Heir to the Cosmos: The Novalight Dynasty

[ThePharaoh]

Zariel had regained consciousness but still kept his distance, he had not sent word to anyone outside the family ( including his closest friend and ally Reigen ) for weeks. He was far too angry to speak with anyone so he focused on his duties. The family was fighting a war with two fronts, One was after the wands collected by the Sunfire house. The other was against whoever was responsible for killing Mastus and his family. Zariel as Nova decided to solve one front on his own. When he returned he was upset to see his father had not finished pursuing Mastus' murderers.

Zariel was slowly becoming more aggressive, his anger fed into the warlock's curse that had only been partially broken by Diel'vani's sacrifice. His anger brought him to a small scuffle with Kieleron Sunfire during a difference of opinion. For days he was under surveillance by his closest friends and his child Jidaeo, until he was subdued after a difficult battle outside Ogrimmar. Zariel was taken to the Sunfire estate and had the curse removed by both of his former Arcane Masters; Edgar Barlton and Reigen Sunfire. As the young Nova rested, exhausted from the continual strain on his mind and body, his father watched through a crystal ball provided by the magi around him. Silently he gazed upon him from Northrend, "Send word to Commander Itheros that I will be a bit delayed upon my return to the battle of Tol Barad". A mage in a white cloak nodded, then disappeared.

The Heir to the Cosmos 3: Wrath of the Novafire

- A few days later -

Jidaeo had been good at keeping his distance, becoming a death knight and his trials after had taken a toll on his soul and he could only try to cope with the change. He still could not mourn for his Uncle who truly saved him from himself and his family long ago. He missed his Uncle Diel'vani dearly and could not shed one tear. His soul ached but he did not feel it in his stomach, goosebumbs did not run over his cold flesh, he felt loss only to the magnitude of remembering what it felt like to lose someone. He arrived in Dalaran and decided to take a portal to Eversong, while walking through the city he decided to grab a newspaper and was startled by the headline. He knew Lady Claremont because he had made a deal with her a while ago. He entrusted the Human crystal skull. He assumed that was what was stolen, he didn't need to waste time investigating. He began instantly worrying about his youngest daughter....Xanthe.

Spoiler:

Xanthe was exiled from the family by his son Zariel, acting as Nova XIV. The reasoning was because of her love for a draenei. Jidaeo had always known his daughter Xanthe was different, her soul was exceptional and free. She saw the beauty in most things, he admired her. However her soul was not made for the world she was born into, the restriction of nobility held her back. She could not be Xanthe and a Novalight, and as a father and a soul plagued by this family he did not argue when his son set her free. He worried about her, and watched her closely from afar. She was the only child that had not treated him any different since becoming a death knight. If one motion in the world would have brought him to tears, it would be this over the loss of his uncle. He had made sure she would stay protected without knowing of his intervention, it was the least he could do for bringing her into such a world. Because he didn't want to outwardly undermine his Nova, or make his son second guess his decision he met with Kapre privately, shortly after Xanthe's exile. Like Lady Claremont, he entrusted Kapre with a crystal skull and saw to it they were trained on its use. Kapre was instructed to keep it safe, and use it to protect Xanthe. However this plan backfired against Jidaeo because now that Kapre had the skull, Xanthe was in danger.

The couple had lived in Dalaran so he intentionally sought Kapre out, after a few hours he saw Kapre and his daughter Aria walking down the crowded cobblestone streets. The young draenei referred to the knight as 'Gumpa', which he couldn't find enough pride to reject the open mind of a child. He allowed it, and even played along. He also wondered if he weren't a noble, and the world was as Xanthe saw it, this could be acceptable, this could be a reality. He dismissed the thought and debriefed Kapre on the situation. Someone was after the Crystal skulls once more, and they seemed to be efficient. He advised Kapre to keep an eye out for anyone pursuing him, and to watch carefully after Xanthe and Aria. They were all at risk.

[ThePharaoh]

From Dalaran Jidaeo Novalight II, sent a message to his eldest son Thalion Novalight. Thalion had taken the Nova seat intermittently while Zariel was in away and then in a comatose state. Thalion was already in charge of the elite private family guard, the Phoenix Knights. Long ago when Jidaeo prepared to step down as Nova for a seat on the council he wanted Thalion to take his place. Thalion had no interest in his birth right and pursued his own desires. Jidaeo wanted the Nova seat to stay in his birth line, so he quickly prepared a young Zariel for the position. Zariel never wanted to be Nova and wasn't expected to in his youth. However he was trained, primped and broken to fit into the mold of a Nova. It was something Jidaeo felt was necessary but something he knew wasn't right for his children. In ways he was like his own father and saw his own resentment in Zariel's eyes. However like Jidaeo, Zariel still sought out acknowledgement and approval from his father and did the best he could. Zariel changed the family, and with the help of his siblings and allies, they stopped the self destruction eroding the family. However it was taking its toll on his son, taking its toll on a soul that never wanted any of this to begin with.

Diel'vani said Zariel held the spirit of the progenitor, even though Jidaeo himself wasn't sure about that he knew his children would be remembered as the Four Suns for a reason. However his time had come where his limits had been reached. It was time Thalion took over the position full time, Jidaeo left on his ebon gryphon at once and intercepted the Zeppelin to discuss the matter with his son Thalion. A lot of things needed to be discussed and depending on how Thalion reacted dictated how things would proceed in the future. He landed the ebon gryphon on the deck of the Zeppelin, his son was already waiting on him over looking the sea of clouds. He was stern, with hair of oil just like his father.

Heir to the Cosmos 3: Wrath of the Novafire

Return of the Goliath Nova

The two elves stood in silence for moments as their hair and loose clothing flailed along in the wind. Their resemblance was uncanny as if one body walked two paths. First Jidaeo asked his son if he wished to take the Nova seat at all, he expressed his faith in him and felt Zariel did a great job but it was time for a change. Thalion agreed, and to Jidaeo's surprise felt he was ready for the seat. Shortly after Jidaeo brought up Xanthe which caught Thalion off guard, he told his son that there was a possibility she might be in danger. Those growing up in the house knew of the myth of the crystal skulls but hardly any specifics. They were indeed real, and often sought after by others seeking their power. No one other than Reigen Sunfire was aware of the deal Jidaeo had made with Kapre. He decided to tell Thalion this information as well, Kapre was to be trusted and assisted in any effort to protect Xanthe or the Skull.

Also another wielder of the Quel'Dorei skull, the Vanassi Issilius was needed just in case something happened to Zariel. Jidaeo wanted to free his son of the burdens he placed on him, he knew Thalion could rise to the occasion and surpass his own expectations. Thalion wasn't as informed on the skulls as some of the others, but he was willing to learn about them. He agreed to train with the artifact as well, which was still in Zariel's possession. After his debriefing Jidaeo had left as quickly as he had came, Thalion continued sailing the skies to Eversong. He arrived to the Estate moments later being informed that Zariel was currently at the Four Suns' Inn. Thalion met him and the two discussed the transition in power. Zariel felt as if his integrity as Nova was being questioned and Thalion's indifference seemed to enforce this idea. Zariel felt he was a solid leader and tried the best that he could in the situations he was presented. Zariel's frustration and fatigue were still getting to him, until he remembered through Thalion's calm words that they were family and they had fought together for the family. Zariel never wanted to be the Nova and he thought this was over his father's favoritism for Thalion until he said the words freeing his doubt.

"Zariel....This isn't about me."

"....Well if you need to learn how to use the skull....Follow me."

[ThePharaoh]

- 2 Months Ago -

Zariel had ushered his eldest sibling through a portal to a large secluded spire in the forest of Eversong, here they were secluded and protected with an arcane barrier. He trained himself here to begin mastering the usage of the Highborne artifact. He was a bit unnerved by Thalion's abrupt succession of the Nova seat, and felt it was done because the council didn't feel he was up to par any longer. His frustration was obvious and Thalion picked up on it, he tried to calm his brother for the sake of their house. Zariel had information Thalion needed, and the two hadn't talked about their exiled baby sister, Xanthe in years. After many days of training Zariel deduced that Thalion had picked up on the skull's usage better than anyone he had ever seen. This frustrated him further but later liberated him as he could finally let the weight and the pressure go from all his responsibilities. The joy slowly began to overwhelm him.

Heir to the Cosmos 3: Wrath of the Novafire

Jidaeo had his own mission of recruiting help, because he knew something big was coming and he was unprepared. It wasn't something he could step in the fray and defend because he wasn't a target, but those who were targets were in trouble because of his doing. -His- pursuit of these artifacts over centuries, distributing them to those he trusted had put his allies unknowingly in severe danger. Jidaeo didn't mind the death of a few for his cause, but his children were involved and this worried him down to his frozen core. Centuries ago during his own term as Nova he had solidified a noble alliance between House Novalight, House Seregon and House Silverfang. He knew Lord Leron Silverfang had remained safe through all their conflicts and wished to ask him for his assistance once more. He had to be careful with his words, as he didn't want to make his ally suspicious. Jidaeo had promised his late uncle Diel'vani that he would stop his manipulative ways and for the most part he had, but he found himself going back to them as death approached his children. He didn't know where these Kaldorei came from, why they wanted all the skulls and how they knew so much. They couldn't have been the Highborne that created them, could they? The thoughts bore holes into his brain as he rattled them around his skull.

They knew something was coming but had no idea when, and from where. Unfortunately the Kaldorei's plan was already in motion through the means of a semi-retired assassin, Alexi Montgomery. He wished to acquire the artifacts quickly for his employers so he could return to his life. In his youth he would've pursued this recklessly but this time the doctor was wise. He wished to acquire all the pieces before advancing. The problem was his main piece was dead, and her body was protected by her family. He also didn't know where the body was, but knew someone who did; an Argent Crusader, Reigen Sunfire's nephew. Alexi also knew death stopped only a few people in this world so he sought after the Red Glove and began his work.

[ThePharaoh]

- 2 Months ago -

Alexi's plan was simple, first he needed to acquire the human skull. This particular item was found by Reigen Sunfire after its previous owner died in Un'Goro. Since then the artifact had remained with the Novalights wielded by a human who shared the heart of young Zariel, many centuries ago. The skull still remained with the family, just unused until Jidaeo II took it upon himself to assemble the skulls under one umbrella and persuade wielders to fight for the same cause; His own. He met with a human noble from Dalaran who's family owned a prestigious Inn within the city. The re-grand opening of the Sable Dragon caught Jidaeo's attention and he then blackmailed Elizabeth Claremont to keep watch over the skull.

Spoiler:

Alexi knew the skull was in Dalaran and that did not stop him from hiring Teobaldo and Benedetto to locate the artifact and kill whoever was in their way. The Noblewoman was not on location that day, however the skull and her co-investor Dezi Fizwizzle were. He was attacked and later hospitalized during the assault. Many of the other patrons were injured or killed, but the mission ultimately was a success. The Galleani Brothers lived up to their reputation and retrieved the skull. The second step was to find the argent crusader, Amura Sunfire. His mother had extensive knowledge on the skulls, and other useful sciences as well as being a very capable warrior herself. The Galleani brothers were dispatched to Hearthglen to find their target, they were awarded an unsuspected surprise in finding their brother whom they wished to kill for a long time. Dino Galleani.

Dino was killed, and Amura was captured. He was brought back to Alexi who tortured the crusader until he sought what he wanted. The location of the Ridaken Clan. The Ridaken Clan had diminished in size since its glory days, a clan of outlaws which were primarily a family of elf assassins that took contracts on whatever was needed. Their matron, Vivalyn Ridaken committed a series of crimes before ultimately being killed by her own family and protege ( Thanks to Jidaeo II giving them her location ). Her body was kept safe within the clan's grounds to prevent any type of resurrection. Alexi assembled a team, after talking to Noble Tressian Bluethorn for more support they stormed the grounds attacking the guards left and right before entering the cave which housed the corpse of a killer.

[ThePharaoh]

- 2 Months ago -

Blood splattered over the blades of grass, as swords stood erected from the chests of their victims. The Ridaken had lived up to their reputation even with their diminished numbers and proved difficult to kill. Alexi lost a few of his team but they pushed the remaining assassins into a corner causing them to retreat for reinforcements. He anticipated this and chose to operate in this small window of time. He had an ally of his he trusted, a Sin'dorei named Kurin Klin'quel, he was a shadow priest and an inquisitive mind. He knew that if things got over his head, Kurin would be a fool proof trump card. They pushed further into the cave walking down the twisting pathways carved by lifetimes of water erosion. They arrived at a large hot spring, with one tiny mound of dirt dotting the middle. It was covered with many runes and contained Vivalyn's casket underneath.

Heir of the Cosmos 3: Wrath of the Novafire

There were two elven guards patrolling the area pacing back and forth with long red hair pulled out of their faces. They appeared disinterested but remained alert. They didn't wear armor but lighter clothing to promote free movement and only one sword rested at their hips. Alexi, Kurin and the Galleani brothers crouched in the distance awaiting their opportunity. Alexi was focused but held a bit of reservation in his actions. He didn't wish for these tasks and simply wanted to retire. He didn't want to die, not yet. Alexi's hand was being forced to find these skulls by his Kaldorei 'employers', A group of three sisters that held a tight grip over the actions of a pack of worgen. He belonged to this pack since his resignation was not acknowledged.

The group over whelmed the guards quickly before more joined the fight. It began to look in the Ridaken's favor until Kurin briefly took over the mind of the ranking assassin. Using their confusion and the puppet to his advantage they turned the tables in their own favor and retrieved the casket. When Alexi saw the body of Vivalyn his hopes of finishing his last job began to fall. The corpse's skin was dark and leathery, and her body was frail and deformed. It had looked like the death knight had died in a horrible state, regardless they took the body to Alexi's home with the help of a mind controlled Ridaken arcanist. Vivalyn's daughter Vyne Ridaken and one of her pupils Celen Ridaken cursed the corpse making resurrection more difficult than it already appeared to be. Frustrated he decided to seek out Lord Bluethorn once more, to assist in Vivalyn's resurrection. He was determined to find this skulls and be rid of them, for his own freedom.

[ThePharaoh]

The story so far....

Vivalyn Ridaken was ressurected, by the joined efforts of Lord Tressian Bluethorn, and Kurin Klin'quel. She was confused, and bewildered in her decayed state, also she remained uninformed of the happenings of the Second Sundering. Having vast knowledge in Shadow magics and curses, Kurin was elected to assist the elf to get back to her former self in order to retrieve information from her. Around this time, The Kaldorei pursuing these artifacts, located Kapre vacationing in the Feralas with his wife Xanthe. In the wilds Xanthe was approached and attacked by an unseen Kaldorei who threatened the elf with harm to her husband. Coming to warn Xanthe of a possible attack and inform her of her husbands role in this, Jidaeo and his daughter Alteryia paid an unexpected visit to the goblin town she was in. They were surprised to find out something had already happened.

Spoiler:

Thalion, officially inagurated as Nova was met with much praise, and after his training with the skulls Zariel and his family went on a vacation leaving the estate and most forms of communication. Vivalyn began telling the information she knew about the artifacts as Kurin began reversing the effects of her curse. She knew of an item that would help speed up the process and planned to have Kurin help her acquire it from the Novalight's clutches. She was well enough to travel, but could not endure a long fight without her body collapsing on her. Still she took the risk and sought out Alteryia Novalight. A headstrong death knight, and daughter of Jidaeo who obtained what she sought after. She bargained with the noble, If Alteryia gave her the item she sought after, she would set up a meeting with one of the Kaldorei sisters. This was something she could do, due to working with Alexi and providing information he sought after. Alteryia approached her father, asking for the blade Vivalyn sought after. She told him that she had a plan to meet with the elves and work with them to take them down from the inside. Jidaeo relluctatnly agreed and gave her what she needed. With Vivalyn's assistance, Alteryia met with one of the sisters, who was indeed hiding out in Kaldorei ruins within Feralas. They were hesitant to welcome her, but Vivalyn had forged a referal for Alteryia on Alexi's behalf. Alteryia was told if she wanted to be trusted, she would have to bring the head of her brother. The current Nova, Thalion.

While looking for ways to help, Xanthe and her nephew Jidaeo III found ruins her father Jidaeo II was looking for. These ruins were dwarven and were difficult to open, however when the two arrived the doors were already unhinged. They entered and found vagabonds hiding out in the ruins protecting a small crystal orb. They had just made a deal to sell it to a group of Kaldorei who were on their way. When they arrived the slaughter of the vagabonds began. Xanthe and Jid quickly escaped with the orb leaving the ruins before the Night elves finished their work. Alteryia returned to her father updating him, saying that she needed a false body of Thalion to return to the Kaldorei. They would find out the head was false, but she would use this to further prove to them, that her family no longer trusted her. Jidaeo promised he would do this but was unsure how. Shortly after he was approached by his other daughter Xanthe, who had acquired the tenth crystal skull on their list, and the first one to be created. The object was not in the shape of a skull at all and could be used by any race in any state. It was the one Jidaeo was looking for and Xanthe refused to give it to him. He felt betrayed, but maintained his composure as his mind began to fracture.

Alteryia sought out something that had been erased because of Reigen. The only others who knew this information were Sanguis Sunfire and he was presumed dead years ago after the Sholazar Massacre and Vivalyn Ridaken who was also presumed dead. Jidaeo attempted to ressurect Sanguis to seek this information, but could not do it because the elf was still alive. Betrayed once more he returned to Reigen's estate where he found his Commanding officer Itheros Blackheart in conversation with the noble elf. Reigen eventually admitted she knew Sanguis was alive defending her half brother, Jidaeo told her he would find him and was attacked by the noble elf. After Jidaeo left, Reigen and Itheros found her half brother and warned him of Jidaeo's intentions. She sent him away moments before Jidaeo arrived, feeling further betrayed by Reigen and His commanding officer his faith in them cracked severely. This time Jidaeo attacked the noble elf and was warned by the accompanying Blackheart to stand down. Jidaeo then gave Reigen a way to 'redeem' herself in his eyes. "If you are the reason I cannot create these constructs myself, -you- insist on protecting your brother further keeping me away from my goal, then -you- find Vivalyn or you will be just be delibertly in my daughter's way. I thought our houses were allied, but you are acting like an enemy to my family."




Reigen did not like his tone but agreed. She sent Celen to look for the ellusive elf, Vivalyn but did not look herself. In the two months that had passed Celen came across Vivalyn twice, she was not apprehended or questioned. As time passed, and Alteryia was unable to fufill her duy. The Kaldorei became restless, and decided to take matters into their own hands. At his wits end, worried for his children and his family, Jidaeo II was approached by an old ally, who had heard of his plight. The two sat and discussed terms and reluctantly made a deal to protect his children. Then they departed for Feralas since they aware that at least one of the sisters lived there. The elves were attacked by Kaldorei who stated "too much time had passed, and 'Judgement' was being made." This unnerved Jidaeo believing the fault was his own, due to being delayed by Reigen. After a few battles the two split up, with Jidaeo ending in Desolace to finish Ebon Blade business. He was approached by Itheros and the conversation ended with the two fighting ferociously on the cliff side. After the battle was over, Itheros remained standing, staggered on his feet. The Kaldorei tracking Jidaeo revealed themselves and attacked Itheros and his Vykrul death Knight comrade Ydir, successfuly stealing Jidaeo's body in the process.