Araatris: After a trying night and a few hours of exhausted sleep, Nysse is woken by strong hands gripping her wrists, tugging her arms back.
Rhoelyn: Nysse awakes with a jerk and immediately tries to free her hands. It takes a few moments more to open her heavy lidded eyes.
Araatris: A familiar voice near her ear rumbles, “Be calm, girl. We’re here to help.” Valerio holds her while Rhese growls from nearby.
Rhoelyn: “What are you doing? You shouldn’t be here, Val. You weren’t fit to travel!” Nysse frowns, tugging at her hands & looking at Rhese.
Araatris: “Between the Druids and Calinea, I made a swift recovery. Are you calm? I will release you if you will wait and listen,” he says.
Rhoelyn: Forcing herself to relax, Nysse nods. “One of these days we should meet on better terms.” She sighs, “I’m willing to listen.”
Araatris: “I agree,” he says, releasing her. Rhese growls, again, struggling nearby. “Maxinquay, if u don’t let me up, I swear, I WILL bite!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse calls out to Rhese, “Relax before you hurt something… Namely yourself.” She turns to Val, “Mind explaining now?”
Araatris: He does so, grumbling something barely intelligible to Max about “embarrassing him in front of the lady”. Calinea steps up to Nysse
Rhoelyn: Nysse focuses on Calinea and nods in greeting. She rubs at her wrists before getting her feet with groan for her stiff muscles.
Araatris: Calinea nods, her quiet smile friendly and warm. “Thank you for finding Rhese, and for helping him. Are you injured?”
Rhoelyn: “It was for Rhese.” Nysse pauses. “I’ve just a few bruises. Nothing that a good meal and a night’s sleep wouldn’t cure.”
Araatris: “Very well.” The draenei priest nods. “I apologize for the confusion, but your companion got muddled. We had to halt your travels.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse blinks in confusion. “What do you mean? We had stopped to rest. I’d taken them away from him before we stopped.”
Araatris: A few paces away, Rhese grits his teeth. “I’m not muddled, Cal! We have to destroy those things. Let me go!” Calinea ignores him.
Rhoelyn: “Is that what they’re referring to, Rhese? They don’t want us to destroy them? Buy why?” Nysse looks between Rhese and Cal.
Araatris: “Because this is not the way to destroy them,” Cal answers, turning to address Rhese. “Remember the failsafe, Rhese. I am certain.”
Rhoelyn: “Failsafe?” Nysse rubs at the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on due to the lack of sleep. “What failsafe?”
Araatris: Rhese answers her, sounding uncertain. “The failsafe… Cal never gets near the orbs. Ever. She should be clear-headed.” Max nods.
Rhoelyn: “Good failsafe. They make my skin crawl even if I’m not carrying them.” She looks at Cal. “So, clear headed one, what -do- we do?”
Araatris: “We get you two and the orbs back to the Cenarion Refuge, where they can contain these with the others.” Cal gestures vaguely.
Rhoelyn: “No offense, but I don’t like the idea of just containing these.” Nysse frowns. “They’ve nearly killed several people.”
Araatris: Cal smirks. “Nor do I, but for now, we aren’t sure how to destroy them. Before he was overwhelmed, Rhese told me the orbs (c)
Araatris: (c)-wanted- to come to Shadowmoon Valley. I think it’s a safe assumption that what they want is what we do not.” Rhese frowns.
Rhoelyn: Nysse frowns as well thinking, “He also mentioned the Netherstorm… the Void. Said something about ‘pieces are escaping’ while (c)
Rhoelyn: holding onto the Orbs. He mentioned Shadowmoon after I took the orbs away. Something doesn’t seem right.” She watches Rhese.
Araatris: The druid meets Nysse’s gaze, answering her unasked question. “I … don’t know. I was so sure about Shadowmoon, but…” He shrugs.
Rhoelyn: “I can’t discount what Rhese said without knowing more. I owe him.” Nysse glances at the others before looking to Rhese again. (c)
Rhoelyn: She walks to Rhese and holds his gaze. “Do you remember why you thought they could be destroyed there? Or mentioned the Void?”
Araatris: He sighs, flexing his wrists under Max’s iron grip. “I don’t remember … anything about the Void. Shadowmoon just… feels right.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks grim, and speaks reluctantly. “Let me carry them. If I want to go to Shadowmoon, then we know what not to do for sure.”
Araatris: Rhese scowls. “Absolutely n-” “Yes.” Calinea interrupts him, weathering his glare. “It makes sense. Valerio, watch her carefully.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse gently squeezes Rhese arm. “It’s the only way to be sure..” She grins weakly before walking over and picking up the orb pack.
Araatris: Rhese growls ferally, renewing his struggles against his friend. “Cal! Don’t let her do this!” Max grimaces, but no one relents.
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles once more at Rhese, “It’s okay.” She hugs the orbs to her chest and lets the hum enter and overtake her mind.
Rhoelyn: Nysse groans as her eyes glass over. She stumbles a few steps forward. She mouths, “Shadowmoon” and takes a few more steps.
Araatris: Valerio grabs her with firm hands, tugging the pack from her grip. He holds it by the strap, as far away from them both as he can.
Rhoelyn: Nysse attempts to hold onto the pack. She kicks at Valerio in an attempt to get him to let go. Her eyes are fully blank.
Araatris: Valerio grunts, protecting himself as best he can and keeping a firm hand around Nysse’s arm. “A little help, here!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse yanks hard on the pack while shoving a foot into Valerio’s shin. “Need to go… must… must give me the orbs…”
Araatris: Max releases Rhese, and the two rush to help, the druid grabbing Nysse around the waist to pull her away just as Val’s grip fails.
Rhoelyn: Nysse flails and almost hits Rhese with the pack. “Listen to me! I need to go!” She seems to be avoiding hitting Rhese directly.
Araatris: The druid wraps a hand over her eyes, holding her head back against his shoulder and shooting Max a meaningful look. “Why, lovely?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse clutches the bag to her chest, but stops fighting Rhese. “It’s where I -should- go. They…” The huntress doesn’t continue.
Araatris: “They what, Nysse?” Rhese speaks soothingly to her, close to her ear, while Max creeps up, ready to snatch the pack.
Rhoelyn: Nysse’s voice drops to a whisper. “They… they need to go to Shadowmoon Valley. They need -me-… Please… let me go…”
Araatris: Rhese shakes his head. “No, lovely. I don’t think you’d like what you found there.” At his signal, Max rips the pack away.
Rhoelyn: Nysse cries out, “No! Why?!” For just a moment she strains against the druid’s grasp. Finally, she trembles and relaxes.
Araatris: Max takes the pack across the camp, dropping it disdainfully to the ground. Rhese slowly lifts his hand from over Nysse’s eyes.
Rhoelyn: The huntress just shudders for several moments. “I can still hear them…” Nysse turns and looks to Rhese with haunted eyes.
Araatris: Worried, Rhese takes her hands. “Don’t listen, Nysse. Push them away. Let’s walk and get some distance to clear your head.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse holds onto his hands. “They always seem to affect me more than others… I really hate them…” She follows Rhese’s lead.
Araatris: The druid glances back at Calinea, nodding slightly as he leads her out of their makeshift camp, farther from the pack. “Relax…”
Rhoelyn: It takes several minutes of walking before Nysse seems to be able to relax. “I think I need to never do that again. Ever.”
Araatris: Rhese smiles at her. “I was about to tell you the same thing. But it was very brave of you to take that risk, lovely. Thank you.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse chuckles and smiles. “It’s good to see you again, Rhese… For you, I was willing to risk it.” She blushes and looks away.
Araatris: “Now, there’s the smile I remember.” Grinning, he starts slowly guiding them back toward camp. “I knew we could find it, again.”
Rhoelyn: “Rhese…” Nysse shakes her head and chuckles. She walks beside him and leans against his side tiredly. “Your friends wear me out.”
Araatris: Beside her, Rhese rolls his eyes, tucking an arm around her shoulders. “TELL me about it.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks slightly embarrassed as they walk into the camp site. She grins at him, “Well, at least we know where to avoid now.”
Araatris: “Yes.” Calinea steps forward, handing Nysse some rations. Rhese releases her and goes to slug Max in the shoulder, a small revenge.
Rhoelyn: Nysse takes the rations. “Thank you.” She bites hungrily at it. “I was starving. Didn’t bring near enough rations or supplies.”
Araatris: Calinea nods. “Yes, well. Eat and rest up a few minutes. We should leave for the Refuge as soon as possible.” She turns away.
Rhoelyn: Nysse rolls her eyes and eats. Sitting on a rock, she swigs from her canteen. “Where’s Tsume?” The huntress looks for her wolf.
Araatris: Valerio answers her, his gaze following Cal as she offers rations to the others. “As I was not certain what we might encounter, (c)
Araatris: (c) I politely asked her to remain behind at the Refuge.” He glances out at his own wandering wolf, watching him sniff at a tree.
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods and finishes her meal. “Am I to be left in the dark when we reach the Refuge or do I get to accompany this time?” (c)
Rhoelyn: Her gaze settles on Val with a certain amount of challenge, “I -have- risked myself with these orbs multiple times.”
Araatris: Valerio shrugs, glancing at the others. “The girl has a point.” Max points out, “And Sansea is out for the count. We’re down one.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks to Calinea and Rhese. “And you?” She stands and stretches out her sore muscles in preparation for travel.
Araatris: Rhese folds his arms stubbornly. “I want you as far away from all of this as possible.” Beside him, Cal points out, (c)
Araatris: (c) “Ysiel makes the huntress’s assignment decisions, regardless. I will consider asking her for help while we make our way back.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse doesn’t respond to Rhese, but nods at Cal. “Fair enough.” She glances at the others. “I’m ready to travel when you are.”
Araatris: The group heads out, leaving Valerio to erases the signs of their camp. Rhese pulls Cal off to the side as they walk, conversing.
Rhoelyn: Nysse watches, able to guess the topic, as she walks. “Do you know if he’s normally like… this?” She gestures and glances at Max.
Araatris: Maxinquay smirks, meeting her gaze. “Like what, exactly? The mule-headed obstinacy? The league-wide protective streak? The smell?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse laughs, “The stubborn league-wide protective streak.” She grins, “He hasn’t figured out that it’s not his choice alone.”
Araatris: “Ya, that’s fuzzbutt for ya,” Max says with a shrug. “He thinks it’s his job to protect the worlds from themselves, no matter what”
Rhoelyn: “Oh well, I just have make sure he respects my wishes. He doesn’t need to agree.” With a grin at Max, she calls to Rhese, (c)
Rhoelyn: “Oi! Fuzzbutt! Let the lady be! It’s not her you need to be convincing! Or are you trying to make me jealous?” Nysse teases.
Araatris: Rhese raises his head from their conversation, blinking. He shoots Max a lighthearted glower. “Stinky corpses should stop yapping.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse laughs again, “Get your butt over here, Rhese. I can guess what you’re talking about and I have a hunch it’s me.”
Araatris: The druid excuses himself to Calinea, leaving her looking amused, & makes his way over to where Nysse is walking. “My lady calls?”
Rhoelyn: “I do, my dear Rhese.” Nysse smiles gently, “And she has a request of you. Will you honor it?” She adjusts her bow on her shoulder.
Araatris: Rhese smiles, sketching her a gallant bow. “As long as my lady doesn’t ask me to let her willingly walk into this mess, I will.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse speaks sharply in annoyance,”This is my choice. Would you rather me in danger AND blind?” She stops & puts a hand on her hip.
Araatris: He stops as well, folding his muscular arms across his chest, his voice gentle.”No, lovely. I would rather you stay OUT of danger.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse glares, “I owe you my life. I don’t owe you my right to choose. I’m used to danger.” She mimics Rhese and crosses her arms.
Araatris: He frowns. “Fine. You have the right to choose. So how wise is it for someone with an admitted weakness for the orbs to hunt them?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse growls under her breath, “Because that makes me sensitive to them. Hearing them easier also means I know if one’s nearby.”
Araatris: “And it means that you’re going to get your will sucked away every time we blink.” He stands resolute. “You can’t want that!”
Rhoelyn: “Want?” Nysse shakes her head. “No more than I want to see someone hurt.” She meets Rhese’s gaze, “But they’ll call either way. (c)
Rhoelyn: Maybe next time I’ll be alone again. To seek them means to face them on MY terms, be prepared… To have someone to watch my back.”
Araatris: Rhese sighs, shaking his head. “… you make a good point, and I don’t like it. Fine. If this is what you want, I won’t stop you.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse steps forward and rests her hands lightly on his arms. “I don’t like it either but I’d rather have someone to watch my back.”
Araatris: “You’ll definitely have that much, Nysse,” he assures, grabbing her hands & squeezing them gently. “C’mon. I need to spot Max.”
Rhoelyn: She smiles fondly at the druid, “Yes, I’m sure he’s more than ready. Go on, put your stubbornness to use.” Nysse pushes him at Max.
Araatris: He chuckles. “Yes, my lady.” He goes to take the pack of orbs from his undead teammate. In this way, they travel, taking turns.
Rhoelyn: Nysse carefully chooses to keep a distance from the orbs, but even then she could feel their hum. “I’ll be grateful to get back.”
Araatris: Calinea, the only team member to never carry the pack, walks beside her. “As will I. I dislike dealing with so many orbs at once.”
Rhoelyn: She nods, “We should be getting close.” Nysse scans the sky. “Then when can get a mild reprieve. My skin is absolutely crawling!”
Araatris: Cal peers at her searchingly. “So you really are that sensitive to them. Interesting. I wonder why…?” She looks thoughtful.
Rhoelyn: “It’s the same thing that drew me to the first one.” Nysse shrugs. “I’d love to know why myself.” She pushes a stray hair back.
Araatris: “Perhaps we can have the the druids who’ve been researching the orbs examine you. This sensitivity could be meaningful,” she says.
Rhoelyn: “By examine… Nothing too much right?” Nysse brightens, “Tsume!” A wolf rushes through the underbrush and barks excitedly.
Araatris: “I doubt Rhese would forgive me if I let them dissect you.” At Nysse’s shocked look, she smirks. “Nothing too much. I promise.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse raises an eyebrow after ruffling Tsume’s fur. “Hah! I expect not.” Nysse grins, “I was referring to the orbs though.”
Araatris: Calinea tilts her head. “I don’t understand your question, then. Proper safeguards are always taken, but the orbs must be studied.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse shudders, “I know..I just hate those things.” She meets Cal’s gaze. “Do you think they would allow me to have someone there?”
Araatris: Smiling reassuringly, Calinea nods. “I will see to it they do whatever makes you comfortable. No one wants to see you Taken.”
Rhoelyn: “I wonder if he would…” Nysse glances at Rhese and back to Calinea. “Taken? Is that what you call what the orbs do?”
Araatris: The priest nods, shrugging slightly. “It seems as apt a description as any. The victims’ minds are Taken by the Will in the orbs.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods. “Cal, I’m don’t know what you need to do when you get to the Refuge, but do you think I could steal Rhese for a bit?”
Araatris: Calinea gives her an odd look. “If you like. Once we debrief Ysiel, I’m sure we can spare him. He needs to rest, anyway.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse’s cheeks color slightly at Cal’s look, “I’ll be sure to let him go to rest. I promise! I just wanted to talk to him.”
Araatris: Calinea nods, smirking. “Of course. Once we make our report, he is all yours.” She looks up, noting the forest yielding to fungi.
Rhoelyn: “Should only be a few more before we’re there.” Nysse grins and moves to walk by Rhese… regardless of the orbs’ hum.
Araatris: Rhese offers her a strained smile, the orbs loud in his head during his turn to carry them.
Rhoelyn: “It’s not much further, Rhese. Then you can finally rest.” She briefly squeezes his arm before the noise causes her to let go.
Araatris: He acknowledges her comment with the barest of nods, jerking at her touch. Glancing back the way they’ve come, he bites his lip.
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks at Rhese worriedly and encourages everyone to pick up the pace. She stays close next to Rhese; clenching her teeth.
Araatris: As Rhese trudges along silently, Valerio approaches and gently takes Nysse’s arm, urging her away from him. “Let him concentrate.”
Rhoelyn: She follows Valerio, but not without a frown. “I just wish there was something I could do, but I can’t even be too close.”
Araatris: The draenei shrugs, his expression typically dour. “He chose this burden, and … honestly, good at carrying it. Most days.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods. “He does, but I wish there was some other way to carry them. Where someone didn’t have to…” She gestures at Rhese.
Araatris: Val nods, following her gesture. His concern for his friend is plain. “The druids are working on… something.”
Rhoelyn: “Let’s hope they have something soon.” She looks to Val. “How long have you known him, Val? You seem to be really good friends.”
Araatris: Valerio considers it for a moment. “In the grand scheme, not so long. But Rhese has a way… under the skin. Our lives are bound.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods, “He has a way with that it seems.” Nysse smiles gently at Val. “You’re a good friend to him, Valerio. I can tell.”
Araatris: Val looks a little flustered, hiding in a deeper frown. “Well. We take care of each other. You’ll find out if you join the team.”
Rhoelyn: “I hope I can. At least.. They’ll want to study me from what Cal says.” Nysse absentmindedly rubs the ears of the wolf next to her.
Araatris: Valerio grunts eloquently as they step under the archway leading into Cenarion Refuge, the towering mushrooms spreading overhead.
Rhoelyn: Nysse greets a few of her comrades with a smile and a wave as she walks towards the building with Ysiel. “Ysiel’s on the balcony?”
Araatris: The Sentinel on duty nods, greeting Nysse and the others. “Welcome back, Huntress. She has been awaiting your return.”
Rhoelyn: “Then I won’t keep her waiting any longer.” Nysse looks pensive as she passes the Sentinel, knowing she left without telling Ysiel.
Araatris: The Expedition leader turns as they approach, her keen gaze assessing the group. She points. “Sentinel, escort Rhese to Morthis.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse fights an urge, not her own, to follow. She takes only a single step before forcing herself to focus on her leader. (c)
Rhoelyn: She steps back with a pleasant expression. Only the set of her shoulders and a clenched fist betray her tension as the orbs leave.
Araatris: Nysse catches Calinea watching her with a knowing gaze before the priest also turns her attention to Ysiel. “Nyssera, your report.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods, “Ysiel, after seeing to Valerio and sending an initial party to see to the rest with Calinea. I followed shortly (c)
Rhoelyn: after in order to check on the status. I found Rhese had the orbs and had left. I followed and retrieved Rhese. At his direction(c)
Rhoelyn: we were headed to Shadowmoon when Calinea, Valerio, and Maxiquay caught up. From there we regrouped and headed back here.”
Araatris: Ysiel digests the report, nodding. “Huntress, I commend your swift action. You’ve likely saved lives by ensuring the orbs’ return.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse bows slightly, then she glances at Cal. “We have also discovered I have a… sensitivity to the orbs. It may be helpful.”
Araatris: The nightelf looks at Calinea. “Helpful how?” Cal answers, “I’m not certain, but I would like your permission to investigate this.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse keeps her expression polite and impassive as she watches for Ysiel’s response. She rubs her thumb against her bow nervously.
Araatris: Ysiel nods toward Nysse, watching her. “If my Huntress is willing, you may borrow her time. And if you are all careful.”
Rhoelyn: “It would be my honor.” Nysse bows low before Ysiel and Calinea. “To save lives…If I can help in any way I am at their service.”
Araatris: “Good. Then until further notice, you will join Calinea and her team. Stay safe, Nyssera.” Ysiel rests a hand on Nysse’s shoulder.
Rhoelyn: Nysse meets Ysiel’s eyes, “I will. May your troubles be diminished, honored teacher.” Her voice is full of warmth.
Araatris: Ysiel smiles before dismissing them, her attention diverted by a messenger. Calinea turns as they walk out. “Welcome to the team.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods at Calinea and smiles, “Thank you.” She covers up a yawn with one hand. “Do you need me before I go find Rhese?”
Araatris: Cal shakes her head. “No. We all need rest, and I need to confer with the research team. Go ahead. We will meet at dawn, tomorrow.”