#saphrael

[naivariasunspell]

April 27

Lady Starsong’s gown was finished in time for the gala, and I helped Lady Amberdawn with hers at the last moment, leaving me little time to prepare myself.  I am unsure why, but I felt woefully inadequate when I walked into the hall for the event.  Perhaps it was that I was not wearing the most elegant of gowns, and instead a simple evening dress with lace dressing the bodice?  Perhaps it was due to my own societal standing, though  I ought to have felt privileged to be there—after all, I was probably one of only a few who were not nobility who had attended. Instead it merely felt uncomfortable—up to and past the point where Lady Whitesun unabashedly attempted to toss me at one Thei’veril Sunforge.  I find this rather coincidental, after having met an Arandoros Sunforge not three days prior. Are they related?  I asked Arandoros and he does not seem to know, and after the embarrassing situation at the gala I am not inclined to speak to Thei’veril if there is no need to do so directly.  Oh, I’ve nothing against the man, I would just not like to give the impression that I was even remotely harboring any interest in that regard.

One thing did happen at the gala which still shocks me:  The Lady Devonshire—the Lady Devonshire—was present at the gala.  Lady Starsong had mentioned knowing her, and unfortunately just as soon as Lady Devonshire told me I was to become her apprentice I grew lightheaded and had to excuse myself.  It was the wine.  I had not eaten anything but a few slices of apple all day, and I am not a very large woman in the least, so it grew quite potent quite fast.  I suppose it was a good thing that I needed to take a walk outside, for if I had stayed in the hall I might have actually squealed—and I imagine such behavior would have been promptly frowned upon.

That said, I am constantly surprised by the people that I meet.  This Arandoros… the first time we met was a complete accident—I had not been looking at anything but my feet and somehow ended up wandering to the public forge and running into him.  We talked shop for a while, and as a result I think I will always secretly refer to him as “Lady Sunforge,” whenever I see him about.  The second time we met, too, was a complete coincidence—yesterday I had been running a few errands and he spotted me scurrying toward the safety of my little apartment.  The next several hours were spent in his company, and I must say that it was good fortune that I bumped into him, for he managed to pull me out of my otherwise gloomy mood and make me laugh quite a bit—and I needed it very much yesterday. A good friend he will be, I suspect, and he is fast becoming one already.

I’ve sent out my card, and I think I may have found a place to operate as a shop and design studio… I just need to get in contact with Lord Bladerunner.  Perhaps later today or tomorrow if I can manage to find him when he is available.  Maybe I ought to just send a small letter via post?  I also ought to look at that book he sent along—from what little I saw, it looked interesting.  Zanteron also needs his book back—that man and I need to talk.

When did I become so busy?

[oraios-rueviel]

“Oh fuck! Are you okay?” - Never interacted prompt!

“Oh fuck! Are you okay?”

The platinum haired woman rushed toward him as the raven-tressed man slowly dragged himself to his feet while rubbing his posterior with a grimace. Meanwhile, distance was growing between him and the unruly dragonhawk that had rudely thrown her rider from her back in protest of his presence.

With an exhale, Oraios turned his verdant hues toward the black and gold plated woman, a lopsided smile curling up on his lips. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s not the first time I’ve been thrown before. Dragonhawks are actually pretty gentle about it compared to Nether rays. They can be wicked little bastards when they get ornery.”

[secretlyshadowy]

Going Home

Reshnir walks slowly through what had moments before been the Shadow Council force's camp, a cut on his leg causing him to limp. He watched the portal out of the corner of his eye, resisting the temptation to go to it first. Check on the injured first, then the rest...The portal survived the fighting it will survive this. 

He kneels besides Jaq inspecting a long gash on his arm with a frown. "This is ganna hurt, brace yourself." He closes his eyes, his hands cupping the injury as he whispers a chanted prayer. A mercurial glow envelops the wound, ending a short moment later. Removing his hands Resh inspects the red half healed gash left behind, "Get someone to wrap that, and get a sling....Where is your brother?"

Resh stared at Jaq's face for a moment as the man stared at him, a blank expression on his face. Resh shakes his head, a low growl escaping. "...Burned or Buried Jaq? He was your brother, it's your choice." Jaq shakes his head, his eyes falling to the ground as tears begin to fall freely. "I told him I'd get him home..." 

Resh places a hand on Jaq's shoulder, the other wiping his own eyes. "We'll burn him on the other side then...You know we can't risk him turning into one of those plant things. Not there....Stay here, I'll send someone to look at your arm."

--------------------------

Reshnir stood staring at the portal for few moments before stepping through, carrying one handle on the stretcher holding Sylvanis' body. All the fighting they'd done in Gorgrond. He was their only death. 

They'd waited for reinforcements before finally stepping through the portal to Eversong woods on the other side. There was some spattered cheering as they went through, but Resh could hardly bring himself to find cheer in their return as he helped Jaq gather fallen wood from the tree's around for the Pyre. 

Once the Pyre was erected Reshnir stood with the other Sunrunner forces that had come through with them, a hand on Jaq's shoulder. "Like so many before him, Silvanis gave his life defending our home. Defending his brothers and sisters. Like so many we left buried on Draenor, he will be remembered. He made it home. May the Light return him to it's glory." Reshnir whispers a word, his body flashing briefly with a white light before he casts the fire into the wood at the base of the body. Squeezing Jaq's shoulder, "You kept your promise...He made it home."

---------------------

The embers had gone out, many of the others had already left before Reshnir gathered his things and turned in the direction of the city. Taking a deep breath he started on his way, muttering a short prayer on his walk. "Light let this homecoming be a good one..."

[secretlyshadowy]

Reshnir grumbled as he awoke from a short nap. Grumbling he put on the skull helmet that had been gifted to him by the Laughing Skull leaders as a sign of their alliance. A finger tracing the wound below his eye that he'd had stitched, he gives a short sigh. They'd been in Gorgrond for two days now, with little interaction with the Iron Horde. The heat of the place after the ice of Frostfire felt oppressive. 

It seemed that their worst enemy in this place was the local animal and plant life. He'd lost track of the times he'd wondered away from camp to relieve himself only to have the plants take apparent offense and attack. No one was allowed to go anywhere alone anymore. 

Upon standing Resh takes count of the Sin'dorei in camp. Among the low built tents that one had to crawl into, they sat, or lay. Waiting out the warmest most humid part of the day, only a few were missing, out scouting. He drains his waterskin, left hand rising to rub his eyes through the skull. They should be returning soon, he'd have to be up to take the report. With luck there would be news they could act upon. 

Opening his eyes he saw the two scouts returning now, saying a quick prayer he waves them over. "Light above tell me you've found something to kill." The two exchanged concerned glances before turning back to Reshnir. 

"We...Well, we think they're shadow council. They're a large group, sixty at best count. They include a number of mages and warlocks. About seven hours away."

Reshnir grinned widely and pulls a rolled up map from his bag, unrolling it and gesturing for them to mark the spot. "About time, I'll get the Laughing Skull to put a force together, between us we should have no problem taking them out. Anything else to report?"

They again glance at one another, "Well, there was a...portal. Resh, I may have been seeing things but I swear to all that is holy it was Eversong on the other side. There was a group of trolls. Only three, but...It looked like they were from Tor'watha. They were talking to quietly for us to hear."

Reshnir froze at the words, speaking slowly and quieting his voice. "Was it a stable portal? Did they have anyone channeling to maintain it?" 

"None that we could see." He nodded, plans formulating in his mind. "I want you to keep this quiet. Share it with Lady Amberdawn, and Lord Furseth. If we share it with everyone they'll just make for the portal instead of focusing on taking out the enemy. " He rolls the map back up putting it into his pack. 

"Tell the Lady and Lord, I want them to take a part of the group we have here and make directly for the portal. Take control of it, and kill anyone that tries to close it. Have everyone else break camp. We leave in an hour."

Reshnir tossed his pack over a shoulder, collecting Jaq on the way out of the encampment. "Tell the Laughing Skull we need as large a force as they can get to the location marked on this map within the hour. Make sure they understand that there are many there to kill or they won't bother coming."

Jaq gives a nod and takes the map that Resh holds out to him. "What about you? Where are you going?" 

Resh gives a small smile pausing beside the camps lone Ryak, "I've got orders to report back to Capt. if we found a way out of this hellhole. I told the Frostwolves to leave me Ryaks along the way. I'll be back and at that location in an hour...Hopefully with reinforcements close by." 

---------------------------

The Ryak ride went swiftly, Reshnir running into the garrison and Captain Screamshot's tent with little regard to formality as he hastily made his report, informing the Captain that they were going to take hold of the portal as it was their best shot home. 

Returning to the first mount exchange post Reshnir gave a short yell, dropping the remaining distance off his mount and into the snow clutching his right shoulder. Ripping off his armor and looking at his shoulder Resh blinking through the burning pain, noticed an eight pointed star, four points contained within a circle, the other four extending beyond. He recognized it...What would Lady Salees' House sigil be doing on his arm. He had to get back to Silvermoon. 

The rest of the ride went by quickly as he kept his eye on the sun, noting the time.

----------------------------

Reshnir breaths heavily as he rejoins the group near the Shadow Council forces. "Alright...Everyone knows the plan yeah? Laughing Skull will be joining us." He glances to Jaq for confirmation continuing after the man gives a brief nod. "We've got more Sunrunner forces on their way as well, but we cannot expect them to get here until after is all said and done. We have the element of surprise on our side...Lets get the killing started." The group charges over the low rise they were hidden behind, coming upon the shadow council forces suddenly and with complete surprise. They were scattered about, some napping, others tending campfires and preparing food. The Sunrunner forces gave them no chance to organize, cutting into them where ever they lay. Barely getting started before they heard the whooping that announced their allies. 

[secretlyshadowy]

Reshnir glances around the makeshift warcamp that he and the others had arrived at the evening before. The majority of the small tents had already been taken down, the Frostwolf orcs amassed near the entrance of the pass they would be assaulting momentarily. Resh collected Jaq and Silvanus with a wave, speaking loudly to be heard over the preparations being made around them. " I want you both to find the Frostwolves' version of archers, stick with them. Stay out of the heavy hand to hand fighting. I need you both alive for when we get to the other side." 

The brothers gave twin nods, faces set into grim expressions as they gathered up their bows and set off through the crowds. Resh kept an eye on them until they disappeared from sight before gathering up his helm, careful of the plume and setting off to find Lord Furseth and Lady Amberdawn. He found them a moment later together. "One way or the other we're not coming back? ...Really Lord Furseth? Jaq was up half the night talking about how he should go back and steal a frostwolf pup for himself now if we're never going to come back." He smiled as he said the words making his jest obvious. 

"More seriously though...try to stay close during the fighting. There aren't many of us, and no heroics we should just be offering support, nothing to major so lets keep our heads down. I don't want--" He's cut off by the sounds of horns from the canyon pass. The frostwolves yelling for everyone to quickly get to the mouth of the pass before the Iron horde made it through, groups of orcs hurrying to respond. Reshnir glances around at the few gathered around himself and the nobles, the few who had come with them. "Looks like it's time for a fight, Stay close to one another, keep each other safe. I will see you all on the other side. If you've a need to find me on the field." He puts on his helmet, raising his voice to heard clearly. "Look for the red plume. And remember, the Light resides within you all." He gives a short nod to Kaveen and Saphrael, lowering his voice as he unclasps his axe from behind him. "Lets do this shall we?"

A grin forms on his face as the group moves to the front of the pass at a slow jog, picking up pace as the draw closer. Taking up formation at the far right of the canyon, the wall rising steeply beside them they can finally see the enemy arrayed before them. A large group of Iron Horde orcs stretched across the path fifty yards into the canyon, yelling their war cries and banging weapons on shields as they advanced at a slow pace.

45yards, Reshnir kneels, a hand on his axe the other resting on the ground as he beings to pray.

....30 yards

...20 yards. Reshnir stands up, gripping his axe firmly with both hands. His grin still firmly in place as his tongue flickers across his teeth in anticipation. 

Their Frostwolf allies give a ferocious roar, which echos off the canyons walls, shaking the loose rocks free before charging forward to meet their enemies. Reshnir shifted his weight, going from dead still to a full run, his own yell adding to those already filling the battlefield. "Forward! Forward for Sunrunner! Forward for the Light!"

He glances briefly to his sides before returning his gaze back to the enemy, his axe flashing as they clash taking the front two down in a spray of crimson. He blocks a blow with the axe haft, the Iron Orc pressing close to yell in his face as he attempted to force his blade past. Resh's nose wrinkles briefly at the smell before teaching the orc that the spike on his helm was for more than just decoration, headbutting it in the face. His head forced to follow the collapsing orc, he caught a glimpse of another coming at him. Attempting to twist his body to lighten the blow he knew he'd be unable the stop Resh's grin widened when he saw an arrow sprout from the orcs neck. Glancing back and up he saw Jaq standing on a small cleft in the canyon wall, arrows flying.

The fighting continued for several more minutes in a blur, until looking around, breathing heavily, Reshnir could see no more Iron Orcs. Raising his axe above his head he let out a yell in victory, as did many others. Celebrating their relatively easily won battle. During this brief celebration Silvanus ran up to him, motioning him to listen. Ceasing his yelling and listening hard Resh could hear the sound of metal footsteps marching. "There are more! Back into Formations!" He yelled to both his own Sin'dorei and the Orcish commanders. They'd barely reformed before the fresh group of Iron orcs came around a warp in the wall that had hidden them as they marched. Renewing the battle, Resh downed an orc to find another standing behind it, sword raised to strike. His own weapon still recovering from his swing He took two swift steps forward lowering a shoulder, and sinking the blades decorating it all the way into the beast, landing atop it. Taking the time as he rose to look around at the battle swirling around them. They weren't doing so well this time. His smile slipped replaced by a frown as an odd sound reached his ears, the sound of laughter...maniacal laughter.

"LAUGHING SKULL! ALLIES!" The cry went up from the Frostwolf orcs, as the redoubled their efforts against the Iron Horde.

Reshnir breathes heavily after the fighting had ended, his new armor having survived it's first battle, now coated with blood. His only wound being a red vertical gash starting just below his right eye and extending to his chin. It would need tending to later he knew, but for now he couldn't feel it, just the blood flowing from it. He took the time to check on those who'd come with him briefly before joining the Frostwolf and Laughing skull leaders who were holding a brief conference among the many dead.  

[secretlyshadowy]

Reshnir stands as he watches Lady Amberdawn walk to the barracks, exhausted from her latest patrol through the snow covered hills. He shakes his head putting his new axe into it's place on his back before turning and starting off at a brisk pace stopping a few other members of the Sunrunner guard to ask where Guard Silvanus was. He finally found the man snoring next to the embers of a fire. Kicking his feet he roused him. "Hey, get up. I need your tongue. Now. We're heading to Wor'gol. Bring your brother, but don't tell anyone else."

The Sin'dorei grumbled as he stood, running a hand over his now lengthening hair. "You really need to learn to speak Orcish yerself you know Resh. Me and Jaq might not be around when ya need us." He started gathering his things and stuffing them into a small bag, which he slung over a shoulder when he was finished. "Jaq should already be there. He's taken a liking to watching them train their wolves."

Reshnir gave a brief nod, ignoring the comment about his language problems. "Then let's go. It's a bit of a walk, and we can't risk taking a Rylak."

-----------------------

Three hours of trudging through the snow later the two arrived at Wor'gol, snow encrusted and exhausted. Reshnir removed his helmet, brushing snow and ice out of the plume before taking time to look around. "Go get Jaq. I'd rather all three of us were here for this. You...embellish things to much." 

Silvanus gave Reshnir a sour look before turning to go find his brother. "You tell one little lie..."

Reshnir moved through the Frostwolf encampment, giving nods of greeting to those few he recognized from previous outings before stepping into a large hut and moving to sit by a fire across from a large orc, dressed as a shaman. Reshnir taps his closed fist lightly to his chest giving a greeting using some of the few orcish words he knew while he awaited on the brothers.

A few awkward moments of silence passed before Silvanus and Jaq entered the hut, Silvanus wearing a smirk, while Jaq smelled of wet dog. "Light Jaq...what have you been doing?" Resh wrinkled his nose, raising a hand to stop Jaq before he could answer. "Makes no difference you're here now. Translate." 

Resh shifted his weight as he considered his words, "I would like to start off by making note that I can not speak for my whole group as I have not the authority to do so. I can only speak for myself, and for these two with me who have also agreed." He pauses momentarily to allow Jaq to finish the translation. "We will assist you in your attempt to seize the pass between Frostfire and Gorgrond, provided you help us make contact with this...Laughing Skull Tribe. We have had enough sitting around. You have us three, and I will try to convince others to come as well. If you will have us."

Resh takes a deep breath as he finishes talking, awaiting on the orc's reply. 

Jaq listens carefully while the orc speaks at length before he turns to Resh, brushing his bangs out of his eyes before translating. "He says he'd be honored to have you fight with them, and that any help you can bring. Even if it is just us three is greatly appreciated." 

Reshnir arches an eyebrow, "All that talk to say just that?...Tell him we will meet him there in two days."

Jaq gives a small shrug before turning to to translate the words. The orc shaman gives a nod and a toothy smile before outstretching a hand which Resh took. 

Formalities over the three Sin'dorei took their leave of the hut. "You two spread this quietly around the guard yeah? I'll talk to the Honor Guard. And do remember, we're not going against orders here...make that clear. We're just expanding our patrols." 

The three trudged back to spread the word. With luck, more would join them.