The druid stood, shaken by what had just transpired. There was much about his life, seemingly endless, that he wished he’d never known, and more that he wished he could forget. Wishing, though, was for those that lacked the will to maintain, even change the world around them. He was a druid. It was his duty to maintain and to change. Nothing solidified this purpose more than the feeling of Aelena’s tender hand gently clutching his arm. His gaze fell upon her, upon her seemingly delicate exterior. Iylldrraen realized that he was not the only one shaken, that Aelena, too, had felt the violent tremors of this land, and worse, she had just witnessed his seizure-like fit of rage from being overwhelmed.<br/><br/>Taking her hand, he placed it in his own. “I’m strong, Aelena, especially with you here to watch out for me.”<br/><br/>He knew it was Rivern that pulled him off the ground, it could have only been Rivern, but he wanted her to know that he was truly grateful to have her as his companion, to have a friend like her that stood by him so much in the past, and chose to stand by him again now. They all walked in silence, except for the growling, pouncing cubs bounding around them, even climbing up Rivern’s leg as he walked. This brought another slight smile to the druid’s face, despite what he’d just learned. The cubs’ playfulness was a sure sign that they had been well cared for, and that these trainers were their parents now. Further back behind the original play area of the cubs and the trainers was a perfectly concealed cave.<br/>Upon entering the duo would find a neatly situated setup of minimum furnishings. This was clearly a temporary or transitional shelter. On a table were parchment, various unique stones, several vials and flasks, as well as some inks. Iylldrraen stopped once inside, awaiting Rivern’s invitation as to where to be seated. Rivern glanced back, shaking his head and motioned for the seats at the table.<br/><br/>“How long have we known each other, Iylldrraen?”<br/><br/>“I honestly would have to count the centuries. Why?”<br/><br/>“Because you clearly still think you need permission to sit at my table.” The words seemed facetious, but the tone was clearly of frustration, though it was hard to determine if it was derived from Iylldrraen, or the Steamwheedle Cartel. Iylldrraen began to look upon the various items on the table more intently: the parchment was a map of buildings, the stones seemed to emanate a magical aura, and the inks were actually dyes; purple, white, and even some pink. Rivern took notice of Iylldrraen examining the contents on the table, and was prompt to explain their purpose.<br/><br/>“I have been devising a plan for several months now, since the passing of your companions and mounts.” Nodding, Rivern indicated the map in front of the duo. “There, is a map of the small staging outpost of the Steamwheedle Cartel. Those stones have been imbued with magic, some stronger than others, and those dyes, when mixed properly, will create the same hues as the coat of a Wintersaber.” Iylldrraen’s mind was working fiercely to discern the plot behind Rivern’s information.<br/><br/>“A trap of some kind?”, was his only  inquiry.<br/><br/>Rivern smiled mischievously. “Oh yes, my brother. Quite the clever trap. These stones will be placed throughout the outpost in the cover of night by several of our trainers, being that goblins are dense creatures, not to mention arrogant. Their pride will blind them to any notion of opposition. Once placed, you, colored as a Wintersaber and imbued with temporary magic, will attract the attention of the rogue Blue Flight north of Winterspring, and infiltrate the outpost with them in tow. They will see you as their arch nemesis, and emanating such a strong aura of magic, they will pursue you, right to the outpost, where they will detect the other various magical stones, and completely destroy the outpost and the goblins within. Any stragglers will be met by our trainers hidden in the wilds just outside of the outpost.”<br/><br/>Iylldrraen, despite the danger to himself, was smiling ear to ear. “Cold and calculating, just as the land you serve, my brother. When shall we execute your plan?” Had he not been so determined to seek revenge upon the goblins, he may have paused to consult with Aelena, not that she needed his permission to contribute. In fact, of all the allies the druid had acquired, she was one of the precious few he actually sought advice from.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>