Artifact, artifact, who has the artifact?

[Eyesore]

"Respectfully, Elder, I repeat my question. Why do you entrust me with this?"

Eyesore considered the absolute stillness of the death knight as he met his glowing gaze. The unholy countenance bore no emotion, just as his skull bore no hair, the skin taught and grey, like old parchment. Undead and a death knight too, yet more...and less. Unlike other Forsaken the old orc knew, Nyght bore no faint odor of decay, in fact, no odor at all. He lacked not only any semblance of emotion, but of his own history as well. If the orc understood correctly, not a blocked memory, but no memory, before his calling from Lady Nyx. He served Lady Nyx, he honored those of Nyx, and beyond that, he had no existence. Intelligent, observant, reasonable...and totally lacking in depth. He could comprehend emotion in others, he could recognize it, but he could not feel it. And lacking feeling, he lacked desire. He did not exist beyond his calling to serve Nyx. Once committed, he would not be swayed.

The elderly orc knew there was only one answer this Forsaken would accept, but it would be false. Would he sense the deception? He was astute, those glowing eyes missed little, his gaze was penetrating. Still, if there was only one answer, so be it. "Because, Nyght, Lady Nyx so commands."

He handed the small, tightly wound scroll to the death knight, who took it lightly into his skeletal grasp. "After you deliver this, you are to obey the orders that follow. You are still a youngling at war craft, and you will be at some risk, a target for those lacking in confidence. Nevertheless, this is your duty this eve. Aitana's life may depend upon it."

"Indeed." The otherwise silent knight looked at the scroll. "Understood."

Before Eyesore could dismiss him, Nyght had turned, his long cloak swirling, and was gone, silent in his passage.

Unlike the departed, the orc was a bundle of emotion. His distaste for deception was palpable. He had left a message for Warburn, and another for Lady Tomoyo, but had been unable to reach either. Time was against them if he did not act, so he had. He wasn't worried about the wisdom of his action, but he was worried, in fact very much so, about how Lady Nyx might respond. Even if his actions protected her interests, he had lacked her authority. His heart was loyal, but his actions, his actions could be considered betrayal. Aitana was too important to Nyx, too important to him, not to act. He could live with the consequences. He hoped.

.

[Tindr Thornleif]

The Commander spoke briefly, “I want her fed three times a day with ample supplies of water. You will
see to this personally. And inform her that I will be visiting her this evening to speak with her on the
current situation. Now see to your post.”

Tindr saluted and headed to the secluded area of Ashenvale where lady Aitana was being held. He
oversaw that she was fed and given ample water as needed but he made no attempt to engage her.

Occassionally he would check in on the lady Tauren, watching, observing her from a distance. He had
never spent much time this close to a tauren. He had often thought of them as docile compared to most
horde he had encountered yet held great respect for their prowess on the battlefield.

It was during one of these such visits that he noticed lady Aitana had become restless.
Suddenly, the druid changed form, breaking her bonds. Tindr quickly snapped his fingers grabbing the
attention of the guards, motioning towards the prisoner. As they began to move on her, believing the
tauren was about to make an attempt to escape, they stopped short when they saw that the tree form
which now stood in the lady's place had begun to root itself into the ground. Tindr waved off the guards
once he realized the lady posed no threat.

Tindr continued to watch silently from a distance, intrigued.

Shortly after, a young elven messenger approached slowly. He followed Tindr's gaze to the prisoner as he
stammered out his message quietly.... “Sir? the Keeper wishes to speak to you.”

“Mm.. yes.. I imagine he does.” The death knight turned slowly, pulling his gaze from the tree-formed lady
and gave final instructions to the guards before taking his leave to meet with the Keeper.

[Tasera]

There was so much tension in the air, Tasera felt like she could cut it with a knife. Many of her kin were uncertain about how to take this situation. In usual Tasera fashion though, she felt it would be a great idea to just bust in there, take Aitana, and keep that blasted artifact, or at least have the people of Nyx find someway to dispose of it. The idea of the Nightelves and their alliance getting back that item they had fought so hard for made her sick. Too much blood was shed from her perspective, to just let all that effort to go to waste. She had spent many hours trying to figure everything she could about the object, and in an instant, it didn’t matter any more.

She watched quietly, with perturbed scowl as the rest of Nyx prepared to find the artifact first of all, while a few remained to prepare for the battle ahead. Tasera had always had her ways of doing things, and that was usually brute force. She wanted to see Aitana back as much as the rest of them. But why couldn’t they just plan a strait forward attack. Just run up in there with a group of the Hordes finest warriors to pull the attention while a second group secured their leader. The idea sounded fine to her, it sounded easy almost. But she remained quiet, very unusual for a troll who was so quickly to enrage and voice her opinion.

Out of her pocket she pulled some jerky and began to eat the snack. Still watching as the other’s rushed around. That look never leaving her face. Perhaps the reason why she didn’t speak up was Warburn’s presence. She was a lot calmer when he was around, perhaps because he knew the way to talk to get around that temper of hers, or perhaps it was out of sheer respect. He had led them to battle many times before, and in the end, even if the battle itself was lost, the task they needed to complete had been completed each time.

She sighed, trying to get her mind off the subject that frustrated her so much, laying her hand at her chin she grumbled like a pouting child, "Why couldn't i've been da tracker."

[Leikos Darkwood]

A young Kaldorei guard approached the Horde druid with one of her water rations for the day. He was stopped by a much older, heavily armored Kaldorei. As the two stood facing each other, it was apparent the older of the two was also much larger in size and height. An extended hand and a nod from the old Kaldorei was all that was needed for the younger of the two to understand. He handed the old Kaldorei the water flask and proceeded towards his guard post.

As the old Kaldorei approached the Tauren, there was a sign of recognition upon her face. She knew who he was, as they had met before. When they had first met, it was he who was caged. He could tell she was wary as he approached. He stopped short of the totem that held her within the makeshift holding area they had constructed.

Leikos bowed deeply and reached past the totem offering Aitana the water flask, "Ishnu'alah, Druidess Aitana. My apologies for your current situation. It could not be helped. Now that we have arrived on this new avenue, I believe we should make the best of it. I need to know all you have uncovered about the Artifact. Its exsistance in this world must come to an end before it destroys us..."

[Aitana]

Aitana considered the elf in front of her. Kaldorei, she corrected herself mentally. Yes, she knew him. Aitana gave him a tight-lipped smile and took the flask he offered.

"I suppose I could lie and tell you that we found something. If only we could discover something about it. We have been all through the libraries of the Horde and Karazhan. There are nothing but hints and whispers in the few documents that mention it. A diary that mentions it as a commander's prized possession in an entry shortly before his death in battle, another document that mentions it as the booty recovered from pirates, another that mentions scrolls about it, but the scrolls say nothing substantial, and on it goes. Still all the hints point to it as an object of great power. One of our Sindorei believes that it holds the secret to cure them of their magic addiction. I have heard a rumor that some believe that it can restore a deathknight to their former self. I think both those ideas are wrong, but it seems to me that it has the power to help restore the Plaguelands to their natural state."

Aitana paused as if reflecting on what she had just said, and a look of understanding passed over her face.

"Do you think that an aspect of its magic to appear to be capable of fulfilling the fondest wishes of the one that holds it? That would indeed make it dangerous."

[Warburn]

The day passed quickly for everyone on Frey Isle. No one was too happy with what would soon transpire. The followers of The Lady of Shadow felt anxious and on edge. Their beloved Arch Druidess was captured, a veteran warrior went missing, and an item of extreme interest and cursed danger was missing as well.

Taking the mantle of responsibility in the crisis fell to the ranking shaman Warburn Smoketusk. He did not like to meet the alliance on their terms. Last time they did that his clan members fell in to a trap and barely survived... many did not. That was the first of Nyx blood to spill over the ancient artifact, but was not the last. Regardless, if they were to re-unite with Aitana they must follow Commander Leikos' directions.

The instructions were to bring the artifact and trade it for Aitana. The artifact that went missing the same night both Aitana and Azim went missing as well. How was he to know Leikos hadn't slain Azim (with his army, for Azim was mighty), stolen the artifact and this whole matter of a trade was just a ruse... another trap... Warburn did not know. But he felt, he sensed. Azim was alive, Aitana is safe.... for the time being.



All the emergency preparations that happen when the clan heads out to war were made. The guild structures windows were shuttered, the various storage vaults sealed, magical wards placed. Axes sharpened, armor oiled and fastened, bullets made, guns cleaned and bows straightened.

While the buzz of activity on the small stronghold island was still going on, Warburn set out on Bristlclaw his trusty wyvern towards Splintertree Post in the ancient forest to the north.

The forest wildlife sounds were as loud as ever. These troubles the mortal races had meant nothing to the forest. Bristleclaw touched down with a hop, and stopped by the Post's cave, Warburn's destination. Eyesore was at it's mouth and greeted him with a salute. Warburn nodded a quick salute in return, his mind was racing and had little time for niceties. Eyesore felt the same, apparently since their meeting only lasted 5 minutes.

The package Warburn received from Eyesore was the missing piece he needed to ensure they get Aitana back. But more importantly the advice and plan he heard was what he needed to hear to ensure the survival of his friends. The wrapped package, roughly the size of a breadbox, and the same weight as the missing artifact, wrapped tightly in a leather bag sealed shut with cobalt studs. "For protection" Eyesore said with a half smile.

Warburn hoped Leikos won't be too sore with this surprise.

"They are waiting inside, my friend" Eyesore finally said.

Warburn nodded and set deeper into the cave to brief those Eyesore had summoned for their little plan to work.

[Aitana]

The conversation with Commander Leikos Darkwood left Aitana with renewed respect for him. He had handled himself well while in captivity and he treated her well now that the tables were turned. While she still could not bring herself to trust him completely, she did understand warriors and what it meant for them to give their word. Gorehorn had taught her that. From what she knew of the commander in his time in captivity on Frey Island, he at least held to that code even if he was part of the Alliance. Many painful experiences including the betrayal when they were supposed to exchange him for the artifact initially had proven that that the Alliance could not be trusted. But she was sure Leikos could be trusted to keep his word on this. She would be safe until after the exchange or any that attempted to harm her would pay dearly.

Aitana was not please to see that Tindr was leading the group that escorted her to the Alliance camp near the bridge between Ashenvale and Azshara. He had attempted polite conversation on a few occasions when he had brought her meals, but she had not given him more than clipped responses. She had caught glimpses of him from time to time; enough to know that he was watching her. She still had not forgiven him for interupting her search for Azim.

Azim. She heaved a sigh. What had become of him? Was he safe? Did his disappearance mean that he was another hapless victim of an unknown force, or a perpetrator in some unknown scheme? Too many questions and no way to get answers. Soon enough she would be back where she belonged and she could get answers then. She hoped she had not given away her fear that Azim was still missing along with the artifact. Her safe return depended on that cursed thing. Maybe he had returned and the artifact was safely locked away again. She did not want to think about what would happen if Azim and the artifact were still missing. Soon enough she would get her answers after the exchange. Lost in thought she walked docily with the guards that were escorting her to the pre-arranged meeting location.

[Aitana]

Another Tauren was a surpising sight in an Alliance camp. Aitana had forgotten that he was here. Loh'atu had a deep understanding of the will of the Earthmother. The two of them talked at length about the current situation in Azshara and about her own situation.

The group that gathered for the exchange seemed to be curious about her. Some stared openly while others just snuck glances. One priestess, Aitana thought she heard someone call her Kharena, caught her attention. There was no way for her to avoid noticing Kharena because she took control of Aitana's mind. It was somewhat disconcerting, but not unpleasant. The priestess blessed her with fortitude while under her control and then released her. It almost made Aitana laugh. She smiled at the priestess, and bowed deeply to thank her.

It was a long wait while the escort for the exchange gathered made Aitana restless. She fidgetted partially out of boredom and partially out of nervous energy. After what seemed like an eternity, they made their way to the bridge on the border between Azshara and Ashenvale. Leikos positioned her under guard to one side of the end of the bridge. He and Tindr took their positions side by side at their end of the bridge.

And then there was still more waiting. Aitana's eyes strained to make out anything moving along the path. Another eternity passed and finally shapes appeared in the distance. They were coming at last! But did they have the artifact? Aitana fidgetted nervously.

Finally the moment arrived. Commander Leikos beckoned Aitana over. She took her place behind him and Tindr. Warburn and Nyght took their places on the opposite side of the bridge. Both parties moved forward on the commander's signal. In the middle Warburn handed him the package, and Aitana rushed forward to rejoin her friends. She was never so happy to see them.

"Did they treat you well?"

"Gud ta see ya sistah!"

There was a babble of voices that filled the air. She hugged as many as she could reach. It was so very good to be among friends again.

Among her friends were a few that she did not recognize and a few that were not as familiar to her. The Tauren that had attempted to rescue her was there.

"Thank you so very much!" She almost knocked him over with the enthusiasm of her hug.

"I did not do so much. I was not able to free you. They killed me and hunted me after my spirit returned to my body." He looked embarassed by the attention.

"You still did more than anybody else, and you took on impossible odds to attempt to free me. For that I am grateful." She started to hug him again

Yells came from the other side of the bridge. The Alliance were attacking!

"Warburn, what did you give them?" Aitana yelled over the din.

He didn't hear her, but she was sure she knew what it was not based on the reaction of her former captors. The artifact was not in that package.

[Kharena]

She arrived in Azshara with Cendall, standing close but out of the way. Her demeanor was sullen and extremely quite for the vivacious young woman. People were gathering by the moment but she kept to herself.

"Priestess Kharena" she heard the Keeper of the Al'shar call out.

She lifted her head to glance at his tall figure. "Yes?"

"I need a moment of your time, something you can help me with." He stated.

Her blue eyes darted to Cendall in askance.

Cendall nodded coolly saying. "You may help the Keeper." Then added to her embarassment. "I expect you to return immediately when you are finished." He turned back to the others he was conversing with, a silent indication she was dismissed.

Lifting her skirts up slightly she quickly hurried after the Keeper of Al'shar. Her mind thankful to have it turned from the humiliating punishment that was still very fresh in her thoughts.

"How may I help you, Keeper?" she softly asked.

"I need you to control the mind of Aitana so that she can be blessed and protected." He said while motioning to the lady Tauren that was rising up.

Eyes the color of a warm summer day turn to look into soft chocolately brown ones. "I won't hurt you" Kharena whispered to the Tauren as she then began to concentrate melding her mind into Aitana's. It took only a moment to bless Aitana with magics of the Light.

When it was done, Kharena stepped back. Once more she gazed to the other with a kind smile on her lips. "Are they so much different than us?" Kharena thought. "Do they not wish peace too?"

She was about to attempt to talk to Aitana. Unfortunately, out the corner of her eye she noticed someone pointing at the pacifier. One of the badges of her humiliating punishment that dangling from the braided cord that was around her neck. She fought the tears that started threaten again and moved away from the Tauren.

Dejected and morose she moved silently back to Cendall's side as she had been told to do. She kept her head held high but sad eyes casted downward to avoid the eye contact of others.