Ironmaw (IC--Closed RP)

Lore World's End Tavern: Role-play and Fan Fiction
42

Tor’ghar grinned as he felt the salt sea breeze on his face. Truly, there was no better life than testing his mettle against the elements; challenging the sea time and again and returning time and again…though never cockily. The elements never failed to punish those who failed to give the proper respect; the sea was certainly no exception.

“I like the way you think, tauren,” he replied with a widening grin. “If you can plant the evidence without getting caught and report it to the brig guards, they’ll take care of the rest.”

Once clear of the harbor, Tor’ghar brought his warhorn to his lips once more, blowing three short blasts. "Farseers! We are clear of the harbor! Pray to the winds to speed us on our journey!"

A trio of orcs and a troll sprang into action, circling behind the main sails and laying down totems. They began to chant–the gentle breeze quickly developing into a strong wind and filling out the sails, speeding the Horde vessel along.

43

Both nodded farewells. “Cya 'round,” Lux said, already turning off to begin wandering further. “Think we’re startin’ to sail off, now, too.” She looked around, and leaned closer to Lucille to whisper, “Soo… you’re, uh… you’re sure you’re sure that y’brought the herbs?”

Lucille nodded. “Sure I’m sure I’m sure.” She clicked her tongue afterward in pleasure. Usually she hardly got through the first ‘sure’ before getting twisted. “I brought more than enough to accommodate for your terrible stomach.” She snickered, patted Lux’s shoulder, and brushed past her. “C’mon. Exploring more should help if the seasickness sets in. It’ll take your mind off of it. That or make it worse. We’ll see when we get there.”

She only sighed. “Awesome. You’re so bloody helpful, y’know.” After a moment of frowning in disappointment at Lucille, she turned away. “So then, what’s that thing?” She didn’t indicate what it was, just started walking towards it was while Lucille started explaining.

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44

Ezari stared out at the sea as the ship set sail. She let out a long sigh and closed her eyes. Her hands rubbed up and down on her arms as the pinpricks of pain continued to come and surge. Any observing her might notice the box she was sitting on started to look as if it was growing twigs. A side effect of Ezari trying to use her innate magic to hold her body together.

She needed a target.

Ezari glanced around and spotted the man that had accosted her earlier. Perhaps he could fall prey to her magics. He didn’t seem to align with the Light. She would be doing the world a favor by dispatching him. No. Ezari shook her head. No. Mildly inconvenience him, not kill him. She cupped her head in her hands for a few moments.

Ezari lifted her head from her hands and reoriented herself to the ship. She spied the man, Tolbyas, up against the wall near a passage. Perhaps she could… perhaps she could… No.

Ezari winced as she stood up from the crate. She looked over the side of the ship and saw a pod of some sort of fish thing following the sides of the ship. Perfect. The observant would notice a dark aura coat her briefly as she lashed out at the pod of tideskippers. The once jovial mammals slowed their swim and broke from the boat. They all seem to be in mild pain.

Ezari smiled as the pain in her body ebbed somewhat. Not enough to entirely shift her balance, but enough to tide her over. She turned and walked by Tolbyas, opting to take a path to the below deck cabins.

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45

Tolbyas smiled at the answer. It made sense to start in the contested territory. At least there was some level of a plan. He saw Ezari shift out of the corner of his eye. What was she doing? He wandered towards the passage to the gryphons and leaned against the wall, Ezari in his periphery again. She seemed to be under considerable strain, and the wood of the crate under her seemed to be blossoming? A small stem spurted out on one of the planks and had leafed.

He smirked. Kersia’s suspicions were probably correct. She seems to be a red of sorts and related to Xinaria perhaps. But what was she doing here and now?

Tolbyas watched Ezari’s display. What was she doing and what was that small wave of shadow energy that washed over her and jumped off the ship to the waters below. There wasn’t anywhere for Ezari to go, so Tolbyas broke from his post and made his way to the side of the ship. In the distance, he saw the tideskippers swimming erratically. Odd.

Tolbyas scowled and pulled out Kersia’s notebook. He sat on the same crate Ezari had and began to catalog his observations before he forgot.

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46

“OOh, I wonder what these do?!” It took her a few moments to put two and two together. Sliding some of the crystals into the generator and into the sockets that she could reach on the gateway, she took some steps back.

Hopefully something exciting would happen.

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47

Runas took the pouch and hid them in one of his pockets. He made a mental note of which one and what was suggested to do with the seeds - though he didn’t know how some seeds were supposed to do everything the tauren claimed. Must be a druid thing, he concluded after a moment. “I don’t know much about their laws,” he began as Huulto pulled out a book, “but from the sound of things that gunk is bad news for everyone. I’ll see what can be done.”

As the captain went about his business getting the ship going Runas hopped down from Huulto’s shoulder and started to investigate the ship. Seeing the angry elf again near the railing he made certain to give her a wide berth. She looked too much like the dead ones for him to trust.

The Vulpera made his way around the ship quietly as he mostly stuck to the shadows. In the belly of the ship he found a locked trapdoor and caught a whiff of the terrible stink from within. His face distorted in horror at the thought of what kind of foul substance could possibly be used for as he looked around, making certain none of the Dead Ones were watching as he examined the lock. It looked to be a fairly simple creation - easy enough to get through when the time was right.

Leaving the depths of the ship Runas continued looking around curiously. Knowing where you are and what is around you could be the difference between life and an early grave, and the Vulpera were smart enough to try and plan ahead to save their own skin.

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48

Raiku had been hanging out alongside the railing trying to stay out of the way of the crew. He hadn’t expected ships to be… boring.

You are just being grumpy. Kawisa countered. Ships are a fascinating way to get around.

So was flying. I trusted my wings far more than this hollow tree slapped together and thrown on the water. Raiku replied to his soul partner with his usual annoyance.

Surely there is something during this voyage that you find interest in. Kawisa question.

Raiku started to form a response that there was not, but then he remembered the other void elf that he saw when he came aboard. Something about her was familiar to him, but he couldn’t quite place it.

Well, then go talk to her. You are never going to find your answer staring the other direction. Kawisa chided.

Raiku looked around for a moment and he found her half from spotting her across the ship, and half from sensing the void energies radiating out from her. No, once again it was not her void essence that he noticed, it was something deeper that was only distorted by the clash of void and light within her.

Prehaps Kawisa’s thirst for knowledge was rubbing off on him, but he wanted to know more about her. He started to walk over to her when she made her way below deck. He had enough watching the ocean for the day anyway.

He saw her in the hallway and called out to her. “Hey you!”

Come on Raiku! I know the Twisting Nether doesn’t have much in the way of manners, but you still address a lady with respect. Kawisa chastised the netherdrake.

“Er… I mean, pardon me.” Raiku said in a softer tone. He was starting to remember why he avoided the whole ‘social’ thing.

Too late now~ Kawisa teased. Raiku mentally growled at the elf, which had the same lack of effectiveness it normally did.

“You possess a quality I am fascinated with, but not familiar with. I wanted to ask about it.” He explained if she stopped to listen to him.

49

Myorga toured the ship with Loba close at her side. The gryphons and crates by the strange machine caught her eye, but only for a moment. Strange technology wasn’t really her forte and she decided very quickly not to venture too close in case the gryphons were guarding it. While she certainly didn’t fear the gryphons, she knew she wouldn’t be able to quiet one down quickly enough to investigate the machinery. By the time she got this far in her thought process, she’d already lost interest in the crates and machinery. The gryphons would have to wait. She did however make a note of how many crates there were and how they were arranged in case someone on board tampered with them.

She continued touring the ship. Satisfied with its sea-worthiness, she headed back up to the top deck. A soldier, a human by the looks of him, stood by the railing and watched the crew and other adventurers intently. He seemed to be looking for something…or someone. With a spring in her step, she sprinted up the stairs to the deck and thought about how to introduce herself.

Myorga saw this as her chance. She nonchalantly walked over to the rail beside the soldier and waited a second before turning to him and saying, “I’m wondering th’ same thing, m’self, actually.”

“Well, well, back to Kul Tiras again”, she mused. She introduced herself. “By th’ by, I’m Myorga Gladstone, Cap’n o’ th’ Gilneas Imperial Army, and you are?”

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50

He gave a silent nod at the captain, understanding most of the details he was given, he looks around, spotting another elf, specially one that looks more like a quel’dorei but with a argent tabard on…

curious at why such a individual is here in the first place, but his thoughts were interrupted when someone came near him and introduced themselves.

hearing the rank, he instinctively he stood into a saluting position, “Knight Sergeant Kaledane Ashton from Darkshire’s own military group, reporting for Duty Captain Gladstone.” once done he stands at an ease position.

but than he catches himself doing this an clears his throat, “Old habits, but can i can do for you captain?” he says quietly, trying to hide the fact that he was slightly embarrassed.

51

Ezari had walked passed Tolbyas and down to below decks. She had just started down the hall to find herself a private room when a voice sounded behind her. Ezari stopped but did not turn. Instead, she evaluated the spaces in front of her. To her immediate left was an open cabin. Good, a place to retreat if needed.

Ezari turned as the man continued to approach. Her eyes widened for a moment. The body was similar to her own void twisted elfin shape, yet there appeared to be twice the normal life forms within. She hadn’t noticed such an oddity before, as distracted as she was over her own pains.

The man mentioned a quality of hers that he was interested in some quality of hers. Ezari looked puzzled for a moment, unsure what to do. What was this man’s motive? Did he seek her harm? A thought crossed Ezari’s mind, as she considered his own unique aura.

“You wish to speak on matters best behind doors. Follow, and mayhap I give you some answers.” Ezari turned and walked into the empty cabin. Should the man follow she would shut the door after him.

52

Raiku stepped within the room and waited as Ezari closed the door.

Oooo, already alone in a room with her. Well played my drake friend. Kawisa jabbed at him.

Kawisa, I swear to the Void, when I no longer need your body, I will kill you. Raiku threatened.

Sure, I’ll add it to the four thousand other similar threats you’ve given me. Kawisa chided, not at all intimidated. Raiku rolled his eyes and looked back at Ezari.

“So beyond the Light and Void warring within you, I can sense a third powerful force. I seems both familiar and completely foreign. What is it?” Raiku asked.

53

Tolbyas relaxed and tucked the journal back in his pack. Ezari was definitely worth watching, whatever she was. She was below decks now, probably tucked safely in a cabin.

Tolbyas looked around the deck and noticed the change in bodies. Of note, there was now a blood elf who was not void reborn. He looked familiar, but not familiar enough. Tolbyas approached him.

“Ahoy there!” Tolbyas waved at the man. “A little far from home, aren’t you?”

54

“I could ask you similar.” Ezari moved away from the man and sat on the bed. Distance for spellweaving, if needed. She looked him up and down, a finger pressed to her lips. Her skin seared in pain as a symbol of the Light appeared between them on the floor, as well as the door.

“Soul eater, perhaps? Why else would I-” Ezari’s voice was strained as the Light tore at her from within. “Why else would you carry two orbs of life within!?” The draconic energy holding Ezari’s being was more pronounced in this state.

Ezari stood suddenly and took a step towards the man. “Such depravity is against the very laws of Life!”

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55

Raiku took a reflexive step back as the power of the Light burned against his Void infused formed. He then growled as he realized that Ezari intended to attack. He called on the energies of the Nether and the void as he started forming a orb of shadowy fire in his hands. “Now look here you little bi-”

He suddenly cut off mid sentence. The energies that he was forming disappated. But more than that, his entire demeanor changed. The scrowl of anger left his face and his posture was more relaxed. Someone able to see the minute details of the soul might notice a shift between the two souls within the body. “My apoligies for my companion’s rash nature.” He winced as the presence of the Light was still painful. “I assume you that we are no Soul Eater. If you would like to end your spell I can explain.” Kawisa stated to Ezuri. In his mind he could hear Raiku screaming profanities at him and Ezari, but the elf tuned him out.

He had a suspicion what the energy Raiku was curious about was. Raiku had never really encountered another Dragonkin so it was likely he was not familiar with their aura, but given that he was a Netherdrake and with how much empathsis Ezari put on ‘Life’, he suspected she was a dragon of the Red Dragonflight.

56

“Please, just call me Myorga”, she insisted, “Or Myo for short. I will also answer to Miss Gladstone. No need for formalities out here on the sea.” She smiled at the soldier in front of her and remembered a time when she, too, would have spouted every official word and phrase she could to gain the favor of her peers.

“As for what you can do for me”, she pondered, “I don’t know. I just wanted to meet everyone aboard and you were next.” She gave a slight smile and a thousand yard stare into the water in the distance. “If there’s nothing you care to ask me immediately, I see another person I would like to meet.” She waited for his response to see if she should step away or stick around to talk to Kaledane.

57

Lux flopped onto the ground of the upmost deck with a long sigh. ‘…I regret this." She turned onto her side with a groan. "Nothin’ t’do now."

Lucille just sat down next to her and patted her shoulder. “I told you to bring a book or something before we left, you know. I remember that being something I mentioned.” She eyed her friend for a moment, before shifting slightly. “…Besides, you’re a mage. You could just make something to play with.”

Lux sat up. “Yer completely right. Riiiight… hum…” She squinted, and looked around. “Ooo. Y’wanna see if we can trick sum people usin’ illusions? S’always fun to do.”

“Lux, I didn’t mean-” She didn’t even get the question out before Lux shushed her with a fervently wagging finger.

“Ah, ah, ah. You’re the one who brought it up. Wotever happens is your fault. I’m just the poor soul who got tricked in’o it. Riiiight… le’see here… ooo, we should go with a rat. Rats’re funny.” While Lucille sighed and muttered something to the Tides, Lux went to work creating the illusion.

Soon enough, a small rat sat in her lap. “There we go,” Lux announced, smiling. “Imma name 'em Rudy. Y’ready, Rudy?” Rudy gave a noncommittal ear flick. “I’ll take it as a yes. Go get 'em, tiger! …Rat.”

Rudy went off, down the stairs to find someone to spook while Lux and Lucille watched from where they sat. Lucille kept her hand firmly placed on her forehead. “…I’m feeding you to Rudy if you get us into any trouble.”

“Aw, c’mon. Think y’already threatened me about that. Gotta keep the material somewhat fresh.”

58

Ezari narrowed her eyes as the forces of life shifted within the man. She ended the spell covering the floor but left the one on the door. Not until she had true answers. She returned to sitting on the bed and regarded the man again.

“Explain away and let the Light pass judgment on you,” Ezari spoke with a scowl on her face. Her hands rubbed her arms to try and stifle her internal pain. Within she hoped for a nefarious explanation. A reason to lash out and shift her internal power struggle.

59

Kawisa breathed a sign of relief as the pain from the Light spell faded.

I still would have preferred to blast her. Raiku pouted.

And take half the ship with you? The elf mentally countered. When was the last time you went swimming?

… Can you stop being right? The drake said before falling silent.

Kawisa turned back towards Ezari. “You are correct, we are a being of two souls. I am Kawisa Duskreaver. Formerly a scholar of Silvermoon, until my research into the Twisting Nether and the Void was deemed too dangerous and I was exiled. My short-tempered companion is Raiku of the Void. He is a netherdrake who was born within the chaos of the Twisting Nether until I enlisted him into my service and pulled him from the Void.”

Is there any secrets you are not going to tell her? Raiku huffed.

I could say that you enjoyed being scratched under your chin. The elf could feel the drake’s animosity, but Raiku didn’t deny the statement.

“The reason that we are bound together like this is because I botched a soul capture spell. Raiku was defeated by a demon that attacked my lab and was about to have his soul consumed. I tried to bind his soul into a soul gem, but I have only… novice ability with practical application of what I’ve learned from the Nether. The resulting spell did save Raiku’s soul from the demon, but it also bound my soul to his as well.” He explained, a little too happy to share the story.

“Does the answer satisfy you?” He asked before continuing with his own musings. “I am curious how a Red Dragon managed to be infused with the Void. I assume that is what Raiku is sensing anyway. I’ve been told dragons have the ability to sense each other, but he has never met another dragon, at least not that we know of.”

60

Ezari glared at his words. Was it the truth? She scowled at her uncertainty. It did explain the peculiar state the pair was in, and the shift in souls and auras. It also explained why they followed her, though she loathed their deductions.

Ezari folded forward slightly from the pain of the light. As the pain ebbed for a moment, Ezari looked at the man with a fierce glare. “My current state is the result of misfortune.” Her voice was tight as she spoke, her mind focused on keeping her light down. As the pain rampaged, Ezari finally released the spell on the door.

Ezari let out a long exhale as she looked the man over. He shared many a secret, so she decided to sate their curiosity. “I was cast into the nether during my imprisonment. I floated helplessly for what felt like ages; my only solace was the Light. I once scoffed at my friend for his love of it, yet in that instance, it brought me great comfort. Eventually, I saw your exiled elves; and I sought company for the first time in ages. I was tempted into the voices to leave my horrible prison finally. Thus was I twisted as they.”

Ezari sat back on the bed. “Though it pains me greatly, the Light keeps the voices at bay. I owe my life to its glory.” She looked at Kawisa and opened her arms, a dark smile on her face. “You too should seek solace in the Light’s warm embrace. The pain is punishment for the sin of the void, the warmth a blessing to block out the void’s whispers.”

61

Kalithos looked over to Tolbyas and gave a cordial greeting “Not at all,I go where there are patients in need of medicine,faction does not matter to me.” He flashed his Argent Crusade crest “I’m Dr. Kalithos Sunfall,who might you be?” He queried before extending a hand politely. “My intent is to help solve this crisis that seems to be occuring and hopefully bring any survivors back on the mend and safely reunited with their loved ones.” He looked over the view of the ocean “I’m not sure what’s plaguing the situation but I can at least say the feeling is rather ominous.”

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