[Horde] Chapter Five: Session Forty-Nine
Appearing Characters: Altruis Shadowsong, Amara Nightwalker, Arthak Saurfang, Bru'kan, Delas Moonfang, Driana, Elune, Hannah Bladeleaf, Illidan Stormrage, Jace Darkweaver, Kor'vas Bloodthorn, Lantresor, Lyanis Moonfall, Murky, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Senegos, Sol'chi, Thora Feathermoon, Tyrande Whisperwind, Yaeliura Nightwalker, Zar'Kaa, Zirazi
December 4th
Arthak had returned to Black Rook Hold, where several representatives from Highmountain as well as the harpies had started to gather. He asked around searching for Senegos, and he was directed to the interior of the hold near the Crucible, where he saw Jace and Zirazi working on a beacon like those they had seen at Shal’aran. Senegos was there in his visage form, which was that of a jungle troll, except his tusks were kissed with rime and he was also bent over the device.
Arthak got Senegos’s attention, who greeted him warmly and asked for any updates on the front. Arthak said they were complicated, and Senegos did not seem to be surprised. He explained they had been delivered a beacon from Suramar and it would be up and running before too long.
Arthak said he wanted Senegos’s opinion on a couple matters, and the ancient wyrm was happy to give him the time. He felt the youngsters could get a handle on things, and Zirazi asked her if she was alright. Senegos assured him he was just going to get some air, and Zirazi promptly got flustered as he offered her a compliment on her skills, as it seemed that she had come to be aware that he was also Zul’sen.
He mused to Arthak on the expression she had offered when she found out, and Arthak inquired about him being their patron. Senegos briefly explained his history with the Darkspear and their loa, as they had a long relationship over the many, many years. Arthak said the loa could maybe be of use on matters, and Senegos explained that the loa normally didn’t interfere, but then again, it wasn’t troll matters at hand.
Arthak went into their findings in Nar’thalas, and it seemed Senegos was familiar with the existence of the curse as it was close to the Azuremyst Repose. Unfortunately he had been unable to find much on it during his own investigations. Arthak explained they were looking into breaking the curse as doing so was necessary to retrieve the Tidestone. They had found some options for doing so, and Arthak explained the nature of those options, and neither of them particularly liked the option of returning the Tidestone to Azshara and asking for her to remove the curse.
Arthak then brought what they had determined about the curse, and that one of their number was an apt candidate.
Senegos’s brow furrows.
Arthak agreed that was a different problem they were looking for answers to. Senegos said he was happy to provide counsel if it was needed. He would offer to hide it, but he felt hiding it from someone like Azshara would be nearly impossible, and he feared what she would do if it was being held in the custody of the dragons as the numbers of the blue dragonflight were still very few.
Arthak expressed the possibility of destroying the Tidestone had been raised, but it was an option he did not find agreeable. Senegos agreed that was a difficult option, as he doubted they could be destroyed easily. Arthak said he was concerned about the consequences, as the Tidestone had been used to shape the oceans, and he was worried about using another pillar to break it. On top of the fact the artifacts didn’t belong to them.
Senegos asked who they belonged to, and Arthak said they were made by the Titans and left behind. He suspected they were not left behind for them.
Senegos agreed Arthak might be right, but he didn’t know himself. He admitted he had never seen the Titans themselves in all his years. However, if the artifacts were not theirs, they had still been holding on to them for a very long time.
Senegos chuckled. Arthak thanked him for the counsel. After some consideration, Senegos suggested Arthak actually talk to Nyxxa, as he felt that she would like to know what other avenues he was exploring rather than be blindsided by an option she might have found less palatable.
Arthak assured him that he was going to. Senegoss mused that he wished he had the answers, but there were things beyond even his own understanding and knowledge.
They veered off to talk about lighter matters and curiosities for a bit before Arthak set off to take care of other things. He passed Lantresor, who was sitting on a stone cross-legged, and next to him was Murky, who had fallen asleep with his legs crossed in an attempted imitation of the pose. Lantresor’s tail was curled in a wide circle around him.
Arthak stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the scene. Lantresor’s eye opened, and his expression softened into a smile, but then dampened as he fully comprehended Arthak’s own expression. Not long after, someone passed by to take Murky to bed.
Lantresor asked Arthak if he was alright after Murky was carried off, and Arthak said he wasn’t. Lantresor asked if it was something he needed to speak about, or to think about.
Arthak said he needed to think. He told Lantresor to be well, and Lantresor nodded, but he watched Arthak leave with a clearly concerned look on his face.
As Delas and Nyxxa broke their embrace, Nyxxa presented her with a hairstick she had carved for her. Delas thanked her for such a gift, and Nyxxa explained that she carved them for everyone she met, and she had one for the others at the Temple as well. They agreed to go find Daleera together, as Nyxxa admitted that she probably wasn’t going to be able to sleep that night.
They had settled onto the ground with each other, and without thinking Delas simply picked Nyxxa up as she got to her feet and set her back on her hooves. Nyxxa immediately blushed, and Delas apologized for doing so. Nyxxa assured her it was fine, but she made the observation about Delas having very strong arms.
Delas also blushed and she asked if she would mind if she held Nyxxa’s hand on the way back.
Delas shook her head.
They held hands as they headed back to the Temple. The moon was fully overhead as they returned to the glade, and they saw a sentinel and a priestess standing at the bottom of the stairs. The sentinel had short teal hair and was pacing back and forth impatiently. The priestess had similar colored hair, but it was longer, and her robes had pink accents. They were talking quietly.
Delas explained that they were people Nyxxa likely wanted to meet. Nyxxa recognized them as night elves that had arrived with Delas, and Delas explained their names were Yaeliura and Amara Nightwalker, who were old friends of her’s. But they were also old friends of Nyxxa’s. Tyrande and Delas had both encouraged them to speak with her, and they had finally seemingly gotten the courage to do so. Delas asked if Nyxxa wanted her to be there with her, and Nyxxa admitted she wouldn’t mind.
They started to approach, and Amara offered a small smile as she alerted the sentinel they had come back. The sentinel grit her teeth and just stared, but Amara put a hand on her shoulder and softly consoled her that she needed to talk things out instead of just stare.
Yaeliura shrugged her hand off her shoulder and greeted Nyxxa, who said it was nice to meet them.
Amara gave an encouraging nod.
She turned away, clearly tearing up.
Amara introduced herself as well, and she said she was Yaeliura’s younger sister. She said it was good to see her again.
Nyxxa asked if they could share some stories from their squad days, and Amara said she would love to, as she barely remembered when they met as they had all grown up at the same orphanage. Nyxxa said she had learned about the matron in Suramar, and Amara asked if she was still around, but Nyxxa admitted she wasn’t, as she had been uncovered while trying to protect others. However, she had met one of the other people she had raised.
Amara grabbed her sister’s hand, and gave her a genuinely supportive look before she called for a Hannah and Thora to come over. A pale-skinned druid with bright green hair with twigs and leaves in it looked up from some of the gardens headed over along with a rather tall night elf with lavender hair and a large grin on her face. They were introduced as Hannah Bladeleaf and Thora Feathermoon, who were also both in their squad in the past.
Hannah asked if she was going by Nyxxa as she didn’t want to overwhelm her, and Nyxxa explained she had decided her original name had been stolen from her, so she didn’t mind hearing it. Hannah made an audible fond “awwww” at the notion.
Thora said it was good to meet her former captain again, and Nyxxa said that she had talked to Kor’vas a bit to help her, but she had made things for all of them. Yaeliura looked flabbergasted at the notion, and then got irritated and embarrassed that Nyxxa had already known about them.
Nyxxa presented the hairsticks she had made, they were immediately taken by the gifts that had been made with such care. Yaeliura squeezed her’s and grit her teeth again. Amara checked in with her, but it was evident Yaeliura was doing her best to hold back more tears. Amara helped some of the others putting their hair sticks in.
Delas was watching with both pride and sorrow as some hugs were also exchanged. They then all settled down to share some stories.
Zar’Kaa had dropped his belongings off in the quarters he had been given. As he organized his things, he looked over to Rokul Kaz and asked Bru’kan if he was awake. The older troll’s spirit stirred, and he appeared squatting on a nearby stone slab.
Zar’Kaa agreed that the kaldorei know their architecture, but he commented that Bru’kan had been quiet lately. Bru’kan explained he had been trying to give Zar’Kaa his space and room to think. Zar’Kaa said he appreciated that as he had plenty on his mind.
He stopped setting up for a moment.
Zar’Kaa shut his eyes and his head drooped.
Zar’Kaa shot him an incredulous look and told him to eat it up while he could.
Zar’Kaa smirked.
He stopped himself.
Zar’Kaa asked if it was because he had unfinished business, and Bru’kan said it was simply as he said before: he wasn’t the only one who had wounds to heal from. And he was far too old to have his mind changed on that.
However, Bru’kan said he was proud of him. Zar’Kaa shook his head and said he hadn’t done nearly enough, but he thanked him regardless. Bru’kan rebuked Zar’Kaa didn’t get to decide what enough was.
Bru’kan grew quiet and didn’t respond right away.
Bru’kan laughed and said they’d be waiting a while.
Bru’kan winked and his image flickered away. Zar’Kaa exhaled in relief, as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders. It felt like the same burden being released had increased his affinity with Rokul Kaz, as if he had taken another big step towards finding something.
As Nyxxa was chatting with her old squad, she heard some commotion indicating someone was approaching. It was Arthak on the back of another felbat, and Nyxxa opted to go meet Arthak and asked if Delas wanted to come with her. Delas seemed surprised, and Nyxxa admitted that she didn’t really want to be far from her. Delas asked Nyxxa’s old squad to let the Legionfall Coalition know that their ally had arrived before they headed over to meet with Arthak.
The felbat had dropped Arthak off a small distance away, and Delas welcomed him to the Temple of the Moon and informed him his companions had been informed of his arrival. Arthak thanked her, but asked Nyxxa if they could have a private conversation before he headed in. Delas gave Nyxxa a gauging look, but she nodded and said she would see them inside.
Just Arthak and Nyxxa were left behind.
Arthak sighed.
Nyxxa sighed.
They headed back towards the temple. It was evident that they were not in a great mood, though Nyxxa was ultimately fairly stoic. Arthak was actually far more clearly angry.
Rak’Symma had heard voices get raised, but she had been ultimately lost in her own thoughts until she caught the sound of fluttering wings as a beautiful owl landed on a nearby branch. It was Dori’thur, who noted she was not someone he knew as harpies frequently did not venture near the temple. He introduced himself as Dori’thur, which was the name his beloved sister gave him. Symma introduced herself as well, and they bowed to each other.
Dori’thur mentioned she seemed familiar, but Rak’Symma was unable to say where he would have ever seen her. They mused about the changes going on on the isles for a bit before Tyrande interrupted them with her arrival.
He attempted to keep his composure as he landed on Tyrande’s outstretched arm, but he became quickly distracted by scritches. Tyrande explained Dori’thur had spent a lot of time searching for Malfurion while she was indisposed as he had sensed something was wrong, but he returned to her side without hesitation.
Dori’thur ultimately took off again, and Tyrande mused she had always been envious of those who could speak the tongue of beasts, even if they could communicate in their own way. Rak’Symma said their bond in itself was envious, and Tyrande admitted sometimes she wondered what she had done to deserve such a companion. However, she expressed Rak’Symma had asked to speak on more.
Rak’Symma explained that if the kaldorei were not opposed she wanted to try and commune with Elune, as she hoped to find more answers for Nyxxa. Tyrande said she would in fact like to aid her, and in truth, she had come to a fine place to attempt it at the Temple of the Moon.
Rak’Symma mused she was admittedly still confused on the purpose of such a structure, and Tyrande chuckled fondly. She expressed that she had studied in a temple much larger and more ornate, though she had appreciation for those that sought out less structured places. Tyrande offered to send for some priestesses that she felt were also willing to aid and they could seek out a more open shrine.
She also mentioned that Hannah Bladeleaf, a druid of the branch, was present, if she still wished to speak with a druid. She explained the druids of the branch directly revered the mother tree, G’hanir, instead of an ancient guardian or similar being.
Rak’Symma got very still at the name, and she agreed it was likely wise to speak with her.
They started to walk around the temple, and Rak’Symma asked more about Haidene Songwisp, the first priestess, and she mused on whether or not Haidene came back in every lifetime. Tyrande admitted that was a peculiar question as they could never know what happened when their lives came to an end, but the kaldorei believed they rejoined Mother Moon in a forest that glittered like the stars in the sky. It was said the most skilled among them joined Elune, and when the Night Warrior rides, they rode with her as her Wild Hunt. Others wished to believe the ancestors returned and were born again.
However, Tyrande said that she believed Haidene sat by Mother Moon’s side and guided them along with Elune herself, and sometimes answered some prayers herself if Elune was otherwise busy. She asked what prompted such a question, and Rak’Symma admitted that in some ways it was a relief to see that the leaves could be maintained, as not all people were as fortunate as the kaldorei.
Tyrande’s eyes shifted to the skull on Rak’Symma’s back.
Tyrande asked what her name was, and Rak’Symma said her name had been Proxcera. Unfortunately, Tyrande did not recognize that name, but she did recall Aviana was attended by many of her most devout aides. However she could not remember their faces as they were all so stunning and beautiful.
Rak’Symma expressed she wished the harpies could still fly like they once did, and Tyrande simply smiled and said that perhaps they simply couldn’t yet.
Several priestesses were gathered and it was suggested they do a cleansing to better attune Rak’Symma to Mother Moon. Other party members were also present, and Rak’Symma was likewise presented with cleansing robes to change into.
The priestesses set about the ritual with a basin of blessed water, and Delas started the ritual with the opening cleansing rites. She filled a chalice with the water and poured it over Rak’Symma.
Delas Moonfang says: Da’Elune, Lendu Shallorah. Na Ash’dral, Ash’alan, Ash’dala. Anu’Sil’aru, Anu’thoras, Anu’shu. Andu Isil’maa-Droru. Mor Anu’anath nor Shallora Elahar. Elune-Adore.
Rak’Symma focused her mind and spirit and said her own prayer in Sylvan, invoking a plea to Mother Moon.
There was a huge outpouring of cool air and swirling leaves. The glade fully lit up as a moonlit beam poured upon the shrine. It was almost oppressively bright, and Rak’Symma’s eyes burned with a bright silvery-gold. She took Nyxxa and Driana’s hands, and their first instinct was to flee from the light, but they quickly realized the feeling was just their fear.
There was a motion of great wings beating through a starlit sky as she opened her eyes to a feather of a size beyond comprehension that was almost like a bridge. The light had formed into a mountain of light of feathers that was in the shape of an owl of incomprehensible size. The world spanned out below them like a blue marble spinning slowly beneath them.
Tears had started to fall down Symma’s face, as the scene was one of the most beautiful things she had seen in her life. She bowed respectfully to the massive owl.
A voice echoed through the sky and said a single name: Rak’Symma.
It was less a word and more a feeling of welcome. The harpy was overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia and a desire to see her home again, filled with light and laughter. The great owl shifted her trajectory, and they were then soaring over Highmountain, her massive wings bringing the night behind them. They saw families happy and content and the skies dancing with harpies and eagles as the world flourished like it did long ago.
Rak: Great watcher… you need not give me all of this, especially when I am about to come to you so selfishly.
She felt warmth and assurance in return.
Symma explained a voice had told her that someone else could see into the depths of the curse of the Tidestone, and she wished to know of that entity was Elune. The vision responded with a feeling of sorrow, but also affirmation.
Rak’Symma asked if breaking the Tidestone’s curse would also break the satyr curse. She got a feeling that it would not break the curse on all the satyrs, as the two curses were each their own individual ones.
She then asked if the curse on Nar’thalas was broken, if all the spirits would be free to depart. She got a warm feeling of affirmation as the massive owl followed the trailing tail feathers of another radiant bird that appeared to bring the sun in its wake as the night followed Elune. Below them, they could see the people of Nar’thalas going about their day.
Symma asked if they would be free to remain if they chose to protect their city. The feeling she got was that they would be free, and they would feel the call. However, they could remain to attend whatever business prevented them from passing on. The owl looked upward at a sea of stars, and they released they were all realms beyond their own, as if highlighting places where their loved ones were waiting for them.
Symma asked if the path Nyxxa had chosen to be free was the path Elune had set her upon, and there was a trill of sorrow in return. However, it was an answer of yes and no. Elune had shown her the path, but she had not set her upon it. It was Nyxxa’s choice to walk it or not. Symma followed up with a question of whether or not Nyxxa had to sacrifice her life entirely to undo what had been done. Elune responded with a chill that evoked a deep sorrow, as such powerful magic was beyond even the goddess’s ability as a great sacrifice needed to be made.
Symma asked if there was a kinder truth that could be offered. The teeth of the chill faded, and they looked upward again. It seemed to say that while a sacrifice needed to be made, that could not be the end, as possibility was endless and sorrow beget new joy.
Symma asked if resurrecting Nyxxa would undo the sacrifice, and the answer was simply that the curse was laid by one of the greatest mortal minds to be known, and thus one could never expect to circumvent it and the sacrifice could not be reversed without another sacrifice.
Symma asked if there were any other souls that were willing to give the sacrifice instead of Nyxxa. There were people that scattered through their vision: Delas, Senegos, Ebonhorn, Altruis, Mayla, Driana, and many many more. However, to have the capacity to do so was one thing. To be willing to do so in the right mindset was another.
She then asked if Azeroth could survive the Legion invasion with the Ancient Guardians to protect it, and there was an immediate response of “yes”. They looked down and saw countless souls along with a swell of pride and love, because ultimately the people of Azeroth were her true strength.
With Symma’s final question, she asked about Draenor and its gods, and if Azeroth was wide enough to give them a place to rest. There was an upswell of pride and love, and they saw the verdant wilds below. It was as if the earth took the light of the sun and moon and amplified it before sending it right back up. There was room for any that needed it.
The vision faded away as Rak’Symma was softly urged back from the image, despite the desire to stay for longer. Tears of moonlight were streaming from Rak’Symma’s eyes and Tyrande asked if she had spoken with Elune. Symma said she hadn’t just spoken with her, she had also seen her.
Symma tried to illustrate with words what she had seen. Nyxxa thanked her for performing such a feat, and Symma expressed that Nyxxa deserved the answers that she received, though she didn’t feel anyone was going to enjoy them. Symma explained there were others that could take Nyxxa’s place, but she wasn’t sure Nyxxa had the heart to know who the alternatives were. Nyxxa admitted that she believed she knew, and Symma looked over at Driana.
She took Nyxxa’s hands.
Nyxxa smiled, and she asked if the sacrifice would cure her own curse. Rak’Symma sadly nodded.
Zar’Kaa put his hands on his hips and released a resigned breath.
She held Blaithe’s skull in her arms.
Arthak opted to go and take a walk.
Zar’Kaa offered a low, mirthless laugh.
Altruis stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder.
Zar’Kaa asked if he could request Nyxxa to say goodbye to the crew, as they were all fond of her. Nyxxa assured her she would say goodbye to everyone she could.
Sol, however, wasn’t looking at Nyxxa and he had turned away.
Tyrande helped Rak’Symma back to her feet and said she would love to hear more, but it was wise for her to get rest, as she had done wonderfully, but the display was incredibly impressive. Lyanis looked to Sol and offered to take a look at his magic while they were all gathered.
Kor’vas approached Nyxxa and put her forehead on Nyxxa’s shoulder. Nyxxa hugged her, and Rak’Symma ultimately departed with Dori’thur to find a place to rest for the night. Zar’Kaa opted to set off after Arthak. Tyrande and Delas stepped back to give Lyanis the floor fully as she started to question Sol about his magic. He explained that he could talk to plants and call upon the Light and other things, and he could show them some examples.
As an example, Sol used [Blessing of Kings], and glowing motes of light dripped from his hands. He flung the lights upward, and they glowed brighter as his horns and the crown of his head burst into light. Watching eyes widened the display, and Lyanis pulled out some scrolls to examine the phenomenon.
He went through another series of spells as an area of light radiated around him in a [Beacon of Hope]. He also showed some of his healing magic and he mentioned he could also harness some of the metamorphosis magics. Lyanis offered him a heart root to use as a catalyst for a life-based metamorphosis, and he attempted to do so.
There was an intense green glow, and his horns transfigured into antlers as he took on a much more natural appearance. Tyrande audibly gasped, and Delas seemed to be baffled. Lyanis nodded as she watched and made some additional notes, as she had never witnessed such a thing.
She acknowledged the spellcraft was unmistakable, but Tyrande said she had never heard of a demon using such magics. Nyxxa confirmed Levia could use other magics, but it was just the Light, while Sol could harness any source, seemingly.
Delas said that any research she had done had indicated the magic should look different, and she asked when the abilities had started. Sol explained some of the big events of his recent life when his magic had started to be in flux, and Lyanis said that even an exposure to a naaru didn’t explain the ability to use life magic.
Delas asked if it could be divine intervention of some kind, but Tyrande said it wasn’t any goddess she knew, as it was clearly not Elune.
Illidan called out an affirmation, and they turned around and saw him leaning against a tree. Lyanis asked how he knew, and Illidan said he could see things that they couldn’t. He strolled forward.
Sol teleported a small distance.
Sol looked at Tyrande, who nodded. Sol used [Exorcism], and Illidan seized the magic from the air, seemingly examining it. The magic dissipated and he asked Sol if casting the magic hurt.
Sol confirmed it didn’t.
Illidan turned around with a wave as he headed out. Sol called out a thanks and said he hoped they could talk again. It was clear Illidan was amenable, as he was impressed.
Sol said there was one question he wished to ask of Elune, but he wasn’t going to take up any more of the priestesses’ time. Lyanis said if he was able to reach her, they’d be interested in hearing what she had to say. However, they decided to abstain from cleansing Sol due to the obvious risks to him.
Nyxxa piped up there was maybe some other avenues, as she had found some dances in a book that had been given to her by Levia. In theory, they could use them as inspirations for other forms of worship. Delas was taken aback and expressed the tome was thought lost, as there hadn’t been a copy in the known world for millennia.
Sol said the ghosts had a copy in the crumbled school, and it was chosen by Levia as a gift for graduating.
Delas suggested Nyxxa and her could take a look at the book together, and Nyxxa admitted she had intended on asking if Delas could help her read it, as it was somewhat archaic and she couldn’t read and dance at the same time.
