(2022-08-21) The Broken Earth, the Conquered Path (S7E2 - White Squad Log)

Details

Author:	inkie
Summary:	White Squad attempts to aid the tormented elements of Shadowmoon Valley. When they arrive at an impasse, they turn back to aid the Wildhammers -- and make an important discovery. Auralind suffers an from old wound.
Rating:	M for Mature 17+

Arc: Season 7

[Ben]: Hey, Cam. Afternoon.

Ben up-nods companionably.

Cressidha crosses her arms. "Good afternoon, Ben, Cambrin."

Ben smiles at her and nods respectfully. "Afternoon, Cressidha."

[Cambrin]: Good afternoon folks.

Cressidha nods politely.

Cambrin looks through his packs, rearranging things to ride more comfortably.

Ben hooks his thumbs into his sword belt and looks around.

Elohad stands at attention and salutes.

[Cressidha]: Sir Ference, good afternoon.

[Elohad]: Afternoon, Company.

Ben straightens and nods respectfully. "Sir."

[Cambrin]: Afternoon, Captain.

Cressidha looks down. She has once again forgotten to put on her tabard. She takes it out of her bag at a casual pace, like she absolutely meant to put it on this late.

[Elohad]: That's a beautiful robe, Cress.

[Cressidha]: Thank you. It took quite some time to make.

[Elohad]: Very intricate.

Ben catches sight of Auralind and lifts his chin as if to call in her direction, then spots the approaching Velrin. He looks between the two.

Auralind pauses on her approach to the gathered company, tilting her head in Velrin's direction and giving a silent nod.

[Cambrin]: Looks like our elven comrades have arrived.

[Ben]: Yeah.

Cressidha looks behind her. "Elune-adore, Auralind." She glances curiously at Velrin.

[Auralind]: Ishnu alah.

Velrin salutes Ben with respect.

Ben nods respectfully to Velrin and offers a smile.

[Ben]: C'mon over, ma'am. You have not met anyone else yet, I expect?

[Velrin]: Greetings everyone. I am Velrin Silverbloom.

Elohad salutes Velrin with respect.

[Elohad]: Elohad Ference, co-captain of Cobalt Company. Here today just as a healer, though. Good to meet you.

Velrin nods at Elohad.

[Ben]: Miz Silverbloom comes to us from the Sentinels also. She has got experience in this area workin' with the Watchers.

[Auralind]: Elune adore, Velrin. I am Auralind Mistwalker, Sentinel, and Lieutenant of Cobalt Company.

[Cressidha]: Velrin Silverbloom. Cressidha, of house Aspenwood. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you here to assist us today in some capacity?

[Velrin]: I am. I will be joining with the Blue Squad

Cambrin looks impressed. "A sentinel? Great fighters. Hi, I'm Cambrin Cooper. We'll be squadmates."

[Elohad]: Don't let Atley rattle you. He's a good guy.

Velrin smirks, "I've dealt with my fair share of humans." She winks to Elo, "Do not worry."

Elohad up-nods. "Atley."

Aspenwood comes to stand by Cressidha, looking over at Velrin with a mild expression. "Colson Aspenwood. Elune-adore, Sentinel."

Atley nods. "Hullo', Elohad. Hullo' you lot."

Ben straightens again. "Mr. Atley, afternoon."

Aspenwood salutes Elohad with respect.

[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, Dane.

[Velrin]: It is good to meet you all *she smiles*

Atley salutes Aspenwood with respect.

[Elohad]: Yeah. Atley's… kind of exactly what you'd expect if you've met human warriors. But he's a good leader; he'll do right by you.

Aspenwood nods hello to Dane and Ben. "Good afternoon."

Atley grunts inquisitively and glances around.

Elohad winks slyly at Atley.

[Ben]: This's your new recruit, Atley. Velrin Silverbloom. She knows the area.

Ben gestures to Velrin.

Atley grunts and eyes Velrin up and down. "You Alliance militry' then?"

[Velrin]: That I am. *She bows slightly.* A Sentinel. Captain.

Atley raises his brows. "A Sentinel…. Well enough. S'good to have you, Captain. Are you a permanent addition?"

[Velrin]: I believe so, yes. For now this mission is my primary concern, but I am sure our partnership will prove fruitful beyond here.

[Elohad]: We're good people to partner with!

Atley nods. "Mm. Too right. I'm Dane Atley. Either Dane or Atley shall do for us."

[Velrin]: I look forward to fighting by your side, Sir Atley.

Velrin bows before Atley.

Atley grunts and nods stiffly before making some last minute adjustments to his armor.

Mordecai inches over, holding a candle.

Aspenwood looks over his shoulder with a gentle smile at Mordecai.

Mordecai smiles back. He looks down. "I'll… wait until Sandy's here for the prayers," he says in a very quiet voice.

[Aspenwood]: Of course. A good thought.

Mordecai might just expect Sandy to be perpetually late.

Elohad sighs almost imperceptibly at the mention of Sandy.

Sil waves at everyone as he approaches.

Ben grins. "Hey, Sil."

Elohad waves at Sil.

[Sil]: Hi Ben, and Hi Elohad!

Cressidha produces a manna biscuit. She sprinkles a pinch of orange dust on it and lets it drift to the ground, where it turns into a table of refreshments.

[Elohad]: Never gonna get used to that…

Elohad thanks Cressidha.

Cressidha smiles proudly. "Help yourselves."

Cambrin eagerly accepts the bread and murmurs thanks to Cressidha.

Aspenwood picks up water from the table and ties it to his belt, smiling gently at Cress as he steps back.

Ben smiles at Cressidha.

[Auralind]: Shaha lor'ma, Cressidha.

[Cressidha]: Of course.

Mordecai inches up to the table, grabs a single bottle of water, and backs up quickly.

Cambrin pulls out a [Adamantite Sharpening Stone] and touches up his sword's edges.

Sil notices the unfamiliar person in the group. "Are you Velrin? The new person?"

Cressidha nods to Sil. "She is. Good afternoon, Sil."

[Sil]: Good afternoon to you, too, Cressidha. *Sil smiles at her.*

Elohad 's gaze wanders the stronghold thoughtfully.

Atley eyes Elohad and nods. "Still appears to be in one piece, mm?"

[Elohad]: They sure know how to build 'em.

[Atley]: Aye, and keep them.

[Cambrin]: It'll take more than orcs and demons to push out a bunch of Wildhammers, from what I've seen.

[Aspenwood]: There is a reason Ironforge never fell, despite all efforts.

[Atley]: Mm, too right.

[Elohad]: It's that inn I can't get over. So stubbornly homey in the face of… well… *He gestures around.* Dwarves have my respect, Wildhammer and Bronzebeard both.

[Atley]: And mine as well.

[Sil]: Yeah, in there I'd half think I was still in Azeroth.

Ben nods agreement with Sil and Elohad.

[Cambrin]: I guess if you've been here as long as they have, you'd have time to build in some comforts.

[Elohad]: Yeah. It really does help morale. I've spent quite a bit of time in there.

Ben looks around. He does not have to count heads to know that Sandy is absent. He glances at the sky, for no particular reason, and his shoulders shift in a silent sigh.

Atley glances around and does a quiet head count.

[Atley]: Looks like Blue Squad's all here.
Atley says, turning to peer at Ben.

Ben nods to Atley. He tries not to nod glumly.

[Ben]: Looks like. Y'all best get started.

Atley nods once and seems to understand the look. "We'll wait 'bout for a proper muster."

[Atley]: In the meantime, Blue Squad, we're off to see that hermit smith, in the forests to the north-west.

Mordecai looks between Ben and Dane. "R-right, I'll just…"

Mordecai holds up a candle, and it ignites in a burst of Light. "Light, grant them Fortitude and endurance." The candle melts away in his hands.

[Elohad]: Don't blame yourself for Sandy, Hazan. Been like that with him since day one. I couldn't entice him toward punctuality myself, either.

Ben nods at Elohad, a little less glumly.

[Elohad]: This one learned. *He nudges Atley.* But Sandy? Eh.

[Atley]: Putting off the drinking'll do that.

Elohad winks slyly at Atley.

[Sil]: He'll be here, I bet.

[Cambrin]: I don't know him well, but Sandy seems to, well, march to his own cadence.

[Cressidha]: I'll fetch Cinnamon then.

Aspenwood turns to look at Mordecai, smiling faintly. "I love you. I will see you soon." Colson gestures for Tenacious, who is Ready! Eager! What will he CARRY TODAY?

[Mordecai]: Love you too. Should I wait here, or…?

[Aspenwood]: Here, I think. I will return here after.

Cressidha fetches her horse.

Cambrin whistles for Rusty.

[Atley]: Here he comes.

Sandy waves.

[Sandy]: Hi, everyone!

Ben spots Zorus the Judicator. "White Squad, if you got your ashes for that fellow, may as well go an' give 'em — hey, Sanders."

Mordecai fumbles to get out another candle.

[Elohad]: Ah, there he is.

[Elohad]: He's inching his way toward punctual, maybe? After a year and a half?

Elohad winks slyly at Sandy.

Sandy laughs at Elohad.

Auralind smirks at Elohad.

Aspenwood smiles faintly at Sandy, and then nods to Dane. Ready.

Mordecai repeats the prayer, very quickly.

[Ben]: Thanks, Mordecai.

[Mordecai]: Um, of course. Be safe out there.

Atley whistles for his horse and swings himself up onto the saddle.

Cressidha offers Sandy some water. A little late for the table.

Sandy thanks Cressidha.

Sandy waves at Velrin. New person!

[Atley]: Blue Squad, let's ride out.

[Ben]: Anyhow. White Squad, go on give your ashes to the fellow, yeah?

[Sil]: Yeah, I got my ash!

[Sandy]: Oh, me too, I've got the ashes! I did the homework!

Mordecai gives White Squad a small wave as they get to work.

[Elohad]: Uh, remind me which one? Is there… only the one draenei, or…?

[Sil]: The one with the fancy armor!

Elohad peers at Zorus the Judicator searchingly.

[Ben]: Yessir, the armor fellow.

Ben points at Zorus the Judicator.

[Ben]: Think he's the only.

[Elohad]: Riiiiight, yes, the absolutely not terrifying guy. I remember now.

Sandy waves at Zorus the Judicator.

[Sandy]: Sir, sir! We've got your ashes!

Zorus the Judicator says: Did you get all the ashes I asked for?

Sandy nods at Zorus the Judicator.

[Elohad]: I certainly hope so, sir.

Zorus reaches out to take the ashes. So many ashes.

Ben eyes his armor again a little wistfully.

Zorus begins to craft something out of the ash samples. Then he holds them up with a flourish. "It is done. Behold, Spectrecles!"

Elohad seems aghast that he did not make that dad joke. He is speechless, mouth literally ajar.

[Ben]: Spectr–

[Elohad]: You can't blame me for that one, Hazan.

Sandy laughs at Zorus the Judicator.

Ben steps back and glances to one side. He exhales through his nose.

Zorus the Judicator says: Let it be known that Zorus does have a sense of humor.

Zorus chuckles.

[Elohad]: Noted, sir.

[Auralind]: Blame…for what?

Auralind furrows her brow, clearly missing the joke.

Mordecai smiles quietly and whispers, "Spectrecles," under his breath, from a good distance away from the group.

Ben looks at Auralind and then back to Zorus the Judicator.

[Sandy]: They're just like my goggles that make everyone look like a male gnome!

Zorus the Judicator says: These spectrecles will allow you to see the Shadowmoon orc spirits wandering this stronghold.

Elohad 's mouth twitches. This is Serious Business, dammit.

Ben glances around the stronghold warily.

[Ben]: Okay.

Zorus the Judicator says: Don't be frightened — we are the true invaders here. Alas, the spirits must be destroyed, as their time has passed. I will leave this to you.

[Elohad]: Just another day in the life of a paladin, sir.

[Sandy]: Yeah! We're all doing… paladin stuff.

[Elohad]: Uh, that's me. A paladin. Of sorts. *He clears his throat.*

[Ben]: We will take care of it, sir.

Zorus the Judicator says: Thank you. I knew I could rely on your team.

Elohad slips on the goggles, and reels, dodging something.

[Elohad]: Holy sh–shadowlands.

Elohad immediately removes them.

[Elohad]: I would uh, I would recommend not putting those on until we're gonna… do the thing.

Sil peeks through the spectrecles and gasps.

[Elohad]: Yeah. Yeah. It's… it's a lot. Which I guess should not have surprised me.

[Ben]: Yessir, you should see how Nagrand looks after we drunk some eyeball potion.

Ben glances at the sky.

Ben lowers his voice. "It is pretty early in the day, still busy out here. We will come back to it when there is less people around out here."

[Ben]: Do not want to start a ghost-war in the yard.

[Sil]: Yeah… we might look kinda odd, fighting invisible things.

Sandy seems unimpressed by the ghost orcs.

[Sandy]: Yeah, plus they're not that big of a deal right now.

Sandy eyes Zorus who just walked past them as he said that.

[Elohad]: They're phase-shifted more thoroughly than a lot of ghosts. They don't ping my pallysenses. Wonder if things work differently out here…

[Sil]: Might be somethin' wrong with the land?

[Elohad]: …Might be.

Elohad looks around dryly.

[Ben]: Anyway. We got some other spirits to tackle, still.

[Elohad]: Yes sir.

[Ben]: Let's mount up and get to work.

Elohad salutes you with respect.

Auralind pulls on her helmet.

[Sil]: Oh, we're gonna help that other orc?

[Ben]: Yeah. We promised. Elemental spirits, an' all.

Elohad looks grim.

[Auralind]: We're helping the land and the spirits.

Sandy nods at Auralind.

[Sandy]: The sad, hurt land. *He stares at the sad, hurt ground.*

Ben reins in and eyes the Altar of Damnation.

Ben nods to Earthmender Torlok.

[Ben]: We're here for the spirit problem, sir.

Sandy smiles at Earthmender Torlok.

Earthmender Torlok says: You actually came back! I… I mean, I expected nothing less.

Elohad grunts softly.

Auralind pulls the Totem of Spirits from her pack, presenting it.

Earthmender Torlok says: I'd suggest to start with earth and fire.

Ben's expression is neutral. "Cobalt Company keeps its word, sir. And okay."

Sandy points at Enraged Earth Spirit.

[Sandy]: Found one!

[Elohad]: This is all well out of my wheelhouse.

[Elohad]: I hope someone knows what they're doing?

[Ben]: He said put down this totem.

Ben inspects the totem.

[Ben]: Huh.

[Sandy]: I mean, my brother was… is! He's kind of a shaman!

Sandy starts a dark ritual, mumbling in demonic. After a moment, a somber figure grows out of his shadow.

[Elohad]: Think we got one…

Sil dodges a spurt of fel fire.

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

[Elohad]: "Jump over the green lava, Elohad. It'll be fine, Elohad."

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

[Sil]: They don't even have chains to walk on out here.

[Elohad]: I've gotten good at walking on chains.

Sil is doing a lot of jumping.

[Ben]: I do not recommend, uh, standin' in the lava.

[Elohad]: Yes sir.

Ben examines one of his scorched boots.

[Elohad]: I'll keep that in mind, sir.

[Elohad]: OW.

[Sil]: They have such tiny little heads.

[Sandy]: They do! They're so cute!

[Elohad]: You doing okay avoiding the lava, Auralind? I guess it isn't subtle.

Ben looks at Auralind with concern.

[Auralind]: I…it…it is a bit overwhelming…

[Ben]: Would be considerate of 'em to stick to the land.

Elohad gives Auralind a soldierly shoulder-clasp.

[Elohad]: Well, if anyone slips, I'll patch you up.

Ben smiles at Elohad over his shoulder.

[Sil]: The lava is all fel… can you sense that, and avoid it that way? *Sil looks at her, concerned*

[Auralind]: That is actually the issue, Sil….

Auralind shuders.

[Sil]: Too much fel?

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

[Elohad]: Void isn't any better, Sandy.

[Elohad]: Different, but not better. Like getting burned by ice instead of fire.

[Sandy]: … Right, yeah!

[Sil]: If you're walking towards the lava, I'll get in the way. So you don't fall in. I'm not fel or void.

Auralind shuts her eyes tight. "It is not–" She sighs, putting her hand to her eyes. "Do not worry… I will be fine."

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

[Elohad]: I know what you meant, Mistwalker. Hopefully this won't take too long.

[Elohad]: Bout half done, I figure.

[Auralind]: I am not certain that you did, Elohad. But… I appreciate the concern.

[Ben]: Higher ground this way, I reckon.

[Ben]: Should make it easier.

[Ben]: I'd say we will get you out of here quick but the whole damn place is fel.

[Elohad]: True.

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

[Elohad]: Sometimes you have to walk right into hell to fix things though. Nature of the beast.

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

Sil gets in between Aura and the lava.

[Elohad]: These things aren't even demons, so I can't exorcise them.

[Sandy]: Oh, but I can banish them!

[Sil]: Fire's not suppose to be green like that, yeah? How much fel till you can exorcise them, do you think?

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

Ben eyes a Spawn of Uvuros up and down.

Sandy gasps at the Spawn of Uvuros.

[Ben]: The f*ck is that thing?

[Elohad]: Also, strangely, not a demon.

[Ben]: Damn.

[Elohad]: At least, it doesn't ping my… demon-senses.

[Sandy]: Me neither!

[Elohad]: Which just seems wrong.

[Sandy]: A beautiful, big, green fire dog!

Auralind stiffens

[Auralind]: No

[Sil]: Um.

[Sil]: It's not a dog, either, Sandy.

The Spawn of Uvuros draws perilously close. Ben makes an Executive Decision and charges it. The Squad kills it.

[Ben]: Sorry, it was comin' at us an' it did not look friendly.

[Elohad]: And now it isn't anything.

Sandy pets [the corpse of] the Spawn of Uvuros.

Auralind collapses to her knees, eyes wide, visibly shaking.

Ben peers at Auralind searchingly.

[Ben]: … Auralind?

[Ben]: Ma'am?

Sandy turns around. "Oh no!"

[Sil]: What is it?

Ben glances at Elu'shalla like the lion might have an explanation.

Elohad looks grim, but doesn't comment. He seems to have some idea what's going on.

[Ben]: Hey.

Sil sits down next to her.

[Elohad]: Just give her a second.

Elohad lays a hand on her shoulder.

Ben crouches down in front of Auralind. He glances up at Elo, a crease between his brows, and nods, but stays crouched.

[Elohad]: We're all here, Mistwalker. We've got this. We've got your back.

Sandy sits down, like the other, then whispers to Ben: "Maybe a sandwich could help a little? Do you have sandwiches like the other times?"

Elohad keeps his eyes alert.

Ben glances over at Sandy and nods. He looks dubiously at Auralind and clears his throat. "D'you … would you like a sandwich, ma'am?"

Elohad stares Enraged Fire Spirit down.

Ben glances over his shoulder to check the area.

Elu'shalla stands protectively near Auralind, bumping his head against her shoulder.

Auralind slowly shakes her head, maybe in response to Ben.

Ben rises carefully to his feet when Auralind does not, apparently, want a sandwich. "Okay, ma'am."

[Sil]: Whatever it was, its dead now.

[Auralind]: I… I never knew… if there were more…

Elohad eyes the closest elementals, weapon drawn.

[Sandy]: You've met something like that before?

Auralind suddenly rips her helmet off, turning away from the party as best she can… and ungracefully vomits onto the fel-ridden earth.

Ben steps back. Respectfully.

Elohad reaches into his bag and hands her a small towel.

Sandy jumps to his feet and moves back, looking worried.

[Ben]: … okay, here is what. I want to get her out of here. Elohad, can you stay with her a minute while me an' Sil and Sanders clear these other hostiles, an' then we will move quick as we can away from this spot?

Elohad nods.

Sandy nods at Ben.

[Ben]: You two, with me.

[Ben]: Auralind, we are gonna get you gone in a minute.

[Sil]: Yeah.

Sil glances worriedly at Auralind as he moves.

[Elohad]: We got this one, Mistwalker. It's gone. I don't see any more.

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

[Elohad]: This one was pretty little. About half the size, if that.

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

Elohad tries to help her to her feet.

[Auralind]: A juvenile…

[Ben]: Let's move. Back toward the Altar.

[Elohad]: That isn't gonna grow up.

[Elohad]: C'mon.

[Ben]: Keep to high ground.

Elohad takes her forearm.

[Auralind]: This whole place…reeks of their bile…

[Elohad]: Just shut it all off for a minute. I'll lead you. Just rest your mind a second.

[Ben]: Let's go. I will cut the path.

[Sandy]: I'll help!

[Elohad]: Just let me lead you, shut it all out for a few. I've got you.

Auralind nods and shuts her eyes, holding onto Elohad… truly letting herself be blind and trusting him completely to guide her.

[Ben]: Sir, if she's gotta stop. Holler. Otherwise I keep us movin'.

[Ben]: We are crossin' lava ahead.

[Elohad]: It's fine.

[Elohad]: I'll steer.

Enraged Fire Spirit becomes enraged!

Elohad all but tosses her over the lava.

[Elohad]: There we go.

[Elohad]: Almost there.

[Sil]: A few more hops!

[Ben]: High ground ahead.

[Elohad]: One more leap…

[Elohad]: And solid ground.

[Ben]: Okay.

[Ben]: Sir. We got your fire an' earth things.

Auralind finally opens her eyes, as if it would somehow let her see again…and breathes.

Elohad keeps holding onto her just in case.

Earthmender Torlok looks at the group with some concern. "Is the elf going to be alright? Looks a bit pale."

Ben glances a question at Elohad.

[Elohad]: It's going to be all right. She or I can explain more later.

Auralind scowls at the orc. "I am fine."

[Elohad]: It was… an unexpected shock.

Ben nods and turns back to the Earthmender. "She is fine, yeah."

[Elohad]: "The Elf" is Sentinel Auralind Mistwalker.

Elohad glares angrily at Earthmender Torlok.

[Sandy]: … But thank you for your concern!

Torlok raises his hands placatingly. "I know it's difficult, the land as it is. This is what I hope to mend. Though… I fear in my heart there may be no hope."

Elohad does not look like he is ready to let go of hope, himself.

Earthmender Torlok says: I haven't given up yet, though. When all of the elemental souls of this region have been placed inside the totem, we will commune with them and find out if anything can be done for Shadowmoon Valley.

[Ben]: Cobalt Company is your next best thing, sir. We will see what we can do.

Sandy nods at Ben.

Earthmender Torlok says: You've taken care of earth and fire, next is water… The Illidari naga of the region have taken control of the only clean water supply that exists in Shadowmoon Valley.

[Elohad]: …Of course they have.

Elohad sighs at Earthmender Torlok.

Ben 's expression hardens.

[Ben]: Like Zangarmarsh. Okay.

Earthmender Torlok says: Directly north of here you will find the lair of the naga: Coilskar. Around Coilskar are pockets of agitated water that howl to the land in anguish. It is at those pockets that the enraged spirits of water now wander.

Earthmender Torlok says: Please, go there and collect the watery souls. Return to me when you have finished.

[Ben]: On it.

[Ben]: White Squad, with me.

Ben beckons them away from the Earthmender.

[Ben]: Auralind, are you okay to keep up? We can escort you back to the Stronghold if no.

Auralind frowns. "I am fine."

[Elohad]: It was that thing, is all. That specific thing.

[Ben]: Yes'm. Beg pardon.

[Ben]: We head north, then.

[Sil]: I bet the naga don't have more of 'em.

Sandy nods at Sil.

[Elohad]: If there are two words I really don't like hearing next to each other, it's "Illidari" and "naga."

Sil nods at Elo.

[Sandy]: I don't really like any word with naga, to be honest! I've noticed they're not the nicest of people!

[Elohad]: Naga are among my least favorite type of people, yes.

[Auralind]: They are abominations.

Sandy whispers in demonic while holding out his hand. From below him, a dreadsteed 'claws' its way out of the ground.

Elohad agrees with Auralind.

[Sil]: I guess they've been allied with Illidan Stormrage for a while.

[Elohad]: Shocker.

Auralind rides up alongside Elohad, giving him a silent nod of gratitude.

Elohad murmurs quietly to Ben, "Thing just like that, but twice the size… was what I pulled her out from under at Hyjal."

Ben glances over at Elohad. He nods grimly, and glances back at Auralind.

[Sil]: Water ahead! And naga. And the same banner, the Illidan one.

[Elohad]: Guess we can confirm meaning.

[Sil]: Oh yeah, also I asked back in Shattrath. Illidan for sure.

[Sandy]: I was more or less right, then!

[Sil]: Yeah, I guess so.

[Ben]: Damn, there is no clear paths in this place.

[Auralind]: Here.

[Ben]: Okay.

[Ben]: Let's head around north, see if there's more water.

[Ben]: Okay. Looks like we got to cut our way through the nagas to get to it.

Ben gapes up at the Vilewing Chimaera.

[Auralind]: Mm…no, it would not.

[Sandy]: Why? Do you know him?

[Elohad]: Thanks for that reminder, Auralind. I always forget human things aren't everybody's things…

[Elohad]: No idea why ours looks like that.

[Elohad]: Never even thought about it, until last week…

[Elohad]: You get used to a thing and it's just… the way things are.

Sandy nods at Elohad.

[Sil]: One makes sense, past that… *Now Sil's thinking about it too.*

Ben eyes a Coilskar Cobra up and down.

[Ben]: They got snakes.

[Elohad]: They are snakes.

[Ben]: Well, yeah, but they got snake-snakes.

[Sandy]: They do have the exact same face as their snakes! More or less.

Ben points at a distant geyser.

[Sil]: Same response to both though, yeah?

Sil raises a sword.

[Elohad]: If it slithers, kill it.

[Ben]: S'right.

[Sandy]: I am never slithering around any of you then, even as a joke!

[Sil]: I do not think I'd mistake you for a snake, Sandy.

[Sil]: Even slitherin'.

[Sandy]: You've never seen me slithering! *He grins.* I'm really good at it!

[Elohad]: I recommend not slithering, in general.

Ben eyes Sandy.

[Ben]: Let's get back to the Earthminder fellow.

Elohad shoos Vilewing Chimaera away. Be gone pest!

[Sil]: We got some shamans in Cobalt now.

[Ben]: Oh come on.

[Ben]: … sorry, that was at the thing, not the shamans.

[Elohad]: I like that new one. Nunuzac? She's fun.

[Ben]: … oh I think I met her.

[Ben]: I was not sure whether I was dreamin'. She had … peanuts?

[Sil]: Don't think I've met her. But Azizia. I know Azizia.

[Sandy]: I've met one, I don't remember her name, though!

[Ben]: I bet Azizia. Because she knows you.

[Elohad]: I would not know how to answer that question.

Sil laughs.

[Sandy]: Yeah, okay then, I guess that's her I saw in Booty Bay when–

[Sil]: I meant to know if it was Azizia.

Sandy waves at Earthmender Torlok.

Earthmender Torlok says: Were you successful? I assumed that wherever you find naga you will almost certainly find tortured water spirits.

[Elohad]: Yep.

Earthmender Torlok says: Excellent. Only air remains, my new friends.

Ben nods neutrally at Earthmender Torlok.

Earthmender Torlok says: For air — venture southeast. When you see fields of gigantic blue crystals jutting out from the land, you will have reached your destination.

Earthmender Torlok says: It is there, at the Netherwing Fields, that you will find the enraged spirits of air. They roam the cliffs and mountain bases that surround the fields.

Earthmender Torlok says: I will need you to destroy their tortured forms and capture their souls with the totem of spirits. Return to me when this is done.

[Ben]: Okay.

Torlok looks around at them again, and nods, noting that Auralind Mistwalker seems recovered.

[Elohad]: That'd be all four, then.

[Elohad]: Almost done.

[Ben]: Blue crystals. Should not be hard to spot.

Sandy nods at Ben.

Sil glances at the blood elf camp as they pass.

Sil looks at the next blood elf camp curiously

[Ben]: … those blue? The light makes it weird to tell.

[Ben]: I guess those are blue.
.
[Elohad]: You're asking the wrong guy.

[Sil]: Looks white to me?

Ben laughs at Elohad.

[Elohad]: Thank goodness it's not just me for once.

[Sandy]: I can see the blue!

[Sandy]: A little bit.

Ben points at an Enraged Air Spirit.

[Auralind]: Elementals.

Sil points at a Rocknail Flayer.

Ben eyes the Rocknail Ripper up and down.

[Sil]: Whoa, what is that?

[Sil]: It's shiny like a beetle!

[Ben]: Looks like the rockflayer things from Hellfire. But blue.

[Elohad]: The hellll…

Elohad eyes Rocknail Ripper up and down.

[Ben]: Give 'em room because the ones in Hellfire was mean as hell.

[Ben]: See? They are nasty, sir. Not just nasty-lookin', I promise.

[Elohad]: We got this.

[Sil]: More up this way!

[Elohad]: Crystals are kinda pretty.

[Sandy]: Yeah!

[Sil]: Are they like… okay crystals?

[Elohad]: I am imagining not.

[Elohad]: I think there is very little okay around here.

Sil nods sadly.

[Auralind]: Their hum is…eerie.

[Ben]: What is an ‘okay crystal’?

[Sil]: Well, one that's not full of bad energies and stuff?

[Elohad]: A crystal that is not in Shadowmoon Valley, for a start.

[Ben]: Fair.

[Elohad]: I think we can pretty much assume that anything in Shadowmoon Valley is probably Not Okay.

[Ben]: Also fair.

Sandy looks at himself. He is in Shadowmoon Valley. Is he not okay?

[Ben]: Was some back this way.

[Elohad]: I'm assuming the pissed-off elementals thing is a theme around here.

[Elohad]: Like, Outland generally.

[Sil]: Elementals off balance or something?

[Ben]: I mean, if I was a elemental in this place, I would be pissed as hell.

[Auralind]: With the land suffering like this…absolutely.

[Elohad]: I don't know much about elementals, but it doesn't take a shaman to guess that if you explode a world the elements are going to feel a way about it.

[Elohad]: What I'm wondering is if they can ever be appeased. Somehow I'm not so sure.

[Sil]: I guess that Earthmender guy is gonna try though.

[Sandy]: Yeah! If he manages to heal the this place, they'll probably feel better!

[Ben]: Well. Let's go see what solution he got up his sleeves.

[Elohad]: I can see bringing balance back to say, the Plaguelands, eventually. They're still in one piece at least.

[Elohad]: But this place is literally just… fragments.

[Sandy]: Maybe fragments of land are easier to piece back together than other stuff?

[Ben]: How?

Ben eyes Sandy askance.

[Sandy]: If you know how to do it, I mean!

[Ben]: That seems like a big ‘if,’ Sanders.

[Sandy]: Well, shamans might have an idea!

[Elohad]: I don't think anyone has loads of experience with exploding worlds.

[Sandy]: … Right.

[Elohad]: That's not a thing that happens much.

[Auralind]: Even in Nagrand, which seems so peaceful, we see that the elementals are not at peace.

[Sil]: Maybe if you're a titan…

Earthmender Torlok says: Have you brought the last souls? Soon, we will speak with the spirits.

Sandy looks excited at the idea.

Earthmender Torlok says: Stand back, Ben. The spirits may lash out.

Elohad — with obvious reluctance — listens to the orc.

[Ben]: … okay.

Scorned Spirit of Earth says: Why have you captured us?

Scorned Spirit of Fire says: What is it that you hope to gain from this?

[Elohad]: Whoa.

Ben whistles.

Earthmender Torlok bows.

Sandy gasps.

Earthmender Torlok says: We wish to help you, spirit. We seek your wisdom.

Scorned Spirit of Water says: Wisdom? It was your people that caused the insufferable wrath of Cyrukh.

Scorned Spirit of Air says: Why should we help you? The world is ruined. Destroyed.

Sil 's eyes are wide.

Earthmender Torlok nods.

Earthmender Torlok says: You are right, spirit. It was my people that did this to you. Allow us to make it right.

Elohad grunts.

Ben glances at Torlok. He looks back at the spirits.

Earthmender Torlok says: Please tell us this: Who or what is Cyrukh?

Scorned Spirit of Earth says: Fool! Cyrukh the fire lord! When the tie was severed, Cyrukh awoke. It is the tears of Cyrukh that fill this land with molten rock.

Earthmender Torlok says: The… The fire lord? An elemental lord was unearthed? Of course… Gul'dan you were a damned fool!

Scorned Spirit of Fire says: He is insane now. Driven mad during the shattering. There is no rest for the elements.

Sil whispers, "Like Ragnaros"

[Ben]: … always f*cken fire lords, *he mutters.*

[Elohad]: Great, a fire lord. Those are always a good time.

[Elohad]: Genuine question: are there any fire lords who are not gryphonscat crazy?

Earthmender Torlok says: There must be a way.

Scorned Spirit of Water says: Yes, a way. Destroy Cyrukh. Destroy an elemental lord.

Earthmender Torlok says: Do not doubt my comrades and I, spirit. Tell us how to conjure the fire lord. My allies will destroy him.

Sandy nods at Earthmender Torlok.

Scorned Spirit of Air says: You must utter the words…

Scorned Spirit of Earth says: Yes… Yes… the words. The words of damnation. The words spoken by the dark one. Your master.

Scorned Spirit of Fire says: Yes… Gul'dan…

[Auralind]: What…

Earthmender Torlok says: We will find these words. We will summon your master and we will destroy him.

Scorned Spirit of Earth says: Talk. More talk… Now release us, mortal.

Auralind frowns.

Earthmender Torlok nods.

[Ben]: Words of damna– uh.

[Elohad]: Uh…

[Sil]: Whoa.

Earthmender Torlok says: Now to recover the lost words!

Ben eyes Earthmender Torlok up and down.

Sandy chuckles. "Ooooh, secret, bad words! That might be more of Ben's thing than mine!"

Ben eyes Sandy. His bad words are not secrets.

Earthmender Torlok looks troubled. "I do not know how we can acquire the spell that the spirits mentioned. Truth be told, I don't even know where we would start such a search."

Torlok stares off in the distance, lost in thought.

[Elohad]: I am just going to go on record as voting against words of damnation. Sort of my job as a paladin.

Ben glances at Elohad and nods agreement.

[Sil]: They do seem sorta like the things one shouldn't say.

[Auralind]: Speak the words spoken by Gul'dan. This seems like a terrible idea.

[Auralind]: THE terrible idea.

Elohad agrees with Auralind.

Earthmender Torlok says: Well, that is the advice the elements gave us. Should I doubt them?

[Sandy]: Well, if you're not going to do it, I can do it!

[Elohad]: I am not a guy who talks to elements enough to know if they're giving good advice.

Auralind gives a grumbling sigh at Torlok.

Earthmender Torlok says: But as for how… Hrm… It is a long shot but it might be our only chance. There is an orc that I have seen visit this area before. I spoke to him briefly once.

[Elohad]: Oh, another orc.

[Ben]: I would like to point out that the elements in question are pretty f*cked up right now.

[Ben]: They may not be makin' good decisions.

Elohad agrees with Ben.

Earthmender Torlok says: I know, young warrior. That is the problem we are trying to address.

[Ben]: Right, but what I mean is —

Ben sighs.

[Elohad]: I mean, I don't make great decisions when I'm angry.

[Auralind]: I am no shaman… but in my experience, unbalanced and hostile elementals tend to be violent, not manipulative.

Elohad nods at Auralind.

[Auralind]: As much as I do not want to admit it, the orc may have a point.

[Elohad]: I mean, that's decent information. I have no idea how smart they are.

Ben nods respectfully to Auralind.

[Ben]: Okay, go on about the other orc.

Earthmender Torlok says: Well, at least we can see if we can uncover these words, then choose where to go from there. I do think we need to defeat this fire lord.

Sandy nods.

[Elohad]: Yeah, defeating fire lords is definitely a yes from me.

Earthmender Torlok says: So, to my idea… He is a hermit that claims to live above Coilskar Cistern to the northeast. Seek out this orc, Oronok Torn-heart. As I said, it is a long shot.

[Ben]: Okay. We will check out the orc situation an' see what he knows or does not know.

[Elohad]: If we find some way that doesn't involve words of damnation I'm all for it, but otherwise… I mean we do what we gotta do.

[Sandy]: I'm pretty sure I've learned a spell or not that were said to damn me or stuff, so really, these words are no big deal to me if they're for the good of this place!

Earthmender Torlok says: I appreciate your enthusiasm, young warlock, but I am not intending to save the land by condemning another.

Elohad nods, then seems disturbed to be agreeing with an orc.

Earthmender Torlok says: I hope we can find a way, together.

[Ben]: Yessir.

[Sandy]: We will, really, I'm sure we will condemn no other world! I trust the elements!

Sandy grins.

[Ben]: White Squad, on me.

Sandy nods at Ben.

[Elohad]: I do not like those.

Elohad eyes a Ravenous Flayer up and down.

[Ben]: I guess if I was gonna be a hermit, this is a place.

[Sandy]: Yeah, they look a little creepy!

[Elohad]: I could happily have lived out the rest of my years–

White Squad is ambushed by approximately five hundred (500) Ravenous Flayers. A melee ensues.

[Ben]: Damn.

[Elohad]: I am quietly screaming on the inside right now.

[Sil]: I do not think I would hermit here.

[Sandy]: Me neither!

[Elohad]: I have a new least favorite thing

[Ben]: … whoa.

[Ben]: That pig is tame?

[Sil]: These boars aren't attacking?

Sandy gently pats a Domesticated Felboar.

[Ben]: Huh.

[Ben]: I do not think I would keep even tame felpigs.

[Sandy]: They're nice!

Sandy hugs a Domesticated Felboar.

[Elohad]: If by ‘nice’ you mean, ‘not trying to kill us.’

Sil points ahead. "Is that a hut?"

It is a hut. Outside the hut is a little yard full of the Domesticated Felboars. Domesticated Felboards and, suddenly, Ravenous Flayers, who seem specifically ravenous for felboar.

[Auralind]: They're attacking!

White Squad charges heroically into the barnyard to save the felpiggies.

[Elohad]: Ugh, god, their hands.

[Ben]: I wonder if it is where those orcs in the Citadel got the idea.

Oronok Torn-Heart says: Oh, thank you for saving my piglets there!

[Sandy]: No problem, I'm happy we could help!

[Auralind]: Oronok Torn-Heart, I presume.

Oronok Torn-Heart says: Yes, that's my name. What brings four humans and an elf to visit me? I hope you're not looking for trouble.

[Ben]: We are lookin' for the Words of Damnation, sir. Earthbinder Tarlok said you might help.

Oronok listens to the explanation with half an ear. "Words of damnation? Never heard of 'em. Take my advice: Let the dead rest."

Elohad lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Oronok brightens, and looks on the team with eagerness. "But since you've already come all this way, I could use some help with a few other matters. What do you say?"

[Ben]: Um.

[Elohad]: Can't be much harder than just… getting here.

[Sandy]: If we help you, maybe you'll remember stuff about the Words of Damnation, right?

Sandy winks.

Sil looks at the team. Are we doing this?

Oronok Torn-Heart says: Who can say? Pretty sure I never knew them.

[Ben]: I am afraid we are not here to… run errands, or nothin', sir. We have got work to do for the Wildhammers, if you got nothin' for the Earthminder.

Auralind sighs.

Oronok sighs. "Ah, well. It was worth a shot. I'll be here, if you change your mind!"

[Elohad]: Uh huh.

[Ben]: Well that was a whole lot've nothin'.

[Sil]: Torlok did say it was a long shot.

Sil whispers, "Though I think he might be lying."

[Elohad]: I am shocked that the hermit orc was not helpful.

[Sandy]: Yeah, the other orc seemed to know what the words of damnation were, so why not this one?

[Ben]: Well, we will get back an' see what the Wildhammers need.

[Elohad]: I'm not ready to give up, but… maybe not today, yeah.

[Sandy]: He should have at least said "Oh right, yeah, words of damnation, those. I know nothing about them though, sorry!" Like me and uh, paladin teachings.

[Sil]: Here we are!

Ben looks around. "Okay."

Wildhammer Guard says: You lot! Cobalt! Thane Yoregar's been askin' for you, up the hill.

Elohad salutes the Wildhammer Guard with respect.

[Ben]: Yessir.

Thane Yoregar waves the team over. "Good to see you back in town! Excellent timing!"

Auralind salutes Thane Yoregar with respect.

Sandy salutes Thane Yoregar with respect.

Thane Yoregar says: My gryphon riders have come back with a bit of news! The Eclipsion blood elves are planning something big.

Elohad growls.

Ben nods. "Sir. 'Course they are."

[Sandy]: Eclipsion!

Thane Yoregar says: They've begun forming their armies at the Path of Conquest, located east of here — adjacent to Eclipse Point.

Mordecai hangs back, candle in hand, and says another prayer for White Squad.

Mordecai backs off down the hill again.

Sandy waves at Mordecai.

Thane Yoregar says: I want you to travel to the Path of Conquest and assess the situation. Once you've done so, use this flare gun to signal.

Ben brightens. Oooh, a flare gun.

[Ben]: Yessir.

Elohad smiles crookedly at Ben.

Thane Yoregar says: One of my gryphon riders will swoop down from the sky to meet you. Tell 'em what you've discovered and they'll give you the next set of orders.

Ben nods gravely.

[Ben]: Let's ride out.

Ben waves at Mordecai.

Sandy smiles at Mordecai.

[Sil]: Back to the Eclipsion camp…

[Sandy]: I don't like the name of the place we're going to. It's always the Path of Conquest. Or glory. Or murder. Why not the Path of Friendship?

[Sil]: Yeah, exactly!

[Sil]: Why can't people just be reasonable?

Sandy throws a sad look at Sil.

Sandy traces a strange sigil in the air. Afterwards, a green flame bursts at his feet and a sinister cackle echoes around.

[Ben]: I mean. They are on Illidan's side. So.

[Sil]: Well why can't be be reasonable? You'd think somebody lives long enough they'd learn.

[Ben]: You would think.

Ben gazes up the slope, eyes narrowed.

Elohad glares angrily at an Eclipsion Archmage.

[Ben]: This's a path, yeah?

[Sil]: Looks like one.

[Sandy]: I don't see a lot of conquest, but probably!

White Squad conquests their way through some blood elves, heading down the path.

[Sil]: Well… now there's kinda conquest.

Sandy whispers "Sorry!" to the blood elves’ bodies.

Their passage has not gone unremarked; a mounted blood elf in commander’s regalia, accompanied by a half-dozen soldiers, storms the squad from behind.

[Auralind]: AMBUSH!

[Elohad]: Ho boy.

[Sil]: Whoa, that was… who was that?

Ben rises with a book in hand from the sin’dorei knight's corpse.

The book is a journal. It documents the recent activities of Illidan's armies. It also explains that Val'zareq, the commander whose journal it is, was personally responsible for the capture of a high general of the Sha'tar.

This general is being held at a post known as Crimson Watch, located at the southern end of the Path of Conquest. A mysterious faction, calling itself the Crimson Sigil, is charged with his incarceration.

[Ben]: … oh, sh*t.

[Elohad]: Well, we happened on a pretty important bit of information here, didn't we.

[Auralind]: What is it?

[Ben]: They got a Sha'tar general prisoner here, ma'am.

Ben looks down the road.

Auralind frowns.

[Sil]: Oh whoa, we better help him.

Sandy nods at Sil.

[Auralind]: Then we have a new mission.

[Ben]: Reckon we got to.

Ben uses his flare gun. Matters are too serious for it to be that exciting.

Wildhammer Gryphon Rider says: What is it, human? Have you gathered some new information?

[Elohad]: You could say that.

[Sil]: This is the path, I think? Also they captured a general.

Wildhammer Gryphon Rider says: Hmm, these troublesome whelps are up to something insidious. We must investigate further…

Wildhammer Gryphon Rider says: We're going to need more time. I'm going to fly further ahead with some of the other gryphon riders. Hopefully, we can gather some more information.

Wildhammer Gryphon Rider says: What I need from you now is to clear a path and more importantly, keep their arrows pointed away from us!

[Ben]: … killin' blood elfs we can do.

Elohad agrees with Ben.

[Ben]: We are goin' in for the general, sir. We will take 'em out on the way.

Wildhammer Gryphon Rider says: You do that, and we'll continue our investigation.

[Elohad]: Thanks.

Ben salutes the Wildhammer Gryphon Rider with respect.

[Ben]: … big f*ckoff giant ahead.

Elohad eyes Son of Corok up and down.

[Elohad]: What the.

[Sandy]: Oh! See! Another sort of earth elemental!

Sil repoisons his blades, looking back at the path of carnage.

[Auralind]: That's no elemental…

[Sil]: Whoa, why's there a giant here?

[Sil]: Giant rock crystal thing.

[Sandy]: Well… he looks like the elemental we saw in Nagrand!

[Auralind]: Like the ones from Hellfire

[Elohad]: Another big shot coming.

Another blood elf commander and his retinue are making their way down the path. It is totally not Val’zareq and his respawns. This time when they spot White Squad and attack, they alert the soldiers along the path to either side, and it is nearly a dozen sin’dorei who attack the squad.

White Squad dispatches them all.

[Ben]: Well. That is efficiency.

[Sil]: Those ones looked kind of like pala… *Sil trails off*

Ben changes the subject. With murder.

Elohad likes that subject.

[Sil]: There is a lot of elves on this path. More even than in that camp?

[Sandy]: They must really like that path!

[Ben]: Somethin' tells me they are on the alert now.

Sandy nods at Ben.

[Sandy]: Maybe it's the war cries!

At the top of the path they reach a plaza. Its entrance is guarded by four blood elf men in knightly regalia, but they are shadowy, shrouded in darkness like shadowpriests.

Ben eyes an Illidari Watcher up and down.

[Ben]: Uh.

Elohad eyes an Illidari Watcher up and down.

[Elohad]: Well.

[Ben]: Are those, like, shadow paladins? Can you be that?

Elohad mutters some prayers.

[Sil]: Would that be like… fallen ones?

They draw one away and kill him. His shield bears the same mark as the banners at Eclipse Point and Coilskar.

[Ben]: Got an Illidan shield.

[Sil]: They're tough.

[Sil]: Is that our crystal prison we're lookin' for?

[Elohad]: I see a prisoner.

[Elohad]: C'mon.

[Ben]: Sir.

[Ben]: I do not want to leave any of these guards.

[Sil]: One more of them shadow paladins.

[Elohad]: Okay, get 'em.

[Ben]: Okay. We look clear. Let's go for him.

[Elohad]: Cmon, before they come back.

The plaza contains some — currently empty — command tents, and an array of massive fel-green crystals that shed a malevolent glow. One of the larger crystals, off to the side, contains the silhouette of a draenei.

General Auralion is floating in the middle of the crystal.

[Elohad]: How do we get you out, sir?

General Auralion says: I don't think I'm able to get out.

Elohad looks grim.

General Auralion says: We haven't much time…

[Ben]: Sir, but —

Lord Illidan Stormrage yells: What manner of fool dares stand before me? Soldiers, destroy these insects!

The crystal at the plaza’s center has awakened; a pair of flaming eyes glares out at them.

[Elohad]: Ohhhhh crap.

[Ben]: Oh sh*t.

A squad of elite sin’dorei soldiers and felguards appears seemingly from nowhere and attacks. White Squad battles back and holds their ground.

Ben catches his breath.

Lord Illidan Stormrage yells: You are no challenge for the Crimson Sigil. Mind breakers, end this nonsense!

[Sandy]: Mind what?!

[Elohad]: Is that…?

It is. It is a pair of Beholders.

[Sandy]: Don't you dare try to break the mind of Kupjub!

The demons fear and mind-flay the group repeatedly, but again White Squad perseveres.

Lord Illidan Stormrage yells: Run while you still can. The highlords come soon…

Ben looks around wild-eyed.

[Auralind]: Highlords…?

Highlords.

These die also.

[Ben]: Okay. Okay.

[Elohad]: I don't know who he thinks he's messing with…

Lord Illidan Stormrage yells: Torloth, your master calls!

[Sil]: Is that… no, still more.

[Sandy]: Another one?!

Torloth the Magnificent says: At your command, my liege…

Elohad eyes Torloth the Magnificent up and down.

Sandy 's ritual comes to an end. A terrifying roar comes out of the Twisting Nether, followed by a Felguard's manifestation.

Torloth the Magnificent says: As you desire, Lord Illidan.

[Auralind]: The Betrayer!

[Ben]: He's in the f*cken CRYSTAL.

[Elohad]: !!!!!!!!

Torloth the Magnificent says: For Lord Illidan, I would sacrifice even this magnificent physique. On this day, you will fall — another victim of Torloth…

[Elohad]: You piece of–

Torloth sacrifices his magnificent physique for Lord Illidan. Wish granted, buddy.

Lord Illidan Stormrage yells: So you have defeated the Crimson Sigil. You now seek to challenge my rule? Not even Arthas could defeat me, yet you dare to even harbor such thoughts? Then I say to you, come! Come Ben! The Black Temple awaits…

[Elohad]: @#$%

[Elohad]: !@#$!@#%!%^!%

Sandy pouts at the crystal.

Ben glares at the fel-eyed crystal. He turns his head and spits on the blood elf's corpse.

[Ben]: Yeah, we'll f*cken see you.

[Auralind]: YOUR EVIL COMES TO AN END, BETRAYER!

Elohad continues saying unprintable things.

[Sandy]: Sorry I used a soulstone on you without warning, Elo! I panicked a little.

[Elohad]: Is that what that was?!

[Elohad]: I thought one of them did something to me.

General Auralion says: I'm sorry, I did not have time to warn you! That was the Crimson Sigil, a group comprised of Illidan's elite minions. They are at the top of the chain of command for all Illidari forces outside of the Black Temple.

General Auralion says: I cannot believe you were victorious!

[Elohad]: You indeed didn't have time. They came at us like they were dropped from the sky.

[Ben]: Let's get you out, sir.

General Auralion says: You cannot… I fear…

Elohad pounds on the crystal.

[Elohad]: …Damn.

General Auralion says: I am done for…

Ben circles the crystal, frustrated.

General Auralion says: But please, take what you have learned here and tell A'dal, in Shattrath.

[Elohad]: We will. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Ben nods grimly at Marcus Auralion.

Elohad salutes Marcus Auralion with respect.

[Ben]: We will do that, sir. Right away.

[Elohad]: You will be remembered, General Auralion.

Sandy looks sadly at Auralion.

General Auralion says: My spirit will rest easier, knowing that at least A'dal will know…

Ben looks to the others. "We will come back for the Wildhammers' mission. We got to let the Sha'tar know about this."

Elohad nods.

Sil looks sadly up at General Auralion.

Elohad lays his hand on the crystal one last time, bare palm, in an almost healing gesture.