[Horde] Chapter Five: Session Forty-Two
Appearing Characters: Altruis Shadowsong, Arthak Saurfang, Driana, Farondis, Idri Nightwatch, Ilanya, Levia Blackflight, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Rexxar, Sol'chi, Thalyssra Dusklily, Ursoc, Vaerux, Velameestra Windrunner (Simulacrum), Zar'Kaa
November 30th
That night, Rak’Symma reached out to Rexxar via her dreams, and she brought him to the foot of the mysterious tree, G’Hanir. He looked around in shock and awe, and Rak’Symma apologized for disturbing his normal sleep. Rexxar said that others had spoken of people speaking to them in dreams, and he had also heard from Broll Bearmantle that there was a realm of dreams. He asked if this was that place, and Rak’Symma confirmed she could enter it freely and unwillingly.
Rexxar was amazed, and Rak’Symma said she had wanted to thank him. She produced the satchel of seeds and berries Neth had given to her, and he smiled as he recognized it. He explained he knew she had come far, and he hoped that parts of where she had come from would help. Rak’Symma said it did.
He reached up and removed his mask. He closed his eyes and let the wind blow across his face.
He looked up at the tree and placed a hand on one of its roots.
Rak’Symma considered for a moment.
He smirked.
A bittersweet expression crossed Rak’Symma’s face, but then her expression softened.
She sighed.
He looked back at the root.
Rak’Symma put her hand on top of Rexxar’s and told him she wanted to show him something else. Rexxar nodded. She willed them up into the branches of the tree, and they vanished in a cloud of emerald mist before they appeared in the great boughs of the tree. Spirits of creatures soared through the branches.
They could see for miles in every direction. Rak’Symma led him to the branch with the singular leaf. Rexxar squatted down to look at it.
He looked up with a smile.
Something caught the corner of Rak’Symma’s eye as she saw movement on the edge of the clearing. There was a flicker of emerald, and something small was chasing it. She squinted down at the figures, and she saw a bear cub that was chasing after emerald sparkles. It was Misha. The sparkles almost took shape a few times as they moved deeper into the woods. Rak’Symma pointed it out to Rexxar, and he seemed confused that Misha was there as well. He asked if she was dreaming.
Rak’Symma said it was easier to dream when one felt safe, and Rexxar had given her that. Rexxar smiled, but then it faded and he asked if it was alright if they could check on her, as he didn’t want anything to harm her. Rak’Symma nodded and they shifted down to the ground. They headed in the direction they had seen Misha go.
There were two different sets of tracks. One was much larger than the others, larger even than a normal bear’s. They eventually came to a clearing in an overcrop of a cave, and they saw Misha. She was sitting with her back to them. In the cavern before her was the spirit of a great bear. Its fur was glowing with a translucent green, and it was decorated with beads and vines. As it stared down at the group, it dwarfed even Rexxar. It was easily 30 feet tall, and its fur was alight with supernatural markings. It leaned down and nuzzled Misha, then it looked over at Rak’Symma and Rexxar.
And then it nodded before Misha turned and looked at them too. The great bear spirit faded away behind her. Misha ran up to Rexxar and he scooped her up.
Misha yowled up at him and said the bear was very nice and had told her that mama was sleeping and happy. He told her about his brother and asked if she could check on him someday, but he didn’t know how to find him. Misha’s eyes teared up, and Rexxar assured her that they could find him.
Rak’Symma seemed mostly bewildered, but she told Misha that the spirit had given her strength to find him, and they would find them together. Rexxar looked at Rak’Symma, any number of questions on his face. Rak’Symma told Rexxar he should be proud because he had given Misha strength enough to draw the attention of the very aspect of strength. She believed that the spirit had been Ursoc.
They heard some shifting in the cavern, and they saw two more bears emerge. These ones were fully physically, and they looked a tad sleepy. They had white fur with manes of sprouting grass and leaves. There were some cubs climbing on their backs.
Rexxar said it seemed they had found some more friends. Rak’Symma teased that Rexxar should set Misha back down even if he didn’t want to. Rexxar sighed and set Misha down, who trotted over fearlessly. The bears looked at each other and then back at Misha as they lowered their heads. The cubs crawled off their backs and started to play with Misha. Rexxar looked on in awe.
Rexxar nodded, and it was clear he was choking up a bit, but he put a large hand on Symma’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
December 1st
As the group was preparing to go, Arthak approached Symma and said the meeting with the harpy Matriarch went well for her. Symma admitted she was surprised how well it had gone, as there was a very real chance it could have gone much less favorably. Arthak agreed, and noted that it would likely not be that easy every time, but the first one ended up being a natural and good choice. Symma agreed it was long overdue, and she would probably send messages to the others.
Arthak said she would do that too. All it took was a vision, and the harpies would follow Rak’Symma if she could give them a vision and make them believe she could see it done. Rak’Symma asked him how long a dream lasted once the danger was done, and Arthak said she would give them something beyond that. He asked her why she thought his own people followed him.
She smirked.
Rak’Symma asked what Arthak wanted, and he said he wanted to, eventually, not need to be what he was. He wanted to eventually find a mountain somewhere and practice not being unimportant. He knew someone once that did. Rak’Symma said she had that before all of everything began.
Arthak confirmed, but clarified not in the Isles. He had hopes for Kalimdor. Rak’Symma said she’d like to help him, assuming they made it that far. Arthak said he would appreciate that, and Rak’Symma smiled. They agreed to help each other, and Rak’Symma warned him the last harpy to try and unite the flights was crashed upon the mountainside, and Arthak countered the last warchief had his head crushed in front of the Horde. They both had plenty to improve on.
Arthak asked if she knew why, and Rak’Symma said on the surface, a harpy doing what she was doing was extremely out of the norm. Below the surface, however, she was still piecing it together. She was hoping to uncover more when she spoke to the druids.
Rak’Symma gave Arthak a wary look and said they should focus on what’s ahead. Arthak agreed, as it was going to be a long day.
He lit a cigar and headed to his post. Nyxxa had given Thalyssra and Runas the hairsticks she carved, and she also provided more generic ones for withered as well. Thalyssra thanked her, as her hair had been coming out in clumps. Nyxxa left the one she had made for Kilnar as well, though she asked Thalyssra to emphasize she didn’t need to wear it if she didn’t want it.
Rak’Symma used [Transport via Plants] to get them close to where they had last seen Driana. Not far from them was the small clearing that overlooked Nar’thalas that Driana had been camping.
Before they had arrived, Levia had seen three unicorns through the scrying sensor, which had taken her by surprise. However, they galloped away as they arrived. Levia watched them in amazement, but meanwhile the unicorns were shouting at each other to run.
In the distance, they could see the glow of the tiny hut. They were about 1000 feet away. Nyxxa quietly said there was nothing to do but approach, and she took some deep breaths. Arthak patted her on her shoulder, and she flinched. She admitted it wasn’t her she was worried about, and Levia said they’d be nearby if they needed them. Nyxxa said she just didn’t want to make things worse.
Sol opted to share their vision as Nyxxa approached Driana’s camp. She didn’t sense any magic beyond the tiny hut and a simple alarm spell. It was scintillating, opaque.
Nyxxa called out a greeting and said Driana didn’t have to take down her spell, and she wanted to apologize for what happened last time.
Driana put a hand to her chest behind the dome.
Driana took a step closer.
Nyxxa stepped back, but Driana took another step forward.
She looked at the people beyond.
Nyxxa nodded.
Driana closed the distance and threw herself in Nyxxa’s arms.
Driana pulled away, clutching her staff to her chest. She took a deep breath as the rest of the group slowly approached. She was a bit shorter than Nyxxa, and she was making herself look even smaller. She gave a hesitant greeting.
Introductions began to be exchanged, and Sol and Levia were introduced as Nyxxa’s adopted children. Levia said she had heard a lot about her, and Driana got visibly crestfallen, but Levia assured her that they were good things.
The rest of the group introduced themselves as well. Driana asked what brought them there, as it surely wasn’t just to find her. Nyxxa explained the Legion was invading the Isles, and Driana said she had been trying to stay hidden from them. Nyxxa said they were trying to oust the Legion from the Isles as they were trying to mount another invasion. Driana said Nyxxa knew how dangerous that was, but Nyxxa said she was part of an organization that did that now. She promised her she’d explain later, but Driana correctly said that she had seen them and they hunted demons.
Altruis clarified they only hunted demons that were a threat, and Driana was not.
Driana looked at the ground.
She shook her head.
She recited the curse that had been relayed to her.
She looked away.
She explained her theories, and Driana agreed they were sound. She had to wonder if the curse was bound to the land itself, but she was unsure it could be overturned without undoing it, but to do that would require power on par with the person that unleashed the curse in the first place, which may have been Azshara, Xavius, or both. Without the strength and information they had, she wasn’t sure if they could undo it without finding the source of where it came from.
Nyxxa wove her magic and disguised herself as an approximation of what she looked like as Nhemai.
Driana picked at her fur.
Driana considered, and she was clearly agonizing over something.
Driana froze.
Driana lost her breath and then took a deep inhale.
Vel also provided that closure could do a great deal for the dead, and Sol added it could do a lot for the living as well. Driana looked at the group and then over at Nyxxa, almost looking for permission.
Driana nodded.
She worried her hands together.
Driana took a deep breath and closed her eyes, but then she nodded.
Driana looked down and worried her hands again, but Nyxxa assured her she was going to make it easier for them. Zar’Kaa was able to assess it appeared Driana was very concerned about slowing them down and that she didn’t deserve any of the chances being offered. It was all entirely negative, and it appeared she was acting against her immediate judgment.
However, if she could help her, it was maybe worth the shot.
Driana turned around and grabbed a coat to throw over her shoulders. She looked at the group and said the commander of the guard was named Idri Nightwatch. She believed she could take them to Farondis. She was ready to go when they were.
Sol pointed out it wasn’t a good idea to call her a failure to the people she worked for, and asked what they should actually call her. Driana froze, but Nyxxa reassured her, and she admitted her name was Driana. Sol said it was a lovely name, and Driana thanked him.
Driana offered to weave magic to disguise them, and Vel said she could loop her into the telepathic bond. Driana cast a [Seeming] spell over the group, and she asked what their story was.
Nyxxa said she was a soldier coming from Suramar with news of Thalyssra Dusklily asking for a status report, and she was also there on behalf of Captain Moonfang as he couldn’t make it himself. Driana said she could do Duskwatch, as she remembered their outfits, but she asked what Arthak and Rak’Symma should be.
Arthak said there was an orc present before, and he could make it work. Rak’Symma said she could pretend to be an emissary from the other flights, and Driana acknowledged that harpies were uncommon, but not unknown.
She drew a window in the air and gestured for them to look through it. There was a delta in the river between the cliff and Nar’thalas. Hidden behind some illusions was a camp, and there were a handful of naga slithering about.
Nyxxa exhaled.
Nyxxa asked if they were recent, and Driana said they had always lived in the general area. They had an island that was part of their territory, but they had only come this far inland a few weeks ago. The sigil they had was not the same as the ones from First Home.
Nyxxa said there was something she should tell Driana, but she needed her to not panic. Driana nodded in a way that instilled no confidence. Nyxxa said they were called naga, and they had learned recently that they were night elves that survived the sinking of Zin-azshari and were transformed. She said they were led by Queen Azshara.
Nyxxa nodded.
Nyxxa explained that a few months back they had run into some of Azshara’s soldiers and had aided them. It had seemed Azshara had learned her lesson and did not wish to side with the Legion.
She shot a glance at the city.
Nyxxa nodded.
Nyxxa explained there might have been a powerful relic involved in what happened, and the naga could potentially be seeing what they could get while the ghosts were distracted. It was hard to say. However, she wanted to make contact with the ghosts first. Nyxxa thanked her for showing them the naga, and Driana’s tail wagged weakly before she also disguised herself as a night elf.
They followed the overgrown paths and made their way to the river. They came to an ancient, broken-down bridge and beyond they saw the full image of the ancient city for what it really was. Vel took one look at the running water and opted to change into a raven and fly over.
As they approached the city, they started to see the activity of spirits that gradually started to become more and more tangible. Then they heard conversations in darnassian, and once they passed a certain threshold, they all appeared at once. There were ghosts speaking and visiting collapsed markets and just living their life as it was. A child called out and pointed at the group as they entered. He said there was a bird lady, clearly indicating Rak’Symma. His mother said it was rude to point.
Other ghosts whispered and mentioned the armor the visitors wore was from Suramar. Someone asked if a “Lady Moonfall” was among them, and there were whispers and jeers of “traitor”. Before long, some figures started to approach, and there were more whispers about Arthak, as they had never seen a creature like him before but they had heard they caught one in Suramar.
Vel was actively looking at the spirits and she noted that they seemed to be entirely constrained by normal physics as they were at their time of death. Ghosts were walking into collapsed buildings and plucking fruit from stands that no longer existed. There were also ghostly animals tied to the same rules.
Over the telepathic bond Vel was relaying how unprecedented the haunting was, because the fact it covered such a large area and the animals themselves were also contained was very much abnormal. Rak’Symma crooned over to a ghost bird and it came over and landed on her talon. It was completely weightless. Rak’Symma looked at Vel and asked if this helped her theories, and Vel relayed over the telepathic bond that the fact they could interact with them so seamlessly meant that they could also likely affect things in drastic ways. Nyxxa reiterated that they needed to stay in the past.
Rak’Symma spoke briefly to the bird before it flew away, and the bird said that she smelled like a home it could no longer remember.
A patrol of guards complete with ghostly sabers approached, and the one at the front ordered them to stop. She got off her saber, and Driana bowed and acknowledged her as Commander Nightwatch.
The captain acknowledged Driana as Driana Moonfall and cited that she thought Driana had abandoned them to go to the capital, but Driana said she had come back. The captain had long blue hair in a ponytail, and it was evident they could still see the colors of their presence, but they were all translucent, and they also all looked like they had been drenched in a rainfall. The entire place looked like it had been raining for a long time, even though there wasn’t a cloud in sight.
Nyxxa produced the letter from Thalyssra.
Idri considered for a moment, then shook her head.
Idri looked angry.
Idri sighed and accepted that if the leaders of Suramar wanted to waste their time for that filth, they were capable, but she advised Nyxxa to burn the letter and tell Thalyssra Farondis was dead. Nyxxa asked what happened that Farondis earned such ire.
Idri started to respond, but then her eyes got unfocused. She shook her head, but repeated that Nyxxa had said that she needed to see Farondis.
There was a brief interaction over the telepathic bond at the things being relayed, and Vel assessed that it was possible the animosity toward Farondis had been instilled but a reason never had been because there was not one. It also seemed that things were not aligning with Vaerux’s telling, but there could have been any number of reasons for that.
Idri regarded Arthak and said that she had heard reports of a creature matching his description had been matching his description. She surmised that seeing he was there, it must have been resolved. Arthak confirmed, and he said that it was a strange world, but explanations had been given, and he introduced himself as Broxigar. Idri expressed he had picked up their language swiftly.
There was banter between them as Idri said that he didn’t seem like the studious type, and Arthak relayed that she didn’t look like the fighting type. Zar’Kaa strolled over and said that “Broxigar” was one to boast about his strength and his ability to swing a blade, and Arthak relayed that he had swing enough to throw Zar’Kaa.
Idri also identified Rak’Symma as an avianre, and she said that it was an honor to meet one of her people. It appeared the illusion had continued to be held, and they walked straight through the center of the city. They were walking occasionally through ankle-deep water.
Idri said that she was surprised to see Altruis there, having mistaken him as Jarod Shadowsong. Altruis said it was a very important mission, and Idri nodded. Sol asked what the demons had been up to, and Idri explained it had been a nearly full assault in recent months. She had never seen them in numbers like they had at their borders. She believed they hoped to take the knowledge at the center of the city. The academy was a great repository of knowledge, and she believed the demons had allies among the Highborne. Nyxxa acknowledged that there were similar issues in Suramar.
Idri looked around and said it was outside her jurisdiction, but she wished to know if the Grand Magistrix knew Nyxxa was there. Nyxxa said she wasn’t, and Idri’s face grew serious. She hoped Farondis could be at least some use to them, but she believed they would find sympathetic voices in Nar’thalas.
Arthak said if there was time later, they could go and break some demon heads together. Idri said she wouldn’t mind seeing Arthak’s technique for herself, as she had heard he held off about a dozen Duskwatch, which meant he was either very skilled or the training regiments of the Duskwatch had started to slip. Altruis assured her it was the former.
Altruis looked at Arthak with a deep, distant look of sadness, but he buried it as quickly as he could.
The ghosts were walking through ruins, but were actively walking around the group. There was a gaggle of night elf children that seemed to be particularly enamored with Arthak. Arthak looked back at them and made a face. The children laughed and made a face back, then ran away.
Driana was starting to tear up, but she was gripping onto her own hands and Nyxxa reassured her over the link she was doing well. Nyxxa passed her pipe of insight over to Driana, and her eyes widened and then she puffed on it quietly.
Vel was looking around as they were walking, and she periodically would send an illusory butterfly at some of the children, who ate it up. Some of them sent illusions back at her, and there was ghostly laughter as they enjoyed the game. One older child sent an illusory bird to eat one of the girl’s butterflies, and they started to bicker with each other, having clearly known each other. She regarded them with bittersweet fondness.
Eventually, they emerged into what was once a beautiful garden. It once had illusory lights and elegant fountains, but now it was dilapidated and drowned. There were visitors gawking at spectacles that were no longer there. Across the garden was the palace, which was much smaller than they may have expected. A lot of the buildings were open air, and Idri looked up at the core building. There were a handful of highborne speaking outside, and Driana froze in place.
Nyxxa asked her if she was alright, but her eyes were fully locked on one of the ghosts. It was likely Ilanya. She had beautiful violet hair with ornate filigree settings in her braids. She also froze as her eyes fell on Driana. She clutched her staff and put a hand over her mouth.
Driana looked down.
Ilanya looked to the group and assessed they were from Suramar.
Ilanya furrowed her brow and expressed that she didn’t know why they were sending a message to him, but Ilanya wanted to know why Driana was with people from Suramar. Driana squeezed Nyxxa’s hand.
Ilanya stepped down the stairs and reached down to clasp around Nyxxa and Driana’s hands. She took them and said Driana still had the ring she gave her. She had thought she threw it away.
Driana admitted she found it again. Ilanya was wearing the spectral twin to the ring Driana wore. Nyxxa let go of Driana’s hand and guided her to Ilanya. Driana looked at the ghost, and her breath was hitching. Ilanya released her hand and said she was glad Driana was safe. She then turned to the group and said that she could take them to see Farondis, but she hoped they did not waste their time.
Idri said that she would leave the group in Ilanya’s hands, and the enchantress led them forward into the crumbled palace. The chamber they entered was more tall than it was wide. They saw a handsome man with long white hair and a white beard that may have been well-kempt if it wasn’t completely drenched. He was leaning over, his forehead in his hand.
Farondis looked up and his eyes widened.
Ilanya furrowed her brow.
She looked over at Driana, and she saw so many emotions in her face. There was resentment, fear, but also love. She was happy to see Driana again, despite everything. There was the slightest hint of joy in her eyes.
Over the telepathic bond, Nyxxa asked Vel if she felt it was wise to take a leap of faith. Vel said he wasn’t like the others, and she believed, in this case, yes.
Nyxxa said they knew about the curse, and they believed they had a lead. They had heard about the demons, and Farondis said it was like the borderline skirmishes never stopped. But then he realized he knew Nyxxa. She was Nerus’s lieutenant. Nyxxa confirmed she was, but she didn’t remember much.
Farondis started to laugh to himself.
Farondis shook his head.
Nyxxa relayed the story of what she knew.
Nyxxa asked if there were multiple captain Moonfangs, but Farondis said Nerus was the only one that served in the military. Farondis had never been able to get more information, but someone wasn’t right. He had scoured the city, but he had seen no sign of him.
Nyxxa said she knew where Captain Moonfang was, so she was certain it wasn’t him. Farondis asked where he was, and Nyxxa explained he was dead, more or less. She had killed him. He had become something unrecognizable to the man Farondis knew. He had been twisted by Xavius.
Nyxxa asked Vaerux if he had come there, and Vaerux said he didn’t think he did, he never remembered coming to Nar’thalas. However, he realized there was no reason he wouldn’t have.
Nyxxa said they had heard of it, but knew little. Farondis explained it was a relic from a time well before the empire. It was ancient, even more than anything the kaldorei had built. It had been kept within Nar’thalas Academy under the safest wards. It was using the relic that Farondis hoped to destroy the Well of Eternity, as it had a great strength. It could be used to shift and manipulate the ocean and conjure seas. It could breathe life or death into ecosystems. It was beyond their understanding, but he believed it had the power to destroy the well. Azshara had learned of it somehow. Sol asked over the link if they should tell him about the naga, but they decided to hold off for now. Arthak asked if the Tidestone was still below the academy, and Farondis confirmed. He explained that when Azshara learned of his plans, she retaliated. The curse was woven into the enchantment, as Nar’thalas was drowned. He knew Azshara was strong, but he had underestimated her.
Vel asked if it was possible to access where the Tidestone was kept, but Farondis said only the headmistress could access those parts of the grounds and he was no longer allowed anywhere near there.
Nyxxa said that what the Tidestone was capable of was exactly what the demons were looking for. Farondis said the academy grounds were ancient, but he was uncertain they would be able to talk their way into the innermost sanctum. Zar’Kaa suggested they try to disguise themselves, but Farondis said that such magics could not disguise magic clearances.
Vel asked if the denizens of the academy still believed the Tidestone was intact, but Farondis didn’t know, and he didn’t want to bring it up. The curse had seemingly turned all his people against him. Sol asked if Farondis could still interface with the Tidestone if they could get him in, and Farondis was unsure, both if he could and if he could somehow be brought in.
Vel looked at Sol, and Farondis blinked.
Farondis said he didn’t think that would be useful unless they got into where the Tidestone was being held in the first place, and they needed to get the clearance of the headmistress to do so.
Rak’Symma asked about the tunnels and sewers that led in, and Farondis said they were likely collapsed. He asked if she was a harpy, and Rak’Symma confirmed and introduced herself. Farondis said that he had known very few of her people before the destruction. Rak’Symma was considering whether or not the naga were trying to get in through the sewers, but Vel said that they couldn’t even make assessments before they saw what state the academy was in in the first place. Arthak agreed that they needed to observe and gather information.
Farondis created a map of the city with an illusion so the group could get a grasp on their bearings. Arthak also said they should assess the demon presence outside the city. Farondis said that the demons had been unable to break through the perimeter due to the ghostly nature of the soldiers on the borders.
Nyxxa asked what happened when things were questioned, and Farondis said they would write it off as implausible or impossible. If it was too much, they’d shut down like what happened didn’t happen at all. He had tried to reach them, but they just called him a fool. At worst, they phase out like they weren’t paying attention. Vel asked if there were any negative repercussions, and Farondis said there didn’t seem to be any for him, but he was unsure how they would respond to the living.
Levia said earlier discussions may have been onto something and they could likely try to enroll at the school to earn trust that way, and the group collectively agreed, as they could also take the letter of recommendation from Thalyssra given she was an alumnus of the school originally. Farondis was amazed Thalyssra was still alive, and Vel said there had been some dramatic shifts in Suramar.
Nyxxa said she had not wanted to deceive Farondis, and she revealed she was a demon. Farondis’s eyes momentarily flickered with magic, and he called out in outrage, but then he realized them revealing that to him didn’t make sense. Nyxxa said it was better that they told him themselves, rather than he found out later somehow. Nyxxa thanked him for understanding after Sol and Levia were also revealed.
Farondis said if they could somehow talk their way in and reach the Tidestone, they would have to see what they could do. If it was the key to undoing everything, then he could hopefully do something right by his people for once.
