Appearing Characters: Arthas Menethil, Celestine, Darius Crowley, Elissa Cross, Galadin Windrunner, Halford Ramsey, Kel'Thuzad, Koroth, Liam Greymane, Liiraluma, Lorelei Crowley, Lorna Crowley, Mia Greymane, Seria, Tobias Mistmantle, Tol'vas Moonshadow, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Vincent Godfrey
September 13th
Vel opted to call the group together for a debriefing. The upper floor of the conjured manor was set up for the party, so they all gathered in the study.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I just wanted to bring up a couple concerns about the way we are approaching things… politically I suppose is the best way to word it. I don’t think we should be frontloading these dealings with the Legion. I don't think that's our priority right now.
Luma purses their lips and drums slender fingers. They are looking through schematics that appear to be of a rocket hammer. Luma shakes their head.
Liiraluma says: I can enjoy… how do you say… the cut of your jib? Whatever it is. I was briefed quite clearly on a series of conversations that were had between Remnii, Velen and you Uther. You-ther. That is how you spell your name? I feel frontloading those things… I feels a bit more like a caveat when there is a lupine apocalypse choking out everything else. And I don’t know if they can think about the outside world right now. It’s almost like asking the draenei right now if they want to fight the Legion? I mean, I do. But not everybody would be equipped right now when they are still trying to rebuild. It’s something that’s good to mention so it’s not like you’re holding it over their heads. But if you come out of the gate swinging, will that actually accomplish anything? Beyond the fact it’s like what that asshole said. What’s his name?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Godfrey.
Liiraluma says: Thanks.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I remember.
Liiraluma says: Too many G names. Gilneas, Godfrey… uh… others with g names… Too many. And by that I mean two. Fuck me, I guess. But, that’s my worry. And I suppose it’s expressed by other things. I’m still trying to figure out if I can just be honest at what I say or think things because I’ve been told I’m a bit too brisk about things like this. And maybe I should try to make a new impression. But, old dog, new tricks?
Luma points to Tol’vas.
Liiraluma says: I’m 8,000 years old and I’m tired.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t think you’re too abrasive.
Liiraluma says: I will need that in triplicate and sent to my brother. But, what do you think, Uther? Tell me before I keep talking.
Uther scratches his beard.
Uther Menethil says: You’re right. We’ve been dealing with multiple crises for so long I forgot not everyone has to do that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: There’s also just the additional problem with the fact that our first priority needs to be dealing with Daval Prestor. And... right now the rhetoric he’s building his entire situation on is, in fact, confronting the orcs. If we’re also spinning the same story, people will start asking why we aren’t just supporting him.
Elissa Cross says: That’s a good point… I didn’t even think of that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Plus, the fact of the matter is that he’s not failing. It sounds like he's actually been successful.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: He is actively doing the thing that you want people to do. Right now you need to focus on making sure people don’t follow a false leader.
Uther Menethil says: I suppose whether or not I speak about the Legion, ultimately I am going to have to move against the person attempting to solve the problem in the eyes of the public.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Unfortunately our hands are a bit tied until we’re able to undermine some of the things he’s been doing. We’re fortunate here that they all don’t like him in the first place.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I would also like to point out that maybe we shouldn't be trivializing local problems by saying there’s a bigger, better thing they need to look at. The biggest concern here in Gilneas is the Worgen Curse. And you’re trying to bring a completely other world-ending threat to the forefront. Other nations likely have their own problems they would see as the bigger issue first rather than an existential threat that’s kind of hard to imagine unless they’ve lived through it.
Uther Menethil says: That’s a very good point. I suppose we’ll do one crisis at a time.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And ultimately once things are solved we can start presenting the fact that there may be something bigger coming. But, right now the entirety of the Alliance north of Khaz Modan knows the orcs are a problem. They may not know the full extent of it, but no one is going to understand that until they see it. Which, at the very least, Gilneas is going to be a good first step in building our… counter? Well, I suppose it's usurping in this instance.
Uther Menethil says: No need to mince words. What we are speaking of is by definition a rebellion.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You can talk to some of my people, we’re very good at that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Which one of the biggest issues we’re going to need to contend with is the fact that some of Daval’s people are in places of power. Most notably Katrana... who is currently maneuvering in the very place he chased out.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: But he still has a finger on it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes. Unfortunately the fact that Katrana is putting herself in a very advantageous situation likely means that they are trying to ensure Stormwind will not be a problem in the future, even if they are not pleased with the current arrangement.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I wouldn’t be surprised if she tries to pull them back into the fold.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Or keeps them far away so they don’t start anything. But really, I said what I wanted to say at the core. I just felt we needed a redirection of where we’re actually focusing. If we’re approaching this from too many directions at once, we’re going to be scattered with no ability to unite on one thing at all.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I do think the best way we can enter each of these places and build up good will to be able to work towards unification of sorts, is to solve their biggest crisis locally. Because that's what they’re seeing.
Liiraluma says: If vulnerable moments present themselves I imagine that there may be a time and place where one may infer that there are other things on our collective minds.
Luma’s hands go around in circles.
Liiraluma says: That there is something else going on. I do think that there can be something to be said for what Godfrey mentioned about some ‘secret ulterior motive’ and ‘now you owe me and I owe you’ could be something that I think if I was in a bad mood I would take it like ‘oh you’re helping me because blah blah blah, because you wanted something out of me!’ And I know that we don’t? But I don’t yet think we have struck the balance. But that may just be some sort of opinion where… I don’t know. Folks in crisis go through a series of jading events that I’m assuming makes them a little bit more prickly when you’re like, ‘hey we fixed this, can you fix that?’. But inference and insistence are two different levels of what we are trying to achieve. Does that make sense?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Effectively be more subtle.
Uther Menethil says: I believe so.
Liiraluma says: Yeah, some sort of compromise between no surprises and like ‘Hey! Werewolves! Look, you did it! Worgen, welcome back to the world. Here’s demons!’ No one wants that out of a surprise but that can also be wrapped up in what’s happening in current events. Because it is fucked. Outside of here and in here. I don’t know, maybe we unfuckify it one step at a time.
Elissa blushes at the amount of ‘fucks’ just said.
Liiraluma says: Awwww. Look at you. I’m sorry. I like that word in common. You can use it to describe everything! But I am getting off topic. I should not have the talking stick anymore. And I don’t even have a stick.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I can make one.
Liiraluma says: You think I can’t?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I think you and I would make different sorts of sticks.
Liiraluma says: Hold that thought.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: How would you hold a thought?
Liiraluma says: Hng.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I do think we should also be careful about how we approach some of the people here. Ultimately the Gilneans are a proud people. I don’t think Godfrey took our meeting particularly well. But ultimately the Gilneans don’t seem to want outsiders to directly save them.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: But they’re not being saved. They’re saving themselves. We’re just giving a tool.
Velameestra Windrunner says: There are... ways that can be presented. Sometimes when people come from outside with all of the answers... it's easy to see that in a certain way.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: If he was working with Arugal, I am suspicious as to what he actually knows.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It might be worthwhile to get into his good graces a bit and see if he’d be willing to tell us.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Or we could put him in a tree.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You’re joking, right?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: No, that's a very time-honored tradition.
Luma looks to the gun at their hip and doesn’t say anything.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t think we should be upheaving politics in a place we’re not even from.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Well why don’t we get a good idea of the power structure and install someone who won’t be as shitty.
Vel blinks.
Liiraluma says: Liam seems fine.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I like Liam!
Velameestra Windrunner says: Liam is literally in line to be king. They have a structure of… I’m not explaining this right now. It’s irrelevant.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m just saying there’s very few nobles in my life I’ve met that I’ve actually liked.
Liiraluma says: Fair.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You’re in the presence of two of them.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: And they’re two of the ones I like!
Uther Menethil says: Oh, thank goodness!
Kel’Thuzad says [telepathically]: And what’s the other common denominator in this situation?
Liiraluma says: Fair.
Velameestra Windrunner says: All I’m saying is perhaps we don’t need to agitate people excessively. It is entirely possible that Godfrey may turn out to be an enemy, or even the draconic agent, but we don’t know that for sure.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What? I don’t care if he’s the dragon. I just think he’s going to kill a bunch of people and we should stop him from doing so.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And if that comes up we’ll see what we need to do. But at this point I've said what I needed to say.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We don’t have to kill him. Again, we could put him in a tree.
Vel closes her eyes and doesn’t acknowledge that statement.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What? It worked for 10,000 years? 9,000 years? That’s a long time for you.
Liiraluma says: You know, some of use will still be alive by then.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Not most of us. Actually… maybe more of us then probably should?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright, if there’s anything else that we would like to discuss besides putting nobility in trees?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Just one.
Elissa elbows Tol’vas.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: And it will be an important lesson to the others.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We’re going to put a pin in that idea. And we might come back to it. Might. No promises.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: That’s more than I thought I’d get out of you.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s me appeasing you right now.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You didn’t have to say it though.
Uther Menethil says: All right.
Luma yawns.
Uther Menethil says: Well I think that was a good course correcting concerning our course of action moving forward. In the meantime I do believe we have work to do.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes, I do owe my cousin a quick... explanation of everything that’s happened. Among other changes... But I will see you all in the morning.
Elissa Cross says: Night everyone!
Liiraluma says: Fuck sleep!
Luma goes to their room to find there are less crystals as they had requested. They reconsider for a moment as they wondered if they perhaps liked the extra crystals, but then think to themselves “No, I committed to this.”
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Vel, are you going to need help getting her out of prison?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I would not mind some additional eyes if you are able.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Absolutely.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Excellent. If Godfrey shows up, don’t bite him.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I didn’t plan on it. I actually hadn’t thought about it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m... just making sure.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Okay. But what if…
Velameestra Windrunner says: Take that thought out of your head, and put it in a tree.
They hear a Luma “HEH” from down the hallway.
September 14th
The people that were going with the group to the Blackwald were preparing to leave while the group prepared to break Lorelei out of jail. The day had an autumnal chill to it. Tol’vas took the form of a spider and set himself up to keep an eye on guards. He was able to peg all the guards they needed to be aware of and he decided to scuttle into the cell of a prisoner that was complaining about spider webs in his cell. At an opportune moment, Tol’vas materialized, still as a spider, and asked if the prisoner was the one that destroyed his web.
Vel shot a [Sending] to Lorelei to inform her that they were coming to get her out and assured her to not panic. Lorelei didn’t seem angry, but she seemed to be in a bit of despair, and it didn’t seem that she was going to completely sabotage the attempt, but she might be a struggle to move.
Meanwhile, Luma set off a small crystalline frog that started to run away like a sprinter and they called for several kids to help them catch it. Galadin, disguised as Gillian, also saw the frog, and he started to get the attention of other groups of kids to come and help out. Luma then yelped and another creature ran off as well. Luma called out that their inventions were getting away, and guards also started to get in on the chaos.
Seria shifted into an animal after she cast [True Seeing] on herself to make sure there were no other scrying sensors. She was able to confirm they weren’t being scryed on. Meanwhile, Uther secured an audience with Godfrey, who was preparing to go out for a morning ride to check the game traps. Godfrey invited Uther to go with him if he wished to talk.
Vel cast [Greater Invisibility] on herself and quietly snuck past the guards and then used [Blink] to enter the oubliette that contained Lorelei. She quietly spoke to Lorelei as she entered.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Lorelei, I’m here, you need to listen to me. Your mother knows–your real mother. Everything is going to be okay.
Lorelei startled at the sound of Vel’s voice, even for as quiet as she had attempted to be, and the worgen moved around. Her breathing began to increase.. Vel’s mind began to race as she tried to decide on how to approach the worgen, and identified the scarce beginnings of an anxiety attack. She dropped the invisibility spell so that she could try and calm Lorelei down, but Lorelei panicked, flailed, and knocked Vel back into the wall of the oubliette. Instinctively, Vel’s body shifted. When she hit the ground she was a white, blue-eyed rat.
Lorelei looked at the now rat-shaped Vel and blinked.
Lorelei Crowley says: …Vel?
Vel tried to speak back, but the only thing that came out was a squeak. She then looked down and saw her tiny rat paws, and then looked up at Lorelei. She tried to transform back into her normal form, but panic was now securing itself in her own mind, and she couldn’t. She reached out over the telepathic link, her mental voice strained.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: One of the druids, I don’t care who, how do you turn out of an animal?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: Just be you.
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: I don’t know if that helps.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: I am me!
Seria says [telepathic bond]: I’m coming.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: Why are you asking that right now?
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Because I turned into a rat!
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: I don’t know if that helps. That makes four!
Seria also turned into a rat and scurried her way down and into Lorelei’s cell. Lorelei was once more startled as another rat, this one darker, suddenly appeared. Vel immediately turned toward Seria and started squeaking and gesturing with her little rat hands to ask her frantically how to turn back.
Seria says: First off, you need to calm down, you’re making it worse.
Vel stops the gestures and looks at Seria, then up at Lorelei, and her little rat nose twitches. She then starts to make little motions with her paw in an attempt to calm herself down, but it was clearly not working as well as she would like given the stress of the situation.
Tol’vas, as a spider, continued his systematic frightening of the prisoners and he spooked another by speaking to him. The prisoner began to make a scene and drew in what remaining guards were present, who were shouting at the prisoner to shut up.
Seria continued to try and guide Vel on turning back into her humanoid form.
Seria says: You are going to imagine the form you want to be in, and you are going to take your hand, and grab it.
Seria had gotten really intense and grabbed Vel’s paw, which managed to snap Vel out of her panicking, and she offered a small nod before she closed her eyes and centered herself. Her body turned into mist that then swelled upward and solidified into her normal elven form.
Vel shook her head, fixed her clothing, and brushed some dust from her coat before she looked down at Seria.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Thank you. I may request your aid later because we are going to go over that until it never. Happens. Again.
Lorelei blinks.
Lorelei Crowley says: Did… did that rat just teach you how to turn back into a person?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Her name is Seria. You’ll meet her more formally in a moment.
Vel gives an appreciative nod down at Seria and then makes several gestures with her hands and chants the incantation. Her tattoos and eyes flare with magic, and a perfect replica of Lorelei appears curled up in the corner, much in the same pose she was in the first time they had seen her.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That should buy us time.
Lorelei waved her paw through the illusion.
Lorelei Crowley says: That… okay.
Vel reached out and took Lorelei’s claw, and Seria scurried up onto Vel’s shoulder as the arcanist then used [Dimension Door] to get all of them out.
Out in the streets, Luma’s creations had been collected, and the children eagerly wanted to keep playing, but a guard was gently telling Luma that they needed to keep a better hold on their contraptions because this amount of chaos couldn’t be happening. Luma resisted the urge to let their eyes glaze over, and they asked the guard where the children could play in a safer place, because they were clearly having fun. The guard relented and decided to take them somewhere where they could play with the kids.
Tol’vas, meanwhile, skittered out of the prison completely undisturbed.
Meanwhile, Uther was riding with Godfrey through the countryside in the cool morning air. There were a few god rays piercing through the sun intermittently, and in the distance they could see Kul Tiras.
Vincent Godfrey says: I trust you stayed within that arcanist’s magicked mansion last night?
Uther Menethil says: Indeed I did.
Vincent Godfrey says: A valuable asset, that one. I can’t say I’ve borne witness to such powerful magics, at least not that one, that’s for certain.
Uther Menethil says: Velameestra is very talented and she works very hard, and I’m very glad that on my travels I don’t need to sleep with my head in the mud.
Vincent Godfrey says: An unpleasantry my people have unfortunately been quite acquainted with in the past decades. You wished to speak with me?
Uther Menethil says: I did. It wouldn’t have sat right with me to leave our conversation as it was at the assembly. I would ask for your forgiveness. I believe I came off unnecessarily combative. I still have much to learn.
Godfrey corrects his glasses.
Vincent Godfrey says: You show more wisdom and humility than your father did at your age. Nevertheless, your insistence has put our nation in quite an interesting predicament. But my opinions on this are of little matter at present. You and his majesty will be meeting with these rebels to determine if this cure your elven friend has concocted does what his majesty believes is for the best for our nation. Even so, I am glad you see the wisdom in understanding your approach was… belligerent, at times.
Uther Menethil says: I believe the ‘passion of youth’ is what I’ve heard my instructors call it. I did want to reiterate, Lord Godfrey, that we are here to help. Not because I want anything in return, but because that is what my conscience tells me to do.
Vincent Godfrey says: Ever the knight of the Silver Hand, aren’t you? Indeed. I want to believe it. You are young. Young enough that I still believe that the spark of altruism burns in your heart yet still. For what it’s worth, I do sympathize with the circumstance your own nation finds itself in.
Uther Menethil says: Problems know nothing of borders these days.
Vincent Godfrey says: Even so, it is plain to me that this nation is undergoing a great change, whether I like it or not. Regardless of whether you expect reciprocation of aid, I suspect you would not turn down assistance were Gilneas able to render it, correct?
Uther Menethil says: Certainly not!
Godfrey stops and hops off his horse to check a trap.
Vincent Godfrey says: Then I have an offer for you, your highness. A humble request, more so than anything.
Uther Menethil says: Oh?
Godfrey kneels down at the trap.
Vincent Godfrey says: I believe the circumstance that his majesty is walking into is one that has been orchestrated to trap him in a situation he cannot escape from.
Godfrey stands back up, a rabbit in hand. He tossed it onto his horse and mounted again.
Vincent Godfrey says: What is your opinion of Master Liam in the time you have spoken?
Uther Menethil says: I’d say the easiest traits for me to pick up on are the ones I share. I know he loves his people. The crown weighs heavy on him. And he’s a good man.
Vincent Godfrey says: I would agree with your assessment. He reminds me a great deal of his majesty Genn when he was of similar age. But Genn is no longer here. And heavy though it may be, the crown rests upon Liam. He continues to insist that he is simply holding it until Genn can be returned to his throne. But even if this miracle cure of yours can restore the king to his senses, would it really be right to return the crown after everything he’s become? After everything his actions have caused?
Uther Menethil says: Certainly not my place to speak on the particulars of the rights of succession in another nation. I suppose by my own measure of justice, no, I don’t think that would be right.
Vincent Godfrey says: Then you see my own concern. Liam’s hesitation can not be allowed to doom himself. Cannot be allowed to doom our nation into indecision or into half-measures. He seems to be fond of you already.
Uther Menethil says: What would you have me do? Inspire him into taking the crown?
Vincent Godfrey says: Just so. He has the spirit to do so. He has the wisdom to do so. He need only to take the first step. Only in doing so would he be able to ensure our nation is not swallowed up by this darkness that claws at our very heart.
Uther Menethil says: I will certainly do what I can. The contemplation of taking the throne is… difficult, I imagine, no matter who you are.
Vincent Godfrey says: Rightly so! But even so, he is the crown prince, and he is the king. There are responsibilities that come with such a title. Your actions define the lives of thousands. By your decrees and words are your people given salvation or damnation. He cannot hide behind the title of prince forever. Neither can you. I simply hope that his spirit is that of a true Gilnean, of a true leader, and that he can make the right decision. It seems you may be the one to help him do just that.
Uther Menethil says: You have my word. I will do what I can.
Godfrey checked another trap, and this time he pulled a fox from it.
Vincent Godfrey says: I suppose that is all I can ask. Come then, we should return. The last thing we would want is for your friends to leave you behind.
Uther Menethil says: I certainly wouldn’t want to be scolded for being late!
Uther decided to gently goad Godfrey into a race on horseback for a short distance. Uther and Radiant were able to cinch the win, and Godfrey smirked.
Vincent Godfrey says: Seems I’m more out of practice than I would like to admit.
Uther pats Radiant.
Uther Menethil says: Well. Radiant and I understand each other in ways that may give us an unfair advantage.
Radiant snorted, giving a bold affirmation over their telepathic link. Godfrey chuffed and smirked.
Vincent Godfrey says: Were I to rewind 40 years, this may have ended in a different way, Master Menethil, but I concede this contest to you.
Uther Menethil says: I have no doubt! Thank you for indulging me, Lord Godfrey.
Vel had disguised Lorelei as a discrete woman using [Seeming], and they had rejoined the group. Godfrey and Uther arrived as they were getting together with Liam.
Vincent Godfrey says: Remember, Mast Liam, tomorrow eve will be the full moon. Take the appropriate cautions, as these are the same individuals that rose against your father. Do not get entrapped by some scheme.
Lorna balled her fists and started to say something, but Mia gently calmed her and assured her that she could complain on the way. Lorna bit her tongue and pulled out a cigarette to angrily smoke it. Liam asked if everyone had their affairs in order, and then bid farewell to Godfrey and a smattering of other nobles.
A carriage had been put together to help carry some of the non-combatants as well as the disguised, depressed worgen on their way to Koroth’s den. They travel for a short distance to ensure they were out of earshot and well on the road. Liam checked with Vel to ensure their attempt was successful, and then suggested they stop to let the horses get water while they spoke more plainly.
Halford Ramsey says: I say, well done, chaps! I did what I could to draw attention away, but it seemed I barely needed to be involved. If we’re lucky, Godfrey will be none the wiser.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Provided he doesn’t go poking around, it shouldn’t be any issue.
Liam Greymane says: Let us hope. He seemed in good spirits… though. It would be wise of us to return before the full moon. If there was a threat of him discovering the deception, it would be then, but we should return before then if your magics can spirit us back that quickly?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You may have underestimated it slightly.
Liam Greymane says: Forgive me! I have painfully little experience with such magics. I have only heard of the miracles performed by harvest witches. I’ve not grown accustomed to seeing them first hand.
Celestine smiles.
Celestine says: You honor me with calling our simple administrations miracles, your majesty. They are simply balms, lessons taught from our mothers and fathers like any other.
Liam Greymane says: Not what the stories would have you believe. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the assistance of you all. But if you’ll excuse me… I believe I have an apology to give.
Liam, Lorelei, Mia, and Lorna gather together. Mia was the first one that spoke.
Mia Greymane says: Hello dear.
She signaled to Vel to remove the magic.
Mia Greymane says: I’m glad you’re safe.
Lorelei flinched away.
Mia Greymane says: It’s alright. I know, Lorelei, I’m not angry. The things that you did are in the past now. Though I miss my darling Tess… I will not allow that shadow to haunt your own consciousness anymore. I want to thank you for trying to protect me. I shouldn’t say try… you did. You protected my life on so many occasions, my sweet Lorelei. But you only did what you did because you wished to guard my heart as well. Krennan… has only had the best for our family in mind. But I’m sorry such a burden was placed on your shoulders at such a young age.
Mia stepped back and Lorna wrings her hands.
Lorna Crowley says: Lorelei… I…
Lorelei dashed forward and threw her arms around her.
Lorelei Crowley says: Mother, I’m so sorry!
Lorna Crowley says: What are you apologizing for? You were only lying because adults told you to! I didn’t recognize my own flesh and blood… I treated you like a monster. That most have been like stabbing you into the heart over and over, and you didn’t say anything… you are so, so strong. I failed you as a mother, a friend, and a guardian.
Lorelei Crowley says: Mother you didn’t know either–
Lorna Crowley says: I should have known. If I’m not allowed to beat myself up about not recognizing you, you aren’t allowed to for lying all this time. Promise me that? Cross your heart?
Lorelei stepped back and slowly nodded her head.
Lorna Crowley says: Besides. You aren’t the only one who was keeping secrets. Our last name is not Carver, my sweet… my real name, my birth name, is Lorna Crowley.
There was instantaneous recognition of the name of Lorelei’s face.
Lorelei Crowley says: What?
Lorna Crowley says: I couldn’t tell you… it would have been too complicated. But yeah, you are Lorelei Crowley. So the man we’re going to meet, the man in charge of the worgen? That’s your grandfather. And on that note… there’s someone I think you should meet here and now.
She looked over to Liam. Lorelei immediately winced.
Lorelei Crowley says: Your majesty…
Liam Greymane says: No. No. Let me speak, please. I owe you an apology. I… I understand that the life that you have undergone is more complicated than I could know. And you… I judged you far too harshly. You are… what I believed to be a monster, and what I am beginning to see…
He gestured to the other worgen.
Liam Greymane says: That perhaps I was hasty in my judgment. That is why I’m coming here to meet with Master Crowley. With your grandfather. In years past, my father and he were enemies, but before that, we were friends. We are different people now. If there’s a way for us to rebuild this kingdom, then I would not be doing my duty as prince, as acting king, if I were to not reach out to rebuild the many bridges that have been burned. But the first one I want to build is the one I never created between us. I was right… when I decreed when you first came to my home, that you were not my sister, that you were not Tess, and yet… and yet you bear an impossible resemblance to her. Uncanny, even. But of course you would. After all, Lorelei, you’re not my sister… you're my child.
Lorelei’s jaw slacked open, and she looked at Lorna, who nodded.
Lorna Crowley says: We were young, and times were peaceful… and I should have told you. But I was afraid of what that could mean. Afraid that you’d be taken away from me after the rebellion started. Or worse, that my father would…
Liam reached out and offered a hand to Lorelei.
Liam Greymane says: What I’m about to say is unfair, and I do not expect an answer. But Lorelei… you share my blood. I hope that someday you may forgive me for the cruelty that I allowed to be perpetuated. I swear to you, I will do my best to rebuild as many of these damnable bridges as I can. For Tess, and for you.
Lorelei took a step back and looked at the hand.
Lorelei Crowley says: I… I don’t know.
She turned and she ran into the woods.
Liam Greymane says: Lorelei, wait! Fetch my horse, I’m going after her.
Lorna Crowley says: Liam, give her a moment. If she’s not back before we are ready to leave, we can retrieve her, but this was a lot.
Lorna put a hand on Liam’s elbow.
Liam Greymane says: …alright. Alright. We’ll take another half hour. Hopefully she’ll be back by then.
Lorna squeezed Liam’s hand and she mouthed “thank you” to him, and he gave a sad smile back. It started to rain. It wasn’t a heavy rain, it was just enough to be a bit annoying.
Luma cleaned their glasses and muttered about windshield wipers for glasses. Vel was watching the woods for Lorelei as the area was dangerous.
About 25 minutes later, a bit sulky, and a bit soggy, with her eyes down, Lorelei did come back. She didn’t come back, and she was still in her worgen form. She didn’t say anything and climbed into the wagon.
Mia Greymane says: Dear, you’re sopping wet!
She promptly wrapped Lorelei in a blanket.
Lorelei Crowley says: …Thanks.
The horses continued their way down the path on the way to Koroth’s den. As they started to get within about an hour of the den, they encountered a figure on the side of the road. They were an ettin that seemed to be standing on a hill. The heads started to talk to one another as the group made their way closer.
Ettin Warrior says: Ey! Yous the ones comin’ to Koroth’s, aye? The ones whose helpin’ Koroth find the banner?
Uther Menethil says: That’s correct.
Ettin Warrior says: What’s yous think of Koroth?
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: Hey–
Ettin Warrior says: I want to hear this! Yous fought her!
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: She’s the strongest one there.
Ettin Warrior says: She got beat by you, so what’s that mean for how strong she really is?
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: She’ll eat your bones if she hears you!
Ettin Warrior says: My bones are inside me.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What if she takes them out?
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: Yeah, what if she does!
Ettin Warrior says: She won’t.
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: She will if you keep bad mouthin’ her!
Uther Menethil says: You think that because she was beaten by us that makes her not strong?
Ettin Warrior says: Uh. Yeah. Ain’t that how it works?
Uther Menethil says: I don’t think you’re going to be glad to hear this, but it’s more complicated than that.
Ettin Warrior says: Seems straightforward to me!
Uther Menethil says: Well!
Uther looked around at the surrounding hills.
Uther Menethil says: You know what bears are, right?
Ettin Warrior says: Yeah.
Uther Menethil says: And you know what wolves are, I assume?
Ettin Warrior says: We’re not stupid!
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: He’s not callin’ you stupid, he’s asking if you saw them.
Uther Menethil says: If a bear and a wolf would fight, who would win?
Ettin Warrior says: The bear. They’re bigger.
Uther Menethil says: Right! What if, instead, it was an entire pack of wolves?
The ettin heads look at each other.
Ettin Warrior says: The bear is still bigger.
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: No no, there are too many wolves. They’ll win!
A few other ettins pipe in to offer their opinion, and they finally agree on the wolves.
Uther Menethil says: Right. So a bear is stronger than a wolf, but a pack of wolves is stronger than the bear. When’s the last time you saw a wolf by itself?
Ettin Warrior says: Never…
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Nah, we’re pack hunters.
Ettin Warrior says: Yous not a wolf!
Tol’vas turned into a wolf and the ettins were flabbergasted.
Ettin Warrior says: He is a wolf!
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: So you’re sayin’ that the bear is not stronger than the wolf?
Uther Menethil says: What I’m saying is what I said at the beginning. Determining strength is more complicated than who is bigger than the other.
Ettin Warrior says: Yeah! It’s more compacticated!
Uther Menethil says: Exactly. Far more compacticated.
Vel and Luma just exchange looks and Luma mouths that aberration of the word to Vel, who just shakes her head and puts her face in her head.
Ettin Warrior says: I think I’m gettin’ it! You some sage genius? Yous know a lot about strength!
Uther Menethil says: You flatter me.
Ettin Warrior says: Nah I don’t think you’re that fat! We’ll help you get to Koroth’s lair, and make sure none of the boys start anything. Can you tell me more about strength? While we goin’? I want to know more about wolves and stuff!
Uther Menethil says: Of course!
Liam looked at Uther with a smile.
Liam Greymane says: Seems you’ve made a friend.
Uther Menethil says: I have a habit of doing that.
Liam Greymane says: Good. If this strange lesson of theirs manages to stick, this may be easier than expected, if we’re lucky.
Liiraluma says: Judging from this conversation, I have a feeling we may be lucky.
There was more banter on the way to Koroth’s lair and the ettins asked about a pack of bears and how that would affect strength and other similar questions. Tol’vas turned into a goose and started to survey the area.
One of the ettins watched Tol’vas take off.
Ettin Warrior says: Hey look, the wolf just turned into a goose!
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: Oh, I bet a pack of gooses would beat a pack of bears!
Liiraluma says: It’s geese! It’s fucking geese!
Ettin Warrior's Second Head says: That’s what I said! A pack of gooses!
Ettin Warrior says: It’s not geese! If it was geese then a pack of mouses would be called meese!
Luma’s hand goes to the gun on their hip, and Vel reached out to touch her fingers to the back of Luma’s hand in a silent indicator of “now is not the time”. Luma just threads their fingers between Vel’s and holds the elf’s hand really tight for a slightly too long amount of time, then slowly Luma unlaced their hand and set Vel’s hand back on her lap with a quick pat. But then they returned to clenching their own fist.
The group followed after the ettins and they climbed up a hillside. A series of ettin caves pockmarked the side of the cliff face. There were a few dozen ettins present, and Vel glimpsed the shaman, who immediately averted his eyes to make himself seem smaller. They got to a cave that was decorated with animal bones, skins, and leathers. There was a half-broken plow hung from the ceiling, and all sorts of stolen pots, pans, and other trinkets that had been stolen over the years. Koroth was there.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Oi! Yous here! You took too long--
Koroth's Second Head says: No actually yous got here pretty fast.
Uther Menethil says: As we promised.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: So yous really here to look and see where the banner went then?
Uther Menethil says: Would you mind showing us where it was kept?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Yeah. It’s over here. I didn’t touch it! Except when I cried over it when I found it missin’...
Koroth lead them in across her den, and there was a hole where a banner may have once been.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: It was here, overlooking the entire valley so everyone knew it was Koroth’s!
One of the heads looked at Liam.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: But we sharin’ with the humies! Like we promised! As long as you bring the banner back.
Liam Greymane says: Of course. Like you promised. What do we think? I think if we put our heads together I’m sure we can find something.
He looked over to Halford and Vel.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m sure. Where were these footprints, Koroth?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: All around over here. The rain made some of them go away a bit.
Some people started to gather around the site and Lorelei spoke up and asked to also help, as long as she wouldn’t get in the way.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Of course. You have a sharp eye.
Lorelei Crowley says: I’ll try not to get in the way.
Liam smiled over at Lorelei and beckoned her over to help.
Liam Greymane says: We would more than benefit with another set of eyes, especially if yours are as good as what I’ve been led to believe. Come on.
Lorelei remained as small as she could be, despite her size as she started to help the others poke around the crime scene.
The first thing Vel noticed was the size of the hole. The banner seemed to be reasonably large, but it wasn’t too large to carry out–though probably too heavy to carry by one person unless they were immensely strong. There were a few drag marks, and also the footprints that Koroth had mentioned.
Vel managed to identify that there were at least a half dozen different footprints, some of which were clawed, and others were bootprints–which suggested they were not night elves, who normally went barefoot. She didn’t notice anything identifiable that was dropped or snagged, but inside the actual pit where the flag was and immediately around it, Vel saw something strange. She withdrew some ash or fine dust.
It was old, and it took a moment as she moved it between her fingers, but it was the hallmark signs of a [Disintegrate] spell. She was bouncing ideas off Ramsey and Lorelei, and she observed the possibility it might be from the banner.
Halford Ramsey says: Well that wouldn’t make sense. There are these drag marks… if they could simply destroy the banner, why would they drag it out in the first place? Unless they tried to drag it out and found themselves incapable, so they resorted to destroying it instead?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Or they wanted to make it look like someone stole it.
Lorelei Crowley says: I think you’re right… they wanted these footprints to be found, didn’t they? This wasn’t supposed to be a surprise or a secret.
Seria and Tol’vas followed the tracks and found they went in multiple different directions and doubled back on themselves. Some went into a nearby stream. But most of the trails were dummy trails. They managed to find an area where several of the trails met, as if people had stopped to speak.
There was one pair of tracks that didn’t seem to be creating the dummy tracks. In fact, that set of tracks didn’t leave at all.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: One of these sets of tracks never left.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Are they still human?
Tol’vas confirmed they were regular boot prints. Upon further investigation, they started to realize that the way the grooves were created, there were inconsistencies. There was something being used to mimic a heavy object–likely magic directly. Like a [Mold Earth] spell.
The spells were consistent with those that would be expected from black dragons, or their servants.
The group went back to speak with Koroth where she was waiting out their investigation so they could get some follow up information.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Koroth… have you had any visitors recently? Or new arrivals to your group?
Koroth thinks.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: No. I don’t think so. None that was before the banner that went missing. Closest thing to that was… only things that came in was we raided some caravans here and there, but we didn’t take no peoples.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Were there any times when you and all your fellows were gone?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Usually someones was here. The banner was taken when I was heres though. It was there when I went to bed, and gone when I woke up.
Koroth’s Second Head says: When yous woke up!
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Yeah, and yous was awake when it got taken! So don’t look at me like that!
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Koroth. I’m going to use some magic on you. It’s not going to hurt, but I’m going to see if anyone… muddied your memories a bit. Is that alright?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: You sure this isn’t some sort of tricksin’?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m a terrible liar, you’d know if I was.
Uther Menethil says: She’s right, you know.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: A terrible, terrible liar.
Elissa Cross says: She is really bad at it… sorry Vel!
Koroth nods, and Vel summons her magic to cast [Identify] on Koroth. The ettin stirs uncomfortably under Vel’s magic, but the arcanist was able to confirm that, as she had suspected, Koroth was indeed under the effect of a [Modify Memory] spell.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright… Koroth, someone overwrote your memories. We’re going to remove that affliction, and you may know exactly who took your banner.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Well no one messed with my mind! It was her! I was sleeping!
She pointed at her other head.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: So use it on her, not me!
Seria stepped forward to remove the spell and flicked Koroth’s head. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head for a moment.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Ugh! My head hurts! What was that?? Wait a second… I remember… I remember seein’ someone. I heard somethin’ going on outside. So I went out to talk to him, see what was goin’ on, and… my banner was gone. But then… one of them came up.
Koroth shook her head.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: What did he do to me??
Velameestra Windrunner says: Who was here? What did they look like?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: He had some of them humies! Armors and spikey bits! And some of the wolves! But the one who stopped me… the one who got into my mind… he had eyes like fire. Horns. It was a big lout. Black scales. A snout kind of like a lizard… but he was a people, walking around like a smally.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Did he have two legs or four?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Two. What kind of people have four legs?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Wait until you find out about centaurs.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Koroth… did he look like this?
Vel wove some illusion magic into the form of a black-scaled drakonid.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Uh huh! It looked like that! But bigger… and.. I think it was one of thems. You ain’t one of thems too, is you??
Velameestra Windrunner says: No, we’re hunting them.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Oh. What he doin’ with my banner? What he doin’ with my head!?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Trying to turn you against the Gilneans. They were using you.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: They was using me? This lizard git tried to tell Koroth who Koroth was supposed to fight!?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You got the right of it.
Halford Ramsey says [telepathic bond]: No one mention that’s precisely what we’re doing as well…
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Who is this lizard git?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We’re looking for him. He’s called a drakonid.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Well I don’t like him. I want to smash him.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I want you to smash him.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Good! I’d do it even if you didn’t, but good! How’s he fit in with this Alpha Prime git who thinks he’s stronger than me?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We don’t quite know yet…
However, Vel had her own suspicions about Hiram Creed, as he had mentioned he had people on the inside with Alpha Prime’s group.
Velameestra Windrunner says: His fellows may be… involved with Alpha Prime, at the very least. If we find them, we may very well find him.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. Do you know where he took my banner yet?
Vel’s mouth flapped speechlessly, as she wasn’t sure how to break the news to the ettin that her banner had actually been destroyed. Uther reached down into the hole in the ground and pulled out a handful of dust, as he decided to take on that responsibility himself.
Uther Menethil says: Koroth. Whoever came and did this is clearly a madman.
Uther raised his hand with the dust.
Uther Menethil says: This is all that he left of your banner.
Koroth looked at the banner, and her eyes began to well up with tears.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: What? Yous sayin’ these gits didn’t take my banner? Yous sayin’ they broke it??
Uther Menethil says: Things that are broken can be fixed. They destroyed it.
All the strength faded from Koroth’s shoulders for a moment, and she grit her teeth.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: NO. NO NO NO.
She pounded on the ground, stood up, and heaved a huge rock off the side of the cliff. She shouted in despair and rage.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: I’m gonna fix the banner! I’m gonna break them and make a new banner with their skin! Yous found this out! Yous found out who destroyed my banner! I’m gonna smash ‘dem! Yous show me who they is and I’m going to smash them!
Uther Menethil says: When we discover who it was, we’ll call.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: okay! We not smash no humies until then! We only smash these gits who broke this banner!
Liam Greymane says: And then, once we make you a new banner, maybe we can work together to ensure no one else breaks either of our banners?
Ettin Warrior says: Um. Koroth. This one said he knows all about strength and that we can be stronger if we fight like a pack of wolves or pack of bears! If there’s a bigger pack of bears, they be stronger, but if we learn more about the strength of the humies, we can make sure no one breaks the banner again!
Koroth looks at Uther.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: What he talkin’ about?
Uther Menethil says: He was confused as to how strength can exist in many places. As an example, we defeated you, but that doesn’t mean you’re not strong. You’re very strong! I explained that while a bear is stronger than a wolf, a pack of wolves is stronger than the bear.
Ettin Warrior says: So Koroth, I thought, a pack of bears is strong, but they don’t fight in a pack. If they did fight in a pack, with the wolf packs, they will be able to defeat the goose packs!
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: I think I get it. Yous saying that they the wolf pack, we’re the bear pack, and the git that burned my banner is a goose pack!
Ettin Warrior says: I think so!
Uther Menethil says: I think that’s a perfectly reasonable understanding.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: I don’t think I understand really, but yous could have killed me. Instead you helped me figure out where my banner was at. Otherwise I’d be hunting down… gooses? You got me all confused!
She whacked the ettin.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: But now I hunt down the gits that got my banner, and I make a new banner! Yous got me respect! You… wolf pack. I’m confused! But alright. Yous and me.
She looked at Liam.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Our grease fires continues!
Liiraluma says: Grease fires…
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do you mean cease fire?
Tobias is trying very hard not to laugh. Liam nods.
Liam Greymane says: Perhaps this pack of wolves can teach this pack of bears a thing or two.
Uther Menethil says: If we work together, those gooses won’t stand a chance.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: We’ll show them gooses! One bit my toe once!
Liam Greymane says: Anyroad, we thank you for opening your home to us, Koroth. When we hear more about this individual, or Alpha Prime, we’ll be back in touch.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Good. Until then, I’m gonna make sure all the boys know what happened, and that no one is allowed to smash any humies until we hear more from you. Not until we figure out the banner stuff. And the packs stuff.
Liam Greymane says: Correct.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Have you considered using a bear skull for your new banner?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: …I’ve never seen a bear skull. Does it look cool?
Vel rolled her eyes and used an illusion to conjure a bear skull to show Koroth what one looked like. Koroth kneeled down to look at it.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: I like that! We’s gonna be the Bear Skulls now! I like that! Koroth’s Bear Skulls! You can make skulls appear out of nowhere?
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Technically yes.
Vel closed her hand and the illusion disappeared once again.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Yous cool! You got cool magics! If only our shaman could do cool stuff, but all he’s good at is running away from yous! Though we get it. You’re scary. You can make skulls appear.
Koroth looked over at her shaman.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: You should learn how to make skulls appear!
Ettin Shaman says: Okay Koroth. I’ll learn how to make skulls appear, I promise.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Some can even make the skulls attack…
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: You can make the skulls attack?! You! Make the skulls attack!
Ettin Shaman says: Okay, Koroth. Should I make them bear skulls so they fit with our new brand?
The ettin who thought bones didn’t come out of the body was just staring, wide eyed, at the spot where the skull had appeared and disappeared, muttering about how they could make the bones come out.
Liam Greymane says: We will let you continue with your war preparations, Koroth, and we’ll be in touch. Listen for our warhorns, and we’ll make sure we know exactly who needs to be smashed.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Okay!
The group bid Koroth farewell and headed off to find a good tree that Tol’vas could use to whisk them the rest of the way to the Blackwald.
Tobias got a devious smirk as he glanced over at Luma, who was still steaming quietly.
Tobias Mistmantle says: Hey Luma. Grease fire.
Liiraluma says: Oh. You’d better run.
Luma drew a gun and aimed it at him jokingly, and Tobias bolted through the portal that Tol’vas had opened.
Vel leaned slightly toward Liam.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Your majesty, I suppose now is a good time to inform you Gilneas also has a minor dragon problem.
Liam Greymane says: As if we didn’t have enough problems already. I presume you believe this to be our culprit?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes. I’m going to… compare notes with a contact of mine while we are in the Blackwald and see if, perhaps, we can’t narrow that down a bit.
Liam Greymane says: I’d be remiss to get in your way. I trust you’d tell me what you believe is safe to do? And I will trust you to take the appropriate steps. This dragon… what do you know about them?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We’ve gotten confirmation they have made their base of operations in the pop-up town around Greymane Manor. The issue is that they are shapeshifters… so our culprit can be almost anyone or anything.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t think they’re particularly good at being rocks.
Vel closes her eyes and decides not to acknowledge Tol’vas comment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: At this point, I have my suspicions. But I wouldn’t want to sling around accusations until I am able to get more confirmation.
Liam Greymane says: Understood. Well, Master Ramsey is adept at this sort of thing, I’m sure he’d be willing to help.
Halford Ramsey says: Of course! I’m at your disposal, Miss Windrunner.
Liam Greymane says: But if you need any further assistance, please, let me know.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Will do.
Liam Greymane says: We’ve only just begun, and even still, I can’t thank all of you enough for the aid you have given in saving my kingdom.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Ah good, it’s yours.
Liam Greymane says: What else would it be?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Your dad’s.
Liam Greymane says: I… I meant the royal “my”.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Aren’t you all royal?
Liam sighs.
Liam Greymane says: I suppose I walked myself into that one.
The group emerged in the Blackwald, just outside where the disturbance cut out. Liam mused that he had never been to the Blackwald, and Celestine mentioned it was a place fraught with danger, but also answers to questions she never knew she had. Liam asked if the camp was further in, and Vel confirmed it was beyond the magical interference, though ultimately it was likely for the best they didn’t just materialize in the middle of the encampment.
Luma and Tobias had effectively started wrestling the moment they got on the other side of the tree, but it was clear that Tobias was much stronger than Luma was, even if they were taller, and he easily got himself out of any headlock the draenei had managed.
Luma also started musing on what kind of banner they could make for Koroth, and they were considering the idea of the eyes of the bear skull being capable of lighting up.
As they arrived at the worgen encampment, Liam, Mia, Lorna, and Lorelei were greeted by the beautiful grove with the massive tree at the center surrounded by makeshift buildings.
Mia Greymane says: Oh my. This is the most worgen I’ve seen in one place, and certainly the only time I’ve seen them… living as they would otherwise. Your cure did this? Your ritual?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: It gave them the chance to be themselves.
Tobias Mistmantle says: Aye. Truth be told, we was doing this before, but everyone was worgen. We couldn’t transform. His ritual did that.
Mia Greymane says: Sounds like your ritual did for all of you what Krennan’s alchemy did for Lorelei… but in a far more… awe-inspiring level?
Mia took Liam’s hand.
Mia Greymane says: Liam dear, you’re seeing this, right?
Liam Greymane says: I am. I can scarcely believe it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I suppose we should tell Lord Crowley we’re here.
Tobias Mistmantle says: No need!
Tobias gestured and they saw Crowley lumbering his way over.
Darius Crowley says: As I live and breathe, look who’s come out of the apocalypse to say hi! None other than the crown prince himself. It’s been a while, Liam.
Liam Greymane says: So it has. Darius Crowley.
Darius Crowley says: I’d ask what you’re doing here, but judging from your guests–
He suddenly froze, and his eyes softened.
Darius Crowley says: Is that you, bedbug?
Lorna Crowley says: Father, this is not the time for you to be using that name.
Darius took a step forward.
Darius Crowley says: It’s really you!
He reached forward, but upon seeing his own claw he recoiled. Lorna stepped up to him.
Lorna Crowley says: It is you in there, isn’t it? You might look a bit more hairy, but…
She ran a hand through some of Darius’s whiskers, and he tentatively raised his claw. Lorna grabbed it.
Lorna Crowley says: I’m back.
She pulled Darius into a hug, who hugged her tightly in return.
Darius Crowley says: My sweet Lorna. I missed you so much…
His form began to shrink, and his claws began to shorten. His tail vanished behind his ruddy brown duster. After a brief moment, Darius Crowley had regained his human form as he hugged his daughter for the first time in two decades.
Lorna Crowley says: Well look at you.
Darius blinked and then looked at his hands, and started to laugh before he grabbed Lorna into another hug and spun her around. A few of the other citizens started to clap and cheer.
Darius Crowley says: Liam. I know last time we spoke wasn’t exactly on good terms, but… you brought my daughter back to me. We might have turned against Gilneas, but we did it for a good reason. That reason ain’t here right now. I know that me and your old man are going to have a lot to sort out, and I know you’re probably not happy with any of us, but if you’re willing to put all this behind you, well, none of us are going to save this country alone. I hope if I can set aside my pride and work with a Greymane, you can do the same and work with a Crowley.
Crowley offered a hand, and Liam looked at it.
Liam Greymane says: This is unfortunately not about myself making a decision. What we’re suggesting is a paradigm shift for all of Gilneas. This ritual is not a cure, it’s… a tool. One that can help allow one to control how they live their life, worgen curse or no. A lot of people are not going to like this solution.
Crowley smirked.
Darius Crowley says: I’ve got a lot of gripes with your old man, but one thing you should take from him, is that sometimes you just look at thing and say you don’t give a shit. Sometimes you gotta do what’s right, even if people get pissed about it. If that means shaking hands with a monster, at least you can do it with a smile on your face.
Liam Greymane says: Well said, Crowley.
Liam takes Crowley’s hand and shakes it.
Liam Greymane says: I want to see this ritual. At the site where it was created. If we are going to field it against my people, to give them a chance to create… this.
He gestured to the small town.
Liam Greymane says: Then I want to see it. But before any of that… Darius, there is someone else I need you to meet.
Liam looked back, and Lorelei creeped out from behind her mother. Crowley squinted at her.
Darius Crowley says: I haven’t seen the likes of you yet. You aren’t one of Alpha Prime’s, are ya?
Lorelei shook her head.
Lorelei Crowley says: No. Um… my name is Lorelei.
Darius Crowley says: It's a pleasure to meet you, Lorelei.
He glanced between Lorna and Liam.
Darius Crowley says: Is there something you aren’t telling me? Where’d you find this lass?
Lorna Crowley says: Father… I found her in the birthing chamber.
Darius Crowley says: The devil do you mean? You– what-? You did-?!
Lorna Crowley says: This is your granddaughter.
Crowley started to laugh.
Darius Crowley says: When?! She’s grown!?
Lorna Crowley says: Yes! I’ve been busy for the last twenty years, father!
Darius Crowley says: Then. Wait a second. Who is the bloody–
His eyes shoot to Liam.
Darius Crowley says: It’s you. You come in here and bring my daughter back to me just to soften me up to tell me you laid with her!?
Lorna Crowley says: Father! Cut it out!
Darius Crowley says: But–
Lorna points at her father, and Darius immediately recoiled.
Lorna Crowley says: Liam didn’t know until yesterday, alright? This is my fault. I didn’t tell you when it happened because… well, there was a bit of a rebellion. You were picking fights with the crown! I didn’t want you to use the child as… a hostage. What was I supposed to do? And then… then worgen attacked, and things got away real fast. But this secret is my fault. I’m not gonna let you lay a hand on Liam about it, alright, because my daughter had to grow up without her mother or her father for far too long, and I don’t care if you’re my dad, but I will kick your ass if you lay a claw on his head, understand me?
Darius Crowley says: …alright. So what’s this mean then?
Liam Greymane says: It means that, should you allow it, and should she desire it, that she will be the heir to the throne. She is a princess by all rights. Were things different back then, or had I known, I would have legitimized her. And had I known you were with child, Lorna, once this is all over with, if we can return peace to our nation again, let me make things right.
Lorna Crowley says: Liam, you’re not–
Liam Greymane says: I am, Lorna. That’s exactly what I’m saying. I know that things have been complicated, but I’m going to need all of you if we’re going to make this right. I’m going to need you–
Lorna Crowley says: We aren’t talking about this right now! In front of everyone, in a ramshackle village, in a haunted wood in front of my dad! We’ll talk about this later, alright?
Liam Greymane says: Alright. But um, anyways…
Vel leaned over to Luma.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Was… that technically a proposal?
Liiraluma says: I think it was… you people! Such drama! I’m sorry it stopped!
Lorelei seemed to be quite overwhelmed by everything going on, and Mia put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Liam set about introducing himself to all the people that were in the village, as well as the other night elves. The satyr, Sazzmi, was still there and was periodically playing her flute to summon animals to play with some of the children. She was effectively riding the fact that the children seemed to like her.
Later that evening, Liam approached the party.
Liam Greymane says: So. This ritual. How does it work?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You confront your own demons.
Liam Greymane says: I understand a great number of people here have done so, is there anyone that hasn’t undergone it yet?
Tol’vas looked over at Lorelei.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: There’s her?
Liam licked his lips.
Liam Greymane says: She’s been through great deal… I don’t want to cause any more suffering for her.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Take it with her. It’s not exclusive to worgen.
Liam Greymane says: Alright.
One of the guards tried to object, but Liam shot the guard down, and Lorna also volunteered to undergo the ritual with her daughter as well.
Lorelei Crowley says: If it’ll help… then I’ll do it.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: It’ll help you.
Lorelei Crowley says: Okay… okay.
The small family was shepherded up to the ritual basins and they began to undergo the rite together.
Tol’vas mentioned that anyone else could try it after they were done.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’ll… respectfully decline.
Uther and Luma, however, decided to do it when the moment with Lorelei and her family was finished. Together, Liam, Lorelei, and Lorna drank from the wells. Liam was definitely asking way too many questions trying to make sure he was doing everything right, and Vassandra assured him that he needed to quiet his mind.
The first of the three that winced was Lorelei. There was no way of knowing what they were experiencing or seeing, but as the magic of the rite filled their bodies, they could see their eyes moving as if they were in REM sleep.
Lorelei Crowley says: Tess… I’m so sorry. Mother! Where are you?
Lorna Crowley says: I’m right here. I’m right here. It’s alright to cry.
Lorna’s hand threaded her way into Lorelei’s claw. Liam’s brow furrowed.
Liam Greymane says: I… I didn’t want it to end like that. I never wanted it to end like that. If I would have known that was the last time I would have seen you, I would have never let you and mother leave. I won’t ever forget you.
Lorelei Crowley says: I can’t ever forget you! Is… is that alright? I lied so much that even I started to believe it! Can I really… can I really be…
Lorelei’s breathing, which had started to quick, in turn began to calm, and her hand reached out grasped Liam’s–her own human hand. She had managed to regain her human form. Her hands were both white-knuckled around Liam and Lorna’s hands.
Lorna’s eyes opened first, then Liam’s, and then Lorelei’s. Lorelei looked down at her hands and started to breathe in deep, wracking sobs. Lorna looked to Liam, and Liam looked to Lorna, and the two of them wrapped their arms around their daughter together for the first time with their heads leaning gently against each other.
Darius was watching intently, one hand over the lower half of his face, and his one eye glassy with tears.
Uther Menethil says: You know, it’s not inappropriate if you want to go hug them.
Darius Crowley says: Do you think so? Because I don’t think there’s anything else I would want more right now.
Uther Menethil says: Go be with your family, lord Crowley.
Darius immediately ran up to the three of them and wrapped his arms around them.
Darius Crowley says: We might be new at this! This whole family thing! But I’m not going to let any of you go, alright? Especially not you, Liam!
As Uther was getting ready to undergo the ritual himself, Arthas actually approached him.
Arthas Menethil says: You’re thinking of doing that ritual, right?
Uther Menethil says: I am.
Arthas Menethil says: I’ve been putting it off. I should probably try it too, if there’s a chance it can get me some memories back… might as well. Plus everyone else is doing it. It only seems right.
Uther Menethil says: Well, I feel like even if there weren’t any material gain to it, it would be worth it.
Arthas Menethil says: Yeah. Probably should have guessed you’d say something like that. Alright. I’m in.
Liam approached Uther and acknowledged the man with him.
Liam Greymane says: Ah, Uther, I was looking for you and your… friend here? I don’t recognize you. Did he come with you, Uther, he looks familiar.
Uther Menethil says: Let me introduce you to my father.
Liam Greymane says: Your majesty?!
Arthas Menethil says: What, you got something to say?
Liam Greymane says: No. I just didn’t expect you to look–
Arthas Menethil says: Yeah. I get it. I don’t look the part. I don’t feel the part either, but the kid is telling the truth. I don’t have any memories. I got kidnapped, and my memories got scrambled, and there’s an imposter on my throne and… I have a lot to deal with. The last thing I want to hear is that I don’t look or sound like a king, alright?
Liam Greymane says: I meant no offense. I suppose you want me to just call you Arthas?
Arthas Menethil says: Yeah. For the best.
Liam Greymane says: Well. I hope you find the ritual as enlightening as I did. And forgive me for saying…
Liam grins.
Liam Greymane says: You’re nothing like the man my father described.
Arthas Menethil says: Is that so? Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult, I can’t tell with you types.
Liam Greymane says: I suppose we’ll see. But right now it seems to be a compliment. A pleasure to meet you. I’m glad you’re here to help. I can’t wait to see my father’s face when you’re one of the ones to pull his ass out of this fire.
Liam grinned and moved away to return to his family, leaving Uther and Arthas together.
Arthas Menethil says: Well if his dad is half as smarmy as he is, I can’t wait either. I don’t know if I like that guy.
Uther Menethil says: I like him.
September 15th
The next morning, Lorelei greeted Vel and Uther. It was the first words she had said since the ritual. She was back in her old armor, her rapier at her side.
Lorelei Crowley says: Morning. Thanks. Both of you. For everything. I hope you wouldn’t mind if I helped out?
Uther smiles broadly and sets his plate down (which was filled with bacon) then gives her a huge, crushing hug.
Uther Menethil says: You don’t need to say thank you.
Lorelei Crowley says: Right…
Velameestra Windrunner says: It is what friends are for, after all.
Lorelei Crowley says: I guess I won’t thank the rest of you then!
She looked at the other members of the party that were gathered at breakfast.
Lorelei Crowley says: You didn’t know me and you still helped me. I appreciate that more than you know. I have a lot to think about, but I’m back, and that’s more than I could say I’ve been in a while.
Liiraluma says: Well, family matters are complex, I cannot pretend to know the first thing about you, but if you are happy, congratulations. If you are sad, my condolences.
Lorelei Crowley says: A bit of both I suppose.
Luma: That’s how you know it is family stuff!
Lorelei Crowley says: Well said.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m just doing my part.
Lorelei Crowley says: And I’ll do my part to help you. That’s why I returned to Gilneas in the first place. I wanted to make good on my promise.
Elissa showed up at that moment, as it was way too early for her.
Elissa Cross says: Sorry guys, I’m here…
She then saw Lorelei.
Elissa Cross says: Tess! I mean, Lorelei!
Lorelei Crowley says: It’s fine, really.
Elissa ran and gave Lorelei a big hug, and Lorelei laughed and ruffled her hair.
