The ocean breeze cooled the late afternoon air as Cowlen and his daughter, Magwin, finished repairing the low fence surrounding the simple stone cairn marking his wife’s grave. The father and daughter stood by the marker for a moment, lost in their thoughts before heading back to the low, sprawling house further up the beach. Much of the damage to the house from the Exodar’s falling debris had already been repaired thanks to the generous help from many of Captain Odyseus’ lumber crew. “It is truly a blessing,” thought Cowlen, “to have so many hands helping us.” But he knew that the greatest blessing was the return of his daughter who he thought was killed when the crazed owlbeasts attacked their home. And it was because of their dear friend, the draenei hunter named Zheleznyi, that Magwin is now safely home.
After the hunter left to continue his adventures, Magwin related her story of how Zheleznyi led them through the thicket, back to their home. Along the way, he fended off repeated attacks against them. She admitted that although she tried to help, she may have actually been more of a hindrance. Because injured, she could not travel as quickly as the hunter. Because of her rage at seeing her mother killed, she would blindly rush and attack any nearby owlbeast bent on revenge. “But you are not a warrior,” soothe Cowlen. “I thank Elune every day that you were found and brought home to me.”
The weeks and months after her rescue were a time of recovery for both. Cowlen was able to give his wife the proper burial she deserved. He resumed fishing, which provided well for himself, his daughter, and the repair crew who always had a ravenous appetite. “At least it’s not chicken,” they would often exclaim as they wolfed down their meals from the sea. Magwin recovered rapidly from her wounds as only a young night elf woman can do. With Zheleznyi’s petition to the draenei at Azurewatch, there is now a small squad of Peacekeepers that regularly patrols the surrounding island to keep the crazed owlbeasts in check. They were not expecting to see a draenei approaching since the next patrol was not due for another day.
“Father, someone approaches,” said Magwin, looking up from the beach camp and pointing to the rise north of their home.
Ever cautious, the night elf fisherman reached for the nearest weapon, a small fishing spear. “I will not be caught unawares,” he thought determinedly. Slowly, the figure came closer, walking easily and with confidence down the strand. The late afternoon light reveals a draenei woman, a hunter by the looks of her.
I approached the father and daughter, making sure my presence is open and making no threatening or overt motions. I do not want to cause them fear as I have something dear to deliver. The father, who may be a skilled fisherman, is certainly no warrior judging by how he holds that spear so tentatively, but he is as Zheleznyi described in his journal.
“Warm wishes to you,” I say simply, my hands empty and raised in greeting. “I am Krasnyia, of the Hand of Argus. I wish to speak to you about someone dear to both of us, Zheleznyi.”
At the mention of your name, the young night elf visibly brightened. The man lowered his spear with obvious relief. They motioned for me to join them by their fire giving both warmth and light as the sun was setting beyond the western thicket. Cowlen introduced himself, then his daughter.
“Tell us of Zheleznyi,” began the man. “Is he well? It has been some time since we have seen him.”
“Yes,” Magwin chimed in. Her girlish voice belies her youth, not yet having taken on the sultrier tones of the older Sentinels. Young as she is, I am not that much older than she given how our peoples measure age. “We had hoped he would stay with us after the celebration at Bloodmyst, but it seemed that far places were calling for him. Is he here with you?”
I cast my eyes down to look at the campfire, gathering myself as I feel a familiar pain. Each remembrance of that morning when I received the news I am about to tell feels as if I am pierced through the heart. Their faces turned ashen as I began. “Zheleznyi, my betrothed…” My voice is a whisper, barely audible above the freshening breeze. I clear my throat for another attempt, steeling myself against a rising wave of sadness and sorrow. “Zheleznyi is no more. He fell, his path claiming him. In Moonglade, while exploring. He battled a demon of Omen, which vanquished him.”
Magwin began to weep softly; her face a picture of disbelief. Was this how I looked when I received the news? The man’s face remained stoic, his jaw firm, but his emotions were betrayed by a tear, and then another, rolling slowly down his cheeks. He drew his daughter to him, consoling her. I sit alone, with only my thoughts and the ocean breeze around me.
We sit quietly for some time, the daughter in her father’s arms, and me, there on the beach by the fire. The stars overhead appear, gleaming and distant. Among that black sea overhead is Draenor, or Outland, as many now call our home planet. Will I ever see my home again? Will I still want to, now that I am once again alone? The air smells clean from the sea. I reach inside my pack to bring forth what I had come here to leave.
“Zheleznyi’s vows called for him to remain simple and humble in his adventures. He would refuse awards and items fit for great warriors and high officials. Yet, he kept this.” I unwrap the package to reveal a set of bracers, simple yet elegant in design. Cowlen recognized them immediately.
“My gift to him…” His voice choked with emotion. “After he returned Magwin, I was so overjoyed that I would have given Zheleznyi the world. But all I could offer was this heirloom to him.” Cowlen shakes his head, a small chuckle coming from him. “To this day, I remember him refusing them. With each entreaty I made, he would counter with a simple shake of his head.”
I offer the bracers to Cowlen, tenderly, knowing that the last hands to have touched them were yours. “Zhel has passed. And now this gift must return to the giver.”
“Oh, no, young draenei,” said Cowlen. His eyes sparkled as he raised his palms up towards me. “As Zheleznyi refused to accept when I offered them, I, in turn must do the same as you offer them now to me. For as you may not yet see, Zheleznyi is still here, and the gift must remain with him.” He motions to the ground, and the sky, and the ocean behind him. He turns slowly, to face me, the careworn lines on his face softened by the campfire. “And Zheleznyi is here.” Leaning forward, he takes my hands into his as our eyes meet. “Zheleznyi is here.”
Cowlen turns to his daughter, who hands him the bracers, now once again wrapped. Cowlen places the package back into my hands, solemnly and reverently. “This heirloom represents a sacred bond of friendship, trust, and love among night elves. Zheleznyi was and remains a brother to me, from that day I gave these to him until the end of time,” said Cowlen as he looked at me. “And now, they belong to you. As Zheleznyi will always be with you, so you too will always be with us.” I take back the package and fit it neatly into my pack. I let his words sink in. “Zheleznyi is here.”
Magwin rose and came to sit by me. “Krasnyia, you have the same look of determination and purpose that Zheleznyi had when we asked if he would stay with us, even for just a while. Where he refused, I hope you will not. Please, Krasnyia.” Her young voice is almost pleading, desperate.
I look at her youthful face, full of promise. She will make a fine Sentinel in her time. I turn and look at Cowlen, his face hopeful, as he nods slowly to me. I stand to my feet, the weight of my path heavy on me, yet with a new lightness given me by their earnest gratitude and genuine friendship. In the night sky above, Draenor is rising.
===
TLDR
Although very short compared to other quest lines, this one really held me. If only all the quest lines are as engaging as this one. The bracers are safely stored in the bank.
Krasnyia, level 34 female Draenei hunter, leveling steadily in Wyrmrest Accord.
Welcome to all the new challengers.
originally posted 2/10/2012
us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/4015202822?page=20#387