[Horde] Chapter Five: Session Forty-Eight

Appearing Characters: Altruis Shadowsong, Arthak Saurfang, Arzal'kal, Bakaz, Daleera Moonfang, Delas Moonfang, Driana, Farondis, Illidan Stormrage, Kor'vas Bloodthorn, Levia Blackflight, Lyanis Moonfall, Pained, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Sol'chi, Tyrande Whisperwind, Vaerux, Velameestra Windrunner (Simulacrum), Zar'Kaa

December 4th

As the party prepared to leave, Zar’Kaa approached Vel as she came out of a hole in the wall with her coffin and a few amenities inside. Vel greeted him and asked if he needed help with something.

He explained that he wanted to catch her real quick before they set out for the druid grove. Vel expressed he had found her, and Zar’Kaa said that when they had a moment he felt they should speak.

Zar’Kaa gave Vel a surprisingly respectful nod before he set off again. He passed Levia on his way out, he cast him a curious look before she strolled into the old alchemist lab to check on Vel. She asked if everything was alright, and when Vel relayed the brief conversation, Levia was surprised to hear there hadn’t been anything rude said.

Levia cast a glance out the doorway with an intrigued shrug.

Farondis had come to find Nyxxa, and she asked if there was something wrong. He admitted that was a heavy question. He said he wanted to just check on her, because he wanted to emphasize she wasn’t obligated to do anything for them. Nyxxa put a hand on his shoulder, and it passed through, but she assured him that nothing was set in stone.

Farondis said had he known this was going to happen he would have chased them all away.

Farondis flexed his hands and his shoulders deflated, but he nodded and assured he he could promise that.

Farondis put a hand on her hand, and she felt the vague presence of pressure. He told her that he would keep things in order, and he promised nothing would happen to the companions she is leaving behind. Nyxxa said she trusted him with that, and Farondis bid her farewell.

Nyxxa went and found Kor’vas, and she was greeted with a smile. Kor’vas asked if things went alright with the Tidestone, and Nyxxa said they needed to talk. Kor’vas expressed she didn’t like the tone and asked what happened. Nyxxa explained everything they had uncovered and what Nerus had told her.

Kor’vas asked her what she was going to do. Nyxxa admitted she didn’t know, and she didn’t even know if it was possible given what had been done to her and Nerus. However, she wanted to be honest with Kor’vas about what they found.

Kor’vas started to laugh and she covered her eyes. It was as if she wanted to cry, but she physically couldn’t.

Nyxxa tried to open her arms to hug Kor’vas, and Kor’vas accepted the hug, but it was angry and tight. She buried her head in Nyxxa’s shoulder.

Kor’vas pulled back.

Kor’vas nodded, and Nyxxa thanked her and said she loved her. Kor’vas punched her in the arm, but Kor’vas said she loved her too.

Levia bid everyone farewell, as she was going to stay in Nar’thalas with Vel for the time being. She gave Nyxxa a hug and told her they were going to see if they could find something there, but if Nyxxa started on the book she wanted to know if she liked it. Nyxxa told her it would make for a great pick-me-up.

She then quietly told Sol to keep an eye on Nyxxa because she was worried. Sol hugged Levia and assured her that he would do his best. He also said that he had been joking about it, but he really thought they needed to find Chen, because he had apparently figured something out. Levia agreed it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye out. Sol joked for Levia to not break any coffins, and she laughed and said she couldn’t make any promises.

The group headed to Illidari Stand first, where they quickly sighted the felbats and fel-infused sabers at the Illidari base camp that overlooked the conflict between the demons and the ghosts.

Arthak informed them that he was going to go back to Black Rook Hold and would meet them at the Temple of Elune. Sol mused they had felbats there. Arthak looked at the felbats and sighed heavily.

Arthak took a long drag from his cigar, and he looked back at Nyxxa for a long time before he headed towards the felbats.

Zar’Kaa, however, turned his focus toward Bakaz and his crew, who were also using the Illidari Stand as a base of operations. Several of the amani were cooking fish over a small fire. Bakaz grinned as he saw Zar’Kaa and greeted him.

Zar’Kaa took a deep breath and Bakaz asked if he was hungry as they had extras, but Zar’Kaa said he was good. However, Zar’Kaa wanted to check in about Sacrolash. Bakaz told his fellows to save some for him. One of the headhunters commented he could make no promises with a grin, but Bakaz sauntered over to Zar’Kaa.

Zar’Kaa confirmed and expressed that the pieces of the Tidestone needed to be kept out of the hands of the Legion and the naga.

Bakaz smiled and said he liked where things seemed to be going. Zar’Kaa asked how many of Bakaz’s amani were around, and Bakaz said he has a few other groups posted around, and everyone else was back at the Hold. Zar’Kaa asked if they found anything reconnaissance-wise, and Bakaz said he didn’t have eyes on the Tidestone, but he knew the Legion was protecting something important. He had also seen others that seemed powerful. It wasn’t just Sacrolash. But if they knew they were there, then that meant those agents weren’t anywhere else.

Bakaz smiled.

Zar’Kaa said he had some ideas, and Bakaz asked what he got. Zar’Kaa suggested hit and run tactics to bring her out of the shadows. Bakaz countered that he’s afraid Sacrolash will catch on. He thought they would need something more tantalizing if they wanted to get the drop on her, but it was at least a good start. Zar’Kaa suggested appraising the amani of their objective so they could collect intel on what could tantalize Sacrolash.

Bakaz said if he could get his hands on one of Sacrolash’s lieutenants, that would help. He could see what he could dig up, and if they were lucky they could send Sacrolash on a date she wouldn’t soon forget. He expressed Zar’Kaa wasn’t doing bad.

Zar’Kaa’s fingers flickered as he considered what to say next. Bakaz’s eyes flickered downward.

Zar’Kaa opened his mouth briefly, but then corrected himself and asked for clarification.

Zar’Kaa narrowed his gaze.

Bakaz laughed.

Zar’Kaa bared his teeth.

Zar’Kaa shook his head.

Zar’Kaa turned and stalked off to cool down. However, as Bakaz moved back, Nyxxa caught him.

Nyxxa said the best they could do is keep things at a stalemate, and Bakaz said he would do what he could, and it was good to see Nyxxa regardless. Nyxxa agreed, but she looked tired, and Bakaz said for her to get some reset as it wouldn’t do if she dropped dead trying to chase everything else.

Bakaz asked her if she was hungry, and he led her back to their campfire.

The group then took off from the Illidari Stand to head down across the river to find the location where they would be meeting with the rogue demons. The area was heavily corrupted, and it seemed all wildlife was avoiding the high levels of fel energy. Eventually they reached a cove and they found more hidden symbols written in the same cipher as the message had been. It appeared to direct to a hidden safe place.

Nyxxa spotted a imp that appeared to be a bit bigger than a typical imp. They were only a bit shorter than Nyxxa, and the imp was invisible as it patrolled. It was identified as a dread imp. Nyxxa relayed as much to the group. Sol said it made sense, as they were good alarm systems and patrols.

They headed across the fel-corrupted stream, and Nyxxa made direct eye contact with the imp. The imp recoiled, but snapped his fingers and appeared. He squinted at the group and scratched his chin and asked if they were the ones that were coming.

The group confirmed, and he said they would see about that, but he began an incantation that was needed to conjure a summoning circle. A felstalker materialized, and the imp flicked his wrist to present a vial of blood to the felstalker. It was Nyxxa’s blood, and the felstalker sniffed it. It then approached the group growling as it sniffed around, but then it licked Nyxxa’s hand in acknowledgement. Nyxxa scritched his head.

The dread imp nodded, seemingly satisfied, and he directed them into a cavern after saying the boss would be there soon. The dread imp sensed magic and identified they had a telepathic bond. He asked if that was just them, and the group confirmed. After further investigation, he seemed satisfied.

They entered the cavern, and passed into a wall of darkness that seemed to be a magical private sanctum. It looked to be a safe house, as there was a number of cots present as well as supplies and runes of warding in eredun on the walls. There were also several layers of protections beyond, but there was no one present at the moment.

Sol looked at the dread imp and expressed he appreciated the thoroughness. The dread imp said he was just doing what he had to do.

As Nyxxa looked around and saw even more defenses. There were more glyphs of warding that could stun intruders, and there were also sensors all over that existed invisibly. Nyxxa informed the group as much. They also saw a teleportation circle that was obfuscated. Sol decided to memorize it while they waited.

Zar’Kaa tried to read what was on some of the books and scrolls in the room, but it was all heavily encrypted. Zar’Kaa quietly cursed to himself.

But then they heard a voice that asked what he was looking to find. Zar’Kaa said his curiosity just got the better of him, and he apologized. The voice said that would be the death of him.

At that moment, the teleportation circle activated, and an eredar appeared in the center. He had prominent cheek bones with wide scars that glowed with fel corruption, and he a black and gray outfit that indicated he was a high ranking eredar. He had long white hair that was braided in a network of braids, and his arms were covered in lacerations that had fel cracks through them. He eyed them warily.

The eredar squinted at them.

Sol recognized the other eredar. His name was Arzal’kal. He wasn’t one of the highest-ranking demons, but he was in the upper mid ranks. He and Sol’s mother, Erraa, had been very good friends, and she had referred to him as a childhood friend.

The eredar froze.

Sol sighed.

Zar’Kaa crossed his arms.

Arzal’kal’s eyes went wide.

Sol explained he had changed his body and had a simulacrum posing as himself. Arzal’kal took a step closer and examined him.

Altruis nodded and said he could understand protecting Sol’s identity.

Zar’Kaa said mitigating the risk made sense, but he was still surprised about Sol’s true identity. Kor’vas said Sol’s new appearance was an improvement, and Sol thanked her with a question mark.

Nyxxa glared at Kor’vas while Sol returned his attention to Arzal’kal. He said he was sorry he couldn’t have done anything for Erraa or him, as it had been too late. He looked at the rest of the group and asked if he trusted them, and Sol confirmed he did.

He looked at Nyxxa.

Nyxxa confirmed and said it sounded like they had similar goals, and she thought their groups would benefit from being in contact, even if it required a trust fall.

Sol said they had just come from there.

Arzal’kal nodded, and Nyxxa said they had been led to suspect as much. He explained the location of the fragments moved frequently as it was examined and research. Nyxxa asked what they sought to do with it.

Nyxxa confirmed, and Sol explained they had examined the pearl and the curse on the city as well. Arzal’kal nodded and wanted to know what their intention was.

Zar’Kaa said they wanted to keep it out of the hands of the Legion and anyone else that sought to claim it. Arzal’kal said that was noble, and Nyxxa added they wanted to break the curse. Ultimately the curse needed to be broken to move the pearl, and Nyxxa asked how the Legion sought to claim it.

Arzal’kal looked at Zar’Kaa.

Sol asked if he saw a pandaren anywhere, and Arzal’kal said he didn’t know what that was. Sol explained apparently this person had broken one of the spirits free with alcohol. Arzal’kal seemed baffled, but he asked what their other routes were.

Nyxxa said they should be upfront about their routes to breaking the curse, and she explained the options that were presented. Arzal’kal said he shouldn’t be surprised that such a curse required sacrifice to break it.

Nyxxa said she would speak to the Illidari to see if they could offer succor, as she was ultimately an emissary. Sol also said that they could help too.

Altruis nodded.

Arzal’kal offered him a sad smile.

Sol conjured a ninth level magnificent mansion in the safe house, and Arzal’kal put a hand on his shoulder.

Arzal looked over at Nyxxa.

He looked at Nyxxa and thanked her for taking care of him. He then informed them he would keep the sending stone they gave him, and when the time approaches, he’ll ensure he could get the Tidestone, and he’ll do what he could to keep them appraised.

Arzal’kal also said they were free to use the safe house if he needed it, but he needed to return before his absence was noted. Sol told him to take care, and that he would see him soon.

He hugged Arzal’kal as he started to conjure a teleportation circle, and Arzal’kal trembled slightly.

Arzal’kal looked at him, clearly having recognized the red eyes, but he put a hand on Sol’s head and gave him a sad, but determined smile as he teleported away.

He gave Sol a slap on the shoulder.

There was some more idle banter before they headed out. The dread imp gave them a nod and asked if things went well. Sol confirmed and said there was a magnificent mansion inside if he got off his shift anytime soon. The imp thanked him, and Sol said it should be there for about thirty days.

Rak’Symma decided to open a portal in a tree to cover the majority of the distance to the Temple of the Moon. They started to head through the deep woods to the south, and it soon became very evident they were being watched. Nyxxa had advised the group not to use disguises, as they were expected.

However, they avoided settlements so they didn’t cause a panic, and eventually they arrived in the Crescent Vale. As the trees opened, they saw a large, beautiful temple with a gorgeous, well-maintained walkway that had flowers growing between the stones. There were pillars and beautiful gardens with streams and fountains, and there was wildlife living freely in the area.

It was a temple to Mother Moon, built directly into the nature around it. Nyxxa bowed before she entered the temple grounds. There were not many people out, but they saw a handful of sentinels, and as they entered, another set of sentinels emerged behind them. Their weapons were out, but not readied.

One of the sentinels demanded to know what their business was, and Nyxxa explained they were invited by Priestess Tyrande. The sentinel nodded, and some of the other more hidden sentinels dispersed.

The sentinels talked amongst themselves, commenting about how Tyrande had invited satyrs to their sacred grounds, and clearly not pleased about the matter. Sol spoke up and said Tyrande had a good reason for that, and he thanked them for welcoming them.

Sol started to rebuke, but Nyxxa told him not to over the telepathic bond. Another voice echoed out, and said that the orders were given regardless. They looked over and saw a regal night elven woman with a platinum sash. She had night blue hair braided in loops that made crescent shapes, and her tattoos were also crescent moons around her eyes. Her hands were behind her back. Lunar moths danced in her wake before they faded into petals as she stepped into the garden. All the sentinels jumped back and stowed weapons.

Nyxxa confirmed and bowed.

The priestess introduced herself as Lyanis Moonfall.

She looked pointedly at the demons.

Nyxxa assured her that they wouldn’t abuse the trust placed in them.

Sol thanked Lyanis as well, and Nyxxa said they also had some additional news that elder Moonfall would probably like to know. It seemed that Driana had recognized the priestess, but it did not seem Lyanis recognized her.

They walked up a staircase toward a series of sheer curtains to enter the temple. However, the curtains were thrown open, and a diminutive priestess leaped from them. She had a silver bob cut, and two leaf-like tattoos were over her eyes.

Lyanis stopped and asked what she was doing running around the temple. The priestess, Daleera, apologized with a small bleat to her voice, but she had heard the outsiders were there. She bowed quickly to Lyanis, but then looked over at Nyxxa and her face lit up.

Nyxxa apologized she didn’t remember her, but Daleera said she had been informed that might be the case, but she was so glad that she could finally thank her. Nyxxa said she didn’t know what to say, and Daleera chuckled and said “you’re welcome” was frequently one option. Nyxxa laughed softly and said it back to her as Daleera looked at the rest of them and introduced herself as Daleera Moonfang. She said she hoped they would forgive her if she didn’t have their names fully memorized.

As each person introduced themselves, she bowed to them and Sol complimented her on her robes.

Kor’vas also greeted Daleera as her aunt, and Daleera gasped, and immediately gave Kor’vas a hug.

Kor’vas looked somewhat sadly back at Nyxxa, who explained they had run into each other again. At that moment, a large brickhouse of a sentinel stepped out of the temple. She had a very serious and worried look on her face, and two immaculate blades of an ancient make were sheathed at her sides. The twin blades were likely crafted a long time ago by a very skilled elven blacksmith. Next to her was Delas, and they both headed over to Daleera. The sentinel signed to her expressing for her not to run off. Daleera signed an apology back. The sentinel sighed, but relaxed and took her position behind Daleera, who smiled. Delas also looked relieved that Daleera was safely on the grounds.

Delas welcomed them all to the Temple of the Moon, and she asked why Arthak wasn’t with them. Sol explained he was doing a side errand but would be there soon. Nyxxa said it was good to see Delas, who agreed it was good to see her too, but there was much to discuss as they had learned some things.

Delas nodded and explained that Tyrande was waiting in the antechamber. As they started to follow, Sol expressed he wished to follow their customs if there were any, but Lyanis said that wasn’t necessary, but his courtesy was appreciated. Zar’Kaa also asked some questions, and Lyanis said she was willing to answer after the other matters were attended to.

Sol expressed that people he cared about practiced the faith, so if a blessing was possible, he would have liked to experience it. Delas and Lyanis shared a look and said they would discuss it, but there were no promises.

They entered the antechamber, and they saw a rainbow of colors due to the mixture of trees and grass growing inside the temple despite the winter. At the center was a statue of a beautiful elven woman with long hair who was holding a massive ewer that poured glittering waters into a pool. Tyrande was in the pool finishing up the prayer she was saying. Illidan was leaning against one of the pillars in the room, as he had also accompanied Tyrande there.

Tyrande turned with a warm smile, fully nude as she emerged from the pool. She took a white cloth and dried herself as she greeted them and began to cloth herself in simple priestess robes. Tyrande looked at Driana and Rak’symma, and she said she had been hoping to speak to Driana for a long time, as she understood Elune had guided Nyxxa to find her.

She then looked at Rak’Symma and expressed they had not yet met. Rak’Symma, however, had been staring at the statue, and Tyrande expressed it was quite beautiful. Rak’Symma said everything was much larger than she expected. Tyrande said she wondered sometimes if it was too much, but if it could give them sanctuary, she believed that was worthwhile.

Rak’Symma asked who she was, and Tyrande said her name was Haidene, the first of their number to hear Elune’s voice. But it was also wildly believed she was Elune’s chosen when Kalimdor was the name of the entire continent, so it was possible she looked like Elune after all. But it was hard to say.

Tyrande had to wonder what she would think about the statues of her likeness, but Tyrande invited them to retire to one of the meditation chambers.

Driana approached Daleera and said she had something she wanted to return to her. She withdrew a pendant she was wearing and held it out to her. Daleera took the pendant and looked at it with surprise, as she had lost it a long time ago after her capture. Daleera asked how Driana got it, who said it was a long story, but Nyxxa–Nhemai–had brought it to her. Daleera looked over at Nyxxa and said she brought it back for her, but Nyxxa was pale as Daleera looked at her.

Nyxxa explained she had the opportunity to take it, so she did. But she was glad it was coming back to who it belonged to. Daleera smiled and said she was glad Nyxxa was there to see it returned. She slipped the necklace over her head.

Illidan had started to stalk after them as well, and they made their way to a simple stone meditation chamber on the top floor. There was a basin filled with moonwell water with some cushions on the ground.

Tyrande explained their pursuits in finding an answer to the satyr’s curse had been largely unsuccessful. There were tales of satyrs trying, but none had seemingly succeeded. However, the words mentioned great sacrifice, as someone selfish enough to take on the curse would never have been able to give what was required to truly be forgiven. However, she had said what that meant was ephemeral.

Nyxxa said she believed Elune had given her an answer then, and Delas asked if their investigations had brought fruit. Nyxxa explained the vision she had witnessed, and everything that had happened. Tyrande was familiar with the shrine, though it was seldom used. She was amazed that Nyxxa had perhaps heard Mother Moon herself. Delas had sat up, eager to hear what the answer was, but Nyxxa’s face was grim.

Daleera audibly gasped as her hand went to her mouth. Delas furrowed her brow.

Nyxxa explained everything they had found in Nar’thalas. Delas’s face got darker and darker as the tale went on.

Nyxxa felt Vaerux squirm inside her mind.

Delas shook her head.

Tyrande’s expression steeled.

Zar’Kaa asked what he said.

Nyxxa agreed that would make sense if he had been gone for so long. Zar’Kaa said he didn’t want to be insensitive, but he needed to ask that if Malfurion was gone–

Tyrande nodded.

Tyrande nodded.

Sol: It’s a good idea. Maybe if we get the satyr’s curse off Nyxxa she can help too.

Nyxxa nodded and said she couldn’t help right now, and Tyrande said a great many things had to happen. Tyrande then looked at Symma and said a single person could go, but she feared what was there, as Malfurion had been gone for many decades.

She intended to tell the druids of Val’sharah so they could look around and point them in the right direction. Nyxxa also said they were heading to the druid grove next, and Tyrande asked to send a missive with them. Nyxxa nodded and also mentioned they had a missive that had been sent to Tyrande from Thalyssra. Sol produced the missive and handed it over to Tyrande, and Nyxxa said that she had their word she spoke truly.

Zar’Kaa said she was well aware of that shortcoming, as were many of the nightborne, but they were willing to do something now. Sol said that they were probably right to be scared given what Azshara did to Nar’thalas.

Tyrande nodded in acknowledgement as she read the missive and explained Thalyssra had invited her to visit her in Shal’aran. Zar’Kaa said it was safe for the moment, and Nyxxa explained it had magic similar to the druids, but it predated the Sundering. Tyrande was intrigued by such a notion.

They spoke briefly about the addiction to the Nightwell and those cast out of Suramar, and Tyrande said that there was no shortage of crises on the Isles, but she was grateful they shared it with her.

Nyxxa asked Delas if she would go on a walk with her, and Delas nodded. Lyanis expressed she was able to offer them lodgings in the temple if they were needed. Sol offered to open a mansion for them, but Lyanis told him to refrain from arcane magic in the halls of the temple. Sol nodded, and he asked if there were any druids there as he wanted to speak with someone because he could manifest magics he shouldn’t have been capable of, including of the holy variety. All the priestesses looked at each other and said they would want to see that in action because that was unprecedented.

Meanwhile, Nyxxa and Delas had walked out of the temple. Delas was quiet and clearly in deep thought. When she spoke up again, it was an apology for acting so brazenly in front of everyone. Nyxxa accepted the apology, but she meant what she said about Delas not taking credit for the actions of others.

Delas embraced Nyxxa close and tight as if she was afraid a stiff wind would take her away again.

She brushed her hand through Delas’s hair.

Tears welled up in Delas’s eyes.

They held each other and cried silently into each other’s arms. A single ray of moonlight fell upon them, and a single shooting star arched through the sky.

This page was last edited on August 08, 2024, at 06:27 PM

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