#endrov

"Why are we stopping?" Tylren called out, swooping down on Verendus.

"I don't know. Aerenstraz! Give me a moment to dismount," Endrov grunted, shifting his weight to land on his feet as the dragon transformed into his visage.

"I cannot go into the Azure Span. I would be unwelcome, I think," Aerenstraz said gruffly, raking a hand through his hair as he looked toward the snowy forest in the distance.

"Alright then," Endrov said, wandering to Verendus, preparing to climb up behind Tylren.

"What? No! We're not just leaving him here without asking what is going on?" Tylren said, steering Verendus aside to prevent Endrov from getting onto the saddle with him. "Why can't you go to the Azure Span?"

Aerenstraz turned back, looking rather annoyed by being put on the spot, but not enough to not answer. "Kalec and I are fighting. Probably. I don't know, it's been a decade or two."

"Kalec…Kalecgos!? Why would you be fighting with him?" Tylren pressed while Endrov watched with his arms crossed.

"I said things. He said things. I said more things back," he answered vaguely.

"Alright then," Endrov said again, readying himself to attempt to try and get on Verendus.

Tylren shook their head. "Endrov, please. We are not leaving him behind."

"He doesn't want to go forward," Endrov pointed out. "We have a mission."

"This is one of those times where there is more going on than what is being said" Tylren said, letting Verendus trot out of reach. "He is our friend, we should ask him why he really doesn't want to go forward."

"I would think of him as more of a steed," Endrov hummed.

"I am not your damned mount," Aerenstraz hissed.

"True, if you were we'd be in there by now," Endrov snarked back.

Verendus marched between the two as Tyelren spun whipped his head back and forth to give them a reproachful look. "Enough of that. Aeren, just explain what went on. Perhaps things are not as dire as all that. Especially given what we're trying to accomplish."

Aerenstraz held up his hands and shook his head in defeat. "Fine. It's a little hazy still, but it was just a bit after the Nexus War. And I…," he started, closing his eyes as recalled the memory.

"What do you mean you're leaving? You are the Aspect! You're the heir to the Blue Dragonflight! Call them back," Aerenstraz demanded "And if they won't, does it matter? You can rebuild your flight. Things are only as doomed as you let them become."

"You don't understand. They didn't want me," Kalec dismissed as he firmly shut his tome. "I am staying here in Kirin Tor. It is better this way."

"Then make them want you. Show them that you still have pride. I know you care. You deeply care. It is the root of who you are," Aerenstraz protested. "If you need help, then I will stand beside you."

"To what end? What could you possibly do for me? For my flight" Kalec asked.

Aerenstraz stepped back, balling his fists. Maybe some part of him knew Kalec didn't intend to mock him, but in the moment it felt like a low blow. "Forgive me for lacking the power of my brothers. It is always great to be reminded I am my mother's favorite also-ran," he spat. "You know damned well what I meant."

"I never know what you mean. When you manage to attempt to say or do anything that might show signs of depth, you subvert it by running off to whatever mortal vice has decided to satiate you in the moment," Kalec responded, staying collected in the face of Aeren's growing anger.

"My mortal vices?" Mine? I am not the only one who's….you and …," Aerenstraz started, struggling to restrain words as his rage built.

"Don't you dare bring her up," Kalec growled, Aerenstraz hitting a nerve.

Aerenstraz wanted to scream. No, roar. His skin bristled, as if he might transform on the spot. "Where do you think my father… My…. How I feel…and she…," he said disjointedly, starting to shake. He'd been there at her inception. He sang the lifesong for his father, aiding in the little way he could. How could a piece of himself not have been…

He shook the thought off. "If she was so damned important to you then go drown yourself in her then!"

Kalec said something, but he did not hear. He stormed off, transforming as soon as he felt open air then flew off. He barely recalled what came after, eventually waking up in some inn in Silvermoon being called to his mother's side for something or another.

"I said something that would hurt him. The most hateful thing I could think of. Because I was hurting. I'm not great with anger. I tend to say the opposite thing of what I mean to. And well, it might have been decades for you but as a dragon, in that time, it might as well have happened yesterday.," Aerenstraz answered, lowering his head.

"From what I have read, Kalec is a kind person. What could you have possibly said?" Tylren asked sympathetically.

"I'd rather cut out my tongue than ever let myself breathe life into it again. Like I said, it was the most hurtful thing I could have think to have said in the moment," Aerenstraz answered.

"Well, you can't know if you're unwelcome until you are told otherwise. At the very least, you can apologise," Tylren pointed out.

Aerenstraz furrowed his brow then wiped his hand over his face. "I suppose you're right."

"Oh!" Endrov let out, pulling the pairs' attention.

"Is something wrong?" Tylren asked.

"The opposite of hate is love," Endrov said confidently.

Tylren and Aerenstraz stared for a moment before the former tilted their head at him. "Yes, that is…correct. Why is that suddenly a revelation?"

"He says the opposite of what he meant; therefore, he is in love with Kalecgos," Endrov said, sounding much like he solved a great mystery.

Aerenstraz turned his head quickly, transforming back into his dragon form with a frustrated snort, starting to waddle away, ready to take flight with out them.

It was strange to be embraced. More so by a stranger. Yet, Sendrax greeted Endrov with as much bone cracking enthusiasm she had Tyleren. Perhaps in the Tyleren had introduced him as their friend, which he had been an exaggeration of their acquaintanceship; however, he didn't find himself objecting to the sentiment. There were no pressing engagements for him anyway. Most were still hauling supplies from the Waking Shores in the reprieve he and Scalecommander Cindrethresh had provided taking care of the primalist threats along the path. So for now he could play tourist with his…friend.

Sendrax parting briefly to get further orders, Endrov was once more left alone with Tyleren. "She is amazing isn't she? I am so happy we can finally meet. I hate that it isn't under better circumstances… Still, I will find something to do here that will help her. And of course you too. You're both more equipped to work on the front line of things. I imagine you'll become good friends too," they mused with a smile.

"Perhaps we will," Endrov responded, crossing his arms and as he gave a small nod of affirmation. "I would find someone to report to for duties you are able to preform while we are away. Appraise them of what duties you can fulfill during your stay."

"That wouldn't be much…," Tyleren sighed before finding Endrov being pushed against him.

Endrov grunted, having been bumped into by a blood elf with unusually red eyes and copper hair. "Stop standing around. The Majordomo and Wrathion are descending," the man said, gesturing toward the sky as two dragons swooped down.

Endrov stared at the other, sensing there was more to him but could not say if he was a fellow Dracthyr or perhaps just a Dragon of one of the flights. His focus was pulled as he felt Tyleren squeeze on his arms, both still locked in an awkward embrace.

"That was rude," Tyleren huffed before looking up at Endrov, flushing briefly before letting go. "Should we go see what news they have?"

Endrov nodded, unable dissect the strange expression on Tyleren's face as they changed the subject. Together they walked up the path as the Dragons shifted into their visages before Sendrax. Upon seeing Wrathion, Endrov gave a salute which resulted in a pleased smile on the Black Prince's face. The pair stayed just close enough to listen to Sendrax get a light scolding for an errant distress signal.

"She was just trying to find out what was going on," Tyelren muttered defensively.

Endrov shook his head. "It wasn't protocol. If there wasn't an emergency, she should not have called."

"She was trying to help!" Tyelren protested.

Endrov turned, finding Tyelren angered with him. "Noble intentions are well and good, but when it comes to war you are a unit. One force working together for a common goal. A single stray from orders could result in failure. Loss."

"Well said. Though in this case it won't be as dire as all that," a kind voice interjected.

The pair looked as Majordomo Selistra approached them with Sendrax in tow. "Now then. You are Endrov, correct? Emberthal spoke highly of you. I am Majordomo Selistra."

"I am Endrov, yes," Endrov answered, standing straight. "I am to offer my services in helping the Primalist threat."

"At ease. We greatly welcome your presence. In fact, I would request that you join Cadet Sendrax at the Dragonheart Outpost and see what you can do to help reclaim the area," the Majordomo requested.

"Understood," Endrov answered.

"And me?" Tyelren asked, shrinking back as all eyes looked upon them.

"And you are?" Majordomo asked.

"Tyleren Stillsand," they answered.

This was met with a brief silence before Selistra shook their head, "Make your way with them I suppose. I am sure there are many things you can assist with, even if it is just small errand," they offered before looking up at Sendrax and Endrov once more. "Once the outpost is secure, you can get an escort to Alexstraza at the Ruby Pools. She will await you there."

"Understood," Endrov repeated before watching as the Majordomo dismissed them. His attention flit to the blood elf who seemed to be whispering something to Wrathion and looking in their general direction before they too wandered off and took flight. Something didn't sit well, but then again, he wasn't about to question someone of his rank within the flight.

"It looks like we have a mission. I can't wait!" Tyelren hummed excitedly, stepping from Endrov to take Sendrax's paws in theirs to pull them toward the path.

"Seems so. I guess we should call you Cadet Tyelren. Are you coming Endrov?" Sendrax asked, laughing happily as she was lead along.

Twenty thousand years of slumber. It was beyond belief, and yet Endrov found himself to be living proof. Not that it bothered him. He remembered little of what came before other than having a since of unity and then overwhelming since of isolation before being put into stasis. Others of his flight were far more shaken by the events. That's probably why he'd been sent to Orgrimmar to be introduced to Horde leaders on behest of Alexstrasza. It had happened all so fast, he hadn't had barely been able to really let it all sink in. Twenty thousand years.

"A copper for your thoughts?"

Endrov took a moment to realize that the question was for him. Looking up he found a smiling human, or perhaps an elf, looking up at him with a kind smile. He'd been leaning against an interior wall of the Horde's airship as it made its flight back to the Dragon Isles, keeping mostly to himself. He figured he looked somewhat imposing, arms crossed in the shadows. For most of the his time in Orgrimmar he'd barely been addressed at all aside from a greeting and being told where to go. The sentiment seemed a foreign concept, as he could not remember anyone caring for what he thought even before his long slumber. "I'm not sure what a satisfying answer would be," he answered honestly.

The other tilted their head, "Generally, people answer with what is on their mind. Unless…," they trailed, looking him over. "You're afraid of flying?"

Laughter. It startled him, even though it came from his own mouth. Flying he could remember, at the very least. Soaring over the Dragon Isles with his flight. Shaking his head, he felt himself smile, "No, I assure you I am not afraid of flying."

"Well, it wasn't a stretch. You're hiding in here away from everyone else with an air of stoicism about you. And well…I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous myself. This is my first time aboard a ship, let alone an air ship. I think I'd be just as nervous at sea as I am in air. Either way if we sink it wouldn't be good, " the stranger babbled, seeming to stop in the realization they'd left little air for Endrov to say anything else, not that he had much to say. "Sorry, I am just a bit excited. My name is Tyleren, Tyledren Stillsand."

"Endrov. Just Endrov," he greeted in turn. He swallowed, standing stiffly as he was unsure what else to offer. Nothing felt relevant, and honesty seemed off putting. Then again, that's all he had. "You'll forgive me. It isn't that I don't want to socialize, I've just got little to say. I am a Dracthyr of the islands and only recently have I been roused back to life. I barely know myself right now."

"Oh! So you are from the Isles. Well, of course you are. Your scales gave it away, still, it would have been rude to make an assumption,' Tyledren answered, looking him over once more before turning away a little to look back into the quiet of the hull. " Well, if you really aren't up for conversation I won't keep you-"

"I didn't say that," Endrov interrupted quickly. Tyledren was the first person to show him any interest, or rather genuine interest. "I might not have much to say, but I can listen at the very least. It is preferable to standing alone in silence. You can tell me more about yourself."

Tyleren seemed to brighten at the offer. "Really? Well. Would you believe that this is my first time out of Orgrimmar? I've lived there all my life, raised by Tauren parents. You see, they found me when I was a baby and well, I'm an unusual combination. Half-elf, if you couldn't tell. I romanticize it though. My parents caught up in a forbidden love and had me in secret but got caught up in some battle and sent me away for my safety. Better that than being unwanted.

"Anyway, my parents raised me and kept me rather sheltered. Mind you it wasn't out of shame or anything. They loved me to bits and gave the warmest fluffiest hugs. They were just scared for me. Born from two worlds, not to mention likely a product of the Alliance parentage. Many reasons for me to be kept sheltered and safe. And again, they love me so much. It sounds very much like a fairytale imprisonment, but I assure you it isn't."

Endrov listened, Tyleren continuing to go on about his family's affection for them and how they read every book their parents brought them. How it took his parents a long time to be brave enough to let them attend a proper school and watched from afar most of their first week. How Tyleren felt it was better to grow up in Orgrimmar, far from the social pressure they read about Stormwind having. And that he didn't even know that there was anything all that particular about themself until reading books about the Alliance. Endrov briefly wondered if he'd had parents. Neltharion he remembered as charismatic…but he was a leader, not father.

"And well, I quickly learned from reading books by both the Horde and Alliance that you really can't believe everything thing you read. There are quite a bit of assumptions people make. And, well, the only way to know for certain about anything is to experience it for yourself, right?" Tyleren asked with a little hum.

"I have no assumptions," Endrov said with a shake of his head. "Horde. Alliance. They're all the same to me. I can only be grateful that they're coming to my homeland's aid. And I suppose I should be grateful to you for taking up arms with us."

Tyleren shook their head. "Oh. I don't deserve that. I'm not a warrior. I wouldn't know what to do with a blade and I can only manage the simplest of spells," they dismissed. "Really it is an accident that I am here at all. You see, some time ago I received a letter from a warrior named Sendrax. Well, more like it was delivered to me. It was for another person.

"Of course I made sure to get it to the right recipient and then wrote back to explain what I had done. Of course now I realize it was rather silly. The true recipient most likely wrote back about the error, but regardless, I made a friend. We kept in touch and well…"

Endrov assumed the other needed a breath, but their pause lingered and their attention drifted elsewhere, as if suddenly lost in their flurry of words. "They called for aid," he attempted to finish.

"Something like that, yes," Tyleren agreed with a small nod before smiling up at Endrov. "I am looking forward to meeting her in person and learning all about the Isles. Though, I understand it can't be all fun with the primal threat. Still, I can offer my help where I can as a scholar can I not? I can record what the events as they happen. Or…well… I am sure they will find a use for me."

Endrov nodded. That he could understand. The feeling of working as a unit toward a common goal. Knowing one's place. There was a nostalgia to it. Of what he could remember, it was a definite sense of belonging among his clutch. And a purpose in following Neltharion. Now he was on his own, his clutch scattered and in various stages of learning just who they are. "There will be a place for you," he assured them before adding, "And if I were to have a friend like you, I would be looking forward to meeting you."

Tyleren smiled, brushing their hair back as they looked back up at him. "Well, I think you already do have a friend like me."