Barrow Fields beyond the reach of human rage

it was good that she was capable of talking enough to satisfy the conversation. illidan wasn’t good at chatter, and he wasn’t the best with formalities. the young ghost was difficult in more ways than simply how open he was. he had not grown up with tools that allowed him to be good at open conversation, and in many ways, he did envy maia for her skills in that realm. a quiet voice in the back of his mind whispered to remind him that she was far cheerier a soul than he would ever be. it was a bitter voice, but it was not wrong in this reminder.
 
the girl went on to explain that she had been born in the forest, but her family had originated by the sea. he wondered how they had taken to travel so far from their home, or if they had never intended to stay by the waters to begin with. she was quick when she spoke, but that didn’t bother him at all. he did what he could to keep track of the tale and to imprint it in his memory for a later time. then, the question was turned on him and he looked at her with widened eyes.
 
“oh, well… yes,” he answered in a level tone. realizing that it was a poor response from the girl who had just spilled a good portion of her life story to him, illidan cleared his throat and offered her a ghostly little smile that curled his dark lips toward his hawkish gaze. “i was born in the territory where i’m taking you now, but we were attacked by a bear when i was very young. so i’ve spent some time traveling… and now i’m back.” hopefully that was enough to satisfy the inquiry. illidan was sure that he left the heartache out of his recounting; there was no need to bring down her chipper mood.