(2022-08-07) A Hidden Dragon

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Cobalt Company follows up Marshal Windsor's lost proof, and uncovers a shocking secret in the Stormwind Keep throne room.
Rating:	T for Teen

The team begins to assemble outside Blackrock Mountain.
Dane staunchly lofts a brow as he examines the dwarven halls.
[Dane]: Hullo' then, you lot.
Elohad arrives, dusting off his armor from the ride.
[Elohad]: Afternoon.
Mordecai mumbles, "Hello…"
Dane looks to Elohad and nods. "You stop to see the statue on the way in?"
[Elohad]: You know I did.
Dane scoffs with amusement and approval, extending a hand. "F'course."
Nunuzac is loitering in the stark middle of the passage looking curiously up at the high ceilings. "Helloooo."
Elohad greets Dane with a Manly Forearm Clasp.
Dane maintains the Manly Forearm Clasp for the Appropriate Amount of Time.
[Dane]: S'a proper shame we couldn't ally with this lot. We could use them.
Dane gestures vaguely towards Blackrock Mountain.
[Elohad]: Good acoustics in here…
[Dane]: Mm, properly.
[Elohad]: I'm going to assume you mean the Dark Irons, Dane? I've not exactly heard great things.
[Elohad]: Mostly about… summoning fire lords, blowing up bridges, and so on.
Dane nods and grunts. "Aye. I've heard of their dark magic, their aggression. I learned a thing or two 'bout the War of Three Hammers."
[Elohad]: Oh, been reading history have you?
Elohad smiles at Dane.
[Dane]: Wot' I mean is I wish they'd not gotten up to all that. D'have enjoyed seeing a united Khaz Modan in my time.
[Nunuzac]: Last time we visit, we find a pain room. Probably not good friends.
[Elohad]: Mm, yeah, I can agree with you there.
Dane politely shakes his head. "The smithmaster I learned from taught me most f'it."
[Elohad]: I'll turn you into a reader yet, Dane.
Dane grunts uncertainly, but says, "Mm, wager there's a thing or two worth reading about."
Mordecai removes his cloak, folds it up neatly, and puts it away. It's hot in here.
[Elohad]: I'll send you some books about…. wars and stuff.
Dane grunts. "You mentioned one some time ago that sounded promising."
Gwenivene steps in quietly to join the others, adjusting her Kirin Tor pin to ensure it is visible with the tabard on.
[Elohad]: Oh yeah? Curse my feeble memory. Don't suppose you remember the title?
Dane scratches his chin. "Don't suppose I do. Somming' about a biography of a paladin or a knight or somming'."
[Elohad]: Hey Aspenwood! Dane's gonna read a book!
Dane nods sharply to Gwenivene. "Ho' there."
Colson salutes Elohad sharply, and nods to Dane before raising a hand in greeting to the others.
[Elohad]: If I can remember which one I recommended. Pretty sure it wasn't The Truest Knight.
[Colson]: Good afternoon. What sort of book?
[Dane]: Sounds sort'f familiar, that.
[Elohad]: Oh man, I'll… find you a better one.
Mordecai goes from hiding behind Colson to very nervously inching sideways to stand next to him.
[Elohad]: You won't be reading that one.
[Elohad]: I'll find you a nice biography with lots of… war!
[Colson]: Ah.
Dane tilts his head. "I'd fancy a tale on the dwarf lords. M'interested in their histories. Or our own."
[Elohad]: I'll see what I can scare up for ya.
[Elohad]: I mean don't get me wrong, The Truest Knight is an amazing book, available at fine literature retailers everywhere.
[Elohad]: Just… not an Dane sort of book.
Dane slowly grimaces. "It's… one of those shagging ones, innit'."
Erixa waves.
[Elohad]: yyyyyyyyyyyep.
Colson inclines his head to Erixa.
Dane grunts.
Nunuzac looks around at the various humans, finding more recognition for some than others. "There is Light friends, there is bright mage, good to see you again." She has no idea of names.
Nunuzac smiles at you.
[Erixa]: Shagging books?
Mordecai glances at Elohad. "I-I think he's… looking for nonfiction?"
[Elohad]: Yes. Nonfiction.
[Dane]: Books about shagging, more like, milady.
[Elohad]: I'll find some nice, non-awkward nonfiction.
[Erixa]: Nonfiction could involve shagging. Our species continues.
Elohad facepalms.
[Elohad]: War. I'll find a book about WAR.
[Dane]: Wager s'not that so much that troubles me as the pages f'romance.
Mordecai smiles shyly in Nunuzac's direction. "Hello. Um, I'm Mordecai."
Erixa shrugs.
Dane clears his throat. "Right then. Who's in charge here?" he asks, glancing around.
[Erixa]: I think we are all here now?
[Elohad]: I'm not in charge in the… field sense.
Dane grunts in understanding.
[Nunuzac]: Mordecai, I remember this. I am Nunuzac. We meet before, with lots of running around.
Mordecai looks at Erixa.
[Elohad]: But you know, be on your best behavior and whatnot. Since I'm the boss and all.
Elohad gives everyone a thumbs up.
Dane growls with amusement. "F'course, sir."
[Elohad]: But as far as tactics go I'm just here to keep people from dying. You'll want to follow Dane and Erixa.
[Erixa]: I can give direction! Last time, we found all the proof was gone, scattered inside the mountain.
[Nunuzac]: I behave only best, always.
[Erixa]: The Marshals, they want to give up.
Elohad nods solemnly at Nunuzac.
Dane snaps his gaze to Erixa and watches her attentively.
[Elohad]: Well, we're not the giving-up sorts.
[Erixa]: But! Danger! Something is still dangerous and not uncovered!
Dane spots Alliza and nods her over.
Elohad agrees with Erixa.
Erixa nods at the others. "So we will go into the mountain and look for Marshall Windsor's proofs."
[Elohad]: We've got this.
Alliza barely catches the nod, as she is buried in a book, but the motion does catch her eye and she wanders over.
Dane grunts.
Elohad furtively tries to get a look at the title of the book Alliza is reading.
[Nunuzac]: Proof of… something bad for human kingdom? Not too bad, I hope.
[Erixa]: Yes, hope not too bad.
[Elohad]: Whatever it is, we'll take care of it.
[Dane]: Mm. Knock on wood if you can find some.
Elohad knocks on his own skull.
Nunuzac looks around, presumably for wood.
[Dane]: That'll do.
Colson nods once. He doesn't knock on anything.
[Elohad]: Aspenwoods and Alliza, maybe stick with Dane.
Mordecai smiles and nods.
[Erixa]: Nunuzac, we will fight together this time?
Colson inclines his head.
[Erixa]: We can split in fours.
Elohad nods.
Nunuzac sticks close with Erixa, looking like she wants to go with her before being assigned. "Please! I am better at it than older times."
Dane glances around and nods in approval.
Erixa reaches to pat Nunuzac on the shoulder.
[Erixa]: Let's move out!
Elohad salutes you with respect.
Nunuzac crackles with static between her horns, wiggling her fingers with a grin.
Dane grunts.
[Erixa]: Or… in…
Mordecai moves in.
They all head into Blackrock Mountain.
Dane exhales briefly at the sight and shakes his head.
Elohad falls silent, looking around.
[Erixa]: Time for lava chains! Has everyone practiced?
[Mordecai]: Practiced?!
Dane grunts.
[Nunuzac]: Not at all!
Mordecai has definitely not.
Alliza points to the chain and announces, "This is easy. But if anyone needs a hand to hold while crossing…"
[Mordecai]: I, um, I'll be fine…
[Elohad]: Hold onto someone if you gotta.
[Colson]: I am right behind you.
Erixa calls back, "Don't fall in lava! It is not heroic-looking!"
[Erixa]: But we will resurrect you before you vaporize, don't worry!
[Elohad]: This is not how I intend to lose anyone today.
Dane peers over the edge with a glare, scowling at the drop.
[Nunuzac]: Believe in your weird feet!
[Dane]: Mind your footing you lot.
[Dane]: Step sharply.
Dane peers over the edge with a glare, scowling at the drop.
Alliza is several shades paler, but laughs it off like it is nothing.
[Elohad]: I have utmost faith in my weird feet.
[Elohad]: Gonna confess this is not my favorite bit.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: No proper stairs.
Dane smacks one of the links.
They head down to the Blackrock Depths, to look for proof. When they get near the entrance to the prison area, they run into Kaleyah Margrace. She’s standing next to a dead dwarf.
[Kaleyah]: Oi.
[Kaleyah]: It's what it looks like.
Dane blinks at Kaleyah.
[Dane]: Oi.
Kaleyah nudges the dead dwarf with her boot.
Dane peers at Anvilrage Enforcer searchingly.
[Erixa]: Margrace! You made it!
[Elohad]: Well well, look who it is.
[Colson]: Ah. Well.
[Elohad]: Grace under fire.
[Dane]: This your work, then … ?
[Mordecai]: Margrace, hello…
[Erixa]: Ready to uncover dangerous proofs?
Kaleyah sniffles.
[Kaleyah]: Ready as ready gets.
[Nunuzac]: Hello again Greatname.
The very first people they kill have a crumpled note on them.
[Elohad]: Whoa, wait, look.
Dane glances over and grunts.
[Erixa]: LOOK! A note!
[Elohad]: Someone is decrypting Windsor's notes! Somewhere!
Colson looks over.
[Erixa]: They must still exist, then!
Dane squints.
[Elohad]: Absolutely. Decrypting takes a while, right?
[Erixa]: Probably? It sounds hard.
[Kaleyah]: Place stinks.
Kaleyah spits.
[Dane]: Mm, get used to it, lass.
Nunuzac looks mildly befuddled. "If it is in the crypt it is already dead, yes?"
[Elohad]: Although… this is months old.
[Elohad]: Let's hope they're still working on it.
[Dane]: S'poke about for any other notes we can find.
[Erixa]: Maybe they are bad at decrypting.
Elohad nods.
[Elohad]: Maybe someone has more information.
[Dane]: Mm, hold fast.
[Dane]: We've got another.
[Dane]: 'Our lord' …
[Elohad]: Anything helpful?
[Erixa]: Let's go talk to Windsor! Maybe he will be more happy if he hears they still exist.
[Erixa]: Maybe he will help.
[Elohad]: He didn't strike me as helpful, but I mean, you're the boss.
[Elohad]: For now.
Elohad winks slyly at Erixa.
[Dane]: More of the same.
Dane says to Elohad.
[Mordecai]: He seemed like he'd just… lost hope.
Colson murmurs prayers as they run.
[Elohad]: Yeah, good point.
[Erixa]: So we bring it back!
Anvilrage Enforcer attempts to run away in fear!
[Dane]: Mm. T'happens.
[Gwenivene]: Oh hey, um…does anyone need refreshment?
[Erixa]: Sure, I love that bread stuff you make.
[Elohad]: I wouldn't say no, Gwen.
[Dane]: I'll take a bit f'bread or somming'.
[Kaleyah]: Y'got any beer?
Elohad eyes Kaleyah up and down.
Kaleyah shrugs lazily.
[Alliza]: Drinking on the job? *She eyes Kaleyah.*
[Kaleyah]: Gotta beat th'heat somehow.
[Elohad]: No, she wouldn't be. Because she absolutely read the company Code of Conduct. Right Grace?
[Kaleyah]: Yessir, chief, sir.
[Dane]: You'd want to stay sharp down in this place, lass. N'that's from another drinker.
[Elohad]: You can both get hammered afterward.
[Elohad]: Ha, hammered. Because… dwarves… anyway.
[Erixa]: Like they feed the paladin horses. *Erixa says, looking at the manna biscuit, as if this is a compliment.*
[Kaleyah]: I mean, dwarves live'ere…
Dane makes uncertain sounds that are vague grumblings.
[Kaleyah]: Ya think they gotta bar?
[Elohad]: Grace.
Mordecai brushes at his tabard. He leaves a faint streak of soot on it from where he was touching the chain earlier, looks down at it, and makes a face.
Kaleyah snickers.
[Erixa]: Alright. To Windsor, to bring hope?
[Elohad]: Yes. Hope to Windsor.
Mordecai nods to Erixa.
[Dane]: Aye. Windsor first, drinks later.
Colson nods sharply at Dane.
[Alliza]: Perhaps we can convince him to bathe this time.
[Dane]: If these bastards would let him.
[Dane]: S'move.

Here follows the account of Team Erixa.
[Erixa]: Okay, he may be in the same cell.
[Nunuzac]: Maybe they expect us after last time.
A few dwarves do seem to expect them. They attack.
[Gwenivene]: If I MISSILE try again.
[Kaleyah]: Thinkin' it was this way, yea?
[Kaleyah]: I mean, assumin' he jus'ad a pity party to'imself…
[Nunuzac]: I think so. Just by the pain room.
[Kaleyah]: Ya see that bullseye?
[Nunuzac]: They keep beds up there to get waked up by all the yelling?
[Erixa]: He was right up here, to the right!
[Erixa]: If they have not moved him.
[Elohad]: He had that weird shackle.
[Elohad]: So unlikely.
[Kaleyah]: Knock knock.
Kaleyah stands watch.
[Elohad]: *Softly* Heyy, buddy…
[Nunuzac]: You are not dead yet! How good.
Windsor mutters, "I thought I said to leave me alone."
[Gwenivene]: M-Marshal…sir.
[Elohad]: But this is a special case.
Elohad passes over the note.
Windsor raises an eyebrow, and looks at the note. His face slowly transforms, a smile growing.
Elohad smiles back, eyes lighting up.
Nunuzac tilts her head.
Marshal Windsor shakes the note excitedly. "Do you realize what this means?"
Elohad nods, grinning.
Windsor doesn't wait for an answer. "Perhaps all is not lost! From what I can ascertain, the information is being held by two Dark Iron dwarves: General Angerforge and the golem lord, Argelmach."
Elohad silently mouths 'Argelmach'.
Windsor laughs grimly. "I have a feeling that they won't just hand over the information if we ask nicely."
Nunuzac shakes her head before it morphs into a nod at the continued explanation.
Kaleyah scratches her nose. "Ehe."
[Elohad]: Yeah, well, we're okay at not being nice.
Windsor's eyes are bright. "I hope you are ready to battle. Venture forth and find these two villains! Destroy them and return my lost information."
[Elohad]: We're on it.
Elohad salutes Marshal Windsor with respect.
Nunuzac beams brightly. She understands 'ready to battle.' Sparks course her fingertips.
[Elohad]: Sit tight, Marshal.
The team moves out, to kill the indicated dwarves and retrieve Windsor’s information.
[Kaleyah]: So eh…
[Nunuzac]: We have the right road?
[Kaleyah]: Maybe done work for that workshop.
[Kaleyah]: Couple ways t'get about…eh.
[Nunuzac]: Bad dog.
[Erixa]: It is a city in a mountain, how big can it be?
Elohad sighs at you.
Kaleyah chuckles.
[Kaleyah]: I can try t'sneak ya in…
[Nunuzac]: Ironforge is pretty big.
[Elohad]: Fewer cages.
[Erixa]: Let's get back to the beginning and get a bearings.
[Kaleyah]: Or eh, we can go up an' around. Either way.
[Elohad]: I'm just following the tall one.
[Erixa]: I hope they have not destroyed the notes.
[Nunuzac]: Greatname acts like she knows what she is doing.
[Nunuzac]: So she probably does, yes?
[Kaleyah]: Not really, nah. Just been a few spots.
[Elohad]: Greatname??
[Erixa]: Is Margrace a great name?
[Kaleyah]: Apparently.
[Kaleyah]: So's Nooonooozac.
[Nunuzac]: Margrace? Well, I go by what I am told.
[Elohad]: Just call her Grace. She hates that.
[Kaleyah]: Really do.
[Nunuzac]: Oh, perfect!
[Erixa]: Why?
[Kaleyah]: Oop.
[Erixa]: Isn't Grace a virtue?
[Kaleyah]: Ain't got none.
[Erixa]: You can pick locks! That is a virtue, right?
[Gwenivene]: Grace is my gryphon's name, too!
[Kaleyah]: Y'know.
[Kaleyah]: Maybe, but y'still get thrown in jail fer it.
Elohad looks around.
More dwarves.
[Elohad]: Oop, fire friend.
[Kaleyah]: I just guessed where t'punch.
Kaleyah blows on her hand.
Elohad murmurs a prayer, and they suddenly all feel… a bit of a pleasant chill?
[Erixa]: There looks like a thing to mess with here, Mar-grace?
[Kaleyah]: Ye.
Erixa looks appreciatively at Elohad.
[Kaleyah]: Lemme go poke.
[Gwenivene]: The bracers. Separate them from their bracers. It's what binds them to this plane.
[Nunuzac]: The fires are angry here. Something whips them up like custard.
[Elohad]: If you stick close to me, I can take the edge off the fire situation.
[Erixa]: That one has gone!
[Kaleyah]: Whatever it is, uh. S'broke now,
Nunuzac picks up a fallen elemental bracer.
Kaleyah apologizes to everyone. Sorry!
More dwarves.
[Gwenivene]: Pew-pew-pew!
Kaleyah chuckles at Gwenivene.
[Kaleyah]: I like that.
[Kaleyah]: Figure if I could shoot stuff out m'hands I'd go pew.
More dwarves.
[Gwenivene]: If I MISSILE try again.
Gwenivene giggles
[Gwenivene]: It…um…helps me focus
Kaleyah kicks the dwarf out the window.
[Elohad]: Yeah, believe it or not, paladin prayers are like that.
[Kaleyah]: D'ya really need t'say stuff?
[Elohad]: The Light doesn't like, wait for you to ask it stuff, no.
Gwenivene nods to Elohad.
[Elohad]: It focuses the mind.
[Kaleyah]: Or is it just like…ya think real hard?
[Kaleyah]: Hm.
Nunuzac wrinkles her nose, looking distracted.
[Gwenivene]: Make it rain!
[Gwenivene]: I don't need to say stuff. But it's a mnemonic device. Sort of a mental trick.
[Elohad]: Yeah, I think it's pretty much exactly the same as paladin prayers, the way you describe it.
[Elohad]: It's for me, not the Light.
Gwenivene smiels at Elohad. "Yeah, exactly!"
[Nunuzac]: It would be funny if the Light needed convincing.
Kaleyah mumbles "Dear knife, stab good between th'plates an' don't break."
Elohad grins at Nunuzac.
Gwenivene giggles.
Nunuzac frowns petulantly. "Sometimes fires need convincing."
Erixa chuckles. "Yes, the Light is fine on its own."
[Elohad]: I mean, I've seen the Light answer to murlocs, so clearly it isn't too picky.
More dwarves. Also beer kegs.
[Gwenivene]: Pew-pew-pew!
[Kaleyah]: Kegs.
[Elohad]: Grace.
Kaleyah snaps her gloved fingers.
Erixa looks amazed. "Murlocs have paladin order? Cute!"
[Kaleyah]: I'm jus' sayin' I knew it!
[Elohad]: When we're done here, feel free to knock yourself out.
[Elohad]: And make no mistake, that stuff absolutely will.
[Kaleyah]: Ye I'm good.
[Kaleyah]: Don't tell nobody, but I like them fruity ones.
Elohad laughs at Kaleyah.
[Erixa]: There are a lot of dwarves gathered around a dwarf. General Person, maybe?
[Elohad]: That's going in the next company newsletter, Grace.
[Elohad]: Oh, good call, Erixa.
[Nunuzac]: I trust you guys I don't get in trouble with Ironforge for this.
[Elohad]: Looks like he's giving orders.
[Kaleyah]: Aha, can't believe chief fell down the stairs…
[Gwenivene]: Whoa…look how red his beard is.
[Gwenivene]: Like it's on fire.
Erixa laughs at Margrace. "No shame in liking fruits in drink."
[Elohad]: Yeah, Ironforge is NOT a fan of these guys.
Elohad isn't mad at Fireguard Destroyer, just disappointed.
[Erixa]: Red like an anger forge.
[Elohad]: So angry. So forge.
[Gwenivene]: Think it's him?
Erixa creeps forward. "General Angerforge?"
[Elohad]: Well, let's introduce ourselves and find out.
[Nunuzac]: Maybe we ask?
[Kaleyah]: I mean, won't hurt ta kill another dark iron, s'pose.
[Elohad]: You first, Erixa.
The red-bearded dwarf looks up at them questioningly.
[Erixa]: I just wanted to…
HE ATTACKS.
Erixa defends herself.
General Angerforge cries out an alarm!
[Elohad]: I'm shocked, shocked that he didn't want to hand over the information peacefully.
[Kaleyah]: M'prayer worked.
[Elohad]: See? Praying's great.
[Kaleyah]: Shame his didn'.
[Elohad]: I think he forgot to say a prayer.
[Elohad]: Erixa, you want to uh, search him?
Erixa goes through his pockets, and holds up a tablet triumphantly.
[Erixa]: I guess we probably cannot decrypt them.
[Erixa]: If it took them months or more, then we will have to just ask Windsor.
[Erixa]: I wonder what is the secret that we are uncovering? This is exciting!
Kaleyah trips over a flagstone and does a little skip.
[Elohad]: See? Grace.
[Elohad]: That was very graceful.
[Elohad]: You're just loaded with grace.
[Kaleyah]: Ye-
Kaleyah rubs his head and runs ahead.
Elohad smiles sweetly.
[Gwenivene]: It's making me giggle every time you call her Grace. I'm used to riding Grace, and I'm just getting the funniest mental image now.
[Erixa]: A lot of hooks in here.
[Kaleyah]: Wowee this place got busy since th'last time I was 'ere…
[Nunuzac]: Exciting is right. Some /big/ secret, I make a bet.
[Kaleyah]: Piggybacks'll cost ya, miss.
[Elohad]: That is… a lot of very large meathooks.
[Nunuzac]: We become human heroes.
Gwenivene giggles at Kaleyah.
[Erixa]: They will make statues. Big Draenei statues.
[Erixa]: And of you all, too, of course.
[Elohad]: I've already had a statue made of me once.
[Kaleyah]: I'm good ifin they don' make a statue.
[Erixa]: Oh? Is it a pretty statue?
[Elohad]: For a play. It got smashed afterward. Just plaster.
[Gwenivene]: Pew-pew-pew!
[Erixa]: Aww, that is sad, I would have liked to see.
[Elohad]: It was extremely handsome.
[Kaleyah]: Was it when ya were younger?
[Elohad]: Yyyyyep.
[Elohad]: I used to be quite the dreamboat.
More dwarves.
[Gwenivene]: Aww, you're still very handsome, sir!
[Erixa]: Are you not now? I assume all Cobalt are very handsome for humans.
[Elohad]: You're sweet, Gwen.
[Kaleyah]: Oh I'm sure ya got all th'smooches.
[Elohad]: Oh, thank you, Erixa.
[Elohad]: Yes, everyone in Cobalt Company is stunning.
[Erixa]: Beautiful Cobalt Company.
Kaleyah spits out a huge gross lung cookie onto the floor.
[Kaleyah]: Specially me.
[Elohad]: Grace, you're fired.
[Kaleyah]: Well.
[Kaleyah]: Enjoy gettin' back.
[Nunuzac]: He really tried to break it.
[Kaleyah]: Bein' fired an all, I'ma have t'pass.
Kaleyah cackles.
[Elohad]: Kind of sad Jo isn't here; she'd love this place.
[Gwenivene]: Yeah.
[Elohad]: Okay, you're rehired. Just no more spitting. Bad enough Dane doing that all the time.
Nunuzac looks up at the sparking coils.
[Kaleyah]: I like Dane.
[Elohad]: You're like two peas in a pod.
[Erixa]: Yes, lots of machines here.
[Kaleyah]: …Wonder who can spit farther…
[Nunuzac]: That is not enough peas for dinner.
Erixa looks at Kaleyah. "You do not resemble Dane to me, except in the basic human sense."
[Kaleyah]: S'good.
[Erixa]: I do not know him well.
[Elohad]: What? Dark hair, crass, troublemakers? They're basically twins.
[Elohad]: I guess Dane doesn't so much make trouble anymore though.
[Gwenivene]: Oh wow, wouldn't that be something? Like…separated at birth!
[Elohad]: He's grown up quite a lot.
[Erixa]: Why not? Is he gotten old?
[Elohad]: He's still young by my standards.
Kaleyah squints a lot.
[Kaleyah]: Ya'll're goobers.
Gwenivene giggles at Kaleyah.
[Elohad]: I am not sure what a goober is, but I know I resent it.
[Gwenivene]: You have the sense of it, sir.
[Nunuzac]: Maybe we should get to know. Invite to lunch, ask questions about entire life.
Elohad nods at Nunuzac.
[Kaleyah]: Lunch?
[Kaleyah]: I gotta pay?
[Erixa]: Yes, lunch for life story! A good trade.
There are more dwarves, but they find themselves in a blizzard!
[Gwenivene]: Nasty weather we're having!
[Nunuzac]: I had to pay last time I had lunch in Ironforge.
[Elohad]: I'll treat you sometime, Nunuzac!
[Kaleyah]: I'll show ya some tricks, y'won't need ta again.
Anvilrage Warden attempts to run away in fear!
[Nunuzac]: Oh how good! I love food presents.
[Elohad]: Do you like dwarven food?
[Nunuzac]: I think so? Many sausages, very brown?
[Elohad]: Great! I'll take you to lunch sometime.
[Elohad]: All the sausages you can eat.
Anvilrage Guardsman attempts to run away in fear!
[Erixa]: Is that lunch for life story?
[Elohad]: Yep.
[Kaleyah]: I get fired, she get's snags.
[Kaleyah]: This world, I swear.
[Elohad]: You're rehired now, though.
[Erixa]: You got rehired!
[Elohad]: I'm fickle like that.
Erixa nods at Elo.
[Kaleyah]: Point stands.
[Kaleyah]: Where'm'sausages?
[Elohad]: Tell me your life story sometime and I'll consider it.
[Elohad]: I like stories.
[Kaleyah]: That'll cost alotta meat, y'know
[Elohad]: I'm extremely wealthy.
[Kaleyah]: Don' tell people that.
[Elohad]: Oh, everyone knows!
[Kaleyah]: I didn'.
[Elohad]: Just catching you up.
[Nunuzac]: That is not fair, Elohadference. You already told us you have the wealth of looks.
[Kaleyah]: Like I said, this world.
[Elohad]: Right? Handsome and rich. Just not fair to anyone else.
Kaleyah stabs the dwarf very hard.
[Kaleyah]: Sayin' all them prayers makes ya'll so thirsty.
[Kaleyah]: Seems awful.
[Elohad]: It's some kind of focus thing? Have to be properly hydrated.
[Erixa]: Old Draenei saying, those twice-blessed buy many lunches. *Erixa glances to Nunuzac to see if she'll contradict.*
Nunuzac nods emphatically.
[Kaleyah]: That why whats'er'face is always screamin' 'HYDRATE'?
[Elohad]: What's whose face?
[Kaleyah]: The one. Y'know. There's a lotta ya.
Elohad grins wickedly at Kaleyah.
[Elohad]: But yeah, spellcasters are a thirsty lot. And channeling the Light counts. I guess.
[Nunuzac]: Water cleans the body and the mind when it is feeling generous.
[Elohad]: Interesting thought.
[Kaleyah]: Makes ya gotta pee too, oop.
Kaleyah shuts up.

Here follows the account of Team Dane.
Mordecai begins to say the power word to shield himself every thirty seconds, now that they're in dangerous territory.
[Dane]: Mm. L'right, who wants to use that blasted thing.
Dane nods to the buzzbox distastefully.
[Mordecai]: I-I can?
[Dane]: Right then, you're the one.
Colson smiles gently at Mordecai.
Mordecai takes the buzzbox from Dane.
Dane eyes Alliza. "You with the Kirin Tor as well then, are you?"
[Alliza]: Hah. I wish. No, I am something of a recluse. Or I was, anyway.
Dane grunts.
Mordecai holds the buzzbox awkwardly. He can't seem to figure out a way to carry it without getting in the way.
Dane eyes one of the hanging cages carrying bones.
Colson sips at some water. It's hot in here.
Mordecai shifts the buzzbox awkwardly under one arm.
[Dane]: So what drives a recluse to join a company of sellswords?
[Mordecai]: Oh, um…
Dane eyes Mordecai up and down.
[Dane]: Mm?
[Mordecai]: W-well, ah, I needed something to do. After I got back.
Mordecai clearly has no idea he wasn't being addressed.
Dane opens his mouth to respond before he just nods. "Mm. Aye."
[Alliza]: As for me, my parents banished me from home. Said I needed to experience the world. And my…solo travels did not go well, so… here I am.
[Mordecai]: Oh.
Dane grunts. "Which home? Where?"
[Mordecai]: I'm… sorry to hear that.
[Mordecai]: Marshall Windsor? Sir?
[Dane]: Marshal! Look sharp. You've visitors. Cobalt Company.
Dane gestures to the others as he steps in.
"More of you, huh? *Marshal Windsor eyes the note in your hand.* "What do you have there?"
Alliza mutters, "Look sharp. As if he could…"
Dane steps forward and hands Marshal the note. "Somming' for your eyes to see."
Marshal Windsor takes the note and begins reading.
Marshal Windsor shakes the note excitedly. "This is just like the other note, corroboration! Do you realize what this means?"
Dane stares attentively.
Windsor doesn't wait for an answer. "All is not lost! From what I can ascertain, the information is being held by two Dark Iron dwarves: General Angerforge and the golem lord, Argelmach. I have a feeling that they won't just hand over the information if we ask nicely. I’ve already sent your friends ahead, but I’m sure it’ll be a vicious fight.
Windsor's eyes are bright. "I hope you are ready to battle.Venture forth and find these two villains! Destroy them and return my lost information."
Dane scoffs with amusement. "A *general.* Aye, wager not. We'll see to it."
[Dane]: You heard the man, you lot. Let's get stepping.
Colson gets stepping.
[Dane]: Back this way.
[Dane]: You right?
Dane peers at Harbrooke searchingly.
[Mordecai]: I-I'm fine, just, this device…
[Dane]: Mm. Devilry, innit'.
[Alliza]: I hope somebody knows the way. I would hate to get lost here forever.
[Mordecai]: It's a bit…
Mordecai gestures vaguely.
[Dane]: I've somming of an idea where a 'general' could be lurking.
Colson falls back behind Mordecai.
[Dane]: Here. The key ought to grant passage.
[Dane]: Mind that thing.
[Dane]: Deeper we go…
[Dane]: That there's the gate lock.
[Dane]: We've got to activate it.
[Mordecai]: How?
Colson shifts his aura.
[Dane]: I worked a gate lock in the old days.
[Dane]: T'wasn't dwarvish, but the same ideas ought to apply.
[Dane]: On me -!
[Colson]: Likely.
[Dane]: Alliza, come 'bout here. Keep an eye on that gate.
[Dane]: Colson, have a look at this with me.
[Colson]: Yessir.
Dane takes out the key and shoves it into the hole, fidgeting with a moment before twisting it around.
[Dane]: Anything?
[Alliza]: It's moving!
[Mordecai]: Gate's open.
Dane growls with satisfaction. "There's our path. Let's move 'fore the reinforcements arrive."
[Colson]: Understood.
Mordecai inches away from the cannonballs.
[Alliza]: I hope they don't, the flooding would be monstrous.
Dane walks over to pick one up with a mitt-like hand, examining it with a scowl before setting it back down.
[Dane]: Mm. F'course that day'll never come…
[Dane]: They've got their armies amassed.
Mordecai pushes his hair back from his face, leaving a smudge of soot on his forehead.
[Dane]: These two sentries…
Colson drinks water. His hair has gone to a darker blonde by now, from the sweat.
Dane points at General Angerforge.
[Dane]: That looks like a bloody general to me.
Mordecai fades out as the reinforcements come.
[Dane]: S'he have wot' we want?
Mordecai shakes his head.
[Mordecai]: D-doesn't look like it…
[Dane]: Damn. May've been the wrong general…
[Alliza]: Well, good effort I suppose.
Dane squints.
[Dane]: …Gnomes?
[Colson]: So it would seem.
[Dane]: Not leper, either. These ones are sane.
[Mordecai]: Ah.
Dane points his sword at Argelmach.
[Dane]: He looks in charge.
[Dane]: Let's clear this space.
[Mordecai]: Right…
[Dane]: Mm… playing card.
[Colson]: A moment.
[Alliza]: I don't know how they manage to get anything done in this heat.
[Dane]: Mm, properly.
Mordecai wipes his face off, leaving another smudge of soot, and drinks some water.
Colson moves over to Mordecai's side. "A moment, if you will. Mordecai, may I see the buzzbox?" Colson's voice is very low.
Dane double-takes Mordecai's smudgy face.
Mordecai passes it over.
Dane takes a moment to roll his shield arm shoulder.
Colson examines it for just a moment, and then clicks off the buzzbox with an 'ah,' sort of sound. "Here. You click it on to speak, and off again when you do not need it. Otherwise, ah, it will broadcast everything."
[Mordecai]: Oh.
Dane walks up to one of the hanging golem parts and shoves at it.
[Dane]: S'press on. We'll get to that madman soon.
Colson smiles gently as he hands it back. "Do you want a bag to keep it in?"
[Mordecai]: No, I can - I'll just be careful.
Colson nods. "Alright."
[Dane]: Properly done. Let's have a bit of rest 'fore the big one.
[Alliza]: It seems…hard to keep up with you all. Maybe that's the difference in actual combat experience.
[Dane]: Mind the two bruisers he's got.
Colson looks over Alliza with a mild expression. "Do you need us to slow down, Miss Alliza?"
Colson sprints after Argelmach, in full plate. The general doesn't get far.
[Alliza]: Oh, not on my account. I have managed so far.
[Dane]: You've got spell sword training?
Dane asks Alliza.
Mordecai manages to find a spot to stand where he can heal both Colson and Dane during the fight, looking rapidly between the two.
[Mordecai]: Everyone all right?
Colson steps away from the Holy burnt corpse of the General. "Yes."
[Dane]: Still in one piece. The thirst is getting worse.
Colson inclines his head to Dane.
Mordecai collects a sheaf of only slightly-crispy paper.
[Alliza]: I'm entirely self-taught, so…training, no.
Dane raises his brow.
[Dane]: Mm. You're a competent fighter.
Colson raises an Aspenwood brow.
[Dane]: Let's get back to Windsor. See if he can make use of wot' we've got.
[Colson]: We have several mages you may wish to speak to, if you are looking for additional combat training.
[Dane]: We've got Gwenivene… Jocoza. Garhald'.
[Dane]: F'course Cressidha.
[Colson]: Yes. My sister is a fully trained battlemage.
Dane grunts.
[Colson]: Cressidha Aspenwood. You may recall the name, from before.
[Alliza]: That may become necessary. Books have gotten me this far, but it doesn't seem to account for…actual battle.
Mordecai shields Alliza as a fire elemental tries to pick a fight.
[Dane]: You've held your own thus far, lass.
[Dane]: I'll let you others concern yourself with sorcery. I put my faith in might and steel.
Colson murmurs prayers of sorcery. HOLY sorcery.
[Alliza]: That's all well and good, but you'll need magic to back you up.
[Dane]: Magic's saved me more times than I can count.
[Dane]: S'just not the tool I wield.
[Mordecai]: I understand.
Colson wields both. One might say he goes both ways.

The teams reunite at Marshal Windsor’s prison cell, each with one of his lost tablets. They open the door…

Elohad greets Marshal Windsor warmly.
[Erixa]: Hello Windsor, we have found…
Marshal Windsor snatches the two tablets from your hands. "We need to get out of here!"
Windsor continues, "Help me get my gear back from the supply area and free my friends. If we make it out of here, you are to proceed to Morgan's Vigil and speak with Marshal Maxwell. He will give you further instruction."
Marshal Windsor says: Let's get a move on. My gear should be in the storage area up this way..
[Dane]: Steady on, Marshal…
[Colson]: Of course.
Elohad hovers protectively over the clearly deranged prisoner.
Nunuzac watches Windsor carefully, perhaps on the lookout for dogs that might rush a prisoner in only scraps.
Windsor proves eager to attack anyone on sight.
[Elohad]: Buddy…
[Gwenivene]: Skadoosh.
[Elohad]: Let us handle the fighting, all right friend?
Elohad eyes Marshal Windsor up and down.
[Mordecai]: Come on, now… this way.
Marshal Windsor says: Check that cell, Erixa. If someone is alive in there, we need to get them out.
There’s a friend inside!
Dughal Stormwing says: Thank you, Kaleyah! I'm free!!!
Marshal Windsor says: Good work! We're almost there! This way.
Elohad waves goodbye to Dughal Stormwing. Farewell!
Alliza covers her nose.
Dane grunts.
Colson passes a blessing over the fleeing dwarf.
[Dane]: …Quick bugger, him.
[Colson]: Motivated, perhaps.
[Dane]: Mm, properly.
[Alliza]: Good. One stinky prisoner is enough.
Colson looks grim as they pass several cells that look welded shut.
[Dane]: … Marshal -
Marshal Windsor says: This is it, Kaleyah. My stuff should be in that room. Cover me, I'm going in!
[Kaleyah]: Uh…
He goes in! He attacks!
Marshal Windsor says: Administering fists of fury on Anvilrage Marshal!
[Elohad]: BUDDY.
Marshal Windsor says: Ah, there it is!
Kaleyah mouths at Nunuzac 'how'd he know my name?'
[Nunuzac]: Being naked makes humans aggressive.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Can you feel the power, Kaleyah??? It's time to ROCK!
[Erixa]: ROCK!
Elohad blushes.
[Colson]: Miss Alliza, are you well?
Dane eyes Alliza up and down.
[Alliza]: Yes, it seems so. They didn't like my firepower.
Dane grunts.
Colson inclines his head.
Colson steps neatly in between a dwarf and Mordecai.
[Dane]: Somming' of a bloodthrist, Marshal…
13:27:04 [Alliza]: I suppose he's…understandably angry?
[Atley]: I've a mind to cut the man some slack.
Colson seems particularly neutral about the bloodthirst.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Now we just have to free Tobias and we can get out of here. This way!
He attacks more dwarves.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: I bet you're sorry now, aren't you Anvilrage Overseer!?!
[Elohad]: Good to see you back in armor, sir.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: You better hold me back or Anvilrage Overseer is going to feel some prison house beatings.
No one holds him back. In fact, people help.
[Gwenivene]: Pew-pew-pew!
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: You locked up the wrong Marshal, Anvilrage Overseer. Prepare to be destroyed!
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: This is gonna leave a mark!
[Nunuzac]: I guess he found his fight.
[Kaleyah]: Can I do that when we ain't bein' sneaky?
[Erixa]: Hope is a good thing!
They come to another door.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Open it.
Ograbisi says: Ograbisi needs new hat!
Alliza gasps at Ograbisi.
Colson steps immediately between the ogre and Mordecai.
[Elohad]: Friend of yours, Marshal?
Apparently not. There is a fight.
Dane eyes Marshal Reginald Windsor up and down.
[Mordecai]: Ah…
[Alliza]: How did they fit that thing in there?
Dane scoffs with amusement.
[Mordecai]: Very… carefully?
[Alliza]: It's an ogre, how could they possibly have done that carefully?
[Mordecai]: Sideways?
Mordecai shrugs.
[Dane]: Wager being tucked in there was 'part of the punishment.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: I never did like those two. Let's get moving.
Kaleyah steels herself.
[Kaleyah]: Administerin' Blades ah BE GONE on this guy!
[Elohad]: Alternatively, we could get out of here first and THEN you could get your revenge? Just a thought.
[Nunuzac]: Oh no, this is interesting to see.
[Erixa]: Danger to Stormwind, you said?
[Elohad]: Yeah, I'd kind of like to get to… that part of it.
[Erixa]: Maybe that is more important first.
They reach another cell.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Open it and be careful this time!
Shill Dinger (a Scarlet Crusader) says: Is that you, my dear Tobias???
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: You better hold me back or Shill Dinger is going to feel some prison house beatings.
Beatings commence.
Colson inhales sharply at the Scarlet Crusader.
[Dane]: A crusader? *Here?*
Colson's eyes go bright gold for a moment as the Crusader falls.
[Mordecai]: Did you know everyone here?
[Alliza]: They certainly have an interesting….collection.
[Dane]: Bloody social prison bloc, innit'.
Dane glares angrily at Marshal Reginald Windsor.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: That intolerant dirtbag finally got what was coming to him. Good riddance!
[Kaleyah]: S'that.
[Kaleyah]: A crusadamajig?
Marshal Reginald Windsor spits on the ground.
[Nunuzac]: Whoops.
Elohad sighs. Everyone is spitting today.
[Erixa]: Fire him? *Erixa chuckles
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Alright, let's go.
Elohad sighs deeply.
He decides to fight a lot more people. Apparently he meant ‘let’s go fight more people’.
[Kaleyah]: Administerin' Blades ah BE GONE on this guy!
[Gwenivene]: Puh-puh-puh-POW!
[Dane]: Patience s'growing thin, Marshal…
[Colson]: If we can aid, Dane, we must.
Dane grunts.
Kaleyah snickers. "I'm over it."
[Kaleyah]: Ain't Stormwind like…up an' out?
[Nunuzac]: He seems to have business here.
[Kaleyah]: We really jus' killin' errybody on the way up?
[Elohad]: I think he has some pent-up… stuff… to deal with.
[Gwenivene]: Yeeeaaaaah…
[Kaleyah]: Ain't gonna stop'im.
[Colson]: We must put a halt to this place.
[Alliza]: I feel like this has been less aiding, more killing everything.
[Colson]: Eliminating the prison keepers will halt their ability to hold prisoners.
[Gwenivene]: Pew-pew-pew!
Colson adjusts his gauntlets as they keep going.
[Alliza]: And…what about the prisoners we killed?
[Mordecai]: The ones who attacked us?
[Colson]: You cannot help those who do not wish to be helped, Miss Alliza.
[Colson]: There is no saving someone who does not want to be saved.
[Alliza]: Didn't we say that about the Marshal at first?
[Dane]: I respect the Marshal, but I see her way. This isn't strategy.
[Dane]: Most of these guards'll be replaced in time.
[Colson]: And we do not know how much Twilight's Hammer has corrupted them.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: You locked up the wrong Marshal, Bloodhound. Prepare to be destroyed!
It seems unlikely the bloodhounds locked up Marshal Windsor. Anyway, we reach another cell.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Open it. We need to hurry up. I can smell those Dark Irons coming a mile away and I can tell you one thing, they're COMING!
Crest Killer says: Where I come from, you get shanked for opening another inmate's cell door!
[Kaleyah]: Say please…
Crest Killer gets killed.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: He has to be in the last cell. Unless… they killed him.
[Elohad]: Wait. Who?
They open the last prison cell.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Get him out of there!
[Gwenivene]: I'm…I'm sure we'll find him….
[Erixa]: A friend?
Tobias Seecher says: Finally!! I can leave this dump.
[Erixa]: There's a guy in there.
[Kaleyah]: Squad mates.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Excellent work, Kaleyah. Let's find the exit. I think I know the way. Follow me!
Elohad waves at Tobias Seecher.
Erixa waves at Tobias Seecher.
[Elohad]: Who the heck was that?
[Nunuzac]: There he goes!
[Elohad]: I kind of needed that story…
[Erixa]: Who was he?
Elohad shrugs at you. Who knows?
[Kaleyah]: I unno. All he said was GET ME OUTTA HERE.
[Kaleyah]: Then he ran.
Kaleyah shrugs. Who knows?
[Elohad]: Are we sure he even intends to leave this place?
[Erixa]: There is the door!
[Elohad]: Thank the Light.
Marshal Windsor doesn’t care about doors. He cares about vengeance! So much vengeance.
[Elohad]: Buddy, the door is RIGHT THERE.
[Elohad]: Buddy.
[Elohad]: Cmon.
Finally, all the Dark Iron dwarves are dead. Windsor notices they’re at the door.
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: We made it!
Marshal Reginald Windsor says: Meet me at Maxwell's encampment. We'll go over the next stages of the plan there and figure out a way to decode my tablets without the decryption ring.
Dane eyes Marshal Reginald Windsor up and down.
[Dane]: F'course. We'll make our way immediately.
[Elohad]: WIll do.
[Erixa]: Right!
Mordecai nods.
[Dane]: Let's get the hell out'f here, you lot.
[Elohad]: Thanks for rallying, Marshal.
[Elohad]: You've done Stormwind a great service.
[Gwenivene]: I'm glad you're free and feeling better, Marshal.
[Erixa]: We will try to find out what is in your notes! Though I would think you could re-write some of them.
[Erixa]: Back to Morgan's Vigil?
Kaleyah snickers.
[Elohad]: That would defeat the point of a code, I imagine.
[Nunuzac]: Meet back there he says, we do as asked?
[Elohad]: Yep.
Kaleyah nods at Nunuzac.
[Elohad]: Might be faster for me to use my hearthstone, in all seriousness…
[Elohad]: What do you think?
[Erixa]: Should we ride or portal to Stormwind and fly?
[Gwenivene]: I could open a portal if we need it.
[Elohad]: Oh, yes, please.
[Elohad]: I am very thoroughly done with this place.
[Gwenivene]: Stormwind, then?
Kaleyah sighs loudly. "Yea, portals."
[Elohad]: Is that closest?
[Nunuzac]: I will be up through the mountain. I want to listen a little longer.
Elohad smiles at Nunuzac.
[Erixa]: Meet you at Morgan's Vigil!
Nunuzac nods.
[Kaleyah]: Y'know.
[Kaleyah]: I'll join ya.
[Kaleyah]: Portals…
[Nunuzac]: Alright!
Gwenivene nods and starts to gesture, opening a rift in the fabric in space.
[Erixa]: Thank you mage!

Team Erixa splits to travel by horse and portal, while Team Atley travels together by horse. First, they make their way out of Blackrock Mountain.
Colson inclines his head.
[Dane]: Up the chain, steady on.
Mordecai seems more confident this time with the chains.
[Dane]: Mordecai, let them know we're on the way, will you.
Mordecai nods to Dane.
[Dane]: Alliza, you'll lead us back.
[Alliza]: Er…yeah, okay.
They exit Blackrock Mountain and ride across the Burning Steppes.
Dane takes out a waterskin as he jogs and soaks his face before taking a measured sip and popping the cork back on.
Dane wistfully stares off at the Lothar statue.
Mordecai tries to balance holding the buzzbox and cleaning his own hands and face off a bit with a bottle of water while also riding a horse. It is the most difficult feat of acrobatics Mordecai has ever succeeded on.
Alliza fumbles with a map for a while, then gives up and follows the road.
Dane watches to make sure no one falls from their saddle.
Colson pushes his hair off his face, tilting his head back as the ride. Tenacious seems happier as they get away from the Hot Place.
Mordecai does NOT drop the buzzbox. He spills some water but he does not spill the water on the buzzbox, and that's what counts, right?

By various paths, the team begins to reconvene at Morgan’s Vigil.
[Nunuzac]: Happy flying.
Erixa nods around at the team.
[Erixa]: Yes, I like the flying creatures. Happy riding?
[Kaleyah]: Got t'skip portals -an'- birds.
[Erixa]: Don't like portals and birds?
Nunuzac taps her chin. "Of course. But still, the fire here…"
[Erixa]: Does it disturb the senses? I cannot sense fire.
Kaleyah tells you NO. Not going to happen.
Kaleyah nods at you.
[Nunuzac]: The whole land is full of upset fire, and inside the mountain, even more angry.
[Kaleyah]: I like bein' in control'ah where I'm goin'.
Erixa nods to both of them. To Nunuzac, she adds, "Volcanos maybe are things of angry fire."
Erixa considering, she adds to Kaleyah. "Nunuzac and I never had control of Genedar, unless there is a secret I don't know. So maybe I am used to it."
[Nunuzac]: I think it is not 'just' volcano. Maybe something the dwarves do farther in the city.
[Erixa]: Hmm… *Erixa frowns* Something about fire elementals in newsletter, I think.
Nunuzac laughs brightly. "Me, ship pilot? That would be funny." For a few seconds, perhaps.
Kaleyah shrugs. "T'be fair. Most'ah this is beyond me."
Erixa chuckles at Nunuzac.
Kaleyah plops down against some crates, stretching out her legs.
[Nunuzac]: That is okay, Gracename. The human business is not something I know much of.
[Kaleyah]: S'Kaleyah.
[Kaleyah]: Don' let chief spread'is slander.
[Nunuzac]: Greatname, Gracename, and now Kaleyah? You have many titles.
[Kaleyah]: S'just the one, promise. Th'last one.
[Erixa]: Are we supposed to call you Kaleyah?
[Kaleyah]: Sure.
[Nunuzac]: Okay, I try to remember it.
[Elohad]: Wait, what?
[Erixa]: I have only the one name, and you know it I think. Erixa.
[Elohad]: What's a Kaleyah? *Elo walks up*
Nunuzac looks mildly disappointed that she isn't an important person with a lot of titles.
[Erixa]: She said it's her name, too.
Kaleyah sighs.
[Elohad]: Yeah, humans generally have at least a couple.
[Kaleyah]: Oi, mage lady, how much gold t'turn chief inta a sheep?
[Gwenivene]: Ummm…
[Erixa]: It is confusing. Was more confusing at first. Did not know what was a name or a title, when I did not know so many words.
[Elohad]: I am Sir Elohad the Enduring, or Lord Elohad Ference, or Elo, or Dad, or any number of things.
[Erixa]: Dad? Do many in Company call you Dad?
[Kaleyah]: Heard Ben do it.
[Elohad]: At least one, sometimes.
[Gwenivene]: I don't think…I should turn Lord Ference into a sheep…
Kaleyah sighs at Gwenivene.
[Elohad]: Real talk, Gwen? I've always kind of wanted to try that.
[Erixa]: Should we call you Dad?
[Nunuzac]: Just for a little while?
Gwenivene blinks at Elohad.
[Gwenivene]: Really…?
[Kaleyah]: Welp.
[Elohad]: If you want. *He winks at Erixa*
[Kaleyah]: I need this t'happen.
[Elohad]: Does it hurt?
[Kaleyah]: S'great need.
[Elohad]: I mean, even if it does, I'm tougher than I look.
[Gwenivene]: Not at all!
Erixa watches with curiosity.
[Elohad]: Okay, let's do this.
Elohad cracks his knuckles, for some reason.
Elohad shifts his weight.
[Gwenivene]: It can feel kinda weird. Like…you're sorta being stuffed into a squishy box…but some people say it's strangely cozy.
[Elohad]: Do it.
[Gwenivene]: Well…okay…if you're sure.
Kaleyah looks at Erixa. "Tall."
[Elohad]: Totally sure.
[Gwenivene]: Sheep? Or I can do pig, too.
Erixa looks down at Kaleyah and grins. "Petite."
Nunuzac claps excitedly. "Oh, a demonstration!"
[Kaleyah]: Almost leaned on ya like a post.
[Elohad]: Sheep. It's a classic.
[Elohad]: I'm a pig most of the time in real life.
[Erixa]: I will not fall over, if you do.
[Gwenivene]: Sheep it is.
Gwenivene polymorphs Elohad into a sheep.
[Dane]: Oi. We know you lot.
You wave at Nunuzac.
Kaleyah doesn't even flinch, leaning on Erixa and watching.
Elohad baaaas.
Nunuzac claps excitedly for Elohad.
[Kaleyah]: AHA!
Team Atley arrives at Morgan’s Vigil.
[Mordecai]: Wh-
[Erixa]: Dad is being turned into sheep!
[Dane]: Wot's it -
[Dane]: Is that *Elohad?*
Kaleyah pinches Elo so much.
Elohad laughs at Gwenivene.
Dane knits his brow.
Gwenivene giggles
[Elohad]: That was AMAZING.
[Gwenivene]: Well…?
You laugh.
[Alliza]: Huh…
Elohad thanks Gwenivene.
Dane settles down upon Elo's reaction.
[Kaleyah]: S'what ya deserve!
Elohad makes a rude gesture at Kaleyah.
Kaleyah cackles maniacally at Elohad.
[Mordecai]: I feel like I… missed something?
[Nunuzac]: Oh, we do it again! We do it again and we clip the wool.
[Nunuzac]: Then we give him his own scarf!
Maxwell calls, "Cobalt! Over here! I know what you've been up to already!"
[Kaleyah]: Me gettin' an early nameday gift.
Elohad dies laughing.
Elohad salutes Marshal Maxwell with respect.
Elohad sobers up quickly.
[Gwenivene]: Sir Da-…Elohad wanted to know what it felt like to be polymorphed.
[Dane]: Mm… Well 'nuff then.
[Kaleyah]: Oi, Dane.
[Dane]: Takes a bit'f getting used to.
[Dane]: Mm?
Maxwell shakes his head in wonderment, presumably at our prowess in Blackrock Mountain, not the sheepening. "Amazing. Simply amazing. Windsor stormed through here not five minutes ago. He makes some grand claims but purports that they are supported by his evidence."
Colson 's expression is very neutral.
[Kaleyah]: Wanna have a spi…*She quiets up.*
[Elohad]: Are we going to find out what this is all about?
Maxwell lowers his voice conspiratorially. "He is on his way to Stormwind now to confront Bolvar and … Lady Prestor."
[Elohad]: Ooooooooooh.
Elohad grins wickedly.
[Erixa]: Wait, it was the awful woman?
[Erixa]: She did a thing?
[Elohad]: Oh, this day's been a long time coming.
[Dane]: Aye, wot's … ?
[Elohad]: She must have. He must have proof.
Maxwell looks at the team seriously. "You are to meet with Windsor at the gates of Stormwind. What Windsor is about to unveil will shake the very foundation of the kingdom!"
[Kaleyah]: Is he gonna adminster'is fists'ah fury?
[Elohad]: I have GOT to be there for this.
Erixa looks delighted.
Dane 's look darkens. "Traitor or somming'."
[Elohad]: Portal! Portal!
[Colson]: Hm.
[Gwenivene]: Oh dear.
Mordecai reaches for Colson's hand.
Kaleyah shrugs at Dane. Who knows?
[Alliza]: Is it just me, or…is he going to kill her? He seems very…bloodthirsty.
Colson takes Mordecai's hand gently.
[Kaleyah]: But yea, spittin' competition sometime?
[Dane]: Might be an improvement to the kingdom…
[Elohad]: Honestly, the woman has it coming.
Dane brushes soot off of his armor.
[Nunuzac]: He is going to apply fist to your advisor woman…
[Gwenivene]: Back to Stormwind, then!
[Elohad]: Yes.
Nunuzac quickly moves to yoink Kaleyah through the portal before she can think.
Kaleyah winces as she steps through.
[Nunuzac]: Not so bad.
Kaleyah shudders.
[Colson]: Margrace?
Gwenivene portals her mount in and teleports into the saddle.
Erich Lohan says: Come for the beer, stay for the atmosphere!
[Colson]: I confess, neither do I.
[Erixa]: To the gate!
They ride to the gates of Stormwind, chatting along the way.
[Colson]: I find keeping my eyes closed before and after aids the sensation.
[Kaleyah]: Th'day someone asks me t'use a warlock summony thing is the day y'see me stab a warlock.
[Kaleyah]: Like portals but WORSE! I hear…
Kaleyah salutes General Marcus Jonathan with respect.
[Erixa]: Squire Rowe, we are here for Marshal Windsor!
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: Sprightly lad…
Erixa waves at Reginald Windsor.
Elohad salutes Reginald Windsor with respect.
Aspenwood salutes Reginald Windsor with respect.
Squire Rowe says: The signal has been sent. He should be arriving shortly.
Reginald Windsor says: Yawww!
[Kaleyah]: Not needed but.
Reginald Windsor says: I knew you would come, Erixa. It is good to see you again, friend.
Elohad smiles at Reginald Windsor.
Dane eyes Reginald Windsor up and down.
Dane stares.
Windsor smiles and says, "It has been quite the adventure, friend. I owe you a great debt of gratitude. Perhaps, when all is said and done…"
Elohad listens intently to Reginald Windsor.
Windsor trails off, and then begins again. "As you have no doubt ascertained by now, Lady Prestor is Onyxia: Brood of Deathwing, twin to the tyrant of the Spire, Nefarian."
[Dane]: … Come off it.
Kaleyah nods at Dane.
[Elohad]: Sheeeeeeeeee… whaaaaaaaat…
Gwenivene gasps at Reginald Windsor.
[Mordecai]: I'm sorry?
Dane sets his jaw and reaches for his sword.
Colson has gone Extremely Neutral, his hand going tight on his sword.
[Alliza]: …So. Is he mad?
[Gwenivene]: Whaaaaaaaat?
[Elohad]: I uh.
[Dane]: … He's telling the truth.
"For too long she has held our kingdom in her captivating gaze." Windsor's gaze hardens. "Even the Highlord is controlled by her trickery - a puppet.”
Nunuzac smiles blithely, with no recognition in her eyes at the names.
[Elohad]: Holy…. Light….
Kaleyah shrugs, whispering "Who?"
Marshal Windsor raises his head. “It all ends today… The spell will be broken."
Colson's jaw clenches hard enough to make a muscle jump in his jaw, but he says nothing as he listens.
Windsor claps Elohad on the shoulder. "Worry not, for together, we shall be victorious! Are you ready?"
[Elohad]: Uh, sure. Sure, totally… ready.
[Nunuzac]: Oh, something big happens!
[Alliza]: Wait, wait, wait….we're fighting that -here?- NOW?
[Dane]: S'no time to waste. Somming' like this - could level the whole city.
Gwenivene pales. "Light…the young king! He's in danger!"
Dane nods earnestly to Gwen.
[Nunuzac]: I hope I don't get in trouble for this-wait, no, baby king?
Reginald Windsor says: On guard, friend. The lady dragon will not give in without a fight.
[Elohad]: Holy…
Elohad looks woozy.
[Dane]: Challenging a dragon in Stormwind Keep…
Colson tosses back three potions rapidly.
Nunuzac perks up. "Dragon?"
[Alliza]: This doesn't seem like a good plan…
[Kaleyah]: Dragon, I guess.
[Elohad]: I… this can't… I uh.
[Dane]: Hold fast, you lot. Trouble.
[Kaleyah]: Explains why she was such a chud.
General Marcus Jonathan says: Reginald, you know that I cannot let you pass.
Reginald Windsor says: You must do what you think is right, Marcus. We served together under Turalyon. He made us both the men that we are today. Did he err with me? Do you truly believe my intent is to cause harm to our alliance? Would I shame our heroes?
Elohad looks Very Uncomfortable.
Colson raises an Aspenwood brow.
Reginald Windsor says: Holding me here is not the right decision, Marcus.
Nunuzac hyperventilates a little at all the assembled guard.
Mordecai takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
General Marcus Jonathan appears lost in contemplation.
General Marcus Jonathan says: I am ashamed, old friend. I know not what I do anymore. It is not you that would dare bring shame to the heroes of legend - it is I. It is I and the rest of these corrupt politicians. They fill our lives with empty promises, unending lies.
Erixa watches like this is really fascinating stuff. Humans!
General Marcus Jonathan says: We shame our ancestors. We shame those lost to us… forgive me, Reginald.
Reginald Windsor says: Dear friend, you honor them with your vigilant watch. You are steadfast in your allegiance. I do not doubt for a moment that you would not give as great a sacrifice for your people as any of the heroes you stand under.
Dane glares heatedly.
Elohad gets a little teary.
Reginald Windsor says: Now, it is time to bring her reign to an end, Marcus. Stand down, friend.
General Marcus Jonathan says: Stand down! Can you not see that heroes walk among us?
General Marcus Jonathan says: Move aside! Let them pass!
Elohad flushes.
Dane eyes the Royal Guard warily.
Colson 's tension level drops slightly.
Gwenivene smiles warmly.
General Marcus Jonathan says: Go, Reginald. May the light guide your hand.
Alliza glances around nervously.
Kaleyah perks up, strutting.
Erixa looks around in amazement as the guards kneel.
[Nunuzac]: Oh good, we do not get arrested this time!
Reginald Windsor says: Thank you, old friend. You have done the right thing.
Reginald Windsor says: Follow me, friends. To Stormwind Keep!
Elohad lets out a slow, shaky exhale.
[Colson]: Light be with you.
Mordecai looks very relieved.
[Kaleyah]: Yea, cus we're heroes.
[Kaleyah]: Y'heard'em.
[Gwenivene]: I can't believe this is actually happening…
[Alliza]: I hope we're not slowly walking to our deaths.
Miss Danna says: Isn't it amazing, children? All who enter the city must walk beneath the watchful eyes of the greatest heroes of our lands.
[Dane]: Ought to get those young ones far from here, lass…
[Erixa]: We are going to the keep, I think.
Elohad visibly sweats. Might just be the heat.
[Erixa]: That is where the Lady was.
[Mordecai]: Is this going to turn into a hostage situation?
Stormwind City Guard says: A moment I shall remember for always.
[Dane]: We're in for a proper fight.
[Colson]: She may hear of us coming before we even arrive. No one gossips like soldiers, and word is spreading.
Stormwind City Guard says: …nerves of thorium.
[Nunuzac]: To deaths? That would be bad. Better make it a nice enjoyable walk.
[Dane]: I heard her hollering. She knows we're on the way.
[Gwenivene]: Um…would it be treason to portal the king away…to protect him? Is that kingnapping?
[Elohad]: I don't believe it… I don't believe it…
[Alliza]: Maybe she'll…fly off somewhere?
[Colson]: Hm.
[Dane]: Be prepared for anything.
[Elohad]: All that woman put us through…
[Dane]: We want to protect these people, we do her in here, and now.
[Erixa]: The poor child, bewitched by dragon.
[Kaleyah]: What if it's a lil'un, like the other dragons.
[Elohad]: Light! Her ties to the Twilight's Hammer… everything makes sense. I wish it didn't.
[Dane]: It makes too *much* bloody sense…
Dane snarls.
Elohad agrees with Dane.
Billy says: I heard that there are these huge fish that can walk on land to hunt, and eat people!
[Alliza]: Someone had to have known then. Right?
Stubbinskin salutes Dane with respect.
[Elohad]: Light protect us… Light guard us… Light be with us…
Dane sets his jaw and cracks his neck back and forth.
Mordecai takes out a candle. It burns away in his hands as he recites a prayer for Fortitude.
[Dane]: The guard… They may not understand. If they get in our way…
[Dane]: We must do, wot' we must.
Elohad curses softly.
Colson murmurs prayers as they walk, his hand tight on his sword.
Nunuzac cranes her neck up at some birds and cradles a sloshing globule of loosely cohering water.
Kaleyah thumbs her vest.
[Gwenivene]: We…we can't hurt our own people though…r-right?
[Kaleyah]: Oh ya totally can.
[Dane]: In defense of Stormwind.
[Erixa]: Maybe they will see sense, like the General?
Gwenivene frowns, wringing her hands.
[Mordecai]: I hope so…
Dane eyes Stormwind Royal Guard up and down.
Elohad continues to murmur prayers.
Reginald Windsor says: Be brave, friends. The reptile will thrash wildly. It is an act of desperation. When you are ready, give me the word.
Elohad salutes Reginald Windsor with respect.
Reginald Windsor says: Onward!
Stormwind Royal Guard says: A living legend…
Stormwind Royal Guard says: There walks a hero.
[Elohad]: …reptile… he meant it literally…
Stormwind Royal Guard says: A moment I shall remember for always.
Stormwind Royal Guard says: Make way!
[Alliza]: Thrashing? Maybe the Keep will collapse on us?
Mordecai exhales slowly as the guards let them in.
[Erixa]: I thought… cold person…
[Dane]: S'bloody possible.
Stormwind Royal Guard says: There walks a hero.
Colson glances back once more at Mordecai, and exhales slowly as he draws his sword.
Stormwind Royal Guard says: Make way!
Elohad has not reached for a weapon yet.
Stormwind Royal Guard says: Light be with you, sir.
Stormwind Royal Guard says: A moment I shall remember for always.
[Kaleyah]: Well there ya go. No fightin' guards.
Dane 's drawn his sword and shield.
Dane glares angrily at Lady Katrana Prestor.
Stormwind Royal Guard says: You are an inspiration to us all, sir.
Stormwind Royal Guard says: Light be with you, sir.
Reginald Windsor says: Majesty, run while you still can. She is not what you think her to be…
Highlord Bolvar Fordragon says: To the safe hall, your majesty.
Dane peers at Anduin Wrynn searchingly.
Reginald Windsor says: The masquerade is over, Lady Prestor. Or should I call you by your true name… Onyxia…
Elohad starts shaking all over at the sight of Lady Prestor -whether from fear or rage is hard to say.
Lady Katrana Prestor laughs.
Lady Katrana Prestor says: You will be incarcerated and tried for treason, Windsor. I shall watch with glee as they hand down a guilty verdict and sentence you to death by hanging…
Dane glares angrily at Lady Katrana Prestor.
You glare angrily at Lady Katrana Prestor.
Lady Katrana Prestor says: And as your limp body dangles from the rafters, I shall take pleasure in knowing that a mad man has been put to death. After all, what proof do you have? Did you expect to come in here and point your fingers at royalty and leave unscathed?
Hectorius watches respectfully, in awe of the occasion.
Reginald Windsor says: You will not escape your fate, Onyxia. It has been prophesied - a vision resonating from the great halls of Karazhan. It ends now…
Mordecai shifts a little towards the direction where the king ran.
Reginald Windsor reaches into his pack and pulls out the encoded tablets.
Nunuzac looks around curiously. "Small king… safe and away?"
Reginald Windsor says: The Dark Irons thought these tablets to be encoded. This is not any form of coding, it is the tongue of ancient dragon.
Kaleyah nods at Mordecai.
Elohad nods at Nunuzac.
Reginald Windsor says: Listen, dragon. Let the truth resonate throughout these halls.
Dane stares Lady Katrana Prestor down.
Reginald Windsor reads from the tablets. Unknown, unheard sounds flow through your consciousness.
Lady Katrana Prestor TURNS INTO A GIANT DRAGON!
Mordecai moves to cover that part of the hall.
Dane mutters something very unsavory.
Highlord Bolvar Fordragon gasps.
[Elohad]: HOLY @#$%
Gwenivene groans, holding her head
Erixa reaches up to touch her head, puzzled.
Lady Onyxia says: Curious… Windsor, in this vision, did you survive? I only ask because one thing that I can and will assure is your death. Here and now.
Hectorius gasps at Lady Katrana Prestor.
Kaleyah whispers, "Safe hall, y'think?"
Erixa gasps at Lady Katrana Prestor.
Nunuzac yelps a little.
Alliza startles.
[Gwenivene]: CHEESE AND CRACKERS!
Lady Onyxia laughs.
[Kaleyah]: Welp.
[Hectorius]: What the…..?????
Lady Onyxia says: Yesss… Guards, come to your lord's aid!
Onyxia's Elite Guard hisses.
Colson curses as he steps in front of where Mordecai is.
Hectorius arms himself quickly!
Reginald Windsor says: DO NOT LET HER ESCAPE!
[Nunuzac]: All of them!?
Lady Onyxia says: Was this fated, Windsor? If it was death that you came for, then the prophecy has been fulfilled. May your consciousness rot in the Twisting Nether. Finish the rest of these meddlesome insects, children. Bolvar, you have been a pleasurable puppet.
Onyxia's Elite Guards become enraged!
Mordecai fades, backing down the hall.
[Gwenivene]: Pew-pew-pew!
Hectorius felt he needed to join the fight in the name of Stormwind.
Highlord Bolvar Fordragon says: Reginald… I… I am sorry.
Reginald Windsor says: Bol… Bolvar… the medallion… use…
Reginald Windsor dies.
[Dane]: The *entire* bloody guard…
Gwenivene pants heavily, eyes wide
Elohad puts both hands to his head, swaying in place.
[Alliza]: W-where did she go?
[Mordecai]: Light, were they all…
Kaleyah pants, "S***."
Erixa looks around in amazement.
[Elohad]: Marshal…
Hectorius takes deep breaths himself, a little shaken by this experience.
Mordecai hurries to the marshal's side, drops down to one knee, and begins calling Light.
[Gwenivene]: Holy crab puffs and snickerdoodles! That…that….
Dane looks over the King for injuries.
Harbrooke kneels down.
Elohad peers at Hectorius searchingly.
[Elohad]: You all right?
[Elohad]: Sorry for getting you caught in the crossfire, there.
[Hectorius]: I… I…. *think* so.
The Highlord holds it up for the group to see. "This medallion is what held my mind and body captive. It is also what gave me access to Onyxia's own mind - to her secrets. Albeit the visions are muddled now, some things I do remember."
[Hectorius]: Thank you for asking, but wow that was intense.
Elohad mutters a prayer over him.
[Gwenivene]: Oh no…Windsor…?
Hectorius thanks Elohad.
Elohad nods solemnly.
Hectorius bows before Elohad.
Mordecai passes the resurrection spell over Windsor and it finds nothing, fizzling out unsuccessfully. Mordecai shakes his head.
[Mordecai]: He's already gone.
Elohad also tries to resurrect him… to no avail.
Gwenivene chokes out a little sob, clasping her hand over her mouth.
[Elohad]: He… I think that was … I think he's at peace.
Colson closes his eyes, murmuring a prayer over Windsor, one hand reached out to Mordecai to help him stand.
Mordecai takes Colson's hand and gets to his feet.
Dane gets a hard look, staring at Windsor.
Kaleyah wipes her nose on her sleeve. "Sheesh."
Elohad puts a hand over his eyes for a moment, looking weary.
Gwenivene cries.
[Dane]: A proper hero and true man of the keep.
Hectorius is saddened by the passing of Marshal Windsor, sighing softly.
Nunuzac clasps her hands beside her chin, looking disappointed.
Colson exhales slowly, his face in tight neutral lines.
Erixa nods once, sadly. "Now that was a heroic death."
Hectorius agrees with you.
[Erixa]: I feel a little bad. I thought little of Marshal Windsor, when we first met him.
Gwenivene drags her feet up the dais to face Bolvar and the king.
Gwenivene kneels before Anduin Wrynn.
[Mordecai]: Milord, your majesty, are you well?
Harbrooke kneels before Anduin Wrynn.
Dane kneels before Anduin Wrynn.
Elohad kneels before Anduin Wrynn.
Aspenwood kneels before Anduin Wrynn.
Alliza kneels before Anduin Wrynn.
Hectorius kneels before Anduin Wrynn.
Bolvar holds the shattered medallion. "Windsor's sacrifice has freed our Kingdom, but the threat of Onyxia and her kin is ever looming."
Highlord Fordragon looks around at the Company. "Cobalt Company, I thank for your assistance. Who can say what evil may have occurred had this monster not been rooted out. From what I can recall, it would have been terrible."
[Dane]: Mm.
Elohad looks deeply shaken.
Mordecai rises slowly, looking around at the corpses of the dragons-in-disguise.
Kaleyah crosses her arms, standing awkwardly.
[Elohad]: I… I need to get home. I need to tell Nir and Ben.
Dane salutes Highlord Bolvar Fordragon with respect.
Elohad bows before Highlord Bolvar Fordragon.
[Alliza]: So…is this a thing we need to worry about now? Dragons in disguise, possibly anywhere?
[Kaleyah]: What a day…
[Dane]: …Aye.
Dane growls.
[Elohad]: Highlord. I… Light. I don't even know what to- I have to go.
Hectorius stands slowly himself, unable to believe this.
Highlord Fordragon nods again. "Thank you, once again. I will always remember to call on your people when needed."
[Nunuzac]: That is what I like to know! How many…
Mordecai quietly says prayers for the fallen dragons too. (He does not skin them.)
Elohad gives the mage a pat on the shoulder as he passes.
[Dane]: Wretched curs.
Dane pauses to peer one last time at Windsor's body.
Highlord Fordragon turns to the startled little king, a clear royal dismissal.
[Alliza]: I'd better not get assassinated by a dragon…
Hectorius waves to the valiant group that brought Marshal Windsor back and helped slay the dragons.
Kaleyah scratches her nose.
You wave at Hectorius.
[Dane]: The Defias… The riots. T'was all her.
[Kaleyah]: S'pose findin'er is next, then yea?
[Dane]: And killing her promptly.
[Kaleyah]: Well, 'course.
Nunuzac holds her head a little. "How bad… he just gets free a minute ago."
[Mordecai]: She'll have gone somewhere she thinks is safe.
[Dane]: Wot' strength we'd have had by now, 'gainst the Horde, 'gainst all others…
[Dane]: If that *parasite* wasn't lingering.
[Mordecai]: Oh! Who do I give this back to?
Mordecai holds up the buzzbox.
[Kaleyah]: I'll take it, ehe.
Colson looks for Elohad, who is now long gone.
[Kaleyah]: Can drop it off at chief's place later.
Erixa nods at Kaleyah.
Mordecai passes it over to Margrace. "Thank you."
[Kaleyah]: 'Course.
[Kaleyah]: Y'alright?
Colson inclines his head to Kaleyah.
[Mordecai]: I'm… I think so? That was a lot.
Kaleyah gives a sleepy blink.
Nunuzac looks around among those remaining.
[Kaleyah]: Understatemen' really.
[Mordecai]: The king was safe, so…
Alliza starts writing in her journal, while mumbling, "I'll need to change my name, where I'm staying, there's another world, right? Maybe go there…"
Kaleyah scratches at her head as she tucks the box into a pouch.
[Erixa]: I think I will head home. Think good thoughts of hero Windsor.
[Dane]: Mm.
[Dane]: Ought to scour the land. Find out any other hissing serpents.
[Erixa]: You find any more secret dragons, let me know. I will come help slay.
[Kaleyah]: Think ya got more hidin' round'ere?
Mordecai looks at Dane. "We're free to go?"
Colson nods to Dane. "Someone will know something."
Colson nods to others. "Dismissed, yes."