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| Details |
| Author: | Luridel |
| Summary: | White Squad stumbles into the midst of a family feud. Estel is prepared with potions. Gwenivene champions a pair of star-crossed lovers. Azizia finds her motivation. Shun wants to know what cheese and crackers have to do with anything. Ralaea works smarter, not harder. Everyone gets to meet the pandriarchs. ~5.7k words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Estel stands by an alchemist's stall, talking to Ni Gentlepaw, the alchemist, about local ingredients.
Shun waits nearby with his arms folded over his chest.
Gwenivene speaks quietly with Pookie, recording some thoughts for later in the arcane construct's memory.
Ralaea approaches Estel and Shun, and nods to Gwen a short distance away.
Shun nods at Ralaea.
"Okay, I gotta go," Estel says to her new alchemist friend (they've talked for ten minutes, that constitutes friendship). "Cheers." She turns towards her team.
"Hey, Gwen." Estel cracks her knuckles.
"Pause," Gwen says to Pookie, then looks up to Estel and the others. "Hello, everyone!"
Azizia joins the group. "There you are. I did not know where to look for you in village…" She looks around. "I heard things about Greenpaw lady?"
Gwen shrugs, "I don't know anything about a Greenpaw lady."
Shun blinks.
"So we are not investigating Greenpaw lady. Kids seem afraid of her," Azizia narrows her eyes. "She has nothing to do with earthquake of before."
Gwen smiles to White Squad. "So, with the destruction of the Serpent's Heart statue, our diplomatic mission just became even more important. There's some concern about the locals laying the blame on the arrival of us 'outsiders'."
Shun grunts.
"This means we have to try extra hard to represent Cobalt Company and the Alliance in a positive light," Gwen explains, her eyes lingering longest on Azizia. "I don't want one clusterflock to mess up all the good work we've been doing."
"That's us, good light representatives," Estel says cheerfully.
"So who do we need to kill?" Shun asks.
Gwen blinks at Shun. "Cheese and crackers…hopefully nobody."
Shun raises a brow at Estel.
"More chores then?" Ralaea asks.
"I mean, are we sure we did not do that?" Azizia shrugs. "We did start war that brought many Sha." She puts her hands on her hips. "I am happy to take blame if that makes pandaren happy. I do not care much about Pandaren."
Gwen sighs at Azizia. "At least pretend you care. That's the reason you're here, Azizia."
"My skillset would be far better utilized for… things not cheese and crackers," Shun sighs.
[Azizia]: "No, I mean yesssss," That yes is a little too long. "I know why I am here. I meant I do not care if they say it is all my fault. It is their opinion I do not care about."
"What you have something against cheese and crackers?" Ralaea asks. "Are you a picky eater?"
"We are ambassadors of goodwill," Gwen says firmly. "We all need to act like it. I'm super serious about this."
[Shun]: "I am not," he replies to Ralaea.
"You might not personally care about their opinion, but our job is to improve their opinion, Azizia," Estel says.
Gwen nods emphatically at Estel's words.
Azizia sighs. "I will give best smile of mine," she says, very blankly.
"Do we have an idea where to start with the whole… opinion improving thing?" Ralaea asks.
Estel gives Azizia a thumbs-up and an apologetic smile. That's just the way it is.
Shun shifts in place.
Gwen smiles and makes a wide gesture across the village. "Right here! We're going to introduce ourselves to the locals and show them we're friends. With all that's been happening lately, I won't be surprised if someone needs help we can provide."
Estel gives Gwen a thumbs-up next. "That help might involve killing something," she says optimistically.
"I suppose we shall have to see…" Shun mutters.
Estel aims a full-powered everything-will-be-okay smile at Shun next. "Yep!"
"But we're not going looking for reasons to kill," Gwen reminds. "Remember…ambassadors of goodwill."
Shun quietly grumbles.
"It's too bad Paluuva isn't out here," Ralaea muses.
"I will go speak with pandaren, to show goodwill, yes?" Azizia crosses her arms. She points at Rae. "I have learned from Paluuva after all."
"I suppose she's better at this sort of thing," Gwen agrees. "But she's probably super busy with Pandaren diplomats or something."
"Well, I've already met Ni," Estel says, gesturing towards the alchemist. "She didn't need anything though."
Gwen winces a little, "Um…maybe just stick with us, Azizia." She points toward a wandering brewer with a giant keg on his back. "He looks interesting! Let's say hello."
"Hello!" Estel says brightly.
[Gwenivene]: "Hello, sir! I'm Gwenivene Whittle, and these are my companions from Cobalt Company."
Ralaea steps back a little so it doesn't look like they're ambushing the poor guy.
The pandaren bows, untroubled by the weight of the keg on his back. "Brewmaster Kai Wanderbrew. My family has roamed the Jade Forest for generations in search of the finest ingredients for our brews. Unlike the high and mighty Goldendrafts. They have their big brewhouse on the hill for mass producing. Which is fine, you know, if you enjoy drinking swill."
Shun also is staying back a bit, just looming from a short distance away.
"Hello," Azizia says, not smiling at all. "We are looking to help. Can we help you carry keg around here? Or maybe drink it?"
Gwen blinks at the brewmaster's forwardness.
Estel glances up at the buildings up on the hill.
"You forgot your best smile," Ralaea informs Azizia.
Kai smiles at Azizia. "Certainly. You should enjoy a sample of proper brew before your taste buds are tainted by that Goldendraft waste." He takes the jug from his staff and offers it to Azizia.
Shun shakes his head slightly.
"Oh, um…your pandaren brews are so very strong for our delicate systems," Gwen says, giving Azizia a worried look. "I'm not sure we should…."
[Azizia]: "Thank you!" She takes the jug, a very serious look on her face. She takes the recipient and drinks in one go. She then runs a hand through her hair. "I would need bigger quantity to make up opinion."
Azizia stumbles a bit backward.
Gwen steps over to try to gently pry the jug from Azizia's hands. "Ahh…thank you so much, sir. But we have to be careful. Your brew is so excellent that it has a powerful effect on us."
Kai arches a brow, then chuckles. "You do look rather frail. I mean no offense, of course. Perhaps once you fatten up a bit, you will be able to handle my brew."
Azizia gives it to her. "I need you to give stronger and larger quantity after I am done with work, if you think I am frail. It is challenge I give you." Azizia kneels to place a healing totem on the ground. Water. She needs water.
Shun furrows his brow.
Estel passes Azizia a yellow vial of [Purification Potion]. "Cheers."
Kai grins. "Bring coin, outsider. The first drink is free, but I have a family business to run! You see, we Wanderbrews actually care about our product, unlike those lazy Goldendrafts."
Azizia drinks the potion very fast. She is not as alcohol resistant as she thought. "I will try Goldendrafts as well. We need to make sure market competition is still strong, yes?"
"Then why haven't you run them out of business yet, if they're so bad?" Ralaea asks.
"It will happen in time," Kai says as he continues on his way. "The superior brew will always triumph."
As the brewmaster moves along, Gwen turns back to the others, twiddling her fingers. "I'm sensing a local feud. We should tread carefully."
"Later, later!" Estel waves to Kai as he departs.
Gwen beckons, "Let's go find these Goldendrafts and see if we can get a better sense of what's going on…just so we don't step in it."
"Sure thing." Estel gives her a thumbs-up.
"I think feud between vendors is good," Azizia nods. "It makes them both do best to become better."
"You may be right, Azizia," says Gwen. "But I get the feeling that the Wanderbrews, at least, don't see it that way."
"Ah," the innkeeper says somberly, and folds his arms. "More of the travelers. We have met some of your kind already. You are welcome in Dawn’s Blossom, never fear. I am Peiji Goldendraft."
Shun cautiously looks around the tavern as they enter, keeping an eye out for trouble.
"You may have heard the name," Peiji continues. "My family makes only the finest brews in Pandaria. Unlike those forest-creeping Wanderbrews, who slink around ruining the good name of Brewmasters everywhere."
Azizia nods. "I have tried drink of Wanderbrews, in Dawn's Blossom."
There is the slightest hint of frustration creeping onto Ralaea's face.
"My condolences," says Peiji. "You should try Goldendraft if you care about flavor."
Azizia looks at Estel, trying to see if she has another potion.
Shun sighs.
Estel nods to Azizia. "Go for it."
"I go for it," Azizia holds out her hand to Peiji.
Gwen tries to shake her head subtly, but Aziza is looking the other way.
Peiji fills a cup of soju and places it on the bar. "Two gold coins."
"The Wanderbrew sample was free," Ralaea challenges.
"I got first drink from Wanderbrew free-" Azizia points at Rae. "Yes, that."
Peiji nods. "Of course it was. They have to give theirs away to get anyone to drink it."
"It's just good business," Ralaea says. "They're confident that their investment will pay off. Are you not?"
Peiji smiles. "I am confident that my brew is worth it."
"If it's not, do we get a refund?" Ralaea asks.
Peiji frowns, "No one has ever been dissatisfied with my family's brew!"
Azizia places the two gold coins on the table. "Very well," she takes the drink and downs it similarly. She blinks rapidly and slightly shakes her head after she's done. "Good. As good as Wanderbrew, maybe bit better…" She looks up, in thought.
Peiji's mood shifts instantly, beaming brightly at Azizia. "You see?"
"Maybe there is bit of bitterness that is little too strong…" Azizia says. "Maybe it comes from strong rivalry between breweries. What made it so?"
Estel discreetly removes another purification potion from her bandolier and palms it for now, waiting for a moment when Peiji is not looking directly at them to pass it over.
"Thank you so much, Master Goldendraft," Gwen says, looking nervously at Azizia. "It's been a pleasure to meet you. We should go meet other locals now."
Peiji starts to frown at Azizia, but Gwen derails the exchange. "Ah, of course. You may wish to introduce yourselves to the mayor, then."
Gwen nods. "Thank you, we'll do that."
"Hopefully the mayor doesn't brew anything…" Ralaea mutters.
"Sure!" Estel waves cheerfully. "I might be back for dinner later. Cheers."
"Smiles, everyone…smiles…" Gwen murmurs on their way out.
"Azizia, are you…um…able to walk?" Gwen peers at her.
Azizia bumped into a table on the way out. "Yes."
"It's cool, Gwen," Estel says. "I'll need more icecap for another batch, but I've got a couple purification potions for her."
Shun makes a mental note.
Gwen gives Estel a grateful smile. "Okay, let's find this mayor. I'm guessing they'll be in a big house."
Azizia holds her hand for the potion. "I tried to make him talk of rivalry, but it did not work. I know how to speak to merchants only in Draenor, Eastern Kingdom and Kalimdor, it looks like."
"These pandaren seem to work very hard to master their crafts," Gwen says. "I think it makes them very proud of their works."
Estel places the potion in Azizia's hand.
"This looks official," Gwen gestures to the building.
"Thank you," the draenei downs the potion. "Hmm, so they like compliments better than playful challenges, hm?"
They enter the very official-looking building. There is in fact a fancy pandaren with other pandaren who seem to be his bodyguards.
Shun lightly bows his head.
Gwen bows before the mayor. "Greetings, sir. We are a delegation from Cobalt Company, here to offer our services to your lovely village."
Estel nods politely at the well-dressed pandaren she assumes to be the mayor.
"So," says the seated pandaren. "More foreigners. You are not the same as the ones who gave the jinyu the courage to stand their ground against the hozen?" He smiles sadly. "Too much courage, perhaps. Still, from Paw’don to Tian Monastery, your people are praised. I welcome you to our humble home."
"Thank you," Azizia bows her head. She is still not smiling.
Gwen subtly nudges Azizia with an elbow.
"We work for the same group, but we're different people," Estel says with a smile.
Azizia looks confused at Gwen. She is smiling, in her head.
"If there is anything we can do to earn that welcome, we would be happy to," Gwen says. "Any local problems?"
"Any problems that need eliminating perhaps?" Shun adds.
Master Windfur says, "If anyone will know of new problems first, it will be Tzu the Ironbelly. Just look for the large one at the noodle stand. Surely you will find him there."
"Oh, I know where the noodle stand is," Estel says, bouncing on her heels.
"Thank you so much!" Gwen bows again. "We'll go speak with…Tsu…Tzu. Tzu? Tzu."
"Noodle stand guy," Ralaea says for simplicity.
Gwen hurries out before she embarrasses herself again.
Azizia bows politely, still not smiling.
Estel waves to the mayor and heads on out after Gwen. "Noodles…"
Gwen whispers, "Big smiles, Azizia!"
"I think Azizia's face got stuck," Ralaea observes. "I heard that happens."
"She's doing fine," Estel says to Gwen, patting Gwen's arm.
"My mother used to say that would happen to me," Gwen says.
"It is not stuck, I am smiling. Look," she points at the corners of her mouth. "They are not down."
The hulking pandaren seated at the noodle stand squints at White Squad as they approach. He peers at the winged sigils on their tabards and cloaks. "You again, eh? That Silkwood’s still crawling with spiders, you know. Thought you told me you’d handled ‘em." He shakes his head disapprovingly. "‘Heroes’ these days. I’d get up and show you how it’s done, but I’m still defending this noodle stand. I’ll give you another chance to impress me. Go on and clear ‘em out." He turns away. "Also, I will pay you again." He begins to slurp noodles noisily.
The corners of Azizia's mouth go down.
"…Again?" Shun mutters.
Gwen blinks in confusion and whispers to the others, "Have we met him before?"
"Too many of 'em?" Estel scratches her head. "Uh, no, might've been Blue Squad."
"Didn't we see some spiders on the way to the monastery? Might be what he means," Ralaea says.
"I wish to clarify: we have not," Azizia whispers to Gwen.
Gwen nods to Rae. "I think that must be what he's talking about."
Across the way, an anxious young pandaren is wringing his paws. He watches Kai Wanderbrew pace past and then waves frantically for White Squad’s attention.
Estel waves back.
"…" Shun turns around.
"I think he wants to talk," Gwen says.
"Well, let us show goodwill, yes?" Azizia extends her arms in the direction of the young pandaren.
Estel heads on over. "What's up?"
"Travelers, may I ask a favor of you? I heard Tzu ask you to go into the Silkwood. Syra Goldendraft was looking for some silk, but spidersilk always gets stuck in my fur. I really want to impress her, though." He looks plaintive. "While you’re in the Silkwood, would you gather up some silk for me? I will gladly pay you for your help."
"Sure," Estel says. "I'm Estel, this is Gwen, Azizia, Rae, and Shun. What's your name?"
The pandaren bows, "I am pleased to meet you. I am Lo Wanderbrew."
"If it gets stuck in your fur wouldn't that mean you're really good at collecting it?" Ralaea asks.
Lo cannot help a little chuckle at Ralaea's comment.
"Shut up!" Azizia says, beaming. "Silk? For clothes? We are helping seamstress?" she turns around. "I will get you best skill for girl you like." She turns back. "I am very excited to see store of hers!"
Lo blinks in shock at being told to shut up. But the horned lady is offering to help, so he lets it slide.
Estel grins. "We got you covered. Back in a bit!"
"Let's go get some silk!" Gwen grins.
Shun grunts.
Azizia tries to grab Gwen's hand, then Rae's, excitedly. "We never have missions that have to do with clothes!"
"Well, that's two people happy, right?" Ralaea says. "Shun gets to… eliminate something, and Azizia likes silk."
Gwen giggles.
They go to the forest and kill a bunch of spiders.
Azizia is not doing any of the fighting. She's gathering only the best spider silk, meanwhile. Finally, her face is not stuck anymore.
On the other hand, Shun is only fighting.
Estel is happy to do the fighting.
"He did say his name is Wanderbrew, right…?" Gwen chews her lip.
Shun gives an affirmative grunt.
"Lo Wanderbrew," Estel confirms. "And the girl he likes is Syra Goldendraft. Yep."
"Hooboy…" Gwen lets out a sigh.
"Glad the kids ain't falling for their parents' bullshit feud," Estel says.
Azizia shakes her head. "Do not ask questions. Do not think about this. Enjoy working for clothes in context of Cobalt Company mission." Azizia is rolling her hand in the silk, gathering it. She is even humming, you've never seen Azizia like this.
"I hope Syra feels the same way about Lo." Gwen smiles softly. "Star-crossed lovers. It's so romantic."
"It'll be hard for them," Ralaea says. "People don't break out of roles easy. Especially not when family's involved."
Estel nods to Rae. "Yeah."
[Gwenivene]: Well, I certainly won't be the one to stand in the way of love. Let's get this silk back to Lo."
"Well. Hope they figure it out before someone dies." Ralaea miiight be talking from personal experience.
Shun blinks.
"Cheese and crackers," Gwen gasps, "Let's hope nobody dies!"
"What do cheese and crackers have to do with this?" Shun asks.
Azizia doesn't mind standing in the way of love, but she wouldn't, for fashion. She's holding a huge ball of spider silk. Like… huge.
Gwen blushes, "Oh, um…it's just an expression."
Tzu Ironfur doesn’t look up from his noodles this time as the squad passes by. "Hmph. Well. We’ll see if this time it sticks. If not, maybe I will let you do it again."
Estel grunts and doesn't acknowledge him any further. She's heading for Lo.
"Spiders are pretty good at sticking," Ralaea informs him.
Estel snort-laughs.
Tzu Ironfur: *slurpslurpslurp*
Gwen gestures to Azizia's massive load of silk strands.
Lo Wanderbrew looks around warily to check for Kai Wanderbrew’s whereabouts, then shuffles closer. He eyes the strands of silk with delight. "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much! This is perfect!"
"I’m going to go find Syra and give this to her right away. Thank you!" He pushes a small bag of coins into Azizia's hands and darts away.
Estel smiles at him. "I hope your friend likes it."
"I know this is perfect, I only chose best silk!" Azizia says.
A moment later, Kai Wanderbrew’s voice is audible. "Lo! We are leaving. Lo? Where did you get off to?"
Kai approaches White Squad, frowning. "Have you seen my son, Lo? He was standing… right where you are, just a few moments ago. I told him we were leaving today." He looks around.
[Kai Wanderbrew]: "He’d better not have gone off trying to woo that Syra Goldendraft! That is the very reason we need to leave! No son of mine is going to run off with a Goldendraft!" He turns back to White Squad. "I’m going to search around here for them. I’ve caught them sneaking off toward the Arboretum once or twice before, too. Would you mind heading out there to look for them?"
Azizia raises an eyebrow.
"Hm. Noted," Shun nods.
"Sure," Estel says, smiling. "Where's that?"
"Follow the east road out of the village," Kai explains.
Estel gives Kai a thumbs-up. "Got it."
When Kai is out of earshot, Gwen says, "Let's hurry. This sounds like it could get ugly quickly."
The corners of Azizia's mouth are down again.
"Are we actually helping this guy?" Ralaea asks.
"I just want to make sure those kids are okay," Gwen says.
"At the very least, we can find the kid and tell him his dad's already suspicious and looking," Estel says.
"We are helping son, of course," Azizia shrugs a shoulder. "I like him."
"Excuse me, sir…?" Gwen waves down a pandaren at the Arboretum.
"Hey, we're looking for two kids - uh, young adults, I guess?" Estel waves a hand vaguely.
The robed scribe smiles gently. "You seek two lovers blind to the ambitions of their family names. They were here, seeking a way to hold on to their path. Sadly, they did not find their answers among the trees or art."
Wei strokes his moustache. "If you will lend us your aid for a few moments, strangers, then perhaps I will lend you mine. That is fair, no? Go and speak with my colleagues. I believe they have need of some helpers."
"I suppose fair is fair," Gwen says.
Azizia frowns.
Shun grunts.
Estel smiles. "You're buying time for them to get farther away, yeah? Sure, we'll help."
Azizia lets out an "oooooh", and she doesn't frown anymore.
A pandaren scribe is bent over a drafting table, squinting at a minutely-lettered scroll. He looks up, blinking. "Color," he says. "Color gives us contrast, depth, value, and tone. The simple shift of a hue can move a person to laughter or tears." He pauses and blinks again. "Sorry, what? Who are you?"
Ralaea peers at the artwork.
"I'm Estel, and this is Rae, Shun, Gwen, and Azizia," Estel says, gesturing at her team.
He smiles warmly. "Ah! Helpers. Perfect." He turns to gesture with his quill at the blooming trees. "As you have seen, this grove is abundant with beautiful pink petals. As each petal ages, the tone deepens and fades. If you would be so kind, I am in need of a few petals that have freshly fallen. Only the ones that have just fallen will have precisely the right color I am after. From it, I will brew an ink that is breathtaking. Can you help me?"
Shun slowly tilts his head, "Ink is brewed?"
"How are we supposed to tell if… do we stand around waiting for them to fall?" Ralaea asks.
"I think everything is brewed in Pandaria," Gwen says.
Inkmaster Jo Po waves for the group's attention.
"We want the lightest pink color there is, Rae," Estel says.
The portly pandaren scribe bows, beaming. "Ah! Helping hands." He gestures at the carefully-rolled scrolls on his table. "To achieve perfect paint strokes, one must have the right tools. My own have fallen into disrepair, their bristles becoming as unmanageable as hozu hair. Have you seen the wasps in the grove? Their stingers can be fashioned into beautifully sharp quills. Will you gather some for me?"
As the wind stirs the trees, a couple of petals fall. Estel darts to catch them and brings them over to show the others.
"Oh yes, we had a run-in with one of those wasps," Gwen says. "We can handle it."
Ralaea takes off her cloak and spreads it on the ground under a tree. "I'll come back for that," she informs the pandaren.
Estel grins. "Smart."
Azizia is not fighting wasps. She's looking for petals. She has the eye for colors.
"Killing wasps and gathering petals is feeling a bit like killing spiders and gathering silk," Gwen observes.
"Not as important, though," Azizia shakes her head.
"Could make dye with these instead of ink," Estel points out to Azizia. "If you like the color."
Azizia tilts her head. "Hm, dyes…" She looks at the petals in her hand.
"Got a buncha wasp stingers for you," Estel says to Inkmaster Jo Po. She looks at Rae's cloak under the tree nearby.
Shun also holds up a handful of stingers.
Ralaea retrieves her cloak, which is now coated in freshly fallen petals. She looks smug.
Jo Po bows respectfully. "Thank you, my friends."
"You're welcome," Estel says cheerfully.
"I hope these petals are suitable," Gwen says.
"Ahh, these are so beautiful." Glenzu holds up one of the petals to the light. "To witness perfection, one need look only as far as the nearest petal."
Ralaea offers her own collection.
Azizia hands her petals as well.
"I believe Inkmaster Wei wishes to speak with you again," Glenzu says.
Estel grins. "Enjoy." She gives Rae a nod of approval.
Inkmaster Wei smiles benevolently. "You are generous, friends, and considerate, to help some old men with their chores. The ‘children’ you seek are not children but grown pandaren, despite what their elders might claim. Their love will not be held in check by the feuds of their families. You will find both Syra and Lo at the Shrine of the Dawn, seeking an answer to their dilemma among the pandriarchs of old. The Shrine is to the north of here, in the hills."
"…Pandriarchs?" Ralaea says.
Azizia nods vehemently, a hand on Inkmaster Wei's shoulder. "We have to help seamstress."
Wei nods as if 'pandriarchs' should be obvious.
"…Pandaren… patriarchs? Matriarchs…?" Shun mutters.
Estel smiles. "Thanks." She glances at Rae. "Probably, uh, elders. It's like 'patriarchs' and 'matriarchs' but gender-inclusive."
Shun and Estel are on the same brainwave.
Estel holds a hand out to Shun for a high-five.
"Let's hurry!" Gwen might just be invested in seeing how this love story plays out.
Shun high-fives her.
"Then why don't we just have… humanarchs?" Ralaea asks. "Why do we need two words?"
"Because sometimes it is more specific than that," Estel says.
Some wasps make bad choices.
Azizia is walking so fast she might as well be running. The young seamstress will only do her best work if she's fully content, so this is a mission of the utmost importance.
Lo Wanderbrew is seated on the ground, slumped and dazed-looking. Beside him, a female pandaren dressed in red and gold, her long hair drawn back with a flowered comb, kneels anxiously.
"And then we'd have draenarchs…and night elfarchs…. and gnomarchs… and dwarchs?" Ralaea mumbles to herself.
"Potential wounded ahead," Shun calls out.
Syra looks up at White Squad’s approach, and scrambles to her feet. "Strangers!" she cries. "Please tell me you can help us. They hurt my Lo!"
"I'm a healer," Estel says immediately. "You must be Syra. I'm Estel. Hey, Lo."
"Oh no!" Azizia sprints towards them. "We have two healers here, tell us what has happened."
"Who is 'they'? Who do we need to kill?" Shun asks.
Tearfully, Syra explains, "My love, Lo, tried to get permission from the pandriarchs to marry me. Though they have passed beyond, their favor would carry much weight. The trouble is, they are spirits, and none of the gifts or tributes we brought impressed them. To win their favor, they claimed that either Lo or a champion must defeat them in single combat. Lo is a good man, but he is not a fighter! Please, will one of you be our champion?"
Estel crouches down next to Lo and channels the Light into him. "Ohhhh. Okay. Pandriarchs are specifically dead? Okay."
"Ancestral spirits, then," Shun nods.
Azizia looks specifically at Syra's clothes as she speaks. "Some of us will be champions of yours, if you let us."
Syra is very well-dressed. That's a good sign for Azizia's dreams.
Syra bows deeply, "Please. I beg of you. I will be forever indebted if you do this."
"…Be careful of saying that sort of thing," Shun warns.
"There are three pandriarchs…so you could even choose three champions," Syra explains.
"Sure," Estel says, smiling. "You're gonna be okay, Lo, just take it easy." She pats the pandaren on his shoulder as she gets up.
Lo groans and looks up at Estel, embarrassed, but grateful.
"We can do this," Azizia mirrors Estel and pats Syra's shoulder. She stays on her shoulder a little longer, feeling the fabric.
"I think our three strongest fighters would Rae, Shun, and Azizia," Gwen says. "Do you think?"
There are three shrines in the woods, a visible spirit outside of each one.
"I do not exactly excel in duels but… I will take on one," Shun states.
"It's good practice," Ralaea says.
"I will destroy spirits for happiness of two pandarens there," Azizia nods.
Gwen nods with a proud smile. "Alright. Who will face this first Pandriarch?"
Estel looks at her teammates.
"I got this one," Ralaea says.
"You got this, Rae," Estel says, and hangs back.
Shun nods at Ralaea.
Pandriarch Goldendraft shouts, "I watch as my lineage is reduced to a faded memory around me. Once the greatest brewmasters of all, we now stand in the shadow of the Stormstouts. Bah!"
"Ralaea is here as Lo and Syra's champion, seeking your blessing for their marriage," Estel says loudly.
Ralaea handily defeats the the Pandriarch. Angry spirits rise to his aid, but Ralaea tunnel visions the Pandriarch until he gives up. "Cheater…" she mutters after.
Defeated, the spirit holds up a paw. "I yield! The boy chose his champion well. Give him my blessing, and make sure he does not squander it."
Gwen cheers! "To the next shrine!"
Estel heals Ralaea after the duel, whether she needs it or not. "Nice."
"Do you wish to go next?" Azizia offers Shun.
Shun goes up to challenge Patriarch Bramblestaff.
Pandriarch Bramblestaff declares, "Strength! That is the lifeblood of the Bramblestaff family! My lineage lives today as a testament of physical greatness willing to take on any challenger. Let us test your mettle!"
Shun nods and bows, then draws his weapons.
"You got this," Estel says to Shun.
Bramblestaff yells, "At last! A challenge!"
Ralaea winces as the pandriarch yells.
Where Bramblestaff has raw strength, Shun has swiftness. The ghost lashes out against him with a staff, making a thunderous sound as it strikes the ground, missing Shun.
Shun manages to defeat the ghost, letting out a breath as he takes a step back.
Pandriarch Bramblestaff laughs! "That was a fine battle! I have not enjoyed the like in many decades. Go and give the boy my blessing."
Azizia claps.
Shun grunts.
"One to go?" Ralaea looks around.
Gwen fist-pumps! "Woo! Yes, last one!"
"I am ready for mine," Azizia nods.
"Good shit," Estel says to Shun, throwing a flash heal at him.
Pandriarch Windfur says, "I hear that some strangers like yourselves were responsible for saving one of my youngest descendants from the clutch of the Jade Witch. The heroism of your people is impressive."
Shun lightly nods at Estel.
"Azizia is Lo and Syra's champion in this fight," Estel says, gesturing to Azizia.
Azizia looks at the tombstone behind him. "Windfur, hm? I like wind." She cracks her knuckles. "Try to blow away this." She stabs a totem into the ground, releasing Rex, her earth elemental, and together they throw themselves at the pandriarch.
Windfur barks, "Enough! You win, champion. Tell that upstart boy that he has my blessing."
Estel grins. "Nice." She heals Azizia and Rex.
Azizia pats Rex's arm. "You did good." She takes the totem out of the ground.
Gwenivene literally leaps with joy. "You did it! Let's go tell the young lovers!"
Estel smiles fondly and heads back to Syra and Lo.
"Yes, let us hurry!" Azizia cheers as well.
Lo is still seated on the ground, but he is clearer-eyed now, and holding Syra’s hand.
"We have good news," Gwen beams at the young pandaren.
"You guys have three blessings." Estel gives the couple a thumbs-up.
"They… they agreed?" Lo's eyes widen. "Fantastic! Thank you so much! With their blessing, we can be the happiest pandaren in the land!"
Beside him, Syra beams, her gaze shining.
"What do you want us to tell your dad…?" Estel starts to say.
"Here they are!" calls a male voice. "See? I told you I could find anyone or anything." A pandaren lumbers into view, followed closely by Kai Wanderbrew and Peiji Goldendraft, both scowling.
Lo scrambles to his feet, still holding Syra’s hand. "Mister Goldendraft. I humbly ask permission to marry your daughter Syra."
"What?!" bellows Peiji Goldendraft. "This is preposterous!"
"Son!" cries Kai Wanderbrew. "What are you doing? She’s a Goldendraft!"
Azizia frowns at the fathers.
Estel crosses her arms over her chest.
Ralaea looks ready to knock some heads.
Gwen frowns sadly.
Lo says stubbornly, "It is not her name I am interested in. It is her. She is the kindest, nicest, prettiest person I have ever met."
Syra smiles shyly and leans closer against Lo.
"My Syra will not be seen with the likes of a Wanderbrew!" growls Peiji Goldendraft.
"No father," says Syra. "I will. Lo was willing to fight the Pandriarchs for me. These strangers agreed to stand as his champions, and the Pandriarchs consented."
"They agreed?!" cries Peiji Goldendraft, at the same moment that Kai Wanderbrew shouts, "They agreed?!"
Shun just quietly shakes his head.
Gwen smiles brightly, nodding.
"Yes," says Lo. "And now, with your permission, I would like to ask for your daughter's hand."
"Well… um… I…" stammers Peiji.
Estel gives Peiji a warning look.
Azizia cracks her knuckles behind the couple. They can show them how they beat the pandriarchs.
Kai sighs. "Come on Peiji. I don't like it any better than you do, but there is honor in the Pandriarchs' blessings."
Gwen clears her throat, giving Estel and Azizia a pleading look.
"Fine," says Peji. "What's done is done. But don't assume I will ever like this. Or you, Kai."
"Same," agrees Kai. "Now lets get these kids back to Dawn's Blossom."
Estel relaxes. "Congrats," she says to Lo and Syra. "You guys deserve to be happy, yeah?"
Gwen positively vibrates with excitement.
Azizia leans forward and whispers to the couple. "They will get over this, do not worry. Give fathers time. Fathers are slow to change."
Lo and Syra both bow very deeply to White Squad. "We will never forget what you have done for us today," Lo says. "Thank you."
Shun just quietly grumbles at that.
Ralaea nods her approval.
"I'm so proud of you all," Gwen says. "We did something wonderful today."
"Well," Estel says, watching them leave. "Good for them."
Azizia nods. "And good for business of hers!"
Gwen giggles and nods.
Shun just. Grunts.
"I think we've earned some rest," Gwen says. "Let's head back to the village."
"No one even had to die," Ralaea says. "That's good."