My grandfather was a giant if he was five feet. He was the greatest man I knew, and shaped the way I viewed the world and my self so very profoundly. Growing up, my father pretty much walked away from our family. This left my grandfather as the sold male role-model for what were very much my hardest years.

He was an old school Italian man, right off the boat before WWII. He worked hard to provide for his family, and lived by a set of very “old world” social rules. During WWII he was enlisted as MP, but instead of going overseas he was given the option to stay home and instead work MP duties in the city of Buffalo. He did this for the duration of the war. He was blessed by the birth of four daughters. While he loved my mother and aunts dearly, he still always longed for a son. I was the first male in the family born in the United States, and my grandfather treated me as if I was his son rather than grandson.

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Site has been a bit quiet, but I find myself wanting to write more. Not just the items of the story I’ve been working on, I’ll still be working on that, but I want to participate in some things like the Blog Azeroth shared topics and to give my head-space some personal room in written word. Problem is those posts don’t fit on any of the other sites I write for. So I’m going to be posting them here when I can, among the fiction pieces and random ideas that will grace these few pixels. Also I’ll be looking for some new artwork for my corner shot here on the site, so if you’re interested in doing something for it, feel free to email me, I might just hold a contest and give away an in game pet to whoever wins.

Continued from The Road to Dalaran

The meeting was held in a room located in a secluded part of Dalaran. As Lodur stepped into the chamber he took note of the faced she had grown to know over the years, those she would call family. Shadowriver, a Night Elf of calm and cool demeanor. As sure in the light as he was in the shadows of his profession. Next to him sat his life partner, and druid, Shenweh. She held in her a quiet strength. Few knew the true fires that burned deep in her heart. Yanlou, of the the former servants of the Lich King.He nodded at Loduer and Estherass as they walked through those assembled. Yanlou was one of the few guild members that knew the truth about Lodur’s recent transformation.

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Continued from Savior

Lodur and Estherras had kept at a steady pace. Ahonan chirped happily while dancing between the lightning bolting between the spires of Lodur’s shoulders. The land was quiet for the most part. There were minor disturbances, but bands of heroes for both the Alliance and the Horde already had matters well in hand. The shaman and hunter continued on their journey to the north peacefully.

It wasn’t long before the large gears and pipes of an obvious gnomish construction came into view. Steam could be seen pouring into the air from the site, while wind socks and banners flowed in the tundra’s wind. A smile began to creep across Lodur’s face. He had quite a fondness for gnomes and their eccentricities. Estherras leaned forward in her saddle;

“You know, I often wonder how gnomes keep such large structures in tact. I mean they do have a penchant for blowing themselves up at least once a week.”

“You’re just jealous because the only thing you’re good at is making a mess for other people to clean up. Don’t make me remind you of that time in the Black Temple where you edged yourself just a tad bit too far into the room…”

“Point taken, but at least I didn’t blow up! Besides you were getting bored waiting for Heim to finish strategical planning. I’m just here to keep you young and on your toes!”

Ahonan landed in Lodur’s lap and curled up into a ball chirping happily as he drifted off to sleep. He patted the small gryphon’s head lightly and smiled. Lodur looked up, they were almost there. He could make out the forms of gnomes running around between what was likely aircraft making adjustments. Lodur always appreciated how nimble they were, and always enjoyed their company. Even if they all tended to be quite eccentric.

“Yeva should have already secured passage for us to Dalaran, so we should not have to spend too much more time in the tundra. I’ll be honest, I’m a little excited to see the guild once more. I wonder what their reaction will be.”

“Shock probably, Zabos may fall over, and that makes me happy.”

“Well, I did tell some of the guild what happened. Not everyone will be caught completely off guard. But I do suspect that most of them won’t know what to make of it.”

They continued on until they reached the outskirts of the airstrip. As they approached they were greeted by a green haired gnome. He nodded at Lodur and the two travelers dismounted.

“Greetings! You must be Lodur, your dwarf friend said you would be coming. I am Ahzek and I’ll be making sure you have a safe flight.”

The gnome looked over at Estherras.

“Although I was only told there would be one passenger, I’m certain we can make an adjustment. Please, follow me.”

As the two walked behind the gnome, they watched as he made quick hand gestures at the other gnomes. He lead them to the end of the airstrip where a biplane was being rolled into place.

“Ah, here we go. Um… she… er… only seats two, so you’ll have to share a spot, but… I think we should be OK. Maybe. Definitely maybe.”

Lodur looked at the gnome and back at Estherras.

“Well, only one way to find out now isn’t there friend?”

Lodur boarded the plane and took the seat at the rear, with the hunter following behind. The space was cramped but workable, and the two settled in for a cozy flight. Ahzek scaled the side of the plane, and positioned himself into the pilot’s seat.

“It’s not a long flight to Dalaran from here, but we do have to head over the basin and through an area that has seen some recent… um… non-living avian action. I highly suggest strapping in with the belt-o-matic 4000 and holding on tight, we may have to engage in evasive actions.”

Before Lodur or Estherras could reply, Ahzek started the engines and took off down the runway at break-neck speeds. Pressed against the seat, they were soon in the air. Eventually the plan leveled off and Lodur glanced over the side of the plane. Rolling plains of white snow went by far beneath them. Slowly the mountains ringing the north eastern part of the tundra came into view and the plan started to climb again.

As they went over the peak, they could see the snow give way to the balmy jungle of the basin. Hot springs and ancient titan technology kept the valley lush and green. As the trio flew toward the end of the basin approaching the mountains closest to Icecrown they began to see the signs of the undead corruption. A flock of gargoyles could be seen circling above the ice.

“If we’re lucky, they won’t notice us and we’ll be able to sque…..”

Ahzek was cut off by a deafening screech. The flock of gargoyles stopped circling and started towards the plane

“well… em… yes. This is unfortunate.”

“By unfortunate do you mean ‘we’re going to get knocked out of the sky and fall to our deaths’?” Estherras was already eying the incoming gargoyles. “Hey Lodur, think you can throw some lightning while I shoot things in the face?”

“I’ll do my best, but you know I’m not good with that. I’m a mender, not a breaker”

“Well, something is better than nothing. Start chucking bolts!”

Ahzek started to take evasive action as the pack of gargoyles reached the plane. Estherras let loose arrow after arrow.

“Hold this thing steady! I can’t get a clear shot!”

“If I do that they’ll catch us!” Ahzek was clearly not one for a fight.

Lodur leaned forward, “friend, you need to trust us. Hold her steady and head straight for Dalaran.”

Ahzek nodded and leveled out the plane. Immediately two gargoyles fell, arrows from both their eyes. Estherras whooped loudly as she notched another arrow. Lodur took Ahonana and gently put him in her backpack, he growled his displeasure. She then closed her eyes and focused inward on the fire that burned deep inside her. The spirits of fire answered and the air around the plane began to crackle and pop with energy. Instead of lightning bolts, orbs of pure electricity began to circle the plane. Every time a gargoyle attempted to latch onto the plane, an orb would fly out and strike it with an audible explosion of power. More gargoyles fell as Estherras continues to place arrow after arrow on target. They were well over Icecrown by now, and were approaching the boarders of the citadel. The screeches of the flying undead roused more of their friends from the ramparts. They were coming in too fast now.

“I’m out of arrows! Damn it! I’ve got nothing left Lod!”

The lightning shield was proving unable to keep up with the renewed undead assault, and the gargoyles scored hits on the wings and body of the plane, tearing chunks from it.

“Ahhhhhhh! No! She can’t take much more of this!” Ahzek yelled from the pilot seat. They Dalaran was in sight, and they just had to survive a little bit longer. Lodur dropped the shield and began to plead with the spirits of wind.

“Ancestors, spirits I beg you. Aid us in our time of need. Protect us please. Do not let this foul corruption destroy us!” The wind began to pick up, slowly at first. More chunks fell from the plane as it lurched closer towards Dalaran. The wind picked up speed, gusts batting the gargoyles and sending them careening out of control. Each time they attempted to swoop in on the plane, another gust blew them back.

“It’s working! It’s Workin…” Ahzek was cut off by the sound of the plane’s engine sputtering. “Oh dear. This is not good!” The engine coughed and died as the gargoyles fell back, deciding the prey was not worth fighting whatever unseen forces battled back. “Well, the good news is we’ll make it into Dalaran. The bad news is, it’s going to be a bumpy landing.”

Estherras laughed “HAH! It figures right? We can kill a god, but we can’t survive a little plane ride.”

Lodur eyed his traveling companion and then turned back to the gnome. “Do you not come prepared to bail in the case of an emergency?”

The gnome perked up “Yes! But oh, that would mean leaving poor Delores here to crash.”

“Friend, you can rebuild your plane, you cannot rebuild yourself. I think we should take our chances.”

“Yes, yes you’re right. Here take this.” Ahzek passed back two small backpacks to Lodur and Estherras. “Put them on, and when I say jump, jump. The altimeter-3260 should recognize our descent and deploy safety measures automatically!”

“Should?” Questioned Estherras.

“Well, only one way to find out there. Here we go, we’re over the edge of the city! JUMP!”

The gnome launched himself from the plane with Estherras and Lodur right behind him. They were heading right for the landing zone of Dalaran at break neck speeds. On time, all three backpacks deployed their chutes and their descents slowed. They watched as the plane veered right and plummeted down, missing the walls of the city by mere inches as it fell to the earth below. The trio landed and were immediately rushed upon by healers and mages.

The gargoyles were no where in sight, and after an hour or so the three were cleared from any injuries.

“Well, I’ll give you this gnome, you sure know how to make a flight interesting. Sorry about your plane though.”

“Yes, well, nothing to be done about that now. We’re alive and I can try to salvage her later.”

Lodur walked over to the gnome and handed him a large bag of coins. “This won’t cover the cost of the plane or parts, but it will at least give you a good start. Thank you for the flight and may the elements smile upon you friend.”

Ahzek looked into the bag and saw the pile of gold contained inside. He gasped “Thank you miss, thank you!” He began to bounce and recite the new specifications his plane would follow. Lost in thought the gnome disappeared into the city proper.

“Well, now that we’ve almost died, and made a gnome very happy, what do you say we make our way to the meeting. Hopefully they haven’t started by now.”

The two thanked their healers and made their way into the city. Lodur placed Ahonan on her shoulder and he chirped, happy to be out of the bag once again.  It was time to meet the guild.

So as you can see the site has gotten a bit of a face lift. New theme and private hosting are all set up. What do you guys think of it? I’m going to be updating more regularly now that I’ve fallen into a rhythm between all the other sites I’ve been working on.

wow.com, world of matticus, Bored and Dangerous,and of course the for the lore podcast.

So that’s it for now, real content update soon!

Lodur and Estherras were enjoying each other’s company once again. Thanks in great part to the Dwarven companion Yeva, Lodur had come to really enjoy traveling with company. The two swapped war stories back and forth as they made their way towards the airstrip to the north, reminiscing about their narrow victories and they glorious deeds. Indeed if not for the fact that this was an Elf and Draenei the two could have easily been mistaken for Dwarves celebrating their many laurels.

The two wound their way across the plain it’s land at constant odds with itself. To the left was ice and snow freshly fallen, to their right lay hot springs and lush growths. The contradiction of elements did not detract from the beauty of the area and Lodur smiled content. About halfway to their goal the pair noticed figures collecting around a hot spring. There seemed to be some fevered movement as those at the camp bustled about. Without a word Estherras brought her weapon to bear casually while Lodur gathered a well of power. They had already been jumped once on their trip today, a second ambush was not unlikely. As their path carried them closer Lodur noticed what appeared to be an Elf clad in feathers, twigs and leaves. It appeared that a small group had set up camp around one of the springs on the plain, and now that they were closer Lodur could see they were tending the wounds of an animal. Lodur gave Estherras a quick look and the two made their way towards the camp. They made no move to mask themselves and it wasn’t long before the large Elf adorned with what appeared to be a Druid’s garb noticed them.

“Fandu-dath-belore traveler”  Said the Elf as he moved towards the two, “state your business here.” He spoke with authority clearly born of his station among his group.

“Well met brother druid” Lodur hailed back. “our business is simply traveling through your land here. We are on our way to Fizcrank Airstrip and we mean you no trouble, we simply saw that you were tending to a few injured creatures and I thought I would offer my assistance.”

“Ah, you are a healer as well then?” the druid eyed Lodur and Estherras as they dismounted. “I am Arch Druid Lathorius, this is a camp of D.E.H.T.A.!”

Lodur looked at the druid quizzically

“You have not heard of us or our noble cause? Very well then. D.E.H.T.A. is the Druids for the Ethical and Humane Treatment of Animals. We have come to Northrend to preserve that which the vile tyrant Hemet Nesingwary! His hunters have placed traps all over the tundra and these poor animals suffer for it!”

Lodur looked at the druid “I am Lodur, shaman of the guild Unpossible and student to Nobundo. While I have not heard of your cause before this day, I will lend what aid I can in mending these creatures.”

Estherras shifted uncomfortably a little. “Tell you what, I’ll scout around a little bit and make sure they aren’t laying anymore traps.”

Lodur nodded and Estherras disappeared into the plain. Shortly after Lodur set to work healing the mammoth calf inside the camp. They were back to full health and baying for their mothers in no time. Lodur smiled and stood up. It was honest work and the tundra would see these calf growing and thriving, as long as the Lich King was taken care of that is.

“Well done shaman, your heart is in the right place. While we clean up here I wonder if I could ask you to go forth and check for any more animals caught in the traps out there.” the Arch druid flashed a smile at Lodur.

“Certainly, though I suspect my companion will have cleared them out already.” Lodur turned and set about checking the plains for traps. Most were broken and tattered although she still had to smash a few with rather large rocks to disable them. After freshly smashing one Lodur heard a faint sound. She stood slowly and stilled herself. Looking around she could just barely make out a slight movement. The sound almost like a chirp could faintly be heard. Lodur headed in the direction of the sound carefully. It wasn’t long before Lodur was upon the spot. In a trap was what appeared to be a Gryphon hatchling, it thrashed about and locked eyes with Lodur.

Lodur knelt down carefully and spoke calmly to the creature. “It’s ok little fella, I’m going to get you out of there and get you healed up.” Lodur called to the spirit of the hunt to lend his words meaning the animal. “Calm yourself little one before you injure yourself further, I will help.” The creature calmed still staring at the shaman. Lodur reached down and carefully opened the trap. Scooping the hatchling up she placed the avian in her lap. Speaking the words of mending she summoned the spirits of water to tend to the animals wounds. Slowly the bones mended and the skin healed, and in no time it was taking a few tentative steps on it’s paws. When it realized it was fully mended it immediately charged into Lodur nuzzling her. “you’re awfully young to be on your own, where is your family? The Aerie peak is a long way from here.” The hatchling let out a small cry. “well it is not safe for you to be out here on your own. Come along, we’ll go back to the druids here.” She placed the creature on her shoulder where it perched happily.

In short order they were back at the camp. Estherras has returned but remained on the outside of the camp. Lodur strode in and informed the Arch Druid that the traps had been dealt with. “I found this poor fellow in a trap, he’s quite a long way from home. Do you think you could care for him for a time?”

The druid stroked the feathers of the Gryphonling “I am afraid we cannot, we have enough to handle here and the mammoth herds mostly tend to themselves once we heal them.” he looked at Lodur. “Perhaps you can take him with you, he already seems quite fond of you.”

The Gryphon bounded between Lodur’s shoulders. “Perhaps that would be ok. I am headed to Dalaran after all, maybe one of the magus there can help get him home.” Lodur scratched under the creature’s beak. “well, with that settled is there anything else I can do to help before we depart? I fear we may have tarried too long as is.”

“No, you have done enough. May the blessings of Malorne and Cenarius be upon you shaman. Be safe in your journeys.”

Lodur inclined her head slightly forward and turned back to Estherras.

“About bloody time! I was waiting for them to realize I make a profession out of being a hunter. What’s that you got there? A souvenir?” Estherras pointed to the hatchling.

“You would have been fine, besides helping the animals didn’t take too long.” Lodur fed a few scraps of dried meat to the Gryphon, “I found this one in a trap. I’m going to bring him to Dalaran and see if someone can help see him back to the peak.”

“Ah, fair enough. Have you named it yet?” Estherras and Lodur summoned their mounts and began their northerly trek once more.

“If I name him then I’ll have to keep him. I don’t think Andor would be too pleased with that.” Lodur chuckled.

“Yeah but if you don’t name him it will get boring when you yell at it ‘hey you get out of my provisions!’ at least a token name would be appropriate I think.”

Lodur looked to the sky thoughtfully. “Ahonan.” She looked at the creature. “What do you think little one? Do you like it? Shall I call you Ahonan?” The animal chirped happily. “Well then, it would seem that is settled as well. Shall we continue on then?”

“Let us! I’m eager to get to Dalaran, it has simply been too long since I’ve made fun of Zabos and I’m starting to hit withdrawal.”

Lodur pulled the cowl of her cloak down obscuring her face further in shade. She Patted the neck of her Mistsaber, as they made their way slowly from Valiance keep towards Fizzcrank airstrip. The undead assault on the keep had slowed enough to allow a few travelers to move beyond the basalt walls. The winds were wicked and Lodur could feel the bite of the frost upon her face.

The Mistsaber slowed and a began to rumble a guttural growl. A rough noise replaced the sound of the wind. Lodur looked up to see two Orcs before her. Rough armor filled with spiked adorned their mantles. They smiled toothy grins as they dismounted their wolves and walked menacingly towards Lodur, speaking in a tongue she couldn’t decipher, but the intent was clear… violence.

“Ark’ehnan poross” Lodur voiced as evenly as she could in common “I wish no trouble I am simply passing through.”

The two eyed the figure atop the large cat, not halting their advance. Lodur looked up, her blue eyes glowing from beneath the darkness of the hood. The two exchanged a quick set of words in a gutter language Lodur recognized as the orcish tongue. She stepped from her mount and with a quiet word undid the magic that bound it to this world. Turning towards the two orcs, Lodur began to gather power around her. The assailants stopped now, sensing that their prey was not as timid as they had hoped. Lightning crackled between Lodur’s fingers and her eyes. The two green-skinned creatures smiled toothy tusk filled grins and charged.

Before Lodur could react, one of the charging creatures hit the dirt, the other oblivious to the fate of his companion. When the orc was only a few yards away from Lodur she unleashed the gathering energy in a small storm of electricity. The assailant was flung up and back. It hit the ground hard and before it could get back up a great white cat was on top of it, the orc’s neck in its teeth. Lodur released the last remnants of the power held within and looked around. From thin air materialized an elf that walked over to the first fallen orc, and pulled an arrow from the creature’s neck. The elf then padded over to the cat and speaking a quick word in what Lodur recognized as Darnassian, the cat released the corpse from its jaws now looking for it’s master’s approval.

“Ah, miss. It looks like I came along just in the nick of time!” said the elf, the voice calm and enchanting. “although it does seem you are not without your defenses.”

The elf turned to face lodur, dropping its cloak to reveal features that were both fine and hardened at the same time. It was a face Lodur recognized very well.

It had only been a fortnight since Lodur’s body was snatched by the Lich King. No one from her guild knew about it and no one aside from Yeva, the prophet and Nobundo knew that inside this female shell was truly the essence of Lodur.

“Thank you for your assistance, though it was not required. I would however suggest we move somewhere else, least they become missed and any friends they have decide to go looking for them.” Lodur said with a smirk.

“That is not a half bad idea, perhaps I should ride with you for a while.” The elf summoned her mount and Lodur called back the Mistsaber, and the two were off.

“I’m Estherras by the way. What brings you up this way? Looking for adventure? Just taking in the scenery?”

Lodur looked over to the elf.

“I am Lodur.” she stated plainly, and then turned back to watch the road they traveled.

“hmm. I have a guild mate named Lodur. He’s much larger than you are though. Never pegged Lodur for a woman’s name”

“It’s not.” Lodur smirked again.

Estherras stopped her mount. “Wait a minute. What is that supposed to mean?”

“You never were quick on the uptake. Makes me think of the time I had to yell at you in the Black Temple, reminding you that fire was bad. ” Lodur chuckled.

The hunter’s jaw hung loose, “No way. No damn way! Lodur? What the hell man…er…woman? well.. this is something isn’t it? What the hell happened?”

“I’ll tell everyone at the guild meeting in a few days. A lot..” Lodur paused looking down at her new body. ” needs to be explained.”

“I’ll say. That better be one hell of a story or I’m going to be sorely disappointed in you. So where are you headed anyways?”

Estherras had caught back up to Lodur and the two were riding side by side again. Lodur glanced over to the hunter.

“Fizzcrank airstrip. I have a friend up there trying to secure a flight into Dalaran for the guild meeting. I’ve never trusted those mage portals, so I’d rather fly. Sadly Andor is not strong enough to fly in the cold winds up here yet, so I seek other means.”

“Fair enough. Mind if I tag along then? You seem to always have great misfortune that ultimately leads to highly entertaining adventures… or fleeing. One or the other.” The elf  laughed and Lodur chuckled as well.

“Alright, you might be useful after all. You’re taking my new body rather well, honestly I’m a bit surprised.”

Estherras shrugged “eh, We’ve traveled through time, beaten down a titan. Stopped a madman from dominating the world. twice. Defeated a few beings classified as gods and ultimately survived to tell the tale. This is by far not the weirdest things we’ve been through. Surprising, sure I’ll give you that, but not the strangest thing. ”

“At that you have a point. ”

The two continued riding at a casual pace through the tundra towards its northern border and the gnomish airstrip.

Continued from Into the Fjord

Lodur stared at the face of death, the Lich King himself. Should he run? Should he attack? He was certain that any outright aggression would be his end. Before he could decide the Lich raised his hand and Lodur flew towards the Lich, his throat in the demon’s hand ripped right out of the spirit realm. .

“Shamanism has brought you here… Its scent permeates the air.” he laughed “I was once a shaman.”

The Valk’yr turned to the Lich King “Shall we prepare it for you, my lord?”

Never removing his gaze from Lodur “No, minion. This one is not ready. Do you feel it, mortal? Death seeps through me, enveloping all that I touch. With just a snap of my finger your soul will languish in damnation for all eternity. But… It is not yet your time to serve the Lich King. Yes, a greater destiny awaits you. Power… You must become more powerful before you are to serve me.”

He turned to the winged harbinger at his side,

“Now watch, val’kyr. Observe as I apply pressure. Can you see that it is not yet ripe? Watch as it pops and falls lifeless to the floor.”

Power ebbed from his gauntlets enveloping Lodur. It felt as though every fiber of his being was on fire, burning through the very core of him. The Lich King let go and Lodur fell with a thud. There was darkness here now, creeping in at the sides of his vision. As he lay writing in agony, he could feel the Light being ripped from him, draining him of his strength of his very essence, until nothing was left but a shell. He wanted to scream but could find no voice. As he lay there crippled staring into the darkness, there appeared from the treeline five figures. The form of a Talbuk, the spirit of the hunt accompanied by the shades of the elements strode forward to surround his body. The Talbuk reached down and touched his forehead and the approaching darkness was replaced by a blinding light.

Lodur gasped as he felt cold air fill his lungs once again. Coughing he rolled over to his side. The pain was still there but the fire had been doused. The Lich King took notice of this and laughed. The haunting echo of the sinister snicker pulsed through Lodur. He shook as if he had just been hit by a wave.

“Persistence or stupidity? It matters not. Let this be a lesson learned, mortal!”

The Lich King pulled out the cursed blade Frostmourne. Lodur was now on his back staring up at the vile villain, watching as the blade was brought to bear just a few short feet over him. Lodur’s pain redoubled he could see his soul begin to leave his body, tendrils reaching for the blade. It was then he felt a cool comfort begin to flow over him. The totem Nobundo had given him began to glow and pulse slowly. Warmth began to flow back into Lodur’s body. Noticing the resistance the Lich King growled and Frostmourne flared. The swords carved eyes staring hungrily at the soul just out of it’s reach. It was a battle of wills, and neither were Lodur’s. Slowly the strength was fading from the young shaman when the totem around his neck began to draw his essence to itself. Lodur’s eyes began to swim the darkness now returning. The last thing he saw before he lost all semblance of consciousness was the briefest glimpse of a diminutive figure charging towards the Lich King from the line of the homes nearest the trees of the village. Then Lodur knew darkness.

Lodur could not see, but he could feel. He felt the warmth of fire, the coolness of water. he could feel the push of the breeze and the softness of the earth. Then there was light, soft and warm, inviting. He could see the four elements here, the spirits earth water fire and air surrounded him. They were silent and for a time simply watched him, then in time they too faded. No words or emotions shared. Again he was in Darkness. Shortly after that he was in pain again, excruciating and mind searing pain. He felt once again as if he was on fire burning from the inside out. It ate at him, slowly consuming his consciousness.

Lodur woke screaming at the top of his lungs, it was several moments before he realized the pain was gone. He opened his eyes expecting to see the harsh angles of the Giant’s buildings, instead he was greeted by the warm glow of crystals and the soft hum of power. Rolling his head from left to right he saw the muted blues and purples of the Exodar surrounding him. Had it all been a dream? He certainly felt still mostly asleep. He sat up slowly, closing his eyes he placed his head in his hands trying to shake the cobwebs. He looked up from his hands and stopped. Standing in front of him was Nobundo, and next to Nobundo the Prophet Velen himself, a ring of Peace Keepers behind them. Nobundo walked up to Lodur

“How do you feel my boy? Well I hope.”

Lodur tried to speak but found he had no voice. he closed his eyes and shook his head trying to shake the last bits of haze still clinging to him.

“It’s ok Lodur,” Nobundo said putting his hand on his shoulder “Look inward and center yourself.”

Lodur closed his eyes once again, willing himself to calm. He found his center and held on to it, trying to pull himself back to normalcy. It wasn’t long before he felt the haze begin to fade. He opened his eyes and looked around again. He went to stand up and looking down to find his footing saw hands that were not his own…feet smaller by far than his own, and a chest that protruded far beyond where his own should be. He tried to stand quickly and turn to face Nobundo but fell flat on his face. Two Peace Keepers surged forward to help Lodur to his feet.

“What…. what has happened to me!?” Lodur gasped as he heard a voice that was not his.

Nobundo walked forward once more, slowly.

“I think my boy, it is time we explained some things. Please sit and I shall do my best to impart the tale of what has transpired. ”

Lodur complied and sat down with the assistance of the Peace Keepers.

“What is the last thing you remember? ”

Lodur thought about it, “I remember feeling like I was being drained, and then I thought I saw my Dwarven friend Yeva running in to try and save me. Oh no! Yeva!”

“Relax yer horns ye dolt. Ahm right ‘ere.”

Lodur saw the Dwarf standing next to the Prophet, looking a little worse for wear but otherwise alright. She smiled and nodded for Lodur to pay attention to the Seer.

“When you came to me with your vision, I feel that you already knew what it was about. I did confer with the spirits of our ancestors and sought guidance. I learned of what would happen. I hope you will forgive me but there is much I could not tell you. You could not, and still cannot know the extent of your role in the chain of events to come. It is one part of many pieces to be laid down. We could not risk that your actions would change so we kept it from you. There is still more to come that again, we cannot share and for that I’m sorry. Here are some hard truths, secrets that we keep from general knowledge, but the time has come for you to know.”

Nobundo nodded to Velen, and the Prophet dismissed the Peace Keepers. They were at the back of the Crystal Hall, no one would hear them here and the Peace Keepers would make sure none ventured into the hall until the meeting had concluded. The Prophet, Nobundo and Yeva all sat down around Lodur

“There are many things that we hide from the light so that things do not get misunderstood. Take for example the totem I gave you. It is a spirit vessel, carved from the wood of the world tree. The magic warlocks use to create the soul-stones to fuel their dark arts is a perverse version of something Shaman have done for a long time now. A spirit vessel allows for us to carry the souls of the departed to their final resting places. In your case it fought to contain your soul so that the corrupter could not bend your essence to his will.”

Lodur looked at him stunned. That was something no one knew for sure, and he could understand why they kept it secret.

“I sought aid in watching you. Farseer Umbrua in Stormwind suggested that we contact Yeva here. I hired her to watch over you, and when the told time came that your soul resided in the vessel to return to me at all costs. She did just that. I’m sure by now you’re wondering what happened to your body, yes?”

Lodur gave himself a looking over. Smaller hands, smaller hooves, breasts. Yeva handed Lodur a small hand mirror. Yup, he was now a she. Lodur sighed and slumped down slightly. Nobundo continued with his explanations.

“The new body is something that combines an old Shaman practice with the power of the light. This is where the Prophet has helped us.”

Velen bowed slightly smiling.

“Shaman have always been able to speak and commune with the spirits, to gather advice from our ancestors. In times of dire need we have even been able to invite their spirits to coexist within ourselves for a while. Giving them a body for loan so to speak. We took the soul vessel and coaxed you into the body you are in now. Velen then performed a redemption of the light, allowing your soul to permanently reside within that body. This… is very similar to the spells that Ner’zhul and Teron Gorefiend twisted and warped to create Deathknights. The Lich King as he is now with the knowledge of Arthas does this so completely and effectively all the while warping their essence and tying it to his own to control them. The body you inhabit was a warrior of the light. She fell in the first siege of the Wrath Gate. She died in the tents there. Before she died she asked to keep fighting the scourge, to keep fighting for the Alliance. Her only desire was to protect this world from what happened to our own. She was brought here her soul shattered and no longer able to be resurrected. She has found final peace but through this action of ours, she may in some way keep fighting on. Unlike a Death Knight though, you are not undead. You will breathe and live as you did before, albeit in a different form…for that I am truly sorry, but it would not do to force you into the body of another who may yet return to it. I do hope you understand, we are truly sorry.”

Lodur mulled it over, he was alive that was a bonus. He had faced the Lich King in the eye and not begged for his life. He could fight on as he did before it wouldn’t be so bad.

“What happened to my real body?”

Yeva stepped forward “tha’ ah be havin’ ahn ahnswer to. When you wen’ down ahn yer soul was scooped into the totem one of them winged banshee swooped inna yer body ahn snatched it. There was no way we coulda’ recover’d it, it’s part of the scourge now. Ahm… Ahm sorry”

Lodur tried to stand again and fell flat on his face once more. They rushed to help him back up to sitting.

“This…this is going to take some getting used to.” Lodur looked at the trio before him with eyes that were not his own. “thank you, all of you.” He looked at the Prophet “I would bow sir and show proper respect to you, but I fear I may crack my skull.” Give them all a quirky smile

Velen smiled, nodded to them and then made his way back to the Halls of Light. Nobundo clapped Lodur on the shoulder one more time

“There is much more for you to do my student, we all have our parts to play in the events about to occur. I have played mine, but know I’m always here if you need advice.”

Patting Lodur’s shoulder the Farseer turned and made his way back to his corner of the Exodar. Lodur looked at Yeva, still there staring at him.

“Well,” she exclaimed “Ah think ye be needin’ me around for a weee bit more. Ah’ll just stick ’round till yeh get your hooves back.” A huge grin stretched upon her face.

Lodur leaned forward and gave the Dwarf a huge hug, he didn’t let go right away.Yeva hugged back. there were no more words to be said.

Fin Chapter 1.

Continued from Northern Bound.

Lodur stood at the bow of the boat, he watched the plumes of smoke rising high above the water way’s mountainous walls. Yeva, Slagg and many of the other ships hands stood near him watching the smoke with curiosity and trepidation.

“I don’t like the look of that at all.”

One of the crew remarked. It wasn’t long before the Captain of the ship snapped the crew out of it and began barking orders. They still had much work to do if they wanted to get through Daggercap Bay and to the Fjord safely. Lodur stood impassively looking ahead of the ship, his brow furled. Yeva nudged the shaman with her shoulder

“Ye a’ight goat boy? ye be givin’ me tha’ heebi jeebies”

Lodur looked down at his companion, pain and rage clear on his face.

“A lot of people died here… very recently. Their spirits linger, tormented and angry. I can hear them Yeva, I can hear them beg and scream. They cry for release from their torture, they beg for final death. It is most…Unnerving.”

Lodur looked ahead of the boat again as the Northspear turned into the pass. He could see it high above them impaled on giant spikes and chains. High above them several alliance vessels rest cradled between the walls of the bay, the raging among them fresh fires chewed at the ships. Fresh debris fell down to the water below. Lodur could see them now, the spirits of the damned moving listlessly among the wreckage. Rage welled up inside of Lodur. So many dead, so many denied their final peace he thought to himself. He could hear the shouts of the crew as they finally realized the source of the smoke. The captain ordered the sails to be doused so they didn’t catch fire, and they soon prepared to venture underneath the burning graveyard. Debris hit the deck and sails, but the wood proved too damp to ignite. The crew of the Northspear was grateful for that. They breathed a sigh of relief thinking they were going to make it through unscathed until a large chunk of burning debris landed on several of the crew members. Two were crushed beneath the beam while another was set on fire, his clothing quickly burning. The crew member  rand around and eventually dove off the side of the boat. As the rest of the crew freed their pinned companions and doused the fires on them, they could still hear screams of anguish and fear. They looked over the side of the boat in time to see the deck hand that dove overboard no longer on fire, but in the jaws of a large and hungry shark. The crew didn’t have time to grieve for their loss, but instead pitched back into the work of keeping the boat from catching on fire. All the while the spirits of the dead cried out .

Slowly the boat exited Daggercap bay and Valgarde came into view. The crew breathed one collective breath, and then hung their heads in a moment of silence for their fallen comrade. As they pulled up to the dock Captain Brookman had them secure the vessel and gave his crew time to grieve. He set them on leave in Valgarde, and they trudged to the inn. They were greeted by speeches from Captain Zorek and Vice Admiral Keller inspiring their men to defend Valgarde. As they moved in towards the inn, Lodur heard a shout from near by

“Well met brother Shaman! Come bid welcome to Thoralius!”

Lodur looked around until he saw the Shaman sitting not too far away, his totems and brazier clear before him. He made his way over to the shaman and sat next to him. Thoralius gave him a warm smile and patted him on the shoulder;

“Ah! you are a young one aren’t you. I see much travel on your face, you have seen and done many things yes? Tell me, what brings you to the Fjord?”

Lodur looked at the shaman, the fires of his shoulders contained by magic and chain, yet Lodur could still feel the heat.

“I come for what surely all the adventurers do now. I come to join my guild, I come to seek the defeat of the fallen son of Lordaeron and to bring balance to this world once again. What is one such as you doing here?”

Thoralius looked at Lodur and his smile grew larger.

“Surely you can feel them boy!” he let out a boisterous laugh “this land is full of the spirits and ancestors of those very same that now siege this hold, yet those same spirits are at peace. It is an odd sensation and one I wished to investigate fully. And so here I am!”

Just then a young warrior soaking wet ran up to the two shamans panting. He handed a small bag to Thoralius in exchange for a few silvers, and then ran off to the Inn to dry off at the hearth.

“This is a rare plant that allows one to see past the veil between our world and that of the spirit world. The veil is already thin here and may actually allow us to step between worlds in a way of speaking. The Admiral will beat answer out of anyone he manages to capture I’m sure, and the Dwarves have already begun excavations that will yield much in the way of secrets of the past, but what we could learn about the past here from the very spirits that haunt this place, that is a rare opportunity we must seize. ”

Thoralius looked at Lodur and noticed that he was staring back towards the rocky walls that the northspear had arrived through.

“you see them don’t you?”

Lodur nodded slowly

“I can see them. I can hear them and their screams. Their pleading for release haunts me. I… I can feel them. It is most unsettling.”

Thoralius placed a hand on Lodur’s shoulder.

“My boy, you have a gift most of us could only dream of having. With this herb even I can only see some things, but not all of them. I have a feeling if you were to use it, if you were to inhale the fumes of this root freshly burned you would be able to see everything. What is your name my son?”

“I am called Lodur, student of Nobundo and member of the guild Unpossible”

“Well met Lodur!” the older shaman shook his hand “Lodur normally I would not ask this of you, especially having just met you. With your talent you could see much and learn much that may aid us in stopping the force of giants the lich king employs. What do you say boy? How about a quick jaunt into the land of the spirits. There’s a keep only a few dozen yards ahead, I’m certain there will be much to see there, many spirits to listen to.”

Lodur thought it over. It was his duty after all was it not? He had made a promise to his people and the alliance to do what he must to aid in the war.

“I will do it Thoralius. I will learn what I can for the good of the Alliance. Give me the root.”

Lodur took the pouch from Thoralius and placed it’s contents in the brazier before them. He leaned over and inhaled slowly and purposely willing his mind to still. He focused inward in the ways taught to all Shamans and pushed his energy to a single point. He began to ask the spirits to grant him their vision. Slowly he felt a new sensation flow over him. Cool and comforting, it brought with it a sense of calm. When he opened his eyes, the world of color was gone before him. It was replaced with a world of cool muted blues and grays. The sky above was devoid of clouds, but in their place loomed many winged creatures. They looked remotely angelic, with wings and weapons, and seemed to be patrolling the area. Lodur stood slowly and slipped out of the front gates and made his way to through the village of the giants. He peaked in each home hearing the various tales of each resident spirit. Among last home held the greatest surprise… something that no one may have even known. Here was a family of spirits, a father and a mother. Crying between them was a small baby. An incredibly tiny baby by comparison to it’s parents. The ancestor’s were frantic trying to figure out what to do with their child. They seemed to think their baby would be killed. They plotted to hide it away elsewhere in Azeroth. Lodur visited the few remaining structures and heard similar conversations. References to runts, to weaklings and having to hide the children away. Could it be? could this be where humans actually came from? Unlike the Dwarves the human creation mythology had always been lacking. Just one day they came to be. Maybe this was their point of origin then?! Lodur was quite excited this information would be quite welcome to the alliance indeed. Pleased he began to move back towards the Valgarde where he would drop the spell. He moved closely to the giant’s keep avoiding the flying angels. It was when he turned the corner towards the front of the keep from it’s side he had his biggest shock. There on the front of the keep stood the Lich King. His frozen eyes staring straight at Lodur. The villain was flanked on both sides by the angels Lodur had seen patrolling the skies above the giant’s settlement. Lodur froze in place unsure what to do, then the Lich King raised his hand towards Lodur.

to be continued

A lot of people caught my tweet about gkicking someone for using healbot. I think it warrants a bit of an explanation.

There’s an ongoing joke in the guild about my “Hatred” of healbot. We had a healer back in BC who used it exclusively. When healbot and decursive broke he couldn’t heal. When I mean couldn’t heal, I mean literally could not heal. Usually this person would top the healing charts and be the one that saved the day, without the mod they just completely and utterly failed. On a personal level I just couldn’t imagine being that dependant on a mod. I was utterly floored. A week later, decursive broke on a day we were doing Archimonde attempts, again there were more people absolutely dependant on a mod in order to allow them to perform a function on their characters. The raid failed and we made zero progress because people couldn’t get their game together without this mod functioning.

This lead to Lodur writing a rather lengthy post on the guild forums about addon dependancy. Personally I feel that if you get to a point where you can’t play a game without an addon, there’s a problem. After my post a bunch of people began to make fun of my “hatred of healbot” and it became a really big joke where guildies would make comments like “oh don’t mention healbot, joe will flip out on you!”

Last night one of our newbies and my applicant was on his paladin and a mutual friend of ours who I’ve been gaming with and in quild with for almost three years. He gets our newbie to exalt the virtue of Healbot. Me being the goofball I am at 3 am go on a “rant” to which the newbie responds with jibes right back at me. I like this kid a lot, he’s good people we joke around a lot. I hung out with him at blizzcon and talked a bunch. Good people. So he eventually makes the height joke. I’m a short guy, I’ll admit that. He’s about a clear foot taller then I am, so it’s very comical for me to stand near him. He says “ok hate it all you want I’m still taller then you are!”, it then breaks down into how much of an ass I am etc etc. Normal guy friend stuff (at least for me). So me being me my finger slips on the gkick button. our mutual friend then falls over laughing. I proceeded to send him tells telling him he’s not allowed in until he learns to heal without healbot, and when he thinks I’m 100% serious I invite him back. We all have a BIG laugh about it and the general “I hate you, you’re such an asshole”  exchange between friends goes on before we call it a night.
So the bottom line is I DO NOT have a problem with the mod as a whole. It’s just a running joke among the guild that variously escalates. Hope that sheds some light on it. It wasn’t real I didn’t ACTUALLY kick him for using healbot.  I kicked him because it was funny =D the people on got a kick out of it.