Warning: RP story ahead. Halkale visits Thrall

The hunter Halkale and his cat Szablya enter Thrall’s chamber and walk softly toward the warchief.

“Lok’tar friend, have you come to serve the Horde?” Thrall asks without looking up from the report he is reading.

“Of course Warchief, haven’t I always?” replies Halkale as he kneels before the warchief, saluting him with honor.

“Halkale!” exclaims Thrall as he leaps to his feet and pulls Halkale to his feet, “please no need to kneel and grovel with me. Heroes of the Horde do not need to stand on ceremony when they come visit, especially you, my old friend.”

“Thank you for the kind words, warchief, how have you been?” asks Halkale.

“Good, and you? I’ve just read the report on your battles in Northrend, specifically your work in Storm Peaks, very good work.”

“I do well, Thrall and thank you again for the kind words.” Halkale blushes slightly.

“Nonsense, your father and I saw the greatness in you from the time of your birth. My only sadness is he didn’t live to see you achieve this greatness.” Thrall gets a far off look on his face as he remembers something from the past.

“Yes, I miss both my mother and father very much, Thrall. They would be happy to know that peace has been brought to this land, that we have found the Mag’har in Outlands and that you are reunited with your family.”

“Yes, Halkale, it is great times we’ve had before this new war. Perhaps Lady Sylvannus’ actions have softened your dislike of the Forsaken?”

Halkale sighs.

“Warchief, I’ll admit my distrust of the undead was at a pinnacle when I watched them rain down the green fog on the forces at Wrathgate, but to find the truth…” Halkale falters as he remembers the death and destruction he witnessed.

“And as a true Hero of the Horde, you informed Saurfang of his son’s death and then helped me retake Undercity, even though both tasks probably pained you more than you could bear.”

Thrall puts his hand on Halkale’s shoulder.

Abruptly changing the subject, Thrall asks, “And what is this I hear, the Wyrmrest Accord has favored you with on of their red drakes to ride into battle?”

“Yes, warchief, a Red Drake does serve as my mount when in flight and your Black Bear gift serves when I ride on the ground.”

“GIFT!!” Thrall bellows, “That Bear is no gift, he was earned by your blood, sweat and agony. You, my friend earned that war bear. That was no gift.”

Halkale chuckles at Thrall. “Perhaps you should sit down, warchief, before you get to worked up and call forth the earth, wind or fire to consume me!” Halkale says teasingly.

Thrall glares at the younger hunter and then bursts into a great laugh. “Yes, Yes it is good to see you, you’ve always been able to make me laugh. I’ve laughed little these days.”

“Warchief, I must go, I returned to Orgrimmar to visit the trainers. I am returning to my Beastmaster roots.” Halkale absentmindedly scratches Szablya behind the ears.

Thrall glances down at Szablya and smiles. “It still amazes me at what lengths you hunters will go to befriend and train your pets. She’s been with you almost from the beginning, right?”

“Yes, I was merely 22 levels into my hunter training when I traveled to the Night Elf lands to release her from captivity. She’s been by my side in many battles. She’s helped me discover many lands.”

“And many times, my young friend. She was there when you helped release me from Durnholde. She was there when you defended the opening of the dark portal. And what is this, a new weapon on your back?”

“Yes, we defeated the forces in Utgarde Keep and I claimed this crossbow as my reward.”

“Ah good. Good. Well, go my friend, I see the messenger entering, probably with some report I must see right now. Lok’tar ogar!”

“Swobu, Warchief, Lok’tar ogar!” Halkale salutes Thrall with respect and spins on his heel and head out of the chamber. Szablya gives Thrall a look and a nod and turns to follow her hunter out of the chamber, as well.

“Aka’Magosh Halkale” Thrall says softly as he turns to the messenger.