(2024-03-28) Let the Games Begin
Details
Author: Disknight
Summary: A group gathers at the Argent Tournament to see what all the hustle and bustle is about. There's Alliance, Horde, lots of animals, and even a surprise villain monologue!
Rating: T for Teen
Sir Dane Atley Dame Briellen Clay Crim Ragefang Edwin Lanford Sir Elohad Ference Iphindra Nesselos Vond Satterly Taeavon
cw_violence.png

Elohad waves.

Taeavon waves at Elohad.

[Elohad]: Wow. This is really something, huh?

[Taeavon]: Yeah, you're telling me. *Tae is smiling ear to ear* There's so much going on. So many different animals that everyone brought for the joust.

Elohad's eyes lift to the peak of the Silver Covenant tent, then up higher, to the lightning that splits the sky.

[Elohad]: It'll be interesting to see the different mounts used in a joust. Very different from what I did back in the day.

Taeavon grins, "I bet. Should be exciting though."

[Elohad]: A ram seems like a solid choice. But one of those saber cats? I don't know, the gait feels all wrong.

Taeavon scratches his chin in thought, "I don't know… I saw some Sentinels wreak some real havoc on those sabers while I was still with the army."

[Taeavon]: It'd be different for sure. I really wanna try riding one sometime.

[Elohad]: True, true, I guess they must use them in battle… *He scratches at his stubble.*

Thoridas warbles restlessly.

[Elohad]: Thinking of competing? *Elo eyes the beast warily.*

Elohad then returns his gaze to Tae, whom he was actually talking to.

Taeavon flicks a piece of dried meat in the air that Thoridas eagerly snaps up, "I'd like to! The only trouble will be not getting distracted trying to get a closer look at the stables." He is absolutely giddy at the very thought, "I've always been curious about trolls and their raptors."

[Elohad]: You wanna try to get a peek?

[Taeavon]: And that's to say nothing of riding wargs or kodos! I'd love to get a chance to work with them.

[Elohad]: There seems to be a general no-hostilities agreement around here. Maybe we could get close enough.

[Taeavon]: I hope so. The truce is a welcome change of pace for sure…

Elohad makes a vague, disgruntled sort of sound. "Lead on. I just got here and I'm a bit disoriented."

[Taeavon]: Alright Sir Elohad. Was there anywhere in particular you wanted to look first?

Vond is wandering from the direction of one of the training yards, apparently distracted with thoughts elsewhere. One of those Northrend hippogryphs that perch among the guard towers is tagging along.

[Elohad]: Oh hey!! Look who it is!

Elohad waves at Satterly.

Vond blinks up at the name Taevon uses. "Really? I can't believe it."

[Elohad]: Have you two met? Brother Vond, this is Taeavon Noonshade.

[Elohad]: Tae, Brother Vond.

Thoridas hisses at Vond, but Tae shushes him.

[Elohad]: He's one of our Argent Dawn liaisons. Uh, Argent Crusade, sorry.

[Vond]: Sir Ference. Don't tell me you're out to joust. Good to meet you, Taeavon.

[Elohad]: Don't mind the bird, Brother Vond. He's like that with everyone.

Vond looks well, but has the harshened look common to those who have been spending a lot of time on more than tournament guard duty, face and hair rough with wind and frost. He leans back from Thoridas slightly.

[Taeavon]: Nice to meet you Brother Vond. *he scratches Thoridas on the back of the head while the beast hisses quietly*

[Elohad]: Oh, don't tempt me to make an old fool of myself in that ring. I'm too vain and foolish.

[Elohad]: But I will say, back in the day I was quite the jouster. And luckily no one will get the chance to learn otherwise.

[Vond]: What about yourself, you looking to get into the contest?

Taeavon smirks at Elo.

Vond looks over Tae curiously.

[Taeavon]: Oh, I'd like to yeah, but I'm afraid I might be a little more intrigued at the prospect of scouting out the stables instead. *he chuckles and scratches the back of his head*

[Elohad]: This place is heaven for him, with all the different animals. That alone should keep him amused for a while, right son?

Elohad grins at you wickedly.

Taeavon.exe has stopped working.

[Taeavon]: S-son?

[Vond]: Oh, aye, there're beasts from all over the world out here by now, and a few from elsewhere, to keep up with draenei standards.

[Elohad]: Ah! Sorry. You're probably ten times my age.

[Elohad]: Wait, do they have elekks here??

[Taeavon]: I mean… probably three or four at most, but… yeah.

Elohad laughs. The exact /humanmale laugh.

[Elohad]: Oh, Light… jousting on an elekk… EHHhehehehehe.

Vond glances between the two with a dubious look. "I was about to ask. And see for yourself. " He jerks a thumb over his shoulder toward the aspirant's ring populated with various Alliance contestants.

[Elohad]: I was just adjusting to the idea of saber cats.

[Taeavon]: Are there any talbuks too? I've never seen one in person.

Elohad peers at the ring, spots the elekks, and dies laughing again.

[Elohad]: Oh, man.

[Vond]: A talbuk? Hmm, I can't say I've seen one about, but I've hear tell that some do exist on Azeroth now.

Vond has grammar, just pretend.

[Elohad]: If I saw one of those things charging at me I would drop my lance, possibly a gold brick, do a one-eighty and gallop the opposite direction.

[Elohad]: Elekks, I mean.

[Elohad]: Talbuks are quite elegant, though.

[Elohad]: Hey, Brother Vond, what do you ride?

[Vond]: They do pack power, but it's not wholly a given match. Not exactly the most nimble beasts, and— ah, well. *he pats the hippogryph that is mostly behaving* Starting to get the hang of this lassie. We've been actively training in it, lot of us here.

Nesselos wanders up and waves enthusiastically to Elohad. He smiles at the other two future friends as well.

[Elohad]: Oh, neat. Sort of an elven thing, I thought, but they're beautiful beasts. Any reason the Crusade favors 'em?

[Elohad]: Over the classic gryphon I mean.

Taeavon waves at Nesselos.

[Elohad]: Oh hey Nesselos! You competing? Did you see the ELEKKS?

Elohad starts laughing again.

Vond cracks a smile to Elohad. "Availability, mainly. These are Northrend stock from out in the hills. Don't see a lot of wild gryphons out these parts, and they're heavy coin when the Alliance has got 'em in demand."

Elohad gets distracted watching some of the contestants.

[Nesselos]: Yes! Aren't they lovely? The elekks I mean… I don't know if I'll compete.

[Nesselos]: Are all of you competing?

[Elohad]: Oh Light, no.

Vond blinks aside to Nesselos and lifts his hand at the draenei.

[Taeavon]: Maybe, if I can manage to get the time.

[Elohad]: Look at me. I'm bald and soft and ancient.

Elohad isn't that soft.

[Vond]: Oh, I'm just crew, you know. And not exactly an expert rider.

[Nesselos]: I don't think you're that soft. *Ness says to Elo, then turns to Vond* Do you have to be an expert rider?

[Elohad]: It sure helps.

Elohad grins.

[Vond]: To get past the first couple contests, I imagine you might need to be.

[Nesselos]: I was Rangari, but… I've always been a little clumsy. I'd probably lose early.

[Elohad]: That's like rangers, right? Elven rangers?

[Vond]: We've got some training rings and room for light practice bouts if you want to try your hand at picking up some of the techniques, though.

[Elohad]: Yeah I did hear they provided training.

Nesselos nods at Vond. "That might be a good idea! Though I'm really mostly a healer now."

[Elohad]: It's nice that they start everyone off on an even footing, so that it really is a test of skill and not just luck in having your own trainers.

Nesselos adds to Elohad. "Yes, they do a lot of things. I was mostly a hunter."

Vond nods. "Great to hear. Never too many of those in Icecrown."

[Elohad]: I did notice you had some pretty good tracking skills.

[Elohad]: Though you did get us lost that one time, heh heh.

Elohad winks slyly at Nesselos.

[Taeavon]: Oh, so you're a ranger too?

[Elohad]: The draenei call them rangaari!

Vond glances around. "I expect some Cobalt members are bound to be trying their hand in earnest." He sounds hopeful about this. "You lot have a great many promising combatants."

[Elohad]: We sure do. Atley's gonna clean up..

Elohad beams as though he trained Atley personally.

Elohad did not.

Nesselos laughs. "I am a little clumsy, like I said. We would've been on track if I'd had the map the right way!" Ness nods at Tae. "Is that what you are?"

Elohad shakes his head at the map comment. "As my wife would say… 'bless'."

Nesselos grins sheepishly.

[Taeavon]: Yeah! I'm Kirin Tor, though, and Silver Covenant for a little bit. But now I'm with Cobalt. *he finishes proudly*

Elohad smiles and pats Tae on the shoulder briefly.

[Elohad]: He's been a big help to me.

Taeavon beams and stands up taller.

[Elohad]: So Brother Vond, I really am curious about the hippogryph thing. Does it feel different from riding a gryphon?

Nesselos looks at Taeavon with admiration.

Vond quirks a grin. "I bet. That'll be a sight to see, Sir Atley in the ring." He blinks to Taeavon with sudden interest at something, but pauses to answer, "It is different. They're less raptorial, the grip they've got on certain terrain and the landings are different."

[Elohad]: I've only ever seriously ridden horses and gryphons. Mistwalker let me try her saber once, but I could not get over the feel of that gait. So… slippery. *He shudders.*

[Vond]: But we've got a lot of guidance from the elves who've been riding them for millenia untold, so the training is good and a lot of our folk are taking to it.

[Elohad]: Nice.

[Taeavon]: There's another animal I need to learn more about sometime.

[Nesselos]: You ought to try elekks sometime! They're really big and sturdy, you don't feel like they might lean over and toss you off.

[Vond]: Taeavon, you've still got friends in the Silver Covenant? *he looks back with renewed interest*

Elohad is trying not to laugh again at the mention of elekks.

[Taeavon]: Oh? Well yeah I guess so. My mother is probably more familiar with a lot of them than I am though. *he chuckles nervously*

Elohad can't resist peeking over his shoulder at the huge armored elekks in the ring. He chuckles.

Vond gives a slightly curious tilt of his head but doesn't press on the sign of nervousness. "Aha, I was only asking because I've been having the damnedest time with them and the Sunreavers, just now, on a sensitive matter."

[Elohad]: Oh yeah? *Elo's gaze sharpens.*

Elohad's posture suggests, 'let me at 'em.' It's not sure at whom though.

[Taeavon]: What's the problem?

Nesselos looks at Vond curiously.

Vond pinches the bridge of his goggles. "I was hoping for some kind of advice on how to work with them when they're more interested in feuding than a matter of more import. Anything to convince a refocus."

[Taeavon]: Oh… yeah. *Tae's ears droop*

[Nesselos]: They are largely mages, yes? Maybe you could pose them an arcane riddle!

[Elohad]: Oh hey there Iphindra.

Taeavon gives Iphindra a friendly smile.

Elohad does not call her by her surname, because he does not know it. But the crispness with which he says it makes it sound like a surname.

Nesselos looks at Iphindra curiously.

[Nesselos]: Pleased to meet you. I'm Ness.

[Iphindra]: Gre- greetings, Sir Elohad! Greetings, everyone!

Vond blinks widely at Nesselos with a bit of a tilt of his head, while weighing this. "Somehow I get the feeling I may not have what it takes to come up with an arcane riddle that'll surprise these guys"

[Iphindra]: I'm Iphindra, the healer of White Squad! *She smiles shyly at everyone here.*

[Vond]: Most of 'em are specialist mages and got hundreds of years on me.

[Elohad]: Are you going to compete in the tournament? *He asks politely of Iphindra, looking as though he does not expect that the answer is yes.*

Vond lifts a hand to Iphindra. "Hey there, nice to meet you, Iphindra."

[Iphindra]: Ye- yes, I will! Sir Dane said e- everyone in the Squads was worthy of it!

[Taeavon]: Nice to meet you. I'm Taeavon Noonshade.

Elohad is Surprised Face. He's not really known for his impassivity. "Huh! Well good luck!"

[Nesselos]: I suppose that's true. *Ness nods at Vond* Some of my people are twenty-thousand year old mages, so maybe they could help. Not me, though.

[Taeavon]: I can't wait for the chance to see Sir Dane the Red in action.

[Elohad]: The very thought of a twenty-thousand-year-old mage chills me to the bone. Better than a twenty-thousand-year-old warlock, I guess…

[Iphindra]: Nice to meet you all. Except for Sir Elohad I… already knew you, s- so it's not… nice to meet you!

Elohad chuckles.

[Nesselos]: I'm not frightening, at least. I am not a mage, and I'm 203 by your years.

[Iphindra]: Y- you were speaking of riddles? I love riddles!

Vond marvels at Nesselos for a moment. "It truly is hard for someone like me to imagine, that kind of thing."

[Elohad]: Are you good at them?

[Nesselos]: Do you think you could come up with a riddle that would stump the Sunreavers and the Silver Covenant? Preferably one that requires them to work together?

[Elohad]: If anyone knows any good ones I'm game.

[Iphindra]: … Not really, no. *She answers Elohad and Ness simultaneously.* I- I can try! I'll think of something.

Nesselos then smiles a little bashfully at Vond. "Yes, I know, I'm really young."

[Elohad]: Only 203. A baby!

Elohad chuckles at Nesselos.

Vond laughs lightly, some of the dark-eyed focused look he arrived with fading into something more relaxed over time.

[Elohad]: I'm forty-five and I'm a withered old geezer.

[Nesselos]: Oh, no, sir, not at all! I've worked with you in the field. There is no withering!

[Elohad]: Aw thanks, you're too kind.

Taeavon chuckles too, "Yeah, it's a little weird. There's people I know who were babies while I was still in school who are old now, but I'm still just a young man."

[Elohad]: I'll put that on my next performance review. "No withering."

Nesselos chuckles with Tae, he knows that feel.

[Elohad]: Should we maybe walk around a bit and see the sights?

Elohad looks around.

Iphindra nods at Elohad.

Vond throws Elo a look as the old go on about people with short expiration dates. We've probably heard this all before. "Oh, yeah, have you not had a good look around?"

[Elohad]: Brother Vond can give us the tour!

Elohad beams at him.

Iphindra looks at Thoridas. She wants to see it fly more. Walking around is a good idea!

Vond blinks. "Oh, um. I suppose so, though most of it is fairly self explanatory."

[Elohad]: You can point and do superfluous explanations. It'll be fun!

Vond gestures over to the Silver Covenant tent with Alliance banners. "They've got some of the champions from the big cities hang out in there and hand out little tasks and decrees to their juniors. You'll probably wind up having to deal with them if you climb the ranks very far.

Elohad looks to the tent with interest. Clearly he didn't know even that much.

Iphindra nods at Satterly.

Nesselos looks around with amazement.

[Vond]: You're all welcome to take a look around, there are some other representatives in there. The major Horde congratin' areas are on the other side and clearly marked.

[Elohad]: I think Tae here was itching to get a peek at some of their raptors.

[Vond]: Just, you know, mind that they're present in case anyone indulges too much and takes an uncareful walkaround. It's tempting, after you've been practically anywhere in Icecrown for too long.

[Elohad]: Hmph.

[Iphindra]: B- but there should be no fighting here, right?

[Nesselos]: Well, there should be. But the organized kind!

Iphindra giggles at Nesselos.

Vond nods to Taevon. "I've seen some troll raptor-handlers out that way around the rings, you can see 'em for sure."

[Iphindra]: At least… not off the… um… a- arena?

[Elohad]: You're not saying they'll attack if we go over there, surely.

Elohad looks suddenly murderous.

[Nesselos]: Oh goodness, surely not.

[Nesselos]: They're here for the same reason we are! Or you are! Or some of you are!

[Vond]: No, no, I doubt it, everyone who comes here is made real clear on the rules, and you can see how many we've got on watch for trouble. From out and from in.

[Elohad]: Well, let's see if we can get a view of some raptors then, for our friend.

[Vond]: Might be a hell of an awkward squabble, though.

[Vond]: Sure, let's take a look.

Thoridas warbles and rests on Tae's shoulder. He eyes Iphindra.

Elohad waves at the vendors up on the wall.

Iphindra waves at Thoridas.

Elohad wishes Stormwind Valiant the best of luck.

[Nesselos]: You never know, maybe the tournament will bring such a feeling of companionship that everyone will just get along afterward!

Thoridas chirps quietly.

[Elohad]: Uh huh.

Nesselos smiles.

[Taeavon]: I hope you're right.

Elohad tenses as they walk through the Horde area.

[Elohad]: There we go.

[Elohad]: A raptor.

Iphindra pulls some berries from a plant in her hair and hands them to the dragonhawk. Feast, friend!

[Iphindra]: Th- that would be great, yes!

Vond gains a few looks by ushering the group past the Horde-populated resting areas, but it's fine. He nods to a few. "There's their practice ring up ahead. You're welcome to challenge Horde to friendly bouts within the rules."

Elohad growls under his breath.

[Elohad]: Don't let Atley near 'em.

Thoridas eyes the fruit hungrily and darts forward to snatch them up.

Vond gives the forsaken 'horses' a wide berth and nods across to the raptor riders.

[Nesselos]: Ooh, look, there's the raptors!

Elohad points at Sen'jin Valiant.

[Elohad]: That is just… strange.

[Nesselos]: The hawkstriders are pretty cute, but I think they might collapse if I tried to ride 'em.

[Taeavon]: Be careful Iphindra. He'll bite your fingers off, I'm not kidding.

[Elohad]: She's a healer.

Elohad winks.

[Elohad]: You can grow back a few fingers, right?

Nesselos chuckles.

[Iphindra]: O- oh, well, I'd still like to not lose my fingers, even if I could heal myself! *She giggles.* I'll just… *She carefully places the berries in front of Thoridas instead.* Here, those are for you!

Taeavon looks out at all the mounts and studies them, watching their gait and how they carry their riders. He pulls out a notebook and jots some things down.

Elohad just glares quietly across the arena at an orc.

[Iphindra]: Hmmm… Hawkstriders are beautiful, yes! A- and sturdier than you'd think.

[Vond]: Further down thataway is the mixed Champion's ring where those who advance further hold some mixed contests, you'll find especially fine beasts and their handlers round the big ring.
Thoridas chirps again and gobbles them up.

Satterly points over yonder.

[Elohad]: Ooooh.

[Elohad]: Let's go see.

[Vond]: Sure, why not.

[Nesselos]: The kodos look nice and sturdy.

[Iphindra]: I wouldn't be surprised if you could ride one, Nesselos! A- at least one of the big ones.

[Taeavon]: Wow, he really likes you.

[Vond]: Don't get too close to the big guy.

[Elohad]: Yikes.

[Nesselos]: You think? Maybe I should ask them if they'd let me try.

[Taeavon]: Thoridas here doesn't like anyone, even me.

[Elohad]: Definitely not me.

Taeavon is only mostly joking.

[Vond]: Some magical goods from Dalaran and Crystalsong.

Iphindra looks sadly at the big guy, then smiles at Taeavon. "I- I have a way with plants and animals!"

[Vond]: Here we are. Champions' stables.

[Vond]: And a great big space to spectate if you're not out for entering the ring yourself.

[Elohad]: Oh, a raptor up close for you.

Elohad points at Stabled Darkspear Raptor.

[Vond]: Watch the fingers.

Crim tears across the ring riding on Drel. He's facing off against an Ironforge ram rider who's struggling to keep up.

[Elohad]: Oh hey, is that a purple mechanostrider? Unusual color. Jo would look cute on that.

Nesselos looks over at the ring, watching people fight.

Taeavon takes a closer look at the raptor. Thoridas hops over to lay on Iphindra's shoulder.

[Vond]: Huh. It does look like a newer model, don't it?

[Elohad]: We should surprise Jo with one…

Elohad peers at it.

[Nesselos]: Ooh, I bet she'd love that!

Who wouldn't love a fancy purple robot bird.

Iphindra giggles. She pets Thoridas.

[Elohad]: Be right back.

[Vond]: Hm, maybe ask back at the big tent? There should be reps from Gnomeregan there that'll know where that's from.

[Iphindra]: Hmm, but m- maybe purple feels too… Kirin Tor?

Thoridas warbles and closes his eyes in contentment.

[Nesselos]: Would our captain care? I thought she was on good terms with the Kirin Tor.

[Elohad]: Awww, that guy said I can't buy one. I even pulled the "don't you know who I am" trick. Which I hate to do, but, you know.

[Iphindra]: I- I know, but she's the captain of Cobalt Company! Sh- she would like her Company's colors better than another group, ri- right?

Crim chants a battle song while he rides. He lands a blow square on the chest of his dwarf opponent.

[Vond]: Kirin Tor doesn't own the color violet! They've got like a regulation shade and insignia or somethin'.

[Elohad]: People can be really touchy about colors though, especially older folks.

[Nesselos]: Aww.

Vond gives a low whistle at the high speed joust taking place.

[Nesselos]: Well, maybe she can get a blue one somewhere.

Iphindra nods at Nesselos.

[Elohad]: I accidentally wore green once not long after Kul Tiras pulled out of the Alliance. It did not go well.

[Taeavon]: Oof, yikes.

[Elohad]: I honestly thought it was brown.

Elohad shrugs. Who knows?

Nesselos winces. He has no idea what Kul Tiras green is.

Iphindra finally notices the joust. She looks worried for both the riders and their mounts.

[Iphindra]: I- I can't imagine not wearing green… I hope Kul Tiras won't cause problems like that a- again!

[Elohad]: I think it's safer these days.

[Elohad]: Unless you're a Fallon.

[Elohad]: They're uh, from there. Gotta make sure no one gets ideas about their loyalty.

[Nesselos]: Wouldn't they care about where they came from, even if they aren't there anymore?

[Nesselos]: I would think that would not be shocking.

Crim rides around and makes another pass. Drel growls and barks in time with Crim's chanting. This time when he and the dwarf cross paths, Crim manages to send his opponent hurtling to the ground.

[Elohad]: They're not allowed to care too much, since Kul Tiras is kind of… well, not an enemy exactly, but…

Nesselos claps at the completed jousting match.

[Elohad]: They're not a friend.

[Vond]: Not on speakin' terms.

[Elohad]: This makes pretty good entertainment, honestly…

[Elohad]: But I don't imagine crowds of tourists will be showing up.

Iphindra listens, while watching the joust. Poor Fallons. She pets Thoridas again.

[Vond]: It's good recreation for everyone, pretty much, and we're hoping it'll have an effect of, you know.

[Elohad]: Yeah.

[Vond]: Fewer strained or bored soldiers making unproductive calls.

[Elohad]: Yyyeah.

[Vond]: On the other side of here there are a good many vendors and some practice areas. Hmm… I'm probably about due to check in with that Silver Covenant guy, though.

[Elohad]: 'Unproductive calls.' Have you considered a career in politics, Satterly?

Crim soaks up the cheers from the crowds, but once he's done he hops off his wolf to help the dwarf to their feet.

Vond suffers a hoarse laugh, at that. "I hope not."

Elohad grins wickedly at Satterly.

[Elohad]: Well, we can head out if you need to.

[Elohad]: I've gotten a good eyeful.

[Vond]: Fella's supposed to be getting back to me about a particular book we need, but I've been getting the runaround on who exactly has it between them and the Sunreavers.

Thoridas gets hot to the touch as a fire brews in his belly. It's a pleasant sensation in the bitter cold.

[Vond]: That orc, I'd watch out for that guy.

Vond nods toward the ring.

[Nesselos]: He did win!

Elohad frowns.

[Nesselos]: What book are you looking for?

[Iphindra]: Ummm, a- and if you enter the tournament and have to fight a knight from Westfall… be careful, even if n- not on the battleground, okay?

Elohad is looking suddenly grouchy, between the talk of orcs and blood elves. Grrrr.

[Vond]: I don't suppose it's much harm in sayin'. The book is about, uh, ancient draconic blades.

[Vond]: Considering as how we kinda found one out here.

[Iphindra]: Oh?

[Nesselos]: An ancient draconic blade?

[Vond]: It's got a history with the elves, aye. They've set up out here to keep a watch over it. Broken.

Vond looks around the fresh construction, a little awed. "This is all new."

[Elohad]: Wait. You're… not thinking of recovering some weird magic blade from Northrend are you? That went pretty badly for the last guy.

One of the elves, a woman with a cloak pulled down over her face, waves at Vond in greeting, but doesn't come over.

Taeavon chuckles a bit at the joke, but stops himself.

[Nesselos]: It uh… sort of looked like that.

Nesselos peers at the sword in the ice.

Vond looks back to Elohad. "I'm told this one's completely different, you tell me." He grins a bit, waving across at the elf that greeted him, and approaches Caladis.

[Iphindra]: Ho- How do you know? *She looks at Ness.*

Elohad looks very wary of the weird blade.

[Vond]: Any news on the book, Brightspear?

[Nesselos]: Oh, you know. Shaman visions.

[Iphindra]: Right… *She knows. Shaman visions.*

Elohad hovers protectively near Vond. He will protect him from the big bad sword.

Caladis Brightspear says: Just do not ask what we had to do to secure this. The Sunreavers were trying to stab us in the back every step of the way.

Elohad lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Elohad mutters under his breath.

Nesselos looks at Caladis curiously.

Iphindra looks at the Sunreaver, a little disappointed.

Elohad glares angrily at Myralion Sunblaze.

Caladis Brightspear offers a fine looking tome to Vond. "And relinquishing it to a human… It is only on account of the discovery you made, and the agreements in place."

[Elohad]: This is no ordinary human.

Iphindra stares at Vond, trying to find what makes him not an ordinary human.

Vond nods his thanks to Caladis, not looking wholly offput by the comments, just relieved to have the business concluded. "I appreciate what your people are doing, trusting us with this."

Caladis Brightspear says: I knew this was a dragonforged blade when I first laid eyes on it.

Caladis Brightspear says: But can it be? Is this really –

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: Quel'Delar.

Silver Covenant Sentinel says: You are not welcome here, minion of the Lich King!

Elohad boggles at Blood-Queen Lana'thel.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: Quiet, fools. If I had wished to kill you, you'd already be dead.

Iphindra gasps at Blood-Queen Lana'thel.

Vond similarly boggles. This lady is huge.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: As Quel'Serrar was forged by the dragons and given to the kaldorei, its twin, Quel'Delar, was given to my people.

The cloaked elf stiffens, drawing her weapons before she's frozen.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: The king bestowed the blade upon my friend, Thalorien Dawnseeker.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: But even Thalorien's skill and Quel'Delar's magic could not save Silvermoon from the might of the Scourge.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: Thalorien fell before the gates of the Sunwell, buying time for others to escape.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: After the battle, I recovered the sword from the field. I bore it to Northrend in the service of my prince, seeking to avenge our people's defeat.

Iphindra takes a step back as Lana'thel comes their way.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: Arthas shattered our forces and took the most powerful of us into his service as the San'layn.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: My memories of Thalorien went cold and so did his blade.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: It was I who brought Quel'Delar here, to return it to its makers. In breaking the weapon, so did I break its power.

Blood-Queen Lana'thel says: Quel'Delar will never serve another!

Elohad struggles against the ice, to no avail.

Caladis Brightspear says: I vow that the Silver Covenant will see Quel'Delar restored.

[Elohad]: San'layn…

Elohad shivers as the ice dissipates.

Vond sputters and cracks at the ice as the enormous san'layn departs.

[Elohad]: Well uh, that was … more of a show than I was expecting.

[Vond]: You're telling me! I guess that, uh… confirms some suspicions.

Taeavon swallows. Uh oh.

Iphindra's plants pierce through the ice and fully free her.

Vond throws a side-eye at Caladis, who is still picking ice shards off himself.

[Elohad]: What suspicions?

[Iphindra]: Sh- she was terrifying!

Elohad peers at Satterly searchingly.

[Iphindra]: So tall!

Vond looks to Elohad. "That the broken hilt we discovered in the quarries was the missing piece cracked offa this thing!"

Dane grunts. "Right. Wot's all this, then?"

[Elohad]: Yeah? But… you're not going to put it back together, right?

[Elohad]: Wow, you just missed a whole… thing, Atley.

Vond jerks his thumb at the blade in the ice. "She must have got wind that someone got ahold of it…"

Dane looks over to Elohad and lifts a brow. He marches up and extends a hand. "I have, have I? How's the day, Elohad. 'Tis good to see you."

Taeavon jumps. It's Sir Dane the Red in the flesh!

Iphindra is startled by Dane. "O- oh! You missed a tall lady. A- a San'layn!"

[Elohad]: I'm not going to lie, that blade gives me the screaming creeps.

Vond blinks at Elohad. "All the elves sure seem keen on putting it together again. They've been going on about it being a boon for campaign."

Elohad thumps Atley on the shoulder in greeting.

Dane glances over his shoulder at Iphindra and sets a hand on his sword. "San'layn?"

[Elohad]: Yeah, well, someone else thought a certain sword he found in the ice would be a boon to his campaign. Just sayin'.

[Elohad]: You find a sword stuck in ice, runes all over it, maybe just leave it.

Vond nods to Dane. "Sir Atley. You sure did miss a hell of a san'layn."

[Dane]: It still alive, or it bugger off?

[Elohad]: It… buggered off.

Dane grunts and looks between them, slowly.

[Elohad]: Froze us all in ice, gave a long villain speech.

[Vond]: She was out with a blink. Through one of those… mirror portal sort of deals they got.

Iphindra nods at Satterly.

[Elohad]: I'll confess I was a little too busy freezing my tail off to get all the details of her little speech. But she didn't want us messing with the sword.

Vond raises the book he'd just received. "Sir Ference, would it put your mind at ease at all to take a look at the contents here? It's supposed to be a compendium of information about the old draconic blades and their creation."

[Elohad]: Oh?

[Elohad]: Well, I never say no to a good book.

[Vond]: I'm almost positive it's nothing like… you know.

[Elohad]: I promise I'll return it to you with due speed.

Dane grunts and looks to Iphindra, and then Taeavon. He inclines his head.

Iphindra salutes Atley with respect.

[Briellen]: Hail.

Atley salutes Iphindra with respect.

[Iphindra]: I- I hope it's not…

[Elohad]: Does anyone know the origin of Frostmourne, by the way? Anyone ever figure that one out? It's not draconic is it?

[Dane]: Cursed.

Vond offers the book to Elohad. "You should share with your smiths if you find aught of interest."

[Elohad]: Will do. Good call.

Briellen comes down the path on her charger.

Vond waves across to Briellen, looking a little dazed.

[Briellen]: Is that the book, Vond?

Dane looks to Elohad and shakes his head, but upon 'smiths' he does peer at the book with some nosey curiosity, before finally turning to Briellen.

[Vond]: It is.

[Elohad]: Oh boy, if you'd gotten here five minutes earlier, Dame Briellen.

Taeavon is too starstruck to reciprocate Dane's greeting.

Briellen dismounts from her charger. "Five minutes earlier?"

[Vond]: I think… I think the hilt from the quarries is genuine, Dame Clay. The previous owner showed up to, uh, gloat.

[Elohad]: I saw my first in-the-flesh san'layn.

[Iphindra]: She was gi- gigantic!

[Dane]: Previous owner?

Briellen raises her brows. "Was anyone hurt?"

[Elohad]: She was … chatty. But did not like others to have a chance to participate in the conversation. So she put us all in blocks of ice.

Dane swings his head to Vond.

[Elohad]: It wasn't fun, but no lingering injuries.

[Vond]: No, just the pride of the elves who've been posturing across at each other all week.

[Elohad]: Heh.

Briellen shifts her aura to [Frost Resistance], looking over the group.

Elohad chuckles.

[Elohad]: Closing the barn door after the cows have gone…

Taeavon snickers.

[Vond]: Let's, uh, maybe let's head back up to the grounds. I don't want anything else to be attracted here.

[Elohad]: Good call.

[Iphindra]: Wh- what else could be… attracted here?

[Elohad]: This was a more exciting trip than even I expected.

[Briellen]: Come, Endurance.

Briellen chuckles. "That's your namesake, Elohad the Enduring," she tells her charger.

[Vond]: Yeah, that was not exactly something I had a plan in place for, a sudden san'layn. Lesson learned.

Briellen | Endurance huffs.

[Elohad]: You kept the name–

Elohad is speechless.

Dane cranes his head faintly to peer at Endurance.

[Vond]: I'll take you by the vendors, it's kinda friendly over on that side.

[Vond]: I could do to shake off the frost.

[Briellen]: Yes, the name stuck.

[Vond]: It's a good name.

[Iphindra]: I- is the cold really that bad here?..

[Elohad]: Well I'm glad to see him again. Her.

[Dane]: Can be.

Crim side off to the side tending to Drel after his victory in the ring.

[Vond]: Well, sort of is. And the frost is sometimes 'round the senses.

Dane pauses to watch the orc Valiants spar.

Briellen calls, "Ed."

[Briellen]: Edwin.

Edwín hurries over to accept Endurance's reins. "Oh! Hey."

Iphindra holds out her hand to catch snowflakes. You are not cold. The others aren't making sense.

Elohad looks between Thoridas and the Sunreaver Dragonhawk.

Briellen hands the horse off to her squire. "They finally gave Vond the book. Sword's been identified."

[Edwín]: No kidding?

Crim glances over and meets eyes with Atley for a moment. There's a human skull hanging from his belt. Not unusual for a Warsong, but still…

Dane sets his gaze on Crim and tongues the inside of his cheek, deadpan.

Elohad turns and spots the orc… and the skull. His eyes fix on it and he freezes.

[Briellen]: Apparently I just missed the previous owner showing up.

[Iphindra]: A- a really tall woman!

Crim nods respectfully to Dane and Elo and carries on with his business.

Edwín whistles.

Vond palms behind his head a bit. "I'll be round pretty soon to get that book for our needs, so you might only have time for a quick look, but I'll bring it back, since it seems to be of real value. Maybe we can get a copy made."

[Elohad]: That orc shows up here wearing - did you see — *His face is slowly turning red, all the way up to the scalp.*

Dane's gaze follows Crim as he walks off. "I did," he says to Elohad. "Inbred mongrel."

Briellen turns back to Elohad.

Iphindra turns to look at the orc. "Wearing wh-… Oh…"

Vond tilts his head at Elohad. "See what?"

Elohad clears his throat and takes a deep breath. He turns to Vond. "Brother Vond, I appreciate the tour. Quite a day. I should probably get back to Stormwind."

Dane grunts.

Edwín leads the charger off to be stabled.

[Elohad]: You all stay safe out here, hm?

Dane slowly shakes his head. "Recognize that one from somewhere…" He looks back to Elohad.

[Dane]: Travel safe.

[Briellen]: Aye. Light preserve you.

Vond nods. "Leave it in Dalaran for me? LIke I said, I'll bring it 'round again in time."

[Taeavon]: I will Sir Elohad. You too.

Elohad bows down graciously.

Iphindra hands a flower from her hand to Elohad. Roots and all, it moves towards him. "I- it's good for you!" The smell is sweet and calming. This is aromatherapy for blood pressure. Iphindra decided he needed it after that.

[Elohad]: Sure, I'll have the guys at HQ guard it.

Taeavon looks at Dane, "Oh? Was it from the Third War maybe?"

[Elohad]: Thank you Iphindra. Stay sweet.

Iphindra smiles at Elohad.

Elohad pulls out his hearthstone. His color is still a bit high.

Dane looks to Taeavon and shakes his head. "Feel more recent. P'raps that Nightmare. I don't warrant we've met."

Dane says, in regards to Taeavon specifically.

[Briellen]: San'layn, huh.

[Iphindra]: I- I should go too. I need to train for jousting!

Vond huffs with a nod. "A particularly tricky seeming one. She locked the lot of us in ice with hardly an effort."

[Taeavon]: Hmmm… well if it was the Nightmare then at least we were all on the same side then.

[Briellen]: You're sure you're alright?

[Vond]: Good luck with the joust, Miss Iphindra.

Dane shakes his head. "And your name is?" he asks Taeavon.

[Taeavon]: Oh, ok. I'll see you later Iphindra. *he whistles to Thoridas who reluctantly leaves her shoulder.*

Vond nods, frowning a bit. "The important thing is we got the confirmation, and the book. We'll look into how feasible it is to spare the resources to pursue restoring it."

Dane grunts at Iphindra. "Train well."

[Iphindra]: Th- thank you ! *She pats Thoridas once more before he leaves, and drops a few more berries on the ground for him. "I- I'll see you again!"

Iphindra stands at attention and salutes.

Iphindra runs away.

[Vond]: It sure seems like it'd mean a lot to the elves, you know, inspiration and all.

[Taeavon]: Taeavon Noonshade. It's an honor to meet you Sir Dane. I've heard a lot about you.

Briellen nods.

Dane grunts and extends a hand. "You're competing here at the tourney then, are you?"

Taeavon shakes his hand, "Hopefully. I'd really like to get a closer look at more of these animals though too.

Vond forces himself to relax slightly. "You going to train any aspirants, Dame Clay? You're quite a rider."

Dane grunts and looks around. "They've many fine and strange beasts present."

[Taeavon]: Don't they?! *Tae is very excited*

[Briellen]: You think there'll be time for that?

Atley peers at Thoridas searchingly.

[Dane]: Seems you've brought one of your own. Who's this?

Thoridas screeches at Atley.

Vond shrugs gently. "Well, if there isn't, they still want the best to test the champions."

[Dane]: Mm… Bit cheeky. I haven't seen one of these up close and peaceful since I was a lad.

[Taeavon]: Thoridas be quiet. Sorry, he's wild. He's not great with people. Or anyone really.

[Taeavon]: Oh yeah? You've been to Quel'Thalas?

Briellen looks out towards the ring.

Dane looks to back to Taeavon and nods. "Long ago. I only saw the walls of Silvermoon itself from afar. I was on the campaign trail with Turalyon."

Vond speaks across, "Sir Ference was quite confident you'd be a strong contender, Sir Atley, and I'm inclined to think he's right. You and the rest of Cobalt make yourselves welcome."

[Vond]: I've got to report back about the, uh, incident.

[Taeavon]: Oh wow. That's amazing.

Briellen nods to Vond.

Dane looks to Vond and respectfully inclines his head. "Of course. I've a mind to learn more about that blade of yours in time, as well."

[Vond]: It's hardly mine. I think it belongs to, well. Ask the Silver Covenant and the Sunreavers. They'll argue about it for ya.

Vond gives a wave and heads off with a final nod to Brie. "Catch you shortly."

Dane grunts and looks back to Taeavon. "When did you join the Company?"

[Briellen]: Light keep you.

Briellen nods to Vond.

[Taeavon]: See you, Brother Vond.

[Taeavon]: Oh uhhhh a few months ago I think. Been mostly working solo so far, but I'm hoping to join a squad one day soon.

[Briellen]: Are you signed up in the lists yet, Noonshade?

Dane slowly looks between them.

[Briellen]: Dame Briellen Clay.

[Taeavon]: I've been… kinda putting it off because I'm nervous. But maybe I should just go for it, ya know?

[Taeavon]: Nice to meet you Dame Briellen. Taeavon Noonshade.

Dane nods to Dame Briellen Clay in greeting. "Wot' about you, Dame Clay? Fancy competing?"

[Briellen]: You were the wayward archer I shielded against Sapphiron, weren't you?

[Briellen]: Oh, I intend to.

Dane grunts and looks to Taeavon, nodding slowly. "Aye. T'was you. I remember, now."

[Taeavon]: Oh yeah. Thank you for that. I thought I was a goner for a moment there.

Briellen places a hand over her heart and bows slightly. "Just doing my duty. It is good to see you well. If you wish to register, no time like the present, is there?"

[Dane]: No, indeed.

Dane remarks, looking to Taeavon.

[Briellen]: I can show you to the man in charge of registration if you would like.

Taeavon smiles at the encouragement, "Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll have to sign up soon."

[Taeavon]: Who's in charge of registration?

Dane glances over his shoulder at Garrosh Hellscream and narrows his eyes. "I'm going to get back to training. You two of you fare well."

Briellen begins walking. "One of the Silver Covenant. Man by the name of Taelis."

Briellen nods to Dane. "Light give you strength, Sir Atley."

Dane raises a hand to them both in farewell as he makes his departure.

Briellen leads Taeavon to the Silver Covenant tent. She doesn't seem to be the chatty small talk type.

[Taeavon]: O-oh, I thought you were talking about the Cobalt Company squad there.

[Briellen]: Hm?

[Taeavon]: Signing up.

[Taeavon]: I wanna be on the squad someday.

[Briellen]: I admit I know nothing about their internal rankings or squad selection process.

[Taeavon]: Oh…

[Briellen]: But you have the tabard, so it seems to me you're partway there?

[Briellen]: I've worked with Cobalt Company a good few times now.

[Taeavon]: Yeah! I hope so. *there is a tinge of doubt in his voice for no apparent reason*

[Briellen]: So you're already registered for the tournament? Or you don't intend to?

[Taeavon]: Well I guess I haven't really gotten around to that yet either, but I know Taelis is in charge.

[Briellen]: You'd best get your name in while you can. I'm not certain when registration closes, but it will at some point.

[Taeavon]: Right. I'll get on it then.

Briellen nods. "Light empower you," she says, raising her hand in a blessing. This also seems to be a farewell.

[Taeavon]: See you later. *he waves*

Briellen nods and departs.

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License