#ruo nightrend

[alexandrialacoria]

”We took down two dragons before we had to go our separate ways. Perhaps we’ll meet again another day.”

@nightrend

[alexandrialacoria]

Thinking Back

Usually all it took was a good night’s sleep to help the Magister regain her composure and wrap her head around any shocks that life seemed to enjoy throwing her way. This was not usual however, this most recent surprise from the universe rocked Alexandria to her core. Pushing a piece of sausage around her plate, breakfast remained largely ignored.

Four years Noesis had served together, through multiple campaigns, despite innumerable losses, they had continued to fight threat after threat. All it took was closing her eyes to picture the first time that she ever saw Ruo Nightrend. All around them Pact forces were falling to the Risen at Brassclaw Landing, morale was breaking as commanders and second-in-command’s were ripped apart. Fighting to the high ground amidst the chaos, a warband fought off the onslaught of Zhaitan’s minions, their Centurion bellowing to the Pact forces. An unnatural blue blaze consumed her blade, matching her blazing mane as she rallied the forces together.

“Lady LaCoria?” Alicia’s voice brought her back to the present. Blinking back the tears that were forming in her eyes, she looked at the dark haired teenager who now sat across from her with her own plate of breakfast. “Is everything okay?”

“No dear,” setting the fork next to the plate as she gave up on breakfast, her attention fixed on the young page. “You said that you wanted to know more about the Pact didn’t you?”

Green eyes sparkled, her curls bouncing with the nod of her head. Keeping silent as she chewed a bite of the breakfast that she seemed to be enjoying, her attention was fixed on Alexandria.

“This might not be exactly what you wanted to know, but maybe you’ll find it interesting. When I first joined the Pact, I was just serving in a nameless unit; one assigned to aiding in the northern offensive in Orr. With our joined might it felt like nothing Zhaitan threw at us would be able to slow us down, and then we reached Brassclaw Landing…”  

[alexandrialacoria]

Go See Her

Knocking on the door to the downstairs guest room, Alexandria took a deep breath as she waited for permission to enter the room. Hearing a grunt and growl telling her to come in, she entered, her eyes settling on the large white, orange striped Charr who was almost done packing up the few belongings that he had brought along.

“Etherbane,” trying not to sound too authoritative, she knew that being nice during this conversation would get her nowhere. Holding out the airship pass in her hand, icy blue eyes fixed on the Charr as he took it.

“What’s this lass? What in the name of the Khan-Ur is a Chicken Pusher?” His chuckle rumbled from deep in his chest as his own deep blue eyes met his longtime colleagues.

“The Chicken Pusher is a terribly named airship. However, it will take you out to an outpost known as Olivia’s Refuge. From there, you can catch the chopper with pilot Skyrend out to the Noesis outpost in Auric Basin.” Only the knowledge that he would never lay a hand on her kept Alexandria from flinching at the angry growl.

“Fer the last time Lil Pyromancer, I ain’t goin anywhere near that place!” Dropping the pass on the floor, he turned angrily to finish packing his gear.

“Dammit Etherbane, stop being such a damned silly kitten!” Matching his irritation, she stepped around so that he could see her again, and to avoid the powerful swishing tail that threatened to knock her over. “You’re the only person left that I can think of that might be able to help Ruo. I can’t even get through to her anymore!”

“I ain’t gonna do it lass. Last time I thought we lost the Centurion, she came back to us different than when she left. Even in Orr I could tell somethin wasn’t right, lil things were different that made her not herself. Then you tell me ya found her wanderin the Brand fer a year? Ya might have found her body, but my Centurion? Sorry lass, I’m startin to think she died there in those catacombs with them ghosts.”

“So you’re just going to sit back and ignore the fact that she’s dying?”

“What?” Snapping straight up, he stared down at the pale Ascalonian who was glaring at him with tears in her eyes.

“You heard me Etherbane, she’s dying. Her condition has gotten a lot worse.” Etherbane opened to his mouth to ask a question, only to be cut off. “Yes, why do you think I always had my team work so closely with us? We’re trying to figure out how to stabilize her magic, but right now we’d be happy just to slow down the advancement.”

Silently, the smith turned back to his packing, finishing it up and slinging his pack over his shoulder. “I’ve already thought she was dead once lass, I ain’t about to get my hopes up again just to lose her again. Sorry.” Bowing his head, he side stepped through the door, leaving Alexandria alone in the guest room, fuming in irritation.

[callaistyrconnell]

Primary report from Operation Frost Fall Arcanist Callais Tyrconnell Member of the Mist Energy Research and Application Division and Noesis

Under the directive and supervision of Commander Ruo Nightrend, Warmaster Morgan Valister, and Lieutenants Sviennlark and Frosthildr, a march from Elder’s Vale in Frostgorge Sound to Black Ice Pass in Bitterfrost Frontier was conducted. The goal of the operation was to escort the supply dolyak Bill along with supplies to establish a base camp in the Bitterfrost region.

In addition to providing combat support for the caravan, I was tasked with establishing safe passages across large waterways. This was accomplished with a combination of magic and compounds used to create an endothermic reaction in the flowing waters. Even with the low temperatures of the water, establishing a stable ice platform proved to be a difficult task.

Three passages across the water were made successfully, utilizing substances supplied by Arcanist Sholtz and his research team. I will note that without the constant flow of magic continuously freezing the waters, the ice bridges collapsed almost immediately. Following the third passage, I had completely reached my limit for magic output.

A temporary camp has been established by Noesis south of Black Ice Pass for our team to recuperate. Scouting excursions have begun not only including members of Noesis, but members of other Pact Teams, Orders, and individuals moving into the region to offer support. I am currently awaiting medical clearance from Lieutenant Sviennlark to resume active duty.

This concludes my report. Copies to be sent to Magister Alexandria LaCoria, Arcanist Sholtz, and submitted to Commander Nightrend.

@alexandrialacoria @nightrend @rising-ember

[nightrend]

“We are the soldiers of the front line. The combat specialists. The siege-breakers. We stand shoulder to shoulder as brothers, shaped by war and ready to sacrifice for a cause greater than our own. With steel and blood we will charge headlong into the ice maw to claim victory for Noesis.”

 — Ruo Nightrend 1329 AE

[callaistyrconnell]

Commander Nightrend and Officers of Noesis,

My inquiries at the Priory have yielded maps of the territories north of Frostgorge Sound. It may prove to be nothing more than useless sketches on parchment. The region was once known to the Stone Summit Dwarves as Iron Horse Mines. I have been informed that between the natural shifts in topography combined with the influence of Jormag, that very little may remain that matches the maps. It was speculated that some of the deeper, larger caves may yet remain intact however.

I am sending these to you in advance of my return. I wish to take two days before returning to spend with my dear companion. Magister LaCoria is aware of this leave should any issues arrive.

Arcanist Callais Tyrconnell.

@nightrend @rising-ember @alexandrialacoria @sviennlark

[nightrend]

"Hey Ruo?" Magister LaCoria had lingered behind after the other Noesis officers had departed from the monthly council. "What do you want for Wintersday? Or at the very least, what type of cookies do you like?"

Looking up from the compilation of reports she always seemed buried in, a thoughtful rumble stirred in her throat.  "Wintersday? It’s that soon already?“ blinking languidly she chuckled and shook her head, straightening the worn leathers she was currently adorned in. The year had gone by so fast and soon they would once more be marching to meet the latest threat spewed out by Tyria. ”I would like for us to survive long enough to even see Wintersday, mouse but, if you insist - I wouldn’t turn down a batch of your famous sugar cookies, “ she winked playfully and it seemed as though a spark of her old self had reignited with the numerous changes that had been taking place within Noesis - this new campaign gave her purpose, a chance to get out from behind the desk and the bureaucratic red tape that came along with it.

[nightrend]

Early morning nesting in warm blankets again unable to sleep so question; what do you want to know most about Ruo? Send me some asks!