The gnome nodded enthusiastically. “A pleasure to meet you then!” She looked around, seemed like quite a few more people were arriving to go on the expedition to find missing ships.
Ignoring them for now she headed up the ramp to board the ship, making sure to not get into the way of anyone at the moment. The time to snoop would come later. She decided to stand near the mast of the ship and Glinda popped her head out of the pack.
“Are we ready to depart yet?” The chicken asked.
“Sure we will in just a moment, but for now it’s probably best to leave you inside.” She whispered to the creature. With that she shoved the mechano-chicken back inside and closed her bag.
She nodded coolly and moved to the side for the tauren. The tauren didn’t even seem to give her a courtesy glance. She let his seeming rudeness roll off her shoulders. His opinion didn’t matter to her. She was here to do something productive. She couldn’t help but notice the divide forming in her own mind. She associated the Kaldorei as a people and identified herself as forsaken more and more. She snapped back to the present as the captain roared at some forsaken bringing aboard what seemed to her like blight barrels.
Her hand unconsciously moved to her bow. As the captain defused the situation and accepted the new cargo she put it away. She didn’t quite know what she would have done if a fight actually broke out, but she was glad it didn’t.
“No, I’ll be down below. Let me know if you need anything. My bow is at your command.” She said as she disappeared into the darkness of the ship. She sat down on a box in the cargo hold and placed her bow down. One of the things that was the strangest about her condition was that she didn’t need sleep anymore. No need for sleep nor a need for food or drink. She simply sat and waited.
Both stopped and peered to her. Lux had a full grin immediately, pleased with the fact of another potential Gilnean, while Lucille groaned internally. It had become second nature to always think trouble when it came to one or more Gilneans. Too much time around Lux.
Though, she broke into a smile at Loba. Lux nodded to Myorga with a wave following after a moment. “Heya, pleasure’s all ours. Lux Wedgwood, 'n this is Lucille Wessewood. No, uh, relation, far as we know.”
She gestured to Lucille, nudging her in the rib. Lucille looked back from casually admiring Loba with a faint scowl. “Really? That kind of hurt.” She rubbed her rib slightly before looking to Myorga, “Hello. Like she said, I’m Lucille.”
Lux ignored her. “So. Guessin’ from the accent, you’re prob’ly from around either Gilneas or Kul Tiras? Don’t seem like a fish, so my bet’s not there, but.” She shrugged. “Who knows.”
Runas noted the arrival of a couple of others who claimed to be ready to join the expedition - one of the elf things and a giant in strange robes. Neither said anything to him, personally, so he waited for the Captain to respond instead. The look on the orc’s face was… not thrilling, to say the least. It was obvious the man doubted the Vulpera as he began to speak. “Of course I’ve sailed before,” Runas replied calmly, placing his hands on his hips. “How else do you think I made it here? As for the stories, well, I’ll just say that I once strangled a Sethrak with his own tail!” With the claim the small fox man made a gripping and twisting motion with his hands to accentuate his words. And it wasn’t entirely untrue…
The orc seemed wary of the elf lady, but he greeted the giant man warmly before yelling at some living-dead-men who were putting casks of stuff on the ship. They said some stuff about protocol or something, Runas wasn’t entirely paying attention as a bug started buzzing around his head. He gathered that the orc didn’t want the stuff on his ship, however, as they continued to move the casks aboard.
When the captain returned Runas moved closer, standing on the table to lean in to whisper in the orc’s ear, “You want me to make sure that gunk gets ‘misplaced’ after we leave? Just let me know.” He then leaned back and turned to see the elf lady leave. Fine, he didn’t want to talk to her anyway… “Well hopefully you’re more fun than she was,” Runas said to the giant bull person while jutting a thumb towards the departing elf. “Name’s Runas, what’s yours?” He’d heard the man introduce himself to the captain, but felt it still polite to make a proper introduction.
Myorga raised an eyebrow. She didn’t realize that the Kul Tiran way of speaking had probably influenced her own speech patterns. She cleared her throat before responding. “I–I am Gilnean through and through. An officer in the army, actually”, she said hesitantly.
Loba responded by sitting and idly scratching a spot behind his ear. His eyes glazed over a bit as he scratched just the right spot. He shook his head and then looked up at Myorga.
She returned the question, “What about you and your friend here? I’m guessing you’re Gilnean as well. A Kul Tiran would know her way around a ship”, she said smartly, attempting a joke and to indicate he had overheard their conversation.
The foxman had a point, though he could have easily used one of those fancy mage portals the elves were so fond of. Still, his story about the Sethrak was impressive enough–anyone who could do that to a Sethrak and live was all right in Tor’ghar’s book.
Tor’ghar furrowed his brow, warily watching the ship as he mulled the offer over in his mind. “Wouldn’t hurt my feelings if those barrels went missing, or the stuff inside somehow got ruined. Just don’t let the dead ones catch you in the process…” he muttered in reply.
“Cap’n, de ship be loaded an’ ready fah sailin’!” called one of the troll sailors. Tor’ghar grunted, boarding the ship and removing a small warhorn from his belt before letting loose a deep blast on the instrument.
"Load up, you landlubbers! The Bloodhowl won’t wait forever!" he bellowed, marching over to take his place at the ship’s wheel. He blew another blast on the horn as the crewmen scrambled to their positions–the anchor slowly being raised and the sails beginning to unfurl.
The Bloodhowl was a very sturdy ship, bearing typical orcish construction. Utility first, looks second…though it carried a savage beauty of its own. The amenities below deck were simple, reflecting the utilitarian theme. Two sections seemed a bit more special than the others, however. One section near the front of the ship was reinforced with iron and sealed shut with a heavy door–glimpses of massive Azerite warheads visible through the tiny barred window. The other section of interest was located in the deepest part of the ship and accessible only by a locked trapdoor. A strong chemical smell emanated from within, and the only ones that seemed to be going in and out was the Forsaken apothecary and his three assistants…the same ones responsible for loading the blight barrels onto the ship.
Mithrian chuckled, shaking his head in response. “We’ll rendezvous with your ship first then, before heading into the target area. I don’t know what we’ll find in those waters, so I hope they’ll be well-stocked on supplies.” He glanced back at his list, nodding in satisfaction as he gave it another quick read. Tucking it into his pocket, he motioned for Aorasia to follow and boarded the ship. “Feel free to look around if you’d like–I think you’ll find Varian’s Revenge to have suitable accommodations…although some might be a bit different from what you’re used to.”
With that, Mithrian grinned, popping a quick salute before jogging over to take his place behind the ship’s wheel. He signaled to the crew, prompting the sailors to begin scurrying busily about the deck as the ship’s bell pealed. "All aboard! Say goodbye to Stormwind, boys, we’ve got some ships to find!"
Despite it’s smaller size, the ship seemed to be well-equipped to comfortably support its passengers, as well as defend them from harm. The layout and equipment was typical of an Alliance military vessel, save for a couple of oddities. A wide passage lead directly from the upper decks to a small section of the hold built specifically to house a pair of gryphons–a bit smaller than average and more suited to carrying a single rider rather than passengers. Directly across from the gryphon stalls was some sort of strange metal gateway; large crystals socketed about the frame and what seemed to be a small generator at the base. Resting near the inert device were several crates marked FRAGILE, in addition to bales of straw and sacks of feed for the gryphons.
Kaledane finished sharpening his weaponry, polishing his shield by the time he heard the captain announce their departure.
putting everything back where it belongs on his person, including his helmet, he walks outside to stare at the port of Stormwind as they leave.
his hand hold his sword with a firm grip, Glaring now only at the ocean as Stormwind disappears from view.
with heavy footsteps, he begins walking around the boat, inspecting the vessels inner and outer parts.
“Almost seems like a military worthy vessel, least it serves the alliance mostly, i could care-less however, i am a man who prefers his boots on the ground, and his blade in hand.” he shrugs, he begins walking to a nearby railing, looking over rest of the crew.
getting a good look at the people he maybe working with. he heard a few of them sound gilnean, leaving him wonder if they are worgen or not, but he says nothing.
“Captain!” he shouts at Mithrian, “What is our destination, if i may ask.”
Lux smiled. “Nice. Thought so, but better t’be sure 'n all that. Met a decent few 'round Kul Tiras that sound kinda Gilnean, then some that sound like that, s’just a weird mix.” She dipped her head when she mentioned being an officer. “I dunno what to respond t’that with, without it soundin’ kinda strange, but.” She shrugged. “Thanks for that?”
Lux grinned, and shrugged. “Yeh, y’got me. Proud of myself that I found my way onto the ship without gettin’ lost, honestly.”
Lucille rolled her eyes. “That’s because you followed me onto it. You did make your way over here, though, so you get half-points at least. But yep. She’s Gilnean, and I’m Kul Tiran.” She peered at Loba for a few moments, grinning as he scratched himself, and added, “Your wolf is lovely, by the way.”
Tolbyas smirked. “I don’t like your insinuation. I have no real aim, just to see our mission through to success.” It seemed she was wary of him. Rightly so, he supposed. He was a stranger. Tolbyas sighed and turned to watch others depart for their own musings aboard the ship. He returned the gestures of greeting of those that walked by.
After watching a few moments, allowing the awkward atmosphere to seep into Ezari, Tolbyas leaned close. “Someone is interested in you, so I’ll have my eyes on you. See you around!” Tolbyas turned and left Ezari before she had a chance to respond.
The soldier he saw board had approached the captain, so Tolbyas did as well.
“Aye, I am curious as well.” Tolbyas said as he approached. “What part of the world do we start our search?” As he stood there, Tolbyas kept himself angled so he could observe Ezari through his peripheral vision.
“Tch.” Ezari didn’t respond. She wasn’t too keen on the man. Instead she changed her gaze back out onto the waters as she hoped he would leave. He did not, though. Not right away. And not without leaving her unsettled. He leaned in close to her.
“What?” Ezari glared at him, flustered, but he was already halfway across the deck before she could speak. Ezari watched him, her heart pounding in her chest. Whatever his purpose was, she would have to be careful of him.
Huulto smiled at the small Vulpera. Even among tauren, Huulto towered, and he would have been imposing, if not for his kindly expression. “Huulto. It is a pleasure to meet you, Runas. I have heard much of the Vulpera. You are an industrious and clever people.” He knelt down, offering his arm for Runas to perch upon. “I look forward to working with one for the first time.”
Huulto nodded his agreement with Tor’ghar. “As a sane, living creature, their foul plague unsettles me… as a druid, it infuriates me.” He replied in a quiet rumble.
At the captain’s call for departure, Myorga leaned against the ship to steady herself in case the departure was less than smooth.
Myorga nodded. She was used to people not knowing how to deal with someone being a part of the Gilnean army. Most just assumed that if she didn’t wear a uniform, she was a civilian. Rather, her duties required her to blend in as much as possible to avoid attracting too much attention. Telling her countrymen of her position was to afford them a sense of peace and security. She countered, “No, thank you–an army’s nothing without th’ fine upstandin’ citizens such as yourself t’ protect.”
Myorga smiled widely. “Why thank you”, she said as a moment of joy crossed her battle-scarred face. “But don’t say it around him too much. He’ll get full of himself pretty quick.” She looked down at Loba and ruffled his fur. “Won’t you? Won’t you? Who’s a good boy!”
Loba responded by happily panting and licking Myorga’s arms and hands repeatedly.
Myorga looks back up at the pair. “Well Lucile, Lux, it was nice making your acquaintance. I’ll be around.”
Lynara noticed movement near her. Her eyes spotted a rat nearby scrounging for a morsel of food. She simply sat and watched as the creature came closer and was soon near her. It sniffed at her and the moment it tried to take a bite her hand snatched it up. “Hello little one.” She said looking the rodent over. “Come to feed on the dead have you?” She looked at the rat impassively. She had to pity for the little thing that squirmed in her hands. She squeezed tighter on it’s body feeling it squirm harder in her grasp. It fought against her grasp, struggling for its very life. Her eyes narrowed and she took out her knife.
A few minutes later she sat with a perfectly cleaned out rodent skull and some dirty cloth. She took some sturdy string and looped it through the skull to make a necklace. “Well don’t you look so much better now.” She looked around and grabbed her bow. She placed the skull necklace in her pocket and went back above deck. Finding a railing near the front she leaned against it looking to the water.
Kalithos wandered about the deck until he made his way to the starboard side of the boat and took a glance of the view across the vast ocean. I hope alliance and horde alike who’ve gone missing from this crisis turn up safely…where do I even begin in this search? And I hope I brought with me enough medical supplies,Having Xinaria as my apprentice was a great help in that department I will say and I hope once this Hellish war finally ends,I can speak with her again and learn of her progress… He looked over the letter once more tucking it into his inner lab coat pocket before bringing out his pocket watch opening it to gaze at two photos,one side was a teenage version of himself with his older brother damalys,the other was a wedding photo of him and Rethandral which caused the doctor to smile. Even when far away…you always manage to find a way to lift my spirits,love. His thoughts about home and the case suddenly came to a cease noticing the interaction between a nightelf fellow and a Ren’dorei woman. He adjusted his glasses walking towards the area curiously “Wonder what all the fuss is about?” He then stopped seeing Tolbyas walk slightly away from her while listening for a potential location of where his search would begin once they had docked at their upcoming location.
Khalloy squealed with excitement. “C’mon, let’s go check the ship out.” She whispered into her bag. It was met with a non-committal groan from Glinda. With that she dashed off, trying to not get caught underfoot of any of the crewmen hard at work. Not out of respect for them, but mainly because being stepped on or yelled at would be bad for her.
She came upon a peculiar looking passage. Following it she came across some interesting sights. Gryphons and a metal gate powered by a generator. Near the device was some crates marked as Fragile. She crept closer, trying to not disturb the gryphons. She wasn’t overtly fond of flying, nor of the beasts that humans and dwarves rode. At least gnomish planes have stabilizers. A gryphon, however, does not.
Once at one of the crates she tried to pry it open to peek at what was inside.
Mithrian chuckled, shaking his head in response. “We’ll rendezvous with your ship first then, before heading into the target area. I don’t know what we’ll find in those waters, so I hope they’ll be well-stocked on supplies. Feel free to look around if you’d like–I think you’ll find Varian’s Revenge to have suitable accommodations…although some might be a bit different from what you’re used to.”
With that, Mithrian grinned, popping a quick salute before jogging over to take his place behind the ship’s wheel. "All aboard! Say goodbye to Stormwind, boys, we’ve got some ships to find!"
Aorasia waited along the railing for the Alliance captain to stir his crew into action to depart. It was still strange for her to be standing in the middle of Boralus without guards trying to clamp her in irons. For half a moment, she considered continuing her privateer contract after the war. But only for a moment, she scoffed at the notion. It sounded so incredibly boring to be a dog of the Alliance.
Once the ship was past the harbor, she turned to Mithrian. “So, afore I return t’ me ship, I be goin’ t’ needs t’ know wha’ th’ plan be on this wee excursion. Mainly wha’ ye wants me ‘n me crew doin’?”
When Huulto offered his arm Runas hopped on it, climbing up to perch on his shoulder. He was glad that the Horde was so accepting of him and his people, resolving himself to ensure that he made a good impression for the future of his kind. As the captain and the druid said their thoughts on the ‘plague’ stuff the Vulpera started to form a plan within his mind about ways to be rid of the gunk. Dropping it into the ocean would be simple enough, but to do so without being caught certainly added another layer of complexity to the plan. They didn’t have to sleep or eat, so sneaking in at a shift change was unlikely, and he couldn’t just happen upon a napping guard. A firebomb was certainly a bad idea on a ship - not to mention he didn’t even know if the stuff was even flammable! In truth Runas knew so little about this ‘plague’ that coming up with something to ruin it might make it stronger, or blow up the ship…
He placed a hand upon his chin as he pondered the problem, not noticing if he and Huulto were moving onto the ship as he remained upon the tauren’s shoulder. “Any ideas on what makes that gunk ineffective, Huulto? I’m afraid that I’m at a loss as to what to do with it. Other than trying to throw it overboard, that is.”
Runas waited until they were aboard the vessel and started looking at everything within sight. The vessel was certainly impressive, though he didn’t really have almost any idea what most of the things aboard were for. Rather than bothering anyone about the purposes, however, he decided to simply observe quietly.
Huulto pondered the question for a moment. He did not know of any way to render the plague inert, per se… but…
He handed the Vulpera a small pouch of ironvine seeds. “If you can slip these into the barrels, the plant will drink up the plague within, consuming it at the cost of its own life. And hopefully, by the time the Forsaken have realized what has happened, it will be far too late for them to reclaim so much as a drop of their beloved plague. The Forsaken are often roughshod in their construction, there should be gaps large enough for you to slip a seed between.” Huulto explained at length, before looking to the captain for his blessings in this endeavor.
Then he smiled wide as a flash of inspiration struck him. “In fact, would it not be… fortuitous, if these Forsaken were caught attempting to smuggle illegal materials aboard the ship…?” He said, before producing a tome… one Sylvanas had banned from Undercity, no less. A historical document regarding Lordaeron. “Of course, even such… esteemed members of the Horde are subject to the laws of their lands, yes? And it would be our solemn duty to mete out punishment in the absence of the Warchief’s enforcers…” Huulto chuckled wryly.
“The seas south of Kul’tiras is where we’ll begin our search,” called Mithrian in response to the questions, most of his attention focused on steering the ship out of Stormwind’s harbor. “Where the winds take us after that is hard to–it depends on what we find there. If I recall correctly though, there’s a small group of unexplored islands in those waters. I plan to check there for survivors, assuming we find nothing ahead of time, of course.”
“Sail alongside and keep watch for Horde, mostly, or anything else that looks amiss,” he replied. “I can post one of our gryphon riders to your ship for a time to help aid communication. But above all else, I’d prefer stealth to combat if we encounter hostiles. We need to know what we’re dealing with before we draw attention to ourselves.”
The crate was tightly sealed, but open easily enough via a locking slide-bolt on the side. Flipping the lid back would reveal several large, pristinely-cut crystals infused with arcane energy, very similar to those that power draenic tech. The size and shape seems to correspond with the empty sockets on the gateway and generator.