(2024-01-22) Horde Oeuvre: Sweet Dreams

Details

Author:	Saaron
Summary:	Briyanthe organizes another one of her charity meals. There, other Horde members gather and discuss current events, with people randomly falling asleep and not waking up. They eat human food, and apparently like it.
Rating:	T for Teen

Briyanthe rushes into the building, balancing a huge plate. She sighs in relief, seeing that no one's there yet. The bags under her eyes have bags under them.
Liyen shambles up, look a little less bright than last week. She raises a decaying hand to Briyanthe and grates, "Lady Roseshine."
Sellaine: Hm, cozy.
Briyanthe: Liyen! And um… Newcomers. Welcome! Make yourself at home. I am Lady Briyanthe, of House Roseshine!
Crimrage makes his way to the door and looks inside.
Liyen: She brings food but nothing for, you know, us. *Liyen adds in an aside to Sellaine as they enter*
Sellaine: Oh, I think I'll find plenty here to feed my curiosity, if not my insides.
Briyanthe is wearing armor. She doesn't wear armor at those things, usually.
Ephemel: That rug is staring at me…
Liyen: She's an odd lark.
Crimrage regards her. He beats a fist on his chest in greeting, "I am Crim Ragefang of the Warsong Clan. It is an honor."
Ephemel: That rug is staring at me.
Briyanthe: Oh, um… should I bring something specific for you? Is there anything the Forsaken would like, next time?
Sellaine: Lady Roseshine, I'm Lady Crawford. But you can use my given name if you like. It's Sellaine.
Liyen glances over to stare at Crim through her goggles, which she is totally wearing.
Liyen shoots a crooked grin at Briyanthe. "Oh don't worry about it."
Briyanthe: A pleasure to meet you all, Crim, Sellaine… Oh, Lady Ephemel, welcome!
Sellaine eyes Ephemel up and down.
Ephemel sighs far more dramatically than the situation calls for. "Just…Ephemel. Do I know you?"
Briyanthe: Oh, I assume. Perhaps. Yes? I mean, I am Lady Briyanthe, of House Roseshine!
Sellaine: I just love your dress, Ephemel. *Despite the gravel of the grave in her voice, the inflection suggests someone very familiar with Noble Lady Conversations.*
Ephemel gives a little shrug that does nothing to confirm whether she knows Briyanthe.
Liyen just makes a 'heh' kind of sound at Sellaine's flattery.
Briyanthe: My apologies for today's meal, with everything that is happening I… had to prepare something in a rush. *She presents… grilled cheese!* Those are a human specialty. Perhaps some of you will be familiar with those?
Ephemel looks down at her dress, then up at Sellaine. "Hm…thank you."
Crimrage grins at Briyanthe, "That sounds good to me. You have my thanks."
Sellaine: I thought I'd see more of the Coterie here, didn't you, Liyen? Seeing as how we're all about Horde Togetherness. *It's hard to tell if she's being sarcastic. Her voice is flat and dry no matter her intention.*
Liyen peers at the grilled cheese curiously, but doesn't move to take any.
Ephemel: So…this is the free luncheon, or whatever?
Liyen: Indeed. And this group is all about bonding, like I told you. *Liyen nods, very seriously.* We should advertize. Or something.
Briyanthe: What an interesting coincidence you should mention the Crimson Coterie, as the sister of its leader stands before us. *She politely bows her head at Ephemel.*
Ephemel grimaces.
Liyen stares at Ephemel now.
Briyanthe grimaces at Ephemel's grimacing.
Liyen: I don't see the resemblance.
Sellaine: I'll leave the PR to you. I'm trying to keep a low profile, thanks to You-Know-Who and his little You-Know-What. Members of the R.A.S. are not exactly popular just now.
Crimrage glances between the two women.
Ephemel smirks at Liyen. "Thank you."
Liyen grins.
Sellaine: You're Elowel's sister? I'd never have guessed.
Ephemel: I like you.
Liyen turns back to Sellaine. "Yes, well, they were all on about that last time. I'm not an alchemist, so I'm not sure why they thought I'd be interested."
Sellaine: My sister and I always looked so much alike. And then for a while we really didn't. But now I hear she's a death knight, so perhaps we look alike again.
Sellaine laughs.
Ephemel: I'm not here because of my sister. I'm just hungry…and looking for answers about this sleeping curse.
Liyen laughs at Sellaine.
Sellaine: Does anyone have answers about that?
Liyen 's expression sharpens at the mention of the sleeping curse. "Had any bad dreams lately?"
Briyanthe: Well, I'm glad to see you joining us. As for your question, indeed, the "free lunch" is my treat. For charity, you may partake in the food here, at a price you deem reasonable and which corresponds to your budget.
Sellaine: I have, and it stinks.
Crimrage grunts, "True. These… nightmares that seem to be plaguing everyone are growing more and more distressing."
Sellaine: A girl goes half a dozen years without any dreams and then the first one she gets are just absolutely wretched.
Liyen shakes her head. "We shouldn't have nightmares. That's one of the perks of rotting."
Sellaine: ones*
Sellaine: Right?
Sellaine: Oh uh, here, have some of my filthy alchemy money, if you're willing.
Sellaine hands her a gold.
Ephemel: I don't have a budget. My…roommate…is sleeping, and now we're out of food. So…I'm here. I don't mind working for a meal if needed.
Liyen glances at Ephemel. "She said donation. That means you don't have to give anything, you know."
Briyanthe chuckles. "Luckily, I enjoy some protection from these dreams, thanks to my bond with the Light. Nightly prayers keep my dreams soft and sweet!" Her smiles waver as she speaks.
Crimrage: I am more concerned about how lucid they have been. I have had visions that felt less real. That these dreams can speak louder than the spirits is distressing to say the least.
Sellaine: I think my money ought to cover the lot of us.
Ephemel sighs at Liyen. "I know. I just…hate taking handouts."
Sellaine: So I take it you're a shaman? *She peers at Crim curiously, seeming to see him despite her eye coverings.*
Briyanthe: That is very generous of you. *She takes the gold coin.* "And yes, if you wish to share with others it's perfectly fine! *She presses her lips in a forced smile.*
Ephemel eyes the grilled cheese suspiciously. But, food is food and she takes one.
Crimrage: I am. *he inclines his head as he hands Briyanthe a modestly generous sum for the food and takes a sandwich.*
You thank Crimrage.
Sellaine: I have to say, I really don't miss having to eat.
Liyen neither takes food nor gives money.
Liyen: I could do without remembering flavor, though. *Liyen grimaces.* Nightmares.
Sellaine: Mashing things into little pieces with your teeth and mixing it with drool, then passing it down a fleshy tube into a flesh-pouch of acid to be rendered into slime… they call us disgusting!
Sellaine laughs.
Ephemel takes a cautious bite of the cheesy sandwich. As she chews, her eyes widen for a moment of pure bliss.
Crimrage: So it's true that even the Forsaken have been plagued with them?
Briyanthe 's eyes widen at Sellaine's description.
Sellaine: I have, at least. Can't speak for all of us.
Briyanthe speaks to Ephemel. "My sincerest apology about today's lunch. I usually prepare traditional Sin'dorei dishes. However, I was trying to heal those trapped in nightmares and had less time to prepare anything."
Sellaine: I keep reliving my death over and over and over. It should be tedious by now, but nightmares cheat.
Liyen nods, tilting her head toward Sellaine. "I got out, thank the Dark Lady. Some haven't wakened."
Briyanthe: Nonetheless, humans have a talent for making quick and tasty meals.
Sellaine: I don't think you can thank the Dark Lady for that, Liyen.
Sellaine: She's having a nap at the moment.
Briyanthe: The Dark Lady herself, as well?
Liyen: Who knows? Maybe she took my spot in hell.
Ephemel: It's fine, Lady Roseshine. This is surprisingly…not terrible.
You smile at Ephemel.
Crimrage grimaces, "Yes. Lady Sylvanas, Cairne Bloodhoof, and even the Warchief Thrall."
Sellaine: Whatever will the people of Lordaeron do without an elf to criticize them and go over every alchemist in her little cult with a fine-toothed comb?
Briyanthe: Oh my, so not even the all powerful are safe…
Sellaine: Shame about Thrall, though.
Briyanthe: And… do we have news from the Alliance? Are their leaders afflicted by a similar… curse?
Sellaine: I haven't heard.
Ephemel shrugs.
Liyen: Maybe they're better at hiding it.
Crimrage: Not that I have heard. Though I spend less and less time in the Eastern Kingdoms these days with the war in the North.
Ephemel peers at Sellaine. "You said you're R.A.S. The apothecaries haven't got anything to treat this, then?"
Sellaine: It doesn't seem to have anything to do with alchemy. It's… something… spiritual??
Sellaine: Nothing science can do for it, far as we can tell.
Sellaine: Believe me, I've tried some of everything.
Liyen: I shouldn't be sleeping at all, so…
Briyanthe nods. "I am not surprised, as I said, the Light is guiding me from falling into such horrors."
Ephemel: Then this may need a magical solution.
Sellaine: Oh, that must be my problem, then. The Light and I never got along.
Crimrage: I have tried speaking to the spirits, but recently they have been reluctant to heed my call it seems.
Sellaine: Hm. This is way out of my wheelhouse, then.
Liyen: Maybe they're having nightmares too.
Sellaine: I've never been a spiritual sort. If you can't solve it with a formula, then I just shrug and move on, generally.
Liyen: Really, it ought to be fixable with more fel. Everything is fixable with more fel. Or explosives.
Sellaine laughs at Liyen.
Sellaine: Such a delicate creature, my friend Liyen.
Sellaine: Please forgive her appalling lack of manners.
Crimrage raises an eyebrow at Liyen.
Liyen: Or don't, it really doesn't bother me either way.
Ephemel nods to Liyan. "I wish I had a sayaad under my sway. Perhaps they could fend off the nightmares."
Crimrage has already finished his grilled cheese in like three bites. He is beeg.
Briyanthe: You have nothing to apologize for. That is what I expected from mixing with the Horde - People from all walks of life, that is.
Liyen: See, right there's your problem. Bias. *Liyen shakes her head*
Liyen: What about walks of unlife?
Briyanthe 's hand twitch. "That was indeed rude of me. I, of course, did not intend to exclude you. After all, it is thanks to the Forsaken that we have been welcomed into the Horde."
Liyen nods a touch of pride in the gesture.
Sellaine: Interesting that you acknowledge that.
Sellaine studies Briyanthe.
Sellaine: I'm not used to being appreciated.
Ephemel snorts, muttering, "If you ask my sister it's thanks to her."
Sellaine: I apologize for my comments earlier about your former Ranger-General. I still don't see why she gets to be in charge of Lordaeron, though.
Briyanthe giggles slightly, covering her mouth with a hand. "Well, it is only natural, is it not? How despicable would I be to act selfish, while at the same time pretending to work towards unity in our faction!"
Sellaine: Yes, we certainly wouldn't want to be selfish!
Ephemel: Isn't Sylvanas the reason you're not all Scourge drones?
Liyen: It's the nature of power Sellaine. There was a vacuum, she filled it. If I hadn't been… *Liyen doesn't finish that sentence* …then maybe I would've.
Briyanthe hurries to add, looking at Ephemel. "Of course, Lady Elowel's actions are not negligible either. She contributed to our addition to this faction as well!"
Ephemel rolls her eyes at Briyanthe's praise of Elowel.
Briyanthe winces. She didn't say the right thing.
Sellaine studies Ephemel's reaction, and smiles a little for some reason.
Sellaine: Sisters, am I right?
Liyen: And no, the Dark Lady did not free us. Not exactly. But she gathered us. She led us.
Ephemel arches an eyebrow at Sellaine. "You have an insufferable sister, as well?"
Briyanthe: She was renowned for her leadership, in life. I am not surprised she rose to be the head of the Forsaken - although I'm sure many amongst your ranks could have done so. *She smiles.*
Sellaine: Oh, I was the insufferable sister, in life. I was a lot like Elowel, actually. I'm different now, and not just in the fae.
Sellaine: face*
Ephemel snorts with a little smirk. "Then undeath suits you."
Sellaine: I do think I retained my leadership qualities, but I left behind the beauty and all the nonsense that goes with it.
Sellaine: It makes me patient with her shortcomings, though, because who am I to throw stones, hm?
Sellaine: Perhaps she'll also evolve one day, without having to get her skull bashed in first.
Liyen: One can hope. *For one of those things or the other*
Sellaine turns to study Crim again.
Sellaine: I was surprised to hear that Thrall succumbed to this sickness, weren't you?
Sellaine: He always seemed to have such a strong will.
You nod at Sellaine.
Ephemel: Seems like will doesn't have much to do with it. Though I couldn't say what does.
Crimrage: Indeed. That's what makes it all the more concerning. He was the one who led my people to the future we see before us now. I fear we will suffer without his guidance.
Sellaine: The whole Horde will.
Sellaine: I'm not going to say I have an orc best friend or anything, but there is no denying Thrall's ability to lead.
Ephemel: Who is leading in his absence?
Sellaine: That's a very good question.
Liyen: Don't count him out yet, he may wake. They all may.
Briyanthe: I speak with certainty when I say they will. I have faith that this sleeping state is not to last for an eternity.
Sellaine: What's interesting is that the sleepers aren't starving, or thirsting, even the living ones.
Sellaine: It's as though their bodies have simply… stopped.
Briyanthe: That is something I noticed, as well, while tending to them.
Ephemel: Yeah…I noticed that, too.
Crimrage nods to Bri, "I hope you are right."
Briyanthe: A powerful magic is at work here - which is why I do not think this can last forever. You would need an enormous amount of energy to maintain this, over so many people, for such an extended period of time.
Ephemel: Some afflictions are simply set loose to thrive or die on their own. The Plague, for example.
Sellaine: Yes, I don't see the Plague dying down anytime soon.
Sellaine: The first thing we need to know is where this magic is coming from.
Sellaine: The R.A.S. has made no headway on it, nor have my colleagues in demonology.
Briyanthe: That… is true. But we came to the conclusion that it was more spiritual than magical, did we not? That sets it apart form other afflictions, such as the Plague.
Liyen nods agreement. "Not a demon thing."
Crimrage grunts and nods, "I have kept up with my meditation, but I haven't found any answers as of yet."
Sellaine: The most obvious guess is "The Lich King," but it doesn't seem his style.
Liyen: And to what end? He wants us all enslaved, not asleep.
Ephemel: Asleep means we're vulnerable, though.
You nod at Ephemel.
Sellaine: I don't know. I've felt the Lich King's touch, and this doesn't feel like that.
Sellaine: It feels absolutely foreign, in fact. Like nothing I've ever experienced, alive or dead.
Ephemel: Something alien? From Draenor, maybe?
Ephemel looks to Crim.
Sellaine: Possibly; I haven't been there.
Briyanthe looks at everyone, then literally makes herself forgotten for a second. She fades from everyone's attention. She takes this opportunity to sigh silently into her hand, and then rubs her tired eyes.
Sellaine looks at Crim also.
Briyanthe: The wine! Oh dear. I forgot the wine! I always bring Elven wine.
Liyen: Oh, yes, it makes an excellent accessory.
Briyanthe: I cannot apologize enough for the state of this lunch!
Sellaine: I remember how much of a snob I used to be about wine. I was such a silly girl.
Liyen: The things a person thinks matter, right? *Liyen chuckles*
Crimrage: I doubt it. I communed with the spirits there as well during the battle against the Legion. They felt… different from the spirits of Azeroth, but not strange by any means.
Liyen: I imagine any elemental spirits in my head would feel pretty strange.
Briyanthe did perceive the veiled insult. She already wants to use "fade" again.
Sellaine: Do you think the nightmares are connected to the spirits you deal with somehow?
Briyanthe clears her throat. "There was a Troll who came here once - Hu'yubi, I think? She did mention shamans having dream visions, as I do with the Light. It seems those spirits have a link to dreams, then?"
Sellaine peers at Crimrage searchingly.
Crimrage shakes his head, "I don't think so. The spirits have been unruly as of late."
Sellaine: Wouldn't that suggest a connection?
Crimrage: Perhaps, but if so then it is not a good one.
Sellaine: Well deduced.
Crimrage: It could be that whatever has riled the spirits is also causing these nightmares.
Sellaine: What would have the power to do both…?
Crimrage: Like I said, I keep up with my mediations. I haven't found any answers yet, but if I do, then I will do anything in my power to stop whatever is causing this.
Liyen: You do that. I'm tired of remembering what it felt like to die.
Briyanthe: Perhaps something is… taking over the spirits' connection to mortal dreams?
Sellaine: You're having the same nightmare as me, Liyen? Now I need to quiz more Forsaken.
Sellaine: Maybe it's the only thing left that really bothers any of us.
Liyen blinks. "You too? Huh. I wonder if it's targeted for us."
Ephemel tilts her head. "You dream about your death? I thought Forsaken embraced death."
Crimrage looks at Bri inquisitively, "An intersting thought."
Sellaine: Death yes. Dying, not so much.
Sellaine: You like being alive, but trust me, if you remembered your birth you'd throw up.
Ephemel: Hm…I suppose I can imagine the distinction.
Liyen: The process was not my favorite memory. Nor what came after, and my dreams include that too…
Sellaine: I died horribly. As you can likely tell just from looking at what's left of my skull.
Ephemel: You've accessorized it well.
Sellaine: Thank you.
Sellaine: I do try to make the best of what I have, these days.
Liyen: As do we all.
Ephemel: All any of us can do.
Sellaine: Mm.
Briyanthe: Liyen, Lady Crawford… that does sound… incredibly rough. I feel for you both, and for all Forsaken who share those same nightmares.
Sellaine: How many of the living are afflicted? Do we have a percentage?
Sellaine: I'd be interested to compare it to the percentage of undead.
Ephemel: No idea. My roommate is cursed asleep. I've had nightmares, but I'm thankfully awake.
Liyen: We could do a poll. But that would require talking to a lot of living people. *Liyen looks at Briyanthe. She likes talking to living people*
Crimrage: I have a feeling this may be too sudden for any decent numbers to be gathered on it.
Briyanthe: That is… difficult to assess. We would have to take into account those who live in isolation and haven't been reported for their condition, and those who may be hidden by their family for one reason or another…
Sellaine: Can you imagine the ones who are just sleeping away somewhere and no one even noticed? Poor souls.
Briyanthe: And numbers from the Alliance would be of interest, too. Perhaps the scales tip heavily in our disfavor in this situation. There's a possibility that they've found a 'cure', or that they're the source of this, although I doubt it.
Sellaine: I don't think the Alliance has anywhere near this sort of power.
Sellaine: Their leadership are just… warrior types mostly, right?
Sellaine: Except for Khadgar. But he's a marshmallow.
Sellaine: He'd never afflict people with nightmares.
Liyen: Yeah, I don't see them managing this.
Ephemel: The kaldorei are led by a priestess. I hear she's many thousands of years old. Perhaps her moon witch goddess has such power.
Briyanthe: It does sound unlikely. However, who knows what kind of artifacts they found, or alliance they forged in Northrend?
Sellaine: They would still be debating how to use the artifact two years from now.
Liyen: Kaldorei seem more likely to find a new continent and hide there than reach out to all our dreams.
Sellaine: The Alliance is terribly consensus-based. Things take forever. Surely you elves remember, also?
Ephemel: The kaldorei think the world belongs to them. Or to their goddess. Maybe they finally got sick of the Alliance as well and this is how they're taking us all out.
Briyanthe: Indeed. It doesn't sound like the kind of tactics humans would use against their enemies. They are more honorable than that.
Sellaine: Or at least, more indecisive.
Liyen: Well, I'm going to go see who's in charge around here. Or… who's still awake…
Sellaine: They would have to spend a long time talking about whether it was honorable or not, and whether they cared.
You nod at Sellaine.
Briyanthe: I will consider your poll idea, Liyen, I just don't… know if I will have the time necessary for this.
Sellaine: I guess I should go with Liyen.
Sellaine: We Forsaken have to travel in numbers these days.
Briyanthe: Thank you for joining us! It is always an honor.
Sellaine: Which only makes us look more suspicious.
You bow down graciously.
Liyen: Good luck with that.
Crimrage: Strength and honor.
Liyen: And yeah, I'll have to keep overeager orcs from trying to o-shok us out.
Ephemel: Bye…I guess.
Sellaine waves goodbye to everyone. Farewell!
Liyen waves goodbye to everyone. Farewell!
Ephemel: You mind if I take some of those cheese sandwiches home with me?
Briyanthe: Not at all! Lady Crawford's description of the digestive system has… taken away my appetite.
Briyanthe: It is a pleasure to share those with all you, regardless.
Crimrage grunts a small laugh.
Ephemel: Can I help you clean up or something?
Ephemel asks as she is wrapping up numerous grilled cheese and stuffing them into a satchel.
Briyanthe: That is very kind of you! Thank you for the offer. I will handle it!
Ephemel mutters, "I just don't like taking handouts."
Crimrage: It isn't any trouble if you need a hand. Are you certain?
Briyanthe: I am quite certain, yes! *She smiles.*
Ephemel lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Briyanthe: It isn't exactly a handout, is it? Lady Crawford did pay for your lunch.
Ephemel: That just makes it a handout from her.
Briyanthe: But… if you could, potentially… well. Talk about me in a positive light to the leaders of Crimson Coterie, that would be… of much help!
Ephemel: Uh…you probably don't want me to do that. The only one I know is Elowel…and a good word from me likely wouldn't do you any favors.
Ephemel: I will if you want me to, but I cannot promise it won't hurt your chances.
Briyanthe: Hm. V-very well, well! Well, if you can… mention me in a neutral way, then. How I have been working with those trapped in nightmares… Just so they hear of my abilities and devotion to the Light… I would be grateful for that.
Crimrage thumps a fist on his chest again, "Well I should be off now too. More Scourge to slay and mysteries to investigate. Thank you, once more, for the meal."
Ephemel adopts an almost sinister smile. "Actually…heh…yes, leave it to me. I'm fairly sure I can guarantee you a spot in her Coterie."
Ephemel nods to Crim and Briyanthe. "I have to get back and check on my friend. I would expect contact from my sister soon, Lady Roseshine."
Briyanthe looks a little worried at Ephemel's smile, than shakes her head. "Well, thank you for this!" She then turns to Crim. "Thank you as well for joining us! Please do take sandwiches home, if you would like."
You bow down graciously.
You smile at Ephemel.
Crimrage nods and takes a handful more sandwiches (this is several) and nods in thanks again.
Briyanthe silently waves goodbye, and waits for everyone to be gone to squeal in excitement. "And I just have a pan, a knife, a plate and a board to clean! This charity event was the best!"
You yawn sleepily.