Appearing Characters: Chromie, Connell Travard, Efrina Travard, Elissa Cross, Galford Travard, Gilveradin Windrunner, Katrina Travard, Liiraluma, Riff, Robert Travard, Samia Inkling, Seria, Squiggy, Teemo Manabrake, Thal'ena Dawnseeker, Uther Menethil, Vaelastrasz, Velameestra Windrunner, Zagarra
September 28th
Velameestra Windrunner says: Apologies. I think I overshot it… is everyone in one piece?
Elissa was quite dizzy and fell over, but she was fine. Luma steadied themselves and shook their head.
Liiraluma says: I’m falling to pieces!
There was a disengaging sound as they released the joint of their prosthetic arm and caught it in their other hand. But then they stumbled.
Liiraluma says: Okay, I actually shouldn’t have done that. Ugh.
Uther Menethil says: All things considered, I believe I’m alright.
Riff says: I don’t know what you all are talking about, that was fun! Can we do it again!?
He also stumbled a bit, but he clearly thought it was a fun experience.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We should probably get our bearings and figure out where we ended up. It’s hard to tell when you need to shunt out of the leylines like that.
Riff says: I can go look!
Riff turned into a small flying snake and took off into the air.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Riff, you don’t know the area!
Riff was already gone, and Seria shook her head before shifting into a raven and taking off after him. Vel did the same and followed suit. It was very bright above the tree cover.
They get a baseline survey of the area, and it seemed to fit the climate of Lordaeron enough that it seemed they were still in the right area. Seria was able to triangulate they were northwest of Lordaeron’s capital city, and it seemed they were about 15-30 miles away from the shoreline. However, they were closer to their destination than their initial target was.
Riff says [telepathic bond]: We’re definitely in a forest somewhere! And look, I can see water!
He pointed his snoot in the direction of the water. Seria relayed they weren’t actually horrendously off course, and they could see mills and farmland that lead up to the mountains and hills that marked their destination. They flew back to the group and once more took their humanoid forms.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It seems we’re actually closer to where we needed to be than Fenris Isle was.
Elissa Cross says: Wow! That’s amazing Vel!
Velameestra Windrunner says: I wish I could say that was on purpose, but it unfortunately… definitely wasn’t.
Elissa Cross says: Wait, so you accidentally got us closer?
Uther Menethil says: Of course you did.
Liiraluma says: Good!
Velameestra Windrunner says: We could probably make good time if we utilize Seria’s methods of transportation.
Seria focused her magics and cast [Wind Walk] over the group.
Liiraluma says: I’m not going to ask how it interacts with an inorganic arm, but… ah!
Fortunately, their arm had also transformed into the gaseous form that vaguely resembled a talbuk. They took off into the sky, and for the first time in forever, Uther had the chance to survey his home from the vantage point of a cloud. The breeze was cool, and many of the trees had started to turn and lose their leaves. There were farmsteads, mills, villages, and the like going about their normal business.
After the first hour, they passed over what appeared to be a watchtower. It had been there previously, but it had been since built out into a barracks. The old fishing village that had been there was gone, and had been turned into a military outpost. They couldn’t help but notice some banners. One was the familiar banner of Lordaeron, but instead of it being white and blue, the L was in crimson red. Alongside it were banners of the Holy Light, as well as a symbol that resembled the crimson flame. The soldiers within were also wearing tabards with the flaming symbol. They did not not appear to be typical soldiers.
As they flew over the farmsteads, they saw the influence of the same soldiers in smaller groups. They also witnessed a priest that seemed to be doing a blessing in an outdoor chapel. As Uther looked down on the groups, it seemed they operated like the Silver Hand, but he didn’t think they were all paladins.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: I don’t much care for that…
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: Can you see your house from here?
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: I certainly can’t see my house. But this is home.
There were a few clouds that slowly rolled in and offered some occasional cover, but it was largely sunny (much to Vel’s chagrin). As they passed over the mountains, they saw the beautiful lake that was Tirisfal Lake, which was one of the largest ones in the Lordaeron region. They continued south through the region, something caught Vel’s eye as they coasted along the eastern edge of the lake. Something shimmered from the deeper part of the wood near the low hills: the unmistakable sign of massive webs, and the whispers of giant spiders.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: …Be on the lookout for webs.
They reached the edge of a village by around mid-afternoon. There were a few simple fishing boats out on the water casting their nets, and there was only about two dozen buildings making up the village itself. It was likely the village of Tirisvar.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: We should likely land on the outskirts. I don’t think they would enjoy clouds turning into people in the middle of the village.
Riff says [telepathic bond]: That would be funny though!
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: He is right, you know.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: I don’t think we need to cause a panic.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: That would make our job much harder.
They landed on the outskirts and transformed back.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright, we’re looking for a Robert Travard. Once we find him, we should be in business.
Uther Menethil says: Let's be off then.
They headed toward the village and could hear the rhythmic sound of chopping wood. Eventually, they emerged on the outskirts of a homestead. There were trees interspersed, but it was a small, cultivated section of land, with a garden that was being tended by a beautiful young woman. She was reasonably tall, about Vel’s height, and she had long strawberry blonde hair. Nearby, there was a broad-shouldered, dark-skinned human who was stripped down to a tight-fitting shirt. He was actively splitting wood on a nearby stump. There was a young boy that was running around doing chores, and a slightly older young girl who was hanging laundry.
The group continued to approach, and Uther hailed the family.
Uther Menethil says: Hail, neighbors!
The entire family’s attention snapped toward them. There was a split moment where, on the mother and father, Uther saw the flash of something familiar: the assessing of a threat. It almost looked like, for a split-second, they were preparing for a fight, but then it faded away as Uther clearly presented a friendly demeanor. Even the son was gripping a wood-carving knife, and the daughter had stepped back towards a sewing kit.
Local Man says: Hello there, travelers! What brings you to our humble village!
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: Vel, did you catch that?
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Prepared for anything, these ones. Even the children.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: Sharp eyes. They’re scared of something.
Uther Menethil says: Ey! We’re traveling looking for a friend of mine.
Local Man says: We’re just getting ready for the Harvest Festival! We’re a humble group. But you’re welcome to come in. I’m surprised you know someone out here. Especially with such…striking folks. What’s your name, stranger?
Uther Menethil says: Angus! The Bastard! At your service!
The little boy giggled, and the mother scolded him and told him not to start repeating it. The man walked closer.
Local Man says: You’re not from around here!
Uther Menethil says: Nah, we’re from lots of different places.
Local Man says: I could have guessed that.
He looked at Luma.
Uther Menethil says: Is there a man by the name of Robert Travard around here?
Local Man says: Where’d you hear a name like that?
Uther Menethil says: Mutual friend of mine said to seek him out if I was in the need of aid.
There was another look that was shared between the man and woman. The woman nodded slowly.
Local Man says:: Well I suppose that’s up for him to decide. I’ve heard of the man. He’s my older brother.
Uther Menethil says: Glad to hear it!
Local Man says: The name’s Galford.
Uther Menethil says: Pleasure to make your acquaintance!
Local Woman says: You can call me Efrina.
Uther Menethil says: Charmed miss. Certainly.
Efrina Travard says: Before we make our way, he’s likely getting the hands ready for the celebrations later. You’ve likely come a long distance. Is there anything I could do for you? Our village is humble, but the harvest was good enough. Much more blessed than our brothers and sisters east.
Uther Menethil says: I appreciate the offer, miss, but as my ma used to say, never know how hard winter will be. No sense taking your food stores.
Liiraluma says: I brought snacks!
Luma popped some trail mix in their mouth. Vel got the distinct sense she was missing something, but Seria caught Galford, for a split second, there was a supernatural glow over his eyes. He was trying to hide it, but she caught it.
Efrina nodded.
Galford Travard says: Let me take you to the Helping Hand, then! If you’re friends of Bob’s, I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you again!
Uther Menethil says: Well, strictly speaking I know him through reputation only. It’s our mutual friend that directed us here.
Galford Travard says: Of course. I’m sure he’ll get you sorted out one way or another.
Uther Menethil says: Much appreciated, friend!
Efrina Travard says: I’ll come with you. There are some decorations I want to drop off. Katrina, watch the farm for us.
Katrina Travard says: Of course mother!
Meanwhile, the young boy had made his way over to Luma, and he had his hands on their arm.
Young Boy says: Cool! Is this made of metal? Did it get eaten off by a dragon or something?
Liiraluma says: …Yes.
Efrina grabbed the boy’s arm.
Efrina Travard says: Connell! It’s not polite to stare, and don’t touch without permission, young man.
Connell Travard says: Sorry. Can I touch your cool arm?
Liiraluma says: Want to hold it?
Connell Travard says: Can I!? It comes off!?
Luma popped their arm off and moved their jacket to cover their stump as they handed the arm over.
Connell Travard says: So cool! Thanks so much, goat-lady! Where are you from? I’ve never seen you before.
Liiraluma says: I’m from across the sea.
Connell Travard says: Woah! Cool!
Meanwhile, Katrina was looking at the elves.
Connell Travard says: Hey Trina! Need a hand watching the farm?
Katrina Travard says: Connell, stop it!
Luma was laughing.
Liiraluma says: Your son is going places.
Efrina Travard says: Yes, I get that feeling as well.
Connell had started to chase his sister around with Luma’s arm. However, at one point, Katrina stopped and then full out tripped her brother. He beefed it completely, and the older sibling caught the arm.
Katrina Travard says: You shouldn’t be running with other people’s belongings! This looks expensive!
She walked over to Luma.
Katrina Travard says: I’m sorry ma’am, here you are.
Liiraluma says: Correction, they’re both going places!
Luma reconnected their arm.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: I’m not certain what’s going… but these people are very sharp.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: The children act like aspiring Farstriders…
The group was led toward town by the two parents after Efrina retrieved a small basket filled with gourds and other such things. Galford heaved some lumber over his shoulder. Everyone was watching the group very carefully as they entered the village proper. It looked like a normal village, and they seemed to be preparing for something, as there was a large ship that was being constructed. It was very decorative, but it did not seem to be of a familiar design. Uther did not notice a shrine or temple to the Church of the Holy Light here, which was very strange for a village in Lordaeron.
They were led to one of the larger buildings in town, and they could smell the scent of delicious food being cooked. Outside was a sign that denoted the building as the Helping Hand Tavern and Festhall: Speak Friend and Enter. There was a beautiful mural of two strong arms clasping together, one in gold and one in silver.
Galford Travard says: Here we are! Bob’s probably inside getting things ready for the Harvest Festival. I’m sure he’ll be happy to greet you. It’s not everyday we get visitors.
Uther Menethil says: I don’t imagine you would, this far out of the way! Thank you for being our guide, friend!
Galford grinned as he entered and shouted out a merry “Happy Harvest Festival, friends!” and stepped in. Efrina, likewise, greeted everyone, and stepped in. Uther took the lead, and he felt obvious magic wash over him.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: Speak friend and enter is meant to be literal.
Vel stepped in and, much quieter, greeted everyone as friends. She felt the magic wash over her, but it couldn’t cling to her, and she felt weirdly unsettled but couldn’t place why. Luma happily greeted everyone as she entered, and Riff sniffed around but then happily greeted “friend!” before stepping it, and Elissa greeted the new “friends” as well.
Seria followed suit and quietly acknowledged everyone as she stepped in, and as the rest, she felt the magic.
Galford Travard says: Let me introduce you to Bob. Hey! Big bro! Can I get you over here for a second?
He caught the attention of a balding, broad-shouldered, dark-skinned man. The two of them shared a private word, and Vel caught their lips as she read Bob’s part of the conversation.
Robert Travard says: I see… they spoke the words… I’ll keep an eye on them… I know… they might be… be ready just in case…
The man leaned back and then greeted the group quietly.
Robert Travard says: Hello, friends! I see you have me at a disadvantage! I’m Robert Travard, but you can call me Bob! To what do I owe the pleasure, and to who am I speaking?
Uther Menethil says: Pleased to make your acquaintance, Bob!
Uther went to open his mouth to say the false name, but he couldn’t. They were in a zone of truth, it seemed.
Uther Menethil says: Well. I suppose for better or for worse, the jig is up. I’m Uther Menethil.
Robert Travard says: Is that so?
Uther Menethil says: It is. And I’m here on behalf of our mutual friend, Krasus.
Robert Travard says: You’re the second group recently. Word comes to our doorstep slowly, but when a prince of a nation dies, even we hear about that.
Uther Menethil says: I’m certain you did. But I believe you know as well as I do, that what I said must be the truth.
Robert Travard says: That it is, my friend. That it is. So. You’re looking for Krasus. I wager that’s for a reason.
Uther Menethil says: We’re looking for a long-lost companion of ours. This is the best lead we have.
Robert Travard says: This companion of yours? He wouldn’t have also been an elf? Young one by the name of Gil. Is that right?
Uther Menethil says: The very same.
Bob looked to Galford and Efrina and gave them a look. They seemed to communicate silently, but then Galford and Efrina stepped away.
Robert Travard says: Why don’t you all take a seat at the bar and I’ll get you a drink! On the house.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I appreciate the hospitality, but I don’t drink.
Robert Travard says: I understand! How about the rest of you? We got some apple cider! Ever have fresh-pressed apple cider, miss?
He looked at Luma.
Liiraluma says: I was just going to ask what that is.
Uther Menethil says: I imagine you have some outstanding pumpkin ale.
Robert Travard says: That we do! We’re baking up some fresh pumpkin pie as well, but that won’t be ready until later. Then again, if you’re looking for Krasus, I imagine you’re on a bit of a time table.
Uther Menethil says: You have the right of it.
Robert Travard says: You’re the second strangest group. Gil and his entourage were here a few moons ago. I presume you’re here looking for Krasus in hopes to find him. What are your intentions? Just out of curiosity? You seem trustworthy, but you understand why I’d want to hear it from you.
Uther Menethil says: I suppose we’ll figure out these things when we find him, but hugs, apologies, explanations? And then planning.
Bob smiled.
Robert Travard says: Gonna have to be good enough for me. I can tell you what happened. They didn’t stay long. They left in the direction of Krasus’s old hideout. They didn’t come back, so they’re either still there, or they left straight from there. However, haven’t seen Krasus in a good while. He doesn’t stop in every time, but he and I are… old friends, you can say. We have a mutual understanding.
Uther Menethil says: Mutual understanding?
Robert Travard says: Of course. That he appreciates a good glass of apple cider like anyone else.
Liiraluma says: It is quite good!
Uther takes a sip of his pumpkin ale, and it is exceedingly good.
Robert Travard says: Not bad, huh?
Uther Menethil says: I believe I can safely say this is the best pumpkin ale I’ve ever had!
He glanced up at the ceiling.
Uther Menethil says: It must be so!
Robert Travard says: Full glad am I to hear it! Nothing like the stuff you can get in the small towns. But I’m sure you all have questions. I know a thing or two.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Who was in Gil’s company?
Robert Travard says: Quite the group! He was with a human that seemed to be from Stormwind, based on her accent. There was another gorgeous elf woman. There was a goblin. A strange mountain of a woman unlike anything I’ve seen. She was decorated mostly in bone and body paint and had some brown skin and with big tusks, but nothing like trolls I’ve seen. And there was a big guy. Didn’t talk much, but had horns and kind of looked like a bull of ssome kind. Not really sure what kind of person he was. But he was kind enough. They were with someone else. An elf. But I think he may have been of similar persuasion to our mutual friend, seeing he referred to Krasus as his father. Not sure if you know a fellow like that.
Vel nodded in acknowledgement, as everything lined up with what she was told.
Uther Menethil says: Is this sanctum hard to get to?
Robert Travard says: It’s protected. But I can tell you what to look out for. The biggest thing is, well, this forest isn’t exactly safe.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I heard it was haunted? Is that rumor or accurate?
Robert Travard says: Haunted is the right word. Though there are ghosts, you don’t need to worry about it. There are deep, old shadows in this forest. That go much deeper than you can imagine. Folk know better than to travel into the deeper parts of the woods. Krasus’s hideaway is located in the deepest, darkest parts. As long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from the dark, you should be alright. Especially your group. You seem more than a bit capable. And forgive me for presuming, but you’re a member of the Order of the Silver hand, correct?
Uther got a sad look.
Uther Menethil says: For what’s that worth anymore, yes. I was.
Robert Travard says: Something happen?
Uther Menethil says: Change of… management, in my absence, I suppose. The Silver Hand has been dissolved by something called the Scarlet Crusade.
Robert Travard says: Well. I don’t know anything about that. Not yet. But what do you think you are?
Uther Menethil says: I suppose that’s a very broad question.
Robert Travard says: Still think you’re a knight of the Silver Hand?
Uther Menethil says: Yes. I do.
Robert Travard says: Then I reckon that’s the only thing that matters. You can sort out the details later.
Uther Menethil says: Well. On the subject of that, I noticed there is… no… not even a shrine to the Light here?
Bob smiled.
Robert Travard says: That’s because we don’t need a shrine. Not like that. This village predates the kingdom of Lordaeron. And the church of the Holy Light.
Uther smiled.
Robert Travard says: Not the rarest thing. There are plenty of old religions. But we keep the faith in different ways.
Uther then beamed.
Uther Menethil says: I wish I had more time!
Robert Travard says: Well. It ain’t like we’re going anywhere. I was born here, and I’ll die here, just like my father, his father, and his father before him. And, well, you heard yourself at the entrance, we’re friends now. You’re always welcome in Tirisvar.
Uther Menethil says: Also, that reminds me! What happens if someone doesn’t speak friend?
Robert Travard says: Well, we don’t tolerate troublemakers. So if you’re not a friend, you’re not allowed to come in.
Uther Menethil says: So if I had attempted to walk in without announcing myself, I would be bounced out?
Robert Travard says: More or less!
Velameestra Windrunner says: Who conjured that spellwork?
Robert Travard says: I don’t rightly know! It was around long before I was. That spellwork was there by some of the first people to settle in this place. We just continued to refurbish the place.
Uther had gotten increasingly excited as the conversation went on.
Uther Menethil says: I certainly don’t mean to pry, but your brother and his family… they conduct themselves like trained fighters.
Bob smiled.
Robert Travard says: Dangerous woods! It’s important to be ready for anything! Especially if you’re raising a family out here.
Uther Menethil says: Very wise! How far is Krasus’s sanctum?
Robert Travard says: You could easily reach it by nightfall, I’m sure, as long as you found it. If you’re worried about taking care of business and getting back in time to enjoy some pumpkin pie, the Harvest Festival goes on all week!
Uther Menethil says: Well, you said to mind the dark places, and at night the entire place is dark!
Robert Travard says: True! But I have faith you can find it.
Uther Menethil says: Well. Our pursuit is time sensitive. But Bob. I can’t tell you how happy I am our journey took us through this place.
Robert Travard says: I get the sense it happened for a reason.
Uther and Bob shook hands in solidarity.
Liiraluma says: What will it take for you to fill my flask with apple cider?
Robert Travard says: Don’t worry! On the house! And a little extra in there. I think you’ll like it. But remember, Uther, regardless of what’s going on out there, if you need somewhere safe to lay low, you’re safe here.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Don’t worry, Uther, I’ll pick up a rock.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: It feels like years since I had pumpkin pie…
Bob explained there was a cave to the south, and he described the steps needed to get there. He had never been to the lair before, but he knew how to find it so that he could ensure people didn’t go poking around.
They said their farewells and stepped back into the village. Near the longship, people were carrying blankets, books, hand-painted pictures, and pottery that was all being stacked near the ship.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well. The sooner we find my brother, the sooner you can get your pumpkin pie.
The group headed into the forest, following the directions that Bob had given them. Vel found several permanent illusions that were specifically meant to deflect people from finding the lair. As they continued on, they occasionally heard the sound of wind blowing through the woods, but it almost sounded like a distant whisper. Everyone felt unsettled, even Vel. Seria was the most intune with the unsettled feeling, and she felt as if some part of her should be flying in the opposite direction. The shadows grew longer, the willows grew leaner, the bark more and more gnarled and twisted. There was wildlife, but something was off. There was a deer, but it didn’t flee from them. Rather, it looked at the group, frightened, but too sick to move, even though it was not obviously sick. There was a malaise on it.
They passed a handful of birds that were dead, and an emaciated wolf that swiped one of the birds and fled. Vel tuned her senses towards the creatures of the night that she could hear, looking for any rumors from the spiders that may have been lurking. There seemed to be a tension amongst the bats and spiders, and as they passed, they silenced themselves, afraid of every shadow.
Eventually, Seria heard the sound of a child–or at least something child-like–that was lamenting in the woods. It was hard to make out, but it sounded like sobbing at the very tip of her perceptions.
Seria told the group what she heard.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: It’s… likely a trick of the woods.
She listened closer, as she picked up what seemed to be a language. But it sounded frightened.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: It… seems to be a language. It sounds… frightened but I can’t pick up enough.
Seria wanted to go investigate, and the group opted to follow. The voice got louder and louder, and Seria heard it was speaking in Sylvan. It seemed worried. As they continued approaching, they saw a perfect circle of perfect, white mushrooms. On the top one of the mushrooms was a glowing, blue faerie dragon.
Blue Faerie Dragon says [sylvan]: Oh woe is me! If we are late the gloominess of this place will grow even deeper!
He was bigger than the young sprite darters, and he seemed to be an adult, but he was bouncing from mushroom to mushroom.
Blue Faerie Dragon says [sylvan]: Foul winds blow in from afar! Oh…
He seemed to be debating if he should flee. But then he looked toward the group.
Blue Faerie Dragon says [sylvan]: Strangers! Not ill omens? It’s dangerous here. What brings you to these fark woods? You are not here in search of the shadows, are you? If so, Squiggy may have to kill you. Squiggy… may not be able to kill you alone. Where is everyone else!?
Seria says [sylvan]: It’s alright. We mean you no harm.
The faerie dragon fluttered into the air and zipped around the group.
Squiggy says [sylvan]: We sense that you… are not dangerous. You speak the tongue of the forest.
Seria says [sylvan]: I do.
Squiggy says [sylvan]: Tell me! Have you seen my brethren? I am awaiting them here to conduct a purification. But they are late. I fear they have gotten themselves into trouble… or they are simply playing. But the hour grows late! And the gloom grows deep. I do not wish to have to kill my friends should they turn.
Seria says [sylvan]: I have not seen them, but how can I help?
Squiggy says [sylvan]: If you help me find them, perhaps we can conduct the dance! Unless you and your friends wish to dance instead? But then my friends may be trapped in the gloom. I do not know. If we dance well enough perhaps it will attract them! Or you can find them yourself. You all look like wonderful dancers! Are any of you good at singing?
Seria translates for the group.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I suppose ask him if his other friends are faerie dragons…
Seria asks, and Squiggy confirmed.
Squiggy says [sylvan]: It is our home and duty! The others sometimes shirk it. Their carefree attitudes will get them killed. That’s what Squiggy thinks! Squiggy has seen it before. That’s why he doesn’t leave the circle! He may become a monster. A monster cannot dance and sing! Only kill and murder. While Squiggy does not mind those thing, he doesn’t want to lose the ability to dance and sing!
Velameestra Windrunner says: When he says the gloom… is he talking about the darkness?
Seria says: Yes. I think.
She looked back at the faerie dragon.
Seria says [sylvan]: Can you tell me about the gloom?
Squiggy says [sylvan]: It’s deep! Deep in the forest! It sinks into all of us! We dance and sing to keep it away and guide the creatures of the forest so they can stay out of the darkness! We return to this place every 101 suns to complete the dance anew! But tonight is the eve of the dance, and if we fail, the gloom will spread. So many circles will fall. I don’t wish for us to do so as well.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Ask him when the last time he saw his friends were?
Seria does.
Squiggy says [sylvan]: Recently! When we danced and sang. But then we returned here and they were nowhere to be found, even though they promised. Headstrong and carefree are they. But they do not know the gloom as I do. They are nearby! They are hard to predict! Each has a personality of their own! Red is bold, violet is lonesome and somber, indigo is lazy, green is picky and voracious, yellow is squeamish and frightened, orange is fast and swift. If you find a place that would seem like that, perhaps they’ll be there. Or if you help me in song and dance, perhaps they’ll think it’s fun and come. Will you help? Please say you’ll help!
The group agreed to help, and the faerie dragon eagerly said they would find his companions.
Vel opted to hum a lullaby as she engaged in a slow dance. It appealed to the indigo faerie dragon, who appeared to check on her. She informed the faerie dragon in darnassian that his friend missed them, and the dragon agreed to go back to them.
Luma set up some crystalline lighting and started to flash some multi-colored lights and play some music. Before long, a bright orange faerie dragon darted in to investigate, along with a nervous bundle of yellow scales and wings as his fellow brought him along.
Uther very loudly started to sing a silly sound that was frequently sung during harvest time about a farmer who started to grow a pumpkin that grew way too large and kept growing until it eventually became bigger than the world. Uther heard a voice above him that declared he didn’t think the pumpkin ever got that big, because he would have eaten it before it got that big. And then an indigo faerie dragon walked out of a bush sleepily and mentioned he wanted a pumpkin, because he was hungry.
Seria opted to loudly declare that everyone was present and they were ready to have fun. Before long, as expected, a bright green faerie dragon appeared and declared it was rude they were going to start without them.
Squiggy says [darnassian]: You’re here! And just in time too! Thank you everyone for bringing them all back! I fear what would have happened! Now we have to sing and dance until the moon rises and sets! Would you like to join us?
Velameestra Windrunner says [darnassian]: I believe we’ll have to decline, we have somewhere to be.
Squiggy declared they had to stay for the beginning, at least, as perhaps it would protect them. They started to dance around and touch the mushrooms, which started to glow with the various colors of the rainbow. The actual lyrics of the song were kind of frightening if you listened to it too closely. Some of the animals began to bring their way to the edge of the woods to listen and watch. Life magic, which was very uncomfortable for Vel, began to push outwards, and it seemed to push the malaise away as animals started to respond like they were supposed to.
Squiggy flew over to the group holding a mushroom.
Squiggy says [darnassian]: Cannot thank you enough for helping! Had you not come, perhaps he would have said good bye to his friends, and his circle, and song, but now I can sing! Here!
He held the mushroom out to Seria.
Squiggy says [darnassian]: This will guide you! It is blessed by these woods! And by our song and dance. Perhaps it can protect you from the gloom! It will only last until the next rite though! So keep it close until then! Squiggy thanks you! And remember, stay clear of the gloom, or it’ll tear out your eyes!
Seria says [darnassian]: I will. Thank you for the gift.
Squiggy says [darnassian]: Goodbye! Squiggy loves you!
The blue faerie dragon returned to the dance with his fellows. Vel examined the mushroom and was able to identify it as a rainbow gloomshroom, which did not occur naturally. However, anyone that was holding it for the next 101 days could use the mushroom. Each spot was one of the colors of the rainbow, as well a single black one. When you took damage corresponding to the elements of the dots, they could choose to have the mushroom to absorb the damage, at which point, the dot would vanish.
Before long, the group ran across the hill that Bob described, and they entered a cave that had mushrooms and ancient stonework. The fungus glowed with an eerie bioluminescence, and it seemed to be the lair that had been described. They passed a number of ruins, but it seemed to be similar in construction to the other highborne ruins that Vel had seen before.
There was something strange. As they headed into the cave, it was covered in bright green grass, and the walls in vines. The place was teeming with life, and they entered a wide interior area with pillars that seemed to be some sort of amphitheater. At the top of the stairs, there was an underground stream with bright, glowing water, and there was a beautiful dragonleaf tree in full bloom with crimson leaves coating the ground at the center of the amphitheater. There were beautiful rubies and red gemstones scattered around, as well as a small amount of coin. It was Krasus’s draconic lair.
There were deer and other wildlife living in the place, that did not seem to be bothered by the group’s presence, and there was a beautiful lake that glistened with magic. However, there was something that didn’t look like it fit. There was a figure.
At first, they appeared to be a child wearing a long but sensible white cloak. They were frozen solid, diving forward, but not falling. But then they realized it wasn’t a child. They were about the same height, but their figure was full, and decidedly humanoid, but not human. She had two buns of blonde hair, and her bright eyes were wide open, and her mouth open as if she was saying something. A small hourglass made of strange magic was an inch above the ground that she was trying to dive for.
Upon closer inspection, Vel noticed something strange with her hands, because she only had three fingers and a thumb, rather than four fingers and a thumb.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …We did not just find a gnome.
Elissa Cross says: A gnome? You mean like the old fairy tales?
Liiraluma says: I’m assuming this is not a human child?
Velameestra Windrunner says: No… there’s a… conspiracy theory about gnomes. Humanoids that supposedly exist… there’s an entire language that’s said to be theirs, but no one has ever seen one. At least not in any way that could be corroborated. Now I’m starting to think I happened upon knowledge that would label me as insane.
Elissa Cross says: I don’t think you’re insane, it’s right here! If she really is a gnome. What’s she doing? And why is she just stuck there? Hello?
She called to the gnome, but her voice just echoed in the lair, and there was no response.
Vel used [Detect Magic], and there was powerful magic coming from the figure. Specifically, it was transmutation magic, which the hourglass was also covered with transmutation and conjuration magic. She took a look, and from everything she had read, this woman was clearly a gnome. Looking from the shape of her mouth, it seemed she was shouting “No” when whatever stasis happened.
She then looked at the hourglass. It appeared to be almost spherical, but the center of it got thin, and there was a glass casing surrounded by gold and filigree. Sand was frozen and not moving within it. It looked like the hourglass had been about to fall, and whoever the woman was used a time stop spell to stop herself and it at the same time, but it was some sort of strange, localized time stop that was only affecting her.
Luma opted to look around the lair and look for signs of recent movement. There didn’t seem to be anything that indicated people were through recently, but there were areas of leaves that were thinner than others, as if someone had formerly cleared them. Their eyes were drawn to the water at the top of the amphitheater, and they looked in, and they saw themselves without any of their injuries. Luma barked a curse in draenic and stepped back.
Elissa Cross says: Everything okay?
Liiraluma says: I…
They thumbed at all their scars then looked back at their reflection, and they were back to normal.
Liiraluma says: I saw something that… doesn’t matter. What do you see in there?
Luma gestured at the water, and Elissa looked, but she wasn’t sure what she saw.
Elissa Cross says: Do you see?
She pointed at her reflection, and Luma didn’t see anything.
Elissa Cross says: Was that supposed to be me if I was… wait.
She looked at the reflection again.
Elissa Cross says: It’s back to normal. It looked like me if I was a night elf. Weird.
Luma started to shout at the group, but then relayed the information across the telepathic bond as Elissa did in fact audibly call the information down to the group. Riff went over and looked, and he squinted.
His smile washed away, and his eyes went out of focus.
Liiraluma says: Kid.
Seria says: Riff?
Riff snapped out of it.
Riff says: Oh! Sorry! That was… I didn’t see anything? It was just me.
Liiraluma says: I’m not going to pry, it’s none of my business…
Riff says: I sort of zoned out for a second, but then it was just me.
Riff touched the water, but nothing happened. Seria also looked into the pool, and Seria saw who she thought was her mother, but there was something more like her there. Perhaps it was if Seria was just a troll. Seria blinked, and it was back to normal.
Seria says: Which you did you see, Riff?
Riff says: What do you mean? It was just me as I am.
Seria looked down, and noticed Riff didn’t even have a reflection in the water.
Riff says: Whatever. It’s just a puddle of water! It’s no big deal!
He walked away to go and look at some of the leaves.
Vel finished her spellwork as she switched around the spells in her memory, and she enhanced the [Identify] spell so she could use it on the hourglass without touching it. The device was a powerful weapon with no name. It was infused with powerful extraplanar magic of an origin Vel was unfamiliar with, as well as powerful time magic of an origin she was unfamiliar with. Anyone caught in the blast radius of the item would be drawn into it, after which they would be plane shifted to somewhere she could not identify with an identify spell.
Vel took a few steps back, and she used [Mage Hand] to support it under the object. She brought the hand upward, and she caught a flicker of magic.
Mysterious Gnome says: Oh!
Suddenly, the gnome dropped out of her frozen time stop, just as her hand got beneath the hourglass. In the last second, Vel grabbed the device with the mage hand, and the gnome face planted on the ground as she was trying to catch it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Are you alright?
Mysterious Gnome says: Oh? It’s you! We need to get rid of that no–
At that moment, the device, which had started to ripple and shift, cracked, and then exploded. The magic struck through everyone and bisected them, and one by one they disappeared into sand. Everything was white.
The group awakened very much not made of sand. There was a bright sky overhead. They were no longer inside, and there were no clouds.
Luma flexed every limb, including their tail and fingers. They were completely intact. Luma then sat up with a gasp. They were laying in the side of a heap of scrap metal, gears, shards of discarded objects, wood, wire, and trash. Luma picked up a gear.
Liiraluma says: What happened? Is everyone okay?
Luma looked around and they didn’t hear anything right away. However, the rest of the group awakened in similar straits. They weren’t far from Luma, and they heard their voice. As Seria awoke, she heard a grinding sound, and something stared down at her. There were two bright, glowing blue eyes, and there was a large steel jaw and a rusted steel body. Sparks of electricity came off it, and it made an electric, grinding noise as it ran off.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Where… in the hells…?
Vel got to her feet and started to look around for the gnome and the others. The sky was bright, but there was no sun. She was keenly aware of this.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I swear, by the arcane, if we got shifted to another damned plane.
Uther Menethil says: I know this isn’t the time for levity, but getting shunted into another plane isn’t new territory for us.
But then they heard the muffled sounds of someone talking from below the trash. Before too long, Luma found a small chest that the sound seemed to be coming from. Inside was the gnome, who was no longer frozen.
Mysterious Gnome says: Thanks for that! Is everyone alright?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Where are we?
Mysterious Gnome says: That’s a… good question. I don’t actually know. What are you guys doing here? Oh. This is our first time meeting! My name is Chromie! Nice to meet you all!
Uther Menethil says: Um… pardon me? What would this be except our first time meeting?
Chromie says: Long story! You’re Uther, right?
Uther Menethil says: I am, and I would like to know how you knew that. I have not introduced myself.
Chromie says: This is not, well, heh, it’s kind of complicated. This isn’t the first time we met. Or well, I have met you. Well, it is, but it also isn’t.
Liiraluma says: Time magic? Time stop? Is that what that was?
Chromie says: That’s right! I’m surprised that trick worked for as long as it it did. You guys got caught in that. I’m really sorry. That wasn’t supposed to happen. That was just for me.
Liiraluma says: How long were you there for? Do you know?
Chromie says: That’s… a weird question for me. What were you guys all doing there? Were you looking for Gil too?
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Why were you looking for Gil?
Chromie says: Because I need to look out for him. I’ve been… okay, so, this might come as a surprise, but sometimes it isn’t. I’m a bronze dragon.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Time protectors.
Chromie says: Exactly! So you have heard of us. Good. I wasn’t sure. That must mean you’re Vel, right? I like the hair!
Velameestra Windrunner says: Thanks.
Chromie says: So I don’t know exactly what’s going on. But I’ve been on the trail of figuring out what it is! But I had a feeling Gil was in danger. He has the Demon Soul. I had reason to believe that someone is looking for it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Someone other than the people that were looking for it?
Chromie says: Yeah! The same person that sent me here! Well. Us here.
Liiraluma says: I… shouldn’t take stuff. Ugh.
Luma sighed as they started to dump out some of the debris they had been collecting.
Chromie says: Oh, I don’t care! I don’t know anything about this place. But someone has been tampering with time. I don’t know who it is, but I suspect they are hunting after Gil. I’ve been trying to find out what’s going on, but it’s been hard, because they’ve been on my trail.
Velameestra Windrunner says: … and now we’re in their metaphorical lair. Or metaphysical lair? I think it’s probably both.
Vel seemed to be rather stressed and agitated.
Chromie says: I… don’t know. This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I… let me see if I can get us out of here!
Chromie raised her hands and swirling sands of magic started to rotate around her hands. However, it fizzled.
Chromie says: Oh no. Wait. That shouldn’t be right.
She tried again. And again. But the magic continued to fizzle.
Chromie says: Hm. Oh. Heh. That’s not good. Wherever we are, I think we’ve been cut off from the timeway!
Velameestra Windrunner says: …What!?
Uther Menethil says: That sounds bad.
Chromie says: It’s not good. Um. I don’t know what that means. Oh gosh. I’m a little out of my element here!
Velameestra Windrunner says: So you’re saying we can’t get back? We’re not just on another plane, we can’t just shift back?
Chromie says: I don’t think so, no. There seems to be something blocking it. Like this is some sort of…
Uther Menethil says: Trap.
Chromie says: Oh dear. What do we do now…? It’s okay. We’ll figure this out! There has to be a way to get out.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You said someone was laying a trap? What if we find them, and kill them.
Chromie says: That would work! Though we’d have to find them first.
Liiraluma says: Well we can walk and talk I wager. There’s, um, enough to cover.
Chromie says: It’s true.
Liiraluma says: Also, if they’re dick bags I’m keeping their stuff.
Uther Menethil says: The only thing we can be certain of is that they are not here.
Chromie says: Well, not right here. I guess we can start looking around.
Vel looked up at the illuminated, devoid-of-the-sun sky, and shifted into her raven form. The light did not impede her. She made a quiet, annoyed, raven bark noise before she took off into the air.
Chromie says: That’s a great idea! Maybe we can see what’s going on!
Chromie held her hands out, and two wings made out of sand expanded from her back and solidified. Two spiral horns wrapped out of the side of her head, and she leaped into the air to fly after Vel as she took her fully draconic form.
The scrapyard sprawled out beneath them for a fair while, and on the horizon they could just see mounds of junk. They saw some strange, mechanical creatures moving among the junk piles, as well as some strange things that they couldn’t get a good visual on.
Vel projected her agitated thoughts over the telepathic link, which had been re-established with Chromie in it as well.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Everything I wanted! Endless piles of disorganized junk!
Chromie says [telepathic bond]: Hm. I suppose we could just pick a direction and go? If that sounds alright to you.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: What else are we going to do?
The pair of them landed back on the ground and shifted back into their humanoid forms.
Chromie says: Well lets just start going… that way!
She pointed in a random direction.
Chromie says: If we find something, we can figure it out! And if we don’t, then, I guess we could pick another direction.
Based on her draconic form, she seemed to be of similar age to Telagos where she was not quite an adult, but she was pretty close to being one.
They traveled for a bit, until Seria picked up that someone was following them.
Seria says: I don’t want to alarm anyone, but we’re being followed.
Gil had arrived at the place less than an hour ago. That is, until they saw a bronze dragon flying in the sky. An unfamiliar one. As they rounded one of the piles of trash, they heard and spied another group. The group was entirely unfamiliar.
He and the Scales were following them, and Gil was the first one to lay eyes on them. Vaelastrasz was scouting out in the air, but no one had seen them.
Gilveradin Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Eyes open, found a bronze. And another group.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says [telepathic bond]: Someone we can trust?
Gilveradin Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: I don’t know. I don’t recognize them.
Teemo Manabrake says [telepathic bond]: Should we just try and greet them?
Gil offered the mental equivalent of a shrug, and Zagarra was suspiciously silent, as she was not so sure of the situation, despite seeing the bronze dragon.
Gilveradin Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Maybe they can get us out.
Motah Tallhorn says [telepathic bond]: I think it’s worth a try. Maybe they are trapped as well?
Gil used his shapeshifting ability to disguise himself, and the group started to approach. Teemo whistled to the group to draw their attention. There were six individuals. At their front was a young human man with brown hair and wearing gold and red armor. Behind him were a handful of individuals. One was a beautiful elven woman with golden eyes that looked very displeased. She had black hair in a high ponytail. Another was a goblin with bright blue hair in two high pigtails and goggles. A massive tauren with a thick chocolate brown mane. A brown-skinned orc with black locs and skulls and bones in it. She was wearing leathers, though she had peeled off some of the layers because it was warm. And there was another human with dark, braided hair and dark skin, with a small black dragon-like creature on a shoulder.
Teemo Manabrake says: Hey there!
She waved at the group as the distance diminished. Vel rapidly clocked the individuals there, and recognized that the group matched the description she was given, except for the additional human.
Luma raised their arm and waved.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Hail travelers!
Any doubt that Vel might have had for who the additional human was promptly disappeared, as she recognized his way of speaking.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Gil!
Gil immediately froze in place.
Uther Menethil says: It’s really you. Isn’t it?
Zagarra rolled her neck and shoulder and glanced at Gil.
Zagarra says: Friends of yours?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t know them…
Velameestra Windrunner says: Gil, it’s us. It’s us…
Vel reached up and removed her mask, revealing her face. She looked a bit different from when Gil had last seen her, but there was no doubt that it was his sister. Gil stared at her for a long moment.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: …Did… did we end up in the Shadowlands?
Velameestra Windrunner says: …N-no…
Gil looked back at the others and Samia shrugged.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Gil, we can explain everything that happened.
Uther Menethil says: Funny you mention the Shadowlands. We did end up there! But not because we died.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: How do you… that’s… that’s not important.
He then looked over in the direction of Chromie, as she seemed to have been the bronze dragon they had sighted. Elissa also stepped forward.
Elissa Cross says: It’s good to see you Gil! It’s really you, right? It’s me! It’s Elissa! We’re alive!
Liiraluma says: I’m not Remnii!
Luma had continued to pick through some of the trash, but they had one eye on the group, watching how everything unfolded.
Chromie says: I am glad that you’re safe! You still have the Demon Soul, right?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You know that’s kind of a suspicion question, right?
Chromie says: Oh yeah, I guess it probably is, isn’t it? I promise I’m not trying to take it. I can’t!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Who are you?
Chromie says: I’m Chromie!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Where have you been?
Chromie says: That’s a big question.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You missed the meeting.
Chromie says: What meeting?
Gil went over a brief rundown of the meeting that had occurred at Wyrmrest Accord.
Chromie says: I never heard about a meeting. Then again, I’ve been on the run this whole time. Who showed up?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Thaxdorlin?
Chromie says: I’ve never heard of a name like that. I don’t know who he might be.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: One of his visages is a dwarf. He drinks from a flask he keeps rewinding time on?
Chromie says: Wait, did you say his visage was a dwarf?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yes.
Chromie’s hand went up over her mouth.
Chromie says: Then that’s the same person who trapped us here.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Why?
Chromie says: I don’t know.
Gil looked back at Zagarra.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Did he say anything to you?
Zagarra says: If he did, don’t you think I would have said something?
Gil shrugged.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t know. Everyone has secrets.
Zagarra says: I know nothing of this place.
Chromie says: Is he your Authority?
Zagarra nodded.
Samia Inkling says: Do you remember anything that occurred directly before you were brought here? Apologies. Samia. Samia Inkling.
Teemo Manabrake says: Right! We should probably introduce everyone! So you’re all friends with Gil. The name’s Teemo Manabrake! At your service!
Thal’ena nodded.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Thal’ena Dawnseeker. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you, I guess.
Thal’ena gave Vel a weird look, as she had never met Gil’s sister before, and there were definitely similarities, but it seemed like she hadn’t fully pieced together what was going on. The tauren then stepped forward.
Motah Tallhorn says: Motah. Motah Tallhorn.
The orc then nodded.
Zagarra says: Zagarra.
Uther Menethil says: Well. Pleased to meet you all. I am Uther Menethil.
Thal’ena blinked.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Wait, you’re Uther?
She looked at Gil.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: I thought you said he had blonde hair?
Uther Menethil says: We were recently in Lordaeron. It served our purposes to make sure the people who believed me to be dead continued to do so.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Ugh. I hope whoever dyed it knew what they were doing. I would hate for you to ruin your hair.
She then looked at Vel.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: That must mean you’re Vel then, huh?
Vel had fallen completely mute and was standing sort of staring at Gil as she played with her lower lip, her elbow cradled in her hand. She didn’t actually respond immediately, clearly trying to process that her brother was there in front of her, but talk had immediately leapt into business. However, after a moment she started, as if she abruptly realized she had been addressed.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Y…yeah…
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: It’s nice to finally meet you! Thanks, by the way.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Sure.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Maybe we should wait before we start talking about business? I mean, Gil did just run into all his friends.
She looked at Samia, who nodded.
Samia Inkling says: Very well.
Vel had started to hesitantly approach Gil, but she stopped a few feet away from him, her body language withdrawn and nervous, but she slowly lifted her arms for a hug. The expression in her eyes had the traces of the desire to cry, though she was largely holding herself together. Gil tentatively moved forward, and then quickly closed the distance and embraced her. She immediately hugged him tightly.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Oh... gods you’re cold.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m so sorry.
Uther waited for a beat, and then raced forward and gave them both a big bear hug that lifted them briefly off their feet. Elissa put them back down just in time for Elissa to race in and join the hug on the other side.
Motah Tallhorn says: Aww…
Motah looked endeared at the entire display. Zagarra was just standing nearby, but Samia seemed to be making herself look as small as possible.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How did you get here?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I imagine the same way you did.
Uther Menethil says: You found a strange childlike statue? And attempted to unstatue it? And then a strange object hit the ground and turned everybody into sand?
Chromie says: Hi, uh, not actually a child! Or a statue! But I can see how people would think I was one.
Uther Menethil says: I’m simply explaining it from our perspective!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Wait. Wait… is your visage a gnome?
Chromie says: Yeah, is that a problem?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Are those even real?
Chromie says: Yeah! Um... Oh boy.
Uther Menethil says: Put a pin in that. That’s a problem for later.
Chromie says: Yeah, we’ll talk about that later!
Uther Menethil says: We’ll circle back to gnomes later.
Chromie says: I have to… think about that. Anyways.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No one’s seen anyone bronze in a long time.
Chromie says: Yeah, that’s why I’m on the run. I don’t think I’m the first one he’s been hunting. We can talk about that later! Have your reunion!
Gil put his hands on Vel’s shoulders and held her arm’s length away, staring at her directly.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: How?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We… we went to the Shadowlands, like Uther said. Riff here, actually, sent us to the Shadowlands, so we could escape.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: The snake?
Riff furrowed his brow.
Riff says: I’m not a snake! I’m Riff!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I’m sorry I do see you have wings, I apologize…
Velameestra Windrunner says: Riff got us out. Translocation magics didn’t work, but cross planar travel did. We were there for six months and then we turned up on another continent.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Oh you mean Kalimdor.
Uther Menethil says: Actually we were there for about a day and a half I believe, but it was six months here when we got back.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You know what Kalimdor is?
Uther Menethil says: How do you know what Kalimdor is?
Gil looked over at Motah and gestured.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I haven’t been.
Uther Menethil says: You’d love it.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: The furthest I’ve been over that way is the Broken Isles.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What have you been doing? What’s happened?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Trying to find Korialstrasz.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How did… did you get into the Bank of Dalaran?
Gil grinned.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …how?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I have a very handy group. With a wide array of skills.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s supposed to be unbreachable…
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s definitely not.
Uther Menethil says: Well you’re also not supposed to be able to make it back from hell. Here we are.
At this point what mask Vel had managed to erect had started to break, and a tear of blood dripped down the side of her face, as she was very overwhelmed by everything.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: By the eternal sun, are you alright Vel? Here, I can help!
Her hand had started to glow with clear red dragon magic, but Vel raised a hand and magicked the tear away.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s fine. Please, it’s fine. It’s not… it’s fine.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: Oh. So that’s normal.
Gil suddenly looked very hard at his sister, and he could see the fangs, and that her ears were wider than they were supposed to be.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’re like Aunt Alleria now, aren’t you?
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Yeah.
Thal'ena Dawnseeker says: …Oh.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What else changed?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do… do you mean physically or…?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You tell me I suppose. You were gone.
Velameestra Windrunner says: For the better part of a year, yes. It wasn’t supposed to be that long… but we got Remnii back to her people. Obviously. That’s where Luma came from.
Liiraluma says: We were also in jail for a while… or at least, they were. I was too, I guess.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That was another month. Give or take...
Liiraluma says: It’s always demons.
Velameestra Windrunner says: There was a dreadlord… we found the Guardian over there. It was an entire… thing.
Motah raised his hand.
Motah Tallhorn says: Why don’t I make us some grub to eat? Things seem really stressful around here. Maybe that’ll help calm everybody down. Then we can figure out what to do next. Would that help, do you think?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That would be great.
Teemo Manabrake says: I think that would be great, big guy! Hey Periwinkle!
She looked over at Luma, who didn’t acknowledge that the name was directed at them because they had never heard of that word. Teemo walked over and tapped them on the shoulder.
Teemo Manabrake says: We’re making some food, want to give me a hand?
Liiraluma says: I have three!
Two other hands stuck out of their backpack.
Teemo Manabrake says: Woah, now you definitely have to help us! Can I see?
One of them hopped out, and Teemo took a better look at the turret.
Teemo Manabrake says: This is incredible craftsmanship! Where’d you learn to make something like this?
Liiraluma says: The Great Dark Beyond?
They started to chat as they headed over to start prepping food, and Teemo asked to see Luma’s arm. Luma popped it off and handed it to her, and she flicked down some googles so she could take a better look. It was clear she was another artificer.
Teemo Manabrake says: What was your name again?
Liiraluma says: Liiraluma. Teemo, right?
Teemo Manabrake says: That’s right!
They continued to chit-chat as Teemo pulled out a portable stove that Motah could use to cook for everyone. Uther sat down to update Gil on everything, including the fact they found his dad, but without his dad’s memories.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What do you mean you found him?
Uther Menethil says: Whoever is sitting on the throne in Lordaeron is not my father. We found my father near the desert of Tanaris, I think it was called.
Velameestra Windrunner says: He was taken by the black dragonflight. We’re pretty sure by the dragon Onyxia.
Samia’s attention was immediately drawn.
Samia Inkling says: Onyxia? I’m familiar with the name, unfortunately.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Have you personally encountered her?
Samia shook her head.
Velameestra Windrunner says: She’s wearing the visage of Katrana Prestor. We’re pretty sure that’s her, anyway.
Vel was addressing Gil, but she had noticed Samia was watching them, and her eyes flickered towards her. Samia immediately looked away from her, but it was obvious she was processing that information and thinking about a dozen different things. And then Vel’s attention was fully drawn to the small, black dragonlike creature that had been on her shoulders, who Samia promptly dismissed. He disappeared in a whiff of molten ash and smoke.
Vel glanced at the others present, now taking them in fully. There was Gil, and there were five others. Thal’ena had clearly channeled red dragon magic. Motah was using some sort of nature magic to grow produce to put in the stew. The mysterious bronze dragon that supposedly put them here had been referenced as Zagarra’s Authority. And Teemo was actively talking about technology and magic.
That only left a black dragonsworn. Her eyes locked back on Samia.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …You’re a black dragonsworn.
Vel could feel her tense.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What are you doing here?
Samia Inkling says: The same as everyone else.
Uther Menethil says: Oh? Doing your best to save the world?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Or feeding information back to your flight?
Vel’s eyes had flickered to a heightened magenta state, and there was clearly a mixture of panic, fear, and accusation that was betrayed both by her body language and her voice. Gil had conjured Ara’shel between the two of them, and Uther stood up and put his arm between Vel and Samia.
Uther Menethil says: She’s traveling with Gil. You know your brother better than that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I also know they are very capable. We just dealt with one, Uther!
Uther Menethil says: Be that as it may, your brother is also very capable, and certainly not so foolish as to be duped by an enemy. Not for this long.
Samia Inkling says: I’m more than willing to explain, if you please…
Vel tore her eyes away from Uther and honed them in on Samia again.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Please. Give me a reason to trust you. And more importantly, your Authority.
Samia Inkling says: I’m… not asking for your trust. But… I agreed to join the Scales of Azeroth, the same group that everyone else is, willingly. I understand the black dragonflight has been responsible for no small amount of distress, including some that has directly impacted you. And for that you have my sympathy. I do not know what they are doing. Where they are. My Authority is a wyrm by the name of Sabellian. I am not at liberty to tell you much, but I will tell you that he found me. Saved me. Gave me the opportunity to learn and adapt. And in doing so, he struck down another black dragon. I trust him, but I do not ask you to trust me or my word. I only can tell you that he’s told me not all his kin… some of his kin fight the corruption of his people. I believe him. I admit I know little of my Authority… I don’t even know where he is right now.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’re not alone in that either.
Samia Inkling says: I can tell you he is not alone. There are others. But they are cautious, careful. I’ve not met any others, save for the ambassador.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …The ambassador with the Wymrest Accord.
Samia nodded.
Samia Inkling says: I believe her to be one of Sabellian’s mates. But I’ve only spoken to her a small number of times. Her and the small group present. But I’ve never met Onyxia… or any others. The news that Daval Prestor may be Deathwing is… as harrowing to me as it is to you. I can assure you that I seek to bring about his end, as much as anyone else here. Well, I can dream of such a thing. If my Authority’s words are true, perhaps it will give him the opportunity to live without fear.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If they’re true.
Samia Inkling says: If my Authority is a deceiver, then I too shall be as deceived as you. But I will be the first to burn.
Vel had every reason to mistrust the woman. She was a black dragonsworn, and was talking about leaps of faith for dragons within their own flight that did not see eye to eye with the others. There could be any number of ways the situation could be exploited. It could have been someone trying to usurp Deathwing to become the new corrupt Aspect, it could be a farce to get their enemies to lower their guard, but in this moment, Vel had no reason to believe that the woman before her was trying to deceiver her. And it was clear that she would not defend herself if Vel tried to attack her. Her body language read both that she hoped Gil would step in, and because she didn’t seem like she had any desire to raise a hand against Vel now that she knew she was Gil’s family.
It was a very familiar set of body language, and it was the same body language Vel had used with Rhonin mere days ago. And Vel got the sense that Samia had likely dismissed her pseudodragon familiar because he had started to get defensive, and he didn’t want him to provoke Vel.
Samia Inkling says: If you give me the opportunity I will gladly answer any questions that you have. What knowledge I have is yours. And if there is aught I can do to assist you… or I can simply try to take myself away from your sight as much as possible.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How much have you been reporting to your Authority?
Samia Inkling says: Singe was created… shaped from earth by my Authority. Occasionally I can speak with him, but I doubt it will work here. I haven’t spoken to him in some time. Before this, we were beyond the disturbance and unable to commune with him. If you wish it, I will keep your identities from my future reports. He would be cross, but… he is a dragon who is often cross.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I can corroborate her story as well. I’ve met some of them.
Uther Menethil says: Well the world is changing. If we’re going to survive, we cannot treat strangers like enemies.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Uther, a stranger could damn your cousin.
Uther Menethil says: Well. As long as that cat is out of the bag. Gil I have to tell you something that might be difficult for you to accept. Victor is not your enemy.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: The man who, on multiple occasions, attempted to kill me.
Uther Menethil says: But hasn’t. He had to make it appear like he was giving an honest effort. But Victor is my cousin as he always has been. Prestor tried to turn him against us. Almost did. But I grabbed him and I wouldn’t let him go.
Samia Inkling says: His corruption… do you know anything about it? It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.
Uther Menethil says: Only that I admire the strength it takes to keep it at bay.
Samia Inkling says: Perhaps there’s something I can do to help. If you allow it.
Uther Menethil says: Not only would I allow it, I’d be forever in your debt.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You have the remainder of our time here for you to prove yourself to me.
Vel was clearly not as easily convinced as Uther was, and Samia nodded.
Samia Inkling says: If he is indeed not an enemy, perhaps we can learn more from whatever plagues him.
She looked at Gil.
Samia Inkling says: I understand he has been an adversary, and a harrowing one at that, but I’ll ask that you consider giving him a chance. It’s the least we can do for them giving me the same exchange. Though that will avail us to little while we are trapped in this… strange place.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Well there has to be a way out. There was a way in.
Uther Menethil says: Also not the first time we’ve been trapped on another plane! Or whatever this is. It’s not home, I know that.
Teemo Manabrake says: And it may not be home, but maybe this will remind you of it!
She turned around with some full bowls of stew.
Teemo Manabrake says: Food’s done! Eat up everyone, we need as much strength as we can get if we’re going to be marching across this extremely-interesting-but-somewhat-horrifying junkyard.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There’s nothing alive here except for us.
Uther Menethil says: Things don’t need to be alive to be a threat.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Is it alright if I borrow your stove to make coffee?
Teemo Manabrake says: Oh sure! Actually I can do you one better.
The goblin withdrew a small device.
Teemo Manabrake says: This will heat the water perfectly, and it’ll even strain the coffee for you!
Liiraluma says: Useful!
Vel stared at the device for a long moment, then wordlessly took it with a nod of earnest thanks to Teemo.
Teemo Manabrake says: Don’t mention it, Vel! I can call you Vel, right?
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Yeah. It’s much easier.
The group settled down to eat, and Elissa went over to talk quietly to Vel. Gil wound up getting a telepathic projection from Vaelastrasz through the telepathic bond. Gil informed him of what was going on.
Vaelastrasz says [telepathic bond]: I finished a scope around the island. It seems to be vast, but there are other biomes further out. Mountains to the north with strange beings. Tauren but different. They started shooting arrows at me. I did see some strange things picking amongst the ruins, and I encountered some flying machines that I dispatched. I’m not sure what they were all about, but I’m heading back to your location. I should be there soon.
Gilveradin Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Alright. Thank you for finding out–
Vaelastrasz says [telepathic bond]: Wait. I think there’s something…
At that moment, Gil’s bow started to hum.
Vaelastrasz says [telepathic bond]: Look live, Gil. Something is coming. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Everyone get ready for a fight.
There was a moment of silence as the group looked around for danger, and suddenly black ichor started to seep up from under the junk piles like an oil spill. Teemo grabbed her pistol and looked at, and she crinkled her nose.
Teemo Manabrake says: Ugh. That’s no oil I’ve seen.
Suddenly the junk pile exploded, and something emerged from it. It was a large oil slick that roiled as it erupted from the pile towards Teemo. She started and shot at it, and the bullet sunk into the tar. There was a frantic, low, screeching noise, and burrowing out from the junk and covered in patchwork armor with sharp shards of metal, was over a dozen diminutive creatures. They looked similar to Chromie’s visage form, but their bodies were green and covered with pustules, and they had yellow teeth frothing with a mindless anger. They started to rush at the group, swinging junk and trying to bite at them. Another green gnome raised a massive bat cobbled together with junk, and another stepped up near her.
Leper Gnome says [gnomish]: Tear off their skin, boys! Whatever they got, I want it!
Dog-like machines started to race toward them, and strange arachnids with churning motors leapt into their air and shot cables down below.