Appearing Characters: Anarys Lunastre, Arthak Saurfang, Deline Glimmerdusk, Laistall Salor, Ly'leth Lunastre, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Runas, Sol'chi, Tipha Thaborqinn, Vanthir Leburque, Zar'Kaa
December 16th
While Zar’Kaa was disguised as a commoner, he decided to confront the disguised Arthak to rile up unrest amongst the others in response to the fact an orc managed to freely get arcwine from the Duskwatch.
Zar'Kaa says: Where do you think you’re going with that?
Arthak Saurfang says: No business of yours, small teeth.
Arthak moved to shove Zar’Kaa out of the way.
Zar'Kaa says: Small teeth can still bite, outsider! That thing you have is something me and my people fucking need! It’s not some delicacy that you and all of your rock-brained people can sip on while you dine in the hospitality of our fucking city!
Arthak started laughing.
Arthak Saurfang says: Okay. That’s cute. Here. If you need it so much.
He took a swig out of the bottle and spit it on Zar’Kaa before trying to shove by again.
Arthak Saurfang says: Consider that a tip for the show.
Zar’Kaa wiped off his face.
Zar'Kaa says: I hope those ridiculous tusks hold up.
He threw a punch right at Arthak’s face. Arthak grabbed Zar’Kaa by the arm and lifted him off the ground.
Arthak Saurfang says: Listen, small teeth, be grateful I’m in a good mood. Otherwise I’d be pulling your arms off while you screamed. This is our city now. Get used to it.
He flung Zar’Kaa aside and continued to walk away. Some of the Duskwatch started to approach rapidly as some of the onlookers whispered to each other.
Zar'Kaa says: Am I the only one who is fucking tired? Tired of all being under someone else’s boot? The Magistrix? Or anyone she invites to our city? Tired! Of never having enough to go on! Is this what we have to look forward to? Bastards like this! Taking advantage in any way they can! Stripping us of the things we need to keep going! Until we’re waned! Is that our future?
Duskwatch Guard says: Is there a problem here, sir?
The Duskwatch stop nearby.
Zar'Kaa says: There is! It’s a shame you don’t recognize what it is.
He raised the dusklily and let it drop to the ground. The Duskwatch that was on foot stepped forward.
Duskwatch Guard says: Sir, you’ve been causing distractions in the street. Initially, after you began an altercation with our guest, we sought to intervene, but it seems he took care of that. Unless you want us to bring you in to cool off, I suggest you move along. Zar’Kaa got the vibe from the crowd that some seemed to agree with him, but a lot of them were surprised he wasn’t being booked immediately.
Zar'Kaa says: Yes yes, I’ll just move on. Who knows, maybe next time I won’t have a mind to address you given none of the arcwine is going where it needs to go.
Duskwatch Guard says: We’ve heard enough. This is your last warning, sir, and if we see you starting trouble again, I won’t be so lenient.
However, the one on the night saber furrowed her brow.
Duskwatch Patroller says: Wait a moment.
Duskwatch Guard says: What’s wrong?
Duskwatch Patroller says: What’s your name?
Zar'Kaa says: Satiras Thayendar.
The Duskwatch guard on the nightsaber spoke through a sending stone. Something was sent back, and she looked Zar’Kaa up and down.
Duskwatch Patroller says: Illusion magic. It’s not illegal, here in Suramar. But it is rather curious to find someone stirring up trouble on the streets while bearing such an illusion. You’re not hiding something, are you mister Thayendar?
Zar'Kaa says: Well if I were, would I have kicked up this fuss?
Duskwatch Patroller says: I think perhaps you might have.
She moved closer.
Duskwatch Patroller says: Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t bring you to the Sanctum of Order for a more personal chat.
Zar’Kaa pulled at his shirt and sucked at the arcwine that was spat at him.
Zar'Kaa says: I’m trying to not let anyone see how bad it’s gotten. My skin’s already started to change. Who wouldn’t want to hide looking like that?
The mounted guard furrowed her brow.
Duskwatch Patroller says: Surely the common should have enough arcwine to not progress to such a severe stage.
The other guard looked at her.
Duskwatch Guard says: Things have been getting tighter.
Duskwatch Patroller says: Regardless, that’s no excuse to make a scene. Seems to me you should be conserving your strength.
Duskwatch Guard says: Look. If it’s gotten to that point, we can bring you in to monitor your condition and help you recover. If you’re really so short on arcwine that you’re to that point…
Zar’Kaa rubbed his temple.
Zar'Kaa says: I don’t think I’m there yet, but if this continues… can I make my way back here and take you up on that?
The mounted guard rolled her eyes, while the one of foot looked at Zar’Kaa, but nodded.
Duskwatch Guard says: If it gets to that point.
He wrote an address down and handed it over.
Duskwatch Guard says: Get some help here. In the meantime.
He took his personal canteen off and handed it over.
Duskwatch Guard says: Maybe this can take the edge off. Don’t start any more problems, alright?
Zar’Kaa took the offerings and nodded. He asked for the guard’s name. The guard said his name was Laistall, and he told him to get himself some help.
The mounted guard added she didn’t want to see him again.
Zar’Kaa nodded and took a big swig of the arcwine. Laistall suggested Zar’Kaa don’t pick fights with the orcs, as he was lucky he had his life.
Meanwhile, Nyxxa had made her way to one of the red-light districts of Suramar, and she found an entertainment parlor called the Willowy Wisp. She headed in and saw a very tall nightborne with black hair and deep violet skin with silvery-pink eyes.
They welcomed Nyxxa to the Willowy Wisp and asked if she was there for business or pleasure. She explained she was looking to find part-time work. The individual noted she was a satyr, and she confirmed.
Nightborne Proprietor says: I heard you became a satyr by blaspheming against the goddess… if that were true, I’m surprised this city isn’t full of them. Elune turned her back on this city a long time ago. So. You are looking to start a gig of your own. Do you have experience in this line or work, darling?
Nyxxxa Murkthorn says: I was never officially employed, but yes.
The nightborne smirked.
Nightborne Proprietor says: A lot of folk coming through this door start the same way. I’m sure you’ll be fine, honey. Normally we want to put you through a probationary period, but we are a bit desperate for good help.
Nyxxxa Murkthorn says: Has something happened?
Nightborne Proprietor says: Hard times, you could say.
Nyxxxa Murkthorn says: I see. Hopefully the novelty might help!
Nightborne Proprietor says: Perhaps it would.
Nyxxa explained she had experience with dance, and the nightborne offered for her to show them what she was capable of. Nyxxa seemed to impress the nightborne, and she introduced herself. The nightborne said their name was Tipha Thaborqinn, and they said she was more than skilled enough to work at the Willowy Wisp.
They said she was free to use their stage or otherwise make her own appointments, and there would be a cut the house would take from what she was able to bring in. There were a number of ways that compensation could be offered. Normally, there was a stipend of arcwine, but their stores had been diminished in recent months.
Nyxxa asked how they could be restored, and Tipha commented that it would likely take a miracle, as times were hard across the board. Nyxxa pressed, as Tipha looked troubled.
Tipha Thaborqinn says: …Truthfully, I’m surprised to see you here, as I thought you’d have been employed by the sayaad. Some of our more affluent patrons have been going elsewhere, and given the nature of the Grand Magistrix’s new guests, they provide something we are unable to reproduce. What’s worse, some of our best girls are… they have found it hard to keep the level of business required. They have pushed themselves too hard, and with the shortages, they’ve overtaxed themselves. Our business is shrinking and our workforce is dwindling. Even our competitors in the Gilded Market are struggling. At least those who have not kowtowed to the new way of things. The sayaad are threatening our way of life, to be frank. But I don’t mean to trouble you. I’ll be glad to provide you with a platform for as long as we can.
Nyxxa expressed she hoped she could help in some way. Tipha offered her the opportunity to make some home visits if she wanted to get right to work, and Nyxxa decided to accept one at the barracks and pass fliers out on the way.
Arthak asked Deline if there was a Duskwatch member that dealt arcwine on the side, and she laughed and said there was. He was a dumbass, and she thought his dirty product was being used to track amateur smugglers, but she knew how to scramble things up. Arthak asked if she minded if he removed him from the ecosystem temporarily, and she commented she wouldn’t mind him being permanently removed, but they both acknowledged that might cause too much commotion.
Deline led him to the back alleys where this fellow operated right under the Sanctum of Order. He was in the company of a decommissioned Duskwatch sentinel, and he was a thin-as-nails nightborne with a setup where the product was out in the open in crates.
Arthak had shifted his disguise to a giant of a nightborne man. The corrupt Duskwatch dealer asked him if he was looking for product, and Arthak nodded. The dealer said that it was straight from the vineyard. Arthak said he had coin, but he had to make sure he was getting the real stuff.
The dealer hopped off a crate and extracted one of the bottles. He grinned proudly as he held it up.
Arthak Saurfang says: Alright. I think we can do business.
Arthak pulled out a sack of coin, and as the dealer reached out to take it, Arthak decked him in the face. He activated the defenses, which generated a gate of force to prevent Arthak’s escape, but he hurled the dealer at one of the devices. The device crumbled, and the sentinel then activated.
But Arthak drew his blade and trashed it, leaving little more than a smoldering pile of metal.
Sol also got the aid of Deline to find an arcwine warehouse that was scheduled to get shipments in the next hour. He surveyed the interior and got a read on it, then opened up a door to a [Demiplane] that replicated the interior of the warehouse.
The scheme seemed to go without a hitch until the last wave, where Sol managed to distract the crew by having his deranged owl familiar attack him to make a scene.
Sol'chi says: Leave me alone! Why is it every three days!
The guards are completely flabbergasted and two of the guards hurried over to help him. Magic started to manifest around one guard’s hand.
Sol'chi says: Wait! Don’t hurt the bird! It’s a familiar! Jilted ex lover. They’ve been sending it every three days!
Duskwatch Guard says: What… what do you want us to do sir? Do you want to file a harassment complaint?
Sol'chi says: No! No. It’ll lose interest. She was worth it.
The guards continues to be completely baffled, and eventually Hooty took off. One of the guards had started crying, and he grabbed Sol’s hand and assured him that he had faith he could win her back and he should never give up on true love.
The door was locked up, none of them any the wiser.
Nyxxa continued up to the barracks and she noted some guards playing some games. She approached, and they asked what she was there for. She explained she was from the Willowy Wisp, and recognition passed over the guards and they explained that they had sent the request to cheer up one of their cohorts who has had a rough couple of days.
Nyxxa was introduced to the crew, and they explained that it was an anniversary of their cohort joining the Duskwatch, but they were also very worried about him. Before long, the nightborne in question arrived. He was young and he looked exhausted.
His friends jumped out in surprise, and he asked what they were doing. They explained they wanted to give him a bit of a celebration, and he said they didn’t have to, as he thought he was just going to head home and try to rest.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Well, it would be a shame for this order to go to waste. I could give you a massage if you like? Something more low-key?
The Duskwatch guard said he didn’t recognize her, and she explained she was a new hire at the Wisp as they had been a bit short staffed.
The man’s face paled.
Duskwatch Guard says: Yeah… you’re right. I know you came a long way, but… okay, yeah, alright. I guess that wouldn’t be bad.
Nyxxa started to massage his shoulders, and the man started to cry. Nyxxa asked what was wrong.
Duskwatch Guard says: Sorry, it’s just… there was um… there’s a girl at the Wisp. She used to help. I would go visit her. You just reminded me of her. I’m sorry. I’m just…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: What happened?
Duskwatch Guard says: She… she has younger siblings she took care of. One day she just collapsed while taking a client, and when she did she broke something valuable… the noble wasn’t happy and they demanded recompense. She was struggling to pay it back, and eventually she just couldn’t work… I just feel so helpless. I’m sorry. It’s just… been hard.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Thank you for telling me. I want to help them too.
Duskwatch Guard says: What can you do? It’s not like we can pay off the debt. None of us has that kind of money, even if we were to pool it together. It’s not like we can get her arcwine… we barely have enough for ourselves and our families.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: In times like these, we can only look out for each other. I know that’s strange from a demon, but this was my city once… they, in a way, took it away from me a long time ago.
Another Duskwatch guard suggested they could get her some arcwine, and when he got some glances he said he was serious. Nyxxa said she could help, and one of the distraught Duskwatch guard told them they couldn’t seriously be considering that. Nyxxa said she had more skills than just being an escort.
A quieter guard said that no one would miss a barrel if it went missing. And they could split it, and ultimately if the Grand Magistrix cared about her people wouldn’t care. Another one said if they got court martialed then they couldn’t help anyone, and it was only a matter of time before people found out.
However, someone else said that there were other people that felt that way, and they had all heard the rumors about the First Arcanist. Someone suggested it wasn’t uncommon for people to leave the public eye, but it was rebuked by the fact her estate had gotten ripped apart.
Nyxxa said that they weren’t rumors, and she knew because she helped her. She said she was there investigating the city, and she produced the coin of the Dusklily.
Their eyes all widened. She explained she was working on getting a stream of arcwine to those that needed it before things went south. They all agreed to help, and they went down to the basement where Nyxxa put on a dancing performance to make it look like a bunch of guards were just having fun while another guard took the spigot and slipped away to siphon off some arcwine.
One of the captains came down to see what the commotion was, and he seemed a bit disgruntled, but ultimately left them to it after telling them not to distract the other guards.
Soon after, the guard that had slipped away came back panting and flustered, and he said it was terrifying… and also exhilarating.
Nyxxa also took a few bottles specifically for the Willowy Wisp, and with some additional words of encouragement, Nyxxa took her leave. She returned to the Willowy Wisp and asked Tipha how much the worker owed. They said that the worker owed 2,000 gp. Nyxxa just handed over the sum.
Tipha Thaborqinn says: Are you… serious, honey? I’m supposed to be paying you, what are you doing?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: What I want is for rich assholes to stop taking advantage of people like you.
She also slid over the symbol of the Dusklily. Tipha looked at it, and then back and Nyxxa, and said they could arrange something. They smiled.
Zar’Kaa helped cover the escapes and they reconvened with Deline. She commented that they could make a career out of smuggling, and Nyxxa offered that she also found some people that wanted to get involved in the bigger scope, but she figured that was a conversation for others.
Runas nodded and said he was pretty sure Silgryn could help them out.
Zar’Kaa apologized to Arthaak about the punch, who shrugged and said he had been punched plenty before.
Back at the Waning Crescent, Rak’Symma accompanied Vanthir on several of his deliveries. He asked what she thought of the city.
Rak'Symma says: Cities as a whole… are not things I care for.
Vanthir Leburque says: I imagine that might be the case. Though I’ve not seen what you look like behind that mask, I pieced a few things together. You hide it well, but there’s a peculiarity in how you walk. Part of the reason I thought it would be smart for you to join me. A little more practice can go a long way. I’m not surprised Ly’leth set such a dramatic persona for you to inhabit. While I’m sure you have questions about the way Ly’leth approached this… I can at least tell you here heart is in the right place. Though I’m sure you heard that.
Rak'Symma says: It is what I’ll have to believe to be true. Most of my issue is for personal reasons.
Vanthir Leburque says: Care to share, or keep to yourself?
Rak'Symma says: I just know what it’s like to have your face stolen.
Vanthir Leburque says: Faces and names are what we use to identify ourselves.
Rak'Symma says: Your city has a most unfortunate face.
Vanthir Leburque says: It must seem like that. Especially to an outsider. I can’t blame you, especially now. I imagine you must see the squalor and the greed and the pride… I imagine someone who came from where you did would find these things to be, well, disgusting. Aberrant. And I’m inclined to agree.
Rak'Symma says: I think you have the right idea, but your reasoning may be off.
Vanthir Leburque says: Oh?
Rak'Symma says: It’s the density. The amount of people in one location that upsets me. That is part of what leads to conditions you described. I understand the need for community, but this whole city is out of balance and out of place.
Vanthir Leburque says: Regrettably, that is what happens when you trap people for generations, but that bubble has popped and it’s a wide world.
Rak'Symma says: Not as terrible as you might believe.
Vanthir Leburque says: You say it’s a face that’s unappealing, and I would agree. But like that mask you wear, I think our face is currently hidden by a mask we’ve been wearing for millennia without realizing it. And now it’s begun to itch and we are digging at our own skin trying to tear it off. I hope when you see the true face, you won’t be as disgusted.
Rak'Symma says: Our face changes as we age. As Suramar grows, I believe its face will change. But I will say one thing frankly… I worry once things are settled. I wonder if they’ll actually be content. Your city has a history of reaching outside its bounds.
Vanthir chuckled.
Vanthir Leburque says: An unfortunate side effect of my people.
Rak'Symma says: So will all these efforts be enough?
Vanthir Leburque says: Only time will tell. But I believe contentment is a complicated thing. I think that there’s nothing wrong to seek a tomorrow that is a little more than yesterday. It’s only when that path makes you forget about people who are still behind you… that is when ambition falters. But I feel that without the older leadership that can be channeled to something more productive.
Rak'Symma says: I hope so. Because I fear that those who do not realize will find the world has teeth.
Vanthir Leburque says: Of that I have no doubt. But my ambition is to bring that into balance. It seems this is our next stop. If you’d be so kind.
Rak’Symma, still under her disguise, helped tend to some of the sickly, and she eventually returned to the Waning Crescent with Vanthir, where the rest of her companions were also waiting. They discussed their next steps, as Ly’leth could likely arrange a vineyard tour so they could figure out a way to perhaps get a direct shipment from the vineyards. Vanthir said he would bring the idea to Ly’leth when he spoke to her later.
Nyxxa also gave Vanthir a rundown of the Willowy Wisp, and he said that he would reach out to Tipha as they were a good person that cared for their people.
Zar’Kaa asked about abandoned structures in the city, and Vanthir said there were a few sparse ones he knew of as most were being used. Zar’Kaa said he wanted to set up a clinic the common folk of Suramar could access. Vanthir said that was risky to do without a permit, but going through the proper channels could take time.
He said he could get permission to open up stalls for the Waning Crescent which could be used as a front of sorts, and it was a way to get a finger on the pulse of the city. Nyxxa suggested Zar’Kaa train some people so they could continue without him, and he agreed that was a good idea.
Vanthir also brought up that he knew someone named Arluin that was valuable for information, but his payment unfortunately was only in arcwine and they had little to spare. Arthak said they could possibly set up an arrangement because there was a likelihood they wouldn’t be in short supply. Nyxxa also brought up the idea of stealing from the noble that was exploiting the poor, and Vanthir scoffed, as he knew the name and he wasn’t surprised. Ruven Duskmere was likely to be one of Ly’leth’s biggest opponents. Arthak suggested the possibility of taking out that competition.
Vanthir chuckled, but said they had done enough for the day.
December 17th
The next day, Ly’leth mused on how terribly reckless a tour of the vineyards would be. She seemed amused as they all agreed they were aware, but she heavily advised them to be a well-oiled machine as one misstep would bring the entire Duskwatch down on their heads.
But, if they were serious, she could secure an appointment five days from then.
Runas volunteered to help forge any needed documents, and Arthak produces a copy of Rend’s mark so that he could use it to forge orders from the warchief lending some members of the Horde as a liaison and guard for Anarys.
Ly’leth said she would arrange for outfits for them, and Rak’Symma went to speak with Anarys for input on what they would like to wear. However, she also admitted that she allowed some people to see her use healing magic.
Anarys asked her to explain, and Rak’Symma took Anarys’s palm and scratched it with her talon and immediately healed it. Anarys pulled their hand away in pain but then looked at the closed wound.
Anarys Lunastre says: Oh… oh. You did THAT out there?
Rak’Symma nodded and added she also healed a cough and a fever a child had.
Anarys Lunastre says: …Ah. So I need to learn how to do miracles in here now.
Rak’Symma suggested Anarys could lie and call it a boon from the goddess.
Anarys Lunastre says: The goddess? Who worships the goddess anymore?
Rak'Symma says: Here? I don’t know. Beyond the walls, many. She’s very kind.
Anarys Lunastre says: You know that? That’s a thing you know? Have you spoken to her too?
Rak'Symma says: I’ve seen her face.
Anarys started to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. Symma offered to, some night, in repayment for their tolerance, she could show Anarys what the rest of the world looked like. Anarys correctly surmised she was talking about a dream spell, but they had decided that they liked her, and swiftly overwhelmed her with a crash course in fashion.
Nyxxa, meanwhile, had shared with Ly’leth the tale of Ruven Duskmere as she honestly kind of wanted to kill him. Ly’leth acknowledged he was among one of their most likely opponents, but going out and killing the man was a bit extreme for the moment. However, unfortunately what he had done to the escort was within his right as he hadn’t harmed her.
But, she would do what she could to ease some of the burden at the Willowy Wisp for the time being.
And in regards to Ruven… they could find something that proves him to be reprehensible enough that he is no longer an issue. Zar’Kaa suggested they could ask Arluin, and Ly’leth agreed that was a good place to start. All the same, she was confident there would be an opportunity to take Ruven out one way or another.
Arthak asked if she thought the houses would survive the revolution, and Ly’leth said she had been in contact with Thalyssra and they had plans to ensure the wealth would be redistributed and the houses that remained would need to adjust.
Arthak said they couldn’t allow any roots that would fester in the future, and Ly’leth admitted that advice was as wise as it was ruthless, though she was unsure Thalyssra would like it. But at the moment, their efforts were better directed elsewhere. When the competition for advisorship grew closer, Ruven’s activities would likely become more apparent as well.
After breakfast, Zar’Kaa went to find Nyxxa. She was trying on clothes and he walked in on her half naked.
Zar'Kaa says: Oh! Shit!
He turned his gaze away and Nyxxa asked if he was okay.
Zar'Kaa says: Yeah, I’m fine! I just didn’t know you were… yeah…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Oh. Because I’m… wait, don’t you never wear a shirt?
Zar'Kaa says: Well, yeah, but I don’t have any experience with this.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Okay, I’m covered.
Zar'Kaa says: Okay.
Zar’Kaa looked back at her and she had quickly put on a shirt. He sighed and asked how it was going picking out outfits. She said it was interesting to see what the fashion had become, even if she didn’t remember what it used to be.
Zar’Kaa asked Nyxxa to walk with him, and she opted to take a break from trying on clothes and asked what was on his mind.
Zar'Kaa says: Well… I’m probably not the first to check in with you about what’s coming.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Yeah. I think I’m as okay as I’m going to be, I just need to plan knowing I’m not gonna be here next time.
Zar'Kaa says: Sensible. What do you think it’ll be like?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’ve died before.
Zar'Kaa says: Yeah, but you always reform.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Yeah, and reforming is always the worst part, so I’m frankly thrilled that’s not going to happen again.
Zar'Kaa says: After tens of thousands of years of doing that, I’d say you earned a rest.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Were I sure I’m actually going to be resting.
Zar'Kaa says: Fair. I just… thought it was good for me to apologize.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: For what?
Zar'Kaa says: I didn’t make a good impression when I met all of you. You showed me kindness. You were patient and gave me the benefit of the doubt, things I’m not used to from… anybody. I didn’t return the favor, and that wasn’t okay.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Well. Thank you. While I’m glad you can see that, I also know first hand it’s something you need to learn. From what you’ve told me of your life, I understand why you did act how you did. It hurt, at points, but I knew where it was coming from.
Zar'Kaa says: Well, I guess I’m good at hurting people but not much else.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: That’s not true. If that’s all you were good at, you wouldn’t be a medic.
Zar'Kaa says: Yeah, I can treat sickness, but that’s not the same thing as healing.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: But it’s also not hurting.
Zar'Kaa says: No. I guess it isn’t.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: And it’s a common saying that hurt people hurt people.
Zar'Kaa says: I didn’t expect to become friends with any of you. And I was afraid of doing that. And you are the one I was most afraid of befriending.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Why?
Zar'Kaa says: Because if I could accept your kindness, it might mean that it’s going to be ripped away all over again. It’s happened before. I’ve been working for a long time to make myself into someone that couldn’t be hurt, but I didn’t do a good job.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Something that has granted me solace through this is that realizing no matter what, everything ends eventually. While that’s true for good things, it’s also true for bad things too. You have people in your life, and you lose them. But then you gain new ones. It’s a cycle. And it’s hard.
Zar'Kaa says: I know how to lose people in that other sense. In things falling apart or them doing me wrong or me screwing things up. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a friend like this. I’m not saying it won’t be okay when you go, Nyxxa. If anything, I’ve been trying to step up. To fill that void when you leave us. But… I don’t know. I wish we had more time together. I’m not high on your list of priorities or what have you, but I want you know our time together has meant a great deal.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m glad. And I’m hoping what happens here won’t scare you away from new connections. Having only some bonds… I’ve found people that try to spare themselves from sorrow end up hurt the most. The more bonds you have, the more support when one snaps. I’m certain you’ll feel when I’m gone, but I have faith in all you. I don’t need someone to take my place in the group.
Zar'Kaa says: It’s not that, it’s just I want to do more of what I should have been doing in the first place. I don’t know if anyone has said that to me, by the way.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: What?
Zar'Kaa says: That you have faith in me. It’s that what I’ll miss the most.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I know for a fact that both Zuni and Zekhan have faith in you too. I’m not the only one that does.
Zar'Kaa says: Amongst the Darkspear… even them. I don’t know. But I’m working on being friends with the rest of the warband.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: How do you view faith, Zar’Kaa?
Zar'Kaa says: It’s like being able to craft a piece of pottery knowing whatever contents that’ll take up its space won’t break it. You can trust and depend on someone.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I see.
Zar'Kaa says: Why do you ask?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Something I’ve thought about… well first, do you have faith in me?
Zar’Kaa paused and stayed quiet for a moment.
Zar'Kaa says: Yes.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: At the same time, would you have faith in me knowing I know nothing about medicine but was attempting an operation?
Zar'Kaa says: That wouldn’t be a question of faith.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: But would you put your faith in me? The problem with words is they mean many things, and I fear people have been telling you this entire time that they have faith in you in their own way.
Zar'Kaa says: I’m not about to rehash all of that… it’s too much to go through and unearth at once.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I know it’s hard. While we don’t always agree with each other, it’s always come from concern and love. I know everyone here has their faith in you too. We wouldn’t be working together if there was no faith, Zar’Kaa. It’s difficult to hear that when all you’ve known is loneliness. I know.
Zar'Kaa says: I guess you do. That’s another thing that I did not try to understand at first. But you’re right. Arthak asked me to join the Horde.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: He wouldn’t do that if he didn’t have faith in you.
Zar’Kaa shook his head.
Zar'Kaa says: I guess I just don’t understand. I have skills. I know what kind of warrior I am. And I have ambition. But… I mean, hell, my people don’t want me. Why would the Horde?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: If your people don’t want you, that’s their loss. From our talk with Bru’kan in Highmountain. If they don’t want you, it’s because they are blinded by their own pain. Not because you’re lacking something. And if they are that consumed, then they are not worth you doing the work for them. Don’t give yourself to people that don’t treat you right.
Zar'Kaa says: And you think the Horde would?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Arthak would. I can’t speak for the Horde in its entirety. They’re changing, but there are good people in it. And they’ll be happy to meet you. And I’ve mentioned before, Arthak and I didn’t start off on the right hoof either, so you aren’t alone in that.
Zar'Kaa says: I did throw a poisoned dart at him…
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: You’re in perfect company. If Arthak wants you, then he wants you. Best to take that at surface level.
Zar'Kaa says: I don’t know how I feel about him being my boss, but… maybe actually being friends will be a good start.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Actually Zar’Kaa, I have a thought, and you’re welcome to take it or not. If you believe the Darkspear are going to let you go, then why give them the choice? Leave on your own terms. That was taken away last time.
Zar'Kaa says: I’d still be leaving them and I’d be weak for it.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I don’t think so. If you have two paths in front of you and both lead to the same place… when I am put in that circumstance, I take the one that gives me more control. They’ve taken a lot from you, Zar’Kaa. I wouldn’t let them take more.
Zar’Kaa went quiet for another long moment.
Zar'Kaa says: I won’t… I’ll think about it. Even during a conversation I meant to talk about you, you still managed to hold space for me too.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I prefer when conversations are give and take. It may surprise you, but I don’t feel comfortable talking about myself all the time. Friendship for for relying on each other and offering an ear. And what I advise is not always going to be what you need. But we can talk about simpler things now. Enjoy the walk. Enjoy the city.
They talked for a bit, but then Nyxxa mentioned she noted what Theryn was going through seemed to be hitting him hard.
Zar'Kaa says: What?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I saw your face in the Dream. When we were watching him wither.
Zar'Kaa says: Oh… I…
He didn’t seem to have realized the same thing at all.
Zar'Kaa says: I didn’t really think about that. I’ve been trying to understand him for a while now. Before we even went into the Dream. But once we did, it was like looking in a mirror.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I understand. It was the child that did it for me. I just want you to know I understand and am with you.
Zar'Kaa says: There’s not much we can do on that. He is what he is now. But… at least knowing what happened and the fact he isn’t alone… it might be cold comfort, but a comfort of some form.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m certain he’ll take solace in the fact it was thanks to him we were able to save his daughter.
Zar'Kaa says: You could. I couldn’t step foot in that place.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: You don’t need to fight every battle, Zar’Kaa. None of us can. Take time for yourself too.
Zar'Kaa says: For now I need to stay focused.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Don’t overtax yourself. As a medic you should know that’ll catch up with you.
Zar’Kaa shot her a look.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I’m a satyr, I play dirty. But, can you promise me you’ll remember this conversation?
Zar'Kaa says: Yes.
Zar’Kaa opted to initiate the hug, and Nyxxa returned it.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: One more thing Zar’Kaa… that moment when you told me you weren’t looking for a mother. I must admit something. I wasn’t trying to treat you like a child. I was treating you like I would a stray cat. Sorry.
Zar'Kaa says: If you weren’t on your way out, I might be more unhappy… but I guess I’ll take a page from your book and let it go.
