[Horde] Chapter Five: Session Twenty-Six

Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Dargrul, Dawn, Harlia, Iskar, Lantresor, Levia Blackflight, Mayla Highmountain, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Se'Jib, Sol'chi, Thura Saurfang, Ulan Highmountain, Volrath, Zar'Kaa

November 16th

As Rak’Symma arrived at the Sepulcher of the Sky, she realized she wasn’t the only harpy there. Dawn and Harlia were also there, and it seemed that they were trying to return things that were taken.

Before long, Rak’Symma was able to find Mayla and Levia as they aided the other tauren. Rak’Symma was a bit surprised to see the other harpies there, but she was impressed all the same. She acknowledged them and gave them a nod of approval. Harlia did not see her at first, as she was clearly distraught as she bid some of her belongings farewell. Dawn, however, elbowed her in the side and gestured at Rak’Symma to indicate they should acknowledge her.

Mayla smiled as Rak’Symma approached.

Mayla Highmountain says: It’s good to see you again. We’re helping with the Skyhorn to take care of their own dead. If you wanted to join us.

Rak’Symma nodded and helped with the other Skyhorn. While there was an unfortunate number, there were certainly less than there may have been. A few hours passed, and by the early evening most of the work was complete. The only thing left was for those that had lost loved ones to grieve.

Levia looked over at Mayla.

Levia Blackflight says: Um. Hey. If you’re ready or anything… just let me know? But no pressure.

Mayla Highmountain says: No, I don’t want you to give me the opportunity to back out. I want to have it. If this can let me see him in some way, then lets just do it.

Levia smiled.

Levia Blackflight says: Alright. Bear in mind, I’ve never done this before… but I’m pretty sure I have the gist of it. Just um… yeah. I guess there’s nothing to it.

They approached the area where Ulan’s body had been laid out. His remains were still mostly present. Levia took a deep breath and pulled out a dark, leather-bound journal. There were a few studs on it, and she popped it open and did a few readings before she raised her hand and started to trace a rune in black and white magic.

Levia spoke words in a language that was alien to those there, reciting the spell Velameestra had given her. She then spoke Ulan Highmountain’s name, and the magic flickered and flared as the energy saturated the area in a thick, dark fog, as if it was a storm cloud. A figure wreathed in white light appeared through the storm cloud, and the broad-shouldered spirit of Ulan Highmountain appeared. His gentle eyes fell upon Mayla.

Ulan Highmountain says: Mayla…

His voice almost seemed to echo, and he smiled.

Mayla Highmountain says: Dad?

Ulan Highmountain says: Mayla… my sweet flower.

Tears were already welling in Mayla’s eyes.

Mayla Highmountain says: Dad, I’m so sorry. I couldn’t–

Ulan raised his hand.

Ulan Highmountain says: There is no need to apologize, my dear. It is not you who allowed my passing, and it is not you who should apologize. It is I who should apologize for leaving you so abruptly.

Mayla shook her head stubbornly.

Ulan Highmountain says: I’ve been watching you, my dear. These last days have been trying, but you have done well.

Mayla’s eyes widened.

Mayla Highmountain says: Are you okay? The hammer… we tried to… we tried to save you… Rak’Symma and her magic… it didn’t work. We were worried that something had happened, that something prevented you from joining the ancestors.

Ulan Highmountain says: You need not fear that, child. I rest now here in these beautiful verdant planes. They’re all here. Your grandfather, my father, and his before him. And… even your mother. We are all cheering for you, and we all know you will be the greatest of us yet.

Mayla Highmountain says: How could you know that? How will I know if I’m doing any of this right? How can you put that pressure on me!?

Ulan Highmountain says: We know this because it’s who you are, Mayla. You will not be better by your policies, or your leadership, you’ll be better because you are my daughter, and you are the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Whatever you do in your life will be better simply because it is.

Mayla fully dropped to her knees, and Ulan kneeled down next to her. He reached out and gently touched her shoulder.

Ulan Highmountain says: You… among the many things I was able to accomplish in my life, short as my reign of chieftain may have been, I am sure history will remember me as a fair chieftain who brought some measure of peace. But if I were to write one thing for history to remember me for, it would be that I was your father. Nothing could ever give me more pride than that.

The two of them sat in silence, looking at each other for a moment before Ulan looked over at Rak’Symma. He smiled at her as well.

Ulan Highmountain says: And you, Sky Friend… Rak’Symma… words do not express my gratitude. For you have saved my dear child more times than I could know, and you have been there for her, and you have been there for Ebonhorn. He is as much my family as my dear flower is. Though I never had the opportunity to say it, I believe that you have a place just as important.

Rak’Symma ducked her head sheepishly and exhaled a rattling breath.

Rak'Symma says: It’s the least I could have done for all your people have offered… not even in exchange.

Ulan Highmountain says: It’s much more than that. In all our years, our people have not been kind to yours, and yet you risked your life to save my child.

Rak'Symma says: I know what fate could have awaited her, and I do not wish that upon anyone.

Ulan looked at her with an expression of respect and love. Rak’Symma put a hand on Mayla’s shoulder.

Rak'Symma says: You can still ask him anything you want. There’s still time. Guidance, confer with him, anything you have laying on your shoulders.

Mayla Highmountain says: I know. But he’s right. Rak’Symma… you’re a part of this family too. If there’s anything… you deserve the chance to speak too.

Rak'Symma says: My questions may not be so kind and pretty as yours…

Ulan chuckled.

Ulan Highmountain says: I am no stranger to harsh words, Rak’Symma. You need not censor them on my account. Speak your heart, that I may hear it.

Rak’Symma stood up to address Ulan properly.

Rak'Symma says: I tend to avoid the dark places and I do not know the drogbar, and I know the shu’halo and they have worked together… so what drove Dargrul to do what he did?

Ulan sighed.

Ulan Highmountain says: Over our long history, our people have made peace… but we have also made war. We have not always been good neighbors. Though we have come together in the past, history and tales of companionship and mutual benefit… they are tales. True they may be, it is the reality we live in that paints our daily experiences. I do not know what led Dargrul to take the actions he did, but I do know that he is a prideful man. A bold man. And one who wants nothing more than for his people to thrive. Though we trade with the drogbar and we have been amicable to them… perhaps he desired more. Dominion over Highmountain perhaps? Or mayhap just a more equal share. A place at the table. I do not hate him for what he did. Rather my heart breaks for it. For knowing that my heart, my actions, and my words were not enough to give him what he believed he and his people needed… I do not know if there is a path to peace. Not one in which he is alive at the end of it. But I do hope that there is. Their people are children of Highmountain, and that is always worth something.

Rak’Symma looked at Mayla, and it was obvious that she was thinking heavily about what Ulan had said. Rak’Symma looked at Ulan more critically, and it was clear she was thinking about how to best phrase her next question.

Rak'Symma says: Was Proxcera ever someone you would have invited to your table?

Ulan furrowed his brow in contemplation.

Ulan Highmountain says: If I had the opportunity to know her well… I believe I may have. I saw her a handful of times when I was young. But… I was a new chieftain by the time the tragedy struck. The High Crawliac… she ruled Highmountain for the majority of my reign. And she… well… I need not tell you what her picture of the harpies looked like. But what I do know… is that she sought to make peace amongst her people first. Her approach was not one of isolation, but one of privacy. She made herself known to the shu’halo, but she was… cautious. She knew the damage that had been done in both directions. In many ways, her caution was a strength. But that isolation meant the circumstances that led to her death were those which no one knew about. The shadow of the Crawliac fell over Highmountain, and it did so overnight. In a perfect world, perhaps I would have had the opportunity to speak with her more directly. But I never got the opportunity to do so. But she and I are gone. And yet, here you stand. Both of you. And the table of Highmountain is no longer mine to set.

Mayla looked at Rak’Symma and gave her a tearful, sad smile.

Mayla Highmountain says: I guess you’re right.

Rak’Symma exhaled deeply, and she gave a very tired look between Mayla and Ulan.

Rak'Symma says: With her shadow darkening the skies as much as it did… why didn’t you bring an end to the Crawliac sooner? Killing harpies has never been a problem for your people, least of all the Bloodtotem… what made defeating the Crawliac any different?

Ulan sighed.

Ulan Highmountain says: For a time, it was out of hope. Tales that Ebonhorn had told me had said that Proxcera had returned in the past… her influence did not affect us keenly at first. We agreed to monitor the situation and watch what she would do, and we hoped in time perhaps Proxcera would have returned once more. It was always her way for the harpies to deal with harpy problems. We sought to respect that wish. But by the time that it seemed as if that would never come to pass… her influence and her power had grown too much to be easily removed. We know how to fight on a mountain, we know how to defend our lands, but these are harpy lands as well. And none but the Skyhorn have mastery of the air. Were we to amassed all of Highmountain in a singular strike, the death toll would have been catastrophic. That did not stop us from trying. Many lives were lost. And a full assault on the Haglands… would have lost more than she would even be able to inflict over the long years. There was fear that a weakened Highmountain would not be able to stand. With the braves lost in that assault, what if another enemy returned? If the demons… if Deathwing… or perhaps the drogbar decided to take Highmountain, we would have been defenseless against them. I do not know if it was the wise course of action, to live with an open wound… but Highmountain made a decision. Regretting it cannot change history. But you… you were able to right a wrong. To heal this wound in a way I never could.

Rak'Symma says: I did have some help.

Ulan Highmountain says: You did! You did. And I can't help but notice that while it was a harpy that dealt with harpy problems, she did not do it alone. I cannot pretend to say that the way Proxcera led was right or wrong, but what I have seen… is that you have already done something that I have never seen before. Harpy and shu’halo working hand in talon. I do not know what is the right answer, but what I do know is that whatever you’re doing seems to be just fine.

Ulan smiled, and Rak’Symma returned the smile with a small, weak laugh.

Rak'Symma says: Had the shu’halo not extended their hand to me… it may not have gone this way at all.

Ulan Highmountain says: Friendship is a stream that flows in two directions.

He turned to Mayla.

Ulan Highmountain says: The bridge that has brought me here… the gate that has been opened… I hear it calling me back. Back to the plains where our ancestors hunt, the mountains we scale, the feasts… and many years from now, Mayla, I look forward to hearing all your stories.

Ulan looked back for a moment.

Mayla Highmountain says: Dad, wait… tell… tell mother I said I love her, okay?

Ulan looked back at Mayla and smiled.

Ulan Highmountain says: I will, my flower. But she already knows. An’she guide you, my sweet child. And remember that Highmountain stands.

He finished turning back to the dark cloud and lumbered into it until he faded from view. As the crowd dissipated, Mayla repeated “Highmountain stands” under her breath. Her fingers clawed at the ground. After a moment, she shook her head and exhaled as she slapped her checks. She stood up and her tail flicked. She looked at Levia.

Mayla Highmountain says: Thank you for that! I think I needed that a lot more than I realized.

Levia smiled sheepishly.

Levia Blackflight says: I’m just glad it worked.

Mayla looked over at Rak’Symma and offered a warm smile before she stepped over and hugged the harpy tightly and picked her up. Rak’Symma made a startled noise, and Mayla put her back down with her hands on Symma’s shoulders.

Mayla Highmountain says: Thank you. I know I keep saying it, but you deserve so much thanks. Dad’s right, you are a part of my family. No matter what happens, you always will be, okay?

Rak'Symma says: He was right, you know? Highmountain stands, and it will stand because of you.

Mayla Highmountain says: And because of you, perhaps it will soar! How about we head back?

Rak'Symma says: I’ll meet you there, I have one last thing to do.

Mayla Highmountain says: Of course!

Mayla smiled and bid her farewell. Levia also headed off with a nod.

Levia Blackflight says: I’ll see you back at the town.

Rak’Symma turned her gaze toward Dawn and Harlia, who were getting ready to fly back as Harlia struggled to give back the same two pendants. Rak’Symma made a sound of presence.

Rak'Symma says: You two.

Both the other harpies looked at her.

Dawn says: Yes, Witch-Queen?

Rak'Symma says: Don’t… think of a different title if you must call me by any.

Dawn says: Yes. Rak’Symma. Matriarch?

Rak'Symma says: Rak’Symma for now is fine.

Dawn says: Yes.

Rak'Symma says: I have things I need to do, and they are not on Highmountain. In my absence, I need to ensure they will not go back to how they were. The threat I made will hold true, and I will bring the wrath of the storm to the peak if things go back.

Rak’Symma leaned back and she relaxed. Dawn nodded.

Dawn says: We understand.

Rak'Symma says: You two have made strides. I see your actions as honest, and with good intention. I know neither of you personally and I cannot fully trust you individually, so I want the both of you to watch over Highmountain.

Harlia says: We will! It is hard doing things like this.

Rak'Symma says: That is why Dawn will ensure you do so, and in exchange I expect you to keep Dawn honest.

Harlia says: Yes.

Dawn nodded.

Dawn says: To deceive you would be to deceive a storm. A force of nature. I am no fool. I will remind the others that just because you may not see a storm cloud, it can always return twice as powerful. Your decree is heard and known. The Witch-Queen’s shadow will no longer mar this mountain. You do the things you require. When you return, you will find the shadow purged. We will burn the effigies. Destroy the rituals. No more of the darkness.

Harlia says: And we will continue to trade! And gift! We will learn these things. The winter will be cold and long, but we will learn these things. It is hard, but challenges are fun! Different challenges than before, but still good.

Rak'Symma says: Challenges are the only way that you will grow.

Dawn nodded.

Dawn says: We grow. No more do we wither.

Rak’Symma fished in a pouch she stored in the large skull, and she pulled out a string of beads and a small bracelet. One of them was shinier than the other. She gave the bracelet to dawn, and the sparklier necklace to Harlia.

Rak'Symma says: These are my tokens of trust. And Harlia, in exchange.

She held out her hand.

Rak'Symma says: Place those pendants in my hand.

Harlia looked at the pendants, then to the new necklace.

Harlia says: Trade!

She slowly handed the pendants over.

Rak'Symma says: It is a trade, but it’s also a promise. When you look at what I gave you, think of the words I told you.

Harlia says: Yes. I will. Your words… they shine! Like this.

She pointed to the necklace. Rak’Symma nodded, and she handed the amulets back to a nearby tauren before she took off to return to Skyhorn proper. Harlia was admiring the new trinket. Dawn had placed her bracelet on her claw, and she was watching Rak’Symma until she was no longer in sight. It was clear that Dawn was intent on ensure her new responsibility would not fail.

As Arthak looked out at the sunset while he took a smoke break, he heard Lantresor speak up.

Lantresor says: This place has an indescribable beauty to it. In a way it reminds me of… the peaks visible even from Nagrand. I’m sure it is even more so for you, given where you found much of your youth.

Arthak Saurfang says: It is a lovely place. Very different kinds of mountains, but beautiful.

Lantresor says: I hope that, in time, we too can find a home like this. Perhaps not exactly like this, and not in body, but in spirit.

Arthak Saurfang says: That is part of why we are here. So we must. And we will.

Lantresor says: I’ve sensed a weight on your soul. Events that have taken place. It is alright if they have begun to burden your mind, Arthak. If I may relieve you of some of those burdens, you know you need not ask.

Arthak Saurfang says: I know. I know, my friend. I have been, until of late, enjoying a… period of serenity. But, the fight with the Crawliac has put an end to that for now. That fight and what has transpired since.

Lantresor says: The young captain’s words?

Arthak Saurfang says: In part, I guess. When we spoke after, it did not go well.

Lantresor says: What did he say?

Arthak Saurfang says: That I am unfeeling. That I pick and choose the burdens I take responsibility for, and the things I do. He was angry about the conversation I had with Volrath.

Lantresor says: Do you believe that is the case? That you pick and choose? That you are callous and unfeeling?

Arthak Saurfang says: No. I don’t.

Lantresor says: Neither do I. You are many things, Arthak. You are stoic. You are cunning. You are mighty. But your heart is far from unfeeling. You have a tendency to attract pain upon your heart like a flower attracts butterflies. You hold the sins of you and your people upon you like armor. You are reserved, but you are not unfeeling. The young captain… he simply seeks understanding, and I believe he seeks understanding by trying to impose his mastery of others on them. By finding the idea of what one is, and declaring it. He believes he understands you. And while that is not a bad thing, I believe the way he approaches you is one of complex emotions. I cannot speak for him, not truly, but I believe part of him may be envious of you. Of the respect that you garner from the people who follow you. Respect he has been denied. It is a feeling I know well, for it is a feeling I felt much in my own life.

Arthak Saurfang says: It is not a feeling I am unfamiliar with myself.

Lantresor says: I… I regret not having to know you when you were younger. Even when master took upon your care as a child. But I have spoken with enough people that knew you to imagine there are similarities that one could draw between he and a younger you. I do not believe he would like to hear that, and I imagine you are not pleased to recognize it either.

Arthak Saurfang says: I have thought about it.

Lantresor says: I see my own past in his actions as well. It is not an uncommon journey. Far from a rare struggle. But when one is in that storm, it can be hard to see the others who have been within it. I believe he is starting to. Slowly, perhaps, but I believe he is.

Arthak Saurfang says: I hope so.

Lantresor says: I do as well.

Arthak Saurfang says: As it stands, I think anything I would do to try and help would just make things worse.

Lantresor says: At times, the only person… though we have many teachers, the one who must teach us the hardest lessons is ourself.

Arthak Saurfang says: That is true. And familiar.

Lantresor says: Words, however, can cut even with all of this knowledge. But know that his words were said in wrath, not in truth. Even if he believes them to be. In time, perhaps he will see that as well. As for your encounter with the High Crawliac… I am sorry that you had to face the horrors that you did.

Arthak Saurfang says: The visage of loneliness did not faze me. I do not worry myself about that anymore. But she inflicted a viciousness upon me that is not my nature. I have dealt with that before, and it was not a pleasant experience.

Lantresor nodded.

Lantresor says: I believe most of our people can relate to such a darkness. But to hate and to fear… that fire that you know can still burn within you. That is where the discomfort and the discord grows within your heart. I cannot say anything to make that discord quiet. But sometimes to look that in its face… and to accept it is the best way that one can move on. It, as was the loneliness you faced in its embodiment… they are both a part of you. Even if you have moved past them and accepted them, some of that can never change. You have faced the embodiment of your loneliness and you have put it behind you, now you must do the same with the malice that washed over you during the fight.

Arthak Saurfang says: It’s not the feeling, it was the lack of control. When I am angry, when I am feeling vicious, that is not how I act. That was not anger. That was something she put in me that I could not control. Much like the fel, when I was particularly aggrieved by it… when I am truly angry, it is like winter. It is clear. Cold.

Lantresor says: Then you must recognize what happened as beyond your control. Like the magic that is thrown out by warlocks and wizards… what came over you is no failure of yours. Like the stream cannot control its rage when it swells from the rain, tranquil though it may be, only by flowing will it return to its prior state. But the water must move. It always must move.

Arthak Saurfang says: And I likewise will keep moving. I always have.

Lantresor says: But there are many stones in the stream, Arthak. The tranquil brook need not blame itself for crashing upon them. But you will continue to flow. And I will flow with you, as ever.

Arthak Saurfang says: For that I am grateful, brother.

Thura was relaxing and preparing herself for what tomorrow would bring. She had her eyes closed as Zar’Kaa approached, and Zar’Kaa went to turn away.

Thura Saurfang says: I’m not sleeping. It’s alright.

Zar'Kaa says: I don’t know you orcs well enough. Some of you may sleep standing up.

Thura fully straightened.

Thura Saurfang says: What can I help you with?

Zar'Kaa says: Nothing, I guess. I just wanted to thank you.

Thura furrowed her brow.

Zar'Kaa says: You fought well, and I wanted to recognize that. Even though I’m not your commander, I wanted to give you that sentiment.

Thura Saurfang says: I appreciate that. As a member of the Ironmarch, fighting good is what I do, but I appreciate it. You’re not bad yourself.

Zar'Kaa says: When I have open skies and a target, yeah, I’m pretty good.

Thura Saurfang says: I’m not used to fighting in the air like that, but that weapon Sol conjured was pretty fun.

Zar'Kaa says: He is an ingenious guy, I gotta give him credit for that. I take it you all didn’t have weapons like that on your homeworld?

Thura Saurfang says: No, not quite. The ship you saw. The juggernaut. We have weapons like that. Though it itself is somewhat cutting edge. The Blackrock clan, the clan I hail from as does Arthak originally. They are crafts people and masters of the forge. Their weapons are more sophisticated than most. It was said they discovered how to forge iron into weapons and armor long ago. The weapons of the Legion are completely different. I have seen them from time to time. The demons have always been a part of our lives, but I’ve never been able to use one, let alone something like that. If we had seen them, it was recently and from a distance. The demons’ assistance was never acute. They were there, but it was mystic. Someone like me wouldn’t have understood anything like that.

Zar'Kaa says: What do you mean, someone like you?

Thura Saurfang says: I’m just a grunt and a rank-and-file soldier. It’s not our job to understand, it’s our job to fight. Most of my life was spent warring ever since I was old enough to hold an axe. For the last… ten years?

Zar'Kaa says: Against who?

Thura Saurfang says: Well, just about anyone that stood in the Horde’s way. Up until shortly before we came to Azeroth I’d never even met Arthak. I was abroad. The Ironmarch is an expeditionary force. We warred on, as the ogres called it, Dagar. Outland, all tht’s left of our homes… it’s just one small place. The continents from before were controlled by ogres and other beasts. We warred against them in an effort to expand our territory to give us more room to grow. The orcs had only known Draenor as the islands where our clans first arrived, but the world was so much bigger back then.

Zar’Kaa pondered for a moment as he folded his hands under his chin.

Thura Saurfang says: But that’s all gone now. Just a small fraction of the world exists now.

Zar'Kaa says: It’s funny… a number of peoples on this world, at least from what I know about the history of Azeroth, basically do the same thing. Sail from one place to the next, find a group of people that staked a claim, fighting ensues, the victor gets to keep it.

Thura Saurfang says: War is not exactly a unique concept. That much is obvious.

Zar'Kaa says: No. Nor is losing your home in whatever way that happens. It’s not the same thing, but you saw what happened to First Home.

Thura Saurfang says: Yeah. Yeah that was something.

Zar'Kaa says: I can’t even call it home. I maybe saw it when I was a year old or something. But it’s kind of the only place I could have only thought to call home, you know? Darkspear have been nomadic for a long time. So. I guess what I’m saying is even if it’s not the same, I kind of understand, you know?

Thura Saurfang says: Yeah. I was born in a war camp in the middle of nowhere. So I never really had a home. My home was the people I fought within. My warband. Right now that’s Arthak.

Zar'Kaa says: Even though you’re just a grunt?

Thura Saurfang says: Well yeah. I mean, by rank, I’m more than just a grunt now, but I still feel like it. And that suits me fine.

Zar'Kaa says: Don’t like the spotlight?

Thura Saurfang says: I’m not the brightest orc. I can’t scheme like Arthak does. I never had a measure for the big picture like that. I work a lot better when I can focus on my goal. I guess that makes me and her a lot alike!

She looked at her board as the large beast slurped up more water.

Thura Saurfang says: I see what’s ahead of me, and if I don’t like it I charge. If I do, we’re good.

Zar'Kaa says: So I’ll just point you at something you can charge!

Thura Saurfang says: That’ll be a great help.

Zar'Kaa says: Well. I’m getting better at pointing people in the right direction. At least, I like to think I am. I guess I also had a selfish thought if I could share it?

Thura Saurfang says: We’re off-duty. Those are the days all for selfish thoughts.

Zar'Kaa says: Debatable for me.

Thura Saurfang says: You sound like Arthak.

Zar’Kaa tried to not acknowledge the statement.

Zar'Kaa says: Look, Thura, you were in the damn meeting yesterday, so you know what’s been up.

Thura Saurfang says: Yeah.

Zar'Kaa says: I gauged a lot of reactions in that room, but I didn’t know how you felt. You may call yourself a grunt, but you’re Horde, and I’m getting to know all you. I guess I still care about what you think, so if you’d be willing to share, I’d like to know.

Thura Saurfang says: Well, like I said, I don’t understand the mysticism. The workings of warlocks and shamans and wizards is beyond anything I understand. What I do know is Gul’dan is powerful. He did things that no one one could have understood how to do. He also transformed the entire orcish people into the Horde. Or at least, that’s what Arthak says. We didn’t know any of it. It happened without us knowing. We were born into it. Generations of our people forged into a weapon without us realizing it. It was almost too late by the time people caught on.

Zar’Kaa nodded.

Thura Saurfang says: Someone like me wouldn’t have ever known. Not until it was too late. The elder works on another level.

Zar'Kaa says: Yeah, if there’s one thing I learned already, it’s that.

Thura Saurfang says: If he could trick the entire Horde, then I could only imagine what it could do to one person. Watch your back and don’t trust anything he says. I don’t think you should be doing it at all, personally.

Zar'Kaa says: You and everyone else, but I did ask for your opinion.

Thura Saurfang says: All I know is that I know he’d trick me. I know he’d say exactly what I needed to hear for him to get me to do whatever he wanted me to do. I know it happened to some of the smartest orcs I know. If I was making a military strategy, I play things safe. If there’s a risk with decent rewards… you gotta look at that risk. If it’s too much, there’s always another strategy. Even if it’s just a retreat. A lot of good orcs died from risky strategies.

Zar'Kaa says: Retreating doesn’t interfere with your orcish sense of honor?

Thura Saurfang says: Believe it or not, no. Some orcs may disagree. Warsong almost certainly. Blackrock, I suppose it depends. But I grew up in Ironmarch. In a way, I didn’t have a clan. Folks born in Ironmarch, their parents may have been in a clan, but you learn a lot of different things. A lot of traditions all poured into one. Sometimes the best way to win a fight is to pick a different one or come back at another angle.

Zar'Kaa says: Hm. Another angle.

Thura Saurfang says: Even a wild boar will run away if you scare it enough.

Zar'Kaa says: Well with someone like you charging at them, yeah, I imagine they would.

Thura chuckled.

Thura Saurfang says: Yeah. That’s what I see with it.

Zar'Kaa says: Well. You don’t know me that well yet, but I think I’m starting to understand why the orcs wouldn’t ever trust Gul’dan. I just hope you can trust me.

Thura Saurfang says: That’s the thing, Zar’Kaa. We did trust him. All of us trusted him. That’s what makes him scary. But we fought side by side. I’ve trusted people for less. I may not know you well, but I don’t think you need to to trust someone. But you do need to trust someone to fight alongside them.

Zar'Kaa says: I was wondering if you’d be interested in a trust building activity right now.

Thura Saurfang says: Like what? I’d remind you I am off-duty.

Zar'Kaa says: Well, I imagine there’s always time for a sparring session?

Zar’Kaa grinned. Thura chuckled.

Thura Saurfang says: I had a feeling that may be it. I’m not opposed if you want. Though…

She glanced at her boar.

Thura Saurfang says: I have a feeling she might not be too interested. It may just need to be the two of us today.

Zar'Kaa says: Well. Perhaps another time Nauk'Gun.

The boar snorted while rooting around for truffles.

Zar'Kaa says: Alright. Lets see what you can do, and you can see what I can do.

Thura was just barely able to win out on the majority of the matches. Zar’Kaa wasn’t particularly happy about the fact, but they were ultimately close matches.

That night, Arthak went to rest with the aid of the [Dream] spell to reach out to Dargrul. Dargrul appeared in the midst of the tower that Arthak had conjured, looking somewhat bewildered. But then he turned with a scowl.

Dargrul says: You. You’re that Shan-Ronir from Thunder Totem?

Arthak Saurfang says: I am.

Dargrul says: What is this place? What have you done.

Arthak Saurfang says: This is merely a construct. A place to meet and talk. Before we go further, I would like to inform you that you are in no danger. This is a neutral meeting place where neither of us are capable of doing anything rash. This is a dream.

Dargrul crossed his broad arms.

Dargrul says: So what is all of this about then? You here to get me to negotiate surrender? Is that it? You karkun?

Arthak Saurfang says: Ideally not. I would prefer a cease fire. An armistice. But first, if you would be willing to humor me, a few questions.

Dargrul looked around and then down at the strange dreamscape of corpses all around them.

Dargrul says: I get the sense I can’t get out of here.

Arthak Saurfang says: Not immediately. But if you wish to not talk the entire time, that’s your choice. You are here, beyond that, there’s not much else I can do.

Dargrul says: You can talk. Ask your questions, but first, who are you?

Arthak Saurfang says: Apologies. That was rude of me. I am Arthak Saurfang. Warchief of the Horde.

Dargrul turned and looked at Arthak.

Dargrul says: So you’re the Rogg? You’re in charge of these outsiders?

Arthak Saurfang says: Correct.

Dargrul says: I’d introduce myself, but I think you got me there.

Arthak Saurfang says: I was told who you are in the aftermath. But, obviously, any questions you have, I’m happy to also listen and, if I can, answer.

Dargrul says: You talk first.

Arthak Saurfang says: Very well. Why?

Dargrul says: You’ll need to be more specific.

Arthak Saurfang says: The attack on Highmountain. The seizure of the hammer. The killing of Ulan Highmountain. I was told afterwards… your words, I find them interesting. That you intended to finish a war before it started, and that the hammer was your destiny. I want to know why.

Dargrul says: Because I had to. You ask why I attacked. It’s not because I wanted it, it’s because there weren’t any other option. You and your outsiders… you Shan-Ronir… you showed up just like the Witch-Queen said. The hammer is as much drogbar responsibility as it is for Ronir, but they are quick to forget that. But it weren’t just shu’halo what pried it from Neltharion’s claws. Drogbar was there too. The Ronir wouldn’t have done it without drogbar. We knew the tunnels and the lairs. We risked everythin’ to help them. But their stories paint their own people as the heroes that liberated the hammer. Drogbar know that hammer. We always have. Yet they hide it away. Afraid to use it to protect the mountain. To shape it. They sit on it out of traditions of their own creation. The Ronir and their blasted sun! They look down on us. They always have. Even Ulan. He was nice enough, aye. But I know he only invited me because it would be harder to tell me no. If he could have cut us off, he would have. But his people are too dependent. They need the ores we mine and the goods we get from the depths that they are too scared to plumb. And so he, like all his kings before him, string us along and give us enough table scraps to keep us satisfied. Then you outsiders came. Along with all the others. And I know why you came. You might say it’s to make allies and forge connections, but you came to the hammer. I know you did. If you didn’t you wouldn’t have tried to wrestle it from my bleeding hands.

He pointed into Arthak’s chest.

Dargrul says: I know what you’re here for. But that hammer is Highmountain’s responsibility. But I won’t watch the Ronir give it to the first people that smile at them on their happy little mountain! Aye. I wasn’t tryin’ to kill Ulan. But the hammer’s power is more than I expected. What’s done is done. There’s no time for regret. The hammer is mine now, and Ulan is dead. I won’t let anyone stop me from protecting my land. To protect my mountain.

Arthak Saurfang says: And your people.

Dargrul says: Aye. If that means I become a god, a king, or a monster, it don’t bleedin’ matter to me.

Arthak Saurfang says: So you did it because we came?

Dargrul says: Not just you.

Arthak Saurfang says: But others like us. Outsiders.

Dargrul says: Only a matter of time. And you happened to get there right when things was gettin’ interesting. Guess you proved my point.

Arthak Saurfang says: I tried to take the hammer from you because I was afraid of what would happen if you swung it again. I was afraid of how many would die.

Dargrul furrowed his brow and squinted.

Arthak Saurfang says: You said the Witch-Queen told you we would come?

Dargrul nodded.

Dargrul says: What if I did?

Arthak Saurfang says: Then I should let you know that she’s dead.

Dargrul squinted again, but then laughed.

Dargrul says: Is this some kind of Shan-Ronir joke? The bleedin’ High Crawliac? You expect me to believe she’s dead by your word alone?

Arthak Saurfang says: No. You can confirm it when you wake. By all means.

Dargrul smiled, but then read Arthak’s expression, and his look soured.

Dargrul says: You’re bloody serious…

Arthak Saurfang says: I am.

Dargrul says: I’ll do that. Our eyes may be underground, but we got ears. But assuming that you did kill the Witch-Queen somehow… what about it?

Arthak Saurfang says: She spoke to you of us. That implies you had some sort of relationship. So you deserve to know. Also, you should know that she was working with other outsiders when we killed her.

Dargrul says: That sounds like her.

Arthak Saurfang says: Yeah.

Dargrul says: Aye, I spoke with her. Couple times. She wanted our help. She was hoping that we’d attack from the ground while they attacked from the air. She wanted to use my disquiet to her advantage. But I know folk like her. We knew the moment we took Highmountain, she’d turn talons on me, and we’d do the same. Probably was trying to do the same with them outsiders. No surprise there.

Arthak Saurfang says: Yeah.

Dargrul frowned as they agreed.

Dargrul says: If you’re expecting us to thank you, that ain’t gonna happen.

Arthak Saurfang says: No. We didn’t do it for you. Frankly, going into this conversation I assumed about a 30% chance you were actively working with her.

Dargrul looked frustrated.

Dargrul says: You talked about a cease-fire.

Arthak Saurfang says: I did.

Dargrul says: What’s that about?

Arthak Saurfang says: That is why I’m here. What happened, happened. What’s done, is done, as you said. I believe you when you said you were doing this to protect the hammer and your people. I don’t agree with much of what happened. But… I do believe you. I’ve spoken with Ulan’s daughter. She is willing to discuss the idea of this not turning into a war.

Dargrul says: I killed her bleedin’ father.

Arthak Saurfang says: Her father forgave you.

Dargrul furrowed his brow.

Arthak Saurfang says: Magic.

Dargrul rolled his eyes.

Dargrul says: Sounds like bloody Ulan to me...

Arthak Saurfang says: His daughter wants you to come to the table. She doesn’t want a war. And neither do I, which is why I’m here.

Dargrul says: So you’re here on her behalf?

Arthak Saurfang says: To a degree.

Dargrul says: And what degree is that?

Arthak Saurfang says: The degree that I did not know your side. I am more than aware that we stumbled into a situation we did not know the full story. While I like and admire Mayla, I did not know this history. So. I wish to hear your side. And I thank you for giving me some of it.

Dargrul says: And now that you’ve heard it, what do you think, oh wise outsider? Mayla… she wants to make peace. What about you? What’s your stake? You still hoping to walk away with the hammer?

Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t want the hammer. I don’t want the other outsiders to have the hammer. I’d rather not see it used, but it’s not mine. As it stands, it seems rightful custody should be negotiated between you and the shu’halo. My concerns are irrelevant. Most of all, I don’t want anyone else having it.

It looked like Dargrul wasn’t going to buy the statement.

Arthak Saurfang says: The others are working for the Legion. That is my stake here.

Dargrul says: …Alright. So how is this going to work? Assuming I was interested in this talk?

Arthak Saurfang says: We’ll start carefully. After all, this is a dangerous situation. Before we bring the shu’halo into it, I will send representatives of myself as intermediaries to meet at a neutral location with representatives you send. I do not expect any of us to meet in person yet. So we send representatives. Mine will communicate with yours, and bring back what you have to say. What your message is. The things you want that we can take to the shu’halo. And then, assuming that goes well, I will contact you this way again. We will arrange a meeting in person then. Your people, the shu’halo, and mine to act as arbiters. If that is amenable.

Dargrul says: You have to understand how many ways this can be a setup for an assassination.

Arthak Saurfang says: I am very aware.

Dargrul looked Arthak up and down at his various scars.

Dargrul says: I reckon you do, Rogg…

Dargrul was wrestling with the circumstances before him.

Dargrul says: Bloody dammit. Alright. We’ll look into this. You say you’re sending an envoy? You got them with you now?

Arthak Saurfang says: Yes. I was intending on sending two. As a gesture of good faith, I would send my second, and one of my most trusted warleaders, who is also my cousin.

Dargrul nodded.

Dargrul says: If you did in fact kill the Witch-Queen… I guess you’re in the vicinity of the Skyhorn, aye?

Arthak nodded.

Dargrul says: Drogbar live in the cave systems beneath. If there are any kobolds left, ones you didn’t kill…

Arthak Saurfang says: No, we came with an arrangement with Skullhat.

Dargrul says: Did ya now?

Arthak Saurfang says: I took candle, then I gave candle back.

Dargrul says: Heh. That’s like their one rule. Aye. You drop your people off with them. We’ll send some of our stoneshapers. We’ll talk. And I’ll see what they have to say.

Arthak Saurfang says: Okay. Thank you.

Dargrul says: Don’t thank me yet, Shan-Ronir. I ain’t your brul. But I like the way you talk. Maybe something good will come out of this. Worst case, we get battle lines drawn up. We’ll see you one way or another.

Arthak Saurfang says: Agreed.

Dargrul says: Anything else to talk about?

Arthak Saurfang says: If you would not mind, yes. One thing.

Dargrul crossed his arms again.

Dargrul says: What is it?

Arthak Saurfang says: A question, I guess.

Dargrul says: You’re so full of them, aren’t ya?

Arthak Saurfang says: I find it pays to ask and to learn.

Dargrul says: I still don’t know how to get out of here, so…

Arthak Saurfang says: Sorry. Have you been contacted by the other outsiders? By anyone who looks like me or my people?

Dargrul furrowed his brow.

Dargrul says: And if I have? You think I would trust them?

Arthak Saurfang says: I hope you would not. But also I would caution you that you do not need to trust them for them to burn you. Have you ever fought a war before, Underking?

Dargrul says: Our life is a war, Rogg. When you live beneath the surface, every day is a war.

Arthak Saurfang says: Have you ever burned a city down?

Dargrul says: Almost.

Arthak Saurfang says: Fair. What you said before… if I have to become a god, a king, or a monster to protect your land, your mountain, and your people? I know that rather well.

Dargrul seemed to be listening.

Arthak Saurfang says: The people, the other outsiders that we wish to keep the hammer away from… I became a king and a monster to free us from them. And that was after I burned a city. You left before I think you got to experience it. It’s remarkable really. The sounds people make when they are burning, or when their world is crashing down on their heads and they are faced with being buried. They are similar.

Dargrul says: Are you trying to scare me?

Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t want you to be afraid of me. I want you to be afraid of what you will find of yourself and your people at the end of this road. Should the others darken the doorstep, that is the path they will lead you to. I don’t know if they’ve contacted you. I hope they have not. But know that they will introduce you to the monster inside you, and they will ensure that you can never look away.

Dargrul says: I’ve had enough of this.

Arthak Saurfang says: Okay.

It was obvious Arthak had gotten to him.

Dargrul says: Enough questions. How do I get out?

Arthak Saurfang says: I need to end it. I will hold you captive no longer.

Dargrul says: Until we see each other again, Rogg Saurfang.

Arthak Saurfang says: Until we see each other again, Underking. And truly, thank you, for listening.

Dargrul scoffed as Arthak ended the dream.

Meanwhile, after a long and emotional day, Rak’Symma had fallen into a state of rest. She spent a lot of time thinking about Ulan and the meeting that had occurred, as well as the Crawliac and the strange avian man that had appeared at the conclusion of the fight.

She appeared on the ground this time when she slipped into her dreamscape. She was beneath the canopy of a great tree. The light of the sky reached to the forest floor, but it was disrupted by the many branches above and it appeared far more twilit. However, the ground was covered in ancient, dead leaves.

She heard the crunching leaves behind her. She turned, and she saw a familiar visage: Iskar.

The bright, intelligent, cunning eyes of the figure looked about, and his eyes fell on Rak’Symma as he folded his talons before him.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: My my… what a peculiar realm. This is no ordinary dream spell. No no no… this is something truly interesting, isn’t it?

Rak’Symma bristled slightly, and she took a half-step back.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Now now, there’s no need to be alarmed. After all, I would be a terrible guest if I were to raise a talon against my most gracious host. Especially so soon after I offered an extension of good will.

Rak'Symma says: I’m not sure if what you could offer me could be considered good…

Iskar laughed.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Good is subjective, one might say. But what would you qualify as good will? Rak’Symma, yes? That is your name?

Rak'Symma says: And Iskar is yours.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: It is! That you remember it all brings me great joy.

Rak'Symma says: You left an impression.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Oh? Did I? I am ever humbled to hear you say that.

Rak’Symma furrowed her brow at him.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: My words… I apologize if they are not what you are used to. This tongue is not my first. I am still learning it.

Rak'Symma says: It has a… flair to it. Theatric is a word.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: This tongue is not made for those who speak with beaks. And yet we manage.

Rak'Symma says: You called me your host… did I bring you here?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: You did. While this magic is a simple incantation I can cast, I cannot cast it like this. This is something exceptionally unique.

Rak'Symma says: I suppose you favor the nightmares the Crawliac is prone to.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: While I am more than capable of unfolding a nightmare, I would never dream of doing tht to you. As I said, I extended an invitation to you. It would be discourteous for me to do so. I am not sure I can counteract this magic anyway.

Rak'Symma says: You? With machinations to kill a god?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: You wound me!

Rak'Symma says: Yous struck first.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I did not. Not in this instance. Though I have a history of doing so, so you have me pegged correctly. But I had no desire to harm your… Ohn’ahra? I admit I gave her the tools to imprison her, and guided her along the pathways that one would take to utilize the power of another.

Rak'Symma says: Like harnessing the power of the sun?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: You need not remind me! I take it our dear sweet warchief gave you a history lesson?

Rak'Symma says: I was curious.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: So you were talking about me?

Rak'Symma says: The arakkoa in general.

Iskar smiled.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: If you desire to know more, I’d be glad to answer questions. I see myself as a bit of an educator of sorts. And I would hope if you were amiable… perhaps you’d share some of your own knowledge with me! But there is no requirement. I know you don’t trust me. Not yet, anyways. But the least I can do in exchange for you bringing me to this fascinating place… is to answer your curiosities.

Rak'Symma says: Why did you help the Crawliac?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: A simple answer, one I gladly give. It was an opportunity. One that was far too interesting to allow to pass. What do you know about divinity, Rak’Symma?

Rak’Symma’s eyes drifted to the skull on her back.

Rak'Symma says: I know it’s all around us. In the air we breathe and the paths we take. I know the wild gods roam and exist alongside us.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: They do. In Rakshaar, you may have heard it as Draenor or Outland… the world the orcs and myself came from. We had gods of our own there, you know. But not nearly as many as here. The wild gods, you called them? There were a few perhaps. Creatures that represented a certain degree of wild strength. Conduits of the sun itself… but here, Azeroth, is a world full of them. You cannot fly across the sky without treading upon a wild god or another. It is…a fascination beyond explanation. And so, when I stumbled upon our dearly departed High Crawliac… how could I do anything but be invested in her own journey towards divinity? Short lived as it was, I learned a great deal. And through her sacrifice, I met you. And for this, for this… I am very thankful. But I get ahead of myself, you asked why I helped her. It is simple. To know more about the divinities of this world. What better way than to watch one be born?

Rak'Symma says: That’s not true divinity.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: You are right! I’ve always asked myself… where does true divinity come from. The adherents of Rukhmar believed they came from the sun itself, yet the Apexis before them believed they came from the sun and the shadow. I believe the truth is something far more complex, and that truth is what I seek. And yes, while her ascension may not have been true, it was close. And with every inch that you get closer to the truth, more of the truth reveals itself to you. And that… that is progress.

Rak'Symma says: Not if you walk yourself into a hole. That isn’t truth at all. It’s just misinformation. It’s a lie you say until you believe it.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I can see why you may see it that way. Lets just say I’m not stranger to walking in the darkness.

Rak'Symma says: They have a saying on Highmountain. Beware the dark places.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Wise words.

Rak'Symma says: It’s the darkness where things echo and words distort… the message you were meant to hear is no longer the message given.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Yet… what message remains?

Rak'Symma says: Barely a whisper… but it’s true.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Is a distorted echo less true? If meaning breaks down, a message is still transmitted. An echo may change a message, but that transference and transformation can reveal so much more! This has just been delightful already!

Rak'Symma says: You sound like one who twists words away to suit your needs.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Harsh words!

Rak'Symma says: You’ll forgive my rudeness.

Iskar made a chuckling, clacking noise.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Consider yourself already forgiven. It seems the image you have of me is already painted by our dear warchief.

Rak'Symma says: He was politely vague. It wasn’t much detail.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Much like an echo.

Rak'Symma says: Much like a distant wind. But it’s his interpretation, and the warchief has particular views.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Regrettably, I do find myself on the other side of this battlefield. A shame, really, as there’s so much the two of us could teach each other.

Rak'Symma says: I don’t know what you think you can teach me that I would willingly take with any sort of measure.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I did not either… but I believe you have something. It was certainly enough to consume the High Crawliac’s attention.

Rak'Symma says: I supported a position counter to her own.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I do not believe that is the reason. There were plenty who opposed her. While she gave each of them a modicum of spite, you commanded much more mental energy. You had something she needed. Something she truly wanted. And that… that is a curiosity that is enticing. If you need proof, look only at the homunculus she crafted in your image.

Rak'Symma says: I need no further proof than what I carry with me.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Do you happen to know what that was?

Rak'Symma says: No. Only that I reminded her of someone.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Hm. How very curious. How very curious indeed.

Rak'Symma says: It must be, for you.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I’m a man of many curiosities.

Rak'Symma says: Intelligence will do that to someone.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Yes yes… it is a struggle and an adventure… one of learning and adapting. But I would not trade it for the world. But were I to wager a guess, I would think that… Ohn’ahra the wild god was what one would consider a consolation prize. You… you, I believe, was the prize she truly wished. And given what her goals were, I imagine it was because she saw something in you that she wanted. And I do not believe it was the color of your plumage or those striking eyes of yours… it is more likely whatever power that you carry within you. The power that allowed you to bring me here, so accidentally. And that brings us to where I could help you. You see…. As you may have guessed, I am a man with a curiosity about the divine.

Rak'Symma says: I’m going to stop you there, for I am not.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Perhaps not.

Rak'Symma says: I’m sure it excites you to think and dream and wonder, but that is not who I am. I do things through experiences. And that is how I wish to take this.

Iskar frowned.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: And if that is not truth? Would you willingly live in ignorance? If the High Crawliac did indeed see a spark of the divine in you–

Rak'Symma says: Then I would simply call her a daughter desperate to find a missing mother.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Would you now? That saddens me to hear.

Rak'Symma says: Do you know much of the history of these lands?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I do not, and I would be glad to hear them.

Rak'Symma says: I know only bedtime stories, but I know there used to be more wild gods. Who were here and present and large.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Until the demons came the first time.

Rak'Symma says: And why I cannot trust you now for being here.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Understandable. This power she chased, it was one of those divines, wasn’t it? One of the last divinities? This mother you refer to?

Rak'Symma says: She was.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I can understand that.

Rak'Symma says: The fact remains she fell 10,000 years ago.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: A long time.

Rak'Symma says: And the harpies have been on their own ever since. Most of them aren’t as… conversational as I am.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Perhaps not. You know, this reminds me of a tale. A story of a being called Rukhmar… she was a great and powerful being. One who was said to bring the rise of the sun with the very beating of her wings. She and her… counterpart, Anzu… were light and darkness. Day and night. They balanced one another, until eventually a shadow deeper than either of them had considered came to threaten them. Though they were rivals, perchance… they set aside their differences to face this. But they set aside a great deal of their power. And they were forever changed. In time, they began to wane. And both Anzu and Rukhmar succumbed to their injuries. But before Rukhmar died, she created a people. Children in her image! Blessed by the sun. Those were the first arakkoa, so they say. As her strength waned… she would teach them, show them how to harness the power of the sun so that they could protect themselves. And when it came time for her life to end, her last mission was to return them to their promised land… the place of her birth. The same land where she and her rival… her friend… had once almost sacrificed everything. She fell and breathed her last. Yet, in the lter years… the generations that came returned to her bones in a pilgrimage of their own. They returned the light she had given their ancestors, and allowed Rukhmar’s wings to fly the skies again. But she was not truly returned. She was a shadow. The light in her eyes was dim. No more did she guide them. No more did she teach them. She simply flew and lived. Some might call it a mercy. A tribute. Some a cruelty… a prison. And others, the second-coming of a god. But none of that matters now. She was killed. Again. Along with the others. By orcish hands, and through my own machinations. After all, those who bent her own power to their whims… did not deserve to call such an unfortunate and wretched creature a god. One might consider that to be an… incomplete divinity of sorts. How very curious how history attempts to repeat itself.

Rak’Symma sat back to process the story for a moment.

Rak'Symma says: I don’t think divinity is something that can be rushed. Her followers attempted to resurrect something that was not prepared to return.

Iskar nodded.

Rak'Symma says: I don’t think what came back was whole. It hatched too soon.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: A sound theory. And yet, what can we know about the divine? How can we know if the egg, proverbial as it is, is ready to hatch? Only by learning, by watching…

Rak'Symma says: And not by breaking it open yourself because of your impatience.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Yes, yes…

Rak'Symma says: All life happens in cycles. Some things take longer than others, some things take longer than you want them to, but it’s not our job to hurry it along. As sad as it is to see a chick not break itself from its shell, you are robbing it of its strength if you help them. A mercy could be a death stenence. It seems that was the case for your people.

Iskar laughed mirthlessly.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Our people deserved no such mercy, I assure you.

Rak'Symma says: From what I know… I don’t imagine a weapon of destruction would appease any god that adheres to the natural order. The gods joined the war knowing they may die, but they offered their powers in exchange. Because that is life. Simply fighting in the ways you can. Even against a torrent of something abhorrent and wretched.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Your perspective is… positively enlightening. And… I’m inclined to agree. In most regards, that is.

Rak'Symma says: I don’t expect you to hold my same ideals, much as I expect you to not expect me to hold yours.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Of course. But I sense a great fear in your words.

Rak'Symma says: I’ve been afraid for a very long time.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I know how fear can drive one… it is a powerful tool. One that I am no stranger to using when it benefits my own goals. But… fear should not wound you.

Rak'Symma says: It doesn't.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: No? Then perhaps you should not be afraid to hear an answer. One that you may not be ready to hear. If you ever want to learn the truth of why the High Crawliac was so interested… I would be glad to help you discover the answer.

Rak'Symma says: I appreciate your candor and your willingness to help, but you are not from here. You can assume and guess, but these lands are not yours. You are figuring out divinity, and there are those here who have a better idea. My only fear is not having the courage to talk to them.

Iskar furrowed his brow.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Well. Consider it this way then. If you ever need practice… bouncing ideas and helping you decide what you want to tell those experts, perhaps I can help you in that way. I will respect you if you wish to speak to me again after this–

Rak'Symma says: I never said that. Just not on that subject.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Of course. Should you ever change your mind, I’ll be there, but we have many subjects to speak on.

Rak'Symma says: If Rukhmar had come back on her own, would you have killed her then?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: That is quite the question… and if I were to be honest with you, I do not believe I would have had a choice. For I believe had Rukhmar returned, she would have destroyed the adherents and burned everything they built. It was nothing but a farce and a sham. She would have been so ashamed of how far her children had fallen, that they would turn on their own kin… just for daring to question what is behind the other door.

Rak'Symma says: She doesn’t seem like a very benevolent god, does she?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: She seemed like many things. Benevolent, perhaps, to those who listen, but not those who wield her powers to create weapons of... domination. Her light was given as a gift of protection, but the adherents who came so many years after her death… they were far from benevolent. They were as twisted and monstrous as those poor eagles the High Crawliac was so fond of corrupting. Yet they saw fit to condemn us.

Rak'Symma says: If you had listened, would she have spared you then?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I do not know. Perhaps.

Rak'Symma says: Was that a risk you would have been willing to take?

Iskar considered for a long moment.

Rak'Symma says: Or would you have sought power elsewhere?

Her eyes drifted to the green stains on Iskar’s wings.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Had she returned, and had she sought retribution on the adherents… I would have gladly joined her. But if she had seen me as I was… and decided we were a cruel mockery of what she had envisioned… then perhaps not. I did not always look like this, by the way. The outcasts… did Arthak tell you about them?

Rak'Symma says: Some.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: That was a curse of the adherents’ own design. Their special form of punishment for those who did not fall in line. I was born as one of them, you know, but eventually they cast me out. My own… after being betrayed by someone who was supposed to be closer to me than a clutchmate. It’s quite cruel, you know. They carve your wings from your arms and cast you from the highest spire. Most do not survive, but those that do are twisted and transformed into an unfortunate mockery of what the arakkoa were. The fel, which you have clearly noticed, now stains my feathers, but it was a tool to see the sky once more. A reward. A gift. If the sky was torn from you… can you say you would do much differently? If you were forbidden from the home that you had made for your entire life, would you not fight to take it back?

Rak’Symma sadly shook her head.

Rak'Symma says: Honestly? I think I’d die. I don’t think I have the guile to take upon even a blessing or a boon, as you see it, if that was not a power of my own.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Yet here you stand. Victorious and alive, very much unlike the High Crawliac. Your journey and my own are not so different, Rak’Symma.

Rak'Symma says: No, I suppose they aren’t. I can’t fault you for turning against those who mutilated you and took what is most precious to me away from you. The sky was never lost to me. My heart was simply ripped from my chest, and all the safeties I had known were gone. So. Will I ever trust you enough? No. You come on a foul wind and dangerous tide. I know very little, but I know the one you travel with… Stormreaver. A man with a clan by the name of that which sunders a storm… that, however topical or dearly indebted to him it may be, I cannot abide.

Iskar clacked his beak.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Gul’dan is a man who makes dear friends and dire enemies. But I can understand how you may be reticent to trust when I speak with such a person. I can at least guarantee you that I have no intention of sharing what we speak of. Your secrets are safe with me. Nor do I have any intention of informing him you and I have spoken at all.

Rak'Symma says: Would he truly be interested?

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Yes. Most likely because you are traveling with Arthak. He as a certain obsession with your traveling companion, for understandable reasons of course. But if we are to be blessed with more ocnversations, I want them to be between us. Not with him asking me to learn information or sow seeds of doubt or whatever other machinations he may have.

Rak'Symma says: I would be of very little help.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: You underestimate yourself.

Rak'Symma says: The warchief writes many things down, and I cannot read them.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Well. I am fluent in many languages.

Rak'Symma says: Perhaps teach me how you normally speak so you don’t need to be so flamboyant.

Iskar laughed.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: That is simply part of my personality! But I’d be happy to teach you the Ravenspeech, and if you wish, I could instruct you on the written word of many languages. Orcish or darnassian…

Symma had started to smile.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: Judging by the relic on your back, ravens have a special significance to you.

Rak'Symma says: They do.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: It was said that the gift of language was given to us by the great raven. So. If you wish to know more.

Rak'Symma says: …Another night then.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: I look forward to it.

Rak'Symma says: Perhaps I can show you something else the next time.

Iskar’s eyes sparkled.

Shadow-Lord Iskar says: That sounds truly divine!

November 17th

The next morning, Arthak was the first awake. The Warband gets up, readying themselves to head to Torok’s Bluff. It seemed Symma had a good-bad dream, thus greets the party with a smile, fuller than usual. Sol finds Levia, and they exchange greetings.

Sol'chi says: I’ve got a question for you. How did the thing with Mayla and her dad go.

Levia Blackflight says: Pretty good, it worked, which is pretty cool.

Sol'chi says: You said that you didn’t make that spell right?

Levia Blackflight says: Yeah. I’m trying to keep it quiet for the time being. It’s not my spell to share, you know?

Sol'chi says: I do have a question, but you may not be able to answer it. Does that spell work on people who haven’t died here? Does it work on demon souls?

Levia Blackflight says: Oh. I… don’t know. I don’t think it would work on a demon that died and went back to the Nether. I don’t know enough about… like that happened to your mom. I don’t know enough about that to say, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up.

Sol'chi says: I know. I just… I wish there was some way I could get some answers, that’s all.

Levia Blackflight says: Yeah, sorry. I wish I could give you a better answer than that.

Sol'chi says: That’s fair. Did you say who made the spell?

Levia Blackflight says: Uhm. I’d rather not say. For the time being. When I get the chance to see them again, I can ask them. But I can’t make any promises. I can also ask if they’d know if it’d work in your situation, but that’s the most I can say.

Sol'chi says: That’d do just fine, thanks Levia. Guess we’re going to see the Bloodtotem today. I wonder if Zar’kaa will get thrown off a cliff this time.

Levia laughs.

Sol'chi says: It’ll be fun, either way.

Arthak tracks Mayla down with Lantresor and gives him the broad strokes of what happened with Dargrul.

Mayla Highmountain says: You actually did it! He’s willing to start talking about this?

Arthak Saurfang says: Start.

Mayla Highmountain says: It’s still huge. You’ll have all the help I can muster for this.

Arthak Saurfang says: Appreciated.

Arthak turned to Lantresor and Thura.

Arthak Saurfang says: I chose the two of you to be my representatives for the next part.

Thura nodded.

Thura Saurfang says: Of course. I’ll do everything that I can. I’m not much of a politician, but I can certainly run a message.

Arthak Saurfang says: That’s pretty much all this is.

He looked back to Mayla.

Arthak Saurfang says: This is just an in-person discussion through intermediaries, to bring back what they want from you.

Mayla Highmountain says: Would you mind if I sent you ahead with a message?

Lantresor nodded.

Mayla Highmountain says: If he wants, I’d be happy to meet with him in person. I know it’s a risk, but it’s one I’d be willing to take. If it means peace for Highmountain, tell him that I think the two of us have a lot we can talk about. If you need a good meeting ground, we can meet at Marl. The niffen are friendly, no one would have the upper hand, no one would be in a position to set up an ambush. It'd be a good meeting place, a good place to start.

Both Thura and Lantresor nod.

Thura Saurfang says: We’ll be in contact

Arthak Saurfang says: There is a substantial amount of risk in this conversation. Should my assumptions be right? You should be on your guard. There is a possibility that the opposition either is or will become aware of our efforts and will seek to compromise them. Both of you look out for one another and yourselves. But I also ask that you look out for the drogbar that you’re meeting with. If Gul'dan were to reach out, they may try to frame us.

Thura Saurfang says: Try to frame us?

Arthak Saurfang says: It’s what I would do.

Thura Saurfang says: That’s a good point, never would have thought of it.

Lantresor and Thura salute Arthak.

Lantresor went to Nyxxa to tell her of the new mission. He assured her that he will be okay. Nyxxa seemed worried about separation, identifying it as a feeling from the curse.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I am being eaten from the inside, and I will deal with it.

Lantresor gave Nyxxa one of his hair leaves for safekeeping as a promise.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I know you are fully capable, and you will come back. I love you.

Lantresor says: And I you.

They kissed and touched foreheads.

Zar’kaa sent the Darkspear that were with him towards Azsuna to scout for Legion strongholds. He wanted them to target and find smaller operations to report back on their locations to start to coordinate Ironmarch attacks. However, Zar'Kaa noticed when he went to the trolls, Se'Jib, the Unseen Path leatherworker, was in the camp with the other Darkspear. He was fixing their weapons and their gear.

Se'Jib says: You need to take better care of your equipment. I know your resources are tight, but man. There! That should be better. This should help it not fall apart. I should be able to maintain it but–

He then saw Zar'Kaa and stopped.

Se'Jib says: Captain Zar’kaa.

Zar'Kaa says: I’d like to use a title for you but I can’t pick. I could use coward, leatherworker, runaway.

Se'Jib says: Cool. Would you like to talk?

Zar scoffed.

Se'Jib says: Cool, I wanted to speak to you as a person. I was hoping you could do that.

Zar'Kaa says: At least you’re using my name now, and not the word.

Se'Jib says: You know what? Never mind.

Volrath stopped him.

Volrath says: Say what you need to say.

Se'Jib froze for a moment.

Se'Jib says: I was going to ask you for permission to go with your scouts. I’ve gotten leave from the Unseen Path. The fact that I know some of them? It makes sense for me to go, their stuff isn’t in great shape. With your leave Captain, I’d do that.

Zar'Kaa raised an eyebrow.

Zar'Kaa says: I take it since you’re a part of the Unseen Path that you kept some of your training sharp?

Se'Jib says: If you’re worried about slowing them down, you don’t have to.

Zar'Kaa says: Se'Jib, have you fought the demons yet? In any form that they come?

Se'Jib says: My role’s not going to be to fight, Zar'Kaa. It’s to make sure they still have the weapons that they need.

Zar'Kaa says: I’ve seen you fight, it’s not what I’m worried about. What I’m worried about if that I’ve only had a few encounters with demons. They’re formidable. When you’re out there with my crew, you may be in a scenario when it’s time to fight and stick together. I need to make sure that you will stay with the group.

Se'Jib rolls his eyes.

Zar'Kaa says: This isn’t coming from nowhere. Or should I remind you of the last fucking time?

Se'Jib says: I know that we don’t get along, but just because I left? Doesn’t mean I’m some sort of coward who doesn’t know how to follow his damn orders. If you’re going to be the person you were a year ago? You can be. But I’m done with that. So, do I have your leave to help your damn people survive? Or no?

Zar'Kaa says: I thought they were our damn people, Se'Jib.

Se'Jib says: I don’t think you want that.

Zar'Kaa says: I can’t make that call. I’m not the Chieftan. This time? If you’re back, you’re back. It’s not fair to anyone else who isn’t going to run or panic to have someone that might-

Se'Jib shouts: YOU THINK I PANICKED? You want to know why I left?! It was YOUR fault! You know what? I don’t care. You want me to leave so bad? I’m leaving. Fix your own damn equipment.

Se'Jib goes to leave.

Zar'Kaa says: Se'Jib.

Se'Jib shouts: WHAT?!

Zar'Kaa says: Go with the crew. We can hash this out another time. And we will hash it out. But right now the mission is more important than you and me.

Se'Jib stopped and glares at Zarkaa.

Se'Jib says: That’s what I’ve been trying to say this whole time. Could have started there.

Se'Jib goes back to get his things to go with the group.

Zar'Kaa says: I guess there isn’t time for you to lecture me right now? Guess we’ll say raincheck for that.

Zar'Kaa looked to Volrath. Volrath rolled his eyes, but then nodded.

Volrath says: Raincheck, then, Captain.

Zar'Kaa says: Right. Well. You know the mission. Just as you all did when you came to High Mountain, don’t stay in one place for too long. Get in and out. Use the communication protocol and meet up with the Iron March. Hopefully you can rotate around each other. If things get too hot, they should be able to bail you out. And the next time the crew is all in one place, there’s some developments I have to update you all on.

The crew expressed curiosity, but agreed.

Volrath says: We’ll make sure to make it back safely.

Zar'Kaa smiled.

Zar'Kaa says: You better. Well, run swiftly. Taz'dingo, Volrath.

The trolls move out.

Right before meeting to leave, Arthak senses a shifting in the earth, a restlessness. As the tossing and turning, it reminds him like someone was watching him, almost like someone was waiting for him. He gets a sinking feeling that something else may be awaiting him today, someone else beside Torok Bloodtotem.

It’s almost like a warning, though Arthak cannot discern much more.

Arthak presses his hand against the Earth and he sends a feeling of thanks through the ground.

Arthak Saurfang says: On guard, there’s more than just Torok today.

Zar'Kaa says: Any clarification on that?

Arthak Saurfang says: Afraid that’s all I have.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: You know given the severity of the meeting today?

Nyxxa produced Kadghar’s Widsomball.

Arthak Saurfang says: I’ll be honest, I don’t understand how this thing works.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: It... gives... helpful advice?

Arthak Saurfang says: Seems like it gives platitudes, courtesy of the mage.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Sometimes we need that too! Or well... I need that.

Arthak Saurfang says: I have no idea what to ask it. But, by all means.

Rak'Symma offered a suggestion.

Rak'Symma says: Is Torok in danger?

Arthak Saurfang says: Good question. Ask… the wisdomball? Is this actually a real divination object?

Sol'chi says: Yes.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Yeah! You wanna try?

Arthak Saurfang says: A human mage you’ve never met will–

Nyx offered the ball to Symma.

Rak'Symma says: I guess?

Arthak Saurfang says: It’s not daunting, just good, bad, or no.

Symma waxes philosophical about the question, and how to ask, staring at it.

Rak'Symma says: Is Torok’s Bluff in danger?

The ball was shaken. The head of a human mage appeared, and Rak'Symma barked in alarm.

Khadgar's Wondrous Wisdomball says: No! No, not in this timeline at least. Are you new?

The head disappeared.

Arthak Saurfang says: Unsettling appearance of sapience.

They bickered and riffed a bit about the ball.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: The answers aren’t as clear, he said. Besides. I don't think he watches or anything.

Lantresor says: Well… not that you’re awake for.

Arthak and Lantresor shared a glance that was likely part of a joke and the ball was handed back, gingerly, by Rak'Symma.

Zar'Kaa says: On that note, I thought I’d fill you all in. I have an idea before the trial in store for us. I was thinking of having another conversation with him, albeit with a different approach.

Rak'Symma says: Another one?

Mayla Highmountain whispers: An'she guide me...

Zar'Kaa says: I know I didn’t do things well the last time. I guess it slipped my mind, but I initially tried to help and it didn’t go well. I think it was because I approached it the way I would have and I… didn’t think about things from his perspective. So I’d like to try again between the upcoming trial, the fact that we will have to tell him about you two (pointing to demons), and then there’s the matter of potential peace if he’s amiable to it. Point is that I think I can help. I think I can do something. I know I haven’t given you all a lot of reason to trust me, but I’m asking if I can do this.

Arthak Saurfang says: What is it you want to do?

Rak'Symma feathers had lifted in agitation.

Rak'Symma says: What did you say to him before?

Zar'Kaa says: I tried to interpret his actions and… I took them as being more threatening than they actually were. He was less than pleased. I tried to give him solutions to what I perceived to be his problem. Like I said, I didn’t do well on the approach.

Arthak Saurfang says: You knew about this Mayla?

Mayla Highmountain says: Yes, which I’m thankful for.

Rak'Symma says: Did... Did you threaten Torok?

Zar'Kaa says: No, but I think he took it that way.

Mayla Highmountain says: Given the circumstance, I knew he would have.

Sol'chi says: From my perspective? It was more of an insult to the man. I helped him get an audience.

Mayla Highmountain says: In this particular instance? Torok has little respect for outsiders. You did little lasting damage to my chance at brokering peace. Though his respect for you may have fallen. It’s something that won’t make this impossible.

Arthak Saurfang says: So what do you want to do? Again?

Zar'Kaa says: What we all have in common is that none of us know what he wants. We can interpret from his attitude and behavior, he wants to push May in the habit and behavior, but beyond that, we don’t know. I would like to know. Knowing that will help determine if we can help him get what he wants. I get the feeling not many people outside his tribe outside his perspective. Look, this is coming from someone who didn’t do it myself. If… nothing else he is the Chieftain of the tribe with the best warriors in Highmountain. In that light, I think I can help find out what he wants to help smooth things over. We have to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Mayla Highmountain says: It won’t go smoothly until we can rise to his challenge.

Zar'Kaa says: If I may, Mayla, I think this potentially can open new doors down the road. It’s not just us passing the trial. You’ll want Torok on your side, to feel like he has a voice.

Mayla Highmountain says: It’s why I accepted his challenge in the first place.

Zar'Kaa says: So that’s what I want to do. I… even though I think it’s a good idea, I’m not the only person in the room.

Mayla Highmountain says: It’s something we will need to learn:

Rak'Symma says: But we also have the Chieftain herself to ask the questions.

Mayla Highmountain says: We will only have the chance to ask questions if we do so. He’s refused to acknowledge me. I have no direct power here, unless he grants it to me. We’ll have to get that power, if we want to do anything.

Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Regardless, us going to him means we dance to his tune. We need an effective way of listening, following what he asks of us first. There’s value in the plan, we need to show we’re willing to listen, first.

Zar'Kaa says: Makes a lot of sense.

Mayla Highmountain says: I suppose all there is to it is to make our way there.

Zar'Kaa says: Thanks everyone, for listening.

Mayla Highmountain says: And thank you for caring. In spite of everything, it’s out of the kindness of your heart. I do appreciate it.

Zar'Kaa says: Thank me more when I succeed at helping.

The Warband gathered their things and took cloud forms provided by Symma. Thura still struggled with the form, but Mayla was adapting. The Bluff was about 75 miles away, moving semi-quickly.

The Darkspear, as they’re getting ready to leave, bid the Warband farewell, same with the Skyhorn and the Unseen Path Representatives. Heading north, they go over the Haglands and head toward the northern reaches. This was a land that was relatively unknown to Symma.