Threes

Artimir was attacked in Orgrimmar today. I killed the last of his three attackers, the elf having dealt with the other two. Before I burned the Forsaken to death, I managed to wring out a name: The Reclaimer who has ties to the "True" Royal Apothecary Society. From the information Artimir gave, this person is similar to a renown Fleshcrafter that Artimir had once investigated, and killed, long ago. So, this is either a copy-cat or someone has raised that old enemy from the dead. Given the state of things and the attempt on Artimir's life, I would say it is the latter and not the former.
 
I made the suggestion to make inquiries with Ambassador Jarclair of Thunder Bluff, he represents the Forsaken interests in Mulgore and would likely have a lead on any upstart branches of the Royal Apothecary Society. I also suggested perhaps asking around in Hillsbrad and the fleshcrafter facilities there for any knowledge or rumor of this Reclaimer.
 
Artimir and Tazzi seemed to agree that was the best course of action, so that is where we left it. I do not appreciate that he has gotten Sorvitsune involved in this, though, even on the most tertiary level. Sorvitsune is a non-combatant and if Artimir's enemies catch on to the fact that Sorvi is helping him, Sorvi will be defenseless. And if this True Society catches wind of Sorvi, well, they are already kidnapping dracthyr. What if Sorvi becomes a target? I do not like it in the least, but Artimir was adamant he had done nothing to endanger them.
 
But I am no one's fool. And I will exercise every precaution. I will not lose any more of the people I care for.
 
☼
 
Later in the night, I got a drink with Zagosh and Hakiro in Silvermoon. The two of them are such good company and I feel in some ways they have been taken for granted as my friends, something I am working to rectify. The both of them, along with Rory, Sorvi, and Ori are some of my oldest friends in Orgrimmar, making them precious to me.
 
Zagosh, in particular, seemed interested in my relationship to Rory, so I explained it to both he and Hakiro as best I could, making it clear that the decision was mutual. Hakiro seemed concerned, even after my explanations, but I think they are simply worried for me being hurt. With our new ground rules in place, Rory is the last person I would expect to hurt me.
 
After that, we spoke of my upcoming duel with Baahl, which both Hakiro and Zagosh seemed curious to see. Zagosh seemed fairly interested in sparring with me himself, and Hakiro was keen to watch. I have never fought for the doing of it, there has always been reason. My fight with Baahl is in the hopes that he will listen. My fight in war is for survival and to protect all that I hold dear. My fight against Elizaveta is not just for Rory and for myself anymore, but for all the people trapped by her machinations and her deals. What reason could I possibly have to fight Zagosh?
 
There was talk of the Story Circle tomorrow. Zagosh has been working on something, it seems! Hakiro does not yet feel that they have a story worthy to share. I offered to help them find one, if needed. An'she, I still need to finish preparing my own performance... Too much has been going on of late, I have not had the time for it.
 
Once Hakiro retired, I spoke at length with Zagosh. There are very kind and endearing qualities to the mok'nathal, things I do not get to see in him when we are all in the Wyvern's Tail. We spoke at length, mostly of my own past. He asked me of Taurajo -- not it's destruction, though, but how I remember it before it fell. It was good to be reminded of what I loved about living there, instead of reliving my loss of it. I think Rory and Hurskan both would be proud of how far I have come. Once, even talking about it would have reduced me to tears, but now I can speak of my tribe and Taurajo with pride and love, as they have always deserved.
 
Eventually, the drink got too much to Zagosh's head before he was forced to retire, but not before he left me with this: *Your suffering isn't beautiful -- but your survival is.* I have heard this now from Rory, from Hurskan, and now from Zagosh. That makes three. It is now truth.
 
Now I just wonder who will be the third person to tell me I need to wear less clothes. Rory. Zagosh. Rory says Sorvi does not count. I suppose we shall see.