I'm lost on wether you really have a friend or not but if you have one, why not make an alt and play with him?
On the opposite if you have not,do you have any friend that could play with you?

Imo this MMO is all about story. I like the rest obviously. But I never could make people stay with gameplay only.

I know I'm not clear here but dunno how to express it, I hope you get it.