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| Details |
| Author: | Luridel |
| Summary: | In search of Zeev, a missing goblin, Blue Squad teams up with the one female prisoner that the blue vrykul (who they learn are called the Hyldnir) are keeping: Lok'lira, an illusionist. Many problems can be solved with the power of looking like five identical blue women. ~7700 words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Arc: Season 12
[Erixa]: Not out of your own hair, I hope? Yarn beard?
[Bennarin]: Speakin' of sh*t I knit myself…
Brannagen looks down at his own beard, as though contemplating the idea of knitting it.
[Dane]: Hullo' then, Cressidha.
Iphindra touches her own uncovered neck. Should she be wearing a scarf or a beard?
Erixa waves at you.
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, everyone.
[Iphindra]: Lo, Cressidha!
Bennarin rummages in a saddlebag. He glances at Erixa with a smile. "My hair ain't come in blue an' white."
Iphindra salutes Cressidha with respect.
[Cressidha]: Would anyone care for water?
Bennarin offers Dane a little parcel. "For the baby, sir."
[Iphindra]: Yes, please!
Erixa shrugs with a smile. "Who can say what varieties humans might come in?"
[Brannagen]: I wouldn't say no to water.
Iphindra thanks Cressidha.
Dane doubletakes the parcel with a frown and steps forward to gingerly receive it. "Mm… Should I open it here, or at home with Ivri?"
Cressidha passes it out.
[Brannagen]: Thanks, lass.
Erixa nods at Cressidha. "Yes, if you have to spare."
[Cressidha]: Of course.
[Bennarin]: Prob'ly with Ivri? I mean, it ain't urgent or nothin'. Just a baby present.
Dane fosters a small, hard smile and inclines his head. "Somming' to keep him warm, perhaps."
Erixa thanks Cressidha.
Bennarin grins at Dane. "I spoiled it by sayin' I knit it, huh?"
[Iphindra]: It- It could be a fake animals, yes? One of the furry ones!
Dane sets his jaw fondly. "Thank you, Ben. You'll be a fine uncle to him, I'm certain of it. He needs all the warmth he can get this season."
Dane carefully tucks the parcel into his bag.
Bennarin's ears redden, presumably not from the cold. He ducks his head at Dane in a nod, and then tugs the scarf up over his nose and mouth again.
[Dane]: Velrin was called to deal with some cultist duty, but I've heard word she'll be joining us afterall.
Cressidha smiles.
Erixa nods. "Glad we will not lack."
Brannagen dismounts and looks the members of his squad over carefully, as though to make sure no one has bumps or bruises - or maybe just trying to remember who they all are.
[Brannagen]: Definitely seein' some different faces from last time…
Dane finds a safe, secure place in his pack for the parcel after some adjusting before he glances around. He briefly steeples his hands together and breathes through them.
[Dane]: Oranna.
Dane growls warmly in greeting.
Erixa peers at Brannagen. "I was here last time."
[Brannagen]: Oh there's an old friend at last! An' her dwarf!
Brannagen chuckles at Befound.
Oranna waves frantically. Her hair is only half braided and she's still working on the other. "Aye, sorry, sorry. Gryphon was bein' tetchy. I'm here."
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, Ace. Good afternoon, Oranna.
Iphindra smiles at Befound.
Brannagen peers right back at Erixa. "Were ye?"
[Bennarin]: No rush, we are good. Still waitin' on — oh, here she is now.
[Cressidha]: Auralind, Thaeru'kal, good afternoon.
[Erixa]: Yes, I am not tricking!
Atley peers at Thaerukal searchingly.
[Auralind]: Elune adore.
Dane grunts in greeting.
Oranna ties off the rest of her braid. The second half is definitely hasty looking. It's fine.
[Iphindra]: Lo! *She says to the people who've arrived.*
Thaeru'kal dips her head as if in greeting.
Dane blinks at the suddenness of Velrin's arrival.
[Brannagen]: What a handsome group we are!
[Erixa]: And Velrin, so we are ten.
[Dane]: How are the cultists?
[Cressidha]: Ah! Velrin.
Iphindra raises a hand shyly while looking at Bran. "I- I was also here last time!"
[Brannagen]: …Huh.
[Velrin]: Apologies for my tardiness.
Brannagen shrugs at Iphindra. Who knows?
Velrin bows down graciously.
Bennarin is wearing a striped blue-and-white scarf wrapped around his neck and lower face. It is apparently a Very Long Scarf, because it is Very Wrapped, and tangled firmly in his pauldron-spikes to keep it in place.
Dane grunts. "Good to have you."
[Brannagen]: Everyone compliment Hazan's boy on his new beard, don't be rude now!
Velrin grins and nods at Dane.
A plant on Iphindra's arm tentatively reaches a root towards Befound.
Brannagen laughs.
Velrin giggles.
[Cressidha]: His name is Ben.
Erixa laughs.
[Cressidha]: That's a lovely scarf, Ben.
Oranna looks over excitedly at Ben — did he grow a — oh. It's a scarf.
Dane side-eyes Ben. "Certainly looks warm." he observes objectively.
[Oranna]: Very wooly.
[Iphindra]: V- very beautiful!
Bennarin smiles at Cressidha. This is apparent only from the way his eyes crinkle up, because he is still mostly scarf.
[Bennarin]: Thanks.
Auralind squints at…nothing in particular. "Is it a beard…or a scarf? Or both?"
Bennarin is a little muffled. Ha ha get it? Muffled?
[Dane]: It's a scarf. Looks beardy.
Brannagen says more seriously to Auralind, "It's a scarf, but it looks like a beard, way he has it wrapped around."
[Auralind]: Ahh, I see. Very humorous.
[Brannagen]: Thank ye!
[Dane]: Right then, Blue Squad. Let's bugger off.
Bennarin tugs the scarf down. "A scarf I knit, ma'am. I could not grow a dwarf beard in time. Also Mizzy said no."
Oranna looks baffled at that. He could grow a beard but Mizzy said no? B-but why?
[Cressidha]: Where are we off to, Dane?
[Brannagen]: Dwarves have an advantage in growin' beards, in tha' we have centuries ta do it.
[Cressidha]: Retrieving the rest of that goblin equipment?
Iphindra looks surprised at Ben. He could grow that beard, really? She's never seen humans with beards like that before!
Oranna nods at Brannagen.
Bennarin nods solemnly at Bran.
[Dane]: We're to return to Fizzlespark. She's interviewed those goblins we rescued.
[Erixa]: The blue ladies?
[Bennarin]: White Squad, let's go talk to Ricket again.
Brannagen salutes Bennarin with respect.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Brannagen greets Aiseia with a hearty hello!
Iphindra follows Dane, specifically.
Gretchen Fizzlespark says: Cobalt Company! Thank profits you came back.
Dane grunts. "Wot's new?"
[Iphindra]: Thank… profits?
Gretchen Fizzlespark says: I talked to all the boys you brought back - thanks for that - but there’s at least one person who was still missing. Kind of an important person to me. My brother Zeev.
[Iphindra]: Oh no!
Gretchen nods at Iphindra, yes, thank profits.
Dane holds a hand up to Iphindra, as if to say, 'I'll explain later.'
[Dane]: Warrant he's held by that same tribe of female vrykul?
Iphindra nods at Atley.
[Cressidha]: Oh.
Gretchen Fizzlespark says: I think so, yes. The other boys said they saw him up there, so I’m hoping he’s still alive. Can you check around the village again?
[Velrin]: Do you have any idea where he's being held? Since we did not find him in our initial search.
[Erixa]: Yes, I think we were thorough. We found all the prisoners.
Gretchen Fizzlespark says: If you don’t see him there… *Gretchen looks worried.* Some of the rescuees said they tossed some of the prisoners to work in a mine. Maybe you can find that, and see if he’s there.
Iphindra nods at Gretchen Fizzlespark.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
[Dane]: We'll pick the village apart 'fore venturing deeper.
[Erixa]: We will find your brother, one way or other.
Velrin nods and does a once over on herself to take stock of her blades.
Gretchen Fizzlespark says: The one way, I hope. Alive.
Dane grunts. "Let's move out."
Cressidha moves out.
Cressidha gets her flying carpet out of her bag, unrolls it, and shakes it out.
[Erixa]: Usually if we do not find prisoner, it means… too late.
Dane steps out of goblin earshot as he turns to Iphindra.
[Dane]: Goblins don't have Elune, or the Light. They worship coin. Money.
[Iphindra]: Oh!
[Velrin]: I pray that is not the case this time, Erixa.
[Iphindra]: Oh.
[Iphindra]: Um.
Dane gives Erixa a grim nod.
[Iphindra]: Okay!
Dane scoffs with amusement at Iphindra's reaction. "Aye."
Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.
[Dane]: Leave the mounts here.
[Dane]: We'll go hut by hut, scavenging.
[Erixa]: Goodbye, Snowball!
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Cressidha calls, "Zeev?"
[Erixa]: I do not see any goblins.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: And they've reinforced since last time.
Velrin sets her jaw.
[Iphindra]: Probably in the mines?
[Erixa]: It makes me think better of goblins, that they love their brothers.
Dane grunts mildly.
[Velrin]: I think we should do well to look there after we finish gathering these supplies.
[Iphindra]: Y- yes, of course!
Erixa nods at Velrin.
Dane grunts.
[Cressidha]: I imagine that some of them do and some of them do not, like any other race.
Dane grunts mildly again at Cressidha's statement.
[Velrin]: Agreed. *she nods at Cress*
[Erixa]: Then maybe this Gretchen is a decent goblin. It is good we're on her side.
Cressidha nods. "I love my brothers, but I do, of course, have the best ones." Is she teasing?
[Erixa]: I loved my brother, too. *Erixa smiles at Cressidha*
[Dane]: These goblins are our allies. But I remember a time where their people armed the orcish Horde to the teeth.
Cressidha says automatically, "I am sorry for your loss."
Atley peers at Erixa searchingly.
[Erixa]: Oh… it was… Draenor. The early days of the war.
Dane grunts.
Velrin frowns
[Erixa]: But yes, thank you for saying.
[Dane]: Your people have endured no shortage of terrors.
Dane says to Erixa.
Iphindra looks sadly at Erixa.
[Erixa]: He was an anchorite, my brother Savun. His husband is still on Azeroth.
[Dane]: He must've been mighty.
Dane glances around.
[Dane]: Where are all the bloody men?
[Erixa]: He was a good person. *Erixa nods at Dane*
[Dane]: Surely it can't be a tribe of only women.
[Cressidha]: Why not?
Iphindra smiles at Erixa.
[Dane]: How'd they reproduce?
[Dane]: Couldn't be a tribe of only men, either.
[Cressidha]: Perhaps there is another tribe of all men, and they have gatherings on occasion.
Dane growls with amusement.
[Iphindra]: I- Or they reproduce differently?
[Dane]: Gatherings, mm?
Velrin chuckles at Dane, "It looks like some kaldorei towns."
[Cressidha]: But they choose to live separately. Or something.
[Iphindra]: Li- like dryads growing from acorns!
[Erixa]: Lively gatherings then, I would imagine.
[Dane]: I'd thought vrykul were close to my folk.
[Erixa]: And this is farther?
[Cressidha]: I would not be surprised to learn that this place has a sister-village. Or a brother-village, as it were.
[Dane]: P'raps. But all we've encountered so far've had both.
[Velrin]: True. If these are your ancestors then it would not follow that they order themselves with the men separate from the women like in my own.
[Dane]: Aye.
[Erixa]: Maybe they are like… single gender order. Like the kaldorei ones.
[Erixa]: With rites that make them blue.
[Dane]: Maybe. Most of your lot are sleeping, aren't they?
Iphindra nods at Erixa.
[Cressidha]: I've seen many of these… snykel, Jo called them, use the same storm magic…
[Velrin]: That's right. Druids spend much time sleeping in the Emerald Dream.
Dane grunts. "We've gone in circles. Picked the place clean. Let's find that mine."
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Iphindra looks to the side at the mention of the Emerald Dream.
[Erixa]: Maybe an order of storm mages then…
Atley points over yonder.
Velrin raises an eyebrow at Iphindra.
[Dane]: That'd be it, I reckon.
[Iphindra]: Goblins working in- in a mine gigantic like this…. This is ridiculous!
[Erixa]: Clearly not made for goblins.
[Dane]: … It's not goblins.
Atley points at Captive Vrykul.
Erixa rests a hand on the hilt of her sword.
[Cressidha]: Oh.
[Iphindra]: Here are the males!
Velrin's eyes are wide. "The vrykul are impressive stoneworkers to be able to manage this…"
[Erixa]: Mining?
[Dane]: Oi. Have a look. That one's not blue.
[Velrin]: No. I mean the scale of this place.
[Cressidha]: Ah. She isn't blue. Excuse me, ma'am?
The vrykul woman looks at the group suspiciously, but does not attack.
[Dane]: We're looking for a goblin. A fellow prisoner.
Lok’lira the Crone says: You're definitely not with the Hyldnir. Ah… you must be looking for the new prisoner!
Dane grunts.
Iphindra nods. "The green one!"
Lok’lira the Crone says: Goblin. Yes, it must be the little green prisoner you're after… We might be able to help each other.
Erixa raises an eyebrow.
Lok’lira the Crone says: You're not going to get the goblin out of here by force. Not alive, anyway.
Dane stares alllll the way up at the crone. He grunts inquisitively.
[Cressidha]: Oh?
Velrin tenses up. She's hiding knives in her hands now.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Relax, small ones, it is not a threat.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Among my people I am known as a Yrkvinn, a practitioner of illusions. As you can see, the Hyldnir have made me their prisoner.
Dane leans to the side to examine Lok'lira's chains, briefly.
[Iphindra]: Yrkvinn… Hyldnir… *she repeats, her voice low.*
Lok’lira the Crone says: If I had my runes, I could make you go unnoticed among them. Further inside, patrolling the mines, you'll find an overseer named Syra. She has my runes. If you retrieve them, perhaps I could help you reach your goblin.
[Cressidha]: My name is Cressidha. And yours? Or do you go by your title alone?
Dane cinches his thumbs in his belt as he looks between them.
Velrin tries to say the vrykul names a few times, "And to think I found learning the Arathi tribe names cumbersome…" she mutters.
Lok’lira the Crone says: My name is Lok'lira. Yrkvinn is a title that refers to my magical specialization, Cressidha.
[Cressidha]: A pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Iphindra looks at the others, wondering if they should all introduce themselves.
[Dane]: We'll get you your rune.
Lok’lira the Crone says: I will wait to say the same until I see how our acquaintance develops.
Dane grunts and nods.
Cressidha smiles.
[Dane]: Farther in, you lot.
Erixa doesn't introduce herself.
Atley points at Overseer Syra.
[Erixa]: Hyldnir. Is that what the blue call themselves?
[Iphindra]: I think so!
[Cressidha]: I would assume so.
[Erixa]: Ah. Is that what she wanted?
[Velrin]: Simple enough so far…
Dane loots the runes. He examines them with a brow lifted.
[Dane]: Must be.
[Cressidha]: Indeed.
[Dane]: Don't see any other overseers about.
Dane glances around, peering down rocky corridors.
[Erixa]: And we trust her? She is illusion.
[Iphindra]: But she's a prisoner too!
[Dane]: I trust that we can kill her if she betrays us.
[Dane]: That'll have to be enough for now.
[Erixa]: Prisoners want to escape, that we can trust.
[Velrin]: I don't trust her yet, but as of now we have little choice but to cooperate.
[Cressidha]: She is the first of the vrykul that I have met who is willing to converse.
[Dane]: M'surprised she knows the common tongue.
[Erixa]: Oh, I don't know, many converse to say 'I will gut you' and such.
Lok'lira looks relieved.
[Dane]: We've got your runes.
Lok’lira the Crone says: I wasn't sure you were coming back. I dread to think what will happen to me if I stay here for much longer.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Our deal is made then. You help me get out of these chains and I'll help you find your little green friend.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Shall I cast my illusion magic on you now?
[Dane]: … Do it. Mind any treachery, Crone.
Cressidha examines her chains. Do they seem to be magical?
Lok'lira starts to cast in a way that likely seems familiar to arcane practitioners, and the party members transform into hyldnir likenesses.
Lok’lira the Crone says: There. No one will suspect you are not one of them. The Hyldnir who runs this mine is known as Mildred the Cruel — and with good reason.
Dane listens intently.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Tell her you've been sent to lend a hand with the mines. Do whatever she asks until she trusts you with the keys to my shackles.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Then, when I am free, I can help you find the goblin.
Iphindra hasn't changed that much. She just got taller, less elven, and has a new set of armor.
Erixa is also a similar shade of blue as she was before.
Cressidha nods.
Dane grumbles about 'sneaking around.'
[Dane]: We'll do it.
Velrin narrows her eyes, "Very well. Consider it done."
Dane opens his mouth, before he pauses, and decides to remain quiet as the only male in disguise.
Mildred the Cruel says: I was expecting a replacement for one of my overseers. It's about time you showed up.
Dane looks between Velrin and Cressidha.
Iphindra looks at the others for the speaking part.
Cressidha walks up. "What needs to be done?"
Mildred the Cruel says: Straight to the point, I like you. Let's start you off with something straightforward. The male vrykul that work the mines for us do so against their will… purely out of fear of our blades.
Mildred the Cruel says: Once in a while, one of them will lose their motivation. Find any uncooperative vrykul and put them in their place.
Dane nods silently.
Mildred holds out a rod.
Velrin cracks her knuckles, "Understood."
Mildred the Cruel says: Take this disciplining rod. You'll want to inflict pain, not death. *She smirks* Well, most of the time anyway.
Cressidha takes it. It is sized for a big blue lady, but she manages not to drop it. "Simple enough."
[Iphindra]: We- we will do the mission to the best of our abilities.
Erixa nods gravely.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: There's a lazy one down there.
Erixa says quietly, "So… we are beating prisoners now?"
Cressidha walks away and turns a corner, out of Mildred's sight.
[Dane]: Give him a proper whack.
Dane nods once. "We are," he says to Erixa.
[Iphindra]: Maybe- maybe we can just ask them to pretend just a little?
[Velrin]: Unfortunately I think we are.
[Cressidha]: No.
[Iphindra]: Oh.
Atley eyes Hyldnir Overseer up and down.
Erixa waves at a passing overseer.
Iphindra salutes Hyldnir Overseer with respect.
[Erixa]: So. Who is to inflict the beatings?
[Velrin]: If any of you are uncomfortable with this, I can take responsibility.
Dane holds his hand out for the rod.
[Erixa]: Or should we each, so we are all responsible?
Cressidha looks at the overseer behind her.
Dane grunts at Erixa.
[Iphindra]: I'm… I can do it too!
[Cressidha]: She gave it to me. I shall ensure the prisoners get back to work.
Dane beckons them all farther into the cavern, away from the overseer.
Velrin looks at Cress with an almost sad look.
Erixa watches Cressidha approach the exhausted vrykul.
Cressidha leans over the man threateningly. "You."
[Cressidha]: I have a task for you.
The vrykul just growls dismissively.
Dane watches patiently for a time.
[Cressidha]: It is Mildred's will that you get back to work. She listens. Sounds echo in these halls.
Velrin crosses her arms and watches.
Cressidha lowers her voice. "I do not care. Make a noise of pain when I swing this object, and look busy when that woman passes by. Is this agreeable?"
The vrykul looks up at Cressidha then, a flicker of cruel cunning in his eyes.
[Dane]: Cressidha.
Dane walks forward and reaches for the rod. "Let me have it."
Velrin's gaze darts around to check for any female vrykul who might be listening.
[Cressidha]: Is this not to be a rescue mission soon enough?
Cressidha passes the rod over to Dane regardless.
[Dane]: I'll explain later.
Dane accepts the rod and immediately turns it on the exhausted vrykul. "On your feet! NOW!"
Exhausted Vrykul says: Curse you! You will not treat me like a beast!
He attacks.
Iphindra winces.
[Erixa]: Work, not fight!
Velrin clenches her teeth and joins the melee.
Erixa looks regretfully down at the dead vrykul.
Dane looks over his shoulder for an overseer before he marches out.
Cressidha stands back, expressionless.
Velrin kneels down to check his pulse… nothing.
[Dane]: Do you recall those snobolds we spared the other day?
[Velrin]: Damn…
Dane addresses the group as a whole.
[Cressidha]: I do.
Erixa nods.
[Dane]: They rallied to their magnataur bosses in Garm and immediately tried to take K3. That was my call. My fault. My mistake.
[Dane]: It's not going to be repeated. These vrykul in here are slaves, but if they were free, they'd be our enemies, nonetheless.
[Iphindra]: The- what?
Velrin takes a deep breath and clenches her fists.
[Cressidha]: I do not believe that to be certain.
A few petals fall to the floor, next to the feet of Iphindra's illusion.
[Dane]: Regardless, this is war. We cannot rely on this slaves to cover our illusion. We're a part of somming' bigger.
[Dane]: And we'll see it through it.
[Velrin]: Sir Dane is right. As regrettable as it may be, sometimes vying for peace creates more bloodshed than it saves.
[Velrin]: We need look no further than the Amani to know this.
[Dane]: You are noble for seeking a peaceful solution, Cressidha. But that is no longer a route available to us.
Erixa winces at the news about the snobolds. "I suppose… that may be true. If vrykul thinks it is better for them to catch a traitor…"
[Cressidha]: I… cannot be a part of this, then.
Velrin inclines her head, "I do not blame you, Cressidha."
[Erixa]: If they were on our side, we could trick the leaders.
Dane lifts a brow. "You'll leave the war? These vrykul have been slaughtering us since we first stepped foot on this continent. Pinning our scouts with harpoons. Murdering our people."
Velrin glances at Dane with a sort of 'are we gonna do this?' sort of look in her eyes.
[Dane]: They've tortured and sacrificed our people since we first arrived. To them, humans are aberrations fit only for extinction.
[Cressidha]: To beat a slave in chains is… I am relieved Colson is not here.
[Erixa]: …the only vrykul to ever speak to us in peace has asked this of us.
[Velrin]: You've made your point, Sir Dane. If they are uncomfortable with this task, then we can bear this burden for them, no?
Dane grunts. "This is not holy work, but it's work that needs doing." He looks to Velrin. "Aye. I will wave the rod."
[Iphindra]: N- no, I can carry the burden too!
[Dane]: I'll not force it upon any one of you, but I will see it done by my hand at the least. Are we in agreement with this?
Dane looks between them.
[Cressidha]: I will not disobey you in the field, Dane.
Velrin takes a step closer to Dane.
Iphindra grabs her own arm and nods.
[Cressidha]: I follow your commands.
[Erixa]: If it is to save Gretchen's brother…
Cressidha's voice is cold.
Dane looks to Erixa as he raises the rod. "Our objective here is to win the war. Let's move."
[Dane]: You. Up.
Exhausted Vrykul says: I'd rather die fighting than live like a slave!
Iphindra whispers in Darnassian. "Loyal, strong, obedient."
Velrin looks over at Iphindra.
[Dane]: Up, dog.
Exhausted Vrykul says: Curse you! You will not treat me like a beast!
He attacks as well.
Atley eyes Overseer Arys, who is definitely not a respawned Overseer Syra, up and down.
Exhausted Vrykul says: Back… to work…
[Erixa]: If we free Lok'lira, then she can likely help her others… *Erixa murmurs.*
Dane nods once as the vrykul snaps back to work.
Dane holds the rod out to Iphindra.
[Iphindra]: I… um… *She grabs the rod.*
Iphindra approaches the vrykul.
[Iphindra]: Ge- Get back to work now, please! *She bonks him on the shoulder.*
Exhausted Vrykul says: Curse you! You will not treat me like a beast!
Cressidha maintains her ice barrier, but the vrykul who rebel are so weak that it doesn't take much for the others to take them down. Cressidha forms an ice lance along her arm and holds it in place, waiting, just in case.
[Dane]: There's one last one, here.
[Iphindra]: I… Me again?
Erixa looks for a moment like she might volunteer, but then she steps back.
[Velrin]: I can do it if you prefer.
[Dane]: Only if you want to uphold the burden. Else, I shall.
Iphindra hands Velrin the rod. "We- we share it! The burden, and the rod."
Cressidha closes her eyes.
Velrin gives her a grim nod and takes the rod, twirling it to feel its weight.
Iphindra looks a little relieved that Velrin volunteered.
Dane oversees it with a stern glare.
Velrin pads up to the last vrykul with a snarl on her face, "Did I say you could rest?" she growls and strikes him hard with the rod.
Exhausted Vrykul says: We will have revenge… some day.
Erixa watches Cressidha, rather than the vrykul.
[Dane]: That'll be enough, then. Let's find a quiet place to speak 'fore we return to that wretched hag.
Cressidha's face has gone to a careful, deliberate neutral. She breathes evenly in through her nose and out through her mouth.
[Erixa]: You did not inflict any significant harm, except in defense to those who fought.
Iphindra leaves a few leaves behind her, which appear as soon as her illusion-self is further away from them.
[Dane]: Here.
Dane continues in a lowered voice.
Velrin goes to place a hand on Cress's shoulder, hesitates, then follows through.
Cressidha glances at Velrin.
[Dane]: This is grim work to be certain, as war is grim. We tried to be merciful to the snobolds, and they nearly overran K3 for our efforts. If these vrykul were not in chains, they would be our enemies.
Velrin can't quite meet her gaze, but she's eyeing her sympathetically.
[Dane]: I imagine a quick death is better than back breaking work until death by exhaustion. Our larger goal is to rescue our goblin ally.
Iphindra stands silently, her hands joined in front of her legs.
Cressidha says nothing.
[Dane]: Each of you have fulfilled your duty. Unless there's other things to be said, let's press on and be free of this place.
[Cressidha]: I have nothing new to say.
Dane nods once and looks to the others.
Velrin gives Cress's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
[Erixa]: Be free? I thought we had to continue till we get the key for the Lok'lira?
Dane nods. "That wot' I mean. Accomplish our objectives here, then leave."
Cressidha reaches up and pats Velrin's hand on her shoulder once.
[Iphindra]: I- I don't really like caves so I am very ready to accomplish the objectives here and leave!
Dane grunts. "Too right. We'll see wot' damage we can unleash upon these wretched blue ones as we gain the overseer's trust."
[Erixa]: It is all enemies here.
Dane grunts.
Dane holds out the rod, but doesn't say anything.
Mildred the Cruel says: Is it done? I hope you didn't slay too many of the mongrels. We need the manpower.
Mildred takes the rod back.
Dane grunts.
[Erixa]: Yes, we have disciplined the slacking.
Mildred the Cruel says: Not bad for a new group of overseers. I've another task for you if you're feeling brave today.
Dane grunts.
Cressidha looks neutral. It's rather impressive how well this translates to the vrykul illusion, actually.
Iphindra doesn't look like she's feeling brave today but the illusion is hiding that, at least.
[Erixa]: We are eager to serve. *Erixa's expression does not look particularly eager, but she's trying*
Mildred the Cruel says: For every action there is an opposite reaction, sisters. In the case of us applying pressure on the males, this has meant newly spread rumors of insurrection.
Dane's illusion remains stone faced and stern.
Dane grunts inquisitively.
Mildred the Cruel says: The one behind this rabble-rousing is called Garhal. Put an end to him… and make sure the others see his demise. They must learn that insubordination will not be tolerated.
[Erixa]: We cannot allow insubordination, no.
Dane inclines his head.
Erixa glances to the other silent overseers uncertainly.
Velrin puts on her cruel grin, "He shall be slain so swiftly he shall watch his head hit the floor."
Dane nods firmly, once, before he turns and marches off.
[Iphindra]: Oh… *She realizes that isn't the right answer.*! O-obviously we will do!
Cressidha just follows the others.
[Erixa]: One person.
Cressidha looks at the overseers. "This is Garhal?"
Velrin moves into position.
Dane gives one more firm nod to the others before he produces his weapon.
Velrin looks to Dane and nods.
Garhal says: Get them!
The other overseers leap into the fray, so it's really not entirely clear who even killed him.
Two miners watching raise their picks to join the fight, but reconsider once they see Garhal dead on the floor.
Hyldnir Overseer points down at the body. "Garhal," she confirms.
Cressidha nods.
Dane returns with a grunt.
Mildred the Cruel says: You're back. Did you kill him already?
Dane looks to Velrin.
Erixa opens her mouth to speak, then notices Dane looking to Velrin and closes it.
[Velrin]: Garhal is dead. Just as you asked.
Mildred smiles coldly.
Dane nods once.
Mildred the Cruel says: If I had any reservations regarding your commitment when you first arrived, I no longer have any. With just a little more effort you could be a permanent member of my operation.
Mildred the Cruel says: You are without mercy. You will do well around these parts.
Erixa very carefully doesn't flinch.
Dane keeps glaring.
Mildred the Cruel says: I have another task to ask of you. There is a female vrykul prisoner that's become more of a liability than I had anticipated.
Velrin seems unphased by her words.
Iphindra looks up worriedly.
Mildred the Cruel says: She had the gall to claim the right to take part in the Hyldsmeet, our sacred competition of strength and fighting prowess.
[Iphindra]: Ho- how dare! A very important tradition like this!
Mildred the Cruel says: I'll need you to kill her, obviously.
Cressidha scoffs dismissively.
Mildred the Cruel says: Here's the key to her shackles. But… make it as painless as possible. She's a female after all, even if not one of us.
[Velrin]: It's what I do best.
Iphindra looks at Illusion-Dane.
Dane nods once, silent as ever.
[Velrin]: My blades are swift and unerring. Do not worry, Lady Mildred.
[Erixa]: We will make sure she dies quick and no pain. *Erixa nods*
Erixa whispers, "Thank the Light, we are done."
[Dane]: Aye. No more errands for that witch. Let's return.
[Velrin]: Indeed.
[Iphindra]: We got the key! *She says excitedly.*
[Dane]: Oi. We've got the key.
Lok'lira looks deeply relieved, and offers a small smile.
Lok’lira the Crone says: I knew you'd be back! Get me out of these shackles and I'll help you find the goblin.
Dane nods once and steps forward to unlock the shackles.
[Velrin]: I shall be glad to cease aiding these strange blue vrykul.
Once the shackles are off, she massages the flesh where the metal bound her and nods.
Dane grunts.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Excellent. There's an exit in the eastern end of the mine that leads to Brunnhildar Village. Follow it and I'll meet you there.
Dane knits his brow.
Lok’lira the Crone says: We must not be seen together so no one suspects you of aiding me. I'll use my magic to disguise my appearance. Do not worry- we'll find your friend in no time.
Iphindra nods at Lok'lira the Crone.
[Erixa]: Wait, we're just meant to trust you?
Iphindra would undo her nod if she could because the others aren't nodding.
[Dane]: We have so far. I warrant Lok'lira knows the price of betraying us.
[Cressidha]: I did not see Zeev in these mines.
Dane says evenly, staring up at the crone.
Lok’lira the Crone says: I trusted you, did I not? And I give you my word, I will help you.
Cressidha nods to Lok'lira.
[Dane]: That'll have to be enough for now.
Velrin crosses her arms and steps behind Dane to back him up. Big blue bruiser lady.
[Iphindra]: We take your word!
[Dane]: Let's move. We're due east.
Cressidha's fingers twitch as she looks up at Mildred on the balcony, but fortunately, Mildred is not observing them as they run by without having killed the lady they said they would kill.
[Dane]: Bloody hell.
[Dane]: They've an entire village hidden in these mountains.
Iphindra takes a long, deep breath as they exit the mine.
[Dane]: Oi.
Atley points at Zeev Fizzlespark.
[Erixa]: Whoa.
[Dane]: He's alive.
[Iphindra]: He is!
[Dane]: Don't approach. We may spoil our cover.
[Velrin]: Thank Elune.
[Erixa]: He looks so tiny next to the hyldnir.
[Cressidha]: Lok'lira?
The illusionist looks more blue.
[Erixa]: You look… more blue.
[Iphindra]: Your disguise!
[Dane]: The disguise has worked, I warrant.
Lok’lira the Crone says: I told you I was a Yrkvinn. Yes, it is me.
[Dane]: Wot's next?
Lok’lira the Crone says: I trust that's the green little one you've been looking for. If I were you I'd step in before that Hyldnir splits him in half.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Of course, you can't simply pick him up and flee. If that were the case, none of this subterfuge would have been necessary.
Dane glances around at all the fighting.
Lok’lira the Crone says: You've arrived in the middle of the Hyldsmeet, so all challenges must be accepted by participants.
[Velrin]: Well what are we waiting for? *she draws her weapons*
[Dane]: Velrin, you make the challenge.
[Dane]: I doubt they'll honor it if we all jump in.
[Velrin]: Gladly *she grins wickedly*
Lok’lira the Crone says: Wait. Strategy, my eager new friends.
Dane grunts and looks to Lok'lira.
Lok’lira the Crone says: You will not simply fight every Hyldnir in the tournament and then claim a goblin.
Cressidha nods. "There may be formalities involved we do not know."
Lok’lira the Crone says: The goblin is set up as a contestant, though I suspect it is more for amusement than any desire to do so on his part.
Lok’lira the Crone says: However - replacements are allowed. I would suggest you take his place.
Iphindra nods at Lok'lira the Crone.
Dane nods to Velrin.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Then his duty is fulfilled, and you may take him with you, still under disguise.
[Velrin]: Very well. Either way I have complete confidence in my abilities.
Cressidha nods.
[Dane]: Anything else we ought to know?
Lok’lira the Crone says: My magic is strong, so the illusion should not fail. If all goes well, and you'd like to continue our acquaintance, come to speak to me afterward.
[Dane]: You've been a useful contact so far.
Lok'lira glances at Cressidha. "It has turned out rather well for me, after all."
Cressidha nods.
Velrin shifts her weight, eager to get to the fighting.
Iphindra smiles at Lok'lira the Crone.
[Dane]: Off we go, then.
Dane nods to Velrin. "Make it fast."
Erixa gives a subtle little wave at Zeev, who just looks confused.
Agnetta Tyrsdottar says: This puny green pup was of no use at the mines. No matter, he'll make for suitable warmup for battle.
Dane scoffs.
Velrin cracks her neck, "Funny. I thought the same thing of you."
Agnetta Tyrsdottar says: I'm not afraid of anything — bring it on!
Zeev Fizzlespark says: Thank you, thank you! Time to get away from these crazy blue women!
[Dane]: … Bloody hell, he's fast.
Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.
Erixa starts to move after Zeev, but then remembers she's a crazy blue woman.
[Dane]: Now the Alliance has a stronger bond with K3.
[Dane]: Back to the crone.
[Iphindra]: It has!
[Iphindra]: Oh!
[Erixa]: I'd like to speak to him, back at K3.
[Dane]: This'll strengthen our position in these mountains, and better enable us to take the war to the Lich King.
[Erixa]: To explain what happened.
Dane grunts.
[Iphindra]: There's a shop there! *She points at the armory.* Maybe we can take good supplies before we leave?
[Dane]: Aye, I want them all made bloody well aware that it was the Alliance that saved them.
[Dane]: A fine idea, Iphindra.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Well done, young ones. It looks like our deal has been satisfied on both our ends.
[Cressidha]: Indeed.
[Dane]: You've proven yourself true.
Lok’lira the Crone says: We might part ways here…. or we might not. *She looks over the group appraisingly.*
Lok’lira the Crone says: Whether you've noticed or not, by defeating your first Hyldnir in hand-to-hand combat, you've entered the Hyldsmeet — the great competition of Hyldnir against Hyldnir to determine who will rule by Thorim's side.
[Iphindra]: Thorim?
Dane knits his brow.
[Velrin]: Oh? As an advisor or… as a mate?
Lok’lira the Crone says: Yes, Thorim - the guardian of Ulduar and the Terrace of the Makers.
Dane idly glances up at one of the towering spire structures to the north.
Cressidha blinks.
[Dane]: Tell us more.
Lok’lira the Crone says: As a partner, I believe. The Hyldsmeet is the reason why I was imprisoned, for I sought to partake in the competition but was far too old and frail to be a match for the Hyldnir.
[Velrin]: I see…
Lok’lira the Crone says: You may not see me as old, but… as you know, Yrkvinn. If you're willing to listen, I've a proposal for you.
[Iphindra]: Wi- with age is wisdom! Not just frailty.
[Dane]: Go on, then.
Dane listens intently, thumbs cinched into his belt.
Lok’lira the Crone says: You see, Thorim is not like these harpies. He's a worthy being of near godlike stature.
Cressidha crosses her arms.
Lok’lira the Crone says: As I mentioned, he served the titans as a guardian of Ulduar and the Terrace of the Makers. That is, until his wife, Sif, was slain by his cowardly brother.
[Cressidha]: …What happened then?
Lok’lira the Crone says: Thorim lost it. He lashed out against his most beloved allies, the frost giants.
[Velrin]: I see… So it is a competition to be his mate then.
Dane grunts.
Lok’lira the Crone says: In a sense, but it gets worse. He lost his mind and lashed out, killing Arngrim, the King of the Frost Giants, whom he blamed for Sif’s murder.
[Cressidha]: Ah.
Lok’lira the Crone says: That's one reason why to this day, this land is torn apart by the war between the Hyldnir, who follow Thorim, and the Sons of Hodir, the frost giants.
Lok’lira the Crone says: That's also why Thorim has exiled himself to the Temple of Storms.
Erixa nods thoughtfully.
Dane frowns and counts off on his fingers the different factions.
Iphindra looks at where Zeev was. "S- so if he'd somehow won…"
[Velrin]: But if we win, then we can hopefully bring him back to where he's supposed to be and bring peace. Am I correct?
Lok’lira the Crone says: I really don't think that was a possibility, but you… yes, I thought you would be just the people to bring him back to his senses.
Dane grunts and looks off to the distant peaks again.
Lok’lira the Crone says: I hardly care about the ongoing fight between these she-wolves and the frost giants, but Thorim needs to rally his allies and retake Ulduar.
[Dane]: Otherwise the war against the Lich King, win or lose, will be for naught.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Exactly. This is larger than a local war, the world will be torn asunder if he fails to retake Ulduar from the corruption seeping within it.
Velrin nods "I see. I shall take part if that is what must be done."
[Dane]: And our intervention starts with partaking in this Hyldsmeet…
[Velrin]: I'll win and meet this Thorim. I swear it.
Dane growls thoughtfully. "We'll do it. But for now, we're to return and report in to K3."
[Cressidha]: Ah.
[Dane]: Have you got anything more for us 'fore we depart, Lok'lira?
Iphindra looks at Velrin, future queen of Ulduar.
Lok’lira the Crone says: Nothing further… It's settled then. You will compete in the Hyldsmeet and with my help you'll restore great Thorim to his rightful place.
Lok’lira the Crone says: You have some time before the next round of matches begins, but do not tarry too long.
[Dane]: Let's return to K3, you lot.
[Dane]: Check in on that goblin.
Velrin looks a little disappointed, but she hides it well, "Very well. I shall return when it is time."
Dane sticks two fingers in his mouth and produces a sharp whistle. Thoras, the gryphon, comes flying in.
Cressidha nods. "Will our illusions fade when we depart?"
Atley peers at Lok'lira the Crone searchingly.
Erixa whistles and the gryphon comes flying.
Iphindra calls for her gryphon.
Lok’lira the Crone says: I cannot sustain it for infinite distance. By the time you get to K3, it will have faded.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: Farewell, and watch yourself.
[Iphindra]: And when we come back, it will begin again?
Cressidha gets on her carpet.
Dane waits for the answer to Iphindra's question.
Lok'lira nods.
[Dane]: Let's fly!
[Iphindra]: Okay, thank you!
[Dane]: Let's return the supplies we scavenged, and check in.
[Dane]: Gretchen, we found him. Sent him this way. Has he returned?
Dane growls as he starts emptying his proverbial pockets.
Cressidha sets down a couple of boxes.
Zeev, looking a little the worse for wear, is resting in a hammock near Gretchen. He raises his head and looks at the newcomers curiously.
Gretchen Fizzlespark says: Yes! You really found him! I don't know how to thank you. I could even give you money.
Iphindra drops a few boxes as well.
Velrin sets down her share along with the others.
Gretchen Fizzlespark says: Thanks for the supplies, too. Every little bit helps us keep our feet around here.
[Dane]: That'll do. As long as you remember that it was the Alliance, via Cobalt Company, who solidified your holdings here.
Zeev looks confused.
[Cressidha]: Zeev, you may not recognize us. We were under illusion.
[Cressidha]: Do you recall the five identical-looking women?
Dane looks to Zeev. "We were those five hylnd — the bloody blue ones."
Zeev says: It was a bunch of blue ladies, took my place and got me free…
Zeev says: That was… you? *His eyes widen*
Dane grunts
Cressidha nods.
Zeev says: Whoa.
[Cressidha]: Velrin, here, fought for your freedom.
[Iphindra]: And she won!
Dane steps back and gestures to Velrin.
Zeev says: Thanks, I thought those women were going to make a skewer out of me.
Iphindra also steps away to let the goblin see Velrin.
Zeev sits up and looks gratefully at Velrin.
Velrin stands tall and proud, "I'm never one to turn down a chance to demonstrate my skills."
Zeev says: You can do it on my behalf anytime, sweets.
Dane half-lids his eyes.
[Dane]: Blue Squad, outside for a debrief.
Iphindra's eyes are wide open as she looks at Zeev, then Velrin, then back to Zeev.
Cressidha follows after Dane.
[Erixa]: This was… difficult day. But we learn more, and we saved a goblin.
Iphindra nods at Erixa.
Velrin chuckles at Zeev and walks off.
[Dane]: Grim work today. Fortunate that we saw the fruits of it so swiftly. It helped us learn of a greater threat in these mountains.
[Dane]: We've already accomplished our objective, the support of the goblins in K3.
[Dane]: Unless you've anything for me, you are all dismissed. Velrin, stand by for a word.
Erixa nods at Dane.
Velrin raises an eyebrow, "Very well."
[Iphindra]: W- we did… a lot of work today.
Cressidha hesitates.
Iphindra looks at everyone, then steps inside the inn.
Iphindra stands at attention and salutes.
Dane looks to Cressidha. "Would you like to stay back and stay somming'?"
Iphindra turns around to listen.
[Cressidha]: I… I am uncertain if I can find the words right now.
[Dane]: I am willing to meet with you in private between now and our next foray in these mountains.
[Dane]: I'll also not be offended if you'd prefer to seek the ear of Captain Jocoza.
[Cressidha]: Thank you, Dane. I shall think on it.
[Dane]: I'll be available.
Dane nods once.
Erixa nods, and heads into the inn.
Iphindra nods in the conversation's direction, looking at Cressidha.
Cressidha nods. "Give Ivri my regards." She turns and walks away.
Dane grunts and nods.
[Velrin]: You wished to speak?
Dane looks to Velrin. "Your tabard's missing. Have you been provided one?"
Iphindra goes inside the inn, to give Velrin and Dane's privacy.
[Velrin]: Oh, no. I suppose I've just been going on without one.
[Dane]: I must request that next time you have it equipped and in good condition. I expect it all of all squad mates, and have insisted it with some resistance in the past.
[Dane]: It would be unfair of me to expect differently of you, despite our friendship.
Velrin stifles a groan, "They aren't very comfortable you know. And they have a tendency to get caught up around my legs…"
Dane grunts. "I understand. Nevertheless, they are mandatory when conducting official Company duty. Here, the individual does not exist. Merely the group."
[Dane]: I would have this sigil strike fear in the hearts of our enemies. Courage, in the hearts of our friends.
Dane taps his Cobalt Company tabard.
Velrin eyes up Dane, but smiles at his last remark, "Fine, you win. I'll do it, though I will petition we tailor some more practical versions in the future."
Dane nods. "I'll see that info passed along. Thank you." He grunts. "And you handled yourself well up there. I knew you would."
[Dane]: I'll have you know Karson's been slobbering all over that bloody zoo you provided for him.
Velrin chuckles, "I'm happy to hear he likes them."
Dane grunts. "Have you anything for me 'fore I bugger off?"
[Velrin]: Nothing much I don't think. Just know that I do not choose to don colors lightly. I trust that you will not disappoint me. *The phrasing seems like a question, but Velrin clearly meant it as a statement. Dane will not disappoint her. She offers a hand for him to shake.*
Dane steps forward to accept the hand, giving it a firm clasp and a shake. "I trust in that, also. Farewell."
Velrin gives him a solid slap on the shoulder, "Farewell."
Dane grunts, and mounts Thoras, flying off to Dalaran.
Iphindra is in a corner of the inn, in an intensely deep-looking slumber. The plants on her have slithered their way on the walls and the ground around her.