(2024-05-02) The Earthmother Weeps

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Author:	Saaron
Summary:	Members of the Horde meet to discuss current events (again) and eat grilled cheeses (again).
Rating:	T for Teen

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Talk of murder, death, loss of family members and loved ones, revenge, war

[Crimrage]: Throm-ka, Briyanthe.
Briyanthe arrives to the new meeting place, holding a plate of grilled cheeses again. "Crim, good afternoon!"
[Briyanthe]: If I'm not mistaken, you are a shaman, right?
Crimrage nods, "I am." He seems more solemn than usual.
Briyanthe sets down the plate on a nearby… table. A table that is definitely not a bench.
[Briyanthe]: Do you have any clue on… what is happening?
Crimrage shakes his head, "Not enough to enlighten you, I'm afraid. The elements have been in tumult for months now, but just now they erupted and all of Azeroth is in chaos."
[Briyanthe]: Chaos… that is one polite way to put it. The situation is dreadful, I had to make these simple sandwiches again. I haven't gotten a moment for myself…
[Crimrage]: Neither have I. *Crim shakes his head again, at a loss* The Warchief… I mean Thrall has gone to the Malestrom to try and calm the elements, Cairne Bloodhoof was slain by the Grimtotem's treachery, and now Garrosh is our new Warchief.
Liyen waves.
Crimrage nods at Liyen.
You bow before Liyen.
[Liyen]: Talking about our leaders? I don't see why the Dark Lady couldn't be the warchief, if Thrall needed to go on a… wherever it was he went.
[Briyanthe]: Welcome, Liyen! In these time, it's always a pleasure to see someone we appreciate is doing well!
Liyen smiles at Briyanthe. "It's great to see you weren't buried in an earthquake either!"
Crimrage grunts, "She is cunning enough. I only fear that many of my bretheren would find it difficult to respect her."
[Briyanthe]: Ah well, Thrall has come back from Draenor, has he not? So this is a non-issue.
Liyen raises an eyebrow at Crim.
[Crimrage]: I have faith in Garrosh. He has a warrior's heart and his father's spirit. However he still has much to learn I fear.
[Liyen]: She can represent both the Undead and the Blood Elves, in a way. That says a lot if the Horde can't respect 40% of its members.
[Liyen]: But yes, anyway, non-issue, Thrall has returned. Let all the orcs rejoice.
[Liyen]: Though… G
[Liyen]: Garrosh is still warchief, isn't he?
Crimrage nods to Briyanthe, "I didn't mean to suggest she wouldn't be a fine choice. But the orcs respond to strength. A ranger who snares her foes from afar would not inspire confidence in the more old fashioned orcs."
[Liyen]: I suppose that's true. And they're likely used to looking at elvish archers as prey by now, given recent news.
Crimrage growls and shakes his head.
[Briyanthe]: … I did hear the cohabitation with the Kaldorei was going rather… poorly. I suppose this is what you're referring to?
[Crimrage]: To think that I hoped we could yet mend our relations with the Alliance.
[Liyen]: Yeah, then we started slaughtering kaldorei, right? I guess that's pretty poor.
[Crimrage]: Cohabitation implies we were ever welcome in that forest.
Liyen shrugs. "Sometimes you just have to take the land you want. There are still people on the Alliance side who want to 'reclaim' Lordaeron. As if we weren't Lordaeronian."
[Briyanthe]: From what I hear, they are rather territorial, yes. It's a wonder they ever allied with the rest of the Alliance for a long term.
[Liyen]: Maybe they'll back out sometime soon. That'd help for our side, when war comes.
[Crimrage]: I wouldn't be surprised if they joined just to keep us away. And with open conflict happening again, I doub;t they'll leave for some time.
[Liyen]: Hm, well. I'm sure you'll manage your front and we'll manage ours. *Liyen gives a satisfied smile*
[Briyanthe]: I'd like to enjoy some peaceful times before we jump into the next war… *She raises her hand up.* If Azeroth itself would allow me!
Crimrage shakes his head, "If only Cairne were still with us. Perhaps he could have resolved our lumber shortage peacefully."
[Ishaya]: Hello, friends.
Elaeryn lifts a hand in greeting.
[Ishaya]: Garrosh Hellscream has made some very interesting changes to the city as he rebuilt. I like it.
[Elaeryn]: It's certainly…a look.
[Briyanthe]: Good afternoon, Ishaya, Elaeryn! My apologies for the meal I prepared this time, it's rather simple once more. *She gestures towards the grilled cheeses on the table which is definitely not a bench.*
[Ishaya]: Oh, thank you! *Ishaya rises to grab a sandwich and then take it back to her seat.*
[Elaeryn]: Some kind of cheese sandwich?
[Liyen]: Thank you so much, Briyanthe, but I've already eaten. *Liyen smiles*
[Briyanthe]: I'm not sure I'll ever get used to the… architectural taste of our allies.
[Ishaya]: I find it fascinating.
[Ishaya]: And I definitely approve of the way they've let more light into the Drag.
[Liyen]: They've really tapped into the feel of Durotar. I'll give them that
[Briyanthe]: Yes, it's… human cuisine. Cheese sandwiches. They are easy to make, and quick, too, I haven't gotten a second to myself!
[Ishaya]: Oh, this is human cuisine? How very interesting!
Elaeryn tastes the grilled cheese, and her brow slowly rises.
Ishaya takes a moment to examine her sandwich.
[Elaeryn]: This is surprisingly delicious.
[Ishaya]: I agree. Simple but pleasing combination of textures.
[Crimrage]: This city is built like a fortress. Even more so than it already was.
Elaeryn nods to Crim. "That's what worries me a little."
Briyanthe smiles at Liyen. "Oh, I had guessed, that is why I didn't offer any when you arrived. I hope you hadn't thought that rudeness on my part!"
You nod at Elaeryn.
[Ishaya]: I think there's nothing wrong with presenting a strong face in one's central city.
Crimrage nods back at Elaeryn, "I was hoping to spend some time outside of one after returning from Northrend."
[Liyen]: Probably for the best, the way things are going. *Liyen nods to Crim. Then she turns to Briyanthe.* No offense taken. I feel like I know you well enough to know when offense is intended.
[Ishaya]: I wonder if Thunder Bluff could have remained peaceful if it had looked a bit more warlike and less easy to invade… *she sighs*
[Ishaya]: But I suppose the invasion was from within, really.
[Elaeryn]: It just feels like they're preparing for something. Is the situation with the Alliance that unstable?
[Ishaya]: I expect it is.
[Elaeryn]: Worrisome.
[Crimrage]: Garrosh is eager to test himself I think.
Ishaya gives Elaeryn sad eyes.
Briyanthe chuckles. She says to Liyen. "I do hope you interpret my words as inoffensive often, then. I don't think I ever intend offense!"
[Briyanthe]: We were speaking of the situation with the Kaldorei before, yes.
Ishaya sighs again and takes a small bite of her grilled cheese, her long lashes lowered thoughtfully.
[Crimrage]: I remember Grom. He often led us into battle without Thrall's approval.
[Elaeryn]: Hm? What situation is that?
[Ishaya]: Two situations, really.
[Liyen]: The orcs slaughtered some kaldorei in Ashenvale. Seems like a popular move.
[Ishaya]: And then there was a druid meeting that ended in slaughter as well.
[Briyanthe]: Yes, we talked about Ashenvale. What is… the second situation?
[Ishaya]: Both sides.
[Briyanthe]: Really?
[Briyanthe]: Oh dear, I thought druids within the Cenarion Circle were neutral?
Ishaya nods, her violet brown eyes filling with tears. "They're supposed to be."
Crimrage stands with his arms crossed. Static fills the air around him.
[Ishaya]: Hamuul Runetotem escaped, but my friend Veln's teacher didn't make it out.
[Liyen]: I suppose the orcs didn't want to allow Horde who were friendly with the Alliance to survive?
[Ishaya]: No one's sure what happened. Not that I talked to. Maybe Lady Aro'ephel has better sources. I haven't seen her in a while.
[Ishaya]: I was… I had some… people to— *Her eyes tear up more, and spill over.*
Liyen looks at Ishaya in surprise. There are feelings happening. She is… not sure what to do about this.
Elaeryn gives Ishaya a sympathetic look before moving over to put an arm around her in comfort.
[Briyanthe]: Oh, dear… *She goes to sit beside Ishaya, putting her tiny little hand on the tauren's shoulder.*
[Elaeryn]: I'm sorry, my friend.
[Ishaya]: I'm sorry. *She sniffs* I was away traveling when the violence hit Thunder Bluff. My mother didn't make it.
[Liyen]: My condolences for your… for all of that. *Liyen says, sounding a little stilted*
[Ishaya]: And… I lost a great many friends.
[Ishaya]: I don't understand why the Grimtotems would do all this!
[Elaeryn]: That's awful, Ishaya.
[Briyanthe]: I'm deeply sorry to hear, Ishaya. It isn't easy, losing so many loved ones, in such a short time, and in such an abrupt way.
[Ishaya]: And they used Hellscream to kill our High Chieftain? Why?
[Ishaya]: I'm sure you blood elves know a great deal about what that is like, though.
[Liyen]: We could… hunt some of them down and kill them? *Liyen offers, uncertain* Maybe that would help?
[Crimrage]: I would swear to avenge those who committed these atrocities, but it was our own people… *small arcs of electricity form on Crim's armor and the earth trembles and gets hot under his feet while a light gust whips out from him.*
Ishaya shakes her head at Liyen. "I've had enough killing for a while."
[Liyen]: Well, the Grimtotems aren't our people, at least.
Elaeryn nods to Ishaya. "Some people are only interested in their own power. You're right, we've seen it ourselves. Multiple times."
[Crimrage]: Not anymore, no.
Ishaya gives Crim a gentle look, trying to calm him. "Revenge just becomes an endless cycle."
Briyanthe looks in worry at the elements acting up around Crim.
[Liyen]: Okay… then let's, um, not do revenge.
[Ishaya]: We avenge ourselves on the Grimtotems, and then their children will avenge themselves on us. And so on.
Briyanthe nods. "Contrary to what my people's new name may suggest, blood spilled does not heal any wounds."
[Ishaya]: Well said, Lady Briyanthe.
[Ishaya]: I will defend myself if I must - assuming I can ever get the elements to listen to me again - but I will not seek out violence.
[Crimrage]: Yet here we stand at war with the Alliance once more.
[Ishaya]: Are we at war? Officially? *Her tail thumps nervously*
[Crimrage]: What does it matter if it's official or not? Battle rages across Ashenvale.
[Ishaya]: Such a terrible time for it. I just flew over the Barrens and saw the great bleeding wound in the earth there.
[Crimrage]: Even in the Barrens, the forces of Theramore have come into conflict with us.
[Ishaya]: If only we could all come together and help one another instead of fighting while the very ground crumbles beneath us.
You nod at Ishaya.
[Liyen]: If we're not officially at war, we certainly will be soon. *Liyen nods at Crim, and then hesitates, look back at Ishaya and Briyanthe.*
Crimrage takes a deep breath, "That is what I had hoped too."
[Ishaya]: I just don't know what the world is coming to… *She wipes away her tears carefully*
[Liyen]: Well, the Lich King is dead. That's a good thing.
Ishaya exhales and nods.
Elaeryn smiles genty at Ishaya. "As long as there are people like you in it, I believe the world has a chance of coming to something better."
Ishaya ducks her head at Elaeryn's compliment; she might be blushing if one could see her skin.
Liyen just smiles. It looks a little hollow.
Briyanthe shakes her head. "Let us not speculate on wars as of right now. I do believe both Alliance and Horde citizens would rather avoid a full blown war at this exact moment. Soldiers and heroes must rest after their fights in Northrend."
Ishaya slips a gentle arm around the blood elves on each side of her for just a moment.
[Ishaya]: Thank you, friends.
Elaeryn hugs Ishaya. "You're very welcome."
[Ishaya]: What of Thrall? Does anyone have news about him?
[Crimrage]: Indeed. I will need to take time to decide my next course of action. We need to focus on rebulding, not fighting the Alliance. They should not be our enemies any longer.
[Liyen]: I heard he's back? But Garrosh Hellscream is still warchief.
Briyanthe looks a little surprised of the forwardness of a hug, but allows Ishaya to do it. "It's with pleasure. If you ever wish to speak about what you've been going through, you're more than welcome to contact me. The Light and I will be by your side."
[Ishaya]: Speaking of the Light - I have some news that might interest you, Lady Briyanthe.
[Ishaya]: It's just a small thing, among my people, but I thought of you.
[Ishaya]: Some of us have recently taken to following An'she - the sun - and using abilities very like your priests and paladins. I wonder if the Light and An'she are the same?
Briyanthe 's eyes widen. "Oh, really? That's wonderful!"
[Ishaya]: You should visit Thunder Bluff sometime and speak to the Sunwalkers.
[Ishaya]: Compare notes.
[Briyanthe]: It seems only plausible that such an entity like the Light would have reached your people as well! If you say their powers are similar to ours, that can only be the Light!
[Briyanthe]: Language might not be universal, but the Light is.
[Elaeryn]: It makes sense to me. You might have noticed our people have a certain reverence for the Sun as well. Though…I wouldn't say we follow it.
Briyanthe smirks a little. Soon, all of the Horde will see that the Light is great.
You nod at Elaeryn.
[Ishaya]: We haven't really, historically, either. This is sort of a new trend.
[Ishaya]: But it's really catching on.
Liyen looks at the group, clustered together, and for a moment there's something wistful in her glowing gaze. Then she shakes her head, and climbs to her feet. "Looks like you're finding new ties. Just like you wanted."
Ishaya peers at Liyen searchingly.
[Liyen]: You all are just really excellent people. Never change, except in the way that you surely will because you're all alive. I'd probably better get back to the Undercity. There's… stuff for me to do.
[Ishaya]: Can I help?
[Liyen]: Oh, no, I think… you've probably got enough to handle, what with Thunder Bluff and… everything.
[Ishaya]: Well if you ever need me, just say the word.
Liyen blinks, surprised. "Thank you. It was good to see you all again, and know you made it through these past few days. Really."
[Briyanthe]: It takes a good person to recognize a good person, Liyen. If you appreciate the goodness in us and ask us to never change, it is that you possess it too!
Ishaya smiles at you.
Liyen pulls out her hearthstone and waves farewell with a faint smile.
[Briyanthe]: It was great seeing you are well as well.
You wave at Liyen.
[Ishaya]: Do you think she's all right? *Ishaya gazes worriedly after her.*
[Ishaya]: I've never seen her look so… wistful.
[Crimrage]: She probably has much on her mind.
[Briyanthe]: I… don't know. I have a hard time reading… the Forsaken, I must confess.
[Ishaya]: I'll have to think of a way to help her feel more included. It must be difficult, being undead among the living.
[Briyanthe]: I mean, if you can make Sylvanas Windrunner the warchief, based on earlier conversations, I think she'd appreciate that! *She covers her mouth to chuckle.*
[Ishaya]: Oh, I'm not sure that would be a good idea.
[Ishaya]: She seems a bit… focused on her own concerns.
[Elaeryn]: Sylvanas as warchief? Hmm. She does have a strong history as an effective leader. Even before she died.
Ishaya shakes her head. "Now there is nothing but bitterness and vengeance in her heart. I can tell."
[Crimrage]: If things continue as they are now, I might try to become warchief.
Ishaya looks at Crim in surprise.
[Ishaya]: Would you have to fight Garrosh Hellscream?
[Briyanthe]: I can see it. You, as the leader of the Horde, I mean.
[Briyanthe]: I do believe an interesting development for the Horde would be to have a leader that is also a priest of the Light, though. That may bridge some gaps with the Alliance.
Crimrage takes a touch longer to respond to Ishaya than she may have suspected it would, "No. I won't challenge him. The last thing we need is more disunity. I only wish we could all stand more united."
Ishaya nods sadly at Crim.
[Elaeryn]: Do you know who I think would make an excellent leader of the Horde? Vol'jin. He has shown great wisdom in leading the Darkspear, and I believe he genuinely cares about the future of all the Horde.
[Ishaya]: I think the best person to lead the Horde if not Thrall would have been Cairne Bloodhoof, who lived in these lands for so long, and who welcomed Thrall when he arrived. But… that's never to be, thanks to the Grimtotem.
Elaeryn sighs sadly.
[Ishaya]: I don't know much about Vol'jin, I'll admit.
Crimrage nods, "Vol'jin would be a fine choice. I would have picked Cairne over him as well, but…"
Ishaya gives Crim a surprised little smile.
[Briyanthe]: I did hear Vol'jin lead a fight to reclaim some islands?
[Ishaya]: The trolls have a nice little archipelago now off the coast.
[Crimrage]: He did. I fought alongside him as well as many other warriors.
[Ishaya]: He did!*
[Elaeryn]: And Ishaya and I were there helping the Darkspear prepare!
[Ishaya]: Yes, I helped out a little, especially with recruiting. Kind of my specialty.
[Briyanthe]: Oh! I'm with heroes of the trolls, I see.
[Ishaya]: And I learned out to drum a little, from Ragefang.
[Ishaya]: how*
[Briyanthe]: Perhaps Liyen was right. We did unite the Horde just a little more together, didn't we?
Elaeryn smiles and nods at Ishaya, having been recently recruited by her to the Crimson Coterie.
[Crimrage]: We did. The Horde at least still stands as united as ever.
[Ishaya]: I hope so.
[Crimrage]: But we must share this world with the Alliance or there will never be peace.
Ishaya nods.
[Ishaya]: They want all the same things we do. Food, shelter, love, safety.
Briyanthe sighs. "I agree to some extent, but as Ishaya said earlier, we also must defend ourselves. As they do."
[Ishaya]: The Horde has suffered some fractures lately, but we will grow back stronger.
[Ishaya]: I suppose it's for the best that Magatha Grimtotem showed her true colors. I only wish we hadn't had to lose so many in the process. But now the Tauren are rid of her scheming.
[Ishaya]: And the rift among the Forsaken may have strengthened them, too.
[Ishaya]: The Earthmother weeps, and it will take all of the Horde to heal her.
[Briyanthe]: So… do you believe this is what is happening, right now? Azeroth being… sad?
Crimrage nods, "We remain firm. And I will fight to defend our people with my life, but there must be understanding or we will all destroy one another."
[Ishaya]: The earth does not feel things exactly as we do, but being torn apart pains her, yes.
Ishaya nods in agreement with Crim.
[Crimrage]: I… doubt it. There is something larger at play here. The elements are tempestuous at the best of times, but this is something I have never seen before.
[Ishaya]: Azeroth is deeply wounded.
[Crimrage]: I shudder to think what a Mag'har shaman would make of all this.
[Briyanthe]: I see. You believe the earthquakes are not the cause, but the consequence.
[Crimrage]: Correct.
[Ishaya]: Something evil has torn the earth apart.
[Briyanthe]: I thought you meant the opposite. The… earthmother was feeling emotional pain, and caused earthquakes in retaliation. My apologies.
Ishaya shakes her head.
[Ishaya]: No, she is in physical pain, and weeps fiery tears. Have you flown over the Barrens recently?
Elaeryn nods. "It's distressing. It's almost unrecognizable."
[Ishaya]: Such a wound I have never seen, in all my travels.
[Briyanthe]: I haven't had the chance, no. I travel mostly by portal. Handle the wounded in the capital cities.
[Ishaya]: You should fly to Mulgore from here. See it for yourself.
[Ishaya]: The plains are split in half, and fire weeps from the wound.
[Ishaya]: I have heard of similar things happening all over, even in the Eastern lands. Mountains moving, oceans rising.
[Crimrage]: It's a terrible sight. Mulgore was at least spared the worst of it, but I worry this world could become another Outland if we do not act.
[Ishaya]: All in all, a very bad time for the Alliance and the Horde to make trouble for one another.
[Elaeryn]: I've heard Quel'thalas has weathered this without much incident. But there are people there I care about that I need to check on.
Ishaya nods.
[Elaeryn]: It's been good to see you all well.
[Ishaya]: Yes. I hope we can meet again soon, and with better news.
[Elaeryn]: Until then, my friends.
Briyanthe nods at Elaeryn. "You too, Elaeryn. Maybe I will see you in Silvermoon!"
[Ishaya]: I should return to my people as well. So many in so much pain… *she sighs.*
[Ishaya]: Thank you for providing this forum to talk.
[Briyanthe]: Yes, me too. I'll… distribute the grilled cheeses to those who need it at the infirmary.
Ishaya smiles.
[Crimrage]: Indeed. I will go now to mediate on what should do next.
[Ishaya]: Let me know what you decide.
[Ishaya]: I trust in your wisdom.
[Briyanthe]: My pleasure! I may have to take a break from these while the situation is dire and I handle constructions in Silvermoon but… I hope we will get to meet like this once more, soon!
[Crimrage]: I will, Ishaya. Blood and thunder.
Ishaya nods.
Ishaya stands at attention and salutes.
[Briyanthe]: I must confess, I have rather enjoyed these little charity events!
You salute Ishaya with respect.
[Briyanthe]: Goodbye, Ishaya, it was good to see you again.
[Crimrage]: Farewell Briyanthe. Spirits guide you.
Briyanthe picks up the plate. "Crim, potential future Warchief, it was a pleasure to see you again." She smiles at his blessing. "May the Light guide your path!"
Crimrage bows before you.
You bow before Crimrage.
Briyanthe starts walking towards the infirmary.