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| Details |
| Author: | Luridel |
| Summary: | Blue Squad helps establish Justice Keep. Sintha Fallon has a report to make. The Alliance has airships! The Horde also has an airship-like flying vehicle. Hope everybody was ready for a war on two fronts. The Lich King is very consistent with his naming schemes. Mord'rethar, the Death Gate is exactly as bad as it sounds. Dane and Auralind do the grim work of soldiers. Cressidha burns the bodies. Brannagen saves fewer lives than he would have liked to, but three is better than none. ~8100 words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Arc: Season 13
Brannagen greets everyone with a hearty hello!
Auralind nods. "Ishnu alah, Prospector."
[Brannagen]: Ishnu alah!
Brannagen says, with a dwarven accent.
Auralind smiles softly with a little chuckle.
Brannagen waves at Cressidha.
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, Auralind, Thaeru'kal, Brannagen.
[Brannagen]: Fire's nice and toasty.
Brannagen warms his gloved hands.
Thaeru'kal gives a low, rumbling purr of greeting.
[Brannagen]: I brought a few extra copies of me new book, in case anyone's interested.
Cressidha traces some water-conjuring sigils in the air and hands out some bottled water, like usual. It is not pie or strudel-shaped.
[Cressidha]: You wrote a book?
Brannagen thanks Cressidha.
[Brannagen]: Aye, I did! Some time ago, but publishin' is a slow business.
Auralind bows her head reverently to Cressidha as she accepts the Gift of Water. "Shaha lor'ma dula Luvas'alith."
[Auralind]: Perhaps you can read it to me sometime, Prospector.
[Cressidha]: I would certainly be interested. What is it about?
[Brannagen]: It's called 'Wanderin' Azeroth.' Describes some particularly nice day trips one can take in the Eastern Kingdoms or Kalimdor. Sketches out the best routes, an' includes black an' white sketches o' the best views an' landmarks.
[Brannagen]: I wrote some adventurers' guides years back, but this one is geared more toward the casual traveler who wants somethin' safe and relaxin'.
[Cressidha]: That sounds lovely.
Brannagen beams.
[Brannagen]: I hope folks like it.
[Cressidha]: Might I have a copy, then, if you're handing them out? Or are they for sale?
[Brannagen]: Sure! Ye can have one fer free.
Brannagen rummages through his bag. "I had a bit of a disagreement with the publisher, who wanted me to add color to the illustrations."
[Dane]: Blue Squad. And … White.
Dane turns to Ralaea and inclines his head.
[Cressidha]: That's more expensive, isn't it?
Brannagen finds a copy of the book and passes it to Cressidha.
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, Dane - ah, Ralaea. Good afternoon.
Ralaea shrugs back at Dane and nods in greeting.
[Brannagen]: Aye, not only tha' but I wanted just to tease with the beauty of each landmark, an' inspire them to go see what it looks like in color.
Auralind bows her head. "Ishnu alah, Dane."
Cressidha smiles at her. She was clearly distracted by the book. She accepts it from Bran with a polite nod. "Thank you."
Dane nods. "Ishnualla, Auralind."
[Brannagen]: Oh! Lo there!
Brannagen salutes Atley with respect.
[Dane]: Wot's that then, a book?
Atley salutes Brannagen with respect.
[Brannagen]: Aye, want a copy? *He holds one up.*
[Dane]: Let's see it. You've compiled your etchings, have you?
Dane holds out a hand.
[Brannagen]: An' there's commentary on the different areas as well. A travel guide, ye see.
Brannagen passes him a copy.
Cressidha flips through the book briefly, smiles, and tucks it away into her bag.
Dane lifts a brow and leafs through it. "Mm. Looks properly extensive. You are well traveled, Brannagen."
[Brannagen]: Aye, that I am. Figured I'd make use of it.
[Dane]: When was this published?
[Brannagen]: Wrote it years ago but it just came out a few days back.
[Auralind]: Will you publish another volume about Northrend?
Dane continues skimming, grunting at Auralind's question.
[Brannagen]: I dinna really recommend people take casual day trips ta Northrend. But I might write about it as a "here's what it's like, so ye dinna have ta go" kinda book one day. Heh heh.
[Cressidha]: Have you been well, Rae?
Dane closes the book with a snap and tucks it away into his bag. "P'raps once this wasteland's free of the Lich King."
Auralind nods.
[Ralaea]: Well enough. You?
Brannagen waves cheerfully to Rae.
Ralaea nods a greeting to the dwarf.
[Cressidha]: Well enough, indeed.
[Brannagen]: Even without the Lich King, there's the weather… an' the trolls… an' the giants… an' did I mention the weather?
Dane grunts in 'fair point.'
Cressidha asks Rae much more quietly, "How are your arms?"
Dane steps closer to the fire and holds his hands to it.
[Ralaea]: They have recovered, after…a difficult few months.
[Cressidha]: Entirely? That's wonderful.
Atley eyes Velrin up and down.
[Dane]: Velrin, hail.
[Velrin]: Hello Sir Dane.
Ralaea smiles a little, but the smile dies when she sees Velrin.
Cressidha smiles back and looks over. "Velrin, good afternoon."
[Dane]: How's the day, then?
Velrin huddles close to the fire, "Hello Miss Cressidha."
[Brannagen]: So, some of ye went to the Oculus, aye? With Ser Atley?
[Velrin]: I'm alright. Eager to slay these undead.
Dane grunts, before he looks back at Brannagen. "Aye. Strange place. More like something on Outland than our world."
[Brannagen]: I fully meant to go, an then - I just completely forgot it was happenin'.
Brannagen laughs.
Dane scoffs with amusement. "You missed a fierce fight. We dealt a heavy blow to the maddened dragons of the Blue Flight."
[Velrin]: That we did.
[Cressidha]: Indeed.
[Brannagen]: Wonderful news. I'll be sure ta look a' the reports.
Dane grunts. "After s'all over you may be inclined to venture into the emptied structure for that book of yours. The one you're always jotting in."
[Bennarin]: Here they're at.
[Brannagen]: Lo there Hazan!
[Dane]: Ben, Lena.
[Cressidha]: Ah. Ben, Lena, good afternoon.
[Averlena]: Hello Dane, Cressidha.
Velrin glances over to them and waves.
[Averlena]: Looks like we've caught up to you in the end.
[Bennarin]: Hey, all.
Averlena waves at Velrin.
[Dane]: Aye, and good timing. The Vanguard's been getting hammered. The more of us here the better.
[Brannagen]: Happy ta help.
[Cressidha]: Ah, Iphindra, good afternoon.
Iphindra runs to the group. "H-hi! I'm here!"
[Iphindra]: He- Greetings!
[Averlena]: Hi Iphindra.
[Dane]: You lot seem to be squared away.
Crusader of Virtue says: There goes the hero of the Vanguard!
Iphindra waves to Thaeru'kal from afar.
[Averlena]: Will we all be workin' together today, or splittin' up still?
[Ralaea]: I'm not square anything, personally.
[Brannagen]: I'm up fer anythin'.
[Bennarin]: Reckon we are still split up. We are meant to report back to Dar— uh, the 'Ebon Watcher.'
Dane grunts mildly at Rae before he looks to Lena. "We're still tasked with scavenging wot' we can from Crystalsong."
[Brannagen]: Fascinatin' place..
[Averlena]: Right, the "Ebon Watcher" *Lena makes air quotes.*
[Dane]: Aye, the Ebon Watcher. There's ten gold for you, Iphindra, if you tear that bloody hood of his down.
Dane 'jokes,' deadpan.
Averlena giggles at Dane.
[Ralaea]: I don't recommend that.
[Iphindra]: I ca- I can try, but I don't need the gold!
[Brannagen]: He's teasin' ye, lass.
[Dane]: These walking corpses are all so bloody theatrical.
[Bennarin]: Yeah, uh, it's okay, Iphindra.
Averlena looks over at Dane. "From Crystalsong? Huh. Stay safe out there."
Dane grunts at Lena and nods once.
[Dane]: Right then, Blue Squad. Let's bugger off.
[Brannagen]: Aye, just a few more supplies, shouldn't take long.
[Averlena]: Best of luck.
Cressidha nods to Dane and removes her carpet from her bag.
[Iphindra]: Oh… *She still could probably get the hood off of his head. Just need to get plants to grab it from behind him.*
[Cressidha]: You as well. Be safe, everyone.
[Bennarin]: Good luck, Blue Squad. With the Light, an' all.
[Velrin]: Good luck, Sir Dane.
Brannagen lets out a shrill whistle, and Magni Bronzebird descends in all his glory.
[Iphindra]: Good luck, Blue Squad!
[Dane]: You as well.
[Dane]: Let's get to it then, you lot.
Cressidha nods.
Cressidha gets to it.
Cressidha skirts around a crystal ravine.
[Brannagen]: Feelin' any less uncomfortable here, Mistwalker?
[Auralind]: More accustomed, perhaps. I would not describe it as comfort, however.
[Dane]: Mm? Describe wot'?
[Brannagen]: Aye, almost said 'any more comfortable' but that seemed wrong.
[Auralind]: The sensation of the land here, Dane.
Dane furrows his brow.
[Dane]: It's strange.
[Auralind]: Yes. The land is confused.
[Brannagen]: I wonder if intense arcane energy bothers me less because I'm just one removed from a Titan construct?
Cressidha tosses out Marina's bracers.
Dane eyes Brannagen.
[Dane]: You don't seem troubled by that ancestry.
[Brannagen]: Should I be?
[Brannagen]: Titans do good work!
Dane grunts and gives a small shake of his head.
[Dane]: No more than it troubled me to learn my kin came from vrykul.
[Brannagen]: Honestly tha' would trouble me more, heh heh.
[Auralind]: I think I might be troubled in either case.
[Dane]: I've always known my early ancestors were savage folk.
[Dane]: The vrykul, barbarous as they are, have traits worthy of admiration.
[Brannagen]: And we always pretty much assumed we came from stone, so.
[Auralind]: They are mighty warriors, I suppose.
[Dane]: I was in Uldaman when we made that discovery. There were dwarves and gnomes amongst us who were troubled by it.
[Brannagen]: What do ye admire abou' the vrykul, Ser?
[Dane]: As Auralind says, they're mighty warriors. Fearless. In the days of Thoradin my people were fierce.
Brannagen nods, and makes a note in his journal.
[Dane]: I'd have brought them into our fold if they hadn't sold their souls to the Lich King.
[Brannagen]: Would be better as allies, fer sure.
[Auralind]: A fair assessment. Ferocity is an oft-misunderstood virtue.
[Dane]: Your own kin know that well.
Dane says to Auralind.
Auralind nods.
Cressidha continues to point out usable chunks of petrified wood and slabs of stone that might be of use, but she needs help actually lifting the heavier ones into her bag.
Dane does help lift the heavier ones into Cressidha's bag.
[Brannagen]: Did ye know, Cress, I canna cast levitate on rocks?
[Brannagen]: Does slow fall work on 'em?
[Cressidha]: I cannot slow fall an object, only a being.
[Brannagen]: I think Levitate only works on things wi' souls maybe.
[Brannagen]: Not sure how the arcane version works.
[Dane]: I respect my ancestors, of the days of Thoradin, but humanity has also advanced.
[Dane]: The Light played a role, but t'was also the forge.
Brannagen nods at Atley.
[Cressidha]: I can levitate minor objects, but weight plays a factor.
[Brannagen]: Aye, an' I suppose levitatin' a light object is a waste o' mana unless yer an elf.
[Brannagen]: Elves seem ta like ta do things magical when the normal way's easier.
[Auralind]: It depends on the magic you mean, Prospector.
[Brannagen]: Any of ye ever been ta Silvermoon?
[Auralind]: Nature magic is normal.
[Cressidha]: … I have not.
[Brannagen]: Oh I meant other kind of elves.
[Auralind]: I see…
[Dane]: I had expected you to mention Silvermoon. I've seen the walls from afar, as a small boy, but I've never been into the city.
[Brannagen]: They have brooms just… sweepin' on their own.
Auralind scoffs. "Wasteful…and prideful."
Dane grunts. "I've seen that, in outlying Thalassian settlements."
[Brannagen]: an' floatin' flowerpots.
[Dane]: Their dependence on the arcane made them soft.
Cressidha does not comment on wasteful and prideful uses of magic.
[Auralind]: They did not learn from the folly of their Highborne ancestors.
[Dane]: Some lessons refuse to be learned.
Brannagen doesn't seem inclined to pass judgment either, beyond stating the facts.
Marina burbles like she has something to contribute to the conversation. Maybe she doesn't want to feel left out.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Dane grunts at Marina.
Brannagen nods at Marina.
[Dane]: I served alongside many high elves in the war. Priests, like you, Brannagen.
[Brannagen]: Aye, tha's who I learned from.
[Dane]: While physically frail they were spirited and dutiful allies.
Marina floats over to a chunk of stone and tries to lift it. She can't. Her watery hands just go through it.
Dane grunts.
[Brannagen]: Fella named Mornsong. Trian Mornsong. Wonder if he's with the blood elves now.
[Dane]: I wonder the same about the elves I knew. Likely, they're dead.
[Brannagen]: Aye.
[Dane]: Right then. That'll do. Let's get these back to the Vanguard.
Cressidha collects Marina's bracers before laying out her carpet.
[Brannagen]: Aye, ser.
[Brannagen]: That carpet looks comfortable. Are they hard ta come by?
[Cressidha]: Carpets? Not at all. Enchanted ones, a bit more so.
Brannagen chuckles at Cressidha.
[Brannagen]: Did ye enchant it yerself?
[Cressidha]: I did, yes.
Brannagen congratulates Cressidha.
Atley eyes Cressidha up and down.
[Dane]: Is it hard to stay aboard it, then.
[Brannagen]: Can ye sleep on it when it's in the air? Seems cozy.
[Cressidha]: In particularly strong winds, it can be difficult. I… have not tried to sleep on it.
[Cressidha]: Without my mana to keep the enchantment in its active state, so to speak, I believe it would not remain airborne.
[Brannagen]: That would be unfortunate.
[Dane]: Do you prefer it or a proper living beast under you?
[Cressidha]: In the sense that I am not endangering another life in the field, I prefer it. However, it does not have its own intuition or reflexes. A living beast might sense danger or be able to evade an aerial attack of its own volition that the carpet cannot.
Brannagen nods at Cressidha.
Dane grunts.
Dane lands!
[Brannagen]: Gryphons are especially good fer tha'.
[Dane]: Too right.
[Cressidha]: When my gryphon is large enough to ride, I do plan to switch over.
Brannagen smiles at Cressidha.
[Brannagen]: Ye got a wee one?
[Cressidha]: Indeed. Purchased at the Wildhammer Stronghold in Outland.
Brannagen cheers at Cressidha.
Auralind grunts softly. Translation: hippogryphs are superior for that.
Chief Architect Silas turns to the group. "Are you lost?"
[Cressidha]: Ah, no, we have materials to deliver.
Brannagen turns his attention to the architect.
Atley stares Crusade Architect Silas down.
Cressidha opens her bag and begins to - possibly with help - lay out the heartwood and stone they gathered today.
Chief Architect Silas makes impatient 'gimme' hands. "Heartwood by nature is resistant to disease, rote and plague. This heartwood, however, goes so far as to repel such things! The masonry, affected by the fallout of the Unbound Thicket…"
Chief Architect Silas says: It will work in much the same way. Soon we will break ground.
[Brannagen]: Unusual materials indeed! Good luck.
Chief Architect Silas grumbles.
[Cressidha]: Ah, I have more crystallized energy to deliver to you as well, Engineer.
Brannagen waves at Crusade Engineer Spitzpatrick.
Crusade Engineer Spitzpatrick peers over Silas' head. "Ah, this is perfect. The bomber should be up and running in no time."
Brannagen cheers at Crusade Engineer Spitzpatrick!
Cressidha carefully lays out crystals on the table.
[Dane]: Well 'nuff, then. Let's report to Father Gustav, you lot.
Atley eyes The Ebon Watcher up and down.
Brannagen greets Father Gustav with a hearty hello!
[Dane]: Father.
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, Father Gustav.
[Brannagen]: Remember us?
Father Gustav says: Silas and Spitzpatrick have signed off on the materials and fuel needed to begin construction of Justice Keep. Thanks to you and the Ebon Blade the Scourge presence within Scourgeholme has been decimated.
Brannagen cheers at Father Gustav!
Father Gustav says: Their lieutenants, defeated. I have chosen the site at which we will break ground, but first you must deliver my report to Highlord Tirion Fordring. We will begin our march into Icecrown on his command.
Cressidha says under her breath, "'Justice Keep'…"
Dane sets his jaw.
[Auralind]: At last. Significant progress.
[Dane]: Right then. Let's get to the Highlord.
[Brannagen]: Ohhh this is gettin' good noew…
Dane grunts.
Cressidha collects the report from Father Gustav. "We'll see it done."
Brannagen cheers!
They get to the Highlord.
Brannagen salutes Highlord Tirion Fordring with respect.
Auralind salutes Highlord Tirion Fordring with respect.
Highlord Tirion Fordring gives them a brief salute. "Stand easy, Cobalts. What have you to report?"
[Cressidha]: Highlord. We have a report from Father Gustav to deliver.
Cressidha offers it out to him.
Highlord Tirion Fordring takes the report, and reads it with a frown before he lowers it and faces Blue Squad once more.
Brannagen discreetly tries to sketch the Highlord. It's an odd likeness, entirely missing facial features but capturing the outline of his armor and his general energy.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: Your assistance has been integral in securing the front. The first true victory of this war is close at hand - which is why our next step is the most crucial.
[Brannagen]: Ready and able, Highlord!
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: Rest assured, Cobalts, the Scourge will not give up without a fight. Your most difficult challenge awaits.
Highlord Tirion Fordring holds up a banner of the Argent Crusade. "This banner is like no other. It carries with it a powerful blessing, able to sanctify large tracts of blighted land." He holds it out to Auralind.
Cressidha nods. She looks exactly the same as always, which probably means she's ready for a difficult challenge.
Dane glares intently as he listens.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: You must take it northwest, through the Breach, to an area the Scourge have mockingly named Crusaders' Pinnacle. Plant the banner atop the skulls of our fallen brethren at Crusaders' Pinnacle and defend it against attack.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: Once the land is sanctified, return to Father Gustav. Go now, Cobalts. Hold no fear in your heart.
[Brannagen]: Ye may rely on us, ser.
[Auralind]: It shall be done.
[Cressidha]: Auralind, he is offering you the banner to carry.
Highlord Tirion Fordring looks to Brannagen. "We all are."
Auralind holds out her hand to accept the banner.
Highlord Tirion Fordring hands it over.
[Brannagen]: Let's do thes!
[Dane]: They're riding on horseback, you lot. We'll join them to carve a path.
Dane climbs off of Thoras and whistles for Hutch.
Cressidha steps up on her carpet. Cinnamon isn't here.
[Dane]: To battle!
Brannagen cackles maniacally at the situation.
[Dane]: Fight our way up!
Cressidha fights her way up.
Dane glares at the impaled corpse.
Brannagen seems to enjoy thumping skeletons with his hammer.
[Brannagen]: This'd be the place, Mistwalker.
Dane grimaces in disgust at the plagued smokestack.
[Auralind]: Prepare yourselves.
[Dane]: Aye. Post that banner, and defend it.
[Brannagen]: Aye!
Auralind plunges the banner into the skulls.
Brannagen greets Crusader Lord Dalfors with a hearty hello!
[Dane]: Lads.
Crusader Lord Dalfors says: BY THE LIGHT! Those damned monsters! Look at what they've done to our people!
Crusader Lord Dalfors says: Burn it down, boys. Burn it all down.
Brannagen cheers at Crusader Lord Dalfors!
The Lich King yells: Leave no survivors!
The Lich King's voice emanates from a point behind the group, but the attackers are currently coming from the hill the squad just rode up on.
Crusader Lord Dalfors says: Let 'em come. They'll pay for what they've done!
Cressidha jumps at the sound of the Lich King's voice.
Dane grinds his teeth.
Cressidha quickly tosses out Marina's bracers.
The Lich King yells: Cower before my terrible creations!
[Brannagen]: May the Light protect ye against fear, Cressidha.
Dane shield bashes a charging ghoul straight off of the cliff. It shatters at the bottom.
Auralind's arrows pluck off undead attacks as they ascend the hill.
[Dane]: Is this all he can conjure.
Atley spits on the ground.
[Brannagen]: Never say stuff like tha', ser.
The Lich King yells: Feast my children! Feast upon the flesh of the living!
The Lich King sends more Scourge.
[Auralind]: He is toying with us.
[Brannagen]: See?
[Dane]: Wretches.
[Brannagen]: Ye've only yerself ta blame fer tha' one, ser.
Brannagen laughs at Atley.
[Dane]: I want a fight!
Dane growls at the Scourge.
[Brannagen]: This is yer lucky day then, ser.
Cressidha remains on alert, keeping an eye on the skies, but she seems less afraid and more wary now.
Brannagen once again can't resist charging in and thumping them personally with his hammer.
The Lich King yells: Lay down your arms and surrender your souls!
Halof the Deathbringer yells: THE MASTER'S WILL BE DONE!
That is a BIG UNDEAD VRYKUL. An absolute unit. That lad hasn't been skipping any meals. He dies.
[Brannagen]: Be well, Atley.
Crusader Lord Dalfors yells: We've done it, lads! We've taken the pinnacle from the Scourge! Report to Father Gustav at once and tell him the good news! We're gonna get to buildin' and settin' up! Go!
Brannagen pants.
[Brannagen]: Tha' the last of 'em??
Dane nods, and looks over his squadmates.
[Dane]: Looks it, for now.
Brannagen cheers!
[Dane]: Let's ride back to Gustav.
Auralind nods firmly.
Brannagen nods at Atley.
[Cressidha]: No frostwyrms… Hm.
[Dane]: Well fought, you lot.
Dane scoffs with amusement.
[Dane]: Almost sound disappointed, Cressidha.
[Cressidha]: I believe a larger attack is imminent.
[Brannagen]: Let's go!
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: Father Gustav.
Brannagen laughs.
Cressidha collects Marina's bracers.
[Dane]: We've done it, Father.
Brannagen beams.
[Cressidha]: The banner appears to have done its work. The Lich King put up a token resistance, but it was only his ground forces.
Father Gustav says: Blessed light! We have taken the pinnacle! Finally, construction of Justice Keep can begin. Highlord Fordring and the knights are already en route to our new base. You must meet them there!
[Brannagen]: Aye, ser.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Father Gustav says: Stand proud in knowing that it was you who helped establish the Argent Crusade inside the walls of Icecrown, Cobalt Company. The Crusaders' Pinnacle now stands in direct defiance of the Lich King and his twisted minions.
Brannagen cheers at Father Gustav!
Father Gustav says: Highlord Fordring and the crusaders who survived await your arrival at Crusaders' Pinnacle. Travel once more through the Breach and seek out the highlord!
Brannagen nods at Father Gustav.
[Dane]: We've just pushed the line up, you lot.
[Brannagen]: Aye!
Dane growls proudly. "Inch by bloody inch until we're upon the Lich King's very doorstep."
Brannagen bounces a little..
[Brannagen]: To the Highlord!!
[Dane]: Back through the Breach, you lot.
Brannagen cheers at Father Gustav!
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Brannagen lets Atley know that he is ready!
Brannagen salutes Highlord Tirion Fordring with respect.
[Dane]: Highlord Fordring.
Cressidha looks at the construction in progress and smiles faintly.
Highlord Tirion Fordring looks out over the valley. "The taking of Crusaders' Pinnacle is only the first step in a long and dangerous journey. There is much left to do before we are able to assault Icecrown Citadel."
[Brannagen]: Ye can count on us fer all of it, ser.
Highlord Tirion Fordring looks to them. "It can only be possible with help from you and others like you, hero."
[Dane]: Aye, Highlord.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: A long and arduous journey awaits us as we make our way to the gates of Icecrown Citadel. I, and the soldiers of the Argent Crusade, wish to thank you for all that you have done.
Brannagen was happy to help Highlord Tirion Fordring.
Cressidha nods politely.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: We rest easier knowing that you will fight alongside us in this cursed place.
Highlord Tirion Fordring salutes the group!
Brannagen salutes Highlord Tirion Fordring with respect.
Cressidha returns the salute.
Auralind inclines her head.
Atley salutes Highlord Tirion Fordring with respect.
[Dane]: Let's roam about here, you lot. Get our bearings.
Brannagen peers at Penumbrius searchingly.
Penumbrius perks up. "Well done, Cobalts!"
Cressidha smiles as she recognizes the bronze dragon in elven form. "Thank you."
A female voice calls hoarsely, "Cobalt Company? Is that – Cobalt Company?"
[Dane]: You're the flight master, then –
Dane furrows his brow and looks around.
Auralind's ears twitch.
Atley stares Sintha down.
Sintha Fallon steps from the tower. She is clad in dark blue and gold leather armor, at present stained with both soot and blood. Her face is smeared and her hair disheveled.
[Auralind]: Fandu dath belore?
[Dane]: Is that Lady Sintha Fallon.
[Brannagen]: Is it?
Sintha surveys Blue Squad and manages a slight, ironic smile. "Stars above, aren’t you lot a priceless sight?"
Dane deadpans in amazement before he stomps over.
[Dane]: Wot' are you doing here, my lady…?
Cressidha turns. "Oh?"
Brannagen greets Sintha with a hearty hello!
Crusader of Virtue says: Call on me anytime, Atley.
Sintha takes a deep breath. She glances at the northwestern sky.
[Sintha]: I’ve come from the Skybreaker. Our airship. We had the grand idea, you see, that if we couldn’t pass through the mountains, perhaps we could sail over them.
Brannagen cheers at Sintha!
Dane knits his brow and briefly glances over his shoulder.
[Sintha]: And it was a grand idea. Until the Horde got wind of it. They’ve built an airship of their own, you see – crude, based on their zeppelin designs, nothing to our Skybreaker technology.
Brannagen nods at Sintha.
Auralind arches an eyebrow. "Who is this person?"
Crusader of Virtue says: We couldn't have done it without you, sir.
Brannagen murmurs to her, "Nae idea."
[Dane]: Lady Sintha Fallon, of House Fallon. Her brother sits in the House of Nobles, alongside Lord Ference.
Auralind grunts softly.
[Brannagen]: Pleased t'meet ye. Unless we've met before, then pleased t'see ye again.
[Cressidha]: More relevantly, perhaps, she's wearing a 7th Legion uniform.
[Sintha]: That is correct. Sir Dane and Lady Cressidha know me.
[Cressidha]: I do.
[Dane]: Aye, I hadn't known you joined the 7th, my lady. Wot's happened?
[Cressidha]: Ma'am, this is Auralind Mistwalker and Brannagen Stillwall.
Cressidha gestures to the giant spirit animal. "And this is Thaeru'kal."
Sintha nods courteously to Auralind and Bran, or as courteously as she can in her present condition. Which is still pretty admirably courteous.
Sintha turns back to Dane.
[Sintha]: We’ve been dropping soldiers behind Scourge lines for weeks now, trying to thin their numbers on this side to buy the Argent Crusade some breathing room to break through the pass. And we were doing, may I say, a brilliant job of it.
[Sintha]: Until this latest operation.
Dane grunts.
Auralind inclines her head…though not in response to Sintha doing so. Because…y'know.
[Brannagen]: Any way we can help?
[Sintha]: With the Argents now able to close in on this side, we meant to make a large-scale assault on the area south of Mord’rethar, the Death Gate.
Sintha wrinkles her nose. "Tides, the names in this place. Arthas has all the creativity of a moody fourteen-year-old."
Brannagen laughs at Sintha.
Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.
[Sintha]: Anyway – we came down in numbers for the assault. I’m… not clear on what happened. We were moving on the Scourge south of the gate and then – the Horde attacked us from behind.
Dane scoffs dryly with amusement.
Sintha glances over her shoulder at the tower.
[Brannagen]: Ach!
Dane loses all mirth, glaring.
[Sintha]: I have no idea how they got wind of our plan – again – but I managed to make my way here with one of our wounded men. I don’t want to abandon him in this state, but someone needs to get word to High Captain Bartlett immediately.
Sintha turns back to survey Blue Squad again.
[Sintha]: And frankly I believe Cobalt Company might be just the help we need.
[Brannagen]: Say no more!
Dane nods immediately. "Aye, we'll do it. Wot' else would you ask of us?"
Sintha nods to Bran gratefully.
[Sintha]: You’ll find the Skybreaker patrolling a loop in the skies northwest of here. I expect your gryphons can get you there on a course to intercept. Report to the High Captain and let him know what’s happened.
[Sintha]: And watch out for the Horde airship. Orgrim’s Hammer. It’s the ugly red one with the awkward zeppelin-balloons.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: You'll rest and heal here, then?
Sintha nods wearily at Dane.
Dane eyes her for a moment before he nods. "Let's fly, you lot."
[Sintha]: I won't be long behind. But the news has to fly.
[Sintha]: Thank you, Cobalts.
Brannagen was happy to help Sintha.
[Cressidha]: We'll get right on it.
Atley points at the Skybreaker.
[Dane]: There!
[Brannagen]: FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!
[Dane]: Bloody hell…!
Brannagen cheers!
Cressidha looks sharply to her right at the Orgrim's Hammer.
[Dane]: Hold fire, hold fire. We're friendly. Cobalt Company, reporting.
Cressidha calls, as they approach the Skybreaker. "Cobalt Company, Alliance!"
Brannagen looks like he is about to EXPLODE. In a good way.
[Auralind]: Elune's light, this vessel is loud.
[Brannagen]: ISN'T IT GREAT??
Auralind grimaces. "No…"
Skybreaker Marine grunts. "See the High Captain! You're a welcome sight."
Brannagen smiles at Skybreaker Marine.
[Cressidha]: We have a report for High Captain Bartlett. Where is he?
Dane glances around warily as he smoothly dismounts.
Brannagen sends Magni to circle nearby.
Skybreaker Marine says: He should be in the stern.
Brannagen is nearly foaming at the mouth.
Dane's eyes roam around the structure.
Atley salutes High Captain Justin Bartlett with respect.
[Dane]: High Captain Bartlett. I am Sir Dane Atley.
Brannagen salutes High Captain Justin Bartlett with respect.
[Cressidha]: High Captain Bartlett?
Dane gestures to the others for introductions.
[Auralind]: Sentinel Auralind Mistwalker.
Auralind salutes High Captain Justin Bartlett with respect.
[Brannagen]: FANTASTIC vessel ye got here. Prospector Brannagen Stillwall.
[Cressidha]: Cressidha, of House Aspenwood, representing Cobalt Company.
[Brannagen]: Aye, we're Cobalt.
[Dane]: Prospector Brannagen Stillwall.
High Captain Justin Bartlett gives them a brief salute. "You are most welcome. Ready to get into the fight?"
[Auralind]: We are, sir.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: The best war is a swift war. The same can be said of conversation. What say you?
Dane grunts.
[Cressidha]: We have a report to convey from Sintha Fallon. Her team was attacked by the Horde.
Auralind nods.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: What?! Noooo!
[Brannagen]: Aye.
Auralind lifts her brow at the captain's reaction.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: We went to such great pains to keep this attack secret. How could the Horde have known? The resources… the men… all lost? Inconceivable!
[Brannagen]: Well, not all, ser. The lass made it.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: Our plans here in Icecrown hinged upon our taking that gate before the Horde could. We must recover quickly and prepare to mount another offensive.
Brannagen nods at High Captain Justin Bartlett.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: Visit the battlefield and search for any survivors. See if there's anything to be learned from this tragedy.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: And… Cobalt?
Brannagen salutes High Captain Justin Bartlett with respect.
Dane grunts.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: Prepare yourselves. Prepare yourself for a war on two fronts.
Brannagen sighs at High Captain Justin Bartlett.
Brannagen grumbles something in dwarven, but 'Horde' is audible.
[Cressidha]: Understood, sir.
Cressidha has gone quite neutral.
Dane gnashes his teeth as he turns and marches out.
Brannagen cackles in delight as he sees the landscape drifting by.
[Brannagen]: Look. A'. Thes.
[Dane]: Those mongrels… Wot' purpose could they have for fighting us, even here?
[Brannagen]: Eh, the usual. Hatred an' so on.
Brannagen seems really bored with hatred.
Dane snarls, overlooking the majesty and wonder of the actual airship before he shakes his head.
Brannagen wanders near the edge to look down.
[Brannagen]: Those propellers could shred a dragon!
[Dane]: Aye. Properly armed and armored. I nearly didn't believe Lady Sintha.
Cressidha climbs aboard her carpet.
[Dane]: Let's get down there and save wot' folk we can.
[Cressidha]: We should make haste.
Brannagen whistles for Magni.
Brannagen does an unnecessary daredevil leap from the edge of the airship onto Magni's back. Even Magni seems perturbed.
[Dane]: Bloody hell… The entire army's been destroyed.
Brannagen lets out a low whistle.
[Brannagen]: Let's see what we can find out from the carnage.
[Cressidha]: Come on.
Dane dives straight down.
Cressidha hurries towards the nearest soldier she sees.
[Dane]: Here, a wounded soldier. Brannagen!
[Cressidha]: We'll keep them off you.
[Brannagen]: Stay with us friend…
Dying Soldier says: We attacked under cover of a blizzard…
Dying Soldier says: The Scourge were caught off guard… our victory was certain…
Dane nods him on with a gruff frown, kneeling in the snow.
Atley kneels down.
Dying Soldier says: Then from behind us… the Horde… came from nowhere… *cough*
Dane snarls.
Cressidha snap-freezes a hulking abomination that tries to interrupt.
Dying Soldier says: They cost us… everything.. *He gives in to despair and dies.*
[Brannagen]: Ach…
Brannagen gently closes his eyes and arranges him in a more dignified position.
[Dane]: Look for more!
Brannagen approaches a nearby body that's still moving.
[Cressidha]: Can you raise him?
Cressidha looks hopefully at Bran.
Atley eyes Brannagen up and down.
Brannagen channels the Light into him, and he opens his eyes.
Dane's bushy brows lift and he steps forward to reach for the soldier.
Wounded Soldier says: They taunt us…even as they lie dying here..
Wounded Soldier says: Please brother… don't allow their mocking to be the last sounds I hear…
Wounded Soldier says: Finish me… deliver me from this torment… into the Light.
Wounded Soldier says: Seek out my companions… offer them the same mercy.
Wounded Soldier says: Leave nothing for the Scourge to raise!
Wounded Soldier says: I beg you…
Brannagen frowns.
[Brannagen]: I've seen this kinda theng before.
[Cressidha]: We can evacuate you…!
Dane glares down at the wounded soldier, suddenly looking years older.
Brannagen shakes his head sadly. "Their sperets are utterly broken."
[Dane]: Is there anything to be done, Brannagen.
Dane inquires coldly.
[Cressidha]: My carpet can carry two to three…
[Brannagen]: We can get some back ta die a' the infermary…
[Brannagen]: those we canna carry, we should burn.
[Brannagen]: But these men have released this world.
[Dane]: We must kill those still only just living.
Dane stomps forward and drives his sword into the soldier's head.
[Brannagen]: An burn the dead.
Auralind nods firmly.
Dane looks to Cressidha at 'burn the dead' and nods.
[Brannagen]: We can carry them back, before or after, but I'm afraid they're lost. I'll keep checkin' though.
[Auralind]: They are closing in on our position. We need to get moving.
[Brannagen]: In case there's one soul still clingin'.
Brannagen nods.
[Brannagen]: Ready.
Cressidha looks shaken. She collects the soldier's dog tags first, then engulfs the man Dane executed in a pillar of flame.
Dane nods once to Cressidha before he moves on.
[Cressidha]: Anyone we can find…
Brannagen continues to inspect each fallen soldier.
Dying Soldier says: Don't think… Just… do it…
Brannagen's eyes are a little teary, but he carries on his work nonetheless.
[Dane]: We ought to let these savages rise … but that'd only mean more servants for the Lich King.
[Dane]: Burn the greenskins, too.
Dane growls.
[Brannagen]: Aye.
Cressidha conjures more pillars of flame. "Anyone? Anyone still—?"
Dane keeps an eye on Cressidha.
Auralind checks on the fallen soldier, looking to Bran for confirmation he is beyond saving.
Brannagen shakes his head gravely. "Fly 'im back t'die a' the infermary or finish 'im here."
Dane gives Auralind a stern nod.
[Brannagen]: I wish we could fly 'em all back but — just… I dinna know how much time we have..
Auralind gently places her hand over the man's face, closing his eyes. Whispering a soft prayer to Elune…she drives her dagger into the base of his skull.
[Dane]: We've barely any. I'd expect you lot to do the same for me if I were in their position.
Brannagen continues to move restlessly from fallen soldier to fallen soldier.
Brannagen just shakes his head after examining each one, looking more and more distressed each time.
Dane points to corpses of the Horde, even 'semi' corpses that writhe in pain like the Alliance soldiers.
[Brannagen]: Wotever happened here… it just… broke them. That survivor lass… must be somethin' else.
Cressidha pauses by each Alliance soldier deemed beyond saving to collect their dog tags, say a brief prayer, and then incinerate their bodies.
Dane gives Brannagen a brief, firm clasp on the shoulder.
Dane stops to ram his sword through the head of a Dying Berserker.
[Brannagen]: I thenk.. I thenk it's this gate…
[Dane]: Mm?
[Brannagen]: Doin' somethin' t'their souls as they get close t'death.
[Dane]: Or this place.
Dane snarls disdainfully.
[Brannagen]: Aye.
[Brannagen]: It's so… consistent.
[Auralind]: So close to his power.
[Brannagen]: This is no ordinary despair.
[Dane]: We are denying him their souls.
[Brannagen]: Aye.
[Dane]: Grim work, but noble.
Dane leans down to finish off another comrade.
[Cressidha]: I wish we had… holy water or something…
Injured Soldier says: Help… my leg's broken…
Brannagen perks up as one cries out for help. "Well tha's new…"
[Brannagen]: Oi!
Cressidha rushes over, her carpet trailing behind her.
[Brannagen]: This one en't dyin', he just canna move!
Brannagen heals up his leg.
Brannagen has to work harder, though, clearly.
Dane looks to Cressidha. "Your carpet."
Cressidha floats the carpet closer. "Here."
Injured Soldier rises carefully, gratefully. "Oh thank the Light, thank the Light…"
Dane leans down to lift the soldier and set him onto the carpet with a grunt.
Injured Soldier settles onto the carpet, shivering uncontrollably.
[Dane]: Let's press on. There's still more.
[Brannagen]: Will yer carpet know ta come back?
Cressidha sweeps a wave of warmth over the man. "We'll protect you."
Auralind nods firmly to the injured soldier. "You have done well."
[Cressidha]: No, it's… a carpet.
[Brannagen]: Ye can ride back wi' me.
[Brannagen]: Ye should send the lad back.
Dane continues to finish off whatever wounded he can find.
[Brannagen]: Can the carpet do tha'?
[Cressidha]: No. I could take him to the airship, though.
[Brannagen]: Hmmm… lad do ye think ye could fly a gryphon? Ye can take Magni.
Injured Soldier says: I… I think so…
[Dane]: We'll take him after we've done wot' we can here.
[Auralind]: There are frostwyrms in the sky. I would rather none of us be up there alone.
[Brannagen]: I dinna want him here in this cold, an' this… despair.
[Dane]: Aye, we stay together.
Cressidha sweeps a wave of warmth over the soldier.
Brannagen keeps casting spells on him as well.
Brannagen casts a fear ward, a shield, everything he can think of.
Dane growls as he carves through lingering abominations.
Injured Soldier says: Maybe you shouldn't bother with me… I'm just one man… this is too much trouble…
[Brannagen]: Shush.
[Dane]: Quiet. We're keeping you.
[Cressidha]: Nonsense.
[Brannagen]: We'll be the ones ta decide.
[Brannagen]: Just lie there on yer carpet an' stop yer complainin'.
[Brannagen]: Be a good soldier noew.
Injured Soldier says: Yes… sir… *he dozes off*
A young human woman in armor opens her eyes as Cobalt Company approaches. She's clearly bleeding out.
Brannagen tries to heal her, not seeming to have much hope.
Dane kneels beside her in the snow. If she doesn't have her weapon, he reaches for it and pushes it into her hand.
Atley kneels before Dying Soldier.
Dying Soldier: I'm scared…
[Cressidha]: Beth?
Cressidha frowns sharply, looking the woman over.
[Brannagen]: We've got ye. We've got ye…
Dane looks from Cressidha to the woman, sword in hand.
Bran's healing doesn't seem to take.
[Brannagen]: We're here.
[Auralind]: You know this woman?
Lisibeth Varley: …'ssidha? It's… so cold…
Dane stares at Cressidha, waiting for something.
[Cressidha]: Yes, she - her family - I grew up with. On her farm. I.
Cressidha kneels down.
[Brannagen]: She can get ye warm, lass.
Cressidha reaches down to take Lisibeth's hand.
Lisibeth Varley: Don't let… the Lich King… use me.
Brannagen casts a gentle healing spell on Lisibeth, and for some reason, Cressidha. A subtle feeling, like a maternal arm around one's shoulder.
[Cressidha]: We won't.
Brannagen nods.
Dane raises his sword.
[Cressidha]: I'll tell your parents. I'll…
Cressidha nods to Dane.
Dane drives his blade into the soldier without further hesitation.
Brannagen closes his eyes as the blow lands, seeming to go elsewhere in his mind.
Dane pushes himself up, eyeing his squadmates. "Let's move. There's still more," he observes curtly.
Cressidha collects the woman's dog tags, her expression very neutral.
Brannagen heaves a deep, shuddering breath and carries on.
Cressidha stands back and immolates the corpse. "Understood."
Auralind maintains a steely expression through the emotional moment.
Dying Soldier lays sprawled out. He is young, flailing in slow motion with unfocused eyes. "What…? What happened…?"
[Brannagen]: These are the moments when I really wish I'd picked another callin'…
Atley kneels before Dying Soldier.
Brannagen goes through the hopeless motions of healing…
Dane kneels behind the soldier, and states calmly. "You are going to die."
Dying Soldier 's flailing grows violent.
Dane steadies a hand on his shoulder. "You're from Lordaeron, aren't you."
Dying Soldier nods weakly, trembling.
[Dane]: The person that you loved most is waiting for you to join them.
Brannagen's expression is more grim than anyone here has ever seen it.
Dane reaches off to the side and grabs the soldier's broken sword, tucking it into his hand. Dane nods once. "This is a good death," he mutters quietly.
Brannagen drags the back of his glove across his eyes.
Dying Soldier tucks the blade against his chest. "Y-you have to win… For Lordaeron…"
[Dane]: You have fought bravely. Be at peace, brother.
Dane raises his sword, and drives it through the soldier. The body goes limp.
Brannagen lets out an audible breath, as though hit in the stomach.
Dane clears his throat. "There's still more." He examines his squadmates.
Auralind claps a hand on Atley's shoulder.
Brannagen breathes in deeply through his nose, looking up.
Cressidha quietly adds their dog tags to her collection.
Dane nods to Auralind a single time.
[Brannagen]: There.
Brannagen points over yonder.
Brannagen moves from body to body mechanically. Shaking his head each time and stepping back.
Dane eyes the soldiers impaled on Scourge battlements and shivers in rage. "Get them down. Auralind, with me."
Dane unceremoniously rips the bodies off of the bladed spikes.
Brannagen would help if he could reach…
[Dane]: Another, there.
Atley points over yonder.
A draenei woman lets out a pained whimper as Cobalt Company approaches.
Brannagen approaches her somewhat mechanically.
Brannagen performs his usual reaching-out…
Her eyes open to look at Bran.
[Brannagen]: Lo there, lass. How are ye feelin…?
Atley glares at Dying Soldier.
The Gift of the Naaru glows on her brow. "Terrible." There's a hint of humor to her voice.
[Brannagen]: Do ye trust in the Light? Do ye have hope?
"Always," the woman says fiercely. She begins coughing.
[Brannagen]: Then let's get ye out o' here.
Cressidha floats her carpet closer.
Brannagen tries to help her onto the carpet, but she is much taller than he is.
Brannagen floods her with all the healing spells in his repertoire.
Auralind moves to assist the tall woman.
Dane moves in as well.
[Dane]: We'll see to you.
Brannagen heals her like he's using all the healing spells he couldn't on the last six people.
It's a more mana-intensive strain than it should be, but her wounds begin to close.
[Brannagen]: Whew! This is hard mode, fer sure.
[Brannagen]: We'll get ye back soon, lass. Just need ta finish cleanin' up here ferst.
The soldier stretches out onto the carpet next to the other man, exhausted.
[Dane]: There's more.
The next one seems much more lethargic.
Brannagen sighs and shakes his head.
[Brannagen]: Another lost one.
Dane angrily slashes through interfering Scourge.
There's a high-pitched, "Help!" from a gnome woman who has been impaled with a spear.
Dane stomps over, ready to execute, but he looks to Bran for assessment.
Brannagen simultaneously removes the spear and casts healing spells…
[Brannagen]: When they call fer help it's a good sign… maybe…?
Again, it's an uphill struggle, but she is healed.
[Brannagen]: Means they still want ta go on… *He sweats as he expends all his mana.*
[Brannagen]: Onta the carpet with ye.
[Dane]: Come, we'll save you.
Cressidha offers Bran a mana potion.
Dane leans down to cradle the small gnome and lay them down on the carpet.
[Brannagen]: Whew. *He chugs some water.*
[Brannagen]: Three is more than I expected!
Brannagen seems cheered.
Dane grunts.
Dane looks around at the battlefield.
[Brannagen]: Somethin is real, real wrong with this place.
[Dane]: Let's move. Return the wounded.
[Brannagen]: Aye.
[Dane]: Can you fly with them, Cress?
[Cressidha]: I can operate the carpet remotely if I remain close by. Can I ride with one of you?
[Brannagen]: Aye!
[Brannagen]: I'm small.
Dane nods.
[Brannagen]: Plenty o' room.
Cressidha climbs on Magni Bronzebird.
[Cressidha]: Thank you.
[Brannagen]: Be good now, Magni.
Cressidha lowers the carpet gently to the deck of the airship.
[Brannagen]: Brelliant work, all.
Dane points out a Marine. "We've three wounded that need looking after."
[Brannagen]: They should make it if they're kept warm.
Crewmen rush to help lift the wounded off of Cressidha's carpet.
Skybreaker Marine says: They've brought' back wounded!
[Dane]: Blue Squad, to the High Captain.
Atley salutes High Captain Justin Bartlett with respect.
[Dane]: Sir.
Brannagen looks worn the heck out.
[Dane]: The army's gone. We slew those beyond help and brought back the only survivors we could find.
Cressidha does not salute the High Captain. Her face is a mask of neutrality.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: So… It was a rout - a total loss. This shall not be forgotten.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: Mark my words. The Horde shall pay for this… there will be no mercy!
Brannagen nods wearily.
Dane glares.
High Captain Justin Bartlett sighs. "That was a difficult thing you did, warrior. But it was the right thing."
Auralind nods sternly.
Brannagen rubs at his eyes.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: Don't allow the memory of your actions to haunt you. Harness that sorrow and pain you feel! Direct it at those who caused it.
High Captain Justin Bartlett says: The Horde. Must. Pay!
Brannagen's eyes clearly say, can they pay tomorrow maybe?
[Dane]: Anything else immediate that we can see to?
High Captain Justin Bartlett shakes his head. "Not now. By simply being here you raise the morale of my men."
Chief Officer Leonards says: Look alive marines!
[Dane]: Right then. Blue Squad, on me.
Cressidha walks after Dane.
[Brannagen]: Would I still raise morale if I found a bunk fer some shut-eye, ye thenk?
Dane scoffs with amusement.
Auralind chuckles quietly.
[Dane]: Aye. I am going to spend the evening here, p'raps more, in case of counter attack.
Cressidha moves off to the side, out of the way.
[Dane]: Grim work today, you lot. We've bloody earned our pay.
Brannagen sways a little on his feet, but nods.
[Dane]: You are dismissed. Cress, I'd have a word with you alone 'fore you leave.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Chief Officer Leonards says: Let's get some protection here mages! Put up some shields!
Auralind stands at attention and salutes.
[Brannagen]: I'm gonna find a… mm. *yawn*
Cressidha remains where she is.
Atley salutes Auralind with respect.
Brannagen stumbles toward the bunks.
Auralind wanders the Skybreaker, getting a feel for this strange new "terrain".
Dane looks to Cressidha. "Follow me."
Cressidha follows Dane.
Dane leads her into the bowels of this strange vessel.
Dane side-eyes the massive bomb.
Cressidha glances at her surroundings without comment.
Dane glares sharply up at the Horde warship as they step outside.
[Dane]: Grim work today. Black grim.
[Cressidha]: Yes.
[Dane]: How are you faring with it?
[Cressidha]: Poorly.
Cressidha's tone is almost robotic in its lack of emotion.
[Dane]: I am a poor substitute for your brother but you know you can speak to me without shame.
Dane turns to face her.
[Cressidha]: Thank you, Dane.
Dane sets a hand on her shoulder. "You maintained your composure. You saw to your duty. You are a soldier."
Cressidha flinches, very slightly, at being called a soldier. "I am a mercenary."
[Dane]: You are Cressidha of House of Aspenwood, and Cobalt Company. A war fighter. Most people will live their entire lives without being confronted with a fraction of the darkness we've faced today.
[Cressidha]: I believe most of what I require is time.
Cressidha nods.
Dane nods once. "You shall have it." He removes his hand. "If you do not speak to me, speak to Colson, or Mordecai. Unless you've anything for me you are dismissed."
Cressidha nods. "If… we have the opportunity, when that battlefield is under our control. I should like to go through with holy water, as we did before, for the Crusaders."
Dane nods once. "A fine idea. I'm sold. I doubt the others will need much convincing, either."
[Cressidha]: Thank you, Dane.
Dane grunts. "Fare well," he states.
Cressidha nods. "Light be with you." She steps back and reaches for a teleportation stone.
Dane turns to peer over the edge, glaring.