Winterspring

   Winterspring, a valley nestled in the foothills of majestic Hyjal- frozen, by virtue of geography and the  whim of nature, in eternal winter. Here the snow- covered trees glisten under an ancient starlight and amidst living shadows, a haven for secrets, as well as some of Kalimdor's hardiest wildlife. It was an ideal setting in which to find my bird, as well as a few stolen moments with my dear Drifter.

"Dress warm."

  Eriaria approached the lake cautiously, a deadly calm had come over the snowy hills of Winterspring.  She narrowed her eyes and looked around cautiously, now extra thankful for the fur and leather collar she wore with the biting winds flowing around Lake Keltheril.  She makes her way silently to a small island in the middle of the frozen lake.

Life just wasn't fair to small moonkins, Blossom decided, beak resting on his balled up paws while he watched Day-Lady feed the cat.

The cat she was raising to monster proportions, big enough to snap up small fluffy wildkin just like that.

Something, he determined, would have to be done.

Spring has not quite touched winter here. The sun is high and bright, but the air is cold, and the drip, drip, drip of melting snow means only that the ground will be crusted with ice tonight. Icicles glint in the sunlight, a veil across the mouth of the cave, and the low hoots and shrill chirps from outside fall heavily, muffled. The few sounds that find their way in clearly echo strangely, as if I am surrounded.

I have wrapped myself in fur and claws, matching the small bear that stares down at me from atop the claw-totem. My breath comes in clouds of steam, fogging the air of the cave, curling and twisting and fading as it rises. It has been a day and a night since I came here, and while I was already familiar with the bear's form, I feel that perhaps I understand it more closely now, or at least in a different way. The bear is but part of what these creatures are, and their respect is not the same as that paid by other races.

Artisania Stillwater-Ell’Karan breathed a sigh of relief.

The breath, a sudden cold fog in the Winterspring air, dissipated quickly, revealing once again the comforting sight of the little cottage nestled by the hillside.  The goblins had said the place had escaped any cataclysmic harm, but Artisania had insisted on seeing for herself before putting down any gold on the annual holiday rental.  She smiled, visions of warm tea and snowy mornings floating through her mind.  At least some things hadn’t changed.

Snow. Gazing out the window, deep in thought the Countess watched the first flakes of snow for the season as they gently blanketed the landscape. A steaming cup of hot apple cider with fresh cinnamon scented the air as it sat next to her untouched on the table, her attention on the Ranger that was passing through gate. The Margrave paused outside the gate, looking back over his shoulder he thought he caught a glimpse of her in the window, but then the light changed and he continued on his way.

Alaxia continued to gaze out the window as a memory assaulted her causing her to nearly giggle out loud. It was years ago, as she was approaching adulthood, her parents were still alive, it was before the Scourge defiled their lands, defiled Azeroth itself. Picking up a winter veil cookie she dipped it in the cider and nibbled delicately as she let her memories return.

The mid-day sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky above Winterspring, yet it's warming rays did little to ease the cold bite of the regions frigid clime. A slight breeze traveled across the snowy hills ruffling the fur and feathers of the wildlife and sending the inhabitants of Everlook inside to huddle around stove and fire.

One such beast, feathers and fur ruffled but otherwise unbothered by the cold wind, wandered in an aimless fashion around Owl Wing Thicket. To an outside observer, he would look pretty much the same as any other wildkin in the area; large and furry, with a puffy gray plumage, powerful arms ending in massive paws tipped with razor sharp claws as well as an impressive set on antlers reaching up high.

The dawn broke behind the clouds but the gloom was so pervasive that it went unnoticed inside the Winterspring cave. Sleet froze everything outside the cave and howling winds gave an eerie echo inside. Cold seeped into the bones, dampness… everything felt clammy. Opening her eyes pain shot through all of her as she looked around trying to place where she was.  She could hear the moaning of other wounded warriors. The soft movements of the medics, the soothing hushes.  Dying embers of the fire did little to dispel the truth of the situation. Her fevered illusions had taken her away to a time before…before the end.

Years before, before the shattering of Azeroth, before the elements revolted, before the cultists started spreading their hatred…there was…a semblance of peace, where love was possible, where families could be forged, where dreams were born…

Dull black hair drifted across startling Human features, frozen in repose while he stared through the frosted glass, a soft sigh escaping his lips though no fog drifted away in the winter breeze. Elriech stared, the icy glowing gaze heavy and thoughtful, his claw tips gently pressed against the cabin wall next to the window pane. It wasn't like him to feel so lost, yet this evening, while the sun drifted behind the mountains, that strange gut feeling sunk him deeper into despair. The soft form draped across his bed, still clothed, snuggled into his pillows further. A thickly furred travel cloak had been draped across her, she had fallen asleep without even taking off her boots, let alone get under the covers. Still he stared, unable to get close to the women he desired lest he destroy everything he found beautiful, it's insatiable desire swept over him again while his claws dug deeper into the cabin wood.

It was cold. But then, it's always cold in Winterspring... Shyrik didn't mind though. An ice storm had recently ravaged the area, leaving the trees encased in layers of ice, giving the forest a crystalline beauty not often found in other places, but purity is fragile. He took his time as he travelled to the small village he'd tracked his prey to, relaxing while he still could before the impending disaster.

Up on the snowy ridge overlooking the roads of Winterspring, a snow-covered mound stirred, a young troll lifting himself up out of the snow, shaking himself and his heavy blanket off.  Kozha smiled as he stood, shivering a little bit in the wind.  The jungle troll raised in warm ocean breezes had padded his armor significantly with fur and wool.  He stood for a few moments, feeling the wind brush around him, the small pinpricks of cold snowflakes landing on his exposed skin.

Kozha crouched back down, settling himself down on the heavy cloak he’d spread out under his feet, pulling the warm blanket over himself, eyes closing.  His breathing deepened as he felt himself slide slowly into the trance that grandmother had taught him.

The months crawled, and the land only got colder and more inhospitable.

From the desk of Convocate-General Firatril

Dear Aestan Firatril,

It has been a while since I heard from you. Will you be bringing the sweet rolls soon? I don't require a whole truck of them, but I would like to try them at the very least. Please write me before you stop by. It would be an awful shock, otherwise!

Sincerely,

Apophis

In the first weeks, her letters had been polite and written immaculately, if vaguely. She always took great care with them, loathe to leave bread crumbs that would lead to her. The fewer people who knew her location, the better. Aestan knew her location, but didn't know her. Turus knew it all, but Turus wouldn't speak of it. She couldn't.

From the desk of Convocate-General Firatril

There's coloured paper and tissue strewn about nearly every surface of the small rented cottage. The window panes are completely frosted over, but I don't need to be able to see out to tell you it's still snowing. Last I opened the door the drift was up just above my knee and Dog had run out so quickly that we'd spent over an hour wading through it calling out for that blasted skunk. I'd told Kharris he'd die quite honorably providing a light snack for the local Yeti population; but that had earned me a snowball to the ear and a good telling off in some rather colourful Thalassian. Needless to say after that morning adventure, we'd spent the rest of the day inside with the pipestove and the fireplace at a constant roar.

Normally I hate being cooped up, especially with only one real exit and miles of untouched snow between us and Everlook, but she brings out unexpected parts of me nearly every day it seems, sometimes. She always has. Not everybody gets me and Kharris at first glance (or second or third or ever) - and I suppose thats why. So much of us... is only for us.

I've been --- no, I had been -- trying to get a bit better about showing her affection in public. Sharing her and I with those that don't deserve it, if you want to know how I really feel about it. But it mattered to her. I'd seen how she'd smile a bit at those silly couples necking at White Hart or holding hands in Silvermoon park. She'd not say it or ask me to, of course, but I knew she fancied that I'd do those things every once in awhile. I'm not sure why, entirely. It seemed more important to me that we keep what we have just between us and special - like a whispered secret held on our breaths for eternity... But I'd seen that need there; the sort that makes her smile falter for a brief second and her dimples start to fade off right before she pushes her smile even brighter and deeper - the kind she flashes at the crowd when she's on stage. I bloody hate when she gives me that smile. It means she's wounded and she doesn't want me to know.

So that's one of the things you didn't know about us. Or me, if you're going to pick at me words like that. It absolutely kills me when she's sad. I'll do anything to make it better.

In a cozy little cottage, a haven of warmth and comfort in the blistering cold of Winterspring, Oneska and Tywyll tell Aestan about that afternoon, the slaughter of Tor’Watha. Together, they guide him through his memories, start to explore his dreams, and find something they didn't expect.

(larger image after break)

The White Hart Tavern is open for business, Monday evenings at 7pm Goblin Servo Time on Jabber in the chatroom WhiteHartTavern_XShc for cross-faction RP! The Human mage Camyra Agathor will be your hostess. More info under the cut!

To my dear friend, Teign Lethander BrightBlade

When I was looking for a good candidate for this mission, I heard that you had been working as a mercenary in the Winterspring region of late, and I have a job for you. I know you did not enjoy your time studying here overmuch, but I also know that you’re not one for passing on money or a chance to get access to books, and my association with the Kirin Tor could supply you with both.

The White Hart Tavern is open for business the usual time and place, Monday evening at 7pm Server Time on Jabber for cross-faction RP! The Human mage Camyra Agathor will be your hostess.

Greetings Travellers!

Welcome to Winterspring and the White Hart Tavern & Hunting Lodge. I hope that you enjoy your stay here with us. Please enjoy the cold ale, hearty food, and warm beds we have to offer. If you have a tale or song of your adventures, please step up to the hearth and share it with us!

The air is turning colder, even for Winterspring, and I fear my old roots are not those of a sapling's anymore. I have journeyed towards warmer climates this Winter and I have a few announcements to make before I go.

Come join us at the text based Cross-Faction Roleplay Event held on Monday nights from 7-10PM Server Time!

The Event is held in the Jabber chat room: WhiteHartTavern_XShc

There is no password, just come on in! Your alias or handle MUST be your actual in-game character name! All races, classes, factions, and levels welcome.

Come join us at the text based Cross-Faction Roleplay Event held on Monday nights from 7-10PM Server Time!

The Event is held in the Jabber chat room: WhiteHartTavern_XShc

There is no password, just come on in! Your alias or handle MUST be your actual in-game character name! All races, classes, factions, and levels welcome.

Come join us at the text based Cross-Faction Roleplay Event held on Monday nights from 7-10PM Server Time!

The Event is held in the Jabber chat room: WhiteHartTavern_XShc

There is no password, just come on in! Your alias or handle MUST be your actual in-game character name! All races, classes, factions, and levels welcome.

Come join us at the text based Cross-Faction Roleplay Event held on Monday nights from 7-10PM Server Time!

The Event is held in the Jabber chat room: WhiteHartTavern_XShc

There is no password, just come on in! Your alias or handle MUST be your actual in-game character name! All races, classes, factions, and levels welcome.

Come join us at the text based Cross-Faction Roleplay Event held on Monday nights from 7-10PM Server Time!

The Event is held in the Jabber chat room: WhiteHartTavern_XShc

There is no password, just come on in! Your alias or handle MUST be your actual in-game character name! All races, classes, factions, and levels welcome.

 (( Response to:  www.rp-haven.com/blog/iloam/under_your_spell ))

Fluttering, her eyes opened to the darkened room.  Dawn was creeping in the windows, but night’s darkness still clung to the corners even in this early light. The over zealous sun dazzled her and she withdrew instinctively to the cool comfort of the shadows, blinking.

The shadows smelled of leather and whiskey and ... him.  A smile grew very slowly with rising consciousness, and she felt as languid and delicious as the moon sinking into the sea.  Her dimples were deep and sweet, and she shifted to be closer to him.

Her hair falls against the pillow like inky tentacles, reaching for the cool rays of sun that slat in from the windows. They don’t hold any warmth – just light reflected brightly off the snow piled against the sill, but she turns her face towards the golden dawn light anyway. The Light… I suppose it calls to her even in her sleep. I slide the tray of breakfast across the dull, flea-bitten mattress and reach my fingers towards her hair. My shadow falls across her face and I pause. I’ve broken it – the perfect picture. Her small nose twitches with her dreams and my breath holds.

I don’t want to break you, Kharris. I don’t want to be the shadow across your light.

…But I’ve never been anything but selfish.

Hardly a thing has ever brought as much pleasure to me as bounding through the snow covered banks of Winterspring. The snow is like the sand from my home, but at the exact time they are opposites. Like a brother and sister. One lacks a temperature of its own while the other knows its reality. One comes from the earthmother’s body, the other from her mind.

Come join us at the text based Cross-Faction Roleplay Event held on Monday nights from 7-10PM Server Time!

The Event is held in the Jabber chat room: WhiteHartTavern_XShc

There is no password, just come on in! Your alias or handle MUST be your actual in-game character name! All races, classes, factions, and levels welcome.

White Hart Lodge & Tavern is once again open for business tonight! Two-for-one drink specials for Alliance Appreciation night! Bring your mittens and stop by, just a stone's throw from Everlook.