(IC)
Journal Entry, 21st of March
I began scouting the road from Stromgarde for safe passage in the patrol that was to take place later this day. The day had been kind, and my horse had been rested. I had nearly cleared the entire area of Arathi until I reached the Thandol Span.
As I approached the bridge, a plump dwarf and a smug Kaldorei sat on their mounts, laughing at one another. I tried to conceal my presence, but the elf had heard me. Their facial expressions turned in an instant from joyous to grim. Within minutes they crossed the bridge into Wetlands. I followed at a distance until I realized they were headed for Menethil Harbor. I soon turned around only to notice a series of ravaged orc caravans, scattered among the fields. As I began to follow the caravans, I noticed the symbol of the Dragonmaw clan among them. As I progressed down the road, I began to see whelplings of the Red Brood.
Eventually, I came to a series of gates. Now the elder of the Brood came into my sight. I dug through my pack, in the hopes of finding something to show them I mean no hostility. My tabard of the Wyrmrest accord was the only thing I could muster. I kept riding as the Brood gave me me cold stares. There were wrecked caravans everywhere, as well as a few drake bones lying around as well. At the third or fourth gate, I came into contact with the only Drake in sight.
"Scipio, your presence here was unexpected." he groaned as he rested on his hind haunches.
Keeping my head down, as grots must do, I muttered, "I've come across this place while scouting for the Grin's armies. If I may ask, how did you know my name, and what is this place?"
"We aren't as uninformed as you may think elf. Alexstraza speaks well of you, though. That is the only reason you have come this far without meeting anyones blade."
Feeling intimidated, I tried to act as humbly as possible. "Sir, you didn't answer my first question."
"Follow me, and your question will be answered." He nodded for me to follow and I did. As the road continued on, it was visible that a war had taken place long ago. I looked up along the stony walls of what came to be a valley, and noticed dwarven architecture. As we passed through to the last gate, a line of the Red Dragonflight's royal guards stood at attention.
Finally, we arrived at the stone gates of what looked to be a dwarven kingdom, much like that of Ironforge. The drake spoke in a much softer voice, "This, my child, is Grim Batol. The prison to those who would endanger the Red Flight's cause, and the former home to the Wildhammer Dwarves, and Dragonmaw Orcs."
"Wait, but how did you come into possession of it?"
"After the Wildhammer were driven out by the Dark Iron, the Dragonmaw took residence here. They enslaved my kind, and our queen, and used us as form of travel. Luckily, the leader of the Kirin'tor, the one you call Rhonin, rescued Alexstraza and together our kin annihilated the very Orcs who enslaved us."
Looking around the open area, I began to see potential in the land. "Sir, may I ask you your name?"
"Axtroz, young elf." He whispered sagely.
"Axtroz sir, as unfounded of a question as it may seem, the lands surrounding your keep are well placed, and the Grin's armies are at war. This land could be well used, if you'd give the Blacktooth Grin Alexstraza's blessing."
"Such a request from such a lowly soldier. Aye, her blessing is yours and spreads to any friend of the Accord. Understand this though, the keep is to be left as it is, you have the grounds but nothing more. The guards will not hesitate to attack any who they do not deem worthy in the queen's eyes. You have my answer, now go back to your Warchief." Clutching the ground firmly, Axtroz stretched his wings to full length, shadowing nearly 50yards around me. Climbing into the sky, he flew back to his previous position atop one of the gates.
The time to congregate had nearly come, I headed to Stromgarde with nothing but billows of dust behind me.