(2025-03-31) The Molten Front: Week 3

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Author:	Alli
Summary:	The third week of the war against the denizens of the Firelands, during which the Shadow Wardens officially join the fray. Logs include Anareline, Jocoza, Atley, Auralind, Caspis, Tyrrell, Cressidha, Mordecai, Ralaea, and Velrin. ~7100 words.
Rating:	T for Teen

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discussion of a marriage

Monday

Anareline spots Sir Atley and Sgt. Tyrrell and strides over, eyeing the demon at the latter's side with distaste.

"Ah, good evening again," says Sgt. Tyrrell. "Remind me of your name, ma'am?"

Atley marches up to the duo — yes, a duo, Bizpep is not counted sentient by Atley. "Evening."

"Anareline," she says, and then pauses and smiles for some reason. "Anareline Silvershade."

Bizpep looks annoyed that no one is paying attention to him. He does some flips. Tyrrell ignores him. "Do you have a title?" he asks, missing the reason for the smile entirely.

Atley cinches his thumbs in his belt as he peers at Anareline.

"Sir Atley, good evening," Ana says. She also ignores the imp. To Tyrrell, she says, "In a manner of speaking. I suppose in human circles the appropriate new title would be Mrs."

"New? Congratulations then, Mrs. Silvershade, though I had meant in a military sense. I shall use Mrs., if you prefer,” Tyrrell says.

Atley inclines his head. "How long is it the two've you've been official, then?"

"Military address is appropriate, I think," Ana clarifies. "But I have no rank, beyond… squad leader? It is primarily the surname that I have changed. And… you mean formal vows? Several days now. But we are shalan."

"Oh, days… my congratulations again, then, Mrs. Silvershade," says Tyrrell. "I consider myself relatively newly wed myself, but I suppose it has been… a year…?" He frowns. Has it been? What even is time?

"Several days," Atley observes, briefly looking to Zath.

"Congratulations on your…" Ana pauses, searching for the Common word. "Anniversary, if you celebrate it each yaer."

"It is… entirely possible I have missed said anniversary," Tyrrell says dryly. "We shall see if I still have a wife when I return home."

Atley scoffs knowingly with empathetic amusement, "They'll be more apt to forgive us once we provide them with a victory here," he muses.

"I'm not accustomed to keeping close track of time," Tyrrell says. "Rather elven that way, I suppose."

Anareline nods. "And victory would be a good anniversary gift, I think."

Tyrrell nods. "I'm happy to assist you this evening if you like."

"Your assistance is appreciated, both of you. Both by me, and I am certain by the kaldorei as a whole. To the fight?" Anareline smiles again. Ah, newlywed bliss.

"To the fight," Atley grunts.

As always, Tyrrell changes form in battle. It seems reluctant and almost painful each time.

Atley casually observes the transformation this time. "You're the first worgen I've drawn swords with."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Tyrrell says ambiguously.

Atley grunts dismissively.

"I was under the impression your mercenary company employed a number of them," Tyrrell says.

"There are many in Darnassus," Anareline comments. "As well. But I have not had much occasion to interact with them."

"We do," Atley confirms, "I've yet to properly work with any. There is one lad I've done a bit of archaeology with. He doesn't oft shift."

"Nor do I, under most circumstances," Tyrrell says. Wolfishly.

"Is it deliberate, for combat?" Ana asks. "For the additional strength?"

"There are decided advantages in battle," Tyrrell observes, "but unfortunately I am not given much of a choice. It seems to be an instinctive response to threat.”

Atley grunts.

"But it does not affect clarity of thought," Anareline says, and it doesn't sound like a question. "That was not the case, with the original druids."

"Have you measured your strength in this form, then," Dane asks.

Tyrrell looks to her with interest. "I know little of the history," he admits. "Measured?" he says to Atley. "Not as such, but it's… evident."

Dane grunts. Dane squints up at the sky as it starts to rain.

"I count as family one who was close to the original pack form," Anareline explains. "Imrolane Palemoon. She, my shalan, a shaman and I sought the Scythe, before we knew of the Gilnean curse."

Dane grunts faintly and nods slowly at Anareline.

"The Scythe…" Zath says thoughtfully. "I have heard of it."

Dane grunts.

"It was the artifact that was used to call them from the Dream," Anareline explains. "Unwisely."

Tyrrell nods gravely.

Dane squints. "Where's it now, then?"

"I believe that information is above my current pay grade," Tyrrell says dryly.

"That… I do not know," Anareline frowns. "We followed it to Duskwood."

Dane grunts. "Ought to be destroyed."

Anareline inclines her head in assent. "Should you desire more information about those first days, though, I would point you to Imrolane," Anareline concludes. "And on the… impact on mental state."

"Half feral, that one," Dane remarks with a neutral tone.

Anareline gestures to the portal. Everyone knows the drill.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt me to learn more," Tyrrell admits.

In the Firelands, close to the spot where the Sentinel Tree was planted, Cressidha Aspenwood conjures water while Mordecai Aspenwood passes it out.

"Aspenwoods," Anareline says, as she walks by to check in. "Colson is not with you today?"

Atley rides over to them on Thoras. "Aspenwoods," he says, leaning forward in his saddle.

"Lady Cressidha," Tyrrell says with a slight smile. He then bows solemnly to Mordecai.

Mordecai smiles faintly. "Not today. I'm going home soon. Here." He begins distributing water.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Cressidha says, nodding.

"Thank you for the gift of water," Ana says with a nod.

Dane takes the water and nods. "Cheers." He takes a sip and looks out over the battlefield.

Dane grunts and nods to the battlefield. "They've resent those strange 'hounds.'"

"Frost magic seems just the thing," Tyrrell says, a touch wistfully.

"I trust the two of you are well since the fight yesterday?" Ana asks. "The branch remains safe."

Mordecai ducks his head. "Yes."

"I am quite well, thank you." Cressidha nods to her. "I have opted to remain here for a time, as I can be of use."

"You can," Ana pauses, considering, and then adds, "I did not bring it up, since we were rather busy in the fight, but I think it is customary among humans to share such news. I was married this past weekend."

"Oh!" Mordecai beams at her. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Ana smiles again. Three times today.

"Oh, how wonderful. My congratulations to you and Caspis." Cressidha smiles faintly.

Dane discreetly looks to Mordecai.

"I will convey your congratulations when next I see him," Ana says, "I expect that will be soon."

Mordecai just looks happy for the two of them.

"Wait, Caspis… that's Evensong's father, isn't it?" Tyrrell says, coming at this information entirely backwards.

"No," Cressidha says. "His daughter is named Tirenda. I do not believe she is an Evensong."

Dane looks to Anareline at this.

"Ah… Sgt. Evensong's father has a very similar name,” Tyrrell says.

"Ah, Caspis is… a…" Ana pauses. "Stepfather? But I believe Celaven looks up to Caspis as such. Caspis's own daughter is, indeed, Tirenda."

Dane grunts. "The lot of you are intertwined."

"Ahhh," says Tyrrell. "That must be my confusion. So do you know him? Sgt. Evensong, of the 7th Legion?"

"Oh, yes, indeed, he is my son," Anareline says. "That may be what I should have led with. His father is…" Ana gestures vaguely at the battlefield.

Tyrrell just stares at Ana for a moment.

"I know Celaven." Mordecai smiles gently. "He's a good healer."

Dane stares at Anareline, brow furrowed.

"I am sure he would be pleased to hear you believe so," Anareline says with a nod. She looks back at Tyrrell. "Is there… a problem with my son?"

"You're his mother," he repeats. "I … my apologies, I should have known. He speaks of you often. Just… not by name. As is common with… mothers."

Dane grunts at Zath. "It always surprises me. You don't look a day older than twenty-five. Celaven's of you, he's with Velrin, and Caspis is with you. Aye?"

"No problem at all," Tyrrell says hastily, "only that I was unaware of the relation. He is like family to me, you see, which means… well I suppose you are… extended family. In a sense," he hedges, seeming to withdraw a bit.

"My family grows," Anareline says, with a brief smile just for Tyrrell. "And yes, you have it right, Sir Atley. As well, I have a daughter Cellara. And I am a few days older than twenty-five. I saw the Sundering."

Tyrrell looks to Mordecai. "And you're Colson Aspenwood's husband, you're easy to remember." A slight smile.

Tyrrell does the slightest double take at the Sundering comment, with eyes only.

Dane squints at Anareline and calmly shakes his head, removing his helmet, tucking it under a burly. "Older than the lowest bricks of Stormwind Keep."

Tyrrell stares at Dane.

Mordecai smiles faintly back and nods. He has never been called easy to remember in his life before.

Ana shrugs. "It is a young kingdom yet."

Dane says, "Indeed."

Mordecai tends to some of the druids who have withdrawn from the battlefield, murmuring prayers.

"We have fought well today, everyone," Ana nods, looking out over the neverending battle. "I hope we should make some progress soon."

Dane looks back out over the battlefield. "Something'll change, soon. One of us will break, and we don't break."

"If I may be so bold, Sir Atley, might I suggest that in general you not mention to a woman that she is older than a kingdom?” Tyrrell says. “In general, that tends to go over poorly."

Dane inclines his head. "You can suggest it, but Anareline is no ordinary woman. Nor is she human. They're mostly a bloody old folk."

Tyrrell looks wide-eyed at Anareline, his expression implying that he is apologizing on behalf of Dane's entire species.

"I believe it is wise advice, but I take no offense," Ana confirms.

Dane grunts.

"I am glad of it," Tyrrell says. "You seem a very unwise person to offend."

"I am," Ana says, glancing again towards the battlefield, "As they will come to know, sooner or later."

"I've come across many old elves, but not that're aged." Dane observes.

Tyrrell turns back toward Cressidha and Mordecai. "Is all well with the Aspenwoods today?"

"All is, thank you. Would you like some extra water for the rest of your unit?" Cressidha offers.

"We have been mortal for less than a decade," Ana adds to Dane. "Aged elves may be more common in the years to come."

"I've heard through the grapevine that Bertrand recently had quite a harrowing time in the Deadmines, out in Westfall… oh, thank you, Lady Cressidha, that would be most useful."

Dane grunts and inclines his head with sympathy to Anareline before he looks from Zath to Cress.

Cressidha passes him multiple bottles of water, waiting for him to put them away before handing him more. She does seem to know how many people are in the unit, but not that Saion is elsewhere.

Zath visibly counts the bottles and smiles an odd little smile.

Dane clears his throat and looks to Zath. "It's true. I was with him."

Anareline looks from the Aspenwoods to Dane curiously.

Zath's ice-blue eyes immediately zero in on Atley with intense interest. "He wasn't harmed I hope? How did it go?"

"Colson told me about it," Cressidha says. She probably talks to her twin more than her older brother.

Zath's gaze moves between Cress and Atley; he seems quite in suspense.

"Ah, he was there as well?" Anareline asks. "Many connected to us today."

Dane squints faintly and shakes his head, though he does briefly glance at Mordecai. "It wasn't easy, but we prevailed. He's a keen shot, and a sharp engineer."

Mordecai has fully drifted off from the others. He is healing.

"He was not particularly harmed, either," Dane adds.

"Strange, I hadn't heard about Colson being there. I suppose it was good for the brothers to have one another nearby." Tyrrell says this very awkwardly, making it clear he has no idea how brothers work and is guessing wildly.

Dane grunts. "It was. Whenever you've a pair of Aspenwoods in one squad, they work well together."

Cressidha nods. This is true.

"It's a good thing there are so many of them," Tyrrell says. For once, there is not a hint of irony in his voice.

"I believe I will head back to the Sanctuary," Anareline says, glancing towards the portal. "Take care, while you all remain in the Firelands. And send Colson my regards as well?"

Dane grunts.

Tyrrell looks around and seems to remember he is in a war zone. "Ah, yes, I should check in with the unit as well."

"I shall." Cressidha looks over towards Mordecai. "When he's… ready for his portal."

"A true pleasure to speak with all of you," Tyrrell says coolly, and bows to everyone before heading out.

"Stay hydrated." Cressidha nods politely.

Dane tugs his helmet on and turns, marching off. "Stay sharp," he says to Cress.

Mordecai pulls out a small pocket watch and checks it. He is absolutely counting time until the end of his shift.

Friday

Some time before the teams assemble, Captain Saynna Stormrunner reports to the Cenarion leadership in the Sanctuary of Malorne.

Captain Saynna Stormrunner says: Our original duty binds us to defend this land, but if Fandral has indeed escaped to the Firelands, then we must bring him to justice.
Captain Saynna Stormrunner says: Sisters, show yourselves. The time for subtlety is past. We will face our enemies in the Plane of Fire. See you on the field of battle.

Shadow Wardens emerge from the shadows around Captain Saynna Stormrunner, and she heads for the Firelands portal.

Anareline, Caspis, Mordecai, Ralaea, Velrin

Velrin sits next to Caspis and helps preen the feathers on his head.

They are both perched on the Malorne statue's head. It's clear how Caspis got there; Velrin possibly less so. Caspis-stormcrow nibbles lightly at Velrin's arm in what is probably a gesture of affection.

Velrin giggles, "Hey, that tickles."

Then the bird spots Anareline approaching and gives a little 'caw!' at Velrin before swooping down to join her.

Vel hops off the statue and lands gracefully on the ground to join the others.

Mordecai is once again speaking to Dorda'en Nightweaver.

Anareline raises her hand in greeting, and nods at the stormcrow.

The stormcrow becomes a moonkin.

Ralaea keeps her red-feathered gryphon close by, though she dismounts for now.

"We have our usual rounds to run, and then we report to the Shadow Wardens." Anareline says.

Mordecai approaches. "Dorda'en says they're low on flame-resistant bandages. Um, hello, everyone."

The black-feathered moonkin bows slightly in greeting, keeping a polite distance from the others.

"Hello Mordecai." Vel says cheerfully.

"Um, congratulations," Mordecai says to Caspis. "Anareline told me you two had your ceremony recently."

Caspis briefly turns into elven form so he can reply in Words. "Yes, very recently," he says quietly. "Thank you." He bows.

Velrin smiles.

"Ceremony?" Ralaea asks, glancing between Anareline and Caspis.

"What you would call a marriage," Caspis clarifies.

Mordecai smiles gently at Caspis and mounts up on Almond.

Anareline nods. "An exchange of vows."

Caspis becomes a stormcrow when he sees people starting to mount up. Caspis fights in moonkin form, blasting the molten behemoths and pyrelords with nature and arcane magic in alternating waves.

Mordecai dutifully removes and rolls-up the flame giants' wrappings.

Ana fights steadily with sword and shield. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Mordecai hands over the bandages when they return.

"Now into the Firelands," Ana says. "And we are to report to the Shadow Wardens there - there is a new offensive."

Auralind, Dane, Jocoza

Jo waves to Auralind and Dane as she flies in to the Sanctuary of Malorne.

Atley awaits, one boot propped up just a step higher as he finishes off the last of a tough strip of jerky. He squints faintly at Jocoza's noisy machine, but slowly raises a hand in greeting.

Auralind cannot miss the ruckus that Jocoza's flying machine makes. She rises from her contemplative seat and approaches. "Elune adore."

"Evening, Cap'," Atley says.

"Elune adore, hello!" Jo says brightly. She lands and hurries over. "Seems like Silvershade… the Silvershades? And some of the others have already headed over for the Shadow Wardens offensive. Mordecai, Ralaea and Velrin are with them. I've set aside some time to join the fight today!"

"We can do the usual route over here, and then go to join the offensive… if… that's alright?" Jo cocks her head at the two of them. "Auralind, you know the land here, and Dane, you're a field leader."

Auralind nods firmly. "Anything we can do to help Hyjal."

Atley nods his agreement and tugs on his helmet. "Right."

Jo hops back up on the flying machine, ready to defend the borders in the usual way.

Aura beckons Talathar with a hippogryph call and mounts up.

The behemoths and pyrelords are once again gathering at the border.

"How have things been going out here?" Jo asks them both.

"The pressure is constant. So's the heat. We go until one of us breaks — and we don't break," Atley insists with a growl.

Jo nods her little head firmly. "We don't break."

Aura nods as well.

Anareline, Caspis, Mordecai, Ralaea, Velrin

Once on the other side of the portal, Mordecai looks around.

When they arrive in the Firelands, Caspis attacks the Druids of the Flame with particular vigor.

So does Ana.

"I believe Captain Stormrunner is waiting for us in the Sentinel tree… cave," Ana says.

Mordecai shuffles on into the tree cave.

Ralaea mutters a comment about the tree cave.

Caspis politely turns back into an elf in the presence of his Shan'do.

Vel hurries inside and bows to Captain Saynna Stormrunner, "My lady."

Caspis's expression grows cold as he gazes at the Warden.

"Hello," Captain Stormrunner addresses them. "I've dispatched several of my Wardens to assist in hunting down the Druids of the Flame, and it is now time to assault the Forlorn Spire. I hope you will join us there."

Caspis says nothing, and simply moves to stand at Anareline's flank.

"I pray I will prove myself worthy." Velrin bows again.

"Forlorn Spire? Did someone name it that, or is it just actually forlorn?" Ralaea asks.

Sorry Ralaea, no one knows.

Mordecai bites his lip. "All right. Um, where is that?"

Caspis quietly asks General Moonfall for directions…

"It is up to the Northeast," General Moonfall supplies.

Mordecai looks around. He has no sense of direction in the Firelands. There is no sun.
He ends up following the others.

At the base of the ramp, several wardens stand watch. A large group of druids and wardens are fighting fiery elementals up a stone ramp, and Captain Stormrunner gestures us to the battle, where the warden Marin Bladewing and the druid Turak Runetotem are leading the fight.

A Nearby Warden says: Our forces are pushing up the ramp. You should join them.

Anareline hurries up the ramp. "It seems they have begun without us.”

"Think flame resistant bandages would be good armor for this?" Ralaea asks.

Mordecai hurries to heal and shield Turak Runetotem and Marin Bladewing.

"They might be," Ana says, considering.

"Come brothers and sisters. It is time to take this foul tower from the hands of our enemies!" Turok Runetotem cries, rushing towards the Forlorn Spire.

The team fights their way to the tower of the Forlorn Spire. They can spot Auralind, Dane and Jocoza elsewhere in the crowd by now. Everyone finally squares off against a massive fire elemental creature, who causes fire to emerge from the ground, trapping the combatants in the arena.

"Are we… walled off?" Ralaea looks behind them at the wall of flames.

"The only way is forward," Ana says grimly.

Caspis nods with satisfaction.

It was maybe not a wise idea, as the combatants kill the fire creature.

Velrin grins wickedly, "Target eliminated."

Turak Runetotem says: Well done, friends! The tower is ours! Now I shall see to the destruction of this foul monument.

The Forlorn Spire looks even more forlorn now that it's wrapped in vines.

Auralind, Dane, Jocoza

"Now the Firelands," Jo nods. "It is strange, all the elemental plane visiting we've done this year."

Dane grunts. "Doesn't properly feel real. Hasnt for some time."

"Even stranger than Outland," Aura agrees. "At least that felt like an actual place."

Dane grunts.

Jo nods. "This is more like… well, I understand fire quite well, I think. But not… not this place."

"At least Fial'el is comfortable here." Aura smirks over at the phoenix hatchling.

Dane charges into the thick of it with a growl of exertion.

Jo smiles at the phoenix, and then proceeds to fight fire with fire, in a literal fashion.

Dane bites the cork off of an enchanted salve bottle and spits it out. He rushes to the side of a Wounded Hyjal Defender and hastily smears it on over a wound, his gauntleted fingers cold to the touch. "There you are, then, back on your feet."

Wounded Hyjal Defender says: It was foolish of me to get caught away from the line. Thank you for the second chance.

When the team returns to the Sentinel Tree, General Taldris Moonwell waves them to the cave. "Stormrunner called for you."

Dane furrows his brow and marches inside. He slides off his helmet and tucks it under an arm.

Auralind salutes and heads immediately for Stormrunner.

Dane marches into Malfurion's Breach and salutes Captain Saynna with his free arm. "Captain Stormrunner. You called?"

"Hello," Captain Stormrunner addresses them. "I've dispatched several of my Wardens to assist in hunting down the Druids of the Flame, and it is now time to assault the Forlorn Spire. I hope you will join us there. I have already sent the other Cobalt team ahead."

Aura salutes the Warden, keeping her face stony and stoic.

Dane looks between Jocoza and Auralind before he grunts and nods. "We're here to fight."

"I would ask you to join their forces, and push into the Forlorn Spire," Captain Stormrunner says seriously.

"Yes, ma'am," Jo says with a smile.

Dane inclines his head. "Consider it done."

Dane turns and marches out after Jocoza, tugging his helmet on. "I've never fought side by side with a Shadow Warden."

Dane glances over his shoulder and doubletakes the small, growing tree. He grunts with approval. "As fine a banner as any in this place."

"Nor I," Jo nods to Dane. She follows his gaze up to the little tree on the top of the cave and makes a little sound of surprise. "It's really growing!"

Dane growls with amusement. "Ought to be a grave insult to the Firelord and his lackeys."

"It brings a sense of realness to this land," Auralind comments.

"A sense of life," Jo says, smiling at Auralind, even though she can't see it.

Auralind smiles back, as if aware of Jo's expression.

"A sense of victory," Dane adds, trailing Turak and battling elementals.

"Come brothers and sisters. It is time to take this foul tower from the hands of our enemies!" Turok Runetotem cries, rushing towards the Forlorn Spire.

The team fights their way to the tower of the Forlorn Spire. They can spot Anareline, Caspis, Mordecai, Ralaea and Velrin elsewhere in the crowd. Everyone finally squares off against a massive fire elemental creature, who causes fire to emerge from the ground, trapping the combatants in the arena. He is defeated.

"Well done, friends! The tower is ours!" Turok cries. "Now I shall see to the destruction of this foul monument.

The tower is ensnared in vines and roots and destroyed.

Dane narrows his eyes in amazement and nods slowly, shield raised and at the ready.

All Together

"Well done," Marin Bladewing says. "This should prove a good staging ground for pushing further into enemy territory. I sense Druids of the Flame nearby. Perhaps we shall have some sport of them as well."

Caspis lets out a low, menacing moonkin sound, his eyes flaring redly above his hooked black beak.

Ana's gaze is hard and uncompromising.

Ralaea takes a step away from the nightmare moonkin.

Auralind growls, "My arrows thirst for their blood."

Marin first turns to Anareline, Caspis, Mordecai, Ralaea and Velrin. “You five. The first order of business is that the druids are creating some kind of device, a solar core, to the north. I'd ask you to disrupt them and destroy the object."

Velrin nods, "I am always ready to strike down our enemies." She bows to the warden, "Thank you for trusting me with such an important assignment."

"What does it do?" Ralaea asks.

Marin bows back solemnly, then turns to Ralaea. "If they detonate it, it may destroy Azeroth entirely."

Caspis rururus gravely.

"I feel like there are too many ways to do that," Ralaea mutters.

"So it's, um… a bomb?" Mordecai fidgets.

"In a sense, yes," Marin reports. "See how many of the spiders and their eggs you can clear out on your way there and back, as well."

Caspis-moonkin nods.

These spiders do not look particularly Nerubian-like. They are just fire spiders.

As the five of them depart, Marin turns to Auralind, Dane and Jo. “We must tread carefully. I need you to capture one of those druids alive for questioning. We must seize every opportunity to learn of their plans. One of my wardens will accompany you."

Dane knits his brow at 'capture a live one,' but just grunts.

"While you're out there, please kill as many of these flame spiders as possible, and free any of our people who have been caught," Marin concludes.

Dane draws Thunderfury. "Right."

Anareline, Caspis, Mordecai, Ralaea, Velrin

Anareline makes her way north, to where Druids of the Flame are channeling fire into an orb.

Caspis dispatches the spiders and eggs dispassionately.

Mordecai keeps himself shielded. No poison for him, thanks.

Ana glances at Rae and Mordecai, "It reminds me of what they were doing to that branch of Nordrassil."

When he catches up with Ana, his moonkin eyes flare red again at the sight of the druids.

Mordecai nods to Anareline. "I suppose, um, just making a really large bomb is an alternative if you no longer have a branch of the World Tree to corrupt…"

Caspis makes a low moonkin-aggro sound.

"Seriously, can we think of less ways to destroy the world? Stopping them every time is getting ridiculous," Ralaea says.

"I would prefer if people would stop trying to destroy the world, yes," Ana says dryly.

"Shield." Mordecai protects Anareline. "On your mark."

"On your mark, Shan'do" Vel says to Ana.

The team kills a Druid of the Flame, and something scatters from its pocket as it falls.

Caspis tilts his moonkin-head at the sight of the strange fallen seed.

Ana is about to give the signal towards the solar core, when she… trips on something? Ana reaches down to pick up the one near her foot. "An acorn?" She looks around at the others.

Caspis rururus softly in curiosity.

“Perhaps we should take it back and see what the druids make of it." Vel suggests.

Ana nods to Vel.

Mordecai says anxiously, "Um, ritual… happening… that we should disrupt?"

"Perhaps we can bring it back with us," Ana says, tucking hers away. "The dryads may know what it is. In the meantime, yes, ritual to disrupt. To arms!"

Somebody's gotta have priorities here.

The team slays the Druids of the Flame around the orb.

"It won't destroy us here right?" Ralaea asks.

"Maybe I can dispel it? It's… magic, not a literal bomb," Mordecai offers.

"Maybe… or Velrin, can you see if it is a device? Perhaps it can be disarmed." Ana gestures to Velrin.

Caspis gives Velrin a gentle encouraging pat.

"Best we get rid of this sooner rather than later." Velrin readies Rul'Serrar and strikes the core.

The core explodes, which is certainly one way of disarming it.

"Shield!" Mordecai cries out, surrounding Velrin in a holy bubble.

Velrin gets thrown up into the air by the blast and lands on top of a nearby stony pillar.

"W-where'd she go?" Ralaea asks, looking around.

Caspis looks back and forth, bewildered, rather like a certain meme, but in moonkin form.

"Vel! Are you alright?" Ana calls after her, once she finally spots her.

Caspis continues to look around for Velrin long after others have spotted her.

Velrin hops down and grins, "I'm alright. Mission accomplished."

Caspis rurus in relief.

"Perfect," Ana nods. "No world-ending explosion today. Shall we report?"

"Well, it was volatile, but it probably would have been, um, worse if they'd finished their ritual," Mordecai says. He smiles shakily at Velrin.

Caspis makes an affectionate cooing sound toward Mordecai.

Vel gives Mordecai a big smile. Lots of challenging special missions. This is Vel's happy place.

The team heads back to Marin, slaying spiders on the way.

"I saw the explosion," Marin says, surveying the team. "Well done. I doubt this will deter Fandral for long, but we must gain every advantage we can muster."

Caspis shudders at the sound of Fandral's name.

"Velrin disarmed it," Mordecai says to Marin Bladewing. Talking his friend up in front of one of her bosses? Can't hurt.

"Good job, Silverbloom," Marin nods. "If you're not all worn out yet, I'd have you stop yet another ritual. It's in the cave below us — the other Wardens will kill the druid, but you need to destroy the 8 runes spread throughout the cave."

"Understood. We are happy to provide support." Velrin salutes.

"Are they safe to touch or can we expect more explosions?" Ralaea asks.

"Safe to touch for you," Marin says. "Though the shockwave will disrupt any nearby elementals."

Caspis nods in understanding. He's been keeping a distance from the Wardens, a bit.

Auralind, Dane, Jocoza

The Shadow Warden steps forward to accompany us.

Shadow Warden says: Elune greet you, champion. I will watch your back.

The team heads out into the spider zone.

Dane points out a writhing Cinderweb Cocoon. "There!" He rushes over and carefully slices through the webbing.

"Thanks for getting me out of there! That was awful!" the freed druid says before running off.

We get to the area where the Druids of the Flame are, and accidentally kill a few before we’re able to capture them.

Shadow Warden says: I will show no mercy to the defiled!

Dane points out a Druid of the Flame with Thunderfury. "That'll do for a prisoner."

Shadow Warden says: I promise this won't hurt…too much.

The team fights the Druid of the Flame, but are unable to subdue them.

Shadow Warden says: Quickly, move it over my trap!

The Druid of the Flame is well and trapped.

Shadow Warden says: Good work, champion. I will take this foul creature back with me. This druid has much to answer to.

The Shadow Warden vanishes, taking the trapped druid with her.

Auralind pauses by one of the fallen flame druids, brow furrowed.

Dane glances over and grunts inquiringly.

"What is it, Auralind?" Jo asks, walking over.

She kneels down, reaching out for something she senses…there. A large acorn. "Strange."
"What would a Druid of the Flame be doing with this?" Auralind shakes her head and tucks the seed into her pouch. "We'll bring it to the Cenarion druids."

Dane grunts and lowers, plucking something out of the ash. "Another one, here."

"Ooh, and another," Jo says, snatching one up from the ash.

Marin smiles as she sees the team approach. "Thank you. My sisters are already seeing what we can pry out of that prisoner."

Dane grunts.

"If you're still up for more, I could use your help in disrupting another ritual," Marin says.

Dane grunts and nods. "Wot' needs doing?"

"In a cave called the Igneous Depths, over by the lava fields, the Druids of the Flame have started another summoning," she explains. "I need you to extinguish the runes — our people will handle the druid. I’ve sent the other Cobalts ahead for the same purpose."

Dane looks between Auralind and Jo before he grunts and draws Thunderfury and his shield.

"Sounds like something we can do indeed," Jo nods.

All Together

The teams converge on the cave, the Igneous Depths.

Theresa Barkskin says: The summoning runes were already drawn when we arrived. You'll need to destroy all of them.

Ana rushes through the cave, stomping on blue runes.

Caspis stays close to Ana, alert but not casting spells, counting on the runes to destroy the pursuing elementals.

The eight runes are extinguished! With minimal RP unfortunately, because this one is a kind of time-pressing quest.

Jo exits the cave wiping sweat from her forehead. "Well, that was a workout."

Dane grunts, sweat trickling down his nose and bare arms.

"Well done," says the druid at the entrance to the cave. "It looks like we have them on the run."

The two Cobalt teams split up again.

Anareline, Caspis, Mordecai, Ralaea, Velrin

The team makes its way back to the Sentinel Tree, where now the little sapling grows strong and healthy from the top of the cave.

Caspis turns into his elven form for the first time in a while, and says quietly, "It is pleasing to feel we are making progress."

"It is," Ana nods. "We have claimed this place. And I am sure there will be more to come."
"For now, to the dryad?"

"Good work, everyone," Mordecai says quietly. "Um, I'm going to see if they need any supplies here."

"Take care, Mordecai," Ana nods solemnly to him.

Caspis bows to Mordecai.

"Del nah'dris." Vel waves to Mordecai.

The team heads to the nearby dryad.

"Avrilla, we found these acorns. Do you know what they are?" Ana holds out her.

"Yes! They are acorns!" Avrilla says with clear delight.

Ana blinks.

"Yes," Caspis says patiently.

"Well, I have no idea what it will grow into," Avrilla says with a shrug. "But we can plant it and see! I brought healthy soil over when we set up in here. There's some left over to the east."

Caspis seems in his element now, cradling an acorn in his hand and whispering to it.
For those who can speak Darnassian - he is telling it to let go of its fear and anger??

Ana gives Avrilla a level look, but walks over to the soil to plant it. It isn't long before a red flower pops its head out of the soil.

Caspis murmurs to the entire planting, the same soothing words.

The little red flowers wiggle their tendrils happily. They seem to like us!

Caspis smiles very slightly as he beholds them.

"Perhaps we should show this to Avrilla?" Ana asks curiously.

Caspis nods.

Velrin suppresses a little squeal at the cute lil plant.

The red flowers pop out of the soil and follow us over.

Caspis is surprised into a gentle laugh of delight as the flowers follow.

Ralaea looks a little warily at the flower. "This isn't one of those people eating ones is it?"

"Oh my, they seem to like you!" Avrilla says in delight. "I didn't know things like that lived here."

"It… does not look like it," Ana says, staring at it.

"Do not be afraid," Caspis says softly in his deep voice. "This is a creature of friendly curiosity only."

Ralaea eyes the thorns on its vines. "Okay…" she says, but she seems to accept the creature, at least.

"Maybe you could look for other flowers, growing in the lava?" Avrilla suggests. "We might learn more about this little thing!"

The team heads north to the lava pools.

"I never noticed such blooms," Ana murmurs.

Caspis carefully skirts around the edges of the lava pools, in moonkin form to give himself slightly more natural protection as he reaches over to pluck blossoms from the molten mess.

"I never knew these sorts of flowers existed. I wonder what Nylarria would think of them." Velrin sniffs one of the flowers.

"Some of them are traps!" Ralaea calls, engaging a Lava Burster that emerges.

Ana looks over at Ralaea and the Lava Burster in alarm.

Caspis, having ascertained that the blossoms themselves are safe, approaches Ana and nestles one into her hair.

Ana touches it with one hand, and glances at Caspis with a smile.

Avrilla claps her hands as she sees the team approach with magmolias. "Fascinating! The more time I spend in the Firelands, the more I see there is an ecosystem at work here."

"Think those lava guys eat the flowers?" Ralaea asks.

"Maybe… if they are herbivores…" Ana muses.

Caspis nods thoughtfully.

"They smell really nice too." Velrin smiles. "If you are able to collect any seeds, could I please have some?" She asks.

"Are you going to start a lava garden?" Ralaea asks.

"Oh, sure!" Avrilla says cheerfully. "I'm always happy to share happy plants."

"My shalan likes taking care of flowers." Velrin explains, "I just hope she can keep Rula from trying to eat them." Vel giggles.

"I think our work for today is complete," Ana says, glancing over at the battlefield. "Well done, everyone. And now we have a new front to defend."

Caspis returns to his native form. "You may rely on me," he says to no one in particular, his gaze distant and vague.

Ana glances at Velrin with a faint smile, and then steps over to rest a hand on Caspis's arm.

Auralind, Dane, Jocoza

The team confers, as they return to the Sentinel Tree area after more combat.

"Now, who to talk to about those seeds… maybe a dryad?" Jo suggests.

Dane grunts his agreement.

Avrilla looks at the approaching team curiously.

Auralind nods solemnly. "Dryads have a certain connection with acorns. If anyone can tell us why the flame druids have these, it will be them."

Jo looks up at the dryad politely, and says, "Do you know what these acorns are? We found them with the flame druids."

Dane extends his acorn, held in the palm of his gauntlet. It rattles around.

"Oh! Acorns!" Avrilla says brightly. "Of course I recognize acorns! I have no idea what these ones will grow into, though! Maybe you should try planting them?" Avrilla gestures over to the graveyard. "I still have some leftover soil from when we were setting up here. Plant them and see!"

"You are certain it is safe, even though they were in the possession of the flame druids?" Auralind asks.

Dane grunts to add on to Auralind's curiosity, looking between the dryad and the Sentinel.

"Nature is a beautiful thing," Avrilla says cheerfully. "I haven't had any problem with the plants I've discovered here yet!"

Dane says, "Very well." He marches over to find a spare patch to put the acorn in, shuffling soil around with his boot.

Aura rubs a thumb over the surface of the acorn. "Very well." Auralind seems to know just where to find the Azerothian soil, walking right to it.

Dane takes a knee, smudging the blue-gold of his plate armor. "This'll do." He claws some soil away and tucks the acorn into the dirt.

It isn't long before a red flower pops its head out of the soil.

Dane raises his brows and slowly stands, looking to Auralind.

Then another! The little red flowers wiggle their tendrils happily. They seem to like us!

Auralind looks at Thaeru'kal in surprise. "It what?"

Jo raises her eyebrows.

"Right. Wot's all this, then? They're a bit cheeky, aren't they." Dane observes.

Aura 'looks' back to the flower, gently reaching for it.

The red flowers pop out of the soil and waddle around our feet.

Dane warily turns his head to the side. "Let's tell the dryad of this." he says, raising an arm and peering under it to watch the Crimson Lashers.

"Oh goodness," Jo says. She looks to Auralind. "What does Thaeru'kal think?"

"This is beyond her realm," Aura explains. "She was as surprised as we are."

"They seem friendly, at least?" Jo says. "Maybe Dane's right, we can show the dryad."

Avrilla claps her hands when she sees the crimson lashers.

"So…this is good?" Auralind looks hopeful.

"This ecosystem is just amazing, isn't it?" Avrilla chirps.

Dane produces a neutral grunt. He's still eyeing his little ghost.

"Probably not the word I would choose…but I can imagine why you might think so," Aura says.

Dane successfully and completely stifles a scoff of amusement.

"I wonder what they eat… OH! I have an idea!" Avrilla's eyes brighten. "I wonder if they drink superheated liquids! The scorpions spew that — maybe you could take the lashers by and see if they like it?"

Aura just shrugs at her companions. "It would not be the strangest thing we have encountered here."

Dane slowly shakes his head. "Not by a long shot. Let's get to it, then."

The team heads out to secure superheated liquid from flame scorpions, like you do for pet ambulatory plants.

"If that's what they need to eat," Jo shrugs. "Maybe it'll help them grow healthy?"

Dane stomps a scorpion out and steps aside just as it bursts into a pool of lava. He watches the Lasher drink.

The lashers do indeed seem to like the superheated liquid from the scorpions.

"I warrant these things've got enough to eat." Dane says.

Auralind nods. "It would be best not to overfeed them. They are still plants, after all."

Dane grunts. "Back to the dryad, then?"

Jo nods.

Avrilla taps her hooves excitedly. "Did it work? Did they like it?"

"Certainly seemed to, milady," Dane says.

"To my surprise, yes, they did," Aura explains.

"Oh, good! I wish I could've seen it for myself, but… battle is just so violent," Avrilla shrugs apologetically. "I bet these lashers will thrive!"

"I.. hope so, if we want that," Jo says, looking down at the cute little flower.

"I'm still wary of them," Dane says, eyeing his own flower.

"That's probably wise," Jo says, but she doesn't really look wary.

"I think that's about all we can do for today," Jo notes. "But wow, it's great to see visible progress here!"

"Time'll tell, I warrant. We covered a good bit'f ground today," Dane says, cinching his thumbs in his belt.

"The dryads may seem flippant," Aura says, "But they are wise in the ways of nature."

"I will trust you on that," Jo says to Aura.

Dane nods and glances over at Avrilla, "I know not to doubt their lot when it comes to natural things, though they are cheeky."

"I'll be off, then." Dane glances down at the lasher. "Stay." He points vaguely at the dryad before marching off.

The lasher, obediently, stays.