Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Azgadaan, Azuka Stormbreaker, Caria Felsoul, Halno, Ithelios, Lantresor, Levia Blackflight, Nyxxa, Rakeesh, Sadras, Spinyl
Outland Day 10
Sadras, Levia, and Azuka opt to enter the vessel with Arthak and Nyxxa, but Lantresor chose to stay outside to keep an eye on things. Azgadaan and Halno, similarly, opt to stay outside while the rest head in.
The interior is spacious, and there are a few guest area. Rakeesh requests that they stick to the main cargo area, the main interim section, or the meeting room that has a table and several chairs. He asks that they do not go into either his or Spinyl’s guest chambers, or to the bridge.
Rakeesh says: You’re welcome to whatever refreshments you desire. I have more being brought in from off world. But make yourselves comfortable. If you are to even consider my offer, consider this my invitation to consider it.
Nyxxa says: I wanted to speak further with you about that, if you’re amenable.
Rakeesh says: Of course.
Nyxxa ensures the rest are going to be okay before she leaves, and then follows Rakeesh up to the bridge where they could speak in private. The bridge is almost completely dark, the crystal at its center dim, and Rakeesh gestures to some of the comfortable, velvet seats.
Rakeesh says: We should have privacy here, if you’re worried about that.
Nyxxa says: Not overly so… but I have to say, with an offer like that, you have my curiosity. Though I believe this is the first time we’ve met.
Rakeesh says: Yes. I’ve heard about you, Miss Nyxxa, and you piqued my interest as well. But I’m glad my hypothesis was correct--that you were about as pleased with Miss Caria as she is with you. Perhaps less so.
Nyxxa says: Yes. Frankly, if she’s upset about what happened there… that enough is apparent that she and I would have problems. What happened was her own fault, and if she sees it otherwise, that’s troubling.
Rakeesh says: Oh, undoubtedly. Even if she lost in a fair fight. Those glaives were gifted to her by Kil’jaeden, and in failing to use them to their full potential… undoubtedly it was her fault. I imagine she seeks to take this out on you.
Nyxxa says: So she would attempt to fight me straight out?
Rakeesh says: I can’t say for certain, I don’t know her personally, but she’s hot-headed. All you.. Illidari, were you called? Seem to be single-minded if you find focus on a particular task. But, tell me this, Nyxxa, do you intend to return those blades to her?
Nyxxa says: Not if she’s just going to find some way to destroy me. If I could trust her with them… but I don’t.
Rakeesh smiles.
Rakeesh says: After all, she betrayed the order you were once a part of, correct?
Nyxxa says: As she said. I don’t remember much.
Rakeesh says: of course.
Nyxxa says: Frankly, I joined for my own personal reasons, and I don’t remember much.
Rakeesh says: You see, that is interesting. The two of you are similar in some ways… but different in others.
Nyxxa says: How do you mean?
Rakeesh says: Well, you were both members of this organization, and both of you left. But for different reasons. You have a much more… civilized demeanor to you. Caria is little more than a dangerous attack dog. Yet, you seem to have much more control over your bearing.
Nyxxa says: That’s probably strictly because of my…
She gestures to her horns.
Nyxxa says: Control was the reason I joined them.
Rakeesh says: And you didn’t turn your back on that control. Caria has embraced the opposite. Useful in its own regard.
Nyxxa says: We spoke before. She was under the impression that her bargain granted her more freedom than she ever had. What I was remiss to tell her is that was farther from the truth than she realized, and now, she’s probably starting to realize that.
Rakeesh says: Perhaps she is. And truthfully, you’re more right than you know, Nyxxa. You’re more right than you know.
Nyxxa shrugs.
Rakeesh says: I am glad we had the opportunity to meet. Already, this has been quite enlightening. I can’t say I know precisely what Caria would do, but if you have no intention of handing those blades over… well, if you take a favored toy from a child, how do they react?
Nyxxa sighs.
Nyxxa says: Me taking action against her… is this going to cause any ripples with her patron?
Rakeesh grins.
Rakeesh says: Oh, Nyxxa… for as long as you carry those blades, you’ve already been causing more than your fair share of ripples. For her straightforwardness and duplicity, Caria had already drawn the attention of Lord Kil’jaeden. Hence he gifted her those blades, uniquely suited to your style ever since Lord Stormrage took those blades from… Azzinoth I believe? But the moment you took them, interest was piqued. Should you teach her a lesson further, if you believe you’ll believe to be able to avoid that curiosity, you’re mistaken, and there’s only so much I can do on that regard.
Nyxxa says: I understand.
Rakeesh says: But… there is, still, something I can do. Something I’d be more than willing to do, if you uphold your end of this bargain.
Nyxxa crosses her arms, and her eyebrow raises.
Nyxxa says: I’d be curious to hear it.
Rakeesh says: I’m sure you can imagine Lord Kil’jaeden is busy, and delegation is important… and sometimes having a burden lifted from your shoulders can be most welcome to those who carry the burden of the multiverse on their mantle.
Nyxxa says: That makes sense. He seems very… busy, especially in light of everything. For what it’s worth, were it up to me, I would see we take this offer, but it is not. But I can do what I can.
Rakeesh says: Simply see to it that what I need is accomplished, and the rest will fall into place. You don’t need to do it for me… do it for whatever tickles your fancy. To aid the Ashtongue, for your own gain, perhaps simply to spread a bit of chaos. No matter what, I still get what I need, and you still get what you need.
Nyxxa says: Do you know where Caria is?
Rakeesh smiles.
Rakeesh says: Uh uh uh, that, I believe will be more telling than I would like. She moves quite quickly, you see. A gift of her unique training.
Nyxxa says: Fair. I suppose any incentive to get me to work on this. It is risky.
Rakeesh says: Undoubtedly. But should you accomplish it, imagine the ramifications. Lord Mannoroth… one of the most dangerous and influential demons in the Legion, right hand to the Defiler himself… that is an interesting spark, isn’t it? I wonder what kind of wildfires would brew. One could only imagine.
Nyxxa says: I honestly just want to see if the Ashtongue can pull it off.
Rakeesh says: I can’t say if I care who remains standing in the ashes. But that would certainly be something. It may even be the first time the draenei have actually defeated the Legion. Imagine the fear that may cause up the chain of command.
Nyxxa says: You’re an interesting person yourself.
Rakeesh says: I’m flattered you would say so.
Nyxxa says: To go this far for something… though I’m familiar with Legion politics, this seems a bit extreme… but then again, I suppose this would spread. Someone who could pull this off would put a great deal of effort into avoiding this getting discovered… or have in the past.
Rakeesh says: Come now, Nyxxa. There’s no need to be coy. You know as well as I that things are changing. You know the Legion has only once, in its life, seen a true loss. The Burning Crusade has only been halted in one junction in history. A junction we are approaching an anniversary of. It’s no coincidence the Legion is focusing on Azeroth, and it’s no coincidence things have begun to unfold again. They say that history is doomed to repeat itself… so what happens if the War of the Ancients were to repeat itself. They say the definition of insanity is to repeat… hoping for a different result. I hate repeating myself.
Nyxxa says: I suppose I just guessed it was an attempt to right old wrongs and make up for past mistakes. I didn’t think they were intending on making the same mistakes twice.
Rakeesh says: I’m certain they don’t intend to.
Nyxxa says: But at the end of the day… seems they are reaching more snags than intended.
Nyxxa shrugs.
Nyxxa says: But this is beyond my paygrade.
Rakeesh says: For now. For now. But I regret to inform you, Nyxxa, that if you’re trying to keep a low profile… you’re already well off the beaten path.
Nyxxa says: I’m well aware, by this point. To think I could continue doing that… that would be insanity.
Rakeesh says: A bit of unsolicited advice… Use that. If your path would force you out of obscurity, then seize it by the reigns, and use it as a weapon.
Nyxxa says: I’ve come this far. Thank you for the advice.
Rakeesh says: Of course! It’s free for friends.
Nyxxa nods.
Nyxxa says: That aside, I’m morbidly curious to hear what Caria told you about what happened.
Rakeesh explains that she believed that Nyxxa had set Caria up for failure, and she was not unwilling to forgive, but she was quite grumpy about it. Nyxxa then explained what exactly happened, and Rakeesh offered his best guess that Caria believes Nyxxa didn’t try hard enough to save her. However, he saw no reason for Nyxxa to apologize. After all, she deserved exactly what she got. As far as he was concerned.
Nyxxa says: Ultimately, the damage has already been done. Thank you for the advice.
Rakeesh says: Of course.
In the meantime, the rest of the group are left with refreshments in the meeting room. There was some food and alcohol, and Arthak had claimed a corner to smoke.
Sadras takes a look at some of the food. There is a brief moment as a green light flashes over her eyes, and she sniffs at the food.
Sadras says: Well… it’s not poison or anything.
She cautiously grabs one of pieces of food.
Arthak Saurfang says: If he wanted us dead, we’d be dead. And there’s better ways he would have done it. Still. Never hurts to check.
Sadras says: This stuff’s not bad. Honestly, this is pretty nice, assuming you’re crashing here with him, right?
She looks at Spinyl.
Spinyl says: I got recruited, as it were. Despite everything, back into the fray.
Spinyl examines her nails.
Spinyl says: Which, you were on the other side when everything imploded, right?
Everyone nods, except for Azuka who shakes her head. Spinyl looks at Azuka.
Spinyl says: Then you know it was quite an ordeal.
Azuka Stormbreaker says: Yeah. It was… bad.
Spinyl says: By the way, sweetie, you grew up so much.
She smiles, and Azuka immediately looks down at the food in front of her.
Azuka Stormbreaker says: Um. Thanks. You… uh… you too.
Spinyl says: Well, I did make some changes.
Sadras says: You look good, by the way. I’m glad you’re still alright even when everything was… well, like you said, through the ordeal.
Spinyl says: I have Lord Rakeesh to thank for that. I wouldn’t be here with or without him.
Spinyl laughs.
Levia had already gathered a glass of booze.
Levia Blackflight says: What’s the story on all that, anyways?
Spinyl says: Oh?
Levia Blackflight says: From what Nyxxa and everyone said, you were traveling with them for a bit. Weren’t you heading back to your home? I wager there’s a story there, yeah?
Spinyl says: There is. Though, I figured…
She looks at Arthak.
Spinyl says: One of us might be able to connect the dots as to why I’m here. Or why I felt the need to get involved. I needed to do a favor for a friend.... that involved looking into a certain eredar who had found a way to contact her.
Sadras looks over at Arthak as well.
Spinyl says: Which, I was curious if you had told anyone that.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hmph. Only Sadras.
Spinyl says: I see.
Arthak Saurfang says: Do you wish to finish your story?
Spinyl says: Hm. Frankly, I’m surprised you told anyone, but…
She glances over to Sadras.
Spinyl says: Are you and her…?
Arthak Saurfang says: Mates.
Spinyl says: Oh.
Spinyl looks from Sadras to Arthak.
Spinyl says: So you rebounded, then.
Whatever small pastry Sadras had in her hand snaps.
Sadras says: What’s that supposed to mean.
Spinyl puts a hand on her chest.
Spinyl says: Wait. You didn’t know?
Sadras says: Didn’t know what?
Spinyl says: Well, I suppose… you only started traveling with us around the time I was leaving, so that leaves a lot… but I suppose the most polite way to put it is that there was a special bond, which was why I was surprised you betrayed her like that, Arthak. I figured that, after what happened to Kaylaan, there was a lot that wasn’t off the table, but Remnii of all people… to do that to her.
Sadras stands up.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s fine. Though don’t try to hurt my mate again, Spinyl. Save it for me.
Spinyl purses her lips.
Spinyl says: She wasn’t the one I was intending on hurting, but I suppose it would be good for her to know this, all in all. Not that it ultimately matters anymore, given everything.
Sadras says: I think I’ve heard about enough of this. You must think you’re real clever, throwing insults out just because you know you have a big strong demon watching out for you. Well I tell you what, I had nothing to say about you before, but I knew there was some bad blood between you, and if you think I didn’t know Remnii was important to Arthak, that she was important to a lot of people, you’re wrong. But I don’t need to sit here and listen to you at all.
Sadras tosses the biscuit back on the table.
Sadras says: If you need me, I’ll be outside.
Arthak gives her a small smile and a nod.
Arthak Saurfang says: Thank you.
Sadras shoves against Spinyl’s shoulder slightly as she leaves. She scowls, chuffs, and then storms out.
Spinyl seems unfazed.
Arthak Saurfang says: So. I believe there was a question buried under all that.
Spinyl says: I suppose there was. What do you think it is?
Arthak Saurfang says: Why I helped Rakeesh get into contact with Remnii.
Spinyl says: No, ultimately I know why. I’ve known what you’ve been willing to do. I’ve seen what you’ve been willing to do. What you’ve been willing to put in front of the rest of us in order to make your schemes a realty. That wasn’t surprising. I suppose what confused me is that I thought Remnii was a much bigger asset to you, and… even if there was a threat of harm involved, it’s not--
She laughs.
Spinyl says: It’s not like you’ve hesitated to put your life at risk before either, to the detriment of the rest of us.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m still waiting for the question.
Spinyl says: Hmph. I still want to hear why you did it.
Arthak Saurfang says: Few reasons. Ultimately, I thought it was the best move I could make. For her, and for us.
Spinyl says: So the usual, then.
Arthak Saurfang says: If that’s how you’d like to think of it.
Spinyl says: That’s never not been the reason, Arthak. And frankly, I suppose that’s why I’m doing this now. It’s not the first time I had to clean up your messes. I suppose that’s why I’m upset.
Arthak Saurfang says: Okay.
Spinyl says: And I suppose, there’s not much left to say.
Spinyl laces her fingers together.
Spinyl says: And I guess, if I hadn’t saved Kaylaan, it wouldn’t have come to this in the first place. So maybe it’s my fault? But. If Sadras is your mate, you should probably go talk to her.
Arthak Saurfang says: You saved Kaylaan?
Spinyl smirks.
Spinyl says: Who else could have? I mean, man is capable… and I wasn’t going to say anything, but now you can’t exactly do anything about it, can you?
Arthak Saurfang says: I can do something about it.
Spinyl says: Hrmph.
Arthak Saurfang says: Thank you.
Spinyl laughs, very hard.
Spinyl says: After everything, after everything you did. He was willing to die for you, Arthak. And still, after everything I did, after everything he did, you could have just let it go. If he meant anything to you. If you’re thanking me for what I did… perhaps I understand you less than I thought. But I’ll never be able to forgive you for what you did to Remnii, nor him. Even if Remnii forgave you, I can’t, and I know you know she did. So… whatever. Enjoy your life, Arthak.
Spinyl turns on her hoof and starts to leave, and in that moment, Rakeesh and Nyxxa arrive from their conversation.
Arthak Saurfang says: Spinyl.
Spinyl turns around with a small growl. Her hair is now bright red.
Spinyl says: What?
Arthak Saurfang says: You weren’t around, so I wasn’t able to explain it, but… Dranosh.
Spinyl says: I heard what happened.
Arthak Saurfang says: Partly my fault.
Spinyl goes silent for a long moment, and then screams in frustration and takes off to wherever her room was.
Rakeesh says: Nothing like a reunion between old friends, ey?
Arthak Saurfang says: I have that effect on people.
Nyxxa says: Is everyone okay? Wait, where’s Sadras?
Arthak Saurfang says: She had to leave. I’m going to go check on her. Rakeesh, we should talk.
Rakeesh says: Of course. Whenever you finish upkeep on your own.
Arthak goes to leave, and Nyxxa sits down next to Levia, who is chewing on something, and the felblood elf’s eyebrow raises in a clear "boy, did you miss the drama" expression.
In Spinyl’s room, she is sobbing, and Rakeesh tries to console her via telepathy, but Spiny screeches back at him to not tell her what to do.
Outside, Halno and Azgadaan are sitting with Lantresor, and they see Sadras storm out and jump on top of Summerpaw.
Azgadaan says: What’s going on?
Sadras says: Nothing. I’m going on a ride. I’ll be back later.
Azgadaan says: Take this.
He tosses the extra sending stone to Sadras, and she catches it.
Azgadaan says: Stay safe. If you’re not back in an hour, I’ll come look for you.
Sadras says: I’ll be back when I’m ready. Don’t get yourself lost. I’ll. Be. Fine.
Sadras takes off on Summerpaw. Arthak comes out about fifteen or twenty minutes later, looking for his mate.
Azgadaan says: What happened in there?
Arthak considers for a moment.
Arthak Saurfang says: An old friend of mine… finally took a chance to speak her mind.
Arthak hands a plate of food over to them that Rakeesh had given him to take out to the people still outside as he left.
Arthak Saurfang says: By the way, courtesy of Lord Rakeesh if anyone is hungry. Those of you that need to eat.
Azgadaan says: Sure. Thank you.
Arthak Saurfang says: Oh. And Sadras checked for poison.
Azgadaan says: Thanks. Halno, there’s some food here. You look like skin and bones, might as well eat up.
Arthak Saurfang says: Did she say when she’d be back?
Azgadaan says: She said she’d be back when she’d be back. I gave her a sending stone so she can contact us.
Arthak Saurfang says: Good. She’ll be fine, but, still. Good. Well. I guess I’m going to go back in, then.
Azgadaan says: Alright. Well, I’ll be here. Just as a reminder, my spell only lasts eight hours… and I can renew it, or I suppose I can just walk in and drop the guise.
Arthak Saurfang says: Your decision.
Azgadaan says: He doesn’t seem to be hunting me, I suppose.
Arthak Saurfang says: Very well. Then, dropping pretense, you may not want to talk to Spinyl.
Azgadaan says: She didn’t seem too fond of me for some reason. Something about treating lesser demons terribly?
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t know. I didn’t pry.
Azgadaan says: I can think of one instance, but it’s fairly disconnected from her… and I apologized, but, alright.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t know the situation. But, regarding her issues with me… something you should know.
Azgadaan says: Go ahead.
Arthak Saurfang says: When Rakeesh first came into our field of view… I gave him the sending stone to contact Remnii. One of Spinyl’s main complaints.
Azgadaan says: I can see why. Also, remind me to maybe punch you later. Sound good?
Arthak Saurfang says: If you want to try, sure. So. That’s it.
Azgadaan says: That’s all she was mad about?
Arthak Saurfang says: No. Kaylaan… oh, Spinyl was the one that freed Kaylaan.
Azgadaan says: That makes sense. Well. Hopefully, things will get better.
Arthak Saurfang says: They won’t.
Azgadaan says: Ever the pessimist.
Arthak Saurfang says: I know hate. Though apparently I don’t always recognize it.
Azgadaan says: Well, if she does hate you, then the only way to go from there is up.
Arthak Saurfang says: Okay Azgadaan.
Azgadaan says: Well, lets go inside and say hello to Rakeesh. Mr. I’m-going-to-stab-you-in-the-kidney.
The duo head back into the vessel and knocks on the door to the atrium. Rakeesh notes Arthak and the still-disguised Azgadaan.
Rakeesh says: Ah, Arthak, and Azgadaan’s man, as it were. Is there something else you needed? I can provide more refreshments.
Azgadaan says: I think we’re good, and obviously I’m not Azgadaan’s man.
His voice had shifted.
Azgadaan says: It’s good to see you again. Seems you’re the one that sent me a meal instead of me sending you one, this time.
Azgadaan shifts back to his true form.
Rakeesh says: So good for you to have joined us, my friend.
Azgadaan says: Sorry about the ruse, even if it was a simple one.
Rakeesh says: Now now, you have plenty of reason to be concerned. The fact you did simply means that you took some small part of my lesson to heart. After all, there are many individuals seeking your head, attached or otherwise.
Azgadaan says: There’s a few.
Rakeesh says: If I needed rezzi, I wouldn’t have called you here. You have nothing to fear.
Azgadaan says: I don’t think you’re wanting for rezzi, force commander.
Rakeesh grins and then looks back to Arthak.
Rakeesh says: Did you wish to share words, or do you still have some business?
Arthak Saurfang says: No. She’ll be back later, so I have time now.
Rakeesh steps back and invites Arthak in.
Rakeesh says: It was a pleasure, Azgadaan. If you need me, I won’t be too difficult to track down.
Azgadaan says: If you wanted to speak of my father, I’ll hear you out. In the meanwhile, I’ll be find the rest of our group.
Rakeesh says: They should be in the conference room with refreshments.
Azgadaan says: Lovely. Thank you.
The doorway closes as Azgadaan leaves, leaving Rakeesh and Arthak alone.
Rakeesh says: I trust no irreparable damage was done. I understand Spinyl’s feelings are strong, and rightly so.
Arthak Saurfang says: No, no damage done.
Rakeesh says: That’s good. I hope that all involved parties can continue to grow stronger for these experiences. Sometimes it is by facing that which lies in your heart, that you can address it more directly.
Arthak Saurfang says: So. You were pleased.
Rakeesh says: With your discussion in the conference room?
Arthak Saurfang says: Spinyl speaking her mind.
Rakeesh says: OF course. After all, that’s why she’s here. If I needed any old succubus, I could have gotten one.
Arthak Saurfang says: But instead you got Spinyl.
Rakeesh says: Correct.
Arthak Saurfang says: And now you want Kaylaan.
Rakeesh smiles.
Rakeesh says: Is there something wrong with that, Arthak?
Arthak Saurfang says: Not inherently. But. Context is important. Kaylaan is, as with Spinyl, not someone… you don’t find people like them easily.
Rakeesh says: No, you don’t, do you?
Arthak Saurfang says: So while I understand the appeal, what else?
Rakeesh smiles again.
Rakeesh says: What else? Whatever do you mean, Arthak? Is there not merit in simply finding these uncommon people and bringing them to your side?
Arthak Saurfang says: There is. But… there can be more than one reason to go about a course of action. In fact, it’s normally better to have more than one reason.
Rakeesh says: And you think I have some other reason for wishing them under my employ and within my service?
Arthak Saurfang says: I suspect it, at least.
Rakeesh says: I’m always curious to pick your brain, Arthak Saurfang. So what do you believe? What do you think is my real plan?
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t have enough information to confirm. But. You said so yourself. Chaos here serves your means. Chaos in the Legion’s newly acquired holding. The birthplace of their new allied army. A new staging point for the invasion of the world that’s beaten it back.
Rakeesh says: You believe I’m doing this to influence the future of the world?
Arthak Saurfang says: I think you’re doing this to influence the future of the Legion by influence the world.
Rakeesh says: That would be an idea.
Arthak Saurfang says: I would hazard a guess further, that having done your research on Kaylaan, you would have a good idea what his terms would be before he spoke them. And I suspect you found them in line with things you already wished to see happen.
Rakeesh says: Quite the hypothesis, Arthak, yet it still doesn’t explain the truest answer to your question. Why Kaylaan, why Spinyl, and why you?
Arthak Saurfang says: Hrmph. You can find any old succubus, but you can’t find Spinyl. You can find many fallen draenei, but not Kaylaan. They aren’t the Legion norm.
Rakeesh says: And neither, I would say, are you or the rest of your friends you still travel with, are you?
Arthak Saurfang says: We’re complicated.
Rakeesh says: Yes, you seem to be a nexus of complications, Arthak Saurfang. I believe that is why you are so interesting.
Arthak Saurfang says: So. You’ve heard my theories. Might I have some context?
Rakeesh says: Perhaps in time. Perhaps in time. But not yet. After all, it wouldn’t do for the ringmaster to reveal all his exhibits before he ensures they are safe and secure. After all, we don’t want the exhibits running amok and eating all of the beloved gathered audience, would we?
Arthak Saurfang says: And you don’t want me to turn around and inform Kaylaan of your full intentions.
Rakeesh says: You can certainly try! But I say, you’ve burned that bridge very well, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: Which is why you aren’t concerned about it.
Rakeesh says: Perhaps a trade. Perhaps the day you tell me the reason, the true reason, you’ve done all the things you’ve done. Like join the Shadow Council. The real reason you danced to Gul’dan’s tune despite the ideological differences. The reason you plucked your eye out before Blackhand, and then came here at the height of orcish history instead of strengthening your own forces. Oh, the webs we weave. It’s not good to speak the reasons and locations too loud, lest the flies hear, and fellow spiders can be quite chatty.
Arthak Saurfang says: Respect.
Rakeesh smiles.
Arthak Saurfang says: Do you think my group will agree to your favor?
Rakeesh smiles.
Rakeesh says: I don’t need any of you to agree to anything. All that needs to be done is to open the door.
Arthak chuffs.
Rakeesh says: And I’ve baited the line enough, and you’ll make your decision. I only hope you’ll make the right decision, and I can make it worth your while.
Arthak Saurfang says: I like specific prices for specific services.
Rakeesh says: That’s where you and I disagree, Arthak. Promises are hard to keep. Easily broken.
Arthak Saurfang says: Yet, empty words don’t inspire trust.
Rakeesh says: No, actions speak a bit louder, don’t they?
Arthak Saurfang says: On that we agree.
Rakeesh says: It is an interesting dichotomy. To be a man of your word in a world where words mean nothing. But do you think your friends will take up this particular cup?
Arthak Saurfang says: Probably.
Rakeesh says: Good. Then I will look forward to our continued partnership. And I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Rakeesh moves to the control panel, and the crystals light up to show the outside environment. It looks like Summerpaw and Sadras had returned.
Rakeesh says: It looks like your mate is back.
Arthak Saurfang says: Thank you.
Arthak gets up, then pauses.
Arthak Saurfang says: One last thing, Rakeesh. A question for a question. Why do you think I’ve done all the things I’ve done? What’s your theory?
Rakeesh says: Because you’re not a man who appreciates mendacity, Arthak. You’re not a man that appreciates lethargy. You’re a man who appreciates perspective, even if sometimes that perspective must be taken from the top of a mound of corpses.
Rakeesh smiles and leans back to look out the viewpoint.
Rakeesh says: She seems like a nice person, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: She is.
Rakeesh falls silent, and Arthak leaves to head out to meet with Sadras.
Azgadaan rejoins with the rest of his group. They are all still picking at the food.
Levia Blackflight says: Hey! You actually came in.
Azgadaan says: Had to feel out a few things.
Levia Blackflight says: Probably for the best you weren’t here for whatever that was.
Azgadaan says: Probably.
Nyxxa says: Oh, you dropped the disguise?
Azgadaan says: Yes. So, what happened? Arthak wasn’t exactly direct with a lot.
Levia quickly fills Azgadaan in on the tea, and the fact that Spinyl said some mean things to Sadras, but there was also a lot of hurt feelings and history involved.
Levia Blackflight says: But, yeah, it looked like a bit of a mess.
Azgadaan says: Yeah.
Levia Blackflight says: I don’t blame her. Arthak can be a bit rough-around-the-edges, but…
Azgadaan says: Question. I haven’t been in many relationships. Just the one. What does rebound mean?
Nyxxa says: Uhhh… well, it means you get with someone else when you’re not fully over the person you were with previously.
Levia Blackflight says: I think she was implying that Arthak and this Remnii person--who I keep hearing about--that they had something between them. Hard to say. Honestly, I don’t think I could have written a more dramatic fallout than that. But, personally, might be the alcohol talking, but I don’t think she was being fair to Arthak. Guy has a lot going on, and I’d be curious to see how much this Spinyl individual did to help him on the converse, but then again, I know Arthak better than I know her, so. Sometime she’s so busy carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders that he doesn’t notice the world around. At least, that’s what I can assess.
Azgadaan says: Spinyl did a lot to help. More than I myself thanked her for. She delved a bit deep, and she was suffering from a bit of corruption when she left… she said she was going to try and take care of that. She seems fairly aggressive, clearly, and I’m not sure what I’ve done, but she didn’t seem to look upon my favorably either.
Levia shrugs.
Levia Blackflight says: None of my business, and you should probably steer clear. Sometimes people aren’t meant to be friends, and you can’t force it.
Azgadaan says: True enough. I guess I just hope I can understand where she’s coming from.
Nyxxa shrugs.
Nyxxa says: Honestly I met Spinyl briefly, but I never got to know her, and I was talking to Rakeesh when the blow up happened, so. Maybe someday she’ll be more willing to talk about it, but you can’t chase down everyone.
Levia raises her drink.
Levia Blackflight says: Here’s to the ones you can chase down.
Azgadaan says: Yeah, that works. Though, you may want to slow down. You’ve been drinking constantly, I gave you a wine bottle earlier and you finished it.
Levia Blackflight says: Sure did!
Nyxxa says: Well, you’ve been doing good lately. You both have. You deserve to celebrate it.
Levia Blackflight says: Sure do!
Levia pours some drinks out.
Nyxxa says: I… don’t trust myself with drinks right now.
Levia Blackflight says: More for me. What about you, Azuka?
Azuka blinks and cautiously eyes the drink. She sips it.
Azuka Stormbreaker says: That… doesn’t taste good.
Levia Blackflight says: You don’t drink it for the taste.
Azuka Stormbreaker says: I don’t get it.
Nyxxa says: I don’t think Azuka would be pleased with a substance that alters her perception to things.
Azuka Stormbreaker says: Or that tastes bad.
Azgadaan says: It depends. There are sweeter drinks.
Azgadaan and Nyxxa also let their familiars out to eat and explore.
Arthak goes out to meet with Sadras. She seems to have calmed down, but she appears quite grumpy, and she is sitting on the dry dirt while running her hand through Summerpaw’s fur and talking to her. She notes Arthak, and she tries her best to give him a smile, but it’s quite forced.
Arthak returns the smile as best he can.
Sadras says: Hey. Sorry I kind of stormed out.
Arthak Saurfang says: Did the ride help?
Sadras says: Yeah, usually does.
Arthak Saurfang says: Good. Do you want to talk about it?
Sadras sighs.
Sadras says: I don’t really know what I could really talk about. I mean, it was… she didn’t have to be such a bitch, it’s not like the two of us were close, I barely knew her, but…
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m sorry she brought you into it. She shouldn’t have.
Sadras says: Yeah. I think… I think the problem is. I think what pisses me off the most is that sometimes… sometimes I kind of… I don’t think anything she said was wrong.
Sadras looks down at her lap.
Sadras says: I’m… I’m not Remnii. I could never be Remnii, I’m not trying to be Remnii, but she wasn’t wrong. You… obviously the two of you had a bond, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t… if I wasn’t a little jealous of that. And, this is going to sound really ugly, Arthak, but a part of me was relieved when we found out she was dead. And I know that’s not fair, and I feel like a bad person for saying it, but I know what I felt, and I know it’s not fair, and I know that’s not who I want to be and I want to just blame it on the spirits-forsaken demon blood in my veins, but it wasn’t that. It was my thought. In that moment, I wasn’t grieving or missing her, I was relieved. Because maybe I could be a better person not having to live in her shadow, but I hate that I even thought that. But you should know that as well. It’s only fair I tell you. It’s only fair I face it myself. I like to pretend that I’m in control of my own thoughts, but she was right. So yeah, I guess that’s what came out during this ride. Sorry.
Arthak Saurfang says: Don’t be. Remnii and I were close. And I hope that somehow… somehow that she’s not dead, or that she could be brought back. But I love you. And I wish there was something I could say to make you realize that you’ve never been in her shadow. You shine too brightly for that.
Sadras offers a small smile.
Arthak Saurfang says: And I… this is something I can say that’s important. Nothing is scarier than facing the truths we hate in ourselves. The ones we can’t change. And there is… nothing braver than doing that. So. I love you. Everyday I find a new reason to be proud.
Sadras chuckles.
Sadras says: In spite of everything, Arthak Saurfang, you still end up having a way of knowing what to say to cheer me up. Thank you. I love you too. And no matter what happens, I don’t think that’s ever going to change.
Arthak leans in and presses his forehead against Sadras’s, and his eye flickers over for a moment. On the edge of the vehicle behind them, he sees something perched there. Something he hadn’t seen before. It’s an eagle, but one that he feels like he’s seen before. He blinks to look at it again, but it’s not there.
He almost hears the sound of wingbeats.
It was the unmistakable silhouette of Karand, the eagle companion that Dranosh had.
He looks skyward, but he doesn’t see it, and Sadras does not seem to have heard or seen it.
The group winds down for the evening to take their rest. Some of the group stays outside, while others do wind up crashing inside the vessel.
Outland Day 11
The next morning, Rakeesh does arrange for Spinyl to get breakfast in bed, and then he does bid the warband farewell.
Rakeesh says: Think about the arrangement. I’ll be in touch. One way or another.
Nyxxa says: Thanks for your hospitality.
Rakeesh says: Of course. You need not even mention it. Should you need aught else of me, I should be operating out of here for some degree of time. Be careful. Try not to get yourselves killed, would you? You’re much more valuable alive than you are dead or in chains.
Azgadaan says: I don’t know. Halno is doing pretty well.
Rakeesh says: I suppose that’s true.
Arthak Saurfang says: Until next time.
Rakeesh says: Until next time.
Azgadaan tries to say goodbye to Spinyl and offers to talk sometime, but Spinyl just throws a pillow at the closed door and he just hears a thump.
The group piles back into Azgadaan’s transport and load up to leave.
Sadras says: Well, I can’t say I know how much the area shifted and changed. It looks like this area is floating up and around. If we’re trying to get to Nagrand, either we can try to push through the southwest and continue going along the Zangarmarsh until we get to the southern lip of what used to be the Zangar Sea and go through the mountains--which shouldn’t be too difficult. That would be quicker, but it would bring us through the Zangarmarsh and a bigger risk of the Ashtongue. The other option is head toward the Terokkar Forest and navigate through and avoid the Ashtongue. We could try to go around the ruins of Shattrath or through the ruins themselves. That would take us close to Auchindoun. I know, Halno, you wanted to look into the arakkoan ruins, it’s a bit out of way, but that would be down that way.
They opt to take the more southern route and start to travel through the marsh. As they travel, Sadras will occasionally have Azgadaan slow and stop so she can navigate, and it becomes painfully obvious rather quickly that this is very outside the terrain Sadras is used to navigating.
They have to correct their course a few times.
Eventually, they reach a lake that had been left in the recess of the sea. As they stop to get their bearings, Azgadaan peers around through his binoculars and looks out over the lake. He sees a few small islands, and at the far end of the lake he catches the hint of metal. There is a metal structure on the southwestern tip of the lake. It, at first glance, looks Legion, but there’s something off--like it was made from Legion materials but not necessarily Legion constructed.
Azgadaan offers the binoculars to Sadras, who has no idea what she’s looking at. Nyxxa and Sadras are apprehensive about Azgadaan’s turning the vehicle into its flying form to get a better look, but he offers to cast fly on Sadras so she can take a better look.
However, she’s never flown before, and she experiments with doing so as she soars up above with the binoculars. A few moments later, she comes back down.
Sadras says: It’s a big metallic structure of some kind. It had these strange limbs that sunk into the water, and there are some other figures there. They appear to be krokul. They could be Ashtongue. I don’t really understand it.
Azgadaan says: Could you visit me in my dreams tonight and show me what you saw?
Sadras says: That depends. Maybe I can.
Arthak Saurfang says: That reminds me, Azgadaan. Not necessarily tonight, but… I need to talk to Kaylaan.
Azgadaan says: I can see what I can do.
The group continues further into the fungal forest. As they are rolling along, all of a sudden, they start to hear a noise. It’s like a rubbing sound that is accompanied by a deep rumble. They look around, and they notice one of the large mushrooms are starting to fall in their direction--right in front of where their vehicle is headed. At the last second, Azgadaan is able to swerve, avoiding the falling mushroom cap. The stem splits open in front of them.
Sadras says: Oh shit. Is everyone alright? Summerpaw, you good?
Summerpaw is dazed and concerned, but seems okay.
Azgadaan says: No one banged their head?
Azgadaan is still looking around outside.
Azgadaan says: You know. Here’s probably a good spot to stop for the day. You guys want to take a look around real quick?
Nyxxa says: I can give a quick run around.
Azgadaan says: Alright. Take this.
He casts invisibility on Nyxxa, and she scouts around the area. She takes a closer look at the mushroom, and she can tell it was not a natural fall. It was cut down deliberately. At the edges of her perceptions, she senses figures. One of them tries to hide, and she sees the distinctive structure of long, elven ears as they duck away from the edge of the mushroom.
Then there is the beating of wings, and a familiar voice.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: Hey Nyxxa.
Nyxxa turns and sees Caria standing atop the felled mushroom. She has a smile somewhere between irate and bemused. She crosses her arms.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: You have to be careful around here. Some of these mushrooms tend to be a bit unsteady. I hope you and your friends didn’t get hurt.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: I know that wasn’t an accident.
Caria puts a hand on her chest.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: Are you implying I would do anything to hurt you, Nyxxa? After all we’ve been through, the last thing I’d want is harm to come to you. After all, that’s not what a friend would wish upon their companions.
Azgadaan gets out of the vehicle, an ice barrier in place. Caria doesn’t have her blades drawn, but they are stuck into the side of the mushroom. They are strangely familiar. Some of the other elves are creeping out from the shadows, and they have various degrees of corruption. She doesn’t recognize them, but some are felblood, and others are not, but they all have bright green glowing eyes.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: I don’t know Caria, but you haven’t been honest about a lot of things.
Nyxxa smirks, her expression more satyr than not for a moment. There’s a flash of rage in Caria’s eyes.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: You can’t be serious.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: Look, all I’m saying, is you can’t talk shit behind someone’s back and expect them to be fine with you the moment you show up.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: You’re kidding me. You think you can roll up with your new friends and think you’re playing the victim?
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: Maybe I can ask the same about you.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: Tell me, Nyxxa, if one of your precious little babies got themselves into a sticky situation, do you think you would have just cut them down and took their belongings for their own? Or would you have done something about it?
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: If they were enough of a hindrance, yes.
Caria growls.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: You are a singularly frustrating person, Nyxxa. After everything I’ve done for you, you’re still taking her side. It’s always been about Kor'vas with you, hasn’t it?
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: I… don’t remember who that is.
Caria starts to cackle.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: You have to be kidding me! You don’t remember her, and you’re still sticking up for her! You poor thing! You must have lost a lot more when you died than I thought.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: It’s true. But I remember enough to know you’ve been lying to me. I just don’t know why.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: Are you so blind? Here I thought that’s why you decided to break free of the Slayer’s shackles. I’m here, Nyxxa. I’m the one that followed you! Not Kor'vas. I’m the one. You don’t even remember her. That’s how unimportant she was! But it’s alright. It’s alright. I know how painful dying can be. I don’t blame you. I suppose I should thank you for showing me, first hand, how truly awful that can be. And I’m willing to start over. You’re right, I did lie to you, because I didn’t want you to think you owed them anything by reminiscing about the past. Because the past doesn’t matter anymore. Look around!
She gestures to the other elves hiding in the mushrooms.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: We don’t have to be beholden to them anymore! We can make our own legacy. All you have to do is give me the warblades back, and we can start fresh, alright?
Both Arthak and Nyxxa can tell Caria is clearly upset, and she is in some deep shit, but she also genuinely seems hurt by Nyxxa’s accusations.
Nyxxa sighs.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: Ultimately. I’m just about to let the past go myself. But… I think, no, I know that part of the reason you’re doing this is because you now realize how not free you are.
Caria holds her hand out.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: Just give them back to me, Nyxxa.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: No. I never asked you to follow me, and I’m not sure that’s the reason you actually did. After all, in spite of everything, I would have never gone running to a demon lord.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: You never asked me to follow you. But I always did. Always. But this is how you treat people like that.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: You can’t waste your energy chasing people that won’t turn around.
Caria sighs, and then stands up from her crouch.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: Maybe you’re right, Nyxxa. Maybe I have made a mistake by following you all this time. I won’t make that mistake again. I don’t need you! Perhaps that’s the real reason here. That I never did! No, I never did. I don’t need you, and I won’t need you to hunt down and kill every last one of the people who thought they knew what was best for me. And maybe I’ll take your precious little Kor’vas last. And then maybe you’ll follow me for a change.
Caria turns her back to Nyxxa, and then pulls her blades from the mushroom.
Caria Felsoul says [darnassian]: Stay out of my way, Nyxxa. Or I’ll take those blades back myself.
Nyxxa sighs, and Caria’s wings spread, and she leaps from the mushroom and flies into the canopy. The other elves disappear one by one as they leap away to follow Caria.
As Nyxxa glances about, she recognizes a few of the faces. One of them is Ithelios among a few others. None of them have the blindfolds, instead they seem to be fallen Illidari, but they all have warglaives.
And Nyxxa had seen Caria’s weapons before, but she couldn’t remember where.
Nyxxa sighs and goes to return to the group.
Nyxxa says: We should get moving. I don’t know if they’re intending on… yeah, we should get moving.
Azgadaan says: I thought we were going to fight them. Guess not.
Nyxxa says: She might have other things to take care of. That was exhausting.
Azgadaan says: From what she said, it doesn’t sound like she’s going to do favors to you or the group of Illidari on this planet.
Nyxxa says: They still might be here, don’t talk about them. Lets go.
The group travels for a bit longer, and they find a place that seems to be a safer place to rest. Azgadaan uses speak with plants and asks the surrounding foliage if there were any bipedal creatures in the area. Other than them.
One of the smaller mushrooms speaks up and mentions that folks come by all the time. It’s just what they do with their legs.
Azgadaan clarifies it looking for hooves, and the mushrooms confirms there were at some point. However, it continues to prattle on. Azgadaan asks for people with feet, like Levia, who he points at.
Levia Blackflight says: Are you talking to plants again?
Azgadaan says: Yeah, looking for Ashtongue or Caria’s crew. They said there were hooved creatures around.
However, the mushroom pipes up to say it can’t really tell the difference between one set of leg stems or another. However, the mushroom clarifies that it hadn’t seen anyone in a bit. Though it also didn’t know how to measure time. It also mentions some other people that were more mobile.
Azgadaan asks about the sporelings, but the mushroom isn’t sure what they were called. However, they were squat and very nice to mushrooms. It tells Azgadaan not to tire out his leg stems.
Nyxxa gets a smoke from Arthak.
Nyxxa says: Now that we’ve got some distance… what do we all think about the general’s offer?
She uses see invisibility. She didn’t see anything acutely as far as scrying sensors, but she does see a few wisps of spectral energy--the remnants of spectral entities within the veil. Three of them are wandering aimlessly.
Nyxxa says: We’re good. I for one am inclined to take him up on the offer. Ultimately, this is something I want to be involved in.
Azgadaan says: I agree with taking down a power point of the legion, but I don’t agree in doing it as a favor for him. I’d rather get in contact with Kaylaan ourselves and see what we can do from there.
Nyxxa says: From the sounds of it, no matter what, the man seems to benefit.
Azgadaan says: I guess so. But if we try to work with Kaylaan, he doesn’t get the services of Kaylaan, for whatever reason.
Arthak Saurfang says: Maybe, maybe not. They already opened contact to some degree. That krokul who guided us there. It looked like Legion technology she was using. Taking a guess, a working relationship already exists.
Azgadaan says: Oh, the blaster? Yes, definitely Legion technology.
Nyxxa says: If you think you can pull it off, there’s nothing I can do.
Azgadaan says: I can try to contact him to see what he wants to do. After all, it’s him working for him.
Nyxxa says: But ultimately, something is going on here. There’s some endgame in mind. I don’t know what, but if doing this can help me with that--
She gestures in the direction they came from.
Nyxxa says: I’ve learned that shirking her help has caused me to catch the attention of someone powerful. He claimed he could get the heat off me, which would be beneficial. But I’m in a bit more of a tight spot. This puts my job at risk. Thus, I’m willing to help him if I’m going to get something out of it.
Arthak Saurfang says: As am I.
Nyxxa says: And if he’s willing to bite the hand of the Legion, I’m less willing to bite that hand at the moment.
Arthak Saurfang says: Rakeesh plays his own game. Working with him also gives us a better position to try and figure out what the end is. Not to mention the factors Nyxxa already brought up.
Azgadaan says: You’re definitely right about that.
Nyxxa says: If we do try to screw him, he knows enough about us that he can do some pretty striking blows. I don’t know if he would, but he could, and perhaps he intended on making that clear.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m going to put some thought into setting up an insurance plan for that, just in case. If he does decide to burn us, I want to be able to burn him right back.
Nyxxa says: That’s just my advice in being extremely careful if we want to burn him. I understand, but do so at your own caution.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t intend on betraying him, but I like to have insurance in case he wants to burn us.
Nyxxa says: If we can get evidence that can implicate him, if he takes us down, he goes down with him. It may be something we can get from him. Assurance that if we go down, he does too.
Arthak Saurfang says: That’s not how he works. If we tell him that, he’ll give some insinuation. Or say something. He expects us to do whatever we’re going to do. It’s not a deal. It’s a path we can take, and if we take it and succeed, he will have favors for us at the end.
Nyxxa says: Well. At the very least, we have time to respond.
Azgadaan says: I’m disinclined to take his deal.
Sadras says: We also have plenty of other things to consider before that.
Azgadaan says: That we do.
Levia looks to Nyxxa.
Levia Blackflight says: Well, how are you feeling about that?
She also gestures back to where the Caria event went down.
Nyxxa exhales.
Nyxxa says: Not great. Ultimately, she made her own choices. She shouldn’t have chased after me, and I will not chase after her. She made her bed. If she intends on continuing on this path, then I need not say what I’ll need to do. I feel bad for her, but I do not pity her. I can’t.
Levia Blackflight says: Sounds like she intends on causing as much of a ruckus as she can.
Arthak Saurfang says: Agreed.
Azgadaan says: I’m surprised we didn’t go after her then.
Nyxxa says: Even if we did and she got away, I have to let certain people be on their own for now. She can assume what she wants, but right now I have deniability.
Arthak Saurfang says: I mean, she’s clearly unhinged. Eventually, she’s going to come for you.
Nyxxa says: She will.
Arthak Saurfang says: That seems like plenty of reason to just end her. But, ultimately, she’s your problem.
Nyxxa says: My duty is to play this cautiously. The others knew what they were getting into, and this is the duty I have to do.
Arthak Saurfang says: To be honest, I’m more concerned about you rather than your peers.
Nyxxa says: She made it clear she would strike at them first to get to me, but if that takes too long she may choose to do otherwise.
Arthak Saurfang says: Exactly.
Levia Blackflight says: Someone as crazy as her is hard to predict.
Nyxxa says: If it had come to blows there, it would have, but we have other things to worry about and I wasn’t going to chase her through a swamp with other problems.
Arthak Saurfang says: No, that opportunity passed.
Azgadaan says: Well. If we kill her here, she won’t be coming back.
Nyxxa says: I also didn’t like our odds with how much backup she had.
Azgadaan says: What backup?
Nyxxa coughs.
Nyxxa says: Oh. There were a lot. She wasn’t alone.
Azgadaan says: Who was with her?
Nyxxa says: Remember those elves that went missing from the Shadowsword? It seems she’s trained a group of them.
Azgadaan says: Could you tell if they had the same thing going on as you?
Nyxxa says: I know that Caria was gifted with sight that doesn’t have the drawbacks that mine does.
Azgadaan says: Mm. So she could probably see me.
Nyxxa says: Perhaps the rest as well. It’s different, but similar. With how much backup she had, I didn’t like our odds. Especially if that also drew the attention of the Ashtongue.
Lantresor says: There were at least a dozen others. Possibly more.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not bad.
Azgadaan says: And if they had any casters, that might have been difficult. If they can see as Caria does.
Nyxxa says: I don’t know. This is conjecture. We should really just tackle one problem at a time.
Azgadaan says: And we can divinate on some of those abilities, potentially. If they are not immune from divination.
Arthak Saurfang says: However you want to play it, Nyxxa.
Nyxxa says: At this point, I’m of the mind that I have enough on my plate to not stoke that at the moment. She needs to be dealt with eventually, but there are more pressing things to focus on, and she has other things to focus on, especially to make up for her failure.
Levia Blackflight says: For the time being, there’s nothing to do for it. We should keep watch in case they’re trying to tale us.
Nyxxa says: How are you all feeling as far as the Rakeesh meeting? It seemed a bit tense. Are you all okay?
Azgadaan says: Considering he didn’t try to stab me, better than before.
Arthak Saurfang says: Fine.
Nyxxa purses her lips.
Nyxxa says: I heard some of what happened.
Sadras waves it off.
Sadras says: I’d rather not revisit that. But as many misgivings I have about working with any demon--no offense guys--our motley crew has proven demons can have varying agendas. I don’t know what he seeks to gain from targeting a pit lord, but I’m sure he is going to benefit.
Levia Blackflight says: People like him are manipulators and users. No matter what, he’ll benefit. We should just do what’s best for us and not trust him as far as I can throw him. Which I’m strong, but not that strong.
Nyxxa says: Alright. Well, whatever this here is will be here when we’re doing whatever else we need to do.
Arthak Saurfang says: We certainly have time.
The group sets up camp and Nyxxa approaches Arthak to speak with him privates.
Nyxxa says: I heard down the grapevine about what happened concerning Remnii… and I know you did what you needed to do. I just wanted to let you know I knew, and I’m not holding that over your head.
Arthak Saurfang says: I appreciate that.
Nyxxa says: I do wish you would have told me, but I have less of a relationship with Remnii than the rest of you, and given how long I knew her, it might come off as a bit too familiar.
Arthak Saurfang says: You don’t tell me everything, Nyxxa.
Nyxxa says: That is…
Nyxxa sighs.
Nyxxa says: I understand, but I think that’s a little different.
Arthak Saurfang says: Okay.
Nyxxa says: But what’s done is done. In more ways than one.
Arthak Saurfang says: In more ways than one.
As Nyxxa’s see invisibility starts to fade, a fog rolls in, and the spectral entities she sees beyond the veil flee from the fog. The fog seems to be natural. Why the entities left is hard to say.
She uses detect magic, but she senses nothing supernatural about the fog.
The group settles down for watch, with Nyxxa and Levia on first. It’s hard to see through the fog. However, Nyxxa’s ear twitches, and she starts to hear footfalls.
Nyxxa says: Who goes there?
She calls out in orcish. The footfalls continue, and then speed up. And then there’s a voice repeating some sort of phrase she can’t understand. Nyxxa blows the horn of silent alarm on Azgadaan.
A body comes flying through the fog, weapons drawn, and Nyxxa dodges. She sees the brutalized corpse of an orc. Its ribcage is torn open, its eyes gouged out, and its flesh hanging limp. It starts to shout again, and then red eyes light up in the fog as more bodies run forward from the fog.
And then a krokul appears, his skin pallid white, covered in scars, his face gaunt and his three fingers extended into claws. They shout a draenei battle cry.
And the head of the dead orc turns in Nyxxa’s direction, and grabs her ankle.
