While Kersia was attacked by two of the pirates, the others moved in as well. For each person, two pirates charged at them. They each had either an ax or a saber, and were swift and resilient.
Kora was slightly annoyed that some of the others had interrupted her fun. One thing she and Dalfein had in common was the love of a good fight, all the better if the numbers weren’t in their favor. Kora had learned to temper that love of fighting, whereas Dalfein had embraced it, the dragoness assumed it had something to do with the fact that he was technically dead. She on the other hand did her best not to give in to her baser instincts, but on occasion she did let her love of fighting take over, usually if someone harmed her or one of her friends.
In this case the pirates had done both, her sword blazed with white hot fire along with her shield. She grinned as she met the attacking pirates’ axe with her shield. The blow vibrated along her arm, but it was little more than an inconvenience so she paid it no heed. Her sword came across to block the saber of the other pirate, the two thinking that attacking her from one side would throw her off. She had spent too many training sessions with Illis to be outmaneuvered so easily. Despite her successful defense the pirates were too swift for her to try and counter attack. She huffed as she muttered a quick spell and when next the pirates came in She caught the axe wielder once again with her shield, but this time her sword arm moved so fast that she had hit the other pirate’s saber three times before gashing his arm.
She grinned, “I hate to admit it, but the two of you are too fast for me to fight with my normal speed, if it were only one of you it would be no problem, but even I will tire eventually, so I don’t like to waste time.” She moved, seemingly teleporting behind the saber wielding pirate, the spell she had cast was one of haste, which allowed her to not only move fast, but react just as fast. The saber wielding pirate was not so fortunate, for his mind couldn’t even comprehend that she had appeared behind him, before he couldn’t comprehend anything ever again.
The haste spell wore off as Kora cleaned her blade on the dead pirate’s clothing, “So, one last chance to throw yourself overboard, or surrender. You were simply following your captain’s orders and that is admirable, but not very bright, especially today. I will give you to the count of five to make your decision…One…” Before the pirate could even register what had happened Kora had blinked in front of him, her blade sinking into his gut, “Five…” The pirate looked at her incredulously as he stubbornly held on to life and Kora smiled, “As if I would let you escape after what you have done to not only me, but my companions as well. Oh, I know it wasn’t you personally, but I hold all of you responsible and unlike many others of my race, I do not show mercy to the wicked…Now burn!” And burn he did as Kora’s blade ignited, completely consuming the pirate in a raging inferno. Kora held the macabre pose with her blade sticking into the fire, still through the pirate’s gut until the flames finally died and all that was left was a smoking pile of ash.
Seeing three pirates charging at him, Morician growled as he reacted the best way he knew how--bullrushing the one in front and swinging his runeblade at the foe's head with as much force as he could muster. There was a sickening crunch as the pirate's head disappeared in a shower of gore, the heavy weapon cutting through to the chest. Bracing a plated boot against what was left of the body, Morician gave it a hard shove, freeing his weapon before turning to deal with the remaining two.
Morician parried an ill-timed strike by the second pirate, while leaning slightly to ensure the strike from the third scraped harmlessly across the thick armor of his left pauldron. Turning his attention back to the second pirate, he pressed the assault, slamming his body against the scallywag and throwing the smaller man off balance. A quick slice from the runeblade and the pirate was no more.
Meanwhile the third, sensing that he was in way over his head, had turned tail and attempted to flee the scene. Unwilling to let his quarry escape, Morician summoned more shadowy tendrils, throwing them at the retreating pirate and rooting him in place. Unable to get away, the third pirate could only attempt to fend off Morician's assault, eyes widening in horror as the death knight's runeblade shattered his weapon before being driven into his chest.
Morician parried an ill-timed strike by the second pirate, while leaning slightly to ensure the strike from the third scraped harmlessly across the thick armor of his left pauldron. Turning his attention back to the second pirate, he pressed the assault, slamming his body against the scallywag and throwing the smaller man off balance. A quick slice from the runeblade and the pirate was no more.
Meanwhile the third, sensing that he was in way over his head, had turned tail and attempted to flee the scene. Unwilling to let his quarry escape, Morician summoned more shadowy tendrils, throwing them at the retreating pirate and rooting him in place. Unable to get away, the third pirate could only attempt to fend off Morician's assault, eyes widening in horror as the death knight's runeblade shattered his weapon before being driven into his chest.
Torin growled as Stormweather continued her assault on Vyn. He ducked to the side, avoiding her punch. He brought his weapon up, slicing though the pirates arm. This was it, she was finished. "Now reap what you have sown." He said solemnly.
His blade came around, plunging though the captain's chest, right through her heart. Kicking her body away he put his blade away and went to Vyn. "We need to leave." He said picking the druid up. "Kora give us some cover!" He said to her as they would make their way back to their ship. Once they were away he made the roots connecting their ships wither away so their ship broke away easily.
He carried Vyn over to the draenei shaman and gently laid her on the deck. "She needs medical attention immediately." he said as he looked over her wounds. "Stay still my lady you have lost a lot of blood." He said as he channeled some essence of the dream into the druid to help ease her.
His blade came around, plunging though the captain's chest, right through her heart. Kicking her body away he put his blade away and went to Vyn. "We need to leave." He said picking the druid up. "Kora give us some cover!" He said to her as they would make their way back to their ship. Once they were away he made the roots connecting their ships wither away so their ship broke away easily.
He carried Vyn over to the draenei shaman and gently laid her on the deck. "She needs medical attention immediately." he said as he looked over her wounds. "Stay still my lady you have lost a lot of blood." He said as he channeled some essence of the dream into the druid to help ease her.
Kersia kept a watchful eye on the fighting as the pirates fell. Her own two adversaries remained as she blinked and dodged their attacks. One nearly caught up to her, but she froze his feet to the deck. Finally, Kersia launched a spike of arcane energy at him. He tried to dodge, but his effort was in vain. Instead of piercing his torso, the bolt ripped through his neck. The pirate’s ally howled in anger as his comrade fell to the wooden deck. He charged full force at the pandaren. Kersia rolled to the side, taking a slice into her arm as she placed a hand on the pirate’s gullet. She unleashed a blast of arcane energy into him, killing the pirate.
Kersia scanned the battle field, her eyes watching as her allies dispatched the pirates attack them. Finally, her eyes settled on Vynianyx and Torin as Stormweather was dispatched.
“Let us return to our ship.” She mumbled. Kersia winced as she saw Vyn’s injuries, but smiled as Torin brought the druidess to Sylstyx. Kersia moved to the shaman and conjured a small mana roll. Sylstyx was just finishing the roll as she made
“Zank yoo.” She smiled to both Kersia and Torin, before she began to pray to the water. A small orb of water formed around Sylstyx’s hands, and she wove that water into Vyn’s wounds. It only took a few moments for Vyn to regain the strength to stand.
Kersia looked among those on the ship and the crew cleaning the mess. “Well… we survived…” Kersia signed. “But I don’t think those pirates had anything to do with-“ Kersia’s eyes grew wide and she stumbled forward a half step, her hand instinctively went to her left shoulder where a strange needle knife protruded. Her eyes scanned the area… before finally looking to the sky.
A dark skinned half elf, dressed in black, looked down from the sky. Great black wings held her airborne as she grinned at Kersia. “So… you would be the savior?” The half elf’s golden eyes wandered to each person gathered, and lingered on Draco before returning to Kersia. “My brother will have her obedience. You waste your time in a race against bloodlines.” She threw another needle, aimed at Kersia’s feet. Sterixia had come up from below decks and stood next to Kersia. The woman in the sky glared at the freakish elf creature. “If I were you, I would take that mutant freak and abandon this errand. Mortre is ours, she would never abandon us again.”
Kersia looked up at the woman, puzzled. Before she could respond, the half elf vanished in the sky. “Wait!” Kersia winced when she moved her arm. The woman was gone. “Well…” She glanced to Sterixia, the young netherdrake looked rather upset. “Do not mind her, Sterixia. We will rescue Mortre.” Kersia pulled the needle from her shoulder. The trader ship had resumed its passage, having been freed from the pirate vessel.
Kersia looked back at her allies. “As I was saying… I don’t think the pirates were truly part of the kidnapper’s… though I am concerned with what that woman meant. No matter,” Kersia smiled through the pain in her shoulder. “We will be at Rachet soon. Rest up and gather supplies, we will leave in the morning.” No sooner had Kersia finished the statement did Rachet come into view on the horizon. It didn’t take the trader vessel long to reach the port.
Kersia scanned the battle field, her eyes watching as her allies dispatched the pirates attack them. Finally, her eyes settled on Vynianyx and Torin as Stormweather was dispatched.
“Let us return to our ship.” She mumbled. Kersia winced as she saw Vyn’s injuries, but smiled as Torin brought the druidess to Sylstyx. Kersia moved to the shaman and conjured a small mana roll. Sylstyx was just finishing the roll as she made
“Zank yoo.” She smiled to both Kersia and Torin, before she began to pray to the water. A small orb of water formed around Sylstyx’s hands, and she wove that water into Vyn’s wounds. It only took a few moments for Vyn to regain the strength to stand.
Kersia looked among those on the ship and the crew cleaning the mess. “Well… we survived…” Kersia signed. “But I don’t think those pirates had anything to do with-“ Kersia’s eyes grew wide and she stumbled forward a half step, her hand instinctively went to her left shoulder where a strange needle knife protruded. Her eyes scanned the area… before finally looking to the sky.
A dark skinned half elf, dressed in black, looked down from the sky. Great black wings held her airborne as she grinned at Kersia. “So… you would be the savior?” The half elf’s golden eyes wandered to each person gathered, and lingered on Draco before returning to Kersia. “My brother will have her obedience. You waste your time in a race against bloodlines.” She threw another needle, aimed at Kersia’s feet. Sterixia had come up from below decks and stood next to Kersia. The woman in the sky glared at the freakish elf creature. “If I were you, I would take that mutant freak and abandon this errand. Mortre is ours, she would never abandon us again.”
Kersia looked up at the woman, puzzled. Before she could respond, the half elf vanished in the sky. “Wait!” Kersia winced when she moved her arm. The woman was gone. “Well…” She glanced to Sterixia, the young netherdrake looked rather upset. “Do not mind her, Sterixia. We will rescue Mortre.” Kersia pulled the needle from her shoulder. The trader ship had resumed its passage, having been freed from the pirate vessel.
Kersia looked back at her allies. “As I was saying… I don’t think the pirates were truly part of the kidnapper’s… though I am concerned with what that woman meant. No matter,” Kersia smiled through the pain in her shoulder. “We will be at Rachet soon. Rest up and gather supplies, we will leave in the morning.” No sooner had Kersia finished the statement did Rachet come into view on the horizon. It didn’t take the trader vessel long to reach the port.
The cool ocean breeze gently shook the limbs of a large acacia tree on the cliffs above Ratchet, rustling the leaves and causing Korianyth’s braided hair to swing like a pendulum. The huntress was draped languidly along one of the lower branches, her limbs and hair hanging limp as she enjoyed the salty sea air. On a different branch of the tree lay a second huntress, an elder savannah prowler. She was cunning enough to use the canopy of the trees of ambush her prey, but presently she was simply taking advantage of the shade for a nap.
Kori had arrived in the goblin port around midday, and had stopped to rest and allow her mount, a large nightsaber named Nyla, to hunt. It had already been a few hours. The night elf wasn’t terribly surprised at this. Such a large and darkly coloured animal was hardly able to stalk and ambush in this terrain, but no doubt the stubborn cat would not return until she had made an acceptable kill. The wait did not bother Kori though, for she was patient – at the moment – and rather enjoyed staring at the ocean anyways.
And stare she did, watching the shadows of the trees grow before her as the sun inched closer to the horizon. Eventually she heard a familiar soft growling from below. She looked down at the source; the noise belonged to the massive shaggy cat that had appeared at the base of the tree. Nyla had returned, with the already half-eaten remains of what appeared to be an adolescent zhevra clenched in her jaws. The saber met her gaze for a moment and then settled down to continue her meal. The prowler in the other branch sniffed the air, but she did not open her eyes.
Smiling softly, Korianyth returned her gaze to the ocean. In the distance she could make out the outline of a ship heading for port. She watched its progress absentmindedly as it grew closer, wincing at the occasional cracking of bone heard from below. As the ship became near enough to study more closely she noticed something about the vessel seemed off. She scanned it further, noticing telltale signs of battle marring the deck. Scorch marks, blood, and wood splintered by canon fire. There were severed vines clinging to the edge of the deck, and the hull beneath them seemed to have been exposed to intense cold recently as well.
What misadventure befell this vessel? She wondered. Clearly the ship had capable mercenaries on board, specifically those of a magical nature. And as she looked upon the visible crew, she did notice several figures that did not much resemble a typical seafarer. Something inside Kori told her that this ship merited further investigation. Her brother Faendal had often told her she had some of the sharpest insticts he’d ever known, so she decided to trust her gut feeling. In one fluid motion the kaldorei swung her legs off the branch and jumped soundlessly to the ground below.
"Watch over my things, Nyla." She said, gesturing towards the saddle, packs and weapons laying against the base of the tree. She had removed them from the saber before the hunt, and her own equipment lay there as well. The cat gave a noncommittal grunt, splintering a femur between her teeth.
Nobody would challenge the nightsaber, that much she was confident in. The elf started walking towards the city below at a brisk pace, heading for the docks.
Kori had arrived in the goblin port around midday, and had stopped to rest and allow her mount, a large nightsaber named Nyla, to hunt. It had already been a few hours. The night elf wasn’t terribly surprised at this. Such a large and darkly coloured animal was hardly able to stalk and ambush in this terrain, but no doubt the stubborn cat would not return until she had made an acceptable kill. The wait did not bother Kori though, for she was patient – at the moment – and rather enjoyed staring at the ocean anyways.
And stare she did, watching the shadows of the trees grow before her as the sun inched closer to the horizon. Eventually she heard a familiar soft growling from below. She looked down at the source; the noise belonged to the massive shaggy cat that had appeared at the base of the tree. Nyla had returned, with the already half-eaten remains of what appeared to be an adolescent zhevra clenched in her jaws. The saber met her gaze for a moment and then settled down to continue her meal. The prowler in the other branch sniffed the air, but she did not open her eyes.
Smiling softly, Korianyth returned her gaze to the ocean. In the distance she could make out the outline of a ship heading for port. She watched its progress absentmindedly as it grew closer, wincing at the occasional cracking of bone heard from below. As the ship became near enough to study more closely she noticed something about the vessel seemed off. She scanned it further, noticing telltale signs of battle marring the deck. Scorch marks, blood, and wood splintered by canon fire. There were severed vines clinging to the edge of the deck, and the hull beneath them seemed to have been exposed to intense cold recently as well.
What misadventure befell this vessel? She wondered. Clearly the ship had capable mercenaries on board, specifically those of a magical nature. And as she looked upon the visible crew, she did notice several figures that did not much resemble a typical seafarer. Something inside Kori told her that this ship merited further investigation. Her brother Faendal had often told her she had some of the sharpest insticts he’d ever known, so she decided to trust her gut feeling. In one fluid motion the kaldorei swung her legs off the branch and jumped soundlessly to the ground below.
"Watch over my things, Nyla." She said, gesturing towards the saddle, packs and weapons laying against the base of the tree. She had removed them from the saber before the hunt, and her own equipment lay there as well. The cat gave a noncommittal grunt, splintering a femur between her teeth.
Nobody would challenge the nightsaber, that much she was confident in. The elf started walking towards the city below at a brisk pace, heading for the docks.
Morician stood tensely for several moments, letting the dust of battle settle. Only once he was sure the pirate threat had been dealt with did he allow himself to relax somewhat, channeling a bit of his power to heal the minor cuts he'd sustained in the fight.
However, the peace did not last long--broken by a strange figure in the sky. He shielded his eyes, squinting and frowning as he struggled to figure out exactly what the thing was. It seemed female, but had wings like a dragon. Perhaps it was some warlock that had delved too deeply into the fel? Possibly. He growled at the thought, tensing as he prepared himself for the thing's attack. An attack which, to his surprise, never came. The thing seemed quite content to taunt Kersia cryptically before flying off to parts unknown.
"I don't think that was a woman--it looked more like some demon," Morician stated bluntly. "Which, the pirates didn't exactly seem demon-infested, so I'd have to wonder what one was doin' here in the first place." He frowned at Kersia--the thing had seemed focused on her rather than anyone else...perhaps she knew more than she was letting on? Morician looked down at his gore-splattered armor. Questions could wait until he had had a bath in Ratchet.
Still a bit unsatisfied, he turned and headed below decks to fetch his charger and make preparations for heading into town.
However, the peace did not last long--broken by a strange figure in the sky. He shielded his eyes, squinting and frowning as he struggled to figure out exactly what the thing was. It seemed female, but had wings like a dragon. Perhaps it was some warlock that had delved too deeply into the fel? Possibly. He growled at the thought, tensing as he prepared himself for the thing's attack. An attack which, to his surprise, never came. The thing seemed quite content to taunt Kersia cryptically before flying off to parts unknown.
11/02/2016 01:05 AMPosted by VynianyxKersia looked back at her allies. “As I was saying… I don’t think the pirates were truly part of the kidnapper’s… though I am concerned with what that woman meant. No matter,” Kersia smiled through the pain in her shoulder. “We will be at Rachet soon. Rest up and gather supplies, we will leave in the morning.” No sooner had Kersia finished the statement did Rachet come into view on the horizon. It didn’t take the trader vessel long to reach the port.
"I don't think that was a woman--it looked more like some demon," Morician stated bluntly. "Which, the pirates didn't exactly seem demon-infested, so I'd have to wonder what one was doin' here in the first place." He frowned at Kersia--the thing had seemed focused on her rather than anyone else...perhaps she knew more than she was letting on? Morician looked down at his gore-splattered armor. Questions could wait until he had had a bath in Ratchet.
Still a bit unsatisfied, he turned and headed below decks to fetch his charger and make preparations for heading into town.
Well that was a strange sight. Some elf with wings taunting his benefactor. It seemed there were a lot more questions than answers so far. Still, he kept his mouth shut. Best to leave the questions for now Ratchet was on the horizon.
"Right, Ratchet. Goblins ready to swindle us around every corner." He sighed heading below decks to gather his things as well as round up Synthara and Swiftwind.
When they were ready, so was he. He departed from the ship the moment they docked. He loved ships, truly, but he could do without being on one that still smelled of dead pirate. You can scrub away the blood but you can never wash out the smell of it, not for a few days at least.
"May your ship repairs be quick and may she sail faster than ever." He called up to the captain when he stepped onto the docks. "Good luck out there, aye!" With that he set off. IT seemed Synthara and Swiftwind themselves were pleased to be off the ship. Synthara's eyes gleamed as she could finally spot land. She stretched out her paws, her fur slightly bristling.
Swiftwind seemed rather eager to get going in particular. "Now hold up, we won't be leaving till the morning. You'll get yours in just yet." He said, patting the horse.
But where to now. "Hey, uh, Pandaren, I'm going to go to the tavern overlooking the docks." Man, he really should learn her name. Truth to be told it seemed he always wandered towards the nearest tavern, bar, whatever to procure some alcohol.
Taverns, always nice and usually had someone working in them at all hours of day. He reached the place, leaving his animal friends tied up outside the door. "One ale, please." He said to the goblin tavernskeep that was idly rubbing one of the glasses.
"Sure thing bub." The goblin got him his drink and received payment for it.
"Many thanks, friend." He took the ale and moved towards a table where he could sit by himself. He took a drink of it and scanned the area. A few other patrons, nothing really spectacular though.
"To whatever will meet me on the road ahead. He made a faux toast to himself, talking to no one in particular.
"Right, Ratchet. Goblins ready to swindle us around every corner." He sighed heading below decks to gather his things as well as round up Synthara and Swiftwind.
When they were ready, so was he. He departed from the ship the moment they docked. He loved ships, truly, but he could do without being on one that still smelled of dead pirate. You can scrub away the blood but you can never wash out the smell of it, not for a few days at least.
"May your ship repairs be quick and may she sail faster than ever." He called up to the captain when he stepped onto the docks. "Good luck out there, aye!" With that he set off. IT seemed Synthara and Swiftwind themselves were pleased to be off the ship. Synthara's eyes gleamed as she could finally spot land. She stretched out her paws, her fur slightly bristling.
Swiftwind seemed rather eager to get going in particular. "Now hold up, we won't be leaving till the morning. You'll get yours in just yet." He said, patting the horse.
But where to now. "Hey, uh, Pandaren, I'm going to go to the tavern overlooking the docks." Man, he really should learn her name. Truth to be told it seemed he always wandered towards the nearest tavern, bar, whatever to procure some alcohol.
Taverns, always nice and usually had someone working in them at all hours of day. He reached the place, leaving his animal friends tied up outside the door. "One ale, please." He said to the goblin tavernskeep that was idly rubbing one of the glasses.
"Sure thing bub." The goblin got him his drink and received payment for it.
"Many thanks, friend." He took the ale and moved towards a table where he could sit by himself. He took a drink of it and scanned the area. A few other patrons, nothing really spectacular though.
"To whatever will meet me on the road ahead. He made a faux toast to himself, talking to no one in particular.
Kersia watched as the woman flew off and listened to Morician. His suspicion of the woman was of course well placed, but Kersia couldn’t help but wonder when his suspicion would turn to the party. The mortals amongst them were going to find out sooner or later… Should I tell them now? Kersia sighed as she tucked a hair out of her face. Her eyes looked over Kora, Torin, and Draco. Was it her place to spoil their own images. No, Kersia concluded. There are too many ears here. She looked around as the crew of trader ship had ever keen ears on the strange party. But I must soon… Kersia mused as her eyes returned to the sky, Lest our enemies use the knowledge against us.
As Ratchet grew ever closer and the ship became a bustling hub readying for port, Kersia made her way below decks to gather up her pack. Vynianyx watched the pandaren go below decks and considered going with her, but as the adrenalin faded and the waves continued to rock the ship, Vynianyx felt a wave of her own. The druidess made her way swiftly to the side of the ship and lost whatever was left in her stomach to the sea. The retching movement sent pain through her body and she sank to a fetal position. Sylstyx may have mended her wounds and stopped the bleeding, but her muscles still protested with ache and pain.
Sterixia kept her eyes trained in the sky. What the dark woman said really tormented her mind and chipped away at her spirit. She wanted to save her mother… but that woman was right. She was nothing but a freakish mutant; the byproduct of her egg being exposed to the shattering of Draenor.
Sylstyx saw the hurt in the young drake’s aura and walked to her. “Kumz, lizle vun. Vi kahn gad zi munze!” She put a hand on Sterixia’s shoulder, and broke Sterixia’s focus on what was said. The drake looked Sylstyx over and nodded. She allowed herself to be lead to the mount holding area, where they untied what mounts remained and brought the mounts to the center of the ship to be gathered.
Kersia returned to the deck as the mounts were brought out, and retrieved her talbuk. “Sterixia, come with me. Let’s head into town and recharge.” She smiled at Sterixia, who returned the expression. As the pair plus talbuk reach the land, a voiced called to them.
"Hey, uh, Pandaren, I'm going to go to the tavern overlooking the docks." the voice belonged to Richard.
Kersia nodded in response. “I suspect we all will end up there in our own time.” As Richard left, Kersia sighed deeply. She felt weary and depleted from the battles on the ship… Perhaps an evening in the tavern would be a grand change of pace. “Alright, lets just go get some food at the tavern. I need some meat.”
Sterixia appeared to chuckle and looked back at the ship. She made eye contact with Sylstyx and pointed to the tavern building, before following Kersia to the place.
As Ratchet grew ever closer and the ship became a bustling hub readying for port, Kersia made her way below decks to gather up her pack. Vynianyx watched the pandaren go below decks and considered going with her, but as the adrenalin faded and the waves continued to rock the ship, Vynianyx felt a wave of her own. The druidess made her way swiftly to the side of the ship and lost whatever was left in her stomach to the sea. The retching movement sent pain through her body and she sank to a fetal position. Sylstyx may have mended her wounds and stopped the bleeding, but her muscles still protested with ache and pain.
Sterixia kept her eyes trained in the sky. What the dark woman said really tormented her mind and chipped away at her spirit. She wanted to save her mother… but that woman was right. She was nothing but a freakish mutant; the byproduct of her egg being exposed to the shattering of Draenor.
Sylstyx saw the hurt in the young drake’s aura and walked to her. “Kumz, lizle vun. Vi kahn gad zi munze!” She put a hand on Sterixia’s shoulder, and broke Sterixia’s focus on what was said. The drake looked Sylstyx over and nodded. She allowed herself to be lead to the mount holding area, where they untied what mounts remained and brought the mounts to the center of the ship to be gathered.
Kersia returned to the deck as the mounts were brought out, and retrieved her talbuk. “Sterixia, come with me. Let’s head into town and recharge.” She smiled at Sterixia, who returned the expression. As the pair plus talbuk reach the land, a voiced called to them.
"Hey, uh, Pandaren, I'm going to go to the tavern overlooking the docks." the voice belonged to Richard.
Kersia nodded in response. “I suspect we all will end up there in our own time.” As Richard left, Kersia sighed deeply. She felt weary and depleted from the battles on the ship… Perhaps an evening in the tavern would be a grand change of pace. “Alright, lets just go get some food at the tavern. I need some meat.”
Sterixia appeared to chuckle and looked back at the ship. She made eye contact with Sylstyx and pointed to the tavern building, before following Kersia to the place.
Vynianyx groaned from her position as the ship made its way into port. The turbulent waves, the bobbing vessel, the pain in her muscles, she couldn’t stand. Finally, as the waves tamed and the ship docked, Vyn felt some small vestibule of power in herself. Her hippogryph had returned to her side, and offered her a sturdy beast to cling to. The druidess got to her feet, leaning heavily on Illuria. Sylstyx chuckled and came up behind her.
“Vin!” The shaman patted Vyn’s shoulder. “Nyz du zee zandink! Yoo vary zrunk. Vi guink tu zi playz vit ze drahnkink und zi feedzink! Ze… tayhv…urn yoo kahlzink it vunz!”
Vyn winced with each pat to her shoulder, pain sparked through her body from the injured and weary muscles. “Okay. That. Is. Fine. Stop. Touching. Me!”
“Uh derz!” Vynianyx tensed as Sylstyx embraced her in a tight and painful hug. “Yoo zur! Vi guink tu tayhvurn! Vi gu nuzink!” Sylstyx grabbed Vyn by the hand and lead the druidess off the ship and towards the tavern.
“Vin!” The shaman patted Vyn’s shoulder. “Nyz du zee zandink! Yoo vary zrunk. Vi guink tu zi playz vit ze drahnkink und zi feedzink! Ze… tayhv…urn yoo kahlzink it vunz!”
Vyn winced with each pat to her shoulder, pain sparked through her body from the injured and weary muscles. “Okay. That. Is. Fine. Stop. Touching. Me!”
“Uh derz!” Vynianyx tensed as Sylstyx embraced her in a tight and painful hug. “Yoo zur! Vi guink tu tayhvurn! Vi gu nuzink!” Sylstyx grabbed Vyn by the hand and lead the druidess off the ship and towards the tavern.
Vanexia stood, embraced in shadow, as she observed the motley crew disembark from the ship. She twirled a needle between her fingers as she watched. They may have bested her pirates, but those pirates were hardly committed enough. They were just trash, pawns to a cause.
A figure appeared behind Vanexia, a half elf like her, with the same raven hair and golden eyes. His body was dwarfed by the great scythe he was leaning on. “Vanexia… sister… did you… fail?” He grinned a sharp and toothy grin behind her.
“Vanzer, why are you here?” Vanexia did not move or take her eyes off Kersia.
“Ahehe… I came to bask in your utter failure.”
Vanexia spun, her needle armed hand darting out to where Vanzerion’s shoulder one was. But he was faster and avoided her attack by balancing on the tip of his scythe. “Shut up.” Vanexia snapped.
Vanzer cackled from his balanced roost on his scythe. “Come now… sister dearest. Vinarion has faith your ability to kill them.” He chuckled more. “The children are always ready for your command. Shame we have to use them instead of your pathetic pirate scheme.” He slid down the scythe hilt. “Would hate to lose some of our own.”
“Tch, we won’t. They will fall to our force. The mortal lovers are soft, been living too long amongst them.” Vanexia looked back, with Kersia no longer visible. “Now, I’ve lost my prey.”
Vanzer vanished but his voice still spoke. “You know where they are heading.”
-----
Mortre remained in the confines under Tenaris. Her breathing was ragged and her wrists were bruised from all of her attempts at escape. Vinarion had left her in the cell since their first encounter, and only water was ever provided by some peon. She felt isolated, weak, and defeated. The only thought that kept her going was the hope that Sterixia remained alive and well… and the idea that Kersia may be on her way.
Footsteps resounded outside her cell… different than the peons. Stones around her began floating into the air. “Mother dearest… how long are you going to keep this up?” Vinarion’s golden eyes shown from the shadows outside the cell.
“As long as I draw breath. You are corrupted, Vinarion! You are delusional!” Mortre spat at him.
The stones in the cell coalesced into a fluid spire, which lashed out and wrapped around Mortre’s neck and raised her until her arms pulled against their chains. “Come now, why die for pride?” Vinarion chuckled as Mortre glared at him. “We are far from corrupted… our minds are clear! Our purpose is pure!”
“Never! You will become the next Deathwing, you will be-“ Mortre gasped as the stone slammed her into the wall she was chained to. The stones released her, leaving her to catch her breath. Mortre coughed as she recovered. “Why don’t you… just get this over with?”
“You’ll come around… given time.” Vinarion chuckled. “I love you too much to lost you again.”
“(bad word) you… you are not my Vinarion!” Mortre shouted.
Vinarion sighed and began to recede back down the hall. “In time… you will see your folly. Or… you will die.”
A figure appeared behind Vanexia, a half elf like her, with the same raven hair and golden eyes. His body was dwarfed by the great scythe he was leaning on. “Vanexia… sister… did you… fail?” He grinned a sharp and toothy grin behind her.
“Vanzer, why are you here?” Vanexia did not move or take her eyes off Kersia.
“Ahehe… I came to bask in your utter failure.”
Vanexia spun, her needle armed hand darting out to where Vanzerion’s shoulder one was. But he was faster and avoided her attack by balancing on the tip of his scythe. “Shut up.” Vanexia snapped.
Vanzer cackled from his balanced roost on his scythe. “Come now… sister dearest. Vinarion has faith your ability to kill them.” He chuckled more. “The children are always ready for your command. Shame we have to use them instead of your pathetic pirate scheme.” He slid down the scythe hilt. “Would hate to lose some of our own.”
“Tch, we won’t. They will fall to our force. The mortal lovers are soft, been living too long amongst them.” Vanexia looked back, with Kersia no longer visible. “Now, I’ve lost my prey.”
Vanzer vanished but his voice still spoke. “You know where they are heading.”
-----
Mortre remained in the confines under Tenaris. Her breathing was ragged and her wrists were bruised from all of her attempts at escape. Vinarion had left her in the cell since their first encounter, and only water was ever provided by some peon. She felt isolated, weak, and defeated. The only thought that kept her going was the hope that Sterixia remained alive and well… and the idea that Kersia may be on her way.
Footsteps resounded outside her cell… different than the peons. Stones around her began floating into the air. “Mother dearest… how long are you going to keep this up?” Vinarion’s golden eyes shown from the shadows outside the cell.
“As long as I draw breath. You are corrupted, Vinarion! You are delusional!” Mortre spat at him.
The stones in the cell coalesced into a fluid spire, which lashed out and wrapped around Mortre’s neck and raised her until her arms pulled against their chains. “Come now, why die for pride?” Vinarion chuckled as Mortre glared at him. “We are far from corrupted… our minds are clear! Our purpose is pure!”
“Never! You will become the next Deathwing, you will be-“ Mortre gasped as the stone slammed her into the wall she was chained to. The stones released her, leaving her to catch her breath. Mortre coughed as she recovered. “Why don’t you… just get this over with?”
“You’ll come around… given time.” Vinarion chuckled. “I love you too much to lost you again.”
“(bad word) you… you are not my Vinarion!” Mortre shouted.
Vinarion sighed and began to recede back down the hall. “In time… you will see your folly. Or… you will die.”
As the fighting ended, Kora’s sword, shield and armor all dissipated in a burst of flame. The night elf disguise ached after using some of her draconic power while not in dragon form, but it was nothing a little rest and a good drink wouldn’t fix. She rolled her neck to try and loosen her muscles as the half elf appeared.
A dark skinned half elf, dressed in black, looked down from the sky. Great black wings held her airborne as she grinned at Kersia. “So… you would be the savior?” The half elf’s golden eyes wandered to each person gathered, and lingered on Draco before returning to Kersia. “My brother will have her obedience. You waste your time in a race against bloodlines.” She threw another needle, aimed at Kersia’s feet. Sterixia had come up from below decks and stood next to Kersia. The woman in the sky glared at the freakish elf creature. “If I were you, I would take that mutant freak and abandon this errand. Mortre is ours, she would never abandon us again.”
Kora looked on as the elf flew away and huffed, “Dalf would be so much better suited for this, but I suppose he has important matters of his own to attend to. Master Moonfury may not be kidnapped, but he is still lost and who knows where he might be, I only hope Dalf can find him before he does something stupid, that druid tends to get reckless when he is emotional and according to Dalf he is more emotional than he has ever been.”
She sighed as she disembarked the ship, looking around warily, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, but this was Ratchet, home to the criminal minded goblins, they also weren’t known for being gentlemen. She shrugged as she ducked into an alley and changed her clothes. At least for as long as they were in Ratchet it was probably best to not be dressed so provocatively. As she exited the alley she now sported a set of form fitting leather armor, “Nothing says I can’t show off a little bit.” She chuckled to herself, the question now was what did they do next, they were being targeted that much was clear and likely by other dragons. Only her close friends knew her secret and she wanted to keep it that way, but if things continued on their current course she may not have the luxury of that choice.
If she were more like Dalf she would go looking for their pursuers and take them out before they got the chance to try and attack them again, but even if she were she had no idea where she could even start looking, “Fight us yourselves and don’t hide behind your pawns, ugh I can see why Dalf hates cowards.” The disguised dragoness continued to meander around through Ratchet waiting for the time to move again.
A dark skinned half elf, dressed in black, looked down from the sky. Great black wings held her airborne as she grinned at Kersia. “So… you would be the savior?” The half elf’s golden eyes wandered to each person gathered, and lingered on Draco before returning to Kersia. “My brother will have her obedience. You waste your time in a race against bloodlines.” She threw another needle, aimed at Kersia’s feet. Sterixia had come up from below decks and stood next to Kersia. The woman in the sky glared at the freakish elf creature. “If I were you, I would take that mutant freak and abandon this errand. Mortre is ours, she would never abandon us again.”
Kora looked on as the elf flew away and huffed, “Dalf would be so much better suited for this, but I suppose he has important matters of his own to attend to. Master Moonfury may not be kidnapped, but he is still lost and who knows where he might be, I only hope Dalf can find him before he does something stupid, that druid tends to get reckless when he is emotional and according to Dalf he is more emotional than he has ever been.”
She sighed as she disembarked the ship, looking around warily, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, but this was Ratchet, home to the criminal minded goblins, they also weren’t known for being gentlemen. She shrugged as she ducked into an alley and changed her clothes. At least for as long as they were in Ratchet it was probably best to not be dressed so provocatively. As she exited the alley she now sported a set of form fitting leather armor, “Nothing says I can’t show off a little bit.” She chuckled to herself, the question now was what did they do next, they were being targeted that much was clear and likely by other dragons. Only her close friends knew her secret and she wanted to keep it that way, but if things continued on their current course she may not have the luxury of that choice.
If she were more like Dalf she would go looking for their pursuers and take them out before they got the chance to try and attack them again, but even if she were she had no idea where she could even start looking, “Fight us yourselves and don’t hide behind your pawns, ugh I can see why Dalf hates cowards.” The disguised dragoness continued to meander around through Ratchet waiting for the time to move again.
Torin remained near Vyn until they reached port. He glanced around. Seeing things through the dream had its uses. He could see the life of every near by creature. Mainly goblins, though he tried to respect other beings privacy of not wanting to be spied on.
Torin secured them a table with some refreshing drinks. When they would arrive he placed a few room keys on the table. "We have a few rooms ready for the evening my ladies." He said as he took a drink of the moonberry juice. Meed would not be a good thing for him to drink.
"I am worried about the enemy that spurned the pirates to such action. They seem like they will be trouble in the future of our quest."
Torin secured them a table with some refreshing drinks. When they would arrive he placed a few room keys on the table. "We have a few rooms ready for the evening my ladies." He said as he took a drink of the moonberry juice. Meed would not be a good thing for him to drink.
"I am worried about the enemy that spurned the pirates to such action. They seem like they will be trouble in the future of our quest."
Kori leaned up against a stack of crates on the shore near the Ratchet docks, watching the battle-scarred vessel unload its peculiar crew. In stark contrast to the mundane human crew members, there seemed to be a separate company composed largely of magic users on board. By their varied appearances and how they regarded one another, Kori guessed that some of them had only met recently. It was a classic ragtag group of adventurers, surely on some obscure and perilous quest. The huntress felt a spark of excitement in her chest and knew her curiosity would not allow this to pass uninvestigated.
She tucked a stray strand of azure hair behind her ear and waited nonchalantly for the adventurers to make their way into town. Predictably, they mostly headed for the tavern. She followed a short distance behind and casually studied the two kaldorei of the group. Their familiar aura of druidic magic was a reassuring feeling. Her thoughts drifted to her brother, wondering how he fared back on the Broken Isles without her. She had a feeling she might end up significantly delaying her return to him.
Ducking under the low threshold of the door, she stepped into the tavern behind them and wrinkled her nose at the smell of smoke in the air. Eyeing her quarries as they seated themselves, the elf paced slowly along the outer edge of the hall and considered how to approach them. Faendal often told her she was too forward when introducing herself. Kori frowned and bit her lip. Her brother was the only one who could ever make her doubt herself.
She looked over the group once more. Her gaze fell again upon the two druids, who were now seated and enjoying beverages towards the center of the room with their other companions close by. Perhaps it would be best to start with what is more familiar, she thought. She nodded to herself and walked over to the two with a confident, graceful stride.
“Ishnu-alah brother, sister.” She bowed at each in turn. “I am Korianyth. Forgive me for being so… forward, but I cannot help but wonder what cause has brought together such an unusual gathering of adventurers. Especially ones who appear to have just endured a spectacular battle at sea,” she added.
Now that she was standing closer to them, she could tell they were weary. She hoped it hadn’t been unwise to approach them so soon after their arrival.
She tucked a stray strand of azure hair behind her ear and waited nonchalantly for the adventurers to make their way into town. Predictably, they mostly headed for the tavern. She followed a short distance behind and casually studied the two kaldorei of the group. Their familiar aura of druidic magic was a reassuring feeling. Her thoughts drifted to her brother, wondering how he fared back on the Broken Isles without her. She had a feeling she might end up significantly delaying her return to him.
Ducking under the low threshold of the door, she stepped into the tavern behind them and wrinkled her nose at the smell of smoke in the air. Eyeing her quarries as they seated themselves, the elf paced slowly along the outer edge of the hall and considered how to approach them. Faendal often told her she was too forward when introducing herself. Kori frowned and bit her lip. Her brother was the only one who could ever make her doubt herself.
She looked over the group once more. Her gaze fell again upon the two druids, who were now seated and enjoying beverages towards the center of the room with their other companions close by. Perhaps it would be best to start with what is more familiar, she thought. She nodded to herself and walked over to the two with a confident, graceful stride.
“Ishnu-alah brother, sister.” She bowed at each in turn. “I am Korianyth. Forgive me for being so… forward, but I cannot help but wonder what cause has brought together such an unusual gathering of adventurers. Especially ones who appear to have just endured a spectacular battle at sea,” she added.
Now that she was standing closer to them, she could tell they were weary. She hoped it hadn’t been unwise to approach them so soon after their arrival.
Morician heaved a contented sigh, combing his fingers through his shaggy mane of damp hair. The bath had been a welcome reprieve after the incident on the ship, giving him a chance to relax and clean off the accumulated grime of the past few days...not to mention washing off the gore from the battle itself. The only complaint he had was that the goblin in charge of the bath house had apparently thought it funny to give him the strawberry scented soap, instead of the plain soap as he had requested.
With the important business of hygiene out of the way, Morician checked briefly on his charger before entering the tavern. He nodded briefly at his companions before making his way over to the bar, trying to ignore the funny looks a few of the patrons were throwing at him.
"An ale please--dwarven, if you've got it," Morician asked, after flagging down the bartender. The bartender grinned mischievously. "I dunno buddy, you seem more like you'd want one of those little fruity drinks with the umbrellas."
Morician shot the goblin a flat look, unamused. "Just the ale." The bartender shrugged, grabbing a clean mug and filling it from a nearby keg before placing it before the death knight. Morician handed the goblin a few coins, shooting him one last irritated look before walking over to an empty table and sitting down. Taking a sip of his drink, he settled back in his chair to watch the other patrons while waiting for orders.
With the important business of hygiene out of the way, Morician checked briefly on his charger before entering the tavern. He nodded briefly at his companions before making his way over to the bar, trying to ignore the funny looks a few of the patrons were throwing at him.
"An ale please--dwarven, if you've got it," Morician asked, after flagging down the bartender. The bartender grinned mischievously. "I dunno buddy, you seem more like you'd want one of those little fruity drinks with the umbrellas."
Morician shot the goblin a flat look, unamused. "Just the ale." The bartender shrugged, grabbing a clean mug and filling it from a nearby keg before placing it before the death knight. Morician handed the goblin a few coins, shooting him one last irritated look before walking over to an empty table and sitting down. Taking a sip of his drink, he settled back in his chair to watch the other patrons while waiting for orders.
As Kersia and Sterixia made their way towards the tavern, goblins and common folk stared. Sterixia’s mutated form was better hidden than normal with the garments Kora gave her, but her head was still clearly odd. Walking next to a pandaren just added to the strange site. Kersia decided not to dally in the streets and hastened her pace. She quickly tossed some coin to the stable master and situated her talbuk before moving into the tavern. Richard had arrived prior to them and seated himself at a lonely table. Kersia made her way to the bar and ordered two glasses of milk for herself and Sterixia.
“Whatz with ya?” The barkeeper asked as he prepared the drinks. “You a side show or sumthin? Couple of freaks?”
Though her skin didn’t reflect it, Sterixia blushed, embarrassed. Kersia chuckled. “In a world full of wondrous and magical things, you find us odd? We are merely part of a traveling adventure party. Pay us no mind.” She grinned as the goblin placed the drinks before her. She winked as she paid, adding some extra coin to the price.
By the time her drink was secured, Torin had finished speaking with the inn keeper and secured them some rooms and one of the larger tables. Sylstyx and Vynianyx had made their way in right behind him and seated themselves already. Sterixia grinned and sat next to Sylstyx. Kersia felt a warm feeling in her heart as she saw the two smile and clank their respective drinks together. The mute and the outlander… Kersia grinned as she took her seat.
”I am worried about the enemy that spurred the pirates to such action. They seem like they will be trouble in the future of our quest.”
Kersia nodded at Torin. “Agreed. But I feel so clueless about them. I hardly know what their aim is. Why did they kidnap Mortre of all people on Azeroth? I can hazard a guess but it would be nothing more than a guess.” She sighed.
“Whatz with ya?” The barkeeper asked as he prepared the drinks. “You a side show or sumthin? Couple of freaks?”
Though her skin didn’t reflect it, Sterixia blushed, embarrassed. Kersia chuckled. “In a world full of wondrous and magical things, you find us odd? We are merely part of a traveling adventure party. Pay us no mind.” She grinned as the goblin placed the drinks before her. She winked as she paid, adding some extra coin to the price.
By the time her drink was secured, Torin had finished speaking with the inn keeper and secured them some rooms and one of the larger tables. Sylstyx and Vynianyx had made their way in right behind him and seated themselves already. Sterixia grinned and sat next to Sylstyx. Kersia felt a warm feeling in her heart as she saw the two smile and clank their respective drinks together. The mute and the outlander… Kersia grinned as she took her seat.
”I am worried about the enemy that spurred the pirates to such action. They seem like they will be trouble in the future of our quest.”
Kersia nodded at Torin. “Agreed. But I feel so clueless about them. I hardly know what their aim is. Why did they kidnap Mortre of all people on Azeroth? I can hazard a guess but it would be nothing more than a guess.” She sighed.
As Kersia and Torin spoke, Vynianyx sighed. She was relieved to be back on dry land with her cocoa in front of her. Such relief. The warm drink seemed to wash away her aches and pains from the battle on the ship, and her stomach was sufficiently settled.
”Ishnu-alah brother, sister.” Another elf approached, taking a bow to Vynianyx and Torin. Vyn blushed slightly, being a little unfamiliar with her own race’s customs in greeting. She bowed back out of politeness, unsure in her heart if that was the proper response. The woman continued. ”I am Korianyth. Forgive me for being so… forward, but I cannot help but wonder what cause has brought together such an unusual gather of adventurers. Especially ones who appear to have just endured a spectacular battle at sea.”
Kersia had grown silent when the woman approached, always keen for nosy and prying ears. Vyn smiled at Kersia, then looked back at the elf. “Well, your forwardness is forgiven, methinks.” She chuckled lightly. “This unusual group is only part of our group, and I assure you, the others are just as unusual.”
Kersia regarded the prying woman with cold eyes, weary of a sudden ally. The woman’s aura wasn’t like her own, and the pandaren relaxed slightly. “We seek a friend who was taken.” Her eyes regarded the woman from top to bottom. “Our ship was beset by pirates.” She kept her answers short and to the point, not trusting the woman to give out much more.
”Ishnu-alah brother, sister.” Another elf approached, taking a bow to Vynianyx and Torin. Vyn blushed slightly, being a little unfamiliar with her own race’s customs in greeting. She bowed back out of politeness, unsure in her heart if that was the proper response. The woman continued. ”I am Korianyth. Forgive me for being so… forward, but I cannot help but wonder what cause has brought together such an unusual gather of adventurers. Especially ones who appear to have just endured a spectacular battle at sea.”
Kersia had grown silent when the woman approached, always keen for nosy and prying ears. Vyn smiled at Kersia, then looked back at the elf. “Well, your forwardness is forgiven, methinks.” She chuckled lightly. “This unusual group is only part of our group, and I assure you, the others are just as unusual.”
Kersia regarded the prying woman with cold eyes, weary of a sudden ally. The woman’s aura wasn’t like her own, and the pandaren relaxed slightly. “We seek a friend who was taken.” Her eyes regarded the woman from top to bottom. “Our ship was beset by pirates.” She kept her answers short and to the point, not trusting the woman to give out much more.
The female elf bowed uneasily, then looked over at the Pandaren of the group before replying. “Well, your forwardness is forgiven, methinks.” She chuckled lightly. “This unusual group is only part of our group, and I assure you, the others are just as unusual.” The druid seemed slightly uncomfortable, and Kori briefly wondered if her own unease with introductions was somehow contagious.
Before the huntress could inquire further, the nearby Pandaren woman spoke. “We seek a friend who was taken.” Hey eyes glinted as she examined Kori thoroughly. “Our ship was beset by pirates.”
Her response was hesitant, and it was clear the mage did not trust her. But of course, why should she? It was wise to treat a stranger with caution, especially one inquiring about your business. Kori would react no differently herself. If this woman was the leader of this quest, it was good she acted with discretion. Still, Kori would rather know more – she still felt drawn to the group by some inexplicable gut instinct, and was eager to learn more of the nature of their quest.
“It seems fate has been most unkind to you, Pandaren.” Kori regarded the woman, frowning empathetically. “If my bluntness is forgiven, then let me ask this; May I join you on your quest? I would see your lost companion rescued. I was already setting out on some business of my own, so I’m fully prepared to travel. It would be my pleasure to add another strong arm to a worthy cause.”
She hoped the cautious mage wouldn’t find her sudden request too unusual. Perhaps it would have seemed less suspicious to ask about a reward, first. She resisted the urge to chew her lip while waiting for the woman’s reply.
Before the huntress could inquire further, the nearby Pandaren woman spoke. “We seek a friend who was taken.” Hey eyes glinted as she examined Kori thoroughly. “Our ship was beset by pirates.”
Her response was hesitant, and it was clear the mage did not trust her. But of course, why should she? It was wise to treat a stranger with caution, especially one inquiring about your business. Kori would react no differently herself. If this woman was the leader of this quest, it was good she acted with discretion. Still, Kori would rather know more – she still felt drawn to the group by some inexplicable gut instinct, and was eager to learn more of the nature of their quest.
“It seems fate has been most unkind to you, Pandaren.” Kori regarded the woman, frowning empathetically. “If my bluntness is forgiven, then let me ask this; May I join you on your quest? I would see your lost companion rescued. I was already setting out on some business of my own, so I’m fully prepared to travel. It would be my pleasure to add another strong arm to a worthy cause.”
She hoped the cautious mage wouldn’t find her sudden request too unusual. Perhaps it would have seemed less suspicious to ask about a reward, first. She resisted the urge to chew her lip while waiting for the woman’s reply.
Kersia eyed the elf over as she spoke. There was a sense of purity to what the woman requested. She mulled the question over in her mind carefully. Their opponents haven't been the most forward, and this woman could be their spy... but Kersia's instincts told her otherwise.
The pandaren woman sighed. "Well, our opponents could be fierce. My friend and I were looking into a cult, and then she was taken. If you are okay with going up against an unknown cult... then welcome aboard. Just know I'll have an eye on you if your intentions turn less than noble. There is coin for you when we make it to the end."
Kersia's thoughts returned to the woman that was in the sky. Morician assumed her wings were demonic, but Kersia felt otherwise. The woman clearly let off an ancient aura, draconic... but there was something else in the mix. Kersia sensed an enchantment on her as well. Very familiar. Kersia struggled to place a thought on it. Then it dawned on her, the enchantment was a shielding enchantment, just like... Mortre's.
Kersia looked at Sterixia. She pulled out a quill and paper and pushed them towards the mutated elf. "Sterixia... I think I have a theory on our opponents, and why they took Mortre... but I need you to answer this honestly... Did Mortre have children?"
Sterixia cocked her head at Kersia and thought about the question. It seemed silly to her. After all, Sterixia was a child of hers, so of course she had children. Mother was old, mother had a mate. Mother didn't talk about any children though, to Sterixia... Except one time when she had asked why mother was upset. Sterixia took the quill, and with horrendous handwriting she wrote on the paper: "Many. All ded!"
"You sure?" Vyn spoke up, having caught onto Kersia's train of thought. Sterixia looked at her and shrugged.
Kersia massaged her temples as she thought. "I am starting to think, maybe they are alive. Would explain how they managed to take Mortre. Probably caught her by surprise..." She sighed. "If our villainous cult is indeed a collection of Mortre's children and their followers, this mission is just going to be that much harder." She glanced around at those gathered. "And we need to be that much faster at reaching her. Make sure you are well rested and supplied. We'll leave at dawn and head south towards Tenaris."
The pandaren woman sighed. "Well, our opponents could be fierce. My friend and I were looking into a cult, and then she was taken. If you are okay with going up against an unknown cult... then welcome aboard. Just know I'll have an eye on you if your intentions turn less than noble. There is coin for you when we make it to the end."
Kersia's thoughts returned to the woman that was in the sky. Morician assumed her wings were demonic, but Kersia felt otherwise. The woman clearly let off an ancient aura, draconic... but there was something else in the mix. Kersia sensed an enchantment on her as well. Very familiar. Kersia struggled to place a thought on it. Then it dawned on her, the enchantment was a shielding enchantment, just like... Mortre's.
Kersia looked at Sterixia. She pulled out a quill and paper and pushed them towards the mutated elf. "Sterixia... I think I have a theory on our opponents, and why they took Mortre... but I need you to answer this honestly... Did Mortre have children?"
Sterixia cocked her head at Kersia and thought about the question. It seemed silly to her. After all, Sterixia was a child of hers, so of course she had children. Mother was old, mother had a mate. Mother didn't talk about any children though, to Sterixia... Except one time when she had asked why mother was upset. Sterixia took the quill, and with horrendous handwriting she wrote on the paper: "Many. All ded!"
"You sure?" Vyn spoke up, having caught onto Kersia's train of thought. Sterixia looked at her and shrugged.
Kersia massaged her temples as she thought. "I am starting to think, maybe they are alive. Would explain how they managed to take Mortre. Probably caught her by surprise..." She sighed. "If our villainous cult is indeed a collection of Mortre's children and their followers, this mission is just going to be that much harder." She glanced around at those gathered. "And we need to be that much faster at reaching her. Make sure you are well rested and supplied. We'll leave at dawn and head south towards Tenaris."
11/25/2016 02:56 AMPosted by KersiaShe glanced around at those gathered. "And we need to be that much faster at reaching her. Make sure you are well rested and supplied. We'll leave at dawn and head south towards Tenaris."
Morician nodded in response, enjoying the rest of his drink and zoning out the rest of the conversations as he mulled thoughts of the previous events over in his mind. Kersia was proving herself to be quite the adept mage, and by definition that likely meant that the Mortre person she was looking for was pretty important herself. Maybe a kindred mage? Definitely a somebody, if a mage like Kersia and weird flying demon ladies were after her.
The demon lady. That was, perhaps, the one detail about all this that bothered him the most. Though Kersia did keep some odd company--he wasn't really sure about the weird elf following her around--he didn't get the sense that she was evil herself. And it wasn't unusual for mages to be eccentric. Or at least, if Kersia really was evil she was really good at hiding it.
He glanced back toward Kersia, studying the Pandaren and frowning. If a fel-tainted warlock or somebody was chasing her, there'd probably be more lurking around somewhere. Not to mention general low-lifes prowling the streets looking for easy prey. Though Kersia could probably handle herself in resupplying and such, stress could do a lot to a person. Given that he was already suplied, as far as he was concerned, perhaps it would be best to lend a hand in watching her back while she took care of her own stuff in town.
Finishing off his drink, Morician set the empty tankard back down on the table before rising to his feet and making his way over to Kersia. He cleared his throat softly to get her attention first, before asking, "If you need someone to stand guard and watch your back while you're doin' stuff, I can lend a hand in that. I think I've got everythin' I need already, and if that demon-lady sends her goons after us again...well, at least they'd be less likely to catch us off-guard."
"Well then," Kersia looked amongst those gathered. "I am going to rest. Meet at the city gates at dawn." She smiled at each person before gathering her things and standing. Sterixia stood with her and the pair made their way through the tavern to the inn rooms. The clothing gifted to Sterixia still did not hide her from the odd looks many patrons gave her, though the common place of oddity and deformity spared her from anything more than stares.
The pair made their way into one of the rooms. Small, two beds and a desk with a chair. Sterixia sat on one of the beds as Kersia rummaged through her pack. She pulled out a note book and sat at the desk, thumbing through the pages. Sterxia watched on with curiosity.
"Your mother and I had been investigating rumors." Kersia mumbled. "Rumors of a dragon worshiping cult." She sighed as she found the page. Her own writing and the writing of another dotted the parchment. "Mortre suspected it was remnants of Deathwing. Old followers gathering for some dark purpose. She was concerned with rumors of reptilian beasts with dark colored scales. We weren't sure if they were dragons, or just rumors, or even servants of the old gods." Sterixia cocked her head to the side as Kersia mumbled. "No one knew much, save for the fact at three powerful people lead the cult. I was told a young human, with powers beyond reckoning, was the head."
Kersia leaned back in her chair. "I didn't want to believe there were dragons involved once again, and that desire blinded me to an obvious tidbit. The leader was said to hold sway over the earth. At the time, I assumed some human dark shaman or something was at the helm, but it makes more sense if I fit a black dragon there."
She pulled out a pen and chewed the tip as she thought. "But one question during all of this bugged me. Why Mortre?" She sighed and tapped the pen to the parchment. "My wards should have prevented any detection, and my sister's should have hidden her from the old gods... None of it makes sense. A dragon worshiping cult actually kidnapping what they worship? I can't imagine Mortre would have been taken so easily."
Kersia looked back at Sterixia, who shrugged when put under the pandaren's vision. A smirked played on Kersia's lips. Mysteries were part of science, and nothing was more fun than theorizing possible hypothesis's. "There is something that makes some sense... Mortre is old, far older than myself. I know she had children beyond you. If they are alive, it explains how they took her... though not what they want with her."
Kersia looked back at the parchment and turned the page to a blank one. At the middle she wrote "dragon cult members" and circled it. She then wrote "Mortre's Children?" and drew a line connecting it to the middle. She then wrote a few more things to connect to the center: "old god worshipers", "deathwing fanatics", "corrupted black dragons". A way to organize her theories.
Kersia closed the book and placed it back in her pack with her pen. She stood and stretched. "All will be made clear in time, I am sure." She muttered as she changed and tucked herself into the bed.
-----
Kersia was up long before dawn. She had went into town for provisions, and packed her talbuk fully. Sterixia stood at the exit of town next to Kersia's talbuk as Kersia scouted nearby. The pandaren blinked through the wilderness near Rachet, teleporting unseen and scanning the flow of mana in the area. There didn't appear to be any immediate threats lying in wait, but many can mask their aura, their scent, their bodies. Kersia returned to the gates just as the began to paint the world with light, and awaited her allies.
The pair made their way into one of the rooms. Small, two beds and a desk with a chair. Sterixia sat on one of the beds as Kersia rummaged through her pack. She pulled out a note book and sat at the desk, thumbing through the pages. Sterxia watched on with curiosity.
"Your mother and I had been investigating rumors." Kersia mumbled. "Rumors of a dragon worshiping cult." She sighed as she found the page. Her own writing and the writing of another dotted the parchment. "Mortre suspected it was remnants of Deathwing. Old followers gathering for some dark purpose. She was concerned with rumors of reptilian beasts with dark colored scales. We weren't sure if they were dragons, or just rumors, or even servants of the old gods." Sterixia cocked her head to the side as Kersia mumbled. "No one knew much, save for the fact at three powerful people lead the cult. I was told a young human, with powers beyond reckoning, was the head."
Kersia leaned back in her chair. "I didn't want to believe there were dragons involved once again, and that desire blinded me to an obvious tidbit. The leader was said to hold sway over the earth. At the time, I assumed some human dark shaman or something was at the helm, but it makes more sense if I fit a black dragon there."
She pulled out a pen and chewed the tip as she thought. "But one question during all of this bugged me. Why Mortre?" She sighed and tapped the pen to the parchment. "My wards should have prevented any detection, and my sister's should have hidden her from the old gods... None of it makes sense. A dragon worshiping cult actually kidnapping what they worship? I can't imagine Mortre would have been taken so easily."
Kersia looked back at Sterixia, who shrugged when put under the pandaren's vision. A smirked played on Kersia's lips. Mysteries were part of science, and nothing was more fun than theorizing possible hypothesis's. "There is something that makes some sense... Mortre is old, far older than myself. I know she had children beyond you. If they are alive, it explains how they took her... though not what they want with her."
Kersia looked back at the parchment and turned the page to a blank one. At the middle she wrote "dragon cult members" and circled it. She then wrote "Mortre's Children?" and drew a line connecting it to the middle. She then wrote a few more things to connect to the center: "old god worshipers", "deathwing fanatics", "corrupted black dragons". A way to organize her theories.
Kersia closed the book and placed it back in her pack with her pen. She stood and stretched. "All will be made clear in time, I am sure." She muttered as she changed and tucked herself into the bed.
-----
Kersia was up long before dawn. She had went into town for provisions, and packed her talbuk fully. Sterixia stood at the exit of town next to Kersia's talbuk as Kersia scouted nearby. The pandaren blinked through the wilderness near Rachet, teleporting unseen and scanning the flow of mana in the area. There didn't appear to be any immediate threats lying in wait, but many can mask their aura, their scent, their bodies. Kersia returned to the gates just as the began to paint the world with light, and awaited her allies.