Appearing Characters: Amelie Dawnrunner, Arthak Saurfang, Godruc Taran, Ly'leth Lunastre, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Perri Colibri, Rak'Symma, Rekki, Reshad, Riema Dawnrunner, Shaspira, Sol'chi, Stalriss Dawnrunner, Thisalee Crow, Vanthir Leburque, Zar'Kaa
December 17th - December 21st
Sol headed over to the estate of House Dawnrunner to get a hoof-hold on his burgeoning sol shade business. The estate was in the Grand Promenade not super far from the Lunastre estate. He had true polymorphed himself into a nightborne so he had access to their native language.
The estate was more ostentatious than the Lunastre estate was, and the topiary was a beautiful purple color and shaped into various beasts of burden that wore barding with immaculate upholstery. He approached the door and rang the doorbell, and a servant answered and politely asked him how he could help. Sol explained that he had been invited to the estate to share his wares, and the servant led him into a parlor to wait as he went to fetch the lady of the house.
Before long Amelie appeared to greet him and she graciously welcomed him into her home with a kiss on each of his cheeks. She offered him some refreshments and lunch, and she apologized for the mess, as it seemed there were people frequently coming and going with various things. Sol asked her what had happened, and Amelie hesitated, but she explained she had recently been re-engaged and her fiance was moving in.
Sol said he hoped the mood was good, and he offered to show her the wares he had available. He pulled out a case which had a variety of different designs on the arms of the frames inspired by different flowers or animals. It was evident Amelie was completely enamored with all the designs, and she selected one with a rose design.
Amelie Dawnrunner says: These are wonderful! I’d be happy to provide an endorsement for this product. So long as you’d be willing to share some of your profits, I’d be happy to ensure you need all the commercial pathways you need. My fiance, you see, is seeking to spread the Dawnrunner name beyond simple leatherworking, you see, and I think he’d be more than interested in spreading your designs through all of Suramar.
Sol'chi says: That’s great to know! There are things that can change, of course, perhaps some leather where the arms meet the ears might make it more comfortable.
Amelie Dawnrunner says: If our support could help you design more innovation, then we would be happy to oblige. You have something wonderful here, Master Solion. If you’d be willing to leave a few sample pairs, I can show others, but lets see if my daughter would be willing to join us.
She called for the servant and sent him to fetch her daughter, but not longer after, the servant returned alone and informed her that her daughter didn’t wish to leave her chambers. Amelie sighed.
Amelie Dawnrunner says: I suppose that figures… I’m terribly sorry. I know I brought you here initially in the hopes you’d be able to lighten her spirits, but it seems Riema is determined to stay in mourning.
Sol'chi says: Mourning? What do you mean?
Amelie shook her head.
Amelie Dawnrunner says: There’s been a great deal of change in the city, and some of it has affected out family in ways she’s been unable to process. Perhaps in time she’ll come around. I don’t want to trouble you, Master Solion, it’s a personal problem and not one you need to worry yourself with.
Sol'chi says: Of course. My family has suffered losses as well, but… in time one can get through it. I hope your daughter can find her path forward.
Amelie Dawnrunner says: I hope so as well. For her own sake. Nonetheless, I’d be happy to keep some of your designs on hand. Once we take care of our end of things, I’ll see to it that my future husband reaches out and we can begin getting these things in people’s hands.
Sol'chi says: Of course.
Amelie entertained Sol for a bit before she politely saw him out of her estate. She gave him 500 gp immediately as a promissory fund for materials, and she also gave him the address for the Dawnrunner family leatherworking business. Sol expressed he had other skills, including entertainment and talking, and Amelie looked him up and down and mused he might be the type of someone Riema needed. She asked if he’d be willing to speak to her, and Sol was happy to oblige.
Amelie Dawnrunner says: She has been… beside herself since my former husband’s exile, you see. But she needs to realize we need to keep moving on. We don’t have time to wallow in what ifs… and quite frankly, she’s not going to get better by holing herself up in her room. If there’s anything you can do to raise her spirits and move on, we’d all be better for it. I’m sure that both myself dear Feorias would be most appreciative.
Sol'chi says: I’ll do what I can.
The servant took Sol to Riema’s room. Over the telepathic link, Sol asked Ly’leth if she knew why the former Dawnrunner patriarch was exiled.
Ly'leth Lunastre says [telepathic bond]: Stalriss Dawnrunner… I know the basics.
Sol'chi says [telepathic bond]: How long ago?
Ly'leth Lunastre says [telepathic bond]: Recent. Not long after Thalyssra’s ill-fated coup, in fact. Though it wasn’t public, it was found that… let us just say that several of master Stalriss’s works were found in places that were quite incriminating. I don’t know the specifics, but he was found to be complicit in the recent coup attempt.
Sol'chi says [telepathic bond]: I see…
Ly'leth Lunastre says [telepathic bond]: His name was among those I passed to Thalyssra. How the information was found, I’m uncertain. I just know the objects were found.
The chamberlain quietly spoke to Sol.
Dawnrunner Chamberlain says: Those are quite fascinating contraptions you’ve created, young man.
Sol'chi says: Thank you. I thought since the dome was down and the dawn will be above, I don’t see why we can’t walk in the daylight and not be accosted by the brilliance.
Dawnrunner Chamberlain says: I’m certain master Stalriss would have appreciated your handiwork. Especially the dusklily pair… those were one of his favorite flowers.
Sol'chi says: I think they’re quite beautiful as well.
Dawnrunner Chamberlain says: I think the city could use a few more.
Sol'chi says: As do I, friend. I’ve actually scryed outside the city. They grow out there, you know.
Dawnrunner Chamberlain says: Is that so? I hope Master Stalriss found them then.
Sol'chi says: I’m sure he has.
They arrived at the room and the chamberlain knocked lightly upon it.
Dawnrunner Chamberlain says: Young mistress Riema, there’s a young man here to see you.
Before too long, a young female nightborne opened the door. She looked at Sol with perplexed but grief-stricken eyes.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Who are you supposed to be?
Sol'chi says: Hello! I’m Solion, but you can call me Sol. I heard about your experience, and I suffered something similar so… I wanted to talk to you.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Why?
Sol'chi says: I know the hurt. I want to help you.
Riema regarded Sol but opened the door to let him in.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Okay. So you’re here.
Sol'chi says: I heard your father was exiled. That doesn’t mean he’s gone.
Riema Dawnrunner says: He might as well be. It’s basically a death sentence. Without arcwine, he can’t survive more than a few weeks… my father was never that handy outside the studio.
Sol'chi says: Well. I know a young girl that ran away from home when the dome fell. She was just recently found. So, I know I shouldn’t be doing this… but do you have anything of your father’s? I can see if I can find him and see if my friends can help him.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Why would you do that? Isn’t he a traitor to the Grand Magistrix? I’m not even supposed to care about him anymore, that’s what mother says at least.
Sol'chi says: Your feelings… no matter how important your parents are, your feelings are just as important. I saw something I could do to help, and I’m doing the best I can. I can try to scry him, or I can try to contact him through a spell.
Riema Dawnrunner says: You can really do that?
Sol'chi says: I can try. Magic is fickle. But if you have anything of his or a painting or a locket…
Riema Dawnrunner says: Not anymore, unfortunately. Uncle Feorias saw to that. He burned anything that had my father’s face on it. But he’s made most of the things here.
She gestured to the upholstery in the room, and Sol went over to examine it.
Riema Dawnrunner says: What do you stand to gain from this? Do you hope to do a favor so I’ll just suddenly fall in love so you can marry into the family?
Sol'chi says: No no, I’d rather just have a friend. I don’t want anything to do with marriage. I’m going through a rough breakup and I don’t even want to think of that.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Oh. Sorry. I’m just not used to my mother’s clients being so… suspicious?
Sol'chi says: Yes, I’m very suspicious. But I just like helping. Especially if someone thought they lost a parent. Alright. Not many people know I can cast spells like this…
He reached out and touched one of the objects, and he saw a very curious sight. It was a nightfallen in a cave. He had very modest living arrangements in the cave, and there were several tanning racks and leatherworking equipment. One of the tanning racks had skins stretched on it. The skin was familiar because it belonged to a felhunter.
Scattered around him were various scavenged weapons.
Sol'chi says: Interesting. It seems your father is doing quite well out there. I just need to ascertain his location and get him some arcwine.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Can you tell where he is? Can we go find him?
Sol'chi says: How about this… tonight, I’ll cast a dream spell targeting you and your father, and we’ll talk about it. Then we can see where he is, and my friends will be able to find him.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Fine. Sure. I’ll do whatever you want!
Sol'chi says: Trust in me and my friends, and we’ll take care of him. But please… your mother can’t know for now, okay?
Riema Dawnrunner says: Okay.
Sol'chi says: The only thing I want is your friendship, so I hope I have that.
Riema Dawnrunner says: Sure.
Sol'chi says: And seeing I’m here already, the reason I visited your mother is she saw my wares. So.
He pulled out his case and showed them to Riema.
Riema Dawnrunner says: If secretly helping my dad is your sales pitch? Then I guess I’ll be one of your first patrons. Seeing we’re friends now. But charge my mom about it.
She selected a pair of shades, and she asked what he needed her to do. Sol said that she just needed to go to bed when she normally would, and he’d do the rest. Riema said she’d see him later then.
Sol went to leave and the champlain asked if things went well. Sol confirmed they had a good talk. Sol asked the champlain’s name, and he introduced himself as Godruc Taran.
Symma, using her disguise, headed out to the Menagerie with a disguised Thisalee as well as Sol and Nyxxa. Anarys had a membership, and Symma showed the pass and was allowed into the facility. It was a beautiful multi-level complex, and as she crossed the walkways she could see into the exhibits below. There were also various other visitors, and as she passed an aquarium she saw murlocs hanging out in one of the tanks.
Symma looked up at the signs and could pick up some vague maybe-words, but she was largely unable to read them.
Rak'Symma says: This is… certainly something.
Thisalee Crow says: I never really knew you could put animals in a place like this. I haven’t even heard about it. Do they really have these…? Well, obviously I guess.
Sol'chi says: The one near my home is much larger. And the varieties are near infinite, unfortunately.
Rak'Symma says: I’m now realizing I should have been… more precise in my message to my friend. I didn’t expect this to be so large.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Well, he may stand out.
Rak'Symma says: If he’s not also disguised.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: We can work around that.
Symma decided to go towards where the birds were as that was where the man she had met during the masquerade had worked. In an initial sweep, they were unable to locate Perri Colibri. Symma got some of the feed with her pass and she examined it and ate a little bit herself, but it seemed alright.
Thisalee Crow says: Did you just… eat one?
Rak'Symma says: Yes?
Thisalee Crow says: Was it good?
Symma offered one to Thisalee, who took it and popped it in her mouth. A nightborne child happened to see them and loudly asked their mother why they couldn’t eat the bird feed too. However, Symma looked over at an attendant and asked if Perri was working.
Menagerie Attendant says: Perri? Do you have a last name?
Rak'Symma says: Colibri.
Menagerie Attendant says: Perri Colibri… hm. Let me see if I can flag someone down.
They flagged down a supervisor, who hastily expressed they hoped everything was up to Anarys’s standards, and Rak’Symma confirmed everything was fine, but said she was looking for a Perri Colibri. The supervisor repeated the name, but he said the name didn’t sound familiar. Symma said it was the name she was given, but the supervisor said they couldn’t do much without the real name. The supervisor assured her that if she needed anything else, just ask any of the attendants before he headed off.
Thisalee Crow says: Well that’s weird. Why would he make up that entire story?
Rak'Symma says: I don’t know… but that’s now two strange events.
Thisalee Crow says: What else happened?
Rak'Symma says: When I was talking to Perri at the party, hundreds of ravens manifested.
Thisalee Crow says: Where did they come from?
Rak'Symma says: Excellent question. A better question is why did they all sprout a third eye and speak my name.
Neither Sol nor Nyxxa recalled any ravens at the party. Symma grimaced.
Rak'Symma says: Well. Lets see if we can find our other contact then, shall we?
At that moment, Symma saw a raven on one of the branches. She heard her name again. Symma stared at it, but as she looked at her friends, they had frozen. She looked back at the raven.
Rak'Symma says: You have my attention.
There were more of them, and suddenly the entire area was filled with the ravens. She heard footsteps.
Perri Colibri says: Sincerest apologies… this was the only way that we could have reached out to you.
Symma turned toward the voice, and she saw Perri. He had a long cloak of black feathers.
Perri Colibri says: We heard you. We heard you when you shook free. When you chased a lurking shadow… one of many. A sickness that grows in the garden… spread by its tenders.
The scene started to fall apart. The metal and stone crumbled, as if affected by time. Roots grew up and around her, and as the roof fell away, she saw a familiar sight. The great looming branches of Shaladrassil. It was the tree at the heart of the druid’s enclave.
Perri Colibri says: The boughs mourn… for they have lost their way. They have flown beyond where they could reach. Ignorant of their ignorance.
Symma took a deep breath and sighed.
Rak'Symma says: I’m here now. I’m doing what I can.
Perri Colibri says: The gentle storm suffers… trapped in a fraught sleep. Trapped… within a hell of their own creation. Will you help him? Will you help us? She who bears the branch…
Rak'Symma says: To whom does my aid branch out to?
Perri Colibri says: They who need it. He who needs it.
Rak'Symma says: As fond as I am of cryptic riddles, my wits and limitations are spread thin.
Perri Colibri says: Seek us out. At the heart of roots. Before the storm is quelled forever.
At that moment, something caught her eye. She looked, and she saw another raven. But this one was different. Its down was white. It looked sickly. She watched as it twitched, strangled by roots and thorns. It looked at her, and in a different voice, it spoke.
Sickly Raven shouts: RUN!
As Symma’s muscles tensed from the whiplash, she staggered, and dropped to her knees, holding the side of her head.
Sol'chi says: Are you okay?
Sol reached to try and steady her. Symma released a very slow breath but took Sol’s hand and got back to her feet.
Rak'Symma says: Well, every time we speak about them, they come back… I’ll be fine. Thank you.
Sol'chi says: That’s good, I guess.
A few patrons had looked over at the scene, and an attendant asked to escort her to first aid, and Symma replied she was just breaking in a new pair of shoes. Thisalee quietly asked if she had seen something, and Symma said she’d explain while they walked.
As they passed by an older nightborne with a monocle, they noted that he was somewhat hunched and he rubbed his hands together frequently. Those with truesight revealed that they were a disguised arakkoa with orange-red feathers.
Symma tripped into him, and he caught her, but also partially stumbled. It was an embarrassing scene and the nightborne hastily apologized, but Symma held onto him, and he felt her talons.
Reshad says: Oh…
Rak'Symma says: Thank you, I’m not sure what came over me. It’s the price of fashion, I suppose.
Reshad says: Yes, of course.
Rak'Symma says: I don’t suppose you’d help me shamble over to that bench?
Reshad says: I’d be happy to help.
The nightborne helped Rak’Symma over to the bench.
Reshad says: I take it you are the one that sent the message, yes?
Rak'Symma says: Not quite the darkened sky I was picturing.
Reshad says: It’s a fascinating establishment.
Rak'Symma says: Fascinating is a word.
Reshad addressed the entire group and explained he had been informed he’d be approached by strangers and one of the individuals was more like them than the land-walkers. He suggested they find somewhere where they could speak more candidly. Sol said he could make them a breakfast nook, and Reshad mused that was risky… but he was fine with seeing what that breakfast nook was all about.
Sol found a place to conjure his mansion, and they all entered. Reshad allowed his illusion to fade, revealing himself to be a broken arakkoa, and he introduced himself as Reshad and explained he was a lorekeeper. Symma removed her mask and shook out her feathers.
Reshad says: Ah, you’re a harpy?
Rak'Symma says: That is a name for us, yes.
Reshad says: By what should I call you?
Rak'Symma says: Rak’Symma.
Reshad says: It is an honor.
Other introductions were made. It seemed Reshad was somewhat frustrated that things had to be so clandestine, and Symma told him not to tell Iskar she said it, but he was already far better company. Reshad chuckled.
Rak'Symma says: My main reason for talking to you is about Iskar…
Reshad says: Oh. I thought you wanted to know of the Talon King. What do you need to know?
Rak'Symma says: They are tied. How keen is he on bringing Terokk back?
Reshad says: He has sought it for a long time. Since before the rise of the Horde, in fact. He holds a deep and profound hatred, and that hatred was directed at the Adherents of Rukhmar. But they are gone. And we now find ourselves with different masters and hiding in different shadows. Iskar is a … strong leader. An ambitious man. But I fear he ignores the dangers, the warnings, of our histories. I will speak plainly. I do not believe we should bring Terokk back.
Rak'Symma says: Then I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks him foolhardy and brash, though I suppose my own aspirations are far more daunting than his.
Reshad says: I’ve been led to believe you hope to bring forth Anzu, yes? Guide him out of the shadows?
Rak'Symma says: And cure what ails him.
Reshad says: It is quite a risk. None alive have ever seen the great Anzu. Not since his departure from our world. We only have stories to work with. While they have their basis in fact, they still carry much fiction.
Rak'Symma says: If no one has seen him, then what did Iskar show me?
Reshad says: I don’t know if what he saw was truly Anzu. A shadow of him, perhaps. But even so… we do not know him or his struggle. But… what you speak of is not impossible. At least, theoretically. And I must admit, though I wish it was not the case, I believe that Terokk will be a part of this no matter what.
Rak'Symma says: You believe the Talon King to be the reincarnation of Rukhmar?
Reshad says: No. I believe it to be an embellishment. If Rukhmar were here, perhaps, her call would reach him. But she is nowhere to be found. But names have power. Intention has power. I have been seeking ways that could be used to bring the Talon King back so I could know if it was possible. I believe it is. In fact, I believe it would be easy. Far easier than I dare tell Iskar. But… I also believe that if we were to do so, bringing back Anzu would become all the harder. For you see, Terokk has resided within the realm of shadows for many years. Exposure to darkness that deep will change someone. But likewise, will it make things easier. To transport a god is no easy feat, but knowing someone that knows the realm so intimately can only help. If we can convince him. I do not think it is the only way. But it is a way. I do not know what it would take to convince him. But while Terokk has resided in the realm of shadows, he is yet mortal.
Rak'Symma says: If he had a mortal home to return to with an open sky?
Reshad says: Then perhaps Anzu might be more easily coaxed beyond the veil of darkness.
Rak'Symma says: How long have you been on Azeroth?
Reshad says: Just over a year, I believe. I came through the portal not long after it opened. To study this world.
Rak'Symma says: What do you know of its gods?
Reshad says: I know they seem to have been plentiful.
Rak’Symma asked if he knew of Elune, and Reshad confirmed. Rak’Symma said she had smiled on the idea of welcoming more, and Reshad said that was great, but the problem was getting him there in the first place. He asked if she was a priestess of Elune, and Symma said she was simply an old friend.
Reshad noted it was no surprise that Iskar was interested in her, and Symma said her worry was that he wanted to become a deity himself.
Reshad says: I have to wonder myself… if he desires the hero or the name.
Symma mused that she knew a great deal about being lost in the dark and needing a safe place to roost. Reshad said that he would leave such logistics to her, then, and if she sought to bring Anzu to Azeroth, he would also leave the decision of whether to seek out Terokk to her.
Rak'Symma says: Anzu strikes a nerve with me. My sympathies are with him. Terokk is a mortal entity, and for those I have a much harder time trusting. So unless he can be very convincing and very charming, I have no grand plans of bringing Terokk back with Anzu.
Reshad says: I don’t believe that would be possible, if I am frank. But if you were to enlist Terokk’s aid, convince him, then he might be able to help you bring Anzu at great sacrifice to himself. That is what we must decide to do.
Rak'Symma says: You’d be surprised how easy a decision that would be for me.
Reshad says: Reaching the shadow realm is another story entirely. It is a realm of contradictions. One of everything and nothing. It is a place that will deceive your senses by its very existence. A place that you will never want to leave, and that you would want to flee from immediately. It is a place that defies explanation, but it is also a place of great power. That same strength that is drawn from the shadow, of befuddlement and potential, it is what the Outcasts have used for generations. But I will keep Iskar apprised of the matters he must know. But only what he must.
Symma sighed.
Rak'Symma says: This would be easier with his help.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: If that’s the decision you want to make.
Sol'chi says: Sure. Why not?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I have no issues. Nothing that’s been said has given me any pause.
Thisalee Crow says: Well, he’s running around Stormheim at the moment. Maybe you’ll be able to have a chat with him.
Rak'Symma says: Reshad, you have been a delight to speak with.
Reshad says: I am simply happy to share my tales. I have spent my life studying the histories of my people, and now I will spend the rest of my years studying the history of the world we now will call home.
Nyxxa explained some of the dreams she had on Draenor, as she was curious if Reshad could put a name to the arakkoa whose final fight she had relived. Reshad was uncertain, but he believed that her nightmares might have been a lingering manifestation of his regrets as he had met his death before he succeeded in his attacks against the Horde. Nyxxa produced the wing blade that Halno had retrieved and had then given to her at some juncture, and Reshad looked at it, as it was frequent warriors would engrave their names into them.
He squawked in surprise and said his name was Kris’kar. He was known to be a ruthless crusader, but was loyal to the cause. However, he hoped Kris’kar’s spirit could find rest now, as the man that had slain him had been slain in turn. Reshad asked Nyxxa if he could have the wing blades, and Nyxxa happily obliged, as she believed them to be in better hands with him.
Reshad says: I’ve been trying to collect relics of our world… relics of our mistakes. If these can serve to warn our future generations, then perhaps the mistakes of the Adherents may never be repeated. Actually, now that I consider… if you are ever in the Midnight Court, perhaps turn them into my patron. Who I’ve been staying with. He’s a man named Faelin. An eccentric man, but a kind one, and he’s been quite interested in learning of the outside world.
They agreed that they would pay Faelin a visit and Rak’Symma assured him that he’d be pleased to know Azeroth is a place still filled with mysteries. Reshad bid them farewell and put his illusion on to take his leave.
Zar’Kaa had set about setting up the medical tents in the Evermoon Commons, and the first day was dedicated to meeting with people that had skills that could translate to the process. He had also contacted Rekki to get involved. A makeshift classroom was also set up at the Waning Crescent to teach other medics.
Zar’Kaa took a moment to size everyone up that had attended the first lesson.
Zar'Kaa says: It’s no secret the nightborne as a whole are unprepared for the challenges that await them now that you are exposed to the hardships of winter. I want to make something clear. When it comes to medicine it’s easy to fall into the mindset that you have to save everyone. That you need to be their hero and if you don’t… that you’re no good at this. Sickness comes for us all. Sometimes it can be treated, sometimes it can’t be. That is something we’ll be up against. There will be some people that will come for help and we can’t help them. But I want you to know that now, because if that’s something you don’t think you can handle, it’s good to recognize that now.
No one got up and left, and it seemed that generally everyone was digesting and accepting the words being said.
Rekki says: He’s right. I know that some of you have never seen anything other than your own people. Some of you have no reason to trust outsiders, but we’re just doing this to help people, so we’re going to do what we can. Whatever we do will be good enough. Things will get harder very fast, but maybe we can make it easier for those who aren’t ready for what’s coming.
Zar’Kaa said that was well said and used the cover name Talira for her.
He also thanked everyone for being there and dedicating their time to something that could be thankless at times. Ultimately they were going to start simple and build up, and the first step was to ensure cleanliness.
The lesson went on for about 8 hours, however, by the end of it he was feeling fairly confident in the group and the roles he assigned them. He also set it up that every kid that came in for treatment got candy.
With Vanthir’s help, they were able to get word out to a lot of people over the next few days, and not only were they busy helping, but they also got people coming in asking how they could help as well. They were able to save several lives in the process.
On the last day, a patrol of Duskwatch arrived at the tent. He recognized the captain of the patrol, and it was the same one that had seen through his illusion when he was rescuing Thalyssra.
Duskwatch Captain says: So this is the Waning Crescent’s aid center? I’m sure you won’t mind a brief inspection to ensure everything is in order.
Zar'Kaa says: May I ask your name sir…?
Duskwatch Captain says: That’s not important, sir. Assuming everything is in order, that won’t be an issue. If you care so much, you can read it on the the paperwork once it’s given to you, assuming you aren’t hiding anything.
Zar'Kaa says: I don’t have any problem, but… I make it rule to not let strangers into my establishment. We don’t want to just let anyone in here. We have to know what they are coming here for and who they are. I think that’s reasonable.
Duskwatch Captain says: You know, you raise a good point, my friend.
Zar’Kaa noticed he started to cast a spell. It was [Dispel Magic]. Zar’Kaa used [Counterspell], but he tried to hide the somatic component.
The Duskwatch captain looked at him.
Duskwatch Captain says: Seize him!
The Duskwatch charged at him, but Zar’Kaa started to run. Rekki got into their way with a bunch of bandages and the Duskwatch stumbled into him. It gave him enough time to get away, and later, he returned to the Waning Crescent.
Vanthir mused it was unseemly for the Duskwatch to shake up such an establishment, but he advised that Zar’Kaa lay low for a bit.
Arthak headed over to a museum with Ly’leth near the Sanctum of Enlightenment. Ly’leth explain it was once a museum to the great queen Azshara, but after the Sundering they had rebranded it to a museum of the pre-Sundered world.
Ly’leth mused on the irony that there were people in the modern day that were trying to get Azshara as the focal point again, which she felt that they should have learned not to glorify a tyrant. Arthak said that many people liked to glorify the past, and he wouldn’t be surprised if his own people one day pined for the days of the council and Blackhand.
They entered into the museum, and Arthak was greeted with a beautiful museum that sprawled out behind the front information desk. It was divided into many different wings that made up the various pre-Sundering cultures.
Ly’leth explained she was showing her new friend around the city as he had a liking of history, and she figured this was the prime place to bring him. The attendant offered to arrange a tour, though their last guide had been set up with someone else. However, if he was willing to wait, it wouldn’t be long.
Shaspira says: That won’t be necessary.
Arthak turned and saw Shaspira along with a wrathguard. She was looking directly at Arthak, and she smiled.
Shaspira says: No need for further strain on your busy schedule. They can come along with us. So long as that’s not a problem?
She was speaking in flawless shalassian. Ly’leth looked at the immaculate demon and nodded.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: I’d be honored. I promise we shan’t detract from your own experience. Lady…?
Shaspira says: Shaspira. You are Ly’leth Lunastre, correct?
Ly'leth Lunastre says: You have me at a disadvantage, I see.
Shaspira says: I tend to prefer it that way.
She offered a playful smile, and she looked over at Arthak.
Shaspira says: Who is your adjutent here, if you don’t mind me asking?
Ly'leth Lunastre says: This is Armagh Thronebiter of the Blacktooth Grin.
Shaspira says: It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Armagh.
She gave a slight curtsy.
Arthak Saurfang says: Honor’s mine.
He gave her a deep bow. The tour guide nodded and asked them all to follow them as they’d start with the artistic wing and make their way around. They saw many beautiful paintings and a sculpture of a beautiful horned owl.
The tour guide explained it was a replica of a piece that had been discovered in a cave system near the old ruins of Zin-Azshari. It was believed to be a rendition of a deific being that was worshiped by the early kaldorei when they first came to the Well of Eternity.
The tour continued, and Shaspira found herself walking next to Arthak.
Shaspira says: Forgive me, Armagh, but it’s rare to see one of your kind in a place like this.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m an escort, my lady.
Shaspira says: So am I to assume you aren’t taking any enjoyment from learning about the ancient history of this place?
Arthak Saurfang says: Some. New world. New history I guess.
Shaspira says: Quite a history it is. You know… museum curation is something that’s always been an interest of mine. Perhaps you wouldn’t believe it, but I once encountered one of your people in a place very much like this.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hmph. The elder?
Shaspira says: No. It wasn’t. I’m certain he might take an interest in a place like this, but it would be a different kind. Unfortunately he found himself on the other side of this conflict.
Arthak Saurfang says: Lot of us did.
Arthak did look and listen to the various exhibits. There was a history of the first leaders of the kaldorei that had arrived around the Well of Eternity, as well as stories of the founding of Suramar. There was also a fragment of stone with orcish runes on it, and the tour guide explained it was a piece of a defunct prison that had been destroyed during the war. Somehow an orc had found his way into the city during the War of the Ancients and was incarcerated due to a disagreement. They had presumed he fought in the rest of the war.
Shaspira says: You would assume correctly.
Nightborne Tour Guide says: You know the history of the man?
Shaspira says: I do, yes.
The runes appeared to be names. One of them was Tlanth. One of them was Varok. Others were other orc names, including Galforr.
Shaspira says: How interesting. What do you think the significance of these names are, Armagh? Surely you recognize a few.
Arthak Saurfang says: Varok Saurfang probably. Only Varok I know. Uh… Galforr… Siegebreaker I think? Blackrock.
Shaspira says: You’re well informed. What do you think of Broxigar? I know that he can be a bit of a polarizing figure amongst your people.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not much different than most of us, I expect. Just a man. Who died.
Shaspira says: Yes, I suppose that’s right, isn’t it? After all, what is a museum but an edifice to the dead.
Arthak Saurfang says: Memory.
Shaspira says: Memory.
They passed through some exhibits with old weapons, a diploma from the ancient school of Nar’thalas, and a lot of other things that were a snapshot of the world before. There were old relics from other cultures, such as tauren and trolls. There was poetry that was preserved and replicated alongside artistic renditions.
The tour guide asked if they had any other questions as the tour came to an end.
Shaspira says: You have an impressive setup. I would like to speak to the curator in the future, I believe we’d have interesting things to share.
Nightborne Tour Guide says: Of course, my lady.
Shaspira says: Then that shall be all, for the time being. Lady Ly’leth, it was an honor to accompany you.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: The pleasure was all mine.
Shaspira says: If you insist.
She looked over at Arthak.
Shaspira says: And it was an honor to meet you.
Arthak bowed.
Arthak Saurfang says: The honor is mine.
Shaspira says: I don’t know if our paths will cross again. But if not… I will simply have to appreciate this insight while I can.
She bowed her head and turned to leave. At best, he couldn’t tell what Shaspira was feeling. But he wouldn’t be surprised if she had figured it out. Arthak pulled out his pipe as they left and lit it with his firestarter. He saw her eyes flicker back over to him.
The last thing he saw was the very corner of her lip turn up into a smile.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: My apologies, that was probably quite stressful. I assume you know who that is?
Arthak Saurfang says: An old and dear friend.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: You don’t say.
Arthak Saurfang says: Is there some place we can get coffee?
Ly'leth Lunastre says: Only about a half dozen. I hope you enjoy choice. But I can take you to my personal favorite.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’d be most appreciative. There is a… I feel you are owed my own explanation, and frankly, there was a conversation I was hoping to have with you before that.
Ly'leth Lunastre says: By all means. And don’t worry, if you didn’t bring your coin purse, it’s fully on me. If there was any concern.
Elsewhere, as Shaspira made her way to the Concourse of Destiny, the wrathguard spoke up.
Wrathguard says: My lady. That orc was unfamiliar to me. Would you like me to run a background check?
Shaspira says: That won’t be necessary, but thank you. No. I’ll be monitoring Armagh Thronebiter. You needn’t worry.
Wrathguard says: Do you know who he is, my lady?
Shaspira smiled.
Shaspira says: I do, yes. If I require further assistance, I will tell you. I expect you to speak to no one about this outing.
The wrathguard nodded, and Shaspira turned and continued on with not another word.
