[Alliance] Chapter Four: Session Thirty-Four

Appearing Characters: Aramar Thorne, Arthas Menethil, Daelin Proudmoore, Divinius, Elissa Cross, Heradus, Illidan Stormrage, Ishanah, Kor'vas Bloodthorn, Makasa Flintwill, Maraad, Medivh, Nobundo, O'ros, Remnii, Riff, Samaara, Seria, Tae'shara Sunwatcher, Thalyss Greyoak, Tol'vas Moonshadow, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Velen, Wynn

July 27th

During the day, before the dreams in the evening, Seria seeks out Uther--who is ruminating on Vel’s own berating. Seria throws a cloak over Uther’s head to block any reflections from his armor.

Seria says: We need to talk.

Uther doesn’t remove the cloak.

Uther Menethil says: I promise I am listening.
Seria says: Don’t you ever do somethin’ that stupid ever again.
Uther Menethil says: Seria, your concern is noted, but I consider you a friend, and if ever one of my friends is in danger, I’ll make the best decision I can reach in the time I have to save them.
Seria says: That is not a good enough answer.
Uther Menethil says: Unfortunately that’s the only one I have.
Seria says: You need to think about yer own people. They need you.
Uther Menethil says: Seria, the world needs all of us. And if I can’t protect my friends when they are in front of me, then I’m not fit to lead my people.

There’s a huge, annoyed sigh from Seria.

Seria says: You need to think about what yer doin’ before ya go and sell your soul away.
Uther Menethil says: I suppose it doesn’t matter that I didn’t have any intention of selling my soul.
Seria says: Then ya don’t be messin’ with things from the Shadowlands.
Uther Menethil says: Well, I plan to make a career of messing with things from beyond the stars, and anything else that threatens my home and my friends. When there’s more time, I will certainly consider more avenues. But then there wasn’t.
Seria says: And yet I still handled it myself and got out.
Uther Menethil says: Indeed. And I didn’t mean to insinuate I didn’t think you could. Seria… has anyone ever told you about our friend Arator?

Seria shakes her head.

Uther Menethil says: Arator is Velameestra and Gilveradin’s cousin, and one of my best friends. Over a year ago, he was taken from us. By Zalazane. Snatched right in front of my eyes. Dragged into a grave. We were able to save him, but if I had acted sooner, he wouldn’t have been taken in the first place. Simply put, I won’t let anything like that happen ever again. I understand your frustration and your concern. But I cannot and will not deny what I’ve been taught. Or what I’ve learned on my own. If I may ask a question?
Seria says: Go on.
Uther Menethil says: If you had been standing there, and it had been Rai or Riff that had been pulled into the bowl, would you have acted differently?
Seria says: I wouldn’t be makin’ any deals. Or be makin’ any trades. Ya can’t trust anythin’. They be twistin’ all their words. But I think ya know I’d be fightin’ like hell to get them back.
Uther Menethil says: Would it change your opinion if I told you that was the point? I had no intention of striking a bargain, I just needed to hit it with my hammer.

Seria shakes her head.

Seria says: And ya don’t be doin’ that by offerin’ a deal.
Uther Menethil says: I think it worked well enough. It reached out of the bowl after all.

Seria is quiet for a long moment.

Seria says: Just… URGH. Don’t do it again!
Uther Menethil says: I would love to be able to tell you that’s the last time that would happen, but I’m not a liar.

Seria opts to storm away, clearly frustrated and leaving her cloak on Uther.

July 28th

The group gets an early rise the next morning, and Wynn does what she can to cook a simple meal for everyone. Vel had come down off the roof and had seemingly put her makeup back on during the night after the dreaming she had done.

Remnii had taken some time to un-attune from the Exodar Lifestaff and joined the group with puffy eyes, as she had cried out the pent up emotions. Illidan, fortunately, did not wander off in the middle of the night. Remnii shares the updates she had gotten from Jarod as well.

Illidan Stormrage says: So then. What’s the plan? You have friends you need to rescue from the Warden’s clutches, yet.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I didn’t think you’d be in a hurry to get back.
Illidan Stormrage says: I’m not. But the sooner we get to this business, the sooner we can get to more important matters.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well, first, I’m going to message Tae’shara so we can scry on her. Sorry, Seria, for the time being that should likely be relegated to someone else.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: If I can borrow your bowl, Seria, I can do some scrying for now.
Remnii says: I also can do so. We can split the duties and get it done faster.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Seems efficient.

Vel casts [Sending], targeting Tae’shara.

Velameestra Windrunner says [sending]: Shara, we are going to be on our way. One of us is going to scry on you to get a read on your position. Let it through.
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says [sending]: Oh, don’t worry about me, Vel. Focus on the others first, I can handle this.

Vel blinks, and then promptly sends Tae’shara again.

Velameestra Windrunner says [sending]: You’re not with the others?!
Tae'shara Sunwatcher says [sending]: We, um, kind of got separated. Things have got a little bit more hot than they were, but don’t worry about me. Get the others first.

Vel exchanges a somewhat incredulous look with Remnii for a moment and then opts to try sending Aramar next.

Velameestra Windrunner says [sending]: Aramar, we are going to scry on you to get a read on your position. Let it through, we will be on our way.

There is no response from Aramar.

Velameestra Windrunner says: ...shit.

She then sends Makasa.

Velameestra Windrunner says [sending]: Makasa, I cannot reach Aramar. We’re going to be scrying on you to get a read on your position. Let it through.
Makasa Flintwill says [sending]: Fucking hell. Of course you can’t get a hold of him. We need to make sure he’s okay. And I will. Whatever that means.

Vel nods to herself and then looks at Remnii and Tol’vas.

Velameestra Windrunner says: Scry on Maksa.
Remnii says: Very well.
Medivh says: I believe I will have enough juice to help you at least with one teleportation, though I’m not sure if I can tax myself much beyond that.
Illidan Stormrage says: I should be able to do so likewise if that can come in handy.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That may be beneficial, depending on what other routes of travel we can use. We are going to have a somewhat expansive group once this is all done.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Seria and I should be able to cover moving large groups of people.

Tol’vas grins.

Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Trees aren’t that hard to make.

Seria taps her staff in agreement, as she can easily turn it into a large tree if needed.

Tol’vas takes Seria’s scrying bowl from her and focuses on Makasa. Her image appears in the bowl in a dark chamber. She has a bottle in her hand that she takes a swig from. She stops, her nose wrinkles, and she looks around.

Vel hovers over Tol’vas’s shoulder trying to get a read on the location as best she can.

Meanwhile, Remnii sends Ishanah to inform her she will be scrying on her and to let it through.

Ishanah says [sending]: Oh! Remnii! Of course. Should we be expecting you today? I was not expecting to see you today, but I’ll make sure everyone knows.

Remnii then uses [Scrying] on Ishanah, and has Tol’vas look at it to get a read on the area. Ishanah is stepping out of a large, hollowed out tree. She is approaching another priestess, informing them that Remnii and her friends would be arriving. They can also see some curious figures--large, 7-8 foot tall bear-like humanoids. They don’t wear much clothing, and Ishanah speaks to them as well. Remnii is watching with a quivering lip and a large smile on her face.

Velameestra Windrunner says: The hardest part is going to likely be getting to the right spot. There wasn’t a lot to focus on. But if everyone is ready to go, we can try.

Vel focuses on the sparse image she was able to take in her mind near Makasa, and she starts to channel the magic.

Wynn says: Don’t get yourselves killed, will you?
Medivh says: Oh don’t think you’re getting off that easily, Wynn. I’ll be back to retrieve you, and we’ll set out to what we promised yesterday.
Wynn says: And here I thought I’d be able to get rid of you. But I look forward to it.

Medivh looks back to Vel and turns back into a raven, perching on her shoulder. In a pulse of magic, they vanish, and then they appear right on the cavern she had seen. Magic sparks around and alights the area, and they see Makasa not more than 15 feet away. However, they all lurch forward, the magic wracking their bodies, but otherwise, they’re there.

Velameestra Windrunner says: Sorry, that was a little bit touch-and-go.
Remnii says: Is everyone okay?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’ve never liked teleporting like that.
Uther Menethil says: A bit of a headache, but otherwise okay.

There are some small mushrooms lighting the cavern, and Remnii’s coughing soon turns into sneezing. Makasa seems to be squatting over something, having noted their arrival. There’s a smell in the air.

Makasa Flintwill says: Good that you made it.

She gestures for someone to come over, and Remnii starts to clop over.

Makasa Flintwill says: It might be for the best you to come over, Velameestra. If anyone else does, you might want to cover your noses.

Velameestra approaches the crack she’s standing over, and she looks down--noting some sort of toxic fumes that are issuing forth.

Makasa Flintwill says: I was trying to double back and find where Aramar and the rest have gone, but this is making it difficult. But there is something about this place I don’t like.
Velameestra Windrunner says: These cracks are back the way you came?
Makasa Flintwill says: All over the place.

Vel takes a closer look. It’s not a natural formation--it was made, not intentionally, but by something else. Something that was large enough to make something like this accidentally. The smell is also different--it isn’t like decay, but if you were to combine the advanced stages of decay with mulch. As if something was eating huge roots, and this was the scent of its excrement.

Velameestra Windrunner says: ...Oh dear.

There is suddenly a trembling in the earth, and Makasa looks at Vel.

Makasa Flintwill says: Did you feel that?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I did.
Makasa Flintwill says: We might want to get ready. Something is coming.

There is an intense rumbling, and a large, corpulent form passes beneath the crack. Then three creatures blast up from the stone, their jaws gaping and writhing. Tol’vas throws a [Mark of the Wild] on Uther, and Illidan grins as he looks around. He holds his arms out and his twin blades appear in his hands.

Illidan Stormrage says: Flames of Azzinoth, I call upon thee!

His tattoos flare to life, and a fire elemental spirit erupts into life next to him. Kor’vas runs to the creature closest to her and strikes into it, her warglaives slashing across its massive scales.

Kor'vas Bloodthorn says: Shit, these things are tough!

Makasa meanwhile rounds on the one closest to her, whipping her spear around and thrusting it into the creature’s body. The massive worm that Kor’vas had attacked bites her, and chomps down--attempting to swallow her, but she flips around its maw and lands on its head, jumping down as the worm continues to slither around the group. It swings its tail stinger at Tol’vas. He staggers, his body wracked with a powerful poison, and he transforms into his worgen form.

The other purple worm goes for Makasa, biting down on her and then swinging its stinger at Vel. Thick poison goes through Vel’s system, but she is able to resist the brunt of it.

Remnii gets out from under the purple worm and casts [Mass Flash of Light] to heal her allies and then casts [Mind Sliver] on the nearest worm.

Seria hisses as she turns into a scorpion, trying to tear away at the closest worm’s massive scales and pump it full of venom as she pierces its sturdy hide.

Tol’vas howls, having just been assaulted by one of the massive worms. He growls and starts to try and tear into it.

Vel quickly assesses the situation as she uses her bladesong and then starts to weave magic in the air.

Velameestra Windrunner says: May the chains of rime pull taught!

She casts [Slow] on the two closest purple worms, the spectral chains wrapping around their bodies as she flanks around to the other side of the nearest wyrm. Elissa then uses [Consecration], the ground blossoming with holy energy over the two massive, slowed worms.

Illidan leaps onto one of the purple worms, and launches himself off, his glaives glowing with eerie light as he uses [Steel Wind Strike] on all three of the worms. He reappears next to the non-slowed worm and carves into it with one of the glaives again, an eruption of felfire burning across its thick flesh.

Uther shouts a battle cry and slams into one of the slowed worms with a critical smite. He hits it again, and then quickens a [Green-Flame Blade] as he wails into it again--the hammer uppercutting it into the jaw as it squeals and falls into a daze.

The fire elemental Illidan had summoned claws at one of the worms, which in turn bites Illidan--who explodes in a burst of fire as he is swallowed by the worm. The fires burn its mouth, his glaives impaled in the creature’s flesh, and the creature screams. The worm jabs Illidan with its stinger, poison pumping through his body.

Illidan Stormrage says: Is that the best you’ve got!?

The fire elemental disappears as he loses concentration, but Illidan drives his glaives into it again and again with a spiral of strikes that sends chunks of the worm’s flesh flying.

Elissa lands two hits on one of the slowed purple worms, and Kor'vas moves in on the stunned one--finishing it off with a flurry of blows as she leaps onto its head and drives her glaives into its skull. She then leaps to the second slowed worm, landing a glancing blow. Seria moves in on the opening, continuing to rip into it with claws and stinger.

The purple worm that Illidan had just nearly massacred looks at him, and then burrows into the ground as it retreats with a squeal.

Remnii turns to the still-feral Tol’vas and casts [Soothe] to bring him back into his senses. As he is claw and fang deep into worm ichor, he feels calmness come over him.

Remnii says: Tol’vas, are you with us?

Tol’vas nods with a mouthful of worm flesh.

Uther runs at the remaining worm, quickening another [Green-Flame Blade] over the creature with a few small smites. It attacks Uther, and he is promptly swallowed by the massive creature as it retreats into the earth. Tol’vas jumps after it, using [Mark of the Wild] on himself as he drives his claws into the creature.

Velameestra Windrunner says: You’ve got to be kidding me!

She slides down after the worm, using [Heart Strike] as she scrapes into the creature. Kor’vas tries to back her up as Vel slashes again and again, bright flashes of magenta raking through the dark tunnel as ichor spurts over Vel.

Velameestra Windrunner says: Uther, are you good?

After she slices the creature open, Uther’s hands come out of the wound and he pulls himself out--covered in guts.

Uther Menethil says: Thank you Vel. But I had it under control.
Kor'vas Bloodthorn says: Sure you did, buddy.

Kor’vas pats him on the shoulder as Vel just stares at him and wipes some ichor off her face and licks it off her finger.

Uther Menethil says: I had it right where I wanted it. It couldn’t get away from me.

Makasa laughs and Uther spits some ichor out of his mouth.

Uther Menethil says: Ugh. It got in my mouth.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s not that bad.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You get used to it.
Illidan Stormrage says: Now that! Was a good warm-up.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Ugh. Now there’s two of them.
Uther Menethil says: Vel, can I ask a favor?

Uther holds his arms out.

Velameestra Windrunner says: ...Sure.

She casts [Prestidigitation] to clear the gore off, and Tol’vas shakes, sending more ichor flying. Illidan looks at him.

Illidan Stormrage says: Now this is… new.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Yes. A curse. I helped pioneer it. There’s a story. It’s not a great one, and I don’t look good in it.

Vel just stares at Tol’vas at that piece of information, and Illidan reaches up and puts a hand on his shoulder with a smirk.

Illidan Stormrage says: Join the club, friend.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I have already noticed parallels in our stories, and I’m not happy about that either.

Illidan chuffs.

Illidan Stormrage says: So one of your friends has been rescued. Now where are the others?

Makasa looks at the large man.

Makasa Flintwill says: Who is this?

She then looks at Kor’vas.

Makasa Flintwill says: And who is that?

Kor’vas waves.

Kor'vas Bloodthorn says: Nice to meet ya! Name’s Kor’vas.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: That’s the Betrayer.

He gestures at Illidan.

Makasa Flintwill says: Is that… your given name?

Illidan just laughs.

Velameestra Windrunner says: Where did you last see Aramar?
Remnii says: I have both locate creature and find the path prepared…
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: If you have something of his I can sniff him out.

Medivh had landed on the purple worm corpse, comparing its teeth to his size.

Medivh says: You could always try to scry on him if you want to make sure he’s alright, of course.
Makasa Flintwill says: I don’t have anything that belongs to him on me, but I know we were separated a few hours after we escaped the barrow prison.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We can backtrack to where you got separated perhaps.
Makasa Flintwill says: We were separated from the majority when the Wardens caught up with us… but there was another group we encountered. I believe it was the Hidden. They absconded before we could track them down, and I had to retreat before I suffered more injuries. But I believe they were after Aramar. I don’t know if he was able to get out… but I can lead you back in that direction. It should not be more than a few hours of travel.
Remnii says: I believe while we are going… we tried to send Aramar, we were unable to get a hold of him. And Hidden were interfering with the draenei and the night elves.
Makasa Flintwill says: Then lets find the bastards and take them down.
Remnii says: We also need to find the others…
Velameestra Windrunner says: The first step should be to find the parting point.

The group agrees and then starts to backtrack following along with Makasa. As they go, Remnii tries to send some of their allies, starting with Riff.

Remnii says [sending]: Riff, it’s Remnii. I know everyone is scattered, but do you know where you are? Or any landmarks? We’re on our way.
Riff says [sending]: Uh uh. I don’t know where I am. I’ve just been trying to run away with the elves. Is mada with you? Are you safe? I’m scared.
Remnii says [sending]: Riff, turn into something small and stay put. Try and find somewhere safe to tuck yourself away until we can get to you, okay?
Riff says [sending]: Okay. I do that Remnii!

Remnii looks at Seria.

Remnii says: Riff is okay. Frightened, but okay.

Seria clicks angrily.

Remnii says [sending]: Tae’shara, it’s Remnii. We are here in the Deeps. We are going to where everyone split. If you can start to make your way back or stay where you are…

There is no response.

Remnii says [sending]: Arthas. It’s Remnii. We’re going back to where you were split up. If you have the ability to do so, make your way back or stay where you are.
Arthas Menethil says [sending]: Ugh. Damn. It’s hard enough keeping these bitches off my tail without hurting them. I’ll do what I can.

Remnii informs the group Arthas is still running, but she did not get in contact with Tae’shara. She then uses her sending stone to reach out to Samaara.

Remnii says [sending]: Samaara, we are back in the Barrow Deeps. Everyone is scattered. We are trying to gather everyone. Be safe, if you’re here.
Samaara says [sending]: I’ve already ensured the others’ safety and am doing what I can to find the rest. Be safe, and I’ll see you soon.

Remnii relays the update to the group.

Velameestra Windrunner says: If the Hidden are here, they may have gotten Tae’shara as well… or the Wardens did.
Remnii says: This is a multi-faceted chase.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We need to focus on the ones we can contact. Riff first.

After about two hours, they get to the point where Aramar and Makasa had split ways. Makasa also informs them that she and Aramar had not been able to sleep. Vel immediately notes evidence of a scuffle on the ground. Vel immediately starts to search the area for anything that got ripped off in the scuffle, and she finds a piece of cloth that seems to have been singed.

It is quite dark, and it’s very rare there are any lights aside from the bioluminescent glows of mushrooms.

They continue back to where the group, Seria trying to lead the way. They get turned around for a bit, but are able to get to the spot, and Makasa explains that the Warden leading the pursuit seemed supernatural, taller, and flickered with darkness. They had tried to pull her attention in multiple directions.

Velameestra Windrunner says: We should likely try to focus on finding Riff first as we won’t be able to locate him with magic. We could… have him turn into a skunk or something, perhaps? It would be easier to track.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We would still have to get closer for that to work.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It would potentially be a good sign we are getting close.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: At that point his scent would be so strong already anyway.

Tol’vas starts to sniff around, trying to pick up Riff’s scent off of the feather of his that Seria keeps. He can almost see the trails as he uses his enhanced worgen senses. They find themselves in an expansive forest of mushrooms--perhaps the same one connected to the massive cavern of Illidan’s prison. They are dwarfed by the huge mushrooms. It’s hard to tell what time it is, but they had likely been traveling for about 7 hours.

Vel starts to look for signs of the reckless passage of a scared child. They get on Riff’s trail specifically, Tol’vas noting they have broken away from the remnants of Tae’shara’s scent.

Uther opts to make his voice really loud and shouts “DEATH ADDERS” to try and reassure Riff in the instructions Remnii had given him.

After some more traveling, they hear the scurrying of tiny feet running very very fast across stone. A figure enters into the periphery of their darkvision as a tiny mouse runs as fast as it possibly can. The mouse then leaps into the air and transforms into the long, serpentine form of Riff’s new form. Seria drops her form and hugs her child, crying with worry.

Riff says [telepathically]: MADA!!

He wraps himself around Seria as Illidan looks on with a raised brow.

Medivh says: ...That’s her child?
Velameestra Windrunner says: He’s adopted.
Medivh says: ...hm!

Medivh nods his raven head.

Illidan Stormrage says: So this is another one of your companions.
Remnii says: Yes.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What, flying snakes aren’t normally in here?
Illidan Stormrage says: I can’t say I know. My time in the catacombs wasn't spent on a wildlife tour.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: That makes sense. Hm. Sometimes I miss my tree. It was a lot easier then.

Illidan seems to roll the motes of his eyes.

Illidan Stormrage says: Druids…
Makasa Flintwill says: I’m glad we’ve been able to make this reunion happen, but we don’t want to stay in one place for long. The Wardens will undoubtedly catch up to us soon.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If we can find a large enough plant it may be wise to go to the hold and drop off Riff and reassess the situation.
Makasa Flintwill says: But what of Aramar? We don’t even know if he’s alive.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That would be what scrying is for. But we can’t stop and do that here if the Wardens have been alerted. We can rest somewhere safe, isolate our next destination, and get there faster than wandering through the cave system--while also throwing the Wardens off our trail.

Everyone agrees with her logic, and the group manage to find a suitable mushroom and Tol’vas uses [Transport via Plants], using the image he had seen second-hand, and opens a portal to the trees at the Timbermaw Hold. They hurriedly step through, and they see a very tall cavern with faint beams of natural sunlight that snakes through. There are a half dozen, nearly 8 feet tall furbolgs that all turn to the group--flabbergasted. Two are holding spears that are immediately pointed at the group.

Ishanah says [tongues]: Wait! Wait no those are our friends! Please lower your spears!

Around the corner, a collection of other figures had emerged--five draenei in total. One of them is a tall, comely draenic priestess with pale, icy blue-pink skin and long black hair that is kept in a high bun. Her eyes immediately go to Remnii, and relief washes over her expression.

There is also a broad shouldered male draenei who is in full armor. He is incredibly tall, and his serious face seems to melt as he sees Remnii. He’s a vindicator, who Remnii immediately recognizes as Maraad.

There is also a krokul with them who has a cowl over his head that has woven tentacles emerging from the fabric, a man Remnii recognizes as Nobundo.

The furbolg grunt to each other and lower their spears as they make bows of apologies.

Ishanah runs toward Remnii, who had shot towards the other priestess. They embrace each other in a very, very tight hug. Remnii starts to laugh-cry.

Ishanah says [tongues]: You’re actually here, Remnii!
Remnii says [draenic]: Ishanah!
Ishanah says [tongues]: I was beginning to wonder if this day would come!
Remnii says [draenic]: This nightmare is halfway over! It’s so good to see you.

One of the furbolg looks at the scene, and seems to d’awwww. They are immediately elbowed by another one so he doesn’t interrupt it.

Ishanah says [tongues]: You’re here now, Remnii, and you’re safe.

They touch foreheads and Ishanah kisses Remnii on the cheek.

Ishanah says [tongues]: You look wonderful, Remnii. And these must bet he brave travelers that have been protecting you?

Remnii nods as they part, somewhat overwhelmed. She collects herself as best she can and tugs Ishanah forward--her tail wagging happily.

Remnii says: Everyone. This is High Priestess Ishanah, the leader of my order. Farseer Nobundo, another of the Council of Exarchs. And this is Vindicator Maraad.

Her eyes flicker to Uther as she introduces Maraad.

Remnii says: Everyone else can introduce themselves. But--
Ishanah says [tongues]: It’s okay, Remnii, I can introduce myself further.

She bows.

Ishanah says [tongues]: You have my sincerest gratitude to protecting Remnii, and I look forward to knowing you all. As she said, I am Ishanah. If there is anything you need, meager as our resources are, you need only ask.
Nobundo says [darnassian]: It is an honor to meet all of you. Remnii… it is no surprise our paths would have met after so long.

Remnii wipes away more tears.

Remnii says [draenic]: Our destination has always been the same.

Nobundo gives her shoulder a squeeze, and Remnii touches her forehead to his.

Remnii says [draenic]: It is good to see you again.

Maraad clears his throat and speaks in broken common.

Maraad says: I am not an Exarch. But… I thank you for saving Remnii.

He clears his throat again, offering a smile.

Maraad says: You have my gratuity.
Ishanah says [tongues]: Come, we’ve prepared some medical supplies and refreshment. I trust your journey was tiring.
Remnii says: We are not done yet. We are going to go back out.
Ishanah says [tongues]: Would you like me to fetch your father? I can wait until you are finished if you think it will distract you--
Remnii says: I think I will explode if I do not see him.
Ishanah says [tongues]: Then I will gather him. I’m sure he will like to meet all of you as well.

Her eyes fall on the two humans, and then to each of the others.

Ishanah says [tongues]: I apologies… I do not mean to sound insensitive, but the crew of the Daughter of the Sea have another encampment. Daelin Proudmoore is there. I do not know if you know him.
Uther Menethil says: Only by reputation and blood.
Ishanah says [tongues]: I see. You will find him there, as well as the crew of another vessel--
Makasa Flintwill says: The Wavestrider?
Ishanah says [tongues]: Yes, I believe.
Makasa Flintwill says: Where are they?
Ishanah says [tongues]: This way--

Makasa is already gone, running off in that direction.

The location is rather large, and there are draenei all over, and the sound is distant, but she hears the sound of naaru. Remnii also touches her forehead to Maraad’s.

Maraad says [draenic]: You are safe, Remnii. You were safe, it seems.
Remnii says [draenic]: I am not done yet.
Maraad says [draenic]: I will be with your friends while they recover. If you need to see your father.
Remnii says [draenic]: I am thankful for your watchful eye.

She smiles and trots off after Ishanah to see her father. Meanwhile, the rest of the group is tended to. However, as the priests go to aid Vel with conventional healing magic, the vampyr stops them.

Velameestra Windrunner says [darnassian]: Do not waste your resources, that will not work.
Draenei Priest says [darnassian]: Are you certain? You seem to have some fatigue.
Velameestra Windrunner says [darnassian]: The… healing of the Light does not heal the dead, I’m afraid.

The priest blinks and exchanges looks with another priestess.

Draenei Priest says [darnassian]: As… you wish.

They leave Vel to her own means, though opt to speak to Remnii about the situation later.

As the rest of the group is taking their rest, Uther also starts to go off to meet with his grandfather. Maraad seems to be watching Uther more than the others with a curious look

Uther Menethil says: Your order is the Vindicators, yes?
Maraad says: Yes. That is the word in common for it, I believe. Or what it translates to.
Uther Menethil says: You and I have much in common.

Maraad smirks.

Maraad says: It seems, yes. There is a time where I watched Remnii, and now you were watching her.
Uther Menethil says: Don’t sell her short, she’s done as much watching over me as I have of her.
Maraad says: I am not surprised to hear that. She is compassionate. Kind. I’m sure there are more words in their language, but I am still learning.
Uther Menethil says: She is. My order is not so different from yours.
Maraad says: The Silver Hand? I have heard of this from the human captain Proudmoore.
Uther Menethil says: Yes.

Uther looks a bit nervous.

Uther Menethil says: My grandfather.
Maraad says: So your father is paladin too, yes?
Uther Menethil says: Yes. In fact, it was my ancestor that brought the Light to humanity. More or less.
Maraad says: You are the blood of the Prophet? Your Prophet?
Uther Menethil says: I don’t believe I’ve ever heard her called that before, but yes. In a manner of speaking.
Maraad says: It seems you have much in common with Remnii as well.
Uther Menethil says: Very much so.

Maraad smirks again and puts a big hand on Uther’s shoulder.

Maraad says: You and I will have much to speak of, I think.
Uther Menethil says: I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Maraad chuckles.

Maraad says: Maybe when things are better, safer, perhaps we can see what the Silver Hand can do.

There is a twinkle in his glowing eyes and he gestures to some tents in the distance.

Maraad says: The sailors are there.
Uther Menethil says: No sense putting it off.
Maraad says: I will protect your… perhaps protect is not the word. I will be here.
Uther Menethil says: I understood!

Elissa also joins him, and he starts to head towards the tents and sees a very Kul Tiran setup. There are a few kegs that seem to have somehow survived, and Makasa is already tapping them with a few members of her old crew. Makasa is smiling genuinely, clearly happy to be reunited with her crew as she has her arms around the taller man and the scrawnier of the two women.

Uther and Elissa wave at her, and Makasa raises her mug.

Uther continues on, and those from the Daelin’s crew salute upon seeing the sigil of Lordaeron on his armor. He heads towards a war tent, and inside he sees his grandfather--Daelin Proudmoore. He is currently leaning over a map, nodding and chatting with a few of the other sailors.

An incredibly tall and lanky human with a plain white bandana on his head notes Uther.

Kul Tiran Sailor says: Aye, what’s your business approachin’ the command tent, sir knight? And who are ya? You ain’t one of those Wavestrider lads, are ye? I don’t think they have paladin lads with them.
Uther Menethil says: They don’t. If the admiral isn’t busy… I am Uther Menethil, Prince of Lordaeron. His grandson.
Kul Tiran Sailor says: Oh! Bloody fuck!

He immediately bows.

Kul Tiran Sailor says: Sorry, I didn’t know!

The commotion draws the attention of Daelin, and as Uther looks at him, he meets Uther’s eyes. Daelin should likely be older than he appears--but due to the time he spent in jail, he seems to be about five years younger than he should be. He squints, then rubs his eyes.

Daelin Proudmoore says: Bloody hell… I think I’ve had a bit too much to drink, I have. Is that you, Arthas?

Uther smiles.

Uther Menethil says: Not quite. But you’re not far off, grandfather.

Beneath Daelin’s mustache, there’s a smirk.

Daelin Proudmoore says: Meeting’s adjourned, lads!

The other sailors immediately make themselves scarce as Daelin makes his way across to the other side of the table.

Daelin Proudmoore says: As I live and breathe…

He starts to laugh as he grabs Uther by the shoulders.

Daelin Proudmoore says: Uther Menethil! You’re a lot bigger than the last time I saw ya, lad!

He pulls Uther into a hug.

Uther Menethil says: It’s bene a long time! I barely remember you!
Daelin Proudmoore says: I wager you wouldn’t! You’e gotten big! What the fuck has Jaina been feeding you!
Uther Menethil says: Perhaps less what and how much!
Daelin Proudmoore says: What are you doing in the middle of nowhere?
Uther Menethil says: That is a very very long story.
Daelin Proudmoore says: Well, come in! Grab a pint!
Uther Menethil says: Um. Introductions are in order. Grandfather, this is Elissa Cross, my sworn vassal.

Elissa immediately snaps to attention.

Elissa Cross says: Pleasure to meet you, sir!
Daelin Proudmoore says: Pleasure to meet you as well. You a member of the guard? Rather young from the looks of it.

Elissa nods.

Elissa Cross says: Yes sir! Uther-- I mean, his highness, did what he could to reward me for helping them out! Sir!
Daelin Proudmoore says: Don’t worry, lass. We’re far from the Alliance. Just call me captain, that’s all you need. Or Daelin. I haven’t been a captain in over a decade at this point.
Elissa Cross says: Uh… yes sir, Captain Daelin.
Uther Menethil says: She’s also too modest. She’s saved my life more than I have fingers.
Daelin Proudmoore says: I reckon that’s still ten?

He laughs as Uther wiggles his ten fingers, and Daelin gets the pair pints of ale as they have a short while to just get caught up. Uther opts to fill him in on what’s happening in the Eastern Kingdoms--at least the good things for now. Such as how people are doing.

Daelin verbally kicks himself for only seeing Lianne once before he left. He wasn’t supposed to be gone this long.

Daelin Proudmoore says: How’s your mum? She still doing good?
Uther Menethil says: Doing well when I left home.
Daelin Proudmoore says: I’m glad she’s doing good. I’ve got a lot to apologize for once we get out of here. But with you being here, we might have a chance to put this madness to an end.
Uther Menethil says: Indeed!
Daelin Proudmoore says: How’s your lord father? Is he doing alright?
Uther Menethil says: Well enough. We’ve been through some harrowing experiences, which I’ll tell you about soon enough.
Daelin Proudmoore says: Aye, makes sense. There will be time for more later. I guess there be one more thing. Ya didn’t happen to hear anything about your, um… about Katie, did ya? Is she still alright? Speaking of apologies. A part of me is hoping she moved on after everything I put her through… after disappearing. I can’t imagine she’ll be very happy with me.
Uther Menethil says: I believe, as mother would put it, it’s complicated…

Daelin sighs heavily.

Daelin Proudmoore says: Sometimes the greatest dragons you face are the ones of our own creation. I guess I’ll need to figure that out when I get home. I hope she can forgive me, and she don’t make take a long walk off a short pier, but can’t say I’d blame her. But it’s good to finally meet ya as a man, Uther. There will be more time to catch up later. I know that look on your face means the rest of your friends are probably going to be waitin’ for ya.
Uther Menethil says: We’ll talk more when I return.
Daelin Proudmoore says: I look forward to it, lad. Maybe I can meet the rest of your friends as well.

Daelin gives Uther another solid grasp of his forearm.

Daelin Proudmoore says: Good luck with the rest of your business. The Barrow Deeps can be hell… so don’t linger for too long.
Uther Menethil says: Don’t worry, I’ve been to hell, the Barrow Deeps aren’t that bad.

Daelin laughs, thinking Uther is joking.




Meanwhile, Remnii is strolling with Ishanah as they head towards the area where Velen is meditating.

Ishanah says: You know, Remnii, it wasn’t the same without you here.

Remnii shakes her head, speechless for a moment.

Remnii says: I never knew if I would see you all again… I knew, but there is a difference between dreaming and reality.

Remnii’s shoulders sag with relief.

Ishanah smiles and leans over. The sound of the naaru is growing louder, and there is a small pinch on her cheek.

Ishanah says: There. Proof.

She can see that the lights above are naaru, just ambiently hovering overhead.

Remnii says: It is good to be in their presence again.
Ishanah says: They never truly left you, Remnii, though I understand what you mean.
Remnii says: I know they do not speak as we do… do you think they will forgive me for all it took to get here?
Ishanah says: I think they already have.

Her fingers slip into Remnii’s hand and she holds it for the rest of the walk. They make their way into the upper section of one of the huge trees, and there is a massive light inside. Remnii can see two tall silhouettes waiting at the entrance of this ironwood tree building--two of the Light’s Chosen. One of them is, of course, Divinius. She is comparable in size to Maraad, her brilliant glaive planted in the stone in front of her.

She sees Remnii, and her eyes meet Remnii’s. Divinius bows her head slightly. Remnii does the same.

Remnii says: Divinius.
Divinius says: Remnii.

Remnii smiles.

Remnii says: You missed me.
Divinius says: You should know you caused no small amount of fuss with your disappearance.
Remnii says: I know. Yet I am wiser for it.
Divinius says: While that remains to be seen, I will trust your judgement. It is good you’ve returned to us. And…

She looks at the Lifestaff.

Divinius says: Good you returned it as well.
Remnii says: It is back where it belongs, and so am I.

Divinius looks to the other Light’s Chosen, Heradus, who had given Remnii a small wink. The two of them step to the side and allow Remnii to pass. As she steps in, she sees the brilliant light and the form of a large naaru. Its patterns are intricate and glorious, its colors a frosty blue that seems to ripple with blue and white. Beneath it, facing away from Remnii, is Velen.

The chimes of the naaru stop for a moment, and she can feel its presence regard her with warmth. The naaru is O’ros.

Remnii bows to the naaru.

Remnii says [telepathically]: Greetings, brilliant one, and thank you for your warmth.

She is filled with gratitude, warmth, and a hint of cheekiness--as Remnii isn’t here for him. The naaru shrinks his presence as Remnii’s eyes go to Velen.

Remnii says: Vakas…

Velen rises, and then steps, each step increasing with speed, and they collide in the center. He buries his face in her hair, and her face in his beard as he lifts her off the ground for a moment and then puts her on the ground again--not stopping the hug at any point.

Remnii says: How I’ve missed you…
Velen says: The darkest of the thoughts that had crossed my mind for so long had convinced me that your appearance had been a trick played upon me… how my heart leaps to have you back here. My beloved treasure. My child. My Remnii.

His voice is muffled in her hair. Remnii’s grip shakes as she cries tears of joy. The Exodar Lifestaff had half-fallen from her grip when she ran, but had been caught by one of the Light’s Chosen.

Remnii says: I almost dropped the Lifestaff…
Velen says: Given you have nearly chewed it in the past, I think it would forgive you for doing so.

Remnii laughs as she reaches up to touch Velen’s face with her hands.

Remnii says: Vakas… you’re here…

She sniffles.

Velen says: And while our paths may diverge again, and they will soon, you will never be far from me.
Remnii says: I will not do this again! I will never be so far again!
Velen says: I think Divinius will be glad to hear that.
Remnii says: She chided me as she greeted me.

She laughs, dabbing at her eyes as she touches her forehead to hers.

Velen says: You are even more radiant than you were in my dreams…
Remnii says: The Light has been bright in even the darkest places…
Velen says: And in the Light, we are one.

Remnii continues to dab at her eyes.

Remnii says: There is much and more to be done… I am loathe to leave… but my friends… people I owe a great deal are still missing… until we can bring them home I fear my heart cannot rest here just yet.
Velen says: I understand, Remnii, and knowing you, I will never hold you from the Light’s calling for you. Your friends need you, and your people support you. I support you. But you will forgive an old draenei this short time.

He grabs each of Remnii’s hands with a smile, and Remnii clutches right back.

Velen says: We will have time to speak of the heavier things once you return. Once you may stay for longer than a moment. Once this place can be your hovel, your safe haven, as it has for us. As we work to fix the misunderstandings and bring peace to this place once more.

He brushes some hair from Remnii’s face.

Velen says: And I can show you something that you deserve to see. But it is not something I would show you with your mind occupied with other things.

Remnii nods.

Remnii says: I have waited this long… if only to be here, I would wait for so much longer.

Remnii exhales, tired, but heart-glad. They speak for a bit more, Velen stating he would like to meet her friends as well, in another moment. There is intermittent crying and laughing as they just spend time in each other’s presence.

After a while, however, he senses it is time for her to leave.

Velen says: You may go, Remnii. Your friends need you, and should you stay longer, you will miss them.

Remnii stands hesitantly.

Remnii says: I’m loathe to leave again so soon… this was a tactically sound decision… but to leave so soon, I don’t think I am ready. But… I said I would, and you are correct. We are not done yet. Not everyone has this luxury to be safe. That isn’t fair. So I will go back.
Velen says: And I will be here.

Remnii gives him one last hug and then turns to leave. However, as she rejoins Ishanah.

Remnii says: Do you have a staff I can borrow? I took the Exodar Lifestaff, but I did not take mine…
Ishanah says: Remnii, you should know that you should take your staff. Even if you have your vakas’s.
Remnii says: Do you think I could break out of jail with two staves??

Ishanah smiles and hands her own staff over.

Ishanah says: Take care of it.

Remnii starts to cry again.

Ishanah says: We will be here, and we will be ready. Go with the Light, as ever.

Remnii heads back to the group just in time as everyone else is reconvening. There is puffiness around her eyes, and there also seems to be some redness around Vel’s eyes--though the elf isn’t acknowledging it.

Elissa approaches Vel, seeing the signs of crying, and puts a hand on her shoulder as she speaks to her softly.

Elissa Cross says: Are you okay?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’ll be fine.

Elissa squeezes her shoulder, opting to remain by her side.

Makasa also comes back, seemingly in a much better mood.

Makasa Flintwill says: Is everyone ready? We need to see if we can rescue the others?
Uther Menethil says: Indeed.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Do we want to scry on someone so we can try to get directly there?
Velameestra Windrunner says: That was the idea. We could likely scry on Aramar, and perhaps Arthas. He may not have had time to reattune to the pendant.
Makasa Flintwill says: I did find something when I was reuniting with the crew of the Wavestrider.

She withdraws a sketchbook.

Makasa Flintwill says: I did not know this got crammed in my belongings, but if this will come in handy?

She hands it over to Vel.

Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes, very much so.

Tol’vas attempts to scry on Arthas, but nothing comes up. Tol’vas flips the water bowl upon the apparent failure.

Remnii scrys on Aramar and she can see him unconscious and sleeping. He seems to sprawled out in a bed of grass, laying up against what appears to be a mound of furs. There are some flowers around, and there is babbling water nearby with soft blue light nearby.

The bed of furs behind him is lifting and lowering. As she looks closer, she sees the ear twitch of a gigantic bear--whom Aramar is resting on.

Remnii says: It seems Aramar has made a friend.

Aramar is snoring.

Velameestra Windrunner says: This… might get interesting seeing that’s our main lead.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: So we’re going in?
Remnii says: I guess we should.

Tol’vas also explains what happened with his attempt to scry on Arthas.

Velameestra Windrunner says: I did rest for a bit, I can try to send Arthas again, at the very least.

She casts [Sending].

Velameestra Windrunner says [sending]: Arthas, if you can hear me, we are going back into the Barrow Deeps. Are you still on the run? Do you have a landmark of any sort?

There is no response and Vel sighs in frustration.

Velameestra Windrunner says: Light dammit.

Remnii’s eyes flicker over at the curse.

Remnii says: Vel!
Velameestra Windrunner says: Our best bet may be Aramar. Unless you want to try and scry Tae’shara or Samaara.
Illidan Stormrage says: The archmage should be able to get you there. I’ll stay here. Where encounters with the Wardens won’t get me into trouble.

He leans back in the grass, his hands behind his head.

Kor'vas Bloodthorn says: I’ll keep an eye on him.

Medivh shifts out of his raven form, which startles several furbolg.

Medivh says: Alright, is everyone ready?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes.

Medivh casts [Teleport], a beautiful rose of ethereal blue energy appears in his hand, and he throws it on the ground. The group vanishes in a puff of smoke. There is another flash of arcane magic, and it seems that Medivh had redirected a lot of the mishap damage to himself. Medivh slumps against the wall as they appear.

Medivh says: Ohhhhh. Ow. It’s been a little bit.

They are standing about 10 feet away from Aramar, who is laying next to a wildkin. There is a waterfall nearby, which falls reasonably far into an underground lake. At the sound, the wildkin awakens--Aramar does not.

It immediately looks at them and shrieks, crawling protectively over Aramar. Tol’vas can tell it's trying to tell them it will not let them anywhere near the unconscious Aramar, as it’s protecting him on behalf of someone else. Tol’vas relays the information.

As the group prepares to move, they can see a figure moving up above. Two large antlers are the first thing they see, and then they see the face of an elk. It leaps down to the earth right behind them. The elk is beautiful with long, ornate antlers and mystically white fur.

There are baubles, feathers, and jewels draped from his antlers and body. At the front of his snout is a long extension of fur, like a beard.

It then looks at Tol’vas, and almost seems to smile. They are clearly a druid, and they then transform out of the form in a ray of beautiful moonlight, revealing a tall night elf with beautiful moonlit cloth that seems to be made of brilliant white silk. He’s a member of the Circle of the Antler, those druids who devote themselves to Malorne.

Tol’vas doesn’t recognize him at first.

Circle of the Antler Druid says [darnassian]: Is that you, Tol’vas?

Tol’vas nods.

Tol'vas Moonshadow says [darnassian]: Yeah…

He looks at the other druid closer.

Circle of the Antler Druid says [darnassian]: I suppose I must look rather different from the last time we spoke. But you… you look just like the last day we met. It’s me. Thalyss.

The name clicks into place. He was a young druid that had come to join Tol’vas’s circle. They were friends. Thalyss closes the distance, and the wildkin looks on curiously as the druid pulls Tol’vas into a hug.

Thalyss Greyoak says [darnassian]: It’s been a long time, my friend.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says [darnassian]: A few thousand years.