[Horde] Chapter Two: Session Twenty-Five
September 17th
Kroll had witnessed the fight between Ahonan and Azgadaan, and Azgadaan turned to head back to report to Shaspira.
Kroll walked over to the remains of Ahonan and proceeds to help the Ati-kaso prepared his body for rest. The simple broken, who had been close to Ahonan, has also approached, and is shaking the side of the cart, trying to say something. He seems to be repeating “Oh here.”
It seemed like it sounded close to “Larohir,” Ahonan’s true name. After a while, he is pulled back, and starts to weep.
Kroll puts a hand on the broken’s shoulder. “For the betterment of the others. He can rest now.”
The Ati-kaso begin to move Ahonan away, and Kroll asks if he can give Ahonan some orcish last rights as well. He is permitted.
The Ati-kaso watch as Kroll performs the rights, and some speak up in Draenic to share a few words, but most are silent, as ultimately, Ahonan’s life said more than they could.
A torch is then dropped on Ahonan’s cloth-wrapped body, setting the cart and body ablaze.
Several other orcs from the Broken Blade are also standing and watching, as is Mindi, the small wyrmtongue that had befriend Mork. They all look somber and sad, Mork is sobbing and burying his face in Mindi’s shoulder.
Kroll stands and gives a small eulogy in memoriam. There are tears from orcs and broken both.
As time continues, the crowd disperses. Until there is only one--one that wasn’t there before. It’s Samaara. She looks tired.
Kroll: “It is the passing of a friend. In my life time I have seen many....”
Samaara: “It was not the first, and it will not be the last.”
They reflect for a moment.
Samaara: “You should know, Kroll. Yrel… Yrel has been taken into custody of Shaspira. I only know the details I was able to discern. She struck at the eredar. While I have reason to believe Azgadaan knows more, I have not been able to speak with him yet. I would be compromising the sacrifice that Ahonan made were it to do so.”
Kroll: “I have never felt this powerless before…”
Samaara: “You are not as powerless as you seem.”
Kroll: “I understand the need of guidance and restraint. A council of wise is needed. But why… it seems the spirits put us at a disadvantage at every turn. I can’t… where do you find your guidance? Where do you find peace?”
Samaara: “For a long time I found it in Light, and yet, even that… has been difficult at times. I have seen friends lost to the Legion. I have had people close to me stolen from me from disease, natural and otherwise. From invasion. From war. I have asked that if the Light protects, then why must it take as much as it does. I have not found an answer. I imagine there are people much other than myself who have not found the answer. But I have found some things in my many years.”
Kroll: “May I ask what those are?”
Samaara: “Belief is a strong thing, but belief is only as strong as those who wield it. And those who wield it can be some of the strongest of all. My people have long fought for a vision of a future free from fear, fire, and darkness. Though I do not see those visions myself, I believe in them. When your belief is has been challenged at every step, it is the beliefs of those that you believe in… those are my strengths. I do not know what will become of my sister, but I believe in her.”
Kroll: “You are not alone in that belief.”
Samaara: “I believe in Ahonan, what he gave his life for. I believe in my people. I believe Azgadaan will find his answers and darkness will not take him. And I believe in Remnii, that she will find our people… and will make a stand against the crusade. She is… she has escaped from Shaspira’s clutches. Yrel’s sacrifice, as foolhardy as it was, provided an opportunity for her to leave. I don’t know what will come of her, but she is safe and she is free.”
Kroll: “Hope is kindled then.”
Samaara: “Hope has never truly been hidden.The flames of hope dim and dwindle, but as long as one of us carries it, it will never truly die.”
Kroll: “Perhaps I can find faith in that then.”
Samaara: “I have.”
Kroll: “In the future, in these next days… may the elements guide our path.”
Samaara: “And the Light preserve us. And everything in between.”
Samaara puts a hand on Kroll’s arm. Kroll reaches up and holds it, and there’s a flinch, but she doesn’t flee.
Samaara suggests they rest, as there will be a lot to happen in the days to come.
Kroll places his guardian totem on the cart that was burned, and then goes back to his tent.
Meanwhile, with Sorak. In the aftermath of what had happened, the orcs go back to what they were doing. Sorak makes a move like he is going to assist in setting things up, and then something dawns on him as he reaches up around his collar bone.
He then goes to approach Go’el. Sorak’s mother is helping to secure a camp, and Sadras is walking around with her frostwolf, seemingly looking for something.
Sorak: “Did you lose something, sister?”
Sadras: “Ah, Sorak. Yes. You could say that.”
Sorak: “Do you need help?”
Sadras: “It’s hard to explain. Well, somewhere in the battle, I found this creature. Some sort of combat beast. Then it bit me and before I could even reach it it sprinted off. I guess I was just trying to see if I could find it.”
Sorak: “How big was it.”
Sadras holds her hands out. It was smaller than a frostwolf, but it looked like a strange cat creature. Sorak asks her if she saw Go’el, and she confirmed and directed him roughly in the direction.
Sorak directs Wintermaw to look for the creature while Sorak goes to find Go’el. Go’el was speaking with Rehgar.
Go’el greets Sorak, and expresses that he had not expected the portal to open in the midst of a city. Sorak said it wasn’t the glorious combat they were promised, and Go’el returned that it was to some. He asks Sorak what he was looking for.
Sorak: “My intent is to give the local noncombatants time to get away from further onslaught. I have a terrible idea.”
Go’el raises an eyebrow, and Sorak shows him the seed he had kept. Sorak explains it was the seed that they had retrieved when they captured the naaru, and that it seemed intelligent.
Go’el: “That seems… dangerous to say the least.”
Sorak: “My intent is to make the seed bloom and drop it near the portal. There is a lot of energy coming off of it, and it may serve as a distraction for… well… to seperate. To create a gap.”
Go’el: “You’re right. That’s a terrible idea, and I don’t know what will come of it. Draenor is a wild place, and if that is a relic of primal Draenor, I don’t know what would happen if exposed to the energies the portal feeds on.”
Sorak: “Best case scenario, nothing happens and the seed is destroyed. Worst case scenario, it becomes a monstrosity and we have to flee.”
Go’el: “That’s a preposterous idea. And as chieftain of the frostwolves, I have other things to worry about. If someone would do such a thing, I hope they do it secretly.”
Sorak: “Who would do such a ridiculous thing?”
Go’el: “I have not the slightest idea. But if your heart is telling you to do something, I am not one to stop it. Just be careful. I’ll need your aid later.”
Sorak also mentions that he intends on growing a medicinal garden, and Go’el agrees that’s a good idea, as the land is fertile. Sorak expresses that he hopes the land doesn’t become corrupted as well, and Go’el agrees.
Sorak heads back to the Sunwell. No one pays attention to him going back. More people are coming out of the portal. There are a number of warlocks in the chamber itself, seemingly maintaining the portal, and watching it.
Sorak starts to stroll back to the portal. One of the warlocks identifies him as one of the frostwolves that had been forced to drink the blood before everyone.
Warlock: “So tell me. How does the gift the demons gave us feel?”
Sorak: “Stronger, but I’m not used to it. It is… good, though.”
Warlock: “You’ll come to adapt to it, as well as that sister of yours.”
Sorak: “i’m sure she’s already up to speed.”
Warlock: “There is strength to be had, and it’s wise to accept that strength. I hope you and your clan continue to make the wise choice.”
Sorak: “We always do.”
The warlock looks him down and then smiles. “I won’t keep you longer, Frostwolf. I imagine you have many cubs to bring across.”
Sorak: “And many seeds. Plants. Herbs,. Many things.”
The warlock nods then steps back.
Sorak steps into the portal. He uses druidcraft on the seed, and then releases it into the portal.
The seed, which is a small pod, begins to open right at the tip. A few tendrils escape.
Sorak swims away as he releases it. It continues to flower into a strange shape, almost as if it opened up too far for a second. It floats down, and down, and down. Sorak continues back to Draenor. The seed vanishes into the darkness.
No one seems to be the wiser. Nothing seems to have changed.
Sorak goes back and gets a few pups and seeds and comes back through. There still seems to be no change.
Sorak returns to the Frostwolves. It seems that Sadras had been unable to find the creature she was searching for.
Azgadaan looks up to the Vitiator on Draenor, he sees another Legion ship appear overhead. It’s much larger. Between two and three times larger. One of the only vessels of its size.
Azgadaan knows the ship. It’s called the Defiler. It’s the personal flagship of Archimonde himself.
The Vitiator approaches the flagship and seemingly connects to the underside of the larger vessel.
Azgadaan continues approaching. There is a doomlord nearby, looking up at the ships, and he is at attention. It’s Lord Kazzak.
Kazzak: “Lord Azgadaan. This a great honor. For Lord Archimonde to arrive, we are blessed.”
Azgadaan: “Indeed. I need a portal to the Vitiator right away.”
Kazzak: “I understand, but it is outside my duty and jurisdiction.”
Azgadaan: “Yes, as soon as possible.”
Kazzak: “If you may wish, we can see if the warlocks can get you there. She informed me she wishes to return back to Azeroth. You may wait with me, or we can see if you can find a way to board the vessel.”
Azgadaan: “Lets go right away. I hate idling.”
The doomlord nods, and he holds out a hand. An eruption of fel energy appears, and a doomguard appears. He orders it to go fetch some of the warlocks.They return and conjure a portal for him.
Azgadaan thanks them, and he arrives aboard the Vitiator. A Wrathguard informs him that Shaspira is currently aboard the Defiler, and Azgadaan says that he will await her. He asks about Aracyra and is informed that Aracyra had not returned from Azeroth yet.
Azgadaan goes to get his wounds tended to, and he awaits Shaspira.
After a while, the connector between the ships open.It reveals Shaspira and the Queen of Bones beside her. Next to Shaspira is a male eredar: He walks with a degree of elegance, and he has elaborate armor. Bones seem to have been interwoven into the steel, and the belt has the skull of a draenei that has been plated over with black steel.
As he looks at the eredar, it seems that he is almost looking directly through Azgadaan. It’s Talgath. Archimonde’s second in command. The last time Azgadaan had seen him, it was at his mother’s execution, and he was also the one that discovered his mother’s treachery.
Talgath: “Ahhh… Lord Azgadaan. A pleasure to see you again.”
Pleasantries are exchanged, and Talgath asks how Azgadaan’s father has been fairing. Azgadaan said that he hadn’t seen him in a while.
Talgath then bids Shaspira farewell, as he has “precious cargo” to deliver, and he takes his leave.
Shaspira seems to be completely collected as she strides forward, her head still held high.
Shaspira: “Prince Azgadaan.”
Azgadaan: “Lady Shaspira. I was unable to collect the young Dornaa. It seems she fled with the others, I assume.”
Shaspira’s lips tighten in disappointment and frustration.
Azgadaan: “But I was able to exact justice. The last leader of the broken.”
Shaspira: “The one responsible for this slight?”
Azgadaan: “He is no more.”
Shaspira: “That is a shame. I was hoping for some good news. But at the very least, justice was exacted. With luck Velhari will return before long with Remnii in tow. But I don’t suspect any further good news this evening. But… there are things that must be taken care of, and though plans may change, we will continue moving forward. You did well, Azgadaan.”
Azgadaan: “I’m sorry I couldn’t do better.”
Shaspira: “You should be. But there is always room for improvement. And sometimes failure can be our greatest teachers. After all, an error only becomes a mistake when you refuse to collect it. I do not make mistakes. I’m returning to Azeroth. I trust you plan on following.”
Azgadaan: “Yes.”
Shaspira: “Very well.”
As they walk through the halls, Shaspira calls to Zalia, the succubus, and dismisses her. She tells her to learn what she can from those who were captured, as they must begin planning their next move.
As the pair returns, Azgadaan sees Talgath again. Behind him are several felords, which are carrying a large sphere of black metal that is pulsing with fel energy. As Azgadaan walks by, he takes a cursory glance without looking hard, but there is someone inside of it. Shapira doesn’t even give it a glance.
As they get back to the hanger, a number of guards converge, and a white and red glyph appears beneath them. The group reappears in front of the portal. There is commotion from above as the Vitiator removes itself from the Defiler. There is a hatch that opens on the bottom of the Defile, and there is another vessel that emerges from it. It turns in midair, then begins to move forward faster and faster, before it rips open a portal and disappears. The Defiler follows.
Azgadaan steps through the portal with Shaspira. By the time they return, it seems the fighting as died down. Azgadaan asks if there will be a teleporter established to the Vitiator, and she confirms that there will be one in the magisterial headquarters.
One of the warlocks approach, and informs her that her “warrior” had returned from her challenge and wishes to report.
Shaspira dismisses Azgadaan, and asks if he can claim a building for himself. She agrees, and tells him to play nice with the orcs. She also reassures him he will be rewarded for his service. She almost muses about his relationship with Jaraxxus, and expresses that Jaraxxus is an acquired taste, and Azgadaan is young. She is willing to guide his path if he wishes.
Azgadaan thanks her, and they part ways.
Azgadaan sees an elven warlock near a portal that is sputtering out conversing with Gul’dan and a succubus.
Warlock [in common]: “What language is preferable for me to speak in, my lord?”
The succubus rolls her eyes and asks what language Azgadaan would prefer. Azgadaan suggests Eredun, Orcish, or Darnassian.
The warlock apologizes and speaks in Eredun to Azgadaan. Azgadaan introduces himself, and the warlock introduces himself as magister Runesight, one of the people responsible for the portal opening on this end.
Azgadaan asks for some information, and Runesight explains the layout of the land--Quel’danas and the mainland, which is a day’s travel by boat south. Sun’s Reach is also nearby on Quel’danas.
Azgadaan asks what the quickest way to get to Silvermoon is. Runesight responds it was the portal that was just closed, but now, it’s across the strait if he is able to get a vessel from Sun’s Reach or teleport.
Runesight muses on the fact the Horde will quickly bring the city to its knees, though the dragon was unexpected. Azgadaan is intrigued by the dragon, though Runesight recommends he stay away from it.
Azgadaan asks if Runesight has a home there, and he confirms, though it was raided by the misguided members of his race. Azgadaan said that if he asks the orcs nicely they make him a nice mud hut.
Runesight is taken aback by such a comment, and attempts to… not make any sort of offense. However, he is intending on returning to his mansion at some point to see what the “bitch general Sylvanas” left.
Azgadaan continues to try and get Runesight to accompany him, but Runesight throws his succubus companion, Nesslin, under the bus and suggests her instead.
Runesight finally is able to get away, leaving his succubus behind. She asks him Azgadaan is looking for, and he responds he is looking for a manor of his own.
She guides him up to the north, and he is able to find a domicile of some sort.
Back in Lordaeron, as things start to calm down for the evening after the excitement, Remnii was given a guest room as thanks for saving Uther. It is near Arthas and Jaina’s room. Some servants offer her some larger clothes and to draw her a bath, but Remnii expresses they don’t have to. However, she finally concedes that a bath would be nice.
Remnii thanks the young servant girl for her help. The young girl says that it isn’t a problem and stammers, clearly realizing Remnii isn’t from anywhere close. Remnii confirms her people are from far away in the Great Beyond.
Servant: “You mean… the stars?”
Remnii: “That’s the best way I can describe it, yes. But at the same time, we walk the ground. I have not seen much of your… Azeroth, but it’s beautiful, already. Also, my name is Remnii. It’s good to meet you.”
The servant girl introduces herself as Maelynn Davenport. Remnii muses that Maelynn’s people has family names too, and Maelynn confirms that some do. Her father did, so she was able to use hers.
They talk for a bit, and Maelynn asks Remnii if she has any family.
Remnii: “I do. They are… somewhere. I know they are here on your world. But I don’t know where they are.”
Maelynn: “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
Remnii: “It’s okay, my people are mobile. I’m hoping someday it will be more common place, but my people are called the ‘exiled ones’... come back to me when tongues wears off and I will tell you the actual word for it.”
However, Remnii says she wishes to be careful given so many people have been through much. Maelynn reassures her that Jaina and Arthas, the Menethils, are all good people, and Jaina is from Dalaran, a city full of mages, and it’s a place that Maelynn had wanted to visit, but she didn’t have a chance to go. And Dalaran doesn’t really just let people in. However, it’s said that Jaina might even be stronger than the Guardian--a great and powerful mage that protected the world. The Guardians of Tirisfal. The area they are in are the Tirisfal Glades, and it was said the Guardians formed a long time ago to protect everyone from demons. But she had heard what the refugees had been saying… so it might have just been a story after all.
Remnii: “Don’t lose heart. The stories... many of the individuals that came through the portal are… bent on evil things. But. As long as we have hope, and as long as we walk with the Light, we will find our strength.”
Maelynn: “I hope that you’re right, but in the meanwhile, I will do what I can in the ways that I can.”
She sorts through Remnii’s hair, and Remnii apologizes for how much hair there is, and Maelynn says not to apologize as it’s gorgeous. Remnii thanks her.
They continue talking, and Remnii mentions that Light and Shadow cannot exist without the other, and then apologizes as she sounds like her father. Maelynn asks if her father was a priest, and Remnii says that was the best comparison. Maelynn said that the Menethils were supposedly blessed by the Light.
Maelynn asks if Remnii would like her to attend to her so she has a consistent face, and Remnii confirmed she wouldn’t mind that, and mentions Raluhi as well--saying that she shouldn’t let him scare her, as he was formerly a professor and was very gentle.
They finish up the bath, and Remnii asks Maelynn to find Liadrin and the children, and if they need a place to stay, they are welcome in her room.
Through the door, Remnii can hear Maelynn speaking with someone that she refers to “your highness” asking permission for Remnii to have people in the room with her. The other voice is hesitant, but relents after Maelynn says Remnii seems very nice and lonely.
After a bit, Raluhi appears, also bathed, and Remnii gives him a large hug. They speak for a moment. Remnii says that Raluhi was really brave, and Raluhi mentions that they are now on Azeroth, and so are their people. However, the humans have clearly not seen their species before. Raluhi then remembers he had a bunch of Remnii’s things.
Her dresses. Her belongings. Remnii asks him when he had acquired such things, and Raluhi explains that when Azgadaan had returned to treat the crystal, Samaara suggested that Remnii’s things weren't quite so distant incase circumstances changed. While she trusted Azgadaan to watch things, she didn’t trust Azgadaan to be where they needed to be. When Yrel disappeared, Samaara sent Raluhi to find Remnii, and gave him all her belongings. So that Remnii would have them (including Arthak’s fingers)
He then pulls out something from Phaedra. It’s the periapt of wound closure. Raluhi tells her that Phaedra and Dornaa are safe. Samaara saw to it. They had left with Thelamis and Kaviir under the cover of Leafshadow.
Remnii said that she knows where they are going. Raluhi said that Phaedra told him to give her that in the hopes it would remind Remnii of her.
Remnii starts to cry. Raluhi offers another hug,
Remnii says she feels bad crying as the elves had no way of knowing what was to come. She is happy Dornaa and the others are safe, but she’s afraid for Yrel. However they can’t leave the world unprotected.
Raluhi said that when he was studying to become a professor, his teacher told him something. “It can be easy to drown in the amount of work you have, but you will never get it all done if you do. Sometimes it is good to focus on one thing. Once it is complete, you are already further ahead than you ever were.”
Remnii thanks him, then mentions she won’t be able to sleep until she finds Nyxxa first. However, Raluhi should rest, and Remnii reiterates he was very brave.
They agree that their first step should be to learn common.
Raluhi said he should be dead to the world when she returns as he is very sleepy, and Remnii makes a small joke that she doesn’t have any more diamonds. Raluhi stammers, and Remnii gives a small laugh. She then steps behind a changing screen, changes out of her temporary clothes into something more comfortable, and grabs Nyxxa’s cloak before going to find Nyxxa.
As Remnii pokes her hair outside the door, she sees another human with a very, very long blonde braid. She has a sheathed sword, and is armored. She has similar armor to those that carted away Nyxxa, and a headpiece that looks similar to a crown. She turns to Remnii with a raised eyebrow, and asks if something was wrong.
The woman introduces herself as Ashwynn. Remnii said it was a beautiful name. They talk a bit longer, then Remnii asks about the individual she arrived with. The demon. She explains that she a strange tie with her, and she doesn’t know what will become of her, but for her own reasons, she protected me. Remnii would like to see her to give Nyxxa back her cloak, even if Ashwynn would need to accompany her.
Ashwynn said that Remnii is permitted to travel the castle grounds, though her lord father had viewed it as unwise for her to be seen moving around. However, with caution, Ashwynn is willing to accompany her to the dungeons where Nyxxa is being held. However, Ashwynn cannot guarantee that it will be returned to Nyxxa until she is permitted to be released from her holding cell, should that occur.
Nyxxa is taken into custody by the royal guard and her belongings were taken. One of the humans is referred to as “Commander Falric” and he asks Nyxxa if her kind requires food. She confirms, and he tells her he will have sustenance provided for her. In time, her fate would be decided.
As time passes, about an hour later, Nyxxa hears a gate open followed by footfalls and hoof falls on stones. A voice greets Ashwynn, and she informs them that Remnii wishes to speak with Nyxxa.
Ashwynn gives them some space, but stays within earshot, and the pair continue speaking in a language she can understand. Remnii mentions that she brought Nyxxa her cloak. Nyxxa said that she didn’t have much use for it currently, and this is better than the last time she was in prison anyway.
Nyxxa asks Remnii how she got away from “Her” (meaning Shaspira). Remnii sits and then explains. Nyxxa joins her on the floor. When Remnii gets to the end, she tells Nyxxa that she didn’t know what happened to Yrel. Nyxxa reaches through the bars and squeezes Remnii’s hands, and Remnii starts to cry, expressing that she doesn’t know if Yrel is dead, but if she is, it would be a mercy.
Nyxxa then explains that she spoke to Kroll to keep him from doing something foolish, as he was intending on doing something to keep innocents from getting harmed. She had asked him to watch the noncoms so that she could focus on protecting Remnii. However, she hadn’t intended on slipping through the portal as well.
Nyxxa explains that she had had flashbacks while running through the city, and she remembered the previous war. She had wanted to try and find Jaina and warn her, but in doing so she had run into Remnii. However, now she’s just reflecting on what she did, as ultimately no one would listen to a demon.
She said that she had wanted to do whatever she could to keep her cover, but when it came to actually do it, she couldn’t. Ultimately she’s a terrible spy. They both start crying.
Remnii tries to comfort Nyxxa (and herself).
Nyxxa says she doesn’t know what is going to happen to her, but ultimately, given Remnii is now safe, she considers her mission complete.
They talk for a bit longer before Remnii says she should probably go. Nyxxa suggests Remnii try to send the “Elder” and Remnii said she will try as she already misses everyone. She also tells Nyxxa that, if she gets back, to tell the Ati-kaso that she will find the Exodar and for them to have faith in the Light.
Remnii: “Also. Keep him on track.”
Nyxxa: “Wait… which one? They all kind of…”
Remnii leans forward and goes “hmmmm”
Remnii: “He’s stubborn, but there is honor in him.”
Nyxxa: “That is if he listens to me, but I’ll try.”
Nyxxa gives Remnii’s hand one final squeeze, and they touch foreheads through the bars, and Remnii leaves with Ashwynn. Before she goes, she says the Draenei phrase for “The Legion will fall.”
Ashwynn asks Remnii if she can trust Nyxxa as demons are deceptive, and Remnii agrees, but their united front isn’t how it seems, and ultimately, war makes for strange bedfellows.
When Remnii gets back, she hears voices in her room. Small ones. Remnii peeks open the door, and she is greeted by the sight of Raluhi on the ground with three children climbing on him. Salandria is laughing, and Liadrin is doing her hair. Raluhi is being tickled, and is laughing inconsolably. She cries to Remnii to help him, still laughing.
Remnii shoos the kids away, but then suggests that her horns could perhaps hold someone if she sat down. Raluhi needs his beauty sleep.
Eventually, everyone falls asleep, and Mercy keeps them in check. Mercy snores very loudly. Liadrin has some more bonding time with Salandria, and they eventually also follow sleep.
Remnii then steps out into the hallway to try and cast sending. Using the sending stone, she tries Arthak first. “Arthak, I’ve gone. Take care of yourself. And… chrona kai kristor. I’ll be around if you need me.”
As the sending is sent, Remnii feels static, and there is no response.
Next down the line, she sends Azgadaan. “Azgadaan, if Yrel is alive, take care of her and the Ati-kaso. Also Spiritsong. I will keep my promise. Keep those thousand years in mind.”
Once again there is static and nothing.
Remnii then focuses on Draenor and Samaara. “Samaara, I made it. We’re with humans now. I will look for them. Keep the Ati-kaso safe. I will see you again. Take care.”
Samaara: “We’ll always be with you Remnii. Take heart. Ahonan gave his life to protect Dornaa. She is gone. And safe. Follow suit. You are loved. Take care.”
Remnii starts to cry again. After a bit of time, Remnii hears Ashwynn clear her throat and offer her a handkerchief. Remnii nods and takes the handkerchief, and says “Echada,” or “thank you” in draenic. “Ein te neomeno” (an apology). Ashwynn also nods.
Focusing on her last sending, she tries to hone in on Kroll on Draenor. “Kroll. I made it out. Thank you for watching over Dornaa and the others. I am thankful I got to see you again. Be well. Have faith.”
Eventually Nyxxa also falls asleep. However, then her mind’s eye opens. She’s standing somewhere. It’s dark, and the sky is black but vaguely green in places. The scenery drops off in the distance. Everything is unfamiliar.
She pokes her eye, and it’s not there, but she can still see as if it was.
Distorted voice: “Welcome home, sister.”
Behind her, a few paces away, she sees a figure. It’s tall and distorted, though clearly female. Black shadow and green energy seems to be wafting past her. The main thing that can be seen is bright green eyes. Nyxxa can’t tell what her language is, but she can understand it perfectly.
Nyxxa: “Who are you?”
Distorted voice: “An old friend.”
Nyxxa: “Where is…?”
Voice: “Your mind. At the moment at least. Don’t worry, he’s not listening at the moment. The last thing I would want is for his ilk to interrupt us. I’m glad you don’t recognize me. That means it has worked.”
Nyxxa: “Oh, uh, yeah… things are starting to make sense, but I don’t recognize you, and I probably don’t remember you either.”
Voice: “A blessing and a curse. Something important has happened. Something that may change the nature of your mission. One of our own has betrayed us. I trust even without memories of what has happened, you understand the dangers of such a thing. Her name is Caria Felsoul. Though you may not remember her, she was one of our most cunning and talented. She will remember you. You must be aware.”
Nyxxa asks where she had gone or what she’s doing, but the voice doesn’t know. When Nyxxa asks why she betrayed, the voice said it was power, or corruption, or that she was weak. However, the voice can’t say for certain if she is on Azeroth. This is a warning, as she may seek Nyxxa out, though fortunately, Nyxxa isn’t associated with them any longer.
Nyxxa asks if the the voice heard the recent news, but it had not.
Nyxxa: “The Legion has begun another invasion. They are here.”
Voice: “That explains a number of things. Firstly how I am able to contact you.”
Nyxxa: “An elven city has fallen. They are strange and small. This is an unfamiliar place, but the Legion is here and they are using creatures from another world. Not demons yet.”
The figure’s eyes narrow. “Is it the orcs?”
Nyxxa: “How do you know that?”
Voice: “Hm. I see. And what do you know of Broxigar Saurfang.”
Nyxxa: “I know a Saurfang, but none by that name.”
Voice: “I see. This is an interesting development.”
Nyxxa: “How often are you able to contact me?”
Voice: “Not often.”
Nyxxa: “How long?”
Voice: “We have a time.”
Nyxxa asks if this is a safe place, and the voice confirms. Nyxxa hastily goes over everything that’s happened.
Voice: “You have been busy, Nyxxa. This is fortuitous.”
Nyxxa: “Glad to hear it. I’m currently being held captive because of this Remnii.”
Voice: “And by Jaina, yes.”
Nyxxa: “Yes the Legion thought if they killed her they would win the war.”
Voice: “That is not surprising.”
Nyxxa: “What does the Legion know? And what is her importance?”
Voice: “At the moment it is wise that such information is not know.”
Nyxxa asks about Broxigar.
Voice: “It is curious that all of these things have come to a head for you to discover. And you say Jaina had no knowledge of any of this?”
Nyxxa: “No, she seemed surprised.”
Voice: “Curious indeed. Then she must be protected at all costs. And if Broxigar the Red remains, he too must be protected.”
Nyxxa: “There were only a few Saurfangs I know. They seemed like a tight unit.”
Voice: “Then that is your latest assignment. One of them may know more about Brox. If he is there, you must defend him. But for the moment you are in a predicament aren’t you? Yet one that can be easily remedied, though it will not be pleasant.”
Nyxxa sighs. The figure steps forward.
Voice: “I will ensure your memory of your time here is altered. You will believe a very different thing has occurred. One that will provide a sufficient cover for your actions. What better way to gather favor for the Legion than to strike at the heart of one of their sworn enemies? Our time grows short. But it is your decision. If you would rather, there are other means by which we could extract you, but ones that will not allow you to return to the people you encountered. Or I suppose you can entrust your fate to the humans.”
Nyxxa decides to take the voice up on her offer, with her memories altered. The figure’s hands flicker, and warglaives made of green energy materialize. “I look forward to seeing you again sister. When the time comes, return to where it all began. There you will find us. Good hunting, sister.”
With that, the figure closes the gap, and in a blink of an eye, the blade digs into Nyxxa’s chest. The room spins, and she plunges down and out. She feels the familiar feeling of her body being broken down in death, like claws dragging her down back into the Nether. The essence that makes her dragged through an insurmountable amount of pain as if she was pressed through a cheese grater. There is a pain and torture as the pain of all her deaths crashes on her. The only thing here is suffering and what she saw. A thousand worlds ablaze, and millions of lives snuffed out as the Great Dark spans beyond. There are beacons of light, worlds burning, as the horror she witnessed so long ago when she took her oath looms before her. All her memories of that oath flood back.
Then there is something that punches through it. Something soothing chases some of the pain away. She feels her soul being moved by something. Her essence is being drug away from the pain, though it follows. The pain begins to ebb, and it seems like it’s been eons since it started to subside.
Her consciousness comes back, and she is in… somewhere she had never been before. She is laying down, and it’s hot and vast. Some sort of mock cathedral of an ancient temple. The pain is still there,but she pushes through. She sees a towering figure over her. She’s tall with pale, violet skin. Six hands are over Nyxxa. One has laid on her chest, another on her stomach.
Soothing voice: “There you are, my sweet. I was starting to worry.”
She smiles, her face covered with a thin veil of fabric.
Nyxxa: “Where am I?”
Voice: “You’re on Argus. Where else. You need not speak, my dear. I’m aware of the circumstances that brought you here. The slayer and I are old friends. And I find her… quite intriguing. Certainly more interesting than my boorish colleagues. You need not say much. What do you remember, darling.”
Nyxxa remembers trying to assassinate Jaina in the night, but she was unsuccessful. Jaina was able to fight her off, and she was struck by something heavy, and her memories fade as her life was lost.
She remembers bits and pieces of the meeting, including the names, but only the important bits.
Nyxxa confirms her mind had retained itself, and she needs to go back to the invasion. However, the voice has something for her. A memento for her from a mutual friend.
The other woman hands over two glaives of similar design to her prior ones. But they are not the same, yet still familiar. Tied around one is a black cloth. It’s thick and heavy duty but surprisingly soft and malleable at the same time.
There is something familiar about the cloth that makes her feel comforted.
The other demon tells her to tell the slayer that “Mother Malevolence sends her regards” before she sends Nyxxa on her way through a portal. Nyxxa appears on Draenor on the edge of the valley. There are still people, but not many. The dark portal towers in the distance.
