Cloud Serpent Training: Evlyn and Belefon

Meeting The Order - Again

It had been many months since I had left the Jade Forest with Evlyn still in her egg, nestled in a special padded satchel. But she certainly knew she was home.

The Tauren-sized Serpent chittered loudly, nudging my hand excitedly as we made our way along the cobbled road. She had gotten very strong in the past few weeks, with an appetite to match. It was time for both our sakes to start her formal training, lest she hurt me or herself through not knowing her own strength.

The Jade Forest is probably one of the most beautiful lands on Azeroth aside from my beloved adopted home of Mulgore, with lush green trees and grass stretching as far as the eye could see in every direction - barring the mountains that occasionally poked their way above the tree line. Evlyn was still very excitable, pausing to drift over to everything she saw. Before long we had left the lower foothills behind and approached Serpent's Heart. There, the reconstruction of the Jade Serpent monument was still going apace, teams of Pandaren working alongside a scattering of Dwarves, Orcs and Elves to shape the jade. Thankfully the area had been cleansed of its Sha taint, and we passed unmolested back towards Dawn's Blossom where we were to meet a representative of the Order.

Dawn's Blossom was busy, yet serene as ever. Pandaren cubs chased each other around the market, ignoring their parents' calls to watch out. The appearance of a Tauren in their settlement no longer raised eyebrows as it once did when the Horde made landfall on Pandaria several years ago, but Evlyn accompanying me did gain a few curious looks and respectful bows.

Heading up the steps past the market,we approached the inn - a wonderful place with the name of "The Drunken Hozen". I wandered inside, taking a casual glance around before heading to the bar and ordering a mug of the local brew, Goldendraft alongside some peanut chicken skewers to eat while I waited. I made myself comfortable at a table under the stairs, from where I could see the room and the doorway, and tucked into my snack when it arrived.

Goldendraft brew is considered unspectacular by most Pandaren, but compared to the ale found outside of Pandaria it is nothing short of sublime! Sated, I settled in to wait for my contact to arrive while feeding Evlyn with a few scraps from my plate.
Soon enough, a Pandaren wandered in, idly making her way up to the counter and ordering a drink of her own - a Wanderbrew. She soon came over to my table, smiling gently and running an eye over my scaled armour and tabard, emblazoned with the sigil of my clan, The Frozen Paw. "You must be Belefon...and that beautiful young Serpent with you is Evlyn, correct? I am Serpent Master Jenova Longeye, and it is a pleasure to have you begin your training with us." I nodded, treating her to a smile of my own. "That I am. Well met, Master Longeye." "Call me Jenova, please." she responded with a bow of the head. "So, you are wishing to learn how to train your companion as she grows further? A noble task, and one you will not find easy.....but as I am sure you are aware, these serpents respond far better to love, affection and positive emotions, much like the land here."

I dipped my head politely in response. "I am aware, of course - I imagine it is that approach that had made us inseparable. I will find it an honour to train alongside your Serpent riders, even for this short time." She looked at me over the rim of her mug, smiling softly. "Meet me outside when you are ready, and we will depart for the Temple of the Jade Serpent. There, we will arrange you some lodgings before heading down to the Arboretum." I nodded, heading upstairs to pack the few belongings I had left in my accommodation.
I was soon packed and ready to leave, following Jenova out into the still-warm afternoon sunshine. "Have you ridden a yak before, Belefon?" she asked, comfortably swinging herself into the saddle of one by the stable. "I have not, but I am sure they are similar to Kodo." I replied, hauling myself up onto the back of the other yak with slight difficulty. Pandaren saddles are not an ideal shape, while often broad enough they do not leave enough space on the stirrups for longer legs or indeed hooves. I did my best to cling on as my yak followed hers through town and across the bridges towards the temple gates.