Blessed with Elven heritage, Iylldrraen was soon able to discern that it was none other than Rivern Frostwind that approached them at such a brisk pace. A broad smile crept across the druid’s face, eyes lighting brightly. Oh, it had been some time since he’d seen Rivern, the steadfast protector of this land. Iylldrraen took a few steps forward, making eye contact with his brethren even at their distance, slowly opening his arms to his kin. Soon the druid’s feet were carrying him toward Rivern, a soft, almost melodic laugh proceeding his steps.<br/><br/>“Rivern! Rivern Frostwind!” Iylldrraen cried, watching the lavender-skinned elf trot towards the duo, snow-white hair whipping and bobbing as he approached.<br/><br/>Rivern embraced both Aelena and Iylldrraen, taking time to slowly examine both. Though he was an aged elf, older than even Iylldrraen, he had the vitality of a spring-seasoned elf of only a few hundred years. Rivern was ever perceptive, though, and was immediately able to read the duo’s eyes, and found pain in Iylldrraen’s. Not so with Aelena, as always. She was ever the cherubic one, even for one with such responsibility as Guardian of Azeroth.<br/><br/>“You have paid your respects to your companions?” Rivern’s voice was strong and seasoned, a melodic reproduction of the land he served. “Aye, we have. I have questions about their pass-” Iylldrraen was cut short by Rivern. “No, no! They would not want you to dwell! Come! Enough about the dead! Let us speak and see of life! Follow me!”<br/><br/>Iylldrraen was not used to this behavior from one such as Rivern, though Rivern was never questioned in his methods. No other elf had been accepted by the Winter Sabers as he had, so he was respected and admired rather than being thought of with incredulity. Offering a questioning glance to Aelena, he fell in quickly behind Rivern, who was once more trotting along, into saber territory along Saber Rock. Deeper into the canyon, hidden by the massive Rock, was the Winter Saber’s den. Just outside, tended to by a few trusted trainers, were four winter saber cubs! It had been so long since Iylldrraen had seen a winter saber cub, he’d forgotten the joys of the experience.<br/><br/>“How…” He never finished as he stopped and stood still and silent, smiling, enjoying the romping and wrestling of the precious creatures with their trainers.<br/><br/>Soon though, Rivern dropped to his knees, and with might hidden by his meek disposition, roared to the cubs. Iylldrraen, were he not a druid, would swear that Rivern was a saber himself! The cubs did not startle, but stopped and gazed intently at their keeper. Waggling their rumps they lunged away from their den, falling over themselves, growling and mock-roaring. Rivern began to toss snow as they drew closer, and in moments was soon overwhelmed by saber cubs. Iylldrraen looked on, laughing loudly, boyishly even, as he watched the group at play. The scene had him thinking of past years and times of his training, his training with Aelena, and soon his eyes were upon her, his smile directed right at her. He moved close to his precious friend, draping his arm over her again, holding her close as he looked on.<br/><br/>“Remember those days, Aelena?” He looked at her as she answered, then returned his gaze to Rivern and the cubs, whispering softly to Aelena, “I wonder where the parents are?”<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>