Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Faelin Sirenfall, Ly'leth Lunastre, Margaux Amaranthis, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Reshad, Runas, Selora, Sol'chi, Thisalee Crow, Zar'Kaa
December 20th
With Runas distracting Faelin, the party was able to speak to Reshad in private. Zar’Kaa asked Reshad to tell them more about himself and Reshad made a low, surprised warking noise. He said that his story wasn’t particularly interesting, but he would share it if that was what they needed from him.
He explained that he was once a scroll keeper for the Adherents in the time before the Horde. He helped to oversee various texts and ensure their protection and distribution. The sages kept a tight control over documents that were allowed within the archives, as texts deemed apocryphal were stored away or destroyed. Reshad, however, was a firm believer that the destruction of knowledge was the antithesis of culture and growth, and that did not sit well with the sages.
Reshad was exiled, and he eventually came to follow Iskar.
Zar’Kaa asked what made the texts apocryphal, and Reshad said it was as simple as they didn’t agree with the teachings of the Adherents. Shadow magic had been forbidden, and any texts suggesting such magic was purged so the Adherents could paint their way as the only way.
Now, Reshad was simply in a position to move things in a direction where there would hopefully be a next generation. He said that Iskar was charismatic, and an ambitious and powerful leader. Reshad believed that Iskar believed what he was doing would lead the arakkoa to the sunrise, and he believed that Iskar hoped to find a cure for the Curse of Sethe.
However, he could not speak on Iskar’s loyalty to Gul’dan.
Reshad says: All I can say is I remember when he came back returned changed by the fel. I don’t know how much loyalty that bought toward Gul’dan. I cannot say if he hoped for an answer for all arakkoa, nor do I know the lengths he would go to bring about the sunrise. He was the one that extended a talon to the Horde and brought down the Adherents. They too were arakkoa, despite their betrayal. For as charismatic and wise as he is, Iskar is an enigma. To know his schemes is not something I can say.
Zar'Kaa says: But you believe he can help us with our quests?
Reshad says: I am certain. He is the most powerful arakkoa that lives.
Zar'Kaa says: What would that help look like?
Reshad says: I cannot say. But when it comes to Anzu and King Terokk, Iskar has long studied and idolized them. Gathered relics of importance to them. Having those relics may be able to help you when it comes time to try and reach them in the Shadow Realm. It would be easy to ask him to lend those objects to you, but he would only do so if he’s involved.
Rak'Symma says: What relics does he have?
Reshad floated some unraveled scrolls in the air with some simple magic. The first scroll depicted a floating orb with eye-like imagery that appeared capable of blinking.
Reshad says: This is the Eye of Anzu. It is a relic that is connected to the great dread raven. It was said that Terokk and his followers were led to the Eye by Anzu in their dreams, and that through it the powerful spell focus could act as an anchor through which Anzu could be communed. The Eye has changed hands many times, but it has been reclaimed by Iskar. It has the power to be used for a great number of powerful rituals, and it can pierce through the deepest illusions. As far as Terokk, there are a number of items. His quill, his mask, and his saga.
A few other scrolls hovered to the forefront. The first was an image of a long spear with crimson and black coloration and a fearsome aura. Symma recalled seeing the spear in Terokk’s hands in the visions Iskar had shown her.
Reshad says: The quill is the spear Terokk had used throughout his war campaigns and after his exile. He infused it with the powers of shadow. It is said the spear may contain a portion of Anzu’s life essence. The saga of Terokk would be best referred to as a spellbook. Terokk was both a mighty warrior and a learned sage. He wrote many of his own personal stories in this great chronicle, which he had kept within an apexis crystal, but after his exile he transferred them into a conventional tome. I believe these relics would be useful in helping with this communion. I do hope Iskar has the best intentions of our people at the forefront.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I don’t think the rebellion against the Adherents were against your people’s best interests.
Reshad says: No. They were tyrants. Monsters. Worse than some of our people might think of the direction Iskar is now headed in his alliance with Gul’dan.
Rak'Symma says: Do you know if he’s tried to bring Anzu back on his own?
Reshad says: No. Not yet.
Reshad mused on some of his concerns about the fact Ruhkmar had been used as a weapon with her return and he would not see the same be done to Anzu, but for that reason he had not shared all of his information with Iskar. Not until he knew for sure what Iskar sought to do.
But if they sought to parley with Terokk and Anzu, he did not think it was simply a simple matter of finding them, given the time they had spent in the Shadow Realm, not to mention the cost of bringing Anzu from the realm. But he believed that they would likely need to break through the fog around Anzu’s mind, and he thought that could be accomplished by utilizing the relic familiar to Anzu, or emulating important figures from his life, such as Ruhkmar or Sethe, or the ancient rivals of other wild spirits of Draenor, such as the hawk, falcon, or eagle.
Terokk likewise had the relics, but there was also a powerful connection Terokk had with his old life: his daughter Lithic was also cast from the Spires, but she did not survive the fall. Her legacy had been carried on in namesake, and her spirit to give the Outcasts a place to live, but so did the anger and grief of her loss contribute to his turn to darkness.
Reshad believed they had what they needed to bring Terokk back, but Terokk had gone to great and terrible lengths in his quest for revenge and to bring his daughter back. He had taken prisoners for sacrifices, but eventually his sacrifices started to come from the Outcasts as well. Reshad believed Terokk was a cautionary tale and should not be brought back to lead their people like Iskar hoped, but he did believe he was key in bringing Anzu back.
There was also the possibility that Anzu’s body had become one with the shadows, but if so, a part of him could be brought back in the right vessel, as there were magics that could transfer the mind and soul.
Zar'Kaa says: How so?
Reshad says: Complex magics… the easiest would be to convince Anzu to allow himself to be moved.
Symma drew a very crude image of the bindings that had been around Ohn’ahra, and Reshad mused he recognized the symbology. Symma explained that Iskar had given them to a rival of her’s to force an ascension.
Reshad says: Ah… he may have come to this conclusion. But… there would need to be a vessel of some sort. Willing or not… though such a creature would not be able to resist the influence of a god’s mind. I have wondered if Iskar thought Terokk could be used as a vessel, or Iskar himself… though if he would forfeit to Anzu or try to subsume him I cannot say. He is an ambitious man, and the fact he has tested this device on a similar creature suggests this idea is in some form of early planning.
Symma asked Reshad what the arakkoa would do if there was no Iskar or Terokk to lead their people, and Reshad said there were always ambitious people amongst the arakkoa, but all he asked was that they made sure this was not the final chapter of the arakkoa.
Runas and Faelin had retired to a billiards table where they were chatting and playing.
Faelin Sirenfall says: This is much more fun to play against a person!
Runas says: I’m sure it is my friend!
As the group entered Faelin welcomed them in happily and asked if Reshad was a good host. Arthak confirmed he was, and Faelin asked if there was anything else he could do for them.
Arthak Saurfang says: There is one thing I wished to inquire about. One of the items in your custody.
Faelin followed Arthak and gestured to a Titanic disc.
Faelin Sirenfall says: Ah! Why this one in particular?
Arthak Saurfang says: You said you wished to return these relics to those they came from.
Faelin Sirenfall says: I do. Which is a bit of a predicament. This object was a gift and I never learned where it originated from.
Arthak Saurfang says: Who gave it to you?
Faelin Sirenfall says: The Grand Magistrix! She gifted it some time ago. She said I thought I might find it interesting. She said it was an old old relic, but she was cryptic about where it came from. It was like a puzzle! I’ve tried almost everything but I don’t know what it’s for.
Arthak Saurfang says: I believe I… we’re adventuring somewhere where I believe someone might be able to take it. As close to the rightful bearer as you can find in the world today.
Faelin Sirenfall says: You don’t say? I’m surprised you were able to waltz in and recognize it! Who does this old thing belong to?
Arthak Saurfang says: Have you ever heard of the Titans?
Faelin Sirenfall says: Can’t say I have. Is that a sports team of some kind?
Arthak Saurfang says: …No. It is not. They are people as old as this world, if not older. Yeah…
Faelin Sirenfall says: I know the word titan. They must be giants of some kind!
Arthak Saurfang says: The originators of giant-kind I believe.
Faelin Sirenfall says: They sound quite important. I’d love to meet them someday!
Arthak Saurfang says: if you manage to meet one–
Faelin Sirenfall says: I’ll be sure to let you know!
Arthak Saurfang says: I’d appreciate it.
Faelin Sirenfall says: Under normal circumstances I’d have no problem lending an item to a new friend, especially given you added a piece to my collection, but well… I just… I’m a little worried, you see. If the Grand Magistrix comes back and notices it’s gone, she might get sad. I wouldn’t want her to think I didn’t like her gift. But wait! That’s right! She’s the bad guy now…
Arthak Saurfang says: Yes. So…
Faelin Sirenfall says: So it’s not likely she’ll be back here. It has been a few thousand years since her last visit after all…
Arthak Saurfang says: She might be a bit busy in the coming days.
Faelin Sirenfall says: With all the villainy!
Arthak Saurfang says: Yes… the villainy.
Faelin Sirenfall says: You know my friend, I’m willing to take that risk!
Arthak Saurfang says: Your courage is inspiring.
Faelin Sirenfall says: I do try! If, for some reason, she decides to make plans for supper, I may need to borrow it back. Just for a moment. If that’s alright.
Arthak Saurfang says: If that should happen, I’ll try to return it to you as quickly as I can.
Faelin Sirenfall says: Good. Hmm… that does mean an idea. What if I invite her to dinner and we lay a trap for her?
Arthak Saurfang says: Don’t do that.
Faelin Sirenfall says: Too risky?
Arthak Saurfang says: Very.
Faelin Sirenfall says: Back to the drawing board. Let me dismantle the security!
He clapped his hands and ordered a servant to deactivate the security glyphs. He plucked the disc from its display and warmly handed it over to Arthak, who thanked him.
The disc was heavy and seemingly made of stone, though it was very sturdy stone, and covered with runic symbols. However, as he examined it, it appeared he lacked the ability to do anything with it, as it seemed to be a part of a greater piece. However, he could read the runes, which said Manifold Sector 87, Personnel Records 5A.
Symma examined the disc and it looked familiar to the one she recalled in her vision. She held her necklace over the disc, and the stone flickered. It lit up for a moment, and a small projection was pushed through the gemstone of the necklace.
It was a humanoid entity that appeared to be feminine and made of stone. She spoke in Titanic.
Watcher Projection says [titanic]: Ulduar personnel records activated. Warning, insufficient power to access full archives. External access detected. Identify user.
Symma looked between Arthak and Sol.
Arthak Saurfang says: Arthak Saurfang.
Watcher Projection says [titanic]: Unauthorized user detected.
Rak'Symma says: Freya.
Watcher Projection says [titanic]: User Freya. Please provide administrator password, Keeper Freya.
Arthak Saurfang says: …okay. We can deliver this to Odyn. If he is a Watcher or a Keeper, he might be able to access this.
Sol'chi says: Maybe, but try being more truthful to the disc. Maybe Freya left something for you or your past self?
Watcher Projection says [titanic]: Timeout processing. Troubleshooting protocol activated. Have you accessed this disc in error or have you found it outside its processing facility?
Symma said it was outside its facility, and the disc requested it be returned to its facility. She asked for the nearest location, and the disc said that it didn’t have the power to scan for a location. Symma grumbled and zapped it.
Both Arthak and Sol told her not to do that, and Arthak said they were going to Stormheim and could just give it to Odyn.
Rak'Symma says: I just have one more question.
Arthak Saurfang says: Does it involve lightning?
Rak'Symma says: No.
She asked the disc if the Freya user was still active, and the disc mentioned the last time the user was updated was over 20,000 years ago. After some additional protocol recitations, the disc deactivated, and Symma returned her necklace to her neck.
Meanwhile, Nyxxa was speaking with Faelin and offered to run him through the brief history of what happened during the war. He said he would be most appreciative of that, and she asked if he knew about Nar’thalas.
Faelin confirmed he had heard it was flooded, and Nyxxa said it was Azshara had flooded it.
Faelin Sirenfall says: What? Why would she do that, those were her subjects.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Prince Farondis discovered something and began to resist her reign. Even back then, he didn’t know how bad it was… but for his defiance, she buried the city and left a potent curse on it.
Faelin Sirenfall says: Oh gods…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: What Azshara did was what caused the War of the Ancients. She was the cause of it. And by her hand was the Legion brought into the world.
Faelin sank into a chair in disbelief.
Faelin Sirenfall says: You’re being serious…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I am. I say this to prepare you for what I am about to say next.
Faelin Sirenfall says: I can’t believe all this time I’ve been representing someone like that… and this city where now Elisande… I must be seen as quite the fool.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: She fooled almost everyone until the cracks were plain to see.
Faelin Sirenfall says: The people that followed her… were they deceived or did they do so willingly?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: It depends. Each of those people had their own stories. Many believed her. Others sought power through the Legion. Others had no idea.
Faelin Sirenfall says: They were just doing their duty.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: As it is now.
Faelin Sirenfall says: Well! I suppose it’s a good thing she got her comeupance during the war then!
Nyxxa had a deadpan expression, and Faelin’s smile faded.
Faelin Sirenfall says: …Right?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Somehow, Azshara returned. She is very much alive, and changed.
Faelin Sirenfall says: How so?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: When Zin-Azshari fell beneath the sea, its people were transformed, and she has been ruling over the seas since. But this has only come to light recently. The kaldorei didn’t know. Those that survived the war are still around… though those that didn’t perish in subsequent wars since.
Faelin Sirenfall says: So… my city sunk to the bottom of the ocean, but its people are still alive, and they’ve turned into… creatures?
Nyxxa nodded.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I don’t know how many from back then are still alive, but I’ve met at least two that were around back then, in addition to Azshara.
Faelin put a hand over his mouth and he started to tear up.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Do you need a moment?
Faelin Sirenfall says: So… he might still be alive...
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Someone you knew?
Faelin Sirenfall says: It’s getting early and you’ll need to be on your way! I’m certain the stewards can take care of you. I’ll be in contact with you soon, maybe in the tour if I can arrange it.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: …That seems lovely.
Faelin Sirenfall says: It was a pleasure! I’ll speak to you again soon!
Runas says: Faelin?
Faelin Sirenfall says: I’ll talk to you later, Runas!
He left in a hurry, clearly holding back brimming tears. Nyxxa said they should give Faelin the time he needed. Runas said he might stay at the manor for the evening in case he needed someone, and Nyxxa nodded and asked that he take care of himself.
She lent him her sending stone so he could contact them if he needed to.
Nyxxa then alerted the group Faelin needed time, and it was time for them to leave.
They returned to the Lunastre estate and were greeted by Ly’leth. She explained the succubus had woken up while they were gone, and she was safely contained in her “private quarters” ready to chat whenever they were ready.
They headed down, and Nyxxa looked like herself, as did Arthak, though Sol maintained a disguise.
The succubus had pinkish red skin and and a black bob-cut and she scowled up at them.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: Allow me to introduce you to Selora. Selora, my friends.
Selora says: I assume you think you’ve won because you captured me?
Arthak Saurfang says: No. But it does put us in a position. Do you know who I am?
Selora says: Arthak Saurfang.
Arthak Saurfang says: Would you be opposed to me laying things out?
Selora says: Do I have much choice?
Arthak Saurfang says: You were assisting an ally of the Legion and were caught. There are a few ways this could go. We could kill you, and you would reform eventually. It wouldn’t be pleasant. You could be an indefinite guest of Lady Ly’leth until she feels it’s time to let you go. Do you see the problem for you in either of those scenarios?
Selora says: No, not particularly.
Arthak Saurfang says: Temporary setbacks, but I have been led to believe embarrassment lingers rather harshly in the eyes and minds of the sayaad covens. Am I correct?
Selora smiled.
Selora says: While a temporary setback is an embarrassment, I’m not concerned.
Arthak Saurfang says: Why?
Selora says: I have no intention of losing in this situation. The worst thing you could do is feed me to one of those sycophants, but you aren’t infallible. I’ll be able to escape.
Arthak Saurfang says: Confident. Admirable.
Sol, via [Detect Thoughts], could tell the confidence wasn’t completely genuine. He relayed as much to Arthak through the telepathic link.
Arthak Saurfang says: That was the third option. We feed you to the Illidari. An unfortunate possibility, but the safest for our cause. There is also the option where instead of anyone dying, we make a deal.
Selora says: A deal? What kind of deal is that?
Arthak Saurfang says: You cooperate and provide us with answers, in exchange we can promise you eventual freedom. No unfortunate dining events. No reformation in the Nether. And no word of this unfortunate event in your career.
Selora says: How am I supposed to believe that? There’s a lot of lips here. What’s stopping you from sending word to the rest of my coven?
Arthak Saurfang says: Those who break their bargains… word spreads. We’ll have ourselves a black mark. If we betray you, then we both lose out.
Selora says: And what exactly would you be demanding of me?
Arthak Saurfang says: Truthful answers. And of course we’d give you the promised discretion for you providing those answers.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Besides, do you think that man would protect you if the roles were reversed?
The sayaad scoffed.
Selora says: None of this is about him, but I see what you’re trying to get at.
Sol could tell that she was weighing the best way to buy herself time. Sol mused on how wonderful the gossip would be if a replication of her failure got to the other covens.
Selora says: Fine. I’ll play. It’ll be meaningless if Duskmere loses anyways.
Arthak asked if there were other people the Legion was using as aspiring nominees, and Selora said House Stelleris was the first choice, Duskmere was merely the backup, which was why she wasn’t overly worried.
Arthak then asked about the Velvet Hound, and Selora asked for confirmation if he meant Shaspira’s “little girl”. She confirmed that she was in fact in Suramar.
Zar’Kaa asked about Sacrolash and Alythess, and Selora had the longest pause in response to the invocation of their names.
Selora says: I’m surprised you knew of them… they’re around. That’s the best I can say. Alythess is the Grand Warlock, and Sacrolash is the leader of the inquisition. I may be relatively high ranking in the Coven of Pain, but that does not mean I know where they are. They are where they need to be.
Zar'Kaa says: When was the last time you saw them, and where?
Selora says: I didn’t see Lady Sacrolash, but I did see the Grand Warlock visiting the Night Hold. I believe she was… I can’t say for certain, but she was in the area where I know some of the Legion VIPs are staying. I assume she was visiting one of them.
Zar'Kaa says: Who do they keep close company with? Who do they trust?
Selora says: Each other. No one else, perhaps the Deceiver?
Zar'Kaa says: Not even Aracyra?
Selora says: If they have a connection, I don’t know of it.
Arthak Saurfang says [telepathic bond]: Cautious with the questions, she can learn many things from what we ask.
The stray surface thought rose to Selora’s mind that it was a possibility that was who Alythess was going to see.
Arthak Saurfang says: Who do you receive your direct orders from?
Selora says: The individuals responsible for the coordinations of efforts here. I don’t get them from a particular individual, but my commands have been passed down though those you’d suspect. Whatever they need done, is done. In a group as large as the Coven of Pain, you get used to taking orders from many people. None of my queens are present. The only succubus queen on this mission is the Queen of Bones.
Arthak Saurfang says: Who I’m assuming is present in the city?
Selora says: Occasionally. She’s often running business with her own coven. We tend to keep within our covens when we are off world.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Whose idea was Lord Duskmere? Doing what was done to him?
Selora smirked.
Selora says: Who else?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Something offered to sweeten the arrangement?
Selora says: Ruven Duskmere has always been a… prideful man. An ambitious and… naughty little boy. When he learned of our unique talents, it was only a matter of time before he suggested it. But you already knew that.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: You’ve been very cooperative, my dear. I’m sure if we have further questions, we’ll let you know. And I intend to continue chatting… see if I can’t come up with some other interesting gossip to share.
As the group dispersed, Nyxxa went to find Rak’Symma, who was spending time with Anarys. They caught her as she was leaving the quarters.
Nyxxa asked her if they could have a word, and Symma expressed she was receptive. They headed on a walk to a secluded part of the mansion where Arthak was waiting.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’ve been meaning to ask you about what you mean when you’ve been speaking of mortals.
Symma looked confused.
Rak'Symma says: What do you mean?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Those that you do not trust, as you said. I want to understand what you meant by that.
Rak'Symma says: Nyxxa, you have to understand I haven’t spent a lot of time around people.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I do. And that’s why I want to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Rak'Symma says: Then you’ll need to be more specific with your question.
Nyxxa took a deep breath.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: What do you mean when you said that the people of this city are paying for their actions?
Symma tilted her head to the side and looked in the direction of the city.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Do you mean all the people of this city?
Rak'Symma says: not if they can be convinced they were wrong.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: And what of those that had no choice? That none of this was a choice? I agree someone like Elisande or even Thalyssra herself are complicit, but what of the people that are suffering right now? Are they wrong for living? For being born here?
Symma’s brow furrowed.
Rak'Symma says: Do you think you can spare all of them, Nyxxa?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: No. But even though I can’t save all of them, it doesn’t mean they aren’t victims, and most of the people in this city have no power.
Rak'Symma says: And the other harpies you helped me kill were also victims.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I know. Which is why it frustrates me when you don’t seem to have the same sort of grace you wish other people had for them when it comes to anyone else. I understand where you’re coming from, don’t get me wrong. But how can you expect people to see things in a way you can’t seem to do yourself?
Symma looked confused.
Rak'Symma says: I can see the people are suffering… but I don’t see how I can compare the people in Suramar to any other people.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: People are just trying to survive.
Rak'Symma says: Not everyone gets to. Circumstances are unfortunate, especially those that know no better, like the animals in that menagerie. They were bred into this and are first to share the fate of someone who should have known better, but I can’t break my heart over those who are going to be swept away in the wind.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m not asking you to care about them. I can’t control that. But what I am concerned about is the way you seem to view things, and how you view what is right and what is better. The way you talk at points… I am sorry to say you speak like you look down on all of us.
Rak'Symma says: It isn’t for looking down on any of you, but I have a hard time thinking about how the rest of you think.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: How do you mean?
Symma gestured vaguely at the mansion.
Rak'Symma says: I understand community and kinship, no one should be alone. But monoliths like this? They make me uncomfortable in ways I can’t put into words.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I have a question then. Do you think you’re looking for reasons to justify your discomfort?
Rak'Symma says: Oftentimes I’m looking for ways to become more comfortable. With the things that are.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Why not just let yourself be uncomfortable?
Rak'Symma says: Because when I’m uncomfortable I say things that apparently upset people.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: But no one is ever comfortable all the time. It is learning to live with discomfort. That is how we learn to not hurt people.
They saw Arthak sitting and smoking on a bench as they rounded the corner. Symma gave Arthak an exasperated look.
Arthak Saurfang says: Nyxxa. Rak’Symma. How is it going?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I spoke about how I was feeling.
Symma held up both of her hands and shrugged.
Arthak Saurfang says: You seem confused.
Rak'Symma says: Eh… I don’t know how to explain myself to either of you that will give you a satisfactory answer.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t care about satisfactory. Perhaps instead of trying to find an answer that we want, just say what you feel. To hell with our sensibilities, speak truly. No dodging.
Rak’Symma took a deep breath.
Rak'Symma says: Nyxxa was concerned with my feelings toward the people in Suramar. To which I tried to explain that I was here to do what we can to preserve as many of our lives and their safety as we can. But I know not every life can be saved… alright. Let me just try to put this in some perspective. I have the capacity to care sometimes too much about causes and people. And that used to be a very small number. It was easy to do that. I had Blaithe, Ebonhorn, and Mayla, that was all I had to care for. But the world is bigger than that, and I cannot spread myself that thin. I can’t care and risk everything for everyone.
Arthak Saurfang says: Then why are you here?
Rak'Symma says: To do what I can, as I know it’s important.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: As I said, I don’t need you to care about them. My bigger concern was how you talked down on them. That was the point I was trying to get across.
Symma nodded and looked around.
Rak'Symma says: I know my wisdom is limited and my knowledge more so… I don’t know why Suramar locked itself away during the war. Before we went to the Dreamgrove, I didn’t have strong feelings other than I knew it was a city, which made me uncomfortable. But then I had to watch everything I loved burning, and Suramar was nowhere to help them. Every friendship and boon broken.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: But it wasn’t the city that did that. The city itself can do nothing. It is just a collection of people. For Suramar’s inaction, it was Elisande and her cohorts.
Arthak Saurfang says: You care about the arakkoa. Why?
Rak’Symma chuckled sadly and shook her head.
Rak'Symma says: Because by looking at them, my heart breaks for them.
Arthak Saurfang says: Just by looking at them? But not for the kaldorei? Not for Suramar?
Rak'Symma says: Not in the same way, no.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not in the same way? I don’t hear of heartbreak at all, Symma. With respect.
Rak'Symma says: My heart doesn’t break for them.
Arthak Saurfang says: I need you to care for them. Respectful disagreement with you, Nyxxa. This is important. And not just the fact we do the work, but how we do it. These people may not have feathers, they may not know the skies, I don’t ask for you to care for them the way you would those who do, but caring a little and judging less matters. What happened to Aviana happened to Aviana.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Besides… the city was not what it was back then. Everything has changed. For as little as hasn’t.
Symma ran a hand down her face.
Rak'Symma says: This will sound weak of me to say, and I understand where you are both coming from…
Arthak Saurfang says: Say it.
Rak'Symma says: I’m tired of being heartbroken.
Arthak Saurfang says: I am too.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: As am I.
Symma looked at Nyxxa and her eyes started to tear up.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: And make no mistake, I know what I am going to do is going to cause you heartbreak. I am going to be a source of it.
Rak'Symma says: I know. So I haven’t been speaking to you…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: And that’s alright. I don’t expect you to. But it’s the sitting with the discomfort of it. But love is worth heartbreak. If that is the cost of love. And you are allowed to hurt. But if this is not something you can teach yourself to sit with, that hurt will pour out to everyone around you. That is something we have all been guilty of. I do not think you’re weak for being tired of heartache.
Arthak Saurfang says: Weak, no. I worry self-indulgent.
Rak'Symma says: I would be more willing to believe you if it was just one thing I was heartbroken over. If it was just one thing causing me pain. I will try to care more… but there is a second part to this story. I didn’t want the Arcan’dor to be planted.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I got that sense.
Arthak Saurfang says: We were aware.
Rak'Symma says: Ah… well. I’m glad you found your mother. The reason I didn’t speak up is I agreed with everything she said. But I still don’t like the choice made.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: With the two choices before us, with destruction at both ends, what would you have us do?
Rak'Symma says: I don’t know. The actions of Elisande and those before have built a dependence in the people now, which I understand needs to be resolved.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Extreme actions are needed to break a cycle. Believe me I understand wanting there to be a better answer with no risk. I agreed with my mother too. But if the arcan’dor is wrong for existing, then so am I. I can’t condemn the risk of something like that when it’s because of risks like that I am still here. I’m an amalgamation of a variety of volatile forces that many people in this world condemn. And yet… people thought I was worth it.
Rak'Symma says: I have a hard time seeing it as the same thing.
Arthak Saurfang says: Explain. Please.
Rak'Symma says: It’s not on the same scale.
Arthak Saurfang says: Elaborate, please.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Is it because of the death toll?
Symma nodded.
Rak'Symma says: It’s also a matter of worth.
Arthak Saurfang says: Explain worth.
Rak'Symma says: I understand better now the forces we need to face the Legion. It’s not just one demon. Having the backing of Suramar would be to our benefit. But the cost of gaining them as allies and the volume of persuasion or coercion or acceptance required to have them on our side seems imbalanced to me.
Arthak Saurfang says: How many did we lose taking Crawliac down? How well regarded are the harpies? How many bridges are you building for your people as we speak? Compare the worth for me, please.
Rak'Symma says: You have two of the flights secured. The other two are proving to be more difficult.
Arthak Saurfang says: And? I’m asking you to compare the worth. You said the cost of gaining them as allies. The volume of persuasion and coercion and acceptance required. Now Suramar has been out of the world for a long time and there are ill feelings, but it has been hurting only itself for the last ten thousand years. The harpies, your people, have been more active. The cost of attaining them. Mostly at the moment, it is the people of Suramar fighting for Suramar with our help. We had to marshall shu’halo. At the cost of your people, shu’halo died by avianre before we got any help from the avianre beside you. So please, explain the worth to me if we are going to judge it like that.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: May I just get to the point?
Arthak Saurfang says: Respectfully, my friend, are we getting to the point or are we throwing her a lifeline?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: No. I’m going to be candid, Rak’Symma, and this is me understanding your hurt. But frankly, if these are not choices you are prepared to make and this is too much for you, then why are you fighting? You don’t have to.
Rak’Symma looked hurt and she took a step backwards. Both Nyxxa and Arthak looked on impassively.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: This isn’t about the scales, this is about getting the Legion out.
Rak'Symma says: I didn’t realize I was impeding that progress or not being useful…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: You are, that isn’t the issue here.
Rak'Symma says: I’m stomaching what I can and being quiet when my ideas oppose yours.
Arthak Saurfang says: That is also not the point. It’s not about stomaching.
Rak'Symma says: Then what is it you need me to do? I’m entirely out of my depth. I’ll do more if you need me to. I just don’t know what it is you need me to do.
Arthak Saurfang says: Try to understand before you judge. Try to understand before you just go along. Speak up! If you disagree and the rest of us continue, that is what it is, but this leaks out. I worry that your eyes are small and your sense of worth is more about aesthetics. I worry you care more about the shape of the thing than the thing itself. It all reflects on us. It all reflects on your people. Humility.
Rak'Symma says: Do you not know how already small I feel, Arthak?
Arthak Saurfang says: We’ve spoken of it. I know. This is the first time you are out in the world. You went from a place you were sheltered and loved and cared for, and now you’re with us. If you approached any of these things you don’t understand with curiosity rather than derision and fear, that I would like to see. Curiosity maybe.
Rak'Symma says: The last time I approached things with curiosity, I was almost killed for it.
Arthak Saurfang says: Then perhaps Nyxxa is right.
There was a long silence.
Arthak Saurfang says: Very well then. Anything to add, Nyxxa?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Is a storm this quiet?
Rak'Symma says: Only at its center.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Then where is the rest of it?
Rak'Symma says: All around us.
Arthak Saurfang says: I think I’m about done here. I’m sorry you are bothered and overwhelmed and afraid, Symma. But you have to overcome that, and that’s just something you have to sort out. I wish you the best of luck. Nyxxa.
Arthak turned and headed out. Nyxxa was looking at the ground with balled up fists.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: As I said before, I’m tired of chasing. And to be frank… I feel like the only reason you care about me is because I’ve coddled you. But I can’t do that anymore. Not in the face of all of this. And perhaps that will save you the trouble of caring about me.
Nyxxa also headed off, and Symma was left alone with a rumble of thunder in the distance. She slinked back in through the servant’s entrance and sat down on the floor, thinking of the harsh but not untrue words said.
She reflected on the words of Ohn’ahra. And the life of Aviana.
There were only two paths: to protect oneself from heartbreak and never love, but was that a life one would want to live? A loveless life without pain, but was that truly a life without pain? Or to love and face an eternity of heartbreak.
It wasn’t an easy choice, and not one that could be made overnight.
December 21st
As the next day arrived, a message was passed to them indicating a secondary mission that was given by Thalyssra. There was a new threat to the Arcan’dor had risen: invasive insects. There were locusts that had found their way into Shal’Aran, and a new permanent solution was needed.
However, the Vineyards likely had a similar problem and likely had solutions.
They had a meeting before the scheduled Vineyard tour, and Thisalee headed to Symma’s room to check on her as she hadn’t been seen since the prior day.
Thisalee Crow says: Hey Symma? I know you’re probably getting ready to go. I just wanted to let you know you’re doing a good job.
There was a thump and a warbled bird hiss from the door. Thisalee asked if she was okay and entered. Symma explained she had thrown the mask yesterday and didn’t know where it went, but she was tired of wearing it.
Thisalee said she understood things were hard but she was doing well. Symma commented she was glad Thisalee thought so, and Thisalee asked what she meant, but Symma just asked her to help her find the mask.
They were successful with some looking.
Thisalee Crow says: I don’t know what happened, but I can tell something happened. So it’s only right that I tell you everyone has been worried about you. And if you thought it was something else… it was just because they were trying to help you. But I want you to have the time you need to figure stuff out.
Rak'Symma says: Thisalee, with all due respect, I don’t think there’s enough time in the world for that.
Thisalee Crow says: Yeah, I don’t think there is for anyone.
They chatted for a bit and Symma asked Thisalee if they could go back to the Dreamgrove after the mission in Suramar.
Thisalee Crow says: Are you sure? I mean, you don’t really… like them?
Rak'Symma says: I don’t like much of anyone apparently.
Thisalee Crow says: Well that’s not helpful… look, I was trying to be serious.
Rak'Symma says: Thisalee, I’m sorry. You’ve been overwhelmingly kind and supportive, and I appreciate that. I’m not trying to chide you, I just need to get through today.
Thisalee Crow says: Okay. We’ll talk about this later then.
Rak'Symma says: I have a feeling I’ve kept everyone waiting at this point.
They headed down to the foyer and Ly’leth greeted them. She explained that she prepared the means to ferry them to the Twilight Vineyards and their point of contact would be a woman named Margaux. Ly’leth believed she was a good place to start concerning any questions.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: Make sure you are on your best behavior. As we mentioned, the Vineyards are the second most secure place in the city, perhaps after only the Nighthold itself or perhaps the Duskwatch barracks.
Zar'Kaa says: We all good?
Sol'chi says: I believe so.
Nyxxa nodded.
Arthak Saurfang says: Work is to be done, let us do it.
Sol asked if everyone got their meal last night, and Symma admitted she had missed it. A palanquin had been prepared for them, and they took a luxurious ride through the city.
The woman that met them at the entrance was a nightborne woman with an immaculate bun. She had a plumper build and she wore a beautiful wine-red cape and tailored clothing. A dusting of freckles was on her face, and she smiled warmly as they arrived and bowed.
Margaux Amaranthis says: Welcome, welcome, it’s so wonderful to have you here Lord Anarys! Please, welcome to the Twilight Vineyards, one and all. I am Margaux, and I am the head Vinter. I’ll be taking care of your tour personally.
She was speaking with a [Tongues] spell and Rak’Symma said that sounded wonderful. Margaux ushered them in through the doors to begin the tour.
