Appearing Characters: Elissa Cross, Eranikus, Gilveradin Windrunner, Hazzriss, Itharius, Jammal'an, Korialstrasz, Liiraluma, Locus-Walker, Medivh, Moroes, Morphius, Motah Tallhorn, Remnii, Riff, Scyther, Seria, Teemo Manabrake, Uther Menethil, Val'zuun, Velameestra Windrunner, Victor Prestor, Weavera
November 11th
As the enigmatic figure of Locus-Walker appeared, Vel saw the familiar, expressionless, mummy-like being materialize behind her. He had his hands folded behind his back.
Locus-Walker says: Long time no see, Velameestra Windrunner.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Good of you to answer on such short notice.
Locus-Walker says: Given the circumstances… I found it important for us to speak in a more direct fashion. And as it would happen, my more pressing errands could take a backseat to this matter. So. Xal'atath.
Vel explained they had spoken with the entity and she had been trapped in a dagger of the same name, but she was now out, as she had offered them a bargain to permanently deal with an entity known as Zakajz. Locus-Walker admitted he knew a fair deal about Xal’atath, and Vel said it would be best if she got the rest of her companions.
Locus-Walker says: Before any further extrapolations, perhaps we might negotiate. Since our last meeting, I have been looking into aspects of this peculiar world. Azeroth. I had never met anyone from it before you… and you stoked my curiosity.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I understand that we had made a prior bargain that had been left open-ended.
Locus-Walker nodded.
Locus-Walker says: Should we establish a more consistent line of partnership, I’ll consider us even. I’ll share what knowledge I have that can help you… but I will require something. Something I need your guidance on locating. I can find it myself of course, but it will be easier with your help. And perhaps the help of your wordless friend who I hope has gotten better since then. The fact you arrived in the Telogrus Rift was a curiosity. Its location is not hidden, but that someone from this world knew about it is most curious. Who was responsible for sending you to the rift?
Velameestra Windrunner says: A traitor to our people.
Locus-Walker says: Would you tell me more about them in exchange for this information?
Velameestra Windrunner says: That is a worthy trade.
Locus-Walker says: Very well, Velameestra Windrunner. Let us find your companions.
At that moment, Moroes had arrived in the room and cleared his throat.
Moroes says: I see you’ve invited a new guest, miss Windrunner.
Velameestra Windrunner says: My apologies for the lack of notice, Moroes. I did not anticipate such an abrupt meeting.
Locus-Walker bowed his head.
Locus-Walker says: It is a pleasure. Moroes was it? You may call me Locus-Walker.
Moroes raised a brow.
Moroes says: And what do you call yourself?
Locus-Walker says: That is unimportant. But I do thank you for graciously inviting me to the home of your master, I presume?
Moroes says: A master I will inform of your presence. Are you intending on staying, master Locus-Walker?
Locus-Walker glanced over at Vel.
Locus-Walker says: For the moment, yes, so long as the master of the house is alright with it.
Moroes says: Well. A friend of madame Windrunner’s is a friend of the master’s… so long as you respect Karazhan.
Locus-Walker gestured for Vel to lead the way, and Moroes alerted the others. Everyone met up in the banquet hall. They looked at the strange man, who looked very similar to Rafaam, but he was very quiet and had scintillating voidal energy that made up the presence beneath his bandages, versus the angry red color of Rafaam.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Everyone. This is Locus-Walker. He is a void specialist that Uther and I met some time ago.
Locus-Walker says: Charmed, I’m sure.
He bowed and he looked at Uther.
Locus-Walker says: It does appear you are indeed capable of speech. I’m glad to see it.
Uther Menethil says: Appreciated. Would that I could say I remember our time together.
Locus-Walker hummed.
Locus-Walker says: I wouldn’t blame you. You’d be hardly the first person.
Medivh says: So you’re our new guest is it? Well!
Medivh walked over and bowed.
Medivh says: Allow me to welcome you. I’m Medivh, the Guardian of Tirisvar. Normally I prefer people are invited… but I’ll make an exception for a dear friend.
He looked Locus-Walker up and down.
Medivh says: Do make sure not to abuse that hospitality.
Locus-Walker says: I would never dream of it, Guardian. I assure you, my intentions are purely scholarly.
Medivh chuckled.
Medivh says: That’s what I’m worried about.
He offered a hand, and Locus-Walker took it.
Other introductions were made, and it was clear Locus-Walker had glanced over to Remnii’s staff, which was still in it’s Turend form.
Locus-Walker says: I understand you have made an individual named Xal’atath. Miss Velameestra was kind enough to reach out to me making queries… but before I get into that, if you have questions about my presence here, allow me to indulge your curiosity.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What… is your kind called?
Locus-Walker says: My people would be called Ethereals in your tongue. Beings of a distant world that no longer exists. Our original name has been lost to time and does not have a true translation.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Do you… have a physical body?
Locus-Walker hummed in amusement.
Locus-Walker says: No. We don’t. I’ll get more into the backstory of that circumstance, but none of our people have physical forms anymore. The result of a cataclysm of sorts. One that led to the destruction of our home… or rather, one that precluded it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You had mentioned prior that was in relation to the Void.
Locus-Walker says: Indeed. In ancient times, when our world was whole, it was nearly swallowed by the Shadow. Our… material dearth is the result of our attempts to protect ourselves. It was less successful than the ruling council had hoped. Needless to say, all that remains of our people is our essence, though there are benefits to such an existence.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yeah, I imagine it’s hard to stab you with pointy things.
Locus-Walker says: It’s not simple… though I don’t recommend you try. The council of Trade Princes tried to enact barriers to protect us from the shadow. This was the result. But, we found ourselves better equipped to fend off the corruption of the Void. After all, it is a plague that twists the mind and the flesh. Without flesh, that’s half the struggle. But, it was a losing battle, and our homeworld was consumed. Thus, did our people become wanderers. Astral travelers who seek to survive. Hopping through gateways to the Twisting Nether, offering their particular brands of expertise to the highest bidder. I represent an alternative to that way of thinking.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You were investigating the wake of the Telogrus Rift when we encountered you.
Locus-Walker says: I was. It’s on the fringes of the Twisting Nether, where the boundaries between it and other realms become foggy. Given the exposure to the area of void energies… it is a place through which the energies of the Nether and the Void coalesce. One that is exceptionally interesting to individuals of my proclivities, among others. You see, the Trade Princes of the Ethereals… while law is perhaps a malleable thing, one of the most ardent edicts that is agreed upon by all Ethereals is that the shadows of the Void are the greatest threat they have ever faced. To learn of the Void is to know one’s enemy, to dabble in its strength is to court it. Needless to say there are groups of my people that do not take kindly to my brand of scholarship. And for good reason. There are some amongst my interests that have proven themselves too weak to resist the temptations the darkest powers can bring.
Velameestra Windrunner says: But you have overcome that?
Locus-Walker says: I have simply better protected myself.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Is that research what brought you in contact with Xal’atath?
Locus-Walker says: No. I came in contact with Xal’atath when she arrived on my world before it’s destruction. She is an ancient thing. A history deeper than even I can truly fathom.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Was she imprisoned then too?
Locus-Walker says: No. She wasn’t. She was something rather different. Something indescribable. Her imprisonment must have been a more recent circumstance. At least, in the grand scheme of things. I know not the history of this world’s dance with the shadows, but… the fact she was imprisoned is interesting. You say she was in a dagger… would you happen to know what it looked like?
Vel used illusion magic to conjure a replica of the dagger, and Locus-Walker examined it.
Locus-Walker says: Fascinating. The words engraved upon it are an approximation of ancient glyphs that I have seen rendered by denizens of the Void. Why would she be imprisoned? I of course use the pronoun loosely. For a being such as she, gender is as much a construct comparable to the one one would prepare your… hair, as I believe you call it? A preference. No more and no less. But for what reason would the Harbinger of the Void have for being imprisoned in an item seemingly constructed by the Void itself? What a mystery you’ve uncovered…
Velameestra Windrunner says: What role did she play on your world?
Locus-Walker says: A great many. When our world was whole, I had found traces of her in our histories. Civil wars. Acts of unprecedented betrayal. Dark designs. Things that are terribly mortal flaws, and yet when you look deeper behind them, always do you find the shadow. While I cannot say I found concrete proof of her involvement in these altercations, I believe she had a hand in sowing change amongst our people. In small, discrete ways. And if she has been here, I wonder if she’s done the same. She has styled herself a Harbinger, and I believe she has done just that. When the Unspeakable One, the All-Devouring, found our world… I believe she was the one that turned the key. I do not know how, nor do I know why. Perhaps it is simply her role, perhaps it is what she was created to do. Nevertheless, she is a being of unknowable and unfathomable schemes.
Velameestra Windrunner says: On your world… did the presence of the void cause cults to arise?
Locus-Walker says: There were cults, yes. But what mortal cultures don’t have cults?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Was there one known as the Twilight Hammer or something akin to it?
Locus-Walker says: Interesting… yes I believe there was.
Remnii says: There was one on Draenor too.
Locus-Walker says: They wouldn’t be the only worlds. The influence that reaches across the Void could manifest in similar ways, especially when digested by mortal minds before they shatter. An example… there once was a Trade Prince. The youngest of his family. He was destined for terribly little. After all, his eldest brother would be the one to inherit the empire. He would be lucky to find if he might find a position of esteem in the greater mercantile districts of his family’s territories, or perhaps be married off into that of a neighbor in hopes to forge a more lucrative bond between them. And yet… that family would never know such prosperity. For you see, the entire house disappeared overnight. The city and all its inhabitants vanished in a flash. Destroyed by… a dangerous weapon. The likes of which should never have been created. A single flash of mana erased an entire province from the map. Now this Trade Prince… it was largely believed he was the one responsible. But how would such a being muster such strength and wealth and knowledge to build such a weapon? The motive was there, yes, but the means and the knowledge… that is where the questions lie, and that is where the deeper you look into the shadows, the more questions become answers. There are many such tragedies that pockmocked our people’s history before its destruction. While I cannot pretend Xal’atath was responsible for all of them, I would not be surprised if her dark hand was in some of them. Regrettably, its difficult to study the history of a dead world. But this one… it’s not dead. Not yet, at least. I wonder how many of its tragedies she has played a part in. And what she did to get herself imprisoned within a dagger of dark make… fascinating questions, that is for certain.
Remnii says: You have already given us a great deal to think upon…
Locus-Walker says: As is my nature, I fear.
Remnii says: Now that you are upon Azeroth, is it her trail you wish to follow?
Locus-Walker says: One of many. But I have made… promises that I might be able to provide what information I can to aid you. So by all means, if my expertise may prove useful, I would be glad to share it.
Vel asked if the Void’s madness could leech into the environment, and Locus-Walker mused that she had seen the effect it had on the Telogrus Rift. She then asked if those environments could influence mortal minds.
Locus-Walker says: It’s chaotic in its unpredictability. That sheer truth. A truth in a lie. It’s enough to drive the weak-minded to madness. Mortals are such fragile things, you see. To be shown what could be, to be shown the shadows behind every stray thought… they are daggers most sharpened to strike at unprotected hearts. You seem like you are asking about something?
Velameestra Windrunner says: There’s been a trend I’ve noticed. Sources of this madness have been linked to the deeper places of our world. The first instance I had noticed was one I had spoken to you about. When you first gave me the name n’raqi. The barrow dens we had encountered it in were underground. My people have… similarly found a strange ore that appears to have an effect on the living.
Locus-Walker asked if she had a piece of the ore on her, and Vel confirmed she did. She produced a lead box, and Locus-Walker mused it was a smart means of containment. He held out a hand and the box levitated over to him, where he opened it to examine the ore.
Locus-Walker says: This… is quite interesting. I had wondered if you had found a fragment of the ore used to construct Xal’atath’s prison, but this is something much different.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Spiders are drawn to it. It’s been said to whisper… but the undead cannot hear what it says. But it’s equally malleable and impermeable, depending on what is being made. It’s certainly fascinating… but equally so is it vexing.
Locus-Walker says: Strange. Unfathomable. Precisely what it needs to be. Maddening. I would be glad to help you research this. I have… hypotheses, but they are built on conjecture. Without further knowledge, they would be reckless for me to share.
Vel explained the Twilight Hammer had been referencing the Hour of Twilight and the End Times, but Locus-Walker dismissed such names as typical dooms day rhetoric, though they were not ones he had heard before.
Locus-Walker says: I believe this world has a much deeper history in the shadows… which makes me wonder how it evaded my notice. I take pride in my knowledge of these things. Perhaps it was hidden, or perhaps I am getting rusty in my old age.
Vel asked if there was any way to return once a mind had succumbed to the whispers.
Locus-Walker says: A weak mind that has been destroyed… it cannot readily be repaired. Not always. There is magic… but it depends on the degree of damage. A bone that is broken can manifest in many ways. A fracture, or completely shattered. To say that all broken bones can be healed is to ignore the degree of the break, but as you noticed, there are some who are resistant to the presence of the Void. Some such as you… I can tell you’ve changed a great deal since we last met, miss Velameestra.
Velameestra Windrunner says: A lot has changed between then and now.
Locus-Walker says: That it has. That will make you uniquely suited to interface with such things. You are not immune to the Void, but it intrinsically abhors death. It is a static force. Something that is ever present and never changing. A dead mind cannot think, dream, or break. It’s no surprise it finds little common ground amongst the walking dead. You mentioned this Zakajz was underground when he appeared?
Velameestra Windrunner says: And his influence had spread to surrounding regions.
Locus-Walker says: It could not have been… how large was this beast? Did you see it?
Velameestra Windrunner says: In pieces. But it was seemingly the entirety of the darkness sheltered within the prison it was in.
Locus-Walker says: Impressive no doubt, but it does not sound like an old god. Perhaps a greater being. A child.
Velameestra Windrunner says: An old god?
Locus-Walker says: An approximation. They are manifestations of the greatest lords of the voids… the Outer Ones. Beings, entities, that cannot be classified as beings or entities. Old Gods, however, are. They are fragments of the lords of the voids cast into the material plane in a vain attempt to claim and influence it. To be in a place where one can never be.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So this… All-Devourer. It was an Old God?
Locus-Walker says: No. No. It was one of its masters. That’s why we never stood a chance. A supermassive black hole of a size and breadth beyond one's understanding. A creature that is the embodiment of the idea of consumption. One does not fight against such a being. For such a being cannot truly exist. Consider the Old Gods to be as dandruff of the Void Lords. But… let that not mark you their power. Many worlds have succumbed to the strength of an Old God, for as they seek purchase, meaning, and life… should a world find themselves unlucky enough to catch one, it is a cancer from which few recover. That this Zakazj exists… may suggest that Azeroth may have had experience with an Old God. If that is the case, then whomever faced it… is truly impressive.
Vel expressed she was not optimistic that the fact they did not see direct evidence of an old god truly meant anything, and Locus-Walker replied that if they saw evidence of their activity it was likely already too late.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …how wonderful.
Locus-Walker says: Nevertheless, you have other world-ending tragedies to focus on at the moment. If you are alright with it, Velameestra, I would keep this… saronite? See if I can find out more about what it is.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The more minds on it, the better.
Locus-Walker says: Consider this one quite interested in being upon it. Were there any other questions? For now, at least.
Remnii says: The intersectionality of you and your people and the Burning Legion… I would care to know what you think of it all.
Locus-Walker says: I do not keep myself abreast of all the inter politics of the various Consortiums–
Remnii says: Yet you would offer a unique perspective nonetheless.
Locus-Walker’s attention moved to Remnii’s staff again.
Locus-Walker says: I would be glad to share it.
Remnii says: I thank you in advance.
Locus-Walker says: I’ll be around. Indeed, I presume you may find yourself leaving before I do.
Remnii says: The Legion’s presence touches many worlds… including this one.
Uther Menethil says: It doesn’t bear the gravitas of the other questions… but are you familiar with one of your kind called Rafaam? The Supreme Archeologist?
Locus-Walker says: …Who? I regret to inform you I’ve never heard of someone by that name, but it goes without saying we don’t all know each other. That title, if it was given by my people… I feel like I’ve had heard about it, but it’s nothing I’ve ever heard in my long life.
Uther smirked.
Uther Menethil says: Alright, you may have given me more information than you think. Thank you.
Locus-Walker says: I will be available if you require any assistance, or any advice.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I… actually do have a question. Do you know anything of Shadowflame?
Locus-Walker shook his head and said he didn’t but shadow manifested in many forms, and it was perhaps unique to Azeroth. However, he was most interested in examining the phenomenon further if they could acquire a sample.
After the group dispersed, Locus-Walker looked to Vel.
Locus-Walker says: I hope that our first exchange of information was helpful.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Very. It gives some much needed context.
Locus-Walker says: Full glad am I… now this traitor to your people. What can you tell me about him?
Vel gave a rough summary of her experiences with Dar’Khan, including the fact that he aided in the Legion invasion but never fully seemed loyal to them, and instead appeared to have some sort of warped perception that he was in some way “preserving” their people.
Locus-Walker asked if Drathir had some sort of workshop, and Vel confirmed they were able to track one down in the elflands, though she had not paid visit to it before the invasion happened and it was now behind enemy lines. Locus-Walker asked that, when that changed he be allowed to take a look as he felt he could likely glean deeper meaning from his notes if there were any left.
Vel said that with Locus-Walker’s aid on their present pursuits, she believed she would have ample means to get him access.
Locus-Walker says: Then I look forward to our continued partnership, miss Velameestra.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Indeed.
Gil opened up a communication with Korialstrasz via Ara’shel as he summoned a small flame and tapped the familiar on the forehead. Ara’shel blinked, and when he opened his eyes, his eyes were the color of Korialstrasz’s.
Gil informed him that he needed to catch him up on some events, and he gave a recap of what happened at Tirisvar, including that they had seen a drake using Shadowflame.
Korialstrasz says: I see… I will send someone to recover the bodies of the drakes that were slain there. If I can, I’ll make sure I’m there as well. I… want to offer my condolences to Bob. I know that his people have always been prepared for this, but that does not make the loss of life easier… I wish there was more I could have done, but if there’s something now I can do for them, I’ll be sure to do so.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: They were good people. I dislike having to let the person that set this in motion free.
Korialstrasz says: I understand. The idea of letting this… Harbinger, this Xal’atath, free, is troubling… but I think you made the right decision. Even if she becomes a threat in the future, had Zakajz broken free… I don’t know how many lives would have been lost, but it wouldn't have been insignificant.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Were you around when he was free last?
Korialstrasz says: No. We know precious little of what happened when he was sent after Tyr. The dragonflights were young. The great spires of Valdrakken had only just been constructed, and the Aspects were only just starting to reach out to the mortals. It happened suddenly and without warning. Tyr was just gone. Just like that. There was nothing any of us could have done. He kept all of the Aspects in the dark. And I.... I was not even hatched by that point. I know of the event only from stories from Tyranastrasz and the other elders of my flight. But the fact that Uther now carries that hammer… I believe it is fitting that the tool used by the man responsible for helping to make us what we are will help to put to rest the one that turned against us.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There’s… another matter actually.
He brought up the discussion that had happened with Locus-Walker and the influence of the Void.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Given the black flight had stewardship over the earth…
Korialstrasz says: You think one of these Old Gods are present and it may have been responsible for what happened to the black flight?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s… possible?
Korialstrasz says: It is. For so long we had no way of knowing. There have been countless veins of speculation that the weight of the burden had become too much for them, that the Titans’ blessing caused their minds to shatter, that perhaps Neltharion’s greed and paranoia bled through their vows and infected the rest, but… but what you’re saying… the records of the Titans are difficult to make sense of. That’s in no small part because all of those we interacted with during our golden age were adjutants of Tyr, and he was always a secretive one. We never spoke to the other Keepers. His kin. But we have heard of their ancient wars. Of… the shadows that they had fought against. The darkness they had banished. When the elements ran wild, before the rise of any of the mortal civilizations we know now. If… if that darkness… if that was the force of an Old God. If they imprisoned such a being within Azeroth, that could explain things… I’ll bring what you told me to the others. I’m sure Ally will know what to do with it. The Dragon Queen. Pardon me. Even if its conjecture, it’s worth looking into.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: If he was already paranoid and greedy… it may have just fed into it.
Korialstrasz says: From the stories Alexstrasza told me… he was serious and humorless. Perhaps not paranoid, but he was the kind of person that expected the worst and made plans if the worst came to pass. It was by his preparedness that the War of the Scaleborn was brought to an end after only half a millenia. Without him, I wager the war would have gone on for thousands of years. Perhaps when you speak with Alexstrasza she can tell you her own stories. What she knew of Neltharion. Who he was, and how he became Deathwing. We’ve been working on trying to reach out to Malygos. He was Neltharion’s closest friend… beyond us needing the Blue Aspect, he will deserve to be present more than any other dragon. But the depths of his sorrow are deep. It will take great compassion to reach him.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That is one thing we have in abundance.
Korialstrasz says: it is. And there are few that are more so than Alexstrasza, especially given Nozdormu has returned.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: He’s reached out?
Korialstrasz says: Yes, we’ve been in contact since we all returned together. Things are complicated, but he is committed to helping us with Deathwing when the time comes.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s… strange how connected everything is.
Korialstrasz says: I’ve found everything ends up being interconnected. Like one great vine, and all of us are just fruits and roots growing from it. Even if we don’t realize it, what happens to one part will affect the other, even in ways that don’t see significant. How are… you and the rest of the Scales doing? With the Soul and everything?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I believe Teemo has it now. It’s difficult to explain. It’s almost sometimes like its reaching toward you?
Korialstrasz says: Yes. That makes sense from everything I’ve heard about it. Just… make sure you remember who you are, Gil. Don’t let the depths of that thing, the highs and lows its experienced, drag you down. You just need to hold out a bit longer. I know you can do it.
Gil smiled.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It needs to be done.
Korialstrasz says: And once this is all done, maybe we can take a nice vacation somewhere.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I am certain some other world ending threat will come along, but it will be nice to have a vacation.
Korialstrasz says: Hopefully we can at least have a few years! But nevertheless, I’m proud of you Gil, and I’m sure the Scholarly One would be too.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I hope so. I’m just trying to do what I can.
Korialstrasz says: That’s all we can do. Take care of yourself, and Aspects watch over you.
Ara’shel blinked and shook his head, Krasus’s influence having faded.
Remnii reached out to Val’zuun via her sending stone after she retreated back to the room she was staying in.
Remnii says [sending]: Val’zuun, I have an inquiry of you, if you have the time.
Val'zuun says [sending]: It’s good to hear from you again, Remnii. How many I help you?
Remnii says [sending]: It may seem a paltry request, but I… I’m looking for history, the kind you can find in books and print… a few individuals from Argus. It is harder for me to get there than not.
Val'zuun says [sending]: Who are you looking for?
Remnii says [sending]: One would be our mutual friend, the Terminus Butcher. The others… the White Tyrant and the Velvet Hound. I don’t need anything personal, I just want to see how Argus sees them.
Val'zuun says [sending]: Interesting. I’m not certain if he would be intrigued by your curiosity, or upset were I to go behind his back. Were he to learn such a thing, of course. But thankfully, my business requires a degree of confidentiality. That being said, I presume you intend to pay for this yourself?
Remnii says [sending]: I do.
Val'zuun says [sending]: Then I’ll be in touch.
Remnii says [sending]: Thank you. And if it were to become a problem… he knows how to reach me.
Val'zuun says [sending]: Of course. Luckily that shouldn’t be a problem.
Remnii says [sending]: A simple contingency, is all. Thank you.
Val'zuun says [sending]: The contingencies are a part of the contract. You don’t need to worry yourself about them. A pleasure doing business as always, Remnii.
At that exact moment, there was a knock on Remnii’s door. It was Gil.
Remnii says: Oh! Come in!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I’m… not certain how to word this.
Remnii tilted her head.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I’m unable to speak to my sister without fucking it up.
Remnii says: …Ah.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t know why.
Remnii says: Gil…
She motioned for Gil to come in further and patted the edge of the bed. He sat down next to her.
Remnii says: The… tension has been noticeable. I suppose my first question. Are you looking for an ear, or for advice?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Advice. I don’t know what is wrong with me.
Remnii gave him a critically sympathetic look.
Remnii says: Well… would you tell me about the last few conversations you had with her? First tell me what you thought happened before you say how you feel about it.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I went in there intending to talk with her, and what I ended up doing… was either thinking the absolute worst–
Remnii says: Of her?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Of her. And it’s not fair. And I don’t know… why.
He went over the last conversation he had with his sister when she was in recovery.
Remnii says: Did you spend much time with Vel as a child? Did you actually grow up together?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No, we did not.
Remnii says: What was she like to you then? How would you describe your relationship before? Were you close?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I thought we were. We were frequently together… but we were close in the way any two children would be. We care about each other. We’re family. But I can’t say we were… I wanted to say we were very close, but in retrospect, I don’t know if… we wrote letters but we eventually just fell off.
Remnii says: I know you came with me with questions, but I do wish to hear what you have to say. How would you describe her then? Or your idea of her?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Quiet. Not quite reclusive, but always… just fine being on her own. Independent? And… honestly, after the death of our mother, she wasn’t despondent, but she wasn’t the same. Which is understandable, and I don’t mean to make it seem like she should have just gotten over it or anything.
Remnii says: Grief is a complex thing. Of this I am keenly aware. Everyone will take it differently. Such a loss is a powerful thing. And… how would you describe her now? If you are to be honest.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: She seems to be… the same but more? It’s like… it almost feels like it’s been sharpened.
Remnii says: Do you find yourself worried by these sharp edges? What comes to mind when I ask?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That… I’m thinking of it unfairly?
Remnii says: In your perfect world, as everyone has one. What would you want her to be like?
Gil looked distinctly uncomfortable, but Remnii looked at him dead on.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I… wouldn’t want to change her… it’s obviously me that has the problem, not her–
Remnii says: I’m asking about your perception of her. Because some expectations you have of her may provide some clarity on what has your heart so… hurt over this. Because grief comes in many forms, and perhaps grief is not the world you’d use, but I’d start there first.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: In an ideal world, she’d be more open. Which is… not a fair expectation.
Remnii says: Even if it is not fair, I believe it’s more common to have unfair thoughts than completely equitable, even keeled ones. I struggle with it too. But in case of this… in the last conversation, do you feel that… may I share my observation?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Absolutely.
Remnii says: You have a deeply caring heart, Gil. I wonder if jumping from those conclusions stem from your desire to understand, but perhaps is there a sense of injustice that she has changed more than you understand. Do you think you know her anymore? Truly know her?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: …No. I don’t.
Remnii says: What we all go through every day, since even long before my arrival here on Azeroth, there has been so much happening. This is the first time you have come to know each other as adults, and this is a time of cataclysmic change. My thoughts, topically, at least, until we discuss more, would be two things. Having that… elbow jerk response?
Gil froze as he tried to understand what she said.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Ah yes. Knee jerk.
Remnii says: Ah. Your knee jerk response is that of a… wanting to hold onto something you think you understand. She is your twin. You share the strongest blood connection of anyone here, and looking a stranger in the face is quite scary. You have the right to have these feelings, but it’s how you express them. Also, I believe something Vel has struggled with… hm.. The weight on her shoulders is heavy. Coming up with ideas. Speaking. Perhaps she needs people to listen. The trouble is, the more you care, the harder it is to listen, because imposing what you feel strongly about and hoping others will too is an easy cycle to get trapped in. Does that make sense?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That… sort of.
Remnii says: Tell me what you took from that first. Or what did it sound like.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That my concern is getting in my own way? That I’m not realizing her as an adult, and am expecting more or less the same of her as… an idealized version instead of who she is.
Remnii says: The question you have asked me is a large one. One that will take more time than one conversation will yield. However… I suppose that would be my first step. In any relationship, nevertheless one as complex as it is with your sister… mm… being aware of how much you are listening, versus how much you are waiting to speak. That may be a good first step. Not that your thoughts aren’t important, but Vel sometimes… needs to be heard in a different way. If she is cut off. If you feel the fire and passion in your chest and you thrust it forward… I suppose it is about boundaries at the end of it. Many of us will bend over backwards to see the ones we love happy with us, and she is no exception. Are you following me?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I am.
Remnii says: I have a strong feeling and a relatively proven feeling that she is particularly weak to family. So if you are assuming the worst, then she probably wants more space or more trust than you are willing to give her at the moment. So for now… I offer you a small set of tools for you to try. They won’t work in every circumstance… but listening first, and even just recording mentally or in a journal reflect on it. Recount how much you talked. Was she getting angry? If she is flustered or cowed, perhaps then it is time to take a step back. Because what she is, and what she went through, have both been quite frightening. I don’t expect her to get over it over night.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t expect her to just… be fine.
Remnii says: I don’t think anyone would be. But… does this seem like a path forward? Or a stepping stone to there? I hope one conversation can help, but it will take practice and some trust to move forward, individually and together.
Gil nodded.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I’m just… hoping I can repair what I’ve done.
Remnii pursed her lips.
Remnii says: The reason I brought up the sense of expectations or change… it comes from what she told me. She needs the same grace from you, and the understanding you are willing to give to others even in dubious circumstances… what makes her different? Is it because she’s your sister? Is it because she’s hatched many competent plans? What makes her different is another important question to ask yourself. If you do not have the answer yet, that is something I want you to ruminate on.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t know if I… really understand it myself.
Remnii nodded.
Remnii says: Then that’s the question you need to answer first. Because whatever that answer is will open the door to what hinders you. Allowing her to occupy the same space that the rest of us do in the sense of your good will. Thusly, that may be your homework. What is it about Vel that sets her apart? The answer can be obvious. Oftentimes the first things that come to mind will hold the most bearing. Dig deep, but don’t hurt yourself.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No, it’s okay, I have a thick head.
Remnii chuffed weakly.
Remnii says: Before I go, we can talk again. See if you can think of that answer. Perhaps after the Green Emissary arrives.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yeah, nothing good will come of that.
Remnii offered a wry smile.
Remnii says: But something good can come of this. I’m proud of you for asking for help. It is something we can all do better with.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yeah, I… she just deserves better than my bullshit, you know?
Remnii says: In a sense, I understand. But begin here. Yes?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yeah, you’ve given me a lot to think about.
Remnii says: How about we take a walk. I believe Ara'shel and Sunny would enjoy each other’s company, yes?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I would be certain of it.
Later that evening, Moroes summoned the group to the same meeting area they had spoken with Locus-Walker in. When they arrived, Gil was greeted with a familiar face. He was a thalassian elf with silverish-blonde hair, and he had a robe that was woven out of vines and bark. His skin appeared to be completely covered in bark, and he had two bright bluish-green eyes.
It was Lord Itharius, the Ambassador of the Green Dragonflight.
He looked at the group with a severe gaze, but didn’t say anything until everyone arrived. When they did, he cleared his throat and asked if that was everyone. Gil confirmed.
Itharius says: Let me make this as brief and straightforward as possible. I am Lord Itharius, ambassador of the Green Dragonflight at the Wyrmrest Accord. I speak with the authority of the Aspect of Dreams, the Emerald Queen, and it is by her desires I am here. In spite of everything, the Green Dragonflight has found it necessary to conscript your assistance in a matter most dire. I trust there are no objections?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No.
Itharius says: I would first ask…
His eyes paused on Seria.
Itharius says: What do any of you know of a being called Hakkar?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: …Actually a surprising amount.
Itharius’s brow raised, awaiting an explanation.
Seria says: He’s an andeyo loa to our people. He’s not worshiped typically.
Itharius says: And that is for a reason, but that does not mean he has never been worshipped.
He gestured with a hand.
Itharius says: As you said, Hakkar is a dangerous entity. One whose history is tied with the loa. The gods of the Zandali empire. While his exact origins are not known to us, the threat he represents is. Over a thousand years prior, the Gurubashi empire of Stranglethorn Vale had an incident in which the blood god, the Soulflayer, was summoned into this world once more. Though the at’ali were indeed dethroned and the dark god slain by the Zandali, it was not they alone that acted. The Hakkari tribe, before it became defunct, had a grand city within the swamps of the southern subcontinent. It’s now referred to as the Swamp of Sorrows. The city was not as large as Zul’
Gurub, but it was impressive. That is, until the Dreamer sunk it beneath the peat that it may be reclaimed by the land. There’s little left of their ancient home, save ruins. The swamp has long since reclaimed it. Yet, it’s tallest building, a temple that was constructed in the Soulflayer’s name, remains. Undoubtedly because of the dark magics woven within its walls. It became important for our dragonflight to keep apprised of the ancient place. Lest the Hakkari return to it. We have watched over it since. My own lair is not far. The great Eranikus, Prime Consort of Ysera, has slumbered within the temple, ensuring its protection since it was buried beneath the water. Though there are some few mortals that call the swamp home, none have been fool enough to approach the temple. Yet… we find ourselves in a predicament. Given the circumstances around Deathwing, the Dreamer has need of her most trusted counsel. The Prime Consort is chief among them.
Velameestra Windrunner says: She’s been unable to contact him?
Itharius says: Astute. Her attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful, and given her own claws are tied, it falls to me to rouse Eranikus from his slumber. I sent a small contingent of drakes into the temple. If some beings had manifested, it was my hope they’d be able to handle themselves, yet they have not returned. Shortly after their disappearance, a strange magic manifested from deep within the temple, one that is enticing to my kind. A lure. As if something or someone hopes to draw more dragons into it. What began as a simple delve has turned into something more sinister. That’s why I require your assistance. Whatever is causing this lure… seeks to pull more dragons into its trap. It is my hope that they are less prepared for mortals. But you should expect anything. It’ll be your responsibility to descent into the sunken temple, find Eranikus and the four other drakes, free them, and put an end to whatever would dare raise hand against our Prime Consort. I can take you as far as the edge of the Pool of Tears. It’ll be up to you to make your way into the temple alone. But I will be on hand to monitor your progress, and should you fail, to take more extreme measures. I trust that will not be necessary.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Failure is not an option.
Uther Menethil says: It’s also not within our skillset.
Itharius says: Hmph. Overconfidence, but perhaps it will serve you well here. If the green dragonflight is to aid the Wyrmrest Accord, the Dreamer will need her Prime Consort at her side. Losing Eranikus would be a severe blow to our flight.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Were you able to assess the nature of the magic being used as a lure? Is it primal or arcane?
Itharius said that it wasn’t arcane, but it didn’t seem it was primal either. However, it was beyond his recognition. Gil asked about defenses in the temple, and Itharius said that the temple had become the lair of Eranikus and he had complete control over it, so nature itself would rise to protect it. He could only advise they don’t bring dragonkind with them, and they’d be leaving first thing in the morning.
Itharius explained the four emerald drakes were named: Scyther, Weavera, Morphius, and Hazzriss. He said he’d fetch them at the crack of dawn, and he took his leave.
Motah asked them if they had any ideas what might be going on, and Vel said that without their eyes being on the temple it was hard to assess. Motah explained that Itharius was kinder than he acted, and Motah’s authority was actually his mate. Eranikus was also his older brother, and he was worried.
Victor and Remnii opted to stay back at Karazhan, as Remnii was not keen on going back to a swamp and she was better served looking after Calia, and Victor, given his unique circumstances, was likely safer also staying to look after his mother. Luma, however, opted to take Remnii’s place, and Teemo also volunteered to come along, as did Motah and Elissa.
When they went to update Riff, he asked the group if he could come on the new secret mission, and everyone looked at Seria. She nodded, but explained what was going on at the temple. Riff’s eyes widened.
Riff says: Oh… do you think I can help if I go?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We don’t know the exact circumstances.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’ve always helped before.
Riff says: Then I’ll go too! It’ll be one last mission for the Death Adders!
Liiraluma says: Why does that feel… sad?
Riff says: I’ll come with! I know I’ll be able to help somehow! And if there are mean cultists down there, we can beat them up! Maybe I can get them to follow me instead!
Velameestra Windrunner says: In that case, rest up.
Riff says: I’ll go to sleep right now!
November 12th
The next morning, the group met Itharius outside the tower. However, he stopped and looked pointed at Riff. He squinted.
Itharius says: Who is this?
Seria says: This is Riff.
Itharius says: And? He was not at the meeting. Why did you choose him to come with you?
Seria says: He can potentially be a good help.
Itharius scowled.
Itharius says: You believe him to *potentially* be an asset?
Riff says: She does! And you said it was up to them to decide who to bring? So I’m coming too! I can help!
Itharius says: …Very well. See to it this child does not slow you down.
Seria says: He won’t.
Itharius withdrew a seed and leaned down to bury it. He blew an array of emerald of energy which created a swirling pattern, and a tree grew up out of the soil. He opened a portal, and on the other side was a murky swamp. He stepped through the gateway, and the rest of the group followed.
They heard the sounds of crickets and frogs, and Itharius ordered them to stay close as the lake was not far away.
They arrived at the edge of the lake that opened in the midst of the swamp. It was very deep, and in the distance they could see a single small edifice that poked out of the brackish water.
Liiraluma says: …This really was an extra fuck you, wasn’t it?
Itharius says: Nature has a way of adapting and changing over the years. This… was simply the green dragonflight speeding things along.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m assuming no one has been seen on the outskirts of the temple, yes?
Itharius says: On the far side of this lake there is a settlement of humans. Frontiersmen, primarily, hoping to find some sort of fortune. They are several miles north, and I’ve seen to it that rumors keep them far from the temple. Any who have been foolish enough to attempt to swim out to the temple have been dealt with. There are other settlements to the north, but they too keep a wide berth.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Good. That means anyone we see shouldn’t be here.
Itharius winced.
Itharius says: I dare not go closer.
Vel used [Detect Magic] and assessed the area. She noted it was an [Antipathy / Sympathy] spell, though it was less powerful, but it was larger than it normally would be expected to be. It seemed like it was from a primal life source, but it’s been altered in a way she could not identify remotely.
Teemo told the group to give her ten minutes, and she and Luma hastily constructed a boat with a large fan on the back Teemo dubbed Marge. Itharius had transformed into his draconic form so he could wait at a distance.
The group boarded the boat and it took off into the lake. Teemo told them that there were some windows under the water along with some spotlights if they wanted to look under the water, though she was pretty certain it was probably too murky to see much.
Vel situated herself at the bow to keep an eye on the surrounding area, and as they got closer, the group heard Elissa scream. Everyone rushed to the bottom of the boat, and Elissa was completely fine, but she had her hands over her mouth.
Elissa Cross says: Sorry! I just saw something… outside the window.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Was it a fish?
Elissa Cross says: It would be a big fish!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What’s the bite force on this?
Teemo Manabrake says: It better have a big mouth! What did you see?
Most of the group gathered around the window, and Gil could see clean through the murk. The entire floor of the lake was waterlogged gurubashi ruins that had been chipped away by the elements. There were several creatures living amongst the ruins. One of them was a very large, algae-covered crocolisk. There were swarms of fish, and in the distance they saw stilted buildings that would indicate murlocs.
Meanwhile, Riff was just staring at the sunken temple as they got closer and closer.
Riff says: There’s… something familiar about this place. Like I’ve been here before, but… you never took my egg here, right mada?
Seria says: Not this swamp.
Riff says: It’s probably nothing.
Liiraluma says: Don’t say that, trust your gut. If it’s probably nothing, it’s probably something. Keep your brains on… or something.
As they got about a mile out from the island, Vel called for Teemo to ease up on the engine and Vel cast [Clairvoyance]. A skull-headed raven appeared in her hand and disappeared into the ethereal plane.
It headed toward the temple and manifested at a stairwell that led down into the temple. There was standing water in many places, but there were spots where someone could walk deeper in. The sensor went deeper, and it found a partially submerged hallway that it followed to a pool.
She navigated the sensor through a maze of sunken and collapsed passageways. The path ended in an antechamber. There were altars, and the chamber had five separate ingresses. One of them had collapsed, the entrance she had entered through, and four other major passageways. There was also a pit that went straight down into the darkness, and several balconies that overlooked the area.
In one of the balconies was a troll, but they were very not alive. He had bloated, waterlogged skin and part of flesh was rotted off.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …There are undead inside.
Uther Menethil says: Interesting.
The sensor went down into the central pit, and there was a very long drop. At the bottom was a pool of water, and it was filled with refuse. There was an entire ecosystem of oozes and maggots in the water, shambling marsh stompers and bog beasts moved around, and there were remnants of bones strewn about. Walking through another stairwell was another undead troll.
She heard a thumping, and a hulking dire troll walked around the edge. The dire troll was not undead, but he seemed to be very close. Fungus was grown into his shoulders, and waterlogged rot had taken to his flesh. His expression was slack-jawed, but he did not appear to be dead.
The sensor continued forward and it headed around some stairways. The first thing she saw was a wide chamber with bones strewn about, and there were four green drakes inside. They were alive. One was sleeping with another nearby, while the other two kept watch.
Vel could tell they all appeared to be wounded. Their scales had been peeled away, and there were a few injuries.
She carefully navigated her sensor around the dragons and she headed deeper into the temple. At the edge of the passageway wasn’t another green dragon. But instead it was an echo of one. A reminder of a great green dragon. It appeared to be slumbering.
Vel didn’t know everything about how green dragons worked. But the creature was almost incorporeal, as if it wasn’t fully there. She had to wonder if this was a lingering echo of Eranikus, and he was instead in the Emerald Dream in the exact same spot.
She guided her sensor out through the temple and made a mental note on how to return to the depths where she had found Eranikus. She then broke concentration, and the sensor vanished.
She relayed to the group what she had seen, though she admitted she hadn’t gotten close enough to the drakes to fully assess their injuries as they were on high alert.
Teemo kicked the engine back on and started to move forward, but at that moment Gil’s ear twitched, as he sensed they were approaching a gateway to another plane.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That’s probably not good.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What is it?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There’s a portal in there.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Can you tell where to?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I have to get closer.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Can you triangulate it?
Gil closed his eyes, and he was able to tell without a doubt it was coming from the temple and he had a lock on it.
Vel told the group she hadn’t been able to assess how many people were in the temple, so being as silent as they could would only be to their advantage.
Liiraluma says: I’ll put the pots and pans away then.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Thank you, we appreciate that.
Elissa Cross says: …What did you need pots and pans for?
Luma looked down at Elissa.
Elissa Cross says: Oh you where- oh I get it! Sorry!
The barge pulled up next to the temple and they all exited onto the upper tier. Gil could sense the portal down the stairs. He asked Motah if he knew if there were any permanent dream gateways in the area, and Motah said he didn’t know of any in the swamp.
They headed into the temple, and Gil turned invisible. There was something different about the portal he was sensing. It wasn’t like a hole that could be stepped through. It was something else. Almost as if the portal was more of a slide or a rift.
Or a throat.
The entire staircase was the portal, and they were actively sliding into it. Eranikus had made the place its lair. It had become an extension of him.
Gil stopped everyone and relayed what he had realized, but he wasn’t sure where exactly the portal was going. Teemo grabbed the Demon Soul and said it was going crazy right now, and it felt like they were getting closer.
Vel cautiously led the group through the sunken areas from before as well as the drenched and soaked ritual pools. The passages almost began to look less drowned. The stone was less weathered. It was almost as if the temple around them began to grow younger.
Riff had not blinked once after they entered.
Riff says: Mada. Why do I feel like I’m home?
Vel rounded a corner and rounded into the pit of sacrifice. The ring of tarnished gold was bright, and the smears of blood were fresh, as if it had just been used yesterday. There were echoes and memories of dozens of ata’lai priests. The collapsed passageways weren’t collapsed, and everything looked freshly built.
Up ahead, they saw a single figure gesticulating with a Hakkar bone dagger in their hand. Dark, blackish violet hair was slicked up, and his shoulders were dressed in ceremonial robes. The troll turned toward the group as they entered. His skin was deeply pallid, and he had a sunken face tattooed with white, red, and violet.
It was a familiar face.
Jammal’an the Prophet.
Jammal'an says: It took you long enough, and yet the prodigal son returns all the same. Welcome home!
He was looking straight at Riff.
