Conquest of the Horde

((This is an IC post for the travel rp going on. Aroes, Kirabo, Nixie and Rigley are free to post their bits if they wish.))

The beginning of the journey

Lawless city:

While our journey seemed to have begun in the Barrens, the true starting events extended a few days back to a place only referred to as a lawless city. This lawless city was not actually a city, nor a town, but an island close by to Ratchet. Despite being rundown and in serious disrepair, many people regarded this as their paradise. I started to find this quite questionable; were people so eager to escape authority that they would subjugate themselves to this?

Fortunately I found reason to persuade my companions to come and escape with me. Between the demon and the thugs, it wasn't until a necromancer started raising ghouls that we had fled. We left so fast I couldn't collect my bike, my robot, or any of my projects. These were left behind, but what mattered most was that we were together.

Ratchet was but a short boat-ride away. I was very happy to leave the lawless place, and experience the true freedom that came with roaming. We were going to Northrend, a place that to me, felt like a true frontier. Together, we would see the world.

The Barrens:

Our first challenge was to cross the Barrens, and before we even could, we would need some money for when we visited future towns. Fortunately I still had my deck of cards, and we were only a few bets away from getting a sum of twenty gold. We took this gold with us to a camp, where we waited for Nirle to recuperate, and where Kirabo gave me some lessons in combat(remember, stances are important!).

Before we had set out another gnome arrived at the camp as well. She was a cartel member that I had seen in Booty Bay: Jovana was someone I really couldn't forget, even without the sombrero, it was like she had some trademark to her. I guess she didn't forget the bunny ears either; she remarked about how I had invited her to a stripping game-

But those details aren't too important.

With her we had made a ragtag traveling group of gnomes. We had Kirabo, who seemed like quite a combat specialist. I never really seen him in action. His sister, Nixie, was also armed with daggers, and proclaimed herself to be rather good at sneaking around. Jovana and I both had guns to fend off enemies. Nirle.. well, he said he couldn't cast, but I did see him use magic before.

Nirle...

He's like the black sheep of the group, really. I worry about him. Kirabo and him were supposed to have made up, but it seems that they have a hard time getting along. Nirle's also rather pessimistic. However, it seems Nixie and me balance out the pessimism, while Jovana acts like the rational member of the group. Kirabo's a bit reckless, I didn't want to abandon him but a few times I did feel like running away when facing a crocalisk, orcish ninjas, and anything else that came our way.

The trip through the Barrens was hectic and very confusing. There were enemies all around. In case we should ever have to repeat this trip I found it handy to make a list of how to get through the Barrens as a member of the Alliance.

1: Follow the river, but don't go into the water. Crocolisks.
2: Once you see a Horde farm climb up a hill until you see the Pig-men territory.
3: Be wary of any trees along the way.
4: Use the mountain to try and get around the Pig-men.
5: Hide under a bucket. Go through the Pig-men anyways and persuade them that you are a bucket god. Don't forget to back up the claims.
6: Make it to the road with the bucket. Expect curious orcs to grab the sneaky bucket.
7: Hitch a ride on an orcish catapult (This step is not particularly recommended for your health).
8: Take the road to Ashenvale. Sneak in bushes to avoid the Horde.

On the way into Ashenvale, do refrain from killing the helpless peon and calling the grunt a b***h. If you do provoke any of the orcs, pray that a night elf tree ninja will save you.

First stop, Ashenvale:

So as mentioned it is unwise to provoke the orcs. We started our trip into Ashenvale with Nirle getting punched in the stomach. It made me cringe to watch him fly that distance, and he hasn't been awake since. Fortunately we were able to make it to Astranaar with the group. We haven't had much time to take in the surroundings, but it is really pretty. We still have a ways to go, but I am happy to be out of Horde lands. Astranaar is our first stop. Nirle needed healing, and all of us needed rest after being subjected to the heat, exhaustion, and the catapult ride in the Barrens.

I hope our group can pull together. We were lucky to have survived our journey, and it seems at times we can't stop arguing over what to do next. Kirabo wants to fight the dangers, I want to avoid them, Nirle wants to avoid them too, Nixie doesn't seem to care what happens and Jovana just seems to go with it. Hopefully we can come to an agreement that we'll do what's best for our survival.

I think Kirabo needs to trust my judgment sometimes, even if I am helpless, I want what's best for all of us.

Hopefully we'll find a way.

I don't even know why I'm going on this trip...I probably just can't stand to be alone. Quite a contradiction really, because alone is where my training would best be done...just me and my books. It's obvious I'm not wanted on this trip anyway, I'm only along because Marie made Kir forgive me. For that I'm not sure if I want to thank her or punch her. The moment we stepped out of camp I knew things were going to hell in a handbasket, giant river croc decided to try and eat me, isn't that just a lovely way to start the day.

Haven't I suffered enough? My body has decided to screw my mind over, seems my heart can't handle all the jumping that causes an odd array of beat orders. Whenever I have an attack it's like I'm dying...but then everything is okay again...until the next attack. My best friend hates me for keeping my shadow studies a secret...it wasn't his business and he didn't need to know.


BAM!


If there are gods, they hate me. Their avatar, an orc grunt from the looks of him, had it in him to punch me about 30 yards and utterly shatter my ribcage. Blood...my blood seeps through my robes. There's that dying feeling again.

Dream: Suddenly I'm in a broken fortress, it seems to have once belonged to me but now only serves as the halls of my prison. I'm dead...I've been dead for a long time, my flesh is rotting and my skeleton glows with an eerie light. I am forced to remain on this plane for my betrayal of the ones closest to me...cursed by the gods. I am forced to look into a scrying bowl that repeats my sins over and over.

Ghosts come and sing songs describing my horrible deeds to me all night, I just sit on the broken throne of the keep and listen. I hear the voice of a god, feel the divine hand on my shoulder. "It has been quite a long time, do you wish to change what you did?" "I'd do it all the same given the chance." The god is angry, my flesh is restored to that of a living being once more...then I see the divine fist..

WAKE UP!

How I loathe this travel already...and what the fel was up with that dream?



The idea for the dream is taken from the "Ballad of Lord Soth."

The Barrens

I was laying down in some net before I jumped off it and saw Kirabo, my brother, Marie, his "girlfriend" and Nirle, the ugly-face. The love bunnies were training with daggers while Nirle was sitting, as always. After a few minutes we heard a horse yelling out and a female gnome with a huge hat jumped off it. That was miss Jovana, the one with a spyglass and great adventure spirit!

I was the one who was just following, Kirabo was the one in the lead, Marie of course rushing against him. Nirle was walking and nagging and Jovana was the one with a huge gun and carrying a bucket.

While we were walking through the dry grass we saw a few Orc houses. Then we decided we should walk by the river so they don't notice us. But that was a pretty bad idea. A huge Crocolisk attacked us! Kirabo and I were trying to stab it, Marie-Kirabo or whatever and Jovana were shooting it with guns and Nirle was the one who was stuck in the Crocolisk's mouth. We got him out after a few screams and sentences though. He was bleeding,
but not so much.

THEN we decided to go hiking and climbed up a hill, but the Orcs saw us and disguised themselves as trees. I was the fearless one so I was... Sent... To check out that Orc camp but the Orcs saw me. I pretty much made all of them follow me but I didn't tell that to the others, 'cause then they'd all be like "You idiot! You are the worst sneaker ever!" and blah blah.

Finally we got away from those trees, and went hiking again! We were walking, and walking and walking until we saw a pretty.. Small town. Though it was full of Orcs, probably. Aaaand on our right side, there were some pigs who were walking on two legs. The only thing we had was the bucket, Jovana was carrying. Marie's boyfriend threw a Twinklebolt on it, and it poofed into a huge bucket! We all got under it and walked by the walking bigs. Oh and did I mention they almost got us? No? Oh, well they almost got us, but we pretended to be the might Bucket God! They fell for it of course, and we got away.

Once we reached the rock land, or the path an Orc grabbed us, well he grabbed the bucket and carried us to some.. tower I think. Of course, the Orcs were bored and put the bucket, us on a catapult and threw us away! We hit a bird and killed it, man! Once we fell down and hit the land, what a shame, Kirabo and I were all like "Let's do it again!" and Marie and Nirle were all scared and passed out. On the other side, Jovana just stood up and started walking.

We were heading North. There were no more Orcs, I swear!

All the sudden trees were starting to appear. We finally reached to Ashenvale.


Ashenvale

We were walking and walking until we suddenly saw a wooden.. Fence or something. At that place on one side there was dust and sun and on the other side a blue forest. Well, it was blue to me because of my goggles. A peon was working around that fence and I killed him! Kirabo did... After we killed him a huge Orc came in to see what's going on. He totally smacked Nirle into the ground. I yelled out "b***h" at the Orc and he was chasing us until a tree turned into a freakishly tall Elf.

That was fun.

We were walking and walking, again, until we found a little bridge over a shiny river. There, two Orcs met us and wanted to kill us too. A couple of trees started moving around and suddenly they also turned into freakishly tall Elves. The Orcs and the Elves were fighting while we swam through the river and got to the other side. Nirle, of course was passed out from the pain and Kirabo's girlfriend and I had to carry him.

The trip through the forest wasn't that much fun later on. We were walking and saw a few ruins. We stayed in a little town called Astranaar, I think.

Once all of us had a good rest, we continued our trip to North! We saw a few ruins, again and some magical water. Huh, Kirabo knows more then I thought he does.

Later on the forest started to become dark. And I took of my goggles, so...

Darkshore Hold on! I forgot to mention, when we were checking out the second ruins, Nirle was back behind us 'cause he didn't want to go or something. So as Jovana, Marie and I were heading forward Kirabo went to pick Nirle up, and of course, carry him along the way.


Darkshore


Darkshore is probably the most darkest place I've ever seen. Also, the weirdest. And wherever there's weirdness there's also a lot of fun!

So we saw many ruins which were becoming more and more.. beautiful.

As we were walking along the road, we saw a huge sword stuck in a house or something. Marie and I went to check it out, while Jovana stayed back. All the sudden she yelled out "What is that?!". Marie saw it too, but I was kind of late...
So, Marie and I got away from the sword. Oh and the monster was some kind of a walking squid. The two of them ran away from it as the land started disappearing and everything was black. I thought I was dreaming for a moment. Marie grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the squid and we found out way to the road again just in time when Kirabo and Nirle found us.

We continued walking until we saw ANOTHER ruin and some speaking tree in it. It was quite interesting though he can't make a mini version of himself... Kirabo, Marie and Nirle asked questions and he answered them in some words that were very hard of me to understand.

We continued walking, again, until we reached some seaside Elven town. We didn't rest there, we got on a ship and rode right to Darnassus...

(( Again, I have to finish the rest later. xD ))

((Good job, Nixie c: ))

Ashenvale:

I managed to get up quite early this morning so I could have a head-start to the day. I wanted to get the dust off me and my clothes. I thought I would be all hot and sticky since it was like a desert, but I was more sand than anything else.

Astranaar ended up having the perfect waters for a bath, they were cool, clear, and it was so beautiful. The pond was so perfect it felt like I was diving into a mirror, for the first time in awhile I felt a level of calm that could never be achieve under the rule of Drarry...

-Speaking of which, I managed to remove some of the marks. The local priestesses were able to heal the skin. One less piece of ownership Drarry has towards me-

When I returned Kirabo was up, and we sat together and talked about some things. I was pretty excited and told him how happy I was, but at times he didn't seem very impressed with the ideas of travel. He didn't share the enthusiasm I had. And yet I'm not so disappointed. Sometimes I think he's here for other reasons. Maybe he's here for me.

I mean, he did give me a kiss.

Teehee~

But anyways, as soon as everyone was up we had set out. I guess Jovana didn't need to do much to prepare. Nirle however hadn't recuperated well from the punch. We needed to make progress so I forced him out of bed and carried him down the stairs. Kirabo piggy-backed him across Ashenvale.

The area is beautiful and wondrous. I couldn't stop taking in the colors and the lights. We found some ruins and a house, and met one of the locals. The elves regarded us as strange and peculiar, but what do they know? They're giant and purple and don't live with an ounce of technology. They should be lucky to even find gnomes that can appreciate their culture and lands, I doubt I'd see the same appreciation from their kind.

-But I guess they can't help it, they're elves. They're kind enough to allow us here despite their skepticism, they're patient and answer our questions. I guess I'll give them credit for that-

We were going to visit some ruins for Kirabo before we left Ashenvale. There were naga there, however, and for some reason the decision to go in was up to me. I didn't want to be a let down to Kirabo so I said we would check it out, we left Nirle on the path and decided to go see. Just as I thought, there were too many, and we wouldn't stand a chance.

-Kirabo said the next time he'd come it'd be alone. I couldn't think of anything else to tell him except I was sorry. Was I holding him back?-

It was hard to say, but we had to abandon Kirabo's plans regardless. Me, Nixie and Jovana split so Kirabo could get Nirle and we could meet up again in Darkshore.

Ashenvale was very pretty and nice. However, this gave away fast when we made it to Darkshore. The sky and the trees were different. Things felt rather scary. Actually, they were scary. There was this giant sword glowing that we could see from the path, but when we tried to see a monster came upon us. Looking at it twisted the world around us. Jovana was smart and hid behind a tree, and I managed to pull my eyes away from the beast. Nixie however said something about the world being dark. I had to run back and grab her. Fortunately the beast didn't pursue, and just after we had found Kirabo and Nirle again.

We pressed on ahead, not wanting to check that strange, glowing spot in the darkness.

Was it a coincidence after we found this being called an ancient? I started to wonder if Darkshore housed some secrets that were beyond the scope of us gnomes. We were blessed with genius and inventive minds, and yet they couldn't compare to the wisdom of this ancient. Each of us had our questions, except for Jovana, perhaps she was reserved, or preferred to not know the answers.

Kirabo's question really troubled me though.

He and Nirle made up not long ago, but I think it was an uneasy truce. Kirabo was very obvious in his ideas that Nirle was a traitor. Sometimes I wonder though if the problem is Nirle, or Kirabo? I know shadow magic and warlockery is a terrible thing. I know I was subjugated to magic like this while under Drarry. Fel terrified me, and curses manipulated that collar, forcing me to fall to my knees when Drarry commanded, and rendered me weak and helpless.

But Nirle hasn't been like that. Whenever I saw him use the shadow it was being helpful. Maybe it's not the magic but the caster behind it. Sometimes I wonder how Nirle feels. He's been forced into this role as a traitor. This journey has been both physical and mental abuse to him. If I was Nirle, I would probably feel more betrayed by Kirabo than the other way around.

-I don't want Kirabo to know that, though. I just hope he'll change.-

The ancient was wise but he couldn't make Kirabo or Nirle wiser. There are some things that even ancients can't answer, and I guess it's up to us mortals to figure it out ourselves. I can only hope they'll do what is right.

I also hope that Nixie will think before she asks questions in the future. I'm worried that we may offend some powerful figure that can punt us a mile away. The ancient must have been open minded.

Fortunately since the ancient we hadn't encountered anything dangerous, and managed to get all the way to Darnassus, which felt a lot like Ashenvale. Had the same beauty, mysticism and charm. There was something Nixie mentioned though, which really sunk in, it just didn't feel as beautiful as Gnomeregan.

The elves are lucky to have their own place that fits them. We gnomes had to go without our capital city for awhile. Perhaps it's easier to wander when you don't have a home? It certainly feels like that at times. Dwarves were kind enough to give us Tinker Town, but it's just not the same as having a place you can call Gnomish, for the gnomes.

But there may be hope.

Perhaps it's not the place, but the people. We were all different, and yet there was something that was able to make us pull together, despite these differences. Perhaps Kirabo can overcome his distrust of others the more we're together. We could get back what we had lost before.

-I just know it.-

Before I had come to know Drarry, I had been living my own dream within the paradise of Stranglethorn Vale. There was a little camp full of inventions and machinery where I would tinker every day, helping out the love of my life.


I remember what the first few days of slavery were like. It was hell, I was constantly worked, punished for the smallest things, and the only time I was appreciated was when I could con good people out of their money. I did things I normally wouldn't, I had to be dishonest, I had to fake happiness to keep up the facade that I was an employee, not a slave.

In the back of my mind I always imagined one day Jarvi would come storming in on a chopper, gunning down the guards, blowing up the ship! And we would ride away from the wreckage and the flames, the DDC would be no more, and we would live happily ever after.


The months enslaved chipped away the faith I had for Jarvi. Was he dead? Did he not care? Why didn't he come once to the Bay? Surely he would have found me by now. I felt so alone. I had only one friend, Kilik, but he couldn't fill that empty spot that Jarvi left in me. I needed intimacy, I needed someone to hold me, a loving touch, but there was none of that in the DDC.

I guess it's not surprising then when I found Kirabo...

I wanted love, I didn't care who it came from, so long as the other person cared for me. I barely knew Kirabo but as soon as I felt that touch I wanted to hold on and never let go. Sometimes I worry that things are going a little fast, but then I remember how long I had to go without having that at all.

Love is selfish

I love Marie. She means more to me than anyone else I've ever met, including Clover. She seems to be the only one who cares, who wants to listen and understand, who.. I'm getting carried away now.


It's a nice place. Not too unlike the Bay, though no Bruisers watching you as you leap from rooftop to rooftop, launching off one metal chimney to another, swinging around the rope nets. Not that those were present in the rat hole that Aseldor City is. Two reasons made me stay in that place for as long as I did. Coriv was there, I offered my help to him, he agreed, and it was my job to finish the contract. The second reason is Marie, who I promised to protect with my life. I intend on doing so, too! In any case, we had to leave when a necromancer launched an offense with an intention to reconnect the threads of previously slain mortals with undeath, to make his own army. Eh, we ran as fast as we could. Luckily, we found a rowboat and got off, reaching Ratchet safe and sound.


I started hating Alcaz Island because of a certain discovery. Nirle is becoming a warlock. I swear, I'll rip his gut out and paint the walls red with it. How can he be so reckless? The worst thing is, I had to put all my wits into figuring his little plan out, instead of waiting for him to tell me!

Titans, Gnomes are morons!

Pfft. Back to the point. The quartet consisted of The Traitor, Nixie, Marie and I was stationed at an encampment just out of Ratchet's reach. We devised our plan in there, and I tried teaching Marie how to wield blades, which was another promise I engraved on myself. She's doing fine, I guess, it's so nostalgic to see her doing what I did thirty years ago. Heh, I found that I love everything she does.

She is... Different.

There I go, off the topic again. I just can't help it. I haven't slept for three days now. we've been under constant threat ever since we embraced the roads. First, the crocolisk. A large one, gone on a rampage. Then, the so called "Order of shrub", some Orcish lunatics that made me abandon half my arsenal. Then, pig-men, flying in a bucket, angry Orc Grunts... And the most dangerous of all - Nirle. I can't close my eyes near him. I used to enjoy talking to him, watching over him, watching him look after me. Now, I'd gladly just slice his throat and be done with it. Sadly, Marie doesn't let me. I really hope he kills me before I hurt him, though. I still care about him, no matter how much I hated him. Jovana is just casual, going with the flow. I like that about her, but she does have a shady appearance. The 'don't trust me' appearance. That added to my own fear of trust makes her a no-no.

All in all, Barrens went well. Marie did a great job. The bunny ears must have some magical abilities. I need to get a pair.


Ah, he nostalgia of the green Elven lands. Last time I was here was with Demitrius, getting my face clawed by a cat the size of a Tauren. Good times!

Our trip to here went good. Nirle got hurt a bit, but the priests healed him. Moving trees again. They make me laugh every time. Everybody went to sleep, but not I. I was watching Marie sleep, her very existence means a great bunch to me. There were two people I had to watch over. Marie and Nirle. The reasons are strangely enough the same. Letting anything happen to Marie would be forfeiting my life, letting myself sleep next to Nirle would be forfeiting my life. Caught between two fires. Don't get it wrong, though, Marie's not a burden, nuh-uh. It's really cute watching over her, as she's too scared to do stuff on her own. She does half of my job. Or is it just her being nice to me? Time will be the judge of that. Oh, now that I speak of time, we went to this Naga temple I've visited earlier. This time it was heavily guarded, and some Turtle was entering it. Must've been a God or something. I left the decision of entering to Marie, to which she said NO. I was in this lapse between feelings. Should I be proud for her avoiding danger, or frustrated for being too afraid? I mentioned that I will come alone next time to which she reacted quite negatively. Don't know what I said wrong, it was just a statement that noise comes in numbers. Oh, I forgot to mention that we left Nirle behind because he was too lazy to walk and I had to carry him around.


Who am I kidding? He got smashed by an Orc! I hope he gets to live long enough for our duel to commence. I am incredibly sad. My life, which is normally flooded with sorrow and grief, had gotten even worse when I found out that he began tossing shadowbolts. I didn't really trust him -that- much, but I had trust that this is the guy who I can call a brother. Eh, that much about that. If he really has the heart problem, I want him to continue doing what he's doing to keep his life beating on.

If it was yet another illusion, I'll destroy every trace of his existence.

I love Marie. I kissed her forehead in the inn room, she seemed quite happy about it. Maybe we share the same feelings? I couldn't ask her and hear her say 'no', because...

I'm on the edge of committing suicide.


As I was piggy-backing Nirle across Azeroth, we crossed paths with this amazing creature of unknown origin. In the Elven lands of Darkshore it resided, a huge moving, breathing tree man, with a leaf beard and lanterns as earrings. It offered each of us to ask it anything we wanted to. All the questions I forgot except for Nirle's. He asked if the creature knew why the magic didn't want to accept him. Titans, I wanted to drop him down and leave without him, let him crawl to Darnassus.

But I could not. I just could not.


Ah, the capital of the Night Elves brings back memories of the trip of Demitrius and I. So nostalgic, the buildings are easy to leap upon and down from, brings me back to my childhood. I stationed the group inside an inn and set off to look for a bow. During the walk I could not stop thinking about that old Human. His wisdom inspired me to do many things, including the ability to begin trusting people. All in vain, however, it was a bear's favor. Given, taken. I found the perfect ironbark shortbow, the length of it perfect to suit as a longbow for a Gnome. I am going to have to practice with it on the vessel.

I hope we reach Northrend safe and sound, and as a team of five.


Kirabo - I've had troubles all my life, and dealt with it. It's getting harder and harder each coming day. Is it me getting old, or is it the problems getting tougher? Eh, as a predator, my goal is to survive as long as I can.

Nirle - I am disappointed in him. You have no idea how disappointed. Once a brother, always a brother, right? Wrong. Fel and shadow are the only thing I hate in this life and he had to pick just -that-. One day, he'll get it.

He might have gotten power, but he's lost a friend.

Marie - I love Marie. She seems too afraid, or there is something I'm not seeing. In any case, I'll protect her with my life, as I promised, though the promise part of it is fading, while the love part is glowing brighter and brighter each moment I spend with her.

Nixie - Reckless as usual. I find it funny she hasn't dissed Nirle, though. Her skills had helped us, yes, but her curiosity has not.

Jovana - She's a 'go with the flow' kind of person I like. I guess she's alright as long as Marie thinks so.

Improvised maps and notations scrawl all over the page of Jovana's journal. Different quick sketches dot the bottom of pages, though the most recent are nothing but times and notations of cargo.

That is, all but the most recent entry.

Quote:ADVENTURE!

It's been a while. A long while.

Coming back to camp earlier into the week I found it already inhabited- Four other Gnomes, including the one from the bay. With the rabbit ears.

Cute one, but the ears seem kinda strange to me. I have to wonder why she still has those on. I figured it was best not to ask. I got her name this time, though, so for future reference (I've had enough awkward run-ins with past partners), her name is Marie.

As far as I can tell she's with what I make out to be the leader of their group, Kirabo. He's pretty fair, if not a bit too far in there on the risk-taking. I can admire that and all, though. The risk is part of the fun in a decent adventure, as long as it doesn't get you killed.

Which, y'know, is a pretty high possibility when you run by Naga and giant Eldridge abominations of the unknown.

Getting ahead of myself.

There's also Nixie. I like her- A bit like Kirabo on the risky behavior, but toned down a notch. Seems to have a bit of a wanderlust, like me, if her wandering off occasionally is any indication. Cute, but perhaps not all there now and then too.


So we left from the cam-

Oh. Right. Nirle. That's the final one. He's somewhat forgettable, but I put that up to how he's spent half this thing piggybacking off the others from getting punched a few times. Personally I think he's kinda a wimp, but apparently he's getting into some sort of magic-thing, so it makes sense.

He's alright. Just kinda there, really.

ANYWAYS. Left from a camp near Ratchet, traversed a fair portion of the Northern Barrens, including a few Quilboar encampments. Came pretty close to the Orcish encampment crossing in from Durotar, but managed to avoid combat with them, even after the deployment of the Order of the Shrub, a group of (And I'm going off of observations here) Orcish ninjas who masquerade as trees. They seem to have a Night Elven counterpart.

After skirting near what was likely the Horde's Crossroads we managed a move through a Quilboar encampment under cover of bucket, reminiscent to me of sneaking through Troll regions under a vase.

Except this time the bucket was giant, from science!


After making it through the Quilboar encampment we found our vessel seized by Orcs, and transported to one of their posts for use as ammunition. Apparently they were being attacked by birds, or were extremely bored.

NOTE: Do not use Bucket as cover in Orcish territory.

Regardless, we survived impact and made our way North into the Mor'shan. I've only crossed this place once, and that was with Cartel protection. Needless to say, our traversing it this time was much less... civil. There was a peon working on a breach, which was deemed a hazard to the party by Kirabo, and quickly subdued.

Except by subdued I mean killed, which seemed to enrage a grunt. Nirle was apparently blamed for this, because he was launched away with a punch. We were forced to make a stop in an Elven city called Astranaar to get him patched up.

NOTE: Night Elven inns do not seem to accommodate for more than three people, and in some cases less than that. In future remember to pack sleeping bag or find someone to get cozy with beforehand.


From there we found ruins, messed with some Night Elven household, and then made out way into Darkshore, trip to Naga-infested ruins notwithstanding. Saw an Eldritch Abomination, then an Ancient of Lore.

This was interesting. I noticed the others had many questions they asked this thing, and the tree seemed to be capable of asking them all. Personally I think it's silly to ask some tree-man about things. I'd rather figure it out alone.

But that's just me.


After that run-in, we made it to Darnassus. We're boarding our ship bound North in the morning.










I'm so excited!

Darnassus:

Our time in Darnassus was rather short, aside from the night we spent there. The next day was pretty easy going. I was able to take a walk through the city, climb some things, and get a good look around. I could not go on enough about how different and strange the night elven lands are. Either way, it couldn't keep me content the whole time. There were other things on my mind.

During my stroll I had caught a glimpse of Kirabo and Nirle lying down by a bank. I decided to listen over, since the two had been talking a lot. I knew things weren't entirely well for the two, and I always worried that something bad was going to happen behind my back. I know a few of the things they talked about were disappointing.

Then Kirabo asked Nirle where I was.

That lifted my mood far more than the conflict that existed between them. I wanted to just run up and hug him, but I didn't want it to look like I was spying on him either.

I waited, and I waited.

When the time was right I came around the corner, acted like as if I had just found them. I took my spot by the bank and we talked. I told him how much I liked the city. I also told him that it had so many hiding spots. I'm not sure why I went on that subject, I just felt so excited, I even challenged him to a game. It must have seemed stupid for a forty-year old like me to ask him to play hide and seek, but he did anyways, and it was fun.

Surprisingly I won the game. I didn't think I would, Kirabo was very talented. Maybe I'm better than what I thought I was? Nirle didn't come play with us, though. He was in the exact spot where we started. I don't think he would have done well though. I could imagine all that running around would burden whatever heart problem he had.

We decided to keep waiting with him by the bank. The rest would come soon and we would set. I didn't mind the wait, Darnassus and the boat ride would both be breaks from the danger. That was a good thing; I didn't want to keep anyone worrying. I wasn't exactly the best with managing enemies...

-Warm breaths were falling down my neck. What could that possibly be?-

Before I could drift in my idle thoughts something snuck up on me where we were waiting. It was a big cat! But I wasn't too scared, just a little weirded out. I knew there were those giant cats used for mounts, and this one was decorated in a way that it looked like it was tame.. or at least knew to behave. Kirabo said it was a druid. A night elf in the form of a cat. It certainly didn't act like one. It came to nibble on our hair, it licked Kirabo's face, and was sniffing me over.

I thought it was kinda cute, actually. It acted so gently.. until I pet it, that was. For some reason the druid growled and got upset that I felt its fur. Well I told it that if it was going to invade our personal bubble, it shouldn't be surprised if I do the same. I mean, that's only fair, right? Well the druid didn't seem to agree. It started to bite on the bunny ears I had on. I was a bit afraid, but it soon left.

You think it would have some sense of manners.

Dumb cat.

…

Anyways, after that Nixie came along. She called us love bunnies, but I decided to make a joke about it. Kirabo and I didn't exactly acknowledge it.. though I wouldn't be surprised if he did love me. We just haven't said that much about it, that's all.

We all got together and made it to the ship. It was a human ship heading to the Valiance Keep. Northrend was but a ride away.

Crossing the Sea:

Day 1:

Was it bad that I was looking forward to leaving Darnassus after that run-in with the cat? I mean, it is pretty and all but I wouldn't exactly call it a gnome's paradise. Not to mention their inns were entirely open, no privacy, those critters could just walk in while you sleep. At least the critters were cute. I should have taken one as a pet...

Either way I was happy to set sail. There was something really nice about being on the ocean. Even if I couldn't run around I didn't find a moment of boredom. In fact, there was a training dummy on deck that I could practice with, and Kirabo gave me more lessons in the way of the stabby.

Jovana was always sitting up high on the rope with her spyglass. I wonder why she'd be so high above deck? Was she keeping an eye out for land? Was the breeze any nicer? Even Kirabo and Nirle were sitting around the base of the mast. I wonder if they was something the others weren't telling me about that hang-out spot. I didn't bother to ask, instead I came over too.

I think it was the first time I did this. I gave Kirabo a big hug. His face turned all red after! He said it wasn't blush but I knew it was! He really does care about me, and I couldn't be more happy about it. I may not be able to live up to his level of danger but he's willing to accept that. All I can do is practice and get better.

Day 2:

It hadn't taken too long before the waters got cold. I had dressed into my warmer clothes and Nirle and Nixie had changed their outfits too. I wasn't doing as much on deck, in fact I was spending most of my time under blankets and taking naps. It was such a perfect, cozy day, but I couldn't stay in bed forever.

I watched Kirabo and Nirle again. I wonder how they are doing together. They say that time heals all wounds, but I don't know if that's true for Kirabo. Did talking it out make anything better? Sometimes I wondered if I could even help out with their relationship. I don't want to risk damaging what I have with Kirabo...

-Nirle gave it up-

I saw Nirle take his robes and tie them to weights. Along with his book, he had cast all things associated with his shadow training into the sea. He said that he was going to accept his weakness that he had. He wasn't dying from his heart condition, but he did live under a burden.

-Is it over?-

God, I sure hope so. Kirabo and Nirle should go back to being like brothers. That'd make me happy.

I decided to let them keep talking, they would certainly work things out. I listened to a few things here and there. Kirabo said he liked the ship because there were no dangers around me. He's really protective...

But I soon found myself listening less to the conversation. I was staring into the water, watching the little ice chunks float. I had laid on my belly on the railing and it really scared Kirabo. He came rushing over to me and I decided to stand on the deck since it worried him less. I did assure him, though, that I wouldn't fall into the water. I was just watching things. I also told him there was land up ahead, but I couldn't see too well.

Kirabo reminded me that Jovana had a spy glass. Fortunately she was willing to lend it to me.

I saw a lot of ice up ahead, and I did see land too. But there was so much ice in the way, I didn't know how smooth the trip would go. I gave Jovana back the spyglass and we just waited. I started to get my things together because I knew we'd be landing soon.

That's when I heard a strange noise. It was scraping.

-Oh no!-

The ship! Jovana said this ship wasn't built to get through ice! Well wouldn't you know, the ice was punching holes in the side. I don't know how much ice we hit, but the ship was falling to pieces. I was so afraid, but Kirabo took me over and told me not to panic. Part of me wondered how he could worry about me leaning on the railing but tell me not to worry when the icy water was at our ankles. Shore wasn't far, but I was still afraid.

There was a crash, and water rushed on deck...

When I came too I was in a puddle and on the ship floor. Everything was freezing and the cold felt like daggers in my skin. I managed to get up and over to Kirabo. Everything and everyone was soaked, and because ghouls attacked the ship, and then the ship caught fire! Oh! We had to dive into the sea and swim to shore. That was such a hard swim, I couldn't stop shivering and it was hard to breathe. The fire on the ship caused all the gunpowder to explode and that was the end of that.

Fortunately we weren't stranded. There was a city in sight! The Valiance Keep! Oh I was so quick to run there and to the inn and change into another set of clothes. I didn't think that I would get wet out here!

Never had the fireplace felt so good. We'll be staying here until everything dries, and from then on who knows what will happen?

Oh boy...I've really screwed up now. Everything has just been so confusing since Darnassus, on the boat ride I threw away all my spellbooks in an effort to hang on to the past....all but one of them. I tried, I really did, but magic is my passion now. My condition would be a liability in melee...it's better this way. So even as I write this down we're holed up in Valiance Keep trying to build a tonk that we will then enlarge....it sounds insane on paper.

Truthfully I'm at a loss for what to do, there's no going back this time...I'm not sure if I should tell them all I just can't give up the shadow or if I should keep it a secret. One way or another this won't end well. So many lovely plants near the keep though, I've found a few that slow the heart and even more than make very good ingredients for alchemical fire.

If there's one thing I'm not it's a traitor, they won't see it that way though...sometimes I wonder if this whole trip is just one big facade. I guess only time can tell...

Now then..how can I get a steam tonk to shoot vials instead of cannonballs?

Crap that hurt! Touched wire by mistake...

That goes there..no wait here...got it! well there's the steam tonk body.

Too sleepy...