Takže já sem Pepa a tyhle stránky jsem vytvořil proto, abych publikoval své názory, nápady a zážitky :-)

Kdo to chce číst ať to čte a kdo ne tak ať čte třeba Hulána :-D

I don't quite know what I expected; I think a sort of "drawn" representation of how Hulan looks on my screen. Instead Aurik has drawn Hulan more the way I see her in my head. In Hulan's original story I described her as lightly built (for a Dwarf), so much so that she wasn't strong enough to wear mail armour and unable to fulfil her initial ambition of training as a Paladin. As she was small and nimble she decided to train as a hunter instead. When I play Hulan she's a bit cheeky, even lippy sometimes, and always more than ready for a pint or ten. I think Aurik has captured her perfectly and I am absolutely delighted with the result! All I can say is "Thank you Aurik". I've had a miserable week (IRL) and this has bucked me up more than you could know *blows Aurik a kiss*

Hulan stepped outside the small house and untethered the white ram, vaulting easily onto it's back, and set off at a brisk canter for Ironforge.  She found herself outside the gaping mouth of the mountain in no time at all and searched for a space to tie up Cloud.  She removed the cloak and stashed it in a saddle-bag, then, with a quick pat, she took her leave of the ram and entered the mighty fortress of Ironforge.  She headed briskly towards Tinker Town, pausing to cast a longing look at Bruuk's as she crossed the Military Ward; after a brief internal struggle she shook her head and continued on her way.  Reaching her destination she stopped an looked round in confusion.  Looking for a gnome in Tinker Town was a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack!  Hulan stopped to speak to every gnome she was saw but only got baffled looks and shaken heads in response.  She looked around for somewhere to sit and wait but there were no seats so she strolled around, keeping a sharp eye out for a gnome who might be a likely candidate for her meeting.  She heard the great horn call out the eighth hour of the clock and her heart leaped; surely he wouldn't be long now.  For some time Hulan continued to approach every male gnome that entered Tinker Town until suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder.  She swung round, hoping to see a gnome to find herself staring into the face of an Ironforge Guard.
The guard fidgeted and, looking extremely embarassed, said in a low voice "'Scuse me lassie, cud ye come wi' me please to tha Guardroom?"
"Tha Guardroom?  Whatever fer?!  I 'ave an extremely important meetin' an' I dinnae want ta miss tha wee fella. I'm sorry but I dinna 'ave time ta come and chat wi' ye...he's already late an' hopefully will be 'ere any moment now."
The Guard shifted uneasily, "Now lassie, imma tryin' ta tell ye nicely that yer under arrest, 'tis nae a wee chat I need."
Hulan gaped at him, open-mouthed. "Under arrest!" she exclaimed, "What on earth am I under arest fer?!"
The guard flushed deep crimson to the roots of his hair and, refusing to meet her eye, muttered something unintelligible.  Hulan scowled at him, "There nae use tellin' yer feet mister...I did nae unnerstan' a word o' that."
The Guard lifted his head slightly and muttered again.  Hulan's scowl deepened and she barked at him, "I cannae unnerstan' a word!  Sol...wha' was that word?  I never 'eard o' it before."
The Guard hissed a word at her in a sharp whisper.
"Solsticin'?  Wha's that then?  I've done nuthin' wrong.  All I'm doin' is waitin' ta meet someone." Hulan glared at the Guard, bristling with indignation.
"Shhh, shut yer yap lass, not so loud.  I's tha kind o' meetin' yer doin' tha' folk around 'ere 'ave complained aboot."
Hulan look baffled.  "Tha' word ye said, wha' does it mean?  Why wud folk complain?"
The guard groaned and momentarily buried his face in his hands.
"Look lassie, jes' come wi' me to tha Guard room an' we'll get it all sorted oot...I'm sure there's some innocent esplanation."
"But I canne go' wi' ye," Hulan protested, "Imma supposed ta be meetin' someone at eight."
"Well, i's half after eight now so I wud nae be frettin' aboot it, ye've more important things ta worry aboot now"
Hulan's face fell and then she shrugged in resignation.  "All right then mester, I'll come wi' ye to tha Guard room an' ye can tell me wha's goin' on."

Hulan followed the guard back into the Military Ward and they entered the Guard Room.  A few moments later startled passersby were dumbfounded to hear an indignant yell closely followed by a loud thump and a howl of pain.  An instant later a member of the Ironforge Guard flew out of the door showered by a barrage of helmets, boots and assorted military paraphenalia, all hurled by an angry female dwarf who stood in the doorway absolutely incandescent with rage.
"Ye filthy bugger!", she shouted at him. "Ye should wash yer mouth oot wi' carbolic soap ta be sayin' such things to a lass!  Solsticin' Gnomes ye call it? Tha's jes', jes'.....", Hulan struggles to find the right word. "jes' WRONG!  There I am jes' mindin' me own business and ye come along an' start accusin' me o' bein' some sort o' PERVERT!"
The Guard grabbed one of the helmets, which he jammed quickly onto his head, and cowered trying to avoid the missiles raining down all around him.
"Ye misunnertood me lassie," he cried desperately "I dinna think that o' ye but someone complained cos they saw ye talkin' to all tha wee fellas.  They thought ye were...er..."
"I know fine well what they thought!  Ye just 'splained it ta me!  The very idea o' it indeed!  And yesself...instead o' tellin' them nae ta be so daft and sendin' 'em off wi' a flea in yer ear, ye decide that ye need ta be important an' investigate!"  Hulan glowered fiercely at the Guard, brandishing a small mace at him.
At that moment the Sergeant of the Guard turned up and pushed his way through the crowd that had gathered and surveyed the scene that greeted him with astonishment.
"What on earth's goin' on 'ere?" he demanded of the Guard huddled on the floor.
"I'll tell ye wha's goin' on!" spluttered Hulan "Tha' bugger there's makin' filthy accusations an' tryin' t'arrest me!"
"Yer Thorden Stonefist's lass aren't ye?"
Hulan nodded.
"Well, jes' ye step inside a moment an' we'll see if we can sort this out...there's obviously bin a misunderstandin'."
He turned to the Guard on the floor and snapped "Frumpi, get this mess cleared up sharpish!"
As he and Hulan disappeared back inside the guard Room, the crowd began to disperse slowly, slightly disappointed that the entertainment seemed to be over.  Ten minutes later a calmer Hulan reappeared and headed for home.  Her father threw the door open as she stopped outside the small house.  "'Ow did it go lass?"
Hulan shook her head and sighed "He did nae turn oop.  Le's go inside an' 'ave a beer an' I'll tell ye all aboot it."

As the gryphon landed, Hulan jumped to the ground summoning her riding ram, Cloud. She swung up on to his back and kicked her heels into his ribs as hard as she could. Startled, Cloud bolted towards the mighty Ironforge gate scattering all before them. Cloud and Hulan hurtled down the hill and headed through Kharanos leaving surprised and angry bystanders in their wake. Hulan was oblivious to them all as she rode Cloud as hard as she could towards the little house she’d grown up in. Reigning in hard, Hulan almost lost her seat as Cloud came to an abrupt halt outside the the weatherbeaten cottage. Hulan half fell off the snowy white ram and then hesitated outside the door. She hardly dared to go in, afraid of what she would find waiting for her. She squared her shoulders, took a deep breath and stepped inside. The house was quiet and still, then she heard a small movement and her father appeared at the threshold of the small bedroom he shared with his wife.

Hulan took one look at Thorden’s craggy face and her heart sank; she had never seen such despair written on her father’s features.
“Am I…is she…what…?” she stammered. Thorden’s eyes filled with tears.
“She’s still wi’ us lassie, just. The priest is wi’ ‘er and they sent fer a druid all tha way from Darnassus,” he told her, his voice raw with pain. “They say there is nae anythin’ more they can do fer ‘er, there is nae any hope”, his voice cracked and he was unable to continue. Hulan looked over his shoulder into the small room and he stood aside to let her enter. Nulyn lay pale and white and small upon the bed which seemed vast; she seemed to have shrunk. In mid-life Nulyn has run to stout however now she looked nothing more than skin and bone. Her chest barely moved. It was hardly possible to tell if she lived or not. Hulan moved towards the bed and knelt down, gazing at her mother’s face. She wanted to pick her up and run away with her, hide her somewhere safe where she would be out of danger but the danger was in Nulyn’s soul, inflicted by Burning Legion warlocks, where Hulan couldn’t touch it.

Nulyn started to mutter and thrash weakly on the bed, sweat beaded her forehead. Bewildered and frightened, Hulan looked around as the priest and druid moved towards Nulyn. Both began incanting and the druid produced a vial of some noxious-looking potion and gently lifted Nulyn’s head and poured a few drops between her lips. Nothing that either of them did seemed to give Nulyn any respite.
“Is there nuthin’ ye can do?” cried Hulan
“I’m sorry lass”, said the priest “We’ve tried everythin’ we know; she’s in tha grip of powerful Shadow magic.” Swtiching to Dwarvish she continued “We sent fer yon lanky druid from Darnassus thinkin’ mebbe that she could lift tha curses from yer Ma, or at least lessen tha damage from ‘em, but it’s ‘opeless. Tha only release fer yer Ma is death. She’s hanging on by a thread, like she’s bin waitin’ fer ye.”

Her heart breaking, Hulan stroked her mother’s brow. The cool, gentle touch seemed to soothe Nulyn and she stilled under her daughter’s hand. Looking on, the priest raised an eyebrow and glanced at the druid who gave a barely perceptible shrug.
“Ma, Imma ‘ere,” whispered Hulan. Thorden joined his daughter, knelt down and took his wife’s hand in his own. He and Hulan looked at each other, as if coming to a decision. The priest and druid, picking up on the moment, started incanting again and a huge column of light began to grow at the foot of the bed. Hulan looked at the glowing aura that seemed to fill the room and turned back to her mother. Her voice, hoarse with sorrow, she said “Ma, ye can come outta tha shadow. Step inta tha light Ma.”
Nulyn opened her eyes and gazed at her daughter, her eyes filled with love. She raised her hand and cupped Hulan’s cheek then her hand fell back to the bed and her eyes closed. The glowing light began to fade and for a moment all in the room felt at peace.

The soft voice of the druid broke the silence “She’s gone to Elune.” Hulan nodded and, closing her eyes, she pressed her face into the still-warm shoulder of her mother. A howl of anguish broke from Thorden, and he began to sob. Hulan raised her head and turned to him and they clung together, each trying to coming to terms with the loss that didn’t yet seem real. Tactfully, the priest and the druid withdrew, allowing them some privacy to express their grief.

The weeks passed by and Thorden and Hulan struggled to come to terms with Nulyn’s death. Thorden was a shadow of his former jovial self and was lost without the wife whom he had known since childhood. Hulan kept house, listlessly, no desire to leave the comforting familiarity of her home, of her father. Occasionally she took Blanche hunting, hunting boar for the table but there was no pleasure in it for her. One evening, dinner finished, Thorden and Hulan shared a barrel of ale. Thorden’s mood grew maudlin and then dark.

“Hulan, I’m leavin’ soon.” Hulan spluttered on her ale and almost choked.
“Wha’ do ye mean, yer leavin?” Where are ye goin’ ta go?”
“They’re still out there ye know an’ I’ve ‘eard about where they’re hidin’ out. I’m gonna finish tha bastards!”
Hulan looked baffled. “Finish who?” she asked.
“Them Burnin’ Legion bastards, tha’s who. I thought they were all gone but I’ve ‘eard whispers in Ironforge. There’s still some hidin’ out in tha Horde lands. Thrall was nae able ta get rid o’ them all. I ‘eard tell that they’ve a hideout near Orgrimmar.” Thorden paused and took a deep swallow of his ale. “I’ve made me mind up. I’ve polished me armour an forged meself a new hammer and shield. I’m goin’ ta put an end ta them or die tryin’!”

Hulan was horrified. “Da, ye’ve not fought as a Paladin fer over 40 years! It’s madness fer ye ta think o’ goin’ there. I’ve already lost me Ma an’ know I’m goin’ ta lose yeself as well.”
“I cannae sit ‘ere knowin’ them Burnin’ Legion are out there workin’ their evil and destroyin’ good people like yer Ma.”
“Da, I’m beggin’ ye, please dinna do this,” sobbed Hulan.
“Imma sorry lass but I dinna know how I can live without yer Ma an’ not try an’ do somethin’ about them as killed ‘er.”
“But Da…”
“ENOUGH!” roared Thorden. Hulan froze, Thorden rarely raised his voice. “I cannae do anythin’ else,” he continued more gently “I’ll nae have any peace while them buggers are still drawin’ breath. I’ll be leavin’ next week an’ that’s the end o’ it. I’m no askin’ ye, I’m tellin’ ye. I’s jes’ what I ‘ave ta do.” Thorden stood unsteadily and put his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Imma sorry lassie,” he whispered and wove his way to his bedroom door.

Hulan tossed and turned that night, unable to sleep. It was madness, Thorden was no longer young and hadn’t wielded a hammer in anger since before Hulan was born. She couldn’t let him go but she didn’t know how to stop him. Hulan worried and fretted and eventually began to drift into a restless sleep. Suddenly she sat up. Of course! She’d go herself. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? She was fit and strong and a good hunter. With Blanche at her side there wasn’t much they couldn’t take on. Her gear was still neatly stashed in her saddle bags, she wouldn’t even need to pack. Maybe Thorden would find some peace if Hulan could track down and destroy the remnants of the Burning Legion. What about the Keepers? Hulan knew they would help if asked but somehow it felt wrong to ask. This was a family matter, it was up to her to solve it. Slipping out of bed, she dressed hurriedly and fished under the bed for her axe and her bow. Her quiver was propped in the corner of the room, Hulan hoisted it onto her back and tiptoed out of the house. Calling softly to Blanche, they stole away from the house and once at a safe distance, Hulan summoned Cloud, mounted up and headed for Ironforge. She stopped at ironforge long enough to write a message to her father and buy a few supplies then she was on a Gryphon bound for Booty Bay and a ship to Kalimdor.

Hulan took her time travelling through the Barrens towards Durotar. This was horde territory and as a Dwarf she stuck out like a sore thumb. Sheltering through the day she travelled at night across country to avoid notice. Finally she arrived at Orgrimmar. There was no question of a welcome in that horde stronghold. Skirting around the Orc city she camped out and pondered her next move. Thorden had mentioned that the Burning Legion were hiding out near Orgrimmar, she was going to have to carefully cover all the surrounding area if she was to find them. Under cover of darkness she tracked all over the region, avoiding the hostile scorpids, looking for signs of the Legion. Finally, after a week, she got lucky; or rather the Legion was careless. She was returning to her camp near Orgrimmar just as the dawn was appearing over the horizon. In the faint glimmer of light, her sharp eyes caught a movement on the rocks of the escarpment to the East of the city. Motioning Blanche to stay still, she crept forwards for a closer look and was just in time to see figure disappear, seemingly into the solid rock face. Hulan hunkered down behind a rock and waited for the sun to come up, her eyes sweeping the cliff in front of her. There! If you didn’t know where to look you’d miss it. It looked like a crack or a fold in the rock but Hulan suspected there was an entrance hidden in the shadow. Noting the spot carefully, Hulan crept back to her camp and curled up under a blanket to sleep. She’d go back at night and investigate more closely.

Fatigue having overcome anticipation, Hulan slept soundly and awoke just as the sun began to drop in the western sky. She checked her armour and her weapons and waited for the sun to go down. She was in luck and the night was cloudy and overcast, there was little moonlight. Slowly and carefully Hulan and Blanche moved towards the cliffs. With no moonlight it was impossible to see where she thought the entrance should be, but she knew roughly where it was. All her senses alert she moved along the cliff face. The smell of brimstone reached her nostrils and she froze; fire imps! Fire imps meant warlocks, she had found them. Using Blanches as her eyes she could tell that the entrance was manned by only one warlock and his imp. Hulan reached over her shoulder into her quiver and drew out two arrows and fitted them to her bow. As quick as a flash, she stepped around the entrance to the hidden cave and fired. One arrow hit the imp in the face, killing it instantly, the second embedded itself in the shoulder of the warlock. He began to incant a spell and Blanche charged silently; she took out his throat before the words left his lips. Cautiously Hulan moved forward. Behind her the young Orc huntress watched, wide-eyed at the sight of a Dwarf firing into the rock and then disappearing into the cliff accompanied by a large white bear. Beckoning her own beast, a sleek black panther that was all but invisible in the moonless night, she set off to follow.

Trabyna was astounded at what she had seen. A Dwarf and a snow bear so close to Orgrimmar. What were they doing here and how had they vanished into the cliff? Were they here to cause trouble or was there something else going on. Trabyna considered going to the city to get help but her curiosity got the better of her. Besides, if she took her eyes off the spot where the strange duo had vanished, she might never find them again. Demali, the panther however, had no such problem. The scent of the bear was thick in her nostrils and lit up the way like a trail of lights would have done for Trabyna. If it hadn’t been for Demali, Trabyna would have missed the entrance. She almost fell over the corpse of the warlock and the all that was left of the imp was a pile of pungent ash. As her toe knocked against the body she heard something metallic hit the floor. Crouching down, her fingers sought whatever it was that had fallen and after a moment lighted on a metal badge. Squinting in the dark, she turned it this way and that, trying to see what it was. She gasped as she made out the symbol of the Burning Legion. All her senses alert she followed the Dwarf and the bear into the cliff. There were torches every few hundred yards and in the dim light she could see a trail of corpses littering the rough-hewn stone passage. She thought to herself that maybe not all Alliance were all bad after all.

Ahead of her, Hulan and Blanche quietly but efficiently carried out their grim work. The passageway branched, which way to go? To her right Hulan could hear the sound of an underground stream; she decided to head that way, hoping that the noise of the stream would cover any sound she might make. Hulan could see two warlocks, each with an imp; this required more thought. Her nimble fingers sought out one of the enchanted arrows she carried in her quiver. For a few seconds it would prevent it’s target performing any magic and hopefully she would be able to trap them, assuming the arrow didn’t kill them outright. While one warlock was trapped she and Blanche should be able to finish off the other warlock and the imps before dealing the death blow to the trapped warlock. Holding her breath, Hulan sidled up the passageway, getting as close as she dared to the warlocks. Slowly and carefully she drew a trap out of the small pack she carried, laid it at her feet and set it. With a flick of her hand she set Blanche in motion at one warlock and fired her enchanted arrow at the other. The two warlocks looked up, horror-struck, as the huge white bear charged in and, raising a massive paw, gouged the chest of her prey. Hulan’s aim was true and at the same time the other warlock found himself unable to speak. Raising his staff he charged at Hulan and ran right into her trap. Jumping nimbly back out of reach, Hulan started firing arrows at the imps, in seconds they were despatched. The effect of the enchanted arrow wearing off the second warlock found himself encased completely in ice and unable to move. He watched helplessly as his companion succumbed to the bear and the relentless stream of arrows that that thumped into his body.

Hulan took a moment to move back from the trap to get a good firing range and then signalled Blanche to attack the trapped warlock. To her horror she backed into a patrol of three warlocks, each with a summoned imp, and a warrior. The sound of the stream she had relied upon to cover her own approach had also covered theirs. Almost faster than the eye could follow, Hulan fired arrow after arrow at the attacking warlocks, hoping to interrupt their incantions. The warrior charged into her stunning her and her bow fell from her hand. Desperately trying to clear her head, Hulan grabbed her axe and swung at the warrior trying to force him back. The smell of brimstone filled the air and fireballs exploded around her, the incantions of the warlocks grew louder and held a triumphant note and Hulan was plunged into a fearful world of shadow. All around her, mingled with the forms of the foe were the faces of all the people she loved, Ma and Pa; Borron; her friends at the Keepers, Angaharad, Bria, Orgrimm and Ancaria. Their faces were aflame and contorted with pain. From a long way off Hulan could hear her own voice screaming as she ran around trying to escape the terrible fiery vision that lit up the shadowy place she found herself in. A tiny part of her mind was able to hear Blanche roaring with rage and a note of panic was audible amongst the incantions that held the awful visions up to Hulan’s eyes. Hulan heard a gurgling cry and knew that the snow bear had ripped out the throat of one of the warlocks. The vision began to dim and Hulan cast around for her axe. Finally she spotted it and reached out for it; her hand exploded in pain as one of the imps struck true with a fireball. Hulan reached back awkwardly into her quiver with her left hand, drew out an arrow and thrust it into the imp. Reaching for another arrow she looked about for the other imp but before she could do anything with the arrow she wielded the warrior slammed his shield into her head and turned back towards the maddened bear. Dazed, Hulan slumped to the floor and watched helplessly as the warrior swung his hammer repeatedly at Blanche’s head. Incredibly Blanche ignored the warrior and continued to savage the second warlock unto death as the third began incanting again.

Hulan sobbed as another wave of horror engulfed her. From a long way off she thought she heard her mother’s voice saying “Step inta tha light lassie.” Turning her head, she could just make out a pinprick of light but it was so far away; too far away. She turned back and all of a sudden the fiery, tormented spectres that haunted her vanished. The fiery imps exploded into ash and the 3rd warlock clutched at the arrow head that protruded from the front of this neck, falling to the floor. Blanche, having killed the second warlock, turned her bloody battered head towards the warrior and, snarling, charged at him. As she reached him he staggered under the force of a shadowy shape and a hail of arrows slammed into him. He slumped, inert, to the floor at the same time Blanche did. Oblivious to all else, Hulan crawled to the bear and sank her face into the thick, bloody fur. “Dinna die Blanche, dinna die,” she whispered and all the world went black.

Trabyna ran to the pile of bodies and saw the light go out of the eyes of the mighty snow bear. The dwarf clung to the bear and her eyes rolled back in her head. Swiftly Trabyna bent over the dwarf and checked her, still alive but only just. The sturdy Orc took a moment to commend the brave spirit of the bear to the ancestors then stooped to pick up the Dwarf and swung her over her shoulder. She grunted with effort, this small woman was heavier than she looked. Trabyna could hear shouts of alarm, the roaring of the bear having echoed all over the caves. She had to get out, and fast! Leaving the Dwarf’s discarded weapons, she ran back up the passage, Demali a black whisper at her side. Emerging into the night she didn’t pause but ran towards the safety of Orgrimmar not stopping until the gate was in sight. She looked around for a safe place to put the Dwarf down then gently laid her on the floor. She was still breathing although her colour wasn’t good. Blood ran from a large wound to her head and her right hand was badly burned, the fingers fused together. Trabyna swore softly under her breath. What was she to do with her? She could hardly carry her through Orgrimmar, they’d both be lynched. Leave her? That would be a shame. She was a brave hunter. Mad but brave. Trabyna made a decision, she’d leave Demali to guard the Dwarf and she’d run and get her trainer and mentor, Ormak Grimshot; he’d know what to do.

Ormak was startled but pleasantly surprised to find a breathless Trabyna on his doorstep.
“Ormak, I’ve got a half-dead Dwarf and I don’t know what to do with her!” she blurted out.
Ormak smiled. “I haven’t seen a Dwarf, dead or alive, for a long time,” he said “Where did you find her?”
“I spotted her in on the cliffs east of the city. I followed her to see what she was doing. Ormak, there are Burning Legion hiding in those caves and she was killing them! She got jumped by a patrol.” Ormak scowled at the mention of the Legion. “She’s a hunter, like us. Her bear died fighting, it was a noble beast. Demali and I finished them off and I just grabbed her and got out of there. She’s badly hurt and needs a healer, quite apart from what they might have done to her soul. I didn’t know who to go to for help. I know she’s Alliance but I don’t want her to die.”
Ormak nodded. “It sounds like she’s worth saving, if it’s possible. Meet me by the gates in ten minutes, there’s an old shaman I know who’’ll help. We can get her into the city by the back gate and no-one need know she’s here.”

Hulan wakened as a wet nose nudged her hand. Her heart soared and then she opened her eyes. They filled with tears as instead of the heavy white head she was used to, she saw a dark silky head and topaz eyes. She struggled to keep the sob in her throat and tears fell unnoticed, running slowly down her cheeks. A guttural voice said something in a strange language and, wincing, Hulan turned her head. The young Orc woman continued to speak, her eyes full of sympathy. Hulan didn’t understand the words, but she knew the meaning. Blanche was dead. Unspoken understanding passed between them. Judging from the large black cat at Hulan’s bedside the Orc was a hunter too. Hulan tried to raise herself and cried out in pain, her right hand felt like it was on fire. The Orc hurried forwards and slipping her muscular arm around Hulan helped her to sit up. Gesturing at Hulan, the Orc disappeared, returning moments later with a bowl of broth. Patiently she fed Hulan her first meal in a week.

Later a grizzled Orc man appeared in her room. Hulan was surprised when he addressed her in the common tongue. “How you feel now?” he asked. Hulan thought of Blanche and her eyes swam with tears. The Orc sat on the bed and patted her good hand, shifting uncomfortably. “I hunter too. I know sorrow when good friend die. Trabyna say snow bear very brave”, he told her.
“Trabyna? The woman?” asked Hulan.
Ormak nodded “She follow you in, find many bodies. Burning Legion bodies” he added, his face wrinkled in disgust. “What for you kill Burning Legion peoples?”
Haltingly, Hulan told told him of Nulyn and Thorden; of their encounter with the Legion before she was born and how the curses they had cast on her mother had blighted her whole life, eventually killing her. She told him about Thorden and his mad plan to avenge his wife’s death and how, afraid of losing him, she had come in his stead.
“So instead of you lose father, father almost lose daughter. You mad dwarf!” he told her.
Hulan scowled, “I was stupid to go in there alone an’ I got over-confident. I will nae make tha same mistake next time.”
Ormak sighed. “No next time for you mad Dwarf. Thrall knows they there now and will kill all. Mad dwarf cannot hold bow now, hand burned bad.”
Hulan gasped. Her hand was still swathed in bandages and she had no idea the damage was that bad. Frantically she ripped the bandages off and her hand sank as she saw what the fireball had done to her hand. It was little more than a scarred, twisted claw. Tentatively she tried to flex the fingers. They were stiff and sore but maybe in time they would hold a hammer or an axe. They would never again be deft enough to fire a bow like they had.
The Orc rolled up his trouser leg revealing his ravaged leg. “Me no hunt any more. Can’t move fast on half leg. I teach now. Maybe Dwarf teach too or maybe mad enough to find different way to fight.”
“Or mebbe I’ll jes’ go home an’ look after me da.”
The Orc grinned at her, “I think Dwarf too mad to play house for long. Like Trabyna” he added chuckling.

A week later Ormak and Trabyna escorted Hulan, under cover of night, out of Orgrimmar and to Ratchet. Disembarking at Booty Bay, Hulan sent a message to her father and then started the long journey back to Ironforge. As the gryphon set her gently down Hulan turned to see the shocked face of her father. He swept her up into a fierce hug then held her at arms length and stared at her open-mouthed.
“Lassie”, he croaked “wha’ happened to yer hair?”
Hulan blushed under his gaze and shrugged “I dinna quite know. I got bashed on tha head an’ woke up a week later an’ me hair was white as snow.”
“I’ll get used ta it I suppose”, he grinned at her. Thorden looked round “Where’s Blanche?”
“Blanche is dead Da. She died tryin’ ta save me life”, Hulan told him, fighting the tears that threatened to spill at the thought of her beloved Blanche.
Thorden hugged her hard again, “Aw I’m so sorry lassie. She was a fine beast an’ I know how much ye thought ‘o her. Come on, home fer ye, a good meal and some decent ale.

That night they sat, staring into the fire, drinking ale and Hulan told him what had happened.
“I’s a funny ol’ world, eh lass? Ye went ta kill Orcs an’ ye did an’ yet at tha same time Orcs saved yer life. What do ye plan ta do now?” he asked, glancing at Hulan’s ruined hand.
“I dinna know Da. I dinna know what I can do. Teach mebbe but I dinna ‘ave the experience fer that I think.”
“Ye remember tha priest from Ironforge that tended yer Ma?”
Hulan nodded.
“She came ta see me after ye left an’ told me she thought ye might have tha makin’s of a priest.”
Hulan snorted in disbelief, “Me? A priest? I could bandage Blanche and mesself if I needed ta but a healer? I dinna think so, I’ve never ‘ad any desire ta heal or shown any aptitude fer it.”
“She thought different, the one from Ironforge. She said tha druid agreed wi’ ‘er. Tha way yer Ma quieted at yer touch she said was more than a Ma’s love fer her lass. She said ye might ‘ave something. Anyway, dinna take my word fer it, I cannae explain it right. When ye feel up ta it, go on up ta Ironforge and see ‘er. I realised when I found ye gone that revenge is nae answer ta anything. Mebbe we both need ta find a different way ta live wi’out ye Ma?”
Too choked to speak, Hulan merely nodded then held her flagon out for a refill.

Hulan straightened and reached across to her pack, drawing out two skins of ale, one of which she passed to Borron. "Me Ma an' Da knew each other from bein' bairns," she told him. "They were fast friends fom tha start an' did everythin' together includin' trainin' as Paladins. Tha way me Ma tells it she started lookin' at me Pa wi' new eyes when they started their trainin' but he was jes' tha same wi' her...treated 'er as a sort o' sister. 'E was allus oglin' tha other lassies but did nae seem ta see me Ma at all which 'urt 'er feelin's. A couple o' fellas 'ad shown an interest in me Ma but she'd allus fobbed 'em off...in tha end she got so fed up wi' me Da payin' 'er no mind that she started walkin' out wi' one of 'em, one o' tha young fellas doin' 'is warrior trainin'."
Hulan paused, taking a long drink from her skin of ale. "Anyway," she continued "that got 'is attention. Me Da got all jealous an' started gettin' all snippy wi' me Ma about tha warrior but still wud nae declare 'is feelin's fer me Ma. In tha end she got so cross wi' 'im she fetched 'im a clout around 'is 'ead wi 'er 'ammer an' told 'im she was nae interested in tha warrior at all, that if he'd taken any notice he'd ha' seen that she'd only 'ad eyes fer 'im fer more than a year. Accordin' ta me Da, she still owes 'im fer a perfectly good plate 'elm, which was damaged beyond repair."
Borron, in the prosess of drinking his ale, spluttered with laughter.

Hulan laid aside her empty ale skin and snuggled back into Borron's shoulder. "I've bin so lucky," she said "Everywhere I look I see people who've lost their kin an' I still have both me parents an' I was raised in a 'appy 'ome."
Borron laid his cheek on the top of her head. "Aye," he murmured "but I hear ye Da came close ta losin' ye both before ye were even born."
Hulan nodded. "They became seperated durin' a run-in wi' some Orcs. When 'e found 'er she was close ta death; 'e tol' me that everyone around 'er was dead, she was tha only survivor. She'd bin cursed by warlocks an' 'e reckons' tha only thing that saved 'er was tha fact she was carryin' me, although neither o' them 'ad know it at tha time. She still 'as funny turns from time ta time but they pass soon enough. I think almost losin' us both was why me Da was so protective. 'E wud nae go off ta fight any more an' me Ma was never strong enough again ta fight. I know 'e worries about me but 'e tries not ta show it. I have ta admire 'im fer goin' against 'is instincts and encouragin' me ta find me own way in tha world. I know that if 'e 'ad is way, me an' me Ma wud never leave 'is sight." Hulan sighed, "'Tis a shame I'm their only child; I sometimes think he'd ha' fretted less if there'd been a squad o' us."
"I know what ye mean lass," Borron told her "I'm an only-child too."

Hulan fell silent, enjoying the comfort of Borron's closeness; she gazed into the flames of the small camp fire and could almost see her parents. Nulyn, her mother, now stout with middle-age but her former beauty still visible in her face. She was an energetic woman, all brisk and busy yet with a softer side too. She could be bustling around telling you to look smart one moment and in the next she'd melt and sweep you up in a warm hug. When she had one of her turns, she would withdraw into herself and become still and quiet. As a child, Hulan has found this contrast unnerving but, like her father, had grown used to it and learned to just carry around her mother as if nothing was different. Once her mother re-emerged from herself she treated any attempt to mollycoddle her with scorn and got back to managing her household with her usual vigour.

The flames of the fire reminded Hulan of her father's forge. Whenever she thought of Thordenn, she saw him cast in an orange glow. He worked hard and, as all Dwarves, took great care not to get dehydrated, consuming large quantities of ale. To an outsider he appeared genial and placid, apparently happy to let Nulyn rule the roost. Hulan realised though that her father exterted his will more subtley. Having come so close to losing his small family he was fiercely protective of both Hulan and Nulyn. He became morose at being parted from his wife for any length of time and rarely left Kharanos. As Hulan gained her independence she could see him struggling with himself, the desire to protect her conflicting with his belief that she should find her own place in the world as her mother had done.
Hulan yawned and struggled to keep her eyes open as the flames danced hypnotically before her. Borron stirred, "Come on lass, it's time we were getting back...it's getting late."
Hulan got up reluctantly and stretched. As Borron kicked over the traces of the fire she untethered their Rams and led them back. Not needing words, they mounted and rode back to Stromwind in the moonlight in silence. The stars overhead and each other's company were enough.

Thorden stood aside to let Hulan through the door. "Nulyn," he hollered "It's our Hulan all trained up an everythin'!" Hulan motioned to Blanche to stay outside and entered the small house as her mother bustled out of the kitchen beaming with pride.
"Och...look at ye! Such fancy armour...an' tha' axe! It's a beauty!" Chuckling she added "Ye look so fine I can scarcely believe yer tha same lassie tha' bawled fer a week cos she cud nae be a Paladin."
Hulan laughed self-conciously, reddening slightly at the memory. "Aye, who'd 'ave thought it eh? S'funny but now I know so many Paladins I can see tha' I'd never ha' bin any good at it, even if I cud ha' carried tha armour. I love bein' a hunter, I cannae imagine doin' anythin' else."
"So this why yer late visitin'?" asked Thorden, "We expected ye yesterday but got yer message sayin' that ye wud nae get 'ere until today."
Hulan nodded "When I realised 'ow little there was left ta do before I got discharged by me trainer I felt like I jes' needed ta get it finished. I've jes' got back from Silithus and been up ta Ironforge on me way 'ere."
"Well," said Nulyn "Fer all that yer armour's very fine lookin', it does nae look very comfy fer sittin' around tha house in. Why don' ye get yerself changed while I get dinner started. Yer Pa's gotta nip down to tha Thunderbrew Distillery, we're gettin' low on ale. I daresay he'll be a while as he's a great one fer quality control where ale's concerned. You an' me can 'ave a natter while he's gone an' ye can start tellin' me about yer adventures."
Thorden grinned sheepishly at Hulan and shrugged then vanished out of the door and Nulyn bustled back into the kitchen. Hulan smiled to herself, glad to be back home for a while and started up the stairs to her old room.

Once changed, Hulan leaned against the kitchen doorway watching her mother.
"What are ye cookin' Ma?"
"I got some nice boar meat ta roast..." Nulyn stopped at the odd expression on her daughter's face "Wha's tha matter? Ye dinna like roast boar any more? It used ta be yer favourite!"
"Oh, I still like it fine Ma. It's jes' I went fer a drink tha other day with Borron an' he has a pet boar called Charger, he's a grand beast, an...well, it jes' seems funny is all to be pettin' a boar one day an' eatin' one tha next."
"Borron eh? Tha' sounds like a dwarvish name. Are you an' he.."
"No we're not!" interrupted Hulan indignantly
"Och, calm down lassie," laughed Nulyn "I was jes' wonderin' is all."
"Borron's in tha Keepers too an' he's a hunter like me. An' yes, he's also a dwarf an' occasionally we go fer a drink," exlpained Hulan. "I've also been fer a drink wi' Lardy an wi' Orgrimm an' there's nowt ta tell about them either. We're dwarves and we drink! An' why does everyone try ta marry me off every time I go fer a drink?!"
"I'm nae tryin' ta marry ye off lass. Goodness knows ye've only jes' gone out inta the world, ye need time ta explore life...I was jus' wonderin' if'n mebbe anyone in particular 'ad caught yer eye is all."
For the briefest moment a look of intense longing, followed by a flash of pain crossed Hulan's face then it was gone. She blushed and turned quickly.
"I think I'm goin' ta see if I can stable Cloud down at the Amberstill Ranch. Imma goin' ta be here fer a few days an' I will nae need ta be ridin' him. I'll call in at tha Distillery on me way back and drag Pa out if'n he's still in there."
Hulan pulled her cloak round her and was gone, leaving her mother to stare at the door after her in astonishment.

Calling to Blanche, Hulan untied the ram and started leading him towards the Ranch. She arranged to leave him there for a few days and headed back to Kharanos. She popped her head round the door of the disillery to find that her father had foregone his usual stringent testing of the ale and only stopped for a couple of flagons before heading home with a large cask on his shoulder. She lingered for a few minutes exchanging pleasantries, the smile on her face becoming more rigid and harder to maintain. Once out of the village she left the path and headed for a small cave she knew of from her childhood. Inside she sat down, drew up her knees and with her face buried in her lap burst into tears. Blanche, unsettled by Hulan's distress, stationed herself in the mouth of the cave huffing and grunting. Hulan, hugging her knees, wept heaving sobs until she could cry no more. Hearing Blanche growl softly she stood up and hurriedly wiped the tears from her face, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She moved to Blanche's side to see her mother peering into the cave with a concerned air.
"I thought ye might come 'ere lassie...it's where ye allus used ta hide out when ye were a wee girl and 'ad sumthin' on yer mind."
Hulan was surprised, she had always thought the cave was her secret. Her mother smiled at her.
"Och...o' course we knew where ye were. Me or ye Pa used ta hide behind tha' tree over there jes' ta make sure ye did nae come to any harm." Nulyn walked up to her daughter and enfolded her in a warm hug. "So there is someone special?" Hulan nodded and buried her face deeper into her mother's shoulder as she felt the tears well up again. Nulyn stood back and reached into the deep pocket of her skirt pulling out a large handkerchief and a small silver flask and handed them to her daughter.
"Here...wipe yer eyes and blow yer nose an' have a wee drop o' this." She put her arm around Hulan and walked with her to the back of the cave where they both sat down.

"So, yer pinin' fer someone?" asked Nulyn.
"Hulan nodded, wiping her eyes with the handkerchief, "He barely knows I'm alive Ma. Well, 'e knows I'm alive but he jes' thinks o' me as a friend. Good ol' Hulan, always up fer a pint." She sniffed.
"Take a wee nip o' tha' there rum," said Nulyn nodding at the flask in Hulan's hand. Hulan unscrewed the top and took a swig, the hot rum burning her throat and making her splutter slightly.
"An' are ye sure he does nae feel tha same way as ye?" Hulan nodded miserably.
"He's always very nice ta me when I see 'im but I'm sure he does nae feel tha same way. He's never given any sign o' anythin' more. He allus seems pleased ta see me but then he's allus pleased ta see any o' his friends. He does nae treat me any differently."
"Have ye tried tellin' 'im 'ow ye feel?"
Hulan looked mortified and blushed deeply. "Oh Ma! I cud nae! If he did nae feel tha same way I'd die o' shame! An' it wud be 'ard fer us ta be friends after that an' then I wud nae see 'im at all." Tears welled up again in Hulan's eyes and she took another swig of the rum and then put the top back on the flask.
"So tell me a little bit about 'im lass," said Nulyn, adding quickly as the thought occured to her "He is a dwarf isn' he?"
Hulan nodded "Aye...he's a dwarf and a right fine one too. He's brave an' strong, kind an' funny. Everybody likes 'im. He's good company ta drink wi'. He's not all fun though, 'e 'as is serious side...an' he's thoughful too. Allus lookin' out fer other people." Hulan stopped lost in thought. She could see him so clearly in her mind almost as if he was standing in front of her. He wore his beard trimmed neatly and had a fine moustache; she wondered if it would tickle if she kissed him. His shoulders were broad and strong and she imagined resting her head there, enclosed in strong but gentle arms, breathing in the smell of him. He looked so handsome in his armour, invincible and mighty but she had also seen him dressed smartly in a suit and it had taken all her self-control not throw herself into his arms. She shook herself and sighed.
"So what are ye goin' ta do lass?" asked Nulyn peering at her.
"Do Ma? What else can I do but carry on bein' his friend? It's better than nothin' at all."
"Oh Hulan...I'm right sorry he does nae feel tha same way to ye. Yer a good lass an' 'e sounds fine indeed. Are ye sure he's not jest' too shy ta tell ye 'ow he feels fer ye?"
Hulan smiled wryly, "He's a lot o' things Ma but I dinna think shy is one o' them. He flirts a bit wi' me sumtimes but then he's a terrible flirt wi' any woman. It does nae mean anythin'."
"Dinna be too sure lass. From what ye say o' him he might be findin' 'imself a bit flummoxed if he's fallen fer ye. Men are funny creatures sometimes."
Hulan shrugged and stood up, handing the flask back to her mother who, rising herself, stashed it back in her deep pocket.
"I've allus believed that love is a good thing, it's what kept me alive all those years ago when I was so badly, but ta see ye so hurt grieves me an' I hope tha' if this fella does nae come ta his senses soon then ye love fer 'im will die. 'Tis a hard thing ta love and nae be loved in return. Yer a good lass and ye deserve someone who will love ye back tha same way ye love 'im. Dinna waste yer life waitin' fer crumbs.try an' put 'im out o' yer mind. I know ye fin'd it 'ard ta believe, an' mebbe ye dinna want ta hear it now, but ye will get over 'im."
Nulyn hugged her daughter quickly and then headed out of the cave. "Come on. I need ta see ta that roast an' if we're very much longer yer Pa will ha' drunk all the ale hisself!"
Side by side, with the large white bear following, they headed back to the small stone house.
Postscript

Dear Ma

Jes' a quick note ta let ye know not ta worry about me an' wha' we talked about on my last visit. When I saw ye I tol' ye that I did nae think he felt fer me tha same way but today I had a talk wi' 'im an' it turns out tha' he does 'ave some special feelin' fer me! Imm so 'appy I cud bust!

Funnily enough 'e was moved ta say sumthin' cos people in my guild ha' bin teasin' me about a Dwarven warrior called Orgrimm an' sayin' we shud get tagether...he'd 'eard this gossip an' wanted ta know if it was true. Now this Orgrimm is a very fine fella but we're jes' friends. Anyway, Imma too tired ta write more - I'll pop by fer a visit at tha weekend an' tell ye more.

Your Lovin' Daughter

Hulan

Inside Nulyn's expression softened as she looked at her daughter. "Why don't ye get out o' that armour while I make sumthin' ta eat?" she suggested. Hulan nodded and disappeared into her old room. It felt strange to be home again. It all seemed so familiar yet she felt like a visitor. It made her realise how much she had changed since she left home a few months before. She shrugged off the bow and quiver and leaned them up against the wall in a corner of the small room. The large two-handed axe disappeared underneath her narrow bed, close to hand in the unlikely even she should need it. Hulan rummaged through the tiny dresser and pulled out an old skirt and blouse. "I mus' remember to take those wi' me when I go," she thought to herself. She changed quickly, stuffing her leather gear into one of her packs. The skirt and blouse hung more loosely on her than they had done in the past. Hulan returned to the main room of the house where her mother was laying a meal out on the table. Hot steaming broth, fresh bread and a large jug of ale. She looked up and smiled at Hulan. "Ye still look different, even in yer old clothes," she told her daughter. "Set yersel' down and eat an' then ye can tell us what ye've bin up ta."

The meal over, Hulan popped outside with the leftovers and fed them to Blanche. Behind her, her mother grinned "Would ye look at her," she chuckled, "like a hen wi' one chick! That bear does nae look as if it's goin' ta starve ta death any time soon." Hulan returned and refilled her flagon with ale then curled up on the settle in front of the fire.
"So lassie," said Thorden "the life o' a hunter suits ye from tha look on it."
"Oh yes Da!" Hulan nodded enthusiastically "I love it, I really do. I've even bin accepted inta a guild! They're called The Keepers of the Light an' I've got a tabard."
"You were accepted into the Keepers? Aw lassie I'm so proud o' ye! I've heard o' them an' a fine bunch o' people they are too."
"Indeed," added Nulyn "They're famous throughout Azeroth. Who'd a thought our little lassie bein' accepted into the Keepers. I heard about wha' happened to the Lady Cinnessa. Tha' was a sad business so it was She was a paladin like us ye know."
The mood became sombre as all three reflected on the untimely death of the paladin, Cinessa.

Thorden wiped his eyes. "Och, the smoke fro' tha fire's made me eyes smart." Nulyn snorted and rolled her eyes at him. She looked at Hulan "So yer a fully-fledged hunter wi' a pet an' all. 'Ow did ye come by 'er? She's unusual in these parts, bein' white." Hulan thought back to the day she'd travelled to the North Pass on her way to Loch Modan and started to tell her parents about it.

It had been a beautiful clear day and there was little work to be had in Dun Morogh. She'd run across someone who needed a message delivering to the Southern Guard Tower in Loch Modan and as she'd never been there she offered to take the message there. It would be an adventure to visit a new place. She set of along the road to Dun Morogh and after a few miles came to a fork in the road. One road led to the Southern pass, the other to the Northern pass. Hulan decided to cross into Loch Modan via the Northern pass; that way she could enjoy a long walk down to the Southern Guard Tower and have a good look at Loch Modan on the way. If she was lucky she'd be able to pick up more work on the way. She emerged from the first tunnel to see a group of mountaineers. She went over to say hello. It turned out that one of them was missing and they were in a bit of a flap about it. One of them looked her up and down, taking in the bow on her back. "Ye look like a hunter miss. Are ye any good at trackin'?" he asked her.
"I am a hunter," she told him "I'm not bad at trackin. What's tha problem?"
"I'm a siege engine pilot an' me an' me mate are here lookin' for ore. Our engine's busted so Mori decided to hunt fer ore while I mend the engine. I've no seen hide nor hair o' him fer days. Would ye mind havin' a bit o' a scout around an' seein'if'n ye can find him? We're getting' quite worried about him. Like I said, his name's Mori. Mori Hildelve."
"I cannae promise anythin'," said Hulan "but I'll have a go. Mebbe he's slipped in the hills and busted his leg or somethin'."
"Aw thank ye lassie," said the Pilot gratefully "You take care, there's bears an' snow leopards in them hills. Mori can look after hissel' but he might be in real trouble."
Hulan nodded. "Which way was headin'?"
The Pilot pointed "He headed north," he told Hulan.

Hulan took a moment to check her weapons then headed towards the hills in the north. It didn't take her long to discover Mori Hildelve. She found his corpse at the foot of a small ravine. He hadn't been dead long from the looks of it. She checked his body and found a small notebook. It told how he had fallen and been unable to walk. He'd dragged himself out of the wind and waited for help. A bear had come sniffing round and although he'd managed to drive it off he feared it would come back. Obviously it had. Hulan sighed sadly and set off back to the Pilot. The poor fellow was beside himself when he discovered what had happened to his friend.
"Missie, I need ye to do somethin' else fer me. I'll make it worth yer while mind," he said to her, wiping the tears from his eyes. "I want ye to find that bear and kill it! I dinnae have much in tha way o' cash to pay ye fer yer trouble but I have a fine mace and a dagger wi' me. If'n ye can bring me that bear's paw ye can take yer pick, either will fetch a pretty penny if'n ye canne use them yersel'."
Hulan was curious about this ferocious bear and keen to test her mettle so she agreed to hunt the bear.

She made her way back to where she had found the body. The pilot had told her he'd be along later with a party to retrieve it and take it back to ironforge. Bear prints led into the ravine. Hulan set off cautiously. Not far into the ravine she heard the bear. In front of her was a snow leopard. Hulan dispatched it quickly then set off in pursuit of the bear. She almost fell over the bear. It was white and was hard to see against the snow. It was unusual for these parts, most of the bears in Dun Morogh were black. She settled behind a rock to watch it. It was bigger than any bear she'd ever seen although its fur hung loosely; it obviously wasn't getting enough to eat. The poor prospector must have seemed like easy pickings she thought. Hulan took a couple of arrows from her quiver. She'd only have time to get off a couple of shots before the bear was on her if she didn't kill it outright. Hulan was new to the bow, preferring it to the loud blunderbuss she'd initially been taught to use. She wasn't sure her skill was up to this foe. Hulan offered up a quick prayer to the Gods and let fly with the first arrow. It skimmed over the bear's shoulder. The bear raised it's head and roared then charged at Hulan who was already letting fly another arrow. This one found it's mark and embedded itself in the bear's shoulder. The bear roared with pain but it's charge barely faltered. The bear almost on top of her, Hulan dropped her bow and pulled her axe from her belt. As she rasised her axe the bear's massive paw slammed into the side of Hulan's head, stunning her. For a moment Hulan thought she was going to black out but she managed to stay on her feet, shaking her head groggily. She raised her axe again looking into the bear's eyes. The bear was mad with rage but it's strength was failing. The bear was a killer and yet there was something noble about it that stayed Hulan's hand. Making her decision in an instant Hulan recited her chant and dropped into the taming trance. The rest of the world faded away leaving just Hulan and the bear.

"So bear, we're tryin' ta kill each other. If'n we carry on like this one o' us has ta die an' I really don't want it ta be me. I haven't even got ta see Loch Modan yet. Even if ye do kill me, an' with my arrow hangin' out o' yer shoulder that's lookin' less likely, others will come an' they'll be bigger an' stronger than me an' one o' them's sure ta finish ye. Eatin' people, especially dwarves, is sumthin' that won't be tolerated. I dinnae ken if'n I'm doin' tha right thing but there's sumthin' about ye, I think it would be a shame ta kill ye. If ye had a mind to stop batterin' me I cud take that arrow out'n yer shoulder and patch ye up. I need sumone ta hunt wi'.there'd be plenty o' grub fer ye, ye would nae go hungry any more. I'd take good care o' ye. Wha' do ye think?"

The light grew bright again and Hulan regarded the bear lying at her feet. For a moment Hulan thought it was dead, then the bear moaned with pain. Hulan reached into her pack and pulled out food and bandages. She put the food down in front of the bear. "Ye tuck inta that while I get this arrow out," she told it. The bear started to eat hungrily. Hulan took hold of the arrow and pulled. As it came free the bear snarled at Hulan but then turned back to the feast she had placed in front of it. "Hmm. Yer still a wee bit frisky but ye'll get used ta me.I hope!" By the time the bear had finished eating, Hulan had dressed it's shoulder. Hulan realized that she wouldn't be able to hunt a lot with the bear until it had healed but that would give her time to feed it up and gain it's trust. The bear grunted with satisfaction and stood up. "I need ta think of a name fer ye," Hulan told it. She peered round the back of the bear. "Yer a she-bear. Tha's nice.two lassies together. Now what shall I call ye?" Hulan thought hard for a moment. "How about Blanche? It means white." The bear grunted. "Ye like it? Good. Blanche it is then."

Hulan and Blanche headed out of the ravine. Hulan told the bear to wait for her and she headed back to the Pilot. "I'm sorry," she told him "That bear's too big fer me ta take on."
"Ah well, ya tried lassie. Thank ye fer that. I'll send fer some hunters from Ironforge and we can kill it when we go fer poor Mori's body."
Hulan nodded, "I need ta be off now mister. I need ta get ta to Loch Modan before it gets dark," and with that she turned and hurried off. She wanted to get Blanche away as quickly as possible. An hour later she and Blanche were comfortably settled at the Inn at Thelsamaar.

Hulan looked at her parents, "So that's how I came by Blanche. I did tha right thing, she's shapin' up nicely now she's fit an' strong again. I did feel a bit bad though about lyin' ta that Pilot."
Thorden frowned at her. "I heard some rumpus up at Ironforge about a rogue bear," he told her "They 'ad trackers out fer days lookin' fer it but I never heard that they found it." His face softened "Dinna worry lass. Yer secret's safe wi' us, we won't tell a soul."

Thorden’s face clouded as he reflected on what serving the light had done to his beloved wife, Nulyn. Thorden and Nulyn were from the tiny village of Kharanos and had known each other as children. Both had been drawn to the light at an early age and had embarked on their Paladin training together. Initially their closeness had been like that of a brother and sister but gradually their relationship had changed. It had been a matter of some amusement to their friends and respective families that the last people to realise that Thorden and Nulyn were in love were, in fact, Thorden and Nulyn themselves. They were granted a few weeks marital bliss that were rudely interrupted by the outbreak of the Second War.

When Thorden looked back, he found it almost laughable to remember how naive and idealistic they had both been. They had believed that the light and their love for each other made them almost invincible. It was inconceivable to either of them that anything could destroy the future they had planned together. How quickly that illusion had been shattered. In the heat of a skirmish Nulyn had become separated from Thorden and he had lost sight of her. At first he wasn’t too worried, Nulyn was a very capable paladin and well able to take care of herself. As the attackers were driven off and their company gathered together again, Thorden became more anxious; there was still no sign of Nulyn. As the shadows lengthened he began to face the awful possibility that Nulyn lay among the dead.

Finally he found her, lying unconscious, among a group of Alliance corpses. Her life hung by a thread and, given the condition of her companions, it seemed a miracle that she lived at all. Reading the signs it looked as if Nulyn and the others had become separated from the main company and run into a large party of Orcs, including many warlocks. The contorted faces of the dead told their own story of the horror the warlocks had visited upon them. Many of them didn’t have serious physical injuries, the damage to their minds and souls being the cause of their deaths. Thorden realised that Nulyn needed more than his skill in healing and scooped her up and ran back to the camp shouting for the healers at the top of his voice.

Thorden remembered the priest coming out of the tent shaking her head. For one heart-stopping moment Thorden though the priest was going to tell him his wife was dead. He felt like he was looking at the priest through a tunnel and he heard the roar of his own blood in his ears. Gradually the words the priest was saying started to sink into his consciousness.
“I’ve done all I can. She’s not awake and I can’t promise you she ever will be. That she lives at all is beyond my understanding. I think it’s only the fact that she’s with child that enables her to survive; the child gives her spirit something to fight for – it’s not giving up yet.”
Thorden’s jaw dropped. “Sh..she..she’s what?” he stammered “With child? How did that happen?!”
The priest looked at him, raising one eyebrow “I would imagine in the usual fashion,” she replied dryly with a small smile.
Thorden’s shoulders slumped. “I dinnae know whether ter laugh or ter cry,” he said. “I thought the announcement of our first child would be such a joyous occasion. I never expected this.”
“Don’t get your hopes up,” the priest warned him. “With all your wife has been through she may not survive. Even if she does, the baby might not. Right now it’s a waiting game.”

For the next 2 weeks Thorden didn’t move from his wife’s side for more than a few minutes. He held her hand and stroked her hair as she lay white and still on the army cot. He talked to her constanly, painting pictures with words about their home, their friends and families, about their dreams for the future. He talked about the baby she carried and speculated about whether it was a boy or a girl. He slept with his head resting on the cot, reluctant to move more than a foot away from her side. The priest had told him not to get his hopes up but how could he not? The alternative was to give up on the most precious thing in his life and he wasn’t about to do that. One morning Thorden was woken from his sleep by the most awful scream he had ever heard in his life. It was so full of fear and horror it almost turned his blood to ice. He realised that the noise was coming from Nulyn, who was sat bolt upright on the cot screaming fit to wake the dead. Thorden was frozen to the spot, completely at a loss as to what to do. The priest rushed into the tent bearing a potion of some sort which she poured down Nulyn’s throat. The young dwarf coughed and spluttered on the draught and the screaming gradually quietened. As the noise ceased Nulyn remained upright. Despite Thorden’s and the priest’s best effort she remained unresponsive, although she appeared conscious.

The priest explained to Thorden that this was Nulyn’s way of protecting herself from the horror she had experienced. She advised that Thorden take her home to Dun Morogh and consult the healers at Ironforge, there was nothing more that the priest could do. Over the next few months little changed. Nulyn was conscious but completely passive. She said nothing and responded to no-one. Her eyes were open but they were dead. Every day Thorden washed and dressed her, he took her for walks, he fed her and then at night he put her to bed. He regularly took her to Ironforge and consulted the best healers he could find but none could help. Nulyn remained unchanged. Very occasionally Thorden would glimpse something in her eyes, the look of a trapped animal appeared in her eyes, a mute appeal cast his way for the briefest moment; a look that flickered and died in a second.

The only visible change in Nulyn was her growing belly. As it grew bigger Thorden would watch in fascination as it rippled and bumped. Occasionally he fancied he could see a foot or an elbow bumping against the taut surface of Nulyn’s abdomen. His wife seemed completely unaware of the child growing within her and the changes taking place in her body. Not once did Thorden ever see her stroke or pat her belly the way he’d seen other pregnant dwarves do. Sometimes, as the sun set and their little cottage darkened, he would pull his chair opposite Nulyn’s and talk to “the bump”, as he privately called it; when he lay in bed next to his wife at night he would stroke and pat her belly, smiling to himself in the dark as he felt the child move in response to his touch. It worried him that his growing child might be feeling unloved.

One night Thorden woke with a start from a deep sleep. He lay there trying to work out what had woken him. His ears strained in the dark but he heard nothing. He was drifting back off to sleep when he heard it. His motionless wife let out a soft grunt “oooof”, as if the wind was being forced out of her. He put his hand on her belly, it was completely hard. After half a minute he felt it soften under his hand. He waited. Sure enough, after a few minutes his wife grunted softly again and he felt her belly harden. There was no doubt, the baby was on its way. Thorden leaped out of bed and threw on some clothes. He ran to a neighbour’s house and banged on the door. A sleepy, bewildered dwarf appeared “Thorden! What’s goin’ on?”
“It’s Nulyn’s time. Run to Ironforge and fetch the healer!”
Thorden’s neighbour nodded his head and disappeared back inside, behind his door.
The next few hours were uneventful. The priest appeared and inspected Nulyn. Thorden’s mother, Jylen, a noted midwife arrived and conferred with the healer. Nulyn herself seemed completely unmoved by her labour, her only reaction being the soft grunt with every contraction; the first noise she had made since she stopped screaming months before. As the sun rose in the sky the contractions started to come closer together. The only difference visible in Nulyn was a sheen of sweat that appeared on her brow. Jylen disappeared into the kitchen and started boiling, what seemed to Thorden, excessive amounts of water. She shooed Thorden out of the bedroom. “It won’t be long now son,” she told him.
“Shouldn’t Nulyn be doing something?” he asked his mother. “It seems so strange, as if it’s almost happening without her.”
“I know what ye mean son. It’s the strangest labour I’ve ever seen. Havin’ said that, the body’s a marvellous thing and it knows fine well what it needs to do – with or without Nulyn!” she told him

Thorden anxiously paced the kitchen of his small home, pausing occasionally to cast a glance at the closed bedroom door. No sound emerged from within; he had no idea if things were going well or not. After what seemed like an eternity the door opened and his mother emerged holding a small bundle. She beamed at him.
“Son, I’d like ye to meet my grand-daughter.” Jylen held the bundle out to him. Thorden took the baby from her and gazed down at his daughter and fell head over heels in love. The baby gazed up at him with alert, slate-grey eyes.
“Aw lassie, yer beautiful,” he whispered hoarsely.
The priest appeared at the door, her face clouded with concern.
“Ye’d better come in,” she said “She’s fadin’ fast an’ there’s nothin’ I can do. It’s like she’s given up.”
Thorden pushed passed her into the bedroom. Nulyn lay propped up in the bed, pale against her pillows, eyes closed. Her breathing was barely perceptible. Thorden’s voice was a raw sob, “Nulyn, don’t leave us. We need you.” He laid the baby on her chest “Look,” he begged her “Look at our beautiful wee girl. A girl needs her ma, don’t leave her. Ye’ve fought fer so long for her, dinnae give up now.” As if to add her plea to her father’s the baby squirmed and started to bawl. As the bawling grew more persistent, Nulyn stirred. The pallour in her face decreased and her breathing grew stronger. Thorden sat on the bed, holding his breath. The baby bawled furiously, her little face growing puce. All at once Nulyn sighed and opened her eyes. Thorden looked into them, fearing to see the blankness that had greeted him for so many months now. Nulyn looked down at the baby and the ghost of a smile crossed her face. Her voice, cracking after so many months of disuse, could barely be heard above the furious wailing of her baby. “I think she’s trying to tell me something. I think I’d better feed her.” She reached for the baby and started to unbutton the nightgown she wore. Thorden nodded at her and rose, heading for the door. As he reached the threshold a strangled sob escaped his lips and he fell to his knees in the snow, tears streaming down his face. He gazed up at the dading moon, still visible in the early morning sky, “By the light of Elune, thank you Goddess.”

From that day, with the love and encouragement of her husband and her daughter, Nulyn gradually returned to the world. She was never quite the same Thorden reflected sadly. There was something in her that was irreparably damaged, always something subdued in her. For all that she obviously loved her husband and her daughter there were times when she retreated into herself, although not quite to the same extent that she had during her pregnancy. Over the years a pattern emerged of night terrors followed by withdrawal, a time when she needed to be treated with particular care and sheltered from worldly concerns. Thorden learned not to fear these episodes, viewing them as a time when his wife needed to retreat into herself and gather her reserves to live with the horrors she had endured at the hands of the warlocks all those years ago.

Thorden and Nulyn named their daughter Hulan. She was a bright, perceptive child; sensitive to her mother’s needs and moods from an early age and mature for her years. She seemed to have been born wanting to help others, indeed the act of her very birth had saved her mother’s life. Thorden looked into the eyes that had turned from slate-grey to a warm brown and smiled at his daughter.
“Aw lass, I’ve been proud of ye since the moment ye were born,” he told her. “The light is a wonderful things to serve but sometimes service requires sacrifice. In serving the light I almost lost yer mother and yersel’. On the other hand I believe that the light gave ye both back to me.”
“But if I cannae be a Paladin what can I do?” Hulan asked, her face burning with humiliation as she remembered reporting to Bromos Grummer, the paladin trainer in Coldridge valley.

He’d taken one look at her and burst out laughing. “I dinnae want ter be unkind lass,” he told her “but yer not even big enough tae stand up straight in th’ armour! Come back when you’re a wee bit sturdier.”
“I’m 24,” Hulan told him indignantly “I dinnae think I’m goin’ to get much bigger! Please, let me try.”
Bromos could see the desperation in her eyes.
“Alright,” he said “I’ve some spare armour here that’s just been repaired. You put it on and if yer can run outta the door in it I’ll give ye a chance.”
He helped Hulan into the armour. She earned his admiration as she did actually manage to stand up straight in it but she almost fell over trying to walk in it.
“I’m sorry lass. I can see yer determined but yer just no big enough. Wi’ time yer might grow strong enough to wear mail but yer never goin’ to be able to carry plate,” he told her.
Too choked to speak, Hulan merely nodded at him and allowed him to help her out of the heavy mail.

Hulan’s father looked at the yearning in her face and sighed. “There are other ways to serve the light, yer dinnae have tae be a paladin. Yer could be a priest. Then again, ye’ve never showed any talent or desire for healin’ so mebbe not. What about a hunter?” he asked. “Yer slight but nippy on yer feet. Hunters wear leather armour fer the most part, ye’d carry that with no problem.”
Hulan looked disappointed. “A hunter, I’d never though of it before. I don’t see how bein’ a hunter serves the light though.”
“Ye’d be surprised lass. You ask any priest or mage who watches over them in a fight.”
Hulan didn’t look convinced.
“Tell yer what, why don’t yer give it a try and if it does nae suit, yer can always come back home.”
Hulan thought about it for a moment then nodded at her father, “I’ll give it a go. Who knows, I might find I enjoy it,” she grinned at Thorden. “Who do I go and see?”
“Take yersel’ along to Thorgas Grimson in Coldridge Valley, he’ll see ye get started.”
Thorden stood up and walked around the table and hugged his daughter hard. “Jes’ you remember, me and yer ma are proud of ye, whatever happens.”