Appearing Characters: Aelthalyste Everpost, Arthas Menethil, Benedictus, Billy Bright, Braenna Flintcrag, Darion Mograine, Eligor Dawnbringer, Garona, Gilveradin Windrunner, Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil, Julia Celeste, Liadrin Everpost, Mag'beth, Maim Blackhand, Maraad, Mariella Warde, Maxwell Tyrosus, Mercy, Morra Starbreeze, Motah Tallhorn, Natalie Seline, Nazgrim, Pike, Raleigh, Rekshak, Remnii, Robert Travard, Samia Inkling, Sasha, Seria, Shokia, Tolven Warsong, Tragg, Turalyon Windrunner, Uther, Uther Menethil, Victor Prestor, Zabra Hexx, Zagarra
October 27th
Remnii sought out Victor, who was still disguised as one of the royal guards. She asked him to walk with her for a bit, and they started to stroll back to his quarters. Remnii explained that she wanted to ask after Victor given his mother had left.
Victor said he could just lie and say he was perfectly fine, as his mother was in arm’s reach and he could have told her that he was alright and given her a warning about the dagger in her position, but he couldn’t and had to just bite his tongue despite being right next to her. He admitted he had been thinking about it constantly.
Victor Prestor says: She seemed so… earnest, you know? Not some sort of evil mastermind responsible for orchestrating the kidnapping of kings and murdering bishops… so no, I suppose I’m not doing alright. But I did it. I didn’t tell her. Even if it was hard. Damn, it was hard.
Remnii says: Victor, hard may be an understatement, you realize.
She took Victor’s hands and led him to the bed.
Victor Prestor says: What else am I supposed to say? Break and acknowledge this is too much? I need to keep fighting for Vel, and for her, and for Uther, and you, and myself, and…
Remnii says: You have been fighting hard long before I even arrived on Azeroth, but what every fighter needs, Victor… every warrior is in need of rest. Because you have been doing a good job doing what must be done in facing harrowing circumstances that one would never wish upon most of their greatest enemies. Come.
Victor sat down, and Remnii put his head in her lap. Victor chuckled and asked what she was doing.
Remnii says: I’m spending time with you without haste. I can stop, but sometimes amongst my people and among my order, there needs to be time to slow down and grieve. Everything you have done up until now… the shape of you has changed. Your heart, your mind, your form, but you are you. I’m not telling you to stop, we can’t afford that, but sometimes a trusted touch go a long way. You’ve been here for us, I’m here for you.
Victor was speechless, but he gripped the bed for a moment.
Victor Prestor says: You know… I forgot, but I think when I was young… I think my mother would do this. It was so long ago I barely remember it.
Remnii smiled.
Remnii says: When I was young, my vakos would sometimes call me down with much the same. You would not take this time for yourself, Victor, so perhaps we can take it together. You are working so hard.
Victor’s voice cracked, and then he curled up and croaked out a “dammit”. He started to sob in Remnii’s lap. Eventually, the sobbing slowed as he drifted off to sleep.
October 28th
Gil sought Uther out, and happened to catch him as the prince was hurrying from one place to another. Gil stepped out of an alley and called to him, and Uther stopped and asked Gil what he needed.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I think we’re going to need to have a short conversation you’re not gonna like.
Uther Menethil says: Ah. What’s the trouble?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Less trouble and more… are you prepared mentally for them to be using Vel?
Uther Menethil says: Using Vel against us in the way they seem to have used Miss Voss?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: If they are able to take command of the undead… she is one of them.
Uther let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his forehead.
Uther Menethil says: The thought crossed my mind.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I prefer not to be on the bad side of my sister in the best of times, but… I think we need to be prepared for that possibility.
Uther Menethil says: Well. Even though it’s an awful thing to think about, I do appreciate it… given the Scarlet Crusade seems to have no limit to their atrocities, I think we should all be prepared for that. Which I suppose is easier said than done…
Gilveradin Windrunner says: We don’t really know what they’re going to throw at us, and that may be the worst… and not just because I truly believe Vel could kill any one of us if she wanted to.
Uther Menethil says: It’s a bitter thing to have a family member used against you in that way. Fortunately my track record for recovering family members used in that way is 100%! So, we’ll just have to do it again.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That’s all there is to it, huh?
Uther Menethil says: It’s not going to be easy, Gil…
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I think we left easy behind.
Uther Menethil says: I was going to say, if you could tell me a part of this journey that has been, I’d be glad to hear it.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No, everything has been insane.
Uther Menethil says: A bit more than I had imagined. Before any of this happened. But we’re going to get her back, Gil.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I know.
Uther Menethil says: Good.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Just the journey on the way there is what I’m worried about. And… to be honest, I’m not sure if she’s ever going to forgive herself.
Uther Menethil says: Well…
Gilveradin Windrunner says: This is… everything she was afraid of.
Uther Menethil says: Then I suppose the first step after recovering Vel and seeing the Crusade crushed, is we’re going to have to forgive her extra hard until she can figure out how to forgive herself.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I’d certainly like it to be that easy.
Uther Menethil says: No part of this journey will be. Well. Let's continue preparing for the war.
Gil watched as Uther turned away and continued on his way, and muttered on the group’s optimism being a defining trait.
October 29th
The morning was greeted with freezing rain and mixed snow. One of the guards approached Uther, Jaina, and Arthas, and dropped a rain-soaked piece of paper onto the table. It had a hole that looked like it had been pierced with a nail.
“Rampant murders in the streets. Lawlessness. Heresy. Can the royal family really keep you safe while they harbor a green-skinned monstrosity in their walls? What else aren’t they telling you.”
The posting was marked with the insignia of the Scarlet Crusade, and the guard explained it was one of many plucked from the city. They were all pointing fingers at the sin’dorei, the royal family, and spreading rumors about the various members of the leadership. It was obvious what the Scarlet Crusade’s answer was.
Jaina closed her eyes with a sigh, and expressed it was time to move forward with the preparations.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: For some reason, I hoped in my heart of hearts, we would have been able to avoid this. But if violence is the only answer they will listen to, then we have to give it to them.
Arthas nodded.
Arthas Menethil says: We’ll ready our forces. Jaina, once your preparations are complete, we’ll make our way there. We’ll make sure that everything is prepared when everyone arrives, and we’ll make our intentions painfully clear.
More and more missives were discovered around the city that were disparaging everything and making claims of greater schemes. However, it seemed like the propaganda wasn’t fully sticking. Other rumors decrying the Crusade also started to pop up, as what happened at the meeting a week ago was also shared. Some people were also upset at the Crusade tarnishing the city with such hate so close to a celebration.
Maxwell Tyrosus sent Uther a messenger informing him that the former members of the Silver Hand that would arrive were there. He was also invited to bring his favorite dish if he wanted. Remnii and Maraad were also invited to attend the meeting as well, as Maxwell wanted representatives of several different faiths there.
Gil, meanwhile, was helping with the refugees in what ways he could.
The basilica was buzzing with people, and Uther had snagged a large sack of fluffy buns. He saw a fair collection of people he recognized, but also a number he did not. There were a fair number of elven priests there that had also been invited through Liadrin, and there was an assortment of delicious-looking foods. He also saw Julia Celeste, a justicar from Alterac, and Eligor Dawnbringer, a prominent member of the former Silver Hand who was from the eastern most reaches of the Eastweald. There were several dozen people that had gathered, and the basilica was a home of smiles, chatter, and a sharing.
Remnii and Maraad had brought draenic fare to share, which included humus and naan bread. There was also a lot of stews, meats, vegetables, and the like that were already spread out. Jaina had sent some Dalaran sharp cheddar with Arthas.
The reverend Billy Bright was also there with a few of his acolytes. He had brought a fondue fountain. As was Zabra Hexx, who was sticking close to Liadrin, and had brought some fish skewers. Seria had also shown up to be support to Zabra, and she had brought fruits and the like. People were largely casting the two trolls curious looks, and the kids from the orphanage were also around helping out as Mercy was there organizing the food. There was artwork stuck to one of the walls, which appeared to have been provided by the children when they had prompted to draw something that made them feel happy.
Natalie was also present, but she was wearing a cowl so she didn’t cause a panic.
Uther didn’t know he needed such a display of unity, but now that he saw it, the reminder of what he was fighting for was almost enough to move him to tears. But then he stepped forward and introduced himself and thanked everyone for coming to the gathering as he did his rounds.
While he was doing so, a small group of tidesages from Kul Tiras also arrived, led by a man named brother Pike. Robert Travard was there from the Tyr’s Guard and Kirinvar Village, who Uther had reached out to, also arrived. Braenna Flintcrag arrived to represent the dwarven faith, and Morra Starbreeze was also there to represent the kaldorei faith, though she was wearing a cowl and trying to keep herself low profile.
After bellies were filled, Liadrin gathered up the kids and everyone thanked them for their hard work, and Mercy shepherded them off to the orphanage.
There was a pause in the chatter as everyone waited for what was going to happen next. Maxwell Tyrosus stood up and made his way to the front of the basilica. Benedictus gave him a nod.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: Good people of Azeroth. I want to thank you all for coming here on such short notice. As many of you know, I am Maxwell Tyrosus. In what seems like another life, I was a knight of the Silver Hand. Now, I am a man. One who has bright hope for the future, one that is brighter now seeing all your faces here today. As you are aware, the Scarlet Crusade… the people that dismantled the Silver Hand and brought the Church of the Holy Light to a vice grip, has been accused of being complicit in conspiracy and crimes beyond which words can define. Indeed. The plague that has ravaged the Eastweald and caused countless deaths in the borders of this very nation… has their hand guiding it. These accusations were levied against them, and as of yet, they have not seen fit to respond. In two days time, the allied forces who have grown together will march on the Scarlet Monastery. Bring these heretics to justice before anymore harm can be done, but this is not what I brought all of you here for. What I brought you all here for is because I wanted to talk about what happens after that. About what we can start here in this ancient place with so much history cast aside… what we can do to join our hands together and not only build a future that is brighter for all beings, but also one in which something like this…
He gestured to the burned walls of the cathedral.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: Can never happen again.
He looked to Liadrin, who headed up to the front and cleared her throat.
Liadrin Everpost says: My name is Liadrin Everpost. I am a priest anointed by the Church of Belore and in the Church of the Holy Light, but more than that, I am a daughter. A daughter of a wonderful man. His name was Vandellor. Though he is no longer with us, I live every day of my life trying to be like him. More than all of that, I am also a mother. One of the wonderful children who just left here, a young girl named Salandria. I had the delighted privilege to choose her as a part of my family, just as my father chose me. I am many things, as we all are. But more than any of that, I am a person. A person like every one of you. I have stumbled, I have struggled, I have walked paths of darkness and shadow. But at the end of the day, I have emerged, and I have done it because I’ve had people to remind me to carry my torch wherever I may go.
She looked over at Remnii with a smile.
Liadrin Everpost says: And to light mine when the winds are too strong and snuff it. What the Scarlet Crusade is doing is unforgivable, but the Crusade itself… it is a symptom of a greater issue. A deeper corruption. Like us, those who wear the emblem of the Scarlet Crusade are people. They have been lied to, manipulated, and while some of them harbor hatred in their hearts, it is the fear of the unknown that drove them to where they are. It is that fear that is the true enemy. The fear of others. The fear of ourselves. And that fear breeds anger, hatred, mistrust of our neighbors. That hatred creates the lack of understanding. And this breeds naught but suffering. Not only for those that refuse to understand, but for ourselves as well. I am many things, but I am also a niece. My aunt Aelthalyste risked her life. If you would believe it, she tried to single-handedly bring the villain responsible for the plague to justice. We were lucky to have found her when we did. But she fought for every one of us. But she did not do so in a sense that most would expect of a hero such as she.
Liadrin closed her eyes, and when she opened them they were a bright violet.
Aelthalyste Everpost says: Indeed. I would ask that all of you pause a moment and allow for me to explain, perhaps then we might reach understanding.
The banshee form of Aelthalyste left Liadrin. There were gasps of surprise and prayers of worry and confusion, but Aelthalyste folded her hands and smiled.
Aelthalyste Everpost says: It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I am Aelthalyste Everpost. I became one of the first priestesses of the Light amongst my people so many years ago. Though my heart does not beat and I have no flesh, I still exist, and every day I seek nothing but a brighter future for all of the sin’dorei. And for all people. This is my purpose, what I strive to do. Indeed, I may only go where I am needed. And that is here, and now.
She floated into the crowd.
Aelthalyste Everpost says: Tell me, if you had the opportunity, when your heart ceases to beat, if you had business that you needed to complete, if you had people you could still help, would you not want to aid them? Perhaps not, but I would hope you could see why my work is not yet complete. I may no longer be amongst the living, but is for they I fight, and for they whom I continue my good work for. I believe I am not the only one in this room who can say the same. Our people, all of our peoples, have undergone a great deal of turmoil and strife. It is my hope that hearts may be put to ease whether they beat or not. This is why I have come here today. To tell my story. To dedicate my life, or my unlife, to those who need it. A goal not too dissimilar from your own, I wage.
Natalie then stepped forward.
Natalie Seline says: She is not the only one who has walked through the shadow.
She lifted her cowl from her face.
Natalie Seline says: I am Natalie Seline, a bishop of the Church of the Light, but now something more. I’ve seen what shadows hold and hide, I’ve felt the touch of darkness. I’ve felt the kiss of life. I’ve walked between shadow and light. And I have known this place in a way more intimate than any whom I’ve ever spoken with. But I hope to change that one day. Let us face the music, not all present here hold the same beliefs. Indeed, many do not, but the Scarlet Crusade is a product of our own flawed beliefs. It was given purchase to burn this ancient place, this first stone, because of the rigidity of those beliefs. I believe that if there is to be a brighter future, it must also bring with it a darkest night. To do anything otherwise would be to invite the same calamity. When all, or perhaps most, of us have passed beyond the veil and stayed there.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: Bishop Seline raises a series of great points. Over the last several weeks, I have seen sights that I never believed possible. I’ve seen evil perpetuated by monsters, but I’ve seen worst perpetuated by the hands of man. She’s right. The truest villains of the Scarlet Crusade, those who set the spark that burned all of this down, they were… our own. Knights of the Silver Hand. Priests of the Holy Light. To simply rebuild as it was would be folly, but I am no priest. It is not my responsibility to decide what direction these beliefs go. In what way the Church of the Holy Light evolves. But I will not let the Scarlet Crusade end the chapter of the Silver Hand with one of tragedy. That brings me to why I have brought you here today. Why we have called you all here today. I propose a new dawn for the Silver Hand. One that sees its ties to the Holy Light severed. One that is no longer an order simply of paladins holding the tenets of one faith. No. I would see it change, grow, evolve into something that all beliefs of this world might have a hand in shaping. Not simply the humans, the elves, the dwarves, but all peoples. A place where all of our faiths may come and learn from one another, grow from one another, a group that is agnostic, a representation of each and every one of us, and those who have yet to speak, those from lands far from here, and even those we have yet to know. If we may know all of their gods and their faiths, then we may act unbiased, and in doing so we might become something greater than the Silver Hand ever could have been. We would uphold respect, compassion, and tenacity, but so too would we come together to champion and understand the beliefs of every being who would give us their hand. This new dawn. This Argent Dawn. It is where I believe can lead all of us into a brighter era. I ask not for allegiance. I ask not for any of you to drop your own faiths or abandon them in favor of others. No. No. Instead I want your hand, and your shield, and your staff, and your heart. That is my proposal. Thank you for hearing it. I would open the floor to any that wish to add or question the suggestion I brought forth.
Uther stepped forward.
Uther Menethil says: It was hard coming back after so long and seeing the fragments of the Silver Hand. But before returning home, I went to many different places. I’ve seen things that eclipsed some of my wildest dreams and horrific nightmares. And along that journey, in the search of the wisdom that it takes to lead people, it exists everywhere. And no one place could hope to have all of it. This initiative, bringing together different peoples, faiths, and cultures, I believe this to be the closest approximation to such a thing. To learn from one another and understand one another. I believe that this is the path. Because this…
He gestured to the scorched church.
Uther Menethil says: And a fragmented people such as how ours has become is possible only through fear and its manipulation. Those leading the Scarlet Crusade… screaming nonsense into the night. If the people were not afraid. Fear is born from misunderstanding. Compassion is what I believe to be both the shield and the spear necessary to achieve victory in this conflict. This is the first step on the brightest of paths. I look forward to walking along all of you.
Remnii looked over to Maraad, who furrowed his brow.
Maraad says: There is great hope here. It stirs within me a light. One that I have not felt as frequently as I would like in recent years. I am Maraad of the Hand of Argus. Forgive me if my words are clumsy, this tongue is still new. I have seen people bring so much suffering. The evils that men are capable of. The darkness that can fill their hearts. It is all consuming. This notion of camaraderie and understanding… I want nothing more than to support it. But I must ask where does it end? A hand offered in succor? How is one to determine who is worthy of such a gift? There is a history of war on this world. Even those gathered here in this very room are not above it. I am not a historian, but I have heard of the Troll Wars. I have heard of the many conflicts that have unfolded between the Zandali people and the elves and humans. I have heard of the wars that have been waged between the very faiths represented in this room. I have heard of the crusades. Holy wars waged from the very place we stand now. Though I know none of you are those who waged those wars, how can we know when it is… how can we know this will not happen again? How this meeting of faiths will not breed resentment? How long is it until we whose wounds are fresh are asked to put aside our pain? How long until even the Horde is given an opportunity to meet at this table? Is there a limit? Is there ever a limit? Or will even the priests of the Dark Titan themselves one day be given platform to explain why their dark god demands our destruction?
Zabra stepped forward and cleared his throat.
Zabra Hexx says: Good afternoon. I am Zabra of the Darkspear tribe. Like sir Maraad said, our tribe has a history that is inextricable from violence. Indeed, the Second Troll Wars were an orchestration of our own membership. Our own leaders stoked the flames of war. I will not defend the path that led to this. I will not defend the actions that brought us there. Nor do I speak all of the Darkspear. Indeed, I didn’t even know they were still around until recently. But over the last twenty years since the end of the war, I have spent my life studying. I have always been a scholar, especially of the loa, the spirits we venerate. But… in these decades I’ve learned about so many other faiths. Chief among them, of course, is the Holy Light. I squatted amongst the ruins of the Scarlet Monastery for the majority of that time. The annals of Kazmira… the missives of the Tidesages, indeed, even ancient texts make mention of giant gods and isles of shadow, and I’ve found something quite curious in all of these studies. There are always lines that one can draw between them. Indeed, it’s exactly what Liadrin’s father once did. Finding connections between the beliefs of Belore. Exactly what the dwarves did between the annals of Kazmira and the Holy Light. There are so many things that make each and every one of the beliefs held in this room and beyond it, but the one guiding principle beyond it is that it gives people hope and direction. Every religion seeks to do this. Indeed they too grant praise and thanks to the spirits or gods or ideals that are championed, but religion is, at the end of the day, for the people. It has always been for the people. I don’t believe anyone is expecting the animosities of old to vanish overnight. To forgive or forget. But I for one… have relished the opportunity given to me, to learn of the faiths of the people I believe to be my enemies, to learn of the loa of other tribes. To see Belore, a being that was once called Inshi to my own people, to hear how all these beliefs dance together to tell the true history of our world. It is through that the understanding that we may all move forward, and one need not be a friend to grow that understanding. If a hand would be outstretched to enemies, would one not want to understand them more? It is that refusal to understand that breeds hatred. Perhaps with a little understanding, we can all begin to understand more of what creates conflict.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: Ours would not be a mission of ending old feuds. Ours would not be a mission of telling people they are no longer allowed to feel pain at the sins committed against them. But if we can bring people together, people who may have never met, like we have done here today, will that not allow us to better cast judgment? To better bring justice to this world? Not with castigation, but with mutual understanding. I don’t think the orcs will be coming to join us anytime soon, Maraad, but if such a day were to come, I would hope you would be the first one to extend the hand. You and all of those who would have reason to understand your enemy. If hatred persists beyond that, there are always ways to move forward. But this would not be a place to force forgiveness, or to force reparations such as that. Simply a platform where that dialogue may chose to begin.
There were other discussions as one of the priests of Belore spoke up about the justice of entertaining an invitation to a group that bred such barbarism. It was diffused with an approach that naming such beliefs with such labels wouldn’t help anyone, and if one was willing to teach, refusing to learn did no one any good. The talks continued for a while. Some did leave, but the majority stayed.
Eventually, Morra Starbreeze spoke up.
Morra Starbreeze says: Your preface. This mention of the Scarlet Crusade. What of them? You speak of offering a helping hand while plotting an assault upon your former brethren in the same breath. Would you be giving them the same opportunities? Would you even be willing to forgive those who perpetuated all those problems?
Uther Menethil says: Yes I would. I believe that in the high command of the Crusade, it’s unlikely we’ll find any that truly want it. It’s not impossible, but unlikely. But the men and women that put those tabards on because they believed it to be the best way to protect the people they cared about? Of course. And to speak to the conundrum of being ready to raise my hand and my weapon against my own people… I am not the arbiter of culture. I am a communicator. And in order to communicate, it is important to speak the language of those you would communicate with. Some cultures, undoubtedly, will respect no language but violence. And as I am a consummate communicator, I will become fluid in their tongue. But it will never be the first step.
Morra nodded.
Morra Starbreeze says: A satisfactory answer, your Highness.
She stepped back.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: As far as the Crusade is concerned, there are many within their numbers who we know personally. Brothers and sisters. I would hope that when the truth comes to light, the lion’s share will see the folly of their ways, and will move to make amends. I cannot guarantee that will be the case, but I can hope, and I will hope. But forgiveness… forgiveness is something that is earned from those whom the wrong was given. And that is a dialogue that can only begin when we are able to find those souls that have been… deceived into working with the Scarlet Crusade.
At that moment, a voice rang out.
Unfamiliar Voice says: Even if they were to arrive now?
They turned toward the entrance and saw a dozen Scarlet Crusaders. They were wearing armor, inquisitor’s robes, and similar regalia. Some people looked concerned, and one of the men, who was wearing some cleric robes, stepped forward. He assured them they had not come to stop the conversation, nor to do anything but to talk. He was a red-haired gentleman with a small bear that connected to his hair. He was a bit balding, and the individuals clearly had some battlescarring, as if they had just come from a conflict.
Scarlet Cleric says: My name is Raleigh. Myself and my brothers and sisters here took control of the barracks. We were given orders to move out of the city. The pamphlets that were delivered and placed all over the city were placed without most of our understanding. This was the first many of us have heard about these accusations. That was when they demanded we evacuate to the Scarlet Monastery. Their guilt was plain. Mariella.
He looked to a woman, who appeared to be the worst off, but her eyes burned with determination. She stepped forward.
Mariella Warde says: I am Mariella Warde. I was an inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade, but I dared to question my orders, and demand answers, and I was nearly executed. It was only because of Raleigh I stand here. When I joined the Crusade, I was told it was to protect our people. I was told… that it was to ensure that we would make it through the winter. To protect my family. I have done cruel things at the hands of the Crusade. I have done nothing but obey the orders given to me, and the moment I demanded answers, was the moment they deemed me a heretic and moved to silence me. I am unworthy of forgiveness. The things I have done demand far more penance than what I can do in this life, but I will not allow this pox that masquerades as a noble, benevolent organization drag down any more good people with it. Do what you want with me once the Monastery is taken. But I beg of you, all of you, to give me the chance to help you. To give all of us the chance to do right.
Uther approached the group and stood before them. Raleigh looked at Uther.
Raleigh says: I understand you have no reason to believe us, but we were not alone in taking control of the barracks.
He gestured back, and Uther saw Gil in his human disguise. Uther beamed, but then stepped forward and offered Mariella a hug. She looked at Uther with surprise.
Mariella Warde says: What are you doing?
Uther Menethil says: What does it look like I’m doing?
Uther looked around.
Uther Menethil says: I suppose I’m looking foolish now.
Mariella Warde says: I’m… not worthy of such a gesture, your Highness. Please.
She bowed her head. Uther sighed.
Uther Menethil says: Well, I don’t speak for everybody else. But I’m not interested in living in a world where people believe they are unworthy of comfort. So.
Uther cleared his throat.
Uther Menethil says: As your prince, I order you to accept my hug!
Mariella blinked.
Mariella Warde says: That’s…
Uther Menethil says: Absurd! Yes! Come here!
Raleigh chuckled.
Raleigh says: You wouldn’t want to be tried for high treason, would you?
Uther pulled Mariella into a hug and healed her wounds. She returned the hug.
Mariella Warde says: …Thank you, your Highness. I will not let you down, and I will not let your people suffer anymore. This I vow to you.
Uther Menethil says: Our people.
Mariella Warde says: …Our people.
Uther looked around and saw friar Uther among the people there, and there was poignant eye contact. Tears formed in his eyes, and he looked up at the sun that fell through the ruins of the basilica in thanks to the Light, and to Uther the Lightbringer.
Uther released Mariella and looked to the former Crusaders.
Uther Menethil says: Welcome to the Argent Dawn! Please! Come here! Eat! Who else has wounds?
Turalyon stepped forward and proclaimed he had seen enough.
Turalyon Windrunner says: I was born here in Lordaeron. I’ve spent a great deal of time in Stormwind. I have met people from all walks of life, but this is something on a level that even I could have never hoped to imagine, and I hope this is the only the first of many. As keeper of the Libram of Protection, penned by Saint Mereldar herself, perhaps even in these very halls, I, Turalyon Windrunner, give my full-hearted endorsement to the Argent Dawn. I believe what it will create and become a part of will be something the Silver Hand could only dream to accomplish.
Arthas nodded.
Arthas Menethil says: As the holder of the Libram of Justice, and as the inheritor of the sacred position, and as king of the sovereign state of Lordaeron, I too endorse the Argent Dawn. May the Light and everything else that gives all of us strength, empower each and every one of us to great heights.
Reverend Bright cleared his throat.
Billy Bright says: Reverend Billy Bright of a small humble cathedral out in Venetia. Same place where the no-good scum of a man almost ruined everything both for your good home and mine as well. Now, it may not have been bequeathed to me officially, but I find myself…
He withdrew the Libram of Compassion.
Billy Bright says: As the current holder of the Libram of Compassion. While its other two brethren are in the hands of the Scarlet Crusade, that makes three out of five, which is pretty dang good. As a representative of the good Light-loving folk of Venetia, you have my humble blessing as well, and I do hope this might be the beginning of a…
He chuckled.
Billy Bright says: A beautiful new dawn for all of us.
Benedictus looked clearly surprised, as he apparently recognized Billy Bright.
Benedictus says: It’s good to see you again, Reverend Bright. I must admit I… thought you were dead.
Billy Bright says: I thought you were dead too, your Grace!
Benedictus says: I was. For a time. But the kindness of strangers is a powerful tool.
Billy Bright says: Ain’t that the gospel truth!
Brother Pike stepped forward and expressed he did not speak for the Tidesages in their entirety, he promised to bring back what was said to the rest. He hoped that, from there, they could plot a course into clearer waters. Morra likewise expressed she would do the same. Parts of the group started to offer their own ideals as discussion continued to happen.
Remnii looked to Maraad and spoke quietly as she asked what he thought.
Maraad admitted he thought it was idealistic and foolhardy, but he believed it was foolish to turn their backs on it, as the people that spoke were right, and there was much the Hand of Argus could both learn and teach. Remnii agreed and felt they could bring what they heard back to their people.
Remnii stood up and introduced herself to those present as the ambassador to the draenei.
Remnii says: We are new to your world and we have journeyed far. I know without the shadow of a doubt to look an enemy in the eye is hard, yet the brightest light will cast the deepest shadows. Even beings of pure Light crystalized achieve a form of true void, and yet still they are themselves, simply changed. As we move forward, you stand on a precipice where some will see you in your lightest shades, and others your darkest. I hope we continue to be complex beings. It is simply acknowledgement that building something is difficult. I would like to bring this back to the Hand of Argus and the Aldor. I hope that this…
She looked at Uther with pride.
Remnii says: I hope that the young may teach the old, and the long-lived may guide those that blaze forward, and those that do get us unstuck. So thank you for this vision. And the good food.
Uther watched, as not everyone was fully onboard and some needed time to think, but one after another, each group offered to at least keep the notion in their heart, which was more than he could possibly ask for. Others, meanwhile, offered themselves to the cause fully and immediately. Something had started that would be a seed of something greater.
Maxwell Tyrosus took the floor one more time.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: There is no obligation for anyone here to join us against the Scarlet Crusade, but any who wish to bring them to justice and save our wayward brethren, I invite you to join us. The Argent Dawn will ride together to bring an end to this chapter and write a new one.
Liadrin pulled out a crate that she opened to reveal a collection of tabards. She informed everyone they were welcome to take up the colors, or even bring them back to their people, but they would bring an end to the tyranny and bring a new argent dawn to Azeroth.
There was an eruption of cheers. Uther stepped forward and took a tabard, as did Maraad. Remnii also took one, even if she wouldn’t wear it into battle, and Gil likewise took one. The Scarlet Rebels ripped off their old tabards, burned them, and replaced them with the new ones.
They made a parade through the city and ended it at the former Scarlet Crusade barracks. The Crusade banners were torn down, only to be replaced with the banners of the Argent Dawn. Darion Mograine expressed he felt he looked great in black, and Uther agreed it was a dashing color.
Darion Mograine says: We’re going to put an end to this, and then we’re going to build something amazing.
Uther Menethil says: I’m inclined to believe you!
Darion Mograine says: You think my father would have taken up this tabard?
Uther Menethil says: I think he would.
Darion Mograine says: I like to think so as well. Welp! I’ll just have to make him proud in the meantime!
Uther Menethil says: Yeah. Me too.
Uther looked across those gathered, and he met the eyes of Robert Travard, who had grabbed a tabard.
Robert Travard says: That was something special you started back there, kid. I might bring a few more of these back home, but not until we’re done with this Crusade business.
Uther Menethil says: I think the further this message spreads, the better.
Robert Travard says: Well then. May Tyr guide our hands to justice. I might not be in my prime anymore, but I’ll show these would-be crusaders how a real warrior holds themselves.
Uther Menethil says: I’m glad for your aid!
Robert grinned.
Robert Travard says: I need to see more of this city. This place is truly amazing!
At that moment, Gil got a sending from Samia to inform him that because Velameestra was unavailable, she informed Mag’beth she would be the point of contact. It appeared they had made contact with the Warsong, and whenever they were ready, their team would meet him, and she hoped they could be convinced to aid in the conflict. Gil thanked her, and said he would inform the others. Samia warned him to use discretion as the situation was complicated, and the sooner they could meet, the better.
Gil reported to Remnii first, and then the group was gathered to go and meet with Mag’beth. They informed Jaina of the plan, and Garona stepped in, dressed in a hodge-podge of armor. She wished to join them, as Grom Hellscream had never been cruel to her, and she wanted to help get his people to help them with the Crusaders.
Remnii looked at Uther and Gil and acknowledged the situation was complex for them and their people, but she wished to speak about the possibility of bringing Grom with her to the Broken Isles.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t even know if he’s going to be alive.
Garona says: He will be.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Is that the truth or what you wish to believe.
Garona says: Grom will not die in captivity.
Gil expressed he ultimately didn’t care, but he held no political position in the endeavor, and Jaina said she knew that Kael’thas was not going to be pleased, but they already knew it was a possibility. Jaina believed they would be fools not to allow the orcs to fight their common enemy, especially if they could also secure the return of prisoners of war.
Maraad spoke up that he did not like the idea of letting a monster like Grom Hellscream go, but he also did not like the idea of him being tormented by the twisted Crusaders. And ultimately ending his life would make an enemy of the Warsong that were present. However, he was not the one that would make peace. Gil agreed he also had no desire to make peace.
Uther Menethil says: If we’re going to change the world, we have to lead by example.
Jaina nodded, and headed over to scry on Mag’beth. Her scrying mirror opened, and they saw the ogre mage loitering with her hands pressed together nervously. She was speaking to Samia, and Nazgrim was also there. Jaina used teleport to send the group to them, and she wished them luck and told them to stay safe.
They arrived in a clearing near a body of water, and Seria caught the heavy scent of a group of people on the wind as well as the scent of old ash in the rain. They were likely near one of the larger lakes in the Tirisfal Glades. They saw Samia, Motah, Mag’beth, and Nazgrim
Samia Inkling says: Ah. You arrived. Welcome everyone.
Nazgrim informed them that Zagarra was out scouting, and Garona’s eyes widened at the name. At that moment, Zagarra arrived with a spit.
Zagarra says: You.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Oh. You know each other.
Sasha, the saberon, followed after Zagarra, but the orc charged at Garona.
Zagarra says: Know her?
Zagarra grit her teeth.
Zagarra says: This monster killed my father. This monster is responsible for my clan’s destruction!
Garona stepped back, her hands ready to go for her blades.
Garona says: I only did what I needed to do to survive.
Zagarra says: If your survival precludes my father’s death I would sooner see you join the ancestors! Where did you go? I know that you vanished during the attack on the frozen grove. How did you escape?
Garona scowled.
Garona says: I don’t owe you explanations.
Her hand subconsciously rose to the chain on her neck, and Zagarra stepped forward to yank the chain toward her.
Zagarra says: I think you do!
Remnii says: I believe that’s enough. Zagarra… I cannot provide justice, but I can provide clarity to the point we need everyone on for this mission. There are many prejudices being put aside at the moment. I would ask you do the same.
Zagarra says: …Don’t be surprised if she slips your bonds. It’s only a matter of time before she’s back to her master.
Garona says: He is not my master! The only time I will return is when I can bury this blade in his flesh!
She partially drew a dagger, and Zagarra glowered at her, but Maraad stepped forward and warned Zagarra to choose her enemies carefully. Zagarra sighed, but tossed Garona’s chain aside.
Zagarra says: Fine. But I will be watching you, half-breed. One false move and I’ll end you myself.
Garona says: I do not make false moves.
Zagarra reported that the Warsong had holed up in an abandoned village, but it looked like they had just resolved a battle the prior night. There were Scarlet banners there, and she added that they were on their back foot, so they needed to be approached with caution. However she didn’t think they detected them.
Sasha confirmed they did not.
Uther recognized the area was likely Brightview, which was less than a hundred miles from the Scarlet Monastery. Which was convenient, as the orcs could likely move their forces into position for the siege in a few days.
Garona explained the Warsong had a robust tradition of song. She didn’t know their practices well, but their hunting parties announced their presence with song. She believed if they did the same, they could likely announce themselves as not meaning any harm. Nazgrim said he could show them the ropes, but he emphasized they needed to be loud, as they all seemed to be a bit small. However, the greetings normally involved an introduction, a declaration of intent, an offer of peace, and a threat of war.
Uther hefted Light’s Vengeance on his shoulder and tapped into its magic to elevate his voice. Gil pulled out his guitar and started to strum it as they headed to the border of the territory. In orcish, they barked out a chant, that effectively translated to:
“I am Uther the Hammer, I seek terms of exchanging our people for each other, I have friends of yours, and I don’t want to have to kick the shit out of you to get this audience, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do it!”
It was silent for a moment. There was no response initially.
But then there was a deep, roiling sound of war. There was some sort of whistle whipping through the air, accompanied with loud chants and conflict. Gil heard the sound of steel ringing in the distance, and Seria caught the scent of fire that was not there before.
Nazgrim says: Something’s not right. Those are sounds of battle, but they aren’t getting closer. Something’s wrong. Come! There’s a battle to be joined! We will earn this meeting with steel!
Nazgrim drew his weapon and charged, soon followed by everyone else. The village was indeed burned, any semblance of its prior occupants long gone. Instead, it was the bones of a human settlement with the instruments of an orcish war camp. All the orcs had joined the battle, the Warsong whipping their axes and blades. The smoke in the buildings that had started to burn blotted out the view as the group charged in, but then they saw the assailants. A broad orc with a shaved head and a tattoo that formed into a scar over one of his eyes cleaved his axe through another orc, whose neck broke and distended backwards. The second orc wasn’t alive.
Another voice shouted in common to slay all the green-skinned monsters, and a spectral line of cavalry and Scarlet Crusaders erupted through the buildings and cleaved down Warsong warriors. Uther’s divine sense pulsed with a malevolent hatred that issued all around them.
The bald orc barked at Nazgrim and demanded to know why he was there, but Nazgrim identified him as Rekshak as he barked back he was there to kill what was attacking them. Another undead rushed at Uther, plague bile spilling from its mouth, and he then heard a distinctive sound of a gunshot, and the orc’s head was blown clean off. On the side of one of the buildings was an orc woman with a very well-crafted dark iron rifle that was still smoking. She reloaded the weapon, ready to fire again with a grin. Nazgrim squinted and identified her as Shokia, but then laughed and headed into the fight. Another Warsong on warg back laughed as he spun two blades and cleaved through undead left and right, and a shaman with a great horn in his hand rippled with magic as he declared they already defeated them all once, and this would simply be an aftershock of their glory.
Uther looked at Gil.
Uther Menethil says: See? It’s never easy.
Gil sighed.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: This isn’t what I meant.
He readied his bow as Uther hefted his hammer and started to sprint toward the front line. Garona dashed after him. Uther clobbered an undead, and the orc he just saved pounded his chest and rounded on another enemy.
They felt a pulse of hateful malice that appeared to be the source of all the rage. Garona turned toward it, and they saw a single figure walking through the carnage. He had a single, long, sharp blade carving a divet in the ground, another on his shoulder, and his eyes burned a brilliant red. His skin was grey-green, and he had sunken hate-filled eyes with narrow cheekbones. One of his arms had no flesh.
He was honed in on Garona.
Maim Blackhand says: Ga… ro… NAAAAAAAAA.
Remnii recognized him as Maim Blackhand as he barreled toward her.
