(2024-02-26) Interlude: Trollish Tribulations, Part 1 (Cobalt Blade)

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	The Cobalt Blade returns with their Maraudon crystals to find Archmage Tervosh with an entirely different problem - a missing teenage gnome mage. What starts as a rescue quickly becomes a chase, but the Cobalt Blade is determined to succeed! ~7600 words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: The Cobalt Blade

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quest-usual violence, mentions of cannibalism, exasperating teenagers

The team assembles at the mage tower in Theramore, ready to meet with Archmage Tervosh. Tadget pops out of stealth.
[Tadget]: Boo.
Tadget giggles at Thalstan.
[Thalstan]: Hello there, team!
Vesyllah has a massive spider following her like a pet.
Tadget greets Smolderweb Hatchling with a hearty hello!
[Tadget]: Are you allowed to bring that spider in here, Vengeance?
[Vesyllah]: Nobody has tried to stop me.
[Thalstan]: Tha's a good sign then.
Vesyllah definitely didn't glare menacingly at someone who tried to stop her.
[Tadget]: Well, they're mages. They probably didn't even notice.
[Thalstan]: So we've brought th' crystals we gathered, aye? Hope these are the sort th'Archmage needs.
[Tadget]: Can I see em?
[Thalstan]: Oh aye, if ye like. *Thal hands over his back of shadowshard fragments to Tadget*
[Zaara]: Hello! Hello. I am here.
[Thalstan]: Zaara, good t'see ye.
Tadget slings an arm around Zaara's shin.
Zaara looks a little wan and distracted. She smiles vaguely at the group.
[Thalstan]: Alright, just as a recap for all us folks, we've been helpin' out in Desolace, tryin' ta see if the land's recoverin' or if no', why no'.
Tadget peers at Zaara searchingly.
[Thalstan]: Also, maybe helpin' th' centaur to unite so they can fight cultists an' we don't have to. But that was a side thing.
[Tadget]: Thanks for the reminder, because honestly I just pay attention mostly to the stabbing parts.
[Thalstan]: I'm no' sure what the Archmage will have fer us to do today, but first thing is turnin' in these crystals.
[Arthur]: Crystals. Okay.
Tadget reluctantly hands Thal back the bag. She may have pocketed one.
Thalstan does not even notice the possibly missing crystal. He walks up to Archmage Tervosh and hands over the bag.
Archmage Tervosh looks over the crystals, and his expression brightens.
[Tadget]: That's the correct number of crystals? That is sufficient? You don't, for example, wish you had one additional one?
Archmage Tervosh says: These are perfect, but it’ll take me time to analyze them.
Tadget nods, satisfied, and pats her back pocket.
Archmage Tervosh says: Once I see what I can learn from these, I may have to send you in for other samples. We'll see. *Tervosh turns a crystal in the light, examining it.*
Archmage Tervosh says: In the meantime, I have another - almost entirely unrelated - problem I hope you can help me with.
[Thalstan]: Oh? Well, we are problem solvers.
[Tadget]: We've certainly proven ourselves reliable!
Thalstan | Archmage Tervosh says: We have a visiting would-be apprentice mage from Dalaran, Kinndy Sparkshine, a gnomish girl. She’s enthusiastic and talented, but very young and inexperienced.
[Thalstan]: I uh… am no' sure what we can do about that, sir.
[Zaara]: You wish us to experience her?
Archmage Tervosh says: Oh, that's not the problem. I'm sure she'll become experienced one way or another in any case. Life works like that.
Arthur makes an odd noise that becomes a cough.
Zaara nods solemnly.
Archmage Tervosh says: Apparently, she overheard our discussion about the environmental problems in Desolace, and she seems to have run off to investigate on her own.
Vesyllah slowly arches an eyebrow at Zaara.
Archmage Tervosh says: I'm certain she's just trying to make a good impression, but it's dangerous out there for a lone gnomish teenager.
[Tadget]: Gnomes are pretty tough, sir.
[Tadget]: She's probably fine, but we can check. Since it's, you know, just across the continent.
[Arthur]: Oh, a self-starter with initiative and curiosity.
Arthur wouldn't know anything about that, no sir.
Tervosh nods at Art. "It really is a good sign for her potential, provided… you know…"
[Zaara]: That she is not dead?
Archmage Tervosh says: Exactly.
[Tadget]: She's fine. I'm sure of it. We're survivors.
Archmage Tervosh says: I'm glad to hear that, Tadget.
[Tadget]: Thanks for remembering my name, sir.
Tadget may have forgotten his.
The Archmage smiles at Tadget.
Archmage Tervosh says: In any case, I don't think she's in Desolace any longer. She's been on the move. I've been trying to follow with scrying.
[Tadget]: Oh, good. Where, then?
[Zaara]: Do not scry, sir, we will find her. I am sure she is okay.
Tadget takes one look at Zaara and lets out a guffaw!
Archmage Tervosh says: From what I can tell, she decided the trolls in Shadowprey Village would be a good resource to ask about changes in the elements, and… well… the next thing I saw was her tied up and bundled through a portal.
[Arthur]: Oh!
Zaara gasps at Archmage Tervosh.
[Arthur]: So she's kidnapped!
[Tadget]: I take back what I said. She might be lunch.
Archmage Tervosh says: Kidnapped, prisoner of almost-war, I'm not sure. I only got a brief glimpse through the portal, but it looked like… swamp.
Vesyllah mumbles, "Or she's trying out some new experiences…"
[Zaara]: Lunch!
[Thalstan]: She does seem ta have got herself in a tangle.
[Tadget]: Swamp. So nearby, maybe?
Archmage Tervosh says: It didn't look like Dustwallow, unfortunately. And I happen to know the Horde mages have a fixed portal location in… Stonard.
[Tadget]: Crap.
[Zaara]: Crap!
[Tadget]: It's sure a good thing I took a boat to Kalimdor, then.
[Zaara]: You took a boat? I took an Arthur.
Tadget whispers loudly to Art, "Do mages not write letters?"
[Thalstan]: So ye want us ta go and rescue 'er from th' Horde in Stonard?
[Arthur]: we send message orbs and spirits. the mail? not so much.
Tadget sighs at Arthur.
[Zaara]: Do not… mages operate the mail? In Azeroth?
[Arthur]: yes!
[Zaara]: Why do they not use it? I am suspicion.
[Tadget]: Apparently they prefer to meet people in person, though, like, really strongly.
[Arthur]: because we're showoffs.
Tadget cackles maniacally at Arthur.
[Zaara]: Oh. This makes sense.
[Arthur]: Why send a letter when you can send a linked holographic projection?
[Zaara]: Because I am not a showoff!
[Thalstan]: Huh. Well. I suppose time is of th'essence here.
[Thalstan]: Are all in favor o' chasin' after a wee mage girl?
[Tadget]: I'm pretty sure by now she's— You know what, that's pretty graphic; I'll keep it to myself.
Vesyllah shrugs. "Sure. Whatever."
[Arthur]: Let's go look for her.
[Zaara]: COBOLT BLADE!
Archmage Tervosh says: She is a creative and resourceful young mage, I'm sure she… well.. one way or another, I hope you'll find her.
[Tadget]: We'll do our best, sir.
Zaara strikes a pose. She's not a showoff, though.
Thalstan nods.
[Tadget]: If nothing else, expect a full report. But possibly by letter.
[Thalstan]: Art, can we get a portal ta' Stormwind?
Tadget pleads with Arthur.
[Arthur]: I've been waiting to do this!
[Arthur]: Here we go!
Tadget cheers at Arthur!
[Tadget]: Not just a pretty face, that one.
[Tadget]: Where to, sir?
[Thalstan]: Hm, we can't well fly ta Stonard. They're no' friendly.
[Thalstan]: How about Darkshire, an' we can ride?
[Tadget]: Yessir.
[Zaara]: Okay!
The team takes gryphons to Darkshire and then mounts up to ride through Deadwind Pass.
[Thalstan]: Careful as we ride through here. I heard ghost stories about this place.
[Tadget]: They're all true.
[Thalstan]: Seein' it, I believe it.
[Tadget]: This place is super cursed, always has been.
Thalstan looks around at the grey, silent landscape.
[Tadget]: Even before the most powerful wizard in history got possessed by a demon and died here.
[Thalstan]: Even before?
[Tadget]: Yeah.
[Thalstan]: Huh, I sorta thought this was all curse stuff.
[Tadget]: Something messed up with the ley lines. It's actually why Medivh settled here.
[Tadget]: But yeah, the curse did not help matters.
They pass from the cursed land into the Swamp of Sorrows.
[Tadget]: Finn and I had our first date here.
[Thalstan]: In a swamp? *Thal blinks*
[Tadget]: Yep. I guess we didn't quite realize it was a date yet.
[Tadget]: I was working, and he tagged along being amazing.
[Arthur]: Until you started pickpocketing orcs?
Tadget giggles.
They approach Stonard.
[Tadget]: Uh, let's not get any closer.
Tadget eyes the orc settlement.
Thalstan hums. "So this is it. More like a camp than a city. Odd they've got a portal place here."
[Thalstan]: S'pose it's ta do with the ley lines?
[Thalstan]: Now, how're we goin' ta rescue a gnome…
[Tadget]: I don't think orcs know about that stuff.
[Thalstan]: Th' mages must. Or maybe they jus' do trial an' error?
[Arthur]: I would assume that they do.
[Tadget]: Okay first of all, orcs don't have mages.
[Tadget]: Second of all, they're new here.
[Arthur]: Trolls do. And the Forsaken.
Thalstan scouts along the fence for a while. "Well, their allies. The trolls? Do they have mages? Or th' blood elves?"
[Tadget]: Yeah, but it's orcs built this place. During the first war.
[Arthur]: And the blood elves, of course
[Tadget]: They didn't have mage friends yet.
[Vesyllah]: Guess they just got lucky.
[Arthur]: Or they had advice from the Legion.
Tadget shudders at the thought.
[Tadget]: Anyway. What's our next move?
[Thalstan]: So it musta jus' been a happy accident. *Thal pauses.* Hold up, look at this.
There is a bit of bright cloth caught on a fence spike, and little footprints leading away from the town.
[Tadget]: Oh HO. Footprints!
[Thalstan]: Those look gnome?
[Tadget]: Maybe she's not lunch after all.
Thalstan peers at Tadget.
[Arthur]: What's that?
[Tadget]: Definitely gnome.
[Zaara]: What is gnome? We see a gnome?
[Tadget]: Gnome footprints.
[Thalstan]: They keep goin' out here. Th' orcs or whoever will notice eventually. We'd best follow 'em.
They follow it to the shore of a lake.
[Thalstan]: It leads inta th' water.
[Arthur]: Oh.
[Arthur]: And…over there?
Over there is the above-water portion of the Sunken Temple.
[Thalstan]: Think she went ta that structure o'er there?
[Tadget]: That's the temple of Atal'Hakkar.
They team starts to wade into the water… And suddenly realizes they're walking on top of it.
[Tadget]: Whoooaaaa
[Tadget]: How am I doing this??
[Thalstan]: This you, Zaara?
[Tadget]: I AM WALKING ON WATER
[Zaara]: It is water gift of walking.
[Zaara]: I give you.
Tadget thanks Zaara.
[Tadget]: This is AMAZING.
[Tadget]: Never leave me, Zaara.
[Zaara]: Okay!
[Tadget]: I really hope she did not go in there.
[Thalstan]: An' my ram too, this is truly an inneresting thing.
Thalstan stares at the water lapping gently at his rams hooves.
[Tadget]: Cobalt Company cleared it out a while back, but places like this attract all kinds of yuck.
[Thalstan]: Looks kind of like bad news. See any sign of a gnome?
[Zaara]: No!
[Tadget]: This has been a roller coaster from start to finish.
[Thalstan]: Uh, sense any sign of…?
Tadget giggles at Zaara.
[Arthur]: Wait.
Tadget looks around.
[Thalstan]: What is it, Trouble?
[Tadget]: Not trouble, I hope.
Arthur pops a finger in his mouth, holds it up, and frowns. "Resonance."
[Thalstan]: What kind o' resonance? Spellcasting here before? She is a mage, they said.
[Arthur]: Somebody opened a portal here. What's the geometry?
Arthur mumbles.
Tadget shrugs. Who knows?
[Thalstan]: Uh… geometry…
[Tadget]: Nerd stuff.
[Arthur]: Stormwind.
[Tadget]: Welp.
[Thalstan]: Wait… Wait… she's in Stormwind? But we… we were just…
Tadget cackles maniacally at the situation.
[Tadget]: Well how were we supposed to know that?
[Tadget]: Looks like you're up again Art.
[Arthur]: That's the seventh harmonic undertone. Stormwind, I'm certain.
[Thalstan]: Guess we head back straightaway?
Vesyllah sighs in open irritation.
[Tadget]: Open a thingie.
Art opens a thingie! We're back in Stormwind.
[Thalstan]: Right, so, let's ask a mage if she's come through here.
[Arthur]: It matched!
Tadget apologizes as her mechanostrider charges into the quiet library area.
[Thalstan]: Maybe should ha' before, but I didn't think…
[Thalstan]: Sir! Have ye seen a smallish gnome girl come through here?
Jennea Cannon glares at their mounts.
Maginor Dumas says: Many people come through here. You may need to be more specific.
[Thalstan]: Girl from Dalaran. Kinndy Sparkshine?
Maginor Dumas says: Ah, the gnome with the pink pigtails? Yes, yes, she came through here babbling about how she was onto something.
[Tadget]: Gnomes…
[Zaara]: Gnomes!
[Thalstan]: Onto… what exactly?
[Tadget]: She sounds cute, though.
[Tadget]: Wonder if she's single. Oh wait, I'm not single. Nevermind.
Maginor Dumas says: Something about troll shaman artifacts and the elements. She said she was in the middle of an adventure, and was headed to the Hinterlands.
Thalstan chuckles at Tadget.
[Vesyllah]: Goddess…would this girl just hold still for a minute?
[Tadget]: The Hint— *SIGH*
[Thalstan]: Well… The Hinterlands. Tha's a good place, a'least. Can't portal there, though.
[Tadget]: Ironforge, I guess? Or we could just take the tram.
[Thalstan]: Maybe give Art's portalin' hand a rest.
[Vesyllah]: A good place? You know there's an entire troll city in the Hinterlands.
[Tadget]: And it costs something, right, crystals or something?
[Arthur]: I have an errand to run anyway…
[Thalstan]: There's an entire dwarf city in th' Hinterlands.
[Zaara]: So many cities! The Hinterlands sound like a very busy place!
[Tadget]: It's pretty there, too.
[Tadget]: You'll like the breezes and stuff, Zaara.
[Zaara]: If they are happy.
[Tadget]: They should be. It's super naturey.
[Zaara]: I do not know. There are angry breezes lately.
[Tadget]: Angry breezes?
[Tadget]: What does air have to get mad about?
[Thalstan]: Is tha' like a common problem?
[Zaara]: No, it is uncommon. But…
[Zaara]: It reminds a little of Draenor. The anger of things.
[Thalstan]: Tha's… not good, is it? Given how Draenor is now.
[Vesyllah]: That's ominous…
[Zaara]: No, it is not good. But I do not know why Azeroth will have these angers!
[Thalstan]: Draenor was… cause it was tearin' apart?
[Thalstan]: Could it be somethin' to do with the blue dragons?
Tadget waves at Arthur.
[Zaara]: Draenor it is because of the world shattered, yes.
[Tadget]: Well, we're not shattered, so it must be something else.
[Tadget]: Is it possible they're only mad at YOU, Zaara?
[Thalstan]: But I remember it ha' somethin' ta do with… portals? Magic? An' the blue dragons were messin' up portals an' magic.
[Zaara]: I do not think it is angry at me?
[Arthur]: Okay but…if it feels the same in both places, then…
[Tadget]: I mean there's also the Lich King.
[Tadget]: Lots of crap going on right now to make the world mad.
Zaara frowns.
They arrive at the tram and ride to Ironforge, still deep in conversation.
[Thalstan]: Maybe the elements had nightmares.
[Tadget]: Oh gosh, that too.
[Tadget]: THREE RANDOM THINGS WRONG AT ONCE.
[Thalstan]: Which reminds me! Uh, not the three things, but…
[Thalstan]: I found tha' girl. Oranna Stormbreaker.
[Tadget]: Oh?
[Thalstan]: Aye, she was here in Ironforge dealin' with 'er house.
[Vesyllah]: Who's that? Your dream girl?
[Thalstan]: My… well, I mean, yes.
[Thalstan]: In th' literal sense.
[Vesyllah]: Uh huh. Just literal.
Tadget snickers at you.
They arrive at the gryphon master.
[Tadget]: Where to, sir?
[Thalstan]: Hm, think the closest I might have is Refuge Pointe. Or Southshore.
[Tadget]: *testy* Which one, sir?
[Thalstan]: Let's go ta Southshore an' ride from there!
[Tadget]: Okay!
They ride! They arrive in Southshore!
[Thalstan]: Whew, an' it's rainin'.
Vesyllah smiles.
[Thalstan]: All set ta ride?
[Thalstan]: Where we're goin' is a major Wildhammer place.
[Zaara]: Ah! The rain is so good! The rain is happy.
Thalstan smiles at Zaara.
Vesyllah is happy when it rains.
[Tadget]: I hope my rust-proof coating worked. You okay, Tailwind?
[Thalstan]: Does it usually answer ye?
Tailwind does not complain, so must be fine.
[Tadget]: When it does, that's when you know there's trouble.
[Thalstan]: So yeah, as I was sayin', they're no' my clan, but we're on better terms now.
Thalstan nods at Tadget.
[Tadget]: They're not as… smokey and metaly as Ironforge dwarves.
[Tadget]: So Hinterlands is all fresh and clean. You'll like it, Zaara.
[Thalstan]: Aye, more inta gryphons and flyin'.
They come through a pass into view of the lovely city of Aerie Peak.
[Arthur]: Wow!
[Thalstan]: Here we are, Aerie Peak!
[Tadget]: Wildhammers!
[Thalstan]: Right beautiful place, for all it's not in a mountain.
[Zaara]: It is an airy peak!
[Tadget]: Hammering less wildly than advertised, though.
Vesyllah frowns. It's not raining here.
Thalstan laughs.
[Arthur]: Is the air better here?
[Thalstan]: Ah, an' here's the Thane.
[Tadget]: Is that— it is.
[Zaara]: It is peaceful, the air, yes.
Arthur bows before Falstad Wildhammer.
[Zaara]: Who is? What?
[Thalstan]: Sir, have ye seen a pink pigtailed gnome come through here?
Tadget bows before Falstad Wildhammer.
[Thalstan]: There's a High Thane in front o' us, Zaara!
Tadget whispers loudly to Zaara, "It's Falstad Wildhammer, Thane of the Wildhammer Clan. That's like their king. Or prophet. Or whatever."
[Zaara]: Oh! What is that!
[Zaara]: Ohhhhh.
[Vesyllah]: Young thing. Annoyingly mobile.
Thal bows before Falstad Wildhammer.
Tadget continues whispering loudly, "He also super famously helped free the dragon queen Alexstrasza when she was enslaved by orcs!"
Falstad Wildhammer says: I'm afraid I don't keep track of every gnome who wanders through. You might ask the gryphon master. He keeps an eye on travelers.
Tadget mutters, "He'll wish he'd kept an eye on me…"
[Thalstan]: Aye, sure, we can ask the gryphon master.
[Vesyllah]: Uuuugh…can we please catch a break.
[Tadget]: Maybe in ten minutes.
[Thalstan]: Lo there sir!
Tadget greets Gryphon Master Talonaxe with a hearty hello!
[Zaara]: Hello there, sir!
[Thalstan]: Have ye seen a pink pig-tailed gnome by the name o' Kinndy Sparkshine come through here?
[Tadget]: Also, how attractive was she?
Zaara whispers loudly to whomever is standing closest, "Is it another High Thing?"
Tadget whispers loudly back, "Just a Gryphon Master."
[Thalstan]: It's th' fella that watches after th' gryphons. Real important for Wildhammers.
[Zaara]: Ah!
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: A gnome, eh? Aye, we've had some through. One might've been yer Kinndy, headed out into the countryside. Wanted to fly a gryphon, but she had no gryphon license.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe does not comment on her attractiveness.
[Thalstan]: Any idea where she was headed?
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: She said sommat about trolls an' artifacts… I'm no' sure. There's a fella lives out in the hills nearby, Rhapsody Shindigger. Ye might ask him if he's seen a spot o' pink hair movin' about in the lands.
[Tadget]: What a name.
[Vesyllah]: His name is Rhapsody?
[Thalstan]: Well. I think we're gettin' closer. Don't ye think?
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Aye. Rhapsody.
[Arthur]: Like the beer?
[Vesyllah]: We'd better be.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Likely. I was goin' ta say, don't expect him ta be… rhapsodic.
Tadget laughs.
[Tadget]: That's strange, because I'm constantly tadgety.
[Thalstan]: I can confirm, yer 100% tadgety.
Tadget laughs at you.
[Thalstan]: Alright, let's go ask this fella?
[Tadget]: Get away, you mangy mutts!
[Thalstan]: Jus' tryin' ta go visitin', gah.
[Tadget]: So yeah, these lands are pretty hinter, as you can see.
They head out and find Rhapsody's camp. He's there with an elf friend.
Thalstan looks at the elf, then turns right around to the dwarf.
Tadget greets Rhapsody Shindigger with a hearty hello!
[Thalstan]: Rhapsody, I take it?
Rhapsody Shindigger says: Aye, 'sme. Who's it?
[Zaara]: COBOLT BLADE!
[Tadget]: We're looking for a gnome with pink pigtails.
Thalstan nods at Zaara.
[Vesyllah]: Doesn't hold still.
Rhapsody Shindigger says: Cobalt Blade… lookin' fer fast movin' pink pigtails…
[Zaara]: Not just pigtails! The whole gnome!
[Vesyllah]: That's about the shape of it.
Rhapsody Shindigger says: Reckon I can help ye with that. Providin' ye mention me in yer next book.
Tadget cheers at Rhapsody Shindigger!
[Vesyllah]: Sure. Those books we definitely write.
Thalstan rustles his mustache thoughtfully. "I do no' think they'd say no."
[Tadget]: Always nice to meet a fan.
Rhapsody laughs. "They get 'em in at Aerie Peak. Rollickin' adventure. So, yeah, yer pigtail gnome. Saw her boppin' about below, around the Witherbark camps."
[Thalstan]: Witherbark are… trolls, aye?
Vesyllah sighs. "Trolls again."
Rhapsody Shindigger says: Dangerous trolls, aye. If she's no' already lunch, ye might find her in a cage somewhere.
[Thalstan]: Wonderful.
[Zaara]: Lunch!
[Thalstan]: This Kinndy, though, she does seem ta be good at gettin' herself outta tight corners.
[Tadget]: One might say she's an escape artist.
Thalstan nods at Tadget. "That a general gnome thing?"
[Tadget]: It is.
[Thalstan]: Then might be she's slipped outta this one.
[Vesyllah]: One important question, though. What is a shindigger?
[Tadget]: I'm telling you, we are really hard to kill.
Rhapsody Shindigger says: A partier o' course. A particular type o' party.
Tadget cackles maniacally at the situation.
Vesyllah sighs. "I shall ask no more."
Rhapsody Shindigger says: A shindig. No' a soiree, or a bash.
[Thalstan]: Aye, gotcha.
[Thalstan]: Let's take a quick breather at Aerie Peak 'fore we head out ta the Witherbark.
Tadget nods at you.
[Tadget]: I need to make sure no water got into Tailwind's innards.
[Tadget]: And maybe get some water into my innards.
They take a quick break and then reassemble.
Tadget salutes Thal with respect.
Zaara was here all along.
Tadget didn't see her, which is ironic.
Vesyllah pets Snarly.
[Thalstan]: Alright, everybody got a drink, Tailwind all tuned up?
[Tadget]: Yessir.
[Thalstan]: Then let's go see if tha' gnomish girl's slipped her way out o' this one or not.
[Zaara]: Yes! Sir!
[Vesyllah]: I swear…she better be in a cage.
[Tadget]: Why in a cage?
[Tadget]: I spent considerable time in a cage once, and I do not recommend.
[Thalstan]: So she can no' run off again?
[Vesyllah]: Exactly.
[Arthur]: I hope we're in time.
[Tadget]: Me too, Art, me too.
[Thalstan]: I do hope she's no' in a troll's belly.
[Zaara]: Awkward!
[Tadget]: I do not think the world can afford to lose any more gnomes.
[Tadget]: Our population is already verging on nonviable for genetic diversity purposes.
[Thalstan]: An' the world would be a sorry place if tha' were ta happen.
[Thalstan]: I hope there's lots o' big gnome families in a few years.
Arthur knows what that means, and pauses drinking his mana water.
[Tadget]: I did my part. I'm out of the gnome-making business.
[Thalstan]: Ye did th' three, aye.
They arrive at a troll camp.
[Thalstan]: Okay, here's some cages.
[Tadget]: I don't see a gnome.
[Zaara]: HELLOOOOO? A GNOOOOOME?
[Thalstan]: KINNDY! Ye in there?
[Thalstan]: Nothin'.
Vesyllah lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
[Thalstan]: Maybe there's another camp.
[Tadget]: The good news is, I also do not see any bits of gnome.
Thalstan winces. "I sure hope tha' stays the case."
[Vesyllah]: Hopefully gnome is a delicacy and they're saving her for a special occasion.
[Zaara]: Do you think they would leave the bits? Gnomes are so small! Not so many bits!
[Tadget]: Hehe, I heard my former 7th Legion captain accidentally turned a gnome inside out. So mad at him about that. Even if the guy was a jerk, he had GENES.
[Thalstan]: Inside out? *Thal blinks*
[Thalstan]: What kind o' magic is that?
[Vesyllah]: Wish I could have seen that.
[Zaara]: I bet it was very meaty!
[Tadget]: It was when the ley lines first went all wonky. He was doing experiments to see if warlock summons were safe.
[Tadget]: Spoiler: they were not.
[Thalstan]: Ach, the poor gnome.
[Tadget]: It was instantaneous at least.
[Tadget]: No way he could have felt a thing.
They come upon another troll camp, very suddenly. Every troll attacks. Also a passing moonkin, just for variety. An intense fight follows…
[Tadget]: Oh gosh.
[Vesyllah]: Face the agony of your sins!
[Tadget]: Party time.
[Tadget]: That moonkin just had to join in.
[Thalstan]: Uh.. tha's one less troll camp.
[Vesyllah]: Kinndy! You slippery little !@#$ you in there?
[Tadget]: Ves!!
Zaara]: How do you say this to poor gnome lunch??
Vesyllah lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Tadget gently pats Zaara.
They investigate the cages.
[Thalstan]: No gnome in there, but… wait…
[Thalstan peers in a corner. "There's a shoe in there. Looks a bit small for a troll."
[Tadget]: Oh no, now she's running around somewhere with one shoe?
[Vesyllah]: Uh oh.
[Vesyllah]: Or…not.
[Thalstan]: Does it look gnome-sized, Mayhem?
Tadget peers at it.
[Tadget]: Looks pretty gnomey to me. Hm…
Tadget peers closer.
[Tadget]: Okay, judging by the scuff marks on it, she definitely pulled an escape artist. They had something around her ankle, and she did the thing. Wooop! Slipped out, left the shoe.
[Arthur]: Our princess is in another trroll camp?
[Tadget]: Yes.
[Thalstan]: Maybe. But what would she be after?
[Arthur]: Mushrooms?
[Zaara]: She is a princess???
[Tadget]: When I find her, that is among the many questions I have for her.
[Thalstan]: We could ask back at th' Aerie Peak, if there's some kinda special camp round here.
[Tadget]: He's speaking figuratively, Booty.
[Tadget]: Because we are rescuing her.
[Tadget]: OR TRYING.
[Zaara]: Oh!
[Arthur]: Doing our best!
[Thalstan]: She'd be easier ta rescue if she'd stay in one place.
They arrive back at Aerie Peak aND head straight for the gryphon master.
[Thalstan]: Sir!
Tadget greets Gryphon Master Talonaxe with a hearty hello!
[Zaara]: It smells of birds!
Tadget nods at Zaara.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Eh? Find yer pink-haired girl?
Vesyllah grumbles. "No."
[Tadget]: We're getting quite a picture of her personality, though.
[Arthur]: Is "flibbertijibbet" a personality?
Tadget nods at Arthur.
[Zaara]: FLIPPERIN EEJIT.
Tadget takes one look at Zaara and lets out a guffaw!
[Thalstan]: There any special troll places a girl might want ta infiltrate? Somewhere 'specially dangerous? We poked about the Witherbark camps.
[Thalstan]: No gnome, but they had her for a hot minute.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: I suppose… there's the Vilebranch temple. It's a diff'rent type o' troll, but… who knows?
Vesyllah snorts a laugh.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: If I was goin' ta go somewhere deadly, it'd be the Altar of Zul. That or Jintha'alor, but if she went there ye've lost her.
[Tadget]: Hm, where is that exactly? *She thrusts a map at him.*
[Arthur]: What's Jintha'alor?
Gryphon Master Talonaxes makes a helpful circle over the location of the Altar of Zul.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Jus' a massive troll city.
[Vesyllah]: She sounds like the kind of girl who would leap away from the nightsaber into the spider's web.
[Tadget]: This is one of the few places on Azeroth I don't know too much about.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Jintha'alor's Vilebranch, too, but it's dangerous fortified.
[Tadget]: But a massive troll city sounds interesting.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: I'd try tha' altar ta start with, at least.
[Tadget]: 'Kay.
[Thalstan]: Alrigh', I suppose let's give that a look.
Thalstan holds the map up in front of him as the team rides into the wilderness once again.
[Tadget]: You know what? I'm annoyed that dwarf thought we couldn't rescue her from the troll city.
[Tadget]: Does he not know who we are??
[Tadget]: COBOLT BLADE!
Zaara flexes at Tadget. Oooooh so strong!
[Thalstan]: Ye know, ye're right. I bet we could storm a massive Vilebranch city tha's fortified.
[Tadget]: Absolutely.
[Tadget]: Some of us have even killed gods. Very well fortified gods.
[Vesyllah]: Here we go…
Ves starts in on a troll.
[Vesyllah]: Suffer the pain you have inflicted!
[Thalstan]: Trolls ahead! This has got ta be th' place.
[Thalstan]: Ta be honest, this place seems quite fortified also.
There are a lot of scary trolls. We start to work our way in.
[Vesyllah]: This is your penance!
[Thalstan]: I think we could try th' front door approach.
[Tadget]: Back up a bit.
[Thalstan]: Let's pause fer a drink after this.
[Tadget]: If one of 'em starts casting spells at one of ya, back up and I'll kick 'em.
Thalstan nods at Tadget.
[Thalstan]: Jus' up those stairs. May be our gnome up there.
[Tadget]: back up…
We do so, but there are more trolls, just everywhere.
[Tadget]: I meant to a clear area…
Tadget cackles maniacally at the situation.
[Tadget]: This is turning out to be a reasonably invigorating challenge.
[Vesyllah]: I am the night!
In the middle of a particularly spicy group of high-level troll casters, Thalstan levels. We finish them off.
[Tadget]: I feel like you really learned something from that fight, sir.
[Thalstan]: Ya know, maybe he was right about Jintha'alor.
[Tadget]: Naw, naw, we got this.
Thalstan wipes the sweat off his heavy brow.
[Arthur]: we're sweating out here. for the first time ever!
[Thalstan]: I s'pose the challenge makes it more excitin',
[Zaara]: It is very thirsty!
[Thalstan]: An' I do feel like I learned somethin'.
[Tadget]: I could almost see a light go on over your head.
A priestess sees the group approaching the altar, and her face grows thunderous with rage.
In Common, she cries out, "A gnome! Even if ya brought friends, ye can't succeed here, gnomes! Get you gone!"
[Tadget]: Whaaaaaaaat?
[Thalstan]: Was there… another gnome come by here recent?
[Tadget]: This feels personal.
The priestess snarls, "You want me ta think you're not with the pink one."
[Tadget]: You got a problem with gnomes, you tusk-faced pig-eater??
[Zaara]: We are! Yes! With the pink one! Where is she?
She adds, "Be gone! She already stole the codex!"
[Tadget]: Nice.
[Vesyllah]: Codex…
[Tadget]: Gnomes. We get the job done.
Except not even gnomes could face the combined might of the Vilebranch today.
Tadget yells for everyone to flee!
[Tadget]: WHERE??
We scatter and flee. Or um, make a strategic retreat. A really long strategic retreat, because for some reason there are always more trolls.
Tadget stops once the group has fled to safety, turns around. "Uh oh…. where's Vengeance?"
[Thalstan]: Whew, that was a close one. Everyone sa…. oh no.
[Thalstan]: Did we leave 'er there?
[Arthur]: She was next to me! but–
[Zaara]: Wengeance?! She was
Vesyllah clears her throat, appearing out of thin air.
Thalstan looks around frantically, and then his eyes widen.
[Zaara]: I hear her!
Tadget startles.
[Arthur]: Oh light!
[Tadget]: Where the heck did you
[Thalstan]: Vengeance! Ye're alright!
[Vesyllah]: I'm an alchemist, remember? I used a potion of invisibility.
Tadget cackles maniacally at Vesyllah.
[Zaara]: Ho ho!
[Arthur]: You can't go scaring ten years off my life like that, I'm not an elf!
[Tadget]: You just wanted to see us get all worried about you.
[Vesyllah]: Maybe.
[Tadget]: I wasn't worried.
[Thalstan]: I was.
[Zaara]: I was worried!
[Tadget]: Not because I have faith in you but just because I don't care at all.
[Vesyllah]: But it's a good thing I did, because after you all ran off, those priests started %^&*!ing about the missing codex.
[Thalstan]: Heh, ye put on tha' face, Mayhem.
[Tadget]: Ooooh did you hear anything good?
Thalstan brightens, stroking his beard in thought. "What'd they say?"
[Vesyllah]: Luckily, I know a smattering of Zandali. They said something about a staff used to commune with the elements. And I'm pretty sure they said it came from the Amani.
[Thalstan]: Hmm… might be what our girl is after?
[Arthur]: Amani? that's north a ways, isn't it?
[Thalstan]: We're north a ways, ta be honest.
[Tadget]: Wonder what our friend wants with it.
[Thalstan]: At least we know she got away.
[Zaara]: Flipperinidjit!
Tadget laughs at Zaara.
[Thalstan]: Musta been recent, if they thought we were with 'er.
[Tadget]: I really like this girl. We should recruit her for Cobalt Company.
Thalstan chuckles at Tadget.
[Thalstan]: If she got what she was after, might be she went back ta Aerie Peak.
[Zaara]: That would be taxing! After all the fighting for no reason!
[Tadget]: Becoming stronger and more awesome is reason enough.
[Zaara]: What if already I am the most awesome?
[Zaara]: I am MAXIMUM AWESOME.
[Tadget]: I can assure you that you are at most second-most awesome.
[Zaara]: WHAT?
Tadget giggles at Zaara.
[Zaara]: I will heal you no more, Mayhem.
[Tadget]: Cool, well that just means I'll vanish and not help fight.
[Zaara]: This is a joke, I will of course heal you.
[Tadget]: Wise choice.
Sadly for Ves, we must kill some hostile giant spiders that cross our path.
[Vesyllah]: Sorry, spiders.
[Thalstan]: Uh… let's all of us work together, like we've done till now.
[Tadget]: Yes sir!
[Thalstan]: It's got us this far!
[Vesyllah]: Is that what we're doing? I thought you all were just following me around to make me look good.
Tadget makes a rude gesture at Vesyllah.
Vesyllah smirks slyly at Tadget.
[Thalstan]: No, it's teamwork, Vengeance.
[Vesyllah]: No, it's sarcasm, Beardy.
[Tadget]: He is never going to get sarcasm. Just give up.
Thalstan chuckles. "I know ye all like me well enough despite it."
[Tadget]: Who said we liked you? I don't remember ever saying that.
[Zaara]: Beardy!
[Thalstan]: Ye wouldnae say, Mayhem. I know ye that well.
Tadget makes a raspberry noise. Pthbhbhttbtht.
Vesyllah just keeps her mouth shut.
Tadget makes a rude gesture at you.
We make it back to Aerie Peak.
[Thalstan]: Sir, sir, did th' gnome Kinndy come through here?
[Thalstan]: Pink pigtails, one shoe…
[Tadget]: I know we keep asking.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Yes, I do remember who yer after.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: An' she did, but yer no' goin' ta like it.
Tadget lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
[Vesyllah]: UUUUGH
[Vesyllah]: NOW what?
[Thalstan]: She's no' here, is she?
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Nope. I tol' her there was a group after 'er, and she said she needed to get to a diviner right away.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: She's off ta Nethergarde Keep with some troll book thing.
[Tadget]: AFTER her?
[Tadget]: You said we were AFTER her?
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: …I do think I phrased it so?
Tadget sighs at Gryphon Master Talonaxe.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Ye are after her, no?
[Tadget]: No wonder she ran. We're trying to help her.
[Thalstan]: Ta keep her safe! *Thal nods at Tadget*
Vesyllah looks at Gryphon Master Talonaxe and covers her face with her palm.
[Zaara]: This is so taxing.
[Tadget]: Well anyway, the good news is, we get to go to the Blasted Lands!!
Gryphon Master Talonaxe says: Well, she left just a bit ago, ye'll probably catch her at Nethergarde if ye go now.
[Tadget]: Oh my gosh I love the Blasted Lands. Finn and I go there all the time for romantic getaways.
Thalstan blinks at Tadget, then shrugs. She has odd date spots.
[Tadget]: The electricity in the air… the way the thunder rumbles through your ribcage… it's very stimulating.
[Thalstan]: At this point, I do want ta see it through, even if she's safe in th' keep.
[Tadget]: Yes.
[Tadget]: Until we can provide proof of safety we have not done our job.
[Thalstan]: Let's fly ta Darkshire and ride? I'm no' cleared fer the Blasted Lands yet.
[Zaara]: Okay!
[Tadget]: That's a fun ride..
[Tadget]: See ya there!
They fly back to Darkshire.
[Thalstan]: Well, we've done most o' the ride when we went to the swamp.
[Thalstan]: Jus' a bit further.
[Thalstan]: Let's ride!
They head back through Deadwind Pass.
[Tadget]: I love this area. It reminds me of Finn.
Thalstan laughs.
[Thalstan]: Reminds me o' ghost stories.
[Tadget]: Bleak, utterly absent softness or warmth. Mmmm.
[Vesyllah]: I need to meet this man of yours one day. I think I'd like him.
[Tadget]: Not at first you wouldn't. He comes across really cheerful and gentlemanly on the surface.
[Vesyllah]: Oh…
[Thalstan]: I'm no' sure what I'd think o' him.
[Tadget]: You really have to get to know him to learn that underneath, he's a cold lifeless void.
Tadget smiles affectionately.
[Thalstan]: Ye say that with such affection.
[Tadget]: He's the best.
[Tadget]: I mean, what's the challenge in winning the heart of someone who has a heart?
[Thalstan]: I do no' know, but Arnathorn Firststone always has quite a time with it.
Tadget laughs.
[Tadget]: You shouldn't read that garbage, you know.
[Tadget]: Even if you do pose for the covers.
[Thalstan]: It's no' garbage! It's adventure!
They arrive at Nethergarde Keep.
[Thalstan]: If there's one place a mage would be, it's in the mage tower.
[Tadget]: uggggh
There are just so many ramps up.
[Tadget]: UGGGH
[Zaara]: It is so rampant!
[Tadget]: …hate these towers—-
Tadget laughs at Zaara.
[Tadget]: It is. Extremely rampant.
As they come up to the top of many many ramps, they see a grim-looking dwarf. Next to him is a shorter figure.
Correction: Zaara does not see them.
Right, right. But some people see them.
Anyway, the shorter figure's a little worse for wear - she's missing a shoe, and one of her pigtails is down, but it's clearly the target!
[Tadget]: YOU!
[Vesyllah]: Kinndy?! We've been looking everywhere for you!
Kinndy jumps in the air and yelps. "Oh no! You're the ones after me?"
[Tadget]: We're not after you.
Tadget would probably be best able to tell that she is very young. Maybe twenty or so.
[Arthur]: We've been on quite the chase trying to find you. Everyone is concerned!
[Thalstan]: We're followin' ye. It's the difference.
[Zaara]: Oh! This is the pink gnome?
[Tadget]: You are not nearly old enough to be running around stealing from troll temples.
[Tadget]: We just wanted to ensure your safety.
[Arthur]: She's certainly pink haired.
Kinndy turns big, wide, innocent eyes on them. "Why would anyone be worried? I was just having an adventure. And oh you won't believe what I've found!"
[Zaara]: Your friend is worried you have not been experienced.
[Vesyllah]: We might.
[Arthur]: What did you find?
[Tadget]: You'd be surprised what we'll believe.
Kinndy giggles. "I'm getting experienced! I am! I hope… oh, I hope Tervosh and Lady Proudmoore will be impressed with what I have."
[Thalstan]: Okay, okay. Why don't ye tell us.
[Tadget]: Pretty please?
Tadget bats her eyes.
[Tadget]: We did come a long way.
[Vesyllah]: Let me guess. A codex about some Amani elemental staff?
[Tadget]: Ves!
Spoilers, Ves.
Kinndy holds out what seems to be a troll codex, and opens her mouth in excitement. Then Ves steals her thunder. She pouts instead.
Tadget glares angrily at Vesyllah.
[Thalstan]: Come on, Kinndy. What's it fer?
[Tadget]: Never mind her. She's just a parrot pretending she knows what she's talking about. Tell us what it's really all about.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: I… I overheard them saying the elements were misbehaving and no one knew why. So I thought, what if I found a way to ask them why?
Vesyllah frowns at Tadget. "You're just mad you didn't think to disappear and eavesdrop on the trolls."
Tadget makes a rude gesture at Vesyllah.
[Arthur]: That's some astute, inventive thinking, Kinndy.
[Arthur]: What did you come up with?
Zaara looks a little perplexed.
[Tadget]: Can't Zaara just ask them? Isn't that kinda her thing?
[Zaara]: Yes, it is kind of my thing. … but also they are not wanting to say very much to anyone it seems like.
[Zaara]: They are just all the time so upset.
Kinndy nods at Zaara, biting her lip.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Let me start at the beginning.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: I thought I could ask the trolls, so I did, and then they tied me up. That part wasn't amazing. They said something about 'not wanting a diplomatic incident' and 'it'd be better if I just disappeared'.
[Arthur]: Oof.
[Arthur]: So then what?
Kinndy Sparkshine says: So then there was a portal and I was in a swamp camp. It was dreadful. So I left, and decided to try a different place with trolls.
[Tadget]: Uh huh.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: This time I didn't just ask them, obvs. I snuck around and listened.
[Vesyllah]: Smarter.
[Arthur]: Good. And then?
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Well, then I got caught. Did you know they eat gnomes? They said they eat gnomes, but I don't know if they were just trying to scare me.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: The trolls in Dalaran are way nicer.
[Arthur]: The unconnected tribes absolutely do eat gnomes. and humans, for that matter.
[Tadget]: And trolls.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Oh, well, good thing I escaped then.
Vesyllah mutters, "Could have been rescued if you'd stayed put…."
[Arthur]: Just probably best not to do any culinary exploration out in the country when trolls are cooking.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: I'll note that in my diary, yes.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: So before I escaped, I heard them talking about the shamans having problems, and about how to make the elements answer as to what's up. That's what put me onto this codex.
Tadget is obviously trying to keep a straight face, and only mostly succeeding.
[Arthur]: Right. Is the codex readable? I mean, can you read it, or otherwise recognize the language?
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Oh yeah, I'm really smart.
Tadget snorts into her sleeve.
[Arthur]: Never in doubt. What does it say?
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Right, so it's this awesome description of a staff that was once used to contact the elemental plane. At least, that's what it says.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: But also it says it was destroyed, which is kind of a bummer.
[Arthur]: And you thought if you found the staff, there was a possibility of contacting the elemental plane?
[Arthur]: Just guessing, based on what you've said.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Yes, yes!
Kinndy Sparkshine says: I figured if I got it to a diviner, he could figure out where the pieces are now, and then we could rebuild it. We have the technology.
Tadget fidgets as the conversation gets nerdier and nerdier.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: And then we can just ask somebody in the elemental plane what's up? Or something like that.
Zaara opens her mouth and then closes it again.
[Arthur]: I'm following your reasoning. Okay. Where do you think is the right place to start?
Tadget has a seat and picks at her fingernails with the tip of her dagger.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Thadius says he found one of the pieces, and it's on an island off of Theramore! But… I've got to leave this with him, so he can do more divining things.
[Arthur]: This is very good work. I think Jaina Proudmoore will want to know all about this. I can open a portal and we can go, if you like?
Tadget stirs at the word 'go'.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: Oh could you? That would be so lovely!
Kinndy Sparkshine says: I'm not supposed to make portals to Theramore yet.
[Tadget]: He can handle it.
[Arthur]: Oh I'm totally cleared for all that. Just let me know when you're ready!
[Tadget]: Let's get outta here. Love the Blasted Lands, hate this tower.
[Tadget]: So let's portal to another awful tower.
[Thalstan]: Everyone ready?
Tadget lets Arthur know that she is ready!
[Zaara]: Yes.
Arthur has a portal rune out.
[Thalstan]: Let's go!
Vesyllah nods. "Finally some progress.”
Of course, they teleport to the bottom of the Theramore mage tower. Ramps abound.
[Tadget]: UGGH
[Tadget]: UGGGH
Tadget clears her throat and straightens her posture once she reaches the top of the endless ramps.
Tervosh's eyes widen in fury when he sees the disheveled gnome. "Kinndy! Do you have any idea how much trouble you've given us?"
Kinndy stands awkwardly, biting her lip.
[Zaara]: Do you have any idea how much trouble she has given us?
Tadget cackles maniacally at Zaara.
[Zaara]: It was so many trolls! And chasings!
[Tadget]: Just tons of chasings.
[Zaara]: And then back again, and then more trolls, and then again the birds man, and the chasings and more trolls….
Tervosh's expression softens as he listens to the list of chasings, and then the fury melts into relief. "We thought the worst. Her father trusted us with her safekeeping, and if I had to tell him… thank you, Cobalt Blade, for bringing her back safely."
[Tadget]: Who's her father?
[Tadget]: Someone important?
Archmage Tervosh says: Oh, not too important, no. He's the lamplighter in Dalaran - Windle Sparkshine. Not too important, but well-loved.
[Tadget]: Huh.
[Vesyllah]: Well…whatever, she's safe now. Congratulations.
Kinndy Sparkshine says: I um… I found a quest! To make a staff to contact the…
Archmage Tervosh says: Kinndy. Nothing from you right now.
[Tadget]: Can't you see his quest log is full?
Zaara nods firmly in a direction that is definitely not Kinndy's. Nothing from you, kid.
Archmage Tervosh says: If she's really uncovered something of value, Jaina and I will evaluate it. I'm just glad she's back safe.
[Vesyllah]: The kid actually did find something useful.
Archmage Tervosh considers Vesyllah. "Then I will talk with her more on the subject. In the meantime, I think we'd best get her cleaned up. I'm sure there will be more work for you to do, though, Cobalt Blade."
Archmage Tervosh says: I'd ask you to stay near, till we see what's the best thing to do next.
[Arthur]: Oh, certainly. Always nice to have some time in Theramore.
Thalstan nods. "I think we can do that. We've still got the Desolace stuff ta handle and maybe this new stuff."
[Thalstan]: Well, good work today, Cobalt Blade. We've saved a young lass, in the end.
[Zaara]: Sometimes we save the world.
[Zaara]: But young lass is good also.
[Thalstan]: Let's get down ta the inn an' get settled.
[Tadget]: So we're just supposed to… stay in the swamp.
[Tadget]: Great.
Kinndy waves a shy goodbye, and turns back to Tervosh.
[Tadget]: I do not have great memories of this area.
The group heads down to the inn to wait for the next adventure.