World of Warcraft®

A slight chill caused her to shiver as the flight master held out his hand to offer assistance. Tugging her cloak tightly around her waist first, she then reached out to accept his help down off the taxi.

Her soft, brown eyes scanned the unfamiliar setting of Greenwarden’s Grove. She had never been here before, at least, not to her knowledge. It was a beautiful setting, but one far outside her comfort zone. She preferred to be au fait with her surroundings, and here, the wilderness, she was not.

The flight master set her rather large bags on the soft grass near her feet. He eyed her petite frame.

“Are ya sure ya dun’ need help wit’ dem tings, miss?”

She nodded and fished a few coins out of her purse. Her hand shook as she placed the gold in his outstretched palm. The man’s expression seemed unsure, but he took the generous tip and turned to go about his business anyway.

Nervously, she let out a tremulous sigh. She didn’t know why she was worried, but the hollow feeling in her belly told her she was on edge whether she should be or not. The lush greenery and fragrant flowers did little to soothe her anxious thoughts.

Biting her lower lip, she reached down with trembling fingers to grasp the handles of each satchel.

“Oi! Miss! Ya lef' dis on da taxi!”

Her shoulders jerked as the flight master called out to her. She blinked as she turned to see him running up to her, his right hand waving about with something soft and fluffy flopping around his fingers. He smiled as he handed her a stuffed animal.

“Ya dun wanna leave dat. Yer little one won’ be ‘appy wit’ ya.”

A frown marred her pretty features as she took it and stuffed it into one of the burgeoning bags. She still had no idea why the AAMS courier had given it to her to give to her teacher. Surely, it was a mistake and the messenger had simply been mistaken about what she had heard.

Laura stood in front of her easel thinking hard of what to paint, sighing she started to lay down shades of orange and yellow for a sky, she then started to mix some grays and blues to create just a hint of a coast line in the distance. Biting her lip she started painting a vast marshland as if seen from a high perch. She smiled as the painting began to take shape. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at her handiwork. A figure started to take form. A woman in robes, with a determined look etched across her face. In her arms she held an infant. Laura backed away from her work and smiled. She moved her easel to the corner of the room where it would dry.

She lay on her bed looking at the ceiling wondering about her recently delivery. She hoped all was well. The woman seemed rather nervous, she sighed as she made herself comfortable. She drifted off to sleep with visions of landscapes drifting through her mind.

“Finally.”

Lola scowled as Kilrax relayed the news via their mental link that he was on his way up to the cave with her apprentice. The girl had taken her sweet time in coming. Whatever the deferement, it was immaterial compared to the urgency Lola felt to bring her plans to fruition.

It was especially exigent after the meeting with Kosuzu yesterday. The collective was prepping for activation in Stormwind. They needed everyone to be at the top of their game. The gnome had made that quite clear. Of course, Lola had tried to assert her own authority, but it hadn’t deterred the gnome’s insistence that Lola still perform her duties.

The warlock reached up to trace a line just under her right ear. Loud, demonic curses filled this dark hole she now called home when she felt the tracking device implanted there. The collective always knew where she was, but that would soon change if her strategy played out the way she wanted.

As she heard footsteps approaching the entrance, she glanced back into the cavern to make sure Rhirezza was keeping the baby quiet. It would not do to have her apprentice finding out about Kaalis.

Pasting a smile on her face, Lola turned to greet the young woman at the mouth of the cave.

“You are late, ma petite.”

“Yes …I …err …I’m sorry. I was …uh …waylaid by a …um ...friend.”

“Oui, well, it is good you are here now, mon cher.” Lola glanced down at the bulky satchels with satisfaction. “You had no trouble bringing my things?”

The apprentice shook her head, her dark eyes darting about the cave as if probing for something. After a minute her troubled mien settled into a more comfortable expression as she seemed to be satisfied in her search. The older woman’s gaze sharpened.

“This hole isn’t much, but it will do for now. Do not despair at the meager surroundings.”

“Oh …no. Uh …it …it isn’t that.”

Lola’s sharp gaze became pointed and her eyes sparked with anger. “What is it?”

Biting her lower lip, the younger woman shifted her gaze away from the penetrating stare. “The messenger …she …uh …she—“ The apprentice broke off as she reached inside one of her bags. Pulling out a small stuffed toy, she held it out to Lola. “She told me …um …to give you …uh …this.”

Lola’s stoic expression faltered at the sight of the toy. The AAMS courier had heard more than she let on. And now the young girl standing before her knew too. Black eyes, fierce with resolve shifted from the stuffed animal to her student. The timing was off, but the plan would have to be implemented immediately.

“Teacher, I …uh …told her it …had to have …um …been a mistake …what she …uh …heard.” Her lower lip began to swell underneath the pressure her teeth were putting on it.

The elder warlock pressed her lips into what was supposed to be a polite smile, but something about it caused her apprentice to step back, looking like a frightened mouse. Lola motioned for Kilrax to block the exit. A meek whimper escaped the young girl’s lips as her teacher pressed one hand to her upper chest.

“I would apologize, ma petite, but I am not sorry. I must do what I must.”

A small tear rent open by fire, burned a wide swath in her chest.

Disoriented and slightly confused, she awoke groggily, one hand clutching at her upper chest. Looking down she was almost surprised to see smooth, clear, unmarred skin. She opened her mouth as if to protest, but desiccation caused her throat to ache and her dry lips to crack. She needed water.

She moved to rise out of bed, but her body sluggishly resisted. Arms and legs feeling as if heavy weights were attached. It took an inordinate amount of energy to stand, but finally she was upright, albeit holding onto the bedside table for support.

Moving like a snake through grass, silent yet deadly, the fire slithered throughout her body, burning away the old.

Deliberately and methodically, she placed one foot in front of the other, making her way to the cupboard. Movements that should have been spontaneous reflexes were now being forced through the fog in her mind. She had to actually think about moving her hands to pour herself a glass of water.

As the meandering serpent approached the entrance to her consciousness it paused as if expecting a ward, but there was none, for the girl was an innocent, despite her past life.

The water was cool and refreshing as it slid past the pain in her throat. She gulped it down greedily, as if her body was a desert without an oasis. As the haze around her cognizance lifted slightly, she began to feel a sense of urgency.

White hot tentacles slid along the recesses of her awareness, cleansing and purifying, leaving behind a blank canvas – ready to be filled with something new.

She had a message to convey.

She wasn’t watching where she was going, of course. She was too excited. As soon as Gertha had said ‘yes’ to swimming at the pond, Nabbi grabbed the giant rubber duck ring and stuffed it down over Traxx’s head, pining his arms to his side. Then she picked up all the foam water noodles - there were ten of them - and bounded out the door.

Unfortunately, the noodles were larger than she was and they blocked her view of the small box on the porch. Noodles and a gnome went flying.

“Nabbi!” Traxx called out, his arms squirming helplessly under the duck.

“I’m okay!” She sat up and crunched her face into a scowl. “Who left that dumb box right there?”

Traxx and the rubber ducky both shrugged.

Nabbi pushed her lips and tongue out as far as they would go and blew raspberries in the air. The boy grinned as he wiggled around, trying to loosen the duck’s hold on his arms. He had only managed to free one appendage by the time Nabbi had picked up all the noodles and set them by the door.

She glared at the offending box for a bit before picking it up and studying the exterior. Holding it near her left ear, she shook it. A small, muffled clatter was heard. Traxx stopped flailing with the duck and looked at the container curiously.

“What is?” The young boy asked.

“I dunno, but I’m gonna find out.” She flipped the latch and opened the container. A startled gasp left her throat and she slammed the box shut before Traxx could see it. He frowned with disappointment.

“Uh…we can’t go swimming today, Traxx. I gotta go talk to your mama.”

Traxx sat on the porch railing, his head hanging low. Rivets of tears flowed down his cheeks and his nose was dripping, but he didn’t seem to care as he watched his parents load up their packs onto Cyrus’ skyreaver. When the luggage was secure, Azheira turned and held out her arms. The boy flung himself at his mother, nearly knocking her over.

Cyrus chuckled and reached down to help them both up. Traxx clung to his father’s neck as if it were a life line.

“Traxx, your mother will come back to check on you at least once a week, but you know we have to find out who sent the box. Whoever it was has your sister.”

As the boy nodded snot ran down Cyrus’ shoulder, but the warrior didn’t seem to notice.

“I want you to find sissy. I just don’t want you to go,” the boy wailed and gave Azheira a pitiful squint.

Azheira closed her eyes briefly before looking at Cyrus with a pained expression. He sighed heavily as he spoke reassuringly to Traxx. “You always enjoy spending time with Nabbi and Gertha. You will stay with them and your mother will see you next week.”

Azheira pulled him off of Cyrus’ snot soaked shoulder and gave him a fierce hug before setting him down and turning away so Traxx wouldn’t see her tears.

“Go on,” Cyrus murmured and pointed to the gryphon Gertha was standing next to. Traxx shuffled off to Gertha’s side, giving his parents a pathetic look that would have melted Azheira’s heart, but Cyrus locked eyes with her, keeping her focused.

The warrior regarded his wife tenderly while reaching up to wipe the moisture off her cheek with his thumb. His hand slid down to trace the line of the delicate chain around her neck, stopping to lightly tap the stone that rested on her chest. He gave her a grim smile before scooping her up and setting her on Zan’s back and climbed up after her.

As they flew off to find his sister, Traxx put on a brave smile as Gertha hugged him.

Flashes of silver and bronze spun rapidly as the daggers gyrated up and down. Daggers, however, was a slight exaggeration. The weapons were so small they were more like gnomish letter openers. Gib’tok was trying to juggle them. Trying being the operative word. More than once, one or two of them fell to the stone floor with an echoing clatter. Rhirezza had offered assistance, but as her instructions involved more than two arms, her help was less than useful to the imp. He ignored her. The shivarra wasn’t used to being snubbed and an argument ensued.

Lola’s annoyance level was already at its maximum prior to entering the cave and hearing the ruckus. Both demons were immediately hit with fel fire directly in their mouths.

“Shut up! I need to think!”

A whimper from the back of the cavern was heard as Kaalis made it known that the din had woken her. Lola strode over and picked up the baby. The warlock’s features changed as she gazed at the child in her arms and the four demons present shuddered. Their mistress softened when she was near the baby and none of them liked it. Chaos and destruction were a way of life for them. This calm that settled over Lola disturbed them.

The warlock practically cooed as she cradled Kaalis. “The collective is trying to take me away from you, mon ange. How can I make plans for us when they want me to take care of a rogue sleeper, hmm?”

Rocking her arms back and forth, she sat down on a medium sized rock and considered her options. Gib’tok decided now was a safe time to pick up his daggers. As he carried them to his lockbox, on fell in front of Rhirezza as he passed her. In her effort to get out of the way, she kicked it and it slid nearly the length of the cave. Both demons froze, not daring to look at Lola.

The mistress, however, did not appear to be concerned with them. Her eyes were trained on the dagger. Attention to the demons was gone as her mind raced and her thoughts traveled back to an event months ago when the plague had people consumed with fear and the warlocks of Stormwind were being hunted. One, in fact, had been killed.

It was just after Lola had begun to interfere in Azheira's life by influencing her. At the time, manipulating the paladin into taking the murder weapon had merely been a test of her power and it had worked. Slowly, a cunning smile began to creep across her face. With great joy, she looked down at Kaalis.

“Your former incubator is gone, but not out of the picture just yet.” Lola’s eyes brightened with anticipation. “I knew making her take the dagger from that crime scene all those months ago would prove to be brilliant. Perhaps…I can kill two hindrances with one weapon.”

She set the now sleeping baby in her basket and began to pace, her heels clicking out a sharp staccato on the stone below as she muttered to herself.

“This rogue sleeper is Azheira’s best friend. I shall take them both out.”

Several smoke creatures of various size and shape wafted towards the cliff face as a small gust stirred over the Forbidding Sea and blew inland. The death knight keeping watch was so bored she would have fallen asleep if she could. As she was unable, she amused herself by creating a multitude of vapor forms and making bets against no one regarding which nearly lifelike wisp of smoke would hit the rock wall first.

Just as she had formed a smoky cat to chase a smoky rodent a slight movement near the bathhouse caught her eye. Quickly, she dropped the cigarette, crushing it beneath her hoof. She reached out with her right hand, touching the cat and his prey, causing ice crystals to form on her creations. The now frozen vapor animals dropped soundlessly onto the forgiving earth below. Her eyes narrowed as she began to move cautiously towards the house.

Either the imp was foolish or exceptionally brave. Vainaa was leaning towards the former. From a vantage point beside the small copse of trees north of the house, she watched him approach the Sagewind’s home. He did surprise her, however, as his fumbling around didn’t seem to alert the wards. He must have disabled them somehow. Or…someone had done it for him.

With her skin tingling, her whole body was on high alert now as the imp entered the home. Vainaa waited to see if anyone else would appear while he was inside. After counting to thirty, she decided he was alone. A draenei’s hooves aren’t exactly stealthy, but the softly bladed grass surrounding the house kept her approach silent. The stone porch, on the other hand, would make her entrance much more noticeable. Upon reaching the entrance she decided subtlety would be futile and haste was her best option to catch him unawares. Unsheathing her sword, she ran in.

When Vainaa entered, the imp was standing near a box, having just picked the lock, he opened the lid. His exuberance at the container’s contents caused him to clap and giggle with glee, ignorant of the woman behind him. The arm holding her weapon came down hard, slicing his left hand off. Cobalt colored liquid spurted out, hitting the box, floor and lower half of the closest wall. He was so startled, he let out a squeal that sounded more like a stuck pig than something demonic. Quickly, he slammed the lid shut with his right hand and tried to pick up the box, but the gushing stump on his left was making it difficult to get a good hold.

The demon’s determination to get the box was his downfall. Silver glinted in the moonlight filtering in through the open doorway as the death knight’s blade sliced through the air a second and final time. Vainaa sneered as she watched the imp’s head roll across the floor, fel tainted blood spewing everywhere.

Her eyes followed the trail of foul liquid back to the box. Curious about what the demon had wanted so badly, she bent down and opened it. Inside lay an ornate and intricately carved dagger. It was a beautiful weapon, but Vainaa knew what it had done. She shook her head. Azheira should not have kept this, she thought ruefully. And now, someone else wanted it, as she did not believe the imp came here to steal it for himself.

Closing the lid, she lifted the box and stood, pondering what to do. Azheira and Cyrus needed to focus on the search for their daughter. Bringing this to their attention now would only distract them. No, this was something she would take care of herself, but how…

Surveying the mess in the room, her gaze fell on a small potted plant sitting on a shelf near the hearth. It was a cactus, still green, despite the lack of water since the Sagewind’s departure. Vainaa knew this plant was particular to the region of Durotar. A smirk crept into her eyes and touched her lips. The weapon had to be gotten rid of and she could not think of a better place to send it than to the Horde. And Vainaa knew just who to contact.

Noikona gave Joachim and Angus standard instructions on what she expected to be done, including strict orders on how to prepare certain dishes. She was sure things would be fine, if there were any problems Ardam could deal with it. She didn't bother telling anyone where she was going as she didn't expect to be gone but a few days. Stress was starting to overcome her, she felt she couldn't stand around doing nothing any longer. Her eye flickering was only getting worse, the catch 22 she was in, threatened to overcome her. It had been several days since Azheira had left. She had expected to hear something by now but the silence was unnerving her.

Her plan was to travel by road to Booty Bay and ask the locals along the way if they’d seen the couple. She had her sketch book with her, drawings of both Cyrus and Azheira. Her skilled hand had rendered both them in meticulous detail. If answers couldn't be found there, she would catch a ship to Ratchet and then continue south to Gadgetzan.

Her chopper left the gates of Stormwind, gaining speed quickly. She didn't bother slowing to ask questions in Goldshire and smiled evilly as people struggled to flee from her oncoming approach. A grin crossed her lips as her chopper back-fired loudly, sending startled townsfolk for cover. Sighing with satisfaction she turned south passing the Westbrook Garrison and on into the early morning light.

Vainaa didn’t trouble herself by dusting off when the gryphon landed – there was no point. The dry dirt of Northern Barrens would simply cover her again as soon as she would have finished. She also didn’t bother tipping the flight master. Of course, the goblin in charge of the taxi service in Ratchet didn’t appreciate that and gave her a nasty scowl as she walked away.

She quickly hoofed it up the small hill to the inn. Looking around, she saw her contact in the back of the room and nodded in approval at the dark corner the AAMS courier had chosen. She was glad she had contacted Valasca directly instead of going through the messenger service’s office. Vainaa had used this particular courier before for other clandestine deliveries. The death knight felt confident that the paladin would do her job and keep her mouth shut.

Vainaa didn’t sit. She merely set the box containing the weapon the imp had been after on table in front of Valasca. The messenger glanced at the well-sealed box and back up at the woman standing on the other side of the table.

“Where to? The same shop in Silvermoon as last time?”

The death knight’s only response was a short nod as she set the payment down on top of the lid before turning on a hoof and leaving.

A small shudder passed over her body as she stepped out of the portal and into the tower in the mage district. Her steps were heavy as she strode down the spiral path. Nearing the Recluse, she didn’t even bother giving it a glance as she knew Noikona wouldn’t be there this early in the morning. Where Noikona should have been was as Azheira’s house, keeping watch over Traxx.

Her lips pressed into a tight frown, Azheira picked up her pace. She knew Noikona was, in fact, not at the home she kept in Stormwind for her employees. Instead, Noikona was off gallivanting about on a bike tour of the countryside.

The few people out and about this morning seemed to realize Azheira was in a bad mood. They all moved out of her way as she stormed past them, the cobblestone under her boots feeling the hard pressure of each foot fall.

Not even the briefest of smiles touched her lips as she rounded a corner and stepped up on the porch of the familiar house. Her hand quickly touched the runes as she murmured a few words, unsealing the wards. Opening the door more forcefully than necessary, she looked around.

There, sitting at the table, casually drinking a cup of coffee, was a stranger. Azheira wasted no time. Dropping her satchel near the door, she nearly flew across the room and yanked the woman up by her shoulders and shoved her up against the wall.

“Who the fel are you?”

Lonstale blinked almost spilling her coffee, she rose quickly ready to confront the vagabond that burst through the door. Her voice sounded menacing “I may ask you the same thing? Or do you make it a habit of bursting through doors unannounced?”

Lonstale moved purposefully so she was standing only a few paces from the woman speaking “I am here at the request of someone I owe my life to. You seem to not care about your own. You had better convince me you have a reason for being here else I stay your tongue forever”

Before she could finish her sentence she was lifted and thrown against the wall. She looked down at the woman aghast. Fear raced through her, she knew she couldn't let Miss Momlir down; she had been given strict orders to make sure everyone in the house stayed safe. Out of more instinct then anything, she kicked out with her legs in attempt to distance the woman from her space.

Azheira’s grip on the woman’s shoulders tightened painfully as her fingers dug in when the foot kicked out and hit her plated shin.

“Fool! You are the trespasser here – not me. Explain before I end you.”

Noikona parked her chopper outside the house, the disappointment on her face was clear to anyone who would take notice. Her search had been fruitless; nobody had seen either Azhiera or Cyrus. She picked up her satchel and approached the open door.

The site she beheld was quite unnerving. Relief and joy at seeing Azheira was quickly replaced with horror as she saw both women at each other’s throats. She quietly laid her satchel on the table and proceeded to sit pouring herself a cup of coffee. Her voice was quiet “I see you two have met”

Azheira did not let go of the woman she had pinned against the wall. This stranger had entered her house without her permission and she wanted answers before she killed her.

Her tone obviously affected with false cheer, she responded to Noikona, “Why hello, Noikona!”

She did not turn to look at the friend she had not seen in over a week, but kept her dark eyes on the intruder while continuing to speak to the draenei casually sitting at the table behind her. “Your statement leads me to believe you know this prowler. One of you needs to start talking. Now.”

Noikona calmly sipped her coffee, her feelings belying her outward appearance. Her eyes shifted to Azheira “You hold in your hands the product of what happens when you fail out of the Dalaran Academy of Magic’s.” Noikona nodded at Lonstale before continuing “Lady Sagewind, Lonstale, Lonstale, Lady Sagewind” she finished by nodding at both of them.

She sat her cup down and crossed her legs, leaning back as she turned to Azheira “I asked Miss Lonsale to watch the house while I was looking for you. I suppose had someone contacted me, I wouldn’t have felt obliged to search for you myself”

Noikona eyed Azheira for a long time “I was worried”

Lonstale looked at Noikona mumbling “I didn't fail; I just opted to study other things that were more to my liking”. She turned back to Azheira “My apologies Lady Sagewind, I didn't know. If you would be so kind as to unhand me, I will be on my way.

Azheira dismissed Lonstale by dropping the woman on the floor and not giving her another thought. She turned, her armor clinking together lightly as she sat down in what appeared to be a nonchalant manner. The expression in her eyes, however, would have told her best friend that the paladin was most definitely -not- happy.

“We’ve been busy.”

Lonstale picked herself off the ground, glaring at Azheira, she didn’t like being a victim in what appeared to be a misunderstanding. Clenching her teeth she gathered her belongings and left the dwelling, slamming the door as she left. She didn’t wince as she heard what could only be a plate or picture falling from a shelf or wall and was satisfied as she watched Noikona’s chopper fall over after kicking it. At least she hoped it was Noikona's. Before she knew it, she was far away and hoped never to be called to aid Miss Momlir again.

Noikona blinked at Lonstale’s exit, turning slowly back to Azheira her eyes closed at the unmistakable sound of a bike falling to its side. She opened her eyes and sighed as she spoke “Don’t you even chastise me for looking for you. A simple message would have been more than enough to satisfy me, but instead you left me thinking the worst. What else was I supposed to do?”