Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil (Simulacrum), Khadgar, Lantresor, Levia Blackflight, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Remnii, Riff, Sazzmi Gentlehorn, Seria, Sol'chi, Thisalee Crow, Volrath, Zar'Kaa
December 21st
Arthak and Rak’Symma happened to run into the rest of the group and Zar’Kaa flagged them down to introduce Seria to them. Arthak introduced himself as the warchief of the Horde, and Symma tipped her head to the side as she regarded Seria.
Remnii explained that Seria was a trusted friend who had helped her when they traveled across Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. Zar’Kaa suggested that she would be of a great asset to their group given her station in the Cenarion Circle.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m assuming Volrath has put her on this assignment?
Zar'Kaa says: We’ve already spoken with him.
Symma squinted at her.
Rak'Symma says: So you’re a druid then?
Seria says: Yes.
Rak'Symma says: Huh.
Zar’Kaa said that he was going to take Seria on a tour of the Hold, and they were welcome to join them. Arthak said he would catch them at a later point as he would be busy for a bit. Nyxxa said she wished to have a quick meeting to disseminate information. Nyxxa also mentioned she wished to talk to Seria briefly, largely to cover some bases now that she was going to be fighting alongside them.
At that moment, a large owl dropped a letter on the floor in front of them. It was an invitation from Sol to come meet at the mansion for a meeting and to get to know each other.
Seria and Nyxxa parted off from the group to talk, and they found somewhere private to speak.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I will cut to the quick… you and your son are not what you seem. Remnii trusts you though, and I’m assuming Remnii knows this?
Seria says: She does.
Seria dropped her disguised form, revealing her tail, scales, and feathers.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Have you informed the Slayer? Lady Illysanna?
Seria says: Not yet.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: That would be my recommendation as many demon hunters can see as I see. And while I do respect your want for privacy, if you are going to be fighting alongside us, I recommend being straightforward. We can never know what might come out in a tense situation. Two of our number already know because they can see like I do. I don’t want to put you on the spot immediately, but you should know.
Seria says: To be honest, I only had this up until I could talk to the captain. This is a bit of a touchy subject for my people, and it’s a very recent happening.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I understand. But we are grateful for your help. And I’ll let you get some rest.
Meanwhile, Jaina almost seemed to materialize where Arthak had gone to search for her.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Looking for someone?
Arthak Saurfang says: Your Majesty. You, in fact. You wished to speak?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: A few reasons, yes. I had the privilege to speak with Remnii at length about the trials and tribulations she’s been through. She told me about you and what you did for her. I wanted to thank you for taking care of her. I know circumstances were complicated and you weren’t in a place where either of you could be your truest selves. Perhaps now, you can. But Remnii saved my son’s life not but moments after I met her. And if she were not here… lets say I owe a great deal to her. My son is only the tip of that iceberg. But that’s only one reason.
Arthak Saurfang says: Of course. I did not know who you were by looking, but I’m familiar with who you are. Given the current stance of things between my Horde and Lordaeron, I appreciate your kind words, but I understand there are conversations that need to be had. Do you drink tea?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I wouldn’t be opposed. You don’t need to waste anything significant. I am a mere simulacrum. Regrettably circumstances in my own home are too dire for me to come directly. I sincerely hope I’ll be able to survive the coming conflicts so I can return with what notes and memories have happened here. But my greatest priority is to help where I can. So don’t waste your top shelf on me.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not to put too fine a point on it, but as one of the reasons your kingdom is in dire straits, perhaps top shelf is fair.
Arthak led Jaina to the room he had designated as his office and set about making tea.
Arthak Saurfang says: So, the state of the war being in a current stalemate… I am not as abreast of things outside the territory we control as I would like. But I assume you’re here to discuss the state of the Eastweald?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I’m not, actually. At the end of the day, I am not at liberty to make any political arrangements or deals. But you do deserve to know what’s happened. I’m sure your own people will tell you what happened to them, but… your own people will likely have circumstances awaiting them. When last you were appraised, the conflict was beginning to freeze along with the turn of the weather.
Arthak Saurfang says: Of course, yes.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Around two months ago, there was an incident in the Eastweald. One that was not the cause of either of our factions, but rather a third party. An opportunist. There was a powerful necromancer. A man named Heigan Capless. He had created a bioweapon. A disease. A magic plague that he had been testing on my people. Remnii, Seria, and some of their companions were able to isolate it and find the source. They destroyed the necromancer, but not before the plague had been unleashed. The epicenter of it was the northern Eastweald, where your own people reside. The necropolis itself reached the occupied city of Stratholme, but only just. I don’t know the full breadth of how it affected your people, but you deserve to know it will likely have ramifications that will affect your Horde.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m assuming you don’t know how many dead?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I don’t. We were lucky enough that the plague was prevented from spreading across Lordaeron… we only lost 5 percent.
Arthak Saurfang says: 5 percent?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Yes… it could have been much worse. But this plague does not simply kill those it afflicts. They are transformed into the undead, and there is no cure for those affected. At least, not that we’ve been able to find.
Arthak Saurfang says: So this… Heigan. He unleashed this weapon on my people but did not just kill them, but also brought them back as undead? Do they have their faculties?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: They do not, no. Though… I should at least tell you we have been working toward finding a way to manage that. I cannot discuss that further. Not here. But the situation is still unfolding.
Arthak Saurfang says: I see.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: There’s little we can do about it from here. I’m sure word has reached your allies in Silvermoon. I simply hope they can do what needs to be done. I do not know what the future holds for us, but I am not here to speak to you about what happens between our people. I’m just here to ensure we can go back. And to tell you the sailors you had sent back will be with their families for the Feast of Winter Veil. I was born in Kul Tiras. My parents are ensuring those that returned are acclimated, and I’ve also been told the sailors you rescued from the Darskspear Isle also made it.
Arthak Saurfang says: I am glad they made it home. This Heigan… has he been dealt with?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Yes. Permanently.
Arthak Saurfang says: Given he is a necromancer… are we certain it is permanent?
Jaina smiled.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Quite certain. You are acquainted with Velameestra Windrunner?
Arthak Saurfang says: Yes. Yes I am.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Then you know her domain of expertise is also necromancy. She was one of several powerful mages that was at the epicenter of that particular incident. She’s assured me he will most definitely not be returning.
Arthak Saurfang says: …That is good. I appreciate the information, your highness.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Of course. I know the circumstances are difficult, but the Legionfall concordance provides a unique place for us to have these discussions. Which… that’s still not the only reason I wished to speak.
Arthak Saurfang says: Then how about I finish the tea.
Arthak finished make the tea and he pushed a cup over to Jaina.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Out of curiosity… what do you know of the War of the Ancients? The conflict millennia ago that led to the great cataclysm of Azeroth?
Arthak Saurfang says: …Okay.
He laid out what he knew, including the fact he knew his father was there.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: He was not the only one who was displaced in time and ended up at the juncture of destiny. Myself and a number of my companions were also there. In fact, I had only returned some time ago. I believe this is why certain individuals amongst the demons you had once served sought my death. I think they were hoping to prevent that from happening. To break this time loop. I fought in the War of the Ancients alongside many, including Broxigar the Red. I cannot imagine what your life must have been like growing up under the thumb of the demons. Thanks to Remnii, I was able to tell him about you. He knew your name when he met his end. If there’s ever anything you want to know about him, no matter what happens between our nations in the future, I would be glad to tell you. That I owe you and him.
Arthak Saurfang says: …Pardon me for a moment, I’m compartmentalizing.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Of course. This is an open offer, not something you need to take today.
Arthak Saurfang says: No, it is fine, your highness. He knew my name. You told him. I appreciate that. I… spoke with him myself, fairly recently. Magic.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: …Oh.
Things clicked into place, and she smiled.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I see. How was it? Did you find something you needed in that conversation?
Arthak Saurfang says: Not really. I talked to him. He seemed like a good man. I think he would have been a good father, had he been given the opportunity.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I think you’re right.
Arthak Saurfang says: If I received anything I needed, it was confirmation he was just a man. A good one, but just a man.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: That’s… a hard truth. For everyone. After all, my own contributions to the war were already exagerated before the end. I’ve been told now I’m regarded as some mythical figure. The Traveler, they called me. To be fair, I used the name first to avoid time paradoxes, but… I accidentally made something bigger than I realized. I think that’s what happens with a lot of people who history remembers as heroes or villains. But we are just people. Perhaps the same cannot be said of gods… but for mortals like us.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have met gods. Killed a few. Eaten the hearts of two. Magnitudes are the difference. Larger scale people, perhaps, but just people.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: An interesting philosophy many would find fascinating to study or debate.
Arthak Saurfang says: Maybe one day.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Maybe one day. There is one last thing I wish to leave with you.
Arthak Saurfang says: Ancestors, okay.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I know.
Arthak Saurfang says: No, I’ve been on the other side of this sort of conversation.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: During the war, speaking of gods… Cenarius. The being known as the Lord of the Forests. Said to be the child of the kaldorei’s moon goddess. He fought alongside many other Ancients. He taught some, such as Malfurion, how to channel the magic of nature. He bestowed boons upon those he could not. One such boon was a weapon. A blade that was shaped rather than forged. Carved rather than bent. The Axe of Cenarius. It was given to Broxigar. And with it, he fought. Until the end. He was not on Azeroth when he made his last stand. He pushed his way into the portal and held the line. When it closed, he was gone. The axe was believed lost.
Arthak Saurfang says: Thought?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I can’t explain how it happened. But the axe returned to us.
She reached into a bag of holding.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: perhaps some part of it was trapped between worlds… but before we were able to find a way to return to our time, it reappeared. It grew from the earth itself, like a memory.
She withdrew a greataxe from the bag. Vines wrapped around its haft, and rather than steel its blade was made up its blade.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Nozdormu, the Aspect of the Bronze Dragonflight that aided us in the war, he bequeathed the axe to me. He told me to bring it back, and I believe he intended for me to return it to you. After all, it was a gift to your father. Regardless of anything, that means that by right, it should be given to you to do with as you please. So here.
She held the axe out to Arthak, who took it. As he held it in his hands, he could tell there was a powerful magic in it. He thanked her for delivering it, and Jaina thanked him for humoring the unorthodox conversation.
Arthak Saurfang says: Before you go… when it comes to Broxigar, I appreciate this gift and your words, he and I are fine, but there are those who knew him that I think would appreciate an old comrade of his to reminisce with.
Jaina smiled and said she’d be glad to do so.
Arthak Saurfang says: Our main base in Stormheim. There’s a man named Galforr Siegebreaker. He was of my father’s warband.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I remember that name. He talked about him.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m glad. I think the two of you would have much to talk about. As well as… I am not the only one of Broxigar’s kin here. My cousin Thura. I think she would also appreciate what you could tell her.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: When I get the chance to, I’d be happy to share. Thank you for suggesting it.
Arthak Saurfang says: The other thing. I’ve spoken before about him with lady Tyrande… some of the things I said to her surprisingly end in a manner that makes things complicated, and that applies to you. You fought beside my father and did both himself and myself a great service. Things will be complicated and messy and unpleasant between our people for some time. But know that… the warchief has to be the warchief, but Arthak Saurfang names you kin.
Jaina smiled.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: That means a great deal. Thank you. And I mean that. This comes with… no expectation, but I do hope that someday perhaps you won’t need to be at war with the warchief. But it seems like you’re already making strides, judging from your goal on the islands. Thank you. It’s funny. I didn’t know what to expect when I met you, but you are, in every sense, exactly the orc Remnii told me about.
Arthak Saurfang says: I am myself, for good and for ill.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Would that we could all be the same. Good evening, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: Good evening, your highness.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Just Jaina is fine.
Arthak Saurfang says: The warchief has to call you your highness.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Fair enough!
Jaina departed and Arthak set the axe down as he returned to compartmentalizing the news that an unknown number of his people might be dead.
Over dinner, Nyxxa apologized to the new arrivals about keeping them awake, and Remnii assured her that adapting to a new schedule would simply take time.
Nyxxa explained that they had found the means to cure the satyr curse, but she needed to sacrifice her life to do so. She explained the situation, and Khadgar got a somber look on his face, but he said he was glad she had found the means to achieve her goal.
Remnii remained silent for a thoughtful moment, but she expressed that if Nyxxa had her convictions, she felt it was wise to celebrate the time they still had together.
Khadgar said he was glad they made it back when they did, as it would have been heartbreaking not to see her off, but Nyxxa assured him she would have left a letter.
Sol thanked the new arrivals for trusting him to provide them with food.
---
Seria and Riff had gone to talk to Volrath about the situation with herself and Riff. Volrath was a stern man, and he listened intently as Seria explained.
Volrath says: You were right to come to me with this. By all rights, this is a pretty big deal, but I don’t need to tell you that. But you intend to tell the chieftain, yes?
Seria says: Yes.
Volrath says: Then that’s all I require of you. I fought during the last war. I saw the Soulflayer return. I can tell you for a fact that it was nothing like… this.
He looked at Riff.
Volrath says: He wouldn’t have come clean with any sort of attempt to make peace or try not to cause difficulties. I don’t know what’s going on, Zen’Seria. I don’t know if this newborn loa in your care is going to be good for the future of our tribe, I cannot speak for the chieftain, but I will say we have reached places outside my jurisdiction. You’ve been given the trust of the chieftain and shadowhunter Rokhan. And they know the basic situation, even if they don’t know the newest developments. That’s enough for now. I’ll let them be the ones to cast judgment after this operation finishes. I’ll leave it to you. I can gather the crew and we can inform them as well, or I can discretely speak to them on your behalf, either one is fine. That said, the one person you should tell is Zar’Kaa. If you’re going to be working on the same operation, it would be unfortunate if this were to come out at a bad time, though I’m sure you already considered that given his own history.
He then looked at Riff and asked if he really wanted to help them, and Riff insisted he wanted to help as many people as he could, including the Darkspear.
Nyxxa ended up finding the strange satyr that had been playing on top of the parapet. She was surrounded by rats that were listening, and paper dolls appeared to be dancing. Nyxxa complimented her music, and Sazzmi jumped and successfully identified her as Nyxxa. She promised her she wasn’t causing trouble.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: When mister Khadgar said there was a satyr here that maybe wanted to meet me, I didn’t think it was a good idea… but here I am.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Our people would be better off if we felt more inclined to stick together. That we eat each other alive is the problem.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: Fair enough. So do you need anything?
Nyxxa said she just wanted to meet her, and Sazzmi bashfully offered a “hi” and assumed she was filled in on her story. Nyxxa nodded and she said she was glad that she appeared to be taking care of herself.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: Yeah, just trying to lay low and not cause trouble.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I get it. And Khadgar told me you heard the call?
Sazzmi nodded and asked her what it was, because sometimes she felt a weird draw to different places. Nyxxa asked what she knew about the First Satyr, and Sazzmi’s eyes widened in recognition as Nyxxa explained, and Sazzmi hastily said she maybe shouldn’t have come to the Broken Isles.
Nyxxa said if she didn’t want to stay she entirely understood, but as Sazzmi thought about it, she expressed she didn’t think the druids would be okay with her vanishing. She was just very overwhelmed by everything, and Nyxxa assured her that she wouldn’t be forced to fight, that was just her choice.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: Does that just come naturally to you? Saying the coolest things ever?
Nyxxa blushed.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m just saying the things I would have wanted to hear when I was new to this.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: Well, I’m not used to being regarded with anything but contempt, and I think you get that.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I want to give people the same trust given to me, and I want to treat others with the kindness I was given.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: There you go again!
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m sorry, I’ll just stop talking.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: No, it’s fine! It makes me feel like I’m glad I came here. I didn’t think I’d meet another satyr that didn’t want to use me or want something… but you don’t, and that’s cool.
Nyxxa explained there was another satyr at the Temple of Elune named Driana that she would likely meet. Sazzmi seemed baffled that they let a satyr in, and Nyxxa explained she was working with her wife.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: Let me guess, your wife is the high priestess or something?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: No no…
She paused.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: … the leader of the moonblades.
Sazzmi Gentlehorn says: Oh. Okay.
They decided to sit and swap stories for a little bit before she headed off with Tol’vas to meet with the other druids.
That evening, Arthak decided to try attuning to the Axe of Cenarius. He felt the vines curl around his stone arm, and he felt it accept him. He took a swing, and the thorns dug into the stone of his arm.
Arthak took a deep breath and nodded in acceptance. But as he had that moment of acceptance, he felt the thorns retract, and he was able to release the weapon again. However, it seemed whenever he used it, the thorns would strike.
December 22nd
Over breakfast, the party noted Arthak had another weapon on his person, and Symma immediately stared at it.
Rak'Symma says: How did you get that?
Arthak Saurfang says: It was given to me. It would make sense you would know what this is.
Rak'Symma says: I’ve seen it…
Zar'Kaa says: Mind filling us in?
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s my father’s axe. The one that he used during the War of the Ancients.
Nyxxa stared at it in awe.
Zar'Kaa says: A relic from the past.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: It’s made completely out of wood!
Arthak Saurfang says: Wood collected from G’Hanir, in fact. Yeah. The full title for it is the Axe of Cenarius.
They spent some time discussing the axe and the specifics of it and Sol joked that Arthak at least didn’t need to stick his hand in lava for that one. Symma regarded it for a long time, and she understood intrinsically what the curse upon it was.
She sighed as the talk about the axe died down.
Rak'Symma says: It has brought to my attention that my attitude has not been… beneficial. Rather than try and explain why I think I lack the words… I just want to express I want to do better.
Zar'Kaa says: Can you try to elaborate? I think I understand what you’re getting at, but I want to know what the core of the issue is.
Rak'Symma says: In the shortest and most direct way I can frame it, I have little sympathy for Suramar as a whole.
Zar'Kaa says: I’ve noticed.
Rak'Symma says: That’s what it is. And if I’m being honest, being in Suramar has not been helping my mood.
Sol'chi says: I can sympathize with that. I was used to living in a city for my entire life, but through what I’ve experienced I’ve been having to go to many wild places with many stressful situations. But I’ve been able to figure some things out.
Rak'Symma says: There have been other compounding issues that have made my distress worse.
Zar'Kaa says: What you saw in the dream grove?
Rak'Symma says: More than that, but it is part of it. I understand we need allies, I can see the city of Suramar would be priceless to us. Wresting it from the Legion’s control is important. I also understand the people in the city did not choose the way they lived. And it’s also no surprise given my regards for peoples as a whole… this stems from mistrust. And… I understand there’s not much time to adapt, but I should have spoken up sooner.
Zar'Kaa says: What do you know of the world outside these isles?
Rak'Symma says: Nothing.
Zar’Kaa shook his head.
Zar'Kaa says: Nothing? I’ve seen a lot of the world. I’ve interacted with a lot of people. The city, the wilds, all manner of beings. Many of them don’t trust each other. I haven’t really trusted anybody for a long time. But no matter where people come from, you only learn about them by talking to them and interacting with them. I didn’t know anything about Suramar before we got there. But I’ve talked to a lot of ordinary people. They have a lot of stories that have given me a picture of what the city is. I say this because I know you are not quick to interact with people. Is that fair?
Rak'Symma says: More so now.
Zar'Kaa says: What I’m saying is this. I had someone back in my tribe tell me about this same thing. He said mistrust is a breeding ground for all manner of things. Judgement. Anger. Isolation. I didn’t want to hear him at the time, and he was right. But then the question becomes how do you trust people?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Trust need not be black and white. You can ask yourself if you trust someone or not, or you can ask yourself what you can trust them with.
Levia Blackflight says: Fair point. I trust Arthak to have a light or have my back in a fight, but I wouldn’t trust him with teaching me how to learn quel’dorei dance or how to pick someone up. No offense.
Arthak Saurfang says: No. Accurate.
Zar'Kaa says: It comes down to choice though. One I think you can make.
Rak'Symma says: It would be easier if I could be myself.
Zar'Kaa says: What does that mean?
Rak'Symma says: I haven’t been able to be myself since I’ve been in Suramar.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: So your struggle is that you haven’t been able to approach them as yourself?
Symma nodded.
Thisalee Crow says: We’ve all had to do that.
Rak'Symma says: I struck a special sort of nerve, and one that bothered me more than I thought it did. As much as I understand Ly’leth’s cause and know she has the best intentions, her actions soured my outlook. I know Anarys has their own issues. I spoke with them at length. But to forcibly give your family’s face to a stranger and lock them away and have someone else pretend to be them? It did not set a great precedent.
Zar'Kaa says: The alternative would have been that Anarys reveal crucial information and then no one would get help.
Rak'Symma says: I understand. But I’ve already had my face stolen once. I had to wear the face of another, and now I have something else trying to steal my face again.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: If this makes you uncomfortable, we can come up with an alternative.
Symma ruffled her feathers.
Rak'Symma says: Not to belittle our cause, but how much longer are we going to be in Suramar?
Sol'chi says: I think we’re changing gears for now soon.
Zar'Kaa says: But we’ll be back.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Do you think a break might help?
Rak'Symma says: At this point… I’ve built up a rapport with Anarys where I’d be reluctant to have anyone else masquerading as them.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Then in this case it might be good to talk like this before you get overwhelmed. Because there usually can be an alternative if it’s too much.
Rak'Symma says: I should have spoken up sooner but I thought my silence was making it easier…
Zar'Kaa says: We’re not mind readers.
Rak'Symma says: I’m just getting used to not having someone to advocate for me.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Mistakes and miscommunications happen.
Sol'chi says: I hope you’ll be able to put the mask down soon. Perhaps they will be swayed to our cause once we finish our business elsewhere.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: But I am grateful for how you’ve aided us.
Sol nodded and agreed she had done a fantastic job despite how she was struggling.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: We are here to support each other. The last thing we want is put more things on our shoulders. But there are times the burdens aren’t equal.
Symma mused the voyage into the Realm of Shadow seemed easier than everything else, and Nyxxa said that made sense to her given everything else. Thisalee said she understood things were hard, but she’s been doing as well as she could and she didn’t really feel comfortable in Suramar either given it was a city awash with arcane magic.
Thisalee Crow says: You don’t trust the city, and I get that, but I think what I’ve learned is that the city is just a people. All the people trying to do what they’re going to go. At the end of the day, during the War of the Ancients, the people of Suramar… I know they hid, but some of them helped, and regardless, back then, Ashamane gave her life for the city. She didn’t do it because the people of the city were her friends, she did it because it was the right thing to do even if it wasn’t her city. It’s similar to what we’re doing now. It’s the right thing to do. We’re just doing the Ancients’ work again, really.
Symma winced.
Rak'Symma says: It’s difficult for me to get my thoughts together, especially in the city, but I know peoples are separate from their leadership and where they live. My standing worry… is that history will repeat itself.
Nyxxa said that three of the leadership, at least, had expressed they do not think the regime is right.
Lantresor says: It is possible, Rak’Symma, that one day Suramar might close its doors when they are needed. But that is just a potential. The only thing that is guaranteed is that if they are not saved, they will not show. Unless they are given that chance, they will never have the opportunity to prove anyone wrong.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Too… scrutiny moving forward is still valuable counsel.
Levia Blackflight says: But thanks for bringing this up. And we can throw you a bone somewhere.
Arthak Saurfang says: We can.
Levia Blackflight says: We can all agree its tough, so I think you’re doing fine, but apology accepted as far as I’m concerned.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Most of how I operate is out of spite, so.
Rak'Symma says: I didn’t want to impede anyone else’s progress. But I will voice issues in the future.
Levia Blackflight says: We all suffer very loudly around here!
Rak'Symma says: So I noticed, which makes me less willing to voice my own.
Arthak Saurfang says: You said your concerns. We will adjust to take some of that burden from you. But respectfully, I hope to see you follow up on what you have said you’ll do. Words are easy.
Zar'Kaa says: Change of any kind isn’t easy. Speaking of myself, I’ve had to make changes. I’ve made my own mistakes. It’s only when I owned up to them and faced my troubles that I started to figure something out. I think you can too.
Symma chuckled tiredly under her breath.
Rak'Symma says: A funny story that leads into something else… I thought I had made another friend outside Anarys in the city, but he turned out to not exist.
Thisalee Crow says: They guy you tried to find at the menagerie?
Rak'Symma says: The omen. I’m worried something else may be happening at the Dream Grove. Fortunately… loathe as I am to quote this phrase, a new old friend is on his way there now.
Nyxxa tilted her head curiously.
Rak'Symma says: Q’onzu. Lo’sho. He calls me a new old friend. But I encountered a druid in the hold and the wolf he travels with.
Thisalee Crow says: Wait you mean… oh! I heard about that! Oh! Wow! I guess maybe I’ll have to say something next time I see him.
Zar'Kaa says: He didn’t have that companion last time I saw him.
As talk wound down, Riff spoke up and expressed that he and his mother wanted to say something. Nyxxa said he had the floor, and looked at Seria for permission, who nodded.
Riff says: Um, so, I’m… I’m not a Zandali.
Zar'Kaa says: Come again?
Riff says: I’m not Zandali. Not technically.
He looked over to Seria.
Riff says: I’ve only been here a year. It technically gets a bit weird because we went some places where time was different, but as far as seasons, I’ve only been around for a year. I don’t look like this. I’ve just been there since Seria found me.
Zar'Kaa says: Well that partially explains your change since I saw you.
Riff says: Yeah, I can sort of look however I want.
Arthak Saurfang says: Might I ask, if you are not Zandali…
Zar'Kaa says: What are you?
Arthak Saurfang says: Correct.
Riff says: I can show you, but you have to promise not to get scared.
He looked at Zar’Kaa.
Riff says: Or mad. Especially you.
Zar'Kaa says: Kid, just show us what you gotta show us.
Riff says: Promise me first.
Zar'Kaa says: okay, you didn’t see me in the best light before. I won’t get get mad.
Riff says: At me ore mada.
Zar'Kaa says: Okay.
Riff took a deep breath and his form started to shimmer, and a long tail grew from behind him. It grew until it became the rest of his body. His arms were covered in red scales and blue feathers, and he grew over 16 to 20 feet long. As he coiled back around, they saw a beautiful crimson serpent with a pair of blue feathered wings with prominent scythe-like claws.
Zar’Kaa’s eyes widened as if someone had just knocked the wind out of him. But then his features hardened.
Zar'Kaa says: A loa.
Riff says: This is what I look like.
He was speaking telepathically.
Riff says: I know it might not mean much to some of you. But there’s a reason I hide it.
Zar'Kaa says: You… you don’t really need to explain why you’re going to hide. Anyone from this world knows why.
Arthak had read the stories of what happened during the Second Troll Wars when the Soulflayer was summoned.
Sol'chi says: Some context would be nice.
Symma’s talons bit into the ground, and Zar’Kaa put a hand up toward her.
Riff says: I know what it looks like. But I’m not him. I’m not the Soulflayer.
Zar’Kaa explained a brief history of Hakkar and what had happened during the Second Troll Wars, doing his best to remain impassive. Symma, through Aviana’s memories, recalled seeing a great feathered serpent at a distance. Later on, after Freya disappeared, she had heard word that Hakkar had been removed as a loa after some sort of incident. But she had never known what it was.
The Loa of Blood that Aviana had heard of was one of renewal and light, not one of fear and soulflaying. She unclenched her talons and seemed confused.
Rak'Symma says: At least you aren’t Dimbala…
Zar'Kaa says: Thank you. Now…
Zar’Kaa grimaced.
Zar'Kaa says: I have a few questions. More than a few, but just a few for now.
Riff coiled up and regarded Zar’Kaa, waiting for the questions, but Seria also stood next to Riff and said that what she was showing wasn’t her true form anymore. She let the glamour drop, revealing her own scales and feathers and the tail that swayed behind her.
Rak'Symma says: I saw this before. I assume this is not normal for trolls?
Zar'Kaa says: No.
Rak'Symma says: Nor is it something gifted by you by being a druid?
Seria shook her head.
Riff says: It happened because she saved me. We met some bad people. They were trying to… they had some of his blood… the original Hakkar. They were trying to make more. They were using a dragon. Trying to corrupt his blood with Hakkar’s to make more.
Zar'Kaa says: Who? Who was?
Riff says: They were… they were worshippers of the Soulflayer.
Zar'Kaa says: Atal’ai…
Riff nodded.
Riff says: They tried to make me be him.
It was very clear it was difficult for Zar’Kaa to compose himself.
Riff says: But we stopped them and saved the dragon.
Zar'Kaa says: So what is this?
He gestured to Seria.
Zar'Kaa says: Was this a deal you had to cut?
Seria says: To help Riff, I sacrificed myself and in doing that, I became his new High Prophet.
Zar’Kaa looked bewildered, and then released a laugh.
Zar'Kaa says: So you’re… you’re…? Okay. Okay.
Riff says: Master Zabra said that loa can bless their priests and they become a prophet. They take on aspects of the loa. They become a part of them. He said that he thinks that’s what Seria is. That by saving me she sort of became me. And so… my blood runs through her veins, and her’s through mine.
Arthak Saurfang says: So she is your mother.
Riff says: yeah!
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: A mother’s sacrifice.
Riff says: We saved the dragons, but I tried to eat all of the corruption out of them. We made them bleed a lot so we could get it all out, and it worked… but it… I almost… it was a lot. I wouldn’t have been able to take it. But Seria made it so whatever he was… whatever hurt him… wouldn’t hurt me too. It’s really confusing.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not entirely uncharted territory amongst us, if that’s any consolation.
Riff says: Yeah. You said something about that!
He looked at Rak’Symma.
Riff says: You said something about a god. You said he was sick?
Zar'Kaa says: A little different from your situation.
Riff says: Maybe we can help!
Zar'Kaa says: Hold on. First thing’s first. You performed a service, Riff. What you did took a lot of courage, and that’s not something most beings can do… but given your nature, I do have to ask. Can you keep yourself under control?
Riff nodded.
Riff says: I can. Because I’m not alone! I don’t have to do it alone.
Zar'Kaa says: Yes, you have your… mom. And you are surrounded by powerful people. Is the crew going to be safe around you?
Riff says: I would never hurt anyone.
Zar'Kaa says: I don’t think willingly. Have you ever lost control before?
Riff says: No! Um. Well. There was one time when this other kid was saying mean things about mada and I bit him. He sort of fell asleep for a while and I got yelled at, but he got better! And there was the one time mada showed me the dagger and I spaced out, but that was before everything, and now the dagger is good!
Sol'chi says: That sounds like… normal kid stuff. I once bit an imp. He didn’t get better.
Remnii says: I’ve been traveling with Riff since his hatching… he’s never lost control.
Zar'Kaa says: Wait a second. Was that you on the beach?
Riff looked away.
Riff says: …Yeah. I was really mad because you said mean things to mada and aunt Vel. So I was really mad.
Zar'Kaa says: So you threatened to kill and harm me?
Riff says: You said the same thing!
Seria gave Riff a look that said “I taught you better than that”.
Zar'Kaa says: We should talk about that more another time.
Riff looked at Seria, somewhat ashamed.
Zar'Kaa says: But those could have been worse… but we need to make sure you maintain that control, Riff. Is that fair?
Riff says: I know it’s fair. But I’m not him. My blood doesn’t define me.
Rak'Symma says: I’m not sure that he was always him either.
Arthak Saurfang says: Still. Well said, child.
Remnii says: Not always him?
Remnii looked at Rak’Symma.
Rak'Symma says: What are you the loa of, Riff? You, yourself?
Riff says: We were talking about that! We think it makes sense if it’s blood still. I like blood a lot. But I always want to help people. So healing and rebirth. Blood for good stuff, not for evil rituals and making people suffer.
Zar'Kaa says: Seems your mom has imparted a few lessons.
Riff nodded happily.
Zar'Kaa says: Zen’Seria, how long have you known?
Seria says: What?
Zar'Kaa says: His nature.
Seria says: Since he hatched.
Zar'Kaa says: …okay.
Riff says: We didn’t know what I was really…
Remnii says: Miss Rak’Symma seemed to have some idea.
Rak'Symma says: I’ve seen you before. Hakkar was a god of blood and healing and renewal.
Zar’Kaa shook his head.
Zar'Kaa says: What are you talking about?
Rak'Symma says: Due to… reasons. My information doesn’t afford a lot of specifics. What came after was something different.
Riff says: Master Zabra said something like that too!
Zar'Kaa says: So we have another mystery.
Riff looked at Symma.
Riff says: Are you like me?
Rak'Symma says: I can’t empathize with blood… but things impact me from another life. Mine come as memories.
Riff says: I have dreams.
Rak'Symma says: Those may be a boon or bane of what you were before.
Riff says: Okay.
Zar'Kaa says: For now, you did the right thing telling us.
Riff says: And we told captain Volrath!
Zar'Kaa says: Okay. It’s good you did that too. I imagine he took it as well as you could expect. But thank you for telling us. I don’t know how you process feelings, but I’m sure it wasn’t easy to do this. So we appreciate that.
Riff says: Really?
He looked genuinely shocked.
Riff says: i didn’t think you would say that.
Zar'Kaa says: I wouldn’t have five months ago. I might have attacked you. People change, Riff. You’re still young. I don’t know what that change is going to look like because you aren’t Zandali, but for all intents and purposes, you’re Darkspear. Darkspear keep their promises.
Arthak thumped his chest. Riff transformed into his hybrid troll form and ran forward and hugged Zar’Kaa.
Riff says: I’m sorry for saying the mean things last time. You were hurt and I was scared. But it wasn’t nice and I’m sorry because I changed to and the fact you’re trying to understand that is good, so thank you.
Zar’Kaa felt a pain in his chest as his heartbeat quickened. It beat so hard it felt like it was going to rip from his chest. Zar’Kaa grunted, and Riff pulled back.
Riff says: Sorry! Sorry… I was just really happy. Because you really have changed… and I think that’s cool.
Zar'Kaa says: We… we should talk some more. As we’re spending time together. Okay?
Riff says: Okay!
However, it was clear Zar’Kaa wasn’t done with the discussion yet. Riff went back to Seria and looked up at her with a smile to ask if he did good. Seria ruffled his hair in approval.
Zar'Kaa says: If you’ll excuse me, I have to…
He walked up to Sol and asked if he still had the rage room available. Sol confirmed, and Zar’Kaa headed down to it.
Sol'chi says: By the way Zar’Kaa, just so you know, I’m killing Azgadaan today.
Remnii says: What!?
Arthak Saurfang says: Sol.
Sol'chi says: I think it’s time to reveal that. I’m Azgadaan. I changed what I looked like, but I’m switching out my simulacrum.
Remnii looked relieved.
Remnii says: Well, hello again.
Sol'chi says: Hello again.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: And yes, Remnii, I adopted him.
Sol'chi says: It’s true, that happened.
Remnii smiled with a bewildered look.
Remnii says: That is a story you only began to tell me and I hardly remember yesterday. But! No nausea anymore.
She looked at Seria with a grateful look.
Sol'chi says: You had to be a ship with no mansion for a month?
Remnii blinked slowly.
Remnii says: And all the Warsong. And Gromm.
Sol'chi says: I’m so sorry.
Remnii says: Well. Before you go. I will be staying here and exploring Shal’Aran. Given my sense of freedom and agency here, I’ll be helping with things from the hold. I’ve seen the map and I have no desire to go where there is more snow.
Sol'chi says: Feel free to reach out to myself and my many selves…
Remnii mouths “many selves”.
Sol'chi says: …in case you need anything. Your mansion should be private. Anyone you listed should be able to enter.
Remnii says: I appreciate it. Would I be able to conjure one of those wonderful things myself. I’ve been spoiled by you and Vel. But before you go, I would like to catch some of you as we have plenty of things to catch up on. And I look forward to getting to know some of you more.
Symma approached Riff and said that if he wanted to know more about Anzu, she would tell him, and Riff said he did because he wanted to help people. Symma mused he had a much open heart than she did. Symma gave a truncated version of the story, and Remnii spoke up that she knew the story, and she and Seria had already traversed into the Void once. Sethe was also the source of a great deal of suffering in her own people, as she had been there at the initial inception of the Red Pox, which eventually became the Red Mist. She was ultimately keen to help. Riff agreed he was too and he wanted to prove to Symma that not all snakes were bad. Nyxxa agreed some snakes were sweethearts.
