(2025-04-13) You Can't Predict It All

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Author:	Mishell
Summary:	Arric visits the People's Common Library in Stormwind, seeking information on trolls. He finds that, plus a delightful new friend!
Rating:	T for Teen

Arric makes his way down the Stormwind alley, checking a hand-drawn map. When he spots the entrance to the People’s Common Library, his eyes light up. He walks in and surveys the shelves.

[Arric]: Ohhhh…. look at this. Splendid, absolutely splendid.

Ionala lounges on a refurbished easy chair,and looks up from her book.

[Ionala]: Hello! I see you're with Cobalt Company. I'm Ionala Webster.

Arric glances down at his tabard and flushes slightly. "Oh yes. I forgot to take the tabard off. I suppose I'd better be on my best behavior. Do you work here, Ms. Webster, or are you browsing?" Arric smiles.

[Ionala]: It's nice to see colleagues in the library on my shift!

[Arric]: Oh you work here, excellent!

[Ionala]: I volunteer, yes. It's all volunteers.

[Arric]: Oh, splendid. But I suppose you have some idea of how all this is organized? Where I might find a particular subject? I'm Arric, by the way.

[Ionala]: Did you come to look for a reference book or a novel?
You smile at Arric.

[Arric]: Oh, nonfiction… at least for now. The possibilities do seem endless, now that I think about it. But in particular, I'm hoping to find something on trolls. Their different tribes, customs and such. It's a bit awkward to march into Stormwind Keep and ask about it.

[Ionala]: hm, trolls. that should be…about here. Horde Studies.
[Ionala]: I wonder if we have…

[Arric]: Oh, my, a whole Horde studies section. Er, but… I'm looking for information on trolls that are not part of the Horde. I think. It's… honestly it's all a bit confusing.

[Ionala]: Oh, well, there's this one. The Twin Empires.

[Arric]: Fantastic title. Let's see.

[Ionala]: It's an account of the earliest troll civilizations. Sixteen thousand years.

[Arric]: Sixteen thou— Astonishing. So they predate the kaldorei then?

[Ionala]: Oh, yes.
[Ionala]: Trolls are ancient beings.

[Arric]: All right, I should definitely borrow that one… what is the procedure exactly?

[Ionala]: This is about the Gurubashi and Amani's war against the Aqir.

[Arric]: The aqir. That rings a bell. The - those are the insect life forms, yes? From the desert?

[Ionala]: Well, you leave your name in the reference book. The reference books aren't give one, take one. And yes. The insectoids.
[Ionala]: They were incredibly destructive!

[Arric]: I'm going to regret paying less attention to history. When you're young you never expect it's going to matter, but the moment you try actually moving about in the world you find out how very much it does.

[Ionala]: Well, there's so much to know. You can't predict it all.

[Arric]: You seem to know a little about trolls, at least. Are you busy? I'll certainly take the time to read this thoroughly, but I do learn better if I have a bit of a conversation.

[Ionala]: I am literally here to help people find books and chat. What would you like to know?

Arric laughs. "I'm not used to chatting in libraries! This might be my new favorite library. May I sit?"

[Ionala]: oh yes. The chairs are quite nice now that they're restored.

Arric chooses one in the middle, next to Nala's. "All right, let's see. So it seems there are a number of tribes, yes? Gurubashi… Zandalari…"

[Ionala]: The Amani, the Gundrak of Northrend…

[Arric]: Which are the Horde trolls? Is that a particular tribe as well?

[Ionala]: the Darkspear are the largest tribe. There are others.
[Ionala]: they seem to favor perfectly gruesome names.

[Arric]: Darkspear, all right. I don't think I've run into any of those, yet. Just Gurubashi, I think. And one Zandalari.

[Ionala]: In Stranglethorn Vale?

[Arric]: Exactly!
Arric smiles.

[Ionala]: It's been a while since I was down south. We did a—

Arric listens intently to you.

Ionala remembers herself and changes what she was going to say. "Admiral Siamus had an assignment for us near Booty Bay."

[Arric]: Admiral Siamus Fallon! *Arric almost puts a question mark on it, like there might be more than one Admiral Siamus.*

[Ionala]: We were investigating a lead he had. I never did find out what came of it.

[Arric]: He is rather mysterious, isn't he? I'm good friends with his sister, have been since we were small.

[Ionala]: Yes. The Admiral is… well, it comes with his work for the alliance. He is…remarkably well informed.

[Arric]: Please pardon my curiosity, and I pray you weren't hoping for a spot of peace and quiet this evening, but I couldn't help but notice you said 'we' - are you one of his crew, Ms. Webster, or household, or…?

[Ionala]: I was part of Cobalt Eye, before May had to retire. A baby.

[Arric]: Cobalt Eye! Wait, that's a sort of… investigators, weren't you? Capital! You seem to have a great many interests.

[Ionala]: Admiral Siamus came to appreciate my document preservation skills, mostly. I'm part of the Church of the Holy Light.
Ionala says this as if the robes and magical staff didn't make it obvious.

[Arric]: Oh, well, now I've added a dozen more to the thirty or so questions I already wanted to ask you, but first I must absolutely back up and pursue my work-related inquiry. Loa. Do you know what they are?

[Ionala]: Yes, at least well enough to get along with.

[Arric]: All I was able to gather is that they are some sort of… well, something holy. What are loa exactly?

[Ionala]: Animal aspected…not spirits, but not gods. Between. They act as guides to their followers. At least that is what their followers say!

[Ionala]: I can't help but assume a measure of self interest.

[Arric]: Ah. It's all coming together now. We contacted one called "Hir'eek," and suddenly found ourselves flying like bats through the jungle. Or, at least, in our minds. A sort of vision.

[Ionala]: Oh yes! They can do that. detach your spirit and send it gallivanting. What was it like?
Arric considers for a moment, clearly deciding how to answer. Finally he smiles, his pale blue eyes lighting up, and says, "Rather thrilling! If confusing at first."

[Ionala]: Ohh. Were you inside an animal?

[Arric]: It was more as though I were the animal. But also rather… incorporeal. Like a dream of a bat.

[Ionala]: Like a dream. That's intriguing. and you flew?

[Arric]: I did. Absolutely soared over the landscape. So swiftly. *For a moment he looks like he's remembering a moment of panic, but then his expression clears, sunny again.* But I was able to hear and understand speech. Troll speech. So I was neither a normal bat, nor myself, exactly.

[Ionala]: Well, Ithink after something like that, I would want to know more too!
Arric laughs.

[Arric]: Did you encounter trolls during your travels in Stranglethorn as well? How many are in the Cobalt Eye again? It's so dangerous there. Clearly you got out all right, though.

[Ionala]: We didn't have business with trolls, no. Pirates.

Arric 's eyes light up. "Oh, tell me absolutely everything."

[Ionala]: The Bloodsail Buccaneers! They were fierce. And I think we were there to stop their plans to harm the Alliance.

[Arric]: Was it terribly dangerous? *His brows knit slightly*

[Ionala]: Well, yes. but I wasn't worried. Our team is skilled.

[Arric]: I assume you must be their healer, then?

[Ionala]: I am trained in combat healing, yes.
[Ionala]: It's rather exciting, combat.

[Arric]: I'm still getting used to it under … uncontrolled conditions, but I think I've acquitted myself reasonably well so far. I also have an extraordinary team. We don't have a name, though.

[Ionala]: It will come! We didn't have a name at first. I think only Cobalt Blade had one from the start. Because of the publicity.

[Arric]: Ah, yes, my team discusses the Cobalt Blade quite often. Some of them are apparently great fans. I haven't read all the books, I don't believe. I've some catching up to do.

[Ionala]: There is usually a full set here, between one thing and another. It's quite strange to read books about the adventures of people you know!

[Arric]: Oh, you know them personally? Outstanding! What are they like?

[Ionala]: Not well. And I've never met Arthur Reeve even once.

[Arric]: That's the mage, right? We have a mage. Did the Cobalt Eye have a mage?

[Ionala]: Thalstan is definitely a fine choice for heroic leader. And we didn't have a mage. We had one of Cobalt Company's few warlocks.

[Arric]: Ohhh a warlock. Dear Sintha's in the 7th Legion with one of those.
[Arric]: What is yours like?

[Ionala]: Mayellen? determined. Always driving forward, looking for something to do something about.

[Arric]: Oh, it's a lady warlock? *He seems to be doing some mental shifting as he tries to wrap his head around this.*

[Ionala]: She is indeed a lady warlock.
Ionala smiles. "She and Jonas Hazan got married."

[Arric]: I'm going to have to talk to one for more than five minutes one of these days. A warlock, I mean, not a lady. Oh, Hazan. Related to Lt. Hazan of Cobalt Company?

[Ionala]: Yes! A cousin of Ben Hazan. Who I have met once or twice. He's very personable, for a big hero.

[Arric]: I have not yet managed to talk with him, though I have met his lady wife, who is an absolute delight. And his longtime friend, Mr. Sil Silentstep.

Ionala goes a bit pink. "Ah yes, Sil. He came by when we were fishing on the docks."

[Arric]: Every answer you give me makes me think of six more questions. Please do let me know if you need to end your shift and go home. Or if you need an escort. Is this part of town safe to walk alone in?
Arric walked here alone…

[Ionala]: Oh, it's fine. Everyone is working folk around here.

[Arric]: Ah, good good. So you liked Mr. Silentstep? Sil, he said to call him. He seems to know absolutely everyone in Cobalt Company.

[Ionala]: Yes. I did like him. He is quite nice. and he was kind to me.

[Arric]: Absolutely capital fellow, first rate. I haven't seen him in a while. I imagine he keeps quite busy, being a longtime member of the organization.

[Ionala]: So you sound like Siamus. Are you Kul Tiran?

[Arric]: Oh by the tides, it must be the ambiance here, I slipped into the way I talk around the hunters and such back home. Yes, yes, you've caught me. *He laughs.*

[Ionala]: That's wonderful! A lot of the more popular romances have dashing Kul Tiran heroes.

[Arric]: Sintha Fallon and I grew up running around making trouble in Tiragarde Sound. At least, when her brother was away— wait, Kul Tiran heroes? In Mainland romances? It can't be true. Surely.

[Ionala]: They are very silly stories, of course. you can't all be secret privateers and navy officers.

[Arric]: Miss, I challenge you to produce such a volume immediately, or I shall have to, with great regret, brand you an inveterate prevaricator.

[Ionala]: oh! a challenge! Well There you go. Tide's Treasure, by Mila Raventhorne.

Arric examines the cover with interest. "Oh heavens, that's the entirely wrong shade of green. It's more of an oxidized copper shade, really… this was clearly printed locally…"

[Arric]: All right if I borrow this? I confess I am morbidly fascinated.

[Ionala]: A swashbuckling adventure of a plucky young lady from Theramore in search of the treasure of Captain Shadowthorne, who was cursed…

[Arric]: Oh, from Theramore! The plot thickens…
[Arric]: I simply must borrow it now.

[Ionala]: only to be caught in a pirate attack off the coast of Tanaris! but when she was captured, a prisoner who had been there for weeks recruited her to help with his escape plan…

Arric listens intently to you.

[Ionala]: Which did succeed, but when they retrieved his belongings he saw the journal she kept and demanded to know who she was, because the book was stamped with the mark of his family's greatest rivals, who disappeared generations ago!

[Arric]: How do people even think of these things? It staggers the mind. Absolute sorcery.

[Ionala]: It's very complicated! but they go on a great adventure unraveling the mystery, and the kissing is top rate!

[Arric]: Oh well we wouldn't want bottom rate kissing, for certain. *Arric laughs.* So I might borrow it then?

[Ionala]: Oh, yes. That's open lending, so bring it back if you like.

[Arric]: I will, you have my word. *He slips it into his bag.* I'm afraid I'm rather a disappointing specimen as Kul Tirans go. I grew up inland you see. Terrible sailor.
[Arric]: Quite the horseman, hunter, and wrangler of beasts, though! Another Kul Tiran pastime, but not spoken of much.

Ionala waves at a gnome who comes in with a stack of books.

[Arric]: On the mainland, at least. Oh hello there! *he waves brightly at the gnome*

[Ionala]: You are a horseman, then? Wonderful.

[Arric]: Yes, I brought two of my darlings with me when I came. Rare, to have Tirasians here.
[Arric]: *Arric turns back to the gnome.* Would you care to stay and chat a while? Or do you need some help?
[Arric]: I apologize for monopolizing this knowledgeable volunteer.

The gnome bustles. "I'm just here for the next shift. That's the bell, I'm not late."

[Arric]: Oh! Do you need an escort home, Ms. Webster, or will you be alright?
[Arric]: I can take the troll book as well, yes? If I sign for it?

Ionala laughs. "Indeed you are not. Arric, This is Teensi Shadowspark, and she didn't do it."

[Arric]: Hello Ms. Shadowspark! What is it you didn't do, then?

Ionala | Teensi says: That's right, I didn't!

[Arric]: Well, all right then! *Arric laughs* I shan't tell a soul you did.

[Ionala]: Teensi is always joking about anything that happens. "It's not me!"

[Arric]: Ah, takes me back to my childhood with a rambunctious twin sister.

[Ionala]: You have a twin!

[Arric]: I do, back home. I haven't heard from her in ages. The mail's gone off.

[Ionala]: The mail has?

[Arric]: To Kul Tiras, yes. Or any kind of traffic.
[Arric]: I'm a bit stranded.
[Arric]: I do have a nice little place in Elwynn now, though, and I'm enjoying fixing it up.

[Ionala]: Elwynn is very nice. Quieter than the city.

[Arric]: But look at me, keeping you when your relief has shown up so punctually. Do you need an escort or shall we part ways for now?

[Ionala]: I'm just headed to the cathedral. We could walk to the trade district?

[Arric]: Perfect! The weather's so lovely tonight.
[Arric]: You lead, I can never figure out these streets.

You wave at Lana Ashwin.

[Arric]: So many different colored roofs…
[Arric]: In Kul Tiras we favor copper tiles, so they're mostly green.

[Ionala]: I hear it makes it easier to navigate when flying.

[Arric]: Oh, brilliant!
[Arric]: How clever.

[Ionala]: I will fly, one day.

[Arric]: You would not believe how shocked I was when I heard you tame gryphons here.

[Ionala]: Oh yes! It's wonderful.

[Arric]: In Kul Tiras that's unheard of. They're challenging prey at best, a terror at worst.
[Arric]: That is the first thing I'll try to change if I get back.

[Ionala]: it is marvelous that they consent to fly us.

[Arric]: It truly is.
[Arric]: Magnificent beasts.
[Arric]: Ah, and here is your glorious Cathedral.

[Ionala]: This is it!

[Arric]: One day soon I intend to return here and get an entire lesson on the Light.
[Arric]: We don't have that much in Kul Tiras, either.

[Ionala]: Thank you for walking with me. And I can tell you about the light!

[Arric]: Very soon, I hope. For now, I bid you a safe and pleasant evening.
Arric bows before you.

You bow before Arric.

[Ionala]: good night!