(2023-03-19) A Wobbly Sprocket (S9 E9 - Blue Squad Log)

Details

Author:	Athena
Summary:	Blue Squad returns to the Fizzcrank airstrip to investigate the nearby crashed necropolis for a rescue mission where they collect a gnomes tools, and head north to a nearby snobold encampment to get…well, actually, more gnome tools. Back in Valiance, some of Blue Squad encounters Ivrianna, where they ascertain that there is at least one (1) real cow in the Borean Tundra. 12,700-ish words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Season 9

Mordecai pulls his hood a little lower over his face and mumbles to Colson, "Do you know where you're going today?"

Colson shakes his head. He never knows anymore. "No."

[Mordecai]: Ah…

Cressidha traces water-conjuring sigils idly in the air.

Caspis wanders out.

Caspis seems deep in thought.

Dane marches outside, chewing on something.

[Cressidha]: Good afternoon.

[Colson]: Good afternoon, Dane. Caspis.

Mordecai mumbles, "Hello," and gives them a little wave.

[Dane]: Good afternoon, good afternoon, you lot.

[Caspis]: …Mm?

Caspis tries to orient himself.

Cressidha smiles faintly and hands out water.

Caspis bows reverently and murmurs the Darnassian formal thank you for the gift of water.

[Cressidha]: You're welcome.

Colson ties his to his belt. He may actually have to drink water today.

Mordecai mumbles a thank you and puts his water away in his bag.

[Dane]: How's the day, then.

Caspis puts Atley in his peripheral vision, for reasons.

Dane growls out as he checks his gear.

Mordecai smiles. "Good."

Caspis hums very faintly to himself, low and a bit gravelly and more than a bit off-key.

Colson looks at the relatively clear sky, and back at Mordecai. "Quite well, yes. Do you know yet where we are being sent, Dane?"

Dane lifts his gaze and looks between them, settling it on Caspis. "I do. There's still work to be done at the airstrip, to the north."

Caspis's ears droop. He must have been listening at least a little.

[Colson]: Ah, yes. We were there recently with the Captain. It seems several concerns persist.

[Dane]: Every inch gained here is paid for in sweat in and blood.

Cressidha reaches into her bag and pulls out a scroll. "Caspis, this is for your gloves, if you'd like. The enchantment will increase the effectiveness of your spells."

Caspis thanks Cressidha.

[Caspis]: Does anyone require armor reinforcement before we leave?

Dane raises a hand. "Cheers, but I'm well 'nuff now."

Cressidha inspects her own very heavily enchanted gear. "I don't believe I have room for any that would not conflict with the existing enchantments."

[Caspis]: If anyone ever requires it, you have only to let me know.

[Cressidha]: Of course. Thank you.

Colson looks down at his own with the same sort of expression, likely for the same reason.

Mordecai takes Colson's hand. "I'll wait in the room today, I think. It's cold outside."

[Dane]: Right then. Let's mount up, and see wot' they need at the airstrip.

Colson turns fully to Mordecai for a moment, holding his hand up to his heart slash heavily enchanted breastplate with a soft, faint smile. "Very well. I love you. I shall see you soon."

[Mordecai]: I love you too. Be safe. Oh!

Atley raises his eyebrow inquisitively at Mordecai.

Mordecai scrambles for a candle so quickly he nearly drops it.

Tenacious nudges closer. BLESS HIM, Mordecai. FOR ADVENTURE.

Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.

Mordecai recites a prayer.

Dane nods in farwell. "Mordecai."

[Mordecai]: Be safe, everyone.

[Cressidha]: Of course.

Colson gives Mordecai a soft wave, pressing two fingers to his lips for a moment.

Dane squints thoughtfully at the tuskarr kite as they pass by.

They reach the airstrip.

Cressidha looks around.

Caspis sighs and droooops.

[Cressidha]: Well, now.

[Dane]: We've gotten word there's more to look into with that transmatter device.

Colson looks as mild as ever as he surveys the device. "Yes."

[Caspis]: As you wish.

[Dane]: Hullo' then. Work needs doing?

Caspis sighs at Mordle Cogspinner.

Mordle Cogspinner looks up from his work with a snarl before he recognizes them.

Caspis stares at him gravely.

Mordle Cogspinner says: You're proven heroes! Yes! Yes, I have another problem.

Cressidha looks the transmatter device over. "Hm. Inbound function still in operation, outbound function… iffy?"

Mordle Cogspinner itches his temple with a spanner. "Heh, well… Outgoing is where the real struggle is. I can't get this thing to work!"

Caspis stares more.

Mordle Cogspinner says: My boss, Tinky, went east with Bixie Wrenchshanker. Tinky's the only one that can fix it and we really need it working one-hundred percent.

[Cressidha]: Of course.

Mordle Cogspinner says: You think you could find them? Bixie said something about following some old magnataur to a place called The Dens of Dying.

Cressidha does not smile at the gnome names. She does not. Her mouth twitches a little.

[Caspis]: Of…. dying.

Mordle Cogspinner says: I'm guessing that's where you'll find them. You can catch a ride out there by talking with Kara Thricestar at the runway.

Colson inclines his head.

Mordle Cogspinner nods. "Yep! I'm not certain who named it…"

[Cressidha]: Very well.

[Caspis]: Dying as in… perishing? Or dyeing as in… crafting colored items?

[Cressidha]: Hm.

Mordle Cogspinner frowns in thought, hammering away. "Dying as in corpses! Decay! Yadda yadda yadda."

[Cressidha]: Out here, I suspect it may be the 'death' variety in general.

Dane eyes Caspis up and down.

Caspis sighs. He had to hope, at least.

[Dane]: I wager we've done enough contraption flying. Wot' say we ride out?

Cressidha mounts up again. "If you'd prefer."

[Caspis]: Thank you.

Caspis salutes Atley with respect.

Dane grimaces and waves a hand in front of his face.

[Dane]: All that noise… Gives a headache. Let's move.

Colson moves.

Dane squints at the fallen necropolis.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

[Dane]: I thought t'was the gnomes, but I don't see any obvious blastmarks.

[Dane]: 'Sides from that gaping hole f'course.

Colson looks around. "There are quite a lot of undead below."

[Caspis]: I am curious what happened.

[Caspis]: I have never seen one fall.

[Dane]: I warrant we'll find out soon enough.

Cressidha looks at the gaping hole and shrugs.

[Dane]: I've seen a few, back in the war. Bloody damn mess.

[Caspis]: The [Darnassian word]s appear plagued…

[Colson]: Ah.

[Dane]: And these I wager are the magnataur.

Caspis peers at Scourged Mammoth searchingly.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

Caspis peers at Plagued Magnataur searchingly.

Colson looks at the giant centaurs. "So it would seem."

[Dane]: Some sort of cemetery… Caspis, you've any knowledge of these things?

[Caspis]: Little. They were not plagued, last I was here. But still dangerous.

[Dane]: Are they savage?

Dane asks, as if he already knows the answer.

Cressidha calls, "Pardon me! Do you speak?"

[Caspis]: Relatives of Cenarius.

[Dane]: That one looks diseased. Let's keep an eye out for others that may be've the right mind.

Dane eyes Bixie Wrenchshanker up and down.

[Colson]: He is, yes. Diseased. Plagued, I would guess, without an examination.

Cressidha sniffs dismissively when the plagued magnataur ignores her.

[Caspis]: They have a patriarchal structure but are not… sociable with other races. Even when not plagued. I doubt the plague has improved their disposition.

Dane grunts.

They have located one (1) gnome, Bixie Wrenchshanker.

[Cressidha]: Pardon me.

Caspis peers at Bixie Wrenchshanker searchingly.

Caspis didn't even see her there.

[Cressidha]: We've been sent from the airstrip to offer our assistance.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Hey, hey, hey! Keep your voice down. We wouldn't want to attract any attention from these beasties!

Cressidha lowers her voice. "Of course."

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: I could hear you four stomping around from a mile away.

Caspis stares Bixie Wrenchshanker down.

Bixie Wrenchshanker shakes her head and readjusts herself. "You've come to help?"

Tenacious looks proud. STRONG HOOFS, STRONG HORSE, HE WILL STOMP THE OTHER WEIRD HORSES.

[Cressidha]: We have.

Bixie Wrenchshanker nods once. "Good. Tinky and I came out here stalking some old magnataur. Apparently those caves up there are where they go to die."

[Colson]: Ah. Similar to the kodo graveyard in Desolace, then.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

Caspis nods thoughtfully.

Bixie Wrenchshanker shrugs. "Sure. Never been out that way. But, ah, we had no idea they were going to get plagued when they went into those death caves. We can't have plagued things roaming about; it's just not healthy."

[Cressidha]: Indeed.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says, "Say, why don't you put down a number of those things while I figure out our next play?"

Caspis continues staring at her.

Dane nods. "We'll thin the herd."

[Colson]: I see.

Colson looks out at the herd in question.

[Dane]: Let's get to work.

[Cressidha]: Very well.

Dane backs away from the plague with a grimace.

Cressidha keeps her distance from the body.

[Dane]: Colson… Caspis. Are we safe to approach these things?

[Caspis]: We have been fighting Scourged creatures all this time to little ill effect.

[Caspis]: They are no more plagued than ghouls or skeletons, hm?

[Dane]: M'still not taking chances. These one looks like it's fuming or somming'.

Colson is the only one who can cure diseases of the two of them. He nods. "Yes. I would not recommend, ah, doing anything in particular with the body, but it should be fine."

[Cressidha]: I would try not to touch them with your bare hands.

Cressidha shrugs.

[Dane]: Right then.

[Caspis]: It will be fine to kill the mammoths as well. They are beyond saving.

[Colson]: These mammoths, are another. I would not recommend taking their meat for cooking.

Dane eyes Tundra Crawler up and down.

Boy that sure is an ENORMOUS CENTIPEDE. It’s just passing by, minding its own business.

Cressidha nods.

[Dane]: Fackin' hell.

[Colson]: But I agree with Caspis. They should not be roaming free.

Dane nods to the Tundra Crawler.

Colson doesn't make a face at the ENORMOUS CENTIPEDE? Dear Light.

[Dane]: We'll cull the entire area.

[Cressidha]: Understood.

Caspis thanks Dane.

[Colson]: Hm, yes. I believe they are undead. I can feel them as I get closer.

Caspis periodically unleashes a wave of healing nature energy over the group, even those not wounded.

[Dane]: Colson, these are not properly undead, are they. Merely plagued?

Dane examines the giant corpse.

[Colson]: The magnataur are not. They merely have the plague.

Dane grunts and steps away from the billowing clouds.

[Colson]: The mammoths, however, are undead already.

[Dane]: Mm. Right.

Dane grunts and rolls his shield arm.

[Caspis]: Even if the… magnataur, is the Common word?…

Cressidha nods.

Dane looks to Caspis. "Mm?"

[Colson]: Hm?

[Caspis]: It is 'magnataur' in Common?

[Cressidha]: That's what the gnomes called them.

[Dane]: I suppose so.

[Colson]: That is what the gnome named them to be.

Dane nods to Cressidha.

[Dane]: Mammoth centaur.

Caspis nods. "Even if the magnataur were curable, we would have no luck in helping them."

[Dane]: How do you figger'?

[Caspis]: They have never had any cooperation with other races.

[Colson]: They would need to be able to accept our help, yes.

[Caspis]: They do not communicate or negotiate. They simply attack.

[Cressidha]: I see.

[Dane]: They don't communicate amongst themselves?

[Caspis]: Possibly.

[Caspis]: They also sometimes eat their own dead.

[Dane]: Fackin' hell.

[Caspis]: We understood very little of them - my team simply avoided them.

Dane looks to the south. "I do wonder how that village plays into any of this."

[Dane]: Those structures look tauren.

Colson looks into the distance.

[Caspis]: I do know them to be misbegotten relations of Cenarius, however, not unlike the centaur.

[Colson]: Ah, yes. I agree. Those seem to be Tauren patterns.

[Dane]: Cenarius, the … lord of dryads?

Dane posits carefully.

[Caspis]: …That is… a way to describe him.

[Colson]: Hm.

[Caspis]: Lord of the forest, patron of druids.

Dane nods. "I know he was a demi-god, of your folk."

[Caspis]: Yes.

[Dane]: I warrant more'll be revealed to us in time. Let's get back.

Atley points at Tundra Crawler.

[Caspis]: The Cenarion Circle is named for him, as you may have guessed.

Cressidha glances at the Nope-ipede.

Colson avoids looking at the Nope-ipede.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Nice work! But I'd grab a shower the next chance you get.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Now, let's really deal with the problem out here.

Caspis glares at Bixie.

Cressidha sighs at the mention of showers. Those were nice.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: So, while you were out taking care of those plagued beasts, I took a peek inside the caves up there.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: There are cultists in there plaguing them! … Literally!

Colson is not imagining it crawling all over the place. It's fine. He's fine. "Ah."

[Cressidha]: Oh?

Caspis frowns.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: They have some sort of noxious concoction brewing in a cauldron. I have a powder that I normally use as an anti-poison, and mixed it up with some other stuff. I think it'll neutralize their brew!

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Take it up to one of those caves and see if it works.

Caspis narrows his eyes dubiously at the gnome.

[Dane]: While I can see the merit of generally spreading plague… These magnataur don't seem to be reined in.

[Dane]: Just trudging about mindlessly.

Cressidha nods. "We shall see it done. Perhaps it will work."

[Caspis]: Colson Aspenwood, do you think this powder is effective?

[Colson]: We have some experience in neutralizing such cauldrons. I have seen it work before.

Dane glances between Caspis and Colson.

Dane grunts.

[Caspis]: With a similar substance?

[Dane]: Should also be of use butchering every cultist we find inside.

[Colson]: I am afraid I am no alchemical expert, but I will know if it is effective, once we have administered it.

Caspis nods.

[Cressidha]: It was… a similar sort of color?

[Cressidha]: The substance we used in the Plaguelands on the cauldrons there.

[Dane]: Speaking of the eastern plaguelands, are we?

Caspis continues periodically sending natural regenerative energy over the squad.

[Cressidha]: Yes.

[Colson]: Yes.

[Dane]: Ought to work.

Atley spits on the ground.

[Dane]: Wretch.

[Dane]: Right then. Colson.

Dane gestures to the cauldron.

Caspis stands well back from the cauldron.

Cressidha takes a step back from the cauldron.

Colson approaches the cauldron cautiously. "Yes. That is plagued."

Colson sprinkles the dust in, watching carefully.

Colson touches a hand to his breastplate as Mordecai's prayers fade.

[Colson]: I believe that was effective.

[Dane]: Let's get back.

Caspis sighs and gazes over the frozen wasteland.

[Dane]: We've done it. The concoction's been canceled out.

[Cressidha]: There was only a single cultist tending to that cauldron. There could be others elsewhere, perhaps.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Yes… The others shouldn't be far… Hmm…

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: But!

Bixie Wrenchshanker beams. "I knew you had it in you. Now there's something else that I need to ask you to take care of."

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: I told Tinky not to go off on her own, but she just HAD to check out that crashed necropolis to the west.

[Colson]: It does seem to present something of a mystery.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: I'm 100% certain that those cultists came from inside that thing, which means I'm now 100% certain that Tinky's in trouble!

[Cressidha]: Ah.

Caspis nods solemnly.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: She's the airstrip's number one engineer. Without her, we're doomed! DOOMED!

[Colson]: I see.

Dane leans back and knits his brow in bemusement.

[Caspis]: Also she is a sapient being whose life has value.

Caspis is very dry.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: I'd find her myself, but one of those things got a swipe on my leg before I could vanish again.

Bixie Wrenchshanker pouts up at Colson.

Colson looks down mildly at Bixie. That might just be his face though. "We shall ensure her safety as best we can."

Caspis helps with her leg. Reluctantly.

Bixie Wrenchshanker perks up at Caspis and flexes and unflexes her leg. "Ah, that's better. But if anyone can get her out of there, it's you four."

[Caspis]: Yes.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Oh, and, if the cultists up in those caves, or cultist, singular, survived the crash, then that fallen necropolis to the west can only be assumed to still be filled with Scourge. There's probably lots of them out front of it.

Colson passes a potentially unnecessary Cleanse over Bixie, for any hints of disease.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: While you're at Talramas, do you think you could dispatch all of the Lich King's flunkies you find there?

Dane growls. "With pleasure."

[Colson]: There are, yes. I am a Paladin of the Silver Hand. I will know where the dead are.

[Cressidha]: Talramas is the necropolis, I take it? very well. We might as well wipe out the scourge while we're there.

Colson's lips twitch. "Yes, might as well."

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Yes. Might as — yes.

Dane grunts. "Let's go."

Dane peers at the mounted magnataur skull as they run by.

Cressidha prepares her elemental bracers and tosses them out, summoning Marina.

[Dane]: I've a mind to know just wot' brought this thing down.

Marina burbles with excitement. Fresh air and things to throw splashy water at. The good life.

[Caspis]: The necropolis?

Dane grunts.

[Caspis]: Yes. Curious.

[Dane]: 'Fore all this, Caspis, had you much experience with rotters?

[Cressidha]: Well, what leaves a giant hole in the side of a building?

Cressidha shrugs.

[Colson]: Ah. The cultists.

[Dane]: Looking at it now, I'd say that hole happened after the crash.

[Caspis]: None whatsoever. Some of my brethren are very interested in the Plaguelands, but I was never part of those teams.

Dane grunts.

[Cressidha]: Oh. That's… quite a few of them.

Dane double-takes the cultists.

[Colson]: Yes.

[Dane]: Slaughter them all.

Colson seems to be taking a brief headcount.

Colson cures the plague as quickly as they inject it

[Cressidha]: Clear.

Atley spits on the ground.

[Dane]: Curs.

[Colson]: 'Ware! That is a plague they have.

Dane lifts a brow and pats himself down.

[Dane]: We right, then?

[Colson]: I took care of it. Yes.

Cressidha watches a ghoul climb out of the ground in the center of the summoning circle. "Well."

[Cressidha]: I'm fine.

[Dane]: Properly done. Inside we go.

[Caspis]: It seems the cultists are not necessary to maintain those…. portals? The source may be deeper inside the necropolis.

[Dane]: Too right.

Cressidha nods thoughtfully.

[Dane]: Could've been the Ebon Hold…

Dane growls thoughtfully.

Colson seems to be looking at the interior of it with an odd expression.

Marina points at the big purple crystal and burbles pointedly.

[Dane]: Wot's it, Colson?

[Colson]: Yes. Perhaps.

[Colson]: Hm?

[Dane]: You've a look.

Colson turns his attention to Dane, brows raised. "Simply a thought."

Dane grunts.

They locate a tiny gnome in a huge cage with gnome-sized gaps between the bars.

[Dane]: You alive?

Tinky Wickwhistle scowls.

[Dane]: She infected?

[Cressidha]: Oh!

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Hey there. Who are you?

Colson draws closer, kneeling by the cage, passing a hand near Tinky, with a Cleanse and a heal. "Are you well?" He looks up at Dane. "She is not plagued."

[Caspis]: Cobalt Company.

Colson kneels before Tinky Wickwhistle.

[Colson]: Are you Tinky?

[Cressidha]: Bixie asked us to look for you.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Yes! Yes, I am! Bixie sent you? Excellent, let's get me out of here!

Colson's voice is gentle. "We shall." He does not comment on the side of the bars or the gnome.

[Caspis]: You will come to no harm under our protection.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: The cultists magicked me into this cage and there's no door to it. Little did they know that I'm chief transmatter engineer for the airstrip!

Tinky Wickwhistle says: With your help, and a little elbow-grease, I won't be in here for long.

Marina stares at the Thing in the center of the room and continues to make water noises. Where is the nice hoofed lady when you need her to translate.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: I'm going to need an engine-core crystal from one of the ghouls in here, a magical gyroscope from their doctor, and a piloting scourgestone from the lich-lord up top.

Caspis sighs at Tinky Wickwhistle.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: With all of that stuff, I should be able to make a port device to get back to Fizzcrank's and escape the gnome way!

[Caspis]: Of course.

Colson nods like those make any sense to him at all. "I see."

[Cressidha]: Yes. Do not stick your hands or feet through the bars.

[Dane]: Well 'nuff. We were going to put the place to the sword, anyway.

[Dane]: Let's get her wot' she needs.

[Cressidha]: Very well.

Colson stands gracefully, as he passes a Blessing of Might over Tinky.

[Dane]: … Wager that's it, then.

Caspis shrugs at Atley. Who knows?

Cressidha collects a crystal.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

There is a VERY LARGE alchemist working with some abomination parts in the upper portion of the fallen necropolis.

[Dane]: Fackin' hell.

[Dane]: The size of him. Couldn't've been human.

[Colson]: Hm.

[Colson]: I have seen some distortions from the plague before.

Cressidha shrugs.

[Caspis]: Yes.

Dane grunts.

[Dane]: Must be wot' this is.

[Cressidha]: And from alchemy.

[Colson]: He might have been once.

[Caspis]: Is he making an abomination or deconstructing one?

Dane wrinkles up his nose in disgust.

Cressidha collects a gyroscope.

Colson searches the cages with his eyes, in case there were any living. There aren't.

[Dane]: At some point I doubt whether there's much f'a difference.

[Colson]: Perhaps both.

[Caspis]: Bloody hell.

Colson looks at the pieces on the table.

There are some body parts, including a severed head.

[Caspis]: The eye…

[Colson]: Ah, yes.

[Dane]: Mm? Mm.

Cressidha jumps as the eye swivels in its socket to look at them.

[Dane]: Colson. Send that thing straight to hell, will you.

Colson sets a hand near Cress in what seems to be an automatic gesture.

[Caspis]: Please.

Colson consecrates the room. It's fine. Burn in Holylandia.

Cressidha snaps her fingers and incinerates the table.

[Colson]: Well.

Dane glances the bone warrior over, as if searching for recognizable sigils.

[Dane]: We'll move up.

Colson moves up.

Caspis salutes Atley with respect.

Dane charges and shoves a plaguebringer right over the edge.

[Caspis]: That is a lich, yes?

Lich-Lord Chillwinter says: Die!

It is a lich.

[Colson]: Yes.

[Cressidha]: Yes.

[Dane]: Aye. 'Tis. Scourge commanders.

[Caspis]: Was a lich.

[Dane]: Necromancers, in life.

Colson examines the lich with a faint frown.

[Cressidha]: He'll be back, I imagine.

[Colson]: I am not certain that is truly destroyed.

Caspis take a moment to absorb the view.

[Dane]: No. Not forever. But today'll be enough.

Cressidha collects the piloting scourgestone from his body.

[Colson]: Yes. I agree. When we have eliminated them with a phylactery, the energy feels different.

Dane glances out over the landscape as well. "'Tis a hard looking land, innit'."

[Colson]: I can sense something remaining.

[Caspis]: What is a phylactery?

[Colson]: The source of a lich's power.

[Colson]: Almost an…externalized soul.

[Cressidha]: A container that a lich binds their soul to.

[Caspis]: Interesting.

Caspis says "interesting" in a tone that suggests the word is defined as "the most profane thing I've ever heard of."

[Dane]: Wot' madman would trade their humanity to become that thing.

[Colson]: Being in possession of one will render a lich both powerless and able to be destroyed fully.

[Dane]: We've got all the components?

Caspis shrugs at Atley. Who knows?

[Cressidha]: Yes.

[Dane]: Right then. Let's save that gnome.

Colson shrugs his right shoulder as he says, "We certainly have some things."

Tinky Wickwhistle says: The big guy talks pretty loud.

Caspis's eyes travel over the rusted, bloody cage, and his gaze goes very distant.

Cressidha shows Tinky the objects they've collected. "Do you suppose I can pass these through the bars?"

Tinky Wickwhistle reaches her little hands out. "I believe so!"

Cressidha very carefully rolls them through one at a time without actually letting her hands cross into the cage.

Caspis is miles and possibly centuries away right now. Whatever he's remembering doesn't seem fun.

Colson watches carefully, ready to Cleanse and Holy Shock as necessary.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Okay, here we go. Cross your fingers, toes, eyes and whatever else you can cross!

Tinky Wickwhistle combines the components and attempts to escape, but it fails before their very eyes.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Oh no, it didn't work! Somehow I feel… lighter.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Welp. My evil twin's out there somewhere now.

Colson makes a faint 'hm' sound. "Your twin?"

Cressidha looks uncertain if the gnome is being literal.

Colson seems similarly unsure.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Ah… So to speak.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: I'm pretty sure she's not back at the airstrip. In fact, wherever she ended up, it's colder there than here. But I could only 'feel' her for a moment."

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Oh well. I'll reconfigure this thing and port myself back to the airstrip soon enough. In the meantime, do you think you could go east and let Bixie know that I'll meet her back there?

[Colson]: Ah. Of course. *That seems to make sense to Colson, for some reason. It's a twin thing.*

Dane lifts a bushy brow.

[Dane]: …Aye.

Cressidha nods.

Tinky Wickwhistle says: Thanks!

[Colson]: Of course.

Caspis has left the building, for the moment. It's okay. He'll be back.

[Cressidha]: Very well.

Dane briefly side-eyes Caspis before he nods. "Let's get moving."

Colson gets moving.

As they leave, Marina points back at the purple crystal one more time, just in case.

Caspis follows Atley absently, his gaze faraway and sad.

[Dane]: Still know bloody answer as to wot' brought that thing down.

Cressidha doesn't notice Marina.

Atley peers at Water Elemental searchingly.

[Dane]: Wot's it want?

Colson looks at the purple crystal one more time.

Cressidha shrugs.

[Dane]: Right then.

[Cressidha]: Don't fuss, Marina. We're heading back.

[Colson]: Perhaps she recalls something of the crystals before.

[Dane]: Can it be taught to be speak?

[Colson]: They use them as focal points, the Cult of the Damned.

[Cressidha]: They have their own language, but I do not speak it.

Dane grunts.

[Dane]: We put the Scourge there to the sword.

[Cressidha]: We did. More importantly, we found Tinky.

Colson kneels before Bixie Wrenchshanker.

[Colson]: Your twin Tinky is putting together a way out.

Colson pulls out a bolt of mageweave. "May I offer you a blanket? Tinky felt certain that you were cold."

Bixie Wrenchshanker furrows her brow. "Oh, Tinky? She's not my twin. I understand the confusion, umm…"

Caspis slowly returns to the here and now.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: I'm guessing she didn't teleport out after the last time you saw her?

[Cressidha]: No. She said her evil twin was somewhere cold, and she would have to refine the teleportation device.

Colson nods, still holding out the mageweave in offer.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Ah, yes! The transmatter process made a copy of Tinky, and deposited her somewhere out … well, somewhere.

[Cressidha]: She said she would meet you back at the airstrip.

[Colson]: I see.

Bixie Wrenchshanker waves off the blanket, but nods her thanks.

Colson puts it away.

[Colson]: A copy of Tinky?

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Well, if she says she's okay, and that she'll be able to get herself back to the airstrip soon, that's good enough for me.

Caspis b l i n k s.

Bixie Wrenchshanker nods. "The transmatter device could always theoretically generate evil twins, but … It's always been theoretical. Until now, I suppose."

Dane … grunts.

[Cressidha]: Ah. Well.

Caspis is clearly thinking Thoughts About Gnomes, but he is politely not saying them aloud.

[Colson]: I see. Do you know where this other Tinky may be?

Bixie Wrenchshanker shakes her. "Could be anywhere. A hundred miles above us, a hundred miles below. Somewhere out in the tundra."

[Colson]: Hm.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: And, thanks… The Lich King and his Scourge are really scary but we can't stop until they are all lying still in new graves!

Colson inclines his head politely, as he stands. "Would you care for a ride back into Fizzcrank?"

Bixie Wrenchshanker sighs with relief and clasps her little hands together. "That's alright. There's a bit more recon I want to pull off here, but I'll be headed back to the airstrip too in time."

[Cressidha]: Very well.

Caspis pulls a rolled up fur from his pack and unrolls it, draping it over the smol gnome.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: But if you're headed that way, can you pass on the good news to Ol' Fizzcrank? I bet anything that there'll be a reward in it for you.

Colson passes a Blessing of Might over Bixie. "Light be with you."

Bixie Wrenchshanker pokes her tiny head out from the rolled fur and moves to reject it at first before settling in.

Bixie Wrenchshanker says: Thanks!

[Cressidha]: We'll let him know.

Cressidha collects Marina's bracers.

Caspis bows before Bixie Wrenchshanker.

[Dane]: Let's ride.

Colson's face is as neutral as ever.

Caspis glares at the polluted pools.

They return to the airstrip. Azizia is outside the inn.

Atley peers at Azizia searchingly.

[Dane]: Azizia, hullo'.

Cressidha dismounts. "Azizia, good afternoon."

Caspis bows before Azizia.

[Azizia]: Hello, Blue Squad!

Colson inclines his head to Azizia. "Good afternoon, Azizia."

[Dane]: How fares the druids?

Cressidha smiles and offers her some water.

Caspis studies Azizia.

[Azizia]: They are doing terribly, because of every bad thing happening to nature here, or everywhere in general.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

Caspis nods solemnly.

Cressidha looks at Caspis.

[Azizia]: But I help, and make Cobalt Company bonds with them stronger.

[Dane]: I'm sure your aid has been gratefully accepted…?

[Azizia]: Yes! I get along very well with DEHTA!

Dane grunts.

Azizia smiles brightly.

[Dane]: We're just about to report to the Lord of this encampment. Care to join us?

[Caspis]: I appreciate your efforts with them. It is… awkward for me to spend time there.

Colson murmurs prayers softly.

[Azizia]: Oh they have told me so, yes.

Dane frowns faintly at Caspis. "Among the druids?"

Caspis nods.

[Azizia]: And yes, I am ready to go see lord!

[Cressidha]: Mind the elevator. It's quite fast.

Dane grunts.

Azizia nods at you.

Atley salutes Fizzcrank Fullthrottle with respect.

[Dane]: Fullthrottle.

Caspis bows before "Lord" Fullthrottle, but stiffly.

[Dane]: There's a fallen necropolis, to the east. We've assisted two of yours in nullifying its threat and rescuing a prisoner.

Colson inclines his head politely to Fizzcrank.

Dane looks to the others.

[Cressidha]: Tinky says she will be arriving as soon as she adjusts her teleportation device, and Bixie will be returning once her reconnaissance is complete.

[Caspis]: There is also now an extra "copy" of Tinky.

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle says: Did they — ? There's no —

[Azizia]: … Hoppefully they do not get captured again.

Caspis stares Fizzcrank Fullthrottle down.

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle sags in disappointment at Caspis. "Just what we need right now."

Azizia peers at Caspis searchingly.

Caspis just continues to stare at the gnome who is very casual about extra copies of people.

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle says: At any rate, it's good to have them back and alive. More or less. That's quite a tale, Cobalt Company. With all of the problems out here, it's a wonder that the airstrip hasn't been wiped out already.

Cressidha says dryly, "Indeed."

[Caspis]: That would be terrible.

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle says: But, thanks to you, there's one less adversary to worry about.

[Colson]: Is there any other assistance we may offer at this time?

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle says: Well… Now that you mention it.

[Azizia]: Maybe you need help with building machine against oil spills?

Caspis nods at Azizia.

Colson seems ready to listen. He did mention it.

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle frowns distractedly at Azizia. "Hmm? No, no I don't think so, not yet," he mentions calmly.

Azizia glares angrily at Fizzcrank Fullthrottle.

Caspis growls softly.

[Cressidha]: What do you require, then?

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle sighs exasperatedly and says, "Between us, Crafty Wobblesprocket has lost some critical supplies."

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle says: Crafty is kind of a loose cannon. A… wobbly sprocket, if you will.

Caspis will.

[Colson]: Ah.

Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.

Colson doesn't laugh. That might have been a lip twitch though.

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle says: Head outside and speak with her, if you're able. Without the factories of Gnomeregan, our supplies must be safely secured!

[Colson]: Understood.

Fizzcrank Fullthrottle scratches his permanently furrowed brow as he turns back to a small mountain of ledgers.

[Dane]: Let's get to it, then.

Atley salutes Fizzcrank Fullthrottle with respect.

Azizia nods at Atley.

Colson blesses him with a Blessing of Kings. King Gnome.

Colson is also wearing a King Blessing. So is Dane. They're all kings here.

[Dane]: We hear you've run into a bit of trouble.

[Cressidha]: May we be of assistance?

Crafty Wobblesprocket balls her tiny hands into fists, her face as red as a beet. "Those dirty — stinkin' — snobolds. They stole all of my supplies!"

Caspis is beginning to look Downright Grumpy.

[Cressidha]: What is a snobold?

Colson raises his brows faintly.

[Caspis]: I would presume… a snow kobold.

[Azizia]: Kobolds made of snow?

Crafty Wobblesprocket says: What's a snobold you ask? It's like a kobold, 'cept they serve the magnataur; kinda' take care of them. I know, weird!

Dane scoffs with amusement at Caspis.

[Colson]: Hm.

Caspis lofts a brow.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

Crafty Wobblesprocket says: Anywho. Wanna' help me out? Fizzcrank has a lot going on and this just gonna' raise his blood pressure. I know the little creeps stole off with all of my stuff.

Crafty Wobblesprocket says: Stupid me thinkin' it'd be nice and safe, packed up on the north side of the airstrip.

[Cressidha]: Of course. Where do you believe they took your belongings?

Crafty Wobblesprocket says: Why don'tcha do me a favor and head north to their stupid 'Magmoth.' There's a cash reward if you bring all my stuff back quick!

Colson looks at the unsecured perimeter with a slightly military air.

Caspis is still clearly trying to make sense of the phrase "blood pressure," because he hasn't stopped frowning since she said it.

[Dane]: We'll head that way.

[Cressidha]: Very well.

[Dane]: Magmoth? Some sort of fortress?

Crafty Wobblesprocket sighs and waves a hand. "You'll know it when you see it, big fellow."

Dane grunts. "Right then. Move on foot."

Caspis eyes Crafty Wobblesprocket up and down.

Cressidha mutters under her breath, "Magma… mammoth?"

[Colson]: There is a Horde encampment to the north. We may wish to be sure we do not venture too closely.

Caspis frowns.

[Dane]: Wot's it, Bo'goro?

[Azizia]: I do not know why gnomes here do not put focus on important issues. Stolen objects can be replaced.

[Colson]: Not necessarily so easily.

[Cressidha]: They do not have the machines here to manufacture replacements.

Caspis gives Azizia a look of solidarity, but says nothing.

[Colson]: The mail is still rather unreliable as well.

Dane grunts. "I know that the gnomes are scarring the land. But the priority is solidifying our holdings here and pushing back on the Scourge."

[Colson]: There are some things that must be replaced for them to be able to look after their people effectively and as safely as possible.

[Dane]: After that, we can return and undo wot' damage has been done here. The airstrip is a vital to our strategy.

[Azizia]: If we can undo.

Atley peers at Magmoth Forager searchingly.

Caspis frowns. But stays silent.

[Dane]: …Wager that's one there, innit'.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

Atley kneels before Magmoth Forager.

[Dane]: 'Snobold.'

[Colson]: And those look like gnomish tools.

Dane casually nudges its body.

Colson glances at Dane.

[Dane]: And this looks like a standard bloody kobold.

[Dane]: Cressidha, you'll gather up components first.

[Cressidha]: Very well.

Caspis's ears droop as he gazes at the pools.

[Dane]: This one's not infected, is it?

[Colson]: No.

[Cressidha]: It is not.

[Azizia]: What is this?

Dane grunts and lifts its arm off of the ground.

[Colson]: A 'magnataur' as they call them.

[Cressidha]: They call them 'magnataur'.

[Dane]: Magnataur. We just came 'cross our first ones today.

[Dane]: Mammoth centaurs.

[Caspis]: They are unfriendly to all other races.

[Dane]: Savage as they are, they'd make for fine allies in the campaign.

[Azizia]: Hm. They have pretty colors for fur.

[Dane]: If they weren't mindlessly savage.

[Caspis]: They are not even particularly kind to their own.

[Colson]: Some of them do have the plague, so be cautious.

Some of the snobolds place down fire totems.

[Cressidha]: Totems…

[Colson]: Hm.

[Azizia]: I did not plan to use fur of theirs for clothes, do not worry.

[Colson]: Are they…shamans? These snobolds?

Cressidha summons Marina again, because water beats fire. Maybe.

[Dane]: I've not seen kobolds use that sort'f magic before, aye.

[Azizia]: It appears they are!

[Caspis]: This is a new development, these kobolds serving them.

[Azizia]: Elements can teach how to work with them. Perhaps elements of here needed more shamans and taught them?

Marina burbles excitedly as she notices Azizia.

[Dane]: P'raps.

Azizia bows before Marina.

[Caspis]: I was unaware of any symbiotic relationship with kobolds on my last visit.

[Dane]: Must be a new alliance 'tween them.

Magmoth Shaman says: Kaganishu!

[Caspis]: Then again, as I mentioned, they made it rather difficult for our team to study them.

[Colson]: That was quite some time ago, was it not, Caspis?

[Caspis]: Yes.

[Colson]: By human standards, at the least.

Caspis appears to be doing some math in his head.

[Caspis]: Remind me how many years it has been since the Third War…?

Dane doubletakes the ghost wolf.

[Colson]: Ah, six.

Magmoth Shaman says: Kada nu batteka, oht!

Dane blinks at that.

Cressidha watches her brother with a thoughtful expression.

[Dane]: So t'has.

[Dane]: Fackin' hell.

[Caspis]: So few…?

[Colson]: Quite some time.

Cressidha VERY nearly ices one of Azizia's totems.

[Dane]: M'an old man.

Colson says at the same time as Caspis.

[Caspis]: Well, be that as it may, it was not quite five thousand years ago I was here last, I believe.

[Colson]: Not quite so old yet, Dane.

[Dane]: 'Pparently not.

Azizia notices Cress. "Stone totems are mine, not woods!"

[Colson]: That is a rather long period of time for things to have altered between the two races.

[Cressidha]: Of course.

[Dane]: Longer than human civilization.

Dane shakes his head.

[Caspis]: Mm, I suppose…

Cressidha nods to Azizia. "I shall be careful."

Azizia smiles at Cressidha.

[Dane]: Colson, you're next.

[Colson]: Yessir.

Caspis's gaze is distant again.

[Dane]: Time's an odd thing, innit'.

Colson handles the tools gently.

[Azizia]: Human civilization is very short. I did not realize.

[Dane]: We're a young folk, but proud.

[Caspis]: Time itself is quite orderly; it is our minds that cannot seem to make sense of it.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

[Dane]: 'Least without the bronze dragonflight tinkering with it.

[Colson]: Indeed.

Cressidha keeps looking at Colson. She's got her puzzle-solving expression on.

Caspis frowns at Atley.

Magmoth Shaman says: Kada nu batteka, oht!

Magmoth Shaman says: Grr… na su ka Magmoth!

[Caspis]: It is Nozdormu's brood who keeps time orderly.

Colson raises his brows mildly at Cress, in silent query.

[Caspis]: It only seems chaotic from our perspective.

[Dane]: Aye, aye, still makes the head hurt thinking of it.

[Cressidha]: … Are you fighting differently today, Colson?

[Colson]: Yes.

[Dane]: There's more than enough trouble in this day n'age.

[Azizia]: They have skeleton.

Dane eyes Colson.

[Azizia]: Human skeleton?

[Colson]: I am not using Retribution today.

[Dane]: Looks it.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

Colson kneels by the skeleton.

[Dane]: Anything?

[Colson]: I would guess human, yes. From the bone structure.

[Caspis]: An unwary explorer.

[Dane]: That's why we don't poke about here alone.

Caspis nods firmly.

Colson attempts a resurrection anyway. It doesn't work.

[Colson]: Dane, I have all that I can carry.

[Dane]: Right then. Caspis.

[Azizia]: It is very far from human camps, yes. What brought them all way here?

Dane nods to the druid.

Caspis sighs softly, but nods.

[Dane]: Could be looking for trinkets. Archaeology, somming'.

Colson says with a bag that looks as though it's exactly the same as before. It is, however, filled.

[Caspis]: The nature of explorers is to push boundaries.

[Dane]: And boundaries push back, don't they.

[Caspis]: Often to their peril.

[Caspis]: Yes.

[Azizia]: Explorers can be acting safe.

[Dane]: Wager that's wot' we're doing, innit'.

[Cressidha]: Pushing boundaries?

[Dane]: Exploring.

[Caspis]: We are disciplined. Organized.

[Caspis]: We do not run off on a whim.

Dane grunts.

Cressidha nods.

[Caspis]: …I hope she is all right…

Dane squints.

[Cressidha]: Who?

[Dane]: Are you lot seeing that?

’That’ seems to be a jungle with some floating blue structures visible in the sky, to their north.

Cressidha looks up.

[Caspis]: …mm? *He takes a moment to realize he spoke aloud.* My daughter. Reckless explorer.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

[Colson]: Ah.

Colson says in unison with Cress.

[Dane]: Is that a facking' jungle. In the middle of Northrend.

Caspis blinks.

Dane growls, as if asking the universe.

[Azizia]: Do not worry, reckless explorer can be safe.

[Colson]: So it would seem, Dane.

Azizia looks at the flying towers instead. "Hm."

Dane shakes his head.

[Dane]: We've a job to do.

[Colson]: Perhaps the underground heating.

[Dane]: Looks alive, t'least.

[Colson]: The plants seem healthy from this far away, yes.

[Caspis]: It is not natural growth.

[Dane]: You know that place?

[Caspis]: I… do not remember it.

[Caspis]: But I can see, from here, that it is… too ordered.

Dane grunts.

[Azizia]: It was not here before, then?

[Dane]: Can you tell if it's inhabited?

[Colson]: Do you have reason to believe it is related to what Archdruid Staghlem planted, before?

[Caspis]: It may have been. But I have no memory of it.

[Caspis]: I cannot tell if there is sapient life within it from here, but the growth patterns are too orderly somehow.

[Dane]: You'd know better. Looks like a jungle to me.

[Caspis]: I think perhaps my team did not travel in that direction before.

Colson makes a 'hm' sound.

[Dane]: Have a care, watch your step.

[Colson]: Ah.

Colson has a care and watches his step.

[Azizia]: Kobols like mines, yes?

Dane punts a kobold directly off the cliff.

[Azizia]: Maybe it is mine for snobolds?

[Dane]: Aye.

[Dane]: Could be, Azizia.

[Azizia]: We might find interesting objects if we explore cave.

Magmoth Forager says: Etu Magmothregar, cha!

[Dane]: P'raps in town. For now, those gnomes need resupply and fast.

[Azizia]: … I hear it. We just talked of exploring in reckless way.

Azizia nods at Atley.

[Caspis]: If someone else could carry the rest of the gnomish objects I would be grateful.

[Dane]: Azizia.

[Cressidha]: Here, Caspis, I still have some space…

Cressidha holds a bag open.

[Caspis]: Thank you, Cressidha Aspenwood.

[Azizia]: I have no space for objects. Or maybe I will break leaflets!

Cressidha smiles at him. "How old is your daughter, Caspis?"

[Dane]: Leaflets? From wo' — aye.

[Caspis]: Leaflets?

[Azizia]: I do not wish to break leaflets.

[Azizia]: Of DEHTA! Do you want one?

Caspis may be picturing tiny leaves.

[Dane]: I'll carry. This time.

Dane dismissively waves Azizia off.

Marina burbles. Does she want a leaflet?

Caspis peers at Azizia searchingly.

Caspis looks to Cress at her question. Oh no, a Hard Question. He thinks.

Dane eyes Caspis up and down.

[Cressidha]: Is this a different leaflet from the last one you gave us?

Azizia hands a leaflet to Marina. Maybe she can give it to other elementals, who will share it with shamans and mages.

[Caspis]: I believe… seventeen…?

Atley blinks at Caspis.

[Azizia]: They have many leaflets!

[Dane]: Properly young. Like Nilunelle.

Marina takes the leaflet from Azizia and eats it. The paper grows increasingly soggy as it floats inside of her. She bows to the shaman.

Dane scoffs with amusement at Marina.

[Cressidha]: Ah. Quite young.

[Azizia]: … Thank you Marina.

Caspis nods. "She is not yet grown."

[Caspis]: She was twelve years old when we met.

[Dane]: That'd be Anareline's daughter as well, then?

Marina burbles. Yes, that's her name!

[Azizia]: When you met?

[Caspis]: Ah, no, my daughter with the Sentinel I married. She passed away during the war.

Colson raises his brows. "Ah. I am sorry for your loss."

[Cressidha]: Ah. I'm sorry for your loss.

Dane grunts. "My condolences."

[Caspis]: I was awakened and learned that she had been with child when I went into the Dream.

[Azizia]: I am very sorry to hear.

Dane grows quiet and listens.

[Caspis]: I miss her. She was your Auralind's sister.

Dane perks up.

[Colson]: Oh. I see.

[Dane]: Come off it. Older or younger?

[Cressidha]: I was unaware she had one.

[Caspis]: But she was not my shalan. Only a woman I loved as best I could. She was her younger sister. Amadora was her name.

Azizia draws a family tree in her mind.

Dane shakes his head at Cressidha in agreement.

[Caspis]: She… looks similar to Anareline.

Caspis says this almost with embarrassment. Oopsie.

[Cressidha]: But I suppose there are many things I don't know… Do any of you have any siblings?

[Dane]: None by blood, and those I had are dead.

[Caspis]: I was an only child.

Azizia's head and horns are covered by rocks as she headbutts Magmoth Crusher.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

[Caspis]: So is Tirenda. Anareline has two children with another druid.

[Azizia]: I have no brother and no sisters. Draenei do not usually make many babies.

[Caspis]: Tirenda is my daughter with Amadora, if I have not mentioned her name.

[Colson]: I recall Anareline spoke of a daughter, yes. A sentinel, if I remember correctly.

Cressidha nods.

[Cressidha]: I see.

[Caspis]: Larawen.

[Caspis]: Celaven is her son.

Colson inclines his head.

[Dane]: Have you a mind to have children of your own, Azizia?

[Azizia]: Oh I have met Celaven! Very nice, and very well dressed!

[Caspis]: He is, at that.

Cressidha looks curiously at Azizia.

Azizia shivers. "Eww. No."

[Colson]: He is a priest of Elune, as well.

[Dane]: Priest of Elune?

[Colson]: Yes.

[Dane]: Never met one of them.

[Azizia]: It is brand new thing, apparently.

[Colson]: Until recently, there were none.

[Caspis]: I was dubious at first.

Dane grunts.

[Caspis]: But I met him and it was clear he was called.

[Dane]: I remember Caspis speaking upon it.

[Caspis]: I met him before I met his mother.

[Caspis]: He is how I met his mother.

[Caspis]: And for that I am grateful.

[Azizia]: I think he said mother of his would have liked other path for him.

[Dane]: S'quite the family tree.

[Cressidha]: I met him aboard the ship, but I do not know him well.

[Dane]: Anareline's … mate, is still about, are they? Still alive?

[Caspis]: Yes.

Caspis does not sound pleased about this.

Dane grunts at Cressidha. "Aye, he must've been one of those druids."

[Caspis]: He is… one of Staghelm's toadies.

[Dane]: We'd a score of panthers about, didn't we.

Colson looks as mild as ever at that.

[Caspis]: I do not like him. She deserved better.

Inside Marina's watery body, the leaflet begins to disintegrate into smaller, soggier fragments of paper.

[Dane]: Have they divorced?

Dane doubletakes Marina's digestive tract.

[Caspis]: They were not bonded in any legal way.

Azizia takes a deep breath at Marina and the leaflet.

Dane grunts.

Colson clears his throat slightly. Oh, boy, polite conversation track.

[Caspis]: Even to the extent that Amadora and I were. We had a ceremony.

Marina has no internal organs.

[Cressidha]: Ceremony… Oh. Oh!

[Cressidha]: Colson!

[Colson]: Yes?

[Cressidha]: Happy anniversary.

[Colson]: Oh, thank you.

Cressidha seems to have JUST remembered.

[Azizia]: Happy anniversary?

Dane lifts his head and looks to Colson.

Colson smiles a warm, gooey smile.

[Dane]: That's today, is it?

[Colson]: Yes. Today is Mordecai and my first wedding anniversary.

[Dane]: Well, bloody hell. Congratulations are properly in order.

[Caspis]: What is an anniversary?

[Dane]: Drinks on me at Valiance.

[Azizia]: Oh! It seems like yesterday.

[Cressidha]: It is the yearly celebration of an event.

[Colson]: A yearly celebration to mark the passage of time, Caspis. Yes.

[Cressidha]: In this case, he was married one year ago.

Dane nods in agreement with Azizia.

[Azizia]: It is very short time to celebrate, no?

Caspis blinks. "Every year?"

Azizia agrees with Caspis.

[Dane]: Aye. All seventy odd of them.

[Cressidha]: Yes. A birthday is a sort of anniversary for one's age.

Dane shoots Caspis a gruff look of amusement.

[Colson]: Thank you, Dane. But, Mordecai and I have prior plans.

Dane nods.

[Caspis]: I… I see.

[Dane]: We've enough parts. Let's return and then we'll be dismissed.

[Caspis]: I do not celebrate birthdays, either.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

[Colson]: We have been told the first few decades are the most intense.

Colson relates that with possible audible amusement.

[Azizia]: Do not worry Caspis, apparently they celebrate birthday every year. It is how they do things here.

[Dane]: Can't remember my own.

[Cressidha]: We have fewer birthdays to celebrate.

[Caspis]: I do not know when my birthday is either.

[Colson]: Ah.

[Caspis]: My parents might have celebrated my centennial, but… they did not live long enough.

[Caspis]: I know Tirenda's day of birth, but it is too soon to celebrate it.

[Dane]: I've nearly lost track after twenty, myself.

[Colson]: I am sorry for your loss. That seems rather young, among your people.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

[Caspis]: Yes, I was ten years old.

Dane … grunts, briefly eyeing Caspis.

Colson's expression seems softer.

[Caspis]: That was when I first met Anareline.

[Caspis]: But that is a story for another time.

[Dane]: As children.

Cressidha dismounts and begins to unpack tools from her bag.

Dane inclines his head. "Alright, Blue Squad."

[Colson]: I understand.

[Dane]: Get all that we've gathered on this table.

Dane starts unloading his own pack.

Colson can't actually straighten up, but he tries.

Caspis happily rids himself of his junk.

Caspis's gnomish junk, I mean. Not his— uh.

Colson empties out his bag carefully, placing the tools on the worktable one by one.

[Cressidha]: Here you are, Wobblesprocket.

Crafty Wobblesprocket says: Ya' got all my supplies? I just can't do ANYTHING without all of my stuff!

Caspis shrugs at Crafty Wobblesprocket. Who knows?

[Cressidha]: I certainly hope we got all of it.

Crafty Wobblesprocket says: Ohhh, Cobalt Company. You're just the best! The payment will be forwarded to your administrators immediately!

[Caspis]: Thank you.

Crafty Wobblesprocket frowns in thought and begins to neurotically pat down every single returned part. "Yes, that's — Yes!"

[Dane]: Right then, Blue Squad. Let's gather round.

Azizia puts one of the DEHTa leaflet with the supplies

Colson gathers round.

Cressidha gathers round.

[Dane]: Fine work today. If any've you a mind to investigate wot' brought down that necropolis, do it, but do it safely.

Marina gathers round. There's not much left of the leaflet she ate.

Azizia goes back and also puts a GTG card while she's at it.

[Dane]: We're just about all that's keeping the alliance war campaign afloat in this barren place.

[Caspis]: I will not be going out into the tundra alone.

[Dane]: And lastly, happy anniversary, once again. Dismissed. I'll be riding back.

Dane nods to Caspis.

Colson inclines his head. "Thank you, Dane. Well done today."

[Dane]: Aye, you as well.

Cressidha collects Marina's bracers.

Colson gestures for Tenacio — who is standing right there. Staring at Colson.

[Caspis]: Thank you for keeping one another safe.

[Cressidha]: Good work, everyone.

Dane side-eyes Marina.

[Caspis]: You have all come to mean a great deal to me.

[Dane]: You's well.

Dane looks to Caspis.

Cressidha blinks, surprised.

[Cressidha]: Ah. Thank you.

[Azizia]: Yes, yes, happy anniversary, we will celebrate… every year, I suppose.

Colson blinks at Caspis in the same expression.

Caspis gives Azizia another of those Solidarity Looks.

Azizia nods at Caspis. "Thank you."

[Dane]: You've been a great companion here, Caspis.

[Caspis]: This is the first time I have been… truly part of something.

[Dane]: And dare I say, a friend.

Caspis lowers his head, almost bashfully, then nods.

[Cressidha]: We're fortunate to have you.

[Caspis]: Please let me know if there is any way I can serve you, at any time.

[Dane]: I know the gnomish workings here are displeasing to the pair f'you, but I'm grateful you've aided the cause. You are fine allies.

Colson smiles faintly at Caspis. It might be detectable. "It is well to see that your path brought you here."

Cressidha mounts up on Cinnamon.

Dane looks between the o l d s.

[Colson]: Ah, Cressidha. If I may beg a favor of you.

[Cressidha]: Yes?

[Colson]: Could you see Tenacious back? I believe I shall hearth.

[Cressidha]: Of course.

Colson might be eager to get back.

Caspis rides off on his magnificent stormsaber.

Cressidha gives Tenacious a look. "You'll behave now, hm?"

[Colson]: Tenacious. *Colson levels a Paladin look at the horse.* Behave.

The twins say Behave in unison. It's fine.

[Dane]: Farewell, you lot.

[Azizia]: I will ride too. But in the air!

[Colson]: Light be with you.

[Azizia]: Good bye, Blue Squad!

Cressidha nods.

After returning the horses to the stables, Cressidha finds Dane, Azizia, and Ivri outside of the inn. Ivri is seated up on a high place, because of course she is.

[Ivrianna]: Big old 'clank clank clank' thundering around like one of those giant robots in Outland.

Ivrianna looks smug. "See? Not safe. Azizia's on my side. Cress! Hi!"

Cressidha looks over and waves to Ivri.

Dane gestures to Azizia with a bitten sweet roll. "There 'tis. She's saved you for one more day."

[Cressidha]: Good afternoon.

Azizia smiles. She has saved Ivri today.

[Ivrianna]: Any luck finding new digs? I'm so sick of this place, I could throw up. And have.

[Azizia]: I would also like to leave here. Bad memories of leaders of this place.

[Cressidha]: I don't believe you would enjoy living in the fallen necropolis we found today.

[Ivrianna]: Eugh. No, not the necropolis. Even Azizia couldn't dress one of those up.

Azizia shrugs. "Only needs new decorations to be better than Valiance Keep."

Dane frowns gruffly and shakes his head at Ivri. "We're still stabilizing our forward encampments."

[Cressidha]: The airstrip may have space perhaps, if you don't mind the constant racket and the gnome-sized beds.

[Dane]: The airstrip is less secure and five times as loud.

[Cressidha]: Yes.

Ivrianna laughs. "Well, I guess I'm wrong, then. Azizia could fix one up."

Dane eyes Ivrianna up and down.

[Dane]: You might be scrawny 'nuff to curl up on a gnome bed.

[Ivrianna]: I'm bendy. I could make it. And I grew up with seven men in a large open room. The sound wouldn't even make me twitch.

[Azizia]: This reminds me of human fairy tale I have heard.

Cressidha smiles a little.

[Dane]: If you're serious we can have you moved over there tonight, Ivrianna. We're in with the commander.

Dane looks back to Azizia.

Ivrianna looks hopeful. "Really?" She checks with everyone to see if anyone goes 'yikes no'.

[Cressidha]: There's not much privacy to be had in gnomish living quarters, if that's a concern.

[Dane]: I've no love for those lumbering contraptions but I also have no love for watching you dry heave.

[Cressidha]: You may wish to tour it first.

[Ivrianna]: As long as it doesn't smell like blasted fish.

Azizia makes a little frowny 'ew' face at the idea of living in the gnome camp.

[Cressidha]: It does not smell like fish. It smells like machinery.

[Dane]: Wot's the fairytale, Azizia.

[Ivrianna]: Oh…

[Ivrianna]: Er… I don't suppose things are any more stable on the portal front.

[Cressidha]: I'm afraid not.

Ivrianna ughs dramatically and looks up at the sky. Life so hard. So so hard.

[Azizia]: I… don't remember name of fairy tale, but it is about woman living in small home in woods to hide. She lives with seven people in small wooden home.

Dane grunts. "Aye. Best not tell that one 'round any Bronzebeards."

[Ivrianna]: Our home is in the woods. Just the two people so far, though.

Dane walks his horse over to Ivrianna, squinting up at her. "Soon to be three."

Ivrianna grins. "Soon."

Azizia raises an eyebrow. "Why would you live in woods?"

[Dane]: Have you eaten?

[Ivrianna]: Because it's beautiful, and quiet.

Dane looks back to Azizia as Ivri dodges the question.

[Ivrianna]: Hold him still, Dane?

[Azizia]: And far from anything worth buying.

[Dane]: I'm head blacksmith for the Eastvale Logging Camp. S'wot I do between working for the Company.

Ivrianna grins. "Yes, not a lot of shopping, I'm afraid."

Dane keeps a steady hand on Hutch.

Ivrianna bounces down onto Hutch, then onto the ground.

Cressidha starts to reach for a feather. It's fine. Ivri's fine.

Hutch briefly turns his head towards Ivrianna and glares with big brown eyes.

Ivrianna doesn't notice. Animals are dumb.

[Dane]: Closest town is Lakeshire, aye, and should you be hopping about?

Dane eyes Ivrianna up and down.

[Ivrianna]: Will you stop acting like I'm suddenly made of glass?

[Dane]: No.

Dane stares Ivrianna down.

[Ivrianna]: Mordecai said I could still work out, just to mind my center of balance.

[Dane]: For a time, aye… But there will come a time where I'll want you to be safer.

Ivrianna confides toward Cressidha, "I was a little insulted — as if I ever have balance issues — but he meant well."

Dane looks around for the stable boy.

[Ivrianna]: How's my pregnancy wardrobe coming along?

[Cressidha]: I imagine there will come a time when movement gets more difficult.

[Azizia]: Really, too much troubles, having baby. I do not know why anyone does.

Dane grumbles something about 'that lad' before he walks his horse under the canopy and dismounts.

[Ivrianna]: No way. I'm going to be one of those annoying women who doesn't show a thing until a week before the due date.

[Dane]: It can be enjoyable to make 'em, first off… But I wager that's not your reasoning.

[Cressidha]: Ah, yes, so… I've got some sketches for dresses, but you'll also want some longer shirts to move in, I take it?

Dane walks up to Ivrianna and pulls her into a small kiss.

[Ivrianna]: Dane! Nice people are listening, not crude ones like you.

[Azizia]: Eww. I do not wish to know this, Mr. Dane.

[Dane]: Let's keep chatting but move inside.

Cressidha averts her eyes politely.

Azizia nods.

[Cressidha]: Ah, yes.

[Ivrianna]: Longer shirts would be lovely. I can't always steal Dane's.

[Dane]: You do always.

[Azizia]: No you will not.

[Dane]: Broth. Mm. Two. Ale and milk.

[Ivrianna]: MILK?!

Dane slams some coins down onto the counter.

[Dane]: Aye.

[Ivrianna]: You realize it's probably seal milk and I'll throw up.

[Dane]: They've cattle in Farshire, lass.

Ivrianna looks at the other two for some help here.

[Ivrianna]: That's felmilk.

[Cressidha]: No, there's at least one real cow.

Ivrianna nods, because felmilk is totally a thing.

[Dane]: You're mad.

[Cressidha]: I have seen this real cow with my own eyes.

[Ivrianna]: Cressidha!

[Cressidha]: It's true.

[Ivrianna]: I still don't want to drink milk.

Azizia shrugs. "I have no idea what milk here comes from and if it will be good for you."

[Cressidha]: Would you like water?

[Azizia]: Why not just water?

[Dane]: I'm not going to watch you starve, Ivri.

Azizia nods at you.

Cressidha traces a water-conjuring sigil in the air and offers Ivri some bottled water.

[Ivrianna]: He thinks I need to eat more.

[Cressidha]: Milk isn't food.

Ivrianna brightens. "Cressidha water!"

Ivrianna takes it and sips it, staring pointedly at Dane.

[Dane]: I'm going to change.

[Dane]: Find a table, will you.

Ivrianna whispers, "I love it when I drive him nuts."

Cressidha pulls a chair out for… Ivri? Azizia? Who knows.

Ivrianna yells, "Yeah, you retreat while it's safe!"

Azizia stares at the table right next to them. "I have found table."

[Cressidha]: What have you been eating that you like?

Azizia leaves the pulled chair for Ivri.

Ivrianna chuckles at Azizia and slides into the seat. "Berries and bread, mostly."

Cressidha leaves a chair open for Dane and pulls up another chair to sit with the girls.

[Cressidha]: Well, berries and bread seem… fine? I admit I am no dietary expert.

[Cressidha]: Although Azizia might be, these days.

Dane can be heard stomping around as he puts his armor away.

[Azizia]: Avoid meat at all costs.

[Azizia]: I have leaflet for this.

[Ivrianna]: What about bones? I'm growing tiny bones. What're bones made out of?

[Ivrianna]: You can't make a pancreas out of plants, Azizia. I'm making one of those too, you know.

Azizia pulls a DEHTA leaflet from her bag. This one is all about pregnancy.

Cressidha blinks. She has no clue what bones are made out of and it shows on her face.

[Azizia]: Well. I hear bones are… made of milk.

[Ivrianna]: And we're back to milk.

[Azizia]: Maybe Mr. Dane was right about something.

[Ivrianna]: Quietly!

Dane grunts.

[Ivrianna]: Too late.

Cressidha removes her long gloves, turning them inside-out as she does.

Dane swipes up two bowls, and two mugs, balancing them decently well.

Ivrianna leans sideways against Cressidha.

Azizia realizes she can remove her tabard and does immediately. Her outfit can be its beautiful self again. Free from the constraints of the logo.

Dane sets the items down before he looks to Azizia and Cress. "Either of you two want somming'?" he belatedly asks.

[Ivrianna]: What about where White is? Does it smell like fish there?

[Azizia]: No, I am okay, I still have Miss Cressidha water!

[Cressidha]: I'm alright for now, thank you.

Dane slides a spoon into a bowl and pushes it in front of Ivrianna. "Broth. You need protein."

[Azizia]: There are plants with proteins too.

Dane spots the leaflet and frowns faintly, reaching for it. "That's about pregnancy, is it?"

Ivrianna eyes the broth with grave suspicion.

[Azizia]: Yes, it is! They explain how to find proteins in other sources than animals!

Ivrianna nudges it toward Cressidha. "Taste it."

Dane swipes it up, if permitted, and flips through it with a grunt.

[Cressidha]: Just a moment…

[Ivrianna]: Animals are tasty, though.

Cressidha slides her staff into her bag, removes her tabard, and puts that in there too.

Ivrianna sits up enough to not interfere with the removal.

Cressidha withdraws her own spoon from her bag. It has a monogrammed A on the handle, obnoxiously fancy.

Cressidha obligingly tastes the broth.

[Cressidha]: It's not fishy.

Ivrianna picks up the bowl, like a barbarian, and sips from it.

[Azizia]: And I am sure ogres say same thing about us, that we are tasty. Does this make them right to eat us?

Dane settles into a chair with a grunt, pulling his own bowl towards him.

[Dane]: No, because they're backwards flea-bitten savages, and we are not.

Dane remarks promptly, digging in to his meal.

Azizia shrugs. "Debatable."

[Cressidha]: I believe they have the right to try, and we have the right to defend ourselves and stop them.

[Ivrianna]: Exactly. I don't blame lions for trying to eat me. I won't let them, but they'll try.

Cressidha wipes the spoon off on a handkerchief and puts it away.

[Ivrianna]: And I don't blame them for eating baby gazelles or anything.

[Dane]: Mm. Mm, aye, beats eat other beasts. Why can't I?

[Azizia]: Ah, so if ogre catch weak person it is okay. We should let them. They won.

[Ivrianna]: No more than a cow lets an animal eat her baby without defending it.

[Dane]: If you can convince a wolf to eat plants, and only plants, Azizia, so shall I.

Dane remarks gruffly, but with no ill will.

[Ivrianna]: We're all just animals. Some of us have fashion sense, that's all.

Ivrianna looks down to realize her broth is gone. "Oh." She looks over at what Atley's eating.

Cressidha removes the pins from her bun, letting her hair down. It is very long, down to her lower back. "Would you like more broth, Ivri? Or something else?"

Azizia shakes her head. "Animals is different. They cannot choose for themselves. But they have spirits like us. This is why I can turn into spirit wolf. And that is why I do not wish to eat them."

[Ivrianna]: Predator meat tastes weird. Except bear, for some reason. Maybe because they eat plants too.

[Dane]: Cressidha, have you got anything heavy for her to eat?

Dane loops an entire hand around Ivri's wrist and lightly waves it around.

[Cressidha]: Me?

[Dane]: Aye. I know you summon foods.

[Cressidha]: I can conjure… bread?

Ivrianna eyes Cressidha's hair. She sighs. "Your hair is so pretty. Sometimes I wish I were blonde, but then I'd have to give up being dark and deadly. Blonde and deadly doesn't have the same ring."

[Dane]: Mm.

Cressidha smiles faintly. "Thank you. I've never quite thought about the deadliness associated with hair color."

[Azizia]: Blonde and lethal?

[Ivrianna]: Oh, very nice. Yes, that's Cressidha.

Dane takes one last spoonful of his broth before he hands it to Ivrianna.

Ivrianna steals a potato off Atley's plate.

Cressidha traces a summoning sigil in the air.

Cressidha offers Ivri a [Conjured Sweet Roll].

[Ivrianna]: Hey, why'd your broth have potatoes, and mine didn't?

Dane slowly sips his ale and glances between them. "P'raps I ought to let you ladies have a bit of time alone."

Ivrianna sips more broth and a potato.

[Dane]: Only as long as this one eats.

[Cressidha]: Sweet roll, Ivri?

Ivrianna brightens and takes it. "Thank you."

Cressidha's conjured food is nowhere near as good as her conjured water. It is okay. That sure is a sweet roll. Very average.

Ivrianna tries not to look like she's become accustomed to Mordecai's sweet rolls and this is fine.
Ivrianna sips a lot of water.

Dane also pushes the mug of milk towards Ivrianna.

Ivrianna pushes it back. "No cow squeezings."

Dane holds the mug in place.

[Dane]: S'alright, bird. S'alright.

[Cressidha]: So you have more than one type of leaflet now, Azizia?

[Azizia]: Yes, they have many and I took a few of each to share!

[Dane]: How many types have they?

[Ivrianna]: May I have more bone broth? That was surprisingly tasty.

Dane grunts and pushes himself up.

[Ivrianna]: This is fun. I think I'll ask him for the heart of a giant next. Just to see.

Cressidha goes back to leaning on Ivri a little.

Cressidha chuckles quietly.

Dane gruffly arranges a follow up from James Deacon, the Giant.

Ivrianna leans back. She drapes an arm over Cressidha's shoulders.

[Azizia]: They have… *She pulls a leaflet of each type as she cites them.* One for pregnancy, one for alternatives to meat, how to cook for friends who like meat but without meat, how to take care of farm animals without eating them…

[Azizia]: Even one about alternatives to leather!

Ivrianna is not sleepy at all. Not at all. Nope. Wide awake.

[Ivrianna]: Why would you take care of farm animals if you're not going to eat them?

Cressidha looks faintly curious.

[Azizia]: Because farmers have made them too weak to survive alone.

[Ivrianna]: So we just take care of them until they die?

Dane returns from the kitchen with another larger bowl of bone broth.

[Ivrianna]: What if a hungry wolf walks by? Can they eat the farm animals?

[Azizia]: Yes.

[Azizia]: Um… *She looks through the leaflet.*

[Azizia]: I…

[Dane]: Ivri's just being cheeky, Azizia.

[Dane]: But neither of us'll stop eating animals.

Ivrianna is momentarily stymied. Sit up straight and eat or not move and not eat? "Handkerchief please, Dane?"

[Dane]: Going to eat a handkerchief, are you.

Cressidha laughs, covering her mouth.

[Azizia]: Druids of DEHTA say… nothing of stopping wild animals.

[Azizia]: Maybe she is just being cheeky but I need answer now!

[Ivrianna]: So we take care of farm animals so other things can eat them.

[Ivrianna]: Just not us.

[Azizia]: Well… no?

[Azizia]: I will ask!

Ivrianna pinches Cressidha lightly.

Cressidha sits up straighter.

[Ivrianna]: Let us know what they say.

[Azizia]: I will!

Cressidha looks between the girls. "So, netherweave has the most stretch to it, but frostweave is warmer. Do you have a preference for your maternity clothes, Ivri?"

Dane swipes up his ale and finishes off it, leaning sidelong on the table as he stares blandly at Azizia's leaflets.

[Ivrianna]: Warm! Until we go home, at least.

Dane looks to Cressidha and nods, leaning in to kiss the top of Ivri's head. "You lot linger. M'going to the forge."

Cressidha nods to Dane.

Azizia nods at Atley.

[Dane]: Be sure she finishes this, will you?

Ivrianna stops slumping because Cressidha is sitting up. "I'll go up for a nap after this, Dane. Meet you there later?"

Dane grunts.

[Cressidha]: Frostweave, very well. Yes, she'll finish it.

Ivrianna refrains from blowing bubbles in her broth. She even takes a healthy gulp.

Dane gives the back of Ivri's neck a firm squeeze and nods the others before he marches out.

Azizia bows before Dane.

[Ivrianna]: What colors can you make it?

Cressidha sighs. "I've been having difficulty with lighter-colored clothing dyes when working with frostweave."

[Cressidha]: So… dark purple, dark brown, dark green, dark blue…

[Ivrianna]: Dark blue? With my eyes, do you think, Azizia?

[Azizia]: Perfect for Mrs. Ivrianna, dark colors!

Cressidha nods. "Dark blue," she repeats. Note to self.

[Ivrianna]: Plus they hide fat better, when I'm the size of one of those walrus people.

[Azizia]: I have bias for purple color, but yes, blue will look good on you.

[Ivrianna]: Purple looks good on you. It's a skin tone thing.

[Azizia]: Yes, that is true! Purple really is color of mine!

Ivrianna sips more of her broth. "If I take this upstairs to finish while I lay down for a nap, will you two tell on me?"

[Cressidha]: Yes.

[Azizia]: Yes.

[Azizia]: Oh, you know what accessory would be great for Mrs. Ivrianna, Miss Cressidha?

[Cressidha]: Hm?

Ivrianna sulks and stays put, but she does blow bubbles in the broth this time. To demonstrate her feels. They are bubbly.

[Cressidha]: Finish your broth, Ivri.

[Azizia]: Shawl! Dark one!

[Cressidha]: Oh, yes!

Ivrianna sticks her tongue out at Cressidha.

Ivrianna drinks more broth.

Cressidha smiles and folds her hands on the table.

Ivrianna sips her water then eyes it. Slowly she looks at Cressidha. So, so politely, she says, "May I have more water, even if I did stick my tongue out at you?"

[Cressidha]: Of course you may.

[Azizia]: You do not have to finish broth, Mrs. Ivrianna.

Cressidha conjures a few extra bottles of water for Ivri, lining them up neatly on the table.

[Ivrianna]: You are going to be a good mother. Azizia, don't you want children?

[Azizia]: Unless I bring some from DEHTA.

[Ivrianna]: I guess you have a few thousand years to decide…

[Cressidha]: You asked for it, so you ought to finish it…

Ivrianna takes her water. "Thank you, Cressidha."

[Azizia]: Oh, no, I do not want to. Never. I have decided for few next thousand years already.

[Ivrianna]: Maybe in ten, twenty thousand years when you're a little older. *She grins.*

Azizia tells Ivrianna NO. Not going to happen.

Cressidha laughs quietly. "It seems like such a hassle, pregnancy."

Azizia nods at Cressidha.

[Ivrianna]: Nine months of hassle for a lifetime of… um, more hassle, probably.

[Azizia]: And even then, you need… someone else, to have one. I have no interest in that either.

[Cressidha]: I suppose there's not much urgency for me to have children, given that my brother Amadeus already has two.

[Cressidha]: No interest in relationships?

Ivrianna sips her broth from time to time, eyeing Azizia.

[Azizia]: No. I am more than happy on my own!

[Cressidha]: I see.

[Ivrianna]: Then I say huzzah to you!

Ivrianna toasts Azizia with her broth.

Azizia toasts Ivri with Cressidha Water(tm).

Azizia lets out a hearty chuckle.

[Ivrianna]: For me, I want my own family. My family was… It was and is everything to me. Adding to that feels like adding more love.

Cressidha's expression has gone neutral. She nods absently.

[Ivrianna]: Something I'm doing for me, for Dane, for the others. To make a family more than it is, or could be.

Ivrianna glances at Cressidha and pats her leg gently.

[Azizia]: Hmmm… I can understand point of view of yours.

[Ivrianna]: You should all come to meet my family. Then you can be Barlowes and stuff yourselves on love until you're sneezing it up.

[Azizia]: It is beautiful to see like this, really.

Cressidha's expression softens a little and she pats Ivri's arm. "I do have my own."

Azizia shrugs. "Just not for me."

Cressidha nods to Azizia. "Each to their own preferences."

[Ivrianna]: So borrow mine, Azizia. Come see human children fighting over who gets to pull your horns, even though the answer is that none of them do.

[Ivrianna]: They'd adore you. I don't know they've met a Draenei yet, let alone a stylish one.

[Azizia]: …

[Azizia]: Is the horn thing supposed to make me want to?

Cressidha laughs quietly, covering her mouth with one hand.

Ivrianna laughs. It's enough to get her through another mouthful of broth.

[Ivrianna]: I suppose not everyone finds them as sweet as I do.

[Cressidha]: I love my brothers, and my parents. And I suppose my niece and nephew are… cute.

[Ivrianna]: Polite. Well-mannered?

[Ivrianna]: They can come with you! Have a sleep over.

[Cressidha]: You saw Arnold at Colson's wedding. The little boy. He would be… seven now, I think…

[Ivrianna]: I remember. Kids are just the best.

[Cressidha]: Light, how time passes.

[Azizia]: Ah yes, anniversary of year seven, when it was only six last year.

Ivrianna laughs. "I concur." She inverts her bowl. "And it's empty. I'm going to take my water and go lie down. Buncha biddy hens."

Cressidha smiles at Azizia. "It's rather more significant when you know your lifespan is—"

[Cressidha]: Ah. There you go.

Ivrianna leans in to peck Cressidha's cheek.

[Ivrianna]: I'm going to be up in thirty minutes after all this liquid.

[Azizia]: Yes, yes, I can understand the significance! It just feels so small to me. Six or seven, not much difference.

Ivrianna hops out of her chair and even walks over to peck Azizia's cheek too.

[Azizia]: Rest well, Mrs. Ivrianna! You will need it for next 9 months and more.

[Ivrianna]: Sweet rest when you two get there. Tonight. Late. After partying.

[Cressidha]: Rest well.

Azizia's eyes widen. "Oh! Uh…" she looks lost, a little. "Thank you?"

Cressidha also looks a little puzzled.

[Cressidha]: I… hadn't planned on a party. Certainly not after a day in the field.

[Azizia]: Me neither! Do they even plan parties here?

[Cressidha]: In Northrend?

[Azizia]: Yes! I have never seen one since we arrived here, so what was Mrs. Ivrianna talking about?

Cressidha shrugs. "Perhaps she was just being Ivri."

Azizia gasps softly. "Or perhaps she meant for Mordecai and Colson? Should we have planned party for them?"

[Cressidha]: Oh, no, I'm certain they have their own plans.

[Cressidha]: I do hope we'll have occasion to celebrate at some point, but I feel like we may need to accomplish something more conclusive than 'stalled the rift in reality from getting worse, temporarily'…

Azizia nods… kind of uncertainly. "Well, that is… already significant, no?"

[Cressidha]: I feel as though stable portal access would be more of a cause for celebration.

[Azizia]: That is true. More supplies here, more easily, yes! More things necessary to throw party!

[Cressidha]: Indeed.

[Azizia]: But, to be fair, human parties are fairly… tame.

[Azizia]: If Draenei made parties like you, we could have one every day without feeling tired or taking too much time organizing, I think.

Cressidha laughs out loud.

[Cressidha]: I suppose that depends on the human throwing the party.

[Azizia]: Well… from those I've seen… *She chuckles.*

Cressidha finally gets to her feet, brushing her robe off.

[Cressidha]: I should rest, I think. May I have one of those pamphlets? The one about food for meat-eaters that isn't meat, perhaps?

[Azizia]: Yes, of course! *She hands it to her.* It is about ways to have something similar in taste or texture, without it coming from animal!

[Azizia]: I am glad you find interest in this! *She smiles brightly at Cress.*

[Cressidha]: Fascinating. I'm no cook, but perhaps my cook at home might be able to do something with this.

Cressidha takes the pamphlet and flips through it with faint curiosity before nodding to Azizia.

[Azizia]: I could even make some for you, if you'd like! … You only need to let me get used to Azeroth food more. It is very different.

Cressidha nods. "Certainly. I would be interested to try it."

Azizia smiles at Cressidha.

Cressidha smiles back. "Have a good evening."

[Azizia]: You too!

Cressidha heads on upstairs.