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| Details |
| Author: | Alli |
| Summary: | Cerethan, Corvin, Halnar and Vaaria report to the Northwatch Expedition Camp the day after the explosion, and they take on a mission that brings them even more closely involved in the faction war. They also meet a new friend, Janice. From Honor's Stand to Northwatch Hold, they will safeguard the well-being of members of the Alliance. ~5900 words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Arc: Kalimdor Newbies
Chain: Northwatch
The team is assembling at the Northwatch Expedition Camp, at the request of Force Commander Valen.
Corvin waves at Halnar and Vaaria. "Looks like it'll just be four of us, down here."
[Vaaria]: Yes, Vindicator Baalun had other matters to attend to today.
[Corvin]: I hope there's no bombs pointed at innocents today, that's all I'm sayin'.
Vaaria frowns.
Vaaria casts a dubious glance toward Halnar.
[Halnar]: AYE! I'll no stand for any further bombin' shenanigans.
[Vaaria]: I hope that without Vindicator Baalun here we can still maintain a modicum of discipline.
[Halnar]: Dinnae worry! I'm the very image of discipline!
[Vaaria]: Is that so?
[Halnar]: AYE!
Vaaria wiggles a finger in her ear.
Corvin touches his forehead in a suggestion of a salute. "Right, ma'am. I might be a worgen, but I can do discipline."
Halnar crackles with electricity.
Vaaria mutters something in draenei.
Corvin tilts his head, looking at her.
[Halnar]: Pardon, lass? I could'nae quite hear yeh!
[Vaaria]: That was on purpose.
[Halnar]: Oh…OH! AYE! HAHAHAHAH!
Halnar laughs.
Cerethan arrives.
[Vaaria]: Greetings, mage.
[Corvin]: Ray, welcome. We're about to report to the Force Commander.
[Cerethan]: Greetings. Very well, I'll follow your lead.
Force Commander Valen says: Oh, good, you made it through. I asked for the team that helped blow up the mine. I have another mission for you.
[Corvin]: Yeah, I guess that was us.
[Halnar]: No another mine, I hope.
Force Commander Valen says: Not a mine. Two days ago we received a distress signal from Commander Walpole. He and his battalion are pinned down in Stonetalon Pass, just outside of Honor's Stand.
[Corvin]: Two… days?
[Cerethan]: That is an absurdly long time to begin acting on this signal.
[Vaaria]: Why did you not contact us sooner?
Force Commander Valen says: He's a hardy fellow, he'll still be fighting, I'm certain of that. I sent word to Fallowmere, but apparently there was a matter of more importance.
[Vaaria]: Ah yes. The bomb.
Corvin gives a kind of growly sigh.
Force Commander Valen says: He and his team were supposed to be bringing us supplies, but they've got Horde all over the place! Get there and help him out.
Vaaria's eyes glint with eagerness at the mention of Horde. Vaaria stands at attention and salutes.
Corvin ducks his head and turns to go. Corvin remembers the whole salute thing at the last moment and tosses one off.
[Cerethan]: Of course, it would be an honor for us to make up for our failure with the bomb.
Vaaria frowns.
[Cerethan]: … Not that I want to place the blame on us!
Cerethan salutes Force Commander Valen with respect.
[Corvin]: We saved a lot of people, Ray.
Halnar cracks his knuckles, arcs of electricity coursing over his hands
[Cerethan]: Of course, I just meant… No matter, I understand what I meant.
The four of us head down the path towards the Barrens.
[Corvin]: Keep an eye out for Alliance.
Cerethan looks at the group. It keeps changing, people keep coming and going. His ears droop a little. He straightens up at that and keeps an eye out for Alliance.
[Corvin]: Look, just there, a camp!
Vaaria points at Walpole's Bodyguard.
[Cerethan]: And survivors as well! I had so little faith, after two days.
Commander Walpole says: Hey! Good to see some friendly faces – we've got Horde all up our keesters!
[Corvin]: …your keesters.
[Vaaria]: We are here to help your keesters.
[Halnar]: Oof, sounds uncomf'terble.
Commander Walpole says: Right, okay, more clearly, Horde scouts hiding in the ruins up ahead ambushed my supply train. Only two of my bodyguards made it out of there alive. And me? I used to have hair!
Vaaria eyes Commander Walpole up and down.
[Cerethan]: I am so very sorry for your loss of hair.
[Cerethan]: And for your bodyguards too, of course!
Commander Walpole says: Thanks for the sympathy.
[Cerethan]: For the bodyguards who didn't make it, I should specify.
One of the surviving bodyguards raises their eyebrows.
Commander Walpole says: We've had no luck dislodging the Horde from the hidden trails that overlook this valley.
[Halnar]: When we're done, I'll be dislodgin' mah hammer from THEIR keesters!
Vaaria nods grudging approval to Halnar. She'll allow it.
Commander Walpole says: The supplies I was delivering are scattered through the ruins up ahead. If they can't make it to Stonetalon, at least we can keep them out of Horde hands…
Commander Walpole says: If you can gather up those, I need you to run the gauntlet to Honor's Stand and let them know the roads still aren't safe. Talk to Mattingly, the supplies officer by the gate. And kill a few of these brutes along the way!
Corvin nods to Commander Walpole and turns to the mission.
[Cerethan]: Keep the supplies out of Horde hands, if they can't make it to Stonetalon? Very well, I shall be the one to burn them.
Vaaria seems for a moment slightly adrift without Baalun's example to follow.
[Corvin]: Oh, um, I think he meant take them back when we go to Honor's Stand. I guess burning them is one way to go about it. But our people probably need them.
[Cerethan]: Of course. That makes much more sense! Gather the supplies. I'm on it.
Corvin is hefting a number of crates in his worgen form. "I was going to say we could just as easily take them to Stonetalon, butI don't have a cart. We'll need to go by foot back to Honor's Stand."
By now they’re a lot closer to Honor’s Stand, and it’s downhill. Stonetalon is very uphill.
Vaaria brightens at the sight of the Alliance banners up ahead.
[Corvin]: Honor's Stand is just ahead. *Corvin shifts the crates against his hip for better balance.* Let's get these back?
[Halnar]: AYE!
Vaaria nods at you.
Cerethan is carrying exactly one crate.
Janice Mattingly says: What’s this? … our supplies? These were meant for Stonetalon.
[Halnar]: They never made it, lass
Corvin sees the human woman and hastily drops the crates nearby before shimmering back into human form. "Yeah. Horde ambush."
Janice Mattingly says: No matter, at the rate we're going, we need them more here. Honor's Stand has been cut off from the coast. Commander Singleton is at his wit's end.
Janice Mattingly says: With them ambushing the roads to Stonetalon too, we can’t contact anyone in either direction. We just can't get a break here. But we are NOT giving up.
[Cerethan]: As you should. *He drops his one crate.*
Corvin tidies his hair a little, worgen transformation musses it. "How did you all get a foothold here in the first place? Seems pretty surrounded on all sides."
Janice Mattingly grins. "That's a bit of a story."
Halnar scratches his semi-exposed belly.
Cerethan now stares at Halnar's semi-exposed belly. This scratch was so loud, inside Cerethan's mind.
[Corvin]: Oh? One we can hear? *Corvin glances at the others* I think the urgent task is done. Walpole'll make it back here.
Janice Mattingly says: I mean if you really want to hear it, I suppose I'm the one to tell it. It was my idea.
[Corvin]: What was?
[Cerethan]: Absolutely. I would be delighted to know how you made it here. Your must have been meticulous and strategical. *He's still staring at Halna's semi-exposed belly.*
Janice Mattingly says: Alliance forces streamed out of Northwatch and marched up the gold road, besieging Crossroads as dusk fell. We made sure they saw us coming.
[Corvin]: That's… bold.
Janice Mattingly says: Then in the heart of the night, we left our campfires burning all around Crossroads… and force-marched south.
Corvin blinks. "A feint. A distraction."
[Cerethan]: Brilliant!
Janice Mattingly says: Their meager forces at Honor's Stand were caught unawares. At dawn's first light, we poured through the pass.
[Halnar]: BRELLIANT!
Janice Mattingly says: Thanks.
Cerethan rubs his chin. "Cunning," he says, as to not repeat brilliant after Halnar said it too.
Corvin grins. "Amazing. That's how we'll win. Leveraging our cleverness. People like you, Miss Mattingly."
Cerethan nods at you.
Janice Mattingly says: I appreciate it. Being appreciated, I mean.
Janice Mattingly says: Not often a supply officer gets to be the hero.
Corvin nods, raising a hand as if to tip a hat.
[Halnar]: Supply officers keep the ale flowin'! There's no greater hero than that, lassie!
Corvin chuckles at Halnar.
[Cerethan]: It's incredible. You seem young, even for a human. It's impressive that a child like you came up with such a strategy.
Corvin turns a Look at Cerethan. "She's no more a child than I am."
Janice Mattingly gives Cerethan a Look and opens her mouth as if to retort, but then closes it.
Cerethan takes a good look at Corvin. "And?" His eyes widen. "Have I grossly underestimated both your ages? If I did, I apologize!"
Corvin quietly rolls his eyes at Cerethan. Corvin is so not a child.
Janice Mattingly says: Anyway, I certainly don't want to deliver my report to Commander Singleton without at least a little bit of good news. We've got to wrestle control of these roads back from these Horde holdouts.
[Corvin]: Right, okay, how do we do that?
Janice Mattingly says: From what I can gather, Kona Thunderwalk is the name of the ringleader of the ambushers. He's got a camp just north of here.
Janice Mattingly says: A Stonetalon native, he knows these roads better than his own hide. If we can wipe him out, resistance from the west might vanish.
Janice Mattingly says: Think you can find him and take him out?
[Corvin]: We should do that, then. Yeah. I think we're good at taking people out.
Janice Mattingly winks at Corvin.
[Halnar]: Thunderwalk, eh? Mebbe a cousin.
Halnar laughs at Janice Mattingly.
Gon silently pads up to sit by Corvin's feet.
Janice Mattingly says: Let's see what you can do then. Get going.
[Vaaria]: I am ready.
[Corvin]: Let's do this!
[Cerethan]: Me too… adult human.
Corvin nods at Cerethan.
[Corvin]: Ah, I bet this is the guy. Flanked by Horde banners.
[Cerethan]: He seems to be surrounded by two bodyguards as well.
[Cerethan]: Perhaps we shall eliminate them first before taking him out?
Vaaria LEEEEROOOOYS it.
Kona Thunderwalk says: You trespass on sacred soil!
Kona Thunderwalk explodes in a frothing, feral rage!
[Corvin]: Or.
[Cerethan]: Oh, um…
Kona turns an eye on Corvin’s fox as he falls.
Kona Thunderwalk says: The Barrens … will … devour you, Gon.
[Cerethan]: … Did he speak to your beast companion?
[Corvin]: I… uh… think he did.
Corvin peers down. "You got some secret you're not sharing, friend?"
Vaaria peers at Gon searchingly.
Gon does not answer, because he is a fox. He just looks up, any secrets locked behind an inscrutable foxy gaze.
[Cerethan]: He turned into a bear, I assume he was a druid. Do druids speak to animals? Do you reckon he had a conversation with your fox as we fought him?
[Vaaria]: Fascinating.
[Corvin]: Maybe.
[Halnar]: Guess we know who's really in charge here, eh Gon?!
Halnar laughs at Corvin.
[Cerethan]: That seems unlikely, but I heard for an animal, language is in the body language. Many words may have been pronounced with just a few moves?
[Corvin]: It could be. The tauren's dead, so I guess we'll never know.
[Cerethan]: Hm. I wish I could have asked him about it, but alas.
[Cerethan]: Speaking of asking questions…
[Cerethan]: Corvin, I was wondering. Do you have any information about the whereabouts of Anselyn? Or perhaps Sorraine?
[Cerethan]: What about Baalun and Saion? Do you happen to know more, Vaaria?
[Vaaria]: Saion? Why do you ask me about Saion?
Vaaria frowns.
Corvin shakes his head. "I think Sorraine just followed her music elsewhere. Anselyn… he seemed half-wild. He may turn up again one day."
[Cerethan]: Oh! Well, I asked you because…
[Vaaria]: You assume all draenei know one another? That is very rude. But yes, I happen to know Saion. He is fighting at the Molten Front.
[Vaaria]: Baalun is taking care of some business in Exodar.
Cerethan sighs. "There's no good answer to that question, is there?" he says, in regards to the Draenei question.
[Corvin]: Probably not. Cut your losses.
Corvin turns back into human to talk to the Commander.
[Cerethan]: I'm glad to hear. I hope to see them again someday. We now share a bond, together.
[Vaaria]: Be careful about bonding with Saion.
[Vaaria]: You may never get rid of him.
[Corvin]: He takes the bond part seriously, then.
[Vaaria]: Ahem. Moving on.
Cerethan seems happy at the thought to never get rid of his friends. The right corner of his mouth curls into a smile.
Corvin turns to the Commander. "Supplies aren't getting through. We killed a ringleader, though."
Commander Singleton says: Our supplies aren't getting through? Hmmm. Honor's Stand just gets more and more isolated.
Commander Singleton says: Still, the defeat of their leader should send a signal to our foes that we mean to stay. Thank you.
The team wanders away from the Commander.
Halnar grins up at Cerethan. "Meanwhile, I'll bond with yeh, laddie!" He reaches out to give him a slap on the back, but misjudges the elf's height and hits a bit lower.
Cerethan turns RED at the slap on the keester. "Halnar, please, restrain yourself! I understand that as a Highborne, I am particularly attractive, but that is utterly inappropriate!"
Vaaria snorts softly, and covers her mouth.
Halnar laughs at Cerethan.
Corvin looks over in surprise, and almost changes back into a worgen. Then he smiles and looks away.
[Cerethan]: Vaaria, I beg, do not encourage him with a laugh!
[Halnar]: A'm sure yer right pretty, Ray. But yeh just ain't me type!
[Vaaria]: I merely had dust in my throat. It is dusty here.
Halnar snickers at Vaaria.
[Cerethan]: Well, now that is just rude. I'm not just 'pretty'. Instead, I'm considered highly attractive to Highborne society. There simply is no reason for me to not be 'your type'.
Nibb Spindlegear says: You! Hey you over there! The dwarf! The elf! The draenei! The human!
[Vaaria]: She wishes to complete the set.
Vaaria points at Nibb Spindlegear.
Halnar smirks up at Cerethan.
Cerethan shakes his head. What is he doing? He clears his throat and turns to the gnome.
Nibb Spindlegear says: A moment of your time? I had heard of enormous seismic anomalies here in Kalimdor, but I had no inkling that the geological chaos would be so profound!
[Corvin]: Oh, uh, yeah?
[Vaaria]: Anomalies? The land is split in half.
Nibb Spindlegear says: Yes! Quite an anomaly, isn't it?
Nibb Spindlegear says: I need an up-to-date survey of the destruction while I stay here to study the seismographic readings. Could you gather some data via my automated survey craft? I'll take care of all the flying.
Nibb Spindlegear says: When the survey is complete, present the data to my colleague Horton Gimbleheart in Northwatch.
[Corvin]: That's a lot of favors, but. I guess we just finished our last task?
[Vaaria]: Automated… survey…. craft.
Vaaria looks slightly dismayed.
[Cerethan]: I would be delighted to study this data with you, once we come back.
Nibb Spindlegear says: Oh, you don't have to come back, just drop it off at Northwatch Hold.
[Cerethan]: … Very well.
We fly away in the automated survey craft over a deep rend through the center of the barrens that is filled with lava.
Spindlegear's Radio says: Interesting. Even this far from the epicenter, Azeroth's crust is completely torn asunder.
[Vaaria]: It is not that I do not trust gnomish technology. I just do not completely trust gnomish technology.
To one side of the rift is a lush jungle.
Spindlegear's Radio says: What's all this? This jungle wasn't here during last week's survey. What is happening to the Barrens?
Now they’re closer to the coast, where water mixes with the lava.
Spindlegear's Radio says: That's seawater. It's breached the ocean. Do you think the fissure is growing?
[Cerethan]: I hope not.
Now Northwatch Hold comes into view – and it is under heavy attack by what are unmistakably Horde orcs.
Spindlegear's Radio says: Hold everything - the walls of Northwatch have been breached! We're under attack!
Vaaria looks ready to leap out of the plane.
The plane does, eventually, land.
Horton Gimbleheart says: What's this? The survey craft? Can't you see we're under attack here! The Rageroar clan is on the offensive!
[Vaaria]: Reinforcements have arrived! *Vaaria says breathlessly to the first gnome she sees.*
Gimbleheart snatches the readouts from the survey craft, then stuffs them haphazardly into a duffel bag.
[Vaaria]: Rageroar? Orcs?
Horton Gimbleheart says: Wait, what? You want to stay here to fight? Typical heroes, wanting to stay and fight off the Horde while there's still a chance to run for it.
[Cerethan]: Rageroar? *Cerethan repeats,but not because he recognizes the name or anything, but because that's hard to say in Common.*
[Vaaria]: Yes. That is what makes us heroes.
Horton Gimbleheart says: I plan to give Nibb's findings careful study. Later. From the safety of the Eastern Kingdoms, if I have any say about it! But fine, sure, you’re heroes. If you really want to save Northwatch, you should report to Admiral Aubrey in the tower behind me. He's keeping his ships here to fight, instead of ferrying us all away like I begged him to.
[Cerethan]: We are no heroes, only concerned citizens of high and lower social classes with the desire to do what's right.
[Vaaria]: Admiral Aubrey. Understood.
Vaaria is already galloping off.
Northwatch Guard says: Admiral Aubrey is expecting you upstairs, ma'am.
[Halnar]: We're definitely heroes!
Horton Gimbleheart says: Good luck with that, buddy. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to finish packing!
[Halnar]: Beg damn heroes!
Corvin follows Vaaria.
[Cerethan]: You may consider yourselves heroes, but I am far from earning such a title.
Cerethan is talking as we make it up the last stairs to where Admiral Aubrey waits at the top of the tower.
Admiral Aubrey says: You're not heroes? Then what are you?
[Vaaria]: Do not mind the elf. We are heroes.
[Corvin]: Reinforcements, from Honor's Stand.
[Halnar]: HEROES!
[Vaaria]: From Cobalt Company.
Admiral Aubrey says: Ah, that I've heard of.
[Halnar]: We're from Cobalt Comp'ny?
[Cerethan]: Concerned citizens of high and lower social classes with the desire to do what's right.
Admiral Aubrey says: Okay, okay. You've ventured all the way here from Honor's Stand? Excellent, we could use your experience here.
[Vaaria]: Tell us what to do.
Admiral Aubrey says: The Rageroar clan has been a constant nuisance, but usually their attacks are poorly coordinated and ineffectual. They’ve been getting stronger lately, but this assault is something new altogether.
Admiral Aubrey says: It does make one wonder where they’ve been hiding all this strength, and why, doesn’t it? Still, we will stop them! They have breached the walls, but Northwatch isn't going down without a fight.
[Halnar]: AYE!
Vaaria listens, but looks eager to hurry into the fight.
Admiral Aubrey gestures to the sea, where a single warship rests in the water.
Admiral Aubrey says: Friends, the sea is our only lifeline, and right now most of my fleet is either steaming back to Theramore for repairs or rusting at the bottom of this bay. Only the Blackpool remains afloat to defend our harbor.
Corvin winces.
Admiral Aubrey says: But she's just signaled that she's being boarded!
[Vaaria]: We must hurry.
[Cerethan]: Great timing.
Admiral Aubrey says: Tell me when you're ready, I'll have one of our naval gryphons deposit you right on the deck. Slaughter the Rageroar sea dogs who dare assault my precious ship and report to Captain Fisher for further orders.
[Vaaria]: I am ready.
[Corvin]: Let's go.
[Halnar]: Haeve no fear! The Laughing Tempest is with yeh!
Admiral Aubrey says: Mister Blaine? Flag down a gryphon for these heroes if you please.
Nathan Blaine says: Aye aye sir! Immediately, sir!
Gryphons are promptly flagged down.
Corvin growls at the Horde ships as they fly overhead.
The gryphons deposit them on the embattled deck of the Blackpool.
[Corvin]: Let's clear the deck!
Corvin seems very comfortable on a ship.
[Halnar]: AYE!
Vaaria does not have to be asked twice.
[Halnar]: To the depths, yeh Horde basterds!
[Cerethan]: Very well, but first we have to handle the orcs.
[Corvin]: …of Orcs, Ray.
Cerethan picks up a broom from the deck and follows the others.
We slaughter all the orcs on deck, and then head to the man who seems to be in charge.
[Corvin]: You must be the Captain?
Vaaria salutes Captain Fisher with respect.
Cerethan salutes Captain Fisher with respect.
[Vaaria]: We have taken care of your orc problem.
Captain Fisher says: You’d make excellent marines, friends. We'll mop up any that follow. But it looks like the Horde fleet is disengaging - maybe to land more troops ashore?
Corvin says a profane word.
Vaaria sighs at Captain Fisher.
Captain Fisher says: Admiral Aubrey will know what to do. Talk to me when you're ready to fly back!
[Cerethan]: Clearing the deck of all the blood will have to wait. He hands Captain Fisher the mop he picked up.* We're ready!
Captain Fisher says: Godspeed, friends!
The gryphons carry them back up to the tower.
Vaaria seems more comfortable on the gryphon than she was on the plane.
Admiral Aubrey says: You're back! I could see from up here. I’m glad you were able to save the Blackpool, but this is untenable.
Admiral Aubrey says: I can’t defend against this kind of force with only one seaworthy ship remaining. I’ll need to send to the navy for reinforcements.
[Corvin]: Admiral, Captain Fisher said they might be sending more troops to shore.
Admiral Aubrey says: The Horde fleet is landing shore parties? We can't let them flank us from the beach. This just gets worse and worse.
Admiral Aubrey says: I've already sent two of my best gunners down there to defend the beach head. Talk to Cannoneer Smythe down on the shore.
[Cerethan]: Have no fear, concerned citizens are here!
Cerethan chuckles. "That was a rhyme."
Vaaria eyes Cerethan up and down.
Halnar laughs at Cerethan.
Admiral Aubrey says: Hopefully concerned citizens with combat experience. You'll have to fight your way through the courtyard to get there. See if you can help the others secure the hold on your way down!
Admiral Aubrey says: Mister Blaine, signal the shore batteries and let Mr. Whessan know some ‘concerned citizens’ are on the way. Handsomely, now.
Nathan Blaine says: Aye aye sir! Immediately, sir!
[Vaaria]: Ray, please stop saying 'concerned citizens.' This is a war zone.
[Halnar]: Ah'm a war veteran, laddie! Combat experience is no issue!
Admiral Aubrey says: Glad to hear it. We'll need you.
The team heads down towards the courtyard.
Cerethan looks at Variaa, then Halnar, then Aubrey. Given the reaction, that was not the time. "My apologies."
[Vaaria]: All draenei are war veterans, *Vaaria says grimly.*
[Corvin]: Maybe I am. Who can say.
[Vaaria]: You could, yes?
[Corvin]: Mm. Don't remember much before I woke up.
[Corvin]: From being feral.
[Vaaria]: …Woke up from— Never mind.
Vaaria focuses.
[Cerethan]: I'm certain this isn't true. Draenei must have people who've never picked up a sword, like merchants.
Thomas Paxton waves us down.
Thomas Paxton says: Reinforcements! Thank the light - they've practically driven us back to the docks. The courtyard is overrun!
Vaaria gives Cerethan a sudden icy, furious look. "You know nothing of what my people have—" She composes herself and turns back to Paxton.
Thomas Paxton says: We're out of canister shot and the orcs are getting ready for an assault up the hill. We need to improvise some scatter-shot, and fast.
[Corvin]: What — where — ?
Thomas Paxton says: Hurry, run into the broken tower here and grab whatever sharp, pointy bits of scrap metal you can lay your hands on. Knives, forks, nails - anything! Load the cannon when you've got an armful!
Cerethan's eyes widen. He gives the same wide eyes to Thomas. This is a cry for help, Thomas.
[Halnar]: Och, laddie…elfsplainin' is no appropriate.
[Vaaria]: Never mind, Ray. I am not here to explain draenei to you. This will be job of someone else. *She drops articles under stress, it seems.*
Thomas does not care. He has orcs to fill with forks.
The team quick ransacks the tower for anything pointy and metal they can find.
Killick says: 'ey! That's the Admiral's finest silver!
Norbin says: Not my gears - not my beautiful gears!
They get back to the cannon.
[Corvin]: Quick, load-er up!
[Cerethan]: That wasn't my intention. I offer you my sincerest apologies. I… only wished to speak from a logical standpoint, not an emotional one.
[Corvin]: Ray, sometimes saying more stuff only puts you deeper in a hole.
[Vaaria]: Perhaps for a moment you could not speak from any standpoint.
[Corvin]: Let's shoot orcs.
[Vaaria]: Yes.
The metal shrapnel from a cannon seems to be doing an effective job of preventing the orcs from fighting their way up the hill.
Thomas Paxton says: Bravo! It wasn't pretty, but it worked.
Cerethan clears his throat and grows silent.
Halnar gives Cerethan another friendly pat. "Dinnae worry, laddie. Just give it some time…and dinnae say any more."
Thomas Paxton says: That's one way to clear a hill. Those corpses are impaled with knives and forks!
Vaaria watches with pleasure as the cutlery and broken bottles make a mess of the orcs.
Thomas Paxton says: They really caught us off guard – this is nothing like their usual attacks.
Thomas Paxton says: The Rageroar clan has breached the walls, but we can still turn this fight around. Go down the hill and help our men hold on to the courtyard below…
From nearby, Tolliver Houndstooth notes a worgen with our team and waves.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: This fight isn't over, friends. Not by a long shot. If you’re headed down in the courtyard, I’ve a favor to ask.
[Vaaria]: Oh! A worgen.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Aye! Some of the soldiers in the courtyard still have breath in their lungs. We can save them! I've soaked these rags in an herbal remedy we used to rely on back in Gilneas.
Vaaria nods at Tolliver Houndstooth.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: You might know it, lad?
[Corvin]: Ah, no, I'm not… uh. From there.
[Vaaria]: I thought you did not remember.
Vaaria peers at you searchingly.
[Corvin]: Sorraine said I didn't have the right accent. *Corvin smiles*
Cerethan pinches his nose. "I think I'm going to be sick. Is the remedy made from rotten plants?"
[Vaaria]: I see.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Well, the smell is awful but this poultice can practically raise the dead. Use these bandages on wounded defenders down in the courtyard and we'll see if we can't get them back in the fight.
[Corvin]: It's worth the smell.
Vaaria endures the stench stoically.
Cerethan takes a step back. "I will let you handle this and protect you from the orcs."
We kill orcs and help out defenders as we make our way through the courtyard.
Corvin applies a poultice to one of the injured, who struggles to his feet.
Wounded Defender says: Can't … give up…
Another one rises, holding his nose.
Wounded Defender says: These bandages reek! I guess I shouldn't complain.
[Vaaria]: No, you should not complain.
A few more get back to their feet.
Wounded Defender says: Thank you - this was turning into a massacre…
Wounded Defender says: I think I can limp back to the fortress…
[Cerethan]: I wonder what plants went into making this disgusting yet effective monstrosity of an ointment…
[Corvin]: Guess you'd have to ask a Gilnean?
[Vaaria]: I do not recognize.
The team returns to Tolliver and Thomas.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: A steady stream of the walking wounded have come up the hill to see me. I trust that was your work? Well done!
Vaaria salutes Tolliver Houndstooth with respect.
[Corvin]: We helped who we could.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Then there's one more I'd ask you to help. Me.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: I have encountered the Rageroar clan before. They are led not by an orc, but by a monster - a war-gorged fiend without a shred of decency or compassion.
Corvin frowns.
[Cerethan]: As all orc clans are, I assume.
Vaaria nods in agreement with Ray for once.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Perhaps. But he and his lieutenants must be killed, not just to save Northwatch, but for the good of all of Azeroth.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Karga Rageroar wears a helm. Execute him, and bring the helm to me. It is of … particular importance. Rageroar has made his camp across the chasm, east of here.
[Vaaria]: It will be done.
[Corvin]: I'd be happy to comply.
Thomas Paxton says: Good fighting, but we'll never be able to re-secure the fortress walls so long as Rageroar and his goons have access to artillery. I need you to fight your way across that chasm and take out his big guns.
Thomas Paxton says: Orcs season their heavy machinery with coal tar, which makes them flammable. Take my torch and burn any catapults you see north of Northwatch.
[Corvin]: That seems unwise.
[Corvin]: I mean, making their weapons flammable. Destroying them seems great.
Vaaria nods grimly.
Cerethan smiles. For once he's not the one stumbling on his words. He has won today, if you forget all his mishaps.
Thomas Paxton says: Yes. After you take out the catapults, torch those big blade-throwers in Rageroar's base camp! Those things have killed enough of our men.
[Corvin]: Yes, sir!
Vaaria shudders.
[Vaaria]: We will end this.
On our way to follow out these new orders, we run into Cannoneer Smythe and his cannons.
[Corvin]: Here, the cannons!
[Corvin]: We're from Admiral Aubrey, here to help.
Cannoneer Smythe says: Aubrey sent you? Good! I take it you know your way around a cannon?
[Cerethan]: Absolutely not.
Vaaria studies the cannons with a critical and inquisitive eye.
Corvin hesitates, and then nods.
[Vaaria]: I can figure this out.
[Cerethan]: I'm more used to more sophisticated type of weaponry. Such as the arcane.
[Halnar]: Shuwer! Well…pretty shuwer.
Cannoneer Smythe says: Whatever. We've got the hardware but not the manpower. Man one of the carronades on the shore here and take out those incoming boats!
[Corvin]: I'll do it.
[Corvin]: There's enough for all of us…
Halnar laughs at Cannoneer Smythe.
Vaaria happily pulverizes orc rowboats with cannonballs.
Corvin also helps pulverise some orc rowboats.
Cannoneer Smythe says: Ho ho! The beach is ours! We just might keep a foothold on this miserable dustball of a continent after all.
[Cerethan]: I originate from this miserable dustball of a continent…
[Vaaria]: He only thinks this is miserable dustball because he has not traveled.
[Vaaria]: He is in most miserable dusty part of Kalimdor.
[Corvin]: Let's fight our way into the camp? *Corvin looks at Vaaria.* Do you mean around Azeroth, or… Ah, Kalimdor.
Corvin sets a catapult on fire.
[Vaaria]: It is like, going to Dun Morogh and saying the Eastern Kingdoms are cold.
Halnar laughs.
[Corvin]: You have a point.
[Cerethan]: Indeed. I am glad your travel expertise you gained as a draenei war veteran helps us point out this gross mischaracterization of this continent.
Cerethan is not being sarcastic. He's trying to make up for earlier, I swear.
Vaaria eyes Cerethan.
Vaaria lets it go.
[Cerethan]: Have you found something on this one, Vaaria?
[Vaaria]: Hm?
[Cerethan]: You were peering at one of those soldiers searchingly.
[Vaaria]: I was making sure he was dead.
We reach one of the big blade throwers.
[Halnar]: Blow et up!
We set it on fire, and immediately afterward Karga Rageroar sends his minion at us.
Karga Rageroar says: Bastoon! Humiliate the interlopers.
[Cerethan]: Ah! *Cerethan is taken out of his conversation with Vaaria by the orc leader attacking.*
Hexmaster Bastoon says: Oke doke, boss. I will finish this.
Hexmaster Bastoon says: It be time to squeal, little piggy!
We kill him. No squealing is involved on our side.
Karga Rageroar says: Is that all you've got, 'Hexmaster?'
[Corvin]: The leader…
Vaaria cuts him to pieces.
Karga falls fast.
Corvin reaches down to pull off his helm as Vaaria cuts. "That was not hard to find. Let's burn their siege engines and get back."
[Vaaria]: That poor orc, so enraged by sight of one draenei whose bones were not paving a road.
The team continues to talk as they head back towards Northwatch Hold.
Corvin stares at Vaaria, eyes wide.
[Cerethan]: Excuse me? Are you implying the existence of such a road?
[Halnar]: Och, what a grim thought.
[Vaaria]: One day I will show you, Ray.
[Halnar]: Wha, yer serious? It's real?
Halnar boggles at Vaaria.
[Corvin]: I knew they were savage, but… that's horrible.
[Vaaria]: Yes.
[Cerethan]: That seems preposterous! *His eyes widen.* But entirely possible, and I believe in its existence!
They’re close enough for Tolliver to overhear.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: I hear you know their cruelty as well as I.
[Vaaria]: I will show you one day, Ray. This I promise.
Halnar gives Vaaria a sympathetic frown. "Sorry, lass. Ah've no words."
Vaaria gently pats Halnar.
[Vaaria]: And those are the best words.
[Corvin]: All I can do is help you kill them.
[Cerethan]: Even without seeing it, I…Empathize with your people, for having suffered such cruelty.
Halnar smiles tenderly at Vaaria.
[Vaaria]: Thank you, Ray.
Corvin hands over the helm to Tolliver.
Vaaria may have gotten some brains on it.
Tolliver grasps the helmet reverently with quivering hands.
Vaaria peers at Tolliver Houndstooth searchingly.
[Vaaria]: Are you all right?
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Rageroar's battleships intercepted our vessel as we fled from Gilneas. We were to be carried here as trophies to the Warchief. As we neared the shore, some of us fought back.
Vaaria listens intently to Tolliver Houndstooth.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Rageroar - he began killing indiscriminately - howling with laughter. Our ship capsized and he ordered his men to fire at us as we drowned. Few of us made it to land.
Vaaria looks grim, but unsurprised.
Corvin looks at him with sympathy and horror.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Afterwards, I learned that he wore my brother's scalp as… as a trophy. *The helm, which is kind of leathery, shakes in his hands* Thank you, friends, for putting an end to this monster.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: I am not all right. But that is as it should be.
[Vaaria]: I took great pleasure in it. He will trouble no one else.
[Vaaria]: I wish you time to grieve and heal.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: I am a healer by nature, but… I would see us win this war.
[Vaaria]: It is too late to wish you few hardships… but I wish you long life.
Cerethan's ears droop. "My condolences," he simply offers.
Tolliver Houndstooth says: Thank you, draenei. I wish you the same. And thank you, elf.
Vaaria gently pats Cerethan.
Thomas Paxton says: The Rageroar are falling back. Whatever caused this aggressive attack, we've defeated them. You played a part in that. Thank you.
Vaaria salutes Thomas Paxton with respect.
Northwatch Hold has repelled the Rageroar attack, and our people can rest.