Appearing Characters: Aracyra, Belysra Starbreeze, Darius Crowley, Elissa Cross, Fareeya, Halford Ramsey, Jarod Shadowsong, Lothraxion, Lyros Swiftwind, Maraad, Melyria Frostshadow, Morra Starbreeze, Qiana Moonshadow, Rakeesh, Remnii, Samaara, Shaspira, Talran Swiftwind, Tobias Mistmantle, Tol'vas Moonshadow, Valorn Stillbough, Val'zuun, Vassandra Stormclaw, Yrel
September 2nd
Shortly after Remnii, Vel, Uther, and Maraad depart to Gadgetzan, Tol’vas meets with the rest of the night elves to prepare to head to Gilneas.
Qiana Moonshadow says: Glad you could make it, Tol’vas. Allow me to introduce you to a few new arrivals. I reached out them after we started to make plans.
She gestures to two male night elves nearby, one with green hair and the other with blue.
Qiana Moonshadow says: This is Talran and Lyros Swiftwind. They’ll be coming with us. The two of them are quite knowledgeable about curses and wild gods, and have done a decent amount of research into the War of the Satyr.
Talran nods as he strokes his viridian beard.
Talran Swiftwind says: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tol’vas. We have reason to believe we might have a few ideas how we can help. I hope we can do good things together.
Lyros nods.
Lyros Swiftwind says: I’m just happy to be able to meet you. It’s sort of like having the opportunity to meet the main character of a fairytale.
He laughs.
Lyros Swiftwind says: It’s hard to imagine so much has happened, but we’re looking forward to sinking our teeth into it. Pun intended.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m happy to get any help I can. It’s a big endeavor. I’ll have to talk to both you later about details and see if I can feel in any gaps.
Talran Swiftwind says: Of course. We did read the notes compiled by Miss Windrunner. It seems she had information we didn’t. But I believe together our collective knowledge may bear fruit with your firsthand experiences.
Qiana then gestures to an older female druid with long, tealish green hair.
Qiana Moonshadow says: This is Vassandra Stormclaw. She may be the premier expert on the worgen curse outside Belysra. She spent centuries doing what research she could, and it was her that first sensed the oddities that were occurring here.
Vassandra bows.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: It’s an honor to apply my knowledge in such a hands-on way.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Happy to have you here.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: The pleasure is mine. The curse of Goldrinn is as powerful and unique as it is dangerous. It is my hope my expertise may come in handy.
Qiana finally gestures to a relatively short male night elf with short, choppy purple-gray hair.
Qiana Moonshadow says: This is Valorn Stillbough. He’s only recently become a full-fledged member of the Circle. He’ll be acting as a liaison with the group near Tal'doren, and Sentinel Frostshadow’s group in Duskwood.
Valorn Stillbough says: Pleasure.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Quite the group.
Belysra Starbreeze says: And we’ll need it if we’re going to succeed in this. We are going to split into two groups. Captain Frostshadow will be investigating the Wolf Cult in the south around Duskwood, and they’ll keep an eye out for the Dark Riders and the like as well.
Melyria Frostshadow says: We’ll be doing everything we can to track down the whereabouts of Velinde Starsong. We have reason to believe she made landfall in the south. If we can find evidence where she went, that may aid us.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: As far as what we know about Gilneas, how does that compare to what changed since the humans arrived?
Morra Starbreeze says: I was here when Gilneas shut themselves out. It’s been segregated for many years. Any information we have is in tales, stories, and accounts. The area has changed dramatically. The sanctuary of Tal’doren now lies in a place called the Blackwald–a place thought to be haunted if human stories are of any indication. The veil between it and the Dream is likely thin. We could potentially encounter ghosts or otherwise, as the human tales indicate. Belysra, Qiana, yourself, and our three other experts will be traveling to Gilneas a few days early to get a lay of the land, and to find out what is occurring. I trust you may be able to pave the way there. Once the area is secure, we can inform the others and they can arrive as they complete their own preparations.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: It should be easy enough as long as nothing has happened to the great tree.
Morra Starbreeze says: I find it hard to believe that it would. The humans keep a wide berth, it seems. It has no small amount of reputation–this, I suppose, is to our benefit. But we won’t know for certain until we arrive. There’s been no contact between Gilneas and the humans in over two decades.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I want to check where the prison was.
Belysra Starbreeze says: That’s a good idea. We may be able to find some evidence of the tampering since you and the others were released.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: And we’ll see how many are left there.
Morra Starbreeze says: That will be our first objective. Gather what you need. We can leave as soon as you’re ready.
The night elves turn as Elissa comes running over.
Elissa Cross says: I’m here! Sorry, I overslept. But I’m ready to go too!
Morra Starbreeze says: Are you sure you wish to come with us early?
Elissa Cross says: I already told everyone else. Besides, they’ll catch up before long, and I can contact them! For once it’s safe for them to arrive.
She taps her blade.
Morra Starbreeze says: Very well, as long as there are no objections.
There are none, and Belysra throws her arm around Elissa’s shoulders.
Belysra Starbreeze says: We’ll be glad to have you along kiddo.
Morra Starbreeze says: I believe that’s everyone accounted for.
Melyria Frostshadow says: If it would not be too much trouble, lady Stormclaw, would you be able to send us to the Twilight Grove? It would save us no small amount of travel.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: Of course.
Vassandra leans down and plants a small seed in the ground. She touches it, and a tree sprouts out of the earth. It does not seem like it will last indefinitely, but it will last for long enough as the druid casts [Transport via Plants] on the newly-grown tree.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: The Dreamway should lead you there. Safe travels.
She bows to the Sentinels and Valorn, and the Sentinels salute before they head through passage. There doesn’t seem to be any other preparations that need to be made, and Tol’vas uses [Plane Shift] through the scythe to carve a path into the Emerald Dream.
As the mist of the spell fades, they find themselves in a grove that is keenly familiar to Tol’vas. The canopies of the trees are a mixture of colors between greens and purples and golden teal. At the very center of the grove is a massive tree that dwarves the others–Daral’nir, the Emerald Dream companion to Tal’doren.
However, there are no other worgen resting in the area outside the tree.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: There should be some out here, shouldn’t there?
Belysra Starbreeze says: There should…
Belysra runs her hand along the grass.
Belysra Starbreeze says: But I’m not surprised this place is abandoned. I imagine these were some of the first gathered. If any still remain, they’re probably deeper within the barrow den.
The group heads further into the barrow den as Elissa looks around, wide-eyed and amazed.
Elissa Cross says: It’s no wonder you all love coming here so much! It’s even more beautiful than when we came here in our dreams, Tol’vas.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Seeing it in the flesh is very different.
He smiles.
The Swiftwinds and Vassandra have their staves at the ready, but seem to be more curious than anything. Morra, however, is mostly alert and keeping an eye out for danger. Elissa trails behind her mother, running her hand along the bark of one of the trees.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’d be careful touching Daral’nir.
Elissa immediately pulls her hand away.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: It’s not dangerous, but it has a presence. I just wanted to alert you.
As the group moves into the shadow of the great tree, they enter into the caverns beneath the roots. They start to hear the breathing of slumbering worgen, and before long they see several curled up. However, there are far, far fewer than were originally put to rest.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Some are still here… but it seems most were released.
The group takes a quick headcount, and it seems that over half of them had been drawn to the material plane.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Belysra, could you help me check the actual magic itself?
Belysra Starbreeze says: Of course, that’s not a bad idea. We should move to the center chambers for that.
As the group reaches the heart of the tree’s roots, Tol’vas gets a sense of deja vu. His memory of the place isn’t perfect, but it’s familiar. It was likely where Tol’vas had been resting, alongside some of the others–including Alpha Prime himself. There are still many worgen slumbering peacefully, but it is still far less than there should be.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: This was where I was…
Qiana puts a hand on Tol’vas’s shoulder.
Qiana Moonshadow says: Don’t worry, we can do things differently this time. With luck maybe we can help the rest of them too.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Yeah. That’s the plan.
He moves quickly from the empty spot he had found and approaches the heart root with the other druids. Morra and Elissa watch and keep an eye on the slumbering worgen. The druids focus their energies to feel out the magic in the area. Tol’vas senses a connection between the Scythe of Elune and the tree itself, and he reaches into the connection.
He feels something faint and rhythmic, like a pulsing beat. It’s resonating with the scythe, similar to what he had felt at the Howling Vale. It’s stronger now.
Tol’vas lets the pulse guide him as he closes his eyes, matching the ebb and flow of his magic to the tempo. He almost hears a wind that begins to pick up, as if his own breathing was flowing in and out in a storm. He can almost fear it brushing through his hair and ears. In the liminal space his mind is in, he senses himself not truly alone. There’s something there with him. Some one.
The breathing he hears is not his alone. The beating of the scythe is not his alone. Tol’vas tries to call to it and reaches out with both his magic and mind to seize the presence–he can sense it. A pale white in the moonlight. A softness. He can feel the presence and the breathing stir. Tol’vas’s heart quickens, and with it the pulse of the scythe. He tries to speak to the presence, and suddenly he hears a voice.
Qiana Moonshadow says: Tol’vas? Tol’vas! Are you with me?
Tol’vas snaps out of it, and he is laying on the ground. He looks up and sees Qiana and Belysra leaning over him. Belysra is healing cut wounds that had appeared on his hand.
Qiana Moonshadow says: Are you okay? You fainted. You grabbed onto the scythe and were practically gripping into it.
Some of his own blood is on the blade of the scythe.
Belysra Starbreeze says: There. Did you see something?
Belysra lets go of his hand.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Felt. The scythe is connected to the tree, and I rode the connection.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: Is that true?
Tol’vas sits up and pulls himself back to his feet.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: At least that’s what I was attempting to do. It was like a heartbeat. I matched mine to its. The scythe pulsed in rhythm. Before you woke me from apparently collapsing, I saw a white wolf in the moonlight.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: Fascinating. It may be your attunement to this place and the scythe is letting you beseech the spirit of Goldrinn. That you were able to do it, forgive the implication, accidentally is promising. Perhaps we can replicate this over some controlled circumstances. We might be able to get some results.
Talran Swiftwind says: I believe the two of us might be able to come up with some sort of rite to stabilize your mind, but I believe it will be safer on Azeroth. The magic here is strong, but it can be harder to contain. Much easier to run it through a focus like Tal’doren.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I think my only concern is why I would grip the blade.
Belysra Starbreeze says: Well the blade was made of Goldrinn’s fang. It might be the mouthpiece from which you or Goldrinn had tried to connect with one another. I’m not sure though. We may be able to find out more under a more controlled circumstance.
Tol’vas nods.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Sounds like a better plan.
Qiana Moonshadow says: We did learn something! And you didn’t hurt yourself seriously. We learned a lot about the state of the worgen here.
Belysra Starbreeze says: You’ll be glad to hear the enchantments seem to be intact. The Scythe of Elune has a connection, but it’s not fading or weakening. The worgen should stay unless they are called. We won’t need to worry about them waking without us there.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: That is very good to hear.
Morra is examining some of the worgen.
Morra Starbreeze says: Tol’vas do you know any of the ones here?
Tol’vas confirms he does, though it seems the ones that were not here were the ones that were the most fervent supporters of the worgen curse. They briefly discuss that, fortunately, without the scythe Alpha Prime’s ability to draw more into the material plane was limited, which unfortunately means he had started to recruit from elsewhere–people on the material plane, namely.
They agree they have discovered all they could in the Dream, and they opt to continue to Tal’doren. As the mist envelops them again, they arrive in a much darker place. A thick fog cuts off visibility after a certain point, and there is a very heavy cloud cover beyond the dense trees.
Behind them, the massive tree Tal’doren arches beyond the canopy. Many trees had started to lose their leaves given the season, and the floor is covered in dead and fallen foliage. There are several gates placed near the tree, forcing the tree to grow around them, and they see bright blue water dripping down the bark and pooling into a large pond that Tal’doren is surrounded by. It’s a living moonwell, of sorts.
Elissa looks around, both unnerved and in awe.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Nine thousand years later and I made it back home.
Lyros looks around with a soft chuckle.
Lyros Swiftwind says: Wow, I read a lot of stories, but it is another thing seeing it in person. Look at this! The well has grown on its own. Fascinating. This is truly a gift in and of itself.
Lyros starts to move toward the well, but they hear a branch snap. Morra puts a hand on her sword as she turns, and they hear a strange clicking sound as well as the sounds of heavy breathing and steel drawn from scabbards. There are a number of worgen who had started to surround the group.
Many of them are wearing clothes, but none of them are well maintained nor washed and many are tattered. Many of them are also wearing weapons, and a number even have ranged weapons similar to the ones the dwarf in the Wailing Caverns had wielded.
Tol’vas shifts into his worgen form, and one worgen makes his way out from the crowd. There are two bronze, gold, and silver wrist-mounted items that project long steel claws over his existing claws. His fur is greying orange, and he has an eyepatch over one eye.
Gilnean Worgen says: I don’t know how you Wolf Cult bastards made it in here, but you better start talkin’, or we’re gonna start shootin’. Understand?
He speaks in a deep voice with no difficulty.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Completely. Mind if I ask a question?
Gilnean Worgen says: I’m the one askin’ questions here. How did you make it into this forest?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I used to live here. So I can get back. I don’t want to say magic, but…
Gilnean Worgen says: But it’s magic. What were you trying to accomplish? If you were going to assassinate me, I’ve lived through much tougher bastards than you.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t even know who you are.
The worgen scowls and looks around.
Gilnean Worgen says: You expect me to believe that?
He points a claw at Tol’vas.
Gilnean Worgen says: We’ve taken out more than a few of your master’s lapdogs. We’ve seen what you transform into. You larger elf types. We aren’t going to believe your tricks.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Then why didn’t you just shoot on sight?
Gilnean Worgen says: I was hoping to get you to squeal like the others.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: If I could tell you where they were, I would do so. I think you and I have a common enemy.
Interjecting Voice says: Lord Crowley, if you don’t mind a brief injection!
A much smaller worgen creeps forward. He is wearing a ripped top hat that has seen its better days, and a long, torn trench coat. His fur comes to a long, chocolatey brown beard with patches of white, and he has a pair of small glasses on the bridge of his nose.
Smaller Worgen says: Halford Ramsey. Private investigator. Are any of the others worgen?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Just me.
Belysra nods.
Belysra Starbreeze says: Trust me, you wouldn’t want to see me if I turned into a worgen.
Halford takes out a small silver piece and holds it up to his glasses. There is a small pulse of magic.
Halford Ramsey says: Does appear they are all telling the truth. I don’t think these ones are friends of the Wolf Cult.
Belysra Starbreeze says: We came here with the intention of putting an end to the Alpha Prime problem. We didn’t expect to run into any worgen not under his control.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: And you can talk.
Darius Crowley says: Of course. You don’t really think Alpha Prime’s curse would draw me away from my patriotism. You really must not know me, pup.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What does that have to do with the ability to talk?
Darius Crowley says: We’re Gilneans through and through. We aren’t going to fall victim to whatever sorcery Alpha Prime is working. You say that you’re not working with me? We’ll have to see about that. But alright. Lower your rifles lads and lasses, but I think we have to have more of a chat here before we start trusting one another. You can call me Crowley. Darius Crowley. I’m in charge of the brave patriots here. We’re the only sane ones left in this damned nation between the sycophants following the king into Alpha Prime’s pack, and the prince’s ever dwindling numbers, we’re the last hope Gilneas has.
Elissa Cross says: Um. Excuse me, sorry, don’t mean to interrupt. My name is Elissa. You said the king?
Darius Crowley says: Of course. Who do you think is responsible for this plague in the first place? It was him and his court mage. No sooner did they start this than they cut our people off from one another. This hell is his design, and he needs to be brought to justice as much as Alpha Prime and the rest of the lap dogs. He brought that bastard here, and he has to pay for it. And Prince Liam–
Halford Ramsey says: Technically King Liam.
Darius Crowley says: Whatever. He’s leading the resistance of those who haven’t been turned. They don’t see much difference between us and the Wolf Cult. Shit’s getting out of hand, little miss.
Elissa looks up at Tol’vas, blinking.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Elissa, aren’t you somebody important?
Elissa Cross says: Me? Um, technically, but Gilneas isn’t a member of the Alliance anymore.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Sorry. The politics are a little out of my reach.
Darius Crowley says: For what its worth, kid, politics are a load of bullshit. We have to do this anyways.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: But you have a king.
Darius Crowley says: A king I rebelled against.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We’re familiar with the concept.
Darius Crowley says: We can talk more about this, but I need to relieve you all of your weapons. Until we can ensure you aren’t a thread.
Belysra Starbreeze says: How about a counteroffer?
Darius Crowley says: You are really trying that?
Belysra Starbreeze says: That's right, yes! We’ll hand over our weapons, but it’s important for my friend Tol’vas here to keep his hand on the scythe.
Darius Crowley says: Why is that?
Belysra Starbreeze says: Alpha Prime would want it. Don’t want to take chances.
Darius Crowley says: So you got some sort of doomsday weapon? Great.
Elissa Cross says: Pretty please Mr. Crowley? It’s really important.
Darius Crowley says: Alright. You can hold your fancy stick, but any funny business and we’ll cut your claws off so you can’t use it, got it?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m not that funny.
Darius Crowley says: Tobias, if you’d be so kind?
One of the other worgen with steel gray fur and a long leather coat approaches and takes the weapons from the others with some muttered platitudes. He expresses to Elissa her sword is very beautiful.
Darius Crowley says: Mistmantle! Quit gabbing and finish collectin’!
Tobias Mistmantle says: Right, sorry Lord Crowley. We’ll talk smithin’ later.
Darius Crowley says: If you’ll step into my office?
He offers a toothy grin as he gestures to a series of ramshackle shelters that had been erected not far from Tal’doren. It’s a small worgen village of sorts.
Darius Crowley says: Fetch our guests some water!
Remnii had returned to the Exodar, and it seems a pop-up village had started to form around it and inside it. Remnii checks in with her loved ones, including Velen, and she meets with Samaara and Maraad.
Remnii says: Do you think we should bring anyone else? I had contemplated Jarod… or another medic, but I’m not sure.
Samaara says: How much room do we have in this transport?
Remnii says: I did not imagine a big party… I just wanted to ensure we had our bases covered.
Samaara says: I will leave that to your jurisdiction. Between my knowledge of medicine, and the gifts you and Maraad have… if she is in dire straits, we will be able to tend to her. The less people we have, the easier it will be to evacuate.
Remnii nods and expresses she has little evidence beyond the words of a demon and the prophet, but she acknowledges she may be overthinking. Maraad mentions he does not think this is a wise idea, but he trusts Remnii, ultimately, and Remnii agrees she does not think it’s a wise idea, but she didn’t want the information to be held over her head.
They opt to bring Jarod as well, and Remnii and Maraad go to fetch him while Samaara continues her own preparations. They find him working on some of the shelters, and Jarod immediately picks up there is something on Remnii’s mind.
Remnii launches into her explanation about the situation, but Jarod says that he’s willing to help before she even gets into the meat of the explanation. Remnii continues into her explanation, and Jarod whistles much like Wynn did.
Jarod Shadowsong says: Pardon my language but… that’s certainly something.
Jarod recalls Remnii had gotten a bit strange after he explained he had squared off with Archimonde, and Remnii asks if Jarod would be willing to come with her while they parleyed with Shaspira. He agrees, even though he doesn’t know what use he would be other than looming.
Maraad says: That is precisely what I am going to do.
Jarod smiles.
Jarod Shadowsong says: Well, I believe it will look better with one of us at each side, right?
Maraad says: I believe you are right!
Remnii thanks Jarod for coming, but he offers a few words of reassurance as, ultimately, Velen was still her father–and Remnii was no different despite the fact she has connections to “shady individuals”. Remnii thanks Jarod again, and Maraad mentions that he can bring her food and water during her meditations. Jarod said he’ll make sure Samaara has everything handled as well, though he was sure she did.
They agree to just all eat together when the moon rises that night.
September 3rd
The next day, the group sets off to find the transport. They have to camp for one night, and both Maraad and Jarod work on ensuring Remnii is able to travel well enough. Samaara notices, and says nothing, but she smirks.
September 4th
The following day, they arrive at the transport site and they see a small Legion vessel with two wings and a large spherical chamber in the middle with a two-tiered seating arrangement. It’s sitting open, and sitting inside is a tall eredar garbed in dark clothes: Val’zuun.
His eyes crinkle in recognition and he stands up with a bow.
Val’zuun says: I greet you. I’m glad you were able to find this place without incident. I trust you are all ready to make our sojourn?
Maraad says: Introductions would be a good first step.
Val’zuun says: Forgive me. Remnii and I are already acquainted.
Remnii goes over the introductions quickly, and they all get into the transport as Val’zuun apologies for the cramped space.
Jarod Shadowsong says: Worst case scenario, Maraad can just sit on my lap or something.
Maraad says: I wouldn’t want to crush you.
Jarod Shadowsong says: That was just a joke, big guy.
Samaara smirks.
Samaara says: Mostly.
Val’zuun advises everyone to remain seated, and a shield of force falls over the seating area before taking off. A cloaking mechanism activates, and then shoots off into the sky. Jarod is practically smashed against the view panel trying to look at the landscape below, while Maraad’s eyes are on the demon the entire time.
Before long, they jump into the Twisting Nether.
Jarod Shadowsong says: So this is the realm of the demons?
Maraad says: And more things, but the demons have taken it for their own.
Val’zuun says: They like to believe that, but the Nether is an endless space. It’s hard to say for sure. But that is the goal.
The group flies in an awkward silence for some time, but Jarod tries to lighten the mood by pointing things out and asking questions. Val’zuun answers a few times. Jarod points out two planets that had seemingly collided, and the eredar mentions that is their destination.
Their attention is drawn to a large, fel steel hulk that is parked next to a large piece of debris, and Remnii recognizes it as the Vitiator. There are four figures they can see as they get closer. One of them is Shaspira. There are also two wrathguard. And there is also Aracyra, behind the wrathguard.
Val’zuun guides the vessel to the opposite side of a large central stone and lands. He opens the hatch, but he does not get out. The others help Remnii out, and she reminds herself to breathe.
They can see Shaspira’s face as she sees Remnii, clearly connecting the dots, and they stop about 50 feet away from each other. Shaspira is wearing a tightly cinched black-red dress with a deep v cut. Her face betrays nothing, but Aracyra’s eyes are wide upon seeing Remnii.
Shaspira says: This all makes sense now. Why you wanted to hide the identity of they who wished to contact me.
Remnii says: Thank you for coming.
Shaspira says: I don’t know what deception you’re playing, Remnii. But I’m more than curious to know how you learned that name.
Remnii says: I come bearing only truth. It is you who will accept it or not.
Shaspira’s eyes flicker over Remnii’s companions, and they stop at Jarod.
Shaspira says: Jarod Shadowsong.
Jarod Shadowsong says: The very same, ma’am.
Shaspira says: A pleasure to make your acquaintance. You have earned quite the reputation during the War of the Ancients.
Jarod Shadowsong says: I’m just another soldier ma’am, but you’re kind to say so.
Shaspira makes no further comment to either Samaara or Maraad.
Maraad says: Before you learn anything, demon, uphold your end of this bargain.
Shaspira cocks her head to the side.
Shaspira says: Why should I do that?
Remnii says: For what I have to share with you, Shaspira, I believe it would only be fair for us to see her. I know you to have your own sense of honor.
Shaspira says: And I know you to have yours, Remnii, but if this is some sort of trick, you will not leave this place. Do you understand? If I don’t like what I see, you can consider this bargain annulled.
Remnii nods.
Shaspira says: Bring her.
A moment later, two fel guards and two eredar descend from the vessel with a massive steel cage made of heavy duty materials. There is no way to look in aside from a green glass window. It levitates just off the ground as they bring it forward.
There is a hiss, and the containment device starts to open to reveal the containment chamber within. It’s empty inside.
Remnii looks at the eredar, but neither of them look like Yrel. She then looks at Shaspira.
Shaspira says: I upheld my end of the bargain. And now you must uphold yours.
Remnii says: I’m assuming she was executed?
Shaspira says: I promised to deliver her or what was left of her to you with any means at my disposal. And so I offer to you what I can. No more, and no less.
Remnii takes a shaky breath, and Samaara grits her teeth in anger.
Remnii says: Fine. Your daughter. Your first.
She looks apologetically to Aracyra.
Remnii says: I’m assuming that much of the ire that I experienced on the Vitiator some time ago was due to the fact you believed you killed her. As the story goes.
Shaspira says: How do you know this story?
Remnii says: You are not the only one with friends. But I heard much of it from the Prophet Velen.
Shaspira chuffs.
Shaspira says: So you’ve reunited.
Remnii says: Happily, I have.
Shaspira says: I suppose congratulations are in order then.
Remnii says: Thank you. But… that is not what I am here to discuss. News should come anyway… before speculation and before rumor begins to spread. We fought with Tichondrius not too long ago, and won. This is not a threat, but more an acknowledgement that my presence will be known. I wanted to tell you myself before anyone else could. You did not kill Nyrissra that day.
Shaspira narrows her eyes.
Remnii says: I have thought about the best way to put this, but there is no easy way. You killed Remnii. The child that escaped on the Exodar, the one who carried on her name, was me. Though I am Remnii, I was not born Remnii.
Shaspira says: You can’t expect me to believe that.
Remnii says: Truthfully, I come bearing little evidence beyond the fact I look like neither one of them. I have heard Nuuri’s words during the split–
Shaspira says: You should know better than to trust anything that Nuuri says. You, more than anyone.
Shaspira’s eyes widen as her own words click, and her eyes look Remnii up and down before a hand rises to cover her mouth.
Then she starts to laugh.
Shaspira says: Thousands of years after her death, and still she seeks to play me a fool. She seeks to torment me. Now here through you. So, what happens now? Were you hoping that this would convince me to see the Light? To follow you back to the Exodar to beg forgiveness at Velen’s knee?
Remnii shakes her head.
Remnii says: What I witnessed in the Vitiator when you spoke to me was grief and love. Pain–
Shaspira says: I am not here to be lectured by you, Remnii.
Remnii says: What I saw was someone who deserved to know first. Before you heard hearsay, before you heard anything else. I expected nothing to change. I simply wished for you to know, because I would move heaven and earth for those that I care about.
She looked at the empty vessel.
Remnii says: One of the only things I thought worth that… was that you deserved that dignity. You brought me into this world. For that I am thankful. I could only hope that Yrel would be able to see it too.
There is a way that Shaspira’s face moves when Remnii said Yrel’s name that betrays something.
Shaspira says: It is clear you believe this to be true, Remnii.
Remnii says: To the point that Velen told me himself. To the point that other demons know and tried to approach me first.
Shaspira says: Who? Who else would approach you about this?
Remnii says: I will not tell you, for there are things you are not telling me.
Shaspira’s hand clenches.
Remnii says: Yrel is not gone. I do not believe your farce.
Shaspira says: She’s no longer in our custody. A group of insurgents… members of the Army of Light infiltrated the facility and liberated several prisoners. If anything, they should be thanked for revealing several weaknesses in their security systems. I understand Lord Talgath is seeing them shored up. Are you satisfied?
Remnii says: I am, thank you.
Shaspira says: And I trust that’s not enough for you tell me who your mysterious benefactor is.
Remnii says: In this case, I believe not.
Jarod Shadowsong says: With all due respect, ma’am, perhaps she takes after you more than you realize.
Shaspira scowls.
Shaspira says: I’ve heard enough then.
Remnii says: Thank you. I trust we will not be able to meet under such circumstances again.
Shaspira says: I doubt so. Allow me to make something perfectly clear, Remnii. I will be looking into this claim. To prove its veracity. If you dare to speak Nyrissra’s name in my presence to invoke the same deception that Nuuri brought against me, I will make sure that you and everyone who you’ve ever cared about will remember to never make such a mistake again. But if this is true… if this outlandish claim you’ve made is accurate…
Shaspira thinks for a long while.
Shaspira says: Then I will ensure the mistakes that have been allowed to convert into errors… from so long ago… are swiftly and absolutely corrected.
Remnii says: I understand.
Remnii produces a small drawstring bag from a pouch and tosses it to Shaspira. The wrathguards go for blades, but the bag stops in mid-air as Shaspira magically catches it. The bag burns away to reveal a stone.
Remnii says: I am serious enough that I would rather you contact me yourself if you have any questions.
The stone drops into Shaspira’s hand.
Shaspira says: We shall see about that.
Shaspira drops the stone into one of the sleeves of her dress, and it vanishes.
Shaspira says: Safe travels. All of you.
Shaspira turns away. Aracyra’s eyes have not gotten unwidened, and her mouth is just open. The empty containment vessel is moved back towards the Vitiator, but Aracyra does not move.
Aracyra says: It’s true, isn’t it? Everything you’ve said? Every… last… word of what you said was true.
Remnii says: Yes.
Aracyra says: Stay. Away. From us. No ONE WANTS YOU HERE. If you DARE even come CLOSE TO ME again, I’ll…
One of the wrathguard moves up behind Aracyra and puts a hand on her shoulder. Magic had started to pulse around her hands.
Wrathguard says: Lady Aracyra.
The magic fades as Aracyra collects herself.
Aracyra says: The multiverse would have been a much better place if you had stayed dead. Maybe I have an error of my own to rectify.
Aracyra heads up the ramp. The wrathguard looks at Remnii, and then follows her. Remnii watches them go for a long moment.
Remnii says: Well…
Samaara says: I suppose if the information she gave is true… we at least have that as piece of mind. If the draenei have saved her, at least she is safe.
Remnii says: It also means there are more of us out there. Confirmed.
Maraad says: We always knew there were.
Remnii says: I know. We should not linger.
Maraad nods and puts a hand on Remnii’s shoulder. The small group loads back into the transport, and Val’zuun takes off into the Nether. He says nothing for a while.
Val'zuun says: I’ve scrambled our location to ensure they do not track us, but we will be making that jump. If there is anything you needed to do beforehand, now would be an apt time to do so.
Remnii’s hands are shaking as she pulls out her mirror, and she casts [Scrying]. Maraad and Samaara watch in earnest. The image begins to grow more clear, and Remnii sees Yrel.
She’s standing wearing tight training clothes and some basic armor. She has a simple, large mace in hand. She smashes into a rudimentary construct with non-bright golden armor. Two more entities create themselves out of Light, and try to flank her. Her horn is still broken. She grins. There is a buzzing sound, and her legs have more armor–as if part of her legs are made of steel with inlays of magenta crystal.
She spins and collides into one of the creatures. Her eyes flash, and the construct is blasted away. Four more approach, but she brings the mace down and two pinkish gold wings shoot from her back as a wave of holy energy explodes from her and destroys the constructs.
A voice in draenic comes over a loudspeaker.
Draenic Voice says: I believe that’s enough for now, Yrel. We would not want to overtax you so soon after the operation. Report back please.
Yrel wipes the sweat off her brow. She walks through a doorway and a draenei with silvery-gray skin and brilliant gold eyes meet her. Her body is covered with golden tattoos, and two long horns wind out of her white hair. She is exceptionally tall for a female draenei.
Yrel says: Captain!
Draenei Captain says: At ease, Yrel. That was good work in there. It is good to see that you’ve adapted to the modifications that Doctor Hide made.
Yrel says: They’re incredible, captain. He is a marvel. I would have never even considered such technology existed.
Draenei Captain says: He was able to adapt them quite well given his brief experience in using them. I’ll ensure your thanks are sent forward.
Yrel says: I’d like to thank him myself if that’s alright.
A larger figure approaches.
Deep Voice says: Excellent work in there, Yrel. It is good to see you are recovering so quickly.
As the figure enters the censor’s view, it is clear the man is much, much larger than the draenei. Two leathery wings fold around him–a dreadlord’s wings–but they are scintillating with gold light, and his flesh is nearly translucent. He has a halo of light around him, and there are two holes on his head, as if his horns were extracted. He smiles, and his bright white eyes show only kindness.
Yrel tenses.
Yrel says: Lothraxion sir.
Lothraxion says: Just Lothraxion is fine. There are many techniques that you used that are quite impressive, but rudimentary.
Yrel looks a tad offended.
Yrel says: I had to teach myself alone, you know.
Lothraxion says: I’d be happy to teach you more. Thre are many skills that those who follow the Lightmother may be able to share with you. If you’d be interested in learning more. What do you think, captain Fareeya?
The other draenei nods.
Fareeya says: I’m not sure. I wouldn’t want to overtax our patient.
Yrel says: I can handle it! Those demons never broke me.
Fareeya smiles.
Fareeya says: Perhaps we can start with some basics and see how it goes.
Yrel nods, a twinkle in her eye.
Yrel says: Thank you, captain.
Fareeya says: I believe that’s enough for now though. I’m personally hungry. What about the two of you?
The scrying starts to fade, but Lothraxion’s eyes dart to the censor and his brow furrows.
Fareeya says: Is something wrong, Lothraxion?
Lothraxion says: It seems someone is interested in keeping an eye on you, Yrel. We’ll need to make sure it’s not our enemies. They can’t know where we are.
Lothraxion goes to dispel the censor, and Yrel’s eyes go to the censor and look directly through it, a moment of contemplation on her face. Then the spell ends.
Samaara is gripping onto Remnii, tears on her face, and Remnii is not faring much better.
Remnii says: She’s alive…
Samaara grabs Remnii’s hand, and the two of them curl into each other and sob. Jarod and Maraad share a look of satisfaction as Maraad puts a hand on Remnii’s other knee.
An amount of time later, Remnii meets again in the same clearing. This time she was “alone”. However, there’s a much larger and more luxurious vessel there.
She steps into the clearing, and the ramp descends down with a hiss. In the brightly lit corridor behind, an eredar steps out: Rakeesh. He’s wearing a dark, black robe with a tunic-like toga that keeps his left shoulder mostly exposed. He has bright gold pieces of jewelry that shine against his dark violet skin.
His bright eyes meet Remnii’s, and he smiles a bright, sharp, white smile.
He holds his arms out to either side.
Rakeesh says: Remnii. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this day. It’s wonderful to finally see you.
He approaches her and looks down at her.
Rakeesh says: And I must say, you’re even more ravishing in person.
He takes Remnii’s hand and kisses the back of it. She shivers.
Remnii says: Hello, Rakeesh.
Rakeesh says: There will be plenty of time to speak on the Apex, and we have a full schedule. We wouldn’t want to miss the show. After all, I’m sure your friends are eager to see you again.
Remnii nods.
Remnii says: Very well then.
Rakeesh moves to Remnii’s side and offers an arm. Remnii takes it as Rakeesh looks off to the side.
Rakeesh says: Don’t worry! I’ll have her back before you know it. I guarantee she’ll return more fulfilled than she was before. Do keep your arrows in your quivers. I just got it repainted.
He guides Remnii up the ramp, their hooves clinking as they enter the belly of the Apex.
