(2022-10-09) Demon Hunters and Deities in Azshara

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Anareline, Caspis, Dane, Imrolane, Linwel and Nunuzac return to Azshara to obtain the tools needed to kill the demon lord of the Blasted Lands.
Rating:	T for Teen

Anareline waves at Nunuzac.
Atley peers at Nunuzac searchingly.
[Anareline]: I see some have concluded it is best to deal with this demon threat, whoever our allies may be.
Nunuzac was just bobbing along the surface of the water while fish nipped at ethereal tail fuzz. She's here now, blinking blearily.
[Nunuzac]: Yes?
Atley inclines his head. "Impressive," he growls to Nunuzac, before he nods to Anareline and peers past her at Loramus.
[Anareline]: That, or… you enjoyed the company last time. *Anareline tilts her head and looks curiously at Nunuzac*
[Atley]: Aye. He may be a rotten bastard, but he's our rotten bastard — t'least when it comes to demons.
Anareline nods at Atley. "There is a reason he is out here, and not back in Ashenvale or any other stronghold of our people. Their kind are not loved."
Atley nods grimly at Anareline before he peers back at Loramus. "Ought he not t'be out there *hunting* demons? S'wot he did all to himself for, innit'."
[Nunuzac]: Oh I always enjoy company. But this makes me wonder too. There are some demons about not being hunted.
[Anareline]: I would not assume he isn't. Who knows what roams out here, in Azshara.
[Anareline]: The felhunters, you mean?
[Atley]: Aye, his hounds.
Atley glances around.
Nunuzac wrinkles her nose at one of the felbeasts.
[Anareline]: I would assume he has them under control in some manner, but… yes. It makes one uneasy.
[Atley]: I've not seen many demons in my travels here, only scores of hissers.
Anareline turns around, looking at the felhunters, and then pauses when she sees the wildkin at the cave.
Caspis emerges casually from the sea.
Atley scoffs with faint amusement and marches up the hill, drawing closer.
[Nunuzac]: It would not be a shock maybe, though. Magic garbage washes up on the beaches they say.
[Atley]: I wager, aye. Same staff.
Nunuzac peers at Linwel searchingly.
Anareline turns around, looking at the felhunters, and then pauses when she sees the wildkin at the cave.
[Anareline]: Linwel? *She asks uncertainly. It's possible she doesn't have the knack of telling wildkin apart.*
Atley peers at Linwel searchingly.
Linwel waves down at the group with one paw. "Lin-wel!"
Caspis wanders over.
[Atley]: Aye, there 'tis.
Atley side-eyes Caspis as he arrives and gives a stern nod.
Caspis nods solemnly to Dane.
Atley blinks at Imrolane now, too.
Nunuzac gives a friendly wave when she spots more people. And cats.
Linwel makes a trilling sort of whistle and hops down from the rock, flapping their arms like wings to slow their descent a little bit.
Imrolane silently wanders in and bumps her head against Caspis's thigh.
Caspis gently pats Imrolane.
[Atley]: Wot'ever comes today, I'll have Linwel and Nunuzac with me again.
Linwel waddles over to stand with their group.
[Anareline]: Then I will keep the rest of the druids with me.
Nunuzac claps lightly. "Yes! Stars. Shield. Everything we need."
Atley grunts and slowly turns towards Loramus.
[Atley]: Let's get this over with, then.
[Anareline]: Shall we tell this… demon hunter… that we are ready for whatever trials he has in mind?
Caspis growls softly.
Atley grunts.
Imrolane growls loudly.
Atley fixes a stern glare on Loramus and gestures to Anareline.
Linwel growls at a normal volume.
Caspis lets Anareline do the talking for him.
[Atley]: We're back.
Loramus Thalipedes says: I can see that. So you are planning to go through with this foolhardy venture. Well, I can only wish you success. And do what I can to make it more likely.
Caspis's upper lip twitches, but he manages to suppress the snarl this time.
Atley grunts, his expression patient, but bemused.
[Anareline]: Yes. We would… *Anareline seems to struggle to find the right words* …appreciate your assistance. If it does turn out to be useful.
Caspis's face contorts through several expressions.
Linwel's feathers puff out a little.
Loramus Thalipedes says: I've told you about the wards Razelikh has placed on his subordinates. To break them will take time and require the acquisition of rare artifacts.
Atley grunts, tonguing the inside of his cheek.
Anareline looks at him levelly. "Of course it will. What do we need?"
Nunuzac squints a little at Loramus, as if trying to remember something.
Loramus Thalipedes says: First, we need the demon's name. There is only one way to harm the demon lord and his minions. A weapon of power must be forged bearing his true name.
Atley lifts a bushy brow, keeping silent for now.
Loramus Thalipedes says: When such a weapon is forged, the demon and all under his command are vulnerable.
[Anareline]: And how do you suggest we go about this?
Loramus Thalipedes says: A lesser deity resides in Azshara: Lord Arkkoroc. You must seek him out but be warned, his minions will stop at nothing to destroy you if you are discovered. Undoubtedly, you will have to pay a price for such information.
Anareline glances at Dane. "I am not sure I like the idea of approaching a hostile lesser deity, but…"
Linwel repeats the name, "Arc-o'-rock."
[Atley]: Sounds like one more of these screeching wretches to put down on the way to the big'n.
[Atley]: If it's wot' we must do, we'll do it.
Anareline looks to Caspis and Imrolane. "Do you know of this one?"
Caspis shakes his head.
[Nunuzac]: Eeeeh? What does a little god do for this? Tell us the right name?
Imrolane shifts into elven form to speak, opening her mouth…but then just shakes her head.
[Anareline]: I suppose we will know more before the day is out.
Anareline nods at Nunuzac. "I believe that was the implication, yes."
Linwel removes a length of quillvine from their antlers and winds it around their claws.
[Anareline]: Shall we?
[Atley]: If this entity holds any sort'f power, I wager it'd be skulking about in the ruins to the north.
Anareline steps onto the water, and looks startled.
Linwel makes an excited sort of chirp as they step onto the water.
[Anareline]: It's… what is this?
Imrolane paws at the water's surface uncertainly.
Caspis keeps looking down at his paws.
Atley lifts a boot and peers through the water, unnerved.
[Nunuzac]: Don't be scared. The water likes you.
Linwel splashes happily along.
Atley scoffs with amusement and approval.
[Anareline]: I rarely make so good a first impression.
[Atley]: Nunuzac's work. She'll be our elemental diplomat.
Imrolane mrrows, trilling cheerfully.
[Linwel]: Nununu.
[Nunuzac]: Linlinlinlin.
[Caspis]: Your first impression on me was quite striking.
Nunuzac swirls with globules of water. Maybe she really is their favorite.
Anareline smiles softly at Caspis.
[Atley]: Over there, to the north-east.
[Atley]: Seems t'be an old temple.
[Anareline]: Intact?
[Atley]: Mm… Mostly.
Linwel squints at a giant walking around on the sea floor.
Nunuzac looks down. "Ooh, big fella."
[Atley]: Likely riddled with hissers. On your guard, you lot.
[Caspis]: I cannot even remember if my mother sang here… nothing here is recognizable.
[Atley]: I take't there was a great flood here … long ago.
Nunuzac looks up at the surrounding ruins.
Atley glances around as they jog.
[Anareline]: This whole area was drowned, I imagine it looked very different.
[Caspis]: This is near where the Well of Eternity was.
[Nunuzac]: More land before? All city?
[Caspis]: The center of the explosion.
[Atley]: I'd heard old tales of sunken cities of ages past. Turns out there's some truth t'it.
Arkkoran Clacker calls for help!
[Anareline]: Help!
[Atley]: Nasty bugger. First f'many, I'm certain.
[Nunuzac]: Bad crab.
[Anareline]: Some of these are hostile. I fell right through when it attacked.
[Caspis]: This was the center of it.
[Atley]: Mm? I knew 'bout the continent, but not that Azshara was the center.
Imrolane attempts some very broken Common. "All. Break."
Atley peers at Imrolane searchingly.
[Caspis]: Approximately the center.
[Atley]: Properly.
[Caspis]: North-central.
[Anareline]: The Sundering.
[Nunuzac]: Very long ago, yes?
Arkkoran Clacker calls for help!
[Caspis]: Ten thousand years, now.
[Anareline]: Yes, when I was young.
[Caspis]: I was only a child.
Linwel hops up on a column and starts making noises.
[Caspis]: During the chaos of the war, Anareline rescued me and rode me to safety.
Atley eyes Linwel up and down.
[Atley]: Wot's it?
Nunuzac peers out in the direction of Linewel's chirping.
Linwel makes a sound eerily like an elekk's trumpet, and there's an echo from far to the west. Their mount is en route.
Atley glances back and forth between Linwel and the water.
Caspis peers at Linwel searchingly.
Anareline touches Caspis's shoulder as she passes by.
[Linwel]: Calling Trrrusty. For later.
[Atley]: Ah.
Linwel hops down.
[Atley]: Which f'you were here when this happened?
[Anareline]: This looks like the entrance.
[Caspis]: I was in the south, far from the blast.
[Anareline]: Here as in… this town, here?
[Linwel]: Don't re-member.
[Anareline]: I was not.
[Atley]: Aye, or about.
[Caspis]: Even where I was, it was—
[Caspis]: It is difficult to describe.
[Atley]: Moonwell, in there.
[Atley]: Looks to've been kept in good shape.
[Anareline]: I doubt many were here who survived and remained Kaldorei.
[Caspis]: None, I should think.
Atley grunts.
[Caspis]: Even where I was, some died.
[Nunuzac]: Wow, it is so good to know one one another very long though. Good and rare treasure.
[Caspis]: The earth shuddered and rocked, buildings fell.
[Nunuzac]: Even though so long ago it was sad.
[Caspis]: Almost nothing remains whole that was built during that time.
Atley grunts thoughtfully, peering around.
[Caspis]: The entire world was reshaped.
[Anareline]: Your people must be similar, though, Nunuzac? Are there not many you have known for so long?
[Linwel]: Arc-o'rock?
[Atley]: Must've been some kingdom. I'd have liked to have looked upon it in its day.
Arkkoran Clacker calls for help!
[Anareline]: It was glorious, in its way. Glorious and doomed.
Atley grunts.
[Caspis]: My memories of it may be misted by the nostalgia of childhood, but I remember a paradise.
[Caspis]: Civilization on a scale never since accomplished.
[Nunuzac]: Yes, many draenei who have lived a long time know one another, but it is much more often that others of all kinds pass each other by quickly.
[Caspis]: Anareline and I were separated immediately after we met.
[Imrolane]: [Darnassian] Paradise. A beautiful mask.
[Anareline]: This is a standard temple layout. Possibly our deity is upstairs?
[Caspis]: I did not see her again until last year.
[Atley]: S'likely. These murlocs are not masterless.
[Nunuzac]: Wow, but you remembered? That is still good.
Nunuzac peers up the spiral.
[Anareline]: I regret that we did not share all of those years, but we are together now.
[Atley]: Though I've come 'cross many 'deities' in my time that've met their end by the sword.
[Caspis]: I thought of little else, for years after my rescue.
[Caspis]: In time, I accepted that she must have died during the chaos.
[Atley]: You right?
Linwel nod nod nods.
[Caspis]: As it turns out, we were both simply hiding away in different ways, all those years.
Atley peers at the water, contemplating, before he decides against it.
[Linwel]: Moon.
[Anareline]: And what was I to think, that a child would survive all of that turmoil?
[Nunuzac]: This looks like Elune's anchorite house I saw!
Anareline nods, and gives Caspis a long look.
[Caspis]: Yes, the Temple of the Moon is built to a traditional design.
[Atley]: Temple of the Moon, innit' — aye.
[Anareline]: We are a traditional people. Some things change little.
[Atley]: Tradition is the mark of the civilized.
[Caspis]: Especially with Staghelm as Archdruid…
Linwel says in almost a singsong tone, "Lin-wel Moon-well."
[Imrolane]: [Darnassian] Some things should change.
[Nunuzac]: Is that where all the stars come from?
Nunuzac peers at Linwel searchingly.
[Caspis]: Many things must change.
[Linwel]: Starrrs from…
Linwel points up.
Anareline opens her mouth, and then just nods at Imrolane. "Unchanging is not always for the best."
[Caspis]: Now more than ever, we must adapt.
[Linwel]: Grrrow.
[Anareline]: Is that a giant?
Caspis nods at Linwel.
[Atley]: Aye. 'Tis a giant.
[Caspis]: Curious.
[Atley]: One of these times I shall actually come 'cross a god in one of these dungeons.
Anareline approaches cautiously.
Atley eyes Lord Arkkoroc up and down.
Caspis peers at Lord Arkkoroc searchingly.
Nunuzac crowds up around his ankle. It might not be safe.
[Anareline]: Are you… Arkkoroc?
Caspis looks up… and up… and up.
Atley glares up at Lord Arkkoroc, head on.
Linwel chirps a friendly greeting.
Anareline | The giant looks down at all the tiny people, more curious than angry.
[Caspis]: Greetings.
[Atley]: We seek your aid in slaying a demon lord.
Anareline | Lord Arkkoroc says: I do not get so many visitors here! But of course you want something.
[Imrolane]: Elune adore.
Anareline | Lord Arkkoroc laughs. "A demon lord? And if you are sent to me, you must need its true name. Perhaps I can assist you with this information; but first, you must assist me.
Atley grunts with faint irritation. "What would you ask f'us?"
Caspis sighs softly.
Anareline | Lord Arkkoroc says: There is a dangerous creature here. She kills my children, mortal. She that calls herself the ruler of these oceans. A false god, nothing more. Crush her and bring back all of her heads. Yes, every one.
Nunuzac looks a little incredulous as she cranes her neck to look up and up.
Atley furrows his brow. "Wot's it. Another one of your kin?"
Linwel nod nod nods.
Anareline 's eyes sharpen as Arkkoroc talks. "She? Who is this?"
Lord Arkkoroc says: She roams the clutch… Hetaera she is called."
Linwel clicks her claws together like crab pincers. "Your child-ren harm us."
Anareline steps back and nods.
Lord Arkkoroc says: What kind of guardian deity does not allow his children free will?
[Atley]: M'glad you're not upset we've cut through the, erhm, 'royal guard' here … milord.
[Imrolane]: [Darnassian] I like this guy.
Linwel bows. Apparently that seems to be good enough of an answer for her.
[Caspis]: We had little choice.
Caspis nods at Imrolane.
Lord Arkkoroc says: That, I understand.
Lord Arkkoroc says: If you can kill this Hataera, you will be given the name that you seek and something else of equal importance.
Caspis mutters to himself, "Appearances can certainly be deceiving…"
[Nunuzac]: Maybe he means other big ocean man we saw under the water.
Lord Arkkoroc says: She is down to the southwest. All of her heads, remember!
Atley nods to Nunuzac. "That's wot' I'm wagering. Another one of him."a
[Nunuzac]: Maybe crab is just hanging around.
[Caspis]: …How many might that be? Never mind, I assume it will be obvious.
[Anareline]: If there were some not visible by inspection, surely he would say…
[Caspis]: I surmise we are looking for a hydra.
[Atley]: Sounds right.
Linwel shuffles down the ramp.
Anareline looks to Nunuzac. "Can you allow us to walk upon the water again?
Linwel cracks open a clam.
[Nunuzac]: Of course
Linwel offers the clam out to Caspis. "Elder."
Caspis bows before Linwel.
Arkkoran Clacker calls for help!
[Nunuzac]: As long as I do not run out of grease to offer.
Linwel | Trusty the elekk is waiting outside.
[Anareline]: So I think we head southwest and look for hydras. Particularly queenly ones.
[Caspis]: Your relationship with water is fascinating, draenei.
Arkkoran Clacker calls for help!
Linwel patpats their elekk. "Stay."
[Linwel]: …rrru?
Hutch the stallion curiously tips his head to lick at the water as he trods on it.
Trusty takes a minute to get used to walking on water. They seem to expect to sink with each step.
Caspis's saber has a big poofy tail.
Caspis's saber keeps trying to shake water off its paws, to the point that its forward progress is impeded considerably.
[Atley]: S'either hiding, or not about.
Caspis makes some low trilling sounds to his mount that must be nightsaber-ese.
Imrolane peers up at Linwel.
Linwel , from the back of their elekk, charges starfire up in their paws.
[Linwel]: Rrrremove head.
[Atley]: Aye.
[Linwel]: And… head. And head.
Atley takes out his sword and casually starts hacking away. "You shall carry t'least … two of these, Linwel."
Caspis tips his head.
[Anareline]: Three, then, is the number.
[Caspis]: She may have had a… consort. I hear something…
Linwel nod nods. "Trusty… strong."
[Anareline]: I do not think there are any hidden.
Anareline cocks her head, listening.
[Atley]: Anareline, gimme' a hand hefting these, will you.
Caspis looks around over the water.
[Caspis]: Stay alert…
Atley briefly cleans his blade before he squats on the water's surface to start lifting heads.
[Atley]: Aye, I'd not be surprised if there was another of these buggers ranging about.
Anareline helps Dane to hold the heads in place for collecting.
[Caspis]: It's quiet now… where did it go…
[Anareline]: We should look for it, lest it go for revenge.
Atley fastens the giant reptilian heads onto Trusty's saddle.
Caspis nods.
[Caspis]: I believe it is trying to surprise us.
Caspis is listening!
Caspis peers around, searchingly.
Atley double-checks the straps and nods.
[Atley]: D'you come across this, Linwel?
Atley appraises Trusty.
[Anareline]: Let's wait here on land, so Nunuzac does not run out of… grease, you said?
Nunuzac sorts through her pouches. "I have enough to get us back to the temple, but maybe not more than that… unless we run, run!"
Linwel chirps. "Frrrriend."
Nunuzac uncorks a vial. It is tremendously stinky fish oil.
Caspis drifts off into thought…
[Anareline]: Why does water want grease?
Atley 's nose twitches.
Imrolane sniffs.
[Imrolane]: [Darnassian] Fish oil. Oil floats on water.
[Anareline]: It… demonstrates what we desire, then? To float on water?
[Nunuzac]: I offer back the best grease from the fish. Fish is born in and shaped by the water, we take it for dinner.
[Atley]: So you've gathered this oil yourself, from fishing?
[Nunuzac]: We give back a little of the best to show we understand the water gave us what we take.
Imrolane removes her wolf mask, shaking out her wet hair.
Atley lofts a brow at Imrolane's wolfish features but his gaze doesn't linger.
Linwel seems to be formulating a long sentence. Finally, they say, "Drraenei home ship crashed… near home. Found Trusty hurt. Healed. Now he follows."
Caspis softly hums to himself, fragments of a song. His voice is deep and a bit rusty, and he wanders a bit off key.
[Atley]: Mm. Wot's he eat, then?
Atley inquires curiously.
Anareline looks at the elekk and then at Linwel. "That is a lovely story."
Nunuzac makes a soft smile that is a little distant. "That is where I first see a wild kin, near crash site."
Nunuzac corks the oil.
Caspis's gaze is fixed somewhere in the distance.
[Linwel]: Eats… fruit of the earth. Leaves. Trees.
Atley grunts. "Looks plenty strong. T'd be a fine beast to have in a charge."
[Anareline]: The armor, is it draenei-made?
Linwel nod nods and taps their claws on part of Trusty's armor.
[Linwel]: Drae-neimade. Sturdy.
[Nunuzac]: I am glad you help him heal.
[Linwel]: Many kin hurt in crash. Draenei heal us too.
[Anareline]: My nightsaber has little armor, relies on speed. I can see an elekk would need to be strong.
[Atley]: I wager there are worse places to crash in this world than within the night elven borders.
Imrolane snaps to attention
Imrolane points at Hetaera.
[Atley]: Keen ear…
Caspis snaps out of his reverie.
Linwel chirps in alarm and readies a starfire.
Anareline charges in to attack.
[Caspis]: We should be safe now.
[Anareline]: No worries of reprisal, then. Back to the temple?
[Nunuzac]: Okay…! Ready to run run?
[Atley]: Aye, s'return.
[Anareline]: I am reaady to run… run. Yes.
[Atley]: Cheers, lass.
[Linwel]: Rrready to run run!
Caspis's saber lets out a tremendous, almost humanoid sigh.
Linwel | Trusty sure is going to have a surprise later when he tries to walk on water for fun and falls in.
Linwel carries the heads inside.
[Linwel]: Starrrs!
Anareline | Lord Arkkoroc bends down to inspect the team. "Where are they? All the heads?"
Linwel sets the heads out in a line.
Nunuzac pokes the giant's toe. "Hello!"
[Atley]: We've them here.
Lord Arkkoroc gives a green and toothy smile. "Finally, one worthy of the wisdom of Arkkoroc!"
Caspis bows before Lord Arkkoroc.
Lord Arkkoroc says: As promised, I will reveal the name of the demon lord, Razelikh the Defiler. First, however, I must prepare something of utmost importance for your journey.
Lord Arkkoroc says: The weapon you seek to create requires a temper. Give me a moment to drain the blood from these heads.
Lord Arkkoroc squeezes the heads in between his gigantic fists, draining them of their blood. "Take the temper back to Loramus along with the name of the beast: Rakh'likh."
Caspis … stares at the giant as he does this.
Atley lifts a brow.
[Atley]: …Mm.
Anareline 's eyes widen, as she thinks of what other things those hands could crush.
[Linwel]: Containerrr?
Lord Arkkoroc says: Thank you for dealing with Hetaera. I hope you kill this demon lord!
Nunuzac watches the proceedings with a sort of entertained disgust. "Oh that is one way to do it."
Caspis takes a respectful step back from the head-crushing demigod.
[Atley]: Aye. That'll do.
[Anareline]: Rakh'likh. I hope this brings us closer to our goal.
Anareline nods her thanks to Lord Arkkoroc. "Back to the demon hunter?"
[Atley]: Aye, let us return to mister mirth and cheer himself.
Atley growls.
Caspis sighs at you.
Nunuzac asks before out of earshot of Arkkoroc, "Why does he know all the demon names?"
[Anareline]: Is it odd that I prefer Arkkoroc's company?
[Atley]: Not t'all. He's a chipper sort.
[Caspis]: As did I, until I saw him crush hydra heads with his bare hands.
[Caspis]: I will be pleased to be at a distance from him.
[Imrolane]: [Darnassian] I like him much more than the demon hunter.
[Atley]: He's got a bloody helm for a belt buckle.
[Anareline]: That… is a fair point, shalan.
[Caspis]: I like many things more than I like that demon hunter.
Linwel removes a piece of seaweed from their antlers. They take a bite, then spit it out. "Rrgh."
[Anareline]: But he seemed not likely to try anything on us.
[Caspis]: Yes. He was civil, at least.
[Anareline]: Do you still have oil, or do we skwim?
Caspis is clearly getting angry again just THINKING about the demon hunter.
[Nunuzac]: We swim. Unless you have some very tasty grease.
[Anareline]: I am afraid I do not.
[Atley]: We've been spoiled 'nuff. S'take to the water.
Caspis abruptly becomes a sea lion.
Linwel leaves Trusty back there.
[Linwel]: Rrru.
Caspis glares angrily at Loramus Thalipedes.
Anareline is the last one out of the water. She looks tired in all that armor.
Loramus Thalipedes says: You return! Astounding. Did you discover the true name?
[Anareline]: Yes, his name is… Rakh'Likh.
Atley grunts.
Loramus Thalipedes says: Well, that is not terribly different from his public name. As demons go, he is not terribly creative.
Loramus Thalipedes says: The temper will add the necessary vitriol we require for the forging of the weapons. There is but one more step in their creation.
[Anareline]: One more.
Anareline looks resigned.
Loramus Thalipedes says: The ancient cliff giants of the southern region of Azshara consume the rock and buildings of the land for sustenance. The excrement from their consumption is a highly malleable and extremely strong crystal known as Azsharite.
Loramus Thalipedes says: The formations litter the southern arc, but few are ever recovered due to the extremely violent nature of the giants.
[Linwel]: Crrrystal.
Loramus Thalipedes says: You are to venture south and recover enough of the Azsharite for the creation of the weapon's body. My felhounds will aid in the recovery of the crystal.
Atley deadpans Loramus.
[Anareline]: Recover… excrement. With felhounds. *Anareline's voice is very flat.*
Loramus Thalipedes says: Do you want this demon-killing weapon? This is what it takes.
[Atley]: These'd better be stone giants.
[Caspis]: ………………….
[Nunuzac]: Maybe we find some big vindicators instead.
Loramus Thalipedes says: Here, there's a manual on how to handle the felhounds. I assure you they will not turn on you.
[Anareline]: I…
Caspis looks ready to turn on HIM.
Anareline puts a gentle hand on Caspis. "We do want to kill the demon."
[Imrolane]: [Darnassian] I hate you. So. Much.
Caspis agrees with Imrolane.
Atley snatches at the manual with a growl, peering over the pages. He does keep a steady side-eye on Caspis.
[Anareline]: Let's head that way, maybe we can do without the felhounds.
Caspis's fangs are showing again.

Team Linwel-Dane-Nunuzac:

[Atley]: We should split up.
[Linwel]: Crrrystal?
[Atley]: We'll take to the south.
[Atley]: Linwel, you shall collect first.
Linwel nod nods.
[Atley]: When your purses are full, it'll be. Then Nunuzac.
Nunuzac looks relieved when another one is spotted.
[Atley]: S'good these are stone giants n' not ogres.
[Atley]: Bloody hell.
[Nunuzac]: I am hoping we do not have to summon a felhound. That seems not such a good idea—oh.
[Atley]: Aye. M'not working with a bloody demon if I can help it.
[Nunuzac]: That statue. Something other than being eaten must make that.
Nunuzac says this as if trying to convince herself.
[Nunuzac]: Surely that is not extra mint. All in one piece?
[Atley]: Mm. Could've been a properly big facker' that ate him.
Linwel chirps thoughtfully.
[Atley]: I remember seeing these things for the first time. Buggers can peel the top off a steam engine as if t'were tin.
[Nunuzac]: There was a war with rock giants?
Linwel balances a sack full of crystals in their antlers.
"Aye, years ago, now … " Dane growls.
[Atley]: Though t'wasn't just the giants.
[Atley]: The night elves had allied with some of them, and at time we were against the night elves.
[Linwel]: Statue.
Dane grunts and hefts a bit of it up onto his saddle. "Mm, cheers."
Linwel pats the crystallized troll on the head.
[Atley]: Can't properly make out wot' tribes this lot's from.
Dane looks to Linwel. "I really had thought you were a wildkin. How long've you lived amongst them?"
"Born kal'dorei. Became moon-kin," Linwel explains like they've had to do this many times before. "Many yearrrs."
Dane grunts in understanding, slowly nodding… "And you favor their company more than the night elves?" he inquires warily.
Linwel nod nod nods.
[Atley]: Mm. Why's that?
Linwel makes some soft chirping sounds. "Family."
Dane peers at her for a moment.
[Atley]: Y'seem to get along favorably with 'em enough.
Linwel starts heading back down to the beach. "This body… betterrr. Feels like mine."
Dane nods slowly in understanding.
Nunuzac's eyes go huge. "Big… see through… dragon!"
Dane stays low. "Aye… best not test it. Let's range 'bout it."
[Atley]: That ought t'be enough — we three can barely carry anymore.
Nunuzac reads the note she found stuck to a 'statue.' "Oh no."
[Atley]: Mm? Wot's it.
[Nunuzac]: Really! All the way through. How bad.
[Nunuzac]: A man writes here about what a bad idea it was to go look for giant leavings.
[Nunuzac]: He was right.
[Atley]: …He's still alive in that thing?
[Nunuzac]: Either that or he sees the others get eat up and expects it soon.
[Nunuzac]: I don't know even what a rock gets out of eating a human.
[Atley]: Mm. Not much. Bit'f a snack, I wager.

Team Anareline-Imrolane-Caspis:

[Anareline]: At least this does not look like excrement.
[Anareline]: And we do not need the felhounds to see it.
Imrolane sniffs the crystal.
Caspis nods at you.
Caspis gasps at Spirit of Azuregos.
[Anareline]: Is this one… a person?
Caspis hums thoughtfully.
Caspis is totally in his elven form when he says, "A great number of these appear to be crystallized humanoids."
[Anareline]: I suppose we should take care of the cliff giants, then.
[Anareline]: I hope this is truly the last thing. I am uneasy working with this Loramus.
[Anareline]: I also hope this is worth it.

They return and regroup.

Caspis cheers at Imrolane!
[Anareline]: We have collected all of the…. mineral. We did not need your demons.
Caspis lifts his chin proudly.
[Nunuzac]: Nobody ever really needs demons, I am thinking.
Linwel removes a sack of crystals carefully balanced on their antlers and sets it down.
Caspis agrees with Nunuzac.
[Atley]: Too bloody right.
Loramus Thalipedes says: I am glad to hear you think at all. With this, your tasks in Azshara are complete, mortal. I must now forge the necessary components for the next step in your adventure.
Caspis raises a long feathery brow.
Loramus Thalipedes says: The weapons are ready to be forged. You must take the tempered azsharite to one with the ability to harness fel energy.
Atley faintly raises his brows.
Loramus Thalipedes says: In Stranglethorn Vale such a blacksmith exists. Galvan the Ancient, leader of the Mithril Order, will craft the weapons to your specifications. You will find his encampment between Zul'Gurub and the Mosh'Ogg ogre mound.
Atley grunts. "I know Galvan, personally."
Caspis looks to Dane with interest.
[Caspis]: Perhaps you can… what is the expression…
[Atley]: Aye, make a bridge, or somming'.
Loramus Thalipedes says: Then I trust you can convince him to aid you in this.
Caspis doesn't actually finish that sentence, because clearly he does not remember the expression.
Linwel nod nod nods.
Imrolane pats Caspis with a paw. You tried.
[Atley]: Aye, we'll see to it. Dunno' wot' he'll make of all the demon !@#$e. Just may leave you out'f it.
Loramus Thalipedes says: That may be the wisest path. May your determination and faith carry you through this ordeal. I would hate to think that this was all for nothing.
[Nunuzac]: Oh! If we are already friends maybe he is not bothered by doing a favor. It is for a good cause. I think.
Anareline | Loramus Thalipedes says: The destruction of demons is eternally a good cause.
Caspis is clearly already thinking of other things, and ready to wander off…
Atley grunts.
[Anareline]: Then we will meet in Stranglethorn, next time?
[Linwel]: Strrrangle-thorn.
Imrolane stretches and makes to follow Caspis. Wandering sounds good.
Caspis is not paying attention. He is lucky he has Anareline to tell him where to be and when. Clearly.
Caspis wanders off for a swim…
Imrolane pads off after her thero'shan.
[Atley]: Aye, that'll do.
Anareline gives a brief huff of something that might be a laugh as he wanders off.
[Atley]: Proper work today, you lot.
Nunuzac watches the druids shapeshift away.
Linwel bows to the others and shuffles off.
[Nunuzac]: Oh thank you. Good leading the charge shield knight.
Atley inclines his head. "Things are easier when water can be tread upon."
[Atley]: Have you a secured passage from this place?
[Anareline]: Indeed. Thank you, Nunuzac.
[Nunuzac]: We meet your friend later. I need to get more grease.
[Nunuzac]: I can recall myself through the other planes.
[Atley]: L'send any greasy I fish I come 'cross your way.
Atley doesn't look like he fully understands that, but he's trusting. "Right then."
Nunuzac shimmers and fades. "Byyyyyedionissacaaaaa~"
Atley grunts.
[Anareline]: I will see you next time, in Stranglethorn.
[Atley]: You'swell.