#charnel corps

[daetur]

Bad Omens (Dyrihm Personal Event Log, Part 8)

Even as Frost, Dahl, and Nob tangle with Father Trevarde, another letter from Solis to Rey arrives- but this time, it’s only Reya who is able to answer, and facing the Knight’s cruel experiments with souls isn’t easy to stomach. Even worse, Solis echoes Trevarde’s confidence that Dyrihm’s days are numbered- that there are orders from the Blade coming down the line that will unarguably brand him as a traitor when he disobeys.

Reya brings this warning to Dyrihm- and picks up a few feathered friends along the way.

A new letter sits in Blackwell's mailbox, blank envelope clearly meant for Solis's mysterious friend "Kion."

"Kion," it reads, in Solis's blocky script, "A new shipment of souls is due in from Icecrown tonight! Smaller than the last, only two this time, but I'm planning something new- perhaps you'd like to join me? I'd appreciate your perspective! The usual place.

Solis"

Solis has no abomination before him this time. Instead, laid out on the table are the broken bodies of at least a dozen crows. A soul vial sits beside them, black swirling mass within the same as the previous week- except for one thing. A tight coil of shadow within the depths can be felt from where Reya stands. It oozes raw power, but possesses far less finesse than his own work.

Reya walks up slowly, his bone beast leaving him some ways down the slope. Light, what was he doing...But he wouldn't just leave the letter alone. Seeing Solis, Reya pauses as he looks over the bird corpses, feeling that shadow and suppressing a shiver.

Reya Ah...right. He'll need to be extra careful. Clearing his throat, Reya wanders closer, careful to adjust his scarf to make sure it hadn't fallen from covering his face.

Solis turns as he hears Reya approaching. He smiles. "Ah! Kion, you made it! Wonderful, wonderful- I'm trying something new this week, and you were so helpful last time."

Reya shrugs a shoulder. Let's see how did Rey do this... "What's it this time?" He asks, crossing his arms as peers at the crow bodies.

Solis gestures at all the birds. "Yes, so- many souls, one construct makes for a powerful construct. As we experienced. But! Small shipment this week, I thought, why not try- one soul, many constructs. Could be just as dangerous in a way, don't you think? Each

Solis body will be weak, but imagine if they could sense each other, communicate instantly over distances, attack as a single-minded swarm..."

[Solis]: Plus- fragmented like that, the soul should be more easily controlled.

Reya resists a low hiss and the bubbling anger in his chest. Calm. He had a part to play. And that part required...Light above. Forcing himself to raise a brow, Reya stepped closer, eyeing the crows. "If ya fracture it too much it won't have a strong tether.

Reya Considerable damage to the body will threaten its fragile connection." Struggling not to grimace, Reya gestures the crows. "They'll want ta re-connect to the whole. A soul wants to be whole and, true, it will be able to sense the other pieces."

Reya | Like for instance, Atlas.  But he won't say that.

Solis nods, rubbing his chin with his hand. "I suppose the best place to start, then, is to see how many we can raise before it becomes unstable." He picks up the soul vial, turning it around in his hand, swirling the spirit and shadow within. "Surely, though, we can get three or four at the very least out of this one- not a Scarlet like before! A prize- a Knight. Should be strong." He uncorks the vial, and the sensation of powerful, fear-laced shadow intensifies. Whoever is doing this has compensated their lack of expertise with brute force.

Reya eyes the shadow, feeling gutted and trying not to step back, soul quivering at the energy. "Who ya got workin' on ya souls up there, anyway?" He tries for an insulted tone, since, well, all that brutality was an affront to Rey's normal sensibilities. But he doesn't move to stop Solis from his experiment, watching intently as he can.

Solis smiles. "Nachtigall and his torturers- he leads a segment of the Cult that remains in Icecrown, and for providing him with bodies strong with the Shadow and Light, he extracts the souls for me. Not his area of expertise, alas, but he does well by me."

Solis begins carefully peeling away a shuddering fragment of soul from the wispy thing in the vial. For something so small and featureless, it certainly looks in pain. The shuddering stops as the piece comes free, and Solis directs it into the first bird. It blinks its dead, beady eyes, and stirs.

[Solis]: As you can see, he's been trying to apply your suggestion- though I can feel it still needs work. He is a quick study, though.

Reya blurts out the name. "Nachtigall?" What kind of bloody name was that, Reya swallows a number of other insults.  "Can't say I've 'eard of 'em." He shrugs, debating but he steps up towards that stirring bird, hi there little buddy.

Solis || Caw caw motherfuckers.

Reya wants to steal the bird.

Solis nods. "Unsurprising. Nachtigall ascended late in the King's reign, and had the good sense to lay low as armies marched on the Citadel." Solis inspects the bird, and it pecks at his fingers. He seems satisfied, and peels off another shred of soul- this time, not only does the black, wispy mass of spirit shudder, so does the crow, and it croaks as its little body spasms. "Ah, hush," Solis murmurs, with no kindness, as he tears the fragment free and the shuddering subsides. "Making you friends out of yourself!" A second bird rises, hopping over to huddle against the first.

Reya reaches out and pets the huddling birds. Hi little buddies, he's so sorry. Rey--Wraith--he doesn't want to do this... "Ascended, huh?" He repeats aloud, glancing to Solis. "Got some hot shot up there workin' with ya, huh? Gettin' quite the network." It's SUPPOSED to be a compliment. Sorta. He guesses.

Solis smiles, reaching over to check the new bird. The two seem calmer, with company, and he's able to pull at a wing and turn the new bird's head without trouble. "Promising! And yes, you could say- it is hard, these days, to extend the new King's reach, after all. It was good to find an agent who could travel as a member of the Blade, and good for me to have partners in Icecrown with better magic than I." He shreds a third piece of soul, now, this one taking a piece of shadow-stuff with it as it comes free. The two crows screech briefly in protest. "They can clearly still feel the main soul," he says, pleased. "Very promising indeed! Now- how have things been in the City? Any news?"

Reya swallows his protest, petting the crows. He's so sorry... "Can't say much, unfortunately. Tried taggin' a few but most of 'em are too keen." Light, he doesn't want to out Dyrihm. "Was gonna swing by--what's his name fuckin' priest ya told me 'bout but City's been shitty and fuckin' busy." All of which IS TRUE.

Solis inserts the soul into crow number three.

| The crow's body simply disintegrates, but at least the piece of soul is not lost. Solis curses quietly, and reaches for another corpse.

Reya 's face turns dismayed under his scarf.  No...

[Solis]: Ah, yes- Trevarde. Not to worry- we've got some plans for his mark. Trevarde's been watching closely, and it seems the Knight's current standing with the City is... tenuous. A perfect opportunity.

Solis carefully feeds the soul into the next dead bird.

Reya mutters as he pets the birds.  "Gotta be gentle with the soul if ya want it to work.."  But his mouth snaps shut at this news.  "Oh?  Ya got somethin' going for ya there?"

Solis sighs as it, too, fails. "I expected better, but- perhaps you are right. I've never had the steadiest hands- would you like to try?"

Reya screeches internally. NO!!!!  "Sure, why not?"  He lifts a hand off the birds and holds it out to Solis.

[Solis]: And yes, yes- new orders are due in in the next day or two from the King, and I simply need to ensure Knight Ackerman is one of the Knights who receives them. Everything Trevarde has told me about him implies he'll balk at this one. And without the City to protect him? Simple to spirit him away.

Solis hands Reya the fragment of soul, and a limp crow carcass.

Reya 's internal screeching intensifies.

Reya takes the fragment and crow carefully, looking between them and TRYING not to look up at Solis. "Sounds like ya got it all planned out there?  Couple days, huh?  Damn, movin' quickly."

Reya gently feeds the soul fragment into the crow, with far more care than the small death knight's ever shown this kind of magic, not that Solis would know that.

Reya beams under his scarf as the crow starts to stir.  Refraining from crooning at it, he pets it, bringing it towards the other crows.

Solis watches intently, giving a pleased clap of the hands as the crow blinks and squirms. "Excellent! Three it is!" This time, Solis peels off a shred of soul for both himself and for Reya. "Hey, Kion, have another go. You've got the touch." He feeds his piece into what he hopes will be crow number four. "And yes- once these things get set in motion, they do move quickly, though I think the King has had this in mind for some time now."

Reya 's heart quivers--or was it his soul--at each shredding. But he takes the soul and gently lets it into another crow. "Gotta say, makes me wanna check out what goin' on up north the more I hear about it." Which was a true statement. Curiosity was such a curse.

Reya makes another dismayed face under his scarf as the crows bodies fail.  No....crow....bye maybe friend...

Reya wants to Cry. "Well, I think that's ya answer 'bout how many ya can do..."

Reya huddles the remaining crows to himself.

[Reya]: Oh I know, I can test these little guys out when I head back to the City!

Reya nods emphatically. "Get some intel with their eyes in places I can't get into."

Solis chuckles. "Yes, I think we're nearing the limit. Nevertheless, there is still more soul to use- perhaps a lead crow, instead of separating it furthe- Oh! Would you? I like to think they'd make excellent scouts. I got the idea from Trevarde, he's been using his shadow bird to watch Ackerman's home."

Reya SCREAMS INTERNALLY. Internally.  "I can certainly try 'em.  Man, I really should get talkin' with ya priest, his ideas sound splendid.  Can have a cuppa tea or somethin' and sprout a whole bunch of shit for ya."

[Reya]: And, a lead crow?

Reya wants to make sure he's understood this right so he just pets the crows.  Hi little buddies.  He's gonna take you home.

Solis nods. "One with the rest of the soul- the lion's share, so to speak. Should be far easier than the weak fragments." Solis dumps the rest of the torn-up soul into his open hand. The bulk of the shadow-seed still clings to it. Solis picks at it with a finger. "Hmm. Is it best to leave this on, do you think, or remove it? The soul should be quite pliant by this point..."

Reya peers at the shadow. He wants that a THOUSAND LEAGUES AWAY FROM HIM.  "It's hardly necessary but I can tweak it later if ya like." Make it bleed hope instead shush. "And yeah, that sounds good.  Give 'em a leader."

Solis nods, placing the soul, shadow-seed and all, into a final crow corpse. A few broken avian bodies still rest on the table, likely never to stir again, but this last one blinks a bright eye with a hoarse caw, and puffs up in size- swelling a few actual inches over its fellows, who it hops over to. "I will leave it in your capable hands, then- and by all means. Trevarde is very fond of birds and shadow both! I'm sure he'd be interested in this little project. His work will be done, after all, once I have Ackerman, so I'm sure he'll enjoy a new task."

Reya tries not to coo at the birds. He pets them all equally but he gives the leader a scritch. Internally screaming. Dyrihm!!!!! "Sounds like a plan." He flashes a smile under his scarf at Solis. "I'll stop by his place--" To kill him maybe. "--once I get the chance then."

Solis helps the lead bird up onto Reya's shoulder. "Well. You can call this fellow- these fellows? Whatever you like. Based on the timing, though, I believe this is Knight Tanavar. Elven. Who knows how much of that he remembers, though." Solis shrugs, voice uncaring.

Reya wants to Cry again but he nods, reaching up to pet the lead bird.  Hi little buddy.  The others he smiles down at them and gives them arms to perch on.

Solis | The rest of the crows clamber tentatively onto Reya's arms. Solis smiles. "Well! I would call this a success. I will have to try again sometime- birds again? Hm. Rodents? Cats? Perhaps a pack of hounds!" He begins muttering to himself, breaking off to blink. "Oh! Kion, thank you- I must clean the rest of these up, and I'm sure you don't want to be standing around here like a perch all evening."

Reya snorts despite himself. "Send ya animals my way if ya do. For testin', ya know." No....for saving them.... "I'll be off then." He would wave but BIRDS. Instead he just..CAREFULLY walks away.

|| Once again, Reya makes haste back to the Undercity, through the tunnels, to Dyrihm’s door with terrible news.

Dyrihm 's door has... a new padlock on it. It looks like the old lock was broken off.

Reya eyes that, covered in birds as he is.  He's still cooing to them, giving them all pets and scritches.  He loves Tana.  In all the little pieces.  But the reminder of the birds has Reya looking about for CERTAIN BIRD SPIES as he knocks on Dyr's door.

Dyrihm pushes his door open. "Rey? Reya! Reya, how are you, are you all right?" Dyrihm actually pulls Reya in for a one-armed hug, holding the door open with the other. Last time he saw you guys you guys were DEAD, man.

Reya | The crows caw and flutter, and switch to standing on Reya's head and unsquished arm. "Hi, Dyrihm." He greets, a flash of happiness melting the remaining anger there from SOLIS.

Dyrihm pulls back. "What's- uh- what's with the birds?"

Reya looks at Dyrihm, looks at the birds.  And a bit of tears well up in his eyes.  But first--paranoia.  "Inside, inside, inside." He casts another look, well a GLARE, around the courtyard.

Dyrihm walks backwards, into his house. "Al- all right." He leads Reya inside, down the hall and into the kitchen, where he puts on a kettle of water. Don't think he didn't see those tears.

Reya finds that table and slips into a char, carefully depositing each bird onto the wood. There you guys go.  The leader stays on his shoulder and he gives the birb a pet.  "Birds--Tana--meet Dyrihm."  

Dyrihm walks back over to the table, leaning on it as he looks at the clearly undead birds. "Hi, birds," he says. "Tana?" He glances at Reya to confirm. "Do they- eat?"

[Reya]: ..I dunno? Yes?  Wait no, they were dead birds before but--yes?  Maybe?

Reya has a bunch of undead crows and his life is Complete.

Dyrihm scratches his chin. "So... maybe don't need to, but meat if they do."

[Reya]: Yeah, that sounds 'bout right.

Reya scritches Birb but a frown comes over his face. "Trevarde's got his pretty birdy lookin' after ya."

Dyrihm rummages around in a cupboard, and returns with a frozen fish. He starts gently drawing the ice out of it. "Think they'll go for this?" He looks thoughtful as Reya speaks. "Yeah, that'll be Ash. I- didn't know he still had the little guy. Nob told me about him just about an hour ago- guess it makes sense." Dyr looks... resigned.

Reya puts the lead bird down so he can lean forward towards Dyrihm, worry plain on his face. "D-Dyrihm, they're gonna try to take ya!  Solis has some type of plan to get ya!"

Reya 's so W O R R I E D.

Dyrihm sits at the table, setting the now-thawed fish out for Tanavar. "He- wait, he's got a plan, now? Trevarde seemed to think it was- a done deal, but he didn't say anything about a plan." He leans forward. "Hey, it's gonna be okay. We'll figure it out. You're gonna come get me, remember?"

Reya 's lip wobbles and he sniffs, body flickering very oddly like a mirage for just a split second. "O-Orders, he said. Gonna come down from the new King and he's gonna try and get ya ta receive them for the Blade." He bites the inside of his cheek, reaching out for Dyrihm. "Said it gonna be a call ya can't make and he'll whisk ya a-away then."

Dyrihm reaches out, too, placing his hands over Reya's. "That's- not good. I can't exactly say no if I get the orders, but- maybe I can just keep my head down." He peers at Reya. "Are you okay? You- uh- flickered out a little, there."

Reya twists his hands to clutch onto Dyrihm's.  Ah...contact. He breathes out, centering himself. "I'm...gettin' there." He mumbles.

Dyrihm squeezes. "I'm glad. Really had us scared for a bit, there." The Knight smiles. "It's gonna be all right, Reya. I promise. We'll figure this out- what's it Varun always says? 'I will endure.'"

Reya nods, lip wobbling. "Yeah...gonna have ta endure.  S-Sorry about touchin' the Torch....got ya in trouble and everyone's gotta keep...treason... a secret."

Reya can't help the flicker again as much as he tries.  Stupid Emotions making this so much more difficult.

Dyrihm actually chuckles. It's a warm sound. He holds on tight. "It's okay, Reya. Someone had to pick it up- and someone had to break it. I don't regret it for a second, though... I do feel bad that everyone got put in such a shitty position because of it. I would have just taken the fall."

Reya frowns and HOLDS Dyrihm's hands.  "Not gonna let the City take ya."  He hisses out quietly.

Dyrihm smiles. "I know. It's- I'm getting used to knowing that."

Reya huffs, and he slips a hand free so he can Poke Dyr in the cheek.  "Stupid.." He mumbles.

Dyrihm | Maybe it's that lingering, gentle shadow seed, but Dyrihm is... oddly at peace, for everything going on. Resigned, yes, but... much less afraid than previous weeks. He laughs, and ruffles Reya's hair. "So, what's the story with these birds? You didn't say. This one is Tana?" He points at the Big one.

Reya shakes his head, poking the Big Birb.  Hi, buddy. "They're all Tana." He says and reaches to pet the others.

[Reya]: Solis wanted to try experimentin' again.  Split this Knight's soul into each bird.

Reya sounds so....sad....

Dyrihm peers at them. "Oh." He reaches out a hand to gently scratch one of Tana's necks. "Light." He shudders a little. "I- I don't recognize the name. I could... try and find something out about him, if you like?"

[Reya]: ...Please...full name was Tanavar.  An elf, he said.

Reya wants to hug all the birds.  So he does. He scoops them all up and cuddles them.

Dyrihm || The lead crow warbles softly at the name.

Reya wants to Cry. Tears bud up in his eyes and he pets the lead bird.  "Am so sorry..."

Dyrihm smiles, sadly. "I'm sure you made it better, being there," he says, softly. "And now he's with you. I'm sure I'll have to go in for these new orders, so- I'll see what I can find."

[Dyrihm]: Solis would have done this to him anyway, Reya, surely.

Reya sighs but he nods. "I know..just...sucks.  Could feel it...souls and shit, I don't like it." He frowns, looking down.  "Please be careful, Dyrihm.."

Dyrihm nods. "I will be." He taps his chest. "And I've got you with me. I'll be all right. I can hold out, if it comes to that."

Reya 's gaze slips down. Oh right. He reaches out quietly, and sets his hand over where Dyrihm tapped. Personal Space Reya, have you heard of it? But quietly, he reinforces the barrier, spilling a bit of something just Reya into the protection. "You have us. And we'll come find ya."

Dyrihm smiles, feeling the addition to that protection. "I know." He chuckles, and Reya can feel the rumble in his chest. "You know, Hael told me the same thing this afternoon. You guys've really got my back, and I know it. I'd hate to be Solis and Trevarde once they're between me and all of you."

Reya 's face darkens for just a second. "They won't know what hit them." He mutters but he gently pats Dyrihm's chest.  He is Safe right now.  Pulling back his hand, he grins.  "Ya certainly do got us.  Am glad Haelstein got to talk to ya."

Dyrihm nods. "I am too. I've been worried about you guys, honestly."

Reya sways contently in his seat, tucking his feet under him.  "Worry about ya self too, Dyrrrr."

Dyrihm laughs, getting up to get the suddenly whistling kettle. "You sound a little like Frost," he teases, bringing the water back to the table with a pair of mugs. Instead of tea, which Reya is fairly certain he's never seen Dyr drink, the Knight pulls a few packets of cocoa powder from a belt pouch. "I have all of you for that!"

Reya huffs. "I'll have ya know even Rey's worried.  Well. He would be." Get called out Rey. "Ooooh is that cocoa?"

Dyrihm grins. "It sure is." He offers Reya one of the packets. It's... surprisingly fine. A treat Dyr must have picked up from Dalaran. "Hey, listen. Thank you for keeping tabs on Solis for me. I know it hasn't been easy- especially tonight, for you, clearly. I just- I really appreciate it."

Reya all but snatches the packet out of Dyr's hands.  "Light, I haven't had this in forever." Glancing up, he beams. "We're really happy to help, ya know.  Besides. Needed fresh air anyway!"

Dyrihm chuckles, pouring the contents of his packet into his mug. "I know the feeling- my mother used to make it with milk, but- I don't actually have any. Water'll have to be good enough." He takes a sip, and sighs happily. "I tell you, though, the real secret to cocoa- add a teaspoon of vanilla while you're heating it."

[Reya]: Ooooh, I've never done that!  

Reya brightly pours his packet into his own mug. "Always used honey to make things sweeter back--well back before everythin'."

Reya slowly takes a sip and his entire face lights up.

Dyrihm grins. "Honey is fucking fantastic. You know what you'd never guess is amazing? Honey, lemon, and lavender for salmon. One of my favorite meals my family used to make." Dyrihm seems to just be basking in making Reya happy, just about puffing up with pride in this fact.

[Dyrihm]: Melt some butter in a bowl, add the honey, and just dredge the fish in it. Sprinkle on some crushed lavender, few slices of lemon, and bake 'em. Incredible.

Reya could swear his stomach grumbles at the thought.  "Lavender with it?  Light, never would'a thought 'bout that.  That sounds so good..." He hums around another sip of cocoa.

[Reya]: Stayin' up in the hill-lands didn't bring much fish.  Got some good things 'bout like..maybe sheep?

[Reya]: Use ta roast them all day--or was that one pig. Always liked it a bit sweeter, one time we put cinnamon in the marinade.  That was fun.

Reya sways in his seat, humming and drinking cocoa.  Happy!

Dyrihm smiles around the rim of his mug. "We didn't raise much livestock for meat on my family farm, but I did a good share of hunting a fishing for us- venison, boar. Never thought to try cinnamon, that could be really good. Used to do maple and brown sugar with the pork."

Reya giggles. "Mhmmm, maple glaze.  Aw, we had these cookies and I'd get Rey to dump so much honey on 'em."

[Reya]: Maple and honey? Sweet as the Light and it was soooo good.

Dyrihm 's face is lit up in a way Reya hasn't quite seen before, the Knight warming to the topic of sweet, fluffy things that an exemplary Knight OR Forsaken probably shouldn't coo over. "I have a terrible sweet tooth," he admits, and pats his stomach. "Still a little soft, even with all the work I did every day on the farm. Never really lost it. No regrets !" Dyrihm laughs. "My biggest weakness was chocolate and strawberry, probably."

[Reya]: Ooooh but those are so good!!!

Reya grins, humming under his breath.  "Maybe we should make some next time.  Ya got a kitchen and everythin'."

Dyrihm rubs his hands together, setting down his empty mug. "I'll have to pick up ingredients, but- I'd love to. It's been so long since I really baked anything."

Reya CHUGS the rest of his cocoa.  "Am not great at cookin' but I can help cut things!  Like strawberries!" And people!  "I'd love to help."

Dyrihm laughs. "All right!" He slams his empty mug down with conviction. "We'll have a dinner date! Varun and Nob can come too, even though- Nob can't eat, and Varun hates fun. But they're INVITED, is the point."

Reya SNORTS out a fit of giggles. "Sounds like fun~" He singsongs and stands, scooting the crows from the fish bones they've been picking at.  Up on him you little buddies. "Well, I'll get out of ya hair.  Don't want it more ruffled than it already is."

Dyrihm stands, and nods. "Get your birds home. Make em some nice nests, I'll see you soon. You take care of yourselves, all right? Both of you."

Reya nods but he hesitates a bit.  Sh. "I will." He hops on out, glaring around the courtyard but happy as can be.

[daetur]

The Soul Harvester (Dyrihm Personal Event Log, Part 13)

Only able to retrieve Dyrihm’s empty corpse, Froststrider and Zyandahl must face the reality that they were too late- and will need Trevarde’s help in order to track down the leader of Solis’s Cult of the Damned contacts to find Dyrihm’s soul.

With her twin brother Zyandahl crippled by grief, Sinronae Nae’thari arrives in their courtyard one evening, ready to help Frost follow Trevarde to his meeting with the Cultist leader- and she’s certainly more than the Tauren bargained for, especially knowing her usually mild, reserved brother.

|| After a few days of... processing, grieving, and heavy silences- along with equally heavy conversations- a small, shadowy, violet raven alights in the courtyard and waits for some sign of activity.

Froststrider is out tending to their Kodo and giving Astara some horn scritches. He can only hope the drake is oblivious to Dyr's condition. He doesn't seem to notice the raven.

|| The bird flits into Frost's line of sight, a few feet away from the skeletal drake. It crows once, a strange, echoy sound, and tilts its head, regarding the tauren with a beady eye. It puffs up its ethereal chest feathers. "Message," it says, in Trevarde's voice.

Froststrider whips his head around, tensing as some strands of his mane raises at the crow. "...Give it." He says slowly after taking some breaths to not attempt snatching the bird.

|| It fluffs its feathers again, shifting its wings and feet. "My meeting, tonight," it continues, still in the voice of the priest. "Leaving from my home. Meet me there. As agreed."

Sinronae || An elven woman steps out of the shadows atop the courtyard wall and hops down to the ground. Striding over toward Frost with a leisurely gait, she gestures at the bird. "You going?" she asks. If Frost were to look closely, he might notice a resemblance to Zyandahl, though she lacks all of his scars and damage.

Froststrider notices the resemblance and it’s the only thing keeping him from picking the elf up and throwing her back over the wall. "...You are... Dahl's sister?" He asks lightly then glares back at the bird then back to the woman.

|| That seems to be all, as it ruffles its feathers once more, and pushes off, darting quickly out of reach and back towards Trevarde's city abode.

Sinronae nods, watching the bird fly away. Thar he go. "Yeup, that's me. And you're the Tauren who's been tumbling Dyr. Nice to meet you." She offers him a wave that is somehow sarcastic.

Froststrider blinks a bit flustered, "T-tumbling?" then he shakes his head with a huff starts to walk toward Trevarde's place, making an indication to walk and talk. While she's here... He might as well get some questions answered. He paused to glance at the hatch then continued. Best to let Dahl rest and not find out about this. Just yet.

Sinronae shrugs and says, "Tumbling," she repeats, then, "Boning, bedding, fucking, fondling, you get it. I didn't guess him for being into big beefy guys, but congrats. Nice score."

Froststrider | On the way to Trevarde's home, he of course tries to ask Nae some questions about Dahl. Like the recent incident, instead of talking about sex with Dyrihm. "A-ahem... Yes well... Back to the question--" pauses realizing they reached the door. Oh.

Sinronae sighs, saying, "Yeah, my brother ain't doing so hot right now. He'll be fine once Dyr's back up and kicking, so I'm helping make that happen." She notices the door and immediately raps on it with her knuckles, hard.

Trevarde 's answer comes quickly this time, and the knob turns slightly as he calls out, expectant- "Who's there?"

Sinronae calls, "Stripper-gram, open up."

Froststrider chokes a bit.

Trevarde turns the knob back. "I- what? Who are you? I was expecting- I am expecting... company!" He G R I T S out that last word.

Sinronae snickers quietly and then mocks whines, "Come on Trevvv, don't be like that. Girl's gotta make a living."

Froststrider grunts, "It's me, priest." looks down at Nae, wondering how this woman is related to Dahl but then again him and Dyr have both been telling him things. He should not be surprised.

Sinronae huffs, fun squelched.

Trevarde is silent for a long moment, then sighs, loud enough to be heard through the door, as Frost speaks. He turns the knob once more, pushing the door open. His face loses all expression upon seeing the elf. "I should have known. It's been a long time, Sinronae," he delivers, dryly.

Sinronae scoots past him like she owns the place and sits her butt on his dining table. "So it has. I have heard some naughty things about you, buddy. Bad things." She tuts at him.

Froststrider draws in a long sigh.

[Froststrider]: You are going to a meeting then...?

Trevarde doesn't seem certain if he should be more afraid of the elf or the Tauren. He settles for backing into his home and putting a chair firmly between him and the two of them, clutching the back of it, and looking rather like he swallowed a bug. "Yes- I am leaving to Northrend. Tonight, to meet with the man responsible for this whole..." He waves a hand dismissively, "... Soul-collecting operation."

Sinronae eyes him. "Meeting with the head of the whole operation, huh? Movin’ up in the world." Nothing she says sounds wholly serious or wholly like a joke. Everything is both.

[Froststrider]: Then we must be there. Or you are to bring a comm with you and have it on for the whole thing.

Trevarde looks aghast. "A- a comm? Some enchanted communications device? He'd sense that on me from a hundred paces." He aims a glare at Nae. "Yes, it is a sizeable opportunity- what I was offered for my... assistance." He sighs. "No, no comm. And you can't BE there, he expects me alone."

[Trevarde]: The best I can do- and what I agreed to- was to lead you TO him.

Sinronae gives Trevarde a look that, for the first time since Frost met her this evening, does not look amused. It's unreadable. "You realize," she says, and her tone, too, is flat, "that you helped basically murder Dyrihm, right? Like, I get that it's temporary and he's comin' back, but you had no willing hand in that, dude. This whole thing is on you. You realize that, I hope?"

Froststrider folds his arms, ears pinning slightly in obvious displeasure, "And how do you expect this if you insist we can't be there?" glances to Nae when she speaks and grunts, "We have his things held hostage for the moment. He knows what all is at risk here."

Trevarde 's grip tightens on the back of that chair. "I owe him no loyalty," Trevarde hisses, "And I was offered a great reward. If I truly had a stake in KEEPING him dead, I would not be helping you now!" A few wisps of shadow creep along his shoulders. "You will follow me to my meeting. You will have the location of their current operations, the entrance, perhaps even the face of the one in command. That is what I can offer."

Froststrider taps his arm in thought, tail giving a twitch or two.

Sinronae chuckles a bit at Frost's words. "He ain't coming back for his BOOKS if he thinks it might get him killed. He'll only come back if he thinks running AWAY'll get him killed." She levels Trevarde with a pointed stare. The threat is not subtle. Then she sighs and hops off the table. "I'm not on your case for not giving a shit about Dyrihm, Trev. I don't give a fuck about who you give a fuck about. But if you didn't think fucking with Dyrihm was a bad idea, that's clearly your mistake. Own it, bitch."

Trevarde 's eyes stick on Nae, a little fearful. "My understanding... was that I give them the location of Dyrihm's soul, and never show my face to them again, and that's the end of it."

Froststrider doesn't stop Nae cause honestly he still needs some form of venting. But he does wait for her to finish before stating, "Fine. I will bring it up with my comrades and see what they think of this plan."

[Trevarde]: Comrad- no! What part of 'I am leaving tonight' was unclear? I don't have time for you to gather the opinions of your whole merry band!

Sinronae clicks her tongue. "My understanding is that if Dyrihm stays dead, you die for good. If your help actually, you know, helps, then that's great!" She does a peppy little hop, batting her eyelashes at him, then gets serious again. "If not, well, you're still not off the hook then, buddy."

Trevarde holds out a hand towards Nae. "It will help! Nachtigall has multiple workshops across Icecrown, and he moves each week! If you don't want to waste time, and find Dyrihm shambling about the frozen wastes as a will-less CONSTRUCT, you need my help!"

Froststrider grits his teeth slightly. "Fine. We will follow you." He hoped to get Dahl at least and maybe Nob. He was still not happy with the shit for knocking him on his ass but he can do his shit.

Sinronae shrugs. "Great," she says. "Just remember: You're only in this mess because of you. If it ends up not being fixable, you pay for it."

Trevarde grumbles, "Solis would have had him eventually without my help, you know. Dyrihm betrayed the Blade on his own, I just helped point some noses towards it."

Sinronae laughs. "I literally don't care."

Froststrider grunts again, "Let's get going then."

Trevarde clears his throat. "Yes, I- ..... let's." With that, he takes his bird in hand, and walks out of the home, past Frost, with no further preparation. They stole all of his stuff, anyway.

Froststrider lets Trevarde past then starts to follow him with a glance back toward Nae.

Sinronae follows, somehow managing to keep up while appearing leisurely.

Trevarde leads them to the upper ruins, where he anxiously checks a small pocketwatch. "We have a few moments," he says, then falls quiet, waiting.

Froststrider folds his arms, looking around for a place to hide away.

Sinronae raises an eyebrow. "Til what, you turn back into a pumpkin?"

Trevarde shoots them both a withering glare. "No, you fools- I said we were going to Northrend. My... benefactor is a powerful mag- Ah!" A portal rips itself open in front of them. "This will be approximate at this distance- even he has limits- you will have time to hide away before we approach them."

Sinronae eyes the portal appreciatively. "Your sugar daddy delivers. That makes things nice and easy."

[Froststrider]: Sugar... Daddy?

[Trevarde]: Please, no.

Sinronae gives Frost a toothy grin over her shoulder and makes lewd gestures with her hands behind Trevarde's back.

Froststrider makes a face, once more wondering how Dahl and Nae are siblings.

Trevarde shoots Nae an utterly ineffectual withering glare as they step through the portal- and into the icy chill of Northrend once more. Above them looms a runed cathedral- one of the old holdouts of the Cult of the Damned in Northrend. "This is it," he says.

Trevarde "The Cathedral where Nachtigall is doing his work, for the time being- all of his materials should be stored here, with him. That means his collection of souls."

Sinronae rolls her eyes at Trevarde and leans toward Frost, mock whispering, "I'm kidding. I don't think Trev's gotten laid possibly ever."

Trevarde grinds his teeth audibly.

Froststrider holds back a snort of laughter while looking around instead. Part of his is... very tempted to run in and try finding Dyr's soul.

[Froststrider]: How often does he move?

[Trevarde]: Every week or so- he just made the shift to this location today, which is why we are meeting now. More time before he leaves again for us to work together.

Froststrider makes a disgusted sound at that.

Sinronae purses her lips for a moment, then asks, "And you're sure I'd be sensed? You know I'm relatively decent at staying hidden." The sarcastic delivery makes her sound boastful.

Trevarde scoffs. "Quite certain. He has wards, traps, and a keen magical sense of his own. You are a Death Knight and a Sin'dorei- enough magic runs through both of you for him to feel you if you got close enough."

[Trevarde]: Now, I must go- he will be expecting me.

Froststrider 's muzzle wrinkles, suddenly having doubts. What if Trevarde warns this shit... "...Go before I change my mind." Grits through his teeth.

Sinronae shrugs. "Just checking." Then as he prepares to leave, she flicks him in the ear and says, "Remember what I said, Trevarde. If Dyrihm doesn't come back to life, my brother is going to want your head. And I'm going to get it for him. I don't care where you hide."

Trevarde flinches away. "I believe you," he hisses, and stalks off towards the Cathedral entrance.

Sinronae calls "Doesn't matter if you believe me, dude! It's true either way!"

Froststrider sighs, "Enough. Let's just go, I need to report this as soon as possible."

Trevarde approaches the towering metal gates of the Cathedral, with a nervous glance back, hoping they are smart enough to hide themselves. Two hooded figured step forth, draped in black and purple robes. Between them... floats a taller, slender figure. Trevarde bows deeply, and it extends a clawlike hand above his head.

|| Its skeletal grin marks it for what it is- a Lich.

[Trevarde]: Lord Nachtigall. I have anxiously awaited this opportunity.

|| The Lich smiles wider, lowering those long, pointed fingers to hover inches above Trevarde's head. "Come, priest," it says, in a hollow voice, "We have much to prepare, and little time. My own work and yours, and so few days to complete it."

Trevarde nods, and straightens from his bow. "A week only, yes, my Lord?" he asks- what an incredible sense of self-preservation, for their benefit.

|| Nachtigall nods slowly, and reaches to sweep Trevarde inside with one of those too-long arms. "Yes, priest," he answers. "Seven days, and you will be a new man. Come." The Lich drifts back inside the entrance of the Cathedral, pulling Trevarde along, flanked by the two hooded cultists.

|| The runed doors shut behind them, leaving their unseen visitors alone with nothing but the wind and cold.

Froststrider 's ears are perked and he's doing everything to not growl or anything to give himself away. "Fucking little scum. We need to go." He states since Nae disappeared from his sight.

Sinronae stares at the closed door for a minute, then shakes her head. "Whelp, he's fucked. I'd never trust ANY damn thing that looked like that nasty ass monster."

[Sinronae]: And yeah, we can go.

Froststrider nods then heads off to find the closest zep that could take them back.

Sinronae follows.

[daetur]

What’s a Little Torture Between Friends? (Dyrihm Personal Event Log, Part 5)

Called to Dyrihm’s home so that the Knight can pass along some letters for safe-keeping, Rey admits to Dyr that he may have given Solis some very bad ideas- and Dyrihm suggests a concerning solution- if Rey is willing to help.

Dyrihm's voice crackles over the comm. "Hey," hey says. "Rey, can you stop by? I have some things I need you to hold on to for me."

There’s a small pause but an answering click sounds. “I’m available, yes. I will be right there.” Rey does show up a while later, picking at his tabard, disgruntled but he knocks crisply on the door.

Dyrihm opens it, dressed down as usual when at home these evenings. There is a smudge of ink on his cheek. "Thanks," he says, with a smile, waving Rey inside. He picks up three envelopes off the table, carrying them over. One is addressed to Frost, one to Dahl, and the third simply bears Dyrihm's name. "I've been... planning for the worst, like you suggested. Just in case." He holds up the letter with his name on it. "This is my will. The other two are for Frost and Dahl, in case I..." He sighs. "Die. They'll take it the hardest."

Rey eyes the smudge as he steps in but his attention is quickly diverted to the envelopes. Oh. He breathes out a short breath. “I’ll deliver them if that happens, Dyrihm.” He says, quiet but sincere. “Worst case scenario after all.” His eyes keep wandering to that smudge so he just..has to say it. “You, uh, you have something there.” He points it out on his own face.

Dyrihm blinks. "I- Oh." He scrubs vaguely at the spot- mirroring where Rey did, hopefully that's the right side- with the pads of his fingers. He looked back to the letters. "I feel like this was easier, somehow, than talking with either of them so... fatalistically." His glance back up at Rey is equally sincere. "I'm not sure I could have done this without you, so- thank you." He holds out the letters, and manages an odd laugh. "A very strange, depressing chapter of our friendship," he jokes.

“We’ve had a fair share of strange chapters, Dyrihm.” Rey arches a brow and a faint smile on his lips, and he takes the letters carefully, holding them gently to his chest. “And with luck. These won’t be necessary.”

Dyrihm smiles at that, too. Strange chapters indeed. "I'm certainly hoping that, too- but it's frankly a relief to know I have them." He raises a brow back. "At least we have Corps work again. Nice and distracting. And the Blade's been quiet!"

Rey inwardly winces about…Solis…honestly. “I’m glad at least some of this is helping.” He comments, almost amused. Then he pauses. “Dyrihm. Did you..did you want to know? What the Knight working with Trevarde does..?”

Dyrihm looks serious again, thinking. "I'm... not sure. How bad is it?" It's bad, Dyr. It's fucking bad.

Rey…just…winces. Openly. That's his response. It's so so so bad.

Dyrihm looks highly concerned, if it can make Rey look like that. "Maybe in the interest of sanity, I don't want to know, Light." He sighs. "But I probably should, in the interest of being prepared." He makes a pained 'lay it on me' gesture.

“They’re harvesting souls to create constructs. Torture is a common method to try and get the soul to behave but they haven’t..had much success.” Rey…stops. And looks at Dyrihm straight in the eye. “I made it worse. I reported it to Varun and the Executor already but. Their soul manipulation was so bad I stepped in and taught a different way to achieve a soul’s cooperation. It takes…longer. So there’s more time before they harvest but…it’s not pleasant, Dyrihm.”

Dyrihm looks, frankly, sick. "You- fucking hell, Rey, you taught them a better way to-" He pauses, suddenly. "Oh. Oh I have a horrible idea that I don't fucking like at all." Dyrihm swallows. "How- how well do you think you could teach someone to resist whatever you taught them to do? Is that even possible?"

Oh void. Rey hesitates. “Teaching…teaching to resist it would be hard.” He holds out his hand and the seed of doubt and fears forms above his hand, the small tiny Totally Harmless looking orb. “This attaches to the soul. It fills the soul with fear, causing them to doubt everything they know. Everything. It creeps in to every fragment there is.” Pausing, Rey bites at his lip. "Maybe. Maybe if I gave you a seed that..that does the opposite. Maybe it'll help."

Dyrihm eyes the seed curiously, apprehensively. "Well... that's much more appealing than 'Rey, as my friend, I need you to torture me.'"

“I mean. Well. I’m not sure if an opposite seed will work.” Rey sighs. “But it’s worth a shot. The only problem is that it is a seed. It will blossom eventually. Hopefully not before they try to hurt you. Once they do, I’m sure it will unfurl but if it opens prematurely…” Rey shudders.

"Then I'll be on my own." Dyrihm sighs. "Well... it's an idea. I suppose we could... test it, somehow." He shrugs. "Even if we just try, it's better than nothing, right? What do you think?"

Rey nods. Slowly. “I could try the new seed.” He pauses, grimaces, then continues. “Then add this one. If..if it doesn’t work at all…we’ll figure something out. I don’t want you defenseless towards this. Even just for this scenario.”

Dyrihm nods. "I'm worried about that whole, uh- thing from Kion. If I want to die, my soul might detach. So, we'll have to be extremely careful." He moves to take a seat at his table, waving Rey over. This seems like it's going to be a longer conversation than just a quick stop by. "You can... remove the seed, right? The bad one."

Rey sits down after a pause, placing the floating seed over the table. It just radiates fear. “Yes. Don’t worry about that. I wouldn’t subject you to it if I couldn’t.” He stares a bit at the seed then at Dyrihm. Dear void he didn’t want to accidentally KILL the man. “The good one first then?” Slowly, Rey pulls up another seed. Good thing he tried this on Nob’s shadows earlier. In comparison, it floats about with a lightness to it, breathing out calm and security. “When you are ready, simply place your hand on it. I will do the rest.”

Dyrihm takes a deep breath. He seems to brace himself for a few moments, eying that bad seed with, well... fear. Finally, he reaches for the good seed, and rests his hand on it. Even just like this, he seems to relax.

Taking a slow unnecessary breath as Dyrihm reaches across the table, Rey focuses on Dyrihm, the seed taking to the death knight with a slow warmth. It travels into the Knight, tracing invisible lines and sinking ever deeper until it brushes up again Dyrihm’s soul. There, it rests, nestled comfortably with a faint radiating warmth. Oh, it wanted to unfurl so badly, drinking in any tension or fear and wanting to fill the soul it was so close to with itself. A shadow of emotions that wanted to ease, to care, to help, responding to Dyrihm with a lovely silent comfort. Would it be enough as it was now? The second seed remained, aloft above the table.

The pleasant sensation surprised Dyrihm, even though he had expected it, and he blinks a few times with a very soft, light laugh. "Oh, that's- that's really nice. Okay!" Now for the one that was Not Nice. Dyrihm reaches out, hesitant, drawing back his hand quickly for just a moment, but bringing it to lay on top of the seed of fear. He takes a shaky breath and locks eyes with Rey. "Ready," he says.

Rey nods, keeping his eyes on Dyr’s as slowly, his fingers wove and the seed disappears into Dyrihm. It travels swiftly; it knows precisely where it needs to go. The moment it reaches Dyrihm’s soul, the seed unravels, shadow breaking out like a web. Its cold grasp feeds in fear and doubt, latching on to any present and magnifying it. It whispers, whispers, whispers. The original seed almost seems to startle at the fear, blossoming perhaps too quickly. Feelings of hope and warmth spread out, trying to fit in between the cracks of harsh shadow. But… The seed of warmth CRACKS, splintering off and unable to stem the flow. Whirling inward, fear crawls in, a slow agonizing embrace of shadow.

Dyrihm jolts as the seed enters, muscles tensing, and he gives a small shudder, but his eyes stay locked on Rey's. He relaxes as the first seed blooms, face becoming neutral, pleasantly surprised. And then it all goes to hell. The balance, the warmth, the comfort is just GONE. This is real. Rey has turned on him, is going to be the one to drag him away to Solis in the first place. He never should have been worried about Trevarde. Dyrihm recoils, chair toppling to the floor, eyes wide with fear as he backs away from Rey. His hands go to his waist, but of course, he's in his shirtsleeves, unarmed, and unarmored.

Rey curses under his breath as the seed breaks, startling at the loud clatter. Brows pinched together, Rey slowly spread his hands. No weapons in his hand, though his runeblade was slung over his back, dagger sheathed at his waist. "Dyrihm." He warily calls out, trying to pull the seed out but it holds fast. He'll need to get closer. Stepping up closer, Rey keeps his eyes on Dyr. "Dyrihm, you know what this is, it's the shadow, this isn't real."

Dyrihm freezes, taut like a bowstring, jaw clenched tight. The muscles in his neck spasm as he fights the shadow- incredibly, succeeding. "Fucking- hell-" he grits out, forcing himself a step closer to Rey.

Rey nods, closing the gap and taking the opportunity to lay his hands on Dyr’s chest, pulling and the seed’s slithering threads convulse. A beat and they come undone, the seed flashing out of Dyrihm’s soul and out into the open. It hangs there, a pulsing wretched thing, shadows branching out from it like dark roots.

Dyrihm gasps as it comes free, wobbling on his feet. He backs away from it. "Wh- what went wrong? Could you tell?" he asks. "Felt like- I felt almost normal for a minute, and then all the good was just gone."

Eyeing the pulsing seed with something bordering on fascination, Rey hums lowly, brows furrowing. “It broke. This one was too strong.” He gestures to the fear miasma just floating above his hand. Its spindly branches warp, trying to find purchase on nothing. “It tore through the other seed like it was nothing, dear void.” Stop sounding so interested, Rey. “There has to be some way to counter it though…And this particular one isn’t exactly perfected either. It’s not like I have the time to go find souls and test its strength.”

"We don't know how strong this shadow is going to be, from Solis." Dyrihm can't help an almost bitter laugh. "But I doubt it'll match yours, right? So if we can- if we can make it work..." Dyrihm grimaces. "We can keep trying. Besides, maybe the exposure will help me resist it."

Rey nods, a brief sharp smile crossing his face. He’s confident in his own abilities—and Solis’—that his will be stronger. Looking at the fallen chair though, Rey sighs. “Maybe..Maybe we should clear a space.” He says, already peeling off his own armor and setting it to the side. His rune blade and dagger follow. “Maybe a larger version of the first seed will counter this one.” He comments aloud, pointing to the seed still floating, now next to him. Its branches have retracted back into its Innocent original form. “Or perhaps a barrier.."

Dyrihm works to compose himself. He's not looking forward to doing this again, but they didn't take long to resolve it after things went awry. It's probably fine. "Good idea," he says, moving the other chairs towards the side of the room, and shoving the table out of the way. He grunts with effort as he pushes it across the wood floor. "Maybe- a barrier- is best? Could help stop it from blooming early."

Nodding again, Rey squares his stance in the cleared space, hands weaving shadow in preparation. That seed of fear just floats, a tiny orb of Innocence. “Hopefully, it’ll work. Though, the fear will still be present- just halted. If this happens in the…worst case scenario, it will need to be removed, sooner rather than later.” Rey pauses, a lacework of shadow strung up between his hands and he looks up at Dyrihm. “When you are ready.”

"I understand," Dyrihm says in reply. He forces a smile. "I'll be trusting you with that." He takes a steadying breath- seems he's doing that a lot tonight- and steps up towards Rey and his shadow network. "Do it," he says.

At the words, Rey reaches out, the shadows drifting then sinking into Dyrihm’s chest. Cool like river water and sinking in as easily as a gentle stream. Then Rey’s hands move, weaving, as the shadow sinks, falling over Dyrihm’s soul. There had to be no gaps. If there was a gap, it would fail. Embracing the soul it lay upon, shadow upon shadow fell over, layers warming with comfort but formed by something harder than steel. Slowly, Rey lets his hands fall away, the connection between himself and the barrier falling away. Catching the seed in his hands, he holds it out before Dyrihm. It simply bobs, a tiny node of fear and torture.

Dyrihm lets the barrier settle, and reaches out for the orb of fear- feeling falsely confident... a side effect of this toying with this comfort and safety. "This feels better," he comments, as he touches the shadow seed and shivers. He closes his eyes and braces.

The seed sinks inward, drawn in so very easily. It meets the barrier….warping, it branches, like a living thing filled with anger at such a thing to stop it. Its purpose would not be denied. Its shadows dip and dive, skating along the barrier, searching for any weakness. Not finding a hole, the seed lurches, CARVING a break into the barrier, sinking deep into the opening it makes. And there it is again. The utter fear.

Dyrihm doesn't feel it until it breaches the barrier. He stands there, looking at Rey with a smile as the shadow goes in, and for a moment, nothing happens. "I think it's-" he gets out, before his face contorts and he stumbles back, holding his head. Dyrihm's breathing comes ragged. He's fighting, knowing what to expect after the first time, but taken by surprise. He looks to Rey... for help. Rey is still here to help. "Nope." He grinds out, clutching his head. "S-stop it-"

Rey watches Dyrihm so very, very closely and as soon as the change occurs he moves immediately. Reaching out from his position, Rey tries to pull the seed out, faltering and hissing as it snaps back at him. Should have known he would need contact. He steps forward, reaching out to Dyrihm, speaking to help ground the knight. “Better than before, you’re doing good, Dyrihm. Hah..maybe you won’t even need a shadow to aid you if you can just force it to stop."

Dyrihm shudders violently, and makes a pitiful whining noise in the back of his throat. Seems like he can fight it, but not for very long. Suddenly, Rey's voice doesn't sound like comfort- it sounds sarcastic, taunting, Rey is enjoying this- and Dyrihm stumbles away. "No, no, no, no, no," he starts to mutter, hands out as if to protect himself.

“Dyrihm.” Rey snaps out, more harsh than he means to but void damn it, he isn’t just going to lose Dyrihm to this. He tries stepping forward, catching Dyrihm on the arm to try and use the contact to grab the seed. But it clings, oh, it clings to Dyrihm by a thread and Rey can’t help a low snarl.

Dyrihm balks at the snarl, pulling away and retreating- he keeps his hands out in front, backing away, face twisted in fear. Wraith advances on him. He is unarmed, and he is going to die. He let him into his home. Why did he let him in? "Please," he begs, "No, no!" Has anyone seen Dyrihm like this before? Pitiful.

Rey stops, expression pained as his contact on Dyrihm is lost, the seed victorious again. “Dyrihm, look at me, I’m not trying to hurt you!” He spreads his hands. No weapons, no armor. “Void damn it, you know me, void if I wanted to hurt you I wouldn’t do it like this!” How comforting.

Dyrihm's response is a sudden shout, wordless and frustrated. He charges Rey, grasping an outstretched hand and slamming it to his chest. The muscles in his face twitch, expression still twisted, but fear is replaced with determination. "I've got it," he hisses through clenched teeth. "I've got it, keep trying."

Startled, Rey’s fingers clench against Dyrihm’s chest and he nods, eyes sharp and focused. His other hand braces on the back of Dyrihm’s neck, the one on the knight’s chest flat and tense. Then Rey hisses something in Scourge and he tears the seed out with a sickening crack. It sputters and warps in his hands, coiling on itself, devouring.

Dyrihm unleashes a string of curses, and slams his fist into the wall. He turns back to glare at the shadow orb. "Again." His voice is hoarse, and his fingers shake.

Rey stares at Dyrihm, eyes flaring with lichfire. Disbelief? Yes. Surprise? Also, yes. A sort of odd respect? Yes, too. But he obeys, twisting the seed back into its former shape. They were doing this. He weaves up another barrier, settling it over Dyrihm’s soul again, repairing and strengthening the original. The seed floats towards Dyrihm without being told. It waits.

Dyrihm reaches out, and grabs it, as soon as he feels the barrier of warmth and calm settle over him. His fist closes around the shadow. Fuck you. He'll win.

The seed sinks in eagerly, clinging to the barrier but this time—This Time—the barrier holds, firm and strong against the fear. It feeds off Dyrihm’s determination, amplifying it. They would not break. Rey waits with baited breath, eyeing Dyrihm carefully. "...Did..did it work?"

Dyrihm stays quiet and still. "It- I think so," he says. The smile returns. "Holy shit, I think it worked." Dyrihm's posture relaxes as he does. This was a mistake. He groans as the barrier falters, fear seeping through. "Light fucking damn it," he hisses, just before it takes him again.

“I think I made an awful weapon.” Rey comments at large, quick this time to get the seed. Ignoring the almost petulance it sends his way in its movements, Rey stares long at Dyrihm. “But it held for a moment there. Did you do something?”

"I was already fighting, I think," Dyrihm answers. "I just- I worked with it. I willed it to hold. Before, I waited to see if it would work." He runs his hands down his face, blowing out a breath.

Rey nods, holding the seed gingerly in his hands. Wouldn’t want it to accidentally enter him. Now that would be interesting. “Then that’s what needs to happen.” He pauses a moment, looking carefully at Dyrihm and the waning barrier and casually just, waves a hand, willing it back to its position. “If you can keep your own determination strong, it’ll hold. The moment you falter..” He trails off. They both know what happens.

"Then I'll just have to keep fighting," he says, and actually smiles. "Won't be as hard if I know you're coming."

Snorting, Rey dismisses the seed. “And you can certainly count that I will. The entire Corps will.” He states definitively. A fact. Breathing out, Rey smiles, relief making its way onto his face. “I am glad that there is a way for you to counter this.”

Dyrihm nods. "So am I. Maybe it's... a blessing in disguise that you gave Solis some pointers." He sighs. "Keep it up. As long as Trevarde can't get information, Solis is the one we have to be concerned with- who knows if he'll get something on me on his own, after all."

“And if he does try, I will do my best to find out.” Rey glances towards the pushed aside table and chairs and just goes over to them and starts pulling them back out. Helping. “I found out who his contacts in Icecrown are by the way, I'm not sure if I mentioned it. Cult of the Damned.” Honesty is the best policy.

“Are you kidding me?" Dyrihm blurts out. "Well, this just keeps getting better and better! Guess it'll keep me good and angry, though." Dyrihm shoves the table back into place with a sigh. "Light's sake, Rey, our worst-case scenario is rapidly becoming my own personal hell. Just don't tell Solis how I feel about being underwater."

“I won’t.” Rey can’t help a bit of amusement even if there’s a faint protective edge to his voice. “I haven’t talked about you to him at all. Though, I admit. His sympathies towards the Damned make me tempted to reveal who I am if it weren’t for how Trevarde already knows I’m involved with you.”

Dyrihm casts a critical eye over Rey. "I don't know if I'll ever understand that part of you," he says, finally. "But I do trust you." He sits in one of the replaced chairs with a sigh. "Rey, how do you do it? You seem to be getting on with Solis just fine, even knowing- what he does, and the risk he poses to me." Dyr clasps his hands together on the table in front of him. "Do you really miss the Scourge that much?"

Rey sits after a small pause, finding a chair and pulling it up to the table and resting his hands on its hard surface. “I miss..being me.” He replies at last, linking his fingers together. “Being me, and being useful. I admit that helping Solis wasn’t a good plan. It wasn’t. I just honestly…hadn’t thought much of it at the time.”

Dyrihm looks at Rey for a long moment. Whatever he sees, whatever he's thinking... it's not clear on his face. Finally, he reaches out, and ruffles Rey's hair. "The souls that Knight is playing with are already lost," Dyrihm says, gently, "By the time they reach him. And no, it wasn't a good plan, but it's worked out." He returns his hands to the table, looking down at them, now. "I needed a hunt, earlier this week," he explains, "And Maul was kind enough to give me what I needed- a target that needed, deserved, killing, where I could take my fill and know that, at least, my victim was doomed anyway. Perhaps he can find something for you, that makes you feel more like yourself- but still lets you be one of ours, too."

Rey’s hair is now a Mess, the braid crown fraying a bit and the top of his head Fluffed Up. He makes a small face at the action even if Reya is PLEASED with the ruffle. Sighing, Rey listens and nods, propping an elbow up and resting his chin in his hand. “I..I spoke with him actually, the Executor. And Varun.” He snorts lightly. “I have a job offer. To be an interrogator for the City."

Dyrihm raises a brow. "Well, that's certainly in your wheelhouse," he replies. "Does it sound appealing? Like it would help?"

Rey can’t help a small snort. “I mean, yes, it would help. It’s put into rather a constructive way but I think it could. Reya isn’t..Reya isn’t happy about it to be honest.” He sighs, fingers tapping on his cheek where the scars are. “Who am I to blame him? After what happened in Silverpine. And that we would be..working with re-education. Testing their methods on ourselves first before putting it into practice."

"Wait- testing re-education methods on yourselves?!" Dyrihm sounds alarmed. "Is that safe? Maybe that isn't the best idea, maybe you could do something more... freelance. Wanted jobs, or something?"

Dyrihm appears... protective. Concerned.

Rey’s eyes widen, his surprise at Dyrihm’s reaction bleeding through. “The..The Executor told me it wasn’t directly just..to familiarize ourselves with their methods. ‘Hand in the fire to understand’, I think he said.”

Dyrihm frowns deeply. "I don't like it. I- I couldn't do it. Deathly afraid of that shit," he admits. "It's not my decision, I know, but I want you to be safe. Don't like the idea of you being hurt." He sighs. "It could be a good outlet, but... well. Just be really sure, I guess."

Rey quirks a small smile, reaching up with his other hand to fix his ruffled hair. “You aren’t the only one not to like it. Nob’s the same. I just—” He hesitates. “It’s like, if I’m on the other side, Dyrihm, I could prevent something like it happening again to Reya. Or to Nob. Or you, or anyone. I’d be…ah, well, safer, apparently.” Someone must have told him that.

Dyrihm laughs softly. "Well, you've already doing that for me with the Blade, in a way, I suppose. But that's a good point." He leans back in his chair. "It's a job that's going to get done, whether you're doing it or not. And if you need an outlet, you need an outlet. Plus, like you say- if it's you, you can have some control over how you treat your charges. A gentler hand, or a harsher one." Dyrihm's eyes have an almost mischievous twinkle to them as he continues. "You and I are not exactly the best examples of patriotic, loyal Forsaken. I'd certainly feel better knowing someone like you was down there."

Flashing a small smile, Rey tilts his head at Dyrihm. “Oh, I don’t know, we’re rather fantastic examples. At least, Reya thinks so.” He grins, tapping his cheek, and void, if he was in a couch, he’d be lounging about. “We’ll take good care of you should anything happen. And well hopefully it won’t but you never know. Not like we can just tell when shit happens. And Hae--Varun keeps telling me that we need to bolster up the team's mental defenses.” Pausing, Rey looks over Dyrihm thoughtfully, “…You know, should something like what happened with Atlas happen with me. Or where I just…I let go of my limits, I think that out of anyone in the Corps, you’d be able to bring me down. You’re the only one who’s really fought me.”

"I would," Dyrihm says, with an absolute conviction that is almost, almost, insulting- or would be, if it didn't hold the sincerity of promise. "You know I won't pull punches like I did with Atlas. The kid can't take it- you can, and if that ever happened- I know you trust me to be the one to do it."

Rey nods, something like relief there. “I do.” He says, a small smile for some reason on his lips. “And now, you have something of a fortification against me as well.” Abruptly, he laughs, covering his face with a hand. “We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?"

"Yeah, careful- You'll make me unstoppable!" Dyrihm grins. "Honestly, how the hell are we friends?" He laughs. "But we are. Never doubt that- I don't." He snorts. "Well, at least not when you aren't shadow-orbing me."

“I don’t doubt it.” Rey snickers and a hand of shadow goes over and just RUFFLES Dyrihm’s hair. There. Do you regret this now? He grins.

Dyrihm laughs. He doesn't regret anything; his hair is already a disaster.

Froststrider won't be home for a while, Dyrihm go on to explain, asking if Rey wants to stay for dinner. The horror of their failures with the shadow orbs seem forgotten, and the Knight is at ease- calmer than he's been in days- perhaps helped a little by the slight, ever-present sensation of Rey's soul barrier.

[daetur]

Constructs and Conversation (Dyrihm Personal Event Log, Part 3)

With Nob ransacking Trevarde’s home for everything he can find, Rey prepares to take the next step in protecting their friend: searching for Trevarde’s Ebon Blade contact, a man referred to in the priest’s reports as “Knight Solis.”

What he finds worries his deeply- and he returns to Dyrihm with some very bad news.

|| For his part, Rey could at least look into Trevarde’s Blade contact. Seeking the address printed on the priest’s reports, Rey finds himself in the eastern Plaguelands, surrounded by towering mushrooms and noxious fumes. A few lonely gargoyles flap by in the distance, and up a battered, barely-there road lies a dilapidated shack. Outside, a man in black and green armor stands, poking and prodding at the still corpse of a ghoul upon a wooden table.

Reyanel lands much farther away, keeping to the shadows cast by the great fungi and old bones. His bone beast takes off to circle far above, not far in case it needed to help. Pausing, Rey took Nob's cowl and draped it over his head, obscuring his face from view. Precautions, even if he had a feeling they wouldn't do much good in the long run. Settling back, he observes for a moment, not wanting to jump completely into an unknown situation right out of the blue.

Solis continues with his work, grumbling to himself. He produces a dark bottle from his belt, and coaxes something wispy and black from its depths into the ghoul. It stirs.

Reyanel | Ugh, an unholy knight?  Stereotypical but who ELSE actually wants little minions crawling after them so often. Taking an unnecessary breath, he strolls out, channels his Best Maul Impression and barks out, "OI."

Solis startles, and whirls around- interrupted, the ghoul falls limp again as the Knight faces Rey. He eyes the Undercity tabard warily. "I- A visitor, all the way out here?" he asks, trying to play calm.

Reyanel notes the glances towards the tabard.  "Ah--this, mate?  Passed through Forsaken territory, made things smoother." He shucks the tabard off and ties it to his waist.

[Reyanel]: 'Eard a Knight was out 'ere.  Ya 'em?

Reyanel isn't so much...channeling Maul but also someone else too.  Mixing the two accents really.

Solis seems to relax. "Ah, of course. And yes- yes." He waves a hand at the Scourge structures behind them. "Marvelous, isn't it? All still standing. Interesting what we could do with it, with the new regime and all." He brushes off his hands. "What can I do for you?"

Reyanel nods his head out to the structures.  Ah, he can get on that.  Something he understands. "Fuckin' 'mazing." Rey comments. "Actually, wanted ta ask, if there's anythin' I can do FOR ya.  Awfully free of work these days, ya know."

Reyanel shrugs his shoulders, somehow managing to look more grizzled and veteran like with his posture. A slouch but with a stiff spine that he easily falls into.

[Reyanel]: Got wind when I passed through the Undercity, and thought I'd try an' strike a match, ya know?

Solis looks surprised. "Are you? Thought it's been pretty all hands on deck with the Blade." He purses his thin lips. "Undercity knows I'm out here?"

[Reyanel]: Nah, nah, was lookin' for Blade folk, ya know?  Shit, mate, I ain't stupid.

Reyanel doubts that privately at this point.

[Reyanel]: Yeah, got laid off for a bit after we got 'em red lady.

Solis makes an affirming sound. "On rest after all that business with the Crusade? Suppose that makes sense." He sounds pleased as he continues. "That's why I have time to continue my own work, after all! A little downtime until the King's next orders to the Deathlord."

Reyanel is so glad he's wearing a mask because holy shit, really?  He's fucking cackling at the Blade's state.

[Reyanel]: What ya doin' out 'ere then?  Folk weren't very fuckin' detailed and I gotta know if I'm ya guy before I commit to somethin'.

Solis nods. "Of course, of course- know anything about constructs? If we're being made into an army again, the new King could always use more soldiers- loyal ones."

[Reyanel]: Constructs? Weren't ever my greatest.  Couple ghouls, yeah but past that, fuck, mate.

Reyanel squints though. "Loyal soldiers?  Ya questionin' me, mate?"

Reyanel has been around....too many paranoid warriors in his lifetime.....

Solis raises a brow. "That depends." He waves a hand behind him again. "With the return of the Lich King, you must know many Blade feel that we should stay only loyal to other Ebon."

[Reyanel]: 'Course I know, I didn't lose my fuckin' ears.

Reyanel coughs thickly, shit his voice it's fine.  He crosses his arms stiffly.

Solis crosses his arms. "Then, yes, I'm asking. This work, you see, it's my own personal project- for our King, not the Blade. We were glorious, once, after all! And we're so close to having that again..."

Reyanel 's lips thin behind his--well, Nob's--cowl.  Wow. "I mean, mate, bein' made inta 'n army and shit on the King's orders?  Gotta think ahead, ya know."

[Reyanel]: King's gettin' us outta a rut?  Ya count me in, mate.  Sittin' on our arses for years for some cookies? Nah, mate, nah.

Solis brightens. "That's what I'm talking about! The Blade has languished in the years since Icecrown fell! And now look at us- fresh horsemen, to show the Alliance, the Horde, and those filthy Crusaders that we are still to be reckoned with! We focus our attention on the Legion, yes, but after? Mark my words, Mograine will go back to sitting on his hands, but the King! With his return, we can march in glory again."

Reyanel nods his head, COMPLETELY fucking agreeing.  Fuck the Blade.  But. What did THIS mean for Dyrihm and all the other bullshit.  "Can't help but wonder why fucks ain't more with ya and my attitude, fuckin' hell."

Reyanel | Filthy fucking crusaders.  He can't help but the like the dude.

Solis is clearly warming to Rey, and to his topic. "It's a shame, really. Weak hearted, I suppose. But you see! That's what I'm trying to work on here- my OFFICIAL assignment has been to look into Knights who may not be loyal to the Blade, and, well, I've been

Solis trying to see what can be done about that." He pats the limp ghoul. "A stronger soul makes for a better construct," he explains. "But it's harder to control. Making adjustments to the body and soul can help with focus and obedience- stronger souls, stronger bodies, better soldiers, that's my goal."

Reyanel is, somehow, warming up to Solis and he doesn't know how to feel about that. But his steady conversation has garnered SOMETHING. But he finds himself nodding along in agreement to Solis' words. "Smart fuckin' thinking. Gonna need men and bodies to get us

Reyanel all up an' goin' again."

Reyanel pauses.

[Reyanel]: I ain't exactly SHABBY with constructs but, shit, I ain't a fuckin' fleshcrafter.

[Reyanel]: Ya need 'elp on ya assignment though, fuck, I can sniff out those shits.

Solis considers. "Well- you do have that Undercity tabard. The ones among the Forsaken are such a problem! I have a few good contacts, but things are so carefully watched there." He links his fingers together, cracking knuckles as he thinks. "Don't need anything special- the Blade sends people to pick them up when they have enough of a case to warrant it. I just divert them from other disciplinary holdings for my own purposes. All I need is information." He shrugs. "Of course, as far as my work goes, I suppose even an inexperienced hand could be useful. Unless you're any good with soul manipulation? I usually have to get someone to come in for my finer work as it is."

Reyanel | I mean......he IS good at soul manipulation but........

Reyanel taps the tabard with his clawed gauntleted hands, click, click, click of steel. Well...if Dyr's getting watched that means that Discipline is somewhere down the line. And that's not good. Void, how does he get out of this mess. "I ain't awful at that soul

Reyanel shit." He says though aloud. "Reckon though I can use this--" He taps the tabard again. "--to ya advantage should ya need it."

Reyanel | How far...does he want to take this...

Reyanel sorta doubts bringing up Dyrihm or anything will be good for REY...probably blow his cover unless he phrases it right...

Solis pulls the dark bottle from his belt again, showing it to Rey. The smoky, black thing inside swirls. "I work with some people in Icecrown to get these made," he explains. "It's a similar principle to phylacteries, you see- lets me transport souls back here to use for my work, if I can get traitors transferred up to them. I'd be able to do it here, if you're able to extract souls- oh!" He sounds excited. "Too much trouble to move non-Ebon up to Icecrown, but! If I didn't have to, I could even use Crusaders..."

Reyanel | Holy fuck.

Reyanel leans forward, interest shining through despite himself.  He listens with the occassional grunt.  But you can sure bet, his internal dialogue between Reya and himself either just came to a SCREECHING halt or just plain SCREECHING.

Reyanel | First....traitors.  If Dyr's under surveillance by THIS FUCK.  Then.  Well. Hopefully Dyr can get his SHIT TOGETHER.

Reyanel | Second, that fucking vial makes him oddly homesick and that's a lot to think about so he doesn't.

Reyanel | Third, the guy wants to extract souls from A) traitors and B) Non-ebon?? C) Crusaders.

Reyanel | In summary. Holy fuck.

Solis | That's true.

Reyanel kinda slow blinks, eyes narrowing for the act. "Gotta slow down there, mate, talkin' quick." He manages hoarsely. "Am I gettin' ya straight? Ya bringin' traitors up for this? Non-Ebon too?" Well...traitors were non-ebon technically...ugh. His head hurts.

Reyanel whistles though. "Shit, man." He manages to look appropriately impressed.  Because fuck, he is.

Solis chuckles. It's a weird sound, and gets a little lost in the back of Solis's throat. "Apologies, I just get- don't have anyone down this way to help out, you see. But yes- Ebon traitors normally get locked up in Acherus, but I've done enough favors for the right people that I can get some of them sent up to the Citadel instead- my people do their work, keep the bottled souls til they got enough it's worth sending them my way, and I tinker with my constructs down here."

Reyanel can't believe this. It's so ingenious.  He hates this and loves it both.

[Solis ]: They do pick up some adventurers, too, who're sticking their noses too far into our business, so that rounds out the shipments.

Reyanel can't help a sharp little grin under the cowl across his face.  Man.  If he and this guy had met in other time.  "It's fuckin' brilliant, mate, shit."

Reyanel isn't even faking this.  He's being genuine and he hates and loves his life.

Solis puffs out his chest. "Well, thank you-" He pauses, looking suddenly stricken. "I haven't gotten your name- 'm Solis."

Reyanel blinks. "Aw, shit, did I forget that?" He shakes his head apologetically, thinking quickly, trusting his instincts and coming up with-- "Kion." Fuck. Bad instincts.

Solis extends a hand. "I think it's going to be a pleasure doing business with you, Kion." He rolls his shoulders a little. "Expecting another shipment sometime this week, if you'd like to come play. Otherwise, well- keep an eye on those City Knights for me? The more dirt I get, the faster I can get them picked up and sent north."

Reyanel takes Solis' hands, thankful all at once for the gauntlets he's wearing. "Sure can, mate. Ya know someone I can check in with? Hate to run by word of mouth like I did this time."

Reyanel manages a small grunt.  "Fuckin' bloody Forsaken."

Solis nods. "I've got a few being watched already. Gent by the name of Ferrin can get you names on a few who tried to block our reclamation of Knight Koltira. Then there's Isabelle, she's with the Rangers, keeps an eye on a couple of Knights in Brill- ah, and Magnus. Got him looking into an old friend of his- hell, he tipped me off in the first place. Just ask around for a Father Trevarde."

Reyanel nods his head curtly, soldier-like, letting the handshake go if Solis didn't. "Gotcha, mate. I'll keep an eye out for 'em when I get back." He blinks, and tabs the tabard. "Speakin' of, should try and get there soon. Hours are fuckin' weird there, ain't like Silvermoon or some shit."

Solis scoffs. "That's the truth- no good time to slip into the City that literally never sleeps, after all." He beams at Rey. "Got some way I can reach you, Kion?"

Reyanel shrugs a shoulder. "I ain't got residence as I said but.." He snorts. "Well, let's see, I get some o' my mail to a fella out in the Western side of these lands. I use the mailbox and no one's the wiser."

Reyanel reaches into his belt to scrawl an address on a loose leaf of paper that he procures somehow.

Reyanel holds the thing out. That person's going to be so fucking mad with him, he probably should spring them.

Solis accepts it. "And, clearly, you have my address- or feel free to piggyback messages with my other contacts, I'm sure they'd be happy to help." He tucks the paper away, and returns the soul-vial to whence it came as well. "Damn glad to find someone else out here to appreciates where the new King could take the Knights again, I tell you."

Reyanel does flash a grin this time, letting the sharpness reach his eyes. "I'm right with ya on that point, mate." He offers the man a cocky two-fingered salute. "I'll see ya later on then."

Solis nods, returning the smile. "See you soon, yes! I'll be in touch."

Reyanel stalks off at that, scooting around to fucking book it once out of sight.

|| Rey makes his trip back to Dyrihm’s home swift, Rey and Reya warring with each other as he does so, diving through the tunnels of the Undercity until he comes to the lower entrance, the door that leads to the Knight’s front room.

Reyanel hops off the bone beast, muttering to himself.  He's practically radiating fury but once he comes upon the house it dissolves into a quick panic and worry.  Going up to the door, he tests the knob... unlocked. ....Dyrihm....... and just SLAMS open the door. "Dyrihm?!"

Dyrihm JUMPS. There's a clatter of something dropping in the kitchen, and he comes dashing down the hall in his shirtsleeves and bare feet. "What? What's wrong!?"

Reyanel looks around, eyes falling on Dyrihm and he breathes out a sigh of RELIEF.  "Bless the Light, holy fuck." Very eloquent of you, Reya.  Then he blinks.  "Were ya sleepin'?"

Dyrihm shakes his head, looking highly concerned. "No, I was- doing dishes, is everything- Are you all right?"

Reyanel waves his arms, gesturing wildly.  "Yes. No.  Yes?" He growls something to himself. "Fuck off, Rey."

[Reyanel]: Point is. YA.  Are so in deep shit.  Nob talk to ya yet?

Dyrihm crosses his arms. "He came by last night..." Dyrihm runs a hand through his hair with a sigh. "Trevarde's an old friend of mine, which was not a hunch I wanted to be right. And he's sure been reporting to the Blade..." Dyrihm looks a little pale.

Reyanel points at one of Dyr's fancy tauren chairs.  "Sit. Ya might wanna sit.  And I'm gonna force Rey to talk even if I have to drag 'em out, cause I am NOT playin' messenger when he didn't fuckin' listen to me."

Dyrihm 's worry is only increasing as he takes a seat. He sighs, resigned. "What did he do?"

Reyanel taps his foot rapidly, "Fuckin' stupid shit.  Fuckin--" He breathes in sharply.  He's calm.  Very. Calm.  No he isn't.

[Reyanel]: Ya sure ya friends with that priest shit?

Dyrihm grimaces. "No. I used to be, but we haven't spoken since I became a Knight. It's been a long time."

[Reyanel]: Like, used to be, used to be?  Time made ya part ways or was it like...bad shit and ya aren't friends.

Reyanel has so many Opinions and is ready to fucking Go.

Dyrihm worries his lower lip. "We didn't have a falling out or anything like that- but I don't really know what they were told about my... uh. Death. So I don't know."

[Reyanel]: Well, ya past friend or whatever the fuck he is, is a fuckin' snitch.

Reyanel plants his feet firmly.  Rey ya better get fucking out here or he'll drag you out, he swears to the Light.

Dyrihm sighs. "Nob said he was reporting to the Blade..."

[Dyrihm]: But-! Nob said he found a note about Trevarde having figured out you were Wraith, and it wasn't in any of the reports! Maybe it's... not as bad as we think.

Reyanel 's entire face is just one whole page of Doubt.

Dyrihm doesn't look like he believes what he's saying very much- just that he wants to. He Wants to Believe.

[Reyanel]: I dunno what's goin' on about with that.  Speakin' of fuckin' Rey, get ya fuckin' ass out here cause this is all your DAMN fault.

Reyanel stumbles as Reya just TEARS HIM OUT OKAY REYA VOID.  He shudders all over.  "Uh. Okay, first, it's not entirely my fault."

Reyanel | Uhuh.

Dyrihm watches the expression change on Rey's face as he appears. With the way Reya was acting, this can't be good. "What. Did. You. Do."

Reyanel winces.

[Reyanel]: I went after Knight Solis.

Reyanel clasps his hands behind his back, standing straighter.

Dyrihm clasps his hands on his knees. "Rey, what happened? Reya burst in here like he was afraid he'd find me dead or missing, Light."

[Reyanel]: I mean. Personally, I think Reya needs to calm down.  It's not that bad.  Yet.

Reyanel | YOU calm down, fuck off, Rey.

Dyrihm sighs. "Yet?"

Reyanel matches Dyr's sigh with a tight one of his own. "Yet.  If Trevarde comes to the conclusion you're turning traitor against the Ebon Blade--" Hah.  Like him. "Then Solis will take...measures."

[Reyanel]: Best case scenario, you get sent up to Archerus.

[Reyanel]: Worst case....the Citadel.

Dyrihm blanches. "What!? That can't be right- we still answer to the Ebon Hold, not-"

Reyanel stares at Dyrihm, expression strained.

Dyrihm stays quiet for a long moment, before saying, quietly, "What the fuck are we gonna do?"

Reyanel crosses his arms, speaking carefully. "Trevarde's doing his damn best to get any information on you.  But..." Rey pauses with a faint grimace that passes quickly. "Solis thinks I'm on his side.  A pair of eyes on City Knights."

Dyrihm stares at Rey. "You- you convinced him you'd help him. That's... that could be useful, but-" he makes a frustrated noise. "We can't send anything that contradicts Trevarde, and you can't exactly go CHAT with Trev, can you?"

[Reyanel]: Well, technically I didn't convince him -I- was helping him.  I could try going to Trevarde as...my cover..but I don't know if it'll hold.

Dyrihm sighs. "That's... that's risky, Rey. If he recognizes you- I don't want you getting hurt."

[Reyanel]: Yeah, I don't really PLAN on doing it.

Reyanel blows out a tight breath.

[Reyanel]: It's not a good situation.  Trevarde tipped Solis off of his own accord.  And Solis is....

Reyanel brings a hand up to run through his hair restlessly. "Not exactly all about the Blade's disposition."

Dyrihm puts his head in his hands. "So he's... got his own agenda. I don't know why Trevarde is out to get me, but- at least we have a history? I don't know Solis!" Dyrihm sounds like he'd love it if this were all some kind of mistake.

Reyanel frowns, watching Dyr.  "If we can manage to keep Trevarde's information clean, it won't matter if you don't know Solis.  For now, Trevarde's the one we should be worried about."

Reyanel sighs. "The Corps will figure something out.  We're not about to just let the Blade walk all over you.  I won't stand by for that."

Dyrihm 's eyes widen, just a little. "I can't just drag everyone into this, Rey. But I-" He sighs, and straightens, seeming heartened. "Thank you. Maybe Maul and Varun will have some ideas of how to tailor information, use you to get Trevarde to have nothing concrete."

[Dyrihm]: I keep saying to Nob, I could try to talk to him.

Reyanel nods.  Hey, his odd comfort-not comfort sort of worked. Thank the void.  "Nob's a good bet." He says. "I plan on talking to the Executor and Varun later.  I have...a report to give on this."

Reyanel has...a lot of feelings about that report.

Dyrihm shifts a little in his chair. "No, I mean- I could try to talk to Trevarde."

[Reyanel]: Absolutely not.

Reyanel stares at Dyr.

[Reyanel]: Are you mad? The man set some Lich King worshiping Ebon Knight in charge of the investigation on you.  Absolutely not.

Dyrihm mouths "The Citadel," and then "Fuck." Audibly, he says "No, Rey- what if I can find out what his problem with me is? I don't know, explain myself."

[Reyanel]: If you go, you're not going alone.  Take Nob with you.  I still don't think it's a good idea though.

Dyrihm sighs. "I know. That's what he keeps saying, too. I'm not going to do anything quite that stupid."

Reyanel watches Dyr for a moment.  "...Be careful, Dyrihm."

Dyrihm puts his head in his hands. "I'll... start locking the door."

[Reyanel]: Honestly, Dyrihm. Please do.  I don't even NEED to go through your walls.  It's frankly ridiculous, please think about your security more.

Reyanel is doing his best to not sound...Too Concerned.  Reya whacks Rey mentally.

Dyrihm waves a hand. "I was up and about, and I- I want to be available to you all if you need me." He sighs. "I should... really get around to warding, too."

[Reyanel]: You......you don't have wards.

Reyanel DEFINITELY sounds concerned.

[Dyrihm]: I have two drakes and a kodo.

[Reyanel]: That's not going to help against, say, myself!  Dear void, Dyrihm.

[Dyrihm]: Of course it wouldn't, they KNOW you.

Reyanel SIGHS.

Reyanel throws up his hands a second later.  "Get your wards up, dear VOID, Dyrihm"

Dyrihm sighs. "I know," he relents. "But it hasn't been a concern until now."

[Reyanel]: I am....Unbelievable.  I can't believe you didn't ward the place the second I stepped through the wall.

Reyanel mutters, "Honestly."

Dyrihm looks down at his knees. "It didn't occur to me to ward against YOU, and I didn't have a shadow priest with a grudge out to sell me up the river to the Blade last time you did that!"

[Reyanel]: It's not that it's against ME.  It's a security risk, Dyrihm!  I'm surprised someone hasn't snuck in here and robbed you blind or planted a tracking device!

Reyanel blinks. Wait.  Maybe they did.  He starts walking around, combing the place with a fine layer of shadow.

Reyanel is being oddly protective, please ignore him.

Dyrihm trots after Rey, bare feet thudding on the wooden floor. "Rey, are you serious- who is going to rob a house with two bone drakes in the yard?" Rey does not notice anything amiss as he searches. It's clean.

Reyanel eases quite a bit when he finds nothing. Thank the void. "Quite frankly, Dyrihm? I would." He deadpans over at Dyr as he circles around to Dyr's chair. "Lucky for you, I don't think they got anything in here. Still. Wards and locks, Dyrihm, void's sake."

Dyrihm sighs. "Of course you would," he replies, flatly. "I'll... speak with Maul about the wards." He reaches out to clap Rey on the shoulder. "Hey. Thanks. For worrying about me."

Reyanel has been touched. He feels awkward, shifting on his feet. "Yeah.  I'll mention it to once I see him." He shuffles. "Reya's worried sick, alright, so don't get into more trouble."

[Dyrihm]: I don't plan to. Honestly.

Reyanel sighs, shifting. Is the hand gone?

Reyanel doesn't know how to feel about this affection when he literally just spoke like pals with a Lich King loving fucko.

Dyrihm doesn't know that you got Solis to agree to let you help him by NOT lying to him. He trusts, you, Rey.  

Dyrihm removes the hand, crossing his arms. "Do you want me to come too, when you report to Maul and Varun?"

Reyanel doesn't trust his fucking self.

Reyanel blinks.

[Reyanel]: I--No, I think it will be alright.  I'd just be repeating information you already know.

Reyanel | And some you don't.

Reyanel doesn't plan on breaking the illusion because he's like that.

Dyrihm nods. "All right. I'll try to catch them later, then, after they've gotten your report."

Reyanel shrugs. "You do what you have to do.  Don't talk to Trevarde alone." He STARES at Dyr.  Got it?  He'll repeat it again.

[Dyrihm]: I won't! Light, I get the point! Why do you and Nob both think I would!?

Dyrihm | It's obvious why.

Reyanel just...stares at Dyrihm in disbelief.

[Reyanel]: It's YOU, Dyrihm.

Reyanel | A great answer.

Dyrihm frowns, pulling a face. "What does that mean?"

Reyanel smiles back blithely. "You have a habit of putting yourself on the line when you don't need to."

Dyrihm can't argue with that. "Ah. Well..." He sighs, and then laughs softly, and smiles. "I won't this time. I'm in your hands."

Reyanel breathes out. "Good."  A bit of tension actually leaves him.  It was bothering him more than he was letting on.

[Dyrihm]: Don't- don't YOU do anything too risky, though, all right?

[Reyanel]: Dyrihm, I literally just DID something risky.

Reyanel raises a brow at Dyr.

Dyrihm grumbles. "I'm aware, I just mean- don't let this go too far, on my account."

Reyanel | Too late.

Reyanel shrugs. "I think you'll find that a lot of us are here for you, Dyrihm.  We protect our own, like Varun says."

Dyrihm looks a little surprised, but pleased. "Hopefully he knows the sentiment is echoed."

Reyanel knows what he's about.  Trust him. COMMUNICATE.  GOSH.  He'll lock more people in rooms together.  "Hopefully."

Dyrihm smiles. "He's doing better, then?" he asks, changing the topic.

Reyanel nods, grateful for the change.  Dear void, he had almost broke his silence on the information. "Yes, I think so."

[Reyanel]: It took a bit but..we're both better.  I never really got to thank you for the other night.  Still.  Thank you for that.

Dyrihm honestly looks relieved. "I'm glad- and of course, Rey." He grins. "We take care of our own, after all."

Reyanel snorts. "Sure do.  What about you?" You're not off the hook either.

[Reyanel]: You alright, Dyrihm?  Seeing you tense all the time gives me headaches just watching.

Dyrihm can't exactly brush Rey off, now. "Well, I think I've been less jumpy, but this business with the Blade isn't helping." He sighs, and looks at Rey, face open and honest. "I'm terrified. For myself, and- I don't know what Frost is going to do if something does happen to me. If he'll get himself into trouble. If you ALL get yourselves into trouble."

Reyanel 's brows furrow. "If...If something does happen to you." Void, Strider.  "You know we're going to try to prevent anything from happening to you as much as we can, right."

Reyanel breathes out.

[Reyanel]: If something does happen.  I don't know if I'll be much help in wrangling Strider but...I can't see him NOT doing something.

Dyrihm sighs. "I know. I can't see it either. But, Light- thinking about talking to him about it, or writing a letter or something- that feels too fucking fatalistic."

Reyanel hesitates. "Dyrihm.  Have you not spoken to him about what's happening?"

Dyrihm waves his hands. "No, I just talked to him last night- I may have... downplayed the life-threatening bits, but he knows the Blade is looking into me."

[Reyanel]: Oh thank the void.

Reyanel runs a hand through his hair. "Got worried there for a second.  Void, if I knew that--If I was in Frost's place...I wouldn't want to be left in the dark about something like this."

Dyrihm nods. "I know. I can't imagine- if he didn't know until things got worse, what that would be like. I just don't want him doing something reckless."

Reyanel can't help a snort. "He would do something." Reckless fluffy moo. "I just...I don't want to be entirely pessimistic about this whole thing. But you know my feelings on the Blade. And I think that...planning ahead for EVERY possibility might help in the long run."

[Reyanel]: Luck has it, most of those plans won't happen at all.

Dyrihm sighs. He almost sounds- relieved. "I don't either, but... we should discuss possibilities. I'd rather face the fact that I might- that things could go very badly, than not have discussed it at all."

Reyanel nods. "Exactly." Pausing, he procures a notebook?  Or was it a folder? From a length of shadow.  Flipping through, he finds a blank parchment. "It's best be prepared for every eventuality.  Like the worst case.  And the best."

[Reyanel]: Best? Nothing fucking happens.  And we can all go home perfectly content.

Reyanel would be really grateful if that happened but he knows better and distrusts the Blade and Solis both.

Dyrihm laughs. "Yeah, I like that plan. That's a good plan."

[Reyanel]: My favorite.

Reyanel deadpans up but his lips twitch into a faint smirk.

[Dyrihm]: Worst case- you said the Citadel.

[Reyanel]: Yeah. Worst case, Solis diverts you to his...contacts there.

Dyrihm 's letting his businesslike attitude take over. "That sounds like it's out of Blade hands, and into whatever Scourge leftovers are up in Icecrown working for the new Lich King."

Reyanel breathes in quietly as he writes, he's taking actual notes.  What the fuck, Rey.

[Reyanel]: Yeah..

Reyanel shakes his head. "He spoke of soul harvesting.  Which would be...truly a worse case scenario."

[Dyrihm]: So, good and bad. Fucking terrible for me, frankly. Probably, what, torture, experi- oh good. Yeah.

[Dyrihm]: Well, hey, I've got that whole 'loose soul' problem going on, maybe I can just want to die enough to fuck off before they harvest me.

Dyrihm is a little too casual about this.

Reyanel stares at Dyrihm.

[Reyanel]: .......If it comes to that.  That's something.

Reyanel ....writes it down.

Dyrihm clasps his hands in front of him. "Should I be- probably a better question for Maul, but- should I be expecting the Corps to come for me? The Citadel, maybe possible, but extremely dangerous. Acherus? Probably impossible."

[Reyanel]: You should expect it.

Reyanel stares hard at Dyrihm.

[Dyrihm]: Huge risk, for one person.

[Reyanel]: I'll bring backup.  Aka. The Corps.

Reyanel sighs.

[Reyanel]: I'd almost prefer the Citadel over Acherus but...if we don't make it in time, Acherus would be better.

Dyrihm laughs, softly. "All right. Well, if not the Corps entire, a few of you, certainly. That's good."

[Dyrihm]: I- I don't want to end up at the Citadel, but... that's a worse case for me, better for you.

Reyanel will fucking bring the entire Corps.  You silly, silly death knight.

[Reyanel]: Yeah.

Reyanel sighs. "I...It'll depend on where they bring you there.  But if they do..."

Reyanel shakes his head and writes something down under the Worst Case Scenario tab. "Regardless.  If they take you, we're coming after you." Plain and simply stated.  "So. If they do.  Remember that."

Dyrihm nods. "I will." He sighs. "Okay. Soul harvesting. That's not going to be good, either- what's Solis using them for?"

[Reyanel]: For the glory of the Lich King and his new Blade that Solis wants to see upraised.

Reyanel answers relatively easily, penning something about Legal Documents under the same tab he's been writing under.

Dyrihm grimaces. "All right, well- Just don't, uh-" He stares at Rey, grim. "Don't let the Scourge have me again. If you can't get to me in time, if they... change me."

Reyanel meets Dyrihm's gaze, pen pausing.  "I won't." He promises, just as solemn. "I won't let them have you if they try or manage to change you.  I won't."

Dyrihm nods. "Good. Okay." He lets out a shaky breath. "So, Acherus- might be worth trying diplomatic options instead of breaking in. Maybe get me freed as a Forsaken military combatant or something."

[Dyrihm]: That's obviously not going to be an option with the Citadel.

[Reyanel]: No, it won't be.

Reyanel says sardonically but he writes another tab out.

[Reyanel]: We can try diplomacy.  Worst comes to worst with that one, we break into Acherus.  Done it before, can do it again.

[Dyrihm]: We only managed it because we were able to sneak in as Knights. It wouldn't be as easy.

[Reyanel]: That's true.

Reyanel lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Dyrihm sighs back. "You're going to do it anyway."

[Reyanel]: You know me so well.

Reyanel flashes a smirk at Dyr.

Dyrihm can't help but laugh. "I'd do the same."

[Reyanel]: Well, see there we go.

Reyanel taps a note on his paper.  "Dyrihm." He sobers. "You might want to consider writing any legal documents if you haven't already."

Dyrihm blinks. "I- like a will? I don't really have much-" He looks around him. "Well. Not that true anymore. You... make a good point. And maybe I should prepare a letter for Frost. Just... in case."

[Reyanel]: I think you should, Dyrihm.  Just in case.

Reyanel sighs. "Better prepare than have nothing waiting in the end at all."

Dyrihm nods. "Prepare for every possibility."

[Reyanel]: Exactly.

[Dyrihm]: Well, until then- we can delay by trying to prevent Trevarde from getting information.

[Dyrihm]: We could try to stop correspondence between Trevarde and Solis, or between Solis and whoever he's reporting to.

Reyanel flips a page over to begin a new section. "Trevarde's attempts at getting information from us haven't worked very well so far, I think.  We'll need to keep that up.  Or carefully lay information down."

[Reyanel]: We could, also, just kill Solis.  But I think his death might get the Blade looking more closely.

Dyrihm nods. "That might draw more attention than we want, yeah."

Reyanel | See, Reya? He didn't completely fuck up.

[Dyrihm]: I still think there might be merit in talking to Trevarde directly- even if it's the Corps and not me.

[Dyrihm]: We're missing something about his motivations.

Reyanel nods with a Sigh but writes this down.

[Reyanel]: That is true.

Dyrihm sighs, leaning back in his chair. "Well. This actually- helped."

Reyanel closes his notebook/folder.  Maybe it was just a binder.  "I'm glad."

Dyrihm starts ticking items off on his fingers. "So, better locks, start using them. Ask Maul about wards. Write a will and farewell letters, depressing but necessary. Don't do anything Trevarde could use against me."

[Dyrihm]: The rest is up to all of you.

Reyanel nods. An impressive list but necessary. "I'll be filing my own report and try my best to help.  The Corps is here for you, Dyrihm." Oddly formal but, Rey doesn't really know how he can just say, hey, it'd really suck if you died.

Dyrihm nods. "Keep me posted. And- Light, Rey, thank you."

[Reyanel]: You're welcome, Dyrihm.

Reyanel flashes a brief genuine smile. "Stay safe, alright?" And he starts making his way out of the house he just barged into without a warning.

[Dyrihm]: You too.

[daetur]

Making It Worse (Dyrihm Personal Event Log, Part 4)

Rey continues his charade as Solis’s new Forsaken contact “Kion,” but gets carried away as he joins the Knight to learn more about what exactly Solis does with the souls he harvests.

|| A letter awaits Rey in the mailbox outside Blackwell's home, written in blocky, hasty handwriting. "Kion! Excellent news. New shipment of souls from Icecrown came in today. Several constructs prepared for use, if you'd like to see the process! Also a good time to exchange news. You know where to find me. Solis"

Solis appears to be checking the contents of a smallish crate, bent over next to a long table where an abomination lies. He is muttering to himself.

Reyanel adjusts his scarf, making sure it properly cowled his face and hair…he should have just asked Nob for his cowl again. Making sure his Undercity tabard was tucked at his belt, in view but not on, Rey slowly approached, falling into the mock soldier's step.

[Reyanel]: Oi.

Reyanel greets coarsely.

Solis turns, immediately waving Rey closer. "Kion, hello! You got my letter, then, yes?"

Reyanel inwardly winces at the name.  Fucking... "Yea, sure did.  What ya cookin' up today?"

Solis lifts a vial out of the crate. Something dark, wispy, and familiar swirls inside. "Half a dozen in this week," he says. "Going to try a few experiments with this handsome fellow." He waves towards the abomination. "I've been having some trouble lately with resistance from the collected souls, you see. Need to work out the kinks." Solis smiles. "We can chat while I work? Or- we, if you'd like to assist, of course."

Reyanel almost wants to ask where in the void Solis managed to get six souls. But. He thinks for now he's just better of not knowing. "Me? Nah, I'll chip in 'elp if ya need it. Don't wanna mess up ya fine work when I don't know what ya workin' on exactly." A true enough statement. Rey might also just want to see what exactly he's dealing with here before showing off his own abilities.

Reyanel eyes the abomination.  

Reyanel | What a disgusting thing.  This is why he wasn't in charge of those unholy knights.

Solis nods, amenable. "Sensible, sensible. I'll let you know if I need, then. Now," he approaches the abomination, one vial in hand. "Getting this many in a shipment is unusual, so it's a perfect time to try a few things- I usually favor gargoyles, myself, but nothing beats an abomination for durability. The thought is, the more powerful body can curb the soul's lingering resistance." He cracks open the vial, and gently, almost lovingly, coaxes it free, into the core of the fleshy mound before him. "Takes a few for it to settle. Did you meet with my other contacts? Didn't give you any trouble, I hope," he continues, with absolutely no preamble.

Reyanel watches the process closely, interest sparking in his eyes and he takes a step forward without thinking much about it. "Didn't manage to see ya folks in person, thought I'd send a message first before just hittin' 'em up out o' the blue." He pauses, circling a bit to see the abomination better. "Did get someone to drop names of some Knights ya might be interested in. Alliance though but they're just as bad off as City Knights."

Solis raises an eyebrow. "Did you now? I can certainly use that- treason knows no faction, so to speak. And neither do raw materials." He chuckles at his own joke as the abomination begins to stir, at which point he immediately quiets, and takes on an intense focus. With the slow motion of a hand, he forces the creature to rise into a sitting position, awkwardly crunching its bloated belly. He makes a satisfied sound as it meekly turns its head to look at him. "So far so good."

Reyanel can't help a low snort.  Raw materials indeed.  But as the abomination sits up, Rey stares at it, watching its timid movements. "Won't be that good in battle, if it ain't stiff-spined."

Reyanel hates abominations so much.  Getting strung through with its chain one too many times really sours a guy's opinion.

Solis tsks. "Not to fret," he says. "I simply don't want it swinging at me the moment it wakes, so I exert a bit more of my will than strictly necessary." He lowers the hand, and the abomination rolls off the table, guts squelching wetly. It growls, previously docile expression replaced very much with rage, but it does not move. Solis tsks again, this time a touch frustrated. "The problem with using souls harvested like this is their disagreeability," he comments, peering at the abomination. It stares back, but seems unable to move.

Reyanel watches the abomination just...roll off the table, refraining from sighing. "I don't suppose you have considered breaking the spirit in question before harvesting them?" He almost forgets his accent but he continues onward. "Stem out the disobedience before harvestin' so they're agreeable once taken."

Solis snorts. "Of course! That's always been tried and true, but the problem is, it's not been tried much with Knights before. We just don't respond to torture as well as I'd like, as a rule. There are exceptions, of course, but..." He waves a hand at the abomination. "This was probably a Knight or Scarlet. They're usually the problems."

[Solis]: My partners do try, of course.

Reyanel peers at the abomination.  "The ones in Icecrown, yea? Ya mentioned 'em before."

Reyanel has a lot of ideas....about this soul manipulation.....

Solis nods. "Yes, they use the old Cathedrals up there for their work. Largely forgotten, after the Northrend campaign. Excellent locations, all around the Citadel." He sounds slightly distracted, as he begins to probe at the growling abomination with a shadowy hand.

Reyanel hums lowly, watching that shadow hand with a raised brow partially covered in his makeshift cowl. "Fuckin' surprised ya managed to get any Ebon up there workin'."

Solis appears to be testing the connection of the soul to the construct, feeling for its energy. "Oh," he says, still focusing on the task at hand, "They're not Ebon. Not in Icecrown- we only come and go from the Citadel, really, taking orders."

Reyanel 's brows are both raising So High at this information.  "What, not Ebon?  Who ya got takin' ya souls out for ya?  Non-Blade or somethin'?" He doesn't even sound angry, can't even work up the energy for such a lame disguise of emotion.

Solis releases the abomination from his hold with a quick "Step back, please!" before replying. It makes a swing for him with a meaty fist, and he brings it crumpling to its knees by clenching his own with a sigh. "A strong construct isn't enough, it seems. Ah, well-" He turns back to face Rey. "Sorry, Kion, you were saying- ah, yes. It's not as though all of the servants of the former Lich King were wiped clean from Icecrown! The Cult of the Damned still holds hope, as I do, that this new one will soon help us reclaim glory."

Reyanel does step back at that swing, falling silent in the wake of that revelation.  The Cult of the Damned.  "Well, they're doin' a shitty job of breakin' spirits." Rey says hoarsely, thoughts whirling.

Solis sighs. "I can't disagree. Perhaps I should speak with them, get them to make a more concentrated effort. Perhaps more time is necessary before harvesting."

Reyanel bites at his lip behind his scarf, thinking intently.  Void.  "I think ya're onto somethin' there."  More time before harvesting?  More time in case the Worst Scenario happened.  Void, void, void.

Reyanel | Besides. Honestly.  Who the fuck harvested a soul before breaking its spirit first.

Reyanel did once.  And look where that got him.

Solis nods. He doesn't seem terribly put out by having his practices questioned. "The consideration, of course, is that breaking does weaken a spirit- that is the point, naturally. I strive to find the fine line. Stronger spirits, stronger constructs."

[Reyanel]: ...Have ya considered a type of compulsion?

Reyanel gestures with his hands, "A subtle version, to the point where their doubt overwhelms their rationality."

Solis waves a hand, dismissive. "Ineffective on a large scale. If I were building a personal minion, then certainly, but an army-" he pauses, interested. "Go on."

Reyanel keeps going, thinking rapidly. "It starts as a seed, just a small seed at first until it grows and grows until they wouldn't even -want- to break free and instead only desire to help to the best of their abilities."

[Reyanel]: Seeds can be created in larger proportions because they're smaller, letting them grow at their own pace while infecting others.

Solis scratches his chin, keeping the abomination crumpled to the ground. He appears thoughtful. "Still difficult on a large scale, though, I'd think? Something like that would require some knowledge of what could be used to MAKE the soul doubt."

[Solis]: Their values, their fears.

Reyanel shakes his head. "But what do so many men fear when they are faced with their deaths? Even for a second. The unknown. It's a building of fear towards something they cannot possibly understand warping their perception of things they would normally value."

Reyanel has...maybe...tried this before.

Reyanel has done a lot of things, actually.

Solis eyes Rey curiously. "I admit, I would have... no idea how to accomplish such a thing. Or if my usual harvesters could. You have some experience?"

Reyanel hesitates a moment. "It was another time but yes." Wraith was more than a name, it was self, him, burning, cold, calling and icy fingers wrapped around other's thoughts. "I could attempt a demonstration, however, on this one." He points at the abomination.

Solis steps back, intrigued. "By all means, Kion!" He gestures encouragingly.

Reyanel, ignoring Reya's demands that he stop this nonsense, steps closer to the abomination, peering down at it critically. Through what he had seen of Solis' work earlier the connection was...ah yes right there. Sitting down with more grace than his disguise really should have allowed, Rey calls up a small, almost minuscule orb of shadow. Such a careful thing, pouring fear and doubt, taking on hints from -before-, the fear of his enemies and allies once a time ago and pouring them into the orb. Tying it all together, he rests a hand above the abomination, feeling at the soul connection, tracing its lines down and into the soul itself. There you are. Placing the orb amongst those unseen lines towards the soul was a delicate thing but quickly done with the hands of someone whose done it many times before. The orb sinks down and into the soul, so tiny but festering, shadowy fingers unfurling, unfurling, unfurling.

Reyanel stands up straight, eyeing the progress with a critical eye and forcing himself to stay within the bounds of his own mind.  "Somethin' like that." He says blandly.

Solis leans in, eyes wide. "My word," he says. He sounds delighted. "Even I could feel the horror pouring off that thing- how is it made? Shadow, clearly, yes, but- where do you draw from? How do you imbue it so?"

Reyanel shakes his hands. Tingly.  "Shadow, yes.  Some knowledge of soul magic and spectral energy is required of course."

Reyanel pins a stare on Solis.

[Reyanel]: Ya are a Knight. Ya have felt the fear and anger of those who suffer at ya hands.  Use it. Use that feeling and connect it to the shadow.  It will listen.  If you are strong enough.

Solis brightens. "Remarkable! Elegant. I will pass along the recommendation!" Meanwhile, the abomination shakes, and Solis once again loosens his hold. This time... the creature does not lash out.

Reyanel isn't even really thinking about the Consequences of all this, so caught up in the thrill of soul magic.  Ah, he did miss that.  "Don't forget to add purpose as well.  Whether that's fighting a designated enemy, construction, or simply to serve."

Solis actually begins scrawling a few messy notes. "Yes, yes- fear, doubt, and purpose." He points to Rey with the butt end of his nubby pencil. "Now, what are your thoughts on combining this method with traditional tortures, like we've been using? To speed up the process, or amplify it?"

Reyanel feels almost like he's back in Icecrown, frankly.  "I'd suggest to amplify.  A bit in the beginning never hurts."

Solis nods, pleased. "Excellent! I imagined as much." He returns to his crate. "Now- while I have you here, I also wanted to try- more souls in one construct. Confusion, disorientation, but strengthened."

Reyanel is, frankly, somehow reminded of Nob.

Reyanel tilts his head. "Whole souls or fragments?"

[Solis]: Whole. Fragments tend to want to BE whole, which causes... other issues.

[Reyanel]: That is true.

Reyanel knows...all too well now.

Reyanel hums. "Well, that will be interesting to try, let's do it."

Solis nods, pulling three more vials from the crate. Without pause, he begins to feed it into the abomination. "Normally, this can heighten the construct's resistance, but perhaps- the addition of your splendid little orbs..."

Reyanel tilts his head, watching the construct for its initial reaction.

Solis smiles as the second soul slots in, and he neatly settles it in place with the gentle brush of a shadowy hand. The fleshy beast shudders. Solis waves a hand, and it takes a few obedient steps. "Wonderful!" he proclaims.

Reyanel looks over the construct with critical interest.  Hm.  "It will be quite chaotic in there, souls always do try to struggle.  Two souls keeps the fighting relatively even. Add a third and they might team up on the new one or it will be a free for all."

Solis scratches his chin again. "Is there a way to sequester the souls somehow- to power the construct further, without allowing them to tear it apart.... Perhaps a more intense binding to localized areas of the body?"

Reyanel hums. "Souls are volatile, as you know.  But they can certainly be bound to areas, yes.  A body is different than a blade but the principle remains.  It will need something to keep the souls working towards the same goal however."

[Solis]: With better preparation, then- direct the fear and pain of breaking the spirits at the same thing; add your seeds of doubt.

Reyanel nods, that is what he had been getting at, he's still good at this Cult business how nostalgic. Rey raises his hand, another seed materializing in his hand.  Equal number of souls for seeds.  He drops it into the second soul without much thought.

Solis 's abomination succumbs immediately to the second seed, quivering for a few moments before thumping off in the direction indicated by Solis's hand. He smiles. "Care to try a third, Kion?" The construct comes stumping back to them, jaw slack, eyes noticeably more hollow than usually seen in such a creature.

Reyanel stirs a bit at that reminder that he is, in fact, NOT Kion.  Hahh... But Rey simply nods, spinning up a third seed and waits. "Let's."

Solis unstoppers another soul vial, and steers the contents into the abomination, looking rather disturbingly like a man playing fondly with a pet. He sends this one deep, father away from the first two, building distance.

Solis | The abomination rebels at the inclusion of the third soul, blank eyes flashing with rage as it strikes out for Solis.

Solis easily bats its meaty fist away, drawing the blade from his back, and sends the construct staggering with a controlling clench of his fist. "The seed! Now!"

Reyanel follows the traces of where Solis placed the soul, eyeing the proceedings rather detachedly. Even when the abomination strikes out, because it was not at him and thus he does not really care. But he works quickly, dropping the seed down, down, into the third soul. Be silent.

Solis curses as the abomination fights back, seed ineffective. "Apologies! Kion!" he yelps as he tries to get it back under control. "Stop it!" He swings his fist, trying to force his construct to its knees.

Solis | The abomination ignores his attempts, and punches Solis right in the damn face.

Reyanel | It's doing its job.

Reyanel dances around, light on his feet.  Eyes flickering, he raises a hand and the seeds within attempt to blossom, shadows like a spider's web spreading out to silence that defiance.

Solis | The abomination is fortunately unarmed. Smart of Solis. It tries to kick Rey with its big, meaty foot. Thunk.

Reyanel is Kicked away, small death knight in the air and he stumbles to a landing.  Well.  An experiment always has its failures.

Solis slashes with his blade- not to cut, he's too far away for that, but as he does so, green runes flicker, and a searing line of boils erupts across the construct's flesh.

Solis | It shrugs it off.

[Solis]: Well... it's certainly strong, with the third soul!

Solis is trying to look On the Bright Side.

Reyanel snorts and shadows coil about his fingers in a rope and he whips it out to quite literally lasso the abomination.

Reyanel may not have lasso'ed many cows but he has seen Dyrihm do it enough times he guess.

Solis | The abomination bellows, enraged, as the shadows clench around it. It jerks its entire body, trying to yank Rey into Solis.

Reyanel is Too Strong.

Reyanel 's whip bites into the abomination as it tries to do so.  You stop that.

Solis swings his sword back the OTHER way, more boils appearing. Does he only know the one trick?

Solis | It is still completely ignored. Solis makes a frustrated noise.

Reyanel wonders just how Good of a knight Solis is.  Honestly.

Solis | The answer might be Not Very.

Reyanel keeps his whip up, tendrils of shadows snapping up from his feet to further bind the abomination. Best to entangle it before attempting a redo of the seed, Rey thinks to himself.

Solis | Why do you think he's gotten the job of getting information about traitors? That's not very fighty.

Reyanel | That is a very good point.

Solis | The abomination whirls on Solis, snapping some of the tendrils of shadow as it does so. It batters away the unholy Knight's runeblade and tries to punch him again.

Solis gets knocked on his ass, and his blade goes spinning away. "Damn!" He throws up an empty hand, and the ground beneath the construct begins to wither and list eerily, softening.

Solis | The abomination overbalances, and sinks into the festering ground. The smell is quite awful.

Reyanel watches his own footing, side-eyeing Solis and mentally noting the Knight's abilities. Hm.  Looking back to the construct, Rey attempts another forceful intrusion of shadow energy into the creature's souls.

Reyanel clearly, just wants this thing to rampage, I guess.

Solis | The rampage continues.

Solis | The abomination grabs for some nearby deadwood, and hurls the branch at Rey.

Reyanel gets hit.  He is not amused.  He carefully adjusts his scarf back over his face as he gets up with a scowl.

Solis rights himself as well, a furious look darkening his face. "Intolerable!" He barks. "Behave!" The man clenches his fist, trying once again to rein in his creation.

Solis | The abomination shudders to a halt, limbs curling in on themselves. Solis sighs. "Once more, try the seed, Kion."

Reyanel tries not to start at the name.  Fucking void. He nods and whirls up the orb, slightly bigger but still the same principle.  Slowly, he lets it drift down and into the third soul again.

Solis relaxes as the abomination shudders once more, the haunted, dead look returning to its eyes. "My," he huffs. "Well. That was excellent data! It can be controlled with more than two souls, but with great difficulty. Will have to see if a new batch of souls tortured and harvested from the beginning in the way you suggest will dare better!"

Reyanel snorts dryly. "Do let me know how it goes." Dear void, that was even semi-exciting.  Soul magic was so interesting, he didn't nearly get as much practice anymore.

Solis nods. "If my supplies can apply your technique successfully- I can get the souls shipped with the seeds packed with them, in their individual containers. Even more time for them to acclimate before being placed in a construct." He sounds so very excited.S "I will keep you informed of their progress!"

Reyanel | Reya is so so so very mad again.

Reyanel nods, "Oh and before I forget--" He digs into his belt to find a note.  Rewritten from Maul's so it's in his own writing. "The names of the Alliance Knights that showed promise."

Reyanel | Promise for Death and Harvesting.

Solis smiles, reaching out to take the note. "Ah, yes, I was going to ask- thank you so much, Kion. Perhaps I can see about setting these aside for you, special, should I be able to acquire them."

Reyanel 's brows lift. "How thoughtful."  He doesn't even bother to decline the potential offer.  "You know how to contact me." He shrugs then taps the tabard at his waist. "I best get going back to that stupid city."

Solis nods. "Of course! So glad you could make it out for this, truly- seeds of fear and doubt, made of shadow, what a delightful idea." He returns to his notes, seeming as much a dismissal as his next words. "Do take care, and keep your ear to the ground!"

Reyanel simply waves. "Will do." He stalks right on off, slipping out of sight immediately.

[daetur]

First Contact (Dyrihm Personal Event Log, Part 1)

Dyrihm’s personal event- a months-long endeavor- recently wrapped up with the [Charnel Corps]! For those interested, a series of logs, both of the two major finale events, and the various lead-up mini events, will be posted over the next few days and weeks.

In this installment, Dyrihm hears the first rumblings of danger, as Nob receives a mysterious letter that indicates the Ebon Blade is sniffing around- for a traitor.

A neatly handwritten letter arrives, nestled into Nob's post box. It smells faintly of candlewax and feels slightly of shadow.

I am writing on behalf of the Ebon Blade, it begins, without preamble, with regards to Knight Dyrihm. It has been exceptionally difficult to obtain personal opinions and insight from his contemporaries in your reserve corps, and I hope you will be able to assist. My contacts in the organization have expressed a desire to learn more about Knight Dyrihm, and have taken notice of his initiative in working with the Forsaken during fallout of unrelated Ebon operations. In particular, they are curious as to the nature of this Knight's connections with members of your corps, as they have taken an interest in fostering further join efforts with the Forsaken.

Thank you for your assistance,

Father Trevarde

An address in the Undercity is stamped below.

Jackdaw comes busting into the courtyard with a letter in his hand- he marches toward Dyr immediately upon spotting him, rasping, "Dyrihm!  You oughta see this!"  Unfortunately, he has entirely forgotten to be visible.

Dyrihm is outside again today, this time clearing out a large corner of the garden. A kodo munches contentedly on something nearby. He whirls, recognizing the voice this time. "Nob?" His eyes scan the yard. "Can't see you, so that's a little hard at the moment..."

Jackdaw sounds embarrassed, flickering into sight right in front of Dyr with his head ducked sheepishly. "But- here.  I jes got this in my postbox."

Jackdaw offers out a rolled-up letter.

Dyrihm takes it, brows furrowed. He looks concerned, but as he reads it, his expression changes- surprise, fear. This isn't what he was expecting. "This is about me," he states, more than asking. He looks pale.

[Jackdaw]: What the fuck're the Blade fishin' around about you for, Dyr?

Jackdaw sounds worried. He tugs at his gloves, his little nervous tic.

Dyrihm sounds worried, too. "I- I'm not sure." He makes a strange noise in his throat. "That's a lie. I have some ideas, I- Oh, Light, this could be bad." The Knight takes a deep breath. "They've always been worried about whether I lean Blade or Forsaken," he says, finally. "And I've- well, I've done some things for the Corps that they wouldn't be happy with."

[Jackdaw]: Well they kin fuck right off!  You got an official position an' all, right?  You don't- they ain't-

Jackdaw sputters.

[Jackdaw]: I ain't gonna snitch on you, Dyrihm!

Dyrihm blinks. "I don't- Nob, I don't think you- I have an official position, yes, but I've been digging into Ebon business for the Corps for months! I helped Rey -steal- his runeblade back from them! We faked him nearly killing me so he could escape, if they find out-" He sighs. "I don't think you're going to snitch on me. But the less you give them, the harder this... Trevarde is going to dig, I'm sure."

Jackdaw grabs the letter back suddenly, points at one of the first lines.  "Well what's THIS bit mean?  This 'exceptionally difficult' shit?"  He fakes a haughty voice on the quoted words.  "Who's he talked to?"

Dyrihm 's mind is clearly racing. Nob's seen him distressed before, but never this nervous. "I don't know! This is the first I'm hearing of it!" He loses even more color. "What if- no, 'exceptionally difficult,' no one's said what he wants." He runs his hands through his hair, heaving a sigh. "Light, I hope he hasn't talked to Rey. What if he realized Wraith has been here the whole time? Working with me?"

Jackdaw offers the letter back out to Dyr; you keep this.  "Odds are they tried Varun or Maulfalcon an' got stonewalled- but ya think they'd fuckin' say somethin-!"  He pauses.  Well, you'd think MAUL might say something.  Hael...

Dyrihm frowns. "Maybe he knew better than to try someone who could stonewall him. But I don't know... you would think they'd say something, I- ' fallout of unrelated Ebon operations,'" he mutters. "That was the Scarlet attack. I was supposed to retreat to Acherus with the rest, instead I warned Brill and got all of you. That was weeks ago," he says, with some horror.

Jackdaw hisses, "You sayin' they was jes gonna let that HAPPEN?  There's still civvies in Brill- not like they use'ta have before the Apothecarium took over, but- Light damn it!"

Dyrihm shakes his head. "Blade doesn't care about anything these days unless it can help them fight the Legion. Seems like every day they're jumping more to the Lich King's tune." He sounds more sad than scared, now. "We were supposed to be in and out."

Jackdaw cusses under his breath.  "Fuck yer new Lich King."

[Dyrihm]: No kidding.

[Dyrihm]: What's the point of throwing everything at the Legion if we're not going to be left with anything worth protecting? It's stupid.

[Jackdaw]: Well- piss it. They got somethin' on ya, they can shove it up their cold Knight arses.

Dyrihm grunts. "Doubt it's going to be that easy. Just- don't tell him about Rey. Fuck, or Frost. He's... not exactly an Ebon Blade friendly, either." Dyrihm looks stricken.

Jackdaw 's lack-of-face screws up in concern.  Still weird. "If ya want me t'talk to 'im I'll say whatever ya want, mate."  A slight pause.  "How's it been with... yanno.  This new guy in yer heads.  I know it's what was givin Frost trouble.  Is that still...?"

Dyrihm frowns. "It's... it's been a little better. I think getting out to Mulgore for a while helped Frost, and having some familiar things at home. He's still getting the nightmares, but nothing as bad as before." The Knight gives Nob a sheepish look. "'Course, after the other night, I've started up again with my own. We make quite a pair."

Jackdaw nods, serious and sympathetic.  "I got somethin' for ya.  I'll bring it by later- I keep bloody forgettin' cause... so much's happened. But I got a new batch'a sleep potion brewed up.  Should be strong."

Jackdaw mutters aside, "Should be real fuckin strong, 'cause it kept reducin' while I was out..."

Dyrihm snorts. "I'll save it for Frost, then, see how long it keeps him out for, before I try it myself." Nob gets a smile out of him. "Thanks."

Jackdaw shakes his head, dismissive.  "Ain't nothin- happy t'help.  Lemme know how it does, so I know if I gotta tweak the next batch."

Dyrihm nods. "Will do." He waves the letter. "I'll, uh- hold on to this, for now. Might see if Varun knows anything, or..." He peers at the stamped address. "Drop by myself."

Jackdaw grimaces. "Not on yer own yer not."

Dyrihm sounds dismissive. "What's he going to do, kidnap me in the middle of the Undercity? He sounds like a priest- 'Father' Trevarde."

Jackdaw rasps unhappily, "If he's workin' with the Blade an' he's still using a title like that, might be a Necromancer or somethin'.  Or just a stuck up ponce.  I jes don't like it, Dyr.  Whole thing stinks."

Dyrihm sighs. "I know. I promise, I'll be careful. Keep my comm on me at all times, and all that."

Jackdaw gives Dyr a Look and- vanishes abruptly, to make a point.  "You sure y'dont want backup?"

Dyrihm laughs, and smiles. "All right, maybe. But I don't plan on taking you anywhere near some Light-slinger if I don't have to, all right?"

Jackdaw seems amused, but he gets u.  "My best bloody friend's a Light slinger.  I manage, don't I?  Don't be a prig 'bout keepin yer problems to yerself like everyone in this bloody unit, or I'll- fuckin' tattle t'Maul and let him get revenge."

Dyrihm looks a little taken aback, opening his mouth, and then closing it again. "It... would be pretty damn hypocritical of me." He laughs, in spite of himself. "Fair enough! I'll see what I can find out about this guy, and I'll let you know if I plan to go knock on his door. Or, hell, if I plan to get someone else to knock on his door."

Jackdaw appears again, and produces an amused salute.  "You want me t'reply to 'im?  I kin string him along with whatever shit you want."

Dyrihm considers. "Best lie is always partially true. If you send him a reply... tell him I act above and beyond strict duty, and my focus on individuals makes me a trusted representative of the Blade. None of that should get me in trouble, but it seems like it'll be a little more than he's gotten so far. Tell him I'm always 'forthcoming,' that'll give him something to chase. Maybe he'll waste time seeing if I've been leaking info instead of looking into Rey."

[Jackdaw]: Yeah. That'll do, sure.  

Dyrihm looks relieved. "Nob- thank you."

Jackdaw nods. "Wouldn't do nothin' less." He sighs and chews a ghostly lip. "I'm gonna hafta go t'Varun with this though.  I don't report shit like this, I'm gonna get my ass handed t'me."

[Jackdaw]: Could bring ya with me, so we all... we're all on the same page.  Y'know.

Dyrihm nods. "I'll need to talk to him myself anyway- but I wouldn't want to overwhelm him right now. He's... you know. Having a rough time."

[Jackdaw]: Fuck- yeah. You know how he is, always got that wall up, but- y'can tell he's holdin' back somethin' fierce.

Jackdaw grimaces, some personal misery sneaking into his expression.  "I ain't real keen t'go bother 'im again soon myself."

Dyrihm nods again. "Maybe this can wait."

Jackdaw is clearly in agreement.  "Little while.  Long as we do it 'fore you try 'an talk to this Father wossname.

Dyrihm smiles. "I'll wait, won't do anything stupid. I promise."

Jackdaw smiles back, faintly cheeky.  

[Jackdaw]: Better fuckin' not.

[Dyrihm]: Besides, if he's been sending this out starting with that Scarlet shit, he's being patient himself.

Jackdaw makes a face. A patient enemy is not a good enemy.

Dyrihm sees that face. "Look, it's not gonna blow up overnight, is all."

Jackdaw mutters, "You'd be surprised."  He glances back toward the city proper.  "Maybe I oughta go grab those potions for ya."

Dyrihm nods. "If you don't mind? Be nice to have something to put my mind at ease, after all."

Jackdaw nods. "I'll stop by later.  Take care, mate."

[Dyrihm]: You too, Nob.

Jackdaw flickers and vanishes with a nod.

[mygoodrabbit]