Appearing Characters: Amara Nightwalker, Arthak Saurfang, Daleera Moonfang, Delas Moonfang, Driana, Hannah Bladeleaf, Mylune, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Sol'chi, Thisalee Crow, Thora Feathermoon, Tyrande Whisperwind, Vaerux, Yaeliura Nightwalker, Zar'Kaa, Zen'tabra
December 4th
As Zar’Kaa left to clear his head after the Elune ritual, he saw Arthak also apparently clearing his head. Zar’Kaa greeted him, and Arthak returned the greeting and agreed it had been a long day.
Zar'Kaa says: Well, since you and I seem destined to run into each other in forests. We can go for a rematch if you’re interested.
Arthak Saurfang says: Perhaps another time. Though there has been something I’ve been meaning to discuss. A follow-up to previous conversations.
Zar’Kaa got a resigned look and sheathed his spear.
Zar'Kaa says: Okay, what did I do this time?
Arthak Saurfang says: Nothing. But… a bit of time has passed since the change in leadership amongst your crew. I believe I inquired after it happened what you intended on doing next.
Zar'Kaa says: I recall.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’ve been meaning to readdress the matter.
Zar'Kaa says: Well. It’s just been what’s coming next. I’m doing the work. As you put it back then. At least trying to.
Arthak Saurfang says: And doing well.
Zar’Kaa crossed his arms and asked if Arthak had just complimented him. Arthak said he had done so before, but Zar’Kaa retorted he was never sure if it was backhanded or not. Arthak said a rebuke was a rebuke and a compliment was a compliment.
Arthak Saurfang says: No ambitions to reclaim your title? Or find some other path?
Zar’Kaa got a distant look and admitted he hadn’t been thinking that far ahead. He had just been trying to focus on what was in front of him as his future was both uncertain and already written.
Arthak Saurfang says: Is it?
Zar'Kaa says: I don’t know what’s going to happen here. I have confidence we’re going to win and push the Legion back. I know what you and your people intend to do after, and who knows, maybe I’ll be able to help you all in some way get a good first foot on Kalimdor. But beyond that, heh, I don’t know. The only other thing I know is that the crew made their choice. They won’t change their mind.
Arthak Saurfang says: Maybe. You could be right.
Zar'Kaa says: Beyond that, once I return home I don’t think I’ll be able to stay home. I’ve been sent away for things that weren’t my fault. This time It was. I know what’s in store for me.
Arthak Saurfang says: You think you’ll be banished?
Zar'Kaa says: I know it. That’s nothing I can do anything about, and it’s nothing anyone needs to worry about. It’s just the reality of the situation.
Arthak Saurfang says: A question then. If your failure was so total and damning, why were you made a liaison with us?
Zar'Kaa says: Just because I fucked up doesn’t mean I’m not useful. I’m still here and still involved because I can make a difference. But. That will change when it’s all done on these isles
Arthak Saurfang says: You’ll be less useful when you go home?
Zar'Kaa says: It won’t matter. I’m not the only capable person in my tribe. We have great warriors to shadow hunters. I’ll be expendable. I’m saying this because you don’t know my people, Arthak. I do.
Arthak Saurfang says: Then you must think them fools. Should we succeed, only fools would banish you upon your homecoming. But I don’t know your people. If they are foolish enough to throw you out, come find us. I’ll have things for you to do.
Zar'Kaa says: You’re serious?
Arthak Saurfang says: Usually.
Zar'Kaa says: Hm. I’ve seen how you operate thus far. You like to recruit in peoples. Not in individuals. From what I’ve seen of your ambition, Arthak, if you wanted to recruit anyone why not turn your eye to my people? Getting me instead counters that.
Arthak Saurfang says: You believe offering you a place in the Horde counters an alliance between your people and mine?
Zar'Kaa says: I can’t speak for them, and I’ve spent the most time around you amongst anyone I brought with me. Maybe you can get it done. But having me around won’t help.
Arthak Saurfang says: We’d have to see about that.
Zar'Kaa says: You don’t attach an anchor to a sinking ship. I know that much. Look, beyond my capabilities, why would you want to help me with restoring my title or offering me a place amongst yours?
Arthak Saurfang says: Because you’re competent. You have potential, Zar’Kaa. An abundance of it. You were not ready for command. Mostly, in my opinion, because I think the thing that hamstrung your abilities was your own lack of faith in them. Trying to prove something that had already been proven to your crew. But what’s done is done. You made mistakes. No one died from them. At least not yet. I hate to see your potential wasted, and if your chieftain is foolish enough to let that potential slip away, I’m more than happy to capitalize on that mistake. As for your command, I don’t know your crew or your people as well as you do, but if you were truly the failure you believe they see you as, I would not put you anywhere near being a liaison. Were it me, I would give such a title as a test. Now if you think you failed that test or I’m wrong, then very well. But if it is a test, it is one I can help you with.
Zar’Kaa tapped his fingers together on one of his hands.
Zar'Kaa says: What’s the catch?
Arthak Saurfang says: No catch. Though if you would like I can probably try to come up with one.
Zar'Kaa says: I’m sure you could. But for now I’m going to choose to believe you. So. I guess my claim that you pick and choose burdens has more than one meaning, no? I’m… sorry for that, by the way. I don’t know why, but you sometimes stir up something in me that I despise, and you got caught up in the wake of my own storm. But I have to stop blaming other people for that.
Arthak Saurfang says: Apology accepted, Zar’Kaa. In a bad enough day, things get said that should not be said. No one is immune to that.
Zar'Kaa says: My margin for error has always been smaller than yours. But I have something you can help me with for starters. Sacrolash.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hm.
Zar'Kaa says: Besides the strategic advantage of taking her down… she went inside my mind. She knows my crew’s names. So she needs to die. I’ve been meaning to bring it up to the group but we’ve been… well.
Arthak Saurfang says: Busy.
Zar'Kaa says: Yes. But this isn’t just about my personal shit. It seems she’s in charge of the operation to recover the shards of the Tidestone. We take her head, that operation gets disrupted. It’s one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a big one.
Arthak Saurfang says: Certainly not a small one. Let me put some thought to it. I’m not as familiar with her as others, but I can think about how to approach the problem.
Zar'Kaa says: I’ll follow up with Sol. I think he can shed some important light.
Arthak Saurfang says: He would be the one. Though there is something I would ask you to do. Consider it… you aren’t going to like it, but I think it will help you.
Zar'Kaa says: Well, bring it on. What is it?
Arthak Saurfang says: I recommend you trying to understand Bakaz.
Zar'Kaa says: like spend a day living, thinking, breathing like a psychopath? Sure, why not.
Arthak Saurfang says: Finding out that it’s more complicated. Not an attempt to get you to abandon your hunt for revenge. If anything, should you hold to that course, understanding him will help you.
Zar’Kaa asked if this was what Arthak did with his own enemies, and Arthak confirmed it was. Zar’Kaa mused that made sense why Arthak held his enemies in such high regard, but Arthak said all the same, it did not make him hesitate.
Arthak Saurfang says: Revenge is something worth respecting, but respect takes honesty. I think an honest assessment of what Bakaz is and is not would be useful for you.
Zar'Kaa says: Fuck it. Fine. We’ll link up with him soon, as I wanted to collaborate with him on this Sacrolash operation. Bastard knows how to take a hit, I’ll give him that. You got anymore cigars?
Arthak Saurfang says: Always.
Zar'Kaa says: Do you mind if I…?
He held out a hand, and Arthak passed him a cigar. Zar’Kaa lit the cigar with a flintstone, and he told Arthak not to tell master Gadran as he would throw a fit if he knew he was doing that.
When Nyxxa was heading back to the temple, she heard the sound of some quiet music that drew her attention. It sounded familiar, and as she followed it, she found Driana sitting under a branch with a small hand harp. Driana had a tendency of playing when she had a lot on her mind, and she was glancing off into the depths of the woods.
Nyxxa pulled out her own harp and matched the melody. Driana looked at her in surprise, but smiled and continued to play. They played together for a bit, and Driana giggled as they finished, but asked how things went with Sol’s magic. Nyxxa said that it turned out he was a force of nature and a remarkable young man that would likely continue to get more remarkable.
Driana set her harp down and asked if they were really going to do what was discussed. Nyxxa confirmed and said that in spite of everything, she wanted to, though she wanted to hear Driana’s own thoughts.
Driana says: I’ve been thinking about everything that’s happened. The fact you were told to come and find me and it led us there… I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
Nyxxa said she didn’t think so either.
Driana says: I’ve lived a long time just surviving from one day to the next. I’ve always been afraid. I know now that we are demons dying isn’t something I should be afraid of, but I still always was. That’s why I stayed alone. That’s why I never tried to join a sect. Why I would just keep moving and keep to myself.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: even if it’s something you can come back from, there’s nothing to be ashamed of in the fear of dying. Dying as a demon is an unbearable experience.
Driana says: …I’m sorry.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Don’t be. I brought that upon myself. I don’t blame you.
Driana says: I know, I know…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: But I don’t think you a fool for being afraid. That’s all I was trying to explain. I suppose it gets easier the more you do it, but I don’t recommend… that kind of death.
Driana says: Are you scared? Of whatever this is going to demand of us?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m more scared for everyone else after. I can at least take heart that no matter what it’ll be better than my previous deaths. I trust in Elune that what will be next will be better too. That’s why I’m not really afraid. But mine is an interesting experience.
Driana says: Then I’ll have to trust you. Even though I’m afraid, I trust you. I think I have to. After all, it’ll take two. So if you need a selfish soul, then I would give mine selflessly.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I was worried, given what I did, Vaerux might not work. Part of me wants to argue, but I would not deny you this absolution if this is what you want. I just hope you don’t feel pressured.
Driana shook her head and said it wasn’t that. Her own inaction, fear, and weakness played a part in the fate of her home, as if she hadn’t been too afraid to do or say something, maybe some of the lives in Nar’thalas could have been spared and her wife wouldn’t have had to suffer for so many years.
Driana says: I’ve been running and living for so long… for no reason other than fear. But seeing all of them suffer, and seeing them all… I have to do something. I don’t know if Elune is doing this to punish me or test me, but I don’t care. If I can help make things right, then I have to, and I want to. I don’t think I could have done it without you. If you had never found me, I’d still be on that cliff not knowing what to do. And I couldn’t have even considered something like this. But Nyxxa… I think you’ve always inspired me. And when you do this, I want to be with you until the end, because you deserve to have someone there. You deserve to have someone you can trust.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I do. I think anything Elune wants, especially after what Rak’Symma saw… is wherever this path takes us, she doesn’t want us to do it alone.
Driana says: Can you promise me one thing?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: What?
Driana says: When it’s time… will you hold my hand? Make sure I don’t try to run away. No matter what. No matter how scary or hard it is…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I will.
Nyxxa took Driana’s hand and squeezed it. Driana stood up and they embraced. Nyxxa thanked her for giving Daleera’s jewelry back, and Driana said it felt right. Nyxxa said she was better than she thought she was. Driana wasn’t sure if she agreed, but she couldn’t find it in herself to argue. Driana cried a bit as Elune’s light smiled down on them.
Arthak headed back to the temple to perhaps try and get some rest. He was taking the most meandering route that he could to where he was staying. He passed by a balcony near the statue of the first priestess, and he heard someone call his name.
It was Tyrande Whisperwind, who offered him a small smile.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: I noticed you departed early during the ceremony. I wanted to make sure you were alright.
Arthak grunted.
Arthak Saurfang says: The concern is appreciated, Lady Tyrande, but it has simply been a long day. I needed some air.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Well there is air plenty for you. If it’s simple rest you require, I will not keep you, but if you need an ear or companionable silence, there is plenty of room on the balcony.
Arthak nodded and opted to join Tyrande on the balcony. It was clear Tyrande’s attention was on Arthak even if she wasn’t looking at him. Arthak asked how she was faring, and Tyrande sighed with a smile. She said she was doing well, but she was ready to keep working and searching. She was also curious, as Thalyssra still being alive without the blessing of Nordrassil was a surprise, and she hoped to speak to her when she had the chance.
But she said she knew Malfurion was close, and they were so close to finding him. When she did, she would make sure he was brought home. She said Arthak was kind for asking, and he said he believed they would be there to help, as it seemed like the sort of thing they found themselves involved in.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: I must admit, I’ve never met a demon like master Sol. His magic is unlike anything I’ve seen. Myself and the other priestesses were baffled, but Master Illidan believes the magics used by a priest or a druid are actually his own ingenuity, if you would believe it.
Arthak Saurfang says: I would. Sol is… unrelentingly himself.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Aptly put. If I did not know his nature, I would never have known he was a demon. It makes me realize how little I know about how this world works. A humbling and important lesson, I think. As for Zar’Kaa… he seems to be a competent and relentless soul. But he carries a great weight. A deep desire and pain. In many ways, he reminds me of Illidan. When we were younger, he always sought to make a name for himself. To carve out his own place in history, especially compared to his brother. I see that same strife within him. I hope one day he might find a path. Perhaps one he can call his own and he need not compare to others. In many ways, I suppose Illidan has done the same. Thought that has not stopped his ambition.
Arthak Saurfang says: Nor should it.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Nor should it.
Arthak Saurfang says: Zar’Kaa is finding his way. It’s been enjoyable to watch.
Tyrande smiled, and the reflection of a distant memory was present on her face. She expressed that Rak’Symma was unlike anyone she had ever seen and she didn’t expect for her commune with Elune to be so potent. Dori’thur also seemed to be fond of her.
As if to punctuate the comment, the spirit owl landed on the side of the balcony, and Tyrande stroked his head.
Tyrande then moved on to Nyxxa, and she mused that the satyr had priorly shared some of her own thoughts and beliefs. Tyrande admitted she had begun to fear that her own faith was lacking, but Nyxxa had refused such a notion, and it made Tyrande realize that if someone like Nyxxa could still carry Elune’s spark, then it was clear that she was radiant and inspiring like a shooting star across the sky. Ultimately, Nyxxa had helped her at a time she hadn’t realized she needed help, despite what Nyxxa herself was going through. But Tyrande believed her selflessness was in her nature.
Arthak sighed.
Arthak Saurfang says: When we first met, I put reasonable odds that we were going to kill each other at some point. We did not get on well at first. And now… I’m finding myself dealing with an unexpected change. One I did not notice. I am prepared for death. I don’t fear it. People come, people go. Life is constant changes of state, like water freezing and thawing, the cycle of the seasons… everything is temporary. I know this. And yet… somewhere along the way I stopped thinking that I would be the one to say goodbye to her.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: I have to wonder if she ever thought that would be the case. I imagine she did not. She is lucky to have you as a friend, Arthak. To know that someone… to know that you are loved is the greatest and most terrible gift of all. To carry that weight… of knowing you carry not one, but many hearts with you… to know that should yours stop beating yours will not be the only one to feel that pain. It is the truest manifestation of what it means to be alive. One does not need to fear death to know that fear or that pain.
Arthak Saurfang says: Well spoken.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: I’ve had many years to think on it.
Arthak Saurfang says: I agree with you. On all accounts but one.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Oh?
Arthak Saurfang says: I am not a very good friend. Historically speaking.
Tyrande offered a sad smile.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Perhaps not, but we aren’t the ones that get to decide that. Perhaps there are some out there that would agree, but there are also some who would not.
Arthak Saurfang says: Regardless, Nyxxa… Nyxxa has found her path. And it’s a good one.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: It is one that few could walk with the bravery she has.
Arthak Saurfang says: I am very proud of her. And I am going to miss her.
Tyrande put a hand on Arthak’s shoulder and told him to make sure he told her that before it was too late.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Elune’adore. Try to get some rest. I know you and your friends have a great deal of things to accomplish tomorrow as well.
Arthak Saurfang says: Elune’adore, Lady Whisperwind. Thank you.
Tyrande took her leaf, and Dori’thur made a small cooing sound before bowing his head at Arthak and taking off into the night. A feather fell into Arthak’s hand, and he blew it away so that it landed in the moonwell water below.
Nyxxa mused to Vaerux that he was right about one thing, and that was that her death seemed to be more about everyone else rather than herself, but that was ultimately her own fault.
Vaerux said she should keep telling herself that.
Nyxxa asked him if he was feeling better, but Vaerux said he didn’t know. Nyxxa asked if he remembered everything, and Vaerux confirmed he did.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: Yet, despite my best efforts, I came and found you. Of course I did.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: I don’t think there’s any fighting fate.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: No. No.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: For better and for worse, what’s done is done, and what’s yet to come has been decided.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: So you’re going to do this, aren’t you? After all that?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: The only reason I am at this point is because I’m a satyr.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: So I guess it’s my fault after all, isn’t it.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: Yet I still would have done what I did even knowing what was going to come. I’d spare her the same fate.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: Yeah.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: There’s plenty of things I blame you for until the day I die. You had selfish motives, but ultimately… you did give me the means to save her. What I’m more mad about is that you left me behind. And that you never even considered talking to Delas and telling her the truth.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: Do you really think she would have listened to me? What do you think would have happened if I came out of the shadows.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: It would have made a lot more sense why I listened. But… before the night is over, we’re going to remedy that. Whether by your choice or mine.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: What? You don’t… what are you talking about?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: You’re going to talk to her.
Vaerux says [telepathically]: That’s not a good idea.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: Why not?
Vaerux says [telepathically]: What good would it do?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: A chance to explain yourself. A chance to tell her the truth. A chance for her to speak to you.
Vaerux corrected assumed Nyxxa wouldn’t let up on the situation and he didn’t have much choice, so he would ultimately play her game. But fortunately she wouldn’t have to hold it against him for long, as the day Nyxxa died was coming up sooner than they thought.
Nyxxa wondered what Vaerux was going to do after everything, as it seemed evident that he couldn’t stand in for Driana, which was also her fault in the end. But all that meant was that Vaerux was denied his chance at salvation, and that was poetic in a way.
Nyxxa asked if he knew what would cure the curse all this time, and Vaerux confirmed he did. It was what led him to Nar’thalas in the first place.
They decided to get the talk with Delas and Daleera over with, and Nyxxa headed off to find them.
Delas welcomed Nyxxa over as she saw her, and Nyxxa explained she had convinced Vaerux to talk to them. Delas asked Daleera what she thought, and her sister said the opportunity to speak with her uncle was something she had wanted for a while.
Vaerux squirmed in Nyxxa’s mind, but before they went, Nyxxa presented Daleera with the comb she had made for her, and apologized for not having the words to say something to her sooner. Daleera assured her there were no hard feelings, as she understood the entire meeting was somewhat disorienting.
She asked Nyxxa if she could brush her hair with the comb later, and Nyxxa said she would love to, and Daleera also offered to do Nyxxa’s hair in turn.
They got to a safe place, and Nyxxa used magic to make herself look like Vaerux and then allowed Vaerux to take over her body. Delas frowned at him and asked if he was Vaerux. Vaerux confirmed.
Delas Moonfang says: You should be glad you are speaking to us with Nhemai’s body, otherwise I would cut you down where you stand.
Vaerux says: Yeah, I got that sense. Why do you think I never came to see you?
Delas demanded to know why Nerus did everything, and Vaerux retorted it was easy to figure out as she knew what was Farondis was doing, conspiring against Azshara. It was only a matter of time before the city got wiped out, so he did what he had to ensure Delas and Daleera got out.
Delas Moonfang says: For what reason did you think that was important for you to take that up!? Your curse is what’s binding them!
Vaerux says: I know that! But they would have found another schmuck to do it. I was just the first one. If I hadn’t done it, it would have been Driana, or who knows who else. Nothing I did back then could have possibly stopped what happened there. And you are a fool if you think anything else.
Delas grit her teeth.
Delas Moonfang says: Then why just us?
Vaerux says: Who else would it have been? You were my brother’s only kids. What do you think he would have said if he survived and you didn’t? Do you think I could have bargained for anyone else? Sure, maybe you would have survived without my intervention, but I’m not convinced you would have. Both of you were in the city when it was supposed to happen. You can get as mad as you want, Delas, but if you think I regret anything I’ve done? You’re sorely mistaken. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Delas scowled.
Delas Moonfang says: After everything that has happened… after all the misery you have caused us and Nhemai… you still have no remorse over any of that?
Vaerux says: No, I don’t! Because if I hadn’t neither of you would be here, and you wouldn’t have even met her! You would have any of those happy years! You would have been trapped in that damned city like the others! You should be thanking me!
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: Vaerux.
Vaerux says: …No one should be thanking me. Look. Look. I know how you must feel, but everything I did… I don’t care how much you hate me, alright? Because that’s not why I did this. And no matter how much you hate me, it pales in comparison to how much I hate myself, alright? You want an apology? Fine. I’m sorry you got caught up in all this. I’m sorry I had to do this. I’m sorry the only options you had were torment or suffering and pain, but that’s all that’s in this damn life! Alright?! But I’m sorry it has to be like that. I’m sorry there wasn’t another way. But I… am a fucking coward. I’ve always been. You know that. My life is just a string of regrets, it always has been, so let this be the one thing I wouldn’t take back, dammit!
Delas Moonfang says: … Nerus. You stubborn old bastard. You’re a damned fool, you know that? I’m not angry. I can’t be. There’s no point in it. You have been punished. There has already been justice delivered unto your poor unfortunate soul. I just… you… you took her from me. And I… I can never forgive you for that. I can never forgive you for tearing my family apart.
Vaerux grit his teeth, but Delas held up her hand and told him to let her finish.
Delas Moonfang says: Because at the same time, you’re also the only reason I still have my sister. You took from me something that was more important than I realized at the time, but in exchange you gave me something I couldn’t live without. I will never forgive you for what you did, but I’ll never forget what you did either. For good or ill, Nerus.
Vaerux looked away. Delas approached him and grabbed his face to force him to look at her.
Delas Moonfang says: Don’t look away when I use your name, Nerus. I don’t care about what you are or what you’ve gone through, but you are still Nerus Moonfang, and you are still my fool of an uncle. And you will own everything you have done as who you are. I do not care, you will accept it. Accept who you are and what you have done to your family, and perhaps you’ll make your first step in the right direction.
Vaerux swallowed hard.
Vaerux says: Okay. Alright. Elune’s tits, you got scary.
Delas Moonfang says: I’ll take that as a compliment from you.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: That went about as well as it could have.
Daleera Moonfang says: Um… may I say something?
Delas looked over at her and said of course she could.
Daleera Moonfang says: I wanted to thank you, if that’s alright. I know you did a lot of bad things, uncle Nerus. But… you also told Nhemai I was in trouble. If you hadn’t done so… then I might be the one who had to face this test of Elune. And I would not have been able to be there. Not for Delas. Not for Kor’vas. And now, not for Nhemai either. So… thank you. I know that you have a strange way of doing it, and sometimes you make things worse, but you’ve always looked out for us.
She stepped forward and hugged Vaerux, who froze, completely unsure of what to do. Nyxxa chuckled in the back of his head.
Vaerux says: Shut up… no, sorry, it was to her. Why? Why are you thanking me? I’ve done nothing–
Daleera Moonfang says: Didn’t you listen to what I just said? I know you’re a stubborn fool and you made mistakes. But you still love us. I can tell. That’s why you agreed to speak with us and made all these stupid decisions. Why you led Nhemai to save me. So thank you.
Vaerux just stood, unable to return the hug, but also unable to say anything else.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says [telepathically]: Have you noticed the curse twists love too?
Tears started to stream down Vaerux’s face. He looked down at Daleera, who was still hugging him. He slowly held his hands up and noticed the tears. He brought his arms around Daleera. He told Nyxxa he believed he was good, and Nyxxa took the reigns back. She was now hugging Nyxxa instead, and she allowed her disguise to drop.
Daleera smiled up at her and thanked her, because she had always wanted to say that to her uncle. Nyxxa said she was too good, and Daleera said she had some very good big sisters to help teach her. Nyxxa kissed her on the forehead as Delas came over to embrace the both of them.
Nyxxa said that she had come to learn that even though something was broken, that didn’t mean it couldn’t be put back together beautifully, and that was them. Delas agreed that she believed Nyxxa was right.
Rak’Symma had gone to find Arthak, and it was not difficult to find him as he left the balcony where he had spoken with Tyrande. Symma offered Arthak a small smile, and Arthak checked in on how she was faring as the ritual had seemed taxing. Symma said taxing wasn’t the word she would use, but she wished the answers were better. Arthak said they were answers that Nyxxa needed to hear, and that was what was important. Ultimately clarity was rarely kind.
Symma asked Arthak if he could do her a favor.
Arthak Saurfang says: What is it?
Rak'Symma says: Would you sleep with me?
Arthak Saurfang says: I… I’m not much of one for rest. And I am…
Rak'Symma says: That’s partly why I’m asking you. I think after today it’s important that you do.
Arthak Saurfang says: if that is what you’re asking, then I will try.
Rak'Symma says: It’s very difficult for me to show you what I want to show you if you do not.
Arthak Saurfang says: Very well then.
They decided to go back to the grove that Symma had taken for her sleeping spot, and they decided to meditate a bit to soothe Arthak to sleep so that Symma could pull him into a dream. She also sang a lullaby for him.
When Arthak awoke in the dream, he was with Rak’Symma among the branches of G’Hanir. They were not even at the top of the massive tree, but it was still bigger than any tree he had ever seen. Rak’Symma cheekily commented he had fallen asleep, and he said that he would try. Symma welcomed him to the dream. She said she would answer what questions he had, but he said there was a time for questions, and a time for being, and this place was just for the latter, as his questions could wait. Symma looked surprised.
Arthak looked beyond the tree to the mountains and the groves upon groves that spread out beyond. However, there was no real foliage amongst the canopy of the great tree. It was barren, unlike the others smaller trees around it. There were spectral images of creatures flittering in and around the tree. There were birds, harpies, and all sorts of other creatures both familiar and unfamiliar.
Arthak asked Symma if she saw the tree every night. Symma confirmed she did, but it was a recent development, as she had never used to dream like this.
Rak'Symma says: This seems to be where dreamers go.
Arthak Saurfang says: I wonder if Draenor had something like this. It’s lovely.
Rak'Symma says: Some days it’s difficult to leave.
Arthak Saurfang says: I can understand that.
Rak'Symma says: Unfortunately the boughs we perch on is dying, and the cure is somewhere out in the waking world and not here.
Arthak Saurfang says: A cure?
Rak'Symma says: if there is to be one. There is an order of people who come here to tend to her. By sacrificing their life energies. So that she doesn’t wither and die.
She had a look that implied she had seen it happen.
Arthak Saurfang says: Strange. What would happen if it died a final death?
Rak'Symma says: It’s G’Hanir. The mother tree. And I’ve seen what happens to a people when their mother dies.
Arthak Saurfang says: Everyone’s mother dies. That is the nature of having one. Everything dies.
Symma’s head tipped back and she considered.
Rak'Symma says: I don’t know much about dreams. But I like to think they are a fantasy. Where any of your hopes and wishes could be true. If you could wish for anything… wouldn't you not want that to be the case? Perils and strife are how we grow… but to face a new day, wouldn’t you want to rest in a place where the world had its best to offer you?
Arthak Saurfang says: I would rather take the bitter with the sweet. I do not trust fantasies.
Rak'Symma says: Isn’t that what hope is? When you plan your battles, Arthak, is that not hope? A fantasy you hope will come true?
Arthak Saurfang says: It's an outcome I can believe in. But every victory I achieve is never free. Hope is built on sacrifice. That makes it tangible. I guess like this tree.
Rak'Symma says: The tree is dying because of a sacrifice. The one who used to tend to it is gone. And if the Dream and the waking world are connected… and this tree is connected to those we can see and sprawl across the world… if this tree dies, what if all the other ones die too?
Arthak Saurfang says: Then should there not be one to replace the one who was lost? Or if this tree dies, someone to plant a new one. This place reflects nature, yes?
Rak'Symma says: I think so.
Arthak Saurfang says: Do wolves still hunt?
Rak'Symma says: That’s where your questions get muddy, Arthak. Birds still fly, wolves hunt, but the conditions of the world change. Trees are cut down, and the birds have nowhere to roost. Settlements grow, and the wolves can only hunt the domesticated beasts the settlers keep.
Arthak Saurfang says: Nothing stays the same forever.
Rak'Symma says: Of that we are both aware. I hope when you go to the grove tomorrow, they’ll have better answers for me.
Arthak Saurfang says: It would be nice if they did.
Rak'Symma says: I wish the Legion was the only threat to my world… and that old wounds weren’t killing it from the inside.
Arthak Saurfang says: There are many problems to deal with. The Legion being one. But this world is resilient. She’s strong. Much has been sacrificed for her, and I’m still trying to understand how this place works, but… the continent being shattered did not kill her. The loss of so much did not kill her. We can lose many pieces and still keep going. Maybe a new tree just needs planted. I don’t know.
Symma took a deep breath and shook out her feathers. She mused Tyrande had said there were druids that had dedicated their lives to studying G’Hanir. She had simply wanted Arthak to have a scope of the inside of where they were heading next.
Arthak Saurfang says: I think I’m going to climb.
Symma offered to race him to the top, but she had an unfair advantage. Arthak countered some things weren’t about speed, but he would meet her there. Symma said she would pace herself in case he slipped.
Arthak climbed for a long time. Symma helped him get to the top by shifting the dream upward, but as he looked out beyond the sea of green, they both saw a patch of black. And then another patch a few dozen miles away.
Symma’s eyes narrowed, and her feathers laid flat. She looked to Arthak with a drawn expression. However, then she realized Arthak wasn’t there. She immediately woke up.
Arthak saw pock marks, and the entire forest was gone. It was burned and blackened, and everything was a sea of war that he had brought to the world. He took a step back to drop into a defensive stance, and he heard something crush behind him. He looked down, and he realized he had stepped on what was left of a body beneath him. It was a nameless, faceless elf next to a nameless, faceless human, next to a nameless, faceless orc.
He looked around, and they were not the only ones. The tree was gone. The height he stood upon was no less immense, but it was not wood and bark, it was flesh and bone and sinew. Beneath him were the bodies of every single person who had died because of him. They were the countless lives that were taken and would be taken by his own two hands.
His eye pierced down through the mountain, and he felt something sick and twisted churning in his gut as he looked at the mountains and mountains of corpses. There were people he knew amongst the bodies. He headed deeper into the mountain of bodies, heading toward the body that was at the center of viscera and death.
It was the one face he feared to see as he was dragged down into the violence he had created.
And then he saw it. His first kill.
He woke up, Symma grabbing the side of his head in the glade where they had gone to rest. The slick, blood soaked corpse was still fresh in his mind. There was a shout that escaped his mouth, and his hand went to his sword before he realized where he was at.
Arthak Saurfang says: Get off me. Stop touching me, please.
Rak’Symma looked very concerned, but she retreated a small distance away. Arthak stood up.
Rak'Symma says: I’m… sorry, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: No reason to apologize. I need to go.
December 5th
The next day they mused on some of the research that Zar’Kaa had been doing on the Red Mist, and Symma brought forth the fact the arakkoa had shared with her a tale of the Curse of Sethe, which seemed to be where the Red Pox, which became the Red Mist, had apparently originated from. Symma said she actually wanted to speak with Anzu, as it had been revealed to her that he was still alive, and he had apparently consumed Sethe and perhaps would have a source of the curse with him.
In musing about the realm of shadow, the first thing Sol considered was the Shadowlands, but in the way the arakkoa’s magic manifested, it actually perhaps was their name for the Void or a demiplane that bordered the Void. Arthak also knew that Anzu was very important to the outcast arakkoa and the legendary figure of Terrok had been believed to be one of Anzu’s scions. However, he had a dark turn and became a mad king, thus was sealed back in the realm of shadows. It had been a hope that they would bring him back when they were able to cure him of his madness. The outcast arakkoa also had magical implements that allowed them to travel into the realm of shadows.
Zar’Kaa suggested he knew a way to find guidance in how to find Anzu, and that was to commune with loa (much to his disgust). Ultimately he had researched all he could from a material standpoint, but seeing this was a curse, they likely needed the loa’s help. He suggested Bwonsamdi and Legba were ones they could focus on.
Delas told them she was going to introduce them to the druid that was temple, who would be accompanying them to the Dream Grove. She left for a moment, but returned with Hannah Bladeleaf, the druid that Nyxxa had re-met the prior night. Introductions were made, and Hannah admitted she hadn’t been to the Dream Grove in a while, but she was more than willing to answer any questions they had if she was able to.
Symma asked what being a druid of the grove meant, and Hannah kindly corrected she was actually a druid of the branch, as the druids of the grove were a different circle. She explained that each circle venerated a particular entity for the most part, many of them being ancient guardians. The druids of the branch venerated G’Hanir, and they did what they could to tend to her and the network of the dream where the mother tree’s roots spread. In a way, they were the ones that helped tend to the house, so-to-speak.
Symma asked her if she had ever seen an aureiad outside the Dream, and Hannah confirmed she did, but they had become very rare. Back in the days of eld, they had nested amongst the branches of the various world trees, but they had retreated into the Dream, and she wished it was for a happy reason. Hannah explained they did what they could to help them and they had tried to replenish their numbers, but it was difficult to do so. Symma asked if the druids of the branch could do anything about the tree, and Hannah admitted that their archdruid had tried for thousands of years to help. However, she believed she could introduce Symma to someone that had dwelt on the isles for a long while. Her name was Lyessa Bloomwatcher. Hannah had never met her herself, but Omnuron would know where she was, as she was one of the archdruids.
Hannah said that the fact they were all invited to the Dream Grove was a unique situation that had never really happened before, especially with such a colorful group. She offered a quick hand-drawn guide of the more common circles and their symbols to prepare them for the meeting. Delas, Daleera, and Driana bid Nyxxa farewell for the time being, as they opted to remain at the temple to continue researching there.
Nyxxa asked Delas if she could kiss her. Delas blushed, and Nyxxa apologized, but Delas shook her head and they shared a kiss. Delas said she was leaving Nyxxa in Altruis’s care, and he promised he would continue to take care of her.
The rest of Nyxxa’s former squad, Yaeliura, Amara, and Thora also arrived to see them off. Yaeliura seemed to want to ask something, but Hannah just smiled and said if she saw “Glaid” she’ll tell him she said hello, and Yaeliura immediately blushed. She turned her focus to Nyxxa and asked that she could see what Nyxxa’s Illidari training did for her next time they saw each other. Nyxxa agreed they could, and she approached and gave her a big hug.
Hannah used [Wind Walk] over the group so they could fly to the Dream Grove. She explained it had been thousands of years since she had been there, and she didn’t want to risk opening a portal in a tree she hadn’t seen for some time. Leaves swirled around them, and they all turned into puffs of wind carrying leaves and flower petals.
Over the telepathic bond, Sol asked if Rak’Symma had an issue with the Skylord, as she seemed to get a look whenever he was mentioned. She explained she simply found the title pretentious, but she also had taken some issue in how he approached her. Sol asked how he did that, and Symma said that he had simply regarded her as a curiosity and he wanted to see what she could do.
She admitted subverting the consciousness of a raven to do so also didn’t set well with her, even if the raven was receptive to the agreement. Hannah said she wasn’t surprised Omnuron wanted to speak with her though, as the circle of the talon revered Aviana, and Rak’Symma seemed to be quite unique amongst her people. But she said Omnuron was a stern but fair man.
They flew over some familiar ground, including the place where Rak’Symma had first met the party. It took them about five hours, as they were flying leisurely, but they eventually saw Shaladrassil, the massive world tree that was located near the Dream Grove. It was a massive weeping willow, and Hannah explained the Dream Grove was beneath the furthest branches. Hannah guided them to the location, and it almost felt as if they had stepped in the Emerald Dream, as they entered a verdant expanse in a tranquil, sleepy glade.
They didn’t see many night elves out yet, but there were a handful of tauren that were clearly not highmountain tauren, as they did not have antlers. One was currently laying on the ground, and they were all laughing with muffled laughter. A pile of bunnies and squirrels were piled on the tauren, along with a turtle that was holding on to their horns for dear life. Moments later they heard giggling, and a deer came pronking across the pathway. But then they realized it was green, and had a torso of a woman. It was a dryad, who was being followed by a herd of moss-covered deer. The dryad had a bunny in her hands with wings and little antlers. The dryad was speaking in sylvan as she proudly held out the bunny to the tauren.
The trees shifted, as one of the massive oaks shifted and regarded them with eyes above a beard of moss. Hannah assured the large being the group had been invited there, and the ancient said that they would still be watching.
At that moment, Rak’Symma was tackled. There was a giggle and a call of “gotcha”, as Thisalee had appeared. She hugged Symma and helped her to her feet and welcomed everyone to the Dream Grove. Zar’kaa also noticed a jungle troll making their way into a nearby pavilion. Zar’Kaa also heard a familiar laugh.
It was Zen’tabra.
