Shupashupa
Two days ago the Chieftain summoned us to Northrend and to prepare for battle. Our healers under Arbiter Awenita have begun setting up an infirmary, Saaryn and others are gathering supplies. My orders are to find the enemy. Not the Alliance, this time; the Twilight Hammer is on the move again. We are unsure of their objectives or even where they are established yet, that information is mine to find.
Kormok also gave orders for those of us heading to combat to train with each other. He had Vandrian coordinate combat training last night. Whirligig and Valinthras were present to offer healing; Kormok was very clear that steel was to be live and spells hot! Lellenthyr was there with Velexie (dressed in new battle robes) as was the mage Issaela. I listened to Vandrian with one ear while looking over my clan-mates, casters all; I would have to keep close and stay out of their line of fire.
Vandrian set up two dueling circles. Velexie surprised me with her enthusiasm; she immediately challenged Lellenthyr. I suppose she is looking to prove that she can take care of herself now. I looked to Issa and we headed to the other circle. I moved in quickly, kept her silenced, blind or off-balance. She fought well and did her best to maintain distance but in the end, the fight was over quickly. I know Issa has seen combat but is not normally one of our combat mages. I was proud of her for coming to the training and I am honored to call her clan-sister. If she wishes I would gladly continue to work with her, and perhaps Insein might have some insights as a fellow frost mage.
My next match was Vandrian, a season warlock; composed and confident…and more subtle than I had imagined! As soon as the challenge was issued I dropped to stealth and vacated my last position, working to get in behind him. Van was having none of it, moving and looking in all directions. I got in an initial blow, a shot to his throat to keep him from casting for a few seconds while I slashed at him. His pet fel hunter was at my heels but I think had as much trouble staying with me as I had keeping close to Van! I could sense he was wearing down and I thought I had him when the warlock suddenly vanished from in front of me. I stood a moment lost in confusion and only spotted him when my back erupted in searing pain! He had teleported to a ledge above. Quickly I drew the shadows to me, extinguishing his fel flames and then wrapped them tightly about myself, vanishing from sight. He made the mistake of peering over the edge and I stepped through the shadows up behind him and began my assault anew. He leapt off the edge trying to get away with me leaping close behind. He managed to twist around as I fell and again set me ablaze dazzling me while he retreated. Ignoring the pain I gathered my will and managed a final shadow step to land a final blow. It was a close thing, if Whirli had not been there to cast her healings on me I would have likely collapsed on the spot.
I retreated to rest a bit and watched a couple more matches before Van approached and asked for a rematch. The second fight went much as the first, however Vandrian took victory, though again it was a very close thing. He is a worthy opponent!
To the Twilight Hammer; the Tears of Draenor, vanguard to the mighty Horde, come for you! You will be so much dust beneath our boots.
