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The Outlands might have been worthwhile if only I’d been there just a little sooner. There were many areas left unexplored, but my mind was made up. There was no place for me here. Leaving Banthars horn smouldering in the dying fire, I boarded my Gryphon and flew directly towards the Dark Portal. After flying over some tall, jagged mountains, I was once again greeted by towering mushrooms. Immediately, I was reminded of the old Dranaeis’ plight and my failure. The blue haze then gave way to a searing red desert. The dim, green glow of the Dark Portal flickered in the far distance. I looked down one last time. Hellfire Orcs still swarmed and camped around The Ramparts.
My Gryphon landed suddenly, knocking me off the saddle. I picked myself off the ground and starred at it, confused. With a quick squawk, it began backing up, seemingly afraid of the swirling portal in front of us. I patted it on the beak and reached for the reins. To my surprise, my humble Gryphon turned around and took flight, dropping its saddle to the ground. “Now what will I do?” I thought to myself. Then I remembered, I never really saw any personal Gryphons flying around Azeroth. I wondered to myself why that might be. Maybe our paths would meet again someday.
Putting my thoughts aside, I entered the portal. Once again I felt stretched in all directions at once. I saw stars, and shapes speeding by me as if I was falling through a snowy night at an impossible speed. Then as soon as it appeared it vanished. Before me was a familiar red landscape filled with empty tents. At least I still have my mechanostrider. It creaked and rumbled towards me. I got on for the first time in months. We rode towards Nethergarde.
Once there I took a gryphon towards Stormwind. As I flew, the familiar surroundings filled me with encouragement. I looked down at the Elwynn Forest, remembering fondly my adventures with the fighting farmsteads, and the Kobold-infested mine in between. It seemed like so long ago. I felt so tough with my shoddy armor and weapons. Would I have ever imagined becoming what I am today?
There were many areas left unexplored, but my mind was made up.
I then found myself in Stormwind once again. It was just as I left it, bustling with heroes running every which way. My mind then focused on Northrend. I asked a guard about it, and he pointed me to the newly constructed harbor to the northwest. I purchased some new armor, then made my way over to Stormwind Harbor. I was presented with a series of docks leading just about everywhere. I stood at the last dock, anticipating what was to come.
After what seemed like an eternity, I saw an iron ship approaching quickly in the glare of the sunrise. I picked my weapons up and waited for it to stop. I tried to control my excitement, nonchalantly strolling up the dock into the ship. The temperature around me began to drop dramatically as the boat powered forward. It was time for me to get some rest. I knew the days ahead would present many new, exciting challenges.
