Artifact, artifact, who has the artifact?

[Aitana]

Eyesore and Warburn would never listen to her after that night at Warburn's hut when they reviewed the scrolls that they had retrieved that evening from Darkshore. The scrolls had been disappointing. They mentioned the artifact, but managed to use a lot of words to say nothing. Aitana had the artifact with her and had showed it to the group. The blood elves wanted to take it to Silvermoon for examination, but it was readily apparent that it had an unnatural attraction to them. The blood elves in the group could not take their eyes and hands off it. It seemed to bring out the worst in their hunger for magic. Aitana had pointed that out, but Eyesore had another concern. It seemed odd to him that Aitana had carried the artifact into battle at the risk of losing it. He pointed out that it seemed to have an unnatural attraction to her as well. They all agreed that Theotaz should take it for safekeeping in a secure location in Ebon Hold until they knew better how it was affecting magic-users. Aitana had reservations about handing it over to him, but conceded to the will of the group. But now with word of the rumor ... well that changed everything.

Aitana had to convince him of the danger and to look for a safer place to store the artifact.She steeled her resolve and called out for Warburn.

There was rustling from inside the hut and a bleary-eyed, disheveled troll emerged.

"Shhhh! De lady be sleepin' inside."

Aitana chuckled softly and apologized.

"I should have known you would still be asleep, but this is an urgent matter. We must get that artifact back from Theotaz. Surely you've heard the rumor?"

Warburn blinked vacantly in the sunlight.

"You know, the one that it might have the power to restore a deathknight to life?"

"Ya, sistah, I heard dat. So why joo wakin' me up jes' fo dat?"

"Theotaz is a deathknight. How long do you think it will be before he decides to chance expiramenting with it? And you know what happened last time we probed the magic of that other magical trinket. We almost got roasted by dragons!"

"But he can' do dat. It takes de tree a us ta get it out."

"Or so he says. And it is deathknight magic. I do not think he can be trusted under the circumstances."

"Where joo wanna take it?"

"We can keep it safe enough at Frey Island with your magic."

Their discussion continued. They settled on bringing it to Frey Island until they could find better solution. But there was a concern about security and Theotaz's reaction when they told him they would take it with them. They wanted to bring another to help ensure the item would be secure while they transported it.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


There he was, just where Aitana expected to find him, there beating up a target dummy in Ogrimmar. Azim would soon be strong enough to lead them in their battles against the horrors in Naxxramus. But this was not the reason that caused her to seek him out today.

Breathing heavily Azim sheathed his sword. He saluted when he spotted Warburn and Aitana watching him.

"Zug zug! Why Lady Aitana and Mastah Warburn watch Azim the MIGHTY?"

He was not one for small talk.

Aitana smiled. "Azim, I have a difficult task and I hope you will be able to help me."

In a flash his massive sword was out, and Aitana jumped back as his sword slashed through the air. "Azim SMASH!"

This was the reaction she had hoped for. He would do as she asked, and he would not bother with a lot of questions and he would not be one to discuss it with others in idle chatter.

"I need your help with Theotaz. Will you come with us?"

Azim looked slightly puzzled, "You want me smash Theotaz?"

"Oh, no. But he is not himself and I might need you to protect us and the artifact. Do you remember that artifact that we got from the Alliance?"

Azim nodded and Aitana continued, "We need to get the artifact from him. He might not react well when we ask for it. It might make him attack us when we ask for it. It is for his own good though, and it is very important that he give it to us. Also there are bandits who might try to take it from us. We do not want a large group that will attract attention, but we need strength. That is why we need you. Will you come with us?"

Azim nodded with a slightly bewildered look on his face. That was easy enough. Together they left to go find Theotaz.

[Aitana]

Dulucre came into the hall.
"Theotaz, Warburn and the lady Aitana came now and.." His words ended as Warburn with a courteous "excuse me elf" slid by him. Dulucre moved to one side clearly flustered. Lady Aitana came in next, with the orc warrior Azim who had his great sword unsheathed and in his hand entering behind her.


Theotaz stood quietly where he had been sitting talking with Svalina, a number of scrolls open on the table before them. The was a hint of movement from the Scriptorium. Theotaz turned to the party.

"Brudda Warburn, you are welcome as always in my house, as is de Lady Aitana, but answer me why a warrior fo Nyx enters dis abode wid a drawn weapon?" Pointing at Azim he cautioned "Do not move mighty Azim, please. I no longer see Kheliosrham in de scriptorium, and if you make any aggressive move toward any in this house I can not assume her reaction to be non-leathal war brother. Please put your sword away."

Svalina stepped forward.... "Sister....Aitana...what has happened to you? you feel....strange to me.." Svalina's eyes narrowed and she gasped in apparent shock. With a lightening fast wave of her hand she slipped into shadow form, and cast power word shield about herself. "Aitana, you are elder to me, and your power greater, but you will not bring violence to this house unanswered."...

From behind Azim, Kheliosrhams duclet voice spoke. "Master Azim, you will drop your sword warrior, or the next time you get to spend time with a comely bar wench will be very very disapointing" Azim looked down slightly to find both of Kheliosrhams icor dripping long daggers pressed against his groin... firmly pressed.

Theotaz sighed "I tink I need a pipe load." Looking at the clearly surprised Warburn he asked... "Has the Lady Nyx and the council reach a decision about the artifact? It it quite safe, but I have yet to hear anyting since I made my report dis morning on de fact dat de runes inscribed apon it be Eredar." Theotaz noted the question in Warburns eyes. "Yes I have heard de rumors of what its powers may be.. I gots no confirmation.. Der be no one around I know of dat know the language of de Eredar runes..And I got no particular yearning to be learned dem either." Warburn spoke at last. "Tis said Theotaz dat ye might be want'n to be returned to true live.. a rumored use of de artifact. Dis be true?" Theotaz looked at Warburn. " I got no interest in dat. I am a det knight now, and noth'n else. Till I see de lich kings shattered bones before me I shall stay a det knight. I have giv'n my oath sworn on de ancestors of de trolls, and on de honor of de darkmoon tribe."

Theotaz loosened his axe and handed it handle first to Warburn. As Warburn took it he knelt on one knee bearing his neck. "If you tink me false brudda in any way den strike me down now" Svalina started to speak but Theotaz cut her off " No Svalina, if my honor be bleamished, and I have no longer de trust of the leaders of Nyx, den let my un-death be forfit, for it tis a shame I cannot live with. Interfear not.. If Warburn strikes me dead den dat be de end of it. You will all continue to serve the Lady Nyx, I command it as head of the house." He turned his gaze to Svalina "And if'n it be done, den the properties of de house and de title go to you Svalina. Honor my faith in your goodness"

He lifted his eyes to Warburn. " I await your decision" Theotaz lowered his head exposing the back of his neck giving Warburn an easy strike.


Warburn slid the massive two handed axe so it's hilt smacked the ground by his leathery toes.

"Nah mon. Yah spek like a true brodduh. Azim, stand down! It's all good."

Warburn crouched down and offered Theo his pipe of homegrown troll weed, as he called it. It was a stinky plant bio-engineered by the clan for centuries - a cross between fadeleaf, peacebloom and mana thistle all spliced together. It's effects were spiritual and medicinal. Theotaz hadn't lost his troll love of that herb to death or as a death knight.

"We ere for getting dat artifact back into our world, brodduh. Yahs okyday wit dat, eh mon?"

Theotaz who had already straightened back up and started lighting Warburn's beautiful dwarven glyphed pipe. Noded his consent without hesitation.

"In that case let's get to Fray Island, highten security dere and bring us back dat tingy."

After a short hop through the guild teleporter they were safely in the guild hall off the coast of the Barrens.
Warburn barked orders to at least half a dozen of the Nyx clan. "Svalina, west tower. Azim patrol the shore...." and other such precautionary commands. Finally Theo, Aitana and Warburn stood in a tringular formation, knelt and lent their will to opening a gate to the shadow plane. Theo stepped through and seconds later emerged with the artifact.

Warburn took it into a netherweave pouch without touching it, and handed it to Aitana.

"Aight, i'll go dig up any Eredar translations we have to compare. Tho i tink it's really strange dat dis ting has both what seem like Fel runes togethah wit' highborne markings. Dat leads me to suspect it's from as old as de sundering. Didjah 'ere about Asraelah's dancing runes. Dis ting be hexed mon! Aitana yahs can immunize yahs self from curses. I trust it in your hands while we study our findings."

The rest of the day was spent either guarding, cooking or studying. Of course the two trolls, Warburn and Theotaz smoked over the span of the day about a half kilo of his finest weed and grew quite tired. (( do DKs sleep? )) Aitana seemed to grow weary as well. However it was Warburn and Theo who nodded off first.

((upper written by Theotaz, lower writen by Warburn ))

[Aitana]

The meeting with Theotaz had been reassuring. He certainly had a flare for the theatrical, but it was enough to convince Aitana of his intentions. But even so, good people have been known to do the unthinkable when under the influence of a magical geas and to find rationalizations when tempted by their greatest desires. She was still not convinced that there were forces at work that might create havoc in their midst. Many security arrangments were made.

The symbols on the scrolls started to swim before Aitana's eyes. Several times she jerked head back up forcing herself to focus again. The sounds sleep coming from the others made it even more difficult to stay awake. It had been a long day and they all were tired. Studies were never her strength, but she felt the urgent need to learn more about the artifact, and that prevented her from joining her companions in slumber on the floor near by.

A slight scrape of armor told her that Azim was still on guard.

"Lady Aitana look tired and thirsty. Want drink?"

She nodded and took the cup. Perhaps the tea would revive her. Aitana was mildly surprized that Azim thought to add a sprig of silver mountain sage for her, but perhaps he had seen her add it to her tea before.

The tea was refreshing. She tried to engage Azim in small talk, but that was a lost cause. Idle chatter was of no interest to him assuming he even understood what she was talking about. With renewed determination she returned to the scrolls, but it was no good. It was only a few minutes her head hit the table.

The crick in her neck woke her up. She looked around groggily. The others were still asleep. The setting sun in her eyes confused her. The sun had already set when she was studying the scrolls. That meant that ....

Aitana sat up with a start making her head swim. It had been late into the night when she was studying, but now the setting sun was glinting through the windows. She had been sleeping for a full day! She looked around again. The artifact was gone!

"Azim! Warburn! Theotaz!"

She rushed over to they and the others were sleeping and tried to rouse them. None of them showed any signs of waking. They were breathing, but this was not normal sleep. Azim was not among the them.

"Azim! Where are you?!"

Without another thought Aitana rushed out into the courtyard.

"Azim!"

Frantically she searched the grounds. Azim was nowhere to be found. Aitana widened her search. She headed north to the Merchant Coast searching for Azim.

[Tindr Thornleif]

(( Recap of the in-game event: The Capture of Lady Aitana of Nyx ))

Tindr was pleased with the showing of brothers whom he had hand picked for the
unauthorized mission. All trustworthy, talented, and loyal to the Banner.



The group stood in the hills, looking out towards the horizon of Fray Isle. The area had been secured and Rhale,
Rocketty and Beridhren moved to approach Nyx's stronghold cautiously, using the shadows to their advantage.
They needed to find out the exact numbers they were up against.



It was by chance that lady Aitana, one of the Elders of Nyx, was spotted leaving the stronghold. Seeing the
opportunity at hand, Tindr quickly refocused his mission and gave the order to the group to surround her and take her
captive. "Ah yes, Im certain Warburn will want to see to Lady Aitana's safe return by agreeing to trade her life for the artifact."



It did not take long after her attempt to flee that the group was able to subdue her. Although they had seized the
opportunity, the logistics of escorting their prisoner back to Ashenvale was not trivial.



The group gave the Crossroads a wide birth. However, being close to such a well guarded horde outpost, Lady Aitana
attempted to flee to its safety. Numerous times she had nearly slipped their grasp. Had it not been for the three
Death Knights, gripping her and pulling her away, she might have made it. Only one lone horde seemed to hear her cry
for help and came to her aid, unsuccessfully.



As the group made their way across the border back into Ashenvale, the lone
horde continued his attempts to ambush. In order to ensure they would not be
followed to the secluded place they had planned to hold the lady captive, the
group split up, some engaging the horde and distracting him from their path while
the remainder escorted Aitana to their destination.



Lady Aitana had proven to be quite the elusive druid, attempting several times to
flee from their grasp. Tindr gave the order to have her bound, yet unharmed,
with Brother Lacertae tending to the minor injuries that she received.



As the mission seemed to be a success, Commander Leikos had returned early
from his diplomatic meeting which was suppose to keep him away for a few days.
Brother Artorias took upon himself to burden the weight of the groups mission by
given a false retelling of how lady Aitana came into their possession, taking
the heat off of Tindr.

Whether the Commander believed it or not was still yet to be known.


((Shameless plug: Most of the events and screenshot from the alliance perspective that have taken place over the last
three months for this ongoing storyline can be found here - http://alshar.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1289 ))

[Leikos Darkwood]

It was early morning in Ashenvale. The sunlight trickled through the cracks in the tree canopy and the forest seemed peaceful. The waters of the lake surrounding Astranaar were calm and tranquil. The ancient forest always brought a sense of balance to Leikos. Ashenvale was one of his favorite places in the world. His mind was burdened by the reason he was now within the home of the Kaldorei. War loomed over the glades and groves. He had gathered the Al’shar and its allies once again to combat the Horde army that had formed under the Nyx Order. However, this time the situation was different.

Tindr Thornleif, his long time friend had made a brash decision. He had endangered Al’shar lives in a failed attempt to infiltrate the Nyx Stronghold to regain the Artifact. As if that had not been foolish enough, he actually took one of their Elder’s prisoner in the process. Aitana, Leikos knew, was one of the ranking members of Nyx. They would fight fiercely to recover her. It would be difficult to avoid bloodshed. Yet, there was opportunity to be found. This would be the perfect time to attempt to recover the cursed Artifact.

Leikos cursed the day the Council of Shadows had recovered it from deep within the Al’shar Vaults. Leikos still remembered the day they had tucked it away. There was an ominous air about it. It reeked of ancient magic. They had spent a great deal of time trying to decipher its origins and use, to no avail. One thing Leikos did know about it was that it caused a great deal of tension between any who were around it for lengths of time. He had wanted to destroy it, and had attempted so more than once. Each attempt had failed. And so it was locked away, until that fateful day when it was brought to light once again. Since then, there was battle. They were now on the brink of war with the Horde over an unknown piece of the past.

It was ironic to Leikos. War seemed to surround the Artifact in the past and now it was surrounded by it once more. When the Artifact had been brought to Leikos and the others of the Council of Shadows, the messenger had told an interestingly, eerie rumor of its finding. He had said a Traveler had been making his way through Tanaris and come across an armored skeletal hand protruding from the sand. Within its hand laid the Artifact. The traveler had been drawn to it. It seemed to be calling to him. He attempted to remove it from the skeletal hand, which took a great deal more effort than he had anticipated. When he did remove it, a terrible sandstorm erupted. He pulled his cloak over his body and did his best to wait out the storm. An hour past and the storm cleared.

When the final dusts settled he found hundreds of other armored skeletons. Some were similar to those of the one holding the Artifact; others were of several different designs. It was almost as if several forces had met here for a great battle long ago. The Traveler hurried from the scene to seek out the local Alliance Patrol. When he had returned with them, the skeletons had been covered once more by the sands. He had attempted to gain the aid of several different orders, including the Kirin Tor and the Cenarion Circle. When they turned him away, he had sold it to a goblin merchant. There was not telling how many hands had come across it before the messenger had arrived at the Hall of Shadows.

“Sir, the Captains are gathered for the morning briefing.”

Leikos was brought from his thoughts by Angvar, his aid. He nodded to the young dwarf and headed over to the Command Center that had been set up within Astranaar’s main hall. The locals had been irritated by the intrusion of so many Alliance forces in the area but Leikos knew it was for their own good.

“Good morning, Commander.” Tindr said averting his eyes slightly.

Several other chosen Captains nodded in greeting. Leikos nodded and focused his attention on the maps upon the table in front of him.

“We’ve little time to tarry so I’ll make this brief. I want roaming patrols throughout Ashenvale and Azshara until the exchange is made. Tindr, take your forces to Southern Ashenvale and prepare the meeting area. The Shan’re have secured Northern Ashenvale. I will remain within Astranaar with the bulk of the force. This will deter the Horde from attempting to raid the settlement in hopes of gaining an advantage.”

A Kingship representative chimed in, “Leikos, do you really think we can pull this off? Can we really trust the Horde to make the exchange?”

Leikos nodded, “We can trust they desire their captive Elder back unharmed.”

“Where is the Taruen being held, currently?” Another of the group questioned. The representative from the Shan’re

“That information is to remain secret for the time being. The Al’shar will see to her care and confinement until the time comes for the exchange. Now you all have your orders, report to your posts. Tindr accompany me please.”

The group dispersed and headed to their assigned areas. Tindr followed Leikos several steps behind him. No words were said between them. They entered an empty section of the building. Leikos turned to Tindr, a fierce gaze upon his face.

“Consider yourself lucky to even be here right now, Tindr. If you weren’t’ so valuable to these efforts you’d be leading training exercises in Shadowglen.” Leikos spoke harshly and Tindr remained silent.

Leikos continued his tone more calm, “Aitana is not to be harmed. She is to be treated with the utmost respect until the exchange. 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 began walking away. He turned slightly towards Leikos once more, as if he were about to speak, then turned and walked away. Leikos grunted, frustrated by the situation.

“I’ll have to see about Tindr’s condition later. There are still many things to see to.”

Leikos thought to himself as he composed himself and headed back towards the main area in the Command Center.

[Leikos Darkwood]

*a simple letter bearing the crest of the Al’shar lo Dor’ano arrives by carrier owl*

Ishnu’alah General Warburn,

The chain of events that has led us to this point are drenched in the blood, sweat, and tears of each of our peoples. I cannot stress the importance of the message I bring to you with this letter. The Artifact that you acquired from us must be returned in due haste. It is an evil that should never have been released back into our world. We are its guardians and it is imperative that it is returned to us so we can see to the proper care of it.

Should you feel inclined to keep the Artifact within your care, we will be forced to do the same with one of your own, Lady Aitana. She has wandered into the care of my agents just a day and a half ago, where she will remain until word reaches me of your agreement for an exchange. Until our paths cross again, may the Stars guide you. Elune adore.

Commander Leikos Darkwood

Al’shar lo Dor’ano.

[Theotaz]

The dawn broke across the great sea. Beams of bright sunlight began to break the darkness of the old barracks hall there at Afrey Island. Thoetaz opened his eyes to find Kheliosrham crouched in front of him. "It will be good to hunt alliance today, that they would kidnap the Lady Aitana make me very angry. Yes, I shall enjoy this day." Theotaz sighed.. "No you won't girl. I am sorry, but you gonna be needed right here on Afrey." Kheliosrham hissed "Svalina gets to go, I should go too!". "No. You be wrong girl. Svalina does not get to go. She is wise, and powerfull, but we be needing you both here. If der be a battle, den we need her patching up the casualties, and you making sure dey ready to reenter de fight. You won't be alone. And I suspect you will be responsible for the Lady Nyx's security." Theotaz paused for a moment as he laid out his best armor. "De Leader of dem be Leikos. You rememba ya playmate Leikos girl? No, I not be lett'n you anywhere near dat battle field. Svalina maybe, but not ye self." Khelioshram had the decency to blush in memeory "And we need Svalina here. Between de two of ye, and de rest, Afrey will be held safe." He gave here ... the look.. "all day engineering I tought ye. Mine de beaches girl, set dead falls, pit falls, tiger traps, trip wires, use everyting you got girl. If dey set foot on dis island den dey need to bleed a great deal before ye take dem in battle." He started strapping his armor on at last. he continued in silence for a bit. Looking over he nudged Warburn. "Wake up brudda, it be time soon, and I tink we got some preparation mon to be about" Warburn opend one reddened eye. grunted his awareness. "I been awake, Khelio, he be right, you and Svalina and udders will be need'n to keep dis place secure. You got ting to do gal." Warburn started getting his own gear together, turning away in dismissal. Khelioshram looked at Theotaz plainativly and wispered "you never let me have any fun!" and ran out of the room.

Theotaz sighed muttering to himself "girl, don't ye dare do anyting outside of orders today" Warburn looked over as he donned his kit. "I'd be more worried about Svalina brudda. I tink she was even attracted to Leikos when he was in captivity here." Theo gazed apon Warburn. "Oh thank ye Brudda Warburn for putting my mind and heart at ease. You just a great help" Warburn finnished with his gear and just stood and grinned at Theotaz in obvious humor. Theotaz scowled. "Bah! lets find some food, dis gonna be a long long day mon."

As the two trolls made for the door and the smells of food being prepared outside and runner came up. Giving Warburn a quick salute he handed him a scroll with alliance seals apon in. Theotaz gazed at it. "I'll grab us food, you prolly gotsa read dat now" Warburn muttered an assent and abled over to a near by stump to sit down before breaking the seals on the scroll.

[Warburn]

Warburn unsealed the scroll and read it through... twice. The concerned look didn't dissipate quickly this time around. With a heavy sigh he stood up, walked forward a few steps to put him in the midst of the island structures. He gave out a loud whistle to grab the attention of those within ear shot.

Holding up the letter in his left hand "Atten'shan Nyx! Aitana has been captured! We'z needs tah make sho she won't be harmed and so I tink we should do as instructed and give de cursed artifact dey gave us back as instructed... It's been noting but hardship evah since we got it anyway!"

Towards Thotaz, Warburn asked: "Theo brodduh, can's yah go fetch it."
Then towards the shore "AZIM! report at once!"

Giving the Orc Warrior a few minutes to report in, the Elder Shaman checked in with some others, when Theotaz ran out of the guild hall.

"Lord Warburn, it's.... it's no where to be found!"

"WHAT?! HOW!?!.... .... AZIM?" and a bit quieter "Where is dat daft meat head? SOMEONE FIND ME AZIM"

After everyone around searched the island it became clear the Warrior was missing. Another one of Nyx's best trolls was summoned.

Waburn ordered Azidahaka the guilds trusty tracker to cross the water and pick up Azim's tracks. "Where ever dat mighty idiot went he would be riding his ram, subtly was nevah known to Azim, so yahs should have no trouble tracking him down." Tasera started to protest not being given the task at hand, until Warburn raised his 3 fingered palm to quiet her down. He gave her a look of both constraint and concern.

"Me pretty yahs should be wit us tah secure Aitana's return." Warburn told Tasera.
She saluted and set off to prepare more saronite bullets.

(( Please read and enjoy the Alliance side of the story. Also feel free to register and join in on their open RP threads with what your toon is up to.
http://alshar.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f ... 9&start=45 ))

[Aitana]

A light breeze rustled the leaves. It was pleasantly cool in the forest. The sun filtered through the canopy, but it was still rather dark in the hollowed tree. Aitana estimated that it must be around noon. Soon one of them would be there with an afternoon meal if yesterday was any indication of what to expect.

Aitana's emotions were still jumbled. Just the thought of that smirking deathknight riding along side her was enough to make her blood boil. She almost made it back to Crossroads, and she cursed her sense of direction, or rather, her lack of it. Getting yanked back by the deathknights was disorienting to say the least, and ruined whatever limited sense of direction she did have. The fools actually thought they could hold her with those chains of ice. She scoffed at the memory. She had showed them what those chains were worth. But they had more than adequately demonstrated that they could make her go where they wanted whether she wanted to go or not. It didn't matter how much she ran, they still could catch her and pull her back. She had been faced with the choice of being forcibly yanked to where they wanted her to go, or to ride with them. In the end she chose to ride. Maybe if she hadn't been so tired when the Tauren deathknight had tried to free her she could have escaped. By that time she was so dizzy from being yanked around and tired from running, she just couldn't get away.

The totem in the doorway mocked her. They took the extra precaution of binding her; she wondered if they really thought that had anything to do with keeping her prisoner. A quick change into the form of a tree or bear was sure to break those bonds. But that totem ... well, that was a different matter. What could a druid do to escape that?

An elf brought her afternoon meal. He sat it on the ground along with a jug of water just past the totem where she could reach it, and left without comment. He might have been one of the ones that had captured her, but she could not tell for sure. All night elves looked the same to her, and all deathknight night elves looked the same as well.

The food was unfamiliar, but she had already decided that anything they served her would most likely be edible and not poisoned. If they had wanted her dead, they had had plenty of other opportunities for that. No, it was clear they wanted her alive. They had made her as comfortable as possible under the circumstances, but they were taking no chances. Aitana smiled ruefully. It was probably her own fault for trying to escape in the first place. They had no reason to believe she would quietly stay put just because they told her to, and they were right to think she would break out of her prison at the first possible opportunity. She had a feeling she was a hostage to be used as a bargaining chip, but she had no idea what for.

She could refuse the food and water they gave her, but there didn't seem to be any point in that. Aitana was too pragmatic to be bothered with trying to make a statement to her captors in that way. The food was filling even if it was strange.

The worst part of being here was the isolation and boredom. They had taken her bags so she was out of contact with other followers of Lady Nyx. On the other hand, it was actually almost pleasant to have no responsibilities and be able to simply commune with the Earthmother. No fetters or prisons or totems could prevent her from doing that. She had little time for meditation in her daily schedule and the archdruids that trained her would be pleased that she finally was taking time for it even if the time was forced upon her.

A tree inside a tree. The idea appealed to her; to truly feel the tree-ness of being a tree and the tree around her. As expected, the bonds broke, and Aitana dug her roots into the ground to mingle with the roots of the tree that held her.

[Eyesore]

The old orc ruffled the white bristles along the crest of his scalp as he pondered the consequences of his demotion. It was not that long ago that he was counseling Lady Aitana for a sea approach to take the tower, and now she was gone, reportedly taken, and he was in no position to counsel anyone. His experience had once held value. His advice had once been heeded. After all, when he had warned of the threat posed by the damned artifact, his concerns had been heeded, and it had been secured. Now his beloved leader, a druid of awesome power, was captive, if she lived at all, and the artifact was...missing? Stolen? No one would say, at least not in his presence.

Thrice cursed trolls! No strategy, all impulse. One yelling, "Do dis" and another yelling, "Do dat" as they tripped over each other in their anxiety. Oh, they were fearless in battle, but he had long thought their planning for battle was to be feared. Just like them to dispatch a troll to find a troll, when some of the finest hunters in Azeroth were guilded under Nyx's banner, with pets skilled at tracking. Though, he reflected, to be fair, it wouldn't take that much skill to track most of the trolls he knew. They reeked of the spices from their favored foods and the oils they used for their dance could be smelled long before you heard the drums. And the weed they favored...he shook his head. No wonder the artifact was missing, if that was indeed what all the commotion was about. Just like a troll to jump to the conclusion that a missing item and a missing troll equaled the theft of one by the actions of the other. The Alliance had taken Aitana, mayhap they had taken the cursed troll also. Or...

Eyesore thought back to the oracle's fascination with the bespelled artifact. What if the correct association were missing artifact and missing druid? And there were other possibilities as well. Too many possibilities. He needed Warburn to focus, but without Aitana's calming effect, the troll was beside himself with worry, bouncing all over the place. He grinned at his own choice of words, bouncing...mayhap bobbled was more accurate. Not for the first time, he marveled that the ungainly creatures didn't topple over with every step they took, and when they danced, if you could call their tribal merriment dance, they looked more like they were being scorched on a bed of hot embers. Now, elves, elves could dance. So fluid, beauty in motion...

The old orc shook his head, realizing he had been drifting in thought to more pleasant times. Now who needed to focus? His thoughts drifted too much of late...his demotion had been appropriate. Still, he had been called to be part of this mission, this meeting, and Aitana's well being was on the line. If she yet lived. He did not thrust the elves and their kin. Beauty in dance could as easy be grace in deception. If he could get Warburns' ear, and that should be easy, his ears were long enough, he would suggest preparing for more than a meeting. Just as there had been more than one way to approach that tower, there was more than one path to Aitana. Sighing, he stood up. There was work to do.

.