Ironmaw (IC--Closed RP)

Lore World's End Tavern: Role-play and Fan Fiction
62

The crew of the Bloodhowl soon settled in for the voyage as the ship passed into open waters; the land behind slowly fading away to nothing. The majority of the crew were above deck, climbing about on the masts’ netting as they made adjustments to the sails or cleaning more conspicuous areas of the vessel. Below deck, the off-duty sailors slumbered in their bunks or passed the time with playing cards and dice.

The Forsaken remained in the deep underbelly, securing the last of the blight for the voyage or toying with the alchemy station within the hold. Eventually, the apothecary departed for one of the upper levels, one of his assistants following along behind. With their overseer gone, the other two Forsaken idled in front of the underbelly’s hatch for a few minutes before slipping away to join the dice game with the other sailors, thus leaving the blight unattended for the time being.

“Greetings, dark one,” the apothecary said, tipping a respectful bow to Lynara though regarding her with some reservation. “And what brings a favored of our Queen to this humble vessel, hmm? I apologize for not being more welcoming earlier, but it seems that oaf of a captain has overlooked more than a few things.”

Meanwhile, up in the crow’s nest, a lanky Darkspear was engaged in debate with a goblin, both peering through spyglasses and gesturing towards the rear of the ship. There didn’t appear to be much out there, save for the ripples left by the ship’s wake and small splashes of white in the distance from some sort of sea life.

After several minutes, the troll clambered down to the deck, jogging over to tug on Huulto’s shoulder. “‘Ey mon, you be a druid, ya? I tink dere be something following us–something with bad mojo–but Pockets up dere not be too sure. Can ya do a mon a favah an’ fly out dere close enough ta have a look?”

63

The crystals clicked easily into place, glowing softly as the device came to life with a low hum. Small lines of dim light lit up the frame–all connecting back to a small control panel consisting of a simple keyboard, holographic display, and a big red button shielded by a glass box. There was some text on the display that seemed to be a readout of data from the machine, as well as a crude image of Stormwind.

Aside from the lights and mechanical hum, the machine didn’t actually appear to be actively doing anything, though the gnome’s actions drew a curious SQUAWK from a bored gryphon.

A knock sounded on the door to the room currently occupied by Raiku-Kawisa and Ezari. “Caliper Boltshear, you’d better not be in there digging into my private stash of Mechanics Weekly again, or so help me you’ll be the test subject next time I have to recalibrate the portal!” sounded a rather indignant female gnomish voice.

The ship’s momentum began to slow as another vessel appeared on the horizon. A bell clanged to alert the crew of the Varian’s Revenge, though it was the calm sound of meeting an allied ship or docking at a friendly port rather than a call to arms.

Mithrian passed control of the ship’s wheel to the high elven first mate, before searching for Aorasia. Once he located the pandaren, he offered a friendly wave as he gave her the news. “Oi, captain! We’re in sight of your ship and should be able to rendezvous shortly. Shall I send one of our gryphons ahead with a message?”

64

Lynara relaxed slightly at the sight of the apothecary. “Horde fishing vessels are going missing. The Banshee Queen has a vested interest in seeing that our valuable ships are found or the cause is stopped.” She thought for a moment. “I would agree with that statement. It is good to see another forsaken here. The other races of the horde are a bit… apprehensive of me.” She looked back out over the water. It hadn’t been long after being raised that she had been trained as a dark ranger. It was natural for them to be suspicious she supposed. All she heard from her people was how they would ‘free her from her torment’. She was dead to them and she despised them for it.

65

“Ominos indeed.” Tolbyas smiled at the man. He was still wary of the sin’dorei, but more because he could not place where he knew him from. He filed the thought and looked out at the sea. “Seem’s we’ve found one ship.” Tolbyas chuckled.

Tolbyas bowed a farewell at the doctor. “I am going to find our captain.” He spun and wandered across the ship, seeking the captain. He found him addressing the pandaren woman. A few things clicked in Tolbyas’s head. He remembered the pandaren mentioning her own ship.

“I assume we are approaching the pandaren’s ship?” Tolbyas stood before the pair. “Sorry, I was curious. Thought our mission was already over.”

66

A loud squawk roused Bryah from her slumber. She sat up and looked around her. A smile crossed her lips as she spotted the ship on the horizon. “Good work Blaze.” Her hand ran over the dragonhawk’s feathers, then drew it back to search in her bags for some food to give the exhausted creature. Her hand landed on an apple and she smiled as she drew it out of her pack. She leaned forward to feed it to him and giggled as he gave an appreciative squawk. “I know it’s not much, but I’ll give you more when we get to that ship. That’s where we are going, so you’ll be able to rest there. I just hope they don’t mistake us for pirates.”

The apple helped the exhausted dragnhawk gain a burst of speed and within an hour, he was gliding in to hover just above the deck of the ship. Bryah jumped off and handed the reins to a nearby deck hand. “I’ll give you ten gold if you make sure he has food, water and a safe place to sleep. The poor thing has flown here from Orgrimmar and he’s in dire need of a rest.” She held out ten gold coins to the orc who swiftly pocketed them and led Blaze to an upper portion of the deck where a few other flying creatures rested.

Satisfied that Blaze would be looked after, she grabbed another deckhand by the arm and asked him where she could find the captain’s quarters. The male pointed to a ramp that led below deck. She followed it and found the room she was looking for. She made sure Scarlet was secure on her shoulder, then knocked. A gruff voice shouted for her to enter.

Bryah entered the room and suppressed a shudder as she looked around the room. The captain was not someone to trifle with. She saluted then got to the point. “Captain Ragefang. I’m Ranger Bryah Starstrider of the Silvermoon City Guard. I’d like to join your expedition. I would have joined your ship when it left Orgrimmar, but my superiors took their time to grant my request for leave to help search for the missing supplies. I’m a tracker and a sniper and as well as the bird on my shoulder, I have a dragonhawk that is resting upstairs.”

She stood and waited for the captain to speak, well aware that he could insist on her leaving his ship if he wished.

67

When Kaledane didn’t reply, Myorga took that as an indication that he had no questions for her. She made her way across the deck to meet the curious raven-haired elf on board the ship. She walked towards the elf, with her wolf close on her heels. Her wolf seemed to be enjoying the sea air and was taking quite nicely to the attention he was getting from the other passengers.

A stiff breeze blew her hair into her face a little bit and the ship suddenly slowed. At first she thought it was because of the changing wind, but then the bell clanged lazily to indicate the sighting of another ship. Curious, she looked out over the sea. Another ship drifted in the water. They’re waiting for us a voice came from within her mind and as if the captain had read her mind, he called out

So it was the pandaren’s ship.

Myorga left the deck railing and turned her attention back to the elf and was surprised to see a night elf had already engaged him in conversation.

He’s a doctor…interesting… came the ominous voice inside her. She mentally told the voice to be quiet and waited for it to pipe up again, but it did not. She turned her attention to the elf pair, but the night elf was leaving and heading in the direction of the ship’s captain.

Myorga thought about whether or not to introduce herself to the doctor. One one hand, he appeared to be friendly enough, but on the other hand, he was a blood elf and she had no idea of how to introduce herself.

68

Kaledane was about to respond too the gilnean captain but stopped when he heard, he turned too the captain of the vessel, hearing what he had too say.

“A pandaren vessel” he mutters to himself, not really too sure about them, he had no clear idea on them, mostly because they stay neutral in such affairs.

he grabbed his blade in preparation just in case things might get rough, he looks around the vessel to get a view of what the crew might be considering.

He gazed at the one who called himself a doctor, merely glared at him for a few seconds, mostly for his small distaste for paladins, but he turned to the captain of the vessel, he went to approach him.

Seeing As the night elf from earlier is already there asking questions about the situation, he merely stays where he’s at right now, going back to leaning on the railing of the vessel.

“Feel out of place here.” he mutters to himself as he looks once more.

71

Rudy the mouse continued on his mission. So far, he had braved the dangers of the stairs to the main deck. Now it was just a case of finding the person to spook. Such was his purpose in this strange life of his. …That just started a surprisingly short time ago.

After a brief moment of contemplating this realization, he started off again. Finally spotting his target to spook, a rather promising looking Kaledane, he quickened his pace over. Of course, being a tiny arcane-made mouse, it wasn’t exactly quick.

From where Lux and Lucille sat, Lux grinned. “Ooo, he’s goin’ over t’Tommy!” Lux, stifling another giggle, shifted to watch what happened with a closer eye.

72

Khalloy’s excitement towards what would happen quickly dissipated as the city of Stormwind faded into view. As pretty as the magic made it seem to be, a portal to the human capital was rather uninteresting. Taking out the crystals and putting them back nicely into their box, she sighed. Paying no more mind to the gryphons, she walked past them back out of the room.

She headed towards the main deck, bumping into a handful of people along the way, but trudging onward without a care. Once back on the main deck she came back towards the mast she was at earlier and tossed her bag towards it. The bag let out a low sigh as it slid down. She slumped down beside it.

“Had to be to Stormwind. I guess I should’ve expected.” It didn’t occur to her that she might’ve been able to mess with it to produce a different result. “Oh well!” She perked back up. “At least I got you for company.” She pulled the chicken out of the bag.

"Would you please not throw me. " The chicken asked indignantly. “I don’t rather like being tossed about as if i’m nothing more than a paperweight.”

“I’ll try to remember next time.” Khalloy promised the mechanical bird.

She never remembers. Glinda thought, recalling such previous occasions where she was thrown against her will towards walls or other objects.

73

Aorasia was leaning over the railing of the ship watching the waves pass by. Well, mainly she was cursing her lack of a good brew on this ship. It was a welcome relief when she heard the ‘ship sighted’ alert. It wasn’t much longer until she saw the jade green prow of the Kuraokami resting on the waters of the sea before her. The elven captain left the helm and made his way towards her. She stood up and turned towards him.

“Oi, captain! We’re in sight of your ship and should be able to rendezvous shortly. Shall I send one of our gryphons ahead with a message?”

“No needs fer that unless ye needs me crew t’ do anythin’ other than follow yer bearin’. We can station one o’ yer pets aboard th’ Kuraokami once we arrive closer.” She replied.

“I assume we are approaching the pandaren’s ship? Sorry, I was curious. Thought our mission was already over.”

“Aye, but I be nah that lucky. That be me Kuraokami restin’ on th’ waters thar. Best damn vessel t’ ever leave port.” She boasted. She turned back to Mithriann. “Now that we ‘ave reached me vessel, wha’ be th’ headin’ fer th’ ship disappearances? I imagine we nah be thar yet or ye crew would be more on alert.”

74

In a rare moment of total agreement, both Kawisa and Raiku managed to laugh at Ezari’s insistence that they needed the Light. Kawisa quickly realized how rude such a response would be and calmed himself. “Please forgive me, but I’ve experienced the ‘embrace’ of the Light and found it to be suffocating. I under-”

Before he had a chance to say much more there was a knock on the door.

“Caliper Boltshear, you’d better not be in there digging into my private stash of Mechanics Weekly again, or so help me you’ll be the test subject next time I have to recalibrate the portal!”

Kawisa sighed. “It seems that this room has already been claimed by the crew.” He stated to Ezari before standing up and opening the door to look at the gnome. "My apoligies. I was just having a conversation with Miss Ezari here. I did not realize the room was already claimed.

He turned back to Ezari. “I would certainly love to continue our discussion once we find a less disturbed location. There are more truths in the world than the one of the Light. Try to keep a more open mind.” He said stepping out into the hallway.

1 Like
75

Runas made a note about some of the more interesting crew members while the ship continued on its route towards the open sea - specifically the dead ones who he was needing to bypass to get rid of the nasty plague gunk. Fortunately there only seemed to be the trio of them, though the elf lady carried the same stench of death upon her. But she was on the deck now… and what was this? One of the dead persons was talking to her!

The Vulpera took it as a sign and descended into the depths of the ship once again to make his way back to the locked hatch. The belly of the ship was fairly poorly lit so the shadows were plentiful for him to sneak through. After a few minutes he came upon the hatch - with no guards! He guessed no one else would be so willing to venture into such a dismal place as he snuck up and began working the lock open.

As he’d guessed the lock popped open after just a few moments and Runas moved to slip inside before anyone could show up to catch him. He examined the barrels for any opening or leak to slip a seed inside from the pouch Huulto gave to him earlier.

77

Ezari narrowed her eyes as Kawisa laughed and spoke. How dare they balk in front of the Light? How dare they!?

A wave of anger bubbled in Ezari’s chest as she glared at the man. Slowly, Ezari stood from the bed. Stop the pain. Pain. The Light isn’t within them. Burn them with the-

A knock and cry outside startled Ezari and she pulled her arms to her chest. She chewed her lips and rubbed her forearms. She shifted her eyes off Kawisa and to the floor.

Ezari frowned. “Only the Light offers me solace,” she snarled as she went to move passed him. “I have no further truths for you.”

78

Mithrian chuckled, shaking his head in response to Tolbyas. “We could only be so lucky. No, I’m afraid it’s just beginning, though with Captain Aorasia’s vessel aiding us, it will hopefully be over much faster.”

“The waters to the southwest–I can show you on the charts if you’d like, as well as anyone else who happens to be interested. As for my crew…I can assure you they’re much more alert than they appear.”

It was at that time a rather rotund goggled gnome male scurried up from the hold, waving wildly to get the quel’dorei’s attention and nearly out of breath as he exclaimed, “Captain! Captain! We’ve got big problems below deck!”

Mithrian sighed, burying his face in a palm for a moment. “What is it now, Boltshear?”

“The portal! Someone’s turned the portal on!”

The elvish captain frowned. “Is it on fire?”

“No.”

“Are the coordinates set somewhere other than Stormwind?”

“No…”

“Did you consider turning it off? Perhaps it simply got left on by accident.”

“Well…no…I suppose I’ll go do that…”

Mithrian rolled his eyes, shaking his head as the gnome, Boltshear, scampered back below decks. It would seem the crew needed reminding of the proper protocol about the sensitive equipment on board, though that sort of briefing could come later. For now, there were other concerns.

“Right then. Unless you’ve special orders to give your ship, I’ll have the signalman run up the appropriate flags so they know to follow us for the time being.”

The female gnome blinked in surprise, gawking at the couple for perhaps longer than was appropriate before regaining her composure. “Oh…'scuse me, wasn’t trying to intrude on anything private. Uh…” She squinted, taking better note of Ezari’s expression as she shot a brief side-eye at Raiku.

“Miss, is this guy bothering you? Do I need to go get my poultry-rizer out of the arms locker?” the gnome continued, sounding more excited about the prospects of an impromptu test subject than about actually keeping the peace.

1 Like
79

“The others of the Horde are simply blind to our Queen’s majesty,” the apothecary rasped with a rictus grin, slithering over to her side while retaining a respectful bit of space between. “Though they will come around with time…one way or another.”

He fell silent a moment, narrowing his eyes as he watched the crew carry out their duties. Lowering his voice, he leaned over to whisper, “I would keep an eye on the captain though. I’m not convinced his loyalties lie in the interests of the Dark Lady.”

Tor’ghar grumbled crossly under his breath as he gave permission to enter. By the Doomhammer, he’d retreated to his quarters for some time to think after getting the ship underway, not be pestered by clueless crewmembers! His expression quickly changed though as he looked up–the blood elf standing before him no mere crewmember but rather a straggling mercenary.

He stared for a moment, rather surprised that she had managed to catch up with the ship, before regaining his bearings. “I see…welcome aboard ranger. Your skills will be much appreciated in the days to come, I’m sure. I will assume that your superiors briefed you on the nature of our mission, though if you have further questions I’ll answer what I can.”

The barrels seemed to be sturdily built, with thick bands of iron reinforcing the stout wood planks. There didn’t seem to be any leaks, though there did seem to be some sort of openings on top of the barrels–metal caps preventing the foul liquid inside from escaping. The strong scent of pitch mixed with stale seawater permeated the air in the hold, with subtle undertones of a harsher chemical smell tainting it further.

80

Huulto sat silently, surrounded by a tiny patch of verdance that had sprung up as he began to meditate near the center of the ship. Interestingly, one of the plants that had grown around him was a small citrus tree, some oranges hanging from its boughs. The old druid’s plants hadn’t hurt the ship’s planks in any way, though, they were not widespread enough for any such effects to truly matter.

He opened one eye as he heard a crewman pluck an orange from the miniature citrus tree. The troll noticed he was being watched, and gave a sheepish grin, about to offer some excuse, when Huulto just smiled and nodded. “You’ve done no wrong here, young man.” The tauren assured. The troll bowed gratefully, before hurrying back to his duties. Huulto turned his one-eyed gaze to the Forsaken watching the crew, and by extension him, and frowned. The old bull didn’t like the Forsaken, and it was much to do with how vile they acted… how little value they assigned to life, how reprehensible their ideologies.

Huulto had not forgotten the Wrathgate. And their love for blight and plague ensured he never would. If he found a Forsaken that valued life, if he found another Torian, he’d treasure that meeting his whole life. Experience taught him that such an event was as likely as Mu’sha and An’she in the same sky for any reason other than an eclipse. That is to say, next to impossible.

1 Like
81

“I see…welcome aboard ranger. Your skills will be much appreciated in the days to come, I’m sure. I will assume that your superiors briefed you on the nature of our mission, though if you have further questions I’ll answer what I can.”

Bryah shook her head with a smile. “At the moment, I just need a cabin and a chance to walk around the ship a bit. If there’s anything else I need to know, I’ll ask. But for now, I’ve taken up enough of your time.” She gave him a salute, then left the captain in peace.

Once on the main deck, she went to check on her dragonhawk. Blaze was hovering in the air, just above the deck, his eyes closed in sleep. Bryah ran her fingers over fingers and smiled as she felt his full belly. The dragonhawk had used a lot of energy to get her to the ship. He needed that food and rest to recharge. With a bit of luck, he should be back to his full strength in a couple of days.

Satisfied that Blaze was well looked after, Bryah moved to wander the ship, familiarising herself with it and getting to know its crew. As she did, she kept an eye out for the other passengers, looking for a night elven dark ranger.

She had almost given up hope that the dark ranger was on board when she spotted someone that fit the description she had been given, talking to an apothecary. She pulled a sealed envelope from a pouch attached to her belt and approached the pair. At a natural break in the conversation, she interrupted, ignoring the apothecary. “Excuse me. Captain Lynara Leafblade? I have a letter for you.” She handed the envelope to the dark ranger and stepped back. “If you have any questions about its contents, I will answer them later. For now though, I have intruded enough.”

Bryah turned and walked away from the pair, leaving them to finish their conversation. She made her way to the side of the ship and allowed her companion to fly free. A smile came to her face as she watched the bird play in the air currents for a while before diving towards the ocean. He came up with a fish in his talons and flew back to the ship, landing beside Bryah and tearing into the fish.

82

“We will see. Time reveals all.” She replied. She paused looking over the crew for a moment. Mainly orcs and trolls. Not long ago she would be killing them. She didn’t particularly consider herself on their side in the truest sense. They might turn on her any time and come up with an excuse. That was a risk of course but she knew the alternative.

She watched as a blood elf approached her. Lynara was a bit less concerned of their kind.

Her eyes widened for a moment before narrowing. Her entire body had tensed as this elf spoke her full name and rank from when she was alive. “How…” She began before looking at the letter the elf had handed her. “I must go.” She said to the apothecary. “If she came all the way out here to hand deliver a letter it must be of importance.” She said before retreating below deck.

When she was alone she opened the letter and began to read it.

Dear Dark Ranger Leafblade

A colleague of mine in the Wardens reached out to me and asked me to help you adjust to life among the horde.

She gave me the following message to pass along to you

Lyn

I went through a lot of back channels to get this message to Bryah so I apologise for its brevity. I miss you my friend. Saelon was devastated when he heard of your death and I almost told him the truth. But we both know how our people react to you now, so I can’t put him in danger by telling him you still live, kind of.

Your daughter still lives. She was able to be evacuated from Darnassus. I’m using every contact I’ve built up during my career to find her and ensure she is safe. Saelon has already offered to bring her into our family so that she has someone to look out for her if she needs it.

One day, when this war is over. I will find you and give you the hug you deserve as one of my closest friends. Until then, Bryah and her friends have agreed to help you in whatever way they can.

Your friend always, Kari

Kari has mentioned you a lot of times throughout the years I’ve known her. My family and friends would like to offer you a home among the horde and some support while you rebuild your life. You would be welcome to stay as long as you need and you wouldn’t need to worry about money. My friends and I have enough for our own needs with some left over to share with those who need help.

I await your response

Ranger Bryah Starstrider
Silvermoon City Guard

She froze as she read it again. It wasn’t possible to believe. Her last daughter was still alive. Lynara had feared she had perished with her niece in Darnassus. She folded the letter and they ripped it into multiple pieces before walking to the galley and tossing them casually into the cooking fire. The stew being heated didn’t look too appetizing to her but that was not a concern of hers any longer.

She walked back above deck and found the blood elf in question Bryah. She came up beside her. “Bryah Starstrider I presume.” She began. She kept her voice lot enough for just the two of them to hear. “I would watch just how much you seem to know about me. Especially Kari.” Her eyes looked around. “I would hate for something to happen.” She sighed.

“I am Lynara Leafblade.” She began. “I am a Dark Ranger now, I am not a Captain anymore.”

83

Bryah startled as the dark ranger appeared beside her. “Bryah Starstrider I presume.” She began. She kept her voice lot enough for just the two of them to hear. “I would watch just how much you seem to know about me. Especially Kari.” Her eyes looked around. “I would hate for something to happen.” She sighed.

“I am Lynara Leafblade.” She began. “I am a Dark Ranger now, I am not a Captain anymore.”

Bryah kept her own voice low, and her eyes pointed out towards the horizon as she formed her response. “I have no wish for the horde to learn how deep my relations with the Alliance run. The war.” Bryah’s brows furrowed, and formed into a deep frown. “This war, has made the already difficult task of maintaining contact with my uncle infinitely more difficult.” Her frown deepened into a scowl before she continued. “For her safety, as well as mine, until this war is over, Kari is just another Warden, and I am just another Farstrider. My offer still stands though. You will have friends among the horde and the help you need to find your place among its ranks. It’s the least I can do.”

84

Ezari looked down at the gnome woman. “It is not of your concern.” She said coldly as she made her way down the hall. “Point me to an unoccupied room so I may be in peace please.” Ezari rubbed her arms, not wishing another disturbance. She shot a glance back at the man. “If you wish to continue our discussion, please jump off the ship. I have no interest in someone who seeks an open mind instead of the Light’s blessing.”

Ezari continued down the hall whether or not the gnome pointed her in the direction of an unoccupied room.