Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Azgadaan, Azuka Stormbreaker, Go'el, Halno, Kalecgos, Levia Blackflight, Mordenaku, No'Rash, Noriyaku, Nyxxa, Tyrygosa, Vaerux, Veena
Outland Day 47
On watch that night, Nyxxa talks to Azgadaan.
Nyxxa says: How are you feeling?
Azgadaan says: Physically, I’m fine. Just a bit tired. I’m kind of tired of my magic changing all the time. But I need to figure some things out. With time.
Nyxxa says: Rakeesh… actually gave me some answers as to what the latest change is.
Azgadaan says: Oh? Do tell.
Nyxxa says: It seemed to be something he didn’t want to spread, but since this is an issue you are now dealing with, what you deal with it is your own. But… the changes to your eyes, to your magic, is a mark of any demon that’s been brought back. It extends to any of their offspring. The issue with that lies in the fact that if you’re killed outside the Nether, and start to reform… it won’t be you that comes back. He was vague.
Azgadaan says: Okay. That sounds bad, but dying was already bad enough.
Nyxxa says: Yeah… though from what it sounded like, Aracyra didn’t know.
Azgadaan says: Offspring also have that affliction? So that means her mother probably went through what I did. If that’s the case.
Nyxxa says: That seems to be what he implied.
Azgadaan says: I wonder if that’s what she was planning on discussing with me.
Nyxxa says: I told Levia, but the rest of who you tell is up to you.
Azgadaan says: Well. If I die, I’ll be really boned this time.
Nyxxa says: We’ll be looking out for you.
Azgadaan says: I guess I’ll fight more defensively.
Nyxxa says: There are two other things I wanted to discuss… first being, in light of what happened, I understand if you have second thoughts about… Ravandwyr wanted me to tell you thank you for what you did. But as far as things are concerned, I think that’s all the good that came from it.
Azgadaan says: Were you able to get the mage out of the tower?
Nyxxa says: We were. He was frustrated at the situation, and I think at Khadgar… I understand his reaction, but had you been subjected to it I don’t think you would have looked fondly on it. However, that’s the most I can expect.
Azgadaan says: Thank you for telling me.
Nyxxa says: With what I’m doing, I don’t want the people helping me feeling like they are risking their lives for nothing. I can understand… but I wanted to give you the chance to back out.
Azgadaan says: I’m happy one way or the other, Nyxxa. If I was with the Legion, I’d be playing their games too. So many demons I’ve known have died just because of the games. I’ve helped end some of their lives. So, either way, I’d be in danger. Frequently from things I didn’t see coming.
Nyxxa says: I’m glad for your help… but…
Nyxxa looks concerned and puts a hand on Azgadaan’s hand.
Nyxxa says: Your time before we met… if you ever want to talk or unpack it… from the bits and pieces I heard it didn’t seem like it was easy for you.
Azgadaan says: I regret a lot of things I’ve done, but in the moment I didn’t really think about it. That was just my life.
Nyxxa says: That was how you were raised. At the time, there was no way you could have known that was wrong, if it was all you knew. And now that you do know… it still leaves a mark on a person regardless.
Azgadaan says: I do need to think if we can help with a situation while here on Outland. I’ve been meaning to ask the group, and eventually Kaylaan, if he wanted to help out with a certain situation--a slave run mine somewhat close to Hellfire Citadel. The majority were draenei slaves, and last time I was there, I accidentally got some killed. I’d like for them not to be in that situation longer. It might also improve our reputation, but that’s not really my true goal.
Nyxxa says: I can see the merit of it, but with people like the draenei I’d be cautious with the intention of trying to… increase reputation--
Azgadaan says: No, that’s not what I meant. I don’t care about the reputation, but it may be a side benefit.
Nyxxa considers for a moment.
Nyxxa says: If we’re able to to pull this off, and things moving as fast as they are… I suppose we’ll have to see where we’re at, but it may be a worthy endeavor.
Azgadaan says: I’d like to try.
Nyxxa says: There was one more thing I wanted to talk about…
Azgadaan says: Anything.
Nyxxa says: Aracyra… what are your intentions with her?
Azgadaan says: Elaborate?
Nyxxa says: You two seem to be close, but your goals don’t seem to align.
Azgadaan says: No… they definitely don’t… I need to talk to her one day and convince her what is going on in the Legion is… not what I want, and she would do better elsewhere. She is living in a place where what she wants will ever be the case.
Nyxxa says: Your intention is to try and turn her?
Azgadaan says: I guess, yes.
Nyxxa says: Might I offer you some unsolicited advice?
Azgadaan says: Sure.
Nyxxa says: In the case of someone changing allegiances… Especially in a case where, I don’t think even intentionally… given my conversation with her, I don’t think she’ll take well to the fact you’ve been misleading her. I think you’re right that Aracyra would do better elsewhere, but I don’t think she’s a person so easily ripped from the grasp of what the Legion provides. She…
Nyxxa sighs heavily.
Nyxxa says: She’s been using magic on you from time to time.
Azgadaan says: What kind of magic?
Nyxxa says: Magic to… enchantment?
Azgadaan says: Ah…
Nyxxa says: I don’t know how often, but back when you changed your mind on Argus, and from what she told me, it seemed like she thought she wouldn’t be able to get your attention otherwise. I don’t think she’s done it maliciously… But… it is a problem. And I think it belies a greater issue between your mindsets. I don’t think you would stoop to those methods to achieve any of your goals.
Azgadaan says: Nyxxa, if I was facing an enemy, I would twist their mind. But not one of my friends… never that. I guess I’ll add that to the list of things I need to talk to her about.
Nyxxa says: Were it any other person, I’d suggest telling her the truth, but at this point there’s risk to all of us if you did.
Azgadaan says: Agreed.
Nyxxa says: I pity her, honestly. I wish I could offer you the advice to keep trying and wrest her from the grip of the Legion, but I believe your path is going to be hard enough for you on your own to do that… especially once we can’t play these games any longer, and we don’t have to pretend anymore, it’s going to be hard for those of us touched by the fel.
Azgadaan says: I know you’re right, but I still want to try.
Nyxxa says: I know. And that’s because you have a good heart.
Azgadaan says: Thank you for telling me Nyxxa, you are a good friend.
The pair of them embrace, opting to fall into silence for the remainder of their watch until Nyxxa remembered she wanted Azgadaan’s help to convert her tail bauble into a ring of mind shielding. Azgadaan agreed it could likely be done as long as they had the regents--which Nyxxa had gotten on Argus.
Azuka returns to the camp during the middle of the watches and goes to rest without saying much other than a small, quiet talk with Arthak. She doesn’t speak with No’Rash again during the night.
Outland Day 48
The next morning comes with cool winds from the Netherstorm. The wind is almost semi-visible as they travel across the Nether in wisps of violet.
Azuka and Veena pass out goodberries to the group, and Veena specifically gives No’Rash his. Azuka had yet to even make eye contact with him. Nyxxa approaches Go’el as he’s getting his armor equipped, and he nods at her.
Go'el says: Do you think you can plot our course to this Celestial Ridge? I know we only have general directions, but…
Nyxxa says: Given there are so few landmarks, it should be easier to find when compared to everything else. I should be able to figure it out.
Go'el says: We’ll have to avoid any of the other denizens, between the demons and the ethereals. We don’t want to get in the middle of their conflict.
Nyxxa says: Yes. Not after we saw what they might be capable of.
Go’el’s eyes widen in acknowledgement.
Nyxxa says: I wanted to follow up with you. Argus is a lot to take in. And that was a lot more than a first trip tends to be. I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay.
Go'el says: It was a lot. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t. For so many years in the Frostfire Ridges… it’s one thing to see the small forces of the Legion. The forge camp we met you at, for example. I thought that was a sizeable undertaking. I thought that was big. But… the demons’ homeworld was incomparable.
Nyxxa says: Like living in a desert and then suddenly being submerged in water.
Go'el says: Even trying to compare it to the Hellfire Citadel or Blackrock Foundry, or the elven city of Silvermoon… it was like an endless expanse of steel beyond understanding. The sheer number of demons that had to be there was beyond a number I could fathom, and that’s only one part of the Legion’s body. It certainly is sobering seeing how large the Legion is, truly. And even the slaughter that occurred at Kirin’Var village is a painful reminder that the other denizens of this place, of these thousands of worlds, have been doing this for a lot longer than we have. The might, the marvels they are capable of with their magic and their machines… I never would have believe it without seeing it myself.
Nyxxa says: But it doesn’t seem to have shaken your conviction.
Go'el says: It can’t. Not now.
Nyxxa says: That’s good.
Go’el chuffs.
Go'el says: If Lantresor were here, I’m sure he would say something about how even the greatest of blademasters need to begin somewhere, and I think he’s right. Though I suppose his wisdom is now that of the Broken Blade.
Nyxxa says: He once spoke to me of the unique perspective one has when between worlds, so I believe it’s due to that as well. But that’s neither here nor there. It’s something I’ve been thinking about in light of everything. But… I’m glad to hear you intend to keep on fighting.
Go'el says: You didn’t seem surprised yourself. Did you know the scope of all of this?
Nyxxa nods.
Nyxxa says: I’ve been there many times before, but also…
She unbinds her blindfold and opens her eyes, showing she doesn’t have them.
Nyxxa says: Going through the ritual I did gives one the entire scope of the Legion, even beyond Argus. The wars they fought, the people they subjugated, all of it. Everyone like me--the demon hunters--anyone who has eyes like mine, has seen it.
Go'el says: Yet still you fight.
Nyxxa smirks.
Nyxxa says: What other option is there? Even if it is an impossible fight, is abandoning my world really an option? Especially now that I have people I care for and want to protect.
Go’el looks across the broken landscape of his own world.
Go'el says: We can only hope you’ll never have to.
Nyxxa’s expression sombers, and Go’el puts a hand on her shoulder with a sad smile.
Go'el says: You set a good example, Nyxxa. I would be at fault if I didn’t follow it.
Nyxxa says: I do what I can.
Go'el says: So do we all.
Nyxxa says: I made the offer before, but if there’s anything you need to talk about, I’m here to listen. I’ve got big enough ears.
Go’el chuckles.
Go'el says: Mine are not as big, but the offer is mutual.
Nyxxa says: In spite of everything, I feel better than I have for a very long time.
Go'el says: That’s good.
Nyxxa says: I think I’ve accepted I have people looking out for me.
Go'el says: Peace of mind is a powerful weapon. Only by being at peace with oneself, can one affect hte world. If you can’t change your own mind or body, what hope do you have changing anything else? It’s something Drek’thar once said. One of many pieces of wisdom he had.
Nyxxa says: He sounds like a wise man.
Go'el says: He was. He understood what it meant to be in two worlds. He always had one foot in the world of the spirits. He didn’t need eyes to see more than any of us could.
Nyxxa says: I see. You carry his wisdom with you.
Go'el says: I’m not the only one.
Go’el glances at No’Rash.
Nyxxa says: You both do. And as long as you do, his wisdom will carry on. That’s what I think, at least.
Go’el nods.
Go'el says: I agree. We should get going, we have a lot of ground to cover.
Nyxxa says: Yes, and I should stretch before we go. I won’t have time to do so otherwise, and starting thinking about what I’m going to tell the Matriarch.
Go'el says: At the very least, she knows we don’t mean her harm, and we share a common goal.
Nyxxa says: The hard work is already done, but one step at a time.
Go'el says: One step at a time.
The group gathers together and starts to transform into their cloud-like shapes as Go’el casts [Wind Walk] over them. As they soar over the landmasses, they see Legion machinery down below, and can see the translucent domes of force scattered throughout the region. Two are separated by a massive valley that seems to be filled with bright violet crystalline spires. Inside the domes, there is an abundance of life being cultivated inside--resembling something of a deep jungle instead of a nether-blasted region. However, many of the trees are clearly not native to the former-Draenor.
They pass over a massive stone plateau, and get to another huge earth mote on the eastern edge of the Netherstorm. However, as they continue, Nyxxa sees a curtain of shadow that blots out the sky. There is another mana forge, but there is no pillar of chaotic energy being siphoned--there is instead a billowing essence of violet, blackish-blue shadow seeping from the top of it like smoke through a vent. The metal is broken apart and shattered, like the top had been ripped asunder.
As the group continues to fly, they start to sense uncomfortableness--like they’re being watched. There is a restlessness, as if they are unwelcome, and they need to leave as soon as possible. They start to approach a massive ridge of mountains, and they can see a blue, arcane mist hovering over a field of bright blue crystals. Nyxxa detects the presence of several large figures starting to raise up from the mist, and there is the sound of wingbeats.
Nyxxa bobs, trying to direct attention to the sound. The rest of the group looks down, and they see a half-dozen nether dragons each accompanied with smaller nether drakes. On some of their backs are quadrupedal dragonspawn who are fully armored and wielding scavenged weapons. Most of them don’t seem to have noticed the cluster of clouds, and they are soaring with a purpose.
The dragon at the head of the group seems to be Mordenaku, and below him was flying Tyrygosa. Nyxxa tries to get their attention as they soar forward.
Tyrygosa says [draconic]: Wait… I’ve seen this before… this magic….
Nyxxa bobs up and down.
Tyrygosa says [draconic]: So you’ve gotten here this quickly?
Nyxxa bounces again, and Tyri switches to common.
Tyrygosa says [common]: I take that as a yes. I’ll be happy to lead you back to the nest of the Matriarch, but something has occurred. The hatcheries have been raided by a group of rock flayers. Though they have preyed upon the netherflight before, they have not been so bold. Once we track them down, we can return to the rest.
Nyxxa bounces in affirmation and starts to swoop around the group.
Tyrygosa says [common]: If you continue flying east, you should be able to find Kalec.
The group of clouds, however, continues to follow.
Mordenaku says [draconic]: Is everything alright?
Tyrygosa says [draconic]: We have some friends trying to help.
She looks back to the clouds.
Tyrygosa says [common]: Your aid will be valuable. Grab on if you need somewhere to transform.
The clouds start to cling to various dragons to transform back, and Nyxxa explains to those who could not speak common in orcish. No’Rash takes in the dragons, as it was the first time he had ever seen them, and he notes the blue dragon appears to be the largest, while the others seem to be more translucent and have more aquatic-like adaptations.
As they continue to fly, they see dozens of earth-like creatures clambering up the sides of the ridges alongside ravagers. The rock flayers start to screech as the dragons arrive, and the first group of dragons divebomb--coating the mountain in waves of arcane magic and gravity wells.
Tyrygosa says [common]: We’ll provide support from above! Take out as many of these things as you can before they harm the young!
No’Rash holds Azuka’s sword out to her.
No'Rash says: If you can hold a grudge, you can hold a sword.
Azuka scowls and snatches her sword away from him. Azgadaan casts [Ice Barrier] and then [Polymorph] on himself and turns into a savager, while Halno casts [Bone Shield]. Mantis-like ravagers click and hiss at the group, and there are a few larger ones also turning their attention to the group that had just arrived. The largest of the creatures--a massive, 25 foot tall shaleskin matriarch with crystals jutting out of her back like spines--shrieks.
Nyxxa leaps off Tyri’s back and lands on one of the open plateaus below, her warblades already out and active. She runs forward and carves straight through the nearest ravager swarmer. She uses the momentum to run at a second one, also cutting it in two before retreating back.
Levia soars down downward and casts [Sunfire], white and black flames exploding on a group of the rock flayers and ravagers. Half the group gets obliterated, while the others panic.
Azuka leaps down and lands on the plateau below, lightning crackling around her as she grows into her larger form. She looks at the swarmer next to Nyxxa, and tries to grab it with thorn whip, but the ravager bites through the thorn.
Halno leaps to the ground as well and casts [Living Bomb], affixing it to one of the ravagers.
However, at that moment, Nyxxa senses something wander into her field of vision, and as she looks, so sees something large float right next to her. It’s some sort of pillar of lightning with large tendrils--like a jellyfish--but it seems to be invisible.
Nyxxa says: We’ve got invisible enemies!
A rock flayer runs and leaps off an upper ridge, as does another, along with several ravagers as they start to close in on the group below.
The jellyfish-like creature reaches out for Nyxxa with one of her tentacles as it materializes and brushes against her skin, but Nyxxa is immune to poison. However, it grabs her around the leg and lifts her upside down.
It pulls Nyxxa closer to its beak beneath the crackling dome, snapping down on her.
The shaleskin matriarch starts to creep downward, saliva dripping from its maw.
No’Rash leaps down on top of the jellyfish-like creature, bringing his full weight of his club to bear on the creature. However, the electricity that was coursing around his club didn’t seem to affect it--though the blunt force of his club certainly did damage. He slams into it a second time before sliding off the side of its squishy bell. A rock flayer closes on him with a shriek.
The rock flayer that Halno had primed with living bomb explodes with shadow, destroying a swarm of ravagers and washing over a shaleskin ripper. The rock flayer leaps from the remnants of shadow, slashing at Levia who flits out of the way as it lands on the ground below her.
A shaleskin venomspitter hurls its venomous barb at No’Rash, the creature’s acidic venom eating at his skin. Another venomspitter spits at Levia, the venom splashing across her armor as the barb finds a gap in her armor and reaches her skin.
Levia Blackflight says: Ah! Damn!
She grabs the barb and rips it away, throwing it to the ground.
Azgadaan, as a savager, leaps down and tries to bring a rock flayer down with him. With a rake of his claws, he tears the warped carapace of the rock flayer apart.
The shaleskin ripper explodes in a rippling disturbance of void magic from Halno’s living bomb, passing the mark to two more rock flayers as the shadow washes over them.
Nyxxa struggles, trying to free herself from the jellyfish-like monster--but more tentacles grab at her, restraining her further.
Levia Blackflight says: Nyxxa!
Her eyes flash, and chains of brilliant white fly at Nyxxa, and then break as she casts [Freedom of Movement].
A rock flayer leaps at Halno, one claw breaking off of one of the rotating bones while the other slashes through his robes. Arthak runs after the creature, shoving it off the cliff before he runs off to engage others of the mob.
Another rock flayer leaps at No’Rash, inflicting glancing blows off his armor and flesh with its scythe-like claws. No’Rash looses a battle cry as his flesh starts to bulge, spikes jutting from his body as he enters his fel transformation and starts to wail on the rock flayer that attacked him.
Azgadaan-savager tries to swing at the nearest rock flayer, but he misses as the creature darts out of the way. Halno reaches out at the rock flayer next to him and casts [Inflict Wounds] as he grabs its arm, the flood of necrotic energy wilting the creature’s body and causing it to crumble into a desiccated husk on the ground.
The shaleskin matriarch claws its way down to Azgadaan and rakes through his flesh--pulling him up off the ground as icy magic washes back over the monster. It thrusts Azgadaan down on its hooked scythe
Azuka uses her blood curse of binding on the jellyfish creature, and then runs forward to strike into it once, and then twice--but the creature seems to use the [Shield] spell as a field of arcane energy deflects the blows aside.
A rock flayer runs to aid its matriarch and slashes at Azgadaan, and a venomspitter hurls a barb at Azuka. The jellyfish creature wraps around Levia and her body starts to seize as the poison runs through her body.
The battle rages on as the forces of the rock flayers and ravagers continue to close on the group. Go’el smashes a ravager aside as it runs for the paralyzed Levia, and casts [Lesser Restoration] on her--purging the poison from her veins.
Go'el says: Lets get you back on your feet!
He plants a skyfury totem, the enhancement of the totem rushing around the group.
No’Rash points at Levia and looks at Azuka.
No'Rash says: Free!
He then turns to the jellyfish creature and slams his club into its jelly body. Meanwhile, a ravager swarm attacks Azgadaan. The jellyfish crackles and a beam of lightning runs through Azuka, Levia, No’Rash, and a rock flayer as it casts [Lightning Bolt].
A shaleskin death ravager bursts out of the ground just as Azgadaan roars and claws through a rock flayer, decimating it before he closes his jaws on the arm of another rock flayer.
As Nyxxa gets close to the death ravager after freeing herself from the jellyfish, she gets overwhelmed by a pheromone scent that makes her blood churn. She feels no compulsion to attack the death ravager, but turns on a wounded rock flayer with a flurry of strikes. Compelled by the fury of the pheromones, she then siphon’s the creature’s soul as she kills it, her tattoos flaring to life. She then rounds on the ravager swarms, slicing through both of them. She cackles maniacally, like a satyr, as she consumes more soul essence, her tattoos flaring brilliantly. But then she stops abruptly.
Nyxxa says: …. Fuck.
Vaerux continues to cackle in the back of her mind.
Nyxxa says: I think… something did something to me.
The largely uninjured rock flayer slashes through Halno’s bone shield, breaking another bone as he sends him flying back and spilling onto the ground next to No’Rash.
Venomspitters fire barbs at Nyxxa, but she deflects them aside.
Halno gets to his feet and grabs at the rock flayer, casting a 7th level [Inflict Wounds]. There is an obsidian glove of energy over his hand, which surges through the rock flayer and completely liquifying the rock flayer inside its exoskeleton.
The shaleskin matriarch brings her other claw down on Nyxxa, the sharp scythe slicing through her flesh and impaling her on it.
Azuka struggles with the jellyfish and manages to land a hit on it with her sword.
Levia’s voice starts to ripple and turns very dark as she casts [Psychic Crush], the air around her also rippling with energy. The brain inside the creature starts to short circuit, and the tendrils around Levia and Azuka loosen, leaving it twitching and limp--though still alive. Azuka starts to fall, but she manages to grab onto the side of the ledge and pull herself back up.
Then the shaleskin matriarch seems to also shudder, and its eyes turn to the jellyfish and it releases a hate-filled shriek. Some of the venomspitters turn their focus on the jellyfish and start to fire. Azgadaan, however, continues to attack the shaleskin death ravager.
Nyxxa gets another whiff of the pheromones and starts to cackle again as she swipes through the nearest swarmer. She then looks up at the matriarch and grins as she starts to slash at it--managing to stun it and release Azgadaan in the process. Then her mind clears again.
Nyxxa says: … dammit!
At that moment, Mordenaku soars down above them.
Mordenaku says [draconic]: Stand back!
He opens his jaws, arcane energy roiling between his fangs, and it surges through both the jellyfish and matriarch--which are both stunned.
And at that moment, Halno points at the jellyfish creature, and a line of green energy flies to it--and promptly turns it to ash as he casts [Disintegrate].
The rock flayers and ravagers seem to have entered a frenzy as they try to save their queen now that the control of the jellyfish creature had entirely waned. No’Rash punches through the carapace of the remaining rock flayer and rips out its heart, taking a bite out of it before he throws it aside. He then runs for the Death Ravager and crushes its skull in, leaving it in a pool of its own, seeping ichor.
Azuka gets herself fully up the cliff and slashes at the matriarch, distracting it enough for Nyxxa to find an opening to drive her warblades into the large creature. It walls with a weak screech, dead with ichor pooling around it, as Azgadaan claws through some of the now-fleeing ravagers.
The dragons overhead roar, the battle one.
No’Rash exits his feral form, panting.
No'Rash says: Form up.
Azgadaan also exits his polymorphed form as Nyxxa checks on everything. Azuka also shrinks.
Nyxxa says: I… didn’t go too badly, did I?
No'Rash says: You did what was needed.
Azgadaan says: I did see you kill a lot of them.
Nyxxa points at the corpse of the Death Ravager.
Nyxxa says: When I was close to it… something with my head.
No'Rash says: Are you feeling good now?
Nyxxa says: I’m good, I just don’t like losing control like that.
Go'el says: It sounds like the creature had some sort of signal… the strongest of ravagers are known for being able to heighten the hunting instinct of their bretheren. You may have been affected.
Nyxxa says: Well… I don’t feel too bad about what I did…
Azgadaan says: That seems useful, shall we harvest some of these creatures?
No'Rash says: If you’re going to do it, do it fast. We need to get on with our business.
Some of the dragons had landed and started to head into the caves in their humanoid forms as Azgadaan and a few others work to pick apart some of the ravagers. The dragons emerge with several eggs a bit later. No’Rash double-takes as he sees them shapeshift.
Nyxxa says [common]: Are the eggs alright?
Tyrygosa says [common]: Most of them were, yes. Unfortunately that… thing…
She looks in the direction of the jellyfish creature.
Tyrygosa says [common]: Harvested the magic from some of the eggs, and I sense no more life in them, but we saved most.
She unrolls a beautiful, velvet portable hole and they stash the eggs in it.
Mordenaku says: The rock flayers have preyed on our kind before, but never before have they been so bold to take eggs from the nursery. They killed more than a few of our number, and I think that thing was responsible for giving them the intelligence to do so. You have my thanks.
No'Rash says: Perhaps an adaptation from the new world.
Mordenaku says: Perhaps. I did not meet you before.
No'Rash says: I am No’Rash.
Mordenaku says: I am Mordenaku. Apologies, my orcish is not great, but thank you. We owe you all a great debt. The lives you helped save are important ones, and I’m sure the Matriarch will want to thank you personally.
Nyxxa says: It’s the least we can do, especially… well… we might be asking something very big of you.
Mordenaku nods.
Mordenaku says: Of course. It’s not a long flight from here to the roost.
Nyxxa says: Is everyone good to go? No’Rash, can you stand?
No'Rash says: Yes, I can make the journey.
Mordenaku whistles and a few dragons and drakes flutter around and land nearby.
Mordenaku says: It’ll be easier if we spirit you to the roost. That way we can stay together.
No’Rash cautiously approaches one of the drakes and hesitantly reaches out to touch it. The drake looks at him and it speaks in a language No’Rash doesn’t understand.
Nether Drake says [draconic]: I won’t bite you!
Nyxxa says: He says he doesn’t bite.
No'Rash says: Ah…
No’Rash seems to be somewhat bewildered. Another nether drake speaks up.
Amused Nether Drake says [draconic]: I think it likes you. Make sure you don’t drop it.
Irritated Nether Drake says [draconic]: Shut up. I’m strong enough!
Nyxxa laughs at the bickering. No’Rash gives the dragon a pat and moves over to get on its back as it crouches down.
No'Rash says: Never too old for new things, I guess…
Nyxxa says: They’re magnificent.
No'Rash says: Yes. Good way to put it, Nyxxa.
One of the drakes heads toward Halno, but Tyri stops the drake.
Tyrygosa says [common]: I’ll handle this one. I’d rather make sure I can keep an eye on him.
Levia Blackflight says [common]: I’ll go with you too! To keep an eye on him… of course.
Tyrygosa says [common]: By all means. I should be able to carry many more than two of you small things.
The group mounts up, and the dragons take off into the sky, heading towards the east. They enter a beautiful crystalline valley that is filled with blue, pink, and purple crystals. They see mostly dragonspawn down below, and there is a mote that seems to be entirely made of crystal that is flocked with dragons.
Mordenaku and Tyri land first and take their humanoid forms.
Mordenaku says: Right this way. She’s expecting you!
The rest of the group lands as well.
Nyxxa says: Of course!
No’Rash bows at the drake he rode, and it mirrors the action back at him--clearly confused as to what it means.
No'Rash says: Good meeting you, new friend.
The drake doesn’t seem to understand the words, but nods. The group heads in, and they hear voices speaking in draconic. There is a woman’s voice, which is somewhat animated and cheery.
Feminine Voice says [draconic]: You mean to tell me these trees grow in massive quantities? That you can fly through them? That the leaves fall for half the year?
Kalecgos says [draconic]: That’s right. There are many forests. Some are as tall as you at the apex of your height, while others are so small a mortal can tower over them.
The group enters into a crystalline walkway, and they see a beautiful nest with an intricate pattern on the ground in the crystal. There are fragments of shells all over, and the stars blink overhead. One figure inside is Kalec, in his half-elf form and sitting in a wooden chair. There is another figure sitting in a pile of gemstones and a pool of water--a young woman with draconic horns and a tail. She seems to be eagerly listening to Kalec, and she wears a simple, minty-green dress. She has pink hair that is tied back into twin tails. Her eyes are the same color as her dress.
She immediately stands upon seeing the new group, and she is not very tall.
Small Woman says [draconic]: Who are all of you?
Her eyes go to Mordenaku, and they sparkle.
Small Woman says [draconic]: Mordenaku! The young ones, are they alright?
Mordenaku says [draconic]: Yes mother. We rescued them with Tyri’s help, and the help of these outsiders. Without their timely intervention, we might not have saved as many as we could, and we might not have been able to end the shaleskin brood. At least for the time being.
The small woman cocks her head to the side.
Kalecgos says [draconic]: It’s true. I met them. Well, most of them, when your son met them. They are good folk, and we all have similar interests here.
Nyxxa says [draconic]: Matriarch Noriyaku, I presume?
Noriyaku says [draconic]: So you saved some of our young?
Nyxxa says [draconic]: Yes, in a sense.
Noriyaku says [draconic]: I see.
She clears her throat and straightens herself.
Noriyaku says [draconic]: Very well then.
She moves closer to Nyxxa--who is much taller than her--and she smiles and hugs her. Nyxxa’s fur stands on end for a second, and Noriyaku gasps and pulls away.
Noriyaku says [draconic]: I’m sorry, I was told it was a tradition. I did not want to offend--
Nyxxa says [draconic]: It’s okay, I’m not used to people hugging me immediately… if you want to hug me, I would like that!
Nyxxa blushes.
Noriyaku says [draconic]: Oh! Very well then!
She hugs Nyxxa again, and Nyxxa looks over at Kalec, who smiles.
Noriyaku says [draconic]: I was told the people of Azeroth do this to show affection and gratitude, so I am showing you affection and gratitude!
Nori then looks to the rest and switches to common.
Noriyaku says [common]: Do the rest of you want hugs as well? I want to express my gratitude to you as well.
Nyxxa translates for the orcs.
No'Rash says: Well… on Draenor we shake arms, like this.
It’s translated for Nori, who mouths the words, and then nods, and takes No’Rash’s arm with a surprising amount of strength.
Noriyaku says [common]: Be welcome in my roost! I have been told many things about you and the world many of you come from. I want to know more about you, and why you come here. I know you have goals, goals my children and I may also speak. Let us speak. Come, join me.
She gestures to the pool and the group starts to settle in.
