Chapter 8
The continent really was made of ice, gorgeous blue ice that shimmered in the dim light. It was gloomy and overcast which she had expected but the air had a unique crispness. Borean Tundra was unlike anything she had ever seen. The east side was covered in snow. The middle had various colors of vegetation, lakes, and small bluffs. Far to the West she could see what looked like salt flats with tall shooting geysers. Coldarra was to the north, it's own little ice island built up high on the side so she couldn't see well into it, only some type of giant tower rising from the center. They flew past a keep that was clearly the alliance base and could see the Orc Stronghold not too far off from where they were.
"Look at this place," Zael spoke first, "and we all thought Silvermoon was the best looking place on Azeroth."
"Look at all the different creatures!" Nelmara pushed herself further over the railing to see better, Trista grabbed one of her arms just in case.
They stood in awe, taking in their new surroundings when her father showed up to tell them to get ready They split up and ran off to their rooms to collect their belongs. Elves were private creatures. While some races would bunk up in large groups to save money or space Elves liked their own quarters. When they had to camp on the trail they made sure to have their own tents, most of them magically enchanted to be sound proof or only letting the owner enter. She had been friends with Nelmara for many years yet they always naturally went to their own space at night. She thought about her traveling group, she doubted they would be staying in many fancy inns and she had no tent. There was no other way to imagine the trip than unpleasant.
Trista stuffed all her clothes and trinkets skattered through her small living space into her her backpack. Her head was pounding, it had been all day. Magic withdrawal. Without anything to sate her hunger she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples until the pain had passed. Mana tapping creatures as she fought her way through Northrend wasn't going to cut it, she needed a crystal. Nelmara and Zaelsin had left theirs back at home, they had no 'addiction' anymore and didn't need them. Hopefully she would be able to fine a Blood elf encampment somewhere on her journey within the next day or so. She threw her bag over her arm and made her way back up to her friends.
Warsong Hold was giant, made of forged metal and rock and reached hundreds of feet into the air. The fortress was protected by neighboring towers, gates, and walls and was centered in a large stone quarry. The main fortress was opened and housed a large dock so the Zeppelins could easily fly in and out. The Zeppelin pulled into port and the mass of Horde were herded off to their respective areas. A group of Orcs made their way to a commanding officer directing them to the lower levels. A couple of Trolls walked together to a huge elevator that lifted them quickly to the top of the building. Her father tapped her arm and motioned the young Elves over to one side, out of the way.
"Welcome to Northrend kids". They all looked around the fortress in awe. The amount of Orcs, Trolls, and Tauren running around made her nervous, she was so small compared to them. The building smelt of brimstone and was quite warm, heated by all the forges. There were a few Elves scattered around, but not many. They were definitely the minority, and definitely the only mages.
Thalistan led them off down a hallway to a private room. Inside held a mammoth war table with the Horde crest carved into the center. Around it sat a Tauren, an Orc, and an Undead. Her father walked over to shake their hands, only the Tauren returning the gesture.
"Athiana, these are your escorts". Zael bit back a laugh, Nel threw her hand over her mouth with a small gasp, and Trist just stood there in shock.
The Tauren was absolutely huge, at least three times her size. He had brown and white markings with a thick snout and a giant ring through his nose. He was clearly a warrior, wearing heavy plate armor and had a colossal shield that leaned up on the side of his chair. He gave her a warm smile. He was big, and he was imposing, but he had kind eyes, light orange and soft.
The Orc was a Shaman. He was tall and muscled with deep scaring all over his body, obviously well versed in war. His head was shaved outside of a long black breaded ponytail out the back. He had tattoos and piercings all over his body and stood staring at her with his giant arms crossed over his chest. He didn't look very friendly...or patient.
The last of the small group was the Undead. He was a skinny little guy, his skin barely hanging onto his protruding bones. He was a rogue in full black leather armor and had two steel daggers hanging at his side. His eyes were only little balls of light, glowing yellow in the dull light. His smirk would normally have frightened her but she sensed no evil from behind it.
Three men. She had been expecting a larger company, or at least a more diverse group. She knew she wouldn't be with another Blood elf or a mage, but this was still unexpected. Mercenaries are probably very honorable, she thought to herself. They are payed to kill someone or move something and they make sure to follow through with it. She calmed herself down with her thought process. Of course she would be safe.
Thalistan spoke up as the silence turned awkward, "I trust them with your life, they will get you to Dalaran quickly and painlessly. They have already made the trip back and forth multiple times." He patted her shoulder as the undead shook his head in agreement.
"Don't worry gorgeous," he spoke up, "we won't let anything happen to you."
The huge Orc stood. "I am Garvon, the cow is Arnak, and the walking corpse is Mortis", the undead bowed. "We've made this trip a dozen times now" he grumbled in Orcish, "You'll be fine."
She gave her best fake smile and nodded. "We'll be leaving in the next thirty minutes so she'll be ready then" her father said. Thirty minutes! He put his arm around her shoulder and led her out of the room as she heard the men laughing behind her.
"I know they're a bit rough around the edges" her father spoke again as he closed the door, "but I know they will get you to Dalaran safely, that's all that matters." She hugged him. She had never been away from Silvermoon and she had never been away from her father. "You will be fine Athiana, I promise."
He sat her down and quickly went over the many hours of information he had poured into her during the trip. She listened intently, these points obviously being the most important. She wished she had taken notes all the times he had lectured her. Names were most important, followed by ranks and places. The Sunreavers, the Blood elf subsection of the Kirin Tor was going to be her lifeline. She thought she would be sent to Jaina Proudmoore but with the Horde and Alliance relations backsliding she would be under the care of Sintharia Cinderweave instead, a high ranking member of the Sunreavers.
"Every other day Tris." Zael poked her after her father had finished their talk and hugged her goodbye. "I mean it. Don't make me have to go back and forth to Dalaran every few days to track you down." She threw arms around his neck and squeezed him tight, giving him a small peck on the cheek as she let go.
"I will, don't worry." she teared up as she hugged Nelmara. She really would miss them.
"Stay safe Tris."
"Take care of my father" she smiled as they collected their things to leave. "Don't take out Malygos without me!" She yelled as she watched them join a small group of Horde and make their way out of the city.
She made her way back to the room housing her companions for the next few weeks at least. Sucking in a breath, she opened the door.
