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Description
Chapter 1 - A Familiar Face

I awoke in a panic. I over slept, again. Great... I scurried out of bed and into the clothing I had at least set aside the night before. It was nearly high sun which meant most of my morning has already gone by. I grabbed my largest purple bag and quickly stuffed in all the personal belongings I would or could possibly need on my travels. Good thing I didn't have a lot of stuff. After double checking one last time that I had everything I'd need, I made haste to see Denatharion. He's definitely going to have a comment or two when I get there. I was supposed to be at least in Auberdine by now.

Finally reaching the enclave, I basically leapt up the Stairwell and ended up nearly bumping into Dena. "Whoa! Sorry Dena. I nearly ran into you."
He chuckles, "No worries Ardaion. You actually arrived just at the time I assumed you'd get here. Overslept again?"
I lowered my head and looked at the floor. "Yeah… My bad. Though, I'm all packed up and rearing to go. You wanted to explain things before I left?"
"Ah, yes. I suppose I should give you a bit more instruction on where you are going and how to get there however; I don't have all the information you'll need."
"What do you mean Dena?"
"The instructions I received are as follows." Reaching into his vest, he pulled out a letter. "Ahem, okay, let's see what you are to do. I am to instruct you that you must head to Auberdine in Darkshore. There you will meet with a messenger of the Cenarion Circle for further instructions. Well boy, there you have it. Off to Darkshore. Don't want to keep the messenger waiting."
"But Dena, does it say who the messenger is? How will I know who he or she is when I get there?"
Dena signed and shook his head. "Use your head for a minute boy. The Messenger will be wearing the Cenarion Circle tabard and most likely approach you first since they know who you are."
"Right… Oi, I'm sorry Dena. I guess all the news and excitement must be getting to me."
Denatharion walked over to his desk, opened the top drawer and pulled out a cloth covered object. "Don't worry Ardaion. I know it's a lot to take in but think of it this way. This is something you have been working hard for and you may get to see your sister again one day soon."
Nephenee… "Yes, you're right. Thank you Denatharion, I shall miss you the most. You shall be the first to hear of my progress."
"Ardaion, before you leave, I want you to have this." He placed the cloth covered object into my hands. "It will help you on your journey. Go ahead. Open it."
After examining the green colored cloth with dark green embroidered vine designs, I removed it from the object, revealing a small wooden box. Opening the lid revealed a small, intricate looking pendant. The chain was made of pure gold. A large sparkling emerald sat at the end of the chain. Claw like moldings held it in place. It was stunning.
"Wow Dena, thank you. You didn't need to give me anything."
"I know Ardaion however, this necklace was given to me by my father and since you are like a song to me, I wanted you to have it. It will protect you. Now, we've wasted enough time chatting. You best be on your way."
"Yes, I suppose you're right. Goodbye Dena and thank you for everything. I'll come back to visit when I get the chance to."

With that, I dashed down the stairs. Best not to linger, would only make it harder to leave. Quickly changing into my travel form, I made haste to the Portal which takes you outside of Darnassus and into the small port of Rut'theran Village. Without giving it much thought, I jumped through the portal. Goodbye dear home, I shall see you again. Once on the other side, I charged down the hill towards the dock to take the boat currently docked there to Auberdine in Darkshore. The elven boats were long, purple and swift. The trip to Darkshore is a rather quick one with help of the ships. There's also the local Hippogryph which could be taken to arrive there, however, I prefer traveling by boat.

No longer needing my travel form, I shifted back into my feral form. I walked up to the edge of the boat and lied down to watch the water and land as the ship started pushing itself away from the dock. The water smelled so clean and fresh. The small breeze gently tugged at my whiskers. Up in the clear, blue sky there was not a single cloud but a few owls and ravens could be seen flying up above, enjoy the air currents. To go for a swim would feel so nice right now but I cannot. I must get to Auberdine as soon as possible. Then again, I will only be there as soon as this ship lands at Auberdine's shipyard. Slowly stretching, I got to my paws and made my way to the bow of the ship to see what was ahead. Already, the docks of Auberdine were coming into view along with the other ships that used Auberdine's docks. The Draenei's main ship ports here and will give anyone who wishes passage to Azuremist Isle which is where their main city of Exodar is located. Stormwind also has one of their ships routinely making round trips from Auberdine to Stormwind. For a small town, it's rather bustling with activity from visitors.

Once the boat came to a complete stop up to the dock, I slowly made my way down the plank and onto the dock. It didn't seem to be too busy today. Quickly shapeshifting into my travel form, I made my way down the long dock to the inn of Auberdine. Various guards nodded their greetings as I ran past. The buildings here were few and built the same was as in Darnassus, open and inviting. I quickly looked around the inn in hopes of meeting up with the Cenarion Circle Messenger but didn't see anyone with the CC tabard. Shifting back into my feral form, I wondered over to the Hippogryph roost, which was up a ramp right outside the inn, in case he or she was waiting there. The Hippogryphs just stared at me as I approached them, uncertain of what to make of the creature coming closer.

The Hippogryph is one of the ancient and magical beasts whom serve as the primary flying transport between the Night Elf and Draenei controlled cities. They have the hindquarters of a mighty stag and the head, wings and forelegs of a large Raven. Antlers rise from its feathered head. The colors of a Hippogryph's feathers may vary. Some are either dark blue or purple-pink while others can be white with brown wings or green with orange wings.

A woman who was standing next to two Hippogryphs noticed that they were tensed up and jittery so she started humming a low tune which settled them down instantly. She patted the one closest to her then turned to look at me. "You know Druid, though the Hippogryphs are familiar with Druids being in their shape shift forms, natural instincts still take over and they get agitated."
"My apologies sister." I hesitantly reverted back to my night elf form. "I was not aware that these creatures were still bothered by our forms."
She chuckled, "You must be new. Just came from Darnassus I presume?"
I rubbed the back of my head. "Yeah, I haven't gotten out much. I'm Ardaion Moonglade. Nice to meet you miss…"
She nodded, "My name is Caylais Moonfeather. Nice to meet you too Ardaion. I'm the local Hippogryph master. What brings you to Auberdine?"
She had certain elegance to her. White, long, silver hair framed her innocent looking face. She bore the feathered facial markings which framed her eyes which seemed to glow a faint white. She wore a black feathered vest, pants and shoulder pads all lined with a gold trim. Catching myself staring, I quickly mumbled. "Sorry. I've been given the opportunity to join the Cenarion Circle and I'm here to meet one of their Messengers for further instructions."
"Oh, so you're the one the Messenger has been waiting for. She asked me to inform the one she was waiting for, which would be you, that she has gone down the coast to do some fishing and that if you wished, can go find her or wait at the inn for her return."
"I see. Thank you for the help Caylais. I think I'll go take a stroll down the coast. Elune -adore." With that farewell, I leapt over the fencing surrounding the Hippogryph roost and shifted into my travel form mid air before landing into the soft sand below. I heard a farewell float on the wind as I took off down the coast.

The beachy area was filled with crabs and crawlers, which made pretty good soup, and debris washed up on the shore. Shipwrecks and sea creature remains from those who washed ashore and got stranded could be seen all along the shorelines. I wonder how far down the messenger is resting. Actually, I wonder who the messenger is.

Darkshore is a very long vertical area along the northwest corner of Kalimdor. The Dead Sea pushes itself against the coast while the East border is separated by a long mountain range. Various animals such as sabers, bears, and striders make their homes here as well as some Olwkins. Nagas take residence in the ruins on the Northern tip of the area while Murlocs populate the coast and all islands nearby. Not a lot of activity goes on here so it's an ideal place for many Night Elves to make it their home.

While scanning the coastline, I nearly ran into a large shipwreck. It appeared to have been an old Alliance ship. Normally, I'd just keep going however, I heard a large crash, which sounded like a large board being cracked into two. I crouched low, ears flickering side-to-side while trying to listen to what could be in the shipwreck. I suddenly caught the whiff of something scaly and it wasn't Murloc. More cracking noises. Curiosity took over and I slowly started creeping towards the edge of the boat to take a peek through the cracks. From my current angle, I couldn't see anything. As I moved over to the next available hole, it wasn't inside the ship that I was looking at; instead, a large yellow eye with a dark vertical iris was staring back at me. I let forth a loud hiss and jumped back, ready to pounce onto whatever was hiding on the other side. Without notice, a large pinkish-purple scaled Raptor with blue markings, breaks through the weathered wood of the ship and lands about 5 feet of where I was crouched. As the lizard growled and stared at me, I quickly examined it. Gold chains hung from his neck and gold cuffs protected his arms and ankles, which meant one thing. Its hunter master was nearby. That also explains why a Raptor would be here in Darkshore, this kind of Raptor primarily made its home in the marshy land of the Wetlands which is located on the continent of the other side of the Dead Sea, The Eastern Kingdoms.

While looking around the area to try to spot the hunter, I kept an eye on the Raptor. My ears darted towards the hole the Raptor broke through when more wood was cracked there.
"Show yourself! State you Alliance!" I snarled and readied for a possible ambush.
"You dare threaten a member of the Cenarion Circle Druid?!" The unknown hunter's voice broke forth, however, revealing to be female. Before responding back, I took another look at the Raptor poised to attack in front of me. That's when I noticed the Tattoo marking of a Stag head on its right hind leg.
"My apologies ma'am. I did not notice the marking on your Raptor as I was startled." The Raptor settled down and went to the hole in the ship where the Huntress stepped forward.
"Don't be so quick to judge your opponents Druid. It might be your downfall someday." She jumped down from the ship and landed softly in the sand below.
"Nephenee?! Is that you?!" I couldn't believe it. It was her. After all this time. She snarled in a reserved tone.
"How do you know my name Druid?" She took a step forward, resting her hand on her Bow. "Speak!" She hasn't changed. Still has the long white and silver hair, mature face with jagged lightning bolt face markings. I chuckled.
"You haven't changed dear sister even after all this time." I reverted back to my normal form.
"It can't be… Ardaion? Is it really you?" Without hesitation she ran over to me and jumped into a tight hug.
"I've missed you so much dead brother." While holding her close, I could feel that she was gently tearing.
"Why are you crying? Is something wrong?" I asked while holding her at arm's length so I can look at her face. She sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry Ardaion. I'm happy to see you again but sadly, it's not for long. I must meet up with a Candidate for the Cenarion Circle." I held her close one last time before letting her go.
"Then I've got good news for you." I walked over to Murtagh, her Raptor, and patted his head.
"I'm actually the one you're waiting for. Denatharion got me an application for the Cenarion Circle and I've been accepted to be tested. I was instructed to come here and a messenger, whom I'm assuming is you, will be the one to give me further instructions." Her face went blank for only a moment before breaking into a large grin.
"I knew you had it in you, Ard! This means we'll get to spend a decent amount of time together." Nephenee blew a low whistle and Murtagh scampered over to her side.
"Come Ardaion; let's head back to the Inn. I'm sure you are bustling with curiosity to your next step to joining the Cenarion Circle." I let forth a hearty laugh.
"You do know me Neph." I changed into my feral form and walked beside her. Murtagh just stared at me, not quite sure what to think. Nephenee patted his head and he quieted down.
"You're lucky that the phrase 'Curiosity killed the Cat' doesn't apply to you. I probably wouldn't have a brother anymore." I gently rubbed my head against her leg.
"Too true. I know that I do poke my nose in all sorts of places where it doesn't belong." Nephenee chuckled.
"It's definitely good to see you again, however, enough chit-chat for the moment. We'll have lots of time for that later. I say we race back to the inn. Loser buys supper! Oh! And no travel form allowed!" Before I could protest, Nephenee and Murtagh darted off back down the coast.
"Run fast Neph." I murmured as I also took off down the coast.

Description
Chapter 1 - A Familiar Face

I awoke in a panic. I over slept, again. Great... I scurried out of bed and into the clothing I had at least set aside the night before. It was nearly high sun which meant most of my morning has already gone by. I grabbed my largest purple bag and quickly stuffed in all the personal belongings I would or could possibly need on my travels. Good thing I didn't have a lot of stuff. After double checking one last time that I had everything I'd need, I made haste to see Denatharion. He's definitely going to have a comment or two when I get there. I was supposed to be at least in Auberdine by now.

Finally reaching the enclave, I basically leapt up the Stairwell and ended up nearly bumping into Dena. "Whoa! Sorry Dena. I nearly ran into you."
He chuckles, "No worries Ardaion. You actually arrived just at the time I assumed you'd get here. Overslept again?"
I lowered my head and looked at the floor. "Yeah… My bad. Though, I'm all packed up and rearing to go. You wanted to explain things before I left?"
"Ah, yes. I suppose I should give you a bit more instruction on where you are going and how to get there however; I don't have all the information you'll need."
"What do you mean Dena?"
"The instructions I received are as follows." Reaching into his vest, he pulled out a letter. "Ahem, okay, let's see what you are to do. I am to instruct you that you must head to Auberdine in Darkshore. There you will meet with a messenger of the Cenarion Circle for further instructions. Well boy, there you have it. Off to Darkshore. Don't want to keep the messenger waiting."
"But Dena, does it say who the messenger is? How will I know who he or she is when I get there?"
Dena signed and shook his head. "Use your head for a minute boy. The Messenger will be wearing the Cenarion Circle tabard and most likely approach you first since they know who you are."
"Right… Oi, I'm sorry Dena. I guess all the news and excitement must be getting to me."
Denatharion walked over to his desk, opened the top drawer and pulled out a cloth covered object. "Don't worry Ardaion. I know it's a lot to take in but think of it this way. This is something you have been working hard for and you may get to see your sister again one day soon."
Nephenee… "Yes, you're right. Thank you Denatharion, I shall miss you the most. You shall be the first to hear of my progress."
"Ardaion, before you leave, I want you to have this." He placed the cloth covered object into my hands. "It will help you on your journey. Go ahead. Open it."
After examining the green colored cloth with dark green embroidered vine designs, I removed it from the object, revealing a small wooden box. Opening the lid revealed a small, intricate looking pendant. The chain was made of pure gold. A large sparkling emerald sat at the end of the chain. Claw like moldings held it in place. It was stunning.
"Wow Dena, thank you. You didn't need to give me anything."
"I know Ardaion however, this necklace was given to me by my father and since you are like a song to me, I wanted you to have it. It will protect you. Now, we've wasted enough time chatting. You best be on your way."
"Yes, I suppose you're right. Goodbye Dena and thank you for everything. I'll come back to visit when I get the chance to."

With that, I dashed down the stairs. Best not to linger, would only make it harder to leave. Quickly changing into my travel form, I made haste to the Portal which takes you outside of Darnassus and into the small port of Rut'theran Village. Without giving it much thought, I jumped through the portal. Goodbye dear home, I shall see you again. Once on the other side, I charged down the hill towards the dock to take the boat currently docked there to Auberdine in Darkshore. The elven boats were long, purple and swift. The trip to Darkshore is a rather quick one with help of the ships. There's also the local Hippogryph which could be taken to arrive there, however, I prefer traveling by boat.

No longer needing my travel form, I shifted back into my feral form. I walked up to the edge of the boat and lied down to watch the water and land as the ship started pushing itself away from the dock. The water smelled so clean and fresh. The small breeze gently tugged at my whiskers. Up in the clear, blue sky there was not a single cloud but a few owls and ravens could be seen flying up above, enjoy the air currents. To go for a swim would feel so nice right now but I cannot. I must get to Auberdine as soon as possible. Then again, I will only be there as soon as this ship lands at Auberdine's shipyard. Slowly stretching, I got to my paws and made my way to the bow of the ship to see what was ahead. Already, the docks of Auberdine were coming into view along with the other ships that used Auberdine's docks. The Draenei's main ship ports here and will give anyone who wishes passage to Azuremist Isle which is where their main city of Exodar is located. Stormwind also has one of their ships routinely making round trips from Auberdine to Stormwind. For a small town, it's rather bustling with activity from visitors.

Once the boat came to a complete stop up to the dock, I slowly made my way down the plank and onto the dock. It didn't seem to be too busy today. Quickly shapeshifting into my travel form, I made my way down the long dock to the inn of Auberdine. Various guards nodded their greetings as I ran past. The buildings here were few and built the same was as in Darnassus, open and inviting. I quickly looked around the inn in hopes of meeting up with the Cenarion Circle Messenger but didn't see anyone with the CC tabard. Shifting back into my feral form, I wondered over to the Hippogryph roost, which was up a ramp right outside the inn, in case he or she was waiting there. The Hippogryphs just stared at me as I approached them, uncertain of what to make of the creature coming closer.

The Hippogryph is one of the ancient and magical beasts whom serve as the primary flying transport between the Night Elf and Draenei controlled cities. They have the hindquarters of a mighty stag and the head, wings and forelegs of a large Raven. Antlers rise from its feathered head. The colors of a Hippogryph's feathers may vary. Some are either dark blue or purple-pink while others can be white with brown wings or green with orange wings.

A woman who was standing next to two Hippogryphs noticed that they were tensed up and jittery so she started humming a low tune which settled them down instantly. She patted the one closest to her then turned to look at me. "You know Druid, though the Hippogryphs are familiar with Druids being in their shape shift forms, natural instincts still take over and they get agitated."
"My apologies sister." I hesitantly reverted back to my night elf form. "I was not aware that these creatures were still bothered by our forms."
She chuckled, "You must be new. Just came from Darnassus I presume?"
I rubbed the back of my head. "Yeah, I haven't gotten out much. I'm Ardaion Moonglade. Nice to meet you miss…"
She nodded, "My name is Caylais Moonfeather. Nice to meet you too Ardaion. I'm the local Hippogryph master. What brings you to Auberdine?"
She had certain elegance to her. White, long, silver hair framed her innocent looking face. She bore the feathered facial markings which framed her eyes which seemed to glow a faint white. She wore a black feathered vest, pants and shoulder pads all lined with a gold trim. Catching myself staring, I quickly mumbled. "Sorry. I've been given the opportunity to join the Cenarion Circle and I'm here to meet one of their Messengers for further instructions."
"Oh, so you're the one the Messenger has been waiting for. She asked me to inform the one she was waiting for, which would be you, that she has gone down the coast to do some fishing and that if you wished, can go find her or wait at the inn for her return."
"I see. Thank you for the help Caylais. I think I'll go take a stroll down the coast. Elune -adore." With that farewell, I leapt over the fencing surrounding the Hippogryph roost and shifted into my travel form mid air before landing into the soft sand below. I heard a farewell float on the wind as I took off down the coast.

The beachy area was filled with crabs and crawlers, which made pretty good soup, and debris washed up on the shore. Shipwrecks and sea creature remains from those who washed ashore and got stranded could be seen all along the shorelines. I wonder how far down the messenger is resting. Actually, I wonder who the messenger is.

Darkshore is a very long vertical area along the northwest corner of Kalimdor. The Dead Sea pushes itself against the coast while the East border is separated by a long mountain range. Various animals such as sabers, bears, and striders make their homes here as well as some Olwkins. Nagas take residence in the ruins on the Northern tip of the area while Murlocs populate the coast and all islands nearby. Not a lot of activity goes on here so it's an ideal place for many Night Elves to make it their home.

While scanning the coastline, I nearly ran into a large shipwreck. It appeared to have been an old Alliance ship. Normally, I'd just keep going however, I heard a large crash, which sounded like a large board being cracked into two. I crouched low, ears flickering side-to-side while trying to listen to what could be in the shipwreck. I suddenly caught the whiff of something scaly and it wasn't Murloc. More cracking noises. Curiosity took over and I slowly started creeping towards the edge of the boat to take a peek through the cracks. From my current angle, I couldn't see anything. As I moved over to the next available hole, it wasn't inside the ship that I was looking at; instead, a large yellow eye with a dark vertical iris was staring back at me. I let forth a loud hiss and jumped back, ready to pounce onto whatever was hiding on the other side. Without notice, a large pinkish-purple scaled Raptor with blue markings, breaks through the weathered wood of the ship and lands about 5 feet of where I was crouched. As the lizard growled and stared at me, I quickly examined it. Gold chains hung from his neck and gold cuffs protected his arms and ankles, which meant one thing. Its hunter master was nearby. That also explains why a Raptor would be here in Darkshore, this kind of Raptor primarily made its home in the marshy land of the Wetlands which is located on the continent of the other side of the Dead Sea, The Eastern Kingdoms.

While looking around the area to try to spot the hunter, I kept an eye on the Raptor. My ears darted towards the hole the Raptor broke through when more wood was cracked there.
"Show yourself! State you Alliance!" I snarled and readied for a possible ambush.
"You dare threaten a member of the Cenarion Circle Druid?!" The unknown hunter's voice broke forth, however, revealing to be female. Before responding back, I took another look at the Raptor poised to attack in front of me. That's when I noticed the Tattoo marking of a Stag head on its right hind leg.
"My apologies ma'am. I did not notice the marking on your Raptor as I was startled." The Raptor settled down and went to the hole in the ship where the Huntress stepped forward.
"Don't be so quick to judge your opponents Druid. It might be your downfall someday." She jumped down from the ship and landed softly in the sand below.
"Nephenee?! Is that you?!" I couldn't believe it. It was her. After all this time. She snarled in a reserved tone.
"How do you know my name Druid?" She took a step forward, resting her hand on her Bow. "Speak!" She hasn't changed. Still has the long white and silver hair, mature face with jagged lightning bolt face markings. I chuckled.
"You haven't changed dear sister even after all this time." I reverted back to my normal form.
"It can't be… Ardaion? Is it really you?" Without hesitation she ran over to me and jumped into a tight hug.
"I've missed you so much dead brother." While holding her close, I could feel that she was gently tearing.
"Why are you crying? Is something wrong?" I asked while holding her at arm's length so I can look at her face. She sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry Ardaion. I'm happy to see you again but sadly, it's not for long. I must meet up with a Candidate for the Cenarion Circle." I held her close one last time before letting her go.
"Then I've got good news for you." I walked over to Murtagh, her Raptor, and patted his head.
"I'm actually the one you're waiting for. Denatharion got me an application for the Cenarion Circle and I've been accepted to be tested. I was instructed to come here and a messenger, whom I'm assuming is you, will be the one to give me further instructions." Her face went blank for only a moment before breaking into a large grin.
"I knew you had it in you, Ard! This means we'll get to spend a decent amount of time together." Nephenee blew a low whistle and Murtagh scampered over to her side.
"Come Ardaion; let's head back to the Inn. I'm sure you are bustling with curiosity to your next step to joining the Cenarion Circle." I let forth a hearty laugh.
"You do know me Neph." I changed into my feral form and walked beside her. Murtagh just stared at me, not quite sure what to think. Nephenee patted his head and he quieted down.
"You're lucky that the phrase 'Curiosity killed the Cat' doesn't apply to you. I probably wouldn't have a brother anymore." I gently rubbed my head against her leg.
"Too true. I know that I do poke my nose in all sorts of places where it doesn't belong." Nephenee chuckled.
"It's definitely good to see you again, however, enough chit-chat for the moment. We'll have lots of time for that later. I say we race back to the inn. Loser buys supper! Oh! And no travel form allowed!" Before I could protest, Nephenee and Murtagh darted off back down the coast.
"Run fast Neph." I murmured as I also took off down the coast.