Pink Rose [1]

"Bunny-Terminator"

Quest Objective: Be subtle. 

"Yes, hi. I'd like to order two of your Jade Witch Brews and one Ginseng Tea—oh, what the hell, throw in a rice pudding, too, please—a small," I told the pandaren chef across the bar and slid a few gold pieces across the wooden counter. He bowed his head, and turned back to the many barrels lining the wall.

The inn was farther south, just below the Temple of the White Tiger. Wind howled against the walls from the mountains, and the lanterns were dim. The strong smell of alcohol burned my nose. This place must've been the Undercity of Pandaria.

The pandaren bartender set down one of the Jade Witch Brews. I managed a smile and took a sip as I stared at Andy's latest letter open before me,

Pink Rose,

The Vale is magnificent. It's bright and lively—it's like being on the surface of the sun. It reminds me of you.

I met with the loremaster I mentioned in my last letter. The history of Pandaria is incredibly intriguing. I've been doing research on the other races, now.

I miss our adventures. It feels too orderly here—not that it wasn't before, I just. I miss your ease and aloofness. And how you would make fun of the word "aloofness."

Until we meet again,

—Prince Dandelion

I snorted at the name he used. There was a pang in my chest when I read his letters. Like something vital was missing, and everything else ached. I sighed as I folded the parchment up and stored it in my coat. The weight of it burned in my pocket.

I could've agreed to meet with him by now, but I decided against it. I was being watched. Everywhere I went, a looming figure lingered out of the corner of my eye. That shadow never seemed to fade. The stabbing pain in the back of my head never creased. My skin crawled whenever I was out in the open, and the feeling had started to linger in the times I thought for sure I was alone.

Hellscream's eyes are upon you.

I felt a presence lean on the bar beside me.

"Two helpings of shrimp dumplings." The voice was deep and strong, but in a pleasant way. The elegance of it reminded me of Andy. I glanced up at who was ordering.

It was a blood elf. His fel-green eyes glowed in the dim lighting of the inn. His hair was blond, the tips brushing against his shoulders.

"The Fire Spirit Salmon is better," I replied, taking another sip from my mug.

He looked over at me, "Are you sure they're in season?"

"None of it is. It's freezing up here—" for everyone else, anyway, "—the salmon fares better."

He looked back at the bartender. "Forgive me, I'll have the Fire Spirit Salmon."

The bartender nodded, scratching down the order and handing it to a monkey nearby wearing a chef's hat.

The stranger sat on the stool next to mine and offered his hand. "Halduron Brightwing, Ranger-General."

The title sounded somewhat familiar. Looking at his face now, I had a feeling I had seen him before. Probably one of the many faces that met with Garrosh over military strategy.

"Eona Strider. Bunny-terminator," I said. I took Halduron's hand. He brought it to his lips.

I frowned.