World of Warcraft®

((Thanks, Noikona, for the walk-up role play today. Here is what happened afterward.))

The small room echoed with the sound of metal pounding out a steady cadence on the oak floor. From her seat at the rough-hewn table Nabbi watched warily as the boss-lady paced back and forth. She had been walking about the room in a deliberate manner ever since Nabbi had told her of the confrontation by the canal earlier that day. The incident with the draenei hadn’t frightened Nabbi. She knew the boss-lady would take care of her.

“Are you sure that’s all she said, Lrigknab?”

“Yes, ma’am. She told me she would be keeping an eye out for me. And that the Syndicate would pay a good price for me.”

Nabbi watched as the human’s brow furrowed deeper. Irritated lines formed around her eyes and her lips tightened in anger.

“She was probably just messing with you, but I still don’t like it.”

When her footsteps brought her near the small, paneled window the boss-lady stopped. She removed one glove and rubbed her bare palm against the dust collected on the glass. She pensively peered out, searching the faces of passersby for the one who had threatened Nabbi.

“It would be helpful if you could give me a better description of her,” the woman stated for the fourth time since the conversation had started. “A name perhaps?” she tersely added.

“I’m awfully sorry, ma’am, but I was just so annoyed that the goat lady tried to trip me. It never occurred to me to ask her name. All I know is that she was dressed like a mage or maybe a priest.”

The taller woman’s eyebrows rose in amusement. “Goat lady?” she smirked.

“That’s what Knabo calls them draenei people – space goats.” Nabbi giggled and wondered what the goat lady would have said if she heard that.

A small smile softened the expression on the human female's countenance, but it disappeared as quickly as it had formed. Again, she looked out the window and continued examining the features of people outside for signs of she knew not what. The city streets were bustling with people, including many draenei, but she had no way of knowing which one was Nabbi’s assailant. After a few minutes she shoved herself away from the window in frustration.

The penetrating gaze of the armor clad woman swept across the room. She examined every nook and cranny with piercing eyes. She ran her fingertips over every surface – wood, stone, metal and glass – all felt the annoyance in her touch. She moved through the kitchen doorway and continued her search. Nabbi stayed seated. She had no idea what her boss was looking for. The boss-lady would explain herself – or not. It didn’t matter. She would do as she pleased and it was better to stay out of her way. Nabbi listened to the sound of boots drubbing up the narrow staircase. The firm footsteps moved quickly through the rooms above. When the boss-lady returned to the main floor, Nabbi glanced up with a question in her eyes, but remained silent.

“Nothing here. Granted, I wasn’t expecting to find something. I doubt your meeting with the dreanei was anything but random. Nevertheless, I had to be sure.” The woman's probing eyes finally came back to rest on the gnome. Her mien changed slightly. If Nabbi didn’t know any better she might have thought she saw affection in the expression.

“Lrigknab, I suspect the draenei was just being a nuisance. Though, the fact that she chose to pick on you has put her on my list.” The boss-lady paused and ran her hand along the edge of the doorway before opening it. “I will purchase a stronger lock for this tomorrow. In the meantime, I want you to be careful. I have no more errands for you today anyway.” She paused and then added more forcefully, “Stay home.”

Nabbi sighed as the door closed behind the woman. She listened as the footsteps started off down the porch.

“Lrigknab? Lock the door. Now.”

Nabbi scooted off her seat and quickly shuffled to the door. As soon as she slid the lock in place she heard the staccato of boots move away.

“That silly goat lady shouldn’t have messed with me,” Nabbi murmured to herself.

((and yes it was fun :) I very seldom do random walk up RP, or in this case trip.))

Noikona sipped her tea frowning to herself. What had she been thinking? She had only meant to frighten the gnome, but no she had to go and make threats. She closed her eyes shaking her head. Her mind raced and excitement rose inside of her. Biting her lip she looked around the quiet bar. Deep inside she knew it was wrong but the prospect of wealth and ridding the streets of one more of their kind intrigued her.

She rose from the table, dropping two coppers and walked quietly out onto the now dark streets. Maybe looking into this endeavor was worth it after all. It couldn't hurt to ask a few questions and regain old acquaintances. She smiled to herself as she mounted her gryphon, who knew maybe this ‘mistress’ would be interested in a business proposal herself.

At first, the smoke ring appeared to be floating aimlessly above the crowded table. It dipped and swayed without direction over the heads of those seated there. This particular ring was a perfectly formed circle. It was slightly larger than the other rings floating midair. As the halo drifted past the oil lamp in the middle of the room a small tendril came loose. Slowly, the tail of white smoke grew in length, stretching up toward the low ceiling. When it had reached the measurement of a man’s arm the wisp began twisting in such a way as to make the ring spin in a wide arc. The vapor extended as it spun faster. The ring of smoke moved closer to the smaller rings darting about. The larger band folded in on itself as it neared each of the lesser loops. It was a superior smoke ring for it swallowed them all.

The warlock reclining against the back wall chuckled as he watched his creation devour the rest. The mage, who had been seated by the door, but was now standing, was not amused. He scowled and muttered something about sons of fel users before indignantly stomping out of the room.

Knabo didn’t stir at the commotion. He was concentrating on the cards in his hand. A bead of sweat slowly trickled down his temple into the bushy beard that covered the entire lower portion of his face. The game stakes were high and he didn’t want to lose. He was so close to finally winning a round. He could feel it. He glanced around the table at his opponents. Quickly trying to gauge their expressions to see if he could tell what kind of cards they held.

“…so the Mistress installed the new lock yesterday.” Nabbi grinned from ear to ear as she reached for more spiced wolf meat. She held her cards loosely in her left hand, as if she didn’t care about the stakes at all. She had been chattering incessantly ever since the game began several hours ago. Knabo had barely paid attention to her retell the incident with the goat lady. The silly little gnome was a nuisance. He only tolerated her because she was the one who had informed him of this weekly enterprise.

“Ya know she dun like ta be called ‘Mistress’,” Knabo grunted before taking a swig of ale.

“Oh, I know, but it’s the only thing that fits.” Nabbi leaned to the gnome on her right and whispered to him. The gnome shook his head so Nabbi picked up a card from the pile in the middle of the table. “What do you call her anyway?”

“Ta ‘er face? Boss-lady.” He sighed impatiently as he waited for the remaining players to finish their turns.

“Boss-lady? Well, I suppose that fits too. She is our boss after all.” Nabbi stood on her chair for a moment so she could reach the smoke dragon the warlock had just emitted from his pipe. She pulled its tail and nearly fell off her chair when the creature bit her hand. “Ow! Hey, you weren’t sent here by that goat lady were you?” Nabbi glared suspiciously at the fel user.

The warlock looked confused. He shook his head and began forming a smoke mouse for the dragon to chase.

Finally, it was Knabo’s turn. He looked briefly at each player before asking the warlock for a card. The warlock, being distracted by the ruckus his smoke creatures were causing in the rafters, barely glanced at his cards before denying Knabo his request. Knabo snorted. With trepidation and a small amount of hope he drew a card from the pile.

“Well, I’ll be a murloc’s uncle! Read ‘em and weep, boys! ‘Tis the winnin’ pair.” Knabo laid down his last two cards, revealing his fifth pair. The other players cursed and several threw their cards down in disgust.

“Congratu-,” Nabbi cut herself off mid word. She looked at the cards in her hand and the number of pairs she had in front of her. “Uh…Knabo…I wouldn’t get too excited if I were you.” Nabbi had been so distracted by the warlock’s vapor animals she hadn’t realized her last draw gave her another pair. She placed it on the table next to her other five pairs. She laughed. “That makes six! I win! Whoopeee!”

Nine pairs of eyes turned to look at her. Most just regarded her with astonishment. One pair, however, was shooting daggers at Nabbi.

Knabo couldn’t believe it. She had beat him. She didn’t even take the game seriously and she beat him. The fire started at the base of his neck and quickly spread up his face to the top of his scalp. Fortunately, his facial hair covered most of his embarrassment and rage. The last time he had been this mad at Nabbi he had shoved her and she hit her head. The Pia people had fixed it right up, but the boss-lady was still irate about it.

This was the last straw. He had to do something so he wouldn’t have to deal with her anymore. Regrettably, the boss-lady seemed to like the silly gnome.

The goat lady Nabbi had been rambling about was another story, however.

The morning sunlight filtering through the dirty windows created eerie patterns on the makeshift table. Jaebela, a middle aged human garbled in thick midnight blue armor sat pondering Noikona’s proposal. Her brow furrowed in thought, looking back at the draenei with sharp blue eyes. She rose from her chair and began to pace. Her voice was surprisingly soft but terse and thoughtful “You have a lot of gal showing your face here. There are those that would pay well to have your head mounted on their mantle.”

Noikona shrugged indifferently replying “And what would you gain? A few pieces of gold? What I propose would make you much more.”

“Nay draenei, what you did stabs at the very heart of what we are. You turned you back on us and you became the enemy. You will never be forgiven. The very sight of you sickens me.” Jaebela retorted glaring at Noikona.

Seeing that this was going south quickly Noikona’s mind raced to calm the human, her voice came out quietly “If you attack me, I can accurately predict that neither of us will survive. Please factor this in to any actions that are running through your head. You don’t have to like me, but I know you love gold. “

Jaebela‘s head turned sharply and her voice rose sharply “Do not try to think for me. For you would be sadly mistaken. I know longer know where your loyalties lie, so I will reason for you. You will do this, but you will do it without payment. “

Noikona’s face darkened and her mouth opened to speak, but she was instantly cut off

Jaebela‘s eyes narrowed as she continued “It’s simple. Do what you have planned and we won’t inform the Alliance of your involvement in the Syndicate. I hear you are on probation right now. Imagine what they would do if they found out what you have really done. “

Noikona sighed deeply as she hadn’t expected this turn of events. Slowly she let the power inside of her build. Her only hope was to silence her and for good. She jumped back and quickly began to cast when her mind went totally blank, her spell dissipating harmlessly. Her head turned sharply to the right and her eyes fell upon a grinning mage that had snuck in from the front door behind her. Two men garbed in black leather armor rushed through door quickly appending her, forcing her against the wall.

Jaebela strode from around the table with a drawn dagger. She approached the draenei until she was mere inches from her. Smiling she let the flat of the blade rest against Noikona’s throat. She spoke with a humorous tone “You were wrong. I think only one of us would have lost. Word travels fast. A courier will be sent to let others know that you are now employed by us again. And instructions on what to do if you fail.”

Noikona didn’t resist as she was ushered out into the courtyard. From behind her she heard Jaebela laugh “Oh, it’s nice working with you again”

Dismayed at the turn of events Noikona walked the streets of Stormwind. Not only had her plans backfired, she wouldn't be paid for her endeavor. Her past had come back to haunt her, a book she should have never reopened. There were only two people in the world that knew of her brutal past, and the reasoning behind it. She had no choice, her mind at the time was not her own, but now it was different.

Sitting down on some crates that overlooked the canal she stared off into the distance attempting to figure a way out of the hole she had just dug. The thought of speaking to Lady Adrazel terrified her. True she could probably help, but at what cost? She had seen the courier leave. By now word had spread. Her eyes rested on her left hand. A glove hid the enchanted hand bracelet that marked her as a citizen under Alliance probation. Her face darkened at the thought of going back to her cell. She sighed heavily as she stood. It was just one gnome. Just this once and then maybe she could walk away.

((Noikona, are you interested in role-playing this out in game? I will admit I started (and have continued) this thread as a way to stretch my long dormant creative writing muscle. While I'm having fun doing that, I'm also up for seeing how it plays out. Let me know.))

((Edited to add: For the curious - Knabo has taken his part of the story on a quick jaunt over to Khromie's My You're a Tall One thread.))

((I don't mind. I will get with you in game.))

It was hard to breathe. Every act of inhaling was filled with choking smoke. An acrid odor permeated the atmosphere near the tent. Even so, it was hard to walk away. The conflagrations were compelling. Enthralling. Captivating. If King Wrynn himself had passed by it would have taken Herculean effort to pay him any mind.

The flames twisted and danced through the crowd. Fire licked the sky.

Fire breathers pursed their lips and red-hot flares came spewing forth. Several people were lighting braziers by flinging torches at them. Others were tossing the torches in cloud-high arcs. Their unsuccessful attempts at catching the flambeaus caused the crowd to laugh. Once, three people lost track of their individual torches. They all caught sight of one particular flame’s trajectory and flew to the anticipated landing location. The resounding crack of three skulls colliding was heard throughout the Mage quarter.

No one noticed the pint sized gnome standing under the far corner of the tent. Except for one bright pink tendril of hair sticking out of the hood, her plain, drab cloak covered her completely. With mouth agape, Nabbi stood there watching for far longer than she should have. She knew shouldn’t be standing out in plain sight like this. The Mistress had told her to do her job and get back to the house as soon as possible. She had intended to do just that, but the crowd’s enthusiasm had beckoned. Besides, Nabbi mused, she hadn’t seen horn nor tail of the goat lady in days.

The crowd was large and she couldn’t help but overhear some of the conversations. Two night elves were discussing their recent experiences traveling throughout Azeroth to do something called “Honoring the Flame”. Nabbi enjoyed adventures very much and thought this sounded like a grand one. She sighed and began to head home as she realized the Mistress wouldn’t like it.

As she made her way through the throng of people, Nabbi considered having a little fire appreciation jaunt without telling the Mistress. Arriving at a small bridge, Nabbi looked across the canal at the spot where the draenei had tried to trip her. She paused. She frowned. She recalled that she wasn’t some silly little gnome who was scared of her own shadow. She had stood up to the goat lady. With a determined look, Nabbi headed home. There had to be a way to make the escapade happen.

Perhaps Knabo would be willing to help.

The little gnome burst through front door of her house and collapsed in a tiny heap on the wood floor. Her petite body shook with spasms as her lungs begged for oxygen. Every muscle was shaking violently with tremors that threatened to twist her into a pretzel. The wee one stayed on the floor, trembling.

After several long minutes, the quivering gnome puddle slowly, very slowly began to unwind.

Nabbi had been so brave. She had stood up to the draenei once again. The valiant act had nearly cost her, though. When the woman had pulled out a dagger, Nabbi almost lost control of her bladder. It was fortunate she had her pet rat with her. When Karni Mata tried to bite the draenei, it gave Nabbi the chance she needed to run away.

As her gasping decelerated, Nabbi sat up, still shuddering slightly. She closed her eyes and willfully attempted to relax her quaking limbs. The draenei had actually scared her this time.

Despite her fright, Nabbi was extremely satisfied with herself. She had a name.

Noikona.

The Mistress will be pleased.

Knabo needed cash. He needed it now. He had blown most of his stash on the card game. His perpetual frown turned into a scowl at the thought of how Nabbi had blithely taken his gold. It was best not to dwell on thoughts of the gnome, however. It only made his blood boil.

The stout dwarf turned from the bank and slowly plodded across the narrow walkway that passed over the chasm. He glared at the druid in bear form crossing at the same time. Knabo was forced to walk on the edge and he nearly fell off. He moved to the bulletin board fixated to the right of the auction house, scanning the flyers for possible odd jobs.

Wanted: Housekeeper – duties will include sweeping, dusting and toilet cleaning. Also, you will be asked to clean up after my new Armored Bloodwing. Bat guano is known to be toxic so a hazmat suit will be supplied for you. 1000 gold per week. Contact Vainaa Gauguin, Acherus.

Wanted: Yak washer – I picked up one of these little buggers in Kun-Lai. It keeps rolling around in the dirt like a dog. 50 gold per wash. Contact Gertha Brueghel, Ironforge.

Single woman seeking thespians for a small acting troupe. I am currently in need of two gentlemen for my newest play. Any men bearing resemblance to Sir Oarwind or Lord Pimperon are strongly encouraged to apply. We can work out payment arrangements after I’ve seen you perform. Contact Makelo Dexithe, Stormwind.

Knabo growled. Acherus was too far away, he was allergic to yaks and he didn't look a thing like Oarwind or Pimperon. He continued scanning the board and spotted a small advertisement pinned to the corner that caught his attention.

Wanted: I am seeking someone to help me with a small job. It shouldn’t take much of your time and you will be amply rewarded. Contact Noikona in Stormwind for details.

This one sounded just a bit shady. Knabo liked shady. Shady jobs usually meant high payouts. He yanked the notice from the board and pulled a piece of charcoal out of his pocket. He turned the flyer over and wrote a short note on the back.

i am intressed in the job
i will be cumen to stermwind this nite
can yu meet me by the tram eksit at tin oklok

Knabo hustled off to the nearest store to purchase an envelope. He carefully scanned the advertisement to make sure he spelled his potential employer’s name correctly before addressing the small packet.

The dwarf’s frown lessened slightly as he dropped the envelope in a mailbox. He desperately wanted this little contract to be profitable.

Noikona approached the run down farmhouse at dawn. Small wisps of fog lazily swirled into obscure patterns around the structure. In taking only a few more steps she realized she was no longer alone. A shadowy figure appeared in the doorway and she could easily sense two more behind her. She came within only a few paces of the hooded figure and nodded her head.

Jaebela's voice spoke sternly “You come empty handed. I don’t recall that as part of the deal, or have you chickened out?”

Noikona quickly responded in annoyance “This is a delicate matter, but I assure you that my plan is already in action and I will be able complete my end of the bargain tonight. The package will be delivered as promised at the location you requested.”

A condescending chuckle came from Jaebela “I have been thinking that maybe you should double your efforts. The order is now two!”

Noikona’s eyes widened as she spat “Two? That is not part of the agreement. You can’t be serious. This whole thing is starting to get way out of hand. For all I know you are bluffing!”

Jaebela’s eyes narrowed as she spoke “Is that a chance you are willing to take? Rest assured that I hold the strings of your future. You were a fool to come here in the first place and now I will toss you about to do my bidding like a cheap marionette.

Noikona’s eyes slowly shifted to emerald, a flood of power entered her as she spoke “I am no one’s puppet; I would rather face the authorities than do your bidding!”

A burst of silent energy erupted from her hands impacting into Jaebela’s chest, knocking her to the ground. Noikona was quick to take the advantage and leapt forward unsheathing her dagger, jumping on Jaebela letting her shear weight pin the human to the ground, she held her blade to the rogues throat whispering “To what gods to do you pray to?”

Jaebela gasped, cursing herself for being taken off guard. Her head turned sharply with her eyes glaring at the draenei in anger. Her voice although strained from the weight came out steady “You have no idea what you have just done.”

Noikona’s eyes went wide in shock as she was kicked from behind. Her whole body went rigid as her strength seemed to be sapped from her. She fell limply forward on top of Jaebela unable to move.

The muffled cry of Jaebela came out “Get this damn goat off me!”

Noikona was roughly rolled off letting Jaebela spring back to her feet. Jaebela snarled, kicking the draenei in the stomach. She turned to the two guards that had been watching from a distance. “Bind her; I am not yet done with her. She still has more work ahead of her. It looks like we will have company tonight. I want cages for both”

Huh,” he grunted. Knabo stood there in his characteristic slouch for a moment. One second he had been talking to the woman and the next – poof! She had vanished.

As he fingered the new coins in his pocket his normally sour expression changed to one of near glee. He couldn’t believe his good fortune. Noikona of the job offering and Nabbi’s assailant were one and the same. He was going to make some cash and get rid of the pesky gnome all at once.

His elation was quickly tempered by the thought of how to do what the draenei asked. He had no idea how he was going to get Nabbi all the way out to Arathi Highlands without smacking her around a bit. She was going to be nothing but trouble and vexation the whole way there. But, Noikona was very specific: Nabbi was not to be hurt.

Knabo turned on his heel and walked briskly toward the tram entrance. He needed to rent a cart big enough to carry a gnome-sized package.

Nabbi was ecstatic. She could hardly keep to her seat. The tram hadn’t even made a complete stop when she turned into a tiny, pink chi torpedo. She barreled off the still moving car nearly knocking an elderly dwarf to his knees. She shouted an apology, but kept on running.

Knabo had agreed to help her go see the fire dancers in Kharanos. Personally, she had wanted to go to Goldshire as that was nearer to the Mistress’ base of operations, but Knabo had insisted the dwarven dancers from Dun Morogh were far more interesting to watch than the dumb old humans. Considering their employer was human, Nabbi didn’t think her coworker should be calling humans ‘dumb’, but she had decided to let it go since he was offering assistance.

As she scooted and scurried past the multitude in The Commons, Nabbi was grateful she was pint-sized. It was easy to dash in between people and packages when you were that small. Rounding the corner near Knabo’s apartment, she collided with a medium sized cart parked out front.

“Oi!” Nabbi rubbed her now tender forehead. “I haven’t seen that before. I wonder if the Mistress ordered it.” The gnome resumed her quick pace, bounded up the steps and knocked on the door with brisk efficiency.

“Ack! Wha’s wrong wit’ yer face?” Knabo loudly exclaimed after opening the door and spotting the protrusion on her forehead.

Nabbi stopped rubbing and put both fists on her hips. “Nothin’! What’s wrong with yours?”

“Ya got a huge bump. We kin ‘ave that, now kin we? I’ll git ya sum ice.”

Nabbi’s eyes widened with astonishment. Knabo was acting strange. Very strange. First, he had consented to the fire dance expedition and now he seemed concerned about her health.

Perhaps he was right to worry, she thought as she realized her knees were shaking. She wasn’t sure if it was the knock on the head or all the running that caused it. Glancing around the room, she saw a chair that looked reasonably comfy. To the left of the chair she noticed a box filled with books. Interesting. She hadn’t figured Knabo to be reader or even at all literate. She sat down but didn’t have time to scan the titles for the dwarf returned with a small bundle of ice wrapped in a white cloth. He was also holding a steaming mug.

“’ere’s yor ice an’ I brought ya sumptin’ ta drink.”

Nabbi gently held the ice to her throbbing forehead. She took a sip of the hot liquid and grimaced.

“Ugh! That tastes gross! It’s obvious why you aren’t the Mistress’ cook. Blech!”

Knabo leaned over the petite gnome. “I dun care what it tastes like. Drink. It’ll make yer ‘ead stop achin’,” he punctuated each word with a shake of his finger in her face. “Drink.”

Nabbi blinked. He was definitely acting weird. However, he had offered to help her, so to placate him she took a few more sips.

“Oh! Knabo! I almost forgot to tell you!” Nabbi cried. In her excitement, she jerked her arm and some of the liquid sloshed over the side.

Knabo frowned as he reached out and righted the cup.

“The Mistress will be so pleased! Guess what I found out! Come on, guess!”

“Why da ya insist on callin’ ‘er Mistress? She dun like it.”

It was Nabbi’s turn to frown. “I dunno. She can be such a harsh lady, but she also saved us, you know.”

Knabo shifted uncomfortably and looked to his right. The topic made him feel ill at ease so he quickly changed it. “Wha’ did ya wan’ ta tell meh?”

“I found out the name of the goat lady!” she announced. She smiled proudly before gulping down some more of the foul beverage.

Knabo’s shifting became more pronounced. He liked this subject even less. “Well, now, tha’ is good news. ‘ave ya tol’ the boss-lady yet?”

“Silly Knabo, you know she had to head out to the Barrens on a scouting trip. I could have sent her a mail, but this news is too good for that. I want to tell her in person!”

The dwarf did an admirable job of concealing his sigh of relief. “Tha’s prolly a good idea, there. The boss-lady likes ta know all the tings, but she wouldna be happy ta be so far away an’ not able ta do anyting abou’ it.”

Nabbi nodded. “Welp, we should get going if we want to see the dancers today.” She quickly stood up. Immediately, the room tilted sideways. Her vision blurred and a woozy, drunk-like feeling came over her. She sat back down. “Uh, oh. I don’t feel so good.” Her left hand, which had been holding the ice, dropped to her lap. Her other hand went slack and the mug dropped to the rug below.

***

Knabo saw that no liquid spilled. Nabbi had consumed the entire beverage. He smiled grimly as he observed that the ice had done nothing to stop the swelling on Nabbi’s face. He hoped the draenei woman didn’t reduce his compensation.

The cart’s right wheel hit a rut in the road as they were leaving The Wetlands. Knabo heard a groan. He twisted in his seat to look at the small figure trussed up on the cart’s floor behind him. This was the first time he had heard anything from her since leaving Ironforge. The potion had worked better than he had hoped.

Nabbi woke to the feeling of being carried. The jostling made her stomach roll violently. Nausea threatened to overwhelm her. Her throat was aching and parched. The wound from her collision with the cart was throbbing painfully. None of that compared to the overall wretchedness she felt, however. Every fiber of her being felt like Ragnaros’ fire was moving through her veins. She wanted to open her eyes, but even that small movement was insurmountable. Disjointed and confusing thoughts crashed together inside her skull. A dense fog encased her awareness in a shroud. Nabbi could feel herself losing the battle for consciousness.

The jostling stopped. Nabbi sensed she was being lowered to the floor. She could barely make out the sound of muffled voices. She strained to listen, but the pain was too much. She gave in to the wave of darkness that swept over her fragile frame.

((Noikona, I'm thinking about changing the title of this thread to "Random Walk-up RP Gone Amok".))

:D

((lol, all I did was try to trip you))

The brisk wind blew through Noikona’s hair. The sky turned different shades of blue, purple and red. Her portal to Stormwind still stood open behind her. She looked from the mountain top over the lands of Draenor. She knew these lands, every nook and cranny. A tear trickled down her cheek and her body shuddered. She wanted to flee from what she had done. Here she could hide and live, until all but forgotten.

She fought the longing to run. Jaebela had set her free, but kept Lrigknab as insurance. If she didn’t return shortly with another gnome, she would take Lrigknab’s life with her own weapon, framing the crime on her.

She turned her back on her freedom that would be exile, a prison in itself and stepped into the portal to Stormwind. She didn’t have a choice in the matter. She never broke her word, even if her word was to a gnome.

If the room had contained any light at all a keen observer would have seen a tiny nose protruding from a small hole near the floor at the bottom of the stairs. With whiskers twitching, the nose darted left, then right, snuffling about. For a brief moment, the nose disappeared back into the hole. Seconds later, it jutted out again, this time followed by a small furry body. The mammal quickly moved a few feet into the room and then paused. He stood up on his hind legs, lifted his nose into the damp musk and nipped at the air again.

Food. There was definitely food here.

The creature sniffed until he was sure of the location of the sustenance, then scampered in that direction. As he neared the back wall, he slowed. The aroma wafting toward him included more than just food. Wood, metal, leather, mud, grass and blood mingled together, puzzling the creature, but not deterring him. His whiskers touched the wood first. He stood again. Sinking his front claws in, he began to climb. He next encountered the leather. He might have considered eating that, but it was caked with mud and grass – not very appetizing. More leather and then he felt the hardness of metal underneath his feet. It was a bit slippery, so he had to be careful as he continued on.

The smell of cheese was growing stronger, as was the rusty odor of dried blood. He cautiously moved his mouth closer, incisors extended.

The piercing pain of two small teeth sinking into her lower lip caused Nabbi to waken with a yelp. The scavenger lost his balance, flailed, and fell to the floor with a thud. Bruised, but not seriously injured, he quickly scurried back to his hole, sans dinner.

Nabbi gently poked at the new wound with her tongue. “Oy!” She thought about crying, but decided she had done enough of that. She had also screamed – to no avail. Her captors didn’t care.

She had only seen them three times since she had woken to find herself here. Each time they had unchained her, led her upstairs and outside for a brief walk and a small meal. Escape was impossible. She had counted more than twenty Syndicate patrolling the property.

Nabbi sighed plaintively. She just hoped the goat lady was good on her word.

That Noikona had also been chained here when Nabbi first woke, was surprising. Apparently, the draenei’s cohorts had turned on her. The two captives had bickered and called each other names, but in the end, they were able to come to an understanding. At least, that’s what Nabbi was counting on.

The Syndicate wanted Noikona to procure another gnome for them. While doing so, she would try to find a way to contact the Mistress.

Nabbi knew the Mistress would come for her. She just hoped the Mistress didn’t kill Noikona before hearing the draenei out.

Knabo, on the other hand, could die a slow, excruciatingly painful death.

((Sometimes in game events can get lost during transposing to the forum. During Noikona and Lrigknab’s conversation, it was made clear that Noikona would approach Adrazel first before seeking Lrigknab’s mistress))

((NOTE: The following is from Noikona's point of view and doesn't reflect the feelings other characters mentioned below))

Anger flooded Noikona as she pushed through the crowded streets of Stormwind. She had approached Lady Adrazel with the purpose of seeking her aid in her predicament. She had no intention of revealing the full truth of what she had done, but through powers unbeknownst to her; she had revealed everything she had done. Her inability to stop herself caused her distress. It seemed impossible to lie to that woman.

Adrazel seemed more than willing to help, but her first task was that of finding Lrigknab’s mistress. She was well on her way when the ceiling came crashing down. She had just finished purchasing a few flasks from the auction house when a tiny hand tugged at her dress. Her heart leaped when she looked down and saw Khromie.

Thoughts rushed into her head. Holding back her revulsion, she talked with the gnome, even giving her some candy she had tucked away. She knew she must build up more trust and lead the gnome away from the crowded and bustling streets. Somewhere private where she could whisk her away and finally be done with her obligations with Syndicate. Khromie was more than perfect, young full of energy and oblivious.

Everything was working to her plan when she noticed Adrazel watching her from a distance. Panic filled her as her ladyship approached. The cold stare from Adrazel caused Noikona to want to flee. She had been caught. Khromie clung to Noikona as Adrazel recommended that drinks were in order. Noikona had no choice but to follow, being dragged along by the gnome. Matters only got worse as more of her assemblage known as Crimson Blades showed up. To her dismay they all witnessed the overly friendly manner of the gnome. Noikona tried in vain to get away, but the ever present eyes of Adrazel seemed to freeze her blood causing her to endure the humiliation that ensued.

A static filled message came over Khromie’s hearthstone which seemed to excite the gnome very much. So much that she hastily waved her goodbyes and rushed out of the bar. Noikona tried to find something to fill her attention. She ignored the chiding from others around her, but she could feel Adrazel’s gaze boring through her skull.

Out of frustration of being caught she turned, blurting at Adrazel “Are you happy with yourself?”

In hindsight this was not the best thing to have said. Noikona couldn’t help but notice as the wine glass Adrazel held slowly began to turn different shades of red until it finally reduced to itself to a white hot deformed semblance of its formal self.

Adrazel left the bar with Noikona in tow. Terse words were exchanged but in the end Adrazel was right. Noikona was in no position to argue. The feelings inside of her were brought to bear. Once again the fight between what is right and wrong were painfully and bluntly shown in great detail to Noikona. Noikona cursed her conscious. Its undesirable appearance was something unexpected. Adrazel explained that if she wanted the pain to subside she must pick the high road. Something that was foreign to Noikona, but something that she would try.

Noikona left Adrazel with the mission to find this mistress. From the small amount of inquiries she had done so far, everything pointed to the new land of Pandaria. A land she had been warned against, but if she were to find Lrigknab’s mistress she would chance it. Her word was at stake and now time was running out.