New Chapter up. :)
Kia sat in a clearing in Moonglade, resting after her second attempt to shift into a druid cat form. The process of shifting hadn't been difficult, but she was having a hard time keeping her Bipedal mind focused while in the animal body. Quinn sat next to her, snoozing.
Kia had spent over two years in Pandaria with Prince Anduin, including the time she spent by his bedside while he recovered from his injuries cause by Hellscream. During that time, Kia had come to realize how much of a waste it was for her to have talent with magic and not take the time to develop it. The Pandarens believed strongly that any talent a person possessed should be explored to its fullest, regardless of how small the talent. The mentality struck a chord with Kia.
When Anduin decided it was time to return to Stormwind, Kia opted to travel to Moonglade, after informing her father she wished to learn how to be a druid. She no longer wanted to waste her abilities. Anduin encouraged her, even though she sensed a part of him desperately wanted her to return to Stormwind. The two had become even closer during their time together, though neither truly understood or explored the relationship. Anduin's brush with death had been almost as hard on Kia, as the recovery had been on Anduin.
Malfurion stood in the clearing with his daughter, maintaining an exterior of relaxed calm, but inside, he was thrilled his daughter had decided to focus more on becoming a full fledged druid. He was so delighted by her decision, he decided to take a hand in her training himself. He knew it might be difficult, since she was half human and there was a reason humans could not carry druidic power. They were just too young of a species to fully commune with nature at that level, but Kia was also half night elf, so she could learn and, more importantly, she was willing to try.
"I don't understand why I can't focus as a cat." Kia said, sounding a touch frustrated.
Malfurion chuckled. "It's your human half causing the problem. Night elves, even non-druids, learned to commune with nature centuries ago. Our connection to the natural world allows us to shift between forms, but yet keep our minds in a bipedal state. Tauren are much like us in that respect. The Worgen and the Trolls have a similar issue you are facing when shifting forms. It takes more effort to keep themselves whole while shifted because the natural connection to the world is not a part of their genes. It's the same with you."
"So, how do they overcome it?' Kia asked.
"Practice and time. You can train your mind to keep yourself in control. Some pick it up faster than others, but it is an important skill. Without it, you could lose control and become more beast than woman. It will get easier with time, I promise."
"I know." Kia replied, standing. "I'm just happy the magical side of being a druid has begun to get easier. I remember first learning how to use magic in Stormwind and I had a hard time focusing it, even with Anduin's help."
Malfurion placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's coming easier to you now, because you're embracing it, rather than fighting it. You want to learn how to use your magic now. A few years ago, you were determined never to learn. Mindset is important when it comes to magic. Mindset and belief in yourself."
Kia smiled up at her father. "I'm happy you're the one teaching me. It's nice to spend time with you."
Malfurion hugged her. "You have no idea how much I like hearing you say those words."
Time passed as it always does. In the blink of an eye, three years had gone by.
Kia readied her bow, took aim at the target in front of her and fired, hitting the target just right of center. She sighed, grumbling to herself.
Lantash landed behind her, lowering himself to allow the Tauren woman riding on his back to slip to the ground. "Visitor." He said in her mind. The dragon had adapted to life in Moonglade flawlessly. He'd almost doubled in size and had gotten used to being ridden. Normally, he only allowed Kia to ride him, but he sometimes permitted other druids to hitch a ride, if they were looking for Kia. Most druids didn't need the aid of a dragon to fly.
"I really don't understand why you still practice with a Bow, Ki." Vera Bloodhoof said, standing next to her friend. Vera was Baine Bloodhoof's cousin and one of Kia's best friends amongst the druids. "You're a druid now."
"I decided to learn to be a druid to enhance, not replace, Vera. I'm still a ranger, but it seems I need to practice more. I remember a time when I couldn't miss the center of a target, even when distracted. I've gotten lazy and rusty."
Kia shot another bolt at the target, this time coming only an inch from the center.
"Something big is about to happen. I can feel it coming. We all need to be ready." Kia said, more to herself than her friend. She turned to Vera. "And I'm not talking about all that hoopla with the time traveling and such. This is something different. We all need to be at the top of our game."
The tauren snorted, her tan and white tail twitching more rapidly. "Last time I checked, seeing the future wasn't one of your talents."
"Haven't you had a bad feeling about something and have it actually happen?"
Vera lowered herself to a seated position. "Of course, and I have to admit, something does feel off. I was hoping it was just something I ate."
Kia laughed, sitting down next her friend. Kia had always felt small when compared to other night elves, but she felt even smaller when sitting next to a tauren. Vera was actually fairly small for her kind, but she was still considerably bigger than Kia. Even small representatives of her species were taller and bulkier than most other species.
"You always did know how to lighten a mood." Kia replied.
"In all seriousness, I did get a message from Baine. Apparently he's requesting druids to help fend off a group of demons at the Crossroads."
Kia sat quiet for a moment, thinking. "That's what, the fifth demon attack recently? It seems unlikely these are just the acts of a few stray warlocks out to make trouble."
The two druid's musings were interrupted by a stormcrow landing in the clearing, which turned into Malfurion. They both stood, surprised by the Archdruid's appearance. He wasn't the type to just show up suddenly. He had always taught Kia it was rude.
"Father? What's wrong?" Kia asked. She could tell he was worried about something.
"I've been summoned to Stormwind by King Wrynn. All the Alliance leaders have. Something big is about to happen." He said. "Before I leave, I wanted to talk to you about something important. I want you to promise to stay here in Moonglade until I return."
The request confused Kia, since she had never been told to stay in one place by her father before. He had never felt the need to try to restrain his daughter and she appreciated the freedom. Kia's druid training had been slower than most, but even though she'd finally reached a status of full druid, she still was reluctant to call herself fully trained and ready to leave the druid's sanctuary. Besides, she liked Moonglade. It was peaceful.
"Of course I'll do as you ask, but why?"
Malfurion looked up at the sky, as if listening to a voice only he could hear. "I can't explain it. I just need you here where you're safe. Things will come to light soon." He looked down at her, placing a warm hand on her cheek. "I must go. I promise I will bring news to you soon."
Without warning, he turned back into a stormcrow and flew off.
"That was strange." Vera said.
"Very." Kia agreed. "I wonder why Varian would call everyone together like this."
Whatever the reason, Kia guessed it couldn't be good.
To Be Continued...