(2025-12-07) Savar's Strategy: Interlude (Cobalt Blade)

Details

Author:	OzmaAsimov
Summary:	The Cobalt Blade closes in on Savar the Bloodless.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: The Cobalt Blade

With the rune engines dismantled, the flow of Outland's ley lines has returned to its normal state (or as close to normal as it ever gets). The energy being collected at Tempest Keep was cut off before it could reach critical levels — a state that draenei engineers confirm could have effectively turned the keep itself into a world-shattering bomb. Not only would Outland have been utterly destroyed, but the ripple effect through interdimensional ley lines would have catastrophic effects on any connected world…including Azeroth.

Even with his plan thwarted, Savar the Bloodless has not given up his crusade. He has gathered his remaining forces in the heart of Tempest Keep itself. It is not yet known what his goal is, but he has powerful magic and technology at his disposal, and the energy he did manage to collect is more than enough for any number of uses — none of which are likely to be to Outland's benefit.

The Cobalt Blade cannot stand idly by to wait for Savar's next move. They have spent too long merely responding to his schemes. At last they can bring the fight to him, and do what they do best…

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The walls of Tempest Keep shudder, thrumming with energy — far more energy than it should safely contain. Elven voices rise in battle-cries, frequently repeating the ominous refrain: "Shal'dor falah eru Draenor!"

Night falls eternal on Draenor. The ultimate aim of the Savari — destroy what is left of Draenor to cripple the advance of the Burning Legion. Consequences be damned.

The fel-tainted blood of countless Savari stains the Keep's floors behind the Cobalt Blade. Their assault has been swift and decisive. Thalstan leads the charge, throwing himself into the fray with a merciless enemy. Tadget ever at his side, her blades feeding the river of blood. Arthur's spells lay low entire swaths of their foes between his warnings about the Keeps' stability. Vesyllah, cloaked in shadow, tears through the Savari's minds. All the while, Zaara's soothing water magic keeps her friends safe and hale as they battle through ancestral halls of her people.

Two elves, each bearing glowing tattoos, stumble backward into the control center of the Keep, clutching their gaping wounds and collapsing to the floor. Soaked in blood, sweat, and battle fury, the Cobalt Blade enters the large chamber. At the far side of the room a tall, shirtless blood elf stands at a console containing a variety of crystals set into a panel. The jagged, green tattoos along the elf's torso and arms pulse with fel energy. A small pair of horns jut straight up from his brow. His calm, reserved presence contributes to his handsome appearance — if one goes for that sort of thing. At last, the Blade gets a clear look at their enemy: Savar the Bloodless.

A faint shimmering hangs in the air between Savar and the strike team, like a translucent sheet rippling with a slight breeze. Vesyllah wastes no time, lashing out with a psychic assault at Savar. The field visibly pulses and she recoils a few steps, clutching her head. "Bastard," she spits.

"A necessary precaution I was clearly right to take." Savar's voice is deep for an elf; the sort of baritone that fills a room even when speaking softly. "There is no denying you are extraordinarily formidable foes. I had hoped you might eventually see the necessity of my actions. But I think you'll agree that particular ship has sailed."

Savar manipulates a few of the crystals in the console. The sound of the energy thrumming through the Keep changes tone, heightening in pitch. Energy crackles along the walls behind Savar. Arcs of arcane lightning leap from the walls, meeting in space just beyond the console, where the air splits apart, beginning to form a portal.

"For whatever it is worth," Savar continues as the portal grows, "I am pleased to have met you before the end. I wish we could have faced our deaths as allies, but this must suffice. Please know I have nothing but respect for your determination. You nearly thwarted my plan. It just needs one little adjustment." As the portal widens, the image of distinctive sindorei architecture can be seen through its surface. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have a universe to preserve."

The tall figure bows his head in recognition of his worthy foes before stepping through the portal, vanishing through space. As he passes, the portal flashes and throws off sparks and lashes of energy, several of which strike the protective field. The shimmering sheet of energy begins to flicker, "tears" appearing in its surface.

A way through…and the portal remains open. This may be the Cobalt Blade's only chance to follow Savar and end his madness….

To be concluded in: Savar's Strategy, Part 4!