World of Warcraft®

The horse plodded slowly along the road in Elwynn Forest. The beast appeared as worn out at its rider. Both of them were exhausted after their extensive travels throughout the Eastern Kingdoms.

Xeiri sighed heavily. She knew this malaise was so unlike herself. She usually didn’t let things get her down, but she had been gone so long and she just couldn’t wait to get home.

Home.

Xeiri pondered that thought for a moment. It was odd that she considered Stormwind her home. She hadn’t lived there for very long before she had been sent out. She hardly knew anyone in the big city. In fact, there were only had two people she could consider acquaintances there. Nevertheless, the thought of them made her smile. They had both been so kind and friendly to the shy priest who was new to the city. Xeiri’s face began to brighten as her thoughts took her back to that day many months ago.

*****

Xeiri kept her head down as she made her way to the mailbox. The city was bustling with people she didn’t know. So many strangers! It was all a little daunting to the introverted priest. She had no idea how she was going to be able to find her new master and get on with her training without any fuss.

“Hello.”

Xeiri paused as she realized someone was speaking to her. She didn’t know what to do. She kept her head down, but peered up through her lashes. It was a woman. She was taller than Xeiri, but that wasn’t saying much. Most people were.

Xeiri observed the lady for a moment while she tried to get up the courage to reply. The woman was a not quite as young as Xeiri. She had brown hair and friendly eyes. She was wearing a beautiful robe. Xeiri thought the woman might be a mage. The other female was also wearing an infectious smile. Xeiri shyly smiled back.

“Hello,” Xeiri finally responded.

“Are you new in town? I don’t think I’ve seen you around.”

“Yes, I just arrived today.”

“It’s all a little much, isn’t it?” the woman said kindly.

Xeiri’s smile faultered. “Yes,” she whispered, “it is.”

“I know how that can be. It’s very intimidating until you get used to it.”

Xeiri didn’t see how this confident woman could possibly ever have been frightened of the big city.

“My name is Aerly, by the way.”

Xeiri remembered her manners and replied, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aerly. My name is Xeiri van Rijn.”

“It’s very nice to meet you as well, Xeiri. How are you getting along so far? Is there anything I can do to help you get acquainted with our fair city?” Before the girl had a chance to reply to the offer, Aerly spoke again, “Wait here. I know just the thing for you.”

Xeiri, dumbfounded, stood next to the mailbox and watched the woman walk across the cobblestone street and up the steps of the bank. She didn’t have long to wonder what Aerly was about. The woman returned shortly carrying two bags. She smiled again and held them out as she approached Xeiri.

“Here you go. I know how hard it is to carry all your supplies in the small bag most of us are given.”

Not knowing what else to do, Xeiri took the bags that were being handed to her. She quickly realized the netherweave bags were worth far more than she could afford.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Aerly, this is far too generous. I have nothing to offer in return.”

“Do not concern yourself. I’m a tailor and I have plenty of the material to make more bags if I need them.”

Xeiri didn’t know what to say. A simple ‘thank you’ wasn’t enough. She opened her coin purse and pulled out a few gold.

Aerly rightly judged what the little priest was about to offer. “No, no! This is a gift. You do not have to pay me. In fact...here’s a little something extra to get you started,” Aerly opened her own coin purse and plopped some coins down on top of the bags in Xeiri’s arms. It was more than double the amount Xeiri was going to pay for the satchels.

The tiny priest was flabbergasted and just shook her head in amazement.

Just then, a man passed by and nodded a greeting to Aerly.

“Hello, Paden,” she responded.

“Aerly.”

“I’ve just met a new friend, Paden. Please meet Xeiri. Xeiri, this is Paden.”

The young girl blanched. This was no man. He was a death knight. Xeiri had never met a death knight. This one looked particularly frightening. She was fairly certain she was going to faint.

“Hello, Xeiri,” growled the death knight. At least, it sounded like a growl to Xeiri. It might actually have been a snarl.

Xeiri thought about replying. Her mouth opened slightly, but the only thing that came out was a small squeak.

Paden glanced at Aerly, “What’s wrong with her? I took a shower. Last week.”

Aerly laughed, “She’s young and very new to the city, Paden. Don’t frighten her.”

The mage paused and then suggested, “Why don’t we all go get something cool to drink. It’s a warm day and it will be cooler in the bar.”

“I could use a thirst-quencher,” Paden roared.

Actually, it was the motorcycle that roared. Seemingly out of nowhere Paden had procured one. He pulled up next to Xeiri, popped open the side-car door and howled, “Get in!”
Xeiri must have been in shock because she actually obeyed the death knight. He kicked the bike into gear and they were off. Xeiri had no idea where they were going. They were moving so fast and making so many sharp turns she was certain she would never be able to find her way back to the mailbox. The ride to the bar didn’t take long. Soon enough, they were pulling up to the front of a building with a hanging sign that indicated this was the Blue Recluse. Paden parked the bike and walked inside without checking to see if Xeiri was coming. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to. Aerly arrived at that moment. She sensed Xeiri’s hesitation.

“Come on in. It will be refreshing inside,” she said encouragingly.

The girl felt she could trust Aerly, so she followed her into the bar. The room was dimly lit, but there was enough light to see that Paden was already seated at a table.

“Sit down, Xeiri and I’ll get us some drinks. Paden, what will you have?”

“Something strong.”

Aerly purchased the beverages and returned to the table. Xeiri was relieved to have the alcohol. Perhaps it would loosen her up so she wouldn’t feel so nervous. She glanced sideways at the scary death knight. She quickly took a sip. She was very quiet so to fill the lull the other two began to talk about their mutual friends.

After a few more sips of the port, Xeiri did indeed feel less anxious. Unfortunately, she thought the alcohol might be making her see things. A box had appeared under Paden’s chair. A box that moved. On its own. She mentioned this to the death knight. He smirked at her.

“You must have had too much to drink, little girl.”

She thought he might be teasing her. It was hard to tell. He was a death knight after all. Did they even have a sense of humor? Nonetheless, his comment was probably accurate. Xeiri wasn’t really used to drinking very much and her glass was almost empty. She looked at the box again. This time, not only did it move, but the lid opened slightly and a tongue darted out and caught a fly. Xeiri gasped. She briefly hesitated, then drained her glass.

Aerly turned to Xeiri, “Are you doing okay?”

Xeiri nodded.

“So, Xeiri, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself. Why are you here in Stormwind?”
Paden asked.

Perhaps it was the lack of lighting or maybe it was the booze, but Paden didn’t seem so intimidating when he asked that.

“Well, I’m a healer. I’m here to continue my training and then I expect I will be sent out on assignment,” she answered without hesitation this time.

She added, “I also collect herbs. I hope to someday be able to translate that into a business. I’m considering alchemy or inscription.” The words began to flow more freely now. Xeiri was quite uninhibited. The death knight wasn’t as scary as she had at first believed.

The conversation continued for about an hour. At which point, both Aerly and Paden realized they were neglecting their duties. As the trio stood to go their separate ways Xeiri told them both how nice it was to meet them.

Aerly smiled. “The pleasure was ours, Xeiri. I hope you enjoy your time in Stormwind. Perchance we will meet again soon.”

The death knight nodded in agreement. He then held out his hand. Xeiri stared at it for a moment before she realized he wanted to shake hers. She hesitated, but the alcohol won. She held out her hand. As he turned to walk away she felt something against her fingertips. She turned her palm over and saw a 50 gold piece! Xeiri quickly looked up, but they were gone. She heard the roar of the motorbike and knew Paden had left before she had a chance to gush over his generosity. She suspected death knights didn’t appreciate gushing.

Xeiri beamed as she left the bar. Stormwind wasn’t going to be so terrifying after all.

*****

Xeiri came out of her reverie as she neared the gates of Stormwind. She smiled as the last traces of the memory faded. Who knew where Aerly and Paden were now? They might not even remember her. It didn’t matter. She was glad they had showed kindness to a stranger.

As she entered the city she began to consider ways to pay them back. She had accrued a small bit of wealth during her travels. Perhaps she could send them each a care package. She knew how to make a good pie. That might be just the thing for Aerly. A sweet berry pie for a sweet lady.

But what to get a death knight? Xeiri pondered this for several long moments. He may have seemed like a big, burly, bad villain, but his gift to her showed a softer side. Then it came to her.

She would send Paden a rabbit. That would be just what the death knight needed. A soft, cuddly bunny. The grin that spread on the petite priest’s face almost overwhelmed her countenance. She began to sing as she headed off to the bank to collect her gifts for her friends.

((So fun. And welcome.))

((I remember this, very fun, very exciting. Welcome back. I swear I'm not scary ALL the time.))

((Its always a welcome insight to look into the hearts and minds of people. Reminds me what I'm out there fighting for, even if indirectly.

Thank you for the introspective read.))

((Thanks for the kind words, Izby and Paden.

Liore, you are very welcome.))