//------------------------------// // Druidism // Story: Wings of Warcraft // by astralwrath //------------------------------// Fluttershy was absolutely terrified. She had no idea what this thing was in front of her, but it was no pony. Fluttershy wasn’t even certain it was human, the creatures Twilight said dominated the world beyond the mirror. She cowered back against the wall, hoping it would go away. The creature raised a paw and swept white hair behind one of its long ears. Its white eyes stared fixedly on Fluttershy, who wished it would stop. Whatever this was, Fluttershy was certain it was going to eat her. It tipped its head to one side, opened its mouth, and began to speak in a language Fluttershy couldn’t comprehend. But now Fluttershy was certain this thing was intelligent. It could speak. Foreign language or no, Fluttershy knew by now that hostile creatures attacked straight away. This one looked mildly curious, though mostly concerned. It sat on the bed opposite Fluttershy, who was now taking in her surroundings. She was in some old, beaten-down building that appeared to be slanted to one side. Fluttershy wondered just what had happened here, and where she was. The creature stood, stared at Fluttershy for a moment longer, then appeared to make up its mind. It pointed at itself, pointed at the stairs, pointed at Fluttershy, and pointed at the stairs again. Fluttershy looked back and forth, using her skills of communication to get the message. “You want me to… follow you?” Fluttershy whispered. The creature tipped its head to one side in obvious confusion, before it walked to the edge of the stairs. It turned to Fluttershy, and gestured for the pegasus to follow. Fluttershy gave a small “eep” and leapt off the bed, walking after the creature with her head down. She didn’t want to anger it in case it attacked, so Fluttershy decided to do exactly as it said (or gestured). The creature seemed satisfied, because it said something in a rather happy-sounding tone before making its way down the stairs. Fluttershy, relaxing in the slightest bit, tailed after her, wondering just where the creature intended on taking her. “W-What h-happened here?” Fluttershy asked in shock when they entered the main part of the building, forgetting that the creature couldn’t understand her. The building had a huge crack down the middle of the stone floor, and Fluttershy could really tell the building was sitting at an angle. There were various objects such as bottles and crates scattered everywhere. But what was most unnerving was the body. A creature that looked quite similar to the one that had lead Fluttershy down here was lying on the ground, clearly dead. Its body was beginning to rot, and Fluttershy’s delicate nose picked up the scent of decay. She whimpered, causing the living creature to look at her in concern. Suddenly, a harsh noise came from their left. Both Fluttershy and the creature spun around to see another creature standing there, its fists clenched. Fluttershy took a moment to realize that it matched a description Twilight had given her. A human. Am I in that very same world? Fluttershy wondered. Then, maybe I can find someone who’ll help me! Maybe I’ll find my friends! That thought gave her hope. They wouldn’t be her exact friends, but Fluttershy knew they would help her. A cry of pain brought Fluttershy back into reality. She turned and gave another scream. The purple-skinned creature had dropped to one knee, a hand on its arm. Blood seeped through its fingers. A dagger lay on the ground beside her. Fluttershy turned to see the human was in a position that indicated he had thrown the dagger. How could he? That’s so mean, Fluttershy thought, but she was mainly too petrified to move. Her eyes were only on the human, who was now advancing on Fluttershy and her wounded companion. But the purple-skinned humanoid wasn’t giving up. It stood straight again, then darted to the side and grabbed Fluttershy around the waist. Fluttershy cried out in shock, feeling warm blood seep into her fur. If she wasn’t so scared, she would have found that rather gross. Then, the creature who held her began to change. Its body twisted and contracted, black feathers sprouting from her limbs. It shrank in size and its face elongated into a beak. Beady eyes looked at Fluttershy as the pegasus stared at a rather large crow. “FLY!” the crow shrieked in a voice that was distinctly female with a rich accent. Fluttershy didn’t need to be told twice. Usually, she would be too scared to fly, but something forced her wings open and she took to the skies. She heard a commotion behind her, but she didn’t look back. Darting out of the building, Fluttershy found herself soaring over the remains of what looked like a village. Many buildings were in ruin and strange, tornadoes seemed to be moving about on their own accord. But Fluttershy didn’t have the time to watch them. She had to fly. “Wait up!” a voice cried out from behind. Fluttershy hovered in midair to see the crow flying up to her, her wings beating frantically. Once the crow had caught up, she said, “Do you understand me now?” Her voice was a little shaky, and Fluttershy could see the pain in her eyes. Though there were no visible wounds, Fluttershy wondered if the one from before was still affecting the crow, “Y-Y-Yes,” Fluttershy stammered, now beginning to understand why. “I-I c-c-can t-talk to a-animals.” She ducked her head, avoiding the crow’s gaze. The crow nodded slow, “Let’s land. I need to tend to my injuries. That Twilight Cultist was no laughing matter.” She folded her wings and dove down towards the forest surrounding the village. Fluttershy hesitated, her heart skipping a beat when she heard the word ‘Twilight,’ then followed. Once the crow landed, it shifted back into its humanoid form. Fluttershy landed nearby and gasped in shock and pity. The creature had acquired new wounds on top of the previous one. The impalement on her arm still bled, and another cut on her cheek was apparent. A third lash on her thigh bled through the pants she wore. Reaching down, the creature pressed one hand to the wound on her thigh. She hissed angrily, but as she did, a soft green glow pulsed from her palm. The blood trickling down her thigh ceased, and when she pulled her hand back, there was no wound at all. Fluttershy gasped, Healing magic? I don’t think even Twilight can do that. She watched, captivated, as the creature healed the rest of her wounds before she shifted back into her crow form. “You are a strange creature. I’ve never seen one like you before. I have seen horses, but I can tell you are not a horse,” the crow said, her eyes fixated on Fluttershy. “I-I’m a p-p-pegasus,” Fluttershy muttered, scuffing a hoof against the ground. Feeling like she ought to say more, she added, “I-I’m F-Fluttershy.” The crow stared at her for a bit longer before she said, “It’s nice to meet you, Fluttershy. I can see you name tells me quite a bit about you. I’m Adrelaria Shadeheart. A night elf and a guardian druid.” Fluttershy looked up curiously, “W-What’s a d-druid?” “Someone who strives to become one with nature,” Adrelaria said, gesturing one wing at the trees around her. Fluttershy gave a tiny gasp. This was something that intrigued her. Becoming one with nature itself… Would she be able to communicate even better with her animal friends if she did? Fluttershy opened her mouth, ready to ask another question, when Adrelaria suddenly held up a wing, her head turning towards the ruins. “We must fly. Someone is coming,” Adrelaria whispered before she spread her wings and took to the air. Fluttershy took off after her, not wanting to meet the human from before. If he had done such painful things to Adrelaria, who could probably defend herself, Celestia knows what he could do to Fluttershy. The two glided up over the trees, giving Fluttershy a bird’s-eye view of the forest below. It was a little gloomier and looked a bit dead, but Fluttershy could see bears and stags through the foliage. “This is Darkshore. It was recently torn asunder by Deathwing, so it’s not much to look at,” Adrelaria said, her eyes surveying the landscape. “My hometown’s up ahead. Lor’danel. We’ll stop there before we head to the night elven capital, Darnassus.” “That’s a-alot of names,” Fluttershy managed to say, grateful her voice wasn’t shaking as much. Perhaps Adrelaria’s friendly nature was helping or maybe because Fluttershy hadn’t remembered flying being this wonderful. Adrelaria gave a harsh caw that sounded like a laugh. “Oh, trust me. You’re going to learn a lot more when I’m through with you. Are you interested in learning about the art of being a druid? You seem like someone who could master it, pegasus or no.” Fluttershy looked up in surprise, her cyan eyes meeting Adrelaria’s eerie silver ones. “I-I’d love to!” . . . . . This is Darnassus? It’s… beautiful. Fluttershy had been awe-struck when she found out the night elves like Adrelaria made their home on a giant tree called Teldrassil. She was even more impressed by the tree that had teleported them up to the crown, where Adrelaria said even rivers flowed. But the city was the best part. Fluttershy had always marvelled Canterlot, but Darnassus might have knocked Equestria’s capital into the trash heap. It’s elegant stone structures and buildings that appeared to have grown out of trees. The fact that the city sat upon a lake who’s water was coloured periwinkle. The most majestic part was the Temple of the Moon, which Adrelaria had pointed out when they had first arrived. “It’s where our rulers live. We’ll go there afterwards. I just have to speak with someone first,” Adrelaria had said, a strange glint in her eyes. Fluttershy wondered what was up, but since she had relayed the story of how she had arrived and the fact that she was separated from her friends, Adrelaria had been acting weird. The two of them landed in front of a giant tree, which definitely didn’t look like the ones surrounding them. Its bark was dark grey, and caught within its branches were the remains of a well, its glowing water cascading into pools at its roots. “Don’t be alarmed. The Howling Oak is very much alive,” Adrelaria said before shifting into her night elf form. She smiled at Fluttershy, who managed to return the gesture, before the two walked inside. Fluttershy was surprised to see humans within the hollow tree. They wandered about, speaking to one another in a language very different from the flowing words Adrelaria used. They were harsher, but pretty all the same. Simply standing there, Fluttershy listened to the new noises until there was a sound behind her. She turned to see Adrelaria returning with an old man garbed in a grey cloak. He had the hood pulled over his head and a flask in the other. Adrelaria took the flask from the man and said something in the language the humans here spoke, though her voice, even with a new language, sounded different from the ones Fluttershy had been listening to. Kneeling down next to Fluttershy, Adrelaria uncorked the flash and held it to Fluttershy’s lips. She hesitated, then allowed Adrelaria to pour the contents down her throat. Fluttershy them grimaced, finding the taste to be very bitter. “Apologies. I don’t often use this potion so I never bothered to perfect the taste,” the cloaked human said in a gruff voice. Fluttershy looked up in surprise. “I-I can understand you,” she whispered, eyes wide. “And we, you. The potion allows you to speak and understand our language. It only lasts a week, so come back for more. Unless you find a permanent spell,” the human said, winking at Fluttershy. He bowed to Adrelaria before he vanished amongst his people again. “Now that you can communicate properly, shall we visits the rulers of Darnasus?” Adrelaria asked, the faintest hint of a smile on her face. Fluttershy gave a determined nod, feeling a bit braver than she had before, though not by much. She was still shivering. “Yah, let’s go.” Adrelaria clapped her hands together, “Excellent.” The two heads out of the Howling Oak and into the streets of Darnassus. The night elves that walked by looked at Fluttershy with polite interest, but for the most part she wasn’t the centre of attention. Which was fine with Fluttershy. “They must think you’re my pet,” Adrelaria mused. Fluttershy looked up, feeling a little insulted, but Adrelaria winked at her. “Never fear, Shy. It’s better this way. If you didn’t look like that, some of the stealthier ones might follow you.” Fluttershy shuddered, “I-I hope that d-doesn’t happen.” Adrelaria gave a musical laugh, “I jest.” The two didn’t have another conversation until they reached the Temple of the Moon. Once they reached the entrance, Adrelaria stopped and held out a hand. “I sense both rulers are present. Be respectful, Fluttershy. Both of them have lived for thousands of years and seen much. They have wisdom beyond many, though I do have a close level of experience.” “W-What’s that s-supposed to mean?” Flutteshy whispered. Adrelaria smiled knowingly, “Oh, you know. I’m only eight thousand and five hundred years old. Give or take a couple centuries.” Fluttershy nearly fainted. “A-And h-h-how o-old a-are y-your l-leaders?” Fluttershy breathed out, eyes wide. “More than ten thousand. I honestly don’t count,” Adrelaria muttered. She tucked a strand of white hair behind her ear before she entered the temple. Rather reluctantly, Fluttershy followed. The inside was quite a surprise. A huge statue glowing white loomed out of a pool. It was a female night elf, her arms held above her head. Around her, sloping downwards, were grassy hills. Fluttershy could detect the faintest scent of flowers. A few night elf females walked about, all dressed in pristine white robes. Another creature with blue skin, hooves and a tail stood speaking with an armed night elf next to a strange, floating blue portal. “A p-portal?” Fluttershy asked. “To the Exodar. Where the draenei live. Like the one speaking with the Sentinel. Oh, sorry. The female night elf in the armour,” Adrelaria explained, her eyes fixed on the statue. She muttered something that sounded like a prayer under her breath. The two headed to the left, where a white ramp lead up towards what looked like a balcony surrounding the perimeter of the temple. Fluttershy looked up at the statue, and noticed an owl that appeared to be made of stars flying around the top. They ascended the ramp, and made their way around the balcony towards the opposite end. Fluttershy noticed a couple hallways, blocked off by blue curtains, branching off from the wall. Night elves garbed in armour stood at regular intervals around the balcony. A couple nodded as Fluttershy and Adrelaria passed, but for the most part they were ignored. At long last, they reached the other end of the balcony. There, Fluttershy got her first look at the rulers of Darnassus. The male was a strange sight to behold. He looked like a night elf, with silver eyes and purple skin. His hair was long and dark green. The same went for his beard. He wore simple clothing that reflected the fact that he didn’t need anything elaborate to show his connection with nature. Fluttershy could feel it, thrumming in the air around him. It also appeared to have taken its toll on the night elf. His arms were beginning to grow dark grey feathers in a wing-like pattern. Instead of feet, Fluttershy made out cat paws. Growing up from his head was a majestic rack of deer antlers. To his left was a female, and Fluttershy felt a sense of peace wash over her when she looked at the second night elf ruler. She had the same purple skin and the same silver eyes, but Fluttershy could see tattoos on her face, though they blended in quiet well with her skin. Her hair was a green colour with mere traces of blue in it, styled up neatly. She wore a gown of a soft white, which shimmered like a pearl when she moved. Yet Fluttershy also spied a wicked-looking star-shaped weapon leaned against the wall behind her, along with a beautifully decorated, winged, silver and white bow. “Adrelaria. Why are you here? Has something happened to Darkshore?” the male night elf asked, his gaze focused on the druid and Fluttershy. Fluttershy gulped and looked away. She could feel the female’s gaze fixated on her instead of her companion. “Nothing of a sort, Archdruid,” Adrelaria said, giving a short bow to him and the female. “I simply have run into a slight problem. But to my friend here, it’s a large one.” “Oh?” the Archdruid said, “And who might your friend be? Can she introduce herself?” “I-I’m F-Fluttershy,” Fluttershy managed to squeak out. The female gave a light laugh, “A pleasure to meet you, Fluttershy. My name is Tyrande Whisperwind. High Priestess of Elune.” “And I am Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage. It’s nice to meet such a unique creature as yourself,” the Archdruid said in warm voice. “Come with us. We’ll find a better place to have this discussion,” Tyrande said, gesturing towards a hall across from them. Fluttershy nodded shakily and waited for the two rulers to pass before she followed them. “Don’t be scared. They haven’t tried to kill you yet, have they?” Adrelaria said in a friendly manner. Oh, dear, Fluttershy thought and trotted after the night elves.