Appearing Characters: Aramar Thorne, Arthas Menethil, Broll Bearmantle, Elissa Cross, Kel'Thuzad, Makasa Flintwill, Remnii, Riff, Samaara, Seria, Strongbo, Tae'shara Sunwatcher, Thrud, Tol'vas Moonshadow, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Wynn
June 13th (Night)
The rising temperatures, with the portal closed, now begin to plummet in the cool evening as the rest of the fire elementals that had slipped through are destroyed. Thrud had approached the site of Geddon and Garr’s defeat, and she had retrieved binding-like bracers from their remnants.
Thrud says: Well fought! I am most fortunate to have found such capable warriors as yourselves.
Uther Menethil says: Out of curiosity, if we hadn’t shown up, would you have attempted that yourself?
Thrud laughs.
Thrud says: Had you not, I would have sought assistance elsewhere. I knew I was not strong enough to face them alone.
Uther Menethil says: Very good. So what now?
Thrud goes next to some of the stones and plops onto the ground with no small amount of exhaustion.
Thrud says: For starters, we rest. I believe we all deserve it after that. But from here I will make the preparations we need to call upon Prince Thunderaan. There is a place to the north. It is called the Thunder Ridge. I will go there and make preparations. Once all of you are prepared, I will meet you there, and we may try to call forth the Windseeker using these bindings. It is perhaps 100 miles north. Use caution. These lands belong to the quillboar.
Uther Menethil says: Then we shall meet you there.
Thrud nods.
Thrud says: I look forward to it. I hope that this works. For if it does not, I suppose I am back to square one. But you have already done me a great service, one I am unsure if I can truly repay. If you ever need my assistance in the future, you need only call upon me.
Uther Menethil says: Very much appreciate it.
Thrud says: But for the time being, I think we all deserve a rest.
Thrud tends to her injuries and those of her wolves, and she starts to unpack some of her camping supplies. Remnii goes around to help with healing as well.
At some point, Tae’shara makes her way over to Thrud and busts out a small sheaf of paper and starts asking her questions about all sorts of things. Thrud answers them to the best of her ability, but she is clearly unable to answer all the questions that Shara has. However, eventually she requests that they continue tomorrow.
As the group starts to bed down to rest, Makasa makes her way over to Seria. She plops down on the warm stone nearby.
Makasa Flintwill says: Is this seat taken?
Seria looks at her, perplexed, and Makasa smirks.
Makasa Flintwill says: Didn’t think so.
She pulls out her boot flask and takes a swig before offering it to Seria, who shakes her head. Makasa shrugs and takes another sip before looking at Seria sideways.
Makasa Flintwill says: Ya know, I’ve been watchin’ everyone in this little rag-tag crew we’ve pulled together for the better part of a month now.
She gestures at Seria with the flask.
Makasa Flintwill says: But you are still… probably the biggest enigma out of those of us traveling here. I believe I’ve figured out just about everyone else in this group, but not you. So what’s your deal, Seria, if you don’t mind me asking.
Seria says: My… deal?
Makasa Flintwill says: Yeah. Like I said, I’ve figured out everyone else but you. So what are you doing here?
She looks about the camp to Remnii, who is being helped getting things together, and she gestures to everyone.
Makasa Flintwill says: Remnii is here because she’s concerned about her people, Tol’vas is here because he needs help but doesn’t know how to ask for it, Vel and Uther are here because they have to be and can’t go back home until they fix the things here, Aramar is here because he thinks he’ll find the captain, Tae’shara wants to learn things, Broll is here because he won’t stop blaming himself for everything that’s gone wrong in his life… but what about you? As far as I can see… well.
Makasa shrugs.
Makasa Flintwill says: I don’t know if you know the answer to that either, do ya? ...oh come on, I know I’m a bit tipsy, but I’m not that scary, am I?
Seria is silent for a long moment.
Seria says: I guess you’re right. I don’t know why I’m here.
Makasa Flintwill says: Well… mayhap you want to figure that out. I know a thing or two about being a ship lost at sea with no destination. It, uh… usually doesn’t end very well. The moment you start moving when you don’t know where you’re going… is when you run into shit you’re not ready to deal with.
Makasa leans forward and smacks her hands on her knees as she stands up.
Makasa Flintwill says: A good first place to start is to talk it out with yourself, and failing that, talking to someone else for a change. I wouldn’t mind getting to know someone like you. I think… I think you’ve got a lot more going on in that head of yours, and a lot more opinions in there than you let on. Might help if you share them every now and then. But, again, maybe that’s the drink speaking, or the second degree burns.
Makasa polishes off her flask, tips it at Seria, gives her a nod, and heads off to get ready for her own rest.
That evening, the group keeps watches, but nothing seems to disturb their night.
June 14th
The morning comes, and with it the rising temperatures of the early morning in the Scorched Basin. Otherwise, the air is still as the sun rises from the east. The rippling heat waves fill the air as the group awakens.
Overhead, they see four silhouettes circling the air above them. They appear to be vultures, but they are much larger than just a typical vulture.
The group gathers their things and starts to wake up and grab breakfast. Thrud is getting her things together, and Vel approaches her.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m sure you’re tired of questions after Shara’s… but I hope you’ll humor a few more?
Thrud chuckles and then glances over to Tae’shara.
Thrud says: It’s no trouble. If there is anything I can help you with, I will be glad to answer what questions I can.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You mentioned you spent some time with your mother’s people? The vrykul?
Thrud says: Not very much. For much of my life, they had entered a deep slumber. So I only interacted with a couple. A small village. The vast majority were sleeping.
Velameestra Windrunner says: This village, was it to the north by chance?
Thrud says: Correct. We live in a remote place called the Stormpeaks. A distant land, far across the ocean. I believe it is called Northrend in the common tongue.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Were you aware some of them were waking up?
Thrud furrows her brow and cocks her head to the side.
Thrud says: I have not returned in years. You say the clans have begun to awaken?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes. Recently, my people have started to have contact with them in Northrend. I don’t know if it’s the same clan, but we made landfall on the eastern coast.
Thrud says: I see. If that is the case, it is likely that the peoples you speak of are the Dragonflayers. I know only of them through story and song. They are fierce warriors. Tamers and slayers of the great drakes in the tundras. If they have awakened, they are one of the greatest of the clans. It is said that the last king of that tribe had, in ancient times, united other clans under his banner. I do not know much of it. My mother and her ancestors had not been in hibernation with them.
Velameestra Windrunner says: From the stories you know… would the Dragonflayers be safe allies?
Thrud considers for a moment.
Thrud says: I cannot say for certain. But they are mighty warriors. They are equally conquerors. But if your people have sought to ally with them… their strength has waned in the years of slumber. Many thought they would never rise again. I would not be a suitable judge.
Vel nods, understanding.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I figured I would ask. Even with that sparse information, you have more than we do. Regardless, I do appreciate you being willing to share what you know.
Thrud says: Of course. It is the least I could do for you after all the assistance you gave me. I hesitate to say how embarrassing it would have been if I were to attempt the magic you were able to successfully perform. I, um… I suppose I would have had to crawl back to the Oracle and beg for a second chance. Begging does not become someone like me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I imagine whatever cost she asked for was not a small one. That was a powerful spell.
Thrud says: It was easier than I feared when she first told me. There was no danger at the strange tower when I arrived, so I was able to retrieve the item without too much difficulty.
Velameestra Windrunner says: An item?
Thrud says: A suit of armor. Ancient in make. From times when the kaldorei people controlled most of these lands. There’s a place in the swamp. A small peninsula. She found something she wanted brought back to her domicile. She could not retrieve the armor herself, so she got my assistance. The peninsula has the ruins of an ancient city. She called it Theramore. I do not recognize the name. It had clearly seen better days. The tower, even after this long, had no small amount of magical defenses. I was able to overcome the ones I needed. If there’s one thing I can do quite handily, it’s carry armor built for someone of your stature.
Thrud chuckles quietly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can imagine. You said the Oracle was south of the basin?
Thrud says: Indeed. The southern mountains of the basin. It lies in a place known by the locals as the Bladescar Highlands. Named so for the deep channels of blade-like erosion that the heavy winds have caused along the northern edges. Her domicile is tucked deep within the mountains.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Noted. Might be worth investigating ourselves.
Thrud says: She is quite wise and powerful. I sought her out on a whim due to the tales told by the locale tauren. She was more helpful than I could have hoped. A bit short, but that is to be expected from a reclusive hermit such as herself.
Vel chuffs idly, then considers for a moment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I suppose… one other question if you don’t mind. What is the name of your mother’s clan up north?
Thrud says: We were the Hyldnir. As I said, not many of us were awake. In form, we were more of a family than a full clan. We lived at the base of the mountain upon which my father makes his palace. We were happy, in strength and service. Most of us were women. My clan was not fond of men. After the wars were declared, it became too dangerous for the threat of the frost giants… and after my mother died. I left.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well… if there’s one thing that Uther loves to claim he does well, it's achieving the seemingly unachieveable. I hope with Thunderaan’s weapon in hand, you’ll be able to reunite the feeling of family with you and your father at least.
Thrud says: It is… a strange thing. I had spoken to my father a couple of times, but it is strange to appeal to a man you know so little about. I hope through these deeds that you and your friends have helped me with, I can prove to him that perhaps I can… help him. Now that my mother cannot.
Velameestra Windrunner says: He’s lucky to have you. Family is important.
Thrud says: You’re kind to say so.
Thrud stands up from sitting, her height now towering over Vel instead of being level with her.
Thrud says: I should make my way if I am to avoid the quillboar and thunder lizard stampedes. I will see you all soon. May the rest of your journey until we meet again see as much success as we had last evening.
She bows her head to the group, and then whistles to her thunder wolves, who trot after her as they head off. Vel looks to the rest of the group.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’d personally like to investigate this Oracle. See what or who she may be. According to Thrud, she sought armor of some sort from the swamps.
Uther Menethil says: Sorry, did you say armor?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes, when I was speaking with Thrud she explained that the Oracle had asked her to retrieve armor from a ruined city in the swamps known as Theramore. It was magicked in some way. But a woman capable of altering gate in such a way, let alone casting it in the first place, certainly has my curiosity.
Uther Menethil says: I agree. The next course of action should be to locate the Oracle.
Remnii says: And then we will be on our way to meet up with Thrud again, yes?
Vel makes eye contact with Seria, silently encouraging her to tell the rest of the group about the Echo Isles. However, Seria remains silent.
Velameestra Windrunner says: But everyone else wouldn’t mind the small detour, perhaps we may find some help there as well?
Uther Menethil says: It’s a sound plan.
Remnii says: I agree.
Tae’shara nods as well.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: If this Oracle is strong enough to make magic like that, can’t say I’m not interested as well. Someone out in the middle of nowhere like this has to be tryin’ to hide somethin’, eh? Like ‘ell am I gonna let the Explorer’s League be the first ones to find this lady! But no, tha’ sounds like a good plan.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t want to walk through mountains, lets fly.
The group takes their wind walk forms and head up and over the mountains. The vultures immediately scatter, and the group starts to head very quickly over the basin. They find themselves flying over a basin that has very much earned its name. There are hills and bleached stone, and a rare basin of water that may be connected with some sort of underground river.
Within a few hours, they see the southern section of the mountains. The group looks out for anything that would look like some sort of domicile. They don’t find anything initially, but as they are flying overhead, they see stone pillars and ridges that would obscure much of what’s below. They land to take a meal and discuss the next steps.
As Vel takes a look around the area, she notices something interesting. The surrounding pillars have magic that is coating the entire area. The pillars’ exact location seem a bit different than they should be, and she senses a coating of magic.
Vel shifts to Arkha’din’s eyes momentarily.
Riff says: This place looks weird.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well it’s currently veiled in illusion magic, what do you see?
The rocks, pillars, and formations seem to be hiding large nests of some sort that are covered with the illusion magic. Vel takes a look around and doesn’t see anything, but the nests look vaguely familiar, but also different.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The illusions are obscuring nests… I don’t know what they belong to though.
Crawling out from solid rock, through the illusion, Vel sees two female forms that watch the group. Two harpies take flight and perch a few hundred feet away.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...Correction. They belong to harpies. And there are more of them somewhere.
The group looks out, and they see more groups start to appear, blocking off exits, except for the path that leads to the highest concentration of magic. Vel theorizes they may be trying to corral them into illusory terrain, perhaps to get them lost and separated.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Why don’t we just dispel it?
Velameestra Windrunner says: If you would like to try, by all means. I don’t have the spell prepared myself, I’m afraid.
Tol’vas shrugs and casts [Dispel Magic], and as the illusion goes down, they are immediately buffeted by a bright flare of brilliant light, as well as an overwhelming stench of sun-baked body odor, mud, and feces.
Then they hear shouts in a language they don’t understand, and the batting of wings as a bunch of the harpies take off north.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I… wonder if that was a bad idea.
Vel’s face is just in her hand in a mixture of pain from the light, and also just sheer tiredness.
And then suddenly, there is a surge of wingbeats as two dozen harpies land, looking down at the group. And the source of the light peers over the edge--a radiant harpy, her body adorned with bones.
Radiant Harpy says [darnassian]: So you’re the ones that destroyed my utopia! That threatened my children! Daughters! Rend them!
Several other harpies have lesser radiance around them, and there is an older harpy that is holding back a bit--her hair almost made of strands of sand. All of their feathers are a sandy gold, and their skin sun-kissed.
One of the harpies flies at Uther with fangs and talons, but he is able to deflect her aside. Arrows go flying, and Samaara takes a few of the harpies out.
Samaara says: Lets clean this up quickly.
Tol’vas uses [Gravity Sinkhole], and one just disappears into nothing. The sun witch gets slammed into a rock and drops out of the sky--dead.
A harpy flies down and starts to make a chirping sound that tries to writhe into their minds, but the group is able to resist.
Vel activates bladesong and then a glyph of ice appears below three of the harpies before firing up in an explosion of ice as Vel retreats to Uther’s back.
A harpy closest on Seria, and another one closes on Uther.
The harpy sand hag swoops down.
Harpy Sand Hag says [darnassian]: The sands will be your tomb!
She beats her wings and scorching sand whirls around the group, but they are able to shield their eyes.
Remnii backs into the group and casts [Spirit Guardians], the spectral naaru now swirling around the group.
More of the harpies start to close, the sky filled with their beating wings and golden feathers. One of them darts into the swirling naaru, but is blasted out of the sky in a bright show of holy light.
Then a second one is also blasted out of the sky by the same thing. And a third one. And a fourth one.
A fifth one skirts around the edge of the light and slashes at Tol’vas.
A sun witch tries to cast [Sickening Radiance], but Vel flicks her sword and counters the spell.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t think so.
The harpy screeches and flies up higher, unsure of what happened. A harpy tries to use her alluring song, but it is whoppingly ineffective.
Radiant Harpy says [darnassian]: Our light will eclipse yours!
She casts [Guiding Bolt] at Remnii.
Radiant Harpy says [darnassian]: Kill her!
A harpy dives for Remnii, slashing at her as she resists the holy aura of the spirit guardians. Seria transforms into a dragonhawk and takes to the air before breathing her fire breath on the two harpies nearest to her. The closest harpy is promptly incinerated.
Uther plows through a harpy with his hammer, throwing it into her sister who nearly topples out of the air as well.
The sunscour beldam soars higher into the air.
Sunscour Beldam says [darnassian]: Burn by the sun!
She hurls a [Fireball] down on the group. Tol’vas uses [Absorb Elements]. The fireball explodes, doing far more damage to her allied harpies than the party itself. The sun witch tries to hit Remnii again with guiding bolt, but it collides off one of the naaru.
A harpy tries to grapple Tol’vas, but fails. However, the force from the fireball explosion unseats some of the harpies and drops them into the range of the spirit guardians.
Tol’vas uses [Sunfire], blasting a bunch of the harpies. He then casts [Shillelagh].
A few of the stronger harpies dive into the spirit guardians to claw at Remnii.
Seria swoops after the beldam and immediately breathes fire on her.
Uther slams another harpy with his hammer, bones crunching as he cracks his hammer under her chin. He slams a second one, and quickens a [Green-Flame Blade]
Icy, cold, necrotic energy washes over Vel’s spare hand, the bones of her hand momentarily visible in the aura, and she slashes through the nearest harpy, causing it to freeze up as if frozen in invisible ice.
Sunscour Beldam says [darnassian]: ELDER CRONE. HELP ME.
The sand-hag looks up at her leader, then at the rest of the battlefield, but casts [Invisibility] and there is the sound of wing beats as she flees.
Remnii uses [Mind Sliver] on the unparalyzed harpy next to her. She clasps onto the sides of her head and screams as she topples down, and is incinerated by the spirit guardians. Remnii winces. She then moves closer to the cluster of harpies around Tol’vas.
Remnii uses [Mass Flash of Light] on her allies.
As Seria chases after the beldam, Samaara takes a shot at the beldam, which pierces through her heart, and she promptly plummets down and is left dead. Seeing their leader dead, the sun witch squawks for a full retreat.
Uther hurls a [Fireball] at a group of retreating harpies, two of then dropping to the ground in charred piles of feathers. Seria blasts another harpy out of the air. Tol’vas tries to shoot the sun witch out of the hair with [Wrath].
Vel tries to finish off the downed harpy that was paralyzed, but the sun is bright and she is unable to land the killing blow. The spirit guardians eviscerates her with her sole remaining sister. The group is left alone.
Samaara says: Is everyone alright?
Remnii says: I believe so. A shame it had to happen this way.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Though that was effective, Remnii.
Remnii says: Perhaps too effective… I meant to dissuade them, but… I guess that’s one way to dissuade them. I’m simply glad that everyone is safe.
Uther Menethil says: Indeed. We shouldn’t tary.
Vel quickly looks over the apparent leaders of the coven and, on top of a handful of food and fetishes and the like, she found a small, foul-smelling cream of some sort. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t smell good, but it’s a sort of sunscreen or balm. She also finds a curious fetish-like totem that has carvings in a language she doesn’t recognize. She keeps both for the time being.
Seeing Tol’vas opted to use [Commune with Nature] to maybe get a lead on where the Oracle might be, Vel opts to use comprehend language to examine the fetish. It’s a special spell-casting focus that is used to create a cursed item.
Tol’vas looks for buildings, influence from planes of existence, and prevalent people. He finds a single building about two miles to the north northwest. He gets no reads on elemental influence. Prevalent peoples he gets two in the same area of the building. Tol’vas reports to the group what he found.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well. That’s as good a lead as any.
They start to head in that direction and navigate up and down the mountains. About a quarter of a mile into the trek, they see something wandering in the clearing in front of them. It’s a large quadrupedal creature--reptilian in nature, and sort of like a stegadon. Its scales are a beautiful, bright blue color, and it looks to not be fully grown. It’s wandering around, investigating the sparse shrubs.
Tol’vas starts to approach the large creature, and it seems to notice his presence.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Can I help you… find whatever it is you’re looking for?
The creature turns toward Tol’vas and looks at him, grunting in its language.
Reptilian Creature says [animalspeech]: I don’t know… can you?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What are you looking for?
Reptilian Creature says [animalspeech]: Food. Something. It’s so… boring.
Tol’vas is fairly certain this creature is a thunder lizard, but he had never interacted with or seen one before. They are also normally pack animals. He also notices a bright red piece of leather around its neck, with a medallion hanging from it.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Could I see your necklace?
The thunder lizard examines Tol’vas.
Thunder Lizard says [animalspeech]: I guess… why?
Tol’vas reads the medallion and he sees a name engraved on it in common: Scavell III.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Where’s your pack?
The thunder lizard looks around.
Scavell III says [animalspeech]: What do you mean?
He groans and grunts.
Scavell III says [animalspeech]: Don’t tell me you’re looking for her too…
The creature shakes his head and his plates start to crackle with sparks, and he stomps his front feet.
Scavell III says [animalspeech]: Everyone comes to visit her! No one ever hangs out with me. I’m so bored!
Tol’vas blinks, and then uses his magic to conjure a kodo beast. Scavell backpedals a bit in surprise.
Scavell III says [animalspeech]: Who’s this? Where did you come from???
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I brought him here. So you have someone to hang out with.
The kodo beast greets the thunder lizard with a kind kodo beast greeting.
Remnii says: ...Oh, is he lonely?
Remnii looks at Vel sympathetically.
Scavell’s mouth starts to crackle with lightning, but the kodo beast goes up to him and nuzzles the thunder lizard in a kind gesture. The thunder lizard begrudgingly accepts the nuzzling, but is also trying to keep an aloof, badass exterior.
Scavell III says [animalspeech]: What… what do you want?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We did come to meet with her.
Scavell sighs in exasperation, but looks at his new friend.
Scavell III says [animalspeech]: I can go there. I left because I was angry, but then I got lost, but I know where I am now… This friend… we get to… be a herd together for now?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: For now.
Scavell III says [animalspeech]: I’ve not had a… herd before. I’ve only known her. Okay.
Scavell III returns to the kodo beast and start to amble off.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So… are we following him… or?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Yeah, we should. He left because he got mad, and got lost, but he’s fine now.
Kel’thuzad looms in the back of Vel’s mind.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Scavell… where have I heard that name before?
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Why have you heard that name before?
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: I… don’t know.
They follow after Tol’vas and the two creatures, and they find a small clearing with a few trees. They see a small hut, and out in the front there are small gardens with work stations, a forge, and a mini tannery.
They see a figure sitting in the middle of the area in the dirt--a pandaren. He appears to be meditating. In comparison to Chen, he appears to be more broad, and his armor looks very well made and an earthy green color. He appears to be alone.
As the group approaches, Elissa leans over and whispers.
Elissa Cross says: Is… is that the Oracle?
Velameestra Windrunner says: They look more like Chen than like Li Li.
The pandaren’s eye flickers open at the names, the glimmer of earthen-yellow visible in the shadow of his face.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Hail stranger!
As Tol’vas greets him, the pandaren opens his other eye and shifts his attention towards the night elf.
Mysterious Pandaren says: Greetings, travelers. I’m sorry, but I am not the Oracle you seek…
His eyes go back to Vel.
Mysterious Pandaren says: You will forgive my eavesdropping, but those names? What did you say?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Chen and Li Li.
Mysterious Pandaren says: How do you know those names, traveler?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We met them.
Mysterious Pandaren says: Where?
Velameestra Windrunner says: The Barrens further south.
Mysterious Pandaren says: ...hm.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You know them, I take it?
The pandaren gets to his feet.
Mysterious Pandaren says: I do! I had the esteemed privilege of learning the martial arts alongside Chen, and am in charge of ensuring his fool of a niece is brought back safely to her father.
He places a fist in his hand and gives a deep, almost 90 degree bow.
Mysterious Pandaren says: My name is Strongbo. It is an honor to meet you. When I sought the Oracle’s guidance to see if my path will lead me to my charge, I did not expect travelers to provide the information I needed.
Remnii says: Sometimes life is serendipitous.
Strongbo says: I have little to offer in thanks, but any information you can provide to help me find Li Li so I can ensure her safe return would be most appreciated. You said she was in the south of this Barrens? Do you know where she was heading? Or where Chen was heading? If I know her, she will not be far behind.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well… Chen left Kalimdor. He was heading across the sea.
Strongbo says: And what of Li Li?
Velameestra Windrunner says: She was headed further west into Mulgore.
Strongbo says: I see. The land of the bull people called tauren, yes?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes.
Strongbo says: Then I must waste no more time.
Strongbo reaches down and gathers a bundle of herbs that had been at his side.
Strongbo says: For her hospitality, I have gathered the herbs the Oracle requested. I know not what she needed them for, but my time is short.
He approaches Vel and hands them over to her.
Strongbo says: If you could ensure she gets these. The roads calls to me. I must ensure Li Li is safe.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...happy to help.
Strongbo bows to the group once more.
Strongbo says: If our paths cross again, you need only ask and I will try to return the favor that was done this day. This is perhaps the best lead I have had thus far on my misbegotten journey. Spirits guide you.
Strongbo bows and then leaves with a shocking amount of speed. He leaps from some of the nearby stones and is gone.
Once he is well out of earshot, Vel leans slightly over to Remnii.
Velameestra Windrunner says: When we get a moment… if you don’t mind sending Li Li to warn her a Strongbo is coming in her direction, I’m not entirely sure if this should be taken at face value or not.
Remnii says: I had similar thoughts.
Tol’vas is still looking at the place Strongbo leaped from.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I didn’t think he’d be so dramatic.
Suddenly, there is a flash of light, and a low poof from inside the hut, a window bursts open, and smoke starts to flow from the chimney. A moment later, the door flies open, and smoke pours out from inside. There is coughing.
The Oracle says: Dammit. Thought that would work, but I suppose not.
She is a slightly elderly woman with long, silver-white hair. There is soot in it, and she is wearing nicely made, but more economical and comfortable clothing. She waves off the smoke, and with a snap of her fingers, the soot in her hair is magicked away. Her left arm is heavily bandaged and is in a sling.
She looks about and sees the party.
The Oracle says: Alright, who are all of you then? And where’s that pandaren? He should be back with my herbs by now.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Oh, these?
Vel lifts the bundle of herbs in her arms slightly.
Remnii says: He left.
The Oracle says: He left? I liked having an extra set of hands around here. What, wasn’t he looking for that girl?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Turns out the world is small and we crossed her path so he took off.
The woman sighs and brings her one arm up and lets it fall against her side again.
The Oracle says: And yet another serendipitous circumstance will continually perpetuate the rumors about my preternatural precognition. Wonderful. Alright. Come in, come in. I assume all of you want something? Ah! Scavell! I hope he didn’t cause you too much trouble.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: No, um… he was just lost.
The woman raises an eyebrow at Tol’vas.
The Oracle says: Is that so? Surprised you got him to listen to.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: He was lonely. I brought him a friend.
The woman’s eyes shift to the kodo beast.
The Oracle says: Oh. I see. Well, you’re taking him with you. I’m not going to keep two. Scavell is poorly behaved enough, as you can see.
She gestures to her bandaged arm.
The Oracle says: But! I’ll take these. Thank you very much.
She takes the herbs from Vel.
The Oracle says: So, what brings all of you to my humble abode?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Curiosity, for the most part.
The Oracle says: I see! You heard about the mysterious Oracle and all of her magical powers of wish granting and future sight?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well. Primarily intrigued about who was powerful enough to scribe that gate scroll that Thrud had, but…
The Oracle says: The giant woman that was here a few weeks ago?
Vel nods and the woman looks at Vel curiously. She’s actually fairly tall, about 6 feet in height, and she rubs her chin. She walks around Vel and looks at her even closer.
The Oracle says: Well. At the very least, I’m glad a member of the Kirin Tor can recognize talent. I’m surprised you were able to decipher a scroll like that. After all, I noticed the teachings in Dalaran had gone downhill as of late.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Ah, yes, they don’t teach titanic there from what I am aware of.
The woman smirks.
The Oracle says: I think I’m going to like you. Well, that’s me, the mysterious Oracle! Doler out of scrolls and quests so an old woman doesn’t need to break her back to get anything done around here. You help a couple of travelers one time, and suddenly everyone starts setting off on pilgrimages to come find you so you can fix all their little problems. So thus, here we are!
Velameestra Windrunner says: So, the entire oracle situation is not something you want perpetuated, then?
The Oracle says: Not particularly. I’m just a simple old woman seeking to live out the rest of her years in peace. But when the first travelers stumbled upon me and I helped them out of a bind, they told their friends and they brought me more binds. Before I knew it, I was lauded as an oracle. I’ve called a lot of things over the years, but oracle is a new one. I certainly wish I could see the future. That would make my life much, much more simple.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s what many people think before they’re able to do it.
The woman chuffs.
The Oracle says: Absolutely.
Velameetra Windrunner says: But you’re familiar with the Kirin Tor?
The Oracle says: I am, unfortunately. But with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?
Velameestra Windrunner says: My name is Velameestra Windrunner.
The rest of the group goes around and also introduces themselves.
The Oracle says: Well, if you’re not inclined to refer to me as the Oracle, Wynn would be sufficient. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to whip something together for this little injury of mine. It won’t take long. Please make yourselves comfortable if you want. I’m sure you can entertain yourselves with carpentry or something while I’m gone.
She gestures to a stack of wood that had been gathered near the hut.
Wynn says: You get very bored over the years.
She gathers up the herbs and turns around, repeatedly casting the gust cantrip through her door to get all the smoke out of the building. She heads inside and slams the door shut behind her.
There is something about the situation that seems… strangely familiar in some capacity, but her tired brain can’t pick up on it.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: Well. She’s somethin’ else.
Remnii says: Anyone good with woodworking?
Vel pokes around outside, and she notes a garden, and work stations of various sorts. She notes a faint shimmer, and there is the unmistakable magic of an unseen servant but none of them are doing anything.
Scavell III and the kodo beast head over to a large bed with hand knit blankets from tauren and trolls, and grumpily drinks from the water with his new friend. About an hour later, Wynn emerges from the hut again. Her arm is no longer in a sling, but is still bandaged.
She sits down on a handmade chair on the porch.
Wynn says: I hope you’re entertaining yourselves! If you don’t mind me asking, how long do you plan on staying? You met me, and if you don’t need anything, I don’t know what else I have to offer. I’m not used to having guests that aren’t begging me for miracles.
A mage hand starts to pour tea from a kettle into a small cup.
Uther Menethil says: We won’t trouble you for long, but I do have a unique problem and I don’t know where else to turn.
Wynn says: Is that so, young man? Please, what miracle can this Oracle perform for you, this wonderful, scorching afternoon.
Uther Menethil says: My father’s memories have been taken, and I would like to know what I can do to get them back.
Wynn says: Your father?
She looks at Arthas.
Wynn says: Is that you?
Arthas nods. She then looks to Vel.
Wynn says: I assume you’ve already taken some degree of look at this?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes. Modify memory spell… though it’s attached to an anchor of some sort. The exact identity we’re not sure of, but we were able to dispel the part of the spell that we could. Likely black dragon make.
Wynn says: Oof.
Wynn visibly retracts at the statement.
Wynn says: I’ve met quite a few dragons in my time, and black dragon magic is particularly nasty. Alright. An exchange then. I can use a pair of hands that know their way around magic, and it’s a good opportunity for you to prove to me that you’re more than just talk, Miss Velameestra, was it? You help me with a small project I’m taking care of inside, and I’ll take a look at these missing memories. We’ll see what we can do.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Sounds fine to me.
Wynn says: Wonderful.
Wynn stands up and makes her way to Arthas.
Wynn says: So I presume that you’ve tried the normal gauntlet here? Dispelling magic, removing cursing, identification magic?
Vel nods and goes into a more full explanation, clearly making use of a topic to latch onto given her otherwise tired state.
Wynn says: Interesting. So you think his memories are being held somewhere by these black dragons? Tell me, boy.
She looks at Arthas.
Arthas Menethil says: Excuse me?
Wynn ignores the offense.
Wynn says: When do your memories start?
Arthas Menethil says: Around the time I was able to break free of the prison, but I don’t remember anything before that.
Wynn says: Interesting interesting.
She gestures with her hand and one of the chairs hover over to settle next to Arthas. She tells him to sit and she starts to pull through some very well-made magical implements and spyglasses and identification lenses. She pokes around Arthas for a solid ten minutes or so.
Wynn says: Hm. Interesting. Interesting. Well, it’s quite obvious your mind has been tampered with… but I believe it’s more than that as well. Alright, so… tell me the history of anything that I may need to know to help crack this.
Velameestra Windrunner says: His captors name was Onyxia. She was described as the daughter of an entity known as the Aspect of Death.
Wynn says: Ah… that could be a problem. I don’t know much about the black dragons, but I have heard that name before. She’s a dangerous one. One of the more powerful among the black flight, if I’m not mistaken. You made a powerful enemy. She must have been taken aback by your dashing good looks and your undeniable charm.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That and he’s king of Lordaeron.
Wynn says: Well. I see how that could be a problem.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And supposedly he is also simultaneously on the throne in Lordaeron.
Wynn says: Is that so?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Our current speculation is he may be some sort of puppet… but yes.
Wynn says: And what of this puppet? Do you know anything yet? I understand you’re on the other side of the world so your information may be a bit limited.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Especially with the disturbance presently, but unfortunately not much–
Wynn holds her hand up.
Wynn says: Mind repeating that last part?
Velameestra Windrunner says: The disturbance. It’s blocking our magical communications.
Wynn says: A disturbance that blocks magical communication?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s spreading, at least by what I can tell, along a large stretch of the coast of the Eastern Kingdoms. I’ve been unable to get through to anywhere around Lordaeron or Alterac either from Gadgetzan in the desert to the south from here, or from Northrend. Targeting an area further south, such as the southern edges of Elwynn Forest, it seems a bit weaker.
Wynn’s lips move silently as she repeats some of the words to herself.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Pushing the spell in the opposite direction I was almost able to make contact, so it seemingly doesn’t go all the way around the continent at the very least.
Wynn says: You tried to make magic go against the grain…? Alright. One problem at a time, perhaps! But I would like to know everything you know about this disturbance as well, later. This is the first I’ve heard of it, and I don’t like surprises.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Of course.
Remnii also nods.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I think it’s also worth noting for you that the disturbance crosses dimensional planes.
Wynn says: That’s… certainly information.
Remnii says: I know one thing at a time, and all, but it’s also been affecting the Eastern Kingdoms to here. I had been attempting to make contact with a number of people here.
Wynn says: I see. I suppose would certainly prove to be an issue. But, as we were saying, this puppet king?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We saved him. We ruled out a simulacrum or a homunculus at the very least, conventional healing magics were effective.
Wynn says: Did you have any way of assuring his identity when you first found him?
Velameestra Windrunner says: At that moment, no, but we were able to assure his identity.
She gestures at Arthas.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Blood divination returned a true name. I don’t think it’s exactly fallible.
Vel considers for a moment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Uther, when we tried dreaming Arthas on the Eastern Kingdoms… you said there was a split in the dream, was there not?
Uther Menethil says: I do remember something like that, yes.
Wynn says: A split? As in you were pulled in two different directions? Well, I have no proof, and the precision of such magics is beyond me, but it’s entirely possible the man that sits on the throne is not quite an imposter. I can’t say exactly how, but it’s possible that whoever is there truly believes they are Arthas. Perhaps they have had their memories overwritten, or perhaps it is a copy of him pulled from another time, or a duplicate like a clone. I can’t say for certain.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Could a… person serve as a spell anchor?
Wynn says: I don’t see why not. Especially if that person is magically similar. I’ve never seen it done before, but it’s theoretically possible your memories are beyond your access because they are being held by someone else who is, as far as the leylines are concerned, also you. This is, of course, conjecture. Certainly an interesting theory.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And probably no way to prove it unless we had access to the man on the throne?
Wynn says: No, not likely. There are divination magics beyond my own capabilities that may be able to peer into such truths, but I can’t say. The powers that be are fickle. Then again, I wager your group is quite aware of that, especially given the colorful makeup of your band. Needless to say, I would not recommend killing the man for fear of him being an imposter. Be he a clone, someone transmogrified to appear to be you, or whatever else is the case, I… I would hesitate for you to make a mistake. After all, if he were to die, and he is the anchor, your memories would likely go with him.
Arthas scowls.
Arthas Menethil says: Great. So now this imposter might not be an imposter… or maybe he is?
Arthas looks at Vel for a moment, and then to Uther.
Arthas Menethil says: I guess we’ll deal with this later. There’s not much we can do about it now.
Velameestra Windrunner says: At least not until we return to the Eastern Kingdoms.
Wynn says: Apparently so.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Regardless, it’s more than we had. Even if it’s theoretical right now.
Wynn says: I’m still more than a bit concerned about this disturbance, however.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes, of course.
Vel goes into the details she has about the disturbance, including the details of what happens when one tries to dream or scry through it.
Wynn says: Peculiar. Thank you for telling me.
Wynn seems to brush the information off entirely.
Wynn says: Well, if you don’t mind, if you could take a look at this particular piece of equipment I could use your hand with?
Velameestra Windrunner says: A deal is a deal.
Wynn says: Wonderful.
Wynn heads to go into her cabin and she looks back to the rest of the group.
Wynn says: Are you hungry? I suppose that’s something I should have asked by now. I don’t have a lot of food on hand, but I can probably find something.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I can find our own food. But thank you!
Wynn nods and opens the door to her hut then heads inside. Vel goes to follow, but stops on the threshold as the invisible force prevents her entry.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s… alright if I come in, right?
Wynn stops for a moment.
Wynn says: Do I even need to say it? I asked for your assistance, didn’t I?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Politeness… I enjoy it being… spelled out sometimes.
Wynn says: I’m sure you would. Please, Velameestra, come in.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Thank you.
Vel then steps through the doorway as the invisible force lifts, allowing her entry.
Wynn says: That was hardly graceful.
The interior of the hut was not organized at all. There were papers all over the place, and Wynn leads Vel into one of the rooms towards the back of the dwelling.
Wynn says: Are you so certain that you should be helping me? You look exhausted. How many days has it been since you slept?
Velameestra Windrunner says: A few. Life on the road.
Wynn says: Life on the road. A curious choice of words.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You’re pointing at something.
Wynn says: I’ve been around a lot of elves in my life, Velameestra Windrunner, and I don’t think I’ve met one with such prominent canines. I wager you hide them slightly better when you’re not as tired, but I did get you to speak a fair bit. So color me a bit curious.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You’re an observant woman.
Wynn says: I am! Don’t worry you won’t get any slings or arrows here. But if you’re going to help me, I need you at your best. Provided you can actually rest. I can’t say I know exactly what’s going on, in that regard.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The timing is good, in that case.
Wynn says: Wonderful. In that case, perhaps we can postpone this for the evening. If I’m lucky I can get this arm patched up further, and we’ll be set. If both of us are at our best, then this will go much better. But for the time being, I can show you what we’re working with.
Wynn opens a door, and Vel sees old kaldorei resistance armor. It’s tarnished bronze and green, including a full helmet.
Wynn says: This was a bit of a treasure I discovered when I was poking around the ruins in the Dustwallow Marsh. A curiosity. The armor itself is enchanted, but of the enchantments you would expect to keep it intact for so long. But there are some curious glyphs that I would like to investigate further. I believe this was a sophisticated animated armor in the fast, and I would like to revitalize it. Whatever enchantments that were in it don’t seem to be functional, but I could use some extra hands around here.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do you mind if I take a preliminary look?
Wynn says: By all means, just don’t break anything.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m tired. I’m not incompetent.
Wynn chuckles and Vel moves to take a closer look.
There is something strikingly familiar about the glyphs. They have deteriorated, but they are of the same sort of glyphs that Jaina had used in her archmage trials. It’s a bit different, but it’s similar--but more sophisticated.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Huh. That’s actually familiar. There’s an archmage, Jaina Proudmoore, now Menethil, who had bound a soul to a suit of armor in a similar way.
Wynn says: Hm! Impressive. I would be lying if I said I was certain there would be mages alive today that would be capable of such magic.
Velameestra Windrunner says: She used to prove her capacity as an archmage in Dalaran. From what I understand she was one of the first people to do it, at least in recent history.
Wynn says: I have no doubt something even half as sophisticated as this was enough to cinch it. Those bumbling fools on the Council of Six would do well to get someone capable of something like this.
Kel’Thuzad chuffs and snickers in the back of Vel’s head, half amused and half offended by the commentary.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How long has it been since you've been to Dalaran?
Wynn says: long enough.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well the more recent members are interesting. And the current leader did study under the Guardian.
Wynn says: Is that so? How is the Guardian nowadays?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Currently trapped by the kaldorei. That’s what we’re working on. Considering a portal opened and he unfortunately wasn’t there to help with it.
Wynn says: A portal?
Velameestra Windrunner says: An invasion. Yes.
Wynn says: The Legion.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The Legion. It was closed for the time being.
Wynn says: Well. Fuck.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s a word for it.
Wynn says: Well, then I suppose I won’t hold you long with this little project. I imagine if you’re trying to rescue the Guardian you’ll need his assistance. If you’ll excuse me, I have things I need to take care of if you want to rejoin your friends.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I suppose I should get some sleep.
Wynn says: Perhaps you should.
Vel heads back out of the hut and rejoins her companions.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If you all don’t mind just camping here for the night… we’ve been permitted to. Wynn would prefer us both being at our best before we progress with her project.
Vel glances at Arthas.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We could potentially get more information on the woman that did this to you. I should be able to sleep. If you’re receptive perhaps you can give me an image.
Arthas Menethil says: Yeah, we can try. We got all sorts of crazy magic going on, might as well throw some more on there.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can walk you through the process.
The group settles in to sleep for the night, and Remnii cautiously approaches Wynn’s door and knocks. Wynn opens the door, and there seems to be a sense of off-guardness about her.
Wynn says: Yes, can I help you? Remnii was it?
Remnii says: I will not bother you, it appears you are busy… but I am a healer, and if I can help with your hand, please let me know.
Wynn says: Oh, please, don’t trouble yourself.
Remnii says: Alright. My mana stores are full, so if you need aid…
Wynn says: It’s appreciated, but no thank you.
She slams the door a bit harder than she likely meant to in Remnii’s face.
In a quiet moment, Vel approaches Seria and speaks in a hushed tone. She reminds her that they are close to where Rokhan had said the Echo Isles were, and if she wanted to go, it would likely be wise to bring it to the group before long. Seria nods, stating she knows.
Tae’shara, however, also approaches Vel with crossed arms before they actually go to sleep for the night.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: Alright. I’ve had some time to think on it, and I’m done being angry with you, alright?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright. I appreciate that.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: I would have liked to know about this, but I understand why you didn’t say it. I just want you to remember we’re partners, so if you’re gonna do something like this again, tell me, alright? I mean, I know you’re not gonna die and become a vampyr again…
Velameestra Windrunner says: It is hard to do that twice.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: Yeah, I wager, but I wanna help you with this. Kilnar talked you up a lot before we met. And in spite of everythin’, I’ve enjoyed the time we spent together. I can learn a lot. You’re waaaay better at all this than I am. Sure I got my looks and my skills, but I think the two of us make a good team, and being mad at you won’t help either of us. So I’ll forgive you under one condition.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: Doesn’t need to be now. Or soon. But that language you read that scroll in? You gotta teach me that. If that’s some sort of ancient primordial tongue of creation, I gotta know it. It’s only a matter of time before I’ll stumble into something where that’ll come in handy.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I think I can do that. In a similar vein… I wouldn’t mind learning the hand gestures you and Samaara do.
Tae’shara smirks.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: Yeah, I think I can do that. It’s honestly not too hard, and you seem to be right good at picking things up. Especially if you picked up and entire language with interfacin’ with something.
Velameestra Windrunner says: To be fair, it was an entire instruction manual.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: You gotta tell me about that. Also… one more small favor. It don’t have to be tonight, but do you think you could hook me up with Kilnar so I can give her a report on some of the things we’ve been seeing? I know you’ve been talking to her yourself, but it might be good for me to give her my end meself. Especially with the stuff that Thrud told us.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can send you tonight. I’m going to speak with Arthas to figure out who he saw, but I should be able to manage both. Though…
Her eyes flicker in Tol’vas’s direction.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Kilnar knows about Arthas, but she doesn’t know about the… worgen situation. Not yet.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: You wanna keep it that way?
Velameestra Windrunner says: For the time being. I don’t know what kind of relationship Tol’vas and Kilnar had, but I’m giving him an opportunity to manage the situation before it gets back to her.
Tae’shara also looks over at Tol’vas.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: That’s fair.
She runs a finger across her lips, indicating her lips are sealed.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: You can count on me. Discretion is my middle name. I actually don’t have one, but it might as well be discretion.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Having no middle name just means it can be whatever you want.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: That’s true! That’s true.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If you want to just go now, I can send you before settling in with Arthas.
Tae’shara agrees and Vel casts dream on her so she could report back to Kilnar.
That night, Seria dreams Rohkan to let him know that she is in the area.
Vel talks Arthas through the steps of dream before she casts it on him, and then she herself lays down to rest. Sleep comes quickly following her ritual, and Arthas enters Vel’s dream. He appears on a black canvas, the pair of them just standing in nothingness.
Arthas Menethil says: This is… this is real weird.
He looks into the endless abyss.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You’ll get used to it once you do it a few times.
Arthas Menethil says: ...I have to do this a few times?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Depends on how well this time goes.
Arthas Menethil says: Alright, so how does this work?
Vel quickly walks him through the steps of utilizing the dream spell.
Arthas Menethil says: Alright, I guess I’ll just try to remake the cave then.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If you can paint a clear image in your mind, you can project it outwards.
Arthas Menethil says: Alright…
Arthas closes his eyes and begins to try and think as hard as he can. Slowly but surely, a dark cave heated by magma takes form. There are several pairs of chains on the walls, though no one is on them.
Arthas Menethil says: Well, this is pretty close to it. I was there.
He points to one of the sets of chains, and the form of Arthas materializes.
Arthas Menethil says: She would come to visit us occasionally. To pry information or gloat and laugh. I never got a good look at her, but you’re good at this.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Provided she’s someone I could potentially recognize.
Arthas looks to the entrance of the natural cave-like prison, and a woman starts to appear. The woman has dark hair, a long bright red, low-cut dress. Her details are kind of foggy, but it’s not as bad as it could have been. She has piercing yellow reptilian eyes, and long horns curling out of her raven hair.
Arthas Menethil says: This is her.
Vel looks at her, and as she gets a closer look, the details are a bit too faded, and foggy, but in the same way she was scrutinizing Wynn, there is a level of deja vu that she can’t quite pick up on.
She feels like if she sleeps on it, she might be able to figure it out. She commits it all to memory.
Arthas Menethil says: Yeah. Um, I hope that’s helpful.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m going to sleep on it. I… there’s a sense of deja vu, and it’s been there almost the entire time we’ve been here. Maybe once I actually rest something will come to me. But truthfully…
Vel examines the motionless woman one more time, her arms crossed, and she gestures idly at the image and then looks over to Arthas.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s really not bad for your first try.
Arthas Menethil says: I uh… sorry I couldn’t do more. This is kind of outside my expertise. And uh… half the time I could barely see with my hair in my face… but at least maybe we can get to the bottom of this and find out who this bitch is.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t… I’ll sleep on it. I’ll see if something comes to me in the morning. But thank you.
Arthas Menethil says: Yeah. Yeah. No problem. And uh, yeah. Don’t mention it.
There’s an awkward pause, and Vel looks around.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You can also just… end the dream whenever you want to.
Arthas Menethil says: Oh! Uh, right. So do I just--
The dream abruptly and gracelessly cuts off.
June 15th
As Vel starts to wake up at the end of her slumber, her eyes open abruptly. She immediately starts playing back the dream in her head. She is flipping through her spellbook, and she stretches her hand, and then she looks down at the ring. She flexes her hand again, and it's starting to feel more limber.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Kel, what’s the status on the hex? Is it still inactive?
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: It is, yes, it seems to be still in its dormant state at present.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: I’m… starting to feel… better? More than I have in a while.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Is that the case? Perhaps in time you’ll be able to recover what was lost, so to speak.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: And a boon that is. Now if only I could figure out who this woman is…
She uses [Minor Illusion] to conjure an image of the figure she had been shown in the dream. As she’s running through her mind imagining the faces and names of the people that match the image of the woman, it suddenly clicks: there was a very powerful hedge mage that was involved in the events that had been occurring, and was perhaps more suspect than she was before.
Katrana Prestor.
She shifts the image to show the form of Katrana.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Arthas, is this her?
Arthas looks over and squints.
Arthas Menethil says: I… think it may have been, yeah. I didn’t get a good look… but I think that’s a better version than what I did.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Remnii, can you commune?
Remnii looks up from her meditations.
Remnii says: I can!
Velameestra Windrunner says: If you could ask if Onyxia is Katrana Prestor.
Remnii says: Sure. Do we have any other questions?
The group discusses briefly to decide on some other questions, and then Remnii casts the [Commune] spell.
Remnii says: Is Onyxia Katrana Prestor?
There is silence, as it is unknown.
Remnii says: Are the Druids of the Fang still in their oasis?
There is a yes, but also no.
Remnii says: The armor Wynn has here, did it once house a soul?
Yes.
Remnii comes back with the answers, and Broll and Tol’vas make perfect sense of the strange answer about the druids.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says: I guess if this Katrana is it, she likely has ways to protect herself from divination, aye?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes. Though part of me is hoping it is not given the political ramifications of… oh dear.
Aramar Thorne says: Isn’t she the court conjurer?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes. A trusted advisor of King Varian.
Aramar Thorne says: So if she was a dragon in disguise, that would be pretty bad.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Particularly if she was a black dragon in disguise, and aiding in helping organize some sort of coup up in Lordaeron...while Stormwind is conveniently being pulled out of the Alliance.
Aramar Thorne says: Shit.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So yes, ideally, that would not actually be the case.
Elissa Cross says: At least once we get in contact with Victor again, he could tell us. I mean, she is his half-sister, right? And if he doesn’t know, then we could maybe find out the truth.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can try to reach Victor again in the next couple nights. Perhaps I can move a bit faster this time.
Uther Menethil says: Well, one of two things is true. Either Daval Prestor, the black dragon aspect of death, has a member on his staff that is a black dragon that just happens to look like Katrana Prestor. Or it’s a massive coincidence that she would look that similar. Though we don’t have a way of knowing, at this point I would not be surprised to find out that’s the case… but if it is, not only has he fractured the Alliance, he has eyes and ears in the pieces that broke off. We should hurry.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...right, I suppose I’ll see if Wynn is ready to work on that--
At that moment, the door opens, and Wynn looks to the group.
Wynn says: Am I interrupting something?
Uther Menethil says: Nothing actionable.
Wynn says: Wonderful. This shouldn’t take too long.
Vel gets up to head into Wynn’s hut, and she glances at Seria again, before she slips inside.
Samaara says: Well, once Velameestra is finished… we can probably plot our next course.
Remnii says: I believe we are heading north. If there is nothing else, I suppose we should figure it out from there.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I would like to meet with the Druids of the Fang.
Remnii says: Right!
Seria says: Actually… I do need to head further south.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What’s south?
Seria says: A man my mentor wanted me to find.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I mean… that’s enough for me.
Remnii says: Of course! I simply wish you had told us a bit sooner.
Aramar looks around the group.
Aramar Thorne says: Um. I hate to bring this up, but… is it okay if we go? I’ve got a feeling your mentor and this man you’re supposed to meet… he’s probably a troll, and I dunno if he’d be a fan of people like us? There’s some bad blood usually… they’re not going to kill us or something, right?
Seria says: As long as you’re not any trouble.
Aramar Thorne says: Fair enough! I guess we’ll have to be on our best behavior then.
Seria says: And you better be on your best behavior.
Aramar Thorne says: Right. So we’ll head there. Do you know how to get there… or?
Seria says: He said there will be someone looking for us.
Aramar Thorne says: Okay. We’ll try to find this person or these people or whatever.
Seria says: They’ll meet us on the coast.
Meanwhile, inside the hut, Vel is with Wynn, who is leading her back to her workshop. The older mage looks back at Vel as they go.
Wynn says: I trust you were able to get a restful night’s sleep?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I did. I was also able to prepare some magic that should be able to aid us.
Wynn says: Wonderful. I would be glad to have it. I was able to patch up most of the last of the injuries that Scavell the Third gave me. He’s a bit more unruly than his predecessors. It should not hamper me any longer.
Vel nods.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Which… that name sounds familiar. If you don’t mind me asking, where is it from? It’s been nagging me since yesterday.
Wynn chuckles.
Wynn says: Well, Scavell the Second was his father. I don’t know if perhaps the two of you were acquainted?
She offers a cheeky grin, and Vel can’t help but chuff in amusement at the clear joke.
Wynn says: But Scavell the First… was my teacher. Many many years ago.
It hits Vel in that moment. Scavell. She knew the name Scavell. He was the guardian of Tirisfal many many years ago, two guardians before the current guardian. The previous one was the rather infamous Magna Aegwynn. Then other pieces start to click together.
For a moment, Vel freezes.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You’re… Magna Aegwynn.
The woman visible bristles at the name.
Wynn says: Please… don’t call me that. It’s neither accurate, nor appreciated.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...noted. Wynn it is.
Wynn remains standing with her back to Vel for a moment.
Wynn says: You have a sending stone, yes?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I do.
Wynn fusses around in her things for a moment and retrieves a small violet stone, which she tosses back to Vel.
Wynn says: If you wouldn’t mind connecting these before you leave. I would like to be apprised of the status of your mission. After all… I believe it would be efficacious for me to know that the Guardian Medivh is safe once you can acquire such information. And if you learn anything further about this disturbance.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can do that.
Wynn says: Much appreciated. Well. I believe we have some business to take care of, and I’ve already robbed you of enough of your time.
Wynn seems to drop the pretense immediately as the pair heads into the back room to examine the suit of armor.
