(2022-06-20) Planning for a Revolution

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Caspis Silvershade and Anareline Evensong work together in Desolace and Badlands, discussing (among other things) their dislike of Staghelm and possible plans for revolution. Imrolane Palemoon joins in the Badlands, for the revolution talk.
Rating:	T for Teen

Caspis Silvershade waits by the inn at Nijel’s Point in Desolace. Ana walks out, buckling on her bracers absently.
Caspis greets Ana with a hearty hello!
Ana greets Caspis warmly.
[Caspis]: Hunting demons today, hm?
[Anareline]: Yes, that and the satchel they wanted us to find. So, much the same. Naga and demons.
Caspis sighs at you.
[Caspis]: All that remains of such a beautiful land.
The two of them ride out of Nijel’s Point in companionable silence, down to the shoreline that is plagued with naga.
[Anareline]: If Outland is still alive, though, perhaps this place is not without hope.
[Caspis]: It remains to be seen whether Outland is dying, or can be saved. *He says before they plunge underwater.*
Anareline swims hard to keep up with the druid manatee.
Caspis seems vaguely irked about being forced into this form by circumstances.
They fight a couple of naga. One poisons Ana.
[Caspis]: Let me cure that poison, Anareline.
Finally, they arrive at the small island where the satchel should have been lost. They kill one naga, and find it is carrying a very un-naga-like satchel.
[Anareline]: Oh, there it is.
[Anareline]: This is somehow anticlimactic.
[Caspis]: Convenient, though.
[Anareline]: After the long swim. *Ana nods* Convenient.
Caspis seems unbothered by the swimming, for some reason.
[Anareline]: The rest, I think, will be all demons.
Caspis nods.
They make the long swim back to shore, and then head down to Mannoroc Coven.
Caspis gazes at the ruins as though he's seeing something else through them.
[Caspis]: I can't remember the name of the little town that used to be here.
Anareline looks at the ruins, a distance behind her eyes.
[Anareline]: It must have been nice, once.
[Caspis]: Mother sang here. I remember someone threw her a blue rose.
[Anareline]: I wonder if the build still stands, or some of it. *Ana pauses, then clarifies* Where she sang.
[Caspis]: Nothing here pulls at my memory of it. Perhaps it is fallen. But I see parts of the little inn where we ate, after.
They go into the ruins of what may have been an inn.
[Anareline]: Was it here?
[Caspis]: Yes. Some kind of fish… very strong flavor. I didn't like it.
[Anareline]: I can see… the benches, the columns. Perhaps common to the area, back then?
[Caspis]: I remember that performance, and that dinner, more clearly than I remember last month.
[Anareline]: There must have been water, somewhere nearby.
[Caspis]: Most likely freshwater, at the time.
They commence wholesale demon slaughter.
[Anareline]: For a long time after, life felt somehow less real.
[Caspis]: I find, in general, my childhood memories are sharper than recent ones. Memories of you being the exception. Razor-sharp, then and now.
[Anareline]: I remember vividly… some things that happened, during the War. *She looks to Caspis* Meeting you being one.
[Caspis]: It is odd for me, having memories of looking up at you.
Anareline smiles, and looks up at him. "It is similarly odd, for me. My childhood was very peaceful, so perhaps it does not burn as clearly for me.”
[Caspis]: What would you have thought, I wonder, looking at that child and being told, "This is he, your alor… you must wait a while, though."
[Anareline]: A while… *Ana shakes her head* …thousands of years. Perhaps it is kindest that we did not know.
[Caspis]: I think I knew, as much as a child could. Which was why I could not resign myself to the idea that you were simply gone. I could feel that you were somewhere, still.
[Anareline]: I wish I could say I knew. I knew you mattered, that I needed to keep you safe, but… *She shakes her head helplessly* …there was so much. I did not expect to live.
[Caspis]: Elune was kind to us both. It is a miracle we both survived.
[Anareline]: At the time, I was doing what I needed to. To remain myself, and to preserve the meaning of my life. I did not think to hope it would not mean the end of it.
Caspis nods solemnly.
Anareline nods at Caspis. "So many did not."
[Caspis]: As a druid, I feel a sense of detachment from most death. Even as an immortal race, we must sometimes pass away.
Anareline nods. "But war… death in war should not be a natural part of life."
[Caspis]: It is so in nature, in a simpler form. Less strategy, but still… territories clash, resources are fought over. Many die who would not if there was enough for all. What made the War of the Ancients such madness was Azshara's definition of "enough."
[Anareline]: It would never have been.
[Caspis]: That is where we differ from the animals, sometimes to our benefit, sometimes to our detriment. We are not satisfied with mere survival, with balance. Having a soul means wanting more. To transcend.
[Anareline]: They have tried, I think. Since. To be content.
[Caspis]: Except for Staghelm.
[Anareline]: Some with more success than others. *Ana accedes*
[Caspis]: He is obsessed with regaining our immortality, which was only ever a conditional gift. The sacrifice of our immortality had meaning. Demanding it back is a child's wish. Losing it restored balance.
Anareline nods.
[Anareline]: A sacrifice loses meaning if you expect to get it back.
Caspis nods. “Just so.”
[Anareline]: In any case, it was not a decision I made, but I am content with the outcome.
[Caspis]: It was a decision Staghelm would never have made. We are so much the less, without Shan'do's wisdom. By which of course I mean Shan'do Stormrage. My Shan'do Palemoon is still with us.
Ana nods at Caspis.
[Anareline]: Do you know where he has gone?
[Caspis]: I do not. When I return to the Emerald Dream, I will search for him, but that will be a long time from now.
[Anareline]: Do you think it was Hyjal, why he went into the Dream?
[Caspis]: No. It was later.
[Anareline]: I meant, the weight of what had happened.
[Caspis]: No, it was the aftermath of that aftermath. Illidan, and the naga. He returned to the Dream after that, to regain his strength… and was lost to us.
Anareline nods. "And Illidan continues on, in Outland."
Caspis growls softly.
[Anareline]: He may yet be ended.
[Caspis]: His loss would benefit the world, but I do not feel the burning personal hatred for him that I do for Staghelm. He has less frequently directly crossed my path. And he has, on rare occasion, even aided our cause. Illidan is… more complex than Fandral. Fandral is strictly selfish, and always has been. The Betrayer has a grander vision, but too unstable a personality to use it to any benefit.
Anareline nods. "It does not stop him from trying, unfortunately."
Caspis sighs at you.
[Caspis]: Yes, that is what makes him a villain. Grand vision, and the energy to put it into action. But without a sense of balance to stabilize the effort. If he were incompetent, or had a narrower purpose, we would be saved from him.
[Anareline]: I am surprised he won over our more distant kin.
[Caspis]: He is extraordinarily charismatic, I am led to understand. My direct dealings with him are virtually nonexistent, however.
[Anareline]: I have never met him either. But you would think the Sin’Dorei would be more cautious of charismatic leaders.
[Caspis]: The Sin'Dorei are descended from the most shortsighted and selfish of us.
[Anareline]: And it has cost them. Can they not learn?
[Caspis]: Anything that promises more power, they will reach for with both hands. It is in their nature.
Caspis almost pronounces nature with a capital N.
A difficult demon fight commences.
Caspis nearly demonstrated the balance of nature by dying.
[Anareline]: Perhaps not all of them. There are those of us like Fandral Staghelm and Illidan Stormrage. Perhaps some of theirs are… not.
[Caspis]: A surprisingly optimistic view from you, my love.
[Caspis]: Perhaps there is hope for you yet.
Caspis gives her the gentlest of smiles.
Anareline looks at Caspis in surprise.
[Anareline]: I suppose… Shattrath made me think of it.
[Caspis]: Oh? How so?
[Caspis]: I could not get past the noise and chaos. And smell. I did not linger long.
[Anareline]: The Naaru, A'dal. They seemed competent.
[Caspis]: I have respect for the naaru, though I know little of them.
[Anareline]: I had not visited the one in the Exodar.
[Caspis]: I have, briefly. Perhaps not visited so much as "beheld."
[Anareline]: How did you find it?
[Caspis]: Beautiful.
Anareline nods. This is an apt description.
[Caspis]: But strange. They are clearly only visitors here.
[Anareline]: But not… foolish, nor overly trusting. *Ana hesitates* Or that is how it seemed to me, when we… spoke.
Caspis nods.
[Caspis]: There is wisdom about them.
[Anareline]: Perhaps I would not have made the same decisions, but the city stands. The Sin'dorei have not destroyed it, yet. Thus, I concede it may be possible that they are not all hopeless.
[Caspis]: Quite logical, my love. Such thinking has always been easier for you than for me. Not that this is any great praise.
Anareline smiles at Caspis. "Your thoughts are always closer to your heart, I believe."
[Caspis]: Or else far away from anything… But yes, those things which bring my thoughts back to earth are always matters of the heart.
[Anareline]: For me, it was often the opposite.
[Caspis]: We balance one another. *This idea seems to please him deeply.*
[Anareline]: I have been thinking what I might do.
[Caspis]: Oh?
[Anareline]: I have said I should attempt politics, but for that I should… be connected… to something…
Caspis listens intently to you.
[Anareline]: I do not think I should be a Sentinel. Or a soldier. But perhaps a group that is more… diverse?
Caspis nods thoughtfully.
[Caspis]: Not the Cenarion Expedition, then… Unless "Also Tauren" counts as diverse.
Anareline waves a hand. "Perhaps. But I am not a druid."
[Caspis]: Nor was I, when we met, my love.
Caspis smiles slightly.
[Caspis]: But no, you are not, and will not be.
Anareline smiles at him. "I will always be there, should you need me."
[Caspis]: I must admit I would be curious to tr— to see you in other forms.
Caspis no!
Anareline raises an eyebrow.
Caspis, thank Elune, does not elaborate further.
[Anareline]: It would be interesting, to see what that would be like. *Shapeshifting, obviously, is what she means*
Obviously.
[Caspis]: Mm.
[Anareline]: In any case, there is no rush, to find a place.
Caspis nods.
[Anareline]: But I have, at least, decided I will look.
[Caspis]: All things in time. When you find your heart's home, you will know it, as you did with me.
They head back to Nijel’s Point to deliver the demon parts. They are sent to Ironforge.
[Caspis]: You wanted diversity…
[Anareline]: Well. We are sent to the city of my children's mercenary company.
[Caspis]: A sign?
[Anareline]: Perhaps.
They begin the journey to Ironforge.

—-

Anareline arrives at the entrance to Uldaman, finding Caspis already there.
Ana waves at Caspis.
[Caspis]: Sorry for bringing you to such a moonless place.
[Anareline]: We always go to the most lovely places, *Ana says dryly, looking around at the badlands* Why are we here? Is it related to desolace? Or something else?
[Caspis]: Setting up a meeting far from the eyes of the Circle.
Anareline raises an eyebrow. "With other druids?
[Caspis]: I would like to officially bring my shan'do and another rather… iconoclastic druid I know… officially into the resistance.
[Anareline]: I do not doubt your Shan'do would join. Do I know the other?
[Caspis]: Likely not. He is rather elusive. Galadhel Windweaver.
Anareline thinks, and then shakes her head.
[Anareline]: But you think he is revolutionary?
[Caspis]: Very. Perhaps more so than I am.
[Anareline]: How many do you need, before you can move on Staghelm?
[Caspis]: Hundreds.
[Anareline]: …then we must be patient.
[Caspis]: His lackeys will support him, and he attracts the power-mad.
[Anareline]: The power-mad are not always the powerful.
[Caspis]: The humans have a truly ingenious idiom: Vengeance is a dish best eaten cold. I am in no hurry.
Anareline frowns. "Like it is some sort of salted fish."
[Caspis]: The idea is, the longer one waits to wreak vengeance, the more satisfying it is. Furthermore, I would rather find the right people slowly than recruit someone in haste that I come to regret.
Anareline nods. "Then one or two at a time, over the years."
[Caspis]: I will know them when I find them. I have no set pace. Elune will light my path.
[Anareline]: May she always.
[Caspis]: She certainly has thus far, mm?
Anareline smiles.
[Anareline]: Have you had any luck with the younger druids?
[Caspis]: I have not yet had enough time to observe them. I only set myself on this course five years ago.
Anareline nods. "I think only that time may be of the essence there. Their minds are not yet set. And youth is so fleeting.”
[Caspis]: I have always disliked Fandral, but only when he seized power did I feel the need to take action. I know in my heart he is behind whatever happened to Shan'do Stormrage. And he will pay.
Anareline frowns more deeply at that. "That would be a grave crime."
[Anareline]: Power-hungry is one thing, but if he actually acted against the Circle…
[Caspis]: The truth will come to light in time.
[Anareline]: If that were revealed, perhaps you would not need your allies gathered.
[Caspis]: Knowing him, it will take a vast network just to uncover his tracks. And we will be ready, at that time, to fight.
[Anareline]: I suspect the sentinels would stand with you, if it were found that he did something to Stormrage.
[Caspis]: And the priestesses, of course. Tyrande's fury would know no bounds.
[Anareline]: I think he would have only his few loyalists left. Stormrage was… is… well-loved.
They move into the digsite of Uldaman.
[Anareline]: What is this?
[Caspis]: These ruins not appear to be ours.
[Anareline]: They have begun to build on them.
[Caspis]: Hm… that is not… building precisely. It looks like … Hm, I cannot recall the word for it.
[Caspis]: The younger races, they dig in old ruins, looking for things. Build structures like that to support people, with their chisels and picks.
[Anareline]: Oh. Curious. Why?
[Caspis]: Curiosity, I imagine, and impatience.
[Anareline]: Perhaps also youth? That they do not remember when these ruins were made.
[Caspis]: In truth, I do not recognize them either.
[Caspis]: I do not think my family traveled to this part of the world, even when it was connected.
[Anareline]: Nor I. But one would think the dwarves would, in a place so close to their homeland
[Caspis]: Ancestral stories at the very least, even if none of them remember. It is curious.
They fight some Dark Iron dwarves.
[Caspis]: Dwarves that look like this are almost always hostile. That, I do not understand either. Not even a cursory attempt at conversation.
Anareline peers down at the dead dwarf.
[Anareline]: Perhaps they are more friendly to other dwarves.
[Caspis]: Not friendly enough to be told about the Alliance.
They come by an ordinary dwarf by a fire.
[Anareline]: This one seems friendly, but injured.
[Caspis]: That is how the Alliance dwarves look.
[Anareline]: I will note that.
They continue to fight Dark Irons Dwarves.
[Caspis]: These may even be demon-tainted. I have seen them use arcane spells.
[Anareline]: Perhaps that's the reason for the color? Like the orcs.
[Caspis]: That was my thought.
[Anareline]: They are, indeed, very aggressive.
[Caspis]: The eredar, once blue, turned gray and red.
[Anareline]: It is not an unreasonable theory.
[Anareline]: This would be quite a secret place for a meeting, were it not so -full-.
Caspis nods at you.
[Anareline]: Perhaps we should head back to the city before exploring more.
Caspis nods absently.
Anareline looks at Caspis armor worriedly. "Those dwarves seem to have done some damage."
[Caspis]: Nothing that can't be repaired. Worry not, love.
[Caspis]: I have endured much worse.
[Anareline]: I would not wish you to endure worse.
They head back to Ironforge, and fix up Caspis’s armor.

—-

Ana and Caspis are exploring the Badlands, fighting wildlife. They have been traveling in silence for some time when Ana speaks.
[Anareline]: I wonder on which side Celaven and Larawen's father will fall.
Caspis eyes you up and down.
[Anareline]: I have not spoken with him in so long, I cannot guess his politics. Did you know, my daughter had even forgotten his name?
[Caspis]: I never learned it.
[Anareline]: No. *Ana glances sidelong at him, as they fight coyotes* If you know him… your work with the Circle is difficult enough as it is, isn't it?
[Caspis]: I no longer work with the Circle at all. The Cenarion Expedition set themselves up very carefully and specifically not to answer to them.
Anareline sighs. "Maybe I am being silly."
[Caspis]: Or protecting him from me?
[Anareline]: I did not intend him to matter. Yet, he still exists. As far as I am aware. Cerelar Dawnshadow. *Her lips twist a little, as she looks away* If you know him.
[Caspis]: Ah. Let us hope he does not cling too tightly to his allegiances when the conflict starts, for your children's sake, hm?
Anareline gives a huff of a laugh. "Perhaps I should have guessed."
[Caspis]: Not all who follow Staghelm are like him. Some simply follow the path of least resistance. To defy him has proven unwise for many. Including Shan'do Stormrage, I suspect.
[Anareline]: Cerelar was always dedicated to the Circle. When Stormrage led it as well. Perhaps he is simply a coward.
[Caspis]: Or oblivious. But none of those qualities are things I seek in friends or allies.
[Anareline]: No. And I would not ask you to make him one.
[Caspis]: I was already poorly disposed to do so.
Anareline shrugs. "If you had not known him, you might…"
[Caspis]: He has demonstrated a profound lack of judgement on at least two counts. Three. Your son. But I tend to take that together with his general familial disinterest.
[Anareline]: So perhaps his relationship with me, Larawen, and Celaven can be taken as one flaw.
[Caspis]: Yes. That he is incapable of love.
Anareline bristles slightly at that. "I am not sure I would say…"
[Caspis]: I do not know your daughter well, but to have met both you and your son and chosen to walk away… I cannot imagine the sort of person who would do that.
[Anareline]: However it ended, there must have been love.
[Caspis]: It certainly does not add to my already paltry respect for him.
[Anareline]: Of a sort.
[Caspis]: I never claimed you did not love him. That you gave him two children speaks to that.
[Anareline]: You must think me foolish then, to not have left him sooner. *She shakes her head* But I do not regret my chidlren.
[Caspis]: I would never think that of you. And clearly your children were meant to be. As was mine. But he ought to have treated you as the treasure you are.
Anareline reaches out one hand to touch Caspis, as if for reassurance.
[Anareline]: But this will not cause problems, as you do not work with him any longer?
[Caspis]: Correct.
[Anareline]: And I have not spoken with him in centuries. And you know. *Ana looks to Caspis* You must know there is no comparison.
Caspis actually laughs, softly. She can probably count on one hand the number of times she's heard that sound.
[Caspis]: You do not think me jealous, do you? No, that is not the source of my antipathy. Only his inability to value what matters. He should realize that love, even if it is not Love, is the most valuable thing in this world.
Anareline nods, relieved. "And I am not jealous of your Amadora. I am… glad you had one another."
[Caspis]: I believe I treated her well. She knew when my time was coming to enter the Dream, and she was resigned to it. We did not expect Tirenda to enter that picture.
Anareline nods. "And you came out, when needed. That matters."
[Caspis]: I came out because of the war. I would never have known, otherwise. I might have woken to find my daughter already grown. I am glad I did not.
[Anareline]: If you had, it would not have been by intent.
[Caspis]: Indeed. I enjoy being a father. I think if Amadora had lived, she might have shut me out more, from raising Tirenda. Druids are seen as unreliable. She might have tried to save Tirenda that pain.
[Anareline]: She would have feared you would leave her?
[Caspis]: And that she would be too young to understand.
[Anareline]: Would you have, if she were very young, and you were called to the Dream?
[Caspis]: Stormrage would never have called a druid with a young child into the Dream. Staghelm, I do not know. I went into the dream not knowing I was a father - and waking a druid is no small matter.
[Anareline]: I suppose I do not know. It seemed Cerelar never refused, but… could you, if you were ordered?
[Caspis]: I would not.
[Anareline]: Even if it were Staghelm?
[Caspis]: I have no intention of following another of his orders ever again.
Anareline smiles slightly.
[Anareline]: Then if we were to have a child, I would have no need to worry.
A white wolflike druid cat appears.
Caspis blinks at Imrolane.
[Caspis]: Shan'do.
Imrolane blinks twice back.
[Caspis]: You found us.
Caspis sits cross-legged in front of the sitting cat.
Anareline peers at the new druid. She is not great at recognizing most druids in animal form.
[Anareline]: Imrolane?
Caspis would know that cat that is totally white anywhere.
Anareline looks at the sitting druids, confused. She also sits.
Imrolane is definitely totally white and looks rather wolfish for a cat.
[Caspis]: I assume you got my letter?
[Caspis]: Otherwise, this would be a strange place to find you.
Imrolane bobs her head in affirmation.
[Caspis]: Ah, you will not speak today, I see. Well perhaps you can help us hunt the wildlife here; a nearby dwarf required reagents.
[Caspis]: We can discuss business when Windweaver arrives.
Imrolane nods again and snorfles.
[Anareline]: I would like to meet this Windweaver, someday. *Ana glances at the cat-wolf-druid*
Imrolane makes a little "Rawroo?" sound.
[Caspis]: Galadhel Windweaver.
[Caspis]: He holds himself somewhat aloof from the Circle, which is exactly why I wish to speak with him.
[Anareline]: I hope you have allies embedded in the Circle as well.
Caspis seems to be deep in thought after Anareline's last comment. It's possible that had not occurred to him. It's possible he is not very good at revolution.
[Anareline]: Some will likely turn when revolution comes, but others will cling to the safety of the known.
[Caspis]: Hm.
[Anareline]: Even if it is not safe.
[Imrolane]: I am in the Circle. I am your ally.
Imrolane is not exactly what one might call 'embedded'.
[Caspis]: Yes. Perhaps we could… 'embed' you.
Anareline looks to Imrolane, speaking, in mild surprise.
[Caspis]: How are you at subtlety, Shan'Do?
Caspis eyes her with respectful dubiousness.
[Imrolane]: Very quiet.
[Caspis]: So long as he would not suspect you as an enemy…
[Imrolane]: Staghelm?
[Caspis]: Yes. Did I… forget to mention why I called you here?
[Anareline]: Revolution. *Ana supplies helpfully*
[Caspis]: I am gathering trustworthy and skilled allies for an overthrow of Staghelm. Given how contemptuous he is of women, the young… and anyone who does not lick his boots, it shouldn't take more than a decade.
[Anareline]: There should be plenty of allies to gather, indeed.
[Imrolane]: Mmhm. He does not like a woman in the Circle. But…also I am punished by Stormrage. Maybe use that.
[Caspis]: Hm, he would not confide in you then.
[Caspis]: We will need other "embedded" allies.
[Caspis]: If I understand Anareline's suggestion correctly.
Anareline nods. "To build support from within."
[Caspis]: Someone he can believe is devoted to him.
[Caspis]: Who might be privy to his weaknesses, plans, and so forth, in time.
[Anareline]: I suppose, to learn more of Staghelm. But I meant to sway those who would remain loyal.
Caspis gives Anareline a "Both. Both is good." nod.
[Anareline]: That is how it happened, before. We did not simply defect alone.
[Imrolane]: You do not listen.
Caspis peers at Imrolane searchingly.
[Caspis]: I do not always understand your speech these days, Shan'do.
[Caspis]: I apologize.
Caspis sits patiently at her feet.
[Imrolane]: Staghelm never knows me well. But…knows Stormrage punishes me. Maybe we use that. Maybe he thinks I am angry at Stormrage.
[Anareline]: Perhaps he may slip, then. Say some truth we can use about Stormrage, and what happened to him.
[Caspis]: Ahhh good. How are you at fawning? He likes fawning.
Imrolane wrinkles her nose.
[Caspis]: Fawning for a good cause?
[Imrolane]: Better at being angry.
[Caspis]: Hm. Perhaps if you seem to be angry about the same things.
[Anareline]: Perhaps angry at Stormrage would be enough,
[Caspis]: When Fandral says, "TYRANDE HAS NO IDEA HOW TO LEAD OUR PEOPLE!" you can frown and say "NO IDEA!" Just echo whatever he says angrily, and sound angry. That should soothe him.
[Anareline]: He sounds like a child…
[Imrolane]: Eh…fine.
Caspis absolutely does seem to think Staghelm is a child.
Caspis bows before Imrolane.
[Imrolane]: Maybe he does not tell me all. But if he uses me for…missions. Maybe he gives away enough for us to know more.
Caspis nods thoughtfully.
Ana nods at Imrolane.
[Caspis]: Yes. Thank you, Shan'Do. Your support means the world to me.
Caspis seems to have forgotten what they were doing.
[Imrolane]: Always, Thero'shan.
Caspis gently pats Imrolane.
[Anareline]: I could also ask my son to recruit kaldorei in that mercenary company. He is obedient, generally.
[Caspis]: I have great respect for that group. I do not recall its name.
[Imrolane]: Mercenaries?
[Anareline]: Colb… Cobalt, I believe it was.
[Caspis]: Honorable folk.
[Anareline]: I met its founder once.
[Caspis]: As did I. He put me in touch with Halford Wyrmbane.
[Anareline]: Though now it is led by a gnomish mage, which seems somewhat suspect.
[Caspis]: …What?
Caspis frowns.
[Anareline]: Last I heard. Something about a child. I believe the founder had one.
Caspis sighs heavily.
[Caspis]: I can understand, then, but I am displeased.
[Imrolane]: Gnomes are funny.
Imrolane grins.
[Caspis]: They disturb me.
[Imrolane]: Just makes them funnier, Thero'shan.
Caspis stares at Imrolane.
Caspis has never had much in the way of a sense of humor.
Imrolane has always found Caspis's lack of humor rather humorous.
[Anareline]: I have not spoken with the Company recently. There is a paladin there that I… *Ana frowns* …like.
[Anareline]: I have not had much experience with gnomes.
[Anareline]: But they are relatively long-lived and do not seem very cautious with the arcane.
[Caspis]: I had dealings with them in Darkshore.
Caspis does not sound impressed.
[Anareline]: Was it a mage in Darkshore?
[Caspis]: I did not ask him. Either of them. They both wanted help fixing machines.
[Caspis]: That would explain the Company's strange activities last we spoke.
[Anareline]: Strange?
[Caspis]: Something about portals through the Nether. I am losing my grasp of the specifics.
[Anareline]: Why would one do that?
[Caspis]: I was not in a position to ask. I was simply there to inform them of the Expedition's needs.
[Anareline]: Were they at least helpful for the Expedition? *Ana is frowning deeply*
[Caspis]: Yes. I shudder to know by what means, however. If a gnome is now in charge.
[Anareline]: Perhaps I should caution Ven.
Caspis nods.
[Anareline]: He has had… some bad experiences in the past.
Caspis frowns, concerned.
[Anareline]: But seemed certain this Company was a good one.
They come across Uldaman again.
[Anareline]: Caspis and I went in here, briefly.
[Imrolane]: Why?
[Anareline]: He was looking for a meeting place, and we found this cave. Ruin.
[Anareline]: There seems to be something wrong with the dwarves, though.
[Imrolane]: Uglier than usual.
Anareline nods. "We speculated it may be similar to Eredar, or orcs.”
Imrolane growls
[Anareline]: A change from corruption.
[Anareline]: They seem… excessively violent.
[Imrolane]: Do not smell like fel dwarves…
[Anareline]: What do you think causes it, then?
[Imrolane]: Not sure what cause is.
[Anareline]: Perhaps it is something in the ruin
[Anareline]: I do not know what dangers might lurk in ruins in these lands.
[Imrolane]: Maybe. Dwarves dig deep. Maybe they dig too deep.
[Imrolane]: Big books.
Anareline nods.
[Anareline]: I wonder what once lived here.
[Imrolane]: Maybe giant dwarves.
[Anareline]: I think I do not feel so well, after the mushrooms.
The three of them head back to Ironforge.