Rhoelyn: Nysse races ahead of them, playing with the pup. Rhese waits until she’s away to ask Wrune, “Do you have any way to send a message ahead?”
Araatris: The paladin smirks. “Not exactly. But it’s my experience that … well, Aleesa is seldom surprised by anything. She probably will be expecting us.”
Rhoelyn: Nodding, Rhese scratches his cheek. “She does seem the type. More critically, why are you doing this? No offense, but you seem rather… compliant.”
Araatris: Scrunching up his face, Wrune gives the disguised druid a droll look. “How, exactly, is that taken to be not offensive?” He shakes his head.
Rhoelyn: Rhese grimaces. “Compliant isn’t the best word. Content maybe?” The huntress runs back with the pup in her arms, frowning at Wrune’s look.
Araatris: “You wanted me to oppose you more? Tell you that I won’t capitulate to the veiled blackmail?” He stares intently. “I would if it didn’t feel right.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse mumbles next to the disguised druid, shifting uncomfortably, “Rhese, maybe we should explain. They’re putting themselves at risk.”
Araatris: Her partner glances between Rylana and Wrune and then frowns at her, part obstinate and part thoughtful. “… I suppose, if that’s what you want.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress speaks softly. “I think we can trust them, but you need to feel that you can, too. I won’t say anything without your full support.”
Araatris: Rhese takes her elbow, tugging her farther from them and speaking more softly. “Nysse, I know they’re risking themselves here, but… trust them?”
Rhoelyn: She grimaces. “It’s just a gut feeling.” Nysse glances at the others. “I’m… I better run ahead before I say something I shouldn’t.” She pulls away.
Araatris: “No, wait.” He doesn’t grab her again, but he starts to, reaching out with a sigh. “You feel like they’re part of it. Whatever it is. I do, too.”
Rhoelyn: Nyssera hesitates. “I feel crazy every time I mention it, but then I think of Yami. My gut says tell them. My mind…” She shakes her head.
Araatris: He glances back at the humans, talking quietly together while they continue to walk beside their mounts and Vorok. Finally, he shakes his head.
Araatris: “We can’t trust this feeling, yet. And I can’t search for my sister from an Alliance prison, Nysse. It’s too risky to tell them anything more.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress droops, but nods. “You’re right. Of course. I’ll let you handle it. It’s not like I can do much as a slave.” She grins weakly.
Araatris: Yami yaps at her, and she winces. Her eyes dart back to Rhese. “He disagrees.” The druid smirks and reaches out to the pup. “I noticed.”
Rhoelyn: She relaxes slightly. “We’ll wait until after we see this… Aleesa. Maybe we’ll have a better idea then.” Rhese gently squeezes her arm and nods.
Araatris: When they step back over to the others, Ry narrows her eyes at them. “Ya two’re bein’ real suspicious, ya know?” Nysse winces and hands her Yami.
Rhoelyn: “I’m sorry. I was afraid to tell you that Rhesan hasn’t been eating well. I know how much you like him and I’m worried he’ll overtire himself…”
Araatris: Though Wrune quirks a skeptical brow, Rylana gasps and cuddles “Rhesan” tight. “Aw, darlin’! Ya gotta eat, lil’ boy. How ya gonna grow up big?”
Rhoelyn: Rhese grumbles, “I told you how she was going to react, Nyssera. Now go run before I decide that we’re heading back.” He shoos her away.
Araatris: “Yes, Rhese,” she tries to look cowed, but as the huntress rushes off again, a smile lifts her lips. Vorok stares at Rhese until he sighs. “Go.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune shakes his head. “You’re not heading back.” Rhese smirks. “My wildling doesn’t need to know that. We’re getting close, aren’t we?”
Araatris: A voice from a nearby copse of squat trees startles them. “One might say you’re already there.” All three of them spin, reaching for weapons.
Rhoelyn: Yami yips as Aleesa steps free. “There’s no need for weapons.” She gazes blindly toward the pup. “Yami, is that any way to greet your aunt?”
Araatris: Rhese’s jaw drops before he manages to catch himself, and he blurts out, “You know? Y- wait. Aunt?” Wrune is distracted by the woman next to her.
Rhoelyn: “Calinea.” The priestess smiles at him. “It seems we were meant to see each other sooner.” The pup squirms out of Rylana’s arms. “Rhesan!”
Araatris: He rushes over to Aleesa, his form shifting as he goes. The boy’s shout of “min’nu” as he grabs her is almost drowned out by Rhese’s cry, “Yami!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse comes bolting back at the startled yells and runs up to the draenei. “Alei! What are you doing?!” Aleesa hugs the child. “It’s alright, Nysse.”
Araatris: “It’s not alright!” Rhese approaches Aleesa, but the big draenei, Hadaal, steps in front of him. Rylana gapes. “W-what kinda puppy is that?!”
Rhoelyn: The huntress cringes. “He’s not a puppy. He’s… he’s our voidling son, Yami.” Aleesa rests a hand on Nysse’s bowed head. “Come to our camp.”
Araatris: Nysse nods, watching as Yami calms Rhese by going over and taking his hand. “An’da…” The druid finally stops glaring at Hadaal to look down.
Rhoelyn: “Please don’t be mad. Min’nu is trying to help.” The boy’s onyx eyes capture his father’s until he relents. “Fine.” Wrune rubs his face.
Araatris: “Light, but I’m confused right now,” he complains. Cal smirks and takes his hand. “Come along, now.” The group follows Aleesa as she makes her way.
Rhoelyn: They settle into a mostly intact draenei building with a fire in the center to hold off the night chill. Nysse blushes as Yami cuddles on her lap.
Araatris: Rhese leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. Aleesa looks at him and speaks as he opens his mouth. “No need. I know who you are.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana glances at Wrune, sitting with his hand clasping Calinea’s. The draenei shaman smiles. “I see that you’ve fixed one thing. I’d missed him.”
Araatris: “If you knew, why didn’t you tell me?” The druid snaps. “Our boy wa-” “Was already safe and happy, having found his mother.” Aleesa smiles.
Rhoelyn: The worgen sergeant groans. “But how is he her son? What’s a voidlin’? How come they dinna know about’im? An’ why do ah feel like this is normal?!”
Araatris: The shaman smiles benevolently. “Everything will be clear in time. You thought tonight was about answers, but it’s about the right questions.”
Rhoelyn: The false druid growls. “Seriously? Fine. Why do so many people seem familiar? You, Wrune, Calinea, and even the kid; I’ve felt like I’ve met you.”
Araatris: Nysse rests a calming hand on his arm as Aleesa answers, “That is because we are familiar. Scattered pieces of what should be, not what is.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune frowns and looks at Calinea, then Aleesa. “You’re saying that we know each other. Why don’t I remember it?” Yami crawls to Rhese’s lap.
Araatris: The druid wraps his arms around the boy automatically as she answers. “You do not remember what never happened, here.” She gazes toward Nysse sadly.
Rhoelyn: The huntress bites her lip and casts her gaze down. “Why are you looking at me like that, Aleesa? Am I supposed to remember something?”
Araatris: “It began with the fingers in your life, Nysse. So much of what you hate there was never supposed to happen.” She sighs softly. “I’m sorry.”
Rhoelyn: The night elven woman’s head snaps up. “N-no, don’t give me that hope again. They’re dead! I ordered their d-death myself when I was Taken.”
Araatris: Aleesa’s blind eyes close in pain, and she looks away, her face toward Rhese. “You weren’t where you should have been. You missed each other.”
Rhoelyn: Rhese frowns. “Are you saying that I should have found her before she was Taken by the orbs?” The draenei nods. “In the Zangarmarsh swamps.”
Araatris: Wrune speaks up, blinking. “Zangar… marsh? Do you mean Zangarra? That little swamp to the far east of Shattrath city?” The shaman sighs.
Rhoelyn: “That is also not as it should be. You should all be friends after fighting the Orbs.” Nysse quietly turns from the others, shoulders shaking.
Araatris: Yami looks up from his drowse, suddenly, and scrambles out of Rhese’s arms. “Min’da?” He stands by Nysse’s knee, resting his hands on her.
Rhoelyn: The huntress’ voice cracks. “I should have had a mate, a child, friends…” Yami hugs her tightly, kissing her tears. “We’re here now, min’da.”
Araatris: Rhese slides over and wraps his arms around them both. “We’re going to fix it,” he says, and then he glances up at Aleesa. “We’re going to fix it.”
Rhoelyn: Aleesa nods. Rylana ventures in a tiny voice. “Is there any way ta ‘member’em?” The draenei looks thoughtful. “Rhese, would you drop your disguise?”
Araatris: As both humans turn to him with sharp looks, the druid releases his family to surge to his feet. “Aleesa!” Hadaal stands as well, scowling.
Rhoelyn: The draenei holds up her hand. “Your secret is not well held at the moment. The young woman saw just earlier today. Trust me. Trust them.”
Araatris: Rhese looks at Nysse, hugging Yami as she wipes the tears from her cheeks. She nods. The druid frowns, watching Wrune and Ry as his form reverts.
Rhoelyn: The silver-haired night elf meets their shocked expressions grimly. Ry gasps, “It’s you!” Wrune grabs her arm. “Ry, do you know him?”
Araatris: When she says, “He’s th’Alpha, Aron!” Rhese pales, his expression darkening. “You’re one of the Hunters.” She clenches her fists as he growls.
Rhoelyn: Nysse breathes deeply and stands, picking up Yami and setting him on her hip. She steps between them. “Please don’t fight. This isn’t right.”
Araatris: Wrune nods and keeps his hand on Ry’s arm. “She’s right. There’s so much here that isn’t right.” He looks at Rhese, his brow furrowed.
Rhoelyn: Ry grumbles, “But it’s his fault–” Nysse sighs, “Rhese is still dealing with it, Ry.” Her free hand brushes the black scars on Rhese’s arm.
Araatris: As the human turns away, her adoptive father rubs his forehead and glances over at Calinea for support. “You are Sunbane spies, I assume.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress nods. “Rhese and his guard, myself. We were sent to find out what was going on and get back out. Easier said than done.”
Araatris: When he frowns and says, “I should have you both arrested,” two people speak at once. Rhese growls, “Never.” Aleesa says, “But you won’t.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune sighs. “I won’t.” He tugs Calinea into his arms. Nysse lightly touches Ry’s shoulder, holding out a wolf pup. “Yami’s asking for you…”
Araatris: The young woman considers them with a sour frown for a minute before sighing and taking him, cuddling him close. “Ah really dunno what ta think.”
Rhoelyn: “Neither do I, Ry. I have a mate and a son when days ago that would have been unbelievable.” Nysse risks hugging Ry close to her. Aleesa smiles.
Araatris: “We have a beginning,” the shaman says softly. Rhese folds his arms, surly. “Fine. So our enemies should be our friends. How do we fix it?”
Rhoelyn: Aleesa stands and rests a hand on Rhese’s. “First you must gather those closest to you. You have seven, but five remain. You already know most.”
Rhoelyn: “That will grant you the vision you need. Then you will need to seek a dragon of bronze where the spirits are ageless to mend the wound.”
Araatris: The druid sighs and presses his lips into a tight line, looking at Nysse. “Five remain. How will we know who?” Aleesa pats his hand. “You’ll know.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress releases Ry and bites her lip. “We have to go back to find them, don’t we?” She walks to Vorok and caresses the wolf’s muzzle.
Araatris: With a smile, the shaman nods. “Since you’ve found each other, they are starting to fall into orbit, pulled toward center by what should be.”
Rhoelyn: Calinea steps away from Wrune to Nysse, grasping her hands. “You don’t want to go back, do you?” The huntress doesn’t answer. “We should go.”
Araatris: “… It must seem difficult to step back into the role of slave after all you’ve realized you have.” Cal says it gently, ducking her head.
Rhoelyn: Nysse grimaces and refuses to meet anyone’s eyes. “I’ve never been so humiliated in my entire life and I can’t do a thing or I’ll risk Rhese.”
Araatris: “Would you rather he went back alone?” The huntress frowns at the question. “Of course not. It’s my duty to protect him. I have to stay with him.”
Rhoelyn: Rhese frowns, disappointment crossing his features. “It’s just your duty?” Nysse looks sharply at Rhese, blushing. “Of course it’s not just that.”
Araatris: Though he nods at her answer, the druid doesn’t say anything else. He brushes a hand through his silver hair, looking around the group.
Rhoelyn: The huntress sighs. “Are we all in for this? Does everyone want to find these others and try to fix things? We’ll have to bring them back here.”
Araatris: Aleesa waits, her sightless eyes shifting around as Calinea settles back into Wrune’s arms. The paladin says, “What if meddling makes it worse?”
Rhoelyn: The shaman shakes her head. “It does not work that way. The damage has already been done. If we do not fix this, then this will be our reality.”
Araatris: “Couldn’t… couldn’t that jus’ be okay?” Rylana speaks up timidly, fidgeting. “Ah mean… it ain’t so bad an’ all.” Her glance darts to Wrune.
Rhoelyn: Nysse turns away and climbs on Vorok’s back. “For you, maybe. You still have your father.” She leans down. “May I have Yami please?”
Araatris: The girl pales a bit and ducks her head, handing him to her carefully. “A-ah shouldn’ta… S-sorry, Nysse.” Nysse holds the dozing pup close.
Rhoelyn: “I’m not going to force anyone to do this. Even with Rhese and Yami, I feel that I’m missing so much. I need to do this for myself and them.”
Araatris: Wrune steps up beside Ry and rests a hand on her shoulder, Calinea’s hand firmly grasped in the other. “It needs to be right, my girl.”
Rhoelyn: She looks worriedly at him. “But what if yer not mah da? Ah don’ wanna lose ya.” Wrune grins. “Then I’ll just have to find you again, won’t I?”
Araatris: The woman tries to nod bravely, but she sniffs and scrubs a sleeve across her eyes. She buries her face against his breastplate when he hugs her.
Rhoelyn: “I’m sorry, Ry.” The huntress stares at her son, rubbing eyes with dark circles under them. “Aleesa said that we were friends. You won’t be alone.”
Araatris: Rhese swings up into Vorok’s saddle behind them, grabbing the reins. His face is shuttered. “Let’s get moving. We’ve been out long enough.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune nods and says his goodbyes, guiding Rylana to their mounts. Shortly, they’re on the road again. Nysse anxiously places a hand over his.
Araatris: He pulls his attention back from the horizon and looks down at her from his green eyes and sin’dorei features. He turns one hand over to clasp hers.
Rhoelyn: They ride back quietly, Nysse drooping sleepily. Yami sprawls in her loose grip. Rhese sighs and looks at Wrune. “Do you feel crazy, too?”
Araatris: The paladin scratches his head, frowning thoughtfully over at him. “There are too many coincidences. Her words made too much sense.”
Rhoelyn: The druid nods. “Yes, too much sense.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know how we’re going to find everyone before they move the main camp.”
Araatris: Wrune looks grim. “It may be impossible. I’m out of ways to delay it, short of all-out sabotage.” Rhese says, “An optio-” “No. It’s too dangerous.”
Rhoelyn: “Then we have to spread out and find them. We need to meet with Kaerryn and Nysse will be going back to the main camp,” Rhese grumbles.
Araatris: The paladin winces and scratches at his cheek. “I … need to speak with Leothir, too.” Rhese tilts his head, but the human says, “Don’t ask. Yet.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana frowns and gazes at the sleeping huntress. “Nysse is goin’ ta th’main camp? Who’s gonna watch’er? Is Ya-Rhesan goin’ with her?”
Araatris: Rhese looks down at Nysse, brushing some green hair out of her face. “I’d like it if you could go with them, Rylana. The slave guise is… risky.”
Rhoelyn: The sergeant waits for Wrune’s nod before nodding. “Yeah, that’d be fer the best. I seen th’looks she gets. Relare can only stop what he sees.”
Araatris: Nodding, the kal’dorei mutters, “Thank you.” He lapses into thoughtful silence as the silhouettes of Bahr’s camp appears in the moonlit distance.
Rhoelyn: They greet the guards and head across the quiet camp to the stable area. As Wrune and Rylana dismount, Rhese nudges Nysse gently. “Nyssera.”
Araatris: The huntress stirs and nuzzles against him with a yawn before gathering Rhesan closer and straightening. “S-sorry, Rhese. I didn’t mean-”
Rhoelyn: The false sin’dorei grins. “It’s fine, my dear. You had a rather long run.” He swings down and Nysse quickly follows. “Thank you for the guard.”
Araatris: Wrune nods, exchanging a glance with Rylana. She steps over to Nysse. “Ah’ll take ya ta th’tent, now, ma’am. Ya should rest afore we hafta go.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse bites her lip. “Y-yes…” When she hesitates, Rhese pushes her toward Ry. “Go on, Nyssera. I’ll be right there.” The women head to the tent.
Araatris: The disguised druid stretches and yawns. “I’m going to make rounds and be seen on my night watch before I settle in.” Wrune nods. “Later, then.”
Rhoelyn: They split up and Rhese circles, pausing at the supplies and continuing his path. He passes Bahr’s tent, where light illuminates the surface.
Araatris: “… final tunin’ afore dawn.” Bahr’s silhouette faces one tall and slim, too familiar by now for Rhese to mistake. “If you’re certain,” Leo yawns.
Rhoelyn: The dwarf waves his hand. “Git on wit’ye now. Rest or ye’ll be completely useless t’morrow.” Leo does a flourishing bow, chuckling. “As you wish.”
Araatris: Rhese finds himself lingering until the mage pushes free from the tent, waiting for him. The certainty that Leo is needed crystallizes. He frowns.
Rhoelyn: Leo grins upon seeing the disguised druid. “Rhese! How’d the run for Nysse go?” He strides to meet him and claps a hand on Rhese’s shoulder.
Araatris: “It went well, thank you.” Smiling, Rhese says, “We’ll have to bring you along, next time. You’re looking a bit doughy.” He pokes Leo’s side.
Rhoelyn: The mage gives him a sour look. “I am not pudgy. I’m just… softer about the edges, but I’ll think about it. Are you still working security?”
Araatris: Rhese smirks. “Oh, yes. The vigilant rogue, one eye peeled for troublesome ghosties.” He laughs. “It’s not the most exciting assignment, thus far.”
Rhoelyn: The sin’dorei laughs and wraps an arm around him, guiding him through camp. “Perhaps not, but it’s working. Less of our supplies go missing now.”
Araatris: “Because I am so imposing, of course.” Rhese grins, whipping out a dagger to flip around his hand. He pulls away from Leo when he fumbles it.
Rhoelyn: Leothir elbows him. “That’s what happens when you show off when you’re already tired. Let’s get you to your tent before you start tripping.”
Araatris: The druid looks sheepish and allows himself to be steered in the right direction. “I’ll have to remember that before I embarrass myself, next time.”
Rhoelyn: On the way, Leothir rambles, “… and I sent my brother to the wrong city.” He changes topics, “I can get another dress for Nysse if you’d like.”
Araatris: Rhese chuckles. “We’ll lose another entire day if you do that!” His gaze finds the tent as they come in sight. “Though it did look amazing on her…”
Rhoelyn: “Maybe after the main camp moves. I can try a sturdier silk.” They stand outside the tent. “Maybe some nice furs. You do like the savage look.”
Araatris: “Well.” The druid shakes his head a bit, smirking. “Let’s talk about it again when we’re both not semi-delirious with tiredness. Get some rest.”
Rhoelyn: The mage pats Rhese on the back. “Yes, you’re right. I’ll talk to you later in the morning.” The druid watches him leave before entering his tent.
Araatris: Nysse speaks with Ry softly, the two sitting across from each other on the cot. Yami sleeps as a pup, curled in her lap. They both look up.
Rhoelyn: Rhese raises both eyebrows as he sits in the chair and works his boots off. “I’m surprised you aren’t asleep. It’s been quite a tiring night.”
Araatris: Nysse gathers the pup in her arms and gets up to lay him gently in his bed. “I wanted to wait for you,” she says before coming over to him.
Rhoelyn: Rylana gives them an embarrassed grin. “Ah’d better git goin’ myself. G’night.” The sergeant hurries out before they have a chance to reply.
Araatris: As Nysse starts helping him unlace his cuirass, Rhese smirks after her. “You might want to reassure her that I only pounce you when we’re alone.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress sighs, “I tried, but I think she’s traumatized by the other night.” She pulls the lace free and helps him shrug out of the armor.
Araatris: When she turns to set the cuirass down, he snags her arm and leans down to steal a kiss. “I suppose it’s fine if it gets us more time alone.”
Rhoelyn: The armor slides out of her grip to the ground. She wraps her arms around his neck and murmurs, breath tickling his lips, “Aren’t you tired?”
Araatris: “Yes. But my thoughts aren’t quiet. Are you?” He pecks the corner of her mouth. “Tired?” Rhese clarifies, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Rhoelyn: Nysse sighs, “How can I rest when you’re sending me away to the main camp? I know why, but it’s still difficult.” She caresses his cheek.
Araatris: “I’ll be careful without you,” he says softly. “And now we have an ally, of sorts. I hope.” He reaches behind and starts to unbuckle the collar.
Rhoelyn: Her hands quickly grasp his wrists and blushes. “M-maybe we should leave it. Faye said that most m-masters wouldn’t dream of removing it.”
Araatris: Rhese stays there, resting his cheek against hers. “Well, your master doesn’t like it. It’s scratchy and generally awful. Let me take it off. Please.”
Rhoelyn: The young woman lowers her hands and fumbles with the hem of his tunic as Rhese removes the collar and chain, setting them on the table.
Araatris: Shifting, the silver-haired druid catches her lips and finally pulls away to let her yank his tunic off. “We’ll sleep soon enough, lovely…”