(2024-02-15) Into the Oculus

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Dane, Anareline, Caspis, Colson, Azizia, Nunuzac, Cressidha, Gwenivene, Velrin, and Hero (Alysson) venture into the Oculus to rescue a missing strike team, and end up doing so much more.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Nexus War

Caspis is staring vaguely into the middle distance, standing next to Anareline. Their near-identical long dark hair makes them look almost related.
Anareline looks around at the assembled Cobalt Company members and nods a greeting.
Azizia nods back. "So, it is rescue mission we are doing, if I heard correctly?"
[Anareline]: Yes, we are to speak with Raelorasz and then rescue a team, Azizia. Good afternoon Colson, Cressidha.
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, everyone.
[Colson]: Good afternoon, everyone.
[Velrin]: Hello.
[Gwenivene]: Hello, fellow Cobaltians! Co…balters…Cobros? I dunno. Hi!
Nunuzac's gryphon scrabbles the snowy ground restlessly. "Hello! Oh good, we have mage here."
Caspis's ear twitches at the sound of unfamiliar voices, and his gaze comes into focus, traveling from one member of the group to the other silently.
[Nunuzac]: I did worry about going in to blue dragon house with no mage.
[Caspis]: Cressidha Aspenwood is most skilled.
Caspis does not seem to realize there is another mage present.
[Gwenivene]: Er….
Gwenivene slowly raises her hand.
Caspis peers at Gwenivene searchingly.
Nunuzac points emphatically at Gwenivene's Kirin Tor-ish looking spaulders. "Then two!"
[Caspis]: I do not know you.
[Gwenivene]: Oh…um…well then greetings! I'm Gwenivene Whittle. Here on behalf of the Kirin Tor.
Gwenivene points to the Kirin Tor eye stitched into her tunic.
Nunuzac tuts at the gryphon as she slips down to the ground and tries to steady it. "You calm. They say it is too dangerous winds for you."
Velrin is looking a little more nervous and on edge than usual, but looks at Gwen expectantly.
Cressidha begins tracing water-conjuring symbols in the air and passing out bottles of water.
[Cressidha]: Gwenivene, would you care for some water?
Gwenivene smiles at Cressidha, "Aww, thank you. But no need to fuss. I'm well provisioned."
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Caspis glances toward Cressidha, and when it seems clear that Cressidha seems friendly toward Gwen, he relaxes a notch.
[Caspis]: Greetings, Gwenivene Whittle. I am Caspis Silvershade, a druid-healer.
Gwenivene beams at Cressidha.
[Gwenivene]: Lovely to meet you, druid-healer Caspis Silvershade.
Velrin inches closer and closer to Anareline until she's eventually standing by her side.
Nunuzac waves a bit at Caspis and Velrin as well. "Nunuzac. I am shaman."
Velrin looks over at Anareline and smiles a little.
Anareline nods a greeting down to Velrin, with a faint smile.
Caspis murmurs something in Anareline's ear, in Darnassian.
Atley 'quietly' stomps up to the group, crunching ice underfoot.
Caspis moves immediately to Atley's flank, half-unconsciously.
Anareline follows him, almost automatically.
Nunuzac perks up, Dane is familiar. "There is everyone."
Atley holds out a hand to Caspis without looking, gaze set on Gwenivene.
Velrin's ears perk up and she notices Dane, "Hello Sir Dane." she says happily.
Atley looks to Nunuzac, and then all around, giving nods and grunts. "Hullo', hullo' you lot," he growls warmly.
Caspis takes Atley's hand. That is probably not what he meant. Luckily he lets it go after an only mildly embarrassing length of time.
Atley gives Caspis' hand a firm shake before he releases it. It seems to have been what he meant!
Gwenivene smiles warmly to Dane. "Hello, Sir Dane! It's nice to see you."
[Atley]: Aye, you as well.
[Alysson]: Ho there, Cobalts. An' Ana.
Anareline blinks at Alysson. "Alysson. Did you find the chicken?"
[Azizia]: Good afternoon, Cobalt Company. *gets startled by Alysson.* "Ah! You."
[Alysson]: Naw, not yet. I followed the fellow to Stormwind an' then the Nightmare business.
[Anareline]: Ah, I certainly hope the bird was not trapped in nightmares.
Anareline steps next to Caspis, and nods a greeting to Dane, Nunuzac and Gwenivene.
[Cressidha]: It's good to see you again, Caspis. You and your shalan have been in the Plaguelands, yes?
Anareline nods, resting a hand on Caspis's arm.
[Caspis]: We hope to see progress very soon. I am pleased to work with you again as well.
Azizia greets the others as well. She knows all of them, at least a little bit. And she is polite!
[Alysson]: Lots o' us here today. Never thought we'd be rescuin' dragons. From…other dragons.
[Colson]: It is not so unusual a circumstance that we have been called to rescue humans from other humans, *Colson says to Alysson.* It is something of the same, that they are not a monolith as a race either.
[Alysson]: But they're dragons!
[Cressidha]: Doesn't that make it even more heroic, Alysson?
[Anareline]: Especially now, as they are at war. Though it is a tragedy that it is so, in the first place.
[Alysson]: D'you s'pose we might find a dragon princess?
[Azizia]: No.
[Alysson]: Oh.
Colson has that mild Aspenwood expression. "They are dragons, but they are still individuals, who can make choices of their own."
[Anareline]: They do not truly have princesses, but you might be referring to the children of the Aspects?
[Colson]: I am not certain…how much royalty there truly is among the dragons. They have a Queen, but she is not expected to be, ah, succeeded by any.
[Cressidha]: Does Queen Alexstrasza have any children still living?
[Anareline]: She has… many children. But for most, it is not a happy story.
[Alysson]: Was I one? A… Never mind.
[Azizia]: … Do dragons lay eggs or do they make dragon babies in two-feet form?
[Anareline]: They lay eggs. Queen Alexstrasza was, unfortunately, captured during the Second War. Her children were enslaved by the orcs.
Caspsis frowns fiercely.
[Azizia]: Oh. I am sorry to Queen Alexstrasza.
[Anareline]: She does still, I believe, have living children, though.
Cressidha nods.
[Azizia]: So… dragon princesses exist.
[Azizia]: But we are not rescuing dragon princess today. *She looks at Alysson.*
[Cressidha]: What are our objectives in there?
Azizia turns to Anareline again. "We aren't… yes?"
[Anareline]: Search and rescue, to my understanding. *She glances to Dane.* And no, I do not believe they are princesses.
[Anareline]: Shall we go meet our contact now?
Cressidha nods.
[Alysson]: Aw. S'pose it's for the best. I'm not really s'posed to be here. If anyone asks, the name's Hero.
Cressidha nods to Alysson.
Cressidha does not question this at all.
Colson glances at Alysson. He might be questioning it. But also maybe not. Hard to tell with his face.
Nunuzac retains a chipper smile but there is a touch of readiness like her thoughts are fixed on the next moment. "It is good to have so many here. Dragons may still be alive."
Atley nods to Nunuzac. "Right. We've little time to spare, I warrant."
Nunuzac nods.
[Nunuzac]: We must be ready for blue defense and betrayer mages, as Kiry says, yes?
Velrin lingers a little awkwardly. She's quieter than normal, but she looks to be keeping firm.
Gwenivene sighs, nodding.
Atley lifts a brow at Nunuzac before he turns on Gwen. "Aye, rogue Dalaran mages, so I hear. Anyone you know?"
Nunuzac looks sympathetically to Gwen. Hopefully not a coworker you liked too much.
[Gwenivene]: Um…I don't know…for sure. There are a few people I haven't heard from in a while….
[Atley]: Either way, we all know wot' we're to do. Is there a briefing needed from either of you two before we take to the fight?
Atley asks, looking between Nunuzac and Gwenivene.
[Nunuzac]: All I know is the word from Kiry. You hear it also. I have no new things in my ear.
[Gwenivene]: Just to be extra wary. Mages this close to the Nexus and allied with Malygos may have some unexpected magic at their disposal.
[Nunuzac]: That is true. If they pledge to the blue, maybe they get more magic from the moving ley lines.
Atley grunts in acknowledgement. "So they may have extra power at their disposal. I'm confident with this group. I shall lead us, but I'll be deferring to your expertise, specifically, Gwen."
Gwenivene bobs her head, eyes wide. "I'll do my best."
Atley grunts and gestures. "This here's Gwenivene Whittle, Mage of the Kirin Tor. She knows few equals. Together we have braved many challenges."
Gwenivene blushes at Atley's description. "Cheese and crackers, I don't know about few equals…but thank you, Sir Dane."
Nunuzac looks pleased with Dane's word of confidence about Gwen, nodding in approval.
[Velrin]: So we have a representative from the Kirin Tor too? I was asked to represent the Watchers here, myself.
Caspis is already spacing out again.
Nunuzac eyes Caspis with vague concern.
[Nunuzac]: Watchers?
[Velrin]: The Betrayer's former jailers. Though over the years they have grown to hunt down and subdue all manner of threats to Azeroth.
Nunuzac blinks at Velrin. "I ask more later maybe, but subdue threat is good!"
Atley tilts his head to Velrin. "Velrin Silverbloom, quickblade and former decorated sentinel. We too have braved many dangers."
Caspis is gazing off into the distance, but stands so that Dane remains in his peripheral vision at all times.
[Atley]: Caspis Silvershade, Druid of the Talon, and Nunuzac, whom I've found personally to be quite resourceful.
Caspis's ear twitches at the sound of his name, but he does not otherwise respond.
Velrin looks at Caspis excitedly when she hears his name. Her ears wiggle like crazy, but she doesn't blurt out everything she wants to say right here.
Atley grunts. "Lastly, Caspis will keep us alive. I'll take point, you three are to kill anyone that would deny us passage."
Gwenivene winces.
[Caspis]: Colson Aspenwood will also heal.
Colson inclines his head politely in agreement.
Atley grunts at Caspis. "Aye, right."
[Gwenivene]: I'll…do my best to subdue foes.
Azizia will as well. She cracks her knuckles.
Atley slowly glances between them, awaiting questions or comments.
Nunuzac clicks one hoof while facing Dane attentively, a sharp nod. "Yes! I am ready. Wind helps us today."
Caspis gazes fondly at the Aspenwood twins, his expression going vague and distant again.
Colson gazes back mildly, but that might be affection for the stoic paladin, as he nods to Caspis in possible healer check-in solidarity.
[Atley]: Any last words 'fore we get to work?
[Velrin]: I am ready for your orders, Sir Dane.
Atley glances around at all of them. ALL of them.
[Caspis]: I am ready.
[Gwenivene]: These rogue Kirin Tor…it's possible we might sway them back. Um…I just…hope we can try.
[Velrin]: Hopefully, Miss Gwenivene. However if we cannot, I am still prepared.
[Nunuzac]: We try. But magic, very dangerous weapon. *there is definitely an unspoken understanding here that safety may surmount such efforts*
Caspis's gaze strays to a blue dragon passing by far overhead, and follows it as the others talk.
[Atley]: I'll permit attempted negotiations, but if we are refused just once, and they attack, they will surrender or be destroyed.
[Caspis]: Yes, shan'var.
[Velrin]: I'll follow your lead, Sir Dane. *she nods to him*
Gwenivene sighs and nods.

The group approaches Raeolorasz.

Raelorasz looks over the tabards and nods. "You're the group from Cobalt Company, I assume."
[Cressidha]: Indeed. You may recall some of us from when we were last here.
[Azizia]: We were here, yes. Not long ago.
Raelorasz says: Ah, yes. *He peers at a number of them more closely* It was you, I do recall.
Colson may or may not be blended slightly with Cressidha as a memory. They're one.
Raelorasz says: Thank you for coming to help yet again. Your work with the refabricator bought us valuable time.
Cressidha nods, satisfied.
[Cressidha]: This is Gwenivene of the Kirin Tor, who was able to make the calculations necessary for us to enter the portal last time.
Raelorasz says: Ah, young Gwenivene. I do recall the name. You'll be needing to enter the Nexus again, so it's good she's with you.
Gwenivene blushes bright pink. A dragon knows her by name? Gosh.
[Alysson]: Now that's a cool name. Nexus.
Cressidha smiles proudly. Yes, that's The Gwenivene Herself.
Raelorasz says: Kirygosa told me you would all be along to help. She’s been a valuable help to the Red Dragonflight herself, though we do try not to send her directly against her kin. Especially not now.
Raelorasz says: In any case, the battle goes on. Since your work with the rift, we have managed to avoid detection and continue our attempts to frustrate Malygos' schemes.
[Azizia]: Good, good.
Alysson whispers, "Hero Mondragon, stalker of the Nexus, saver of Red Dragons…"
Raelorasz says: Unfortunately, our best efforts have had little or no effect. Malygos and his underlings grow stronger in power with each passing day.
[Azizia]: Hm.
Raelorasz says: And now, our latest multi-flight assault team has been captured and is being held in the Oculus.
[Cressidha]: How large is this team?
Alysson raises his hand. "Multi-flight, does that mean they have more than one set o' wings?"
Raelorasz says: There is a leader from each of the red, bronze, and green flights, and they have with them a number of drakes.
[Alysson]: So it's a dragon-hydra?
Raelorasz smiles at Alysson. "No, young one. I mean simply that there are members from multiple flights, all cooperating toward a common goal. The red, the green, the bronze. Individual dragons."
[Alysson]: Gotcha.
Azizia takes a deep breath.
Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.
Raelorasz says: At least, we have reason to believe they’re being held alive - though I don’t want to think about what kind of interrogation the Blue Dragonflight might be subjecting them to.
Raelorasz says: We must attempt a rescue with no further delay! Belgaristrasz and his companions are invaluable to our cause. Can we count on you, Cobalt Company?
[Azizia]: We will help you rescue Belgarista… Belgariza… Your team.
[Cressidha]: I believe so, yes. We shall do all we can.
[Alysson]: We'll do more'n attempt, my good sir. We'll win! Leave it to Random Hero Mondragon an' crew.
Raelorasz says: Thank you, my allies. I trust you'll outdo even your work with the refabricator this time. You'll want to head into the upper rings. I trust you have the capacity of flight?
Cressidha reaches into her bag and takes out her carpet.
[Alysson]: I've got some bread on me, sure.
Raelorasz looks at Alysson, puzzled.
Anareline whistles for her gryphon.
Colson opens his mouth to ask about the bread situation, and then closes it, considers, tries again. "For your gryphon, Hero?"
[Alysson]: Yeah, watch this.
Colson remembers this. The bread situation of Alysson.
Cressidha stands back to watch.
Alysson digs through his pack and pulls out a loaf of bread. He waves it around and suddenly a hungry gryphon swoops down to gobble it up. He climbs on while she is distracted.
[Atley]: We need this situation resolved before we can properly focus on Icecrown. Let's get to it, you lot. Mount up!
Raelorasz says: Head into the upper levels, and you'll need to find your own way to where they're being held from there.
Colson changes his aura, as Bunny swoops down. Colson manages to get on board just before she hops up.
Nunuzac swings back up into gryphon saddle.

The group flies to the portal, then dismounts.

[Atley]: Right then, on me, and be ready for anything.
Atley draws his sword and glares at the portal. "Stay sharp."
Nunuzac shivers a bit when the gate delivers them much higher into the air.
Anareline looks around the floating structures grimly.
Atley grunts inquisitively and tries to peer over a ledge.
Nunuzac takes a moment to get her bearings with eyes wide then shuffles her totems.
Velrin shivers from the cold.
[Alysson]: Hey, are these…eggs?
[Anareline]: It looks like it, yes.
[Nunuzac]: It takes us to nursery. How bad.
Caspis turns into a treant.
Atley grunts. "Aye. I doubt the young ones can be saved."
[Cressidha]: They appear to be…?
[Azizia]: They… breathe? They move.
[Colson]: Hm.
[Anareline]: It looks as though we will need to fight our way in.
[Anareline]: Dragonkin ahead.
There are whelps and dragonkin on the way in, along an elevated outdoor platform.
[Atley]: On me.
Colson is on Dane. Respectfully.
Atley glances over the ledge again, squinting at the brightness.
[Atley]: I'm charging into that swarm. Kill the walking one, first.
Nunuzac ducks as a stinging dart of arcane energy whizzes by from the mouth of a tiny whelp. Even the small ones could do a lot of harm.
In between combats, Anareline walks to the edge and looks at the energy blasting into the sky.
Alysson points in a random direction.
[Alysson]: There's a harpy behind you!
[Azizia]: Hm. We are… very high.
[Cressidha]: Well, yes.
Colson stuns a dragon whelp that takes too much of an interest in Alysson.
[Cressidha]: Do take care not to slip on the ice.
Azizia looks at Alysson, making sure he doesn't walk too close to the edge.
[Velrin]: Such power coming from this place..
Caspis's leaves rustle.
[Anareline]: That must be the energy of the ley-lines. Focused into the sky.
[Alysson]: So, magic?
[Cressidha]: Yes, magic.
Azizia nods. "Magic."
[Anareline]: He recognizes its destructive power, but this… this is just more destruction.
[Atley]: It's unnatural, strange. More like something from Outland.
[Nunuzac]: They make all the lines converge.
Nunuzac says 'converge' with a note of emphasis and pride because she probably just learned it.
[Alysson]: Can I touch it?
[Colson]: No.
[Alysson]: Aw.
[Anareline]: That is not a beam I would suggest any living thing attempt to obstruct.
[Colson]: Do not, also, attempt to obstruct it with a nonliving thing attached to you, a living thing, Hero.
Atley shakes his head in gruff amazement at their circumstances.
[Velrin]: On your mark.
[Atley]: More patrollers, here. A larger group, you lot.
Gwenivene's spells pummel the enemy to subdue them…but never with lethal force.
[Velrin]: I'm glad I never had to deal with something so extreme in the Council of Tirisfal…
Atley furrows his brow in thought before he charges in.
Nunuzac keeps her distance and calls crackling lightning on the larger guardians.
[Alysson]: What's this?
[Cressidha]: A portal, it seems.
[Alysson]: To where?
[Atley]: Ought to get us to the top. I've a mind to clear the entire place out today.
[Anareline]: I see no other way to proceed.
Caspis rustles.
[Colson]: Miss Whittle?
Cressidha looks at Gwenivene.
Anareline looks to Cressidha and Gwenivene. "Is it safe?"
Gwenivene peers at the portal.
[Atley]: Can you tell us anything about it, Gwen?
Atley asks, keeping his head on a swivel, constantly looking up and around them.
Caspis is extremely hard to read in his current form.
Colson is extremely hard to read in his current form as well, but that’s just an Aspenwood problem.
[Nunuzac]: Any thing could be up here.
[Gwenivene]: Seems like a fairly standard portal. With this proximity to the Nexus, portaling just about anywhere is conceivably possible. Though…also risky with the fluctuation of arcane energies here….
Atley grunts. "So either way it'll be a risk."
Caspis sheds a single leaf.
[Gwenivene]: But…this one is stable.
Velrin takes a breath, "Elune light our path…"
Atley grunts and steps through, jaw locked.

The portal takes them to another floating platform with a very large and angry dragonkin. Also, two cages.

Nunuzac looks relieved to appear somewhere solid, then steps back on one hoof at the large dragonkin appearing with cages.
[Alysson]: Hey, cages!
[Azizia]: People in cages!
Colson keeps his eyes closed for a moment after they teleport.
[Anareline]: Prisoners. This may be where we want to be.
Azizia nods at Anareline.
[Colson]: I cannot tell if they are injured from here.
Atley points at Eternos.
[Atley]: There. That's no normal gnome.
[Velrin]: These are the captured dragons then?
[Atley]: Must be.
[Anareline]: And…
Anareline points at Drakos the Interrogator.
[Gwenivene]: Oh…mustard burps.
[Azizia]: Let us get key. *She upnods Drakos.*
[Anareline]: We will likely need to fight our way through.
[Atley] Kill that big bastard.
[Velrin]: Gladly.
Gwenivene mumbles, "Do we have to keep saying 'kill'?"
[Alysson]: He looks like an armpit lord, but dragon.
[Azizia]: … Armpit… lord?
[Colson]: I beg your pardon, an…armpit lord?
[Cressidha]: …
Cressidha looks at Dane. "On your mark."
Drakos the Interrogator yells: The prisoners shall not go free! The word of Malygos is law!
During the fight, Drakos continuously uses magic to pull everyone in, while throwing out explosive arcane spheres.
Nunuzac looks a little discombobulated by all the chaotic magic beacons.
[Atley]: Cur…
Drakos the Interrogator yells: It is too late to run!
Azizia summons an earth elemental.
[Alysson]: Rex!
Alysson loves Greater Earth Elemental.
Rex nods in acknowledgment to Alysson.
Drakos the Interrogator yells: The war… goes on.

Drakos dies. From above, a loud, ringing voice.

Varos Cloudstrider yells: Intruders, your victory will be short-lived. I am Commander Varos Cloudstrider. My drakes control the skies and protect this conduit. I will see to it personally that the Oculus does not fall into your hands!
Atley furrows his brow at the yelling, squinting skyward. "We'll see…"
Gwenivene gives a pouty scowl at the voice.
[Atley]: Wot' do we do next?
Caspis remains by Atley, silent as always.
Nunuzac looks among the emerging prisoners - all in mortal forms - as they emerge. "Is this all the captured ones?"
One of the prisoners addresses the group.
Belgaristrasz says: Thank you for freeing us, mortals. Beware, the Blue Flight is alerted to your presence. Even now, Malygos sends Varos Cloudstrider and his ring guardians to defend the Oculus. You will need our help to stand a chance.
Colson casts blessings on the freed dragons, inspecting them for wounds.
[Azizia]: Green… Red… Yellow? *She says, looking at the freed dragons.*
Belgaristrasz says: I don’t know what would have happened to Eternos, Verdisa and I if you hadn’t bested Drakos and set us free.
[Cressidha]: Raelorasz sent us. Are you Belgaristrasz?
Belgaristrasz says: Yes, yes I am.
Belgaristrasz says: This strike team is a multi-dragonflight effort - I’m with the Red, but Eternos is Bronze and Verdisa is Green.
Azizia nods. "I guessed you were which flight."
[Alysson]: Psst. He looks like the other fellow.
[Colson]: Perhaps they are twins, *Colson says quietly back to Alysson.*
Alysson glances between Colson and Cressidha. Yeah. That makes sense.
[Cressidha]: It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Cressidha, of House Aspenwood. We're with Cobalt Company, if you're familiar. Here to offer our assistance.
Belgaristrasz says: Yes, now that we’re out of imprisonment, our original plan must continue - and we would greatly appreciate working together with such capable allies.
Atley nods slowly and glances around at the assembled dragons as he listens.
Belgaristrasz says: We have much work ahead. It will take our combined efforts to proceed. Our ultimate goal is to defeat Ley-Guardian Eregos.
Velrin nods, "We would welcome your assistance as well."
[Atley]: Each of us have come to fight.
Belgaristrasz says: Eregos is a guardian of the Nexus, and the leader of the ley-line operation. If we’re able to take him out, it will at the very least delay Malygos’s plan. However, he himself is well-guarded.
Nunuzac touches a curled hand to her chin. "Ley Guardian. In charge of the line power. Stopping this may keep Malygos from getting stronger."
[Anareline]: This Varos that was shouting? Is he part of those defenses?
Belgaristrasz nods.
Belgaristrasz says: Above us, Varos Cloudstrider hides behind an impenetrable shield.
[Gwenivene]: Impenetrable? We'll see about that.
Atley gazes at Gwenivene with a smirk in his eyes.
Belgaristrasz says: It’s he who led so many deadly attacks against the Wyrmrest Temple, and now he’s been pulled back to see to the defense here. That makes him our next target.
Atley growls. "Right."
[Alysson]: Does the fellow really walk on clouds?
Belgaristrasz says: I don't know him personally, so I couldn't say.
[Anareline]: What is the next move? *Ana steps up next to Dane.*
Belgaristrasz says: To reach him, you must defeat the Centrifuge Constructs that power his shield. That is where my friends and I come in….
[Velrin]: Oh?
Belgaristrasz says: We each can provide you with drakes from our respective flights. Only with the help of these drakes will you be able to expose Varos and defeat him.
[Colson]: I see.
Cressidha nods.
[Nunuzac]: Can bear us up to Eregos. Where our gryphons cannot reach.
Atley nods to Nunuzac. "Aye. We'll take flight with your drakes, then."
[Velrin]: Then it looks like the path is already laid before us. *she flashes her fangs* All there is now is to walk it and take their heads.
[Atley]: Are likely to last longer than our usual beasts, as well. Anareline and I'll take flight with the Red Flight.
Anareline nods crisply in agreement, almost like a soldier.
[Atley]: Caspis, I'd have you and Colson ride upon a green. The rest of you, bronze.
Colson nods at Dane.
Caspis nods at Atley.
Gwenivene salutes Atley with respect.
Alysson tries to turn into a dragon. After a moment of quiet concentration, he gives up and rides the dragon instead.
Azizia stares at Alysson.
Caspis returns to elven form to mount his drake.
Anareline climbs onto the back of a red drake and looks around at the team.
Cressidha wanders over to Eternos to politely request an amber drake.
Colson strides over to politely request a green drake.
Azizia jumps on the back of a bronze drake.
Nunuzac introduces herself to a bronze drake that Eternos summons down with a beacon.
Atley knits his brow as a red drake flies down, and climbs up on top of it, bareback.
Velrin sets her jaw a bit as a Bronze Drake flies down to her, but she hops up onto its back.
Caspis glances at Anareline, astride her red drake.
Anareline looks back at Caspis, on his green.
[Atley]: Right then, you lot. Let's fly.

The company flies to address the construct situation, and are immediately attacked in flight.

As Cobalt Company approaches one of the floating rings, blue drakes attempt to impede them.
Azizia flies steadily on the drake. She throws rocks into the drake's breath as it breathes on another one, hurling these huge stones at the enemy drake's head.
Alysson copies his dragon and tries to spit shock lances at the enemy blue dragons. It doesn't work and he almost falls off instead. It's fine.
Anareline flies through the air on the red drake, which breathes deadly flame toward one of the two as it passes toward the platform.
Cressidha calls up her ice barrier and leans down low to the drake's back, making herself a smaller target. She supplements the amber drake's shock lances with her own ice lances.
Anareline 's red dragon swoops down onto the platform and Ana unsteadily dismounts, turning to see if the others are safe. Dragon-back fighting may be a new thing even for her long life.
Colson remains in the rear guard, casting his longer range fast healing spells on their drakes, a [Hand of Protection] targeted on Alysson as a precaution.
As the blue drakes are defeated, they plummet from the sky toward the icy ground.

The team makes it to the first platform of mages and constructs.

[Atley]: There! These must be the constructs!
Atop the first platform, three large centrifuge constructs are linked together in some sort of spell diagram. A quel'dorei sorceress channels magic through them.
One centrifuge construct is at least three to four Cressidhas tall.
[Velrin]: Let's slay them!
Atley flies down on his drake into the thick of things.
Cressidha dismounts, looking at the others. She falls in with the casters, behind Dane and Anareline.
Colson dismounts carefully from his drake. Somewhere above, a white gryphon screeches.
Alysson hops off his dragon reluctantly.
Azizia dismounts as well, but she does in front of Cress. Protecc.
Nunuzac hollers over the winds, "I see magic shield far from here."
[Atley]: Where?
Atley asks Nunuzac, glancing around.
Nunuzac points out to the north-west of the constructs' platform.
Caspis dismounts and returns to treant form.
Gwenivene points northwestish. "There!"
[Velrin]: Oh, I see it too.
Anareline shades her eyes to look, and nods.
Atley grunts and nods. "Aye, I see it. We'll take the constructs on foot — don't want to risk injuring the drakes, we'll need them for flight."
Caspis gazes in the direction of the shield.
[Velrin]: So that's our target then.
[Alysson]: This floatin' platform isn't goin' to fall if we take them out, is it?
[Cressidha]: It is not.
[Azizia]: Good.
[Anareline]: I do not think the dragons would have advised us to do so if that were the case.
[Alysson]: But they're dragons, they can just fly.
[Anareline]: Is everyone ready for a fight?
Azizia nods.
[Cressidha]: I am.
[Colson]: I am.
[Atley]: She dies first.
Atley points at Ring-Lord Sorceress.
[Nunuzac]: Bring down shield!
[Atley]: On me!
Colson is on Dane again, respectfully, from a healer’s distance.
Ten members of Cobalt Company to four opponents is not a fair match. They are victorious.
[Azizia]: See? We did not fall.
[Anareline]: That's three, we'll need to destroy more to get that shield down.
Azizia nods at you.
[Colson]: Understood.
The company takes flight again, heading to another platform.

They land on a second platform. The mage channeling the spell that links these four constructs together is human, her blonde hair pulled up in a combat bun very much like Cressidha's.

Anareline looks to Gwenivene and Cressidha. "No one you know, I hope?"
[Cressidha]: I do not recognize her.
Colson looks at the mage. He's never seen her before in his life.
Gwenivene frowns sadly.
Cressidha looks sympathetically at Gwenivene.
[Azizia]: Hm. She copies hairstyle of yours, Miss Cress. This will not do.
Cressidha glances at Azizia with a very faint smile.
[Anareline]: We will need to take down the constructs in any case. I hope it is not a source of distress.
[Alysson]: Avenge the hair?
[Azizia]: Next thing you know, she wears same outfit. That happened to me with other draenei, once.
[Colson]: I hope that her next step was not to attempt to destroy the world, Azizia. *Colson says, deadpan.*
Anareline glances at Azizia. "I can't imagine someone copying you. You're one of a kind." Is that a compliment?
[Alysson]: Yeah! Azizia's the best!
[Azizia]: … She did not. I think.
Cressidha chuckles quietly.
Azizia looks at Anareline. Was that a compliment, indeed.
[Anareline]: I see more on the inner ring.
There are a whole lot more spellcasters and fewer constructs on what one of the drakes identifies as the Band of Acceleration.
The Band of Acceleration is a large donut-shaped ring, ley energy streaming through its center.
[Atley]: We'll secure this ring.
[Gwenivene]: Please…just surrender!
They do not surrender.
Alysson throws blinding powder at a distant sorceress.
Colson heals quickly, as his aura shifts to Frost Resistance as the spellcasters fling out ice bolts.
Atley looks to Gwen, and nods. "I'll give you a proper chance with the next group, but have a care…"
Nunuzac ducks and scurries quickly to cross the open segment of ring before Varos, looking up for enemy drakes.
[Anareline]: It appears we landed close enough to alert them. But there are still more ahead.
Cressidha nods.
Cressidha spellsteals crackling arcane energy from one of the casters, and the energy lashes out at her opponents, now fully under her control.
They approach another group of mages.
Gwenivene steps up and clears her throat.
Atley stays by Gwen's side, sword and shield drawn.
Caspis waits for it…
Velrin slips into the shadows at Dane's side, waiting for his orders.
[Gwenivene]: I am Gwenivene Whittle of the Kirin Tor! I implore you, please, surrender and I give you my word I'll see you're treated fairly!
Atley narrows his eyes, watching.
Ring-Lord Sorceress says: Begone or die!
[Gwenivene]: Fork!
[Atley]: These madmen are lost. We can only liberate them from their own enslavement.
Gwenivene lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
[Velrin]: Better to die than live as a slave to evil.
Atley grunts at Velrin. "Too right."
Caspis does not seem to be doing a lot of higher thinking… he simply stays in Atley's periphery and heals.
They come around into view of the shielded platform, now close enough to see the figure inside.
[Anareline]: And there's the commander behind his shield.
Varos Cloudstrider is a large blue drakonid, standing on his own disc-shaped platform watching Cobalt Company as they cut through the centrifuge constructs. He is actively channeling a shield around his own platform. His shoulder pauldrons are enormous.
[Azizia]: Let us break his defense.
Anareline nods at Azizia.
Cressidha seems reluctant to turn her back on him, but she follows the others.
[Atley]: The ring's nearly cleared. On me!
[Atley]: There, another construct. Take to flight.
Atley summons his red drake!
[Azizia]: I see two more statues. Machines.
They look down at the defeated constructs.
[Cressidha]: Beautiful craftsmanship, truly.
[Anareline]: That one did some kind of cold magic. Appropriate to the place, but it looked like it hit some of you.
Cressidha nods down at the centrifuge construct.
[Azizia]: It did. But I am friendly with cold.
Colson heals rapidly as the constructs and mages do significant damage.
[Anareline]: That's well, then.
Anareline stares down at the construct. "It looks to me like something the highborne might fashion."
[Azizia]: … I try to, at least.
[Alysson]: T'be honest, I'm a bit numb from cold anyhow.
[Azizia]: That is not good thing.
Cressidha sends a warmer wind whooshing around the group for Alysson's and Velrin's benefit.
[Colson]: Indeed. Can you wiggle your fingers and toes for me, Hero?
[Anareline]: Last construct ahead.
Colson examines Alysson closely, watching for movement of his extremities.
Alysson wiggles himself. Everything. Not just fingers and toes. The warm wind seems to help.
Colson makes a hmm sound, but seems satisfied with the wiggle enough to keep going forward.
Azizia places a frost resistance totem for her team to warm up.
Anareline sighs appreciatively at the warmth.
The extra snow and ice from the enemy blizzard that has accumulated on top of Cressidha's ice barrier melts.
[Nunuzac]: They may think they do what they must, but unstable ley line could harm whole continent.
[Gwenivene]: …the whole world.
[Atley]: A risk we cannot afford. Not now, not ever.
[Atley]: We break the shield, then secure air superiority!
[Atley]: Attack!
As the last construct falls, Varos Cloudstrider's shield fades.
[Alysson]: Is that all of 'em?
[Anareline]: He should be unprotected now.
[Cressidha]: That was ten, as they said.
[Azizia]: Looks like it. There is no more purple… thing around him.
[Gwenivene]: The shield is down!
[Atley]: There… We've done it.
Atley points at Varos Cloudstrider.
[Atley]: I'll not lead us into a fight with him until we've secured the skies.
Caspis nods at Atley.
[Atley]: Stay together. Kill anything that's blue.
Azizia looks at herself, then at Nunuzac.
[Caspis]: As you command, shan'var.
[Velrin]: Understood
Cressidha mounts up on her amber drake.
Amber Drake says: The shield is down; Varos is vulnerable! Defeating him should disperse the Azure Ring Guardians and allow us access to the upper bands.
Atley rushes in on his drake to slam blue drake out of the sky!
[Atley]: Still more, here!
Nunuzac's companion drake seems very willing to engage in a drawn out effort to clear the skies. Blue drakes have been attacking Wyrmrest for months and months, after all.
[Atley]: Skies clear!
[Atley]: You lot see any more?
Caspis clearly states, NO.
[Velrin]: That seems to be all for now.
[Atley]: Right! Time to see if this dog bites as well as he barks!
[Atley]: We take him on foot!

They head to the platform, ready to take Varos on foot.

Anareline lands on Varos platform, dismounting from her drake with grim purpose.
Colson dismounts to take him on foot.
Caspis murmurs a Darnassian thank-you to his drake.
[Velrin]: On your mark, Sir Dane.
Velrin twirls her daggers.
Cressidha pulls up her ice barrier again, watching Varos with narrowed eyes.
Azizia rolls up her sleeves.
[Alysson]: This fellow's not wearin' pants.
It's true. Varos Cloudstrider is not wearing pants.
Anareline 's eyebrow twitches. "There is a… cloth."
[Alysson]: Well sure, but that's not pants.
[Azizia]: To each their own style.
[Cressidha]: Correct, Hero. It is not pants.
[Colson]: As I understand it, that counts as pants in some places of the world.
Colson may own a pair just like it.
[Anareline]: It does cover, if one is disturbed by the view of a body.
Anareline may think it counts enough.
[Alysson]: Should I find one of 'em for myself?
[Azizia]: No.
[Anareline]: Your pants are fine. Let's go.
[Alysson]: Aw.
[Colson]: Best to not be directing one's gaze at such places of the body.
[Atley]: This madness ends! Kill him!
Varos Cloudstrider is five to six Cressidhas tall.
Varos Cloudstrider yells: There will be no mercy!
Azizia extends her hands and pulls on invisible leashes. Two wolf spirits appear in front of her.
Varos Cloudstrider yells: Blast them! Destroy them!
Azizia throws one of her weapons in the air and puts a flaming hand on Varos Cloudstrider's face before catching her weapon again.
Varos Cloudstrider yells: They are… too strong! Underestimated their… fortitude.
[Atley]: Too bloody right.
Velrin looks over at Anareline proudly after Varos is finished off.
Anareline cleans and sheathes her own sword, nodding at Velrin with a faint smile of approval.

An image of Belgaristrasz appears when Varos is defeated.

Atley growls at the dying Varos, before he looks up at the Image of Belgaristrasz.
[Atley]: Wot' else awaits us?
Atley asks of the Red Dragon's image.
Image of Belgaristrasz says: The trickster Mage-Lord Urom protects the third ring. He will appear alone and defenseless, but do not be fooled by appearances! Urom is a powerful conjurer who commands a menagerie of Phantasmal creatures. Seek him out above.
Belgaristrasz says: He’s now the only obstacle standing between us and our ultimate goal here. He was once with the Kirin Tor, but he’s pledged his allegiance to Malygos.
Nunuzac looks expectantly to Belgaristrasz. "With this help. Maybe the mission they come here for will now succeed."
[Atley]: Urom…
Atley turns on Gwen. "That name mean anything to you?"
[Gwenivene]: Urom…? Oh no…I didn't know he defected…
Atley's look remains hard. "Wot' can we expect, Gwen?"
Caspis returns to elven form and tries to pay attention.
[Gwenivene]: His field of study is much like mine. Mostly focused in manipulating the arcane and frost magic.
[Velrin]: Yes, is there anything we should know about this person? Any weaknesses perhaps?
Atley juts a nod towards Velrin as he eyes Gwen.
[Gwenivene]: I don't know about weaknesses. But if he decides to unleash an Arcane Explosion…take cover. He is very powerful.
Belgaristrasz says: Take care - he knows how the Kirin Tor think, and he’s been helping Malygos stay a step ahead of all of our efforts. I hope he will find our team’s strategies more difficult to predict.
Atley looks to Belgaristrasz. "Fortunately we've summoned a diverse group to counter them," he says with a nod.
Alysson eyes the giant spear.
Colson glances at Alysson looking at the spear. "Please do not touch the giant spear from the magical dragon general, Hero."
Cressidha looks at Gwenivene.
[Cressidha]: If you would like to speak to him first…
[Cressidha]: Although, ah, he may of course attack us on sight…
Belgaristrasz says: I would expect that's very likely. Above, he awaits us. Beware his powerful conjurings, friend.
[Alysson]: AWW! I forgot to ask if Cloudstrider could walk on clouds!
Belgaristrasz says: He is a frightful opponent, certain to challenge your prowess.
[Cressidha]: Understood.
Belgaristrasz says: About the cloud thing, I have no idea.
Belgaristrasz says: But if Urom does attack, as I think he will… Bring him down. Make him pay for his treacherous allegiance to the enemy!
[Azizia]: We will. No worries.
[Atley]: Right then, you lot. Stay sharp. Let's go kill him.
Azizia whispers to Colson. "Why do you call him hero?"
[Colson]: He asked to be addressed so, earlier. *Colson says to Azizia.*
[Azizia]: And that means you do it?
[Colson]: Is it the polite thing to do to call people as they have asked to be addressed.
Azizia sighs at Colson.
[Gwenivene]: Oh!
[Atley]: We sha — mm?
Atley eyes Gwenivene up and down.
[Gwenivene]: He developed a spell called a frost bomb. Just…watch out you don't freeze to death.
[Caspis]: I will try to protect you.
[Atley]: Developed it… Right.
Atley nods in acknowledgement.
[Gwenivene]: Yeah
[Gwenivene]: My suggestion: get way out of the way.
[Azizia]: But if worst happens, I have fire with me, if necessary.

They arrive at a platform where Urom appears to be alone, channeling a spell.

[Anareline]: There he is!
[Anareline]: I see humans are not immune to the emboldening effect arcane power can have…
[Azizia]: No one is.
Cressidha looks around for other trouble. As predicted by the dragons, it isn't obvious, but it's definitely going to be coming soon.
[Cressidha]: Clear. For now. It shall not remain so.
[Alysson]: I'm emboldened, an' I haven't got arcane power.
Azizia is not calling him hero.
Anareline nods at Cressidha.
[Anareline]: That is a different kind of bold, Alyss… hero.
[Azizia]: That… is very true. *She looks at Alysson.*
[Anareline]: And I trust our mages are aware of the impact of the arcane and adjust accordingly.
Anareline glances at Cressidha and Gwenivene.
[Azizia]: They do.
[Atley]: Gwen, how were these mages approached? Or summoned to this cause? Were you ever bidden to join?
[Gwenivene]: No, never. I suppose they knew my loyalty was to the Kirin Tor.
[Nunuzac]: Many mages captured by blue, alive. Maybe some make deal for life.
Atley grunts. "These all seem to be properly devoted to the cause."
[Velrin]: F-frost bomb… *she swallows*
Atley purposefully marches up to Velrin. "We can counter any evil in here."
[Velrin]: The evil I can handle, it's the cold that bothers me.
[Gwenivene]: Urom, please! It's Gwen Whittle! You don't have to do this!
Urom ignores Gwen and continues casting.
Urom appears to be channeling a spell and is uninterested in stopping to chat.
[Cressidha]: On your mark, Dane.
[Atley]: Kill him.
Mage-Lord Urom yells: What do we have here… those that would defy the Spell-Weaver? Those without foresight or understanding. How can I make you see? Malygos is saving the world from itself! Bah! You are hardly worth my time!
As they approach, Mage-Lord Urom teleports away, leaving behind a bunch of phantasmal creatures in his wake.
[Gwenivene]: Oh wow…I didn't know he could do that.
Cobalt defeats them.
Atley gnashes his teeth. "Some sort of trick."
Nunuzac boggles. "Solid images."
[Alysson]: He's savin' the world somehow?
[Colson]: No. He is not.
[Anareline]: He is not saving the world. Of what use is saving the world if your view dictates you must remove the people from it?
Azizia nods at Anareline.
[Alysson]: Isn't he a people?
[Colson]: That does not mean he is acting in the preservation of people.
Azizia nods.
Atley points at Mage-Lord Urom.
[Atley]: There. Across the way.
[Nunuzac]: Surprise him while he focus did not work. He blinks.
[Gwenivene]: LIke I said…
Atley eyes Nunuzac and nods. "Right. Swoop in, no warning this time. He's barking mad."

They fly to the next piece of the platform to approach Mage-Lord Urom.

[Anareline]: There must be a solution that does not involve mass slaughter. That is not a solution.
[Alysson]: I'm glad hearin' you say that, Ana.
Anareline smiles briefly at… Hero.
[Azizia]: It is never so.
[Cressidha]: Do you suppose he'll keep going around in a loop?
[Cressidha]: Just playing tag with us?
[Anareline]: It seems so. *Ana says to Cressidha*
[Azizia]: He seems childish, for powerful mage, yes.
Mage-Lord Urom yells: Clearly my pets failed. Perhaps another demonstration is in order.
This time, he summons four elementals.
Caspis lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Anareline glances back once to assure herself of Caspis’s safety, and then moves into the fray.
Colson's aura shifts again, to protect from the heat of the fire elementals.
[Anareline]: Yes, there he goes, around the circle.
Cressidha looks at the phantasmal binding bracers on the ground and shakes her head.
[Colson]: He does seem to be buying himself time to adjust his positioning.
[Atley]: Merely delaying the inevitable…
[Velrin]: We keep hunting.

They land on the third platform.

[Alysson]: He's also castin' somethin' right?
[Anareline]: He seems to be.
[Colson]: So it seems.
[Cressidha]: If he keeps doing this, should we split up, do you think?
[Azizia]: We end this on platform here.
[Anareline]: If he continues around, yes, I think so.
[Anareline]: There are ten of us. *Ana glances to Dane for his arrangement of soldiers.*
[Azizia]: Let us strike with full force!
[Colson]: I would have some concerns about the range for the healers. We are only two.
[Caspis]: Eventually even he must tire.
Atley grunts.
[Atley]: Running out of space.
[Azizia]: I can… heal little.
[Alysson]: Bandages?
Cressidha smiles at Azizia.
[Azizia]: I learn, at least.
[Colson]: Three of us then, *Colson says with a faint smile to Azizia.*
Mage-Lord Urom summons more friends.
[Anareline]: Naga and murlocs and ogres. *Ana murmurs.*
Mage-Lord Urom yells: Still you fight. Still you cling to misguided principles. If you survive, you'll find me in the center ring.
[Gwenivene]: I am not misguided!
Gwenivene frowns.
Colson clears the poison of the naga rapidly.
Cobalt is once again victorious.
[Atley]: There. He's gone to the center.
[Cressidha]: Ah. Well.
[Nunuzac]: He does not sound forced to do this. He has become convinced of the blue way.
[Azizia]: … this time we end this here.
[Azizia]: At middle platform.
Cressidha looks at the center ring.
[Anareline]: No more tag, then.
[Alysson]: It doesn't gotta be like this, fellow.

They all fly to the center ring.

Mage-Lord Urom yells: Poor blind fools!
Cressidha blinks away from the group the moment Mage-Lord Urom lays down a large patch of frost, and rushes further away when he places some radiating, warping energy around her.
Mage-Lord Urom yells: A taste… just a small taste… of the Spell-Weaver's power!
[Cressidha]: Don't come close! This is going to detonate!
Anareline fights viciously in the frost, nodding over to the distant mage.
Alysson looks slightly alarmed at the idea of Cressidha detonating.
Colson remains calm as he begins to withdraw out of the range, his eyes watching the others, sending out a a [Hand of Freedom] to one of those struggling with the ice.
Azizia doesn't listen to Cress's warning. With the help of frost spirits, she moves effortlessly on the ice, and pushes through to punch the Mage-Lord.
Colson sets a [Hand of Protection] on Cressidha just before the bomb goes off, a protection around her of Colson's faith.
The arcane bomb does detonate seconds later, a blast of energy radiating outward with Cressidha as its center.
Anareline grits her teeth against the shockwave, but continues to fight the mage.
Azizia pushes through once more, punching the Mage-Lord as hard as she can. She doesn't listen to the warning again.
Gravely wounded, Mage-Lord Urom teleports into the center of the ley energy beam, beginning to channel a greatly empowered Arcane Explosion.
Anareline dives behind a nearby pillar.
Cressidha rushes behind one of the stone decorations. "Take cover!"
Alysson sprints after her. He probably doesn't want to touch the magic like that.
Colson goes to obey, watching for the others. "Azizia!" Colson is getting dangerously close to being caught in the blast himself, and he sets a [Divine Shield] on himself. "Move away!"
The Arcane Explosion detonates in a powerful shockwave.
Azizia's eyes widen at the last second, hearing Colson's warning. She gets propelled backward, hitting the ground, lifelessly.
Colson is too late, and he can't cast another shield on her, but he rushes to her side.
Caspis, not alert enough to dodge the detonation, is hit so hard the leaves are stripped from his branches, but he continues to hobble along, frostbitten and weak, his focus on healing Atley.
Mage-Lord Urom yells: Everything I have done… has been for Azeroth….

Urom dies.

[Anareline]: Caspis! Azizia!
Anareline takes a step toward Caspis, but then realizes that he is still conscious and on his feet. She nods at him, and then rushes over to the fallen shaman.
Colson drops to one knee as he immediately starts an attempt at a resurrection.
Caspis finally notices that he himself is a hair’s breadth from needing resurrection, and attends to that before moving toward Colson and Azizia.
Azizia blinks, coming back to life on her own, before the healers even finish their resurrection spells.
[Cressidha]: Are… you alright?
[Anareline]: I thought you were… I thought it hit you.
[Azizia]: It did. I… spirits guided me back here.
Anareline nods, calming. "I am pleased they guided you back."
[Azizia]: Me too, I am very pleased to still be here.
[Colson]: Are you well, Azizia?
[Azizia]: I am?.. *She looks at her own hands.* I am!
Colson is also looking at her hands, inspecting her. "And I am very glad you are still here, Azizia."
[Cressidha]: As am I.
Anareline steps back, turning back to reassure herself that Caspis is well, now that it’s clear Azizia has not been killed.
Colson stands, turning to Caspis to assure that he is healing, ready to add to it with the Light.
Nunuzac worriedly checks over Caspis for arcane blasted branches.
Caspis’ leaves are already beginning to regrow.
A loud voice splits the air.
Ley-Guardian Eregos yells: Simpletons! You cannot comprehend the forces you have set in motion. The ley line conduit will not be disrupted! Your defeat shall be absolute!
Atley lifts a brow as he overhears the yelling. He looks to Nunuzac and then back to Mage-Lord Urom's corpse.
[Atley]: Aye. He was properly convinced.
Gwenivene sighs sadly. "Oh, Urom…."
Gwenivene reaches down to close Urom's eyes.
Colson walks to Gwenivene’s side, to offer a prayer of the Light murmured low on behalf of Urom.
Belgaristrasz’s image appears nearby and walks over to the group.
Image of Belgaristrasz says: Your greatest challenge lies ahead. Ley-Guardian Eregos is a Blue dragon of immense power. You will find him flying above the uppermost ring.
[Alysson]: Did Rex help? Should we rest somewhere?
[Azizia]: … Yes. Rex helped. *She holds her head in one hand, shaking the former slowly.* I will be fine. Let us keep going.
[Velrin]: Caspis, Sir Dane. Are you both alright?
[Caspis]: I am fine.
[Atley]: Well enough. Caspis has kept us safe. You all fought well.
[Atley]: If you'd have told me I'd be standing where I am now just five years ago I'd have thought you as barking mad as this lot.
Atley vaguely gestures around.
[Anareline]: We still have Eregos to face.
Belgaristraz says: Eregos is cunning and strong. One of Malygos' most trusted minions, he draws strength from the energies he is charged with defending - sipping from the well of the great aspect himself.
Image of Belgaristrasz says: This shall not be easy…. However, defeating the Mage-Lord has allowed us to unlock the full power of our drakes. Their skills shall be at your command. Use them wisely and Eregos shall surely fall.
[Alysson]: Time to take out mister 'Ereitgoes, then.
Belgaristraz says: Should you succeed, return to Raelorasz and inform him of our victory. We will make our own way back.
Atley knits his brow and grunts.
Nunuzac strays a glance out into the open sky from Urom's ring after she collects her senses, then eyes widen and she reflexively grabs at Belgaristrasz's arm for footing security. Of course, it's just an image and she phases through, stumbling a bit.
Atley steps forward immediately to stabilize Nunuzac, hand on her arm.
[Atley]: There you are, then.
Atley mutters lowly, reassuringly.
Nunuzac looks grateful and pats Dane's head from above in thanks, again out of reflex, given the height.
[Nunuzac]: Yes! Very high up. Thank you.
Atley scoffs faintly in amusement and releases her.
[Atley]: I warrant Maylgos'll not recover from this blow.
[Gwenivene]: Then…it must be done.
[Velrin]: Agreed.
Atley leans down to 'pet' his drake before he pauses, and stops.
[Atley]: You lot ready for one last fight?
[Velrin]: Always.
Caspis nods solemnly.
[Atley]: Let's fly, you lot. Time to end this.
Gwenivene nods.
[Atley]: On me.
Nunuzac hugs her companion drake's neck and murmurs an assurance to him about ending this battle, the drake simply grunts his assent and bears the attempt at reassurance, he's a professional.
[Atley]: Clear the whelplings!
Amber Drake says: Ley-Guardian Eregos is all that now stands between us and control of The Oculus. He's flying above the Band of Alignment, at the very top of The Oculus.
Amber Drake says: Eregos is incredibly powerful; stay on my back when we engage him and leave the flying to us drakes.
[Colson]: Understood.
Above the Oculus, Ley-Guardian Eregos flies in slow circles. That sure is a large dragon.
Anareline points her drake at the target.
[Atley]: Properly sized, isn't he.
[Nunuzac]: He may see from here… be ready!
[Atley]: We take him head on.
Ley-Guardian Eregos yells: Simpletons! You cannot comprehend the forces you have set in motion. The ley line conduit will not be disrupted! Your defeat shall be absolute!
The dragons fight Eregos.
Ley-Guardian Eregos yells: You brash interlopers are out of your element! I will ground you!
He does not succeed.
Ley-Guardian Eregos yells: Such insolence… such arrogance… must be PUNISHED!
And yet, it is not.
Ley-Guardian Eregos yells: Savor this small victory, foolish little creatures. You and your dragon allies have won this battle, but we will win… the Nexus War.
Eregos falls, after his last words.

The team heads to a platform to regroup after the battle.

Anareline lands on a nearby platform and dismounts.
Azizia follows Anareline.
[Anareline]: A blow to Malygos, but he is not defeated.
Azizia nods at you.
Caspis sighs and lays his hand on the dead dragon's head.
At Caspis’ touch, Colson moves in closer, offering another prayer to the Light on behalf of the fallen dragon.
Atley smoothly dismounts and approaches Eregos.
Gwenivene sighs. "Such a waste."
[Velrin]: We've done it then.
Caspis nods in agreement.
Nunuzac lands to take stock with the others. The bronze drake gives a well earned but self contained victory roar.
Atley lays a hand on Eregos' throat. "When I was a lad I'd heard tales of dragons. Fairytales, so we thought."
[Atley]: Never thought I'd see a live one, much less ride one into battle.
[Velrin]: It's just a shame… the dragons are supposed to be Azeroth's guardians.
[Caspis]: It has been a long, long time since the blue dragons have been guardians.
Alysson joins the others. "Looks like 'Eritgoes has Theritgone."
[Anareline]: Just so.
Cressidha is surprised into laughter.
[Azizia]: I…
Colson opens his mouth to protest, makes a sound like a cough, and clears his throat. Is that disrespectful to the naming conventions of the dragons? Maybe. But also. It's funny.
Azizia lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Caspis is not amused.
[Anareline]: Raelorasz will want to know what happened, if the dragons have not yet returned.
Azizia nods at Anareline.
[Alysson]: An' that 'is twin's safe.
Cressidha nods.
[Anareline]: Yes.
[Alysson]: We gotta do anythin' with that giant beam in the sky?
[Anareline]: Yes, but not today.
[Colson]: I believe that is part of the concern, yes.
[Anareline]: Today, we have stopped the dragon in charge of controlling it.
[Alysson]: That sounds…dangerous. What's controllin' it now?
[Gwenivene]: The Kirin Tor and the Wyrmrest Accord will establish control to prevent it falling back into the Blue Dragonflight's claws.
[Atley]: Gwen, wot's this mean for the war effort?
Caspis looks to Gwen.
[Gwenivene]: Welllll…with the Oculus under our control, we're in a better position to try to stabilize the ley-lines. But…
Gwenivene peers up at the wild arcane energy thrashing through the air.
Atley cinches his thumbs into his belt as he stares at her.
[Gwenivene]: …I can plainly see that the lines' harmonic resonance has been seriously destabilized. I don't think we'll be able to get it fully under control. We can just monitor it better. In short…
Nunuzac looks like she is mulling over her thoughts for a moment after Dane's comment on dragons, then tilts her head to listen to Gwen.
Azizia looks entirely lost, regarding Gwen’s explanation. Truthfully, she doesn’t seem very attentive anymore, anyway.
Atley clears his throat. "In plain common, please," he growls, with no malice behind his usually harsh tone.
[Gwenivene]: …this isn't over. If we don't stop Malygos himself, this will just keep getting worse. And…might be the end of magic…or um…the world.
[Anareline]: Then it seems Malygos will need to be stopped more directly. But… he is a Dragon Aspect.
Caspis sighs softly.
Atley grunts, satisfied. He glances around. "How much time do you wager we've just purchased?"
[Gwenivene]: It's hard to say without studying the Oculus further. But if I had to guess…a few weeks at best? Months if we're lucky.
Velrin keeps firm and stands tall, keeping a brave face to all the bad news.
Nunuzac makes what looks like an attempt at a face of grim determination, but that is a tall order for her. Maybe the look of someone trying to twist a stuck jam jar.
[Atley]: Right…
Atley squints as the whipping beams of magic thrums around them.
[Atley]: Let's return to Raelorasz before dismissal.
[Atley]: To the ground!

They head out of the Oculus.

Nunuzac peers up into the Nexus spire as they land near the bottom. The hollow structure is more quiet now.
Cressidha touches a portal orb.
Bunny is outside it. Waiting. Watching. Lurking. Screeching now at Colson.
[Cressidha]: Ah. Well.
[Colson]: I…I can explain, *Colson says to the huffy gryphon.*
Cressidha climbs up on her carpet, which has no feelings.
Atley raises a hand for Thoras, affectionately greeting the gryphon as it returns to his side.
[Atley]: Back to the camp, you lot.
Azizia looks at Colson and Bunny.
Alysson just about loses his hand to his own gryphon as she snatches bread from him. Good thing he's quick.
Anareline's gryphon is calm, and seems unbothered. It raises its beak at Bunny.
Colson almost doesn't make it to either explanation or the gryphon before Bunny hops upwards, streaking out to the Transitus Shield like she has something to prove.
Cressidha laughs and trails after at a more normal pace on her carpet.
Atley also glances back at the structure over his shoulder as they fly away, frowning.
Colson remains on his gryphon through possibly more luck than anything.
[Anareline]: Your mount is quite spirited, Colson.
[Colson]: She is…that, yes.
Azizia stays mostly silent.

They land at the Transitus Shield.

Colson looks like he's been through a giant hairdryer on high. It's fine.
Cressidha's mouth twitches.
Azizia approaches Colson and tries to- almost mechanically - help him with his messy hair.
Anareline does not attempt to fix Colson's hair. She's used to Caspis and his random leaves, it's taken that impulse out of her.
Colson allows himself to be petted over by Azizia. Re-fashion him.
[Colson]: Thank you, Azizia.
[Azizia]: There. It was too much of mess for speaking with dragon.
[Azizia]: Since all you like them so much.
Colson might not be able to pick up the mechanical nature of Azizia's manner.
[Alysson]: That a thing? Too much mess?
[Colson]: Yes.
[Azizia]: Very, yes.
[Colson]: There can be too much of anything.
[Alysson]: What's the excuse for too much good? Too much good is bad?
[Colson]: That is something of the point of all of today. Too much magic, too much control. Even a good thing can become bad, when it is done past a point.
Anareline whispers at Alysson, "Perhaps too much good is boring, but opinions differ. I think you cannot have too much of that."
Azizia nods.
Anareline steps back to let Dane report what happened.
Alysson does not look like he is going to grasp this concept anytime soon.
That's okay. Colson is a patient guy, Alysson. He'll explain again. And again. And again. An –
Anareline follows Dane over to Raelorasz.
[Atley]: It's done. With the help of your flight, and the Bronze and Green.
[Gwenivene]: And the Netherwing! Sort of….
Raelorasz listens intently to Cobalt Company’s report.
[Atley]: Eregos is dead, and all those who served under him.
Raelorasz says: This is most welcome news. Not since the onset of this conflict have we dealt a blow of this magnitude to the Lord of Magic.
[Alysson]: Lord o' Magic? That's a cool title.
[Colson]: Not one to be taken lightly, Hero.
Raelorasz says: Please, friend, accept the gratitude of our unified dragonflights.
Atley inclines his head. "Cobalt Company is always able to serve."
Nunuzac blurts out, "but he can still get ley power! Please be careful!"
[Atley]: Have you anything more for us today?
Atley side-eyes Nunuzac, then eyes Raelorasz.
Raelorasz says: You have done all that can be done, at this time. We thank you.
Velrin bows slightly from the waist, "It is our duty to protect Azeroth. As both a member of Cobalt Company and a representative of the Watchers."
Raelorasz nods solemnly, then turns it into a slight bow.
Anareline inclines her head to Raelorasz and backs away.
Cressidha nods politely.
Azizia bows before Raelorasz.
[Alysson]: Think he'd teach me it, if I asked?
[Colson]: I do not expect so, no, Hero.
[Azizia]: All titles sound 'cool' to you, it seems.
Azizia moves away.
Atley inclines his head. "You lot, on me for a chat."
Colson is on Dane once more, for a chat.
Atley bows before Raelorasz.
Caspis moves with Dane like a dog trained to heel.
[Atley]: We've done well. The war continues, and though it's only one of -two- wars on in this wasteland, we have caused to be heartened.
Nunuzac wrings her hands a bit, then settles slightly at the assertion.
[Atley]: I'm not surprised by any of your prowess. Gwen… I know it was difficult for you to slay former comrades, but I am glad that the future of my son is secure with mages like you in the Kirin Tor.
[Atley]: And not these barking madmen…
Gwenivene nods meekly.
[Atley]: And that there are mages of prowess even outside of the Kirin Tor.
Atley adds to Cress.
[Caspis]: We knew that well already, hm?
Caspis smiles faintly toward Cressidha, then looks back to Atley.
[Atley]: Unless there's anything for me, you lot are free to depart, though I'd seek news from you, Caspis, about my homeland…
[Atley]: And I'd have a talk with you, as well, Gwen.
Gwenivene nods to Dane, eyes wide.
[Gwenivene]: I'm going to request to be assigned to the Oculus to keep an eye on the ley line fluctuations. I'll let Cobalt Company know immediately if there are any anomalies.
Caspis thanks Gwenivene.
Atley growls with approval. "Outstanding."
[Velrin]: I ought to report to Warden Oceansong about our efforts here. She will be glad to hear of our success.
Nunuzac looks worriedly over Gwen for a moment. She really wanted to convince them not to fight. She spreads her arms to telegraph a hug before offering one around her shoulders.
[Atley]: Aye, the news here should be welcome to all ears, everywhere.
[Caspis]: Shan'var, in regards to your northlands, there is little yet to report. Some experiments show promise but are still in the beginning stages.
[Atley]: I ventured briefly into Felwood, of your own homeland…
Caspis nods solemnly.
Atley trails off. "You have my thanks for trying to heal Lordaeron. No matter wot' comes from it."
Velrin's ears droop at the mention of Felwood.
Caspis bows before Atley.
Atley bows before Caspis.
[Cressidha]: Would anyone care for a portal to Dalaran?
[Azizia]: I do, please.
[Colson]: And I, please. Light be with you all.
[Anareline]: After all this magic… I may just fly back.
[Cressidha]: Of course.
Cressidha flicks a portal stone up into the air.
[Caspis]: Do you need anything further of me?
Caspis may have been addressing the whole group.
[Atley]: No. I bid you good fortune in your efforts.
Atley answers for himself.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
Atley salutes Caspis with respect.
[Gwenivene]: Thank you for keeping us safe, Mr. Silvershade.
Velrin smiles and waves goodbye to Anareline.
Anareline waves farewell to Velrin.
[Caspis]: Elune light your paths.
Caspis wanders off…
Anareline pauses before mounting her gryphon, and then stays on foot and follows Caspis instead.
[Atley]: And your own.
[Velrin]: Ishnu dal'dieb.
[Atley]: Farewell, Velrin.
Atley inclines his head.
[Gwenivene]: You wanted to speak with me, Da-…Sir Dane?
[Atley]: Aye, Nunuzac need'nt leave.
[Atley]: I want to ask how you are faring after wot' we've done here.
Gwenivene takes a deep, steadying breath, suddenly sobering.
[Gwenivene]: I don't think I've fully processed it yet.
[Atley]: I warrant you ought to see Sanders, soon. How has he been? I've not seen him since his rescue.
[Gwenivene]: He's healing. He finally came to Dalaran, which I'm pleased about. I hate being away from him and thinking…he's vulnerable.
Atley grunts, eyelids drooping heavy for just a moment. "I know the feeling. Know wot' you did here was necessary, once it does process."
Gwenivene frowns, but nods. "I know. I knew…even before we came here, when Kirygosa explained. I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. I just wish…there was another way."
Atley grunts. "I am certain of it," he says. "I'd have sought one myself. These blue dragons would have been mighty allies against the Lich King."
Atley glances back at the now empty structure.
Gwenivene nods sadly.
Atley moves to clasp her on the shoulder. "Give Sanders my regards. I'm returning to the Vanguard."
Gwenivene throws her arms around the mighty knight in a snuggly hug.
[Gwenivene]: I will. You be safe, okay?
Atley blinks, stunned for a moment, before he wraps his arms around her and gives her a few, unintentionally body-rattling pats on the back, just above her staff.
[Atley]: Aye, I shall. I'll see you again.
Gwenivene releases and steps back before opening a portal to Dalaran.
Atley climbs aboard Thoras.