble keeping her cool. He couldn't blame her. After all, if he were in her shoes, he'd feel the same way. Turning your back on not only your race, but your faction. Trading all you know to join a group of people that are more likely going to kill you than to shelter you. Then finding out that you will single handedly be the instrument of demise for somebody who had saved you on numerous occasions.

Ray took several deep breaths, trying to bring himself to the here and now. It was obvious that he wasn't going to get any thinking done here. He pondered where he could go for a moment. It was 2 in the morning, and essentially every place in Thunder Bluff would be closed. Plus, he didn't know if he'd feel like making the ride anyway. He could go to the river that ran by the house, but that was sure to be cold. And he was sure that he didn't want to be cold and wet in the middle of the night. That left him with one option.

He would go to see them...