![](http://cobalt-company.wdfiles.com/local--resized-images/writing:2026-02-03-echoes-of-uldaman/style="margin:/medium.jpg) |
| Details |
| Author: | Alli |
| Summary: | Gabriella, Guan Ho, Leric, Mayellen and Miralynn venture into Uldaman together via the ECHO magical technology! ~3400 words |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Chain: ECHO
Mayellen materializes within the ECHO.
"Oh," says Mayellen, "Hello again Mrs. Ebek, Inspector Thorne. I don't believe I know the gentlemen?"
Leric appears, and takes a steadying step.
Mayellen briskly approaches the illusionary people who are giving the mission parameters for the exercise.
Gabiella looks down at her hands, then around at the environment. "This never ceases to be fascinating. Ah, hello again, Mrs. Hazan."
Guan Ho emerges and looks around to get his bearings straight.
"Mrs. Hazan, Inspector Thorne," Miralynn greets in return.
Mayellen turns to the two men. "I'm Mayellen Hazan," she says, "a private investigator and warlock, affiliated with Cobalt Company."
"Will it bother anyone if I summon a felhunter to assist me?" Mayellen asks politely.
"Felhunter?" Guan Ho raises an eyebrow.
"As long as you can maintain control of it, do as you must," Gabriella says.
"Lieutenant-Commander Leric Azuredown, Stormwind Army," Leric greets everyone. He pauses at that, genuinely considering, and then shakes his head. "If that's what you do. If I'm not to mind illusory enemies, I would not turn aside an illusory demon."
"I'll show you," Mayellen says to Guan Ho. "If it disturbs you, please let me know."
Bheemon pops into existence after a brief summoning circle ritual.
"That's Bheemon the Demon," Mayellen says dryly.
Guan Ho blinks at the demon, "My… that is certainly an odd looking creature."
"Isn't it though?" Mayellen agrees. "Kind of repulsive. But harmless, to us at least."
"Ah, Lieutenant Commander," Miralynn says. "I am Miralynn Ebek, I believe you are acquainted with my son."
Cheddar whuffs in concern at Bheemon.
Bheemon whuffs back. Its breath stinks of sulfur.
Gabriella recoils at the stench. Whuff, indeed.
"Ebek… Joelle?" Leric asks, raising his eyebrows. "Yes, we're on a mission together in Pandaria, currently. If I'd realized his mother… maybe I should have suggested he take my place."
Mayellen watches the conversation between Leric and Miralynn with polite interest.
"Whatever for? I trust things are going well in Pandaria," Miralynn says dismissively.
"I assume he might miss… you might miss one another…" Leric says, looking at her curiously. "In any case, they're all well. We came in for a few supplies, and I took the opportunity to join here. I've been picking up some of the local combat techniques, and this seemed like a good way to practice, before we run into trouble.”
"Then I do hope the experience proves useful to you," Miralynn says.
"I'm honored to work with you, Lt. Commander," Mayellen says, bowing to Leric.
"You as well, Ms. Hazan," Leric nods.
"Everyone ready?" Mayellen says, as though she's in charge.
Mayellen then seems to realize her presumption, and steps back to defer to Leric.
Guan Ho nods and readies his glaive.
"Yes… if I recall from the briefing, this place is something of a labyrinth," Leric says. "We can clear things out as we go."
Gabriella nods. "I am ready."
"Did you know, it was Cobalt Company who made the original discoveries here?" Mayellen says proudly.
"Is that so?" Gabriella arches an eyebrow.
"Yes, I have notes somewhere on who precisely was here…" Mayellen is too busy killing things to find them, though.
Leric smiles. "Maybe I should be pleased, then, that my little sister has joined them."
"That is the group that my daughter and niece have been working with I believe." Guan Ho notes.
Gabriella rapidly shifts as combat begins, growing taller and now covered in mottled gray fur.
Leric takes a step back from Gabriella as she changes, then he catches himself and nods casually.
[Mayellen]: "Oh you have a daughter, Mr. - er, I'm not sure of Pandarian honorifics. Guan Ho, sir?"
"I do. Her name is Xueye." He answers.
"That's a beautiful name," Mayellen says with a smile.
Leric listens to the exchange, occasionally attacking illusory troggs.
"Thank you." Guan Ho returns the smile, "It was her mother's idea, so it's no wonder why."
"I wonder if my sister's run into her," Leric muses. "I could ask her. And your niece?"
Miralynn raises an eyebrow, but remains focused on the task at hand.
"My niece's name is Mi Shu." Ho states.
Mayellen takes a moment, seeming to rifle her memory. "Wait, Xueye, she was one of the Gui Wei, wasn't she - the original ambassadors to Stormwind?"
"That she was." Guan Ho says proudly.
"I heard it pronounced… slightly incorrectly before, which is why I didn't immediately make the leap," Mayellen explains. "You must be so proud."
"Was Mi Shu one of them as well?" Leric asks.
"Hm, I don't recall that name. I did try to memorize them all at one point,"says May.
[Guan Ho]: "She I believe was busy for much of that time, but she helped as she could."
[Mayellen]: "Oh yes, wait, she's the brewer, yes?"
Leric nods. "Our Alliance is stronger for our friendship with your people."
Guan Ho nods, "She's the next heir after my older brother."
"It is so exciting to be living through such history-making events," Mayellen says.
"That is an honored profession among pandarens, isn't it? A brewer, I mean." Gabby inquires.
Mayellen seems interested in the answer to Gabby's question.
"Dwarven camp… I think we're meant to take a relic from here," Leric says, consulting the briefing in his memory. "I'll grab it."
"Did everyone read your briefings?" Mayellen says crisply. Her tone is a bit odd for someone who is actually younger than pretty much everyone here.
Guan Ho chuckles slightly, "Honored may be going a step too far, but they are certainly well liked."
Leric smiles agreeably. "I'd imagine anyone who makes good brew will be well-liked in the Alliance as well."
"And remember," Mayellen says, "We get extra points if we fully clear all the enemies."
“Points are applied toward places on future waitlists," she further explains. It sounds a bit like she may have memorized the (very long) ECHO manual.
Gabriella nods thoughtfully.
Leric takes an artifact from a box in the dwarf camp. None of them move to stop him.
"I'm not sure how often I'll make use of this, but… there is an allotment set aside for active military, if I understand correctly," Leric comments. "Encouraging professional development."
"That's a wonderful idea," says May.
"Do you feel you do not need the training?" Miralynn inquires.
"Well… I'm here," Leric says, looking at her. "That might answer your question. I've studied a few different traditions of combat in recent years, but this pandaren way seems to suit me."
"Ah, perhaps you were referring to the financial aid?" Miralynn asks.
Mayellen surveys the chamber they've entered, and gasps with delight at the accuracy, including the model Uldaman on the floor.
"Oh, I meant an allotment in ECHO slots," Leric explains. "And you mean my comment that I may not return frequently? Well, not because I wouldn’t value the opportunity. I just can't guarantee how things will go in Pandaria. I may not be free to come and go."
"We're all thinking of you here at home," Mayellen says earnestly.
Leric smiles at her genially.
The team progresses smoothly for a while.
"Oh, Inspector Thorne, I wanted to tell you about the cutest thing my daughter did," Mayellen says during a lull. "She isn't really talking yet, but she sort of… tries…"
Gabriella's brow lifts curiously at Mayellen, for a moment her stern countenance softening. "Oh?"
Leric notes Gabriella's flare, revealing several lurking troggs. He dives in to attack with his stick. Monk stick-fighting.
Miralynn assesses Leric's form as he does.
"My husband was in his human form," Mayellen continues, "and April lifted her arms up like she wanted to be held, but then insisted 'woof, woof!' She wanted him to pick her up in WORGEN form specifically."
Leric blinks, and looks at Mayellen.
Gabby can't help it. She barks a laugh.
Mayellen giggles.
Guan Ho's expression lightens a bit.
"Children are such a source of joy. I'm glad you're experiencing motherhood." Gabby smiles at her. It might look threatening to some, but May is surely accustomed to worgen smiles.
"Shall we… fight a giant statue?" Leric asks, gesturing to the model of Uldaman and its key.
"Ooooooh," Mayellen says when the model of Uldaman is activated to empower the illusory staff from the story.
Mayellen boggles at the very convincing Titanic watcher illusion.
Leric boggles for a moment too, then he moves in front of the team, wielding his stick.
"I've never seen one of those… Titan assistants before," Mayellen says, hurling a curse at it.
"I heard stories of them, when I was deployed up in Northrend," Leric says. "But I didn't spend much time in the Storm Peaks. My wife may have seen them."
"I haven't seen much of the world yet," Mayellen says, "and likely won't until April is older."
"It is quite large, but any force it may bring to bear upon us can be turned against it," Miralynn says, almost as though instructing.
Mayellen listens avidly to Miralynn.
We defeat Ironaya.
Leric nods. "Little ones take a lot of time, unless you hire someone to handle all that."
"My husband is the main caregiver," Mayellen says, "since I work full time for Apex, but when I get home all I want to do is be with her."
Leric looks faintly puzzled at that. Then he turns to Miralynn. "Do you teach? You have that sense about you."
Mayellen brings a hail of fire down onto a swarm of scorpids as they chat.
"I have my own students, yes," Miralynn responds. "Though most recently I am the student. The pandaren styles are worth learning."
"I've been reading a little about them myself," says Mayellen, "though I'd never be able to apply any of it myself. It's fascinating."
Leric nods, and tilts his head towards Guan Ho.
"Ah, and this must be the dark iron area," Leric says, smashing his stick into an illusory dwarf's face.
"I have to ask, Lt. Commander, do you feel impact in your arms when you hit them?" asks Mayellen.
"I am glad to hear that you have been growing by learning about my culture." Guan Ho says.
Mayellen smiles at Guan Ho. "I'm so glad that so many of you joined the Alliance. We're learning so much from you."
Leric nods. "Any time you strike a foe, you feel it, even though it is an illusion. I think it's best that way."
[Mayellen]: "I don't get much in the way of feedback even in real life when I strike someone with a spell, so it's hard to tell if it's different here. I haven't tried any draining spells yet, which I would feel."
"There are ways to lessen the damage to oneself," Miralynn adds, "but it is unavoidable."
Mayellen nods soberly at Miralynn.
"I didn't think of that," Leric says, furrowing his brow. "If you drain illusory health… that is a thing your sort can do, if I recall."
"Do you teach, Guan Ho?" Leric asks, as the team comes into a room with a large golem.
Guan Ho shakes his head, "I'm more of a soldier. I have been looking into joining the 7th Legion."
"Oh, marvelous!" says Mayellen to Guan Ho. "I know a few people in the 7th. Such a prestigious group."
"Oh? They're a formidable group," Leric nods.
"The Legion would benefit greatly from your experience and perspective," Miralynn says.
"Not an easy assignment to get," Gabriella adds.
"Let's get this golem," Leric says, lowering his stick to point at the stone creature.
"I must ask Illusionist Karina how health-draining spells work here, before I actually try one," Mayellen murmurs, half to herself.
"I believe the 7th uses ECHO as well," Leric says. "So your records from these missions may work in your favor, for application."
Miralynn frowns as she dispels warlock magic from… the warlock. "It seems to have reflected somehow," she observes. "Are you well?"
Mayellen seems okay now.
"It has been something of a task trying to find the right people to speak with, but I welcome the challenge." Guan Ho adds.
"Feel free to use any of us as references for your combat skills if you like, Guan Ho," says Mayellen. "I'd be happy to vouch for you!"
"One of my old instructors is actually the captain of an expeditionary unit, but I'm not sure they have openings. I could ask him, if you like?" Mayellen smiles at Guan Ho. "If nothing else he might know who does."
Guan Ho inclines his head respectfully, "I would appreciate that."
Mayellen roasts some more scorpids.
"I think I'm getting a bit more confident with my Rain of Fire spell," Mayellen declares.
Gabby nods firmly to May. "Good. Your weapons should feel like an extension of yourself."
"Ah, now we're moving more into the earthen section," Leric says, as they come around a corner from the scorpids. He looks at Mayellen a little worriedly. "Were you not, before?"
"Well, I was confident of my ability not to hurt allies," she says. "Less confident of my ability to hurt foes with it."
"I hadn't had much chance to practice it before," Mayellen says. "Most of my combat situations were one enemy at a time, back when I was with the Cobalt Eye. Two or three at most. Waste of energy to call down fire in that case."
Leric looks a little relieved. "That's the right direction, then. I admit I have little experience with warlocks, myself. Except for my neighbor, the Count."
"Wait!" says Mayellen. "Count Tyrrell? That's exactly who I was talking about, in the 7th Legion!"
"Unless there's another warlock Count I don't know about."
"No, no, that's him. Count Tyrrell," Leric nods. "I don't know him well, but I know him well enough to know that's probably common. He and Lady Tyrrell have land not so far from my family land, and where Kalindra and I have our lodge."
Mayellen beams at Guan Ho. "Well, it looks like you have two people who could talk to him for you!"
Guan Ho inclines his head respectfully.
"By the way, if you get an interview with him, don't be intimidated. He seems cross all the time; it isn't you." Mayellen laughs good-naturedly.
"Yes, I can drop by for tea someday, once I'm back from Pandaria," Leric nods. "Or I can have my brother do it."
Mayellen gleefully practices Rain of Fire on more scorpid swarms.
"I wonder how Cobalt Company didn't get lost in here," Mayellen says, looking around the orange subterranean maze.
"Perhaps they did, for a time," Miralynn says.
Mayellen nods at Miralynn. "I suppose that is the sort of thing that gets left out of reports," she acknowledges.
"I wouldn't be surprised," Leric nods. "So many passageways."
"It might explain the detail we find in these twisting tunnels," Gabby considers.
Leric chuckles. "That's true. Very good memories after all the time spent.
"Looks like… more dark iron dwarves here?" Leric peers at them. "Leaders of some sort."
"One of the Dark Iron's leaders!" Mayellen says, pointing. "An objective!"
Mayellen marks some things off on a little list she's keeping. Some sort of "quest log."
"Looks like we're still missing a… giant trogg, and another statue," Leric says, thinking back through the mission so far.
"I studied the objectives but I can't seem to translate the map into the reality of navigating this place," Mayellen says with a sigh.
"It must have been frightening at the time," Leric observes. "Not knowing if the whole place would just collapse."
Mayellen nods solemnly.
Gabby sniffs. "There is definitely a high concentration of troggs this way."
"Your nose knows," Leric says with a grin, as we come into more troggs.
"Oh, right, I forgot we have a worgen nose to help us!" Mayellen says. "It's funny, before I knew Jonas was a worgen, I was always so amazed at his sense of smell!" She giggles.
Gabby chuckles softly. "I've always been surprised, myself, at the wolfen traits we retain in our human shapes."
"Ohhhh, that one looks big," Mayellen says, pointing.
"This trogg also has a bunch of friends," Leric says, sizing up the group.
"An entourage," Mayellen says dryly, gathering her focus.
"Any priority target?" Miralynn asks.
"Let's get that basilisk first," Leric says. "I don't like their eyes. Then the trogg with the staff."
"Perhaps the one— yes," Mayellen says.
Miralynn nods and readies herself.
"Well done!" says Mayellen as the coordinated attack makes short work of the trogg and his/her entourage.
"We're brutally effective," Leric nods. "A good team."
"Fine work with the rain of fire, Mrs. Hazan," Gabby says.
Mayellen smiles, pleased. "Do real troggs make that sound?" Mayellen asks.
"At least the Cobalt team must've heard it that way," Leric observes. "The trogg sounds."
"I wondered if it was a glitch. Such a strange sound." Mayellen laughs.
"I'm just delighted they replicated the smell," Gabby says dryly.
"I had not considered the possibility that the magic might be faulty," Miralynn says.
[Mayellen]: "I would expect them to have a deep growl or something, but they sound not unlike the way April does when she's playing."
Leric looks at Mayellen. "Do you find it disturbing?"
"Somewhere between disturbing and comical," Mayellen says. "It's a strange feeling."
Leric pulls open a big door.
"More earthen!" says Mayellen. "Fascinating creatures. Er, people."
"Maybe this will give Gabriella's nose a break," Leric nods.
Gabriella nods solemnly to Leric. "It's much better here. Just dusty. Not horrible."
"They were… fully sapient and even friendly in Northrend, yes?" Mayellen confirms. "The earthen I mean."
"From what I heard," Leric agrees. "I didn't spend much time in the Storm Peaks. But there were people up that way."
Miralynn remains silent during the discussion of Northrend.
"Now I'm curious to review those reports again," says Mayellen. She sounds as though reviewing reports is her idea of a fun Saturday afternoon.
"If I got this right, this should be a mechanism for opening the next door," Leric points at the stand in the center of the room.
"Be ready for anything," Mayellen advises.
Gabby aims her shots at the joints of the stone keepers.
The statues fall, one after another, and the next door opens.
"I think we're on our way to the final objective now," Leric says.
"And we've eliminated a lot of extra enemies too!" Mayellen says with satisfaction. "More points!"
Leric smiles slightly. "Yes, more points."
Mayellen looks like she might want to bask/roll around in the points. "Ohhhhh it's Archaedas…" Mayellen says.
"Here, we'll want to take out any of the little ones that animate," Leric says. "There's no need to rush on the large one."
"Understood," says Mayellen crisply.
"Everyone ready?" Leric asks.
Everyone is ready!
The team brings down Archaedas so fast he doesn't even have time to summon minions!
"It seems he posed little threat to us," Miralynn observes.
"Indeed," Leric says. "Quite the opposite."
Mayellen nods in satisfaction. "Bet we get bonus points for that…" she murmurs.
"A very smooth mission." Guan Ho nods.
The team goes into a treasure room.
"And this is where Cobalt Company discovered the origins of the dwarves!" Mayellen says with a touch of awe.
"Remarkable," Gabby remarks.
"It's rather impressive, seeing all this as if in person," Leric says, turning to examine the treasure room.
"I suppose if you stuffed your pockets full of all that gold it would just dematerialize the moment you left," Mayellen says with a wry tilt to her smile.
Gabriella chuckles. "Likely so."
"I do wonder what use the Titans would have had for it," Miralynn says.
"That's a good question," Mayellen says to Miralynn. "I wonder if the Dark Irons stashed it here somehow - but they wouldn't have gotten the door open. Mysterious."
Gabriella peers at the treasure piles. A mystery has appeared.
"Maybe the earthen or… the troggs?" Leric hazards.
"Either that or the reason our race places such value upon gold stems from our creators," Miralynn posits.
"Or that," Leric nods. "It's possible."
[Mayellen]: "Well, time to go find out our scores! Wonderful meeting you gentlemen, and seeing you ladies again."
Gabby nods. "Good work, everyone."
"A pleasure," Leric bows in a courtly manner.