Rhoelyn: Nysse stretched on her bunk and rolled to her feet. Tsume followed as she stepped outside. Dew clung to the grass and her feet. (c)
Rhoelyn: Nysse’s gaze observed the waking outpost. Her eyes searched for Calinea, Rhese, and the others.
Araatris: Calinea waits by the moonwell, speaking quietly with an armored Dwarvish figure that Nysse doesn’t recognize.
Rhoelyn: Nysse walks nearby and nods in greeting, but doesn’t interrupt. She scratches Tsume’s ears and hands her a treat from her pouch.
Araatris: Cal glances up after another moment of conversation and beckons her over. “Good morning, Nyssera. Meet Dethedrus Madhammer.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse steps forward and bows. “Good morning and please call me Nysse. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dethedrus.” She smiles politely.
Araatris: The paladin nods and offers his hand, his hawkish features and long, black beard odd in the nightelven camp. “A pleasure, lass.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse only hesitates a moment before grasping his hand and shaking it firmly. She glances at Cal, “Will any of the others be here?”
Araatris: Cal nods. “I’m sure they won’t be long. Deth arrived overnight. He’s putting 2gether another team 2 speed up recovery of the orbs.”
Rhoelyn: “Ah, well, that’s good. It would help to get them collected.” Nysse shudders, “Today will be… Interesting to say the least.”
Araatris: Beside them, Dethedrus smirks. “Clearly, ye havena spent enough time wi’ th’lads, yet. Ev’ry day be int’restin’, ’round here.” (c)
Araatris: (c) Valerio and Rhese walk up to the trio, the former informing them, “Max will be along shortly. He’s looking in on Sansea.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods to Val & Rhese. “Oh yes… they’re definitely fun.” She smirks. “Though some parts of the job are more fun than others.”
Araatris: Rhese leans against the moonwell, flashing Nysse a grin and a wink. “When we’re done saving the world, you’ll see the fun parts.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse flushes slightly, “Well, how about making something less fun into something I can deal with? Think you can keep me company?”
Araatris: He glances at Calinea, who nods and says, “Until Verune is done with her, you’ll accompany her. Deth will take your place with us.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse turns serious, “That is if you want to. I meant to ask you last night, so it’s a bit last minute. I just thought since (c)
Rhoelyn: you had such luck breaking me out from the orb’s power…” She trails off and shrugs slightly, at a loss for words.
Araatris: Rhese grins at Nysse. “Of course I’ll go with you, lovely. I deserve a break from these jokers, anyway.” Max scoffs, walking up.
Rhoelyn: Nysse tries to hide a sigh of relief as she turns to Calinea, “Do we need to head to Verune now? I don’t believe that I’ve met’em.”
Araatris: Calinea nods, waving a dismissive hand. “You two may head off whenever you’re ready. The rest of us will go over today’s mission.”
Rhoelyn: “Lead the way, my lord.” Nysse grins and bows to Rhese. “For I do not know the way.” Only the set of her eyes betrays her fear.
Araatris: The druid in question gallantly bows to the lady, offering her his arm. “I hope you’re ready. We’re going to the Moonglade.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse takes Rhese arm and smiles bravely, “Then to Moonglade. Never been there you know. I hope you’ve have some way to get there.”
Araatris: “I’m extremely good at getting there, actually, but I’m afraid it’s a teleport for one,” Rhese smirks. “So we’ll go by hippogryph.”
Rhoelyn: She walks with Rhese and talks with a Sentinel about acquiring a hippogryph. Promising to send it back, Nysse tugs Rhese on the (c)
Rhoelyn: mount behind her. “They’ve only got one. We’ll have to share and it’ll be a bit slower, but it’s better than walking.”
Araatris: “Anything my lady says,” he rumbles with an amused grin, dutifully taking his place. Long hours with his hands on Nysse? So rough.
Rhoelyn: Nysse was surprisingly quiet as they road. She relaxed back against Rhese, guiding the hippogryph with a light hand on the reins.
Araatris: Aware of the tension in the huntress, Rhese rides quietly, letting her relax. Once landed, he leads the way 2 the Darnassus portal.
Rhoelyn: Nysse walks with him, her hand resting slightly on his arm. Lost in thought, she frowns as they pass through the portal. (c)
Rhoelyn: Her hand tenses slightly on Rhese’s hand as she begins walking with him through Darnassus towards the other portal for Rut’theran.
Araatris: Glancing at her, he slows his stride. “Is something wrong, Nysse?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse speaks very softly, “I know I offered, Rhese, but those orbs frighten me. I know as a ranger I shouldn’t let it bother me…”
Araatris: He eases to a stop, placing his hand over hers. “There’s no rule in the hero handbook that says we can’t be afraid, lovely.”
Rhoelyn: “It’s a sign of weakness and that I can’t do it by myself seems so… silly.” Nysse looks annoyed and glances away from Rhese.
Araatris: “I’m sure you COULD do it by yourself, Nysse, but you don’t need to,” he says gently. “It’s smart to rely on your team, not weak.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods and shifts as if wanting to hug him, but stops with a jerk. Forcing a grin, “Well, let’s go. We really shouldn’t dally.”
Araatris: The druid grabs her, un-aborting that aborted hug. He pats her back soothingly. “I’ll protect you, Nysse. Don’t worry.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse hesitates in surprise before hugging him tightly. “Just don’t let me lose myself to the orbs. Please Rhese…” She shudders.
Araatris: He holds her, a wall of muscle and stubborn dedication. “I won’t, Nysse. Not now or ever. I swear it.”
Rhoelyn: “We really should head on.” Nysse murmurs. She shifts slightly away from him and gives him a tiny grateful smile. “And..thank you.”
Araatris: Rhese smiles, taking her hand again and tucking it against his arm. “Any excuse for a hug, actually. Comforting you was a bonus.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse colors, “Rhese!” However, she walks with a lighter step and a hint of a smile is present on her lips as they exit Darnassus.
Araatris: The druid laughs. “There’s the smile,” he says before turning to the flightmaster and ordering them a pair of mounts.
Rhoelyn: Nysse laughs. “I’ll see you in Moonglade… where you have a promise to keep.” She squeezes his arm in farewell before mounting.
Araatris: Upon landing, Rhese turns to find Nysse idly watching the keeper leader her mount away. “Ready?” He gestures toward Nighthaven.
Rhoelyn: Nysse begins walking towards Nighthaven. “I’d be lying if I said I was, but I’m going anyway. It should be safe enough,… I hope.”
Araatris: He leads her through the village itself, waving to a few peers who greet him along the way, and to a house on the green outskirts.
Rhoelyn: Nysse tenses, but continues to look as pleasant as possible. Her fist is clenched tightly onto her bow. “This is our destination?”
Araatris: Rhese nods, calm but serious, and steps up into the open building. “Verune? Are you here?” A smooth voice calls back. “Out back.”
Rhoelyn: Glancing at Rhese, Nysse follows him around to the back. She reaches for Rhese’s hand to briefly squeeze it, taking comfort in it.
Araatris: He flashes her a reassuring grin before approaching the druid & his two assistants, their attention on a weathered stone workbench.
Rhoelyn: She surveys the group, stepping with him despite the gut-wrenching feeling she was getting. “Good day.” Nysse bows to the group.
Araatris: Verune turns, mumbling at the others to keep working. He approaches, his impassive gaze intense. “Ishnu-alah, sister. Rhese.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse meets his gaze. Struggling between curiosity and wanting to run before it was too late, she waits for Rhese to explain.
Araatris: “Verune, this is Nyssera Whispersong. Nysse, Verune Treebreeze. He and his team are working on neutralizing the orbs,” Rhese says.
Rhoelyn: “It is my pleasure to meet you, Verune. Very commendable. I hope that I can be of use to you.” Nysse inclines her head politely.
Araatris: The other druid smirks. “Be of use to me? Mmm… I like you, already.” Sobering, he adds, “Calinea’s report was typically (c)
Araatris: (c) sparse. I am unclear on the nature of this… sensitivity she mentioned.” He looks Nysse up and down with a clinical eye.
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods, “It’s sparse because we don’t know much about it. I’ve only been in close contact with the orbs a few times. (c)
Rhoelyn: What we do know is that I feel the orbs for further away and at a distance they can influence me. Touching one…” She shudders.
Araatris: Verune rubs his chin thoughtfully. “That’s interesting, indeed. We’ll need a full history- some blood tests. How traveled are you?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse raises an eyebrow, “Constantly. I’ve been posted to locations on Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. Most recently, Outland.”
Araatris: “Mm. Have you spent any time in Northrend?” Verune pulls out a small book with a charcoal nub tied to its spine and starts noting.
Rhoelyn: “No, I’ve not been assigned to Northrend.” Nysse stands attentive & straight, much like when she’d been reporting in at the Refuge.
Araatris: Rhese rolls his eyes, shifting restlessly. “Verune, can she at least sit down while you grill her?” The other druids blinks. “Oh.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse blinks. “Oh! I was fine, Rhese! I don’t mind standing.” She seems embarrassed as she looks between Rhese and Verune.
Araatris: Verune smirks. “No, he’s right, if a rude cub. This is no interrogation, and you have both traveled far, this morning. Come.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse grins, “Rude cub… I’ll need to remember that.” She winks at Rhese as Verune shows them to a nearby grotto with benches. (c)
Rhoelyn: Verune gestures to the empty benches and settles down with his book. Nysse takes a seat and watches as he rereads what he wrote.
Araatris: The other druid continues to ask Nysse about her recent travels & activities, jotting notes & ‘hm’ing often. Midday comes quickly.
Rhoelyn: Unused to idleness, Nysse stretches and shifts. It’s the sound of her rumbling stomach that cuts into one of Verune’s questions.
Araatris: Verune pauses, then laughs, shaking his head. He glances at Rhese, who’s practically dozing on the grass nearby. “Perhaps a break.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks at Rhese, “It’s for the best when it’s that loud. We could all use some food.” She smiles and glances back to Verune.
Araatris: Rhese opens an eye, groaning theatrically. “Is poppabear done with the inquisition, now? I’m starving.” He yawns and stretches.
Rhoelyn: Nysse smirks, “Says the cub.” She chuckles. “Well, I’ll need to rely on your advice. Where to? I could eat anything right now.”
Araatris: Rhese “oofs” as Verune boots him playfully in the ribs. “I’ll ask Ash to prepare a meal. Why don’t you stretch your legs a bit?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse giggles. “Thank you, Verune.” Leaning over, she offers Rhese her hand. “Come on, Rhese! I want a chance to look around.”
Araatris: He takes her hand, getting up with a rueful glance at Verune. Rubbing his ribs, he stretches a bit more. “Where to, my lady?”
Rhoelyn: “I saw a lake from the gryph, it seemed to be fairly close. How about there?” Nysse bounces eagerly with pent up energy. “Come on!”
Araatris: “Of course,” he says with a grin for her enthusiasm. “It’s this way.” He leads her around a hillside, revealing Lake Elune’ara.
Rhoelyn: Nysse runs forward and tugs of her boots. Rolling up her pants and steps into the water. “Ah! It’s cold!”
Araatris: Any attempt Nysse was making to stay relatively dry is ruined when Rhese runs up beside her and dives into the lake, splashing her.
Rhoelyn: Nysse puts her arms up futilely to defend against the water, “Rhese! Was that necessary?!” She wipes at her face with a damp hand.
Araatris: His seal form surfaces long enough to bark laughter at her before diving away into the lake.
Rhoelyn: Nysse hesitates only a moment before diving into the water after him. She could always change into the clothes from her pack…
Araatris: Rhese swims up to her not long after she submerges, circling her with powerful strokes of his tail. His eyes glitter happily.
Rhoelyn: She twists about trying to get a good look at Rhese. After a few moments, Nysse swims to surface for a deep breath.
Araatris: He surfaces a moment later beside her, shifting back to his sodden nightelf form with a grin. “It’s better when you just dive in.”
Rhoelyn: “I was trying to keep my clothes dry.” Nysse splashes at him with a wry grin. “You killed that idea the second you dived in.”
Araatris: He laughs, brushing his wet hair of out his eyes. “Well, yes. That was the idea,” he admits with a daring wink. “Food, now?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse grins wickedly, “Definitely!” She dives once again under the water and swims under Rhese’s legs towards the shore.
Araatris: Rhese ponders mischief for a moment before simply swimming after her to drag himself, dripping, from the water. “Too hungry…”
Rhoelyn: Nysse picks up her boots, but doesn’t bother to put them on. “… I’m soaked. Ah well, do you know where to me ‘Ash’?”
Araatris: Rhese pulls off his tunic, wringing it out. “I’m sure she’ll be up at the grotto, by now. Ashanderei is 1 of Verune’s assistants.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse tries to be subtle as she looks at Rhese. Mentally she whistles, a sound which may or may not escape her grinning lips. (c)
Rhoelyn: She busies herself checking over her clothing before starting back towards the grotto. “I’m absolutely starving!”
Araatris: He slips his tunic on and trudges after her, distracted by his grumbling stomach until they arrive to find a generous meal waiting.
Rhoelyn: Gaping at the food, Nysse stares at it for several minutes. “The first -real- meal in days…” She might start drooling any moment.
Araatris: Looking almost as hungry, Rhese helps himself to a seat, gesturing for her to join him. A robed female walks up, bringing drinks.
Rhoelyn: Nysse takes a seat near Rhese. She glances at the robed woman with a smile. “This looks wonderful! I don’t know where to start!”
Araatris: Ashanderei smiles, setting cups in front of both of them. “Nysse, Ash. Ash, Nysse,” is all Rhese bothers with, intent on food.
Rhoelyn: “Pleased to meet you!” is all Nysse manages before food tempts her too much and she eats with vigor until she’s full and content.
Araatris: Amused, Ash leaves them to their meal, only returning once both are looking full and drowsy, the majority of the fare devoured.
Rhoelyn: Half-lidded, Nysse gives Ash a relaxed grin, “Thank you. That was wonderful.” She glances at Rhese, “I’m sure he’s thankful too.”
Araatris: Rhese nods, offering the druidess a dazzling smile. “You’re a blessing after too many camp meals, Ash. Thanks.” She blushes.
Rhoelyn: Nysse twitches and narrows her eyes at Rhese before turning to Ash with a smile of her own. “Does Verune need me again?”
Araatris: “Um… actually, I brought supplies with me. I need to draw blood, if you do not mind too much.” Ash ducks her head shyly.
Rhoelyn: Nysse frowns in thought, “That’s right. He did mention that. Well, might as well get it over with. What do you need me to do?”
Araatris: Ash clears the table, while Rhese moves away to give them room. “I just need your arm, if you please.” She pulls a leather case out
Rhoelyn: Nysse holds out her left arm for Ash and takes an interest in something else… anything/one else. “This won’t take long will it?”
Araatris: Nysse feels a warm hand on her arm. “Not at all. This will only take a few moments. It will sting a bit.” The prick is immediate.
Rhoelyn: Clenching her other hand, her eyes wander to Rhese while ignoring her arm. “I hope you haven’t been too bored today, Rhese.”
Araatris: Rhese sits on the grass, shaking his head. “This is the first quiet day I’ve had in months, lovely. I’m enjoying the break.”
Rhoelyn: “You were certainly having a nice nap earlier.” Nysse chuckles. “I might be a bit jealous.” She stays as still as possible for Ash.
Araatris: He grins, watching as Nysse’s blood seeps through the hollowed thorn & into a glass vial. “Well, I’m afraid my lady has WORK to do”
Rhoelyn: She snorts, “I prefer this to what I expected. Which I’m sure is still coming.” Nysse grins weakly, grimacing as she waits.
Araatris: As the needle is withdrawn and a scrap of cloth pressed against the wound, Rhese stands and places his hand on Nysse’s shoulder.
Rhoelyn: Nysse keeps her gaze on Rhese as she murmurs an aside to Ash, “Are you done drawing blood?” The fist she was holding relaxes.
Araatris: “All done, sister,” she says, tying a strip of cloth around Nysse’s wrist to help the wound clot. “Thank you. I believe shan’do (c)
Araatris: (c) wanted you to meet him at the crucible, if you are ready.” She gestures toward the work area they saw when they first arrived.
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods, “Of course. I won’t keep him waiting.” She stands a bit quickly and shakes off the momentary weakness before walking.
Araatris: Rhese walks at her side, taking her hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. Verune glances up from where he crouches beside a chest.
Rhoelyn: She holds onto his hand for a moment as she pauses and looks confusedly around, “What’s that buzzing sound? It sounds familiar…”
Araatris: Rhese gives her a confused look. “Buzzing? I don’t hear anything, lovely.” Verune raises a brow. “Describe what you… hear.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse frowns and looks between them, “It’s deep and reverberates like… a gnomish machine. Like the sound is passing… (c)
Rhoelyn: through me… I don’t like it.” She growls under her breath, clearly ill at ease.
Araatris: Verune stands, straightening from the chest. “The orb we have is heavily shielded. How interesting. Step away. When does it stop?”
Rhoelyn: The word orb drains the color from her face. Releasing Rhese’s hand, Nysse backs slowly. She stops at about fifteen paces. “Here.”
Araatris: Verune yanks out his little notebook, jotting observations as Rhese watches Nysse carefully. “Does it “get louder” with proximity?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse steps forward and back a few times, tilting her head and listening. “It’s rather muffled. I didn’t even realize it was (c)
Rhoelyn: an orb until you mentioned it.” She steps next to the chest and suddenly stumbles back ashen-faced. “Oh… it’s definitely an orb.”
Araatris: Rhese puts his hand on her elbow, a steadying grip. “What was that?”
Rhoelyn: Still staring at the chest, Nysse speaks weakly, “It wants out… it wants out now… I probably shouldn’t get too close.”
Araatris: Rhese nods, tugging her back a few steps and placing himself between her and the chest in a transparently protective move.
Rhoelyn: Nysse uses the moment to regain her composure. “Are you going to want to test the limits outside of the chest, Verune?”
Araatris: Verune shakes his head. “Clearly, we need to proceed slowly. Your sensitivity is well beyond anything we’ve observed, before.”
Rhoelyn: She sighs in relief. “I was hoping you would say that.” Nysse steps to Rhese’s side, a hand on his arm. “Any ideas on what next?”
Araatris: The elder druid ponders for a moment, glancing at his notes. “Now that I have more information, I’ll work to develop a battery (c)
Araatris: (c) of tests to start helping us understand the limitations and reasons behind this ability of yours. Take the afternoon to rest.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles, “I can certainly do that. No offense. I think I need it.” She tugs on Rhese’s arm. “Rhese… Come on.”
Araatris: He does as bid, allowing Nysse to tug him away from the hum of the orb to wherever her nervous footsteps care to take them.
Rhoelyn: She tugs him to the lake and sits in front of the water. “Elune help me…” She lays back on the grass, closing her eyes.
Araatris: Rhese reclines on his side beside her, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “She will, Nysse. And so will I. You can rely on us both.”