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| Details |
| Author: | Luridel |
| Summary: | Blue Squad enters the Nexus, the domain of Malygos, to save the world with an interdimensional refabricator. Or at least slow its demise. For now. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
[Caspis]: I do not like portals, but I would give much to be able to visit Tirenda.
[Caspis]: Or at least to be able to send mail with greater speed.
[Anareline]: Have you received any word from her yet? I know the delivery of letters is an uncertain thing these days.
[Caspis]: I have only written her one letter, because each time I thought of writing a second, I wondered, has the mail even reached her? She did not write back, but I did not expect this. She is not… literary.
[Caspis]: Any word from Larawen?
[Anareline]: Not yet, no. Which could mean she does not want to hear from me, or it could simply mean the mail is unreliable.
[Caspis]: Something tells me you did not expect to hear from her, either, hm?
Cressidha looks between a sheet of paper and her notebook as she writes things out. She might be doing math.
Caspis gazes at her solemnly.
[Anareline]: I also have sent only the one letter thus far.
[Caspis]: These things can take time. I have faith that she will warm to you once she realizes you are committed to strengthening your bond with her.
Anareline nods. "In that sense, I should write more letters. And send them. My days are quieter than yours, though. I help at Farshire, mostly."
[Caspis]: If all goes well today, perhaps the mail will run a bit smoother and make letter-writing more rewarding.
[Anareline]: I hope so. I hope that the blue dragonflight can be turned from this course as well. They were not evil, before.
[Caspis]: I do not think we will be required to face the Aspect himself, but we hope at least to disrupt the havoc he has been wreaking with the… the lines. The lie of the magic?
Caspis shrugs at Anareline. Who knows?
Anareline shrugs back at him. She may have intentionally not learned these kinds of things.
[Caspis]: I do not have to understand it to help straighten it, hm?
[Caspis]: I only have to heal those who know what to do.
Anareline nods. "And perhaps they will remember that massive amounts of arcane power are destructive in any hands."
Cressidha looks like she knows what she's doing. There is a lot of math happening.
[Caspis]: I have found working with the Blue Squad easier than I had feared. My job is simple enough that even with my tendency to… lose focus… I have been able to perform adequately. Or at least, I have not yet been reprimanded.
[Caspis]: …That I have noticed.
Cressidha traces water-summoning sigils idly in the air with the hand holding a pencil.
[Caspis]: While I find destructive spellcasting to be more viscerally satisfying, I believe I may be better at healing. Somehow.
Caspis shrugs at Anareline. Who knows?
Anareline can't help a small smile at that. "Of all the things to notice, I believe you would notice injury in an ally. You have always kept me safe."
Azizia walks out of the inn towards Mordecai and Cressidha, holding a bunch of leaflets in her arms.
Cressidha looks up from her notebook to offer Azizia water. "Good afternoon, Azizia."
Anareline glances over at the mailbox. "I think your squad is beginning to gather, shalan."
Caspis turns to look.
Mordecai mumbles, "Hello," to Azizia.
[Colson]: Good afternoon.
[Caspis]: Stay safe, but not bored, hm…?
Caspis embraces Anareline.
Anareline embraces him. "Quiet my days may be, but boring they are not."
[Azizia]: Hello! I noticed last time you did not read more from D.E.H.T.A. I have brought for everyone!
[Anareline]: I will leave you here. Do not take unnecessary risks in the Nexus.
Azizia distributes the leaflets.
[Caspis]: Of course not, shalan.
[Cressidha]: Oh? That's kind of you.
Cressidha tucks her leaflet into her notebook.
[Caspis]: Azizia. It is good to see you again.
Anareline looks at the excited shaman in puzzlement as she walks back into the inn.
Mordecai mumbles, "Thank you," and just starts reading his, holding it up mostly in front of his face.
[Azizia]: Hello! Here, take leaflet.
Caspis glances at the leaflet and scowls.
Cressidha distributes water to the others as well.
Caspis thanks Cressidha formally for the Gift of Water, in Darnassian.
[Cressidha]: You're welcome.
Dane walks up on Hutch. He nods to the group. "Blue Squad."
[Cressidha]: Dane, good afternoon.
[Dane]: How's the day.
Cressidha passes out water to Dane as well. She has a notebook tucked under her arm.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
Colson ties his water to his belt. A leaflet gets tucked away politely into a bag.
[Caspis]: Shan'var.
[Cressidha]: I can get us in. Gwenivene Whittle came through with a formula.
Dane knits his brow. "In…" He blinks. "In, in?"
[Azizia]: Mr. Atley! You need leaflet more than others! *She hands him the D.E.H.T.A. leaflet.* It will offer you alternatives to current diet.
Mordecai's eyes peek out from over the top of his leaflet. He gives Dane a little wave.
Caspis growls softly at Azizia, showing some very carnivorous fangs.
[Cressidha]: Through the portal that blocked us before.
Dane double-takes Azizia and purses his lips, bending down to accept the leaflet. He frowns and blinks slowly. "Mm…cheers, lass."
Dane crumples up the leaflet and stuffs it into his pack. "Right then. Outstanding, Cressidha. We ought to get to Coldarra to let them know swiftly."
Colson watches Cressidha with a mild expression.
[Cressidha]: Indeed. Yes.
Cressidha puts her notebook away.
[Mordecai]: Be safe, everyone.
Colson holds Mordecai's hand to his heart for a moment longer. "I love you. I shall see you soon."
[Azizia]: It was wonderful time with them! I learned lot more recipes, and… *She clears her throat.* I hope you all are well. I read chronicles.
Mordecai takes out a candle.
Caspis is distracted by the little stable boy, watching him fondly.
[Dane]: It's good to've you with us. We'll need it today.
Mordecai smiles at Colson. "I'll be here, or inside. I love you. See you soon."
[Mordecai]: Light, give us Fortitude and endurance.
Caspis thanks Mordecaì.
[Caspis]: It is kind of the Light to bless me when I give it no reverence whatsoever.
Cressidha nods to Mordecai.
Dane grunts mildly.
Mordecai smiles at Caspis. "Yes."
[Dane]: Right then. Let's ride.
Dane nods in farewell to Mordecai.
[Mordecai]: That's rather how it works. Ah, goodbye, everyone.
[Colson]: The Light does not discriminate. It is only people who can.
Azizia bows before Mordecaì.
They ride… to the gryphons. And then they fly to Coldarra.
[Dane]: We ought to get that update to …
Dane trails off and looks to Raelorasz.
[Cressidha]: I will need to take two quick readings when we reach the portal, and then I will be able to adjust the formula accordingly and get us inside.
Raelorasz calls out. "Cobalt Company!"
[Cressidha]: Ah.
Caspis bows before Raelorasz.
Colson isn't exactly hovering over Cressidha, but he's definitely staying close.
[Dane]: Mm… sir.
Atley nods at Raelorasz.
Cressidha bows politely to Raelorasz.
Raelorasz says: A word on the shard you brought me previously. I’ve had some time to examine it, and I’m afraid I have ugly news.
[Colson]: Azizia, this is Lord Raelorasz. One of the Red Dragonflight.
Caspis listens intently to Raelorasz.
[Cressidha]: Oh?
Raelorasz looks to Azizia and inclines his head, eyeing her.
[Azizia]: Oh. You do not look like dragon. *She shrugs.* But we have more to discuss. You said ugly news?
Azizia eyes his shoes as she says the word 'ugly'.
Raelorasz says: Indeed. I’m not surprised you didn’t recognize it, the shard, though it may have struck you as familiar. The shard is a fragment of an arcane prison, much like the ones you saw used for captive mages.
Raelorasz licks his lips. "This one was designed to contain something… stronger."
[Cressidha]: Ah. It was incomplete.
Caspis murmurs quietly to Azizia, "When speaking with mortals, dragons often prefer to take the form of the species they expect to be conversing with."
Raelorasz says: We’ve suspected for some time, but not been able to prove, that Malygos is behind the recent disappearances of some of our kin. This confirms our suspicion.
Dane lofts a bushy brow.
Caspis peers at Raelorasz searchingly.
Azizia nods at Caspis.
[Colson]: They are taking members of the Dragonflight as well?
Cressidha frowns.
Raelorasz looks to Colson and nods. "Indeed."
Raelorasz says: As I said before, while the Dragonflights are all troubled by mortals’ reckless use of the arcane, Malygos’s unsanctioned — and equally reckless effort to put an end to it has forced the red dragonflight, as guardians of life, to take action against him.
Raelorasz says: Now we hold proof that the Spell-weaver has begun abducting members of the red dragonflight and holding them captive for some dark purpose of his own.
Colson inclines his head. Naturally.
Caspis growls softly.
[Colson]: I see.
Raelorasz says: To think that he would perpetrate such atrocity even against his own kind, when the Life-Binder herself only recently suffered the horror of enslavement…
Raelorasz's eyes briefly flash ruby red.
Caspis's eyes have taken on rather a predatory glow themselves.
Raelorasz grimly shakes his head and continues. "The red dragonflight were not so long ago held in thrall to a mortal war. None of us would again endure such a fate."
Cressidha nods. She looks grim as well.
Raelorasz says: Cobalt Company, I would ask that when you enter the Nexus on Berinand’s errands, you do what you can to find any of our captive kin and… release them from their enslavement, by whatever means necessary.
Caspis's brow twitches at the last phrasing.
Dane sets his jaw and nods once, peering at Raelorasz for a moment with a thousand yard stare. "We'll see to it."
[Colson]: Of course. *Colson sounds compassionate, and resigned all at once.* I understand.
[Cressidha]: I understand.
[Azizia]: We will try.
Dane turns to the others, and waits for a moment before grunting. "Let's move."
Azizia nods at Atley.
Colson moves.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
[Colson]: Yessir.
One of the Kirin Tor passes Cressidha a piece of paper with updated readings.
Cressidha nods and looks it over as they ride.
Caspis autofollows.
Caspis is definitely Brooding now.
[Azizia]: Miss Cress? It is good to see you are fine, especially. With what dragons have been doing.
Dane grunts.
[Cressidha]: Thank you, Azizia.
Colson looks as solemn and stoic as ever.
Cressidha makes a few notes as she checks the Kirin Tor's math.
[Cressidha]: We'll be descending from here.
Caspis looks lost.
[Cressidha]: Now.
Dane smoothly dismounts Hutch and slowly takes out his shield, eyeing Cressidha.
Colson seems to now be possibly officially hovering by Cressidha.
Caspis dismounts and murmurs to his saber in Darnassian. It slinks away.
[Cressidha]: Be advised that when I open the portal, it will likely only remain open for about ten seconds.
Caspis tries to remain alert.
[Dane]: I go in first.
[Cressidha]: I am likely to be momentarily disoriented afterwards.
Colson nods. He seems familiar with this information.
Cressidha nods to Dane.
[Colson]: I am here. *Colson says it gently to Cressidha.*
[Cressidha]: Is everyone ready?
[Caspis]: Yes.
[Dane]: Colson, you'll see to it that Cressidha makes it inside? We'll be fish out'f water without her with us.
[Azizia]: Yes.
[Colson]: Yes. I will, Dane.
Dane grunts.
[Azizia]: Ten seconds is actually very long time.
Dane scoffs quietly with amusement at Azizia.
[Azizia]: We have plenty of time to walk in when you open portal.
[Cressidha]: Very well. On my mark, then.
[Dane]: I do not trust the sorcery of this place.
Dane looks to Cressidha and nods.
Cressidha holds a hand up. There's a very sharp crackle of magic between her and the portal, and the portal seems to grow a bit more solid, more present in reality.
[Cressidha]: Go!
Azizia walks into the portal, looking cool. No hurry, only style.
Colson has a hand out already for Cress' arm.
Dane briefly does a headcount.
Cressidha puts a hand over her eyes and goes still on her feet.
[Dane]: You right…?
[Cressidha]: I will be… momentarily.
[Colson]: It will pass. I am here. *Colson's voice is so very gentle.*
Dane growls at Cressidha as he starts sharpening his sword.
Colson murmurs a blessing of Wisdom for Cress as he holds steadily with her.
Cressidha takes several deep breaths. Eventually, she lowers her hand and looks around.
Azizia nods at Cress and sends some of the Naaru's peaceful energies to her.
[Cressidha]: Light, is that how you always feel when you travel through portals, Colson? Like everything is moving around you?
[Cressidha]: Ugh.
Dane flicks his eyes up at that and tilts his head left and right.
[Colson]: Possibly, yes. I find them very disorienting.
Cressidha makes a noise of irritation, probably directed at herself, and gets her elemental bracers out.
[Cressidha]: Here, Marina.
[Dane]: Right then. Let's move smartly. No telling wot' we face in here.
[Colson]: There is no fatigue for me, of course. Are you feeling well?
Azizia bows before Water Elemental.
[Cressidha]: I'm well, yes. I believe.
Colson nods, his eyes still on Cress for a beat longer.
Atley points at Azure Magus.
[Caspis]: This place sets my teeth on edge.
[Dane]: That looks to be due for some killing.
Cressidha does not look tired, but she's following a little more slowly behind the others than usual.
[Azizia]: We have doctors with little devices who can help with teeth problems, if you need, Mr. Caspis.
Caspis sighs at Azizia.
Colson drinks a potion, staring at the remains of the Blue Dragonflight.
Cressidha drinks a potion.
[Dane]: We'll bear down this corridor. See where it takes us.
Colson bears down the corridor. Not literally. He's not a druid.
The corridor takes them somewhere full of crystalline trees.
[Cressidha]: It's beautiful here.
[Dane]: It's… somming'…
Colson smiles gently at Cress.
[Caspis]: It is familiar…
Dane stares up at the bright white trees in some sort of gruff awe.
[Azizia]: Crystal trees?
[Cressidha]: Oh, no. Caspis, another Ancient…
Caspis frowns with disappointment at Crystalline Protector.
[Dane]: Looks too far gone.
Colson frowns faintly at the evidence of the corrupted ancient and guardians.
[Cressidha]: Can you see if they respond?
Caspis nods gravely.
[Caspis]: No, I know the curse upon it.
[Caspis]: There is no help for it.
Cressidha sighs. "Very well."
Dane grunts.
[Caspis]: This crystal… it is… not good.
[Caspis]: Beautiful, but cursed.
[Dane]: Stand fast. I'll lure it towards us.
[Caspis]: There is an entire wood not far from here that—- ah.
[Cressidha]: Behind us!
Colson places the bubble over Cress at her words.
[Dane]: Good eye.
Cressidha attempts to counterspell one of the dragonkin and it fizzles ineffectively.
[Dane]: I saw some sort'f dryad in there… Crystallized, like the rest.
[Caspis]: Yes.
Colson might be hovering more around Cress. It's fine.
[Caspis]: Everything in here must be destroyed.
[Dane]: Too right.
[Azizia]: It reminds me of corrupted crystals transforming what lives on island of Exodar.
[Dane]: That's quite the strange land, itself.
[Caspis]: The central part of Northrend looked like this, when last I was here.
[Dane]: Wot' is this that's done this? Pure magic?
[Caspis]: Beautiful and deadly.
[Colson]: Oh.
[Colson]: What is that? *Colson's looking at the plant that's frozen.*
Dane walks over to poke at a shrub.
[Azizia]: Frozen herb.
[Colson]: Well. Yes.
[Azizia]: I do not know what herb.
[Colson]: Neither do I. I cannot tell what it is under the ice.
Colson takes a sample.
[Dane]: We'll take the larger patrol here, then we can poke about these gardens.
[Cressidha]: Understood.
[Colson]: Ah. Goldclover.
Crystalline Frayer begins to emerge from its Seed Pod.
[Dane]: They're regrowing!
All the little crystal plants, when slain, curl up into seed pods to regrow.
[Caspis]: The forest I speak of - the one that looks like this - this was the fault of the highborne.
[Caspis]: Something about an excess of the arcane does this.
[Dane]: Properly done.
[Dane]: We'll do in the ancients, for their own sake.
The outside of Cressidha's ice barrier begins to take on a slightly crystalline tint as Cressidha draws magic towards itself, but nothing ever penetrates the barrier.
Colson carefully takes a sample of a splinter from the ancient, with something like reverence.
[Azizia]: They can make such beautiful places. Why do they use magic for wrong like this?
[Caspis]: You've been poisoned, Cressidha. I can help.
[Cressidha]: Thank you.
Colson looks over at Cressidha. Is that worry on his face? Maybe.
Colson gently heals Marina. She's doing such a good job.
Marina burbles gratefully.
Caspis takes a small sample from each of the fallen ancients.
Azizia throws one of her weapons in the air and puts a flaming hand on Crystalline Protector's face before catching her weapon again.
[Dane]: Was this some sort of ancient cavern, long ago…?
Dane wonders aloud with a growl as he looks around.
[Caspis]: This has always been the lair of Malygos.
[Caspis]: But I have no idea what it was like before he went mad.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: So nearly timeless.
Azizia shakes her head. "If only he could forget being mad, and work as architect. Stormwind would be more beautifuler."
Colson takes out a little frayer that might have been looking at Cress wrong.
Colson puts Cress in another bubble.
Colson is fine. He's not worried or anything.
Dane frowns and pokes at the water with his sword.
[Azizia]: Do not touch water. Or drink.
Colson might be a little concerned, but as we all know from The Princess Bride, that's not the same thing.
Cressidha drinks water. Her own water, not this water.
[Caspis]: We all have been given safe water.
[Azizia]: Its spirit is sick. Corrupted.
[Azizia]: Yes, I was talking to Mr. Dane.
Dane looks to Azizia and nods.
Colson covers his mouth for some reason.
Azizia's head and horns are covered by rocks as she headbutts Crystalline Tender.
They come to a big Rock Thing.
Dane takes a quiet moment to squint at Ormorok.
Caspis peers at Ormorok the Tree-Shaper searchingly.
[Dane]: Right then. I'll turn him away. Colson, prepared for this giant 'fa—
Dane looks to Caspis.
[Cressidha]: Watch, they're coming back.
[Dane]: —giant ancient to try and stomp on us.
Colson looks at the trees with a mild expression before he turns his attention to the giant fa - er. Ancient.
[Caspis]: I have not seen such a thing bef— ah!
[Dane]: Mindful of any ice or magic that he can reflect back at the rest f'you.
[Cressidha]: Expect to be swarmed by the little ones.
Cressidha nods to Dane.
Dane grunts.
[Cressidha]: I see more pods up there.
[Dane]: On me!
Colson nods solemnly. "And watch for falling rocks." He's looking at Dane.
Ormorok the Tree-Shaper yells: Noo!
Ormorok the Tree-Shaper yells: Bleed!
Azizia extends her hands and pulls on invisible leashes. Two wolf spirits appear in front of her.
[Cressidha]: Move!
Azizia's head and horns are covered by rocks as she headbutts Ormorok the Tree-Shaper.
Ormorok the Tree-Shaper yells: Back!
Cressidha sidesteps the impaling ice.
Ormorok the Tree-Shaper yells: Bleed!
Ormorok the Tree-Shaper yells: Aaggh!
[Cressidha]: Is everyone all right?
[Dane]: All in one piece, are we?
[Caspis]: Yes.
[Azizia]: I am fine.
[Caspis]: And I still do not know what that creature was.
[Colson]: Yes.
[Dane]: Bit of…
Dane reaches for his pickaxe, shooting Caspis a look.
[Cressidha]: Some sort of elemental?
[Caspis]: It is made of rock?
Caspis examines it.
[Azizia]: I believe it is.
[Dane]: Bits of minerals on it. May be worth taking in as a sample
[Cressidha]: If you take a sample, we can ask the Kirin Tor if they're familiar.
Cressidha nods.
[Caspis]: If you wish, shan'var.
Azizia nods at Cressidha.
Dane grunts and chisels off a few chunks.
Caspis does not seem especially concerned about the giant dead rock guy.
Colson nods, looking at the rock with a mild expression.
Dane stomps over to Cressidha and holds the sample out.
Cressidha puts it in a bag.
Cressidha stumbles a little. She's not tired or anything.
Colson looks around the room. "They are not returning."
Dane side-eyes Cressidha but says nothing yet.
[Colson]: Whatever it was has stopped.
[Cressidha]: Oh.
[Dane]: Bet t'was that rock thing.
[Cressidha]: You're right.
[Caspis]: Hmmm…
Caspis ponders.
[Azizia]: It… gave life to little trees?
Colson is definitely hovering near Cress now.
[Colson]: What?
[Dane]: Wot's going on in there…?
Caspis stops pondering at the sight of fighting dragonkin.
Azizia frowns.
Colson peers at them fighting the…energy ball?
Dane squints ahead. "Cressidha, have you any idea…"
[Cressidha]: Those rifts are very minor.
[Cressidha]: Not the one we're here for.
[Cressidha]: I believe they're trying to… close them.
Dane grunts. "Right then. Press onward."
[Colson]: Odd.
[Cressidha]: I may be able to do so as well.
Colson presses onward.
Azizia's head and horns are covered by rocks as she headbutts Azure Enforcer.
[Colson]: Ah. Dane, we may need to see to the rifts first.
[Cressidha]: Ah. Yes. I believe, as insubstantial as they look, they can be… damaged through mundane means.
Dane nods to Colson.
[Cressidha]: Especially with magical weapons.
[Colson]: Without them fighting against it, it targets wildly.
[Caspis]: Please do not be alarmed…
[Dane]: Sound plan.
Cressidha looks back at Caspis.
Caspis stands very still, reaching up his arms… and bark begins to cover his skin.
Dane stares out over The Rift with a guarded glare.
[Cressidha]: Ah.
Caspis slowly shifts into the form of a treant.
Atley eyes Caspis up and down.
[Dane]: Saw Nilunelle do that, once…
Azizia blinks at Caspis.
Cressidha smiles. "I saw Nilunelle do that once."
Colson doesn't look alarmed. He might be used to druids. He might just be an Aspenwood. Who can say.
Caspis nods at Atley.
Cressidha nods to Dane.
Caspis nods, but does not speak.
[Dane]: As odd as 'tis to see a tree walking about, at least this one's not all bloody crystallized.
[Dane]: Right then.
[Dane]: So if I've it right, the Blue Dragons are in a war against … mana itself? These constructs?
Colson looks at the corpse of a dragon on the rock.
Cressidha tilts her head up and smiles.
Dane tilts his head up and does not smile.
[Colson]: Against all magic being used, it seems.
Caspis rustles his leaves.
[Cressidha]: Well, clearly, they have found a flaw in their very flawed plan.
Dane grunts.
Azizia chuckles at Cressidha.
[Colson]: Clearly. *Colson's voice is very dry.*
[Dane]: Madness.
Cressidha takes a deep breath as the mana infuses the air.
Dane shakes his head. "We've got to draw closer to that thing and close t'off 'fore Azeroth turns into Outland."
Colson holds out a hand, sparkling a little with extra mana.
[Cressidha]: Understood.
[Colson]: Interesting effect. They are almost harvesting the mana like the mana wryms of Netherstorm.
Caspis would help fight the dragonkin, but at the moment his bark is worse than his bite.
[Azizia]: What are… ghost… snake… things, flying?
Colson murmurs new prayers.
[Cressidha]: Mana wyrms.
Dane's hair whips in the magical storm and he raises his voice to be be heard. "Stay together!"
Colson looks at Cress. Is that nervousness? "Be cautious."
[Cressidha]: I will.
Azizia screams. "Mana Wyrms are small, no?"
[Cressidha]: That depends!
[Dane]: Aye, but these ones haven't been missing meals—!
Cressidha raises her voice just enough to be heard.
Atley glares angrily at Anomalus.
[Azizia]: Eww.
Cressidha points at Anomalus.
[Colson]: They are not overcharged, at the least. *He's not yelling, but his voice has a strong sound to it, like he's used to being louder to be heard.*
Colson looks back at Azizia.
[Colson]: An elemental?
[Cressidha]: That's some form of elemental being of energy. It can likely be killed through normal means.
[Dane]: I'll face this bastard away from the rest of us — be mindful of it opening up any other rifts!
[Cressidha]: Understood.
Azizia nods at Colson.
Colson nods.
[Dane]: If it does, shut them down first!
[Colson]: Yessir!
Anomalus yells: Chaos beckons.
[Azizia]: It feels elemental. I do not know of which element, however.
Anomalus yells: Indestructible.
[Cressidha]: Rift!
Anomalus yells: Of course.
Cressidha collects a book from the corpse of the elemental. Huh.
[Azizia]: Elemental literature.
Cressidha puts away the book she picked up and approaches the rift.
[Azizia]: Be careful to not fall.
Cressidha takes out The Device.
Colson is careful.
[Dane]: Have a care, Cressidha…
Caspis shivers, his leaves trembling.
Dane growls warily, but he sounds confident.
Colson remains by Cressidha's side. If the height bothers him at all, it's impossible to tell from the way he's standing. It might not bother him.
Cressidha pushes some buttons. She flips some switches. She pushes a bigger, more dangerous-looking button and just flings the Device out into the rift.
The Device floats to what might be a central point and begins glowing.
Colson watches the device.
Caspis backs up slightly, almost tripping over his own roots.
All at once, the storm 'drops,' and they're left standing in silence.
[Colson]: Well.
[Dane]: Looks to've bought us some time.
Cressidha takes out a Different Device and takes what seems to be a reading.
Caspis bows before Cressidha.
[Azizia]: I do not understand what any of this is.
[Cressidha]: I'll take this back to the Kirin Tor. We'll see what they think.
[Dane]: Cressidha was granted a device to stall this arcane rift.
[Dane]: In plain common we may've just saved the bloody world.
Dane sets his jaw and shakes his head almost resignedly.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
[Cressidha]: Yes, an interdimensional refabricator.
Dane grunts.
Dane gestures fussily towards the way they came.
Colson fussily follows. Well, no. He just follows.
There are some of the smaller rifts remaining.
[Cressidha]: Watch the rifts!
Dane shakes his head back and forth and rakes a hand through his hair.
Caspis doesn't leaf Atley's side.
Colson looks to Dane for an order.
[Dane]: Let's press on. We'll come back to these miniatures after we've slain the important bastards.
[Colson]: Very well.
Cressidha reluctantly presses on.
Dane stares out over the edge, squinting at the brightness.
Colson looks over the edge briefly.
[Dane]: Up we go. Hit them hard n' fast.
Colson hits them hard and fast.
Dane looks from the runes to Cressidha. He peers at her sternly for a moment, searchingly.
Colson sets a hand briefly on Cress at a pause, a questioning look in his eyes.
[Cressidha]: … Hm?
[Cressidha]: I'm well.
[Colson]: Of course.
[Cressidha]: …These keep the platform suspended.
[Dane]: These runes having any effect on you?
Dane nods once and grunts.
[Cressidha]: No.
[Azizia]: Except making you stand on floating platform.
[Cressidha]: They're simply compensating for a lack of structural integrity.
[Colson]: Well, at least they do not use portals to go from platform to platform. Or orbs.
Colson looking on the bright side.
Dane grunts.
[Azizia]: I am glad we could leave this place without having to go close to any mana worm.
[Dane]: This way. We'll make sure we miss nothing.
[Azizia]: … I hope I did not make mana worms appear in next room with saying that.
[Dane]: Humans.
[Colson]: Ah. Of course, Azizia.
[Azizia]: Good.
Caspis rustles his leaves gently.
[Dane]: I'll lure the madmen 'round the corner. Then we butcher them.
Colson inclines his head to Caspis.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Colson frowns, looking at his hands.
[Dane]: Mm, wot's it?
Dane looks to Colson.
[Colson]: "They have something that felt as though they were…I am not certain. Pulling on the Light out of me."
[Colson]: Be cautious.
[Dane]: Draining your powers?
Caspis creaks ominously.
[Colson]: Yes.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: Head on!
[Cressidha]: I didn't feel such a thing. It might be based on distance.
[Cressidha]: Caspis, stay back with me.
Azizia's head and horns are covered by rocks as she headbutts Steward.
Dane frowns. "That's no blood elf."
Colson shields out of a sheepening. No sheep Colson like the football.
Atley kneels before Mage Hunter Ascendant.
[Colson]: No. I do not believe any of these are human or sin'dorei.
Dane shoves some corpses around to grasp the slain Mage Huner Ascendant by the chin.
[Cressidha]: Dragons in human form?
[Dane]: Why'd they be in human form, down here?
[Cressidha]: Space concerns?
[Cressidha]: Having fingers?
[Cressidha]: Who knows?
[Azizia]: Fashion.
Colson stifles a laugh.
Caspis looks dolefully at his branches.
Cressidha laughs out loud.
[Azizia]: Very hard to be fashionable as dragon.
[Dane]: Dragonkin've got fingers. I warrant these mage hunters are cultists, like the kind we met at that tuskarr quarry.
Dane drops the 'quel'dorei' and shakes his head, turning back to the fight.
[Dane]: Kill that floating one first.
Dane spits on the ground.
[Dane]: They look important.
Caspis hangs back, as instructed.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Cressidha directs Marina accordingly.
[Azizia]: This one is wearing my hairstyle!
Azizia's head and horns are covered by rocks as she headbutts Mage Hunter Ascendant.
[Dane]: Properly done, you lot.
Colson steadies himself, as he inclines his head to Caspis. "Thank you, Caspis."
Dane wipes his bloody sword off on a mage hunter robe.
Caspis bows before Colson.
Azizia shrugs. "I wear it better." She raises an eyebrow at the Mage Hunter Initiate.
[Dane]: That there. Looks to be a Grand Magus, somming'.
Caspis creaks and groans.
[Cressidha]: Hm.
[Colson]: She is certainly dressed the part.
Caspis is the unhappiest tree that ever lived.
[Azizia]: She is dressed. Yes.
Dane stares off in the distance, as if having a flashback.
Colson moves to clap a hand Dane style on Dane’s shoulder.
Cressidha squints.
[Dane]: I've seen elven sorceresses like this 'fore.
Caspis remains rooted to the spot.
[Dane]: If she produces any sort'f mirror images, or somming'… focus on the arcane one. A pack of greenskins failed to do so and their bones were swallowed up by the Durotar desert.
[Colson]: Understood.
[Cressidha]: Understood.
[Azizia]: Very well.
Dane steps into the room and lifts a brow, looking up, up, up.
Violence ensues.
Grand Magus Telestra yells: You know what they say about curiosity….
Grand Magus Telestra yells: There's plenty of me to go around.
Grand Magus Telestra yells: Now to finish the job!
Actually, Blue Squad finishes the job.
Grand Magus Telestra yells: Damn the… luck.
They press on and encounter a bunch of Horde warriors encased in ice.
[Dane]: Hold fast…
[Dane]: Horde.
Colson holds fast.
Atley stares Horde Berserker down.
[Cressidha]: Hm.
Caspis creaks and groans loudly.
[Dane]: Bloody hell — an entire troop.
Colson frowns at the ice traps. "We may be able to break some free, but I am not certain for what purpose they may have come here."
[Azizia]: They are like frozen herb of earlier.
[Dane]: I cannot properly tell if any of them are properly alive.
[Dane]: Hold fast, you lot.
Colson holds fast.
[Cressidha]: Ah.
Colson holds fast until they start attacking Dane.
Dane growls.
[Dane]: Savages.
Atley spits on the ground.
[Dane]: Slay the lot of them.
Azizia looks towards the ground. "Even spiders are crystal."
Atley eyes Crystal Spider up and down.
[Azizia]: Dragons here have very similar aesthetic to Draenei. I can appreciate this.
Atley points at Horde Commander.
[Dane]: That's the look of a warlord.
[Cressidha]: Ah.
[Dane]: Here's wot' we do.
Caspis points a branch toward the book on the floor.
[Dane]: Slay the two spares, then we put the big bastard down.
[Dane]: On me.
Colson is on Dane.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Azizia throws one of her weapons in the air and puts a flaming hand on Horde Commander's face before catching her weapon again.
There is a book on the floor.
Colson looks at the book.
[Dane]: Clear out the mongrels, first.
[Azizia]: I can appreciate aesthetic but they do not keep place tidy. That I cannot appreciate.
Colson steps very carefully around the book on the floor.
Cressidha picks it up.
[Cressidha]: Hm.
[Dane]: Take that with us.
Azizia throws one of her weapons in the air and puts a flaming hand on Horde Berserker's face before catching her weapon again.
Cressidha keeps it to look at later.
Azizia shudders.
Atley peers at Azizia searchingly.
[Dane]: You right?
[Cressidha]: I am fine.
Cressidha was not the one asked.
[Azizia]: Freezing.
[Cressidha]: Ah.
Cressidha passes a wave of warm air over Azizia.
[Azizia]: Thank you!
There is a huge red dragon frozen in ice.
[Colson]: Ah.
Caspis shakes icicles from his branches.
[Colson]: One of the red dragonflight.
Cressidha frowns.
Dane slowly shakes his head.
[Azizia]: Frozen, like me!
[Cressidha]: Behind us!
Colson puts Cas in the bubble this time, the moment the ice hits.
Caspis bows before Colson.
[Dane]: I cannot tell if that dragon's gone mad.
[Azizia]: Stone dragons spit cold air at red dragon.
Colson inclines his head back.
[Cressidha]: I hope not.
Cressidha examines an orb.
[Cressidha]: Hm…
Azizia ponders the orb.
After touching all three orbs, the ice melts and the red dragon breaks free.
Keristrasza yells: Preserve? Why? There's no truth in it. No no no… only in the taking! I see that now!
[Cressidha]: Excuse me?
[Cressidha]: Are you—
Nope. The dragon’s already attacking.
Keristrasza yells: Stay. Enjoy your final moments.
[Dane]: Put her down!
Keristrasza yells: Stay. Enjoy your final moments.
Keristrasza yells: Finish it! Finish it! Kill me, or I swear by the Dragonqueen you'll never see daylight again!
Keristrasza goes into a frenzy!
Keristrasza yells: Dragonqueen… Life-Binder… preserve… me.
[Cressidha]: She…
Caspis quietly mourns the fallen dragon.
Dane lets out a grunt and shakes his head. "She was too far gone."
Colson murmurs a prayer, closing his eyes.
Caspis returns to his native form to kneel by the fallen dragon, looking stricken.
[Azizia]: Did… blue dragons make her like this? Like trees, here?
Caspis kneels down.
[Colson]: So it would seem.
Dane clears his throat and looks to the others. "We've made our first substantial play against the blue dragonflight today."
Cressidha gathers Marina's bracers.
Dane walks over to clasp Caspis on the shoulder in support.
Caspis stands wearily and salutes Atley.
Azizia waves goodbye at Marina.
Colson opens his eyes, exhaling slowly.
[Caspis]: We did what must be done.
Caspis doesn't look happy about it.
Azizia nods at Caspis.
Dane nods once before he looks to each of them, eventually settling on Cressidha.
Cressidha doesn't look happy about it either.
[Colson]: That is all we can do, at times.
[Cressidha]: Yes.
[Dane]: Fine work today, Cressidha.
Colson doesn't look happy either but also…how would you even tell.
[Cressidha]: Thank you.
[Dane]: We're dismissed. You, however, are being ordered to stay at Valiance Keep for the day and rest.
[Colson]: If it is stable enough to do so, we should hearth to the Keep.
[Azizia]: Miss Cress?
[Cressidha]: May I drop off the readings to the Kirin Tor on the way back?
Cressidha looks at Azizia.
[Azizia]: Oh, I was about to ask if you could make portal there. I would like to talk with red dragon.
[Cressidha]: I cannot.
[Azizia]: We can ride there together, if not.
[Dane]: I'll do it. You're tough, Cressidha, but you're too vital to be burnt out with exhaustion this early into our work against the Blue Dragonflight.
Dane steps forward and extends a hand.
Cressidha sighs and nods. She gathers up a paper and two books and gives those to Dane.
Caspis waits for the others, still and silent.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Dane grunts mildly, lofting a brow as he examines the report. "The rest f'us are dismissed." He gives Cressidha a frank look.
[Azizia]: Well. Can I go with you, Mr. Dane?
[Dane]: See to it that you recuperate.
Colson nods to Dane. "Understood."
[Dane]: Aye, ride with me.
Cressidha nods and takes out her hearthstone.
Atley peers at Caspis searchingly.
[Dane]: And you?
Colson looks patiently at Cressidha, taking his hearthstone out to activate a moment after she does.
Caspis follows the twins.
[Azizia]: Great! I have just recommendation for red dragon in fight against blue.
[Azizia]: Gear that will help very much.