(2023-07-23) The Fate of the Kalu'ak

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Aiseia, Dane, Elrissadel, Florande and Nunuzac head down to Moa'ki harbor to assist the Tuskarr in their plans to flee the region. Things do not go entirely as expected.
Rating:	T for Teen

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mentions of madness in the context of in-game quests

Florande waves at Rissa and ducks her head shyly at Nunuzac and Dane.

[Florande]: This is where we meet to help the Tuskarr?

Elrissadel waves back and also turns to the other cobalt members

[Elrissadel]: I think so?

Nunuzac spots Elrissadel's tabard and gives a friendly wave. "Oh hello. One I do not meet yet?" She seems to be coming right out of the inn.

Florande waves at Aiseia.

Atley turns from his reverie and peers at the newcomers. "Hello, hullo', you lot."

Elrissadel waves back to Nunuzac "Hello, I'm Rissa"

[Aiseia]: Hey.

[Florande]: Sir Atley. *Florande nods at him. She remembers her shan'do's shan'var's title*

Nunuzac looks moderately subdued, but still beaming warmly. "So good we meet, Rissa. I am Nunuzac. Hello Knight Atley. Paladin Ace." She gives a short bow to Florande as well.

[Florande]: I think we're meant to talk to the Elder here. The Kalu'ak, they're led by elders. And I'm Flo. Florande. *Florande blinks at all the new people, and takes a step closer to Rissa's side.*

[Nunuzac]: Tuskarr have mystics with some shaman knowledge as well, they are very friendly to me.

Atley lifts a brow at that and grunts.

Atley inclines his head to Nunuzac. "Who shall be leading us?" he asks, eyeing Florande expectantly. "I've come to lend my sword. The Tuskarr are important allies."

[Florande]: I… I could talk to the Tuskarr? We've been helping them a lot.

Elrissadel smiles over at Florande.

Atley nods swiftly at Florande. "I've worked with them at their other villages. Only done little here, if much at all." he says, glancing around appraisingly.

[Florande]: This one is pretty big, compared to others. But… let's go see what they need?

Atley grunts.

[Elrissadel]: Sounds good, Flo.

Florande resolutely stays in elf form. She is not going to turn into a bear or a cat. Not just yet.

Elrissadel walks up to her side in support.

[Nunuzac]: Yes, if they ask, let us find out!

They come into the inn, where the Elder stands in the center with an envoy from the Alliance and the Horde to either side.

Atley eyes Envoy Ripfang (the Horde envoy) up and down.

Florande tries to ignore the Horde and Alliance envoys, and bows to Elder Ko'nani.

Atley bows before Elder Ko'nani.

Aiseia looks sidewise at Envoy Ripfang.

Elrissadel nods at the large Kalu'ak

Elder Ko’nani says: You’re Cobalt Company, I take it?

[Atley]: Your grace.

Florande nods.

Nunuzac hesitates a bit at the doorway while eyeing Ripfang, smile wavering momentarily. She diverts to curiously listen to the elder.

Elder Ko’nani says: Good, good, thank you for your assistance. I’m Elder Ko’nani. My people are hardy and not strangers to combat and violence when needed, but… these past few months have been a lot to handle.

[Florande]: For everyone, I think, yes.

Atley grunts wearily.

Elder Ko’nani says: We thought the Scarlet ones might prove to be allies as well, but… no. They do seem to have a strong sense of community, but they are not willing to welcome outsiders into theirs.

Atley narrows his eyes.

[Florande]: I have not really tried to talk to them… *Florande glances to the others* And maybe that's for the best.

Atley shakes his head.
[Nunuzac]: They chase me some when I run the road as ghost wolf.

Atley side-eyes Nunuzac.

Florande whispers, "Good they don't catch you."

Elder Ko’nani says: In any case, as to our recent troubles. The natural balance has been tipped over and over of late. I hope that you will be able to help us survive the upheaval of our way of life.

Elder Ko’nani says: Months ago, there was some kind of explosion, and a horrific disruption to Silap Inua. We believe this to be the fault of the blue-scaled ones, but we have not seen the extent of the damage yet.

[Florande]: I read about that, from the newsletter. They did something with… ley lines?

[Aiseia]: Manipulated them.

Aiseia subsides back into subdued silence.

[Florande]: Not a good idea.

Atley grunts. "To the northwest, grace? If so, we've traveled through the area."

Elder Ko’nani says: Ah, then you know some of what I speak. I have not ventured much beyond the harbor. I may want to talk about that more later.

Atley grunts.

Elder Ko’nani says: But that's not even the worst of it. The citadel Naxxramas appeared to the north. Your people have kept the worst of it at bay, for which we thank you. There have only been the rare stray Scourge that wanders down this far south.

Atley briefly looks to Envoy Ripfang before returning his gaze to the Chief.

Elder Ko’nani says: And now, we have heard news of the tragedy to the north, at the Wrathgate. We have only been safe here due to the combined efforts of the Alliance and the Horde.

Florande looks at Dane, and then nervously to the Horde envoy.

Elder Ko’nani says: With everything now uncertain, I must make the right decisions for my people. I believe that we must leave this fight, though we go I know not where.

[Florande]: Leave?

Atley knits his brow.

Elrissadel looks surprised, "But this is your home."

Elder Ko'nani sighs. "It has been our home for generations. But… people are more important than a home."

Atley sets his jaw and inclines his head.

Elder Ko’nani says: And even in preparing to flee, we have run into problems. The wolvar have always been our natural enemies. Still, ordinarily, we have had little conflict, as there has been room in Northrend for both of our communities.

Elder Ko’nani says: But the incursion of so many new peoples - the Alliance, the Horde, the Scarlet Onslaught - into the Great Dragonblight has forced them into a small space upon the glade to the north.

Atley grunts.

Florande looks stricken. "We try not to disrupt ecosystems, but not everyone understands balance."

Elrissadel looks to her and nods. "Many don't."

Elder Ko’nani says: Indeed. And combined with the land's upheaval that the blue-scaled ones have caused, they have become even more aggressive than ever before.
Florande looks sorrowful.

Elder Ko’nani says: They have made several raids upon our goods… things that we'll need if we are to survive the trek from our home here. Can you retrieve them for us?

[Atley]: Of course, your grace.

[Florande]: Yes, we will help.

Nunuzac clasps her hands and moves in closer. "Elder, it is because of Kalu'ak help that our company people get more easy travel and do a lot of good here. Like heal ley lines, help Alliance, help dragons."

Atley glances back between Ko'nani and Nunuzac on his way out the door.

[Nunuzac]: If we can show thanks with this, yes. Maybe Kama'gua is more safe.

Elder Ko’nani says: I am glad to hear my people have been helpful. Northrend is our home, and we would not abandon even the Dragonblight lightly.

Nunuzac nods.

Florande backs out of the inn.

[Florande]: Just to the north, I think they said?

Atley grunts.

[Elrissadel]: Yeah.

[Atley]: I've passed some of those villages a time ago.

[Florande]: We can try to be stealthy, not cause more violence. But… it sounds like they will fight us.

Atley grunts.

[Elrissadel]: It does not sound like a good situation.

[Nunuzac]: From what I see they really like a fight.

[Florande]: What will happen to the harbor, if they leave?

[Atley]: Wolvar may take it. Or not.

[Elrissadel]: Nothing good.

The two druids switch into cat form, either for stealth or combat.

Atley glances between the two Cjats, a brow lifted.

A wolvar attacks. They kill him. He was carrying a Tuskarr-marked bag.

Florande turns back into an elf.

[Florande]: It looks like maybe we can't avoid violence, if they are carrying them around.

Elrissadel shifts immediately back to elf. Non-druids are very hard to talk to in cat form.

[Atley]: Aye. These are raiders.

They now proceed to cut down a lot of wolvar in search of stolen supplies.

Nunuzac frowns. "If they are forced to move, they maybe do this because of hunger."

[Florande]: Maybe the wolvar have to move too.

[Atley]: M'surprised any of these folk have scratched out a living in this barren wasteland.

[Nunuzac]: If only they would speak to leaders and not take Kal'uak warrior life.

[Florande]: It seems a lot of people choose violence instead of talking lately.

[Florande]: Were all of you at the battle up north?

[Atley]: I was.

Aiseia nods. "Yeah. I was."

Florande looks over at Dane and Ace. "My shan'do was there. Caspis Silvershade. I help with smaller tasks." Florande looks at Rissa. "Our shan'do."

[Atley]: Aye. I was with Caspis.

[Nunuzac]: Oh Caspis. Yes I know of this druid.

[Florande]: Caspis is very wise.

[Atley]: He is. A fine field asset, as well.

Nunuzac whispers something to a boulder. A swirl of deflecting stones reinforce the heavy plated pair.

They come up on a bluff that gives an impressive view of the Dragonblight, including Wyrmrest Temple.

Florande gasps. "You can see the Wyrmrest Temple from here!"

Elrissadel gasps.

Nunuzac smiles at Florande. "Did you visit it yet?"

Atley grunts. "'Tis' quite a sight, mm? Dwarfs Stormwind Keep."

Florande shakes her head.

[Elrissadel]: That is a very large tower.

[Atley]: Old as well, from wot' Caspis told me.

[Florande]: Is it full of dragons?

[Nunuzac]: You should go! Red dragons there, they appreciate Cobalt.

[Nunuzac]: Some of them are soooo big.

Atley grunts.

[Florande]: Wow! Life dragons. *Flo smiles.* This place needs life dragons.

Elrissadel leans over to Florande. "Let's definitely visit it soon."

Florande nods eagerly.

[Florande]: Did you all spend a lot of time with the dragons, then?

[Atley]: We've met with them, somewhat frequently. Held audiences with the queen.

Florande 's eyes are wide.

[Florande]: Cobalt is so important. It's hard to remember I'm one of Cobalt sometimes.

[Nunuzac]: I learned their queen is very old and has seen many hard times, but still she cares for mortal people. And they rule over Azeroth magic in some ways.

[Nunuzac]: We help them when Scourge attack their holy places.

Florande nods at Nunuzac. "They were closer to my people, a loooong time ago."

[Atley]: The queen is indeed just, and powerful.

[Nunuzac]: Kaldorei has such a long history. Did you live when Northrend was still stuck to the other places?

[Nunuzac]: We see Kaldorei ruins near the ley lines.

Florande laughs. "No, no. I am very young for my people."

[Atley]: I know Caspis traveled this land, long ago.

Florande nods.

[Atley]: He's been of great aid.

[Florande]: I'd never been to Northrend before this expedition. Rissa either, right?

[Elrissadel]: Right.

Atley eyes the bone work of the sculpture.

[Florande]: There are so many of them packed in here.

[Atley]: They must be desperate.

[Florande]: I wish we could work with them, like we do the Tuskarr.

Atley grunts.

[Atley]: They seem too bloody hostile for it.

[Elrissadel]: This is not enough space for them.

[Florande]: The Tuskarr are kind. If they could work with them, I think they would.

Atley grunts.

[Atley]: I've no doubt they'd have made friends. The tuskarr are not warlike folk.

Florande nods.

[Florande]: It must be so hard for them, suddenly war everywhere.

Atley grunts.

[Atley]: There's a lot to admire about their ways.

Florande nods. "They are very good at fishing."

[Atley]: They've no keeps. No kingdoms Initially I suspected them primitive, but they're a simple folk, in the best of ways.

[Florande]: They live in balance, like the kaldorei.

[Nunuzac]: And in the west.. sea ghost vrykul. Less safe than Kamagua.

Florande glances at Nunuzac. "Do you think the sea ghost vrykul will come to Kamagua in time?"

[Atley]: I wager, if they're not stopped.

Nunuzac thinks, frowning. "I hope not. But I hear things. I hear Alliance fight the sea ghosts in the east."

[Atley]: Those wretches razed an entire Tuskarr village out in the Tundra.

[Nunuzac]: A hard fight. They take Alliance ship.

[Atley]: We came 'cross it nearly when we first arrived.

Florande nods. "Rissa and I started over back that way. There's this… evil mist, it covers everything."

Atley grunts.

[Florande]: That's probably about all we can carry? Let's bring it all back.

Atley grunts.

They head back to Mo’aki Harbor to deliver the supplies.

Florande unloads her bags at Elder Ko'nani's feet.

Elrissadel does the same.

Atley sets down his collect parcels.

Aiseia hands over an armful as well.

Elder Ko'nani eyes all the supplies with some relief, but he still looks worried.

Elder Ko’nani says: Thank you for retrieving these, but I am afraid it is bailing water out of a leaky boat. In your short absence, the wolvar have already taken more from us, and some of our people have been seriously injured.

Florande looks at him in concern.

Atley narrows his eyes.

Elder Ko’nani says: I do not like to resort to violence, but I fear there is only one course to take… regrettably, Loguhn must die!

Elder Ko’nani says: He's the alpha male of the Snowfall Glade tribe and one mean wolvar. But it's the only way to get a short break from their attacks and stealing forays.

[Florande]: We have had to do these things before…

Elder Ko’nani says: You will find the "Render of Flesh" in front of his hovel upon the northern rise of the glade. It's larger than the others and hard to miss.

[Elrissadel]: We understand.

[Florande]: We will help you, Elder.

Elder Ko’nani says: Kill him and smear his blood upon yourself, both to show your dominance and respect. This is a wolvar custom, and not a desecration, I assure you. We would never ask you to disrespect the dead, even our enemies.

[Florande]: Smear… blood?

Atley raises his brows and grunts.

[Atley]: Aye, we'll do it.

Florande bows and backs out of the inn.

[Nunuzac]: Eeeh, he maybe is sad now about not doing talks. But… blood all over? This is a strong message.

[Florande]: Are we okay with smearing blood?

Atley grunts.

[Atley]: P'raps the only message the wolvar will understand.

[Florande]: Maybe one of us can do it. I do not like the image of… all of us in blood? Or should it be all of us?

[Elrissadel]: Customs are what they are. I think its ok here.

[Atley]: I can.

Elrissadel looks to Florande. "You have definitely been covered in worse as a bear."

[Nunuzac]: There is also maybe not enough blood in one wolv—oh good.

[Florande]: We can see how much blood there is, then decide. *Florande sounds a little like she's baffled how she got into this conversation*

Florande shrugs at Rissa. "You're not wrong. If I'm a bear, maybe it's ok."

They arrive at the mentioned campsite, and see a big mean wolvar with metal claws. Almost like a Wolverine.

[Florande]: That one looks bigger. Think it's him?

Atley eyes Loguhn up and down.

[Atley]: Aye. Looks it.

Nunuzac eyes Loguhn up and down.

[Nunuzac]: Large.

[Florande]: Let's fight!

Loguhn goes into a frenzy!

Atley lowers a hand to one of Loguhn's wounds and spear it across his arm, minding his tabard.

Florande is, despite her apparent reluctance, fairly bloody after the fight. She stays in bear form for the moment. Florande looks over the team, a conscientious bear.

Nunuzac steps back, maybe there won't be enough blood left. Maybe a bloody bear is sufficient.

[Elrissadel]: That seems like enough blood smearing.

[Aiseia]: I hope so.

[Elrissadel]: To show dominance or whatever it was.

Atley grunts.

Florande turns back into an elf finally, and nods.

[Florande]: Respect, too, they said.

[Elrissadel]: Right.

Atley grunts.

[Nunuzac]: I mean, most do not…

[Nunuzac]: But in specially.

The team re-enters the inn, Florande and Dane at least fairly bloody.

Elder Ko’nani peers at the team. “Is that Loguhn's blood or your own?”

[Atley]: Tis' Loghun's, sir.

Elder Ko'nani nods.

Elder Ko’nani says: Loguhn's honorable sacrifice at your hands is exactly what my people need. Now we will make the most of the wolvar in-fighting for his place. It will have to be enough.

Elder Ko’nani says: I will not say that I am pleased to ask you to do such things on our behalf. It is all we can do to prepare quickly for our departure, though we know not yet where we go.

Elder Ko’nani says: I’ve heard that your people are trying to save the land from He Who Walks in Shadow. Though we must leave, I trust that you will save the remaining peoples of this land as well.

Atley grunts. "We shall."

[Florande]: Even the wolvar.

[Nunuzac]: We must!

[Atley]: He is an enemy to all life.

Elder Ko'nani looks a little more set at ease.

Elder Ko’nani says: Now, there is another thing I would ask of you. Before we depart, we need to gather all of the Kalu’ak of the Dragonblight together here in Moa’ki Harbor. Communication, though, has been proving difficult.

Elder Ko’nani says: Will you speak with our mystic, Toalu’u? He has a plan, but he needs your assistance.

[Elrissadel]: Of course.

[Florande]: Of course! We are good at communication. Much better than wolvar are.

They head over to the mystic’s tent. It has an incensory next to it.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: The Elder has sent you, then? You are finished with the wolvar?

Nunuzac places a draenic totem near the incensory.

[Florande]: Yes, as finished as we can be right now. They are busy amongst themselves.

[Nunuzac]: Their leader is down. Kalu'ak gets warriors to safety while they are busy.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: Good, I have a task with which I was hoping you would have time to assist. We have not heard from our people at Indu'le Village since the ground shook and the land was torn apart.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: One of our people who ventured that way encountered a ghost, so we fear something terrible may have happened. Have you ever been upon a vision quest?

Aiseia nods.

Florande looks at Ace curiously. "You have?"

Atley shakes his head, but pauses, and squints in thought.

Nunuzac nods eagerly to Toalu'u. "Oh yes!"

[Atley]: P'raps … somming' similar. But not like –

Atley just gestures to Nunuzac.

Elrissadel looks pensive. "I'm not sure."

Florande seems deeply impressed with all the experienced mystics around her.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: Well, if you've all done something similar, I trust it will not be too disorienting!

Toalu’u the Mystic says: I will give you a special incense to sprinkle into my brazier. Breathe deep from its vapors and your spirits will be sent aloft to view what has happened at Indu'le.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: As your spirits soar, I will be able to look through your eyes. Have no fear, your bodies will remain safe, here in Moa’ki Harbor. The tether will not be cut.

Elrissadel cocks her ears to the side. "Efficient"

[Florande]: That sounds… safe?

Toalu’u the Mystic says: Safe and efficient. Please, use the incense whenever you're ready.

Nunuzac looks among the others a bit uncertainly. Are they spiritually prepared for this? Let's hope so. "With a strong guide like this there is no worry, just trust and do not fight where sight takes you."

Toalu'u starts handing out incense packets.

Atley grunts. "Let's try it, then."

[Florande]: If you say so. And you all have done this before. *Flo looks at Rissa*

Elrissadel nods at Nunuzac. "Sounds easy enough… probably."

Elrissadel shrugs back at Florande.

The five of them soar through the air as spirits. Toalu’u whispers to them along their path as they observe.

Toalu'u the Mystic whispers: You've successfully freed your spirit! You can serve as my eyes. Together we'll get to the bottom of this.

They zoom over the Dragonblight, directed by Toalu’u’s hand.

Toalu'u the Mystic whispers: You're coming up on the village now. Keep your eyes peeled.

They swoop over the lake, peering down.

Toalu'u the Mystic whispers: What's happened to the lake bed? Strange power is pouring out of it.

Coming closer, they see the ghosts and deranged living Tuskarr.

Toalu'u the Mystic whispers: No… no! My people are all dead spirits or deranged!

They pass by a large stone statue. There’s a sense of presence in the statue, in the spirit world.

Toalu'u the Mystic whispers: Elder Mana'loa, the statue there, sees you. This is a good sign!

They hover near Mana’loa for a moment, but then…

Toalu'u the Mystic whispers: Come back, my friends. If you're out of your body for too long, you run the risk of not being able to return. We have much to discuss.

Toalu’u directs their spirits safely back into their bodies.

The mystic is on the verge of breaking down.

Nunuzac still has her eyes closed meditatively. "Lost spirits who go around and around. I am very sorry Mystic Toalu'u."

Toalu’u the Mystic says: Ghosts and gibbering madness? This cannot be! We must seek further guidance. My people…

Atley inclines his head.

[Elrissadel]: What can we do?

[Nunuzac]: We make peace for them.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: There was one good thing. While your spirits were flying through the village, I sensed that Elder Mana'loa took notice of your team. He wishes to speak with you.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: Whatever the blue-scaled ones have done, it has not destroyed our Elder's spirit.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: The stone elders are revered by us as fonts of ancient wisdom. The elder must want to help. Seek him in the northwest corner of the village. He will know what to do.

Atley nods. "I've spoken to stone elders 'fore."

Nunuzac does not seem offput that the great stone might be inhabited. "This can be done."

Florande gives a sigh of relief. "I was going to ask how we speak to stone."

[Aiseia]: You listen with your deepest sense, and stay still. All stones speak.

Elrissadel glances at the gravel outside.

[Florande]: Okay, we can try that? We saw where the Elder was, let's head there?
Aiseia nods.

[Atley]: Aye, let's do it.

Nunuzac nods to Ace agreeably.

They approach by a safe path and settle next to Elder Mana’loa.

Florande sits down by the stone, trying to be still and listen, as Ace suggested.

Elrissadel glances up at the large stone pillar.

[Nunuzac]: The face is full of ghosts. Maybe we can still speak from here.

[Aiseia]: Touch it. Breathe into it. Become still. I don't think it'll be difficult.

[Aiseia]: I sense this stone has plenty to say.

Elrissadel kneels next to Florande and concentrates.

Atley clears his throat and stiffly moves to sit before the stone.

Nunuzac sits in the snow, a totem nearby. "Elder, it is us you saw, come to you now. You have something to tell us?"

The team all tries to attune themselves with the stone Elder, who has already recognized their freed spirits. Those who are able to reach the stone hear a voice echoing in their minds.

Elder Mana’loa says: I've been expecting you. Yes, I saw your spirits fly by and sensed the mystic watching behind your eyes. Your fate and that of the Kalu'ak are now tied together.

Elder Mana’loa says: The sacred ground of the elves to the west has been torn asunder. Now their magic is flowing through the land, causing ruin where it flows.

Atley blinks and raises his brows.

Elrissadel looks concerned, "Which elves?" She's getting tired of the Kaldorei being the cause of most catastrophic events.

[Florande]: I don't think it was the elves fault this time. Just… their land got wrecked.

Elrissadel looks at Florande, relieved.

Elder Mana’loa says: The souls of the Kalu'ak are in danger as the blue dragons’ forces attempt to control magic. The power came up through the lake, instantly slaying most in the village. Those that survived were driven insane.

Elder Mana’loa says: You must release these spirits so that they may move on. Leave the deranged living alone; they may yet regain their sanity in time.

Florande looks a little shaken.

[Nunuzac]: We saw your people hurting here, some who lost body, some who lost mind. The magic from the ground is starting to heal. We make rites for the spirits.

Florande looks uneasy, but nods at Nunuzac.

Atley pushes himself up with a grunt and looks to the others.

Nunuzac stands and places her palms on the stone elder briefly. "They are lost and scared out there, let us send them on."

Atley grunts. "It's the only thing we can do."

[Florande]: These Tuskarr are not ready to flee, though. They still need time to heal, the ones who are living still.

[Nunuzac]: Yes, the living ones need time.

Florande lowers her eyes sadly.

[Florande]: What will they do, if the Tuskarr in Moa'ki leave?

[Elrissadel]: Maybe they will wait for them?

[Florande]: We will have to tell them that they need to wait.

Nunuzac moves aorund the front of the elder as they dissipate some of the aggressive ghosts, looking up at the monument.

[Nunuzac]: They come up to him for help, it must be hard for Elder to know this is what has to be.

Atley looks to Nunuzac.

Florande looks around at the wrecked, burning village, tears in her eyes.

Elrissadel nudges up against her in cat form.

[Nunuzac]: So know that this ask from him is the best that can be given now.

[Florande]: The spirits must be confused. Not knowing what has happened, if it was so fast.

The five of them disperse many spirits, and carefully avoid harming the living.

[Florande]: I think that is many of the spirits?

[Nunuzac]: Very many.

[Atley]: That's enough, I wager.

They head back to the stone Elder to report.

Florande rests against the stone as a cat, closing her eyes.

The Elder's spirit again reaches out to the small team. Mana'loa seems to know what they have done.

Elder Mana’loa says: Not the most pleasant task, but necessary and merciful. And now there is something else that you are destined to do for the Kalu'ak.

Elder Mana’loa says: The watery goddess, Oacha'noa, must be consulted; only she will know what the destiny of the Kalu'ak is to be. And only The Pearl of the Depths can call her forth from the murky nether.

Florande curls up tighter.

Nunuzac widens her eyes a bit at the suggestion of talking to a goddess.

Elder Mana’loa says: Off the coast to the southwest lies The Briny Pinnacle. Atop it sits the altar upon which the pearl rests. Commune at the altar and Oacha'noa is certain to hear your call.

Elder Mana’loa says: Do as she says lest you incur her wrath and bring ruin upon all of the Tuskarr. Should you survive, return to the mystic.

Elrissadel looks around the other group members to see if they are as surprised as she is.

Atley looks between the stone and Nunuzac at that.

Florande creeps away from the stone.

Florande turns back into an elf. "Did everyone hear that?"

[Aiseia]: Yeah.

[Elrissadel]: Uh. Yeah.

[Atley]: …Aye.

Nunuzac blinks. "Oh, yes, observe custom or ruin for every body."

[Elrissadel]: That's a lot.

[Florande]: I don't want bring ruin on all Tuskarr. They're our friends.

[Florande]: But… they are stuck in a bad situation. Maybe the goddess knows the way forward?

[Florande]: Are we doing this?

[Atley]: I say we do.

[Nunuzac]: Eeeh, how can we not?

[Elrissadel]: I think we must.

[Nunuzac]: A goddess! We have to meet.

Florande nods slowly. "Let's just… not incur wrath, then."

They head to the southern coast to fly out to the island as directed. The two druids take off immediately as sea lions, but…

[Elrissadel]: Oh.. they are slower in water.

Florande giggles. "You just need to turn into a sea lion."

[Elrissadel]: Much easier.

The druids double-back in time to see Sir Dane Atley turn into a fish.

[Nunuzac]: Knight Atley, did…

[Atley]: S'a trinket I was given. 'Tis a long story.

They all arrive at the little island and make their way to the pearl on an altar.

[Nunuzac]: Goddess pearl.

Atley sets his jaw and glances around before they commune with the goddess.

Florande looks just a little bit terrified. Just a little bit.

They commune with the pearl and… an enormous sea creature appears, rising out of the water!

Florande gasps.

Nunuzac is scared of Oacha'noa.

Atley sets a hand on his sword.

Elrissadel jumps.

[Nunuzac]: Big…!

Atley mutters something low in a growl.

Oacha'noa yells: Little ones, why do you call me forth? Are you working with the trolls of this land? Have you come to kill me and take my power as your own?

Oacha'noa yells: I sense uncertainty in you, and I do not trust it whether you are with them, or not. If you wish my augury for the Kalu'ak, you will have to prove yourself first.

Oacha'noa yells: I will lay a mild compulsion upon you. Jump into the depths before me so that you put yourself into my element and thereby display your submission.

Florande squeaks and leaps. The rest of the team jumps as well into the water below.

Oacha'noa yells: Well done. Your display of respect is duly noted. Now, I have information for you that you must convey to the Kalu'ak.

A whisper arises in each of their minds, giving the wisdom of Oacha’noa.

Oacha'noa whispers: Simply put, you must tell the Tuskarr that they cannot run. If they do so, their spirits will be destroyed by the evil rising within Northrend.

Oacha'noa whispers: Tell the mystic that his people are to stand and fight alongside the Horde and Alliance against the forces of Malygos and the Lich King.

Oacha'noa whispers: Now swim back with the knowledge I have granted you. Do what you can for them.

The sea goddess disappears beneath the waves, leaving the team of five floating, shocked, in the water.

[Atley]: … A god.

[Florande]: We should let the mystic know what the goddess said!

[Florande]: They have to not leave, right?

[Elrissadel]: Yeah.

Atley glances back at the water and shakes his head.

[Florande]: Or they're doomed.

They head back to Moa’ki and make straight for the mystic’s tent.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: Welcome back! What did Elder Mana’loa ask you to do?

[Florande]: We put some spirits to rest in Indu'le, but the one who have gone mad will need time to recover.

Florande looks to the others, to see if anyone wants to explain Oacha'noa's message.

[Elrissadel]: And then the Elder asked that we go speak to a sea goddess?

Toalu’u the Mystic says: A sea goddess? You spoke with Oacha'noa?!

[Atley]: Aye.

Elrissadel nods a little shakily.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: What did she tell you?

[Elrissadel]: That you have to stay. You can't run.

Nunuzac wrings her hands a bit. "It is not what your elder wants to hear."

[Atley]: No. S'not.

Atley growls, smacking his lips.

[Elrissadel]: If the Kalu'ak leave your spirits will be destroyed.

[Atley]: Oacha'noa would have your folk stay and fight with us.

Toalu’u looks troubled for a moment, then nods.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: If it is her will that we stand with your people then so be it. It's true that it's not what my Elder would hope to hear, but… Elder Ko'nani will accept this as our destiny, for weal or woe.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: My people believe that all souls are one with the magic of the world. We must oppose the blue-scaled one’s attempts to control the magic or we are all doomed! And He Who Walks in Shadow violates the very cycle of life, preventing Karkut from guiding the spirits of the dead onward. This cannot be allowed to continue.

Toalu'u lowers his head gravely.

Atley sets his jaw. "Wot' you pledge to takes courage."

Toalu’u the Mystic says: I will send word to the mystics of the other villages, to let them know what we have heard from Oacha’noa. When your people need us to fight by their side, we will be there.

Atley respectfully inclines his head.

[Nunuzac]: You have strong warriors. This is your home. If it helps, all of us are here in the same way. Fight because we must. Because the dark will cover every thing if not.

[Nunuzac]: You will have all of us with you.

Atley grunts.

Toalu'u nods at Dane, and then at Nunuzac.

Toalu’u the Mystic says: It seems we must. Thank you, my friends. May all the gods smile on you and keep you safe.

Atley bows before Toalu'u the Mystic.

Flo bows before Toalu'u the Mystic.

Aiseia bows before Toalu'u the Mystic.

Elrissadel copies their bows.

Nunuzac places remaining incense ashes in the burner.

Florande moves out of the mystic's hut.

[Florande]: I think we helped. I hope we helped. They're good people, the Tuskarr.

[Atley]: Aye. Properly true.

Elrissadel reaches out and pats Florande on the shoulder, "I think we definitely did."

[Atley]: We've done good work. They're in this fight now.

[Aiseia]: We did.

[Aiseia]: Now they know they need to stay.

Nunuzac looks among the others. "I think we did. Those spirits will not be hurting. And these people know the running is no farther. My people know this too."

Florande nudges Rissa with the same shoulder. "We will stand together here. And they will heal the survivors of Indu'le, with time."

Atley nods and looks around. "We'll triumph in this war."

[Elrissadel]: Selfishly, I am glad they are staying. I like them.

Nunuzac cracks a smile again. "Enjoy first spirit flying?"

Atley grumbles.

Florande smiles. "It was less scary than I thought. Toalu'u was a good guide."

[Elrissadel]: It was very different than real flying.

[Nunuzac]: Always better with a wise guide.

Atley grunts. "Still not used to it. I'll see the lot of you about, I wager."

[Florande]: I hope so, yes. I will stay in Northrend, helping.

Atley grunts. "As will I. For now, I'm buggering off back to the keep. You lot travel well."

[Nunuzac]: I stay here some. I will be here or Wyrmrest Temple. Visit there for sure, druids!

[Florande]: I'm sure we will. *Flo smiles at Rissa*

[Elrissadel]: Absolutely.

Atley nods once more before he marches off.

[Florande]: I will stay in Moa'ki a bit for now, as well. Maybe do some fishing…

[Aiseia]: I'm gonna head back.

[Elrissadel]: good idea. I'm gonna talk to some of them for a bit. it was nice spending time with you all

[Nunuzac]: Be safe Paladin Ace.

[Florande]: See you next time, Ace!

[Aiseia]: Yeah.

Florande heads off to do some fishing. Probably as a bear or a sea lion.

Elrissadel watches her leave with a smile.