Appearing Characters: Elgin Clickspring, Gilveradin Windrunner, Gulan, Liiraluma, Ordos, Osu, Riff, Samia Inkling, Seria, Soridormi, Teemo Manabrake, Thal'ena Dawnseeker, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Zagarra
Time-Lost Day 8
The group looked up at Ordos as they stood before his throne of burning pitch and obsidian. Ordos seemed to be very satisfied with how the battle had gone.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: You have all proven yourselves more than worthy of the Galyn Nadaam. Indeed, you fought with the strength and ferocity of true Ordon. And for showing me such strength, you have my attention and my gratitude. You came to this place to speak with me. I would now hear what you have to say.
Gil served as a translator as Uther started to speak.
Uther Menethil says: We came seeking allies. The place where these machines come from. The person in charge is a tyrant, and we would see him deposed.
Gil put a bit more of an aggressive spin on things.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: We have destroyed their machines in the past. They make for good sport, but you, who have displayed such strength, would seek allies… you must believe that these machines hold greater machines than even you can topple on your own.
Uther shook his head.
Uther Menethil says: These machines? No. But these machines are far from the greatest machines at their disposal.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It would seem they don’t think you enough of a challenge to direct their greatest powers at you.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: So you say that these machine makers have greater challenges?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: They have.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: And you seek our aid in dismantling them?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: We seek to give you the opportunity to prove how foolish they were to underestimate you.
Ordos nodded.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: Very well. If warriors such as you say that there are greater machines to be found at the heart of this, then we shall find them and destroy them. But I have one concern. These machines are good sport. Destroying them is a fine way to hone our skills and ensure our young grow strong. So we can gather trophies and build weapons. If we were to smash these machines, then we will quickly run out of enemies to destroy. Without worthy warriors to test our mettle, our people would grow weak.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Then allow me to suggest others who also war against the machine-makers. Allow them to test you?
Uther Menethil says: Is it a challenge you seek?
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: It is the way of Ordon to prove one’s might and one’s strength.
Uther Menethil says: How long have you been here in this place?
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: I have been here since before the sun vanished and the days grew long. I remember the night as it was. When the land flickered in and out of the world. I have seen it stop and crawl with the beasts of many shapes and sizes. I have killed and destroyed many. I was here when the first of the great wyrms arrived, and I was here when the celestials built their temple here. This land is Ordon land, and it always has been, and we have tested our mettle against all who have walked these shores.
Uther Menethil says: This land is where you wish to be?
Ordos nodded.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: We have no desire for conquest. No desire to leave this place. This battleground of eternal warfare. When I first came here, a long time ago, I saw this place for what it was. A timeless battlefield. My clan has grown around me. We have transformed it into what it was meant to be. Others have sought to do the same. The makers of the machines being one, the celestials being another, and the great wyrms as well.
Gil looked over at Uther.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There’s the Legion.
Uther Menethil says: That is where this was leading! Where I come from, there is a foe greater than anything I have faced in this place.
Ordos raised a charred brow.
Uther Menethil says: They do seek conquest. And as soon as I leave this place, the exit of which I hope to find in the underground city, I have to go back and protect my people from this threat. If you seek to test yourselves against the greatest foes I have seen… I’d be happy to bring you all with me.
Ordos listened intently and considered for a long moment before he signed again.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: You say this foe would be a greater test than even I?
Uther unclasped his breastplate to show Ordos the massive scar across his chest.
Uther Menethil says: You came close, but they actually managed to kill me before.
Liiraluma says: They did a number on me.
Luma showed her burn scars as well.
Liiraluma says: Yet here we stand.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Their leader has split worlds.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: If this foe truly is as much of a challenge as you say, then it would be our duty and our destiny to face them as well. But we will not leave this place. In time, perhaps some of our warriors may choose to seek war elsewhere. But… your offer intrigues me. Who is this foe?
Uther Menethil says: They are known as the Burning Legion.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: Hm. The Burning Legion. When the time comes, if the Legion is foolish enough to try and take this land, we will see who is burning at the end of our conflict. I thank you for telling me of this challenge, small one. These machine-makers… the one who seek to rebel against those that create those that adorn the walls and our horns. You do not seek to strike these ones down?
Uther Menethil says: I seek to free them.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: And they are capable of making machines? Ones strong enough to prove a challenge for us?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: They are.
Uther Menethil says: Absolutely.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: Very well. Then we will aid you. The full might of the Ordon yaungol will fall upon the machine-makers you wish to destroy. We will turn them into our weapons and our trophies, and then they will know the foolishness of laying claim to this land. Then my speakers will inform your others that they are to provide a sufficient challenge for us. Provided they are willing to do so, we will allow them to live. Because of the service that you rendered here in your display of strength, we will humor this idea. Watcher Osu you will go with these small ones. Return to the sanctuary and inform them of this accord.
Watcher Osu bowed her head.
Osu says [yaungol]: Of course, Burning One. Your will shall be done, and your eyes are mine.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: You have all proven yourselves worthy in the eyes of the Ordon, and you and those who have come with you may come and go as you please. Provided that one of you is along with them, we will know others that travel are not our enemies. After all, it would not do to crush the machine-makers until they provide us with suitable support. You will be the standard to inform us of who are allies and who are enemies.
Uther Menethil says: I believe we have an accord.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: That we do. You are welcome to stay here for the celebration afterward, should you desire it. Though I believe that our stouts may be potent, for ones of such small constitutions.
He smirked.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: Let all of clan Ordon know that these outsiders are to be welcomed as recognized members of our clan! No harm shall be dealt to them without their permission.
There was a cheer of affirmation and Gulan and Ordos turned back to the group, during which Vel chose to speak up.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It is the tradition of the Ordon to take trophies as proof of their victories, yes?
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: It is.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I would beseech a trophy from you.
Ordos cocked his head to the side and he signed down to his speaker.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: What would you desire?
Velameestra Windrunner says: The skeleton of the great wyrm that lies at the base of the steppes.
Ordos considered the request for a moment before he nodded.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: Very well, it shall be yours. You have certainly earned as much. I shall gather a score of my most able warriors to move it back for you.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That isn’t necessary. I can move it myself.
Ordos raised a curious brow.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Spellcraft.
A raspy laugh emitted from the great yaungol’s throat.
Speaker Gulan says [yaungol]: Indeed! It is only right that those of you whose skills could be comparable to my own would have the talents for such things. You continue to impress me, outsiders.
The battlefield was shifted and changed into an open, flat surface, and a celebration started to unfold. There was a lot of alcohol, food, and fire. There were incredibly char-grilled kabobs made from various reptiles that still managed to exist on the island.
Gil was able to drink several of their number under the table, due to his present immunity to both poison and fire. Luma and Vel opted to go and ready the dragon skeleton for transport instead of stay for the party, and Vel was able to use [Teleport] to get the skeleton back to the bronze dragonflight sanctuary.
Samia met up with Vel, Gil, Seria, and Zagarra, and Samia asked Seria and Zagarra if they could look at their injuries as the blade of shadowflame had struck them during the contest.
Seria and Zagarra agreed, and Vel and Seria took a closer look. It didn’t look like the wounds cut very deep, they were primarily first and second degree burns, but the way that the burning manifested was different from what was expected. They also still hurt keenly even an hour or so later, and conventional healing magics had no effect, as if a part of their life force had been burned away temporarily.
The first thing that came to Vel’s mind was that it was almost like the pain of the burn was being amplified, and burned the pain into the target’s mind.
Samia Inkling says: I’ve… only seen shadowflame used once before, and I’ve never had the opportunity to observe an injury in truth.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What is shadowflame, exactly?
Samia Inkling says: I’m not entirely certain. The only other time I encountered it was my encounter with the black dragon in the tale that I had spun for you. His breath was a similar type-the dragon who had attempted to end my life.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Can all of the black dragonflight use it?
Samia Inkling says: I don’t know. I’ve only spoken to a handful of them. What I do know is that during the confrontation Sabellian made every effort to avoid his opponent’s shadowflame. I cannot say why, but in my brief experience he did not seem keen on it. After we made our way to safety he asked if I had been touched by the dragon’s breath. At first, I thought he was simply ensuring I had not come to harm, but I cannot help but think there was something more to it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It seems there may be a… psychological aspect to it. At least, that would explain why he was trying to avoid it. From what I understand the black dragonflight is not fazed by fire normally.
Samia Inkling says: No. Not typically. But shadowflame is perhaps a different circumstance. He did not wield his own breath against his opponent, and I did not see him use shadowflame himself, but that does not necessarily mean much. I don’t know if there’s a connection… or what the nature of this weapon is.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Given the Ordon are now allies, we may be able to take a closer look at their blades.
Samia Inkling says: I may seek to do just that. If there’s still time that the Rustbold Resistance needs to prepare, then perhaps I can do some research. If I can convince one of those Champions of the Black Flame to take a closer look. I don’t know if there’s a line of connection between it and what I’ve seen before, but knowing more may at least allow us to protect ourselves further in the future. If Onyxia and her brood will wield this against us, we need to be prepared for it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If I can get my hands on one, even briefly, I may be able to get some insight to the more enigmatic matters of it.
Samia Inkling says: I will certainly take whatever assistance you can provide.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You just need to touch it then?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Long enough to cast a spell.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Okay.
Gil poked around about the Champions of the Black Flame, and in the process, he found that even the other yaungol spoke about the champions with both fear and reverence. Not many seemed to know that much about them, and they seemed somewhat hesitant to speak about them, as it seemed to be an ill-omen to speak of them without their permission.
Later, Samia also approached Gil directly.
Samia Inkling says: I noticed during the trial… I’ve not seen you able to manipulate the enchantment on your bow like you did.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Normally I can’t.
Samia Inkling says: You tapped into the Demon Soul?
Gil hesitated.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I did and did not intend to. It was a thought, but I reacted faster than the thought could finish.
Samia Inkling says: That’s how it happens. An instinct acting quickly than your mind. I don’t think anyone else recognized what happened, and I don’t intend on telling them yet. But you need to be careful with that, Gil.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yeah. I don’t think I’m as guarded as I should be.
Samia shrugged.
Samia Inkling says: At the end of the day, it did ensure you could prove yourself. I’m not fool enough to recognize that this tool you wield is not without its use. The problem lies with… the more you use it, the more I fear it’s… I don’t fully understand this artifact, I don’t believe anyone does. But I believe the fear surrounding it is justified. Use it if you believe it necessary, just do so carefully, alright?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That I can promise more readily. It’s not something I intended to use. Not after learning more.
Samia nodded.
Samia Inkling says: In spite of everything, I would rather you utilize the weapon to save lives, than refuse and allow people to come to harm. Given the circumstances, I believe you made the right choice. But we need to make sure we don’t make too many right choices.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s far too powerful to be used regularly.
Samia Inkling says: The sooner it can be destroyed, the better.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I agree with you there.
The group did eventually return to Rustbolt along with Watcher Osu. Elgin Clickspring, Gelbin’s assistant, was the one to meet with her and start the process of welcoming her to Rustbolt. It was obvious that Elgin was using magic to translate.
The yaungol was looking around the town that was built for people that were two sizes smaller than her. Elgin encouraged her to follow her so that she could be checked in.
Elgin Clickspring says: You are speaking on behalf of your chieftain?
Osu says: He is not a chieftain! He is our way of life! Our god!
Elgin Clickspring says: Yes, understood. Do you have any preferences on living arrangements or dietary restrictions?
The process continued, and Osu was clearly very confused by the entire process, and was briefly insulted at being sprayed by water for the sanitation process.
The group was once more thanked by the people of Rustbolt, as Clan Ordon also was on the side of the Rustbolt Resistance.
Plans for Operation Mechagon were being drawn up along with plans to help smuggle more people out. They had run diagnostics on the rising risk of waiting longer compared to the benefits of doing so. They discovered the best point to begin the attack on Mechagon was in about six months, which would give them time to continue undermining Mechagon before actually attacking, without Mechagon’s countermeasures eclipsing them.
That night, Seria had a nightmare. She awoke in Rokhan’s home, and the entire village was burning. The Echo Isles were ablaze. The flames had the same purplish-magenta hue as the shadowflame. As she looked around, she was alone.
Seria rushed out of the hut, coughing through the smoke, and she heard screaming. As she looked around, she realized it wasn’t screaming. It was laughter. And all the Darkspear were conflagrated with the flame.
They were running to each other, burning the buildings and the trees, all while laughing. They then turned to Seria, who was the last person who wasn’t burning. They started to close in on her, but then she woke up.
However, her burn no longer hurt.
Time-Lost 6 Month Timeskip
About three days after the battle, Gil noticed Zagarra seemed to be more distracted than was normal for her.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Zagarra.
Zagarra says: What?
Gil raised his eyebrow as she snipped at him more than she normally would.
Zagarra says: …What is it?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What’s weighing on you?
Zagarra says: It’s nothing you need to concern yourself over.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’re distracted.
Zagarra says: I haven’t slept well. That’s all.
Gil’s eyes flickered down to where she had been cut by the shadowflame.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Since then?
Zagarra furrowed her brow.
Zagarra says: …Yes.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Lets go find Seria. If she’s been having similar issues, then it may be something that needs to be addressed.
Zagarra says: If you insist.
Gil and Zagarra went to find Seria, and they found her in the druid grove at the top of the mansion.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Have you been having nightmares recently?
Seria says: What brings this up?
Gil looked over at Zagarra.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Someone else isn’t sleeping well since the fight.
Seria says: I only had one.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Be that as it may, I should inform Samia and Vel. Seems like the fire has an extra consequence.
They managed to track down Samia, and also Vel after the vampyr had returned from spending some time with the bronze whelps, and they gathered in the study of the manor. Gil explained the situation to them.
Vel looked over at Zagarra, her expression even.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do the burns still hurt?
Zagarra sighed.
Zagarra says: They do. They seem to be healing slowly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Can I touch you? Briefly.
Zagarra nodded, and Vel used the [Identify] spell. She didn’t seem to have any effects remaining from any spells, but as Vel took a more mundane examination of the wound, it seemed the main difference between the orc and Seria was that Zagarra had sustained much more damage from the shadowflame than Seria. The wounds had started to naturally heal, but they had not managed to completely heal like Seria’s had.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Do either of you have a way to help people with mental injuries?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can magically shield the mind, but the wound itself does seem to be healing appropriately. It’s my hypothesis that once it’s healed completely, the nightmares and other effects would similarly fade, but we can always experiment with mind blanking to see if that would negate the other effects.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Is there a way for Zagarra to confront the nightmares themselves?
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s getting more metaphysical than my magic would allow. My spellcraft would theoretically just block them out completely.
Samia shook her head.
Samia Inkling says: I don’t believe this is some sort of test to be overcome.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No, but if there’s struggling against it… wouldn’t there be a way to ease it or help ease the burden?
Zagarra says: I’m fine.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’re not sleeping.
Zagarra says: I’m rested enough.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can blank minds, that’s what I can do. If that is something we want to try, I can get that spell situated. There are obviously stronger restorative magics that can be utilized to help the wounds heal faster, but if you want to heal naturally, we can just try and block the psychological effects out.
Zagarra shook her head.
Zagarra says: No. I will not let some injury defeat me. I will be fine. But I appreciate your concern.
Samia Inkling says: What have you been seeing in these nightmares?
Zagarra got a thousand-yard stare.
Zagarra says: Fire and nonsense.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What did you see in your nightmare, Seria?
Seria says: My entire village burning. And everyone laughing.
Zagarra says: Visions of a tired mind, nothing more.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Visions meant to wear you down. I imagine that’s the insidious part of it.
Zagarra says: Well I won’t be defeated by a simple injury. You don’t need to worry about it.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: This is clearly not just a simple injury.
Velameestra Windrunner says: To be utterly pragmatic… verifying if there is a way to protect against the effects will be a benefit to other people should more of these injuries occur.
Samia Inkling says: Your obstinance is not helping us or yourself, Zagarra.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: We know you’re strong. That’s not in question.
Zagarra sighed.
Zagarra says: Very well. Fine. Do what you have to.
Vel used [Mind Blank] on Zagarra. It didn’t make the pain go away, but that night, she didn’t have any nightmares, but the following night, she did, and the burning was still occurring. The spell did seem to prevent the nightmares.
Through observing it, Vel was able to determine how the effect worked. Whenever someone who was injured by one of the blades took a long rest, they had to make a wisdom saving throw with a DC equal to 8 plus the amount of maximum hit points that had been reduced. If they failed, only one of the maximum hit points was restored, and the effect remained to be repeated again.
By the end of the first week, it seemed that Zagarra was back to normal. She didn’t apologize to Gil for snapping at him, but she did go out of her way to help him in other ways as a means of apology.
During the scope of everything, Vel asked if she could take a look at the Demon Soul directly. Gil said he needed to talk to the Scales about it first.
Samia wanted to be there. Vaelastrasz was hesitant about other people looking at it, but he wasn’t against it. Zagarra didn’t think Vel should, Motah didn’t know, but Thal’ena and Teemo felt it was a good idea.
Ultimately, Vel was allowed to do it.
As she looked at the disk, there were a few things she noticed was that the disk itself, and the chain it was connected to, seemed to be made of a material that was virtually indestructible. The metal was like nothing she had seen before, and it was insanely heavy and durable, and no magics, not even an adamantine weapon, could damage it. As she looked at it, despite the fact it seemed to be virtually indestructible, there was a prominent nick. She recalled the message from Krasus detailing that they believed the gash was inflicted by Deathwing himself. She also noticed that the chain was an extension of the Demon Soul, but it had its own sort of power to it.
In the time she had to research things about saronite, she had been looking into finding any other precious metals that shared similar properties. There had been a few things that had come to mind. Adamantine was one of them. Arcanite was another. But there was a theoretical metal that existed in some spheres. Some scholars didn’t believe it existed, but others believed it could exist in atypical environments that Azeroth does not often have. It would likely need planar influences. Other believe that it exists. The metal was elementium. The origin was hotly debated, and some believed it was created by clashes of forces at different locations. Others believed it occurred on the elemental planes. Regardless, the metal was believed to be truly indestructible by functionally any object in known creation. It was also known to be a metal that could channel magic better than any other metal out there. It was a superconductor that could act as a focus for magic that could not be easily replicated, even more so than mithril.
The disk may be made of elementium.
Vel looked up at Samia.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If this metal is what I think it is… it shouldn’t exist.
Samia Inkling says: What do you think it is?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Elementium.
Samia Inkling says: I beg your pardon?
Velameestra Windrunner says: In some scholarly circles, it’s a theoretical metal that was believed to be an indestructible superconductor. Whether it exists and in what capacity it exists in is a hotly debated topic. But this matches all the hallmarks they speak about regarding it.
Liiraluma says: I heard metal and debate from like two rooms over, what’s going on?
Luma stormed into the study and surveyed the group who was hunched over the artifact. Vel had used [Identify] on the artifact as well, and knew what it was capable of as well as some strange readings that indicated curses of various levels.
One of the curses was different from the creations elsewise. It seemed to be a druidic curse that was a targeted forbiddance that harmed any dragon that touched it and prevented them from attuning to it.
Elementium, however, was a super conductor. It took the energy that flowed through it and magnified it. The Demon Soul was constantly conducting energies that went through it, and there was always an echo of energy passed through it, and for a long time the Demon Soul was used by Neltharion. By Deathwing. His rage. His avarice. His ambition. They were theoretical energies as well.
Vel ran her fingers around the edge of the Demon Soul.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Gil… have you had… any changes to your motivations? Your thoughts? Anything of that sort? Even just minor personality shifts that maybe other people might pick up on.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t… think so?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright. This disc has… multiple aspects to it, which I’m sure is no surprise to anyone here. If it is made of elementium, it channels the energies of those that empowered it. The Aspects… there’s a druidic influence on it… but the nature of those that wield it may also be conducted in some regard. I would be cautious of any bleed over. If there’s anything that’s strange or abnormal… particularly if Deathwing wielded this for a while. I’m concerned that what may have influenced his mind may have an echo that remains within the Demon Soul itself. That’s just a theory, but it’s still something to make note of.
Vel also had noticed the primary purpose of the chain was to make it so the Demon Soul could actually even be carried, as it was meant to be much heavier than it actually was. The chain was also made of elementium, but it likely had other enchantments upon it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Especially given the theoretical nature of elementium, I’m not certain of all the properties of it. It’s not something that’s been studied, readily, as it would turn out.
Luma also took a look at the metal from a more artifice-geared mindsight. The vibe that they got from it was that its heating point was absurdly high, to the degree of center of the sun and heat of the sky, and one would need resources and tools of exceptional magical quality and strength. Regarding the nick in the Demon Soul, there was the theory that elementium could damage elementium. If there was a weapon of similar strength, it could theoretically be destroyed, but there was also the working theory that Deathwing himself had damaged it, though that was likely because of who and what Deathwing was.
Shortly after the conversation about the Demon Soul, Thal’ena came to find Vel to speak with her in private.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Hey, Vel? Is it alright if I talk to you for a second?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yeah. What is it?
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Um… it’s about Gil. Earlier, you asked if he acted differently or changed at all? Why did you ask that?
Velameestra Windrunner says: There’s…
Vel mused over her words for a moment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Call it personal experience, in some regards, but different influences on the mind can be subtle. If it’s not being actively tracked, you may not notice them. I journal, personally, but I don’t know what Gil has been through and what may be a consequence of… his external experiences versus other means.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: The others didn’t really know him before he got the Demon Soul. I mean, I didn’t either, I met him a few times… plus between thinking that all of you were dead and all the responsibility that he’s been given, I can’t be sure either… but I think it is weighing on him. All of it. I don’t know how much, but I can tell it's wearing him down. That’s why I want to get rid of this thing as soon as we can.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Is there a reason it hasn’t just been… sequestered somewhere?
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: The dragons decided that wasn’t the best course of action. There were a few reasons, the first being that last time they had done that, they almost got it. Until everything happened in the cave. They couldn’t trust just one flight with its protection. Keeping it in the Emerald Dream, keeping it within the red dragon sanctums… plus I don’t think a lot of people trusted the black ambassador. She would have had to know where it was, and that would have been too much of a risk. Plus it sort of... well, warps the area around it if someone isn't actively attuned to it. That’s why the Scales were established. One representative from each of the five flights, all dragonsworn, and relatively new ones at that. So it could be watched and protected. And to keep it mobile, so that it can’t just be taken from a vault.
Velameestra Windrunner says: But in the process you’re effectively all a moving target.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Yeah. They couldn’t decide what to do. Gil was actually the one that offered. I wasn’t there when he made the offer, but it was his idea. The Scales. Protecting it.
Vel nodded, her expression one of pensiveness as she regarded the doorway in the general direction Gil had disappeared into. She looked back up to Thal’ena.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Could you help me keep an eye on him?
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Of course. I’m worried about him too. Thanks Vel.
Vel nodded as well.
With every day, more and more people started to show up in Rustbolt. The militia started to train more and more people how to fight, create mechs, and scout. The streets of Rustbolt started to have more and more afflicted gnomes in them, and there was some tension in the air, but any fights were avoided.
Ressa Shadeshine was instrumental in organizing the afflicted, and despite many verbal conflicts with Kelsey, they worked together well enough.
The Ordon yaungol were not as present as the afflicted gnomes, but periodically one would be in the area to test the mechs, and they continued to wreck as many of the Mechagon machines as they could find.
Riff’s progress with the afflicted gnomes had also been going exceptionally well. Almost too well. He wasn’t even sure how he was doing it, but he was seemingly able to interface with their blood and had seemingly put the degeneration into remission. Their bodies were still different, but various individuals were at least not getting worse as long as they weren’t exposed to further contamination. However, every time Seria saw Riff, he was getting bigger, and there was almost an eagerness to continue doing what he was doing. About three months into the process, he believed he could also devour the corruption in Zesqua, though he had chosen not to do so as they didn’t want to make Silco mad.
However, every time he saw Seria, he said that the only reason he was able to help them was because of her. She had continued to make offerings to the loa, and she wasn’t sure if they could hear her in the time-lost isle, but part of the way through the time passing, a thought came to her: had Riff been listening to her prayers? Was that why he thanked her, because he was the spirit that was hearing her?
Seria made her offerings bigger because it was helping Riff, channeling a desire to help people and to heal, as well as offering up her love, his favorite foods, her guidance, and all the lessons that he had been taught. She also added a bit of her own blood to the mix. She also found a death adder, which she killed and added to the offerings.
The next time he returned, there didn’t seem to be anything physically different with him, but his smile was bigger and his eyes were brighter, and when he hugged her, she felt the connection between the pair of them was deeper than it had ever been. There was also a melancholy in the way he had been flourishing helping the people when she wasn’t there, but she also didn’t need to be there to help him.
Riff and a few inoculated gnomes also sought to go into the wastelands to try and find some of the roaming afflicted that were at their advanced stages to see if anything could be done for them. Seria joined the pursuits, as did Gil, and it worked. Riff was able to heal some of them, even some of the ones that were seemingly beyond help, and he was getting better at it with each one that he was able to heal. The gnomes started to regard him with awe, fear, appreciation, and, in some cases, possessiveness.
Silco was among the last of the afflicted gnomes that received the treatment, as he wanted to ensure his people were treated first, starting with the weakest.
Luma and Teemo had been undergoing gnomish engineering training, and Luma picked it up rather quickly. Draenic technology was very precise. Goblin technology was about getting it done and maximizing profit. Gnomish engineering was about possibility and making dreams come true.
There was a certain inspiration from the fact that gnomes didn’t take no for an answer.
Within the first week, however, Luma did go to find Uther to talk about what he wanted to do regarding his armor. He had been running drills with the militia and sparring with the yaungol, and Luma managed to track him down once some of the drills had concluded.
Liiraluma says: Uther! Come here!
Uther Menethil says: Absolutely, just a moment!
Uther toweled off.
Uther Menethil says: What can I do for you?
Liiraluma says: I’m annoyed and that’s when I create the best. Come with me, we’re going to talk about armor.
Uther Menethil says: Ah, yes, very good!
Liiraluma says: So, I’ve been thinking. Since you spoke to me about armor or something for you. You’re eventually going to need to give back your fancy book? And I imagine you’ll get to return to a princely transformation provided we don’t get immolated.
Uther Menethil says: We should avoid that, yes.
Luma didn’t even get Uther all the way back to the manor, and instead chose to duck into a garage. There was a crystal pyramid on one of the work benches.
Liiraluma says: This may take a bit to build, but in a land of scrap metal we can get something done. I know this is a bit draenic right now, but we can do something about that. But tap that crystal, will you?
Uther reached out and tapped the crystal. It hummed to life and projected a 3-dimensional series of ideas. They were images of large armor with jet propulsion in the rear of the armor.
Liiraluma says: Eventually, I believe being able to propel yourself forward to cover more distance… given armor is heavy, I thought that would be good or interesting. We could do a weapon, but I’m tired of making weapons, so congratulations, this is my offer.
Uther’s face lit up immediately.
Uther Menethil says: Luma, this is amazing! And yes. I agree. We don’t need weapons. This should be something that protects people.
Liiraluma says: I would love to hang up the guns, but I don’t get to do that for a bit. Thus, armor would be a nice change of pace.
Uther leaned forward.
Uther Menethil says: Is that the… how do you say it. The rocket?
Liiraluma says: You’re learning!
Luma produced a sketchbook where they showed off some more detailed sketches.
Liiraluma says: I’d like to start at least gathering materials. If I do not alot time for this now and also draft your help, we are going to lose time, and we already have enough to do. When we get back outside, I imagine we will not have the time we have here.
Uther Menethil says: I don’t imagine we will. I’ll start looking for materials.
Liiraluma says: These were my ideas. Did you have any ideas? Things that seemed interesting?
Luma and Uther spent some time talking about the specifics and Luma set up measurements and the concept began to come to life.
Liiraluma says: Hey Teemo, I’m going to build something stupid and deeply expensive. Do you want to help me?
Teemo Manabrake says: I’d be more offended if you didn’t ask me!
The first thing that was fabricated was a foam fitting and the under armor that would be under the armor itself.
Samia and Vel looked more intently at the shadowflame. It was a conflux of shadow and fire magic, which consisted of the element of fire and shadow magic directly. The origination of the shadowflame was a secret the Champions were not willing to divulge in depth. But in a brief history, the Ordon yaungol came to the island a very, very long time ago. Sometime after that, the first Champion of the Black Flame was born when one of the warriors discovered the secrets and were able to master it. They wield it in the same tradition.
The Ordon saw fire as a purifying sacred element that Ordos was able to embody when he communed with a powerful spirit of fire and took the power for himself. The shadowflame seemed to be a combination of that and a mastery of a deeper and darker aspect that most yaungol despise. There was a motion that they utilized, and they were able to tap into a raw representation of what they referred to as Sha, which represented negative emotion. It was the power that was mastered by the first one.
There was nothing special about the metal of the blades that were imbued with the shadowflame, but they were of course magical items. The way the group operated was very similar to the idea of a paladin in some regards, particularly in their devotion to an oath and the ability to channel extraplanar energy.
The Champions also constantly exposed themselves to ritualistic burning of shadowflame, and they were always immersed in the state of constant pain that Zagarra was in. They did so willingly. They fought with reckless abandon, and Vel was able to gather that they die either from combat or ritualistic suicide due to the pain, or because they were unable to master the shadowflame and it instead mastered them. Ordos respected their power, but he also would not hesitate to destroy them if they proved a danger.
Samia was taking vigorous notes, as she had no doubt it was different from the black dragons, but if it could be used in the future, it was still very useful.
—-
Vel made her way to Soridormi’s sanctum to speak with her. She was doing what she could to help, without putting the bronze dragonflight into direct harm’s way. When she arrived, Soridormi was relaxing in her dragon form, partially buried in sand with snooters sleeping on top of her.
Soridormi says: Good to see you, Velameestra. I was just catching a few moments of rest myself before we continue preparations of our own.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Understandable. Everyone is busy.
Soridormi says: Yes. Some of us will be flying alongside the Rustbolt Resistance. Those who wish to help in a more direct fashion. There are many who are worried about involving ourselves in this directly, but if you and yours are risking your own lives to help us, it’s only right that we do what we can to help you as well. I’ll be assisting in my own way. But please, make yourself comfortable!
Soridormi used her magic to shape her refuge into the comfortable arrangement of seats and cushions like it had been before.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’ll be alright as far as refreshments are concerned, but thank you.
She sat down on one of the cushions. Soridormi took her visage form and sat amongst them as well.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I actually had some questions about the dragonflights.
Soridormi says: Of course! I can tell you whatever I’m able to. You’re owed that given the risks you’ve already put yourself under on our behalf.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Primarily the nature of your charges. I know each of the dragonflights have their own, I’m familiar with that of the reds more intimately. But with the presence of the charge, there does come the question of who bestowed it in the first place.
Soridormi says: I can understand why you might be curious.
Velameestra Windrunner says: There’s a language I’ve observed in various places, both on Azeroth and here. It’s very old. I’ve found it in ancient architecture, and the gnomes have said it was the language of their original creators. Is there a link there?
Soridormi nodded.
Soridormi says: I’m impressed that you’ve stumbled upon it. Indeed, that language is spoken by the beings who first gave us our charge. They go by many names, but we refer to them as the titans. We’ve never met them, not directly. We were given our charges via proxies. But it said they are guardians and protectors who have watched over Azeroth for longer than we can know. It was by their hands that the world as we know it was shaped into existence.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So they’re… gods?
Soridormi nodded again.
Soridormi says: Many may see them as such. They are beings of godlike power. The intricacies of their power is beyond me. Even after these years, my beloved Nozdormu and I and all the other Aspects only understand the power of the titans for as much as they’ve shown us. In taking up their charge, we have been gifted with the powers we have and the responsibilities that come with them.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And the bronze dragonflight was given responsibility over time and the timeways?
Soridormi says: That is correct, yes. Before this, the Titan responsible for our charge and flight was a being known as Aman’Thul. It is said he is the father of the Titans, and he can see within the myriad timeways with more clarity than even the Aspect.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So did he create the timeway?
Soridormi says: I… do not know. I must admit, I’ve spent a great deal of time pondering the timeways. Wondering if they were a natural occurrence, or if Aman’Thul shaped them before giving us our charge. Time, obviously, is a construct that predates all creation. But it is hard to say. Ultimately, it is not our responsibility to truly understand how they came to be. Only how they operate.
Velameestra Windrunner says: A friend of mine told me that the ancestors of dragonkind were proto-drakes?
Soridormi says: That’s correct, yes. They were once called primal dragons, before the Sundering. All of us, when accepted the charges of the Aspects and were ordered, we changed into the forms you know now. It took many years to figure out how to operate. The changes were severe, and for a time, we thrived, all five flights together. But during the Sundering, that changed. We had to put aside our ancestral homeland and distance ourselves from our families and our friends out of necessity.
Velameestra Windrunner says: To protect from a repeat occurrence, should it happen?
Soridormi says: We called them the Dragon Wars. Not the most creative of names, but they were events that unfolded before and after the War of the Ancients. They were the conflicts between the four flights united and the black dragonflight as they turned on us. After the black dragons were chased from our homeland, we abandoned them. The Broodlands were sealed off so that none of them could reclaim any of the legacies or weapons Neltharion may have buried. Neltharion most of all. And that was when the Wymrest Accord was established, and the flights distanced themselves.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So the history of the dragons goes well beyond any of the mortal races then?
Soridormi says: It does, yes. Our histories go back to our own creation. There was a great primal dragon–a monster known as Galakrond. If you believe you’ve seen a large dragon, you’ve not seen anything in comparison. The beast was corrupted. A massive, hulking behemoth. Large enough to crush a city block with a single claw, and his wings large enough to darken the skies of an entire nation. The conflict against him took place tens of thousands of years ago, well before the kingdoms of man were established. Some of the ancient empires had begun to form in the south, but their histories are not fully known to me. The empire you know as Zandalar, the trolls, had begun their own ascension during this. We had little contact with them during the War of the Scaleborn, but we had encountered disparate tribes of them that had settled on the Broodlands, well before the Sundering. In fact, from whence you were, perhaps as early before the Sundering as we are after it now.
Vel’s eyes shifted as she mentally did the math of the years. The events that Soridormi was explaining had happened over 20,000 years ago, and there were dragons that were alive from that time, including Soridormi herself.
Soridormi says: The primal dragons descend from those that had abstained from taking up the Aspects’ charges. Or those who were beyond our contact. There were dragons in many places.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The charges were offered, then? It was a choice given to you?
Soridormi says: Yes. The Aspects were the first, but they offered it to many others. There were conflicts over the nature of dragonkind and our ordering, but the opportunity was given to many of our primal dragon brethren. Some joined, but many did not. Their descendants still fly the skies today, many of which in Northrend. That was where much of dragonkind came from.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Why did you say yes? I imagine the nature of beings offering you the responsibility of guarding an aspect of creation beyond just your people or your flight… it was a large choice to make.
Soridormi says: It was far beyond the understanding of many of us. The keenest of us were individuals like Nozdormu and the other Aspects. But I believe we joined for the same reason. Before the war against Galakrond, the primal dragons were insular. We did not gather together for anything beyond mating. Each had territory, desires, and wishes, but when the Aspects led us to fight against Galakrond… against a monster many times our own size, and we won… we began to realize that perhaps there was more we could accomplish together. And the giants, the Keepers who gave us this opportunity, there was something about them. It felt like the right decision to make. Nozdormu and I required little convincing. I only heard Aman’thul’s voice once, and it was when we accepted the charge. I don’t know if it was him directly, or a projection of his essence in some capacity.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So these titans are still out there somewhere?
Soridormi says: We have every reason to believe so, but I don’t know for sure. Over the many years their liaisons and representatives on this world have grown distant and quiet. Some of our closest allies among them have fallen. Others have instead decried us and risen against us. For all intents and purposes, the dragonflights are on their own. It’s all that we can do to continue watching over Azeroth and serving our charge.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And the core of the bronze dragonflight is to ensure that the canon events laid before you in the timeways come to pass?
Soridormi nodded.
Soridormi says: In a sense, yes. Though we have countless reflections on any single timeline and a thousand ways events can unfold, it is our hope to protect our own timelines. To make sure things don’t destabilize them. To ensure we can keep the river and tapestry itself together and prevent it from collapsing.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So do you know what these events are or would be, in a sense?
Soridormi says: Some of them are known to us… but it’s hard to explain. We cannot simply see the future. Nor can we directly influence things that happened in the past. Like Anachronos described before, it’s like seeing every possibility laid out before you. These events… they are the biggest and brightest of them. It’s hard for us to know what they will be before they happen, but when they do it’s often known to us.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Do you know if the opening of the Dark Portal was one of these events?
Soridormi furrowed her brow and took a deep breath.
Soridormi says: I’m… hesitant to answer such a question, Vel… but I’m not unwilling. I simply want to know why you ask.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I was there when it opened. I was one of the people who tried to stop it. I guess in a… sense it would be some sort of macabre comfort in knowing the odds were impossible. That it was in some sense predestined… rather than a failure in our ability to stop it.
Soridormi says: To tell you true, I know only what I’ve heard. I’ve been out of the timestream for longer than I would like, but I’ve spoken with Anachronos. Their information would prove that it was. But… I don’t want you to believe that it was predestined. There’s a reason why scholars have agonized over such things for so long. The hows, the whys… these things change. It is perhaps not the Dark Portal that would be considered a canon event, but the arrival of the orcs. The orcs come to Azeroth. They always do. Many times it is through the Dark Portal, the Great Gate. The details may change, but it always occurs. The location, the time, the perpetrators… the vessel, the method, the speed, the aftermath… these things happen. And in our time, it was the way that maximized your people’s tragedy. And for that I am sorry.
Vel offered a small nod of acknowledgement.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I… suppose there’s no way to say what would have been different had it opened elsewhere.
Soridormi says: It is impossible to say. In time, however, it is extremely likely that something else would have happened.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And even if we succeeded… it would have just been the tragedy of someone else.
Soridormi says: I know this means very little, and I know you may resent my flight. I understand. Interacting with beings that can see time and foresee events… it can be easy to vent frustration, and I will not blame you if you do.
Vel shook her head.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t resent you, actually.
Soridormi looked surprised.
Soridormi says: I’m glad to hear that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Even if I could have changed anything I.... don’t know if I would, had I been given the opportunity to go back.
Soridormi says: There are many things a single action could have altered the course of history.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And ultimately I don’t know where that action would have put me or my people in the end.
Soridormi smiled.
Soridormi says: That’s a good way to look at it, Vel. That’s the best way to look at it. To do so otherwise is to risk losing oneself to despair, and that is what I fear our culprit may have done.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Perhaps we’ll have the opportunity to ask.
Soridormi says: I hope so. And whoever he is… I hope he can find peace, and we can fix the damage he’s caused.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Indeed. Thank you for humoring me.
Soridormi says: Of course! I hope the answers have proven satisfactory.
Vel hummed quietly, a faint trace of amusement present in her face.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The answers have opened up more questions, but I know that’s how these things tend to go.
Soridormi says: And every door opened leads to a dozen more possibilities.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Not that different in magic of any sort, really.
Soridormi says: You know Vel… you’d make a good dragonsworn.
Vel chuffed.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s not a charge I’d be able to take.
Soridormi says: Perhaps not. But if you ever change your mind… let me know.
A small smile touched the vampyr’s lips.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m afraid as long as the Sin’dorei exist, I will not. But I appreciate the offer.
Soridormi returned the smile.
Soridormi says: I don’t know every secret the world has to hold, what paths lead us to the events that unfold, and what makes each event more or less important than any other, but if I can let you in on a little secret? It’s the least important ones that I think mean the most in the grand scheme of things.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The beating of a butterfly’s wings.
Soridormi says: Or two friends sharing a conversation amidst the stars.
Vel’s expression warmed, and she looked down at the snooters that had gathered around her, seemingly unphased by the chill of her presence or the aura of undeath she radiated. Absent-mindedly, she had started to pet one of the snooters that had come to rest against her leg.
Gil had spent some time trying to reverse-engineer the snake arrows and was also trying to revitalize the nature in the area with the help of Seria and any of the others that were able to. They were able to find some of the best locations to start, and Gil used [Plant Growth] in various locations. The ground itself seemed to be resistant to the magic, but it was still working, in some regard. They were able to kickstart the process, but what they learned, was it was going to take time, but it was possible. Just as they were about to lose heart, about four months it, they saw the single sprout of a bonsai tree. And then a few other examples of moss and other small examples of flora that had started to reappear.
Vel had been working on brainstorming some preliminary laws and regulations concerning an undead nation and, eventually, she approached Uther.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Uther, you’re formally trained in the way of laws, ruling kingdoms, and regulations and the like.
Uther Menethil says: This is true.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’ve written some theoretical preliminary regulations about future circumstances in Quel’thalas, and I wouldn’t mind your opinion on them if you’re inclined.
Uther Menethil says: Of course! It would be my pleasure!
The stack of papers he was promptly handed was probably way too thick.
Uther Menethil says: Ah… very… thorough. But yes, Vel, of course.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Thank you.
The documents themselves were incredibly extensive and specific, and even included the beginnings of a government reform to ensure a balance of power between the living and the undead. Uther was, in general, rather impressed, though his most critical feedback was that in regards to consequences it was likely important to include repercussions other than imprisonment as even a few hundred years was negligible to immortal people.
Luma and Teemo’s friendship continued to be dynamic and fairly snappy. A few more times, they had gone for joy rides in the asteroid belt. The third time that they went, about a month or so into the preparations for Mechagon, Luma saw something on one of the asteroids. Teemo smiled.
Teemo Manabrake says: Why don’t you land down there!
It was a cloth spread out on the asteroid with a steel box with a handle sitting on it. They landed, and Teemo had a devious expression on their face.
Teemo Manabrake says: I hope you’re hungry. Thought we would have a little picnic! Do… do you know what a picnic is?
Luma tried to place the word and tapped their translator.
Liiraluma says: No.
Teemo Manabrake says: Come on. I’ll show you. It’s kind of like what we did before, but I brought snacks this time. And a blanket so we don’t need to lay on the crust!
Liiraluma says: The crust was fine, but sure!
Luma looked suspicious, but sat down next to Teemo. The snacks in the box were made by Motah, and they seemed to be a combination of foods Teemo liked, and foods Luma said they liked over the past month. She continued to strike up conversation, and things were not much different from the prior meetings they had.
They were laughing and chatting about classes and how the progress on the power armor was going, but Teemo suddenly got quiet for a second.
Teemo Manabrake says: You know, Luma, this is kind of nowhere, but I kind of realized I don’t know how draenei operate culturally. Besides what we talked about. So… do you guys date? Is that something you guys do? How does that work?
Luma coughed into their drink and strategically shoved something into their mouth to give them time to think.
Liiraluma says: They do, actually. They do. We live for a long time. Sometimes couples will stay together for not very long… I imagine it’s a longer version of whatever happens here. There’s courtship. Then you move in together. Then you realize you moved in too quickly.
Teemo Manabrake says: So it’s exactly how it is here?
Teemo laughed.
Liiraluma says: It’s been a long 8000 years. But they do. But I’ve been bad at it. And normally I either fuck it up or they die.
Teemo Manabrake says: Oh. Wow.
Liiraluma says: I don’t say this to be… look, you put thought into this, and I know, we’ll get to that.
Teemo blushed.
Liiraluma says: But yeah, the crash, the one that took my arm. I’ve had time to think about it… but some decades ago there was a girl. Halta. She was a short-stack botanist, and she was very very good. She didn’t make it to the Exodar. She died on the Botanica. I heard what happened to those on the Botanica. She’s either at the bottom of some ocean on a different planet that may now be in a different plane of existence, or she was turned into a plant zombie.
Teemo whistled.
Liiraluma says: Somehow, I feel like I didn’t manage to fuck that one up. But for a floating city that big… for thousands of draenei, the dating pool is rather small for someone that likes women. And men. But eh, men. You can only date so many paladins.
Teemo Manabrake says: That’s not the problem in my hometown, but I get it. Hey, if you need to talk about that, I’m glad to be an ear, I have big ones. But I don’t want you to think about that if you don’t want.
Liiraluma says: I have to. I think. Honestly. I don’t think I thought about it enough. Did you know Vel found my schematics in night elf jail?
Teemo Manabrake says: Seriously?
Liiraluma says: Yeah. I spent ten years thinking about this arm. It was worth it, but… I think I’m front-loading this before we talk more about this.
They point at the picnic basket.
Liiraluma says: Because for how old I am, I don’t know how to be a lot of things.
Teemo nodded.
Teemo Manabrake says: Yeah. That makes sense. Well, for starters, the food is obligation free.
Liiraluma says: I hope so, you don’t want it back.
Teemo laughed.
Teemo Manabrake says: I know things are tough and complicated with all that. But, if this last month of lessons with Miss Stormcoil have taught me anything, it’s that sometimes trial and error is the best way to learn. But not for everyone. So, if you at some point decided that you want to try and date one of us Azerothians or something like that… I think I know a gal. I might be interested. But if not, it’s fine. It’s honestly just been… I learn everything you open your mouth, Luma. It’s amazing. I want to keep doing that one way or another. So yeah…
Teemo was not blushing heavily.
Teemo Manabrake says: But yeah!
Liiraluma says: For what may be the most uncomfortable five minutes of your life, I want to sit in silence with you and look at the sky while I think. I’ll set a timer.
Teemo Manabrake says: No problem with me.
The two of them laid back and it is completely silent for five minutes. The timer went off, and Luma shut it off.
Liiraluma says: Five minutes to the millisecond.
Teemo Manabrake says: The bronze dragons would be proud.
Liiraluma says: I won’t be early, but I’ll be on time. And I’m going to phrase this like a letdown, but that’s not what this is. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. It’s refreshing. There is great ingenuity on Azeroth, yet it’s a backwater planet. People still use swords, but there is so much potential, and I’m floundering to hold on to. It’s nice to talk about. Vel is intelligent and she has an eye for artistry, but she doesn’t make things like we do. Magic is her craft. There is a great impossibility and great importance… if the actual ambassador and the high prophet are to be believed, there is a great cosmic significance to how this plays out. But you are too nice to fucking forget.
Teemo blushed again and Luma looked away.
Liiraluma says: I… what I suggest is a trial period. For the next five months… what an academic way to approach it. But we talk when we get out of here, and we see if it’s worked or not. We can start now, if you want, but that would be my condition. We have enough time trapped together to figure out if this is a good idea. I’ve thought about a lot of reasons this won’t work, but I’ve also seen a boundless potential I shouldn’t be afraid to seize.
Teemo smiled.
Teemo Manabrake says: That sounds like a perfectly academic solution I can agree to. And as far as starting right now… I mean. I can let her know. The other girl, that is.
Teemo grinned cheekily.
Liiraluma says: I thought about being a shit and asking who it was. But…
Luma sat up, spun, and then flopped their head on Teemo’s lap. They stretched.
Liiraluma says: What were you saying?
Teemo smiled.
Teemo Manabrake says: Nothing important.
Liiraluma says: Better not tell that to the other girl.
Teemo leaned down and the pair of them kissed.
