My last day on Azeroth.

Tuesday night I tread my last steps on Azeroth. I started with my first character, Gruumuz. Knowing I could always resume payment and return I was emptying out my mailboxes. After I'd mailed some valuable materials to a friend in need, along with a small token of esteem I realized there was something I was forgetting. I always knew Gruumuz would one day be left by the wayside, he wasn't a particularly serious character, and had selected a place for him to retire. I ran to the flight tower in Orgrimmar and selected the necessary Flight Point. The instant I was in the air my iPod shuffled to The Dresden Dolls' The Perfect Fit, quite possibly the single saddest song on my playlist. I landed in Thunder Bluff, left town and mounted up. As I rode across the grassy plains of Mulgore the song carried on. Finally, the song making the trip seem like an eternity, Bloodhoof Village came into sight. I considered parking Gru by the lake, with the Man who taught him to fish, but decided to be more practical. Gru scratched Wolf, his mount, behind his ear, dismounted and entered the inn. Once inside he fed and pat Patrick, his green spider companion, then logged out one final time. The song stopped, right then and there. When I related this story to a friend the next day he asked if my computer then produced a razorblade, "To finish the job" as he put it so delicately. Next came Tedward which was simple, his mailbox was empty and he was already somewhere safe.

Last came Encaitaro, my prize character. Encaitaro was part of a small group, The Knights of Ill Omen, and I simply cannot communicate how much being a Knight meant to me. From January to March things were... Difficult, and to spare some others the details remain private, but the Knights were there. Not always in person, but always via chat, with a well timed quip, witticism, or conversation when I felt alone and unwanted. For a time I was the only Knight in title, but the others were always happy to have me along with them, where ever or whatever they were doing. Encaitaro was running through Shattrath City, where I'd left him last, when he came to the main audience chamber. I laid eyes on a single object in the centre of the room and immediately sent a message to a Close Friend and fellow Knight, "I'll be back, a month, maybe two. Just long enough to get things back in order. I haven't seen Quel'Danas yet." Keep the fires burning, I'll be back soon.

"For the Horde, for Quel'Thalas, FOR THE SIN'DOREI! KNIGHTS, CHARGE!"

-James