Grellix: How Does Your Garden Grow?

[Yaengohl]

I followed Grellix one night, and this is the story that I report. It is not for the faint of heart. Grellix is of a darker soul than most I know. Read at your own risk.

The darkness lay about Tirisfal Glades with a near solidity. Dim lights could be made out in the distance if one was already seeking them out. The baying of the demonhounds came from all around as a solitary figure nodded its way past the stitchling guard. Upon leaving the guard's proximity, the Forsaken moved off into woods. His path seemed fixed, although nothing marked the way.

After passing an ill-used field and another stretch of woods, he came to a secluded clearing. The clearing held what he was looking for, a greenhouse. From outside, the leaded glass seemed too clouded to be of use to any of the plants that could be there. As the figure entered, it was readily apparent that the outer looks of the place were somewhat deceiving. The plants were all alive and maintained. One plant, though, looked less vibrant than the others. The Forsaken made his way to the plant. He began to root about in its soil.

The sound of two hollow things scraping together in a crescendo of finality jolted him from his task. He turned quickly, daggers to hand to face another Forsaken. The undead in front of him held a bundle of herbs that he was bounding together.

“Don't let me interrupt,” coldly stated the gardener, “but when you take from my plants, please use the appropiate tools.” So saying, he brought forth a black leather case. Upon opening, the intruder saw gleaming adamantite tools; trowels and trimmers. The gardener proffered forth an appropriate trowel. “I don't use the tools so much.” He raised his bony hands. “Fate provided me with something better.”

The intruder took the trowel, and returned his task. The gardner watch patiently.

“Please, don't rush to introduce yourself,” the gardener sarcastically spoke, “I, am Grellix di Molari, a botanist.” Setting aside his case of implements while the intruder extracted a small grey tuber, Grellix produced a small chest. From which, he set out two glasses and a dark green bottle of wine. “Have a seat, I see that you have what you came for. Share some wine.”

The intruder accepted the offering, and sat. Grellix went back to his herbs. His left hand would reach out and pull a sprig toward himself. His right hand would flash out; his sharp, bony fingers scissoring to fell the herb. The sound of bones sliding and snipping would cause the intruder to start.

“Cambius root...,” mused Grellix. “I didn't think that there were many besides myself that knew of it or its properties.” Schnik-tsap. “I was wondering who was taking it, perhaps a kindred spirit. It's been a while since I've had a chance to share botanical tidbits. I suspect that you have a specimen or two that might make up for what you've taken.” Schnik-tsap.

Relative silence follows. The intruder takes a drink, but offers nothing.

“I find that my plants like conversation. Perhaps your greenhouse works on a different assumption. Well, due to my lack of singing voice, I'll talk.

“My botanist credentials are quite impressive, if having a cambius plant were not enough for you. Ever hear of Kadghar's whiskers? Those are a hybrid that I cultivated. They required a bit of help, but many tell me that it was a worthwhile effort.”

Bone fingers sheared more herbs; Schnik-tsap. The intruder continued to sip at his wine.

“When Arthas returned to Lordaeron to the fall of rose petals, many of those species came from my garden. If you had been there, you would have noted that they shimmered the slightest bit as they fell. The air became redolent with the sweet scent of roses and honey. I received a commendation from King Menethil, my employer at the time.” Schnik-tsap.

“I can tell by the look on your face that you are not surprised. You would be, if you had known Menethil's court. I wasn't his gardener.” Schnik-tsap.

“I gathered information for my king in that life.” Grellix turned to the intruder. “Now, I cultivate for Lady Sylvanus.”

A strange look passed over the remains of the gardener's face.

“You're going by the name 'Deathscourge', if Verimathras's intelligence is correct,” intoned Grellix. Deathscourge began to struggle violently in the chair he was sitting in. “You needn't do that. I've managed to cultivate that specimen of vine from a druid. He thought to come here and take some of my plants, but was...unable. The vine, however, I've added to my collection. It's rather...possessive.”

“Let me go!” bellowed Deathscourge who was undergoing a strange metamorphosis. Odd blue bulges rippled down his arm. His cadaverous features filled out, attaining a somewhat demonic appearance. The vines still held the legs as they grew and the knee reversed bend angle.

“Not just yet,” said Grellix, gathering ink and parchment. “I have been asked to see what you know, should I run across you. Well, I haven't really seen you, so I don't think I'll have to report much back.”

“I'll tell you nothing!” roared the now captive. “Use your sick and twisted skills on me, and you will get nothing!”

The Forsaken guise had fallen completely off the Draenei. He struggled against his bonds, but they cinched tighter for all his effort.

“I expect nothing, Deathscourge. Nothing but your screams...”

In the darkness of Tirisfal, screams are nothing new. From the depths of Undercity to the towering walls of the Scarlet Monastery. One more voice to the night goes unnoticed. In a greenhouse that had joined the cacophony of the night, Grellix emerges. His bony hands crimson with blood.

“Today, I expect nothing,” mused Grellix. “One day, there will be something, but I'm willing to wait...”

[Warburn]

(( I love it. A murdering gardner. what will you think of next?

For 3/4 of the story I wasn't clear on who was the intruder and who was Grellix, though in the end I got it. GJ! ))

[Azidahaka]

I really dig the presentation.. You got skills friend! Got a friend that writes too, usually I illustrate with him a little bit but I'll have to show him this little entertaining tidbit. great progression!