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

[Leothiel]

Leothiel woke up in the morning in a cold sweat. He had another recurring dream of being transformed into metal. In every hour, a haunting voice spoke to him. A sip from a nearly-empty vial of moonwell water soothed his mind. He had finished his diplomatic letter to Jaina Proudmoore but was wondering whether or not to send it. His letter to King Varian ignited a firestorm but he would not make that mistake this time around. "Conquer them in my name.."

For the past few weeks, more things were plaguing his mind. He was proud of his leadership in the battlefield only to be reprimanded for running roughshod over a large guild's headquarters and having the audacity to taunt them publicly. He was also tipped off to a pending assault and is scrambling to assemble a defense. "These are your new servitors" said the haunting voice. His re-attunement from frost into arcane gave him blackout episodes earlier but they had subsided since. In his clearest thought, which were deteriorating, he knew he had to go some place where magic first arrived and their witnesses. Aszhara may have been a ruin, but some of their former inhabitants were still alive. The Shendra'lar of Eldre'thalas and their library. They were witnesses to the potential of arcanistry. Leothiel recognized the destructive potential of it but also knew he could shape it his way even greater than how he had it mastered now.

Leothiel took one final sip from the vial. "Dammit" he thought, "Time for more."

[Leikos Darkwood]

Leikos eyed the rogue coolly. Khelio had not malice in her voice. She acted as most other rogues Leikos had encountered in his ages of life; arrogant and overly confident. It was one thing to torture a person chained in a cell. It was a much different to encounter that same person on the battlefield, weapon in hand. He pulled Khelio’s daggers from his belt and handed them to Tindr.

“You will have your daggers upon your departure from this city. Your word of honor means little to me. Actions are what this old Kaldorei judges people by. And the only action I have to judge you by is the removal of my heart. Regardless of whether or not we were in a state of war, your actions were nothing less than savage. And as for what you have told me today, all the evidence in which you have given is circumstantial. Whether it holds true merit remains to be seen. We are aware of the attack upon the Lady Aitana and it is our intention to investigate this matter in further detail but on our own terms.”

Leikos watched Khelio for a moment. She held her emotions well in check. Though, he could tell she was obviously tense. He gathered the items she had laid upon the table and placed them in the small box and put it into his side pouch.

“I will take into account what you have said. Though, make no mistake, the Al’shar will stand firm against any threats, Horde or other, against the Alliance. And our ferocity is well known, as your kin have been witness to.”

Leikos nodded to Tindr and the two guards present, “See that she makes it to the harbor and on to the boat to Kalimdor.”

Tindr motioned for the Khelio to follow him. Leikos watched as the group left the ally. He pulled the small wooden box from his pouch and opened it.

“Perhaps Rheynis can make some sense of this…”

[Theotaz]

Khelio allowed herself to be escorted aboard a ship in Stormwind harbor. Within moments she had slipped quietly over the side and made her way away from stormwind. Coming ashore south of the harbor she found a quiet spot on the shore to dry her gear out. There would be no more travel for today. Pulling a whistle from one of her pouches she gave it 3 hard blows. It made no sound that anyone could have heard, but she knew it would be heard none the less. She prepared a camp fire and cooked up some food. A short time later the Ravenholt agent apeared. He gave her a smirk. "I assume they said no from the the look on your face. Well. we did try to warn you." Anger clouded her face. "Idiot Stupid Arrogant Pig Headed Bigoted Stuck Up Night Elf FOOL!" she muttered. "No Orc would would have refused such aid. The fool didn't even ask how I could help him. If the cause was elements of the old burning blade now in service to Arthus an orc could go where no night elf could. I hope those morons open the damd shell. Serve them right to have it blow up in thier face."

The Ravenholter took a seat beside the fire. He opened his own pack and passed some fresh rations over along with water. "You cant really mean that Khelio." She gave him a look. "Oh, but I do. It might just impress apon their rotted little brains just how serious a threat we all are facing. You know, I thought blood elf men were ... oh never mind." she sipped from the water skin and ate a handfull of ration. The ravenholter did the same. "So Khelio, are you going to tell us what this is all about now, or do I just collect my pay and go?". She looked up at him. "Well if that boss of yours would like to stop hiding behind those bushes with his friends I might consider it. Though I admit to likeing having the extra security about they cant be enjoying it." The Ravenholt agents brows shot up. Khelio pointed a finger at him. "You purpously made noise coming in. I've never known you to be so clumsy unless there was a reason. The obvious was that you weren't alone. The rest was practicing the awareness YOU helped teach me 4 years ago. So, you going to leave them out there all night shivering?"

The ravenholt agent whistled a particular bird call. Within moment Lord Ravenholt himself was sitting beside the fire. a second male agent, set up a pavilion and laid some supplies out within moment while 2 females moved off to take up watch. Khelio eyeballed the circus in with a look of questioning. Ravenholt looked back. "I'm not so young as I used to be you beuteous blue eyed spy. I like my comforts." A bottle of wine was opened and soon a cup had been poured for the Grand Master assassin and herself. Khelio lifted her cup in salutation. "So why the interest of Ravenholt in this? The attempt happened in Outland. Not exactly your territory?" Lord Ravenholt lifted his cupe in return. "No, not my.. our.. territory.. yet, still, an unsanctioned assassination against a major figure. The guild has a nice lucrative little thing going..I don't like squatters. I like even less to see incompetent squatters. It brings down the market if to many stupid amatures get involved. So, we are dealing ourself in. They are still your enemies but it is in Ravenholts best interest to provide some aid and assistance. Any action taken will be yours alone. " Khelio quietly sipped her wine for a bit. More then anything else she needed more information, "You or your agents were not approched?" Ravenholt held his cup. his eyes considering her. "No."

Khelio set her cup down. she chewed her lip a moment in thought. reaching a decision she reached inside her tunic and pulled out a piece of parchment. within moment she had related to the grand master assassin all she knew. "This is an image of the.. thing.. that purchased the shell from the gnome merchant." Ravenholt looked at it. "A shame the image isn't sharper. Who ever it is, is female. possible human, or orc. I can't tell for certain. but the clues are there in the way..she.. holds herself. Do you have any guesses?" Khelio shook her head. "Perhapes the burning blade or one of thier associated groups. The markings in the cowl covering the face are very much like what I've seen before worn by cultists. but there are differences sufficient that I'm not yet willing to commit myself. Very little is known about thier current activities. I know they were active in Sithus 2 years ago, and they've been responsible for some problems Jaina Proudmore had 3 years back. But I've heard nothing of them for quite some time now."

Ravenholt sipped his wine some more. "I think we shall help you. Khelio, go home. You do realize you are being tracked. " Khelio started. "oh don't worry so. Check your garments, you'll find a small gem chip.. likely shoved into the seam on those lovely pauldrons of yours." He held a small box before her. In it was a needle much like a compass. It pointed at Khelio. "We make good money selling these to the Alliance. I suggest you give it to someone who looks like you and will be doing a great deal of travelling. It should prove amusing to have alliance field agents wandering all over the place following a red herring..You would have found it eventually and disposed of it." Khelio checked her pauldrons. There it was, a lump in the leather where none should be. For now she left it where it was. Ravenholt lifted his cup in salute to her. "My agents in the field will do some digging. with a little luck we may come up with something. As soon as we do have something we'll let you know." Khelio opened her hands in question. "And how much is this going to cost me?" Ravenholt barked out a short laugh. "Ohhhhh, the usuall. favors begat favors. And at the moment we do owe you... if for nothing else this delicious delightfull little puzzle you've provided us. " he chuckled in obvious amusment.

Khelio pinned him with an upraised finger. "And what of Garona?" Ravenholts face went still. "so they told you of Garona did they?" Khelio nodded. "they mentioned her.. Red herring? I assumed she was dead. After all even being half human her life span couldn't be more then a few decades, and she was allready in her prime when Khadgar first met her. He's sporting a great deal of silver in his beard these day, and thats with the magical extention of his life. Does she still live?" Ravenholt nodded. "She does, though I belive she currently works for the Kirin Tor which might explain the age thing if its true. I could be very very wrong. I met her once long ago.." He gave a whistfull look. "Quite a woman. She gave me some pointers in my earlier years." Khelio nodded. "She was an agent of stormwind was she not?" Ravenholt nodded "yes, she was. SI:7 to be exact. And they treated her badly. Couldn't see past thier own bigotry. She left thier service some time back. I'm somewhat surprised that Al'shar lo Dor'ano has contact with her at all. It might be a red herring in many ways."

He put his own cup down. "Khelio, you one of the best students I've ever had. You've certainly learned far more then I ever taught you. I don't understand why you have held yourself back all these years. So tell me why your name isn't whispered in tone of fear and awe from Northrend to Outland?" Khelio sighed "I've never been in it for the glory Lord Ravenholt, or the acclaim. I have always known what I am. A Theif, a Spy, and an Assassin. I may preform my skills in a worthy cause but it doesn't change what I am, or what I do. And I don't pretend otherwise. Someday my name will be known. But ideally it will be after I am dead and gone to dust. And perhapes not even then. I've allready left my mark on the history of these two worlds. I'm good with that." she cocked her head. "So, am I better then Garona?"

Ravenholt hung his head for a moment. "In some ways yes. In fact far superior in your own way. In others, you do not begin to compare. You still carry one hell of a chip on your shoulder girl. Untill it comes off, overall, you won't be as good. If you can ever come to terms with it and stop letting it own you.... maybe. You have the potential to be the best that there has ever been. Its all in the head. and the heart. Use your own standards girl. I'm a human. My standards are shaped by the culture I come from. It's really impossible for me to make a judgement of you..." He flashed a smile "And I might very well lie just to create an advantage in my favor. Deception and mis-direction are tools of the trade after all." Khelio nodded and pointed at one of the men present. "And what about him? Does he work for you or Al'shar lo Dor'ano?"

The agent in question froze very still. Ravenholt looked at Khelio through narrowed eyes "Like I said, you have the potential..oh yes, you certainly do." he waved the agent away " He works for me, though he does take thier pay.. and SI:7's.. I assume you'll have the good manners not to mention it.... ehm, as a professional courtesy?" She looked at him and smilled her brightest smile.."Why of course not..unless the money is really good or the advantage it brings me is well, you know." he shook his head. "Yes, yes I do know. Should I withdraw him from Stormwind?" Khelio gave a shake of her head in the negative "Of course not. That would cause his exposure. Perhapes in a few months. or years, but not now. Worry not, I will not expose him. He is your source not mine. First rule you taught me about spycraft. Never withdraw an agent in place unless it is absolutly vital to thier preservation. Especially a good deep agent."

She reached down for her wine cup and signaled a refill. " Oh what a game. when you know, that they know, that you know, but they know only what you let them know, but do they truely know?" she gave a girlish giggle.. for an orc. Ravenholt toasted her "So very true. It keeps it interesting. Now, Into the pavilion girl and hearthstone out of here. That Deathknight of your ,Theotaz.. who I would very much like to meet one of these days.. is certain to want a report from you in the worst way."

Khelio stood up and started toward the pavilion. She stopped at Ravenholts side laying her hand apon his shoulder. "Double deal me my lord and I will not forgive." He gently laid his hand over hers. "I know my dear, I know... you do have some reputation after all. And you have no surviving true enemies after 4 fairly active years of fieldcraft. They're all dead. Every last one of them." He looked up at her. "If I do, it won't be because I want to, it'll be because I absolutly have to, and I'll try my damdest to give you some warning if at all possible. I do respect you girl, and your guild. I do what I do for the game. Not the blood. Now go on home and get some rest. You've been a very busy girl. take some down time.. you need it badly."

He released her hand. She let hers linger for just a moment, then bent down and kissed him on the cheek. "Your a nice man Ravenholt, I won't tell a soul." she turned into the pavillion and pulled the curtain closed. a moment later there was a dim flash of green light. the fabric of the pavilion shuddered for a moment and was still.

"Boss?" one of the agents asked.. "What next" Ravenholt looked into the fire. "we keep our promise boys. Get the word out across the entire network, allied and hoard independents also. Data on the actions and movement of, and cults associated with the burning blade. I owe that girl some answers and by the titans I will get her something. Now lets get switched with our stand ins and get the hell out of here. I don't like being this close to Stormwind. Lets not be too obvious or those SI:7 types up on the ridge will know they've been made." He turned to the deep agent. "I trust you can put together a beliveable report for that idiot night elf at Al'shar lo Dor'ano?" the agent nodded. "Good, make sure I get a copy in case they come asking questions. "That boy really missed a trick. He should have taken her up on her offer. Make it known we're currently taking no Alliance contracts untill further notice. Make sure the Argents and Kirin Tor understand this will not effect our current work for them. Lets roll!"

Within moments the party had been replaced by what was to all apearences a fishing party out over night on the shore. Of course SI:7 would know they had been and gone. Let them wonder why Ravenholt was withdrawing thier assitance and support. The alliance had made far to many bone headed errors over the last few years. The horde at least had the sense to listen to the professionals even if they didn't particularly trust them. He would need to do some checking. Gorona active again. But for who?

[Leikos Darkwood]

It was odd being in Stormwind. In truth, Leikos had only been there for a few days but it seemed much longer. The meeting with Khelio had been a strange one. She had obviously been agitated by her reception. She had done well in hiding it until her dismissal. The guards had reported back to him in haste when they had lost her in the shadows near the docks. Leikos had just shook his head and waved off their concerns.

“If she wanted to kill me, she would have already attempted to.”

He had held on to the small wooden box with the items the rogue had presented to Tindr and him. Leikos had personally examined the items several times finding little information on them. He had decided it would be best to hand them directly to someone with more skill in such matters. As he prepared to depart for Dalaran he was stopped by a familiar face. It was a druid. He had a salty smell about him and his clothing was damp.

“What are you doing here?” questioned Leikos, “Your position is becoming far too critical to us for you to be away from it.”

The druid grunted, “That’s exactly why I am here. Now are you going to allow me to give you my report or are you going to lecture me?”

“Very well, what do you have to report?” Leikos replied, the druid’s tone not affecting his demeanor.

“Ravenholt left his little manor, so I followed him. He was just on off the Stormwind docks with an Orc rogue last night. I wasn’t able to get close enough to hear what they were talking about but its likely nothing in our favor. S:I7 was well aware of it as well. Their commanders are furious about the lack of “courtesy” by Ravenholt and his men. They’ve already dispatched agents to see about the maneuver. Anyways, reports are coming in of several key Ravenholt spies pulling out from Alliance contracts since the meeting. Obviously this is not a coincidence.”

Leikos considered what had been said. It was disconcerting, to say the least.

“We are all pieces upon the same chessboard.” He said quietly to himself

“What was that, Commander?” the druid asked.

Leikos looked back at the druid his voice firm, “See that the appropriate measurements are seen to. Our enemies move against us. We will not be caught off guard. Send word to all of our agents in the field. And see that Lieutenant Commander Thornleif and the Keeper are made aware of this situation.”

“What about the orc rogue?” questioned the druid, “Shall I neutralize her?”

Leikos shook his head, “You don’t destroy the weapon, you incapacitate the wielder. If the need arises, we’ll see that it is done.”

The druid nodded silently then bowed and sprinted away. Leikos was left in the Headquarters alone once more, thoughts of war looming over the old Kaldorei once again.

[Leikos Darkwood]

Leikos had taken to visiting the Stormwind docks in the early morning over the past few days. The air was crisp, it was relatively quiet, and it brought him a sense of balance. There was something about the sea that was calming to him. Last night had been filled with a great stir of motion. With the appearance of the mysterious rogue, Khelio, and the evidence she had presented, there were many more questions to now be answered.

Leikos had proceeded to appoint Rheynis, the Azure Matron, as head of the investigation concerning the assassin wearing Al’shar colors. She had been given the wooden box and entrusted with the care of its contents. Her belief was that a ritual could be performed in order to uncover more about the assassin and his loyalties. Leikos believed she was more than capable to handle the planning of such a thing and left it to her to see to. Then there was the situation with this rogue, Khelio. Leikos had a hard time believing her words. The manner in which she had approached was uncharacteristic of Nyx. Sending the one who had savagely cut out his heart seemed almost a mockery to him. Though, these were clouded times.

Despite his reluctance, Leikos understood the importance of covering all angles. The withdraw of Ravenholt’s group from their Alliance contracts was still a cause for concern. The connection between the Nyxian Rogue and Ravenholt had to be discovered. Leikos had dispatched one of their veteran scouts to see to the situation.

“Would you prefer a subtle or loud approach?” he had asked Leikos.

Leikos had instructed him to use his cunning over his skill with a blade if it were at all possible. During the meeting, Scout Baast had suddenly appeared at their Eastern Headquarters. She had uncovered several interesting facts about things happening, Horde-side.

“It appears that several Nyx members, including Ambassador Leothiel, have been acting strangely, as we had originally heard. I’ve also further confirmed that Nyx is divided on whether or not we were responsible for the attempt on their Oracle.”

Baast went on to confirm several other items that had been brought to Leikos and Tindr’s attention. One thing that seemed to raise more questions was the appearance of a strange dagger. It was in the Nyxians’ possession. No one had uncovered the origins of the item but apparently they were working hard to. It was a shame Leikos could not have his own research it. Andenel would likely be able to find answers quicker than anyone concerning origins.

After all had been reported, Leikos had dismissed Rheynis, Baast, and his field agent. Tindr had remained. He had sat quietly through most of the meeting, answering simple questions and confirming on some of what had been stated by the group.

“What are you thoughts, Thornleif?” Leikos had asked him.

Tindr had gazed at Leikos, the familiar, stoic expression upon his face, “All I can say is, had you told me she had been responsible for the atrocity that was committed against you in captivity, I would have seen too it she had not left Stormwind alive.”

Leikos nodded, “That is exactly why I didn’t mention it.”

“Well even still,” Tindr smirked, “She best hope I don’t catch her upon the battlefield. I’ll return the gesture ten fold.”

Leikos nodded, “Not if I catch her first. Will you see about contacting the appropriate people in the North West?”

Tindr nodded, “Of course, Commander. What about those in the North East?”

“I will see to that personally.” Leikos had replied.

A loud bell brought Leikos from his thoughts. He turned and headed back up the ramp towards Stormwind City.

[Asarelah]

The episode had all started when Partedhair wanted Asarelah’s opinion on a new mount he had interest in………

Dalabrac had been gone, for so very long. Asarelah had all but written him off as lost to the Tribe. Dala had gone in search of Lady Garona, and Lah didn’t believe it possible that he would succeed in his mission. But here he was, not only back, but perched upon a crate behind the Quartermaster Partedhair was dickering with, right in front of her - his laughter filled smile reflecting back her own shocked surprise.

“I know you.. or at least I think I know you… but your name…” Lah stuttered, obviously confused. “Who are you!!” she demanded to know.

“You most certainly do know me,” he said with a smirk. “And before you ask…. Yes, I did find Garona. She changed my name…”

Asarelah nodded, closely watching the most slippery rogue in the Nyxian Scouts least he vanish again, as he was want to do. “Hrmpph… Tsaphaan is it?”

“Aye,” the newly named Rogue nodded. “…Means Hidden. Garona thought it was singularly appropriate,” he smirked. “Tell me, what has been going on in my absence… you look tense, m’lady....”

Asarelah quickly related events surrounding the assassination attempt on Oracle Tallbear, and how Theotaz was working on the investigation of the incident.

“You say the tree died? I would see this tree!” Tsaphaan said. “Show me!”

Asarelah, nodding agreement, waved for the trio to mount. “To Shattrath then. I shall send word to Theotaz to join us there while we travel.”

Arriving at the tree just outside the Shattrath city gates, Asarelah found Theotaz already there. The tree was deep in decay and had fallen to rubble on the ground.

“My, it fell quickly.” Asarelah looked on in astonishment.

Theotaz nodded in agreement, and turning to Tsaphaan he said, “Ambassador sent word you wanted ta know bout what happen to da tree. Dis be da tree de shell struck…here, you can see de stroke of ma axe when I cut it free.. De tree whither before our eyes. And dat was just from the residue on de surface. De shell, it did not break.. or we would not be here.”

Asarelah watched the two men, bending down to examine the deadfall. She shuddered in revulsion as Tsaphaan carefully sealed a chunk of the tree’s core inside a froststeel casing.



Partedhair inched to the side nervously. “Parted think message on to greater aspect of attempt. That Parted theory.” He grumbled “Parted cover snout. No sniff unknown if no know when wake next Sun.”

Theotaz nodded to Partedhair. “Parted is certainly correct about that. The assassin was a down on his luck fool. He was not meant to survive regardless.. I should have asked Tasera to scout and see if there might have been a watcher.. I think of it now and I am certain there was.”

Tsaphaan also nodded his agreement. “Mortals do stupid things when we’re desperate.” Pausing a moment, he seemed deep in thought. “Mm.. Well. I’ll toss this sample to a friend of mine.”



“Dat be good.” Theotaz agreed. “Already send me rogue scout, Khelio, ta da Al’shar too. See what dey makes a dis poison.”

Asarelah gasps in shock. “You sent Khelio to Stormwind? To Al’shar? Oh my God!”

“Who is Khelio?” Tsaphaan asked.

“Her tribe was allied to Thrall’s Frostwolves. That alliance doomed them. Gul’dan’s minions destroyed them with this same poison.” Theotaz said. “She is…. motivated…. to find the source... I could not deny her.”

“This poison may interest Garona.” Tsaphaan look thoughtful. “But I do not understand….”

“Parted confused. No know what you mean.” Partedhair also questioned.

“Father Hair, Lord Tsaphaan,” Theotaz explained, “I am acting as Khelio’s... “Control”. She has already made contact with our Alliance counterparts… They have as of yet not quite decided to trust her… Hopefully we shall know in a day... If they do not, I have already made arrangements for her extraction.”

“I have heard nothing of this!” Asarelah turned anger filled eyes on Theotaz. “There has been nothing on the rumor mills… And believe me; Ambassador Leothiel has been watching them like a hawk - if for no other reason than to stir up more dissention in the Alliance rank and file.” Shaking a finger under Theo’s nose, she continued. “Count me in on that extraction, should it become necessary. Should either of the Commanders allow Khelio to come to harm, I shall personally flay them myself!!!”

Asarelah touched a hand to her throat, fingering an old scar, and remembering a dance with death. Tsaphaan did not miss the gesture.

“Lah.. do me a favor.. don’t come within Tindr’s reach anymore, ok?” Tsaphaan patted his blade. “I wouldn’t want his dead blood to stain your robes. Besides, I doubt you need worry about extracting one of Theo’s House. If she gets caught, most likely she will just suck up, and then vanish.”

Asarelah shook her head, “She would whittle a new Al’shar emblem in to Tindr’s flesh before she would “suck up” as you called it.”

Theotaz nodded, laughing. “Well, sucking up aint Khelio’s style, but she do ok I tink… prolly scare em to death…”

Theotaz continued. “If dey be stupid… she do have… the shell. Dat be kinda drastic though ”

There is that.” Asarelah agreed, calming slightly. “Well, we shall give it a day, as you ask, and see what transpires.”

“You think it’ll work even after being fired?” Tsaphaan asked.

“I know it will work… and I got the body of a dead Gnome thief to back dat up… I didn’t bother reporting it… third party, been scop’n ma place for weeks. Not much to look at, dark complexion, young… not gonna make it to old age now… what a waste. he’d been hanging about for weeks before dis all started.. ”

Partedhair stroked his braid, deep in thought. “Parted no think you bring gnome up. Parted hungry.”

Asarelah giggled. “We know your fondness for Gnome ears, Parted.”

Partedhair nodded, smiling, at Asarelah.

“Sorry to interrupt… but I have to know this.” Tsaphaan said, looking toward Theotaz. “Did he have a tattooed ear?”

“Naw, no tattoo.. barely beyond childhood he was,” Theo nodded in reply.

“Good then.” Tsaphaan shook his head. “I’m going to make a delivery… I just hope my friend wakes up to notice he has mail.” Turning to walk back to his flying machine, Tsaphaan paused. “Thanks for showing me this. I’ll investigate further.”

Asarelah nodded in dismissal. “Of course, sly slipper. I shall leave it with you. But report to Aitana as soon as possible.”

[Theotaz]

The sounds of the city forced thier way into her room. The sun casting a miore pattern apon the floor. Out side she could could here the sound of the city guard calling the watch. The sounds of the marketplace opening. The street merchants and common enchanters allready calling out thier wears. Khelio sighed and leaned back into her pillows. The last week had been exaustive. And the 3 hour debriefing Theo had put her through last night on her arrival no less so. She knew he had to. In truth he had uncovered what to her had seemed minor items but apon examination were not so minor after all. It had all seemed such a good idea at the time. In one stroke she could have cemented her reputation inside and outside the guild for ever. In stead what she had done is walked into the lions mouth with a very certain chance that she would not walk back out. Her hopes of nutralizing the threat to Nyx, and an even greater threat to everyone on the planet dashed. Maybe something good would come of it eventually. By the ancestors she was tired, and sore of spirit. Her musings were inturrupted by a knock on her door.

"Khelio are you all right?" It was Svalina. That a blood elf had become like a sister to her was passing strange. That she had seen that same blood elf slowly turn away from being a creator of death to a preserver of life had seemed a most amazing journy all in its self. Svalina was her sister of the spirit, and to her, no lies, no deception could be acceptable. Without truely thinking she answered. "no, I'm not." Sva opened the door concern, etched on her near perfect features. "You didn't come down to breakfast..You never miss breakf..." Sva stopped talking and looked carefully at Khelio. Her face in that mask that said healer mode.
"Oh Khelio, you Are a mess aren't you." Sva advanced into the the room closing the door behind her. She was sat on the bed and had her arms around her sister orc almost before the tears started coming. Sobs tore from Khelio's as the emotional pain she'd been holding back for months, if not years broke free. Svalina held her and just stroked her hair and shoulders. Her slim strong fingers touching here and there on Khelios body. Each spot a knot of energy and pain.

Khelio had seen Sva pull the bell rope. Out side the door she dimly heard Dulucre's voice. "My Lady ?!?!?!?". "Luc, go to the kitchen prepare a plate of cold foods, and dry crackers. Make a pot of swift thistle tea, half strength, sweetened with the new honey. Have Serim bring it in, if she is in the house. If she in not, bring it up yourself knock on the door, and leave it out side. Now repeat back my instruction." Dulucre repeated the instructions back to Sva's satisfaction and went off to preform the duties. Khelio was quieting now. The sobs that wracked her subsiding. Svalina continued the very strange touching apon Khelios body. Each touch like the pulling of a needle from flesh. Each touch relaxing tissue that Khelio hadn't even been aware of being tense.

A knock came to the door. Serims voice came through, obviously concerned. "Lady Svalina, I have ah.. food I guess". "come it, just set it on the table there." Serims pet Echeyakee brushed past his mistress into the room, the great white lion appearing to take in the room in an instant. He dropped to the floor with an audible thump, and rubbed his great head against one of Khelio's legs dangling off the bed. Serim looked at him and snapped her fingers. "Eche, come away from there! I'm sorry usually he not quite so ...casuall" Svalina waved away her concern "Its quite all right, Eche knows what hes doing, and rightly so. If its allright with you, let him stay for a bit. He will come find you when he is ready huntress Serim." Serim looked apon the priestess with respect and confusion.."if you say so mistress, I'll just go on out, ahh, was there anything else you needed?. "No thankyou serim, you have been most helpfull. " she waved her hand in gendle dismissal. " a moment" Serim stopped. "has Theotaz left for the guild hall?" "Yes maam" Serim replied, over three hours ago, right after breakfast when you came up here. He should be returning shortly. I saw Bootam, out shopping a bit earlier. He said he had allready been in chambers with the council since early on." Svalina nodded. "If he comes in before I come down, ask him please to wait for me in the scriptorium. Thank you Serim, you've been a great help." Serim pointed to the great white lion.."You Be Good" The lion flicked and ear and gave a great yawn as if to say like you even have to ask. Serim slipped out closing the door behind her.

Khelio considered what she had heard and looked to the window. Had she been in here that long? Yes she had, By the sun it was allready early afternoon. She looked into Svalina's eyes. "Whats wrong with me?" Sva just shook her head. "Nothing is wrong with you dearest. Your reaction is perfectly normal for someone who has just returned from putting her nipples in a vice is all." Khelio's jaw dropped. It wasn't ofen the Sva's dry earthy humor came out, but when it did it marked that she was truely serious about her subject. Sva sighed. "Khelio, our minds and bodies cannot operate at our best under constant activity. You were gone a week and a half. Your mission sequence took you to the burning stepps, and then to an infiltration of Stormwind via Ravenholt. Oh, by the way, very good job there. As a matter of fact you really deserve a commendation from the guild for what you have done." Khelio looked at Sva shaking her head. "I did what I had to do..it wasn't anything spec.." Sva's hand covered Khelio's mouth. "Oh its nothing special is it? Lets look at ..nothing special... shall we.?"

Sva gently placed her hands on Khelio's shoulders and pushed her back into the pillows. "Lets see. First off you deduced the most likely scource of the damd shell with Theo. You came up with that scumbag Gnomish merchant all on your own. Got what information you could and had the presence of mind to scavange his mechano-strider which by the way gave us the first real look at an enemy that in retrospec been hounding the guild for months, if not years." Sve paused for a moment . "Next, with Theo, you planned a mission into the heart of the Alliance, contacting an enemy that you had preformed torture on to provide them with intelligence against a mutuall threat to both Alliance and Horde at no small risk to yourself. " she paused again for a moment. "While you did not get the results you had hoped for, which by the way was certainly unrealistic, but understandable... " she took a breath and locked eyes with Khelio, "yet still managed to bring a priceless intellegence asset to the aid of the guild at a time of crisis." Svalina held her hand outward. "I would have to say the mission while personally dissapointing would have to be termed an outstanding success with the real objectives met. The Al'shar lo Dor'ano now have information they did not have before, and because of it, there will be a lessening on tensions between our guild and thiers." She gave Khelio that look again. "So other then marking yourself as a bit of an over achiver was there anything I missed?"

Khelio let her self sink back into the pillows. "But?" Sva laid her hand apon Khelios chest. "But nothing. You came with in inches of being slain outright and came away with the help of the Assassins guild. Lord Ravenholt himself no less." Svalina shook her head in amazement. "How you kept going this long I'll never know other then orcs are phenominally tough both physically and emotionally. But for now you need some down time...serious down time. The world can wait for a while. None of the problems facing the house, the guild, or the horde are going away any time soon. And all of us will need you at your best. And right now you have nothing more to give that won't cause you greater harm in the long run."
Khelio opened her mouth to protest but Sva finger touched her lips.. "No, not a word. You need time away from the guild, and this over crowded city. I'm going to ask Theo to talk to his friend Tasera. Some time out in the country would do you good. And from the rumors I've been hearing she could use your assitance with some of the more mundane issues of running her own house hold. It's not like she has a great deal of experience at it." A sly smile lit Svalina's face. "And it gives Tasera a chance to indirectly get to know Theo just a bit better. That male is too much the gentleman sometimes. A bit to much married to his job if you get my meaning. He made it to first base just fine. Its second he's running into problems with."

Khelios eyes shot up "Theo? problems?" Sva shook her head. "Not so much problems as a lack of experience. That trolls idea of a romantic gift is to make a gift of a case of ammo. I am certain Tasera appreciates the ammo but there a lot of difference between recieving a box of mammoth cutters, and recieving chocholats and flowers." Khelio snorted, "Well I don't know about that. I think a box of ammo is a very thoughtfull and romantic gift to someone you love. It really says you care!" Svalina rolled her eyes to the cieling "Elune preserve us.. Ok, I can accept that there is a massive differnce in cultural values here. None the less we can help our dear Theo achive his hearts desire. That and I really am getting a bit tired of his emotional yoyo when it comes to Tasera. So what do you say? A little R and R with a touch of help to the love lorne?"

Khelio considered "Well, I could do with some time in the country, and if you think it would really help Theo?" Sva smiled gently "It certainly can't hurt. I'll make the arrangements. For now though you need to rest and recover. I'll be out most of the day then, be sure to eat" she said pointing to the tray of food." Svalina got up off the bed and made for the door. "Leave the door cracked so Eche can get out when he wants. I'll see you later tonight." Within moment after Sva left Khelio yawned thinking to her self how truely tired she felt. Within moments she had drifed back off to sleep. The world could wait.

[Theotaz]

Theo stood before the council listening to them deliberate in hushed whispers. He had given his initial report hours before. Other guild matters had required attention before they returned to his own debriefing.

Warburn shook his head. "Theo, she coulda been killed mon! Haring off to tell Al'shar lo Dor’ano dat be one thing. It would have been better if ya ha gone ye self. And not tell'n us first? Brudda. dis gonsa have some consequences!"

Theo ducked his head. "I accept full responsibility for dis. None de less while the mission did not provide all Khelio and ma self had hoped for I would call it a success. That Ravenholdt has swung in to assist us was totally unlooked for, though admittedly dey play dey own game. Still, it will ease the load on our all ready strained resources. Understand dey will only provide intellegence. As to if they will perform any ops for us, at dis time I cannot say. I will of course treat any information dey provide us as questionable at best until we can confirm it wid our own resources where possible."

Aitana lifted her head. "And how is Kheliosrham? You said that your debrief took several hours."

Theotaz looked up, pain showed on his face. "Exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally, I asked Sva to check on her while I was away. She is not well. And unless there is an emergency, I tink it best dat the other Rogues and operatives of de guild take any missions dat might have been planed for her until she is ready to go into de field again.

Asarelah lifted a hand. "Theo, why Khelio? You put her into tremendous danger. Any of our people could have preformed this mission. Myself, Ambassador Leothiel... really almost any. After all it was just letting the Al'shar know what we had found out…..” she looked over to Leothiel, "even if we don't all agree."

Theo shook his head "No, my Lady, no one here present could have preformed dis mission. It was much more then simply delivering a sealed pouch. A trained observer needed to go, and Khelio knew her presence would focus their attention because of her actions when de one was our prisoner. They would be more likely to accept what she had to say at face value. It’s the old ‘they know, that you know, that they know’, but do they really know what they think they know?"

Tasera growled. "You giv'n me a head ache Theo!"

Theo flushed in embarrassment. "Tasera, its all part of de game."

She screamed at him "GAME! One wrong move and we would'a got'n back a corpse! You put a member of your House, your own family at risk and you call it a GAME!"

Theo rose to his full height and looked down at Tasera with a scowl on his face. "Yes Tasera a game. A game with very serious rules, and equally serious consequences. Not just for de player, but for everyone associated wid dem!" He dropped back into his perpetual slouch and sighed. "I'm sorry Tasera; I did not mean to raise my voice at ya. I, and Khelio, both knew de risks. And we both take dis very seriously.

"Theotaz" Warburn growled warningly "You will maintain decorum before de council. Tasera's actions are not in question here, nor are Khelio's. Yours are. Did you not say that you take full responsibility for dis mission?"

Theo ducked his head. "Yes I did, and yes I do." He shook his head. "As I said before, I realized the risk, and Khelio was fully aware of the risks."

The doors to the chamber opened, the guards admitting Svalina. "Pardon my interruption. I need to talk to Theotaz for just a moment." Warburn waved his assent.

Svalina pulled Theo off to the side of the hall. "Theo. Khelio is in a bad way. I'm seriously concerned for her." She gave Theo a quick rundown on Khelio condition. "She needs rest and needs time away from town to recover. I was kind of hoping you could ask Tasera to let her rest and recover at her place. She could help Tasera while she's there. A week should do it. She bounces back fairly fast."

Theo got a pained look on his face. "Oh wonderful; I tink I just got Tasera mad at me. She might not be willing to accept me ask'n right now."

Sva gave Theo a furious look. "Theo, you’re a real idiot some times. Now shut up, and swallow that fear of your and go ask her NOW! I swear you’re the most un-death knight like death knight I have ever seen. MARCH!!"

Theo swallowed and headed over to where Tasera was sitting. Despara wagged his tail happily as Theo came up. Tasera muttered something under her breath. Despara whined quietly in complaint and laid his ears down, folding his head onto his paws.

"Tasera, I know you not happy wid me, but I gotsa ask ya for a favor. Khelio, she in a bad way... really wiped out from de mission, and more den dat. I asken please if ya would let her stay out at you place for a week. Sva says dat should be all she need. She can help ya wid stuff der and it be a good distraction for her."

Tasera looked sternly at him. "Well maybe."

Theotaz wrung his hand together "Tasera, please, dis be important. Please talk to Svalina. If I can't convince ya, maybe she can. I.. I gotsa finish dis wid de council, and…" Theo stuttered to a stop as Tasera held up her hand. She pointed over Theo's shoulder. Svalina was giving a report to the council on Khelio.

"Currently she is physically and mentally exhausted. The emotional strain is not to be discounted. Her own certainty that the villains that promulgated the attempt on Lady Aitana's life, and what I personally have reason to believe the senior leadership of the guild outside of Shattrath city being one and the same as those that murdered her tribe shortly before the 3rd war has left her drained emotionally as well. If she does not get some rest away from guild responsibilities at this time...." Svalina took a moment to breath. "I... I fear for her sanity. She's on the edge now. She must be given an opportunity to recover her emotional balance. With out it she will become a deadly menace to everyone around her."

Aitana nodded. "You are certain Svalina?"

Sva clasped her hand before her. "Yes my Lady, I am certain. She must rest, and for a short time be kept isolated from guild activities. I'm very scared for her, ma’am. She's my friend…." Sva choked back a sob. "She must rest!"

Theo turned back to Tasera "Please!" he whispered.

"Very well, but youse unda stand I ain’t do'n dis for you, I do'n it for her.".

Warburn rapped his gavel. "Theotaz, go see to your House. We will talk tomorrow. You are dismissed."

Theotaz bowed and made for the doors of the chamber. Tasera lifted an eye brow gave a little smirk to his retreating back. Despara looked up at his mistress, looked to Theo, and back to his mistress. His head cocked. His pet trolls were so confusing…...

[Leothiel]

Leothiel woke up with two yellow beady eyes staring directly at him. It was Azureus, his pet dragon whelp. He got the message to get up and noticed something: The whelpling was carrying a newly-refilled vial of moonwell water. "Thank you" Leothiel thought with a smile. One sip made him forget some of the nightmares he had been having recently: A burning Quel'thalas, his disfigured brethren around the Sunwell, the voices of suffering from Shadowmoon Valley, and a gaping maw with more mouths than he can fathom. The whelp has also been shaking almost constantly for the past few days, which Leo thought was unusual.

He spent time in writing and looking over the Thalassian-Darnassian dictionary in his hand. It was time for him to have a small group of fellow Sin'dorei look into some of the mysteries of those who had forsaken the path of arcanistry: The Kal'dorei. There were only a handful of practitioners left. They were the Shendra'lar, whose library was deep in the ruins of Eldre'thalas.



Asarelah was also curious of the secrets and wondered if it could shed any light on the Blood Elves' dangerous relationship with magic. Treuna also decided to join. All three of them met at the flight path of Camp Mojache. A Shu'halo took offense to Thalassian being spoken in her homeland. Leothiel replied to her by saying "You are welcome to speak Taurahe in Silvermoon." The three left Camp Mojache. West of the camp, Leothiel stopped the group to enjoy the verdant beauty that is Feralas.



The group reached the road and went from a gallop to a walk. After some distance, Azureus bolted and ran off. As Leothiel turned around, he saw some Alliance that he had recognized and had fought against on the field: It was Alshar lo Dorano. Their intent was anything but scholarly. They incapacitated Treuna and Asarelah and Leothiel knew that he had no chance against them. They motioned him to come with them.

Leothiel decided to have fun with his newfound captivity. He would not be escorted without a fight. His knowledge in Arcanistry allowed him to turn members of his entourage into penguins for a short time. He also had great pleasure in stripping the members of their boons as well as silencing the priest that would continue. There were moments when he would summon simulacra to do his bidding.



His defiance did not come without cost. The two priests would periodically mind control him to put him back into position with the rest of the party. The paladin leading the arrest would periodically leave him stunned with holy power. After some time, they arrived to an open prison on an island near Feathermoon Stronghold. Leothiel even fought while he was being bound. After being tightly bound, he siphoned the power from one of the blood runes. After Tindr subdued the Sin'dorei, he infused the wards on the rocks binding the new prisoner to the location until transfer.

[Theotaz]

Tasera had been on hand when Khelio had arrived. Svalina had been asked to accompany Liothil on some diplomatic mission or other but had begged off to keep company with her. Tasera had noted Theotaz had not come with her with surprise. She seemed puzzled by his absence.

Tasera introduced her other visitor. Khelio didn't recall his name. He'd said something or other that had irritated her. Without realizing she had pitched 5 throwing knives in an instant. He'd been leaning against a tree. The knives had hit just to either side of his neck, one each just under each armpit, and the last just below his crotch. The fellow had sense to not go for a weapon as She'd had both daggers out as soon as she'd released the knives. He had muttered "My apologies" and had quietly backed away. As soon as he'd gotten out of sight Tasera burst out laughing and had commented "Well, Theotaz did say you would help around the place." And shown her to the room that would be hers for her stay.

Svalina was obviously hovering. Khelio was definatly feeling peckish and was unwilling to put up with it. "Sva, go back to Orgrimaar. I'll be all right. I'm just stressed is all." Sva would not hear it. "No sister. I have known you for years and I've never seen you even close to breaking down. I will know why." Khelio sighed and waved her to a chair. "All right. I know why and I'll tell you why. Did I ever tell you how Theotaz and I met?". Svalina frowned. "I Thought you and he first met when you were part of the wolf Pack guild?" Khelio released a snort. "Not even!, Sva, Theotaz is my foster fother!" Sva's mouth opened and closed with a snap. "What?" Khelio's mouth curved into a smile of humor.. "It was just before the third war. I was a child. I had an older brother and a baby sister that hadn't even been named yet she was so young. My da had been ambushed and killed with a hunting party but I didn't find that out till years later." My village was attacked. My brother pushed me down the village well as the grenades burst."


Khelio wrapped her arms around herself "Everyone in the village was dead or dieing within seconds. I can still see my brothers arm holding my favorite stuffed toy hanging over the edge of the well. I still have it." Khelio reached into her travel pack and pulled out an incredibly grimy stuffed Elekk and handed it to Svalina. Sva held the toy with a puzzled look on her face. "Its an Elekk. But these are from...oh!" Sva turned the toy over in her hand. There was hardly a spot on the toy that didn't show stitching from repairs. "Thats right. I was born in Dreanor, or Outland as we now call it. My tribe refused to submit to the shadow council and they were marked for elimination. Smell it" she said as she pointed at the toy. Sva held the toy up to her nose and sniffed. A look of horror crossed her face. "It's that same poiosn!" Khelio nodded "Yes it is."

Svalina passed the toy back. "But where does Theo come into this?". "Theo was part of a group send by Doomhammer to make another offer to us after the murder of Durotan. We'd been allied to the Silver Wolves." Khelio put the toy away. " I was in that well two days. It was Theo's lion that found me."
Khelio smiled whimsicly. "I so miss Romilar, he was such a grest friend to Theo and I." Svalina reched over and touched hands. "I miss him to. I wish he'd lived untill Theo came back to us." Khelio shook her head. "No, what happened was best. Romilar would have been reduced to a pet instead of a companion. He would not have understood the changes in Theotaz." Khelio reached into her bag agin and pulled out two cups and a bottle of Suntouched reserve. She opened the bottle and served them both. "Theotaz pulled me from that well." He was so discusted with what had happened that he left Doomhammers service and returned to Azeroth with me in tow. We lived for many years in Stranglethorn after the Horde was crushed and the dark portal broken. I think he hoped I would become a hunter like him. It was not to be. I had to much respect for wild things."

Svalina sipped her drink as she listened to the tale. " Made my first kill at eleven summers. A human rogue had managed to find our camp in stranglethorn. There was a bounty on so called wild orcs then. He'd waited till Theo and Romi were out hunting. The bastard had knocked me unconcious.
I came to with my clothes off and that animal mounting me for his pleasure. I pulled his own dagger from his sheath and split his spine with it." When Theo returned he asked me several questions. When that was done he took me far north. He took me to Ravenholt. Lord Ravenholt himself trained me." Sva sipped some more at her wine "Well, that explains a little bit about why Ravenholt would have been willing to work with us."

Kheliosrham finished her wine and set the cup aside. "Very few folk understand anything about Ravenholt. They tend to see him as a knife for hire. Not just him but his guild and thats just not so." Khelio started pulling things out of her pack and arranging them about the room. "He has a saying.. If one dies, a thousand may live. Ravenholt serves civilization by activly acting to restrict wholesale slaughter if at all possible. Nothing he does is without reason. He has his own reason for helping us. Someday we may even know why."

Svaline set her empty beside Khelio's. "I still don't quite understand the break down. Everyone see's you being rock solid. Nothing fazes you. What happened to you as child was brutal, but after years of war other have seen as bad or worse." Khelio's face got hard. "That fool elf didn't understand, and would not let me explain just how much danger we were all in if this was the actions of the Shadow Counsil and the Burning Blade." SValina lifted a hand "Oh come now. Doomhammer broke the Shadow Council, and the Burning Blade? What a joke!"

Khelio turned Svalina, "Hear me sister and do not forget. The Burning Blade and the Shadow Council are one and the same. They never fight openly. Thier tools will always be poison, mis-direction, mis-information, deception.
They may be physically weak, but they have no morality. The human that was my first kill was a paragon of virtue compared to any of them. They fill thier ranks with the weak willed, the stupid, the ignorant and greedy, and the lazy. They will happily sacrifice anyone and any thing in thier lust for power. If simple force of arms worked against them they would have ceased to be an issue long ago. Thrall suffers them to exist openly hidden simply because this way he at least has a chance to counter thier excesses. If he were to drive them permanantly underground we would not know of thier activities untill far to late. They prey on moral weakness." She snorted "They make even Arthus almost look good. And, if they have allied with Arthus.. which I pray to the spririts and my ancestors they have not, then we are in very serious danger."

"Bah! I tire of this subject sister. Lets go outside. I would see the sunset with you before you return to the guild hall" Khelio said gesturing out the door." Svalina smiled. "So you mean to tell me your break down was temporary" Khelio leveled her eyes at Svalina. "Of course.. I was tired, and overcome with my own memories, and fears of what might come..... and who's that???" Svalina peered about. "Who's who?" SValina snatched her spyglass off of her belt. "Damd!" Khelio grabbed a horn off the wall and blew the alarm. Svalina slammed the spy glass closed "Night Elves! Damd!" Khelio, turned to Svalina "Al'shar lo Dor'ano? Sva shook her head, "I don't know, Maybe, I couldn't make out any tabbard or battle colors"

Tasera came running up "Who da hell is blow'n de alarm?" Khelio pointed to the cloud of dust thrown up by the riders rapidly speeding away. "Night Elves Tasera, and they were allready pulling away when we came out of the house."
Tasera nodded "Dis be no good. Ah have de captain of de guard put an extra watch on.... or maybe not. If dey was here to cause trouble it would been caused by now." Tasera peered into the distance. "Ya dey ain't even slow'n down. Dammit, I don like be'n spied on!" Svalina nodded "I'll inform Asarelah, she'll need to know seeing her place is just up the path.".