Current mood:

ecstatic

Earning my wings... at last
This morning, I received a summons from the Cenarion Expedition. Specifically from Morthis Whisperwing himself, who is a powerful druid of the talon. Honestly? I was not looking forward to this meeting, as months had passed since I last spoke to him and it was not a pleasant conversation.

When I came to him back then, I had just found comfort in flying and was getting used to it when he stripped me of my ability to take the form. He felt that I was unready and undeserving of it. That I had things to learn and needed to prove myself. I could not recall the last time I had to do such a thing! I was infuriated. Frustrated and frankly, angry. How dare he!

The man spoke to me in such a manner that it brought Staghelm himself to mind. Bloody biter man. I know not what I ever did to provoke such a thing from him, but he did not seem to care for me one bit.

So I left the expedition, exalted with all else but him. I had no choice but to take myself to the Wildhammer clan and beg of them a mount to use until such time as I figured out whatever it was that I needed to do to prove myself worthy of flight once more. They seemed to be very amused by my plight. I suffered more than a few insults and when they finally realized that I was most serious and actually indeed needed their aid, they finally relented and entrusted me with a beautiful gryphon whom they apparently called Helix. Bloody strange name if you ask me. But it seems to fit him well.

Helix has been my companion for so long now, it is difficult to think that after today, I shall no longer be needing him. In fact, tonight, I will return to the Wildhammers and bring Helix home to them. I am trying not to think on it too long for it will bring tears to my eyes.

But I am getting ahead of myself.

I hesitated in responding to the summons, but Dor'ano was insistent that I not delay any longer. He felt that this was important and that perhaps it would finally be time for me to earn my right to be in the sky under my own power once more. I was not so convinced. But I went anyway. Dreading every single step I took toward that man.

Morthis Whisperwing greeted me with a bow when I arrived and the smile that had been on his lips just moments before, faded fast. "Alishe, you have left a task undone for far too long. I know not why you have abandoned the quest I charged you with, nor why you seemingly have decided that this is not something you care about. But I have called you here to ask once more, will you prove your worth?" His eyes bore into me like knives and I stood there, a bit stunned.

All I could whisper was, "Bloody hell." He smirked at me. "That is not the reply I was hoping for." I cleared my throat and did my best to explain my confusion. At his demeanor. At his taking something from me by force which I felt I had earned. I told him how difficult it had been for me. How bloody embarassing! He listened to all of my rant and then held up his hand to silence me from continuing onward.

"You wonder why the ravens took their gift and yet you still do not have peace within yourself." He paused and his eyes actually softened a bit. "Think, Alishe. Think hard on this." I sighed then. Remembering a revelation I had come upon a few months back. "One cannot fly when you are weighted to the world with guilt and woe." I bit my lip and looked at him again. Unsure of what to say or do.

To my surprise, he smiled and nodded his head. "Exactly. I had no doubt you would figure it out eventually, Alishe. But you sometimes do not listen without being pushed. Hard." I raised my eyebrows at him in shock. How could this man know a thing about me! We had never spoken before the day he chastised me so. He chuckled in response. "Rabine talks about you Alishe. And I listen." I blinked in surprise and shock. My mentor was the one who told him to do this? Bloody hell!

He motioned for me to sit down next to him and then smiled once more. "Now, I will try again. Softer this time for I can see you are overwhelmed by all of this." He turned and faced me. "Are you ready to take on the challenge I gave you? To earn your right to be part of the talon. To TRULY earn your place among us?" I swallowed hard and nodded slowly. I was afraid he would yell once more or tell me I was not ready.

Morthis nodded in response to my words. "Then gather your aid, Alishe. No more delays. No more waiting. Today. It must be today. Do you understand me?" I caught my breath. All these months of preparation I should have been doing. And I had not done any. I had let it slip past. I started to panic and then as I caught his glance, I realized that was not going to help my cause. So a deep breath was next on my mind. Calming my heart and mind as I thanked him for the chance to show I was worthy. I rose up and headed to find Helix, anxious to find Dor'ano.

I had no idea how difficult or easy the journey would be. Nor who I would gather with me. But I was blessed by Elune I suppose. The aid came quickly and before I knew it, Varenna, Isi, Calen'braga and my beloved Dor'ano were at my side, ready to take on the fight with me. I could not have asked for more.

The battle against Anzu was a bit more than I was prepared for. As soon as I stated I was ready to battle, a great portal opened up above us. It was dark.. and rather terrifying to see. I tried not to be afraid, but my heart was beating so quickly. But I embraced my fear and I decided that I would use it to help me endure this fight. Whatever came next. And when Anzu appeared before us, I was ready.

It seemed like it took ages to defeat him and his minions. We fought hard and together in every way. And when the dust finally settled and he was vanquished, I could not help but cry. We had done it! The task was done. And now I would see if Morthis would find me worthy to fly.. once more.

I quickly made my way back to him, anxious to see what he would say. To my shock, he chastized me for how long I had taken to decide I was ready. My heart sunk and I sighed, lowering my eyes from his face. "Alishe." He called to me, causing me to look at him again. "We are proud of you. Listen to them, Alishe. They are calling for you to join them." He nodded as I stared in disbelief. "Ask them for their aid. And they will help you to fly once more."

With closed eyes, I whispered to the ravens flying nearby. Asking for guidance. Thanking them for their confidence in me. And requesting from them, my renewed ability to take to the sky. I held my breath. And waited.

The vision of a bird in flight filled my mind and I felt such a sudden rush of wind on my face. I gave myself over to it, wholly. Completely. I was one of the talon. I had earned my place amongst their numbers and for the first time, I was comfortable. My eyes opened then and I found myself high above the ground. Hovering there. My wings flapping in the wind, keeping me steady. The sound of the ravens nearby growing louder as they circled me.

I earned my wings today.

And I am complete.