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

[Leikos Darkwood]

Weeks has passed since the costly battle with the newly reinforced Nyxian Army. Nyx had bolstered their forces with several new orders, most obvious was the soldiers of Hand of the Phoenix. The maneuver had been impressive. Nyx had learned quickly what they would require to match up against the veteran Task Force. Nevertheless, it had also ended any chance for negotiations. It was obvious to Leikos that their no longer was reason to attempt any peaceful talks or solutions.

Warburn and Asarelah had been affected by the runes. He had also suspected that Aitana had been affected as well, as Leikos had later learned that it was indeed her that had ordered the army to assemble. It was also clear that the dagger had a strong connection to them. During the battle had had witnessed other Nyxian soldiers with runes upon them flaring up. The same had been with those Alliance that had been marked in recent weeks. Leikos had kept the dagger under his protection since that day. It never left his person. He had grown far more cautious and all his communications with anyone had been strictly through letter or communication crystal. No one knew where he was or where he was going. Yet, it was only a matter of time before he came from the shadows once more.

During the Task Force’s recovery, he had visited several old acquaintances; some upstanding and some rather unsavory. With the right contacts, a few old favors, and the right amount of gold Leikos had uncovered a few pieces of information. In his possession now was a possible means to an end. It wasn’t pretty, it wouldn’t be easy to pull off, and there would likely be causalities but it was the only option the old Kaldorei could see. He hadn’t told anyone about his plan. Things had become so jaded, there was no one he could turn to and entrust the information to.

“I do not fear the Shadows, I embrace them. Doing so gives me the strength to battle back the true Darkness. Elune grant me the strength to carry out this task…”

[Leikos Darkwood]

The Moonglade was always a peaceful reminder of why Leikos had chosen to soldier. There were places still in the world where tranquility reigned over everything else. This was due to those that had chosen to stand against the Darkness. He had sworn in millennia past to always be a shield against the forces that would move to disrupt places like the Moonglade. When choosing to take up such a burden, one had to have a clear understanding that he could not exist in such a place. In becoming that shield, one always pushed themselves further away from that which they protected. Nevertheless, it gave Leikos great satisfaction knowing what he did allowed others to live free and in peace. It was his charge, his purpose.

Leikos proceeded towards the Stormrage Barrow Dens. They dens were still assaulted by the Nightmare but at times of uncertainty, Leikos could think of fewer places to find answers. Even with the turmoil of the area, there was still a feeling of wisdom and knowledge that seeped from within the ancient ruins. He found a secluded spot and sat down to meditate. Within a few moments, he was within a deep trance.

Several hours passed before he came to once more. Darkstar, his trusted war saber, stepped from the shadows and let out a low growl. Leikos rubbed the massive cat’s jaw line and then hopped into the saddle. Leikos guided the saber through the terrain leading towards the back entrance of Nighthaven Village. He began searching for an elder druid he had known for a long time. He had wished to tell him of his plan to destroy the runes and lift the haze from both Horde and Alliance. As he pondered how best to explain the situation, Leikos was brought to a halt by a figure he had spotted from afar. It was Aitana of Nyx…

[Aitana]

This was the one place where peace was the rule, not the exception in all of Azeroth. The druids of the Cenarion Circle enforced a cease to open warfare between the Horde and Alliance that visited them in their town of Moonglade. Just the breathing the air seemed to calm Aitana’s spirit.

It took her only moments to find the one she sought. If anybody could help her, it would be Rabine Saturna. He listened politely as she explained the situation and the series of events that had brought her to him. After over an hour of discussion, she felt as lost as ever. His answers were cryptic. He even had the nerve to suggest that the answers she sought might lie with her enemy Leikos.

It took all the self-control she had to keep from making the attempt to wipe the indulgent smile off his face when the runes flared. At his suggestion she left the building to seek a quite place to meditate. As he directed, she did not go far. She took her favorite form as a treant. There was always something soothing about the feeling of roots in the earth.

The slight vibrations of the earth roused her from her meditations. She could see a kaldorei warrior on a war saber in the distance. She returned to her Tauren form. A wave of rage passed through her. Apparently it was no coincidence that elder druid had mentioned Leikos.

Rabine must have been aware of her state of mind and gotten word of the approach of Leikos. He joined her along with several guards. Again she resisted the urge to lash out; she would not defile this place. His expression was gentle although he spoke very firmly.

“You will take no action and you will listen to him.”

[Asarelah]

The Oracle had been gone; precisely where to, no one could say. But gone she was. The last meeting she had with her errant Nightwarder, Aitana had all but spat at Lah, so great was Tallbear's rage over Asarelah's apparent loyalty shift. And nothing Lah could do seemed to calm the blazing light of anger glaring in forthright fury at her from Aitana's eyes.

Sighing to herself, she continued to tend her duties to the Lady and Tribe Nyx. Now and then, she put her hand to her hearthstone, trying as she might to catch a dim whisper of Aitana's thoughts. And finally, there was something: while all she could hear was a low rumble of turmoil from the Oracle, she tasted cool clean air with a hint of a pure and pristine Moonwell in the background.

"AH!" Lah thought to herself. "She said she needed to think. She's gone off to the Moonglade then!"

Still worried about her last meeting with the Al'shar Commander, and the need to resolve any lingering conflict, she pushed hard against her hearthstone, trying to reach the Oracle's troubled mind.

"Aitana, forgive me for intruding, but I need to see you. I come."

[Aitana]

It was all Aitana could do to retain some level of control. Leikos was here. The one that had defied her orders and had acted as a betrayer of the Horde with this... this... this elf was on her way. She took the shape of a tree and dug her roots in the ground. Slowly the rage subsided.

[Asarelah]

One hand to her hearthstone, the other on the reins of her fastest mount, Asarelah leaned hard in to her Mind Vision to see where the Oracle abided within the Moonglade. The images coming back were full of the strength of the earth, of roots burried deep underground, drinking the sweet cool clear water that runs pristine underground. There was also a scent of new leaves dancing on the crisp air of spring, as if the Oracle had just planted herself in Treeform.

Pulling up into a clearing, she spied Aitana, and she was in fact a Tree. Dismounting, Lah quietly approached Tallbear with her head bowed, and came to kneel within the shadowy overhang of her most beloved Oracle's branches.

One hand on her heart, the other she placed on the sturdy wooden cloak that Aitana now sheltered within. Lah could feel the pulsebeat of Aitana's lifeblood, coursing through the wood, giving it a sheen of health and new growth.

"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..."

[Theotaz]

(somewhere in Azshara at a shattered Temple.)

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Greetings and Salutations onto you Theotaz;

I have progressed well along the course you suggested. I should achive my 80th season very shortly, and with your permission will be passing the Tattered Dreadmist Matle and Robe to my younger cousin Stasha the mage. I have endevored to aquire raimiment appropriate to my skills, and am fully equipped as best I am able at this time to deal with the depridations of alliance raiders and freebooters.

Kheliosrham has reteurned to Orgrimaar from her extended covert mission observing the activities of AL'shar lo Dor'ano. Apparntly the Al'shar are regrouping. She has picked up rumors of contact between thier leadership and some of our elders. Apparently talk around Darnassus, Iron Forge, Stormwind and Exodar has been full of rumors. Khelio reports that opinions and feelings have been running strongly against the recent actions of the Kingship of the East Apparently the common citizenry feel that Kingships activities have been enflammetory and counter productive to maintaining the peace. There is a even a rumor that Lady Jaina Proudmore of Theramore has censured the Kingship, and will not permit them to operate freely in her realm. Khelio was unable to confirm this particular rumor, though she says she did try to get more information.

The younglings are doing well, and Dulucre asked me to confirm to you the the houses finances while a bit thin are in good order. I shall be turning over my earning to the household. You have done so much for me, that I cannot help feeling a little guilty at some of your own projects you have put off for my benifit. Perhapes this will allow you to finish several of your own ongoing projects for yourself, and the house.

I shall write again as soon as I have more news. I have befriended both the Tuskar, and the Tunka in Northrend. They are both a most gracious and curteous people, and the elders of both have asked me to pass on to you thier gratitude for your actions for them in seasons past. They remember you fondly and send their reguards.

I pray this finds you in good health. We are all concerned for you, and hope that what ever has been troubling you so much as to prompt your taking time away from us all shall soon be resolved.
The palidan Nattura asks after you, as does Onille.

Lok'Tar my teacher

Svalina
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Theotaz read the letter again. Crypt Kicker scuttled over "isss goood? everyonesss goood? the ghoul asked. Theo reached a hand to the ghouls shoulder giving it a reassuring sqeeze "Dey all be well my little friend. Dey be tink'n of us. Dey be worried. Get me ma pack. I must send a quick note in reply lett'n dem know all be well." The ghoul scuttle off to the pile of gear inside the field pavillion to fetch the requested items. He returned momentarily and handed theo his pack. "master write leeetttteeerr. Maaster waait to send..wait for meee, I want seeend a thiiing." Theo nodded his aquesence. "Best hurry little one. I not be tak'n me long to be writting dis." The Ghoul nodded and scrurried off into the underbrush. Theo wrote quickly in his bold strong hand. He assured them all that he was well, and was resting. He explained that this was a spiritual retreat as much as anything and that he would return fairly soon. He had just signed his name when Crypt Kicker came scrambling back. He had to flat pieces of titanium stock that he laid down in front of Thoetaz. The ghoul carefully untied the leather thong that held the two plates together. Between the to metal plates were several small flowers, some quite delicate. The ghould looked up.. "pressss flowerrressss for ladieeees. You sennnnddd?" Theo gazed at the ghoul for a moment. "why you little charmer! Of course I be sending dem for you." Theo quickly added a post script to the letter saying the pressed flowers were from the ghoul. Folding up the latter with the flowers inside he quickly melted some sealing wax onto the parchment and impressed his seal into the cooling wax.

Sliding the letter inside a tube, he tied it to the jesses of the messenger bat that had arrived that morning. Feeding the bat a bit of fruit he released it. The bat flitted about for a few moments and then shot off like an arrow towards orgrimmar to the south. He handed his bag to the goul who with out a word slid off to return the item to the pavillion.

He turned to his guest who had been politly waiting. The night elf Baast had been patiently waiting while he read his letter, and wrote his reply. Her Orcish was improving rapidly. Theo had attempted to try and teach her some trollish, but she had made it clear she was quite unwilling to learn his peoples language. He could understand her reticence and was not dissapointed because of it. The members of her patrol waited quietly, but alertly at the edge of the forest. Apparently they had been both shocked, and after a bit amused at the antics of Crypt Kicker. That he had shyly brought them a tray of Tauren way rations, and sweet wine along with several flower leis had disconcerted them earlier. While not overtly warming to the ghoul (again quite understandable) they no no longer were ready to turn the ghoul into an undead target dummy.

Apparently the Ghoul also knew some words of Darnassian. Theo was uncertain if that was good or bad but the night elves had held to their orders of no aggression unless attacked.

"Lady Baast, my compliments. Your outriders hold dem selves well." Theo spoke as the Ghoul scampered over to the band with a fresh filled skin of water, and some more more wine. "Dey be fine soldiers"

Baast nodded to the compliment. She had been speaking with him for the last hour about what had been happening lately. There had been few confrontations between the AL'shar and Nyx the last few weeks. Tempers had cooled. What ever the next move would be in this game he could not forsee. The recent agression on the part of Kingship of the east had been nasty, with Nyx forces taking it on the chin in a couple fights. But Nyx warriors had been dealing Kingship forces some nasty defeats in small scirmishes. Word was that Kingship considered it a war. Theotaz shook his head at the thought. He wondered how this "King" Hinik could have risen to a position of leadership yet be so ir-risponsible in his actions. He doubted that Hinik was acting with sanction from any of the alliance capitals. He conversation with Baast had clarified that much to him. What to do about it was another matter. Niether the horde nor the alliance could afford this sort of distraction.

Another thought accoured to Theotaz and he broached it to Baast. "You recall that when Stormwinds king was kidnapped agents of the burning blade were implicated. Cultists had managed to turn humans in Thereamore to thier cause. Perhapes there might be a way to check. Has Kingship been turned?" The night elfs face turned ugly for a moment. her reply indignant that Theotaz would consider such a thing. He reminded her that the burning blade played apon the weakness of the spirit. Always ready to offer support or aid to those who would work in the shadows for them. Always ready to offer power. That they had a fairly bad record of delivery apon those same promises was of no matter. The blade never took thier agent provocatures into thier true confidence, but they did pay them well. He explained that everything he had hear reported of this Hinik certainly fit the profile of the type of agent the Blade tended to recruit.

He noted to her at least three confrontations with Nyxian warriors where Hinik had fled from combat leaving his own warriors unsupported and vulnerable. Very much the standard of behavior for the cult of the burning blade. He reassured her it was a suspicion on his part but perhapes Al'shar lo Dor'ano could look into it. The burning Blade and by extention the Lich King were infamous for the subtlety of thier conspiricies and plans. Most likely the rank and file of Kingship of the East had no inkling if this was so, but if Hinik was indeed a covert agent acting for the Burning Blade he was in a unique position to cause a great deal of trouble for both the horde and the alliance. Arthus wanted the Horde and Alliance at war with each other, giving him time to finish building his own armies. Alliance and Horde could work out thier differnces after Arthus and the Burning Legion had been delt with. Fighting each other would only weaken them for the attacks to come.

"Lady Baast. We are beeing set up by dis devils. I have done my best to share all dat I have found out, all of my suspicions wid de Al'shar. If King ship is turned it is imperitive mon dat it be delt wid. Day regiments be to numerous and powefull to simply ignore. If dis Hinik be turned by de Burning Blade it be imperitive dat he be placed under arrest and prevented from causing further harm. If Thrall can riegn in de son of Doomhammer, den de alliance can do dis. I am certain dat both Al'shar, and Nyx have been successfully infiltrated by our enemies and dat der be agent provoceturs wid in de ranks. I urge you... find them. And I suggest, do not kill them, or imprison dem, but create a maskarova about dem so dat dey see what we want dem to see, and hear what we want dem to hear. Dey must be nutralized wid out dey be'n aware of it so dat we can operate more freely. I will bring myself alone, un armed, and unarmored if need be. I will submit to questioning under torture if need be to prove to your own leadership the sincerity of what I belive may be true if dat be what it take. O'course I hope it don't be com'n to dat. None de less, I am honor bound to try. And I give to you dis word of mine. Der will be no rescue attempt dis time. DIs be de road of honor. It be niether easy, nor gentle, and its demands be great. But I will do dis if that be what it take."

Baast listend to what he said. What happened next would be up to her. "I will stay here. No one in Nyx know dis place 'cept for de Lady Asarelah, and even she might have trouble finding it again after but one visit in de middle of de night. Go quickly and tell dem. Go now girl and tarry not."

Baast rose and Theotaz rose with her. He gave her his most courty bow. She turned to go, looking over her shoulder at the Death Knight and his ghoul companion. Theo could sense nothing of the Night Elfs thoughts in her eyes or her face. If a short number of strides she had rejoined her companions. The party of elves dissapered into the wood with Baast trailing. She turned her tiger just befor the shadows of the trees and flipped a salute as her mount reared and clawed the air.

Theotaz waved his farewell. He felt a tug on his armor. "Dangerrrr thingg maaaster do... wooorrried for maaster am..." Theo looked down. "Yes my little friend. And if dey come you will stay here and guard dis place, and my arms and armor. If I go, I go with nothing but a robe." the Ghoul moved in front of Theotaz facing him. "No, NO, go with maaaster alll ways.. not leave behind..no" Theo shook his head. "Yes, you will stay behind.. and will keep this place safe for Elune. And if I do not come back then the Goddess will look after you my little loyal friend." He crounched down in front of the Ghoul "You are so much more then what you were when I first called you forth. I know that Elune will protect you as you defend and care for this place. Now go for a bit. I must meditate my little friend." The ghouls shoulder slumped, its desire defeated by Theotaz's will. It started to move off then stopped and turned back "Meditationnnn like prayerrrr?" it asked. Theo nodded in the affirmative. "then I stayyyy with masterr. I meditate... prayyyy with master." Theo nodded his aquessence, and the two settled down each to his own thoughts.

[Warzen]

War Journal of Warzen page 834

This evening i woke up from my tomb when i noticed seven glowing shapes on my robes and garments thought nothing of it since i deal with arcane and demonic things all the time, for some reason i felt a blood thirst more than my daily urge. shrugged it off and walk through the shadow door to over see a demonic trial where a succubus had stole the life energy of her former master. Through out the day i felt more and more agitated lashing out at minor annoinces like when the convicted said it wasnt my fault i tossed a curse of agony upon her insted of the the usaul curse of tounges. After the trials i went back to have a nibble of tauren stew i ahd prepared the previous day. I felt a daze and overwelming urge to vent my fustrations upon some living after my meal. I quickly put on my armor and open a shadow gate to the other continent there i found many things to release my anger on. Whole Night elf out posts became a bloodbath, other random alliance and even some orcs became my victims thier souls were also stolen to further the progression of the soul gate. After my frenzy i went to a master enchanter, Imrikk the lowly Blood elf to check my runes and see what they were exactly. After careful and unbelievably long time of him inspecting them he conculded they were blood runes or runes of the cursed, either way until i figure a way to get these runes off my person i would become in a frenzy daily, as i tried to take off the cloths i felt a deep burning inside my chest and after yet another inspection while i incinerated a few squirrels in the process i am unable to take my cloths off or they will become active and kill my body. I wish i found more information about these things but i cannot seem to find them in any tome i have available to me.

[Oneille]

"Hold still Fang, no bad raptor!" sighing in frustration Oneille held up her arms in mock surrender as her venomhide hatchling plucked the meat from her grasp and sauntered off with it, "Grr, raptors!"

In the lush undergrow of the Un'goro Crater Oneille trained and cared for the new hatchling aquired from the raptor handler living in the area. Walking along the tree row of the southern crater Oneille pondered about recent events involving her placement in the tribe Nyx. There was a recent skirmish with the Kingship in Stonetalon leaving many injured and few barely alive. Lives taken and lives gained.

After having swallowed whole the last of the juicy boar meat, Fang came sprinting along his mistress's side. Sqawking loudly Fang nuzzled his keeper's hand wanting to apologize for his earlier actions, "All right scaly one...you win..." Reaching down Oneille patted the creature gingerly about his dark purple hide. At nineteen days old the hatchling was ready to mature into a full grown adult.

"I feel more alien in these lands than does a newborn venomhide like you," Fang snapped curiously at the elf's comment uncertain what she meant. There was lingering doubt in the creature's mind something was amist.

"Oh nevermind my prattle Fang let's get you those Sithlid eggs you're craving." Having already decided the course of the, Oneille whistled loudly as the familiar shrill call of Royale echoed in the distance. The purple female raptor bounded over a hill and leapt to the response of her rider. Shifting uneasily at the male hatchling, Royale dipped her head down sniffing him.

"Royale, he's just a babe besides relax he's tagging along till I can ride him." snorting Royale shied away from Oneille. Growling Oneille grabbed the female's reins pulling her back, "No purple majesty, no acting the diva this time."

Fang hissed at Royale and ran off in the opposite direction of both. "Great see what this 'sibling' rivalry did to you both?"

Royale snorted.

"Be careful girl else I mate you both together!" snarling Royale began to buck only to have Oneille lift up into the saddle. "Yah!" Both rider and mount took off as the setting sun bleed red into the sky.

Oneille knew that with the new tribe she was in much was to be learned and much as to be had, but she wanted only one thing a home. And she believes she found just that in a tribe called Nyx.

[Aitana]

Meanwhile back in the Moonglade...

Leikos had been asked to allow Aitana time to recollect and clear her mind. His approach, though lacking hostility, had brought a sudden well of rage into the usually peaceful druidess. Leikos has spotted the rune upon her staff almost immediately after the episode began. It has quickly dispersed when several Cenarion Wardens moved to halt her from attacking him.

While Leikos had waited for Aitana, he made himself available for approach by Vaellen. Leikos knew full well that the feral Druid of the Claw had journeyed to the Moonglade after their last discussion. In fact, he had suspicion that that druid, who favored his saber form, likely had been tailing him during his search for answers on how to neutralize the runes. As Leikos sat and meditation, he heard the snapping of a twig. He looked up and spotted a large, dark saber resting lazily upon a large branch in the tree above him.

“So exactly how long have you been tailing me?”

The saber sat up and his form shimmered and changed into a toned Kaldorei male. He smoothed out his hair and leaned up against the upper base of the tree.

“Since before you met with the Furbolg shaman, Grimclaw.”

Leikos grunted, “It would have been far more beneficial for you to have been present rather than lurking. Your knowledge on such ventures would have been helpful.”

“I was gathering information,” Vaellen retorted, “and from what I gathered, I think you are a bigger fool than you let off. The idea that you are in this position of power boggles the mind. A warrior with the key that a druid should have; it is insulting and comical at the same time.”

Leikos shook his head. Vaellen had a harsh way of explaining a situation but he was rarely mistaken. Deep within the layers of insults, there was truth to his words.

“And what do you think I should do, Vaellen?”

Vaellen growled angrily, “What else is there to do?! We haven’t found any alternative have we?!”

“No, we have not.” Leikos calmly replied.

The two sat in relative silence for a long moment. Leikos heard a group walking towards their location. It was likely Aitana and a group of Wardens. As the group came closer, Leikos heard a brush of leaves from above. He looked up with a sly smirk. Vaellen had disappeared once more. Leikos stood, brushed a few leaves from his armor, and walked towards the group approaching from the north.