Appearing Characters: Benedict Ashbury, David Walden, Elissa Cross, Halford Ramsey, Hiram Creed, Isiden Perenolde, Koroth, Liam Greymane, Liiraluma, Lorna Crowley, Mia Greymane, Seria, Tobias Mistmantle, Tol'vas Moonshadow, Uther Menethil, Valorinn, Velameestra Windrunner, Vincent Godfrey
September 13th
As the battle raged on, Valorinn rushed for another ettin and tore into the ettin’s leg, which knocked the ettin to the ground with his sheer weight. Meanwhile a peryton dove down at Luma, and a scintillating pattern around them shattered as the force field their turret had generated broke. The draenei was knocked off the cliff face and tumbled to the ground. The peryton followed after them and slashed at the artificer with its talons before it took off into the air again.
Seria tore her claw into the ettin she was engaged with and disemboweled it as it tumbled to the ground, dead. She charged through to the next ettin and rammed into him, which sent him sprawling onto the ground as she used her weight against him and raked her claws against him again.
An ettin swings at Tol’vas and Valorinn, each head arguing who they should focus on. Meanwhile, another ettin followed up as he shoved by one of his fellows and brought his morningstar down on Tol’vas.
An ettin tried to help his companion and swung his morningstar into Seria, but Seria remained firmly on her prey. Mia continued to take cover while more ettins started to pile around Tol’vas. Another ettin looked toward Liam.
Ettin says: You got the boomstick! I’m gonna get you!
Another ettin tried to knock Vel out of the sky with a running jump and a swing of his morningstar. Vel deftly dodged out of the way, and the ettin stumbled and face planted into the ground below her. The heads started to fight with each other over the landing.
Uther called for Radiant to help Luma, and the the pegasus took off into the air and managed to spike the peryton from the sky.
Uther himself went to swing around to better protect Mia, but as he retreated, the critically wounded ettin managed to clip the paladin’s back with his battleaxe. Uther stumbles to his knee, but is able to recover and swing up at the ettin that had tried to attack Mia.
A peryton started to dive bomb Seria while the severely injured ettin that had clipped Uther chose to flee. Another ettin tried to hit Tol’vas.
First Ettin Head says: I can’t hit him! He keeps blocking with the stick!
Second Ettin Head sats: Then get the puppy then!
A peryton dove for Lorna while the other injured ettin tried to swing his axe at Seria. The ettin the wolf spiritual weapon was on tried to swing at the wolf head, but his weapon went straight through it. The ettin grunted in frustration and decided to swing at one of Luma’s turrets instead.
Suddenly, the ettin that was running away came flying back out and slammed into the side of the hill, now thoroughly unconscious. One of the trees is pushed down, and a truly immense, female ettin made their appearance with a handful of other ettins. A large, albino peryton also dove through the sky alongside the infamous Koroth the Hillbreaker.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: You pink things took my banner! Now I am taking your bones!
Liam stood up and drew a rapier to contend with the ettin that had appeared next to him. A rock came soaring through the air at Vel, but she dodged out of the way.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: What are you all waiting for! Smash that git!
She pointed at Tol’vas and Valorinn, and two of the ettins slammed into the wolf. Koroth then charged in.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Smash them! Crush them! The one that finds my banner shares my bed tonight!
The ettins all released a battlecry as Koroth then grabbed at Vel, but Vel dodged her hand as the giant ettin’s foot whipped toward Uther, who blocked the assault. Valorinn continued to get dogpiled while a peryton and two ettins struck at Seria. However, the injured one decided to abandon fighting the bear, and chose to instead go for the much smaller humans.
Vel glanced over and saw an ettin shaman that came over the hillside. He has massive beast and giant bones hovering around him. He started to cast a [Slow] spell, but Vel cut the spell out of the air.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Not today.
Ettin Shaman says: You. You’re their shaman? Then I’ll destroy you!
Uther slammed his hammer into the nearest ettin and there was a burst of holy energy before he looked over at Mia and shrouded her in holy energy to protect her from the swarming creatures. Tol’vas, meanwhile, dismissed Valorinn and transformed into his worgen form before he unleashed a [Chain Lightning] on the enemies around him as he sliced through the air with his scythe and summoned an isolated thunder cloud, which then launched over to Koroth. Two of the ettins fell to the ground, smoking.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I suggest you all leave.
Tol’vas retreated back a bit and one of the ettins he zapped swung at him, but Tol’vas was able to dodge out of the way of both strikes. Seria continues to maul another ettin.
Vel flitted back through the sky and launched herself off Koroth’s greataxe as the ettine slashed at her. She held out a hand and released a [Cone of Cold], which washed over Koroth, Eyegouger the albino peryton, and several other ettins. She used blood magic to weaken Koroth more as she then looked pointed over at the ettin shaman, her eyes a bright magenta.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Destroy me, will you?
The ettin shaman’s eyes widened as he was struck with a sudden fear. Meanwhile another ettin tried to smash Uther, and Mia gave the paladin an appreciative look as Uther deflected the attacks.
Luma got back to their feet and fired a series of blasts at the ettin that had charged them. They cursed as the ettin remained standing and started to spin with wild strikes from his club. One of the turrets also fired at the ettin, and Luma cursed louder.
Liiraluma says: Why are you still up!??
Eyegouger soared straight at Vel and released a bleating roar as it tried to bite and claw her, but Vel continued to dive out of the way of the attacks. An ettin vanguard ran up to help his fellow ettins against Seria. Another one of the vanguards swung at Uther. One of the heavily injured peryton opted to flee.
Lorna was able to shoot an ettin through the skull and it dropped dead. Another ettin swung down and slammed into Tol’vas, but the morningstar didn’t pierce Tol’vas’s hide at all.
Ettin says: Uh… this wolf man. I hit him hard! He didn’t move!
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Did you?
Tol’vas gives a toothy grin.
Seria drove her claws into the ettin vanguard while the ettin berserker up by Luma continued to whirl in a crazy circle trying to get rid of Luma and their turrets. Koroth reached down and grabbed Uther and slammed him into the ground. However, once again, the spectral after-image of Uther shielded Mia. Eyegouger tried to swipe at Vel again, but both missed while the ettin up with Liam slammed into him.
An ettin threw a rock at the spirit wolf, which was of course entirely ineffective. Luma shot the ettin that was in their face. Their force ballista then shot the berserker and it finally fell, dead. Luma patted Radiant’s nose before they and their turrets started to head down toward the main conflict.
Koroth tried to smash Uther with her greatclub, and Liam backed up and took aim at Koroth. He fired three shots into the massive ettin.
Vel flew at Koroth and ducked under the claws of Eyegouger. She drove her blade into Koroth’s shoulder and anima magic erupted around her as she quickened a [With and Bloom], which drew life essence from the ettins immediately around her and fortified Uther.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I suggest you drop him.
Koroth threw Uther down and called for a retreat. Vel landed and used a slow spell to [Slow] down Koroth and several of her ettins, and Luma erected a [Wind Wall] to cut off their escape.
Uther Menethil says: Enough!
The ettins were unable to get past the magical impediments, and Koroth spit off to the side.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: That’s it! I’m done!
She threw her weapon down.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Spare me! Everyone weapons down!
Uther picked himself up off the ground and dusted himself off.
Uther Menethil says: Well! Glad you decided to finally listen to reason.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: You gits is tough! Tougher than Koroth!
Uther Menethil says: Yes. Yes very good. What’s this about a banner?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Koroth’s banner gone. You small folk stole it.
Uther Menethil says: While I haven’t personally investigated this incident, I am almost certain you’re mistaken.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Koroth not mistaken. We seen your boot prints! Small folk snuck in and stole the banner. You think you’re better than Koroth!
Uther Menethil says: Do you think all of us small folk are the same?
Koroth scratches one of her heads.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: You isn’t? You all small. You kill each other with your swords and boomsticks. Some of yous is hairy!
Uther Menethil says: Yes. Yes all of that is true. And if there are small folk that are killing other small folk does it not make a little sense that only one of those two people might have stolen your banner?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Ettins kill each other all the time.
Uther Menethil says: Alright. When was this banner stolen?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: A couple moons ago. The moons come up…
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What does your banner look like?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: It’s a big banner. Skull on it. Red. We dyed it with berries we found.
Tol’vas goes over to Vel and whispers.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Can’t you just make one?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Not unless you want it to be an illusion. Besides, that's not much of a description.
Liam walks over and glances over at his mother and Lorna.
Liam Greymane says: I am the chieftain of the small folk. We have seen no such banner at our camp. Someone else likely stole it.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Who was it?
Liam Greymane says: Can’t say I know. It wasn’t us. You’re Koroth the Hillbreaker, correct?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: That’s right!
Liam glanced over at Uther.
Liam Greymane says: This ettin is a scourge of the High Roads, especially since after the worgen incident. The regions east of here are even named after her. Her den is located in the mountains beyond the King and Queen’s Gate. It may be better served executing her, and sending her beasts to the underworld with her.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Not beasts.
Liam Greymane says: Sorry. I didn’t realize that was… offensive?
Tol’vas rolled his eyes and shifted back to his elven form.
Uther Menethil says: Has anyone ever attempted diplomacy with Koroth?
Liam Greymane says: She’s not one to sit down and chat. This is unprecedented.
Uther Menethil says: An opportunity!
Uther looked back towards Koroth.
Uther Menethil says: After you’ve collected your banner, what do you want to do?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: We’s gonna do what we always do. This is my band. I need to find more boys after the ones you killed.
Uther Menethil says: And then? Plunder the roads?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: We take what we need. Not from you though. You’re stronger than Koroth. Don’t tell anyone though, or I’ll smash your head in.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You already tried.
Koroth’s heads looked at each other and blinked dumbly, but she shook it off.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: All the small folk’s abandoned their farms! So we take what we want. No one else has taken it, and we’s bigger. That’s how things go.
Uther Menethil says: Well. It’s not for me to pass judgment on your way of life. But certainly you must have rivals?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Well. Aye. There’s Fat Mildred. She tries to take all my boys. Gotta show her a lesson every now and then.
She continues through a list of rival female ettins.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Off all the things…
Vel chuffed as Luma chimed in over the telepathic bond.
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: I don’t know what you intend to do, but if you need a holdover banner, we can do something.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: More the thing is they’re just going to go back to murder.
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: Yeah, just an option. But if they’re just going to keep bashing heads in and getting bitches–and by bitches I mean men–then it’s not really worth it.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: Men are bitches.
Luma shrugged, unable to argue the statement.
Halford Ramsey says [telepathic bond]: I have a crazy idea. Have we considered helping them find the banner?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: Why?
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: This is a unique opportunity. It would be a terrible shame to waste it.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: The question is more whether or not she would even honor a bargain the moment someone isn’t watching her.
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: Some of these big guys against Alpha Prime would be cool.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: Perhaps Alpha Prime is the one that has her banner.
Halford Ramsey says [telepathic bond]: That’s what I was thinking. This seems suspicious. Something is rubbing me the wrong way. If we can convince her to look at this crime scene, maybe we can find something. I don’t know if we can trust this creature as far as we can throw her… which wouldn’t be far for me.
Liam Greymane says [telepathic bond]: I mislike this. They may just go back to pillaging the High Road.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: They said they would.
Uther considers.
Uther Menethil says: Alright. We need to ensure that the royal family that returns to the manor. But I’d like to see where the lead goes. Koroth, you have impressed me with your smashing ability.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: They call me the Hillbreaker for a reason.
Uther Menethil says: I would like to help you recover your banner.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: What? You want to… help? Why would you want to do that.
Uther Menethil says: You’ve impressed me with your smashing ability, and I can’t help but feel if I had lost something important to me, I’d appreciate it very much if someone helped me get it back.
Koroth squinted.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: What’s in it for you, small man?
Uther Menethil says: Perhaps nothing. But if we take the time to learn from each other, perhaps we can be helpful toward each other. Would you like to find out?
Uther extended a hand.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. You showed you’re stronger than me. At least this time. And yous want to help me get our banner back. But I don’t trust this helping thing.
Uther Menethil says: It feels strange the first time it happens, I know.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Yous tell me hows you going to help get the banner back.
Uther Menethil says: Surely it was stolen from somewhere, yes?
Koroth nods.
Uther Menethil says: I think with a look at the place, we might be able to figure out who took it, and where they took it to. Perhaps whoever stole it left more than boot prints.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Yous want to come back to the den and sees where they took it?
Uther Menethil says: I would.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. Yous can come to the den. But we stop doing this I owe you later thing. I don’t trust it. We figure it out now. Because yous not gonna go and help me find the banner and then just tell me yous want my banner! No. You’re not gonna trick Koroth like that. Koroth is cunnin’. She knows yous small folk tricks!
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Hmph. Pray she doesn’t think herself cunning enough to try and backstab us.
Vel can tell Koroth has no respect for the group. In fact, she resents the group right now, and if she was given the chance to betray them, she absolutely would. However, she was also driven by her baser instincts, greed, and paranoia, and that could be easily manipulated. She’s also clearly curious.
Liam Greymane says: I have an idea. If you want to have this arrangement. Once we retrieve your banner, we will allow you to keep your den as long you cease all raids on my people.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Well… how’s me gonna get food. And stuff.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Have you ever tried just hunting?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Well yeah. It’s not as fun.
Liam Greymane says: It’s not about fun.
Uther Menethil says: Tell me Koroth, what do you find fun?
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Being the strongest. Smashing things. I like birds. They make pretty songs and they taste good.
Uther Menethil says: Well. Not much, but it’s a very good start.
Koroth's Second Head says: I like feeding Eyegouger!
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Aye! Eyegouger’s so sweet.
Tol’vas looked over to the peryton and asked if Koroth treated him well, and Eyegouger said that she fed him and gave his brood much to hunt. There was a distinct murderous tone to the large albino peryton.
Liam Greymane says: It’s your choice, Koroth. Either we help you get your banner and you cease raiding on the Gilnean folk, or we claim your den and everything in it, including all your boys. We’re stronger than you are, aren’t we?
He leaned on his gun, his arms crossed.
Liam Greymane says: Do you think you can get away in time? These other ettins may be your rivals, but you’re mine, and this man in front of you is the only reason you’re still breathing. I suggest you listen to him.
Uther grins up at the ettin.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Right. But… how’s Koroth gonna be the strongest if there’s nothing to fight?
Liam Greymane says: There may be something to fight still, if you’re willing to take suggestions. After all… that’s how you ettins work, isn’t it?
Uther Menethil says: You said you like being the strongest. I don’t think anyone in this whole land is stronger than Alpha Prime.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Who’s that?
Uther Menethil says: You haven’t heard of Alpha Prime?
Koroth’s Second Head says: Wait a second! One of the small folk said something about Alpha Prime. Yeah some big shot. Is he another chieftain like yous?
Uther Menethil says: The biggest and the shottiest.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Not true! We’s the shottiest!
Uther Menethil says: I bet Alpha Prime doesn’t think so. I bet Alpha Prime doesn’t know your name.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: No way! Everyone knows Koroth the Hillbreaker!
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I didn’t know you until you showed up. I knew Alpha Prime though.
Liiraluma says: Same.
Koroth looks at Tol’vas and roars, but Liam cocks his gun.
Liam Greymane says: Uh uh. Put the club down.
Koroth lowers the great club she had started to raise.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: I know what yous doing! You’re just trying to get on my nerves!
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You think we could pull that over on you? You know our tricks.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Yeah. Yeah that’s right!
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Would she even be able to hurt Alpha Prime?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: Absolutely not. She couldn’t even hurt me.
Liam Greymane says [telepathic bond]: We could see about that. If we stuck a handful of silver nails into that club of her’s, she may be able to do more damage than we might think.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: I would… not want her to be able to hurt me?
Liam Greymane says [telepathic bond]: We could figure out specifics. That could just be a temporary measure. Regardless. This could be valuable.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [telepathic bond]: On the record, I think it’s a terrible idea.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: This Alpha Prime git thinks he’s better than me?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: He thinks he’s better than everyone.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. You get my banner, then I fight Alpha Prime’s group and not your group.
Uther Menethil says: I think that’s acceptable.
Liam Greymane says [telepathic bond]: And after we’ve restored order, we can make another arrangement. Maybe we can turn her against the bandits as well. Coercion seems to be effective. And, at the very least, the devil you know is the one you don’t. Should we kill her, these men would flock to another warlord. We don’t have the resources to hunt all of them.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. Yous got a deal. How do I tell the difference?
Liam Greymane says: We can arrange that. We have a banner of our own and we will fly it. But, Koroth, if you or any of your boys harm even one hair on my people from this moment out, we will come for both of your heads, and all the loot you’ve ever taken.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. You smallies got a deal.
Koroth nods.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: We’s go back to the den. Fix up our wounds. Then you come. We don’t smash yous. You look around. Find my banner, then we do our parts of the deals. Aye?
Uther Menethil says: I believe we have an accord.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. You heard them boys. We don’t smash small folks for a bit.
The ettins all nod, and a few look not very happy about the deal.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: But if any of yous gits try to trick me and give me a fake one, then our deal’s off, got it?
Uther Menethil says: Of course.
Liam Greymane says: We wouldn’t dream of it.
Koroth the Hillbreaker says: Alright. Right lads, we’re moving out.
The ettins tentatively pick up their weapons and start to move out as the perytons eat the flesh of the dead ettins. They make themselves scarce. As soon as they are out of eyesight, Uther drops to a knee.
Uther Menethil says: My ribs are absolutely bruised.
Liam throws his rifle to the closest Gilnean and runs to give Mia a big hug.
Liam Greymane says: Mother
Mia Greymane says: Liam! How did you even know we were coming?
Liam Greymane says: We had a tip from mutual friends.
Liam gestured to the group as he released his mother. Mia smiled over at them and she went over to take Uther’s hand as he finished patching himself up.
Mia Greymane says: Is it truly you, Uther?
Uther Menethil says: In the flesh! You aren’t hurt, are you?
Mia Greymane says: No. Thanks to you. Our driver will probably need some bedrest, but thanks to you he will make a full recovery I believe. What happened?
She looked over to Vel as well.
Mia Greymane says: Last I heard you were killed in a cave in. How did you get to Gilneas?
Uther Menethil says: A long, strange trip. I’d be more than happy to regale you with the details.
Mia Greymane says: I’m glad you’re both safe. Your mother will be overjoyed that you still live. And Miss Windrunner… I can’t thank you enough. For both of you helping me. If you’re the reason you were here to greet Koroth and her band… I can’t imagine that would have gone well had you not gotten here when you did.
Velameestra Windrunner says: When it was implied you hadn’t arrived I thought it best to check in.
Mia Greymane says: We were being very careful making our way through the countryside. Find what refugees we could, laying low, and trying to learn as much as we could about the situation. But with just the two of us, we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks.
Lorna stepped forward.
Lorna Crowley says: Liam.
Liam looked at her and straightened up.
Liam Greymane says: Lorna. It’s been… a long time. After the war… I
Lorna shook her head.
Lorna Crowley says: A lot happened. I’m just glad you’re alright.
Liam nods.
Liam Greymane says: Same to you. You… were with my mother?
Lorna Crowley says: It’s a long story. I’ll be happy to regale you with it on the way back, but I suppose I now owe the rest of you an introduction.
Lorna bows.
Lorna Crowley says: Rafia Carver was a pseudonym. I am Lorna Crowly. I apologize for hiding the truth, but the situation was complicated.
Mia looked to the new faces.
Mia Greymane says: I’m not familiar with the three of you.
She looked at Luma.
Mia Greymane says: You’re a draenei, yes? I had the pleasure of meeting Remnii.
Liiraluma says: I should expect that. Good to meet you.
Mia nodded.
Mia Greymane says: You seem to have quite a different profession than she did.
Liiraluma says: Not everyone can go cross-Light discipline. The Light is with me, but I will hope to say most friends of Remnii are friends of mine.
Luma gave a small salute and bent to grab up one of their turrets.
Mia then looked at Tol’vas and Seria.
Mia Greymane says: I don’t know who either of you are, but I’m very grateful for your assistance. Not to steal the line, if you are friends of Uther and Miss Windrunner’s, then you’re a friend of mine as well. You’re a worgen?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I am.
Mia Greymane says: My daughter is a worgen. She came to Gilneas ahead of us. Have you heard from her, Liam? Has she reached out to you?
Liam chewed on his lip.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: You asked about that conversation… things are a bit more complicated.
Liam glanced over at Vel.
Liam Greymane says: No. She hasn’t.
Mia Greymane says: I see. That’s troubling, but perhaps we can try and see where she might be. If she was taken by Alpha Prime’s wolf cult, we need to extricate her. What of your father? I’ve heard some dreadful rumors.
Liam Greymane says: I regret to say the rumors are most likely true. Father’s lost himself. He’s running with Alpha Prime’s pack now.
Mia’s fist balls up.
Mia Greymane says: That stubborn old fool. Leave it to him to lose himself. When I get ahold of him!
Mia sighs.
Mia Greymane says: Thank you. I suppose we’ll have to find some way to save him.
Liam Greymane says: We have a few ideas on that front already.
Mia Greymane says: Good. I should have guessed. Nevertheless, as nice as it is to see these roads, it may be good to return to the manor. If you don’t mind, we’ll have to find our horses… but I think our cart is beyond saving. As long as we can get our horses, we can return home.
Vel just glanced over at Tol’vas and Seria, and they set off to find the horses with Elissa while Vel worked on conjuring her phantom steeds again. Before long, they all mounted up and headed off. Vel had splinted up the injured carriage driver while Luma made a quick small cart to carry him. Lorna was watching Luma intensely as they worked.
During the ride, stories were swapped.
Lorna Crowley says: Tobias. You supported my father during the war. Have you heard anything from him?
Tobias Mistmantle says: Yes. He’s alright. Your da’s keeping things together with a group of us. Ones who… picked up the curse.
Liam glanced back.
Liam Greymane says: So you do have it then. I suspected as much. So this treatment, I suppose you have undergone it?
Tobias Mistmantle says: Aye. Son of a bitch, but I feel more like myself than I have in twenty years.
Liam Greymane says: I see. I want to know more in the future, but please continue.
Tobias Mistmantle says: But yeah, your da is one of us. He woke up and started pulling the rest of us out.
Lorna Crowley says: So he was bit then?
Tobias nodded.
Lorna Crowley says: Well I’m glad he’s alive, at least.
Tobias Mistmantle says: Don’t get like that, Miss Crowley. He’s the same old blowhard, just hairier.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And I’m sure he’d like to know you’re alright.
Lorna Crowley says: I’d like to see him again… well, if you’re all here, and Tess was able to control herself, then maybe there’s still hope.
They arrived at the gates to Greymane Manor, and Liam was chatting away with his mother. He explained the lords were likely prepared for the meeting, but he was certain they would want to know that the queen was back. He told the group to meet him in the same meeting room, though he warned not to take too long.
He thanked them again before heading off with Mia. Lorna stretches and sighs.
Lorna Crowley says: Personally I haven’t had a bed in a while. I should probably go to this meeting too, but… do you think they’d be too upset if I skipped it?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Technically they don’t even know you’re here.
Lorna Crowley says: No, but Liam will probably tell them.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Right. There… was something we actually wanted to speak with you on, if you don’t mind.
They had come to a reasonably private space outside the manor, and Lorna cocked her head.
Lorna Crowley says: Sure. But I can’t imagine there’s much you want to talk to me about.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s actually about Tess…
Lorna Crowley says: What did she do?
Vel and Uther exchanged glances.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Tess… was not really Tess.
Lorna Crowley says: Explain.
Vel opened her mouth to start, but then Uther started to speak and Vel immediately shut her mouth again, as Uther ultimately had a much better delivery than she did.
Uther Menethil says: There has been… something of a revelation. Very very recently.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Earlier today, actually.
Uther Menethil says: It would be irresponsible of me not to tell you to prepare yourself for this information as best you can.
Lorna Crowley says: I’m a Gilnean. I’m always prepared for the worst. Go on.
Uther Menethil says: Tess Greymane did not kill your daughter. Your daughter killed Tess Greymane.
Lorna Crowley says: What do you mean?
Velameestra Windrunner says: They swapped identities. When Krennan found Lorelei after the event, he told her to pretend she was Tess. To protect her.
Lorna laughed in disbelief.
Lorna Crowley says: You’ve got to be kidding me. There’s no way that’s what happened.
Velameestra Windrunner says: She told us that’s what happened.
Lorna Crowley says: When? When did you speak with her?
Velameestra Windrunner says: She’s here.
Lorna Crowley says: What!? But Liam said–
Velameestra Windrunner says: Liam said Tess wasn’t here. He picked up that she was an imposter the moment she arrived.
Lorna’s eyes flicker back and forth as she searched the information and her own thoughts, and quickly slotted everything together.
Lorna Crowley says: You’re… you’re telling me… all of these years.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We wanted to tell you first.
Lorna Crowley says: Light… are you absolutely certain? Of course, you’re certain.
Velameestra Windrunner says: She’s currently in the cellar under the manor.
Lorna Crowley says: She’s in the oubliette!?
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Yes.
Lorna Crowley says: Liam put her in the dungeon!?
Velameestra Windrunner says: He wanted answers, and she was terrified of telling him the truth for obvious reasons.
Lorna Crowley says: That damned fool! Why does he think she looks so similar?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Her father is–
Lorna Crowley says: It’s Liam! Liam’s her father.
Uther breathed a small sigh of relief.
Lorna Crowley says: I never told him. I never had the chance to tell him! That damned rebellion… seven hells! That’s his bloody daughter! We can’t let him have her in the damned dungeon! Come on!
Lorna made a move to start bolting for the manor.
Liiraluma says: I like her.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Lorna!
Uther Menethil says: Miss Crowley, please!
Lorna Crowley says: What? What do you want me to do!?
Uther Menethil says: I want you to trust me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: She’s a worgen, and all the lords are gathered right now.
Lorna Crowley says: I don’t give two shits what the lords think! That’s my daughter and the bloody princess of the kingdom!
Uther Menethil says: You should. Lorna do you remember a man by the name of Godfrey?
Lorna Crowley says: How couldn’t I?
Uther Menethil says: I spent all of two minutes in his presence. And I determined two things. One, that he has strong feelings about the worgen, and two, that he has a tremendous amount of power here.
Lorna Crowley says: You think he’ll try something?
Velameestra Windrunner says: If the daughter of the current reigning king of Gilneas is a worgen, that is a very unique opportunity that Godfrey would have to force Liam into a situation where he would need to prove where his priorities are.
Lorna Crowley says: Bloody hell…
Uther Menethil says: To say nothing of the fact that she killed her aunt. We, here, know that was more akin to being struck by lightning than a true act of murder, but Godfrey would not see it that way. And he will have very little difficulty to convince the other lords to see it his way.
Lorna Crowley says: Dammit. Dammit!
Lorna sighs heavily as she realizes the pair of them were right.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Our first step to attend this meeting, then I think we need to tell Liam and Mia in private.
Lorna Crowley says: We’re not going to tell anyone else then? Probably for the best.
Uther Menethil says: Knowledge can be a powerful weapon. It serves us to keep it out of our enemies’ hands.
Lorna Crowley says: I’ve no head for politics. I’ll go to this meeting but I’m keeping my mouth shut. If I open it I’ll cause some sort of trouble. Clearly, you all have my family’s best interests in mind… I appreciate it. You’re right. If I stormed in there I’d just get her killed. Oh gods, Mia… oh Light, this is going to break her heart. Can she ever forgive me? Can either of them ever forgive me?
Velameestra Windrunner says: You didn’t know either.
Lorna Crowley says: I treated her like…
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Like someone that killed your daughter?
Lorna Crowley says: Yes… I suppose. I never put much stock in fate, but… if fate does exist, it certainly has a cruel sense of humor. I assume that I can be there when you speak with them?
Uther Menethil says: Of course.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We wouldn’t keep you from that.
Lorna Crowley says: Thank you...
Velameestra Windrunner says: And… silver linings, I suppose you can tell your father he has a granddaughter?
Lorna Crowley says: It’s been so long… I never even got the chance to tell him I had a child. In a grim twist of fate, I suppose Mia will learn she lost her daughter a long time ago, but she in turn gained a granddaughter… for what small condolence that is. Alright, I’ll follow your lead. But after we’re done, I’m going to shoot something.
Liiraluma says: Heh. I have a gun for you to try.
Lorna Crowley says: I saw your tools, they’re unlike anything I have ever seen. I get the sense Tobias was all over them, yes?
Liiraluma says: Your guns backfire!
Lorna Crowley says: You get used to it.
Liiraluma says: After. When you need some relief, find me.
Lorna’s expression says she needs the relief literally right that moment, but she knew there were more important things to take care of.
The group headed into the meeting chamber and they witnessed a baker’s dozen of nobility. Liam was there as well as Hiram Creed and Vincent Godfrey. The unknown ones were introduced, namely: Lord David Walden, Baron Benedict Ashbury, Lord Isiden Perenolde, and a smattering of others, and the names of the party were also offered.
Vincent Godfrey says: Charmed.
David Walden says: Welcome to Gilneas, my friends. A humble thanks to all of you for your role in rescuing the queen.
Benedict Ashbury says: Indeed! Advantageous you arrived when you did. A moment too late and we may have had another funeral.
Hiram Creed says: Aye. Good for us to have good news for once.
Isiden Perenolde says: Indeed. It is a pleasure to make all of your acquaintances. I understand my family name has a bit of a stain outside Gilnean walls, but know I am not my uncle. Not that it means much in this unfortunate wasteland.
Uther Menethil says: I’m a firm believer that a person’s worth is dependent on their actions, not their ancestors’.
Isiden Perenolde says: You are kind. Though I understand my families have struggled in the past. But perhaps we may start on better footing.
Uther Menethil says: I’d like that.
Vincent Godfrey says: So. I’ve been led to understand that your group has some things to tell us about. Please. The floor is yours.
Uther looks across the group assembled.
Uther Menethil says: Outside the walls of Gilneas, the world finds itself beset by an enemy across the stars. An army of demons invaded through the Sunwell. Quel’thalas has already fallen, as has most of Lordaeron. I have fought this enemy, and it is my belief, that it would take nothing but the aggregate sum of all of Azeroth’s strength to fend off this foe. This enemy desires nothing less than extinction. I understand that things in Gilneas preclude anyone from offering aid in that endeavor, and toward that end, myself and my companions are here so that we may restore order to Gilneas… and hopefully you will stand with us once again. I’m not here to offer empty words or an arm capable of swinging a hammer. Your foe here is not an invading army that invades for land or glory. No. Your enemy is a corrupt spirit that must be eliminated if order is to be restored. One of my companions has intimate knowledge concerning this enemy. What’s more… a way to turn those who have fallen toward this curse back to some form of their original selves.
There are some whispers amongst the gathered lords.
Benedict Ashbury says: You discovered a cure for the worgen curse?
Uther Menethil says: Not a cure. What’s done is done. Once a person becomes a worgen, that is who they are. But we offer a way for men to gain control over the beast...
Uther glanced over at Tol’vas.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You have to combat your own demons to regain control. The curse amplifies rage. But if they want to put that rage to rest, they can regain control of themselves.
There are more whispers.
David Walden says: How did you come about this knowledge? You are of an unfamiliar type of elf. Much taller and…
He chews on his words.
David Walden says: Different, than those from Quel’thalas.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: My people have been affected by it as well. We’ve been looking. It was here in the Blackwald we made significant headway.
Vincent Godfrey says: Is that so? How very curious. Tol’vas, was it? Where are you from originally? I know of no land that hosts your people. Forgive me for being curious.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Across the Maelstrom, there’s another continent.
The lords continue to mutter amongst themselves. Liam raised his hand for silence.
Vincent Godfrey says: Interesting. And now your people have come to Gilneas to fix this problem. Since you know so much about it, do you know where it came from? By now it is common knowledge that the king’s former court mage called forth this Alpha Prime from another dimension. But you seem to know more.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: He pulled them from the Dream. It's where all of them have been locked away.
Vincent Godfrey says: By your kin?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Correct. The kaldorei.
Vincent Godfrey says: My elvish is rusty… but, children of the stars? How fitting that you left your problems for us to stumble into. Your measure has nearly led tot he destruction of our entire kingdom. So yes, I suppose it’s good you’re here to help.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: An interesting way to spin it, but it wasn’t one of my people that brought him here.
Vincent Godfrey says: No. But Arugal is already dead. You are not. So your intimate knowledge of worgen aside, allow me to get this straight, your highness.
He looks over to Uther.
Vincent Godfrey says: It is your hope that by bringing an end to this Alpha Prime, to this evil spirit, that Gilnea will aid the Alliance in turning against this… demonic threat.
Uther Menethil says: That is my most fervent hope.
Vincent Godfrey says: Perhaps you didn’t notice on your way in, but Gilnea is in no position to help in any prolonged conflict, let along helping a nation that turned their back on us twenty years ago. In fact, it was your own lord father that chose to support the would-be-king Daval Prestor, instead of listening to a council of kings that knew how to rule.
Uther Menethil says: An unfortunate oversight.
Isiden Perenolde says: With all due respect, master Godfrey, I can hardly judge them for that decision. I was not even a man back then. Given the circumstances and the conflict, and the presence of my elder cousins, placing a young boy on the throne would have been ill-advised in a time of war.
Vincent Godfrey says: And yet now we find ourselves in this situation. Tell me, how has the rulership of master Daval Prestor gone?
Uther Menethil says: In the wake of this tragedy, the Alliance convended, and he shattered the Alliance by bringing in the Dark Iron dwarves. I haven’t been around to see how things have gone entirely.
Mia Greymane says: But I have. I attended the very meeting, and on behalf of Gilneas, I have achieved temporary readmittance into the Alliance given the circumstance.
There were more whispers. Godfrey looked over to Mia.
Vincent Godfrey says: My beloved queen, even you should understand that was a gross breach of protocol far outside your realm, even were Genn still seated on the throne.
Liam Greymane says: It’s not, master Godfrey. I believe that Mia made the right decision. I am only acting as interim king, so I will not and cannot and will not make a decision until I have consulted with my lord father, but given the circumstances, I believe she made the right call. Gilneas is bleeding, my good men.
Uther Menethil says: If I may clarify something.
Liam Greymane says: Of course.
Uther Menethil says: My offer of aid is not contingent upon Gilneas’s returned help. I am here to help, and I will do just that regardless.
Godfrey furrows his brow.
Vincent Godfrey says: You truly expect us to believe that? That the crown prince of Lordaeron would go out of his way to aid a foreign nation that’s not even a formal ally, in a situation that could lead to his own death, with no expectation of repayment? Especially when your own nation is facing such a grave threat? That sounds like platitudes to me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …It’s not even the first time he’s done it.
There were some chuckles at Vel’s comment, including from Lorna.
Uther Menethil says: Lord Godfrey, do you know what else I am?
Godfrey waits.
Uther Menethil says: I am a knight of the Silver Hand. I am here to help Gilneas because it is the thing to do. I have a list, and that list is long, and this is the next place on it. I am not here to politic. I am here because everyone that lives in our world is in danger. I will save as many as I can. You accuse me of offering platitudes. Tell me, Godfrey, what do you think would happen if, after we saved Gilneas, you stayed behind your walls? That I’d muster an army and bang at your gates demanding justice?
Vincent Godfrey says: You? Perhaps not. But you are also not the king. Not yet.
Uther Menethil says: You believe my father would do such a thing?
Vincent Godfrey says: We are beset on all sides by a kingdom that has turned its back on us. This high king Daval Prestor rules the alliance? We are no friends. Indeed, one of the greatest threats to his rule is here in this city.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Oh, so you’re a target with no allies? So you’re going to turn down help?
Uther Menethil says: All the more reason our interests align. Daval Prestor represents a threat to the alliance, and I am also his enemy.
The crowd started to chat again, and Liam smirked.
Vincent Godfrey says: So the truth comes out. You are less concerned with this invasion, and are rather focused on a coup of your own. You hope Gilneas will rise against a common foe.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Do you only focus on one issue at a time? That seems inefficient.
Vincent Godfrey says: I don’t think you have any right to judge. After all, you’re only here to clear your own conscience. You care nothing–
Uther Menethil says: Lord Godfrey, the barn is on fire, the horses have run away, and the bandits are in the hills, which problem should we attack first?
Vincent Godfrey says: The one before us. I care not about Daval Prestor or the invasion, and the kingdom is best by monsters, and you come offering a cure that does nothing but enshroud our people behind a facsimile of control! You want us to give them a chance to rejoin us? What if the moon rises once more! What if this tenuous chain breaks? Children wind up massacred in their beds?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What’s your solution now?
Uther Menethil says: Ten years. What have you to show for it? His majesty has the right of it. Gilneas bleeds by the day. If you believe sitting and bleeding will lead to a solution, by all means. I would rather not see Gilneas die.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Maybe you can build another wall.
Lorna chuckles again, and Mia gives her a look.
Vincent Godfrey says: My fellow countrymen, these outsiders have come for their own agendas. Their solution may proffer a small peace, but how long until this cure of theirs runs dry, and this unconditional assistance has fine print, and until these favors pile up, and we find ourselves in chains once again?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Interesting approach.
Vel and Godfrey both shoot a look at Tol’vas.
Vincent Godfrey says: Hold your tongue! I know what you are and what Alpha Prime and his sycophants are. You can deflect your own blame all you want, but I know why you’re here, master Tol’vas. So tell me, my friends.
He looked back at his fellow lords.
Vincent Godfrey says: Would you put your trust in these outsiders, or will you trust Gilneas? Our great nation to find a solution to this problem as we always have?
The nobles talked for a moment and some of them brought up their own thoughts. Eventually, they came to a vote.
Liam Greymane says: I for one believe that the best course of action, the best way we can ensure Gilneas’s future, is to trust these brave folks who risked their lives to save not only my mother and lady Crowley, but also who have dropped everything they are doing to come all this way. This threat that besets their own homes… is one that they could be handling. Lady Velameestra’s own home is in the hands of these orcs, and the Eastweald, the breadbasket of Uther’s home, is occupied. The first snows have already come. Gilneas bleeds, and they are right, our aid has not staunched it. It has but stemmed the tide. Every day more and more of our kind are lost tot he wolf cult. They outnumber us ten to one. If there is a way for master Tol’vas’s cure to give our people a chance at reclaiming who they were before their minds were taken from them, is that not worth exploring? Your mothers, your fathers, your families and children, your king… are we to turn our backs on them? This worgen curse… if it is indeed an ailment, one that can be lived with… one that balance can be found with… I believe that is worth investigating. Before we vote, I have a proposition. Our friends have informed me that there are some worgen who have already undergone this rite. I will travel to see these worgen myself. I will evaluate if what they say is true, and that our countrymen have mastered this curse. If so, if we can use it to save our families… we’ve protected Gilneas from countless threats. We protected our families during the Northgate rebellion. We protected Gilneas during the troll wars. We protected GIlneas from the worgen. We will protect GIlneas no matter the cause, but accepting help does not mean we compromise who we are. I believe my father would agree if he were here.
Vincent Godfrey says: Then you do not know your father, Master Liam. I believe yo’ve spoken enough. Please, men and women of the court, I would ask that you vote now. And do so with knowledge and wisdom.
Liam Greymane says: All in favor of trusting these folk. This is not a vote to aid them, this is not a vote in support of overthrowing Daval Prestor, these things can be discussed later, this is a vote to entrust these friends to help us. All in favor.
Several hands go up. Liam. Isiden. Hiram Creed. Along witht he majority of the other lords.
Liam Greymane says: All against?
Godfrey, Walden, Ashbury, and several other lords raise their hands.
Liam Greymane says: It seems we’ve reached an accord. Uther, Tol’vas, Velameestra, and all the rest. We’re at your disposal. What can we do to assist you?
Uther Menethil says: I suppose a good first step would be to do exactly what you said. Come with us and see for yourself.
Lorna Crowley says: I’ll go as well. Make sure he doesn’t get himself killed. Or bitten.
Liam Greymane says: I’ll bring a handful of my best fighters as well. And of course, all of you as well. I need assistance in finding them, after all.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I think that can be arranged.
Vincent Godfrey says: I suppose I have no choice but to respect the wishes of the court. Your majesty, I sincerely hope your decision does not doom the spirit of this land.
Liam Greymane says: Perhaps it may, Godfrey, but they are right. Should we refuse, we most certainly would. I do not know about you, but I would rather live and protect my people.
Godfrey nods.
Vincent Godfrey says: Admiral, master Liam.
Godfrey leaves the meeting chamber.
Liam Greymane says: That’s settled. I suppose a trek will be in order. We shall prepare our belongings, and we will make haste for these worgen when convenient. In the meantime, you would be welcome as guests here. Though we have little in the way of amenities, as you’ve already seen…
Velameestra Windrunner says: I… would actually like to extend my own offer, in that regard.
Liam cocks his head to the side.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can perhaps alleviate some of the strain of our presence here.
Liam Greymane says: I have heard that some of the mages of the Kirin Tor are capable of conjuring great feasts. I would not ask you to overtax yourself, but if you have anything our people would be grateful I’m sure.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Food. Baths. Beds.
Liam blinks.
Liam Greymane says: You can do all of that?
Vel nods.
Velameestra Windrunner says: As you said, winter is coming. And us being here taxes your rations more than they need to be.
Liam Greymane says: We would be in your debt.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t think any more debts would need to be handed out.
Liam Greymane says: You are far too kind.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I do ask how many people do you want to bring with you and how fast you would like to be there?
Liam Greymane says: If you’ve some other mysticism that would bring us there quickly, time is as ever of the essence.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Okay. Be prepared to arrive tomorrow.
The lords start to gather as Vel prepares to conjure the [Magnificent Mansion]. Most of them have never even seen an elf in their life, let alone the magics that a powerful member of the Kirin Tor could wield. Vel casts the mansion set up to last for 10 days and it is set up so that people can eat and bathe.
Ashbury and Walden were the first to step in.
Benedict Ashbury says: By the Light! Did you really conjure all this?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I did. If you need anything, just ask the mana wyrms.
She gestures to the scintillating creatures that twisted around the tree at the mansion's heart. Most had never seen mana wyrms either.
Benedict Ashbury says: What is this going to cost us?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Nothing. It didn’t cost me anything.
Benedict Ashbury says: So there’s no end?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It lasts for 10 days. I can re-erect it if I’m in the area afterwards.
Benedict Ashbury says: Gods.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Note you can’t take anything out, that’s the only restriction.
Vel picks up something and tosses it out the door, and the group watches as it simply vanishes.
Benedict Ashbury says: At least we won’t have to worry about thieves...
Before long the mansion is set up as a communal space where people can eat and bathe. For some people it’s been about 20 years since they last had a good bath. The Gilnean guards set up shop so that people can go through in an orderly fashion.
Gilnean Guard says: Wait your turn, everyone will have a chance to have some nice food and baths. We’re going to start a timer after every hour, so you'll have to leave. Give others a turn.
Luma builds a timer with their tinkers tools to help with the process.
That evening, Mia and Liam were catching up, and Lorna and the rest of the immediate party sought them out. Seria used [True Seeing] to make sure no one was watching and kept an eye out for eavesdroppers as a spider, and Tol’vas curled up to snooze just outside the door.
They met with Liam and Mia in Mia and Genn’s chambers.
Lorna Crowley says: Liam. Your majesty.
Mia Greymane says: Please, Lorna, we traveled together for twenty years. Call me Mia.
Lorna Crowley says: As you wish. Our friends wanted to speak with you, and I also have some things I wish to speak with you about.
As the conversation began, Seria noticed a scrying sensor flicker into sight behind Vel.
Seria says [telepathic bond]: There’s someone watching.
Vel raised a hand to silence Lorna.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Where’s it at, Seria?
Seria says [telepathic bond]: Behind you.
Vel turns and dispels the sensor, and the magic promptly fizzled out.
Lorna Crowley says: Did you see something?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Someone was scrying on us. They’re gone now. Seria will keep an eye out for any others.
Lorna Crowley says: Dammit.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Curious someone here is capable of that magic. I was under the impression you didn’t have many mages.
Liam Greymane says: I can’t necessarily say that I know.
Uther Menethil says: So is it safe to speak?
Seria gives the all clear.
Uther Menethil says: Well then. Your majesties. As I informed Miss Crowley earlier, it would be irresponsible of me to not tell you to prepare yourselves to hear some very hard news. As we rode to meet your mother, Liam, you asked what we had learned when we spoke to the prisoner.
Mia Greymane says: What prisoner?
Liam Greymane says: I was not entirely truthful to you earlier, mother… You asked if Tess had come here. She… the woman who you were speaking of did. But I don’t believe it’s who you think it is.
Mia Greymane says: What are you talking about Liam. That’s your sister.
Uther Menethil says: It’s not. Mia, your daughter didn’t kill Lorelei. Lorelei killed your daughter. Krennan discovered her in the aftermath, and to protect her life he told her to pretend to be Tess.
Mia Greymane says: How did you come about this information?
Velameestra Windrunner says: She confessed everything to us when we spoke to her.
Liam Greymane says: I knew as soon as she arrived. There were so many details that were wrong...
Mia Greymane says: Did you know about this?
Mia looked at Lorna.
Lorna Crowley says: I was just told.
Mia Greymane says: I should be surprised, right? I should be. But… I think I knew… deep down.
Uther Menethil says: There is one more piece, but I don’t think that is mine to tell.
Uther looked at Lorna.
Lorna Crowley says: The woman in your custody is my daughter Lorelei.
Liam blinks.
Liam Greymane says: I had no idea, I…
Lorna Crowley says: Liam. Liam… she’s yours.
Liam’s jaw drops, and Mia pus a hand over her mouth.
Mia Greymane says: For truth?
Lorna nods.
Lorna Crowley says: It happened before the rebellion. I would have told you, but… our fathers had already fought by the time I learned. And then everything that came after was… it was too complicated. I got so deep with everything that happened…
Liam Greymane says: Lorna, it’s fine. I… Light. So I’m a father. And one to an adult woman… who I’ve never met. Who is currently in my dungeons and… and is a worgen. Oh dear.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We… could bring her with us. When we return to Lord Crowley and the others. She could attempt the ritual.
Liam Greymane says: Godfrey would never allow it… he would never let me take her–
Uther Menethil says: Is Godfrey king?
Vel fiddled with her lower lip.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If you’re not opposed to some… trickery, we could put an illusion in her place. He doesn’t need to know. I can make it look as realistic as we need.
Liam Greymane says: To answer your question, Uther, no, Godfrey isn’t king. But he’s been a respected member of Gilneas for longer than I’ve been alive. Though harsh, he wields much power, and we’ve already struck him a great blow in the meeting today.
Liiraluma says: I think I would have struck him harder, honestly.
Lorna Crowley says: You and me both. Personally, I’m disappointed my father never got the chance to slug him during the Northgate rebellion. No offense, Liam.
Liam Greymane says: None taken. If you believe your deception could be convincing, we could certainly try… but if he discovers it, I shudder to think what he may do.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I suppose that depends on how versed he is in magic.
Liam Greymane says: I don’t believe he’s particularly wise at it. But he is mistrustful. And he’s keen. If you are confident in your abilities I have no reason to mistrust you. And now that I think of it, I would not feel right leaving her here with Godfrey. I can only imagine the torture that he’s put her through already. The last thing I would want is to give him the opportunity to do more harm to her then I already have. Let's do it. Whatever you can do to mask her disappearance. I’ll do what I can to cover you. And, if he has a problem with it, we’ll deal with it when we return. If, he even discovers it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I'll ensure I'm prepared then.
Mia Greymane says: For what it’s worth, I don’t think she knows… does she know?
Mia looked at Lorna, who shook her head.
Lorna Crowley says: She only knows me as Rafia, the humble woodsman who became a lady-in-waiting.
Uther Menethil says: Even in her confession she referred to her as Rafia.
Lorna Crowley says: I guess I owe her an explanation and a thousand apologies. So maybe we can start that together?
Lorna looked at Liam.
Mia Greymane says: Right. It is getting late, and perhaps I should see about getting a bath. Thank you all for telling me.
Mia’s voice was clearly quavering, and she hurriedly began to usher the rest of the group out.
Lorna Crowley says: Wait. Before you go. Thank you all for looking after her… for everything. I can’t thank you enough. And for not being upset. I don’t care what our glorious king decides–
Liam rolled his eyes.
Lorna Crowley says: Or what Genn decides, or my father, but you’ll always have friends in Gilneas. So thank you.
Uther smiles and nods, as does Vel, and they go to leave the chambers as Mia tries to wrap her head around the news that had been breached.
Mia Greymane says: I guess I’m a grandmother… I guess I always have been. I suppose it’s about time, I’m not getting any younger. I… I think I should be alone for now. I might see if I can’t sneak my way into a nice bath. Maybe have a good cry over it. But thank you all for discovering this truth. And confirming what I feared I always knew. I can only hope Tess is at peace, wherever she is.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Something to consider... If you wanted the opportunity to ask, that could be arranged.
Mia Greymane says: What are you saying?
Velameestra Windrunner says: If she’s willing to answer the call, you could share some last words with her. I believe the portrait in the study would work for it.
Mia’s eyes start to well up, but she stops herself.
Mia Greymane says: There will be time for that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s an open offer.
Mia Greymane says: Genn deserves to be there. We’ll save him. And then maybe once all of this over. But truly you are so kind to ask. May I hug you? I think I could use a hug right now. And you deserve one.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Sure.
Mia hugs her.
Mia Greymane says: Anyone else?
Mia then goes around to give a big motherly hug to everyone willing, including Uther and Luma.
Mia Greymane says: You’re very tall! But you’re so thin, are you eating well?
Liiraluma says: I will neither confirm nor deny.
Mia Greymane says: Right! I will see you on the morrow.
Mia goes off to take a bath and cry about everything.
That night, Lord Hiram Creed came to find the group.
Hiram Creed says: There you are! About time we get to know each other. Lord Hiram Creed.
Uther Menethil says: Good to formally meet you.
Hiram Creed says: I wanted to thank you for what you did for Crowley and his ilk. I have friends in that neck of the woods. So you have my thanks. You think you have the answers? That you can bring to peace to our nation?
Uther Menethil says: At the risk of sounding arrogant, yes I think we do.
Hiram Creed says: That’s music to my ears. This hellhole of a nation hasn’t seen the sun in years, but I thought I would give you a bit of an offer.
Uther Menethil says: I’m listening.
Hiram Creed says: First off, I want you to know something. Folks around here… some of the mercenaries have the badge of a black wolf. Those are my men. If you need something, information, someone watched, let me know, and I’ll have them do it for ya. I also have a small number of men in the city, keeping an eye on things. Haven’t told the king yet. But I will, when the time’s right. Less people know, the safer they’re gonna be, and if you’re gonna be the saviors of Gilneas, it’s only right you know. They’re masquerading as wolf cult holed up in the old prison. If we need a breach point, I can get us in there, once we start making the plans for the final push.
Uther smiles.
Uther Menethil says: I very much appreciate your candor.
Hiram Creed says: Course. For what it’s worth, wouldn’t mind sticking it to old Prestor too. I was around during the old wars. I know how much Genn hated the bloke. Don’t know if we’ll be able to save him, but if we can’t, I’ll give him a one two for the old wolf.
Uther Menethil says: Much appreciated. We can certainly keep this in mind. In the meantime, I’m not certain how far your men travel, but just a moment ago… someone attempted to scry. If possible, I would like to know who, and for what reason.
Hiram scratches his beard.
Hiram Creed says: Magic surveillance, yeah?
Uther Menethil says: Indeed!
Hiram Creed says: Welp. Only a few folks that can sling spells besides you. Most of them, from what I know, are in Godfrey’s camp. Well. Godfrey or Perenolde. He ain’t a true lord, but he’s a friend, and he has kin in Alterac. Might be worth looking into. I can poke around a bit and see who might be interested in keeping tabs on you. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was either one.
Vel was watching Hiram carefully, however he was a man that was incredibly difficult to read.
Hiram Creed says: Nice thing about there not being many mages around, is there are only a few options. When you come back, I’ll let you know if I found anything.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I believe that’s the most pressing thing at the current juncture. Until we have a more solid plan.
Hiram patted Tol’vas on the head, who was a wolf, and lumbered away. Vel leaned towards Uther.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We need to watch him. Wrathion only mentioned one contact, and Galadin said he knew the passphrase. We need to check if he knows this Hiram Creed.
