Day 25

I was a bit surprised to be sent to the Crossroads instead of my patrol today, but Sergra wanted me specifically for something so off I went. Nyx playfully tugged on my boots until I remembered to say goodbye to her as well. Her happy bark made me smile as I walked away.

I was not prepared for the sight of Mankrik standing by Sergra. And then I was informed that I would be helping him search for his wife. This is going to suck big time. I ran off to the apothecary and bought a couple of emergency health potions and hit up the blacksmith for a new shield before joining Mankrik on the road South.

Mankrik was expecting the worst and through the depression and anger I could see the lost look in his eyes. I almost regretted binding myself to the military when I recalled how many people needed help around the world but I know I can't take that on my shoulders. The best I can do is follow orders and bring Mankrik a small piece of closure.

Let me tell you that traveling with a high-strung murder machine through enemy infested territory for hours is stressful. Very stressful. By the time we passed centaur territory and reached the bridge spanning the ancient riverbed I was half hoping for a fight just so that Mankrik and I could vent. Oddly enough it was a quiet trip.

I can't properly describe the scene I witnessed when we arrived at the old tauren camp and found.. Olgra, he said her name was. Seeing a proud orc break like that is not something I will ever be able to put into words. In the end all I could do was salute her prowess and guard Mankrik while he carried her back. I couldn't think of anything to say but it didn't seem like words would be taken well anyway.

If I thought the trip South was tense going back North was even worse. We spotted a few Horde patrols as we walked but when they saw Mankrik's face they quietly avoided us, not that I blame them for that. The orc honestly scared me a bit with the murder face he had going on. And that is with knowing he's thinking about quilboar and not me.

Our arrival had no fanfare, which was good because Mankrik likely wouldn't react well, so I reported to Sergra. That might've been a mistake as she stared at me for a moment before smirking and announcing my new assignment: a transfer to the assault force at Far Watch Post. It's just freaking great being a Scout sent to the frontline of battle.

I also had my first experience with flight by catching a wyvern from the Crossroads to Ratchet. Discovered that my fear of falling didn't go anywhere but I definitely enjoyed the experience. Nyx and I spent the evening making our farewells in case we were assigned elsewhere after the fighting, and I told Gurnag good luck and to get himself a horn.

Hopefully things settle down here soon. Despite being the heart of Horde territory the Barrens had so many internal threats I was practically weeping inside. Mankrik is about to turn into a freaking murder hobo and I was absolutely no help to him.

I'm not prepared for heavy combat, I'm wearing freaking leather! I splurged my armor money on my adorable furry partner and that won't show results for months to come. I'm going to need to loot some shiny stuff to ever get an upgrade.

I think I'll do a bit of stargazing tonight before I sleep. I have no clue what the constellations are named but my favorite one looks a bit like a scorpion that I like to call Sarkoth. Another that isn't too far from it I call the Boot and damn if the image doesn't kill the boredom when I start picturing it.

-Borgin

AN: I'd like to announce a week in advance that starting July 5th I'll be switching to Monday-Wednesday-Friday updates to give myself a bit of breathing room with the writing. I didn't account for just how much of my time Pathfinder weekends take every week, oops? Have a nice weekend everyone, my fire obsessed Kobold sure will.