Strands of Fate Chapter 3: Enemies in the Darkness (Open RP)

[Aitana]

As Aitana's thoughts wandered she felt the memory of a warm hand on her waist. The sensation was pleasant. It reminded her of long ago by the lake in Sunrock Retreat with Kadeshi. If only .... But this was different. It was not simply a memory and it was not the hand of a fine young bull pulling her close for an embrace. The familiar voice of a Sin'dorei caught her attention.

"Aitana," Asarelah whispered respectfully, "forgive me for my disobedience. I should have stopped to explain. But there are times when it's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission, and this was one of them. And there was simply no time..."

"When you return to yourself, IF you will receive me, I humbly beg you to forgive me. For my heart and my hand are yours to command. Now, and always, I am sworn to you, and to our Tribe. All that I am, and ever shall be is your servant... A Servant of Lady Nyx..."

Asarelah withdrew her hand as Aitana returned to her Tauren form. For an instant her eyes flashed, but a word of warning from the guard reminded her to keep herself under control. For the first time since she before she found out about the meeting between Leikos and Asarelah, she could remain calm in Asarelah's presence, but she could find no words. Mercifully one of the guards interupted the moment.

"Follow me, both of you. It is time," and he motioned to where Leikos was waiting for them.

The guard that has spoken lead the way with Aitana and Asarelah following with guards flanking them and more following behind. Under other circumstances Aitana would have laughed at the idea of guards being assigned to keep her from attacking anybody, but the thought did not cross her mind.

[Asarelah]

Asarelah turned a keen eye on her Oracle, making sure that the guard’s order to follow was Tallbear’s desire. Respectfully, Asarelah kept pace with Aitana, as the Oracle gave a nod of compliance and stepped forward under the guard’s direction.

While no formal words of forgiveness had been spoken by Tallbear, Lah could sense that the wall between them had dropped somewhat and that the lines of communication, if not completely open, were not slammed shut as they had been for weeks gone past.

With much of that load of sadness lifted from her, she walked calmly one pace behind Aitana, and was stunned to see whom the guards conducted them toward. In the clearing ahead stood none other than the Warrior Commander that she had so admired for long and long... Commander Leikos Darkwood of Al’shar lo Dor’ano.


Astonished at the proximity to one that she held in such high regard, and admired far beyond that of a Nyxian Officer and Diplomat’s appreciation of a brilliant strategist and battle master - and him facing the Oracle, his speech being translated - she was no less chagrinned when the Nyxian Rogue Tsaphaan appeared behind her, along with Huntress Cobriana of Assault on the Alliance. Not long after, the Lord Vindicator Jeriden Dawnbringer of Hands of the Phoenix strode up to the gathering. And finally her shock was complete when the Justicar Heimdel, of Kingship of the East, took a position at her side.... How they all knew to appear here, and at this time, were beyond her, and she did not ask.


She sent a guarded whisper to Aitana, using her hearthstone. “Thank the Gods Howling is not awake… He would slay us all, just for me being here among these particular men.... and me first!!” At which Aitana could only send back a silent agreement that the bull would indeed react and most violently. But Lah could see that the Oracle’s shoulders no longer held any sign of tension, and she could tell that the whisper had indeed made Aitana more light hearted than she had been.

In her bemused state, surrounded as she was by men that she held in high regard, and doing her best to prevent any fighting between any of them, Asarelah was not able to follow much of the conversation.




She did catch sight of Blood Runes coming momentarily alive and dancing on her garments, and looked up in time to see them skittle across Aitana’s tabbard also, as Leikos held forth the Dagger that was used in the attempt on Aitana’s life some time back. But then Darkwood put hand to an amulet of some sort, and the brilliant lightening display quieted down.

Then she heard the announcement by Darkwood that he was leaving… going in to the Dream… and not likely to return.

“Leikos, you are leaving? Noooooo…. !!!” Asarelah wailed, and heard very little more of anything else that was said.

She stood by silently, tears rolling down her face, and did her best to memorize every crag, worry line, and battle scar upon the old Warrior’s face; a face that she had come to not only respect and admire, but hold very dear. While nothing of a personal nature had ever passed between them, the possibilities had been there, and the knowledge that now they could never be acted upon, ever, all but dropped her to her knees.


And then he was gone. Walked away, and vanished. No trace of him could she feel within her hearthstone. A dirge shrilled past her lips, the wail making all around her wince, and she collapsed where she stood, as the last traces that whispered of Leikos Darkwood vanished from her mind - just as the last wisps of smoke from a dying ember float away on the still night air.

Time had no meaning, and was lost to her in her sorrow. Through a buzzing, ringing in her ears, she vaguely heard Tsaphaan and Heimdel fighting nearby. And she heard Dawnbringer tell the Oracle that the Nightwarder would need rest and quiet to recover from this loss. Asarelah felt his arms go gently under her as he lifted and carried her, at Aitana’s bidding, to rest in the nearby Inn.

She could feel Aitana and Jeriden standing watch over her, while she fought to gain control of the sobs wracking her slight frame, trying by force of will to drag her mind back to the here and now. She distantly heard the Oracle tell Dawnbringer that she would not be left alone until she had recovered her wits; along with Aitana's sharp command that, save the Oracle, no one was to touch her - and most especially not any of the men that were present.

Dawnbringer quietly voiced his agreement and stood guard with the Oracle, watching over the grief stricken Lady whom he had chosen to champion, even though she walked alone, and was bound to no man.

[Aitana]

Aitana lifted and gazed at the pendant. As she examined the old trinket, it shimmered brightly releasing its energy. She felt its power flow through her body, absorbing the runes from Theotaz’s armor. Immediately Theotaz calmed down. The effect was dramatic and immediate. She remembered the night when Commander Leikos Darkwood had used it on her.

Memories of that evening filled her with sadness. He had been one of the very few people among the Alliance that she truly respected and trusted. His act of sacrifice was one that left her in his debt forever. She vowed to honor that debt for as long as she lived; she owed him that. She would remember that evening forever.

She had approached him surrounded by guards and Nightwarder Asarelah Trueheart. At first she did not understand what he was telling her. The language barrier still remained, despite Asarelah’s young cousin, Arielah ,was available to translate. But there was something else; something she had not been aware of at the time. His words did not penetrate her mind because it was under a fog, caused by the dark magic tied to the runes.

Leikos had pulled out a blade and Aitana recognized it immediately. It was the same one that the assassin had tried to use on her. She had erupted into a rage and threatened him with the wrath of doom. She would have attempted to kill him on the spot if the guards had not restrained her. Then he had pulled out a pendant, it had shimmered brightly then faded, and suddenly the fog had cleared.

The clarity had left her head spinning. Leikos smiled weakly and coughed before continuing on with the explanation. The pendant was the key to solving the problem with the runes and it was the runes that were causing uncharacteristic behavior among the Horde as well as the Alliance. While Leikos could easily remedy the problem with the members of the Alliance, he could not reach the affected members of the Horde. With only one faction cured, the aggression between the Horde and Alliance would only continue to escalate. In time, the situation would get to the point where both factions would become desperate and be thrown into yet another bloody and costly war. As long as the runes existed, there was the danger they could spread their taint. Leikos had done his part and eliminated them from the Alliance. He charged her to eliminate them from the Horde. With that he held out the pendant and handed it to Aitana.

In a stunned silence Aitana took it. Again Leikos smiled weakly and coughed, but this time the cough seemed deeper.

“Have you become ill?”

“In a manner of speaking, you might say that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I will put it simply. That pendant sustains my life force. Without it, I cannot exist within the lands of Azeroth.”

“What? What on Azeroth do you mean by that?”

The old Kaldorei had slumped slightly, but pulled himself upright and continued. “Without it, I will fade.” He motioned Aitana and Asarelah to silence as they protested. “It is a sacrifice that I am willing to make and it must be made. I will pass on to the Emerald Dream.” He had smiled wanely, “You must not follow me,” he had commanded sternly.

Asarelah had become lost in her grief. At some point her champion Jeridan Dawnbringer had arrived and moved forward to comfort her. Aitana had nodded at the warrior’s back as he left. Aitana had felt a profound sense of loss. Words and tears had failed her.

Mercifully the mission he had charged her had provided a distraction. Her first task had been clear; to remove the runes from Asarelah’s clothing. It was the first of many times that the trinket shimmered as it had released its energy and she had felt its power flow through her body, absorbing the runes from the armor of those present.

[Theotaz]

The hall of the house of Theotaz was quiet. All of the house were present. Theotaz sat quietly apon the mats before the fire. His minion beside him. Svalina sat in one of the chairs worrying some needlework. Khelioshram spralled across some cushions nearby. The younglings Stasha, Strana, and Dulucre sat apon large cushions strewn about.

Theo turned from the fire finally. "Gone. The runes are gone. Once de process was started dey unravelled like an old frayed bit of Nitting. Khelio, do we know de source?" Khelio rolled up the scroll she had been scribing and sealed a ribbon about it. "Nothing certain old friend. Al'sar lo Dor'ana may know but they are not sharing the information. I will continue to pursue leads but the trail grows ever more cold, and old. The only thing I can say is it may, I repeat may have been set it motion by Arthus. But I am troubled by such an assumption. It is... was... far to subtle. Arthus was never known for subtlety." Theotaz nodded. "I agree. I tink maybe we gots another player on de scene. But who?" Theotaz rubbed the fragment of dragon scale in between his fingers. "Your friends sent dis?" Kheliosrham nodded in affermation. "I had an alchemest check it over. There is a taint of Adamantite on it." Theotaz frowned. His head cocked at an angle. His eyes hooded deep in thought. "Dat cannot be.."

Svalina broke into the quietness. "Deathwing was never confirmed destroyed. I have asked the aspects. The bronze tell me that he is seen in the future. It maybe that this was not aimed at us" Theotaz rose to his feet. "It was aimed at us girl. You forget who de Lady Nyx is. Al'shar lo Dor'ano was simply caught up into it. I am vera afraid now. de storm it be come'n. De Lady and de Oracles must be informed. Liekos has sacrificed a great deal." A tear appeared in Theotaz's eye, rolling down past his tusk. "We must not let his sacrifice be in vain."

He looked about to all present. "Stasha, is it still your intent to join your cousin who be serve'n wid de alliance in the Umbral Shadows?" Stasha lifted her chin. "As soon as I am ready my lord." Theotaz nodded. "Svalina, you will see dat she be prepared. We must get her dat staff." Svalina nodded. "Serim, you will continue to stand beside de young Tauren Partedhoof?" Serim rose and saluted "Lok'Tar. I will. I have sworn it, and it shall be done. For the honor of the Hoard, the honor of Nyx, and the honor of the House of Theotaz." Theotaz nodded to the Orc Huntress. Khelio pointed at the old Death Knight. "And what of you Theotaz? What will you do?"

Theotaz gave a sad shake of his head. "For now, I do not know. I tink maybe be time for me to visit de islands of my homeland. To once again look apon the home of de Zandelar people. I have not seen home in 100 years. It be time. You and Svalina will hold de house while I be gone. I will be back, but it be not soon. I am tired child, and sore to ma soul. I need to remember life. I be justa hearth call away you know." He smiled a gentle sad smile. "I got questions for de oldest of de old of ma people dat need ask'n. De time of Zandalar nutrality be ending soon i tink. We shall see. Khelio, You will see de Oracles, and de lady Nyx. I will go sleep now. In de morning, I begin ma journy" Theotaz turned and exited to his private chambers.

Svalina saw that Theo's minion had not followed him. "Why do you stay Ghoul? Follow your master." The Ghoul shook its head. "I freeeeee now. I goo Asharaaaa. I go Moonwell. I go tennnnd. keeep safe... keep plaaace for Elune. Eluuune nice. Liiike flowerssss." The Ghoul pulled a map out. "heeere map, showww mooooonwell. Youuu come.. visit... berrriiiing offferiiing to Eluneeee" The ghoul left the map scroll on the table., and slid quietly out to the front door. "coooommmmeee soooon. I nooot want tooooo missss you. Gooodddbyyyyy" The creature slid out the door and disspeared into the night. Svalina looked at Kheliosram. Tears welled up in her eyes and with a sob she fled the room. Khelio sat very still for a moment, then spoke. "you all know your duties.. Serim, go now to Thunderbluff. Young Parted will need you." The Huntress nodded, grabed her pack and made her way out the door. "I'm going to go see to Sva. I trust you two.." she looked to Stasha and Dulucre "..can keep out of mischif for the evening?" They both nodded with subdued but shocked looks on thier faces. "Good. Dulucre prepare a light meal for the house. Something that can be eaten cold. Prepare travel food for Theotaz. At least a moths worth. He will be gone for awhile. Stasha, I suspect he could use some help."

Khelio rose and made her way down the ajoining hallway. Svalina's door was locked. The sound of deep sobs could be heard through the thick wooden portal. Khelio quietly slipped the lock and went inside. Her spirit sister needed her. While she had not expected Theo to act so quickly she was not surprised. She had known Theo from the day he adapted her out of the Orgrimaar orphanage and the signs had been there to see. Theo was sick to his heart. and deathy tired. She hoped he would return, and was sure he would, but he did need to go. She wished him well. Svalina's head was buried in her pillows. Khelio sat as lightly as she could on the bed. She would notice her presence when she was ready.

[Theotaz]

The last gusts of wind from the evenings storm tossed and swirled the great cloak around the old trolls form. The Captain of the goblin paddlewheel eyed the troll. "We can take you to the outer islands, but thats as far as I'll take this ship. And I don't do pick ups." Theotaz gave a nod. "Dats not be'n a problem for me mon. From der I make my own way. You fee be steep, but acceptable." The captain held his hand out for the money which Theotaz handed over without comment. The goblin gave a toss of the coins and waved the Death Knight aboard. Theotaz found himself a spot on the second deck and made himself comfortable. The ship would cast off within the hour. A few others came aboard. One night elf coming aboard gave the troll an eye narrowed look. Theo gave the elf a moments respectfull attention.

The ship pulled out of harbor and set course without incedent. The first two days went quietly but on the evening of the third the Night Elf Theo had seen board approched him with obvious warriness. Theo expected to have to pay one of the goblins to translate for a conversation he didn't want to have. In accentless draconic the night elf addressed him "You are the Death Knight Theotaz of Nyx?"
Theo's lifted his tusks in surprise. "I am he." The Night Elf smiled. "I know the Lady Baast, she has spoken of you. She spoke of your bone white hair. It is distinktive."

Theo looked the Night Elf over. He carried nothing other then a mildly ornate dagger. This was not a warrior. yet he had a certain strength about himself. He looked to be a merchant or artisan of some sort. "Who be you young master?"
"I am the stonemason Geristan, and am but a journeyman sir." Theotaz pondered this for a moment. "You be no mere journeyman who be speak'n de Draconic." he declared. "youse be a little bit suspicious mak'n Mon's! So what be you com'n up to a Death Knight girded for war?" The Elf paled and stammered out out an objection and apology. Theotaz felt some amusement. He noticed some of the Goblin crew gathering within viewing distance.

The gave a slight smile. "If we fight I might just be to let you win. It mess wid de goblins making bets right now behind ya." Theo said with a wave. The elf grinned back. "Wait untill one of hem offer money to make me last longer then 5 seconds. I know some dance moves. Make sure they pay you first." Theotaz stroked his chin. "Dats a thought, and dey likely fall for it." The Elf nodded "Certainly, and threaten to tell thier friends how they got suckered if they refuse to pay. No Goblin bet is considered worthwile with out a reputation at stake!"

Theotaz's mouth twitched with a barely suppressed laugh. He waved the elf to a seat. "Be seated young elf. You humor interests me, and I will be wid dis ship a bit longer. Tell me of when you last saw de lady Baast, and how is she?" The Elf took a seat on the deck tailor fashion befor replying. "She is will sir. She said you were... approchable.." Theotaz looked out over the railing. "Aye, tis so mon. Alliance and horde can choose to not be fight'n each udda or dey can be choos'n to be kill'n each udda and then die when de Artus's armies attack. I choose to not contribute to de death of my people and your's." The Elf nodded. Theotaz turned his gaze back to the Elf in observation. "You seem very young for an elf?" Geristan nodded in reply. "Yes sir, I am. I was born during the third war. My parents fled Silvermoon for Teldrissil when the scourge attacked. My parents are both dead now. The Lady Baast's family sponsored me to the masons when I became of age to take a trade. I help to build temples to Elune now."

"Ah!" Theotaz axclaimed. "The moon goddess. She has appeared to me, and I honor her, and what she represents. De loa dey unda stand dis." Geristan face took on a troubled and puzzled look. "How can this be? I have never heard of such a thing?"
Theotaz chuckeled with such energy that his deadlocks shook with his merriment. "Dat be because not such a ting it eva be happen'n in dis world. De older tribes and septs of de trolls have turned away from de old gods for the most part. Dey honor de ancestors, de Loa spirits of Nature. I choose to be honoring Elune for what she has done for myself and those I care for. Dat be mak'n me kinda a differnt for a troll fore certain young one."

Geristan contemplated what he had been told quietly. He spoke again a few moments later. "Will you be with the ship long sir? I would know more if you would permit it." Theotaz shook his head sadly. "Tis not to be young one." Theotaz pointed to some clouds in the far distance. "Dis steamer be pulling into shallower water soon and will put me off ina boat to de shore of de island that sit unda dem clouds. I will be near de end of ma journey." It will be a few short hours yet. we should be der by nightfall." The elf appently knew of Theotaz's plans A sly but hopefull look crossed his face. "Would you like a..ahhh. travelling companion?" Theotaz looked sharply at the young elf. "You be vera brave young elf, but dat would be very foolish. I myself have not been to dis islands in over 60 years. Even I may be turned back as too tained by de outside world. I can summon a death gate and return at any time. You would not be able too. I accept your offer, but I must refuse it. I would not like to be responsible for leading you to your death or enslavement. It must be no." But he gave a smile. "But there is some tings you can do for me if you would be so kind."

The elf looked puzzled. "what is it you need?" Theotaz pulled out a map case. and unrolled a map from it of Azshara. "Here is a moonwell at the site of an old temple. It need a small gazebo built nearby for those that might worship der. Der is a ghoul dat lives der. It is called Crypt Kicker and it will not harm you. It guards this holy place. But it knows nothing of the working of stone. If you can find time in your travels to assist it I would be most gratefull. My house will see that you are compensated for your labor. The priestess Svalina will see that you have what you need. The ghoul will know how to contact her." The elf pondered for a short while and answered. "I will do this thing Lord Theotaz, in honor of Elune, and to honor your kindness."

Any further conversation was lost as the steamer's paddlewheel groaned into reverse with the rattle of an anchor chain releasing. The voice of the goblin captain came from the wheel house to put a boat over the side. Theotaz looked at the Elf. It is time for me to go young one." Theotaz quickly scratched out a letter and sealed it. "Take this letter and map wid you. It is a pass into Horde lands. No officer or serving warrior of the Horde will refuse your passage as long as you hold this. Who knows, you may even get to meet the warchief Thrall. I suggest that you go through Horde lands from Theramore. Lady Jaina Proudmore will point you on your way. and will provide an escort as far as horde holdings. May Elune be wid you. May de loa and de spirits of your ancestors guide you and keep you from harm young one."

The captain of the steamer walked up. "All right Death Knight. Your gear is allready loaded on the boat so if your mightiness doesn't mind to much... get off my ship so we can get out of these troll cursed waters." Theotaz notices that apparently the entire crew of the steamer was on deck anxously scanning the ocean about the ship. All of the crew was heavily armed. Theotaz turned to the elf. "It was good to meet you young elf. But remember dis. Not all of the horde will be kind and willing to listen first. Treat dem all wid de care you would treat a human knight who be renown for dey touchiness on maters of honor. SOme folk can be stupid stubborn. Peace onto you." Theotaz gave a deep courtly bow and strode off to the waiting boat. In moments the Deathknight was be rowed swiftly to the nearby shore by the boats crew. Geristan watched as the boat grounded and the goblins unloaded the Deathknights baggage with phenominal speed and put back out to sea to the waiting steamer. WIth a short time the boat and crewmen were onboard and the ships anchor was hauled onto the deck to the clatter of the ships paddlewheel thumping into motion. He heard the captain calling for more steam as sparks flew from the ships funnel.

He could see Theotaz standing apon the shore. On impulse he waved. Theotaz the Death Knight obviously saw him and waved back. As the ship pulled away from the island Geristan could see a line of shadows advance out of the jungle along the beach. He pulled a spyglass to look at a scene that made him ill. The Death knight troll turned to those approching to give apparent greeting and was struck by several thrown axes. He screamed to the capatin of the ship to turn back. The captain refused and told him if he wished to save his new troll friend he was welcome to jump overboard and swim to his aid but the ship wasn't stopping for anything. Geristan turned the spyglass back towards the beach In the waning light he could see that Theotaz was fighting. Magical energies were being released that obscured the scene for a moment. What he saw next he would never forget. A spear had been rased with the troll death knight head apon it, obvious from his distinctive hair.

Geristan fell to the deck stunned by what he had seen. Within moments the meal he had ate that morning came up. The troll captain was by him a moment later handing him a skin of water and a rag. "I tried to tell him boy, but he wouldn't listen. These Islands are Taboo." Geristan looked at the captain. "But he's a Death Knight. He cannot die!" The goblin looked at him with a look of deadly amusement. "Those are trolls boy. There are worse things then death. Who knows, maybe you'll see him again. But I suspect it will be awhile before you do. Now I gotta ship to command. Get below to your cabin boy. And you get sick on my deck again and you'll be cleaning it up if you please!" he said with a slight sneer.

Geristan looked at the letter in his hand. The script was orchish. "Captain, what does this say?" The Goblin peered at the document his eyes widened in surprise. "It says... This is the elf Geristan who has agreed to perform labor for House Theotaz in service to Nyx. He is to pass freely and be rendered all assitance under the authority of Theotaz, The Lady Nyx, War chief Thrall, and the Lady Jaina Proudmore. Refuse him nothing within reason nor hold him or restrict him in any way." The Captains jaw hung open for a moment in surprise. "That was Theotaz of Nyx? Cripes! I've heard of him, and Nyx. They're being forced to a state of war by those idiots of the Kingship of the East. Damd bunch of thieves and criminals. No Goblin worthy of keeping thier profit will have anything to do with those morons. Buch a damd trouble makers. Unfortunatly, They're serious trouble makers. You now got some powerfull friends and dangerous enemies boy. You might want to dump that letter over the side and pretend this never happened." Geristan shook his head in a no. "I gave my word. I will do what he asked." The Captain just shook his head and muttered about insane elves as he walked off. He stopped a moment and turned around. "We'll be in Theramore in 5 days boy. If you truely intend to follow through then I'll let you off there... but I ain't refund'n you any of your passage money." Geristan gave a wave of his hand as he turned back to the railing to watch the coastline and its terrors recede in the distance. He would need to write the lady Baast at the earliest opportunity. She would want to know about this.


(OOC P.S. This Story Aint Over Yet... Theotaz Will Return)

(OOC P.P.S. The Character Theotaz is has been pulled from the Guild pending what the future brings.. Svalina is now my main... the future is not yet written, but I feel it is unfair to others to have a character held on the guild rolls which may not be played. My reasons for this are my own. Those that know me well either allready know why or can ask me in the future if they are so moved to do so. Theres all ready been far far to much drama over recent events for my tastes. Svalina will carry bravely on and much laundry soap WILL be sold! <friendly wave to all!>