Rhoelyn: The druid questions, “How’s Nysse?” Relare glances over his shoulder, but doesn’t answer. The sin’dorei hurries to a large, freshly raised, tent.
Araatris: “Nysse!” Rhese repeats, pushing himself away from Wrune and Leothir’s support. When he immediately staggers, Leo is right there to grab him.
Rhoelyn: The mage grimaces, “Easy. I think she passed out, but we’ll check her. You as well.” They push into the tent and Relare lays Nysse on the bed.
Araatris: Rhese watches with Leo as Relare and Wrune crowd around her. “She seems to be exhausted,” Aron says, resting a glowing hand on her forehead.
Rhoelyn: The druid sinks into a chair and buries his face in his hands. “I was worried about her earlier, but I thought she’d be better after a meal.”
Araatris: Yami hops up on the cot, dodging Relare’s attempt to shoo him down, and curls up beside her. “Can you do something for her?” Rhese asks.
Rhoelyn: “She needs uninterrupted sleep and several good meals.” Wrune frowns and rubs his face. “She needs double or triple rations. I think we saw why.”
Araatris: Leothir nods. “Indeed we did. Rhese, d-” He turns to find an empty space where the druid sat. “Rhese?” Wrune pinches the bridge of his nose.
Rhoelyn: The commander presses his lips into a thin line. “Wrune… Leo, would you be so kind as to fetch him? We could really use some answers.”
Araatris: Nodding, Leo rushes outside with Wrune. They’re just in time to see the black-haired rogue duck around a tent on the edge of the camp.
Rhoelyn: The sin’dorei mage grabs Wrune’s arm. “I’ll blink ahead and to cut him off, Aron. Stay on his tail.” With a nod from the paladin, Leo pops away.
Araatris: A few minutes later, Rhese stumbles against the trunk of one of the few trees in the area, growling under his breath, “Not yet, you bastard.”
Rhoelyn: There’s a crack as Leothir pops in. “I don’t know what’s driving you, but you’re in no condition to keep going. What’s going on, Rhese?”
Araatris: The druid grimaces. “Leo, now’s not the time. I just need some space. I know you all will take care of Nysse for me until I get my head in order.”
Rhoelyn: “We may be able to help. Is there something wrong with you? Are you ill?” The mage strides closer, keeping his eyes off the paladin behind Rhese.
Araatris: His glance darts about as Rhese searches for a way out, but he’s out of time and energy. Groaning, he loses his grip on the sin’dorei form.
Rhoelyn: Leothir makes a strangled, surprised shout. His eyes widen at the very familiar silver-haired night elf in front of him. Rhese bolts past him.
Araatris: “No!” The mage shouts, suddenly panicked. He lifts a hand, and the air just behind Rhese explodes, sending the druid tumbling. “Leo!” Wrune gasps.
Rhoelyn: Rambling, the sin’dorei stammers, “H-he didn’t look right. Maybe it’s an imposter…” “Stay there.” Wrune runs to check on Rhese, but can’t find him.
Araatris: Finally, Wrune turns back, grouching, “This is giving me a headache.” The mage scowls after Rhese, peering through the harsh dusk sunlight.
Rhoelyn: “Come on. We’re won’t find him in this light. He’ll be back.” The paladin guides Leothir back to the tent. “You think that was actually Rhese then?”
Araatris: Wrune nods. “It was Rhese,” he says bluntly, his tone leaving no doubt. Leo balks at that just outside of Relare’s tent. “I need to go,” he gasps.
Rhoelyn: The paladin levels a stare at him. “And do what? Make sure your precious flower hasn’t disappeared?” He sighs. “He won’t leave without Nyssera.”
Araatris: The mage shakes his head. “How do you know that, Aron? It’s all been a lie. Light, why did I bring h-” He cuts off, eyes narrowing at the paladin.
Rhoelyn: “You knew,” Leo accuses. Aron nods. “I did, but there’s one more important reason he’ll be back.” “Really. What’s that?” “We also have their son.”
Araatris: Leothir’s green eyes widen. “Son? What are you talking about? There aren’t any children here.” Wrune sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, again.
Rhoelyn: The paladin’s shoulders sag. “Yami, Rhesan, is their child. It’s a long story. Can I tell it inside the tent? You can bring Rhoelyn if you want.”
Araatris: “Yes. Yes, you can definitely tell the story once I get her.” Though he frowns unhappily, Leothir pats his arm before he turns and rushes off.
Rhoelyn: Relare raises his head as Wrune enters the tent. The human grimaces at the commander’s tired expression. “It’s been a long day, and it’s not over.“
Araatris: The blood elf leans his elbows on his knees and hangs his head with a weary sigh. “Alright. Where is Rhese, exactly? I can’t believe he ran off.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune sits on the corner of the cot and checks Nysse again. “He has some… issues to work out. I have some information that you need to know…”
Araatris: When Leothir and Rhoelyn slip into the tent just after sunset, Relare sits in the chair, his head in his hands. “Wait, back up a moment, won’t you?”
Rhoelyn: “Their son?” Wrune offers. “No, what do you mean that none of this is right? I’ll get to Yami in a moment.” The tiny wolf raises his head.
Araatris: “I imagine if you think about it, you’ve felt it, too. This isn’t how the world was meant to be, Relare.” The human rests a hand on his shoulder.
Rhoelyn: The commander grumbles, “Of course it’s not right.” He looks pointedly at Rhoelyn and back at Wrune. “None of this should be necessary.”
Araatris: “According to the seeress, it’s more than that. None of this should be, Relare.” Wrune looks between the three of them. “The timeline is wrong.”
Rhoelyn: Leothir frowns. “How do we know this other timeline is any better? None of us know what’s going to happen to us.” His gaze settles on Rhoelyn.
Araatris: “We… don’t know for sure,” Aron admits. “But ask yourself which parts of this world feel the most wrong, and I think you’ll agree with me.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse groans and shifts uneasily. Relare leans over to check on her. “Maybe we should wake her up to eat dinner. Wrune, what do you think?”
Araatris: The paladin nods. “Yes, I’ll have Rylana bring a few servings, but straight back to sleep after.” Yami hops down and rushes to Rhoelyn, shifting.
Rhoelyn: “Min’nu!” The young boy clings to his aunt’s robe. Leothir freezes, but Relare jumps causing him to fall backwards in his seat. “Relare! Are yo-”
Araatris: “F- fine. I’m fine!” The paladin scrambles back to his feet. “He’s-” “Yami…” Rhoelyn gapes at the boy and reaches down with a watery smile.
Araatris: “Get back!” They’re interrupted when Leo grabs her arm and pulls her away, holding the child back. Yami scowls at him. “Stop being a scared cat!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse groans and rolls over. “Scaredy cat, alei.” Yami nods and turns back to Leothir. “Stop being a scaredy cat!” Rhoelyn covers her mouth.
Araatris: As Leothir attempts to sputter a response to the scene, Rhoelyn stills him with a hand on his arm. “Be calm, my dawn. It’s alright. They’re family.”
Rhoelyn: The priestess steps forward and picks up her nephew, settling him easily on her hip. Laughing, she teases, “You’re almost too big for this.”
Araatris: The boy kisses her cheek. “I can be littler for you.” He ripples into a younger form, and the toddler grins at her. Leo gasps, “This is insane!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse grimaces and pushes herself to a seated position. “It’s not insane. He’s my voidling son. He can take any shape he’s seen and learned.”
Araatris: Wrune exchanges a few words with the guards outside as Leo plucks at the elbow of Rhoelyn’s sleeve, hovering nervously. “V-voidling? I don’t-”
Rhoelyn: The huntress growls, “Think before you finish that sentence about my son.” Before she can stand, Relare’s hand presses down on her shoulder.
Araatris: “Stay put,” he scolds. Rhoelyn soothes a hand down Leo’s arm before settling on the edge of the cot with Yami. “You’ve worn yourself ragged, sister.”
Rhoelyn: “I’m fine. I was just a little tired.” Nyssera finally looks around. “Where’s Rhese?” Wrune returns and frowns, “Fine? You fainted from exhaustion.”
Araatris: Relare chimes in with Wrune, leveling a finger at Nysse. “Exactly. You’re not moving from that spot until you’ve eaten and slept and eaten again.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress blushes and ducks her head. Yami crawls to her lap and snuggles into her arms. “But this isn’t our tent… Is it alright to stay here?”
Araatris: “Not. Moving.” Relare clarifies, and his expression is more commander than possible friend. Aron sighs. “The guards will have food here, soon.”
Rhoelyn: “Y-yes, sir.” Nysse stammers. “Food would be nice…” She lays back as Rhoelyn encourages her, Yami snuggling at her side. “But where’s Rhese?”
Araatris: The three men in the tent exchange looks that have Nysse’s brow furrowing. The priestess beside her bites her lip. “… where is Rhese?”
Rhoelyn: Wrune sighs, “He said that he needed some space.” At her rebellious expression, he continues, “And you are in no condition to go after him. Stay!”
Araatris: Rhoelyn pats her hand. “D… do not worry, Nysse. I’m sure your m-master is just fine. You should rest up for when he returns.” Leothir grimaces.
Rhoelyn: Yami kisses Nysse’s cheek. “An’da is okay.” The huntress relents as a soldier brings in food. Several portions are arrayed on a table by the cot.
Araatris: Rhoelyn holds out her arms to Yami so that Nysse is free to eat, and while the huntress sits up, she cuddles him close and whispers in his ear.
Rhoelyn: Yami pouts at Rhoelyn, but nods. He slips down and offers his hand to the mage. “I’m sorry. I’m Yamiriel Whispersong, but everyone calls me Yami.”
Araatris: Leothir regards the child gravely, glancing at the others. After a moment, he kneels to his level and takes his hand. “Yami. You may call me Leo.”
Rhoelyn: The boy smiles. “Would you like to see a trick? I promise it won’t be scary. What’s your favorite animal?” Nysse digs into her food eagerly.
Araatris: The sin’dorei regards him, trying to hide his wariness. “A mana wyrm, perhaps?” “Okay!” Yami takes a conscientious step away from him, grinning.
Rhoelyn: He looks over his shoulder and locks gazes with Nysse, who pauses mid-bite. After a moment he nods, and shifts into a purple mana wyrm.
Araatris: Rhoelyn smiles at Leothir’s expression, watching as he reaches out gently to touch the floating creature. “That’s rather amazing. But not arcane?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse shakes her head. “He can represent the physical nature, but not the mystical. Yami, change back please.” The boy complies, giggling.
Araatris: The mage grins, charmed by the voidling despite his worries. “That’s quite an impressive trick, little elf.” Rhoelyn steps up and takes his hand.
Rhoelyn: Yami bows. “Thank you!” Leothir stands and squeezes her hand, looking down at Yami. “He seems like a respectable young man.” Rhoelyn nods. “He is.”
Araatris: Relare watches them, fascinated and amused and troubled. He scrubs his hands over his face, looking around the tent full of people. “Light…”
Rhoelyn: The young green-haired woman pauses eating. “I-I’m sorry.” Relare pulls his chair near her. “Eat. Why don’t you explain those wolves we saw.”
Araatris: Nysse nods and swallows before saying, “Korran, my spirit companion. He and I have been linked since I was a child. The shadow wolf, though…”
Rhoelyn: She finishes another plate and pulls a fourth one forward. “That was Rhese. He’s been cursed by an angry wolf… one of sources of the worgen.”
Araatris: Relare frowns and rubs his temple. “So he is a kal’dorei spy spreading the worgen curse, and it’s okay because you’re going to change time?”
Rhoelyn: The huntress grimaces and shakes her head. “I don’t deny we’re spies, but he’s fighting the curse. It’s very painful, Relare. I’ve seen the scars.”
Araatris: Wrune winces as the commander growls, “Good. This is ridiculous. I should be clapping you in iron, not feeding you and lending you my bed. Are you (c)
Araatris: (c) responsible for the slaves leaving, too? I really believed you, you know.” He makes a sour face, glancing over at Leothir. “You’ve both played us.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse stares at her plate and pulls her hands into her lap, hiding her face in her hair. “It’s your r-right, but I didn’t help them escape.”
Rhoelyn: Her voice cracks. “I didn’t lie about everything.” She shakes her head. “I’m terrible at this. Sometimes I think I should have stayed in Ashenvale…”
Araatris: “Relare, we’ve got a chance to stop this war before it starts.” Wrune speaks up gently. “Does it matter what they’ve been or done, here?”
Rhoelyn: The commander studies the night elven huntress. “Do you think we can we trust them?” The huntress suddenly looks at the tent flap, looking green.
Araatris: The fabric sways slightly, settling as if after a breeze. She gulps and shakes her head just slightly before forcing her focus back to Relare.
Rhoelyn: Wrune sighs, “It doesn’t matter if I trust them. This is something you have to decide.” The human frowns at Nysse. “Are you feeling ill?”
Araatris: The huntress manages a weak smile. “M-maybe I ate a little too fast.” Yami climbs up beside her with a grin that can only be called conspiratorial.
Rhoelyn: Relare narrows his eyes and leans closer. “Are you sure?” Wrune looks thoughtful. “There’s no chance you could be with child, is there?”
Araatris: “W-what?!” Nysse squeaks, blushing so hard that she’s suddenly dizzy. “N-n-no! I-I…” Then, much quieter, she admits, “I-it’s p-possible, I guess.”
Rhoelyn: The sin’dorei rests his glowing hand on her stomach, earning a squeak as she pushes at his hand. “What are yo-” Relare grasps her wrist. “Quiet.”
Araatris: Rhoelyn intercedes with a calming hand on his arm. “She isn’t with child, Relare. Please stop. You are being disrespectful of her person.”
Rhoelyn: The paladin grimaces and removes his hands. “You’re right. My apologies, Nyssera.” He turns his gaze to the priestess. “How did you know?”
Araatris: The small woman shrugs, wrapping an arm around Nysse’s shoulders. “I am a priestess of Elune,” she says simply, as if that is an explanation.
Rhoelyn: The huntress leans against Rhoe. Relare rubs his face. “I believe you and for some crazy reason… I trust you, Nysse. Just… eat and rest please.”
Araatris: Leothir sighs and places a hand on Relare’s shoulder. “She’s not the only one who’s worn ragged, brother. We’ll set up a spare cot in my tent.”
Rhoelyn: “But you and Rhoelyn…” Leo shakes his head. “We’ll set up another cot for Rhoelyn in here. Wrune?” The paladin nods. “I’ll take care of it.”
Araatris: The silver-haired elf smiles. “Thank you, Leothir.” He responds with a bow. “I’ll count the hours we’re apart, my flower.” She giggles. “Oh, Leo.”
Rhoelyn: The mage pulls his brother to the exit, but Relare hesitates. “I am sorry. I went too far.” Nysse blushes. “Accepted, Relare. Please go rest.”
Araatris: With his nod, the two slip out of the tent, and Wrune follows, calling to the guards. Yami sits on the edge of the cot, bouncing excitedly.
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn rubs Nysse’s back. “Sister, you need to eat.” The huntress nods, but lingers and murmurs softly. “Rhese is here. Yami saw him, too.”
Araatris: Rhoe looks around, her gaze finally finding the shallower spot in the shadows. She presses her fingers over her smiling lips, blinking back tears.
Rhoelyn: Nysse nudges Yami with her foot. “Go quietly, dalah’alei. We have to wait on the cot.” She sits up, shaking slightly as she continues her meal.
Araatris: The boy hops down and lands as a lithe saber cub, immediately disappearing into the shadows under the cot. Wrune comes back as Rhoe wipes her eyes.
Rhoelyn: The paladin sighs tiredly. “The extra cot is right behind me. Eat, get some sleep, and we’ll see you for breakfast.” Two soldiers step past him.
Araatris: Nysse and Rhoelyn glance at each other, and the priestess stands. She clasps her hands in front of her as the soldiers settle the cot down.
Rhoelyn: When they finish, Rhoelyn bows. “Thank you.” Wrune follows them out the exit. “Goodnight.” They wait a long while before Nysse says, “Surfal.”
Araatris: The great cat slinks from the shadows, a little silver kitten at his side. His fur is peppery with black hairs, but he sidles up to them calmly.
Rhoelyn: The priestess’ eyes well with tears and she sinks to the ground in front of Rhese, wrapping her arms around his furry neck. Nysse looks away.
Araatris: The druid shifts and cradles his sister close, rasping out, “Rhoelyn.” They sit on the floor as she sobs, never more obviously a matched pair.
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles softly, unwilling to disturb them. The kitten joins her shifting into a young boy. She cuddles Yami as she settles down to sleep.
Araatris: Just as she starts to drift off, Rhese lifts his head to hoarsely say, “I have to get you all out of here.” Rhoe whispers, “She must rest, brother.”
Rhoelyn: The young woman catches a blurry glimpse of golden eyes and smiles before her eyelids become too heavy. The voices fade away into the darkness.