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| Details |
| Author: | Alli |
| Summary: | Blue Squad concludes the Hyldsmeet tournament on drake-back and finally meets the mysterious Thorim atop the Temple of Storms. A Cobalt pep talk gets Thorim back on track, and the squad helps him reach out to old friends he's wronged. Velrin looks a lot like a lost lover. Dane works with some interesting metal. Marina fights fire elementals. Cressidha does skillful diplomacy. Iphindra and Erixa have a snowball fight. ~6000 words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Arc: Season 12
Blue Squad gathers at K3.
[Dane]: Vindicator.
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, Dane, Erixa.
[Erixa]: Afternoon, Dane, Cressidha.
Dane chews on a rather large piece of jerky. He grunts around it. "Aye, aye, hullo' —" he cuts off and looks to Cressidha.
[Dane]: You look a bit different, don't you.
[Erixa]: New dress?
Cressidha looks down and sighs. "Ah, yes. I've been having difficulty with the dyes once again. The more I imbue the frostweave, the less the colors seem to take."
[Cressidha]: But I ran out of time, so here we are.
[Dane]: Warm in that, are you?
Dane asks between shredding pieces of meat with his teeth.
[Cressidha]: I am.
[Erixa]: Well, warm is good. And you would look nice in bright color.
Dane looks to Erixa. "Wot' about you, then?"
[Erixa]: Hm? Oh, you mean am I different? I do not think so.
[Erixa]: Same armor!
[Dane]: No, I mean to ask if you're warm enough.
[Dane]: This biting cold makes Elwynn's winter seem like a fall day.
Erixa nods. "I have been colder places, but… not many. Still, I will endure."
Cressidha holds up a hand to call up a swirl of warm air around them. It lingers for a short while before the biting cold of Northrend begins to kick back in.
Erixa smiles her thanks at Cressidha.
Dane grunts and looks to the mountains. He looks back to Cressidha and nods, long hair swaying in the warm wind.
[Dane]: I warrant today's the day, then.
[Erixa]: The day we finish tournament? Do you think we will ever tell these Hyldnir who we really are?
[Dane]: Mm. In time. Doubt they'll take kindly to our interference. Especially my own, as a man.
[Cressidha]: I fear they would condemn Dane, yes.
[Dane]: I'd have them join the Alliance in some way. Any way.
[Erixa]: They do not seem much to like men, it is true. Maybe the four of us can convince.
[Cressidha]: It is an absurd difference to divide one's society by, in my opinion.
Dane takes another bite from his jerky as he nods mildly. "They know the land and together they would be a mighty fighting force. It's well that we've contacted them 'fore the Horde."
Erixa nods at Cressidha. "The night elves do some things along these lines too, though not the same…. negativity."
[Erixa]: Hello, Velrin!
[Cressidha]: Velrin, good afternoon.
[Dane]: The elves have roles for their genders, but these folk don't seem to have more than one gender. How do they reproduce?
[Dane]: Hullo' then, Velrin.
[Erixa]: I have thoughts, but not good thoughts on that.
[Velrin]: Greetings all of you.
Cressidha swooshes another gust of warm wind around them. "Iphindra, good afternoon."
[Dane]: Mm. Warrant it's those vrykul prisoners, do you?
[Erixa]: Maybe if we connect them to Alliance, they will see error of ways.
Iphindra clearly just woke up. "Hi, I'm sorry! I am ready now!"
Dane asks of Erixa before he nods at Iphindra with a grunt.
Iphindra looks at Erixa. Is she the reason she has thoughts but not good thoughts? Oh no.
[Cressidha]: Water, anyone?
Erixa grimaces at Dane, and then smiles at Iphindra. "Oh, hello Iphindra!"
[Iphindra]: Yes, please!
[Erixa]: Water is always appreciated.
Cressidha passes them some water that is not pie.
Dane briefly shakes his head to Cressidha before he looks to Iphindra and grunts.
Erixa thanks Cressidha.
[Velrin]: Greetings everyone.
Iphindra looks doe-eyed at Erixa. Erixa is smiling. Iphindra is confused.
[Dane]: We've a long day ahead of us, I warrant. Let's mount up and get to Loklira.
Cressidha mounts up.
Iphindra nods at Atley.
Dane marches off and whispers for Thoras. The gryphon swoops down, and Atley climbs aboard.
Iphindra calls her gryphon.
Erixa calls for Snowball.
They fly!
Dane lands, still chewing jerky.
Lok'lira says: You return, my allies! Are you prepared for the Drakkensryd?
Dane grunts and nods.
[Iphindra]: Yes! *She shakes her head a little.*
Lok'lira says: You will need skill, courage and a little luck. To that last, I have something for you.
Lok'lira peers over the team, and then points at Velrin.
Atley eyes Velrin up and down.
Velrin stands up taller.
Lok'lira takes out what appears to be a strand of hair, and reaches through the illusion to attach it to Velrin's. She nods, satisfied.
Cressidha looks a little curious, but nods. Lucky hair. She's seen stranger.
Lok'lira says: That should be enough. You cannot fail now. Speak to Gretta the Arbiter. She'll see you on your way.
[Cressidha]: We shall.
[Dane]: Let's get to it then, you lot.
Velrin eyes her but nods, "Very well. We go."
[Iphindra]: Maybe we should take the magical abilities of the hair after the tournament! Maybe we can make luck dust to enchant all of us!
Dane grunts dubiously.
Atley points at Gretta the Arbiter.
[Erixa]: Oh, do you think so? That could be good. I can do with some luck.
[Cressidha]: Sister.
Gretta the Arbiter says: I take it you're here to enter the Drakkensryd?
Cressidha says confidently, "We are."
Gretta the Arbiter says: Then there's no more to be said. Are you ready to ride, sister? There is no coming back.
Cressidha nods.
[Velrin]: It is the others who will not be coming back. We shall prevail.
[Erixa]: Yes. *Erixa nods*
Gretta the Arbiter says: This is it. You've passed all the tests of the Hyldsmeet… all but one. You've risen among our sisters' best and fiercest.
[Erixa]: We are ready!
[Iphindra]: We are very strong like this, yes!
Gretta the Arbiter says: The final test is at hand. The Drakkensryd - the true test of a Hyldnir's worth and warrior spirit. It'll be you, your riding drake, a chained harpoon and a score of your sisters vying for dominance.
Gretta the Arbiter says: Show no quarter. None will be expected.
Iphindra nods at Gretta.
Erixa salutes Gretta the Arbiter with respect.
Cressidha nods. "Soon you shall have a new champion."
[Velrin]: I never do.
Cressidha clasps Velrin's shoulder in solidarity.
Everyone is given a drake to ride. They don't have to fight for these. Free drakes.
It's a long flight up to the pinnacle of the Temple of Storms.
As the squad gets closer, they see dozens of drake-mounted hyldnir with harpoons circling the temple, just like their own drakes begin doing.
Dane climbs aboard his proto-drake, twisting the harpoon in his hand before he tosses it around, getting accustomed to its weight. Once in the air, he sits up his stirrups and flings it at a competing rider, swinging himself aboard their drake with a grunt!
Erixa rides her drake easily, finding the balance of the harpoon. Her expression is tense and eager as the Cobalt team's drakes merge with the circling competition.
Dane dispatches his foe with a few strokes of his sword and bashes of his shield, headbutting the larger hyldnir off, letting them fall to their death far below. WIth a growl, he takes the reins.
Velrin grins, flashing her fangs. She hefts her harpoon a few times, stands up on her drake, and gets ready to take aim.
Iphindra easily throws her harpoon at one of the proto-drakes, but the actual fight is a lot harder for her. She struggles against the Hyldnir, fighting with her spear at such a close range. She takes a few hits.
Cressidha looks at her harpoon, which she might not quite be strong enough to use effectively. She brings her own ice barrier up just in time as another hyldnir's harpoon strikes her from behind, and she twists in her saddle and meets the incoming hyldnir with a fan of flames to the face. She spends her entire ride up defending herself and has no time to attack another.
Dane tugs on his reins to get in closer to Iphindra. He tries to fly over her in a barrel roll to decapitate her foe with his sword.
Velrin launches her harpoon as soon as she's found her mark and leaps off towards her new foe. She quickly slips her blades between the Hyldnir's vertebrae and throws her off of the drake.
Erixa hurls her harpoon at an enemy rider, and then leaps, swinging over to land behind the hyldnir competitor. Light blazes around her as she and the Hyldnir fight. The other woman looks surprised when Erixa pauses to heal herself mid-fight. In the end, Erixa is triumphant, and she rides the drake in towards the top of the temple to reunite with the others.
Iphindra's plants almost automatically throw themselves at the Hyldnir and attack her, as Iphindra attempts to protect herself with her arms, tears in her eyes. As the Hyldnir is forced to drop her weapon by the vines, Dane sweeps in and finishes her off.
Velrin leaps from one drake to the next like a woman possessed, leaving no one spared in her wake. Before long she climbs high enough to land atop the tower.
Dane gets fired upon by an enemy with a harpoon, and as they leap towards him in mid air, he slices the chain! They overshoot with a cry of surprise and go flying off into a cloud.
Cressidha scrambles over the lip of the temple and hurries inward, out of harpoon range.
[Erixa]: We are victorious! Right?
[Velrin]: I think we are… *she peers past Erixa at the figure in the distance* Is that…
Erixa nods at Velrin. "That must be him."
Iphindra is looking in truly bad shape as she falls to her knees on the temple's ground. She's panting, and the plants around her cover her wounds, slowly healing her.
Dane hops off of his drake with a 'clang' of armor, and takes a moment to get his bearings.
[Dane]: Aye… looks that way.
[Dane]: Ought to approach a kingly sort from the front.
Atop the Temple of Storms is a giant throne; seated in it is a giant man.
[Dane]: We all in one piece, are we?
Dane asks, looking to Iphindra.
Cressidha offers Iphindra a hand up.
[Iphindra]: Y- yes!
Erixa checks herself to make sure, and nods.
[Dane]: Gather your rest. I warrant we may need it.
Iphindra smiles at Cressidha. "Tha- thank you." She takes her hand.
Cressidha helps her to her feet. "Of course."
[Velrin]: Never better, Sir Dane. *she wipes some blood off of herself. Not her own, naturally*
[Dane]: Right then.
Dane growls, wiping blood off of his sword. "'Fore we do this, keep smart. He may be able to see right through us."
[Dane]: But we earned our way here.
[Cressidha]: Understood.
Velrin nods.
[Iphindra]: I- I'll be ready to heal if we need it!
[Erixa]: He will respect that. *Erixa does not sound certain*
Cressidha looks at Thorim. She looks at Velrin.
Velrin glances at Cress.
[Dane]: Let's have at it, then.
Thorim looks even bigger as they approach, because that's how perspective works.
Cressidha looks at Thorim again. She looks at Velrin. Measuring.
Cressidha cannot see through the illusions, so the size comparison is… not as bad as it will be.
Thorim looks over the team, and then his gaze locks on Velrin.
Iphindra looks at the giant in front of them, visibly intimidated.
He continues to stare at her in confusion for a long, awkward moment.
Dane stays in the middle of the pack, silent.
Thorim says: Sif… is that you? Is it truly you?
Velrin frowns a little and shakes her head, "No. My name is Velrin. I come from the Hyldnir. I have fought hard to come here and meet you."
Atley raises his eyebrow inquisitively at Velrin.
Cressidha says quietly to the others, "Sif was his wife. Does he not… can he not tell?"
Iphindra looks at the others, surprised by Velrin's answer.
Thorim says: No? *Thorim peers closely at Velrin, and then realization dawns as his gaze pierces the disguise. You're not one of them, though. You're kaldorei. But for a moment…
[Iphindra]: Maybe… it's been a very long time. Sometimes we forget.
Dane slightly shakes his head in faint confusion to Cressidha.
Thorim says: Enough of this! The visions of my Sif have tormented me for far too long. It is time for me to avenge her, and to bring honor to her memory.
[Velrin]: So you can see through the spell… Nevertheless I have come here in hopes of speaking to you.
Cressidha looks impressed that Thorim knows what a kaldorei is.
[Dane]: She braved the challenges to come here.
Dane says, at last.
Thorim says: Yes, I can see that. You must have gone through the Hyldsmeet, all of you, while I remained here…
Iphindra nods at Thorim.
Thorim says: I should explain.
Dane grunts.
Thorim says: For a moment I thought you were my beloved Sif… that strand of hair… but no!
Thorim says: But I know now that truly can't be. Sif is dead…. My… my brother Loken…. killed her! And when I succumbed to my grief and rage, he seized control of Ulduar!
[Velrin]: But you might yet claim it back!
Erixa murmurs to Dane, "Loken? Same Loken mentioned in newsletter?"
[Velrin]: Please! The fate of Azeroth is in your hands. We beg of you.
[Cressidha]: Corruption seeps through Ulduar. It must be retaken.
Thorim says: Perhaps you are right. Ulduar… I was sworn to protect Ulduar. Sworn to protect the Terrace of the Makers. Sworn to protect the pacts between the races of frost.
Dane knits his brow.
Thorim says: But can I claim it back? I have already failed! I let my brother trick me. I let him turn me against my allies. He tricked me into blaming Sif's death on a dear friend, Arngrim, the king of the frost giants.
Thorim says: After I realized what I'd done… I… gave in to despair.
[Dane]: There is still hope. Anything can be reclaimed.
[Velrin]: Your story is a tragic one, Lord Thorim. My heart bleeds for you, truly. I know all too well how it feels to lose a loved one, but you may still carry on to protect this world.
Dane says, cinching his thumbs into his belt as he peers up at the giant.
[Cressidha]: And how long have you been consumed by that despair? Long enough, I believe. Something must be done.
[Erixa]: It is never too late to try to put things right.
[Velrin]: And we shall aid you in this. Allow us to help you retake Ulduar. Let us be your blades.
Thorim looks down on them in thunderous anger for a moment, but then it fades. "Perhaps your presence here is a sign. Perhaps not all is lost."
[Iphindra]: If- If I may… it's maybe time to regrow fro- from there. We are here to help you me- melt that snow over you, so you can be back, stronger!
Dane looks to Iphindra and nods before he looks back to Thorim, thumbs still in his belt.
Thorim sighs, resting one hand on his throne. "If I can be stronger. If things can be mended. But still, it was no accident that I mistook you for Sif, little elf. What would she think of me?"
Velrin smiles over at Iphindra then looks up at Thorim expectantly.
Thorim says: I must avenge her death and liberate the titans' sacred grounds from my brother's madness! And you… all of you… I call upon you to assist me in setting these wrongs to right.
Dane faintly raises his bushy brows, looking to Velrin.
Velrin kneels before Thorim.
Erixa glances uncertainly at Velrin and follows suit.
Erixa kneels before Thorim.
[Velrin]: Thank you, Lord Thorim. We shall not fail you.
Dane bows instead of kneeling, but he does hold it with respect.
Iphindra waits for Dane to kneel to kneel. He is the squad leader. And since he doesn't kneel, she bows too.
Cressidha bows for what she considers to be the appropriate length of time.
Iphindra bows before Thorim.
Thorim says: So much has gone wrong… where to start? If I hope to wrest control of the Temple of the Makers from my brother, I must make amends with my old allies.
[Erixa]: Old allies? *Erixa looks up, not totally clear on whether she can stop kneeling yet or not*
[Dane]: The frosted folk.
Thorim says: The frost giants. *Thorim nods* I started this war against them, accusing them of killing my beloved Sif. And now the Hyldnir continue it…
Thorim says: Perhaps by eliminating a common enemy, we may at least take a step towards renewing my friendship with the frost giants.
[Iphindra]: A-a common enemy?
Thorim says: Yes. Fjorn has besieged Dun Niffelem with giants of iron. You must defeat him at Fjorn's Anvil, far to the east of here, and weaken his forces sufficiently for the Sons of Hodir to emerge victorious.
[Cressidha]: Who is Fjorn?
Thorim says: A fire giant - sworn enemy to the frost giants.
[Velrin]: Yes, who is this Fjorn? Forgive us, but we know little about the situation beyond how dire it is.
Cressidha nods.
[Erixa]: You say we must… will you not help? It would be better for forging friendship.
[Cressidha]: We will do as you say, but how are they to know we act on your behalf?
Thorim's brow furrows with anger at the impertinence, but then he says, "I cannot this time, but I can give you a charm to summon the Earthen to your aid. When they see the Earthen, they will know from whom they come."
[Dane]: They will know we are in your service.
Dane says with a nod of appeasement.
Cressidha nods.
Velrin rises, "Good. That will be sufficient then."
Iphindra notices Thorim's temper. She nods. "We- we will fight for your people!"
Erixa nods sharply, rising to her feet.
[Dane]: We'll see to it.
Atley bows before Thorim.
Iphindra bows before Thorim.
Cressidha bows as well before departing with the others.
[Velrin]: Thank you, Lord Thorim. *Velrin bows*
[Dane]: This task's grown from establishing Alliance ties with a simple goblin outpost. We cannot neglect this front regardless of any victory we'll have against the Lich King.
[Erixa]: What do you think of Thorim? Is good ally?
Velrin seems to smile and shake her head at herself.
Cressidha unpacks and rolls out her carpet again.
Erixa nods at Dane.
[Dane]: He's no god, but be bloody may well be one, powerful as he is. I doubt he'll get involved with Horde and Alliance partisan affairs, but his success may well mean the saving of this world.
[Iphindra]: Um… Cr- Cressidha?
Dane whistles for Thoras, the gryphon hovering near the edge. Dane climbs aboard and looks to the others.
[Cressidha]: Yes?
Erixa considers that, and then nods again. "I hope he will not give in to despair again."
[Iphindra]: Maybe we should look at what magic is inside the hair strand? It was for good luck, bu- but it ended looking like his lover's…
Dane grunts to support that inquiry.
Iphindra gets on her gryphon as she speaks.
[Cressidha]: Ah, yes. Velrin, may I have that? We can examine it later.
[Cressidha]: Or would you prefer to keep it for now? For luck.
[Erixa]: At least it did not do anything harmful to Velrin.
[Velrin]: Of course. *she hands Cress the hair*
Cressidha puts it carefully away in a sample vial and nods.
[Iphindra]: I- I also can infuse things with magic, or take from them… bu- but not the Arcane ones!
[Cressidha]: Thank you.
[Iphindra]: Okay, I am ready!
[Dane]: Let's fly!
[Dane]: These'd be the giants, I warrant. Iron.
[Iphindra]: Li- like machines!
[Velrin]: Indeed. *she brandishes her blades*
[Cressidha]: …Curious.
[Erixa]: No disguise out here. *Erixa says, looking happily at her own armor.*
[Dane]: Let's get into the war.
[Cressidha]: Shall we call the Earthen?
Iphindra makes vines sprout under Velrin's feet and wrap gently around wounds, their leaves soothing the pain.
[Dane]: Not the most talkative bastards are they…
[Cressidha]: They are not.
[Dane]: Mm? Wot's this.
Dane stomps back towards the fallen Iron Giant and recovers the Slag Covered Metal.
Beneath its porous exterior, the hunk of metal gleams with a mysterious quality.
Cressidha tosses out Marina's bracers.
[Dane]: Have a look at this. Some strange metal, but it's covered in slag.
Dane holds it up for the others to see.
Erixa peers at it. "Does not look like saronite."
[Iphindra]: Hmmm…
Iphindra doesn't know much about rocks.
Marina takes form and immediately hisses in the direction of a Seething Revenant, a fire elemental-type creature.
Cressidha shrugs.
Dane shakes it around. "I've a mind to see wot' it can do. These fire elementals may've properties that can purify this sample."
Erixa waves at Marina.
Iphindra smiles at Marina.
Marina waves back. She readies some splashy water and looks at Cressidha. Can she fight? Can she?
Dane looks to Marina. "Aye, she's got the right idea. Wot'ever this is, it may prove crucial for the war effort."
[Velrin]: Exactly my thinking, Sir Dane. I'd like to see what's underneath all that slag.
[Dane]: The elementals die now, too.
Dane pockets the slag covered metal, for now.
Cressidha walks carefully across the frozen lake.
[Erixa]: I wonder if Marina will like frost giants.
Dane reaches for a piece from the fallen Revenant. "Aye. These will do, but I need a great deal more."
[Dane]: Looks to be a fortification here.
[Dane]: Let's press on.
Cressidha nods.
Marina seems greatly enthusiastic to hurl splashy water at fire elementals.
Iphindra makes vines sprout under Dane's feet and wrap gently around wounds, their leaves soothing the pain.
[Dane]: If that's not Fjorn, I dunno' who is.
[Cressidha]: Ah.
Cressidha gets smacked off her feet by a stormforged iron giant's appropriately-sized hammer.
Iphindra makes vines sprout under Cressidha's feet and wrap gently around wounds, their leaves soothing the pain.
[Erixa]: Cressidha, are you alright?
[Cressidha]: Ah. Yes. Iphindra got to me quickly.
Iphindra makes vines sprout under Erixa's feet and wrap gently around wounds, their leaves soothing the pain.
[Dane]: Bloody hell.
Dane eyes Cressidha for a moment before he presses on.
Iphindra seems razor-focused on the fighting.
Iphindra blows flower petals at Dane, the scent bringing comfort and sweet whispers from nature spirits.
Dane narrowly hops out of the way of the falling Iron Giants!
[Dane]: Alright, then. The big one, now.
[Velrin]: A worthy foe, eh Sir Dane? *she smirks*
Dane scoffs lightly. "If I had a silver coin for every foe felled that claimed to be some sort of god, I'd be a wealthy man."
Cressidha calls, "Fjorn! Thorim sends his Earthen to ensure your fall!" She activates the charm.
[Erixa]: Good thinking! And the others will hear and know.
Dane squints over at the smoldering terrain.
Iphindra nods at Erixa.
[Dane]: There's an anvil there. S'how he makes his soldiers…
The Earthen disperse shortly after Fjorn hits the ground.
[Cressidha]: Hm.
[Velrin]: Well fought everyone.
[Dane]: If I get enough sparks from these elementals, I should be able to investigate the metal we recovered.
[Cressidha]: Indeed.
Cressidha nods to Dane.
Marina burbles enthusiastically.
[Erixa]: Let's keep at it, then? Would hate to leave mystery still mystery.
[Velrin]: Let's get to it then.
[Iphindra]: Le- let's find these!
[Dane]: Aye. T'may be prove useful.
[Dane]: Let's take to the air and scout 'round.
Marina drips ALL OVER Cressidha's carpet.
Marina throws splashy water at the fire elementals with great prejudice.
Lots of violence against fire elementals happens.
[Dane]: That'll do, I warrant.
[Dane]: Let's return to that anvil.
Cressidha nods.
Cressidha collects Marina's bracers.
[Dane]: Alright then. Give me all you've gathered.
The anvil is engulfed in fiery steam.
[Erixa]: Wow, can you get close enough to the anvil?
[Erixa]: So hot!
Cressidha calls up her fire ward on top of her ice barrier.
Erixa hands over her gathered sparks to Dane.
Velrin hands her sparks over to Dane.
[Dane]: Close enough. Most of it looks to be an enchantment.
Cressidha hands hers over as well.
Iphindra hands the furious sparks to Dane.
[Cressidha]: We'll keep the elementals at bay while you figure this out.
Erixa shimmers with Light for a moment, and then seems a little more comfortable in the heat.
Dane places the metal on the anvil and then tosses the sparks. They work at the ore furiously. When at last they burn out, the squad is left with a large piece of metal that gleams with a light of its own.
Iphindra fans herself. This place really is hot. She's not used to those temperatures anymore. Some of the frosted on her head defrost.
Dane reaches for the gleaming ore and hisses as he removes it from the anvil, tossing it back and forth between his hands as he starts to back up from the flaming anvil.
[Dane]: It's bloody cold.
[Erixa]: What is it?
[Cressidha]: Oh?
[Erixa]: Huh. Cold metal.
[Dane]: I've not come across this ore, 'fore.
Dane says, holding it up for the others to see. "It's got its own light within."
[Iphindra]: Co-cold ? After leaving this anvil?
[Velrin]: Interesting. Perhaps Thorim will know more of it?
[Erixa]: If it is cold… frost giant thing, maybe? Magical cold.
[Cressidha]: Curious. Quick, let us leave this place before the elementals rally again.
[Dane]: Strange magic. We've slaughtered enough of Fjorn's lackeys.
Iphindra nods at Cressidha.
Dane nods.
[Dane]: We'll relay our victory against his enemies, and then discuss the ore.
Iphindra nods at Atley.
They fly back to the Temple of Storms.
[Dane]: Mighty Thorim! We return.
Drakes and their hyldnir riders continue to swarm around the Temple of Storms, but by now there is no longer any combat. They appear to be guarding their master after the Hyldsmeet has come to an end, the infighting ceased.
[Dane]: We have slain Fjorn, and his Iron Giants. We used your earthen servants to carry your banner.
Thorim nods, and then peers at Dane more closely.
Cressidha bows.
[Dane]: We also found this.
Thorim says: What do you have there, little one?
Dane produces the shining ore, and marches forward, holding it out. "I've a knowledge of smithing, but I don't know wot' it is."
Thorim's stern countenance brightens with recognition as Dane presents the ore.
Tiny Dane steps forward and offers it to Thorim.
Thorim, for the first time since we met him, smiles.
Iphindra looks curiously at the ore, then at Thorim.
Thorim says: This is all beginning to have the smell of fate's hand.
Thorim says: Your discovery is what remains of my armor, long ago cast off in a fit of grief and left to the elements. Only the Sons of Hodir are capable of its reforging, for they are its original creators.
Dane grunts inquisitively and steps back.
Thorim says: Perhaps you've done enough to soften their hatred of me. Seek out their king, Jokkum, if he still breathes. Find your way into his good graces and plead for his assistance.
[Dane]: We shall.
Thorim says: If you succeed, perhaps this is one more thing I destroyed in my grief that may be mended.
Velrin smiles, "We are glad to be of aid."
Cressidha smiles faintly.
[Dane]: Let's ride, you lot.
Cressidha bows to Thorim again, as is proper, before she departs.
The frost giants are not hostile when the group lands in their territory.
Dane hails Halvdan. "We come in peace. Sent by Thorim, we would speak with your king."
Halvdan peers down at the tiny people skeptically. "You can try, if he will speak to you."
Dane grunts and nods.
King Jokkum seems to permit them to approach. He has an absolutely huge wolf or worg or something hanging out next to him.
Dane raises his brows at the size of Oloh.
Iphindra gasps at the wolf. "Beautiful!"
[Dane]: Bloody terror, that…
Dane mutters as he approaches.
Erixa mouths wow.
[Dane]: Hail, King Jokkum.
Atley bows before King Jokkum.
Iphindra bows before King Jokkum.
Cressidha bows deeply to the king.
Velrin looks in wonder at the giant worg.
Erixa bows before King Jokkum.
[Dane]: We are servants of Thorim. We slew Fjorn.
Velrin bows before King Jokkum.
[Dane]: Thorim sent us to have his armor reforged by your smithmasters.
[Cressidha]: Thorim wishes to make amends for his actions.
Jokkum listens patiently to your request, then ponders it carefully before responding.
King Jokkum says: It is you we have to thank for Fjorn's demise? You must be more valiant than your size would suggest. Hm.
Dane grunts and raises his chin.
King Jokkum says: While it's true that you have aided us in our time of need, there is still much that must be done to repair our relations with Thorim.
Iphindra stands proudly. Mostly. But she's still a little intimidated by the giants.
King Jokkum says: As for the armor, I shall allow Njormeld to reforge the armor we gifted to the Stormlord so many ages ago. Consider it payment for your assistance against Fjorn.
Iphindra smiles.
King Jokkum says: We sent Njormeld to recover the anvil, once we heard of the death of Fjorn. You should be able to find him there now.
Erixa shrugs, and mutters, "Back to the anvil?"
[Dane]: Aye. I've a mind to see it again.
[Dane]: King.
Dane bows in farewell.
King Jokkum says: You may depart.
[Cressidha]: Thank you, King Jokkum.
Iphindra leaves a few berries for Oloh. Sneakily. They're tiny compared to that worg.
Iphindra bows before King Jokkum.
[Erixa]: He's a polite man.
[Iphindra]: He is!
[Dane]: Mm.
[Dane]: The frost giants've made themselves at home.
[Dane]: We seek Njormeld.
Iphindra nods at Atley.
[Erixa]: Much more peaceful here. *Erixa nods*
Njormeld says: Njormeld? You've found him! Today is a good day for you, too, I see.
[Cressidha]: We are here as envoys of Thorim, who seeks to make amends with your people. He wishes for his armor to be reforged.
[Dane]: We've come to see about reforging Thorim's armor, aye.
Njormeld says: Reforging Thorim's armor? Certainly, it can be done.
Iphindra beams.
Njormeld glances over towards the anvil.
[Velrin]: That is good news. *Vel smiles*
Njormeld says: First though, there's the matter of the anvil…
[Cressidha]: Yes?
Njormeld says: You might not have noticed, but the anvil is very hot. We're tying to cool Fjorn's anvil so it can be taken home, but the remaining fire revenants are putting up some resistance.
Dane looks over and grunts as he watches the battle unfurl.
Njormeld says: I would like you to help, but perhaps in a way to make a new friend as well.
[Dane]: Wot' would you have us do?
Njormeld says: I want to introduce you to Old Snorri. He was once the pride of our nation. A mighty warrior, many an enemy fell to his club.
Njormeld says: We honor him, though he's no longer what he once was. Age has taken its toll, dulling his senses and sapping his strength. Still, he remains as proud as ever, never missing an opportunity to join a battle.
Njormeld says: I would like you to go into battle with him. Help him relive his glory days, and make sure he comes to no harm.
Cressidha smiles. "We would be glad to do so."
[Dane]: We'll do it.
Velrin smiles warmly, "It would be our pleasure."
[Iphindra]: Yes! V- very happy to do this.
[Dane]: I warrant that old dog's still got fight left in him.
Erixa smiles widely. "Yes, this is a good thing."
[Iphindra]: I can heal him, if- if he gets hurt in any way!
[Dane]: Alright, you lot…
[Dane]: Find a place aboard him, then.
Dane growls somewhat awkwardly, but sternly, as he starts to scale the venerable Snorri.
[Cressidha]: Greetings, Snorri!
Velrin hops gracefully up onto his shoulder in a few bounds.
Cressidha raises her voice to speak to the old giant whose hearing may not be what it once was. "My name is Cressidha! Allow us to join you in battle!"
Dane just starts climbing aboard. "On we go then, you lot! Find a place!"
Snorri says: Oh? Sidha? Oh, yes, battle!
Erixa clambers up on a shoulder. "It will be glorious, Snorri!"
Iphindra climbs up the giant to his head. She sits there, and, vines start reaching for him, keeping her steady no matter what, and ready to heal him if he ever gets hurt.
Velrin leaps up onto his shoulder in a couple long bounds, "Worry not Snorri. We shall guide you into battle."
Cressidha scrambles up. It takes her a minute.
Snorri says: To battle! Together!
Snorri is happy to join in battle with Blue Squad, throwing boulder-sized snowballs at the Seething Revenants! He chuckles, happy to be of use again, despite being near blind.
Dane shakes his head in faint disbelief at their situation as he helps point out targets.
When the fire elementals lose the snowball fight, Snorri allows the squad to dismount before he curls up for a nap.
Dane climbs off of Snorri once the battle is over, leaping down into a heavy snow bank.
Iphindra is also giggly at the fight. That's her kind of fights! She picks up some of the frost from Snorri's horns and throws them at the elementals.
[Cressidha]: Good fight, Snorri! Rest well.
[Dane]: Right then. He'd be a proper ally against the Scourge.
Dane marches back to Njormeld.
Erixa chuckles. "That was a good battle, indeed."
Iphindra climbs down. "Thank you! That was fun!"
Iphindra waves at Snorri.
Njormeld says: I take it you were able to lead Snorri to another victory?
[Iphindra]: Yes!
[Cressidha]: As you saw.
[Erixa]: We won the snowball fight, for certain sure.
Njormeld says: An honorable performance. I shall inform the king of your assistance.
Velrin kisses Snorri goodnight on the head before returning to the group.
Njormeld says: The anvil is nearly cool enough. I shall see you in Dun Niffelem soon.
[Dane]: Well 'nuff. We'll see you soon.
Erixa nods at Njormeld, still smiling.
[Dane]: Blue Squad, on me,
[Dane]: There are many ways to win a war. Namely, killing your enemies, and making certain your allies surpass your number of enemies.
[Dane]: We've made substantial inroads in these frozen mountains. Somming' to be proud of. Even if this lot won't march on Icecrown with us, they think highly of the Alliance now.
Iphindra nods at Atley.
[Dane]: You lot are formally dismissed. If you wish to stay and develop stronger ties with these … folk, I'd encourage it.
[Dane]: Anything for me?
Erixa nods happily. "They do not mind who we are. We did not even have to disguise."
[Cressidha]: Good work today, everyone.
[Velrin]: Indeed.
[Erixa]: You as well, Cressidha.
[Dane]: Fine work indeed. I'd rather ally with these big f—… folk, then have to put them all to the sword.
[Velrin]: Well fought. All of you.
Iphindra nods. She looks hesitantly at the ground, then jumps down, makes a snowball and throws it at… she hesitates again. She then goes for Erixa.
Iphindra giggles, and disappears.
Velrin flinches seeing the snowball.
Cressidha calls up her ice barrier.
[Dane]: Indeed.
[Dane]: … Oi, cheeky.
Dane says in Iphindra's direction with a light-hearted growl.
Erixa twists to take the snowball on a shoulder and laughs.
[Dane]: I'm off for Dalaran. Travel well, you lot.
[Cressidha]: Would you care for a portal, Dane?
Erixa gathers up a snowball herself, looking around for footprints.
[Dane]: I'll take one, aye.
[Dane]: Be mindful of that night elf skulking about, looking to ambush with ice.
Cressidha steps aside from the snowball fight.
[Erixa]: I think I'll stay here a while longer. I have an invisible elf to catch.
Velrin sees the snowball fight forming and runs away.
Dane reaches down to scoop up a snowball, tossing it at Velrin's back.
Velrin screams.
Iphindra leaves a few footsteps as she tries to suppress a chuckle.
[Velrin]: Sir Dane!
Cressidha smiles faintly as they vanish through the portal.
Cressidha departs without engaging in the snowball fight. You don't want to challenge a frost mage to a snowball fight. It's not fair.