- Brave Baine Bloodhoof -
Baine was falling to his inevitable death and it would appear he would be taking his raptor with him as well. Was this really the end the Earth Mother envisioned for him, his vision was meant as a warning not to travel this path; was his job on this plane of existence over? Baine closed his eyes and awaited the burning sensation of the magma below when he felt his decent suddenly stop abruptly as the rope had gone taunt before swinging him and his mount against the side of the divide.
Baine grunted at the impact while his raptor let out a combination of roar and hiss at being thrown against the side. The pair dangled there for several moments dazed by the impact unaware they were slowly being pulled to the surface. By the time they regained their composure the top of the divide was in sight and Baine issued for his mount to grip the side of the cliff to aid in their return to the surface.
The Raptor's armored orange head appeared over the edge first before he reached up with one clawed arm and then another. Finally Baine came into view holding on as tightly as he could as his raptor mount (( Who really needs a name by now :P )) reached up with his hind legs and clawed the rest of the way up. Both were panting and clearly out of breath from their near death experience. Once they reached solid enough ground Baine untied the rope securing himself to the saddle while also undoing the knot on the saddle itself; falling unto his back where he lay panting in hopes of catching his breath all the while whispering, "thank the Earth Mother".
Kersia looked confused as Sylstyx wandered off. The shamaness shot her a knowing look as she passed, and Kersia accepted that she had to trust Sylstyx. Instead of following the shaman, she knew time was of the essence and they needed to make a camp before sun fall.
“If everyone is satisfied, we need to be off.” Kersia spoke as she ushered her mount forward. She noticed Morician seeming to make his way closer to Richard. The notion caused a glimmer of amusement to Kersia. With a group that could have dragons, he seemed to want to be closer to the only other for sure mortal in the group. Of course, it also solidified that he was still suspicious of the others.
As Kersia’s talbuk began to make for the mountain side, Kersia began to mull the events in her mind. The cult was without a doubt lead by Mortre’s children, and they appeared to be almost as old as Mortre. This bothered Kersia. She had beaten Mortre once before, yet this dragon they just encountered felt like a whole other level. Was it because Mortre was on Draenor when it shattered, or because she stopped embracing her draconic power? But Kersia never gave up on her own draconic self, even living with the mortals. The blessing of being a blue dragon, Kersia supposed. She could venture to Northrend and sore the skies without a care. She could continue to indulge in the leylines and abuse her magic, keeping her abilities in form. If this black dragon, ancient as he was, continued to hone his own powers, then that would explain how he outclassed Mortre who was his elder. What of their leader? How powerful was he?
Kersia rubbed her temples. She needed to finish carving the spell into the stone she had. Kersia did not know if it would work, but Mortre brought up concerns of powerful demons coming to Azeroth. This spell stone experiment was supposed to be her solution. A spell woven with fel magic to seal a soul into a stone. Not just any stone would do either. Kersia struggled to find one just right and she hoped this one was it. She had been working on the spell to be carved for ages, and they had no time to test anything. No, Kersia simply would have to trust her calculations and Mortre’s magic.
She sighed as they approached the mountains in the west. There was an alcove of trees growing near their base. Kersia slid off her talbuk as they approached. “We make camp here.” She glanced at the remaining members. Sterixia hopped off the talbuk as well. She pulled the nap sacks off that were strapped to the talbuk’s haunches. She laid them out. Kersia smiled. “Thank you Sterixia.”
Kersia regarded the group. “Set up your tents or whatever, get some fire wood if you need it. I have a hunch the cult won’t be back tonight at least. Whatever yanked that black dragon away seemed angry. I will watch first, Vynianyx will take over after me, just in case. We will leave at dawn.” The sky was orange as the sun was retreating below the horizon. Kersia sighed and sat down on one of the nap sacks Sterixia set out. She fiddled with her pack and pulled out a midnight blue crystal. Arcane runes were carved into it, but were only on the upper third. Kersia pulled a carving stick from her pouch and began to whittle more runes into the stone.
“If everyone is satisfied, we need to be off.” Kersia spoke as she ushered her mount forward. She noticed Morician seeming to make his way closer to Richard. The notion caused a glimmer of amusement to Kersia. With a group that could have dragons, he seemed to want to be closer to the only other for sure mortal in the group. Of course, it also solidified that he was still suspicious of the others.
As Kersia’s talbuk began to make for the mountain side, Kersia began to mull the events in her mind. The cult was without a doubt lead by Mortre’s children, and they appeared to be almost as old as Mortre. This bothered Kersia. She had beaten Mortre once before, yet this dragon they just encountered felt like a whole other level. Was it because Mortre was on Draenor when it shattered, or because she stopped embracing her draconic power? But Kersia never gave up on her own draconic self, even living with the mortals. The blessing of being a blue dragon, Kersia supposed. She could venture to Northrend and sore the skies without a care. She could continue to indulge in the leylines and abuse her magic, keeping her abilities in form. If this black dragon, ancient as he was, continued to hone his own powers, then that would explain how he outclassed Mortre who was his elder. What of their leader? How powerful was he?
Kersia rubbed her temples. She needed to finish carving the spell into the stone she had. Kersia did not know if it would work, but Mortre brought up concerns of powerful demons coming to Azeroth. This spell stone experiment was supposed to be her solution. A spell woven with fel magic to seal a soul into a stone. Not just any stone would do either. Kersia struggled to find one just right and she hoped this one was it. She had been working on the spell to be carved for ages, and they had no time to test anything. No, Kersia simply would have to trust her calculations and Mortre’s magic.
She sighed as they approached the mountains in the west. There was an alcove of trees growing near their base. Kersia slid off her talbuk as they approached. “We make camp here.” She glanced at the remaining members. Sterixia hopped off the talbuk as well. She pulled the nap sacks off that were strapped to the talbuk’s haunches. She laid them out. Kersia smiled. “Thank you Sterixia.”
Kersia regarded the group. “Set up your tents or whatever, get some fire wood if you need it. I have a hunch the cult won’t be back tonight at least. Whatever yanked that black dragon away seemed angry. I will watch first, Vynianyx will take over after me, just in case. We will leave at dawn.” The sky was orange as the sun was retreating below the horizon. Kersia sighed and sat down on one of the nap sacks Sterixia set out. She fiddled with her pack and pulled out a midnight blue crystal. Arcane runes were carved into it, but were only on the upper third. Kersia pulled a carving stick from her pouch and began to whittle more runes into the stone.
Vynianyx watched as Sylstyx seemed to wander off. She considered following the shaman, but opted to stay behind. She had Kora to consider, and it was up to Vyn to keep the unconscious red safe. Well, she was unconscious. Vyn felt the woman’s hand pet her neck.
“Thanks for coming to get me. I would kiss you, but I am afraid it is taking a lot of energy just to talk and pat your neck. You wouldn’t mind if I stayed like this for a bit would you? Just until I can regain enough strength and energy to move on my own?”
Vyn turned her head to see Kora. Her lips appeared to smile and her eyes were soft as she nodded a silent yes. It took too much energy to talk in such a form, and Vyn was tired enough from the battle.
"I am at your side my Lady." Vyn turned her attention to Torin and nodded towards him as well. She appreciated his continued support, even knowing Mortre’s true identity. Vyn knew of all the darkness surrounding the black scaled dragons, and hoped the others would at least continue to help.
Kersia spoke, and then moved forward with her talbuk. She made her way towards the mountains in the west, a spot at their base would hopefully serve as a good spot for a camp. Vynianyx followed behind Kersia, her movements calculated and careful. She didn’t want to disrupt Kora on her back. When she reached the spot Kersia decided would be a camp, she sighed with relief. She was exhausted and had no desire to fight, or even walk anymore. She carefully folded her legs under herself to avoid knocking Kora off. She sat and relaxed for a moment, nodding as Kersia named her to be the second watch.
“Thanks for coming to get me. I would kiss you, but I am afraid it is taking a lot of energy just to talk and pat your neck. You wouldn’t mind if I stayed like this for a bit would you? Just until I can regain enough strength and energy to move on my own?”
Vyn turned her head to see Kora. Her lips appeared to smile and her eyes were soft as she nodded a silent yes. It took too much energy to talk in such a form, and Vyn was tired enough from the battle.
"I am at your side my Lady." Vyn turned her attention to Torin and nodded towards him as well. She appreciated his continued support, even knowing Mortre’s true identity. Vyn knew of all the darkness surrounding the black scaled dragons, and hoped the others would at least continue to help.
Kersia spoke, and then moved forward with her talbuk. She made her way towards the mountains in the west, a spot at their base would hopefully serve as a good spot for a camp. Vynianyx followed behind Kersia, her movements calculated and careful. She didn’t want to disrupt Kora on her back. When she reached the spot Kersia decided would be a camp, she sighed with relief. She was exhausted and had no desire to fight, or even walk anymore. She carefully folded her legs under herself to avoid knocking Kora off. She sat and relaxed for a moment, nodding as Kersia named her to be the second watch.
Sylstyx glanced behind herself as her earth elemental pulled the rope. She saw Kersia lead the group towards the mountains. She smiled; it would be easy and fast to catch up to them from here. The earth elemental finally finished pulling up the tauren on the other side of the rope. He seemed exhausted, falling onto his back and muttering to himself.
“Zir?” Sylstyx inquired. She was worried he was injured, or his raptor as well. Her hands summoned spiritual water, and she wove it towards the tauren and the raptor, her aim to heal their wounds and rejuvenate them. Once the water dissipated, she stood and brushed herself off. “Zir, mi kumpahneonz beink vay du ze kahmpz. Fallovink mi if yoo joinzink ja?” She smiled at the tauren then hopped onto her horse, heading towards the direction she saw Kersia go.
“Zir?” Sylstyx inquired. She was worried he was injured, or his raptor as well. Her hands summoned spiritual water, and she wove it towards the tauren and the raptor, her aim to heal their wounds and rejuvenate them. Once the water dissipated, she stood and brushed herself off. “Zir, mi kumpahneonz beink vay du ze kahmpz. Fallovink mi if yoo joinzink ja?” She smiled at the tauren then hopped onto her horse, heading towards the direction she saw Kersia go.
It seemed they arrived at some sort of place suitable for camping out. Richard looked around, didn't seem like much, then again, nor did anything else. He suddenly remembered the worst part of the adventures he'd been on. Then again the friends he had and the ones he made always seemed to make it worth it in the end. The friends he didn't have anymore.
He sighed, sliding off his horse and tying it to a nearby tree. He couldn't have the thing running off again. He grabbed his guitar and sat down against another tree himself. He wasn't exactly in a mood for sleep just yet. Synthara stretched out, laying beside him. He figured he would play a song, although not a particularly upbeat one. He tuned his guitar and began to strum.
" Piece me together out of the things that you see
I'm a log, I'm a boat, I'm a book, I'm a rope, I'm a tree
I follow you blindly and bursting with hope and then
Under the bridge and then out in the light again
We go round and around as we fight through the sounds
And I've shown you all that I can do
We go over and out where the silence is loud
I hope that I catch up with you
I follow you gladly and grasping the rope
And then under the hill and then bursting out again
Oh, we all fall down
We are scattered on the ground
And we part like waves
No one ever stays
I love how we blur into one, I and you, you and me
We can get further if we stick together, you'll see
I tackle the limits and then I fell down again
Pulling the reins to my chest, letting go again
Oh, we all fall down
We are scattered on the ground
And we part like waves
No one ever stays. "
He sighed, sliding off his horse and tying it to a nearby tree. He couldn't have the thing running off again. He grabbed his guitar and sat down against another tree himself. He wasn't exactly in a mood for sleep just yet. Synthara stretched out, laying beside him. He figured he would play a song, although not a particularly upbeat one. He tuned his guitar and began to strum.
" Piece me together out of the things that you see
I'm a log, I'm a boat, I'm a book, I'm a rope, I'm a tree
I follow you blindly and bursting with hope and then
Under the bridge and then out in the light again
We go round and around as we fight through the sounds
And I've shown you all that I can do
We go over and out where the silence is loud
I hope that I catch up with you
I follow you gladly and grasping the rope
And then under the hill and then bursting out again
Oh, we all fall down
We are scattered on the ground
And we part like waves
No one ever stays
I love how we blur into one, I and you, you and me
We can get further if we stick together, you'll see
I tackle the limits and then I fell down again
Pulling the reins to my chest, letting go again
Oh, we all fall down
We are scattered on the ground
And we part like waves
No one ever stays. "
Morician continued trailing along behind the others, keeping a wary eye on Kersia and Draco as well as the surroundings. The concept of dragons taking humanoid shapes wasn't exactly new to him, but while he'd heard tales of it he'd never expected to encounter one himself, let actually help one.
He remained silent in the saddle as Kersia issued the marching orders...well, the plans, anyway. Nodding to show he understood, he retreated to a quieter corner of the camp and dismounted.
Once on his feet, he dug a ragged cloth and a bottle of some sort of cleaning substance from his saddlebags, before proceeding to clean the remainder of battle from his armor. There was quite a few spots he had missed earlier, and Steel was in need of attention as well. Once he had finished with his own armor, he turned his attention to the massive charger, polishing her armor and cleaning the dirt and dried blood from her hair and hooves.
05/01/2017 05:18 PMPosted by KersiaShe sighed as they approached the mountains in the west. There was an alcove of trees growing near their base. Kersia slid off her talbuk as they approached. “We make camp here.” She glanced at the remaining members. Sterixia hopped off the talbuk as well. She pulled the nap sacks off that were strapped to the talbuk’s haunches. She laid them out. Kersia smiled. “Thank you Sterixia.”
Kersia regarded the group. “Set up your tents or whatever, get some fire wood if you need it. I have a hunch the cult won’t be back tonight at least. Whatever yanked that black dragon away seemed angry. I will watch first, Vynianyx will take over after me, just in case. We will leave at dawn.”
He remained silent in the saddle as Kersia issued the marching orders...well, the plans, anyway. Nodding to show he understood, he retreated to a quieter corner of the camp and dismounted.
Once on his feet, he dug a ragged cloth and a bottle of some sort of cleaning substance from his saddlebags, before proceeding to clean the remainder of battle from his armor. There was quite a few spots he had missed earlier, and Steel was in need of attention as well. Once he had finished with his own armor, he turned his attention to the massive charger, polishing her armor and cleaning the dirt and dried blood from her hair and hooves.
She sighed as they approached the mountains in the west. There was an alcove of trees growing near their base. Kersia slid off her talbuk as they approached. “We make camp here.” She glanced at the remaining members. Sterixia hopped off the talbuk as well. She pulled the nap sacks off that were strapped to the talbuk’s haunches. She laid them out. Kersia smiled. “Thank you Sterixia.”
Kora sighed as they stopped, “Well I guess that means I have to get off now, pity, your fur makes for a very comfy pillow.” She smiled as she slid off Vyn’s back giving the druidess a quick peck on the head, “Thank you again Vyn.” Kora moved to an isolated part of the alcove and began to rummage in her pack producing a small cube. She channeled a bit of the mana she had left into the cube and set it down, soon the cube began to expand until it formed a small one room cottage. “I really must thank Kelden for making this for me.” The cottage would shrink back into the cube when Kora willed it, but for now she was just happy to be in a cozy place.
She grinned as she thought about teasing one of the men to join her, or even Vyn, but she thought better of it. Now wasn’t the time to be making jokes or flirting. She chuckled, “Oh well, maybe I can tease Vyn some other time, besides Torin would likely pitch a fit.” Kora laughed at the thought as she opened the door to her cottage and stepped inside, the small fireplace lighting as soon as she entered. “Time to get some sleep and recover, I used a lot of magic in that last fight and I doubt a single night’s rest will have me fully recovered. I wonder if Vyn would give me a ride again, no better not push it, I don’t want to burden her anyway. I will just take it easy as much as possible until I am fully recovered.” She smiled as she hopped into the single bed and covered herself, her clothes melting into a nearly see through night gown as she snapped her fingers to put out the fireplace before turning over and quickly falling asleep.
Kora sighed as they stopped, “Well I guess that means I have to get off now, pity, your fur makes for a very comfy pillow.” She smiled as she slid off Vyn’s back giving the druidess a quick peck on the head, “Thank you again Vyn.” Kora moved to an isolated part of the alcove and began to rummage in her pack producing a small cube. She channeled a bit of the mana she had left into the cube and set it down, soon the cube began to expand until it formed a small one room cottage. “I really must thank Kelden for making this for me.” The cottage would shrink back into the cube when Kora willed it, but for now she was just happy to be in a cozy place.
She grinned as she thought about teasing one of the men to join her, or even Vyn, but she thought better of it. Now wasn’t the time to be making jokes or flirting. She chuckled, “Oh well, maybe I can tease Vyn some other time, besides Torin would likely pitch a fit.” Kora laughed at the thought as she opened the door to her cottage and stepped inside, the small fireplace lighting as soon as she entered. “Time to get some sleep and recover, I used a lot of magic in that last fight and I doubt a single night’s rest will have me fully recovered. I wonder if Vyn would give me a ride again, no better not push it, I don’t want to burden her anyway. I will just take it easy as much as possible until I am fully recovered.” She smiled as she hopped into the single bed and covered herself, her clothes melting into a nearly see through night gown as she snapped her fingers to put out the fireplace before turning over and quickly falling asleep.
Torin strode his way to where Kersia proposed to set up camp. "To be sure." He said willing large thorny vines to form walls around the encampment, the vines were nearly as hard as iron. Any foe would have to work for their prize. He also created a few large plants to act as sentries both inside and outside the wall.
He himself chose to sit by himself in a small area that young vegetation was growing. He laid himself down to rest his physical body, while his mind would wonder the dream until morning.
He himself chose to sit by himself in a small area that young vegetation was growing. He laid himself down to rest his physical body, while his mind would wonder the dream until morning.
- Brave Baine Bloodhoof -
Baine closed his eyes as the immediate danger seemed to have passed. Out of breath he could feel the scorch marks under his armor from almost being cooked alive. The radiant heat from the base of the divide licking at his fur even as he rested upon the surface. wait.. he thought. This isn't heat he was feeling but something else entirely; more of a warm yet cooling sensation.
The Tauren remained on his back breathing heavily as the rejuvenating waters from the shaman washed over him and combated the lactic acid in his blood as well as the burns that spread over his fur and skin. The process was slow at first but once Baine's own metabolism started to kick in it accelerated. His shallow and rapid breathing calmed and became less labored and his straining muscled relaxed before flexing back into a more comfortable state.
Finally Baine opened his eyes and looked up. It was blurry at first as everything was out of focus from the change of light flowing into his pupils. Though after a few seconds to allow his vision to adjust the small form of a Draenei took shape.
“Zir, mi kumpahneonz beink vay du ze kahmpz. Fallovink mi if yoo joinzink ja?” Baine looked up at the Draenei girl -- though in all honestly she could be several thousand years his senior and thus more of a woman she certainly didn't look like it. Stretching to a sitting position Baine was not sure if he could not understand the woman because he'd hit his head or if she was using a different dialect then the common one used by alliance forces.
"Yeah, sure." he really wasn't but since she helped him he would see where the Draenei wanted to lead him. At least that is what he thinks she said. Getting to his feet he walked back over to his mount before climbing up into the saddle. He then proceeded to follow Sylstyx to the camp with the others.
Baine closed his eyes as the immediate danger seemed to have passed. Out of breath he could feel the scorch marks under his armor from almost being cooked alive. The radiant heat from the base of the divide licking at his fur even as he rested upon the surface. wait.. he thought. This isn't heat he was feeling but something else entirely; more of a warm yet cooling sensation.
The Tauren remained on his back breathing heavily as the rejuvenating waters from the shaman washed over him and combated the lactic acid in his blood as well as the burns that spread over his fur and skin. The process was slow at first but once Baine's own metabolism started to kick in it accelerated. His shallow and rapid breathing calmed and became less labored and his straining muscled relaxed before flexing back into a more comfortable state.
Finally Baine opened his eyes and looked up. It was blurry at first as everything was out of focus from the change of light flowing into his pupils. Though after a few seconds to allow his vision to adjust the small form of a Draenei took shape.
“Zir, mi kumpahneonz beink vay du ze kahmpz. Fallovink mi if yoo joinzink ja?” Baine looked up at the Draenei girl -- though in all honestly she could be several thousand years his senior and thus more of a woman she certainly didn't look like it. Stretching to a sitting position Baine was not sure if he could not understand the woman because he'd hit his head or if she was using a different dialect then the common one used by alliance forces.
"Yeah, sure." he really wasn't but since she helped him he would see where the Draenei wanted to lead him. At least that is what he thinks she said. Getting to his feet he walked back over to his mount before climbing up into the saddle. He then proceeded to follow Sylstyx to the camp with the others.
Mortre sat in her caged cell like a prize won from the battle field. She had regained consciousness in the night and stared out on the empty room. The calm seemed unsettling, not even the patter of guard’s following routes echoed through the hall. Mortre stood and looked between the bars in front of her. How would she escape? What would she do once she did? Mortre slumped back down to her knees. Her heart sank. Did they have to die?
“Will I have to?” Mortre pulled her knees to her chest in dread. Vanzer and Vanexia were weaker than Vinarion, yet their power seemed so great. And the snippets she sensed of Vinarion… He had grown so much. Mortre rested her head in her knees as she worried. For so long, she assumed her kin dead. Dead to Wrathion, dead to Deathwing, dead to the other flights, dead to the mortals. Then they were thrusted upon her once again. In a separate circumstance, she would feel such joy. But… her children were warped. Not by the forces that warped so many of their kin, but by their own minds. Mortre knew in her heart that they would have to be killed. She knew they would not change.
Mortre leaned back, her wrists aching from the shackles. “How can I?” She mumbled.
“Well, I usually try a lock pick, but I see no lock.”
Mortre jumped up at the sound of a familiar voice. She spun to see a man sitting against the back of the cage, twirling his lock pick in his fingers. “Who?” Mortre had a feeling she knew the man, something stirred in her heart and mind.
“Oh, you don’t remember me?” The man stood, his height at least a foot above Mortre, if not more. His night elven ears protruding from slots in his hood. He pulled off his face mask.
Mortre’s eyes widened slightly with recognition. “Tolbyas?”
Tolbyas chuckled. “Ah, so you do remember. I’ve been searching for you since we parted ways, didn’t think I would find you in a cult of black dragon lovers.”
“Ah, yeah.” Mortre felt a bubble in her chest, a feeling of anxiety as her heart quickened. She glanced around again. “Um, how did you get here? Are you a member of this cult?”
Tolbyas grinned, “No, I snuck in on Wrathion’s orders. What? What’s with that look?”
Mortre’s face had grown dark. “Did you join the syndicate on Wrathion’s orders?”
“Yeah, there was concern that the leader was affiliated with a black dragon, or was one. After meeting you, I realized it was just the legion.” Tolbyas’s features softened. “After we parted ways, I found myself thinking about you.”
Mortre scowled. She did not admit her own thoughts had returned to him on more than one occasion. His affiliation with Wrathion would make him her enemy. “Well, you best leave.”
“No, I don’t I will.” Tolbyas had a mischievous look on his face. “This whole place reeks of dragons. Either there are some here or they are using the remains of dragons.”
“You can’t take on these dragons.”
“So there are dragons here.” Tolbyas shook his head. “Dragons, as in plural.” He started making his way around her cell, his eyes scanning each bar. “Well, I wanted to break you out for back up…”
“Tch.” Mortre scoffed. “That would be an error on your part.”
“In what way?” Tolbyas looked at her, curious. “I mean, other than the assumption I could break you out. The cell has no lock.”
“Vane!” A voice echoed through the tunnels.
Tolbyas scowled. “Whelp, I suppose I can only observe for now. Stay safe.” His form vanished into the shadows of the cavern.
“What?” Vanexia’s feminine voice echoed back.
“Master Vinarion requests you.”
Mortre could hear footsteps in the tunnels before the sound faded too faint to pick up. She sighed and sat back in her cell.
“Will I have to?” Mortre pulled her knees to her chest in dread. Vanzer and Vanexia were weaker than Vinarion, yet their power seemed so great. And the snippets she sensed of Vinarion… He had grown so much. Mortre rested her head in her knees as she worried. For so long, she assumed her kin dead. Dead to Wrathion, dead to Deathwing, dead to the other flights, dead to the mortals. Then they were thrusted upon her once again. In a separate circumstance, she would feel such joy. But… her children were warped. Not by the forces that warped so many of their kin, but by their own minds. Mortre knew in her heart that they would have to be killed. She knew they would not change.
Mortre leaned back, her wrists aching from the shackles. “How can I?” She mumbled.
“Well, I usually try a lock pick, but I see no lock.”
Mortre jumped up at the sound of a familiar voice. She spun to see a man sitting against the back of the cage, twirling his lock pick in his fingers. “Who?” Mortre had a feeling she knew the man, something stirred in her heart and mind.
“Oh, you don’t remember me?” The man stood, his height at least a foot above Mortre, if not more. His night elven ears protruding from slots in his hood. He pulled off his face mask.
Mortre’s eyes widened slightly with recognition. “Tolbyas?”
Tolbyas chuckled. “Ah, so you do remember. I’ve been searching for you since we parted ways, didn’t think I would find you in a cult of black dragon lovers.”
“Ah, yeah.” Mortre felt a bubble in her chest, a feeling of anxiety as her heart quickened. She glanced around again. “Um, how did you get here? Are you a member of this cult?”
Tolbyas grinned, “No, I snuck in on Wrathion’s orders. What? What’s with that look?”
Mortre’s face had grown dark. “Did you join the syndicate on Wrathion’s orders?”
“Yeah, there was concern that the leader was affiliated with a black dragon, or was one. After meeting you, I realized it was just the legion.” Tolbyas’s features softened. “After we parted ways, I found myself thinking about you.”
Mortre scowled. She did not admit her own thoughts had returned to him on more than one occasion. His affiliation with Wrathion would make him her enemy. “Well, you best leave.”
“No, I don’t I will.” Tolbyas had a mischievous look on his face. “This whole place reeks of dragons. Either there are some here or they are using the remains of dragons.”
“You can’t take on these dragons.”
“So there are dragons here.” Tolbyas shook his head. “Dragons, as in plural.” He started making his way around her cell, his eyes scanning each bar. “Well, I wanted to break you out for back up…”
“Tch.” Mortre scoffed. “That would be an error on your part.”
“In what way?” Tolbyas looked at her, curious. “I mean, other than the assumption I could break you out. The cell has no lock.”
“Vane!” A voice echoed through the tunnels.
Tolbyas scowled. “Whelp, I suppose I can only observe for now. Stay safe.” His form vanished into the shadows of the cavern.
“What?” Vanexia’s feminine voice echoed back.
“Master Vinarion requests you.”
Mortre could hear footsteps in the tunnels before the sound faded too faint to pick up. She sighed and sat back in her cell.
Sylstyx smiled as the tauren appeared to follow her. Her earth elemental returned from wince it came as she climbed on the back of her steed. Enara neighed and bowed her head as Sylstyx pushed for the horse to move. Enara started out at a slow walk, as Sylstyx checked to see if the tauren was able to keep pace. She would progress her speed, adjusting per the tauren, as she made her way towards the mountains.
Sylstyx grinned as they arrived at the camp, the sun fading behind them. There was a wall of vines protecting the camp, save for a spot as an entrance. Sylstyx made her way inside. She glanced around and spotted Kersia and Vynianyx. Sylstyx motioned for the tauren to follow her.
"Ziz iz bullman, tried crozzink zi buridzink ahzer uz. Zpuretz beink zayink he vaz gud. I brinkink him here!" Sylstyx smiled and clapped her hands together as she finished her statement.
Sylstyx grinned as they arrived at the camp, the sun fading behind them. There was a wall of vines protecting the camp, save for a spot as an entrance. Sylstyx made her way inside. She glanced around and spotted Kersia and Vynianyx. Sylstyx motioned for the tauren to follow her.
"Ziz iz bullman, tried crozzink zi buridzink ahzer uz. Zpuretz beink zayink he vaz gud. I brinkink him here!" Sylstyx smiled and clapped her hands together as she finished her statement.
Kersia smiled as Richard seemed to strum out a song. She had rather missed the music Mortre would play as the two spent time together. Though the song wasn't as upbeat, it was pleasant enough, and soon Kersia found herself witling the gem to its beat. Torin also raised a wall of vines around the camp. Kersia grinned, the added protection would be useful.
Sterixia made her way around, curiously looking at all the different ways everyone seemed to be getting ready for the night. She heard Richard's song and her own heart ached. She missed her mother's lullabies and missed her mother dearly. Sterixia made her way back to Kersia, who had conjured the young drake a sleeping bag. Curiosity washed over Sterixia as she looked at the bag.
"You get in it and sleep." Kersia explained, noticing Sterixia's expression.
Sterixia clapped her hands together excitedly and picked it up. She carried it carefully over by where Richard was playing, and laid it on the ground near him. She got in it and listened to his song, trying to imagine her mother's lullabies as she drifted off to sleep.
The others seemed to go about their business as things calmed down. It was nice to have a breather after the day of fighting. With any luck, Kersia hoped they could reach Mudsprocket by the following nightfall. The marsh would not be the easiest to traverse, but Mudsprocket would make for a pleasant refueling station.
Kersia glanced up as Sylstyx arrived, tauren in tow. She stood, positioning her gem and wittle stick to her left hand. Sylstyx seemed to trust the man, and Kersia had a feeling he was the man behind Vynianyx's plan. Regardless of if he followed Sylstyx to Kersia, Kersia approached him.
The pandaren bowed in greeting. "Ah, master tauren. I believe I owe you thanks. It was you who helped Vynianyx, no? And I have a feeling that kodo stampede was coincidental." She smiled at him. "I am Kersia, leader of this little brigade. We are after a friend who was kidnapped by quite the troublesome cult. Should you wish to join us, I have a good amount of coin to compensate you." She chuckled. "We had more members, but the trek is hard and not all like to risk so much for a stranger and some coin." She turned and returned to her spot, a cushion appearing for her to sit on.
"At least make yourself comfortable for the night. You can decide in the morn if you wish to continue south with us."
((I will edit this spot for any conversing your tauren wants to do between Kersia and Vynianyx, Bowen. But for the sake of time, I am going to push us to morning.))
Sterixia made her way around, curiously looking at all the different ways everyone seemed to be getting ready for the night. She heard Richard's song and her own heart ached. She missed her mother's lullabies and missed her mother dearly. Sterixia made her way back to Kersia, who had conjured the young drake a sleeping bag. Curiosity washed over Sterixia as she looked at the bag.
"You get in it and sleep." Kersia explained, noticing Sterixia's expression.
Sterixia clapped her hands together excitedly and picked it up. She carried it carefully over by where Richard was playing, and laid it on the ground near him. She got in it and listened to his song, trying to imagine her mother's lullabies as she drifted off to sleep.
The others seemed to go about their business as things calmed down. It was nice to have a breather after the day of fighting. With any luck, Kersia hoped they could reach Mudsprocket by the following nightfall. The marsh would not be the easiest to traverse, but Mudsprocket would make for a pleasant refueling station.
Kersia glanced up as Sylstyx arrived, tauren in tow. She stood, positioning her gem and wittle stick to her left hand. Sylstyx seemed to trust the man, and Kersia had a feeling he was the man behind Vynianyx's plan. Regardless of if he followed Sylstyx to Kersia, Kersia approached him.
The pandaren bowed in greeting. "Ah, master tauren. I believe I owe you thanks. It was you who helped Vynianyx, no? And I have a feeling that kodo stampede was coincidental." She smiled at him. "I am Kersia, leader of this little brigade. We are after a friend who was kidnapped by quite the troublesome cult. Should you wish to join us, I have a good amount of coin to compensate you." She chuckled. "We had more members, but the trek is hard and not all like to risk so much for a stranger and some coin." She turned and returned to her spot, a cushion appearing for her to sit on.
"At least make yourself comfortable for the night. You can decide in the morn if you wish to continue south with us."
((I will edit this spot for any conversing your tauren wants to do between Kersia and Vynianyx, Bowen. But for the sake of time, I am going to push us to morning.))
Kora slid off Vyn as they stopped for camp. Vynianyx bowed her head in recognition of the thanks, and watched as Kora summoned a little cottage. Vynianyx cocked her head to the side curiously, musing how magic and engineering seemed so advanced now. New little devices and experiments seemed to pop up all the time. Though Vynianyx had a suspicion that whatever made that cottage was either expensive or experimental.
She saw the tauren enter the camp with Sylstyx through the entrance in the vine wall, and smiled. She was glad he made it across the canyon, though judging by the pair's appearance, it was not as easy as her own crossing. Kersia seemed to welcome the tauren, as Vynianyx had hoped. Extra help was always welcome in such circumstances.
Vyn shifted her form to her night elf form and rummaged through her pack. She pulled out some smoked fished and nibbled on it, watching. Once her fish was gone, she shifted to her feline form and stretched. A big yawn escaped her jaws and she curled into a ball, content to get some rest before her turn to watch.
((I will edit this spot for any conversing your tauren wants to do between Kersia and Vynianyx, Bowen. But for the sake of time, I am going to push us to morning.))
She saw the tauren enter the camp with Sylstyx through the entrance in the vine wall, and smiled. She was glad he made it across the canyon, though judging by the pair's appearance, it was not as easy as her own crossing. Kersia seemed to welcome the tauren, as Vynianyx had hoped. Extra help was always welcome in such circumstances.
Vyn shifted her form to her night elf form and rummaged through her pack. She pulled out some smoked fished and nibbled on it, watching. Once her fish was gone, she shifted to her feline form and stretched. A big yawn escaped her jaws and she curled into a ball, content to get some rest before her turn to watch.
((I will edit this spot for any conversing your tauren wants to do between Kersia and Vynianyx, Bowen. But for the sake of time, I am going to push us to morning.))
As the camp activities continued and everyone settled into their routine, the sun disappeared from the horizon. Soon, the chirping of the evening critters filled the air, and the dots of stars speckled the night sky. The area was dark enough, one could even see the clouds of colored dust high in the heavens above. The air chilled without the sun's warmth, and Kersia conjured a small fire. No wood to burn, but the enchanted flame heated the encampment.
Kersia relaxed in front of her tent, witling away at her gem and nibbling on some smoked meats she had brought along. Her ears and arcane energy listened for any unwanted guests, but the most active thing she sensed was a barrens cat hunting a gazelle for a meal. As the moon of Azeroth reached just past the midway point of the night sky, Kersia rose and made her way to where Vynianyx napped.
Quietly, Kersia nudged the silver cat's shoulders. Vynianyx slowly lifted her head and licked her jaws. She let out a large yawn and looked at Kersia. A few seconds later, she jumped awake as her memory recalled her watch duty. Kersia chuckled as Vynianyx rose. The druidess shifted back into an elf and stretched.
"Anything?" Vynianyx spoke through another yawn.
"Just some predators doing predator things, and prey dying." Kersia smirked. Using her arcane magic, she conjured a small sleeping bag. Kersia put her gem back in her pack and wrapped herself up in the sleeping bag, yawning.
"Alright." Vynianyx stretched once more and sat by the fire. She got a stone cup from her pack and emptied some water from her water skin in it. She set the stone mug in Kersia's enchanted fire. Once the water within was piping hot, Vynianyx carefully removed the mug. She took some cocoa mix from her pack and mixed it in. She sipped on the hot cocoa for a few hours into the night, enjoying the peace of the cool barrens air.
Cocoa gone, Vynianyx put the mug back in her pouch and shifted into her avian form. She flew above the camp and circled in the sky, her keen eyes alert for any suspicious movements. Satisfied there were no invaders, she fluttered back towards the camp's thorny wall. With great care, Vynianyx perched herself up above the came entrance, where she waited for the sunrise.
And what a sunrise it was. Its beams haloed the mountains as its light danced across the landscapes. Vynianyx grinned as its beauty speckled the dew filled lands and warmed the air. She hopped down off the wall and made her way to Kersia, using a clawed foot to nudge the pandaren awake.
Kersia awoke and stretched. She smiled as she noticed the light sky. "Ah, I assume no adverse events?" Vynianyx shook her head. "Good. Lets get around and wait for the others."
Kersia put out her enchanted flame and pulled out her water skin. She took a large swig and stretched. Her talbuk bleated nearby as he awoke. He made his way over. Kersia chuckled and put some of the water in her paws. Using her magic, she melded the water into a small bowl of ice and filled it with some water for her talbuk. He drank the water as Kersia checked his saddle bags. Content, Kersia waited by the camp entrance for everyone to gather.
Vynianyx followed her there, riding in bird form on Illuria's back. Soon after, Sylstyx arrived, followed behind by Sterixia. Once everyone had gathered, Kersia climbed on the back of her talbuk, with Sterixia behind her.
"Alright, lets head out. We follow the mountains south and avoid the patrols of alliance and horde. Shouldn't be too hard with their forces spread thin currently. I doubt they've spared much for out here currently. I want to get to Mudsprocket by nightfal, but that may be unrealistic."
Satisfied, she lead her talbuk forward. Once everyone was situated with their mounts behind her, she quickened her talbuk's pace.
Vynianyx hopped off her hippogryff and shifted into a stag once more. She waited for anyone who needed a ride, either on her or Illuria, before setting off behind Kersia.
Kersia relaxed in front of her tent, witling away at her gem and nibbling on some smoked meats she had brought along. Her ears and arcane energy listened for any unwanted guests, but the most active thing she sensed was a barrens cat hunting a gazelle for a meal. As the moon of Azeroth reached just past the midway point of the night sky, Kersia rose and made her way to where Vynianyx napped.
Quietly, Kersia nudged the silver cat's shoulders. Vynianyx slowly lifted her head and licked her jaws. She let out a large yawn and looked at Kersia. A few seconds later, she jumped awake as her memory recalled her watch duty. Kersia chuckled as Vynianyx rose. The druidess shifted back into an elf and stretched.
"Anything?" Vynianyx spoke through another yawn.
"Just some predators doing predator things, and prey dying." Kersia smirked. Using her arcane magic, she conjured a small sleeping bag. Kersia put her gem back in her pack and wrapped herself up in the sleeping bag, yawning.
"Alright." Vynianyx stretched once more and sat by the fire. She got a stone cup from her pack and emptied some water from her water skin in it. She set the stone mug in Kersia's enchanted fire. Once the water within was piping hot, Vynianyx carefully removed the mug. She took some cocoa mix from her pack and mixed it in. She sipped on the hot cocoa for a few hours into the night, enjoying the peace of the cool barrens air.
Cocoa gone, Vynianyx put the mug back in her pouch and shifted into her avian form. She flew above the camp and circled in the sky, her keen eyes alert for any suspicious movements. Satisfied there were no invaders, she fluttered back towards the camp's thorny wall. With great care, Vynianyx perched herself up above the came entrance, where she waited for the sunrise.
And what a sunrise it was. Its beams haloed the mountains as its light danced across the landscapes. Vynianyx grinned as its beauty speckled the dew filled lands and warmed the air. She hopped down off the wall and made her way to Kersia, using a clawed foot to nudge the pandaren awake.
Kersia awoke and stretched. She smiled as she noticed the light sky. "Ah, I assume no adverse events?" Vynianyx shook her head. "Good. Lets get around and wait for the others."
Kersia put out her enchanted flame and pulled out her water skin. She took a large swig and stretched. Her talbuk bleated nearby as he awoke. He made his way over. Kersia chuckled and put some of the water in her paws. Using her magic, she melded the water into a small bowl of ice and filled it with some water for her talbuk. He drank the water as Kersia checked his saddle bags. Content, Kersia waited by the camp entrance for everyone to gather.
Vynianyx followed her there, riding in bird form on Illuria's back. Soon after, Sylstyx arrived, followed behind by Sterixia. Once everyone had gathered, Kersia climbed on the back of her talbuk, with Sterixia behind her.
"Alright, lets head out. We follow the mountains south and avoid the patrols of alliance and horde. Shouldn't be too hard with their forces spread thin currently. I doubt they've spared much for out here currently. I want to get to Mudsprocket by nightfal, but that may be unrealistic."
Satisfied, she lead her talbuk forward. Once everyone was situated with their mounts behind her, she quickened her talbuk's pace.
Vynianyx hopped off her hippogryff and shifted into a stag once more. She waited for anyone who needed a ride, either on her or Illuria, before setting off behind Kersia.
(( I wouldn't worry too much on it lass, I can gloss over any conversation with minor mentions over anything at all just to keep the flow of the story going. ))
- Draconyxion -
Draco had awoken with the sun as he was gathering up his armor and securing it in place as Vyn had returned and woke Kersia. The Dwarf noticed the new arrival last night and suspected he had something to do with their leader wanting to avoid both Alliance and Horde patrols as opposed to simply the Horde ones.
Seeing as the majority of the group appeared Alliance aligned why worry about such a patrol unless one of them arose suspicion. Well now there seemed to be a Tauren among the group and a rather large one at that. Should they come across a horde patrol alone it would be bad enough, but their group traveling with a single Tauren, while in the barrens no less, would scream prisoner transport. This was equally true now if they came across an Alliance patrol. Draco suspected they too would be asking about the wayward Tauren and likely wanting to take the large beast of a man into custody. If for no other reason to take credit for the capture and try him as a spy.
The Dwarf was not sure the Tauren wasn't; a spy that is. It seemed strange his arrival along with that of the kodo herd that seemed to have saved them. After all the kodo was the signature animal of the Tauren, everyone knows that. A Tauren is rarely far from his kodo and yet this one, this one; rides a raptor of all things. In the back of his mind he kept having doubts about this new arrival, and even that of the group now as a whole. The longer they stayed here the more such thoughts nagged at him.
Draco was all too ready to get moving. The trip seemed to be taking its toll and he was ready to move. Stretching his limbs he yawned once more and walked out with the rest of the group. The Marshlands were next and Draco knew what it held within its canopy's shadow. There were a few sects of black dragons that still lingered in the swamp along with other large reptiles; those that crawled on all fours and those that leapt from only two.
Draco walked up to the hippogryph, "It seems we seem to be spending a great deal of time together. Would you mind if I ride once more?" The war reach out to stroke the beast on its head and waited for approval before trying to get in her back.
- Draconyxion -
Draco had awoken with the sun as he was gathering up his armor and securing it in place as Vyn had returned and woke Kersia. The Dwarf noticed the new arrival last night and suspected he had something to do with their leader wanting to avoid both Alliance and Horde patrols as opposed to simply the Horde ones.
Seeing as the majority of the group appeared Alliance aligned why worry about such a patrol unless one of them arose suspicion. Well now there seemed to be a Tauren among the group and a rather large one at that. Should they come across a horde patrol alone it would be bad enough, but their group traveling with a single Tauren, while in the barrens no less, would scream prisoner transport. This was equally true now if they came across an Alliance patrol. Draco suspected they too would be asking about the wayward Tauren and likely wanting to take the large beast of a man into custody. If for no other reason to take credit for the capture and try him as a spy.
The Dwarf was not sure the Tauren wasn't; a spy that is. It seemed strange his arrival along with that of the kodo herd that seemed to have saved them. After all the kodo was the signature animal of the Tauren, everyone knows that. A Tauren is rarely far from his kodo and yet this one, this one; rides a raptor of all things. In the back of his mind he kept having doubts about this new arrival, and even that of the group now as a whole. The longer they stayed here the more such thoughts nagged at him.
Draco was all too ready to get moving. The trip seemed to be taking its toll and he was ready to move. Stretching his limbs he yawned once more and walked out with the rest of the group. The Marshlands were next and Draco knew what it held within its canopy's shadow. There were a few sects of black dragons that still lingered in the swamp along with other large reptiles; those that crawled on all fours and those that leapt from only two.
Draco walked up to the hippogryph, "It seems we seem to be spending a great deal of time together. Would you mind if I ride once more?" The war reach out to stroke the beast on its head and waited for approval before trying to get in her back.
Exhaustion had a way of bringing out nightmares in Kora. Nightmares of a time long past when the Horde had imprisoned her mother Alexstrazsa. Nightmares of terrible fights between the Alliance and Horde where her kin were used as mounts of war against the people of the Alliance. Kora’s eyes snapped awake, a light sheen of sweat covering her body as she sat up and put her head in her hands. She sighed, “I feel like I barely slept at all.” She stretched as she got out of her bed and went over to the small bathtub.
She snapped her fingers the tub filling with warm water which she sank into with a sigh of bliss. She washed herself quickly before emptying the tub and with another snap of her fingers her hair dried and straightened. She tied her hair back in a ponytail as she snapped her fingers once more, clothes appearing on her body.
She exited the little cottage and said a few arcane words the small cottage shrinking back down into a cube which she promptly picked up and put back in her pack. She turned to see the others milling about waiting for everyone. She nearly clapped in glee as she saw Vyn shift into her stag form. She walked up behind the druidess and hugged her around the neck, “Do you mind giving me a ride again? I am still not fully recovered and I would rather not waste my current reserves of magic conjuring a mount.”
She snapped her fingers the tub filling with warm water which she sank into with a sigh of bliss. She washed herself quickly before emptying the tub and with another snap of her fingers her hair dried and straightened. She tied her hair back in a ponytail as she snapped her fingers once more, clothes appearing on her body.
She exited the little cottage and said a few arcane words the small cottage shrinking back down into a cube which she promptly picked up and put back in her pack. She turned to see the others milling about waiting for everyone. She nearly clapped in glee as she saw Vyn shift into her stag form. She walked up behind the druidess and hugged her around the neck, “Do you mind giving me a ride again? I am still not fully recovered and I would rather not waste my current reserves of magic conjuring a mount.”
05/19/2017 07:46 PMPosted by KersiaShe carried it carefully over by where Richard was playing, and laid it on the ground near him. She got in it and listened to his song, trying to imagine her mother's lullabies as she drifted off to sleep.
The...Netherdrake? He wasn't even quite sure what that was in her form had made her way towards him and laid down near him. He was tempted to move but decided against it. Of all of the...dragons, she seemed to be the nicest.
Synthara was on the other side of Richard. She looked up at him before stretching and getting up only to lay down on the other side between him and the Netherdrake, making the place a bit crowded. He shuffled a bit over to the side.
He kept himself against the tree playing more songs on into the night until the day caught up with him. The pandaren, no blue drake that looked like one, was busy doing something. He wasn't quite sure what but at this point he didn't have the time to bother her and ask. He laid the guitar beside him and eventually fell to sleep himself, for whatever that was worth.
Within time night had passed and morning awoke him he found that the netherdrake had seemingly gotten up at least a few minutes before he did. He groaned, picking himself up off the ground. He dusted himself off a bit before stretching his arms out.
Once he prepared Synthara, his horse, and himself he was ready for the days events. He hoped this day would be relatively quiet as the event of the last was enough action for right now. Kerisa didn't wait long once they were all prepared to begin to usher them out towards Mudsprocket. He silently followed them for now.
- Brave Baine Bloodhoof -
Baine followed the best he could behind the Draenei woman but found it easier as she seemed to scale back her mount's speed to keep him. The Tauren figured this meant he was right in the notion that she wanted him to follow her--She did save him after all. The trip seemed to take what remained of the day as An'she made his final decent below the horizon to make way for Mu'sha and the star blanketed night sky.
The pair seemed to come upon an unnatural formation of vines an thorns that surrounded the Draenei's camp. There was a single small opening that Baine witnessed her entering before ushering him in as well. It seemed they had made it to her camp as the Tauren dismounted and lead his raptor through the small opening where he was reunited with Whitefang his Frostwolf. The large canine like creature of Draenor leapt up into the Tauren's arms before he had a chance to react. Once inside he got a much closer view of Vynianyx's companions then he had from across the sun scorched Northern Barrens' landscape.
"Ziz iz bullman, tried crozzink zi buridzink ahzer uz. Zpuretz beink zayink he vaz gud. I brinkink him here!" The Tauren looked over at the Draenei still unsure of her actual age or what she may have been saying. Though it was possible her companions could. Baine thought her dialect was a bit strange to him a non-native speaker, but may have been common placed among the alliance forces.
The Tauren's notions of the common language became further muddied when the Pandaren of the group approached them and bowed before speaking rather clearly. "Ah, master tauren. I believe I owe you thanks. It was you who helped Vynianyx, no? And I have a feeling that kodo stampede was coincidental." Baine simply nodded in agreement as he allowed the Pandaren to introduce herself with a smile. "I am Kersia, leader of this little brigade. We are after a friend who was kidnapped by quite the troublesome cult. Should you wish to join us, I have a good amount of coin to compensate you. We had more members, but the trek is hard and not all like to risk so much for a stranger and some coin." The last part Baine noticed came with a slight chuckle from the Pandaren as if she found humor in loosing some of her crew.
He did not notice any dead bodies that did not match the cultists on the ground when he approached the divide so suspected Kersia was not talking of them loosing their lives on the journey they seemed to be on. So what was her game? He allowed her to walk back to where she originated not question the logic further as she summoned a cushion to support her wait before responding to him one last time. "At least make yourself comfortable for the night. You can decide in the morn if you wish to continue south with us."
Baine did not see any reason not to oblige the Pandaren or her ragtag group at least for the night. "Thank you Kersia, I do believe I will take you up on that offer." Baine responded as he caught sight of Vynianyx smiling before partaking in a fish she must have caught recently. Turning around he started removing a few items from his raptor's saddle including a hammock that he proceeded to hang between several of the vines after testing their stability. Leaning his spear and quiver against the vine-wall Baine crawled into the hammock and closed his eyes to catch a few winks...
Baine followed the best he could behind the Draenei woman but found it easier as she seemed to scale back her mount's speed to keep him. The Tauren figured this meant he was right in the notion that she wanted him to follow her--She did save him after all. The trip seemed to take what remained of the day as An'she made his final decent below the horizon to make way for Mu'sha and the star blanketed night sky.
The pair seemed to come upon an unnatural formation of vines an thorns that surrounded the Draenei's camp. There was a single small opening that Baine witnessed her entering before ushering him in as well. It seemed they had made it to her camp as the Tauren dismounted and lead his raptor through the small opening where he was reunited with Whitefang his Frostwolf. The large canine like creature of Draenor leapt up into the Tauren's arms before he had a chance to react. Once inside he got a much closer view of Vynianyx's companions then he had from across the sun scorched Northern Barrens' landscape.
"Ziz iz bullman, tried crozzink zi buridzink ahzer uz. Zpuretz beink zayink he vaz gud. I brinkink him here!" The Tauren looked over at the Draenei still unsure of her actual age or what she may have been saying. Though it was possible her companions could. Baine thought her dialect was a bit strange to him a non-native speaker, but may have been common placed among the alliance forces.
The Tauren's notions of the common language became further muddied when the Pandaren of the group approached them and bowed before speaking rather clearly. "Ah, master tauren. I believe I owe you thanks. It was you who helped Vynianyx, no? And I have a feeling that kodo stampede was coincidental." Baine simply nodded in agreement as he allowed the Pandaren to introduce herself with a smile. "I am Kersia, leader of this little brigade. We are after a friend who was kidnapped by quite the troublesome cult. Should you wish to join us, I have a good amount of coin to compensate you. We had more members, but the trek is hard and not all like to risk so much for a stranger and some coin." The last part Baine noticed came with a slight chuckle from the Pandaren as if she found humor in loosing some of her crew.
He did not notice any dead bodies that did not match the cultists on the ground when he approached the divide so suspected Kersia was not talking of them loosing their lives on the journey they seemed to be on. So what was her game? He allowed her to walk back to where she originated not question the logic further as she summoned a cushion to support her wait before responding to him one last time. "At least make yourself comfortable for the night. You can decide in the morn if you wish to continue south with us."
Baine did not see any reason not to oblige the Pandaren or her ragtag group at least for the night. "Thank you Kersia, I do believe I will take you up on that offer." Baine responded as he caught sight of Vynianyx smiling before partaking in a fish she must have caught recently. Turning around he started removing a few items from his raptor's saddle including a hammock that he proceeded to hang between several of the vines after testing their stability. Leaning his spear and quiver against the vine-wall Baine crawled into the hammock and closed his eyes to catch a few winks...
Kersia lead the way along the eastern parts of the southern barrens. The journey was long a grueling, but she set a good pace. Sterixia nuzzled her face into Kersia’s furry shoulders as her buckled down for a nap. The journey was getting to her, and she had never been so long without Mortre. Well, that was a lie of a thought. Mortre had left her a few times to go on a dangerous journey, but this was different. All the times before, Mortre could get hurt, but she would most likely be fine. Now Mortre was in danger for sure. Sterixia shuddered at the thought as worry filled her. She hugged around Kersia’s waist before finally napping.
Vynianyx allowed Kora to ride her and Illuria allowed for Draco. The two fell in line with the group, Illuria pacing herself in the middle by Sylstyx, Vynianyx pacing herself to be more of a back line. Kersia continued to lead the group as the uneventful day began to fade. As Kersia hoped, the bulk of the horde and alliance forces were elsewhere, and they did not encounter any. They managed to reach Dustwallow while the sun was still on the horizon. No cult attacks thus far. Kersia had a sinking feeling, like the cult was lying in wait. Along the way, Sterixia awoke from her nap and began annoying Kersia by excitedly pointing at things as they passed.
The sun had fully retreated below the horizon and stars now dotted the sky above the marsh tree tops when Kersia finally reached the gates of Mudsprocket. Of course, the gates were closed. Two goblins and two hobgoblins stood outside. One of the goblins came forward.
“’Sup toots.” The man was brash and appeared to be splotched in grease stains.
Kersia slid off her talbuk and approached. She bowed in greeting. “Hello, we are a band of travelers. May we enter?”
The goblin scratched his stomach then held out his hand, palm up. “50gs, girly. I aint openin’ the gate for freez, ya know? Puttin’ all the towns folks at risk?”
Kersia sighed and rummaged through her pack. She was not in the mood to negotiate, though the fee seemed rather steep. She had amassed a small fortune herself through her shop and travels, but 50 gold was nothing to sneeze at. Begrudginly, Kersia transferred the coins to the goblin’s coin purse.
The goblin nodded. “Pleazures doin’ business wit ya.” He turned and whistled, which spurred the hobgoblins into work. They pulled the gates opened. Kersia hopped back on her talbuk and motioned for the others to follow her inside. Once everyone was in, the gates would close. Kersia turned her talbuk to address the group.
“Alright, enjoy a night in the town. Our next town is Gadgetzan, which might be a while. Rest up, gather supplies, get intel, I don’t care. Just be ready to leave by morning once again.”
Vynianyx allowed Kora to ride her and Illuria allowed for Draco. The two fell in line with the group, Illuria pacing herself in the middle by Sylstyx, Vynianyx pacing herself to be more of a back line. Kersia continued to lead the group as the uneventful day began to fade. As Kersia hoped, the bulk of the horde and alliance forces were elsewhere, and they did not encounter any. They managed to reach Dustwallow while the sun was still on the horizon. No cult attacks thus far. Kersia had a sinking feeling, like the cult was lying in wait. Along the way, Sterixia awoke from her nap and began annoying Kersia by excitedly pointing at things as they passed.
The sun had fully retreated below the horizon and stars now dotted the sky above the marsh tree tops when Kersia finally reached the gates of Mudsprocket. Of course, the gates were closed. Two goblins and two hobgoblins stood outside. One of the goblins came forward.
“’Sup toots.” The man was brash and appeared to be splotched in grease stains.
Kersia slid off her talbuk and approached. She bowed in greeting. “Hello, we are a band of travelers. May we enter?”
The goblin scratched his stomach then held out his hand, palm up. “50gs, girly. I aint openin’ the gate for freez, ya know? Puttin’ all the towns folks at risk?”
Kersia sighed and rummaged through her pack. She was not in the mood to negotiate, though the fee seemed rather steep. She had amassed a small fortune herself through her shop and travels, but 50 gold was nothing to sneeze at. Begrudginly, Kersia transferred the coins to the goblin’s coin purse.
The goblin nodded. “Pleazures doin’ business wit ya.” He turned and whistled, which spurred the hobgoblins into work. They pulled the gates opened. Kersia hopped back on her talbuk and motioned for the others to follow her inside. Once everyone was in, the gates would close. Kersia turned her talbuk to address the group.
“Alright, enjoy a night in the town. Our next town is Gadgetzan, which might be a while. Rest up, gather supplies, get intel, I don’t care. Just be ready to leave by morning once again.”
The night held little interest for Morician, providing him with time to clean his armor and stretch his legs, though not much else. Truly, he felt rather awkward around the rest of the party, even those who weren't dragons. After all, they had respectable professions and positions in life. Himself? Well...that was a different matter. By all rights he should have been six feet under resting eternally at Light's Hope.
Finishing his cleaning, he mounted his charger once more, settling into the saddle for the long night's vigil. While the cult didn't seem to be sending anyone after them--assuming they could even be found in the overgrowth--it wouldn't be wise to take chances. Given he was the only one that didn't need rest, the job seemed to fall on his shoulders. Thus he kept watch, occasionally making slow rounds about the camp to keep his muscles from getting stiff.
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As dawn broke, Morician waited for the other to stir and make ready for the trip ahead. Once everyone was ready to head out, he fell quietly into the back of the line, keeping his eyes open for any signs of trouble. His concerns seemed for naught this time, however, as they managed to reach a small goblin outpost in the middle of nowhere.
Morician scowled as Kersia paid the toll. He wasn't really sure how well-off the mage was financially, but fifty gold was certainly nothing to sneeze at. If these bunch were willing to charge that much just to enter the outpost, there was no telling what else they might do, especially if someone came looking for information.
Shifting in his saddle with unease, he coaxed his charger over to the mage. "A word, ma'am..." he began, lowering his voice. "If we're supposed to be stayin' here overnight, might want to post an extra guard or two. I haven't seen any sign of the cult, but my gut tells me they might try to buy off the goblins if they're around."
Finishing his cleaning, he mounted his charger once more, settling into the saddle for the long night's vigil. While the cult didn't seem to be sending anyone after them--assuming they could even be found in the overgrowth--it wouldn't be wise to take chances. Given he was the only one that didn't need rest, the job seemed to fall on his shoulders. Thus he kept watch, occasionally making slow rounds about the camp to keep his muscles from getting stiff.
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As dawn broke, Morician waited for the other to stir and make ready for the trip ahead. Once everyone was ready to head out, he fell quietly into the back of the line, keeping his eyes open for any signs of trouble. His concerns seemed for naught this time, however, as they managed to reach a small goblin outpost in the middle of nowhere.
05/30/2017 10:20 PMPosted by KersiaThe goblin nodded. “Pleazures doin’ business wit ya.” He turned and whistled, which spurred the hobgoblins into work. They pulled the gates opened. Kersia hopped back on her talbuk and motioned for the others to follow her inside. Once everyone was in, the gates would close. Kersia turned her talbuk to address the group.
“Alright, enjoy a night in the town. Our next town is Gadgetzan, which might be a while. Rest up, gather supplies, get intel, I don’t care. Just be ready to leave by morning once again.”
Morician scowled as Kersia paid the toll. He wasn't really sure how well-off the mage was financially, but fifty gold was certainly nothing to sneeze at. If these bunch were willing to charge that much just to enter the outpost, there was no telling what else they might do, especially if someone came looking for information.
Shifting in his saddle with unease, he coaxed his charger over to the mage. "A word, ma'am..." he began, lowering his voice. "If we're supposed to be stayin' here overnight, might want to post an extra guard or two. I haven't seen any sign of the cult, but my gut tells me they might try to buy off the goblins if they're around."