It was a relatively nice flight, all things considered. Low clouds, but still fairly bright due to a stubborn sun. Sea breeze ruffling through orange strands and sending the bells into a gentle chorus. Jinx hadn't actually expected much to come of this particular scouting adventure. Fisherman we're superstitious and Hazard even more so, but he really was unconcerned. Who would want to bother with this little spit of an island anyway?

Well... Hindsight is always twenty twenty.

Large wings carried him above the low waves and with each roll of the water the leathered skin caught the wind to push him higher. His form swayed side to side and sightless eyes closed to enjoy the glorious open air. With enough ocean noise, plus his bells, he should have been able to hear the Naga break the surface to go for Perchedon, but he was much too late.

Those eyes snapped wide at the sounds of a struggle and he immediately banked to find his leader, only to be met with a problem of his own. The Naga shot out of the water at an angle and he only just barely tucked his wings to roll out of the way, heart racing. He was not a fighter, never had been, and really didn't intend to start. He was making a beeline for his scouting partner when it suddenly felt like he'd become a lead weight. In any other instance, the confused look on his face coupled with the full body stop mid air have been comical as he crashed to the water in a series of chittering noises, and jingling bells, had it not been for the Naga dragging him down.

The water was freezing and he immediately paniced, all his training going out the window as it did every time he got in a scuffle. There was nothing but bubbles and open water as he kicked frantically, angling his head toward what he hoped was the surface, and outstretching an arm to grasp desperately for help he knew would not come. At least... Nothing from an outside source.

There was a pause like the Illidari may have succumbed to the waves before his form jerked and his face contorted in rage. The wounds to his personage were the least of this snake's problems. It dared to touch the host and, for that, the only reasonable response was death.

Just as Perchedon was settled upon his raven, looking about for the jingling Hunter, the water to his right burst like an explosion, and the missing Illidari rose into the air, massive wings beating hard to lift his sopping body. However, it was clear immediately that something had gone wrong enough for him to take the huge Felbat-like form.

Jinx never used the demon shift so this... This was Sar'ometh and the demon held tight to the head of Naga within his claws. His jaws parted, showing rows of sharpened teeth, and an angry screeching left him before those claws gripped the maw of his attacker, breaking the bottom jaw with a quick jerk. The Naga howled in pain, writhing, and using the minimally loosened grip to spring free, falling back to the dark water.

Sar'ometh snorted and glared hatefully at the water before beating his wings to carry him closer to Perchedon, eyeing the injuries with no regard to his own.

"This," he hissed with a glutteral rasp. "This is only going to get worse."

Fading.

35.

The snowfall here in Rustberg has been no less than awe inspiring, pure and beautiful. I am happy that ‘bone-chilling’ doesn’t apply to me anymore on these crisp winter mornings. I take walks in this far away village that I never would had visited unless it weren’t for these dire circumstances that lay before me. Conspiring? How could they think that? We simply aimed to educated and let others of my kind know that there was far more than servitude towards war. That there is a living breathing world out here - that with enough time and patience that a small group of us could be accepted for who we were versus whom we served. Not having to be exiled or shunned into the abyss. Or... so we thought. I think of what I could had changed, if I had not been deployed to Pandaria prior to meetings with the Alliance. It seems like a lifetime ago that Parqual wrote to us the great news... that we were finally making a stance. Progress. I shuddered, looking above to the snow drifting out from the tree line with my essence seeming to follow.

In the last few days I was told of a delay, as Cere kept me informed on Kyvalta’s condition, the crew member who injured himself - I continuously offered my services, but it was quickly shot down. She seemed wary, as if she were hiding something, but I could not judge what I could not see. It could be that she was in distress over her friend. Only time would tell. I would walk the nature trail in the mornings to wait out each passing day, making my way to and from the Heart of the Raven Inn, and spending the afternoons writing by the fire, taking in conversations with staff and patrons alike. The pace here was slow, which was a welcome feeling to all that has transpired over the last few months.

Night would eventually find everyone, as I lay awake in the comfort of the simple suite I had been staying in - my mind drifting towards the light. I am growing more powerful, this much I cannot deny. The dust fragments out from me. I can feel it’s ebb and flow as I attempt to control my form. The burning pain in my soul resists the action but I push my mind past it. I can do this. I can. It feels like solar flares erupting from a star - chaos and then I see it. I see the point, no a thread. I reach to grasp it but it is just slightly out of reach, as the pain ensues, I feel shadow whispering to let go, but I cannot. I must keep going. In an instant that I extend my arm forward and grab the thread in a sudden motion, order is restored. I see light surrounding me in ever tangling web, locked in time and space, and I felt no pain for the first time since I was raised.

The shimmering expanse of my form surrounded me. I could be anything or anyone. I had control for the first time. I could feel every particle, see it and move it. Shape it. It was like painting my body into something new. I had ascended... But it was short lived, as the pain struck me down. Bone dust scattered on the bed that I meditated upon and I came back to reality, feeling as though I had been scorched by a million fires. I looked down at the dust that had once been a part of me. Attempting communication with it to come back to me but it was no longer glowing with the light. It had become inert and I began to panic as I came to realize that I would fade into nothing but dust.

36.

I did not delve into this new found power in the days following. Allowing myself a reprieve from future sessions. I would surely lose myself. Literally. I continued my routine - walks on the nature trail in the morning, spending time in the tavern in the afternoon, and writing until the next morning. Until I got a knock on the door one night, in which I was greeted by a somewhat disgruntled Cere. She seemed to rush as she told me to help her at the docks, as they were ready to go. At this hour though? I told her to tell the crew that they could rest for the night and we could ship off tomorrow but she insisted that there was no time. So I packed what little I brought and laid some coin for the maid on the nightstand and we headed towards the docks.

I can tell you that this was not my last night in Rustberg village. I can also tell you that what I found when we approached the dock was not something I wanted to see at all... A Troll man and Orcish woman, although she looked like a half breed, dressed in red painted iron, adorned with spikes, smiling towards me as they were about to cash in on the bounty that would set them up for all the grog in Orgimmar they could drink for the next year. Behind them, the crew I thought I trusted and I felt the jagged edge of a knife in the small of my back. Cere grasped my shoulder with her free hand and pushed me forward towards my fate.

My initial panic subsided as I put my faith in the light, breathing in slowly and my eyes flashed. My form began to glow as holy fire erupted from my palms and shot out towards my pursuers. Focusing in on the brutes, I smited them both where they stood, ducking as the Troll swung his great ax above me. I began to smell burning flesh and fire as I dodged another lethal blow from behind, Cere’s dagger missing by mere inches, I grasped my ceremonial knife and cut across her legs, immobilizing her as the remaining crew attempted to dog pile. With another flash of light, I waved my arm across the sky in a divine shield letting the crew ricochet off of it and into the crocodile infested waters. Finally it was just the Half-breed.

She stood across on the dock holding a maul in one hand and buckler shield in the other. Flames smoldering the dilapidated wood of the dock and a portion of her armor, this was in stark contrast to the snow fall and and moonlight that cascaded off the no longer still water. The crocodiles have found their next meals. She charged swinging the maul wildly, and I knew that this was it. I jumped instinctively and I found myself floating above her. Flying, angelic wings sprung from my back. I was in a slight bit a shock before the Orc screamed and I channeled my hands together into a ball of light, throwing it down to her, burning any trace of her existence. I floated down to the bleeding form of Cere, as she held loose cloth to her legs attempting to stop the bleeding. I simply looked to her and stared. Finally after a long moment in silence I asked her “Why?” Untying the ropes docking both the boat I had arrived on from Pandaria and the smaller horde vessel as I pushed both out to sea.

She winced in a sharp pain, “Because. We didn’t know you were worth that. We wanted our take. Horde or not. We take what we can get out here.” Her voice trailed, no longer seeking remorse it seemed. The fires quenched around the dock as the snow continued to fall and the village remained silent within the night. I watched her body bleed out and freeze, finally pushing it into the harbor. Something so cold that I normally would never wish upon anyone, but I was about to die. This was self-defense. I stood there until dawn, the only traces of the battle was small scorch marks upon the dock which were quickly covered in mud by workers filing in for shipments for the town.

My conscious was heavy and body was drained. I did not leave my room in the inn. The coin that I laid out on my night stand, collected some dust in the following days. I got a knock from room service every day to check to see if I was alright, in the days following and I did not dare leave. Simply replying that I did not require any services. My monotone voice lost all righteous vindication, and I felt like I needed to repent for the blood I spilled. 

37.

I finally gained the energy to continue my routine. It had been a week since I had moved, my bones groaned and popped as made my way down the stairs of the inn. Not stopping to chat with the staff. Making my way as fast as I could towards the tree line. I stared at the forest for a moment before entering feeling the wave of guilt. I spoke aloud to anyone at this point. Attempting to repent for what I had done. I prayed, clutching my cloth to offer some sort of collateral in exchange for these feelings to go away. The self hatred. The guilt. The anger. I so desperately wished for this power all my life, but I too wanted control. Pain lies in the balance.

I felt as though a presence was attempting to reach out to me but it was like the thread of light I grasped before, just in the distance. I scanned the surrounding trees, morning light filtering through the canopy as I paused hearing the crunching of snow. I could see her. A little human girl, maybe six or seven years old, peering behind the tree she was hiding from then quickly diving back behind the tree when she knew that I caught sight of her. “Hey, you. Stop.”, I called out, as she let out a soft giggle and began running down the trail. I chased after her and I could hear the echo down the trail, as I hastily tried to keep up. She led me up the hill and through a dense portion of brush, light, she was fast. I had to catch myself as she guided me up the sheer rock face. I heard the laughter so close, it was as if she were right next to me but she wasn’t there. She was in my head. In my imagination.

I scaled down the hill, back onto the path, making my way back to the inn, where I was greeted by the staff, letting the drinks carry me elsewhere, the rhythmic guitar from @perchedon taking me far away from these visions and bloodshed. I wondered if my colleague’s even knew that they were being hunted down in the same fashion that I was. I needed to expedite my travels to Eversong Forest. I needed someone to trust fully this time around.

And that’s when she found me.

38. Sender of Messages.

When the amber haired, leather clad Sin’dorei handed me the small card with the inscription, ‘Celiá B. - Sender of Messages’ I knew right then that this was my ticket. Our conversation persisted throughout the night as the last call bell rang, sharing similar values of how we see this needless war. Eventually she yawned, an empty plate in front of her from when she scarfed down her meal, I told her I would contact her when the time was right as she was passing through on her way to Stormwind and then back to Silvermoon. Clutching the card, we made our way to our respective rooms in the now quiet inn.

She had disappeared by morning, apparently much more quiet in her exit than the previous tenants. Leaving before dawn. Hmm. I dressed and continued my routine. Trail. Tavern. Bed. Laying awake, staring at the ceiling wondering how in the world I would be securing passage to Eversong. Not that I expected passage with her, but that would had been a nice gesture, although she did not know of the bounty on my head, or at least she did not give that away if she did.

Another thought still persisted through my mind - if any suspicion arose from my act of self defense, Light I hope not, I feel like I should had wiped my hands clean to someone, anyone... Gods. 

Trail.

Tavern.

Bed.

I wrote a letter to the dock-master to notify me of when the next commercial vessel would be making its way out here for Eastern Kingdoms. Hopefully I could leave this place behind me, despite loving the atmosphere, I could tell that the circumstances that lead me here were starting to drive me mad. My actions would surely have consequences. Soon. I lay out on the bed once more, letting my paranoia go - mouthing a silent prayer. I shut my eyes and reopened them to find myself back in a familiar sight.

39. Dark Depths.

The deteriorating tower loomed in the dark and sickly cyan moonlight, refracting through the dead trees of the forest. I was in the Ghostlands once again. I carefully moved towards the pitch black interior with the only light in the room coming off of the brazier, still lit from the last interaction, illuminating the two chairs that sat across from one another. I hesitated, feeling the anxiety pool into my throat but I had to continue forward. I had to talk to you.

She sat in the chair, compacted with dust, just like me, only in a much more human form. She looked young, maybe early twenties, with a combination of plate and mail armor, auburn hair that was pulled back into a pony-tail and amber piercing eyes. She grasped a small war hammer in her lap, twirling the handle like it weighed nothing, as the compacted dust shifted her form, floating out in some places as if she was not complete. She grinned wickedly at me as I sat in the chair in front of her once again, pursing her lips and tucking away at a rogue hair behind her ear. She spoke with a warmth I had not felt in long time, feeling as though they were the soothing tones of my mother, but she was obviously fixated on the way she delivered her question, “So we meet after all this time. Why now?” Her form warped, falling away at her facial features as she wrapped her fists around the hammer, I could hear the sound of her gloves clenching.

“I guess I could ask the same of you. Who are you anyway?” I retorted, now seeing the resemblances between the girl in front of me and the girl I chased on the trail. “Why did you almost lead me off a cliff?”. Her scoff was audible as the corners of her mouth dragged into a more solemn expression, “I was only trying to bring you back here. You’ve kept me waiting over a week, I think I deserve the answers first. You’ve got all the time in the world for being dead anyway-” She spit out that last line, obviously my disposition pained her in some way. She lowered her voice, looking down as if talking to herself, but I hear her just the same, “She must have it out for this one, no matter.”

I eyed the human girl with a curiosity. It seems she knows everything already about to unfold, but still dumbfounded. Or simply playing dumb; so I played along, “I don’t know you, although you seem familiar all the same. Why should I tell you anything?”

Her voice changed to a sultry tone, calming the fragments of dust floating around the flame of brazier before us, “Because, you don’t know it yet, but you are going to need this girl one day. And her body will rot here if you do not give me the answers that I need - Why are conspiring against me, Silas? Why have you come back after trading your life away all those years ago? Why have you forsaken our deal?” The words hit like bile, her form was not her own, she was possessed, that was for certain. Her eyes lingered upon my form, ever vigilant, studying everything about me. Piercing through what was left of my soul.

“I was raised by the Banshee Queen’s Val'kyr. Past that I could not tell you. I did not mean to spite you by returning to walk this plane.” I gestured my arm around the flame, sitting upright in the chair. “I’m still trying to figure out why I’ve come back in the first place. I have no purpose-” My words were cut off by her anger. The dust chaotically danced around our forms, more and more of her began to wither away. “You can prance around my words all you want, Silas. You broke our deal. No one goes back on a deal and lives, even in undeath. I am coming for your light, which should had been silenced a millennia ago, and then...” Her eyes dart from looking to me, to admiring the now fading forearm of the girl she was possessing. “...Your legacy. Your light shall be exiled from this world. In all forms.”

This girl... the soothing mother’s call. Gods, the pieces of the puzzle are coming together. The sense of protection. Every priest is trained to protect those devoted to the Light, this girl, flesh and blood was my kin no less - and devoted by the details I was now noticing, worn tome on her belt, an Argent Crusade tabard, even a holy symbol. I needed to protect her at all costs. My voice no longer shook with anxiety, instead I let the light guide my heart, hopefully to feel her aura and sense her true location. If I find her. Then I find the presence that has haunted this bargain for far too long. “I can’t let you do that. I was ignorant in my youth to trust you, and if that means now that I have to go back on our deal, so be it. Light shall prevail. Light will always guide the way.”

I felt a chill down my spine, as the flame turned from a dull orange-red, to pure indigo and then violet. Her anger swelled as the holy glow of the girl was consumed into void. I had to remind myself her possessed form was merely a projection as her fading body writhed away screaming in pain. I never got a name or location of the girl, only simply that my blood coursed through her veins. That was all I needed, as darkness consumed me whole, and I fell into the pit of the void.

40. Reminders.

To Mr. K,

I hope that your stay in Rustberg Village has been well. I received your letter last night and after checking the reports there will be two ships coming into port within the next week, both are multi-purpose vessels, of which, one will be traveling south to Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale, and the other will be going to Sunsail Anchorage, Eversong Forest.

I hope for your speedy reply so that I can let either vessel know of potential passengers and arrange payment for fare in the coming week on your behalf.

                                                            Regards,

                                                             Dock-master Urum

I felt drained in the following days. Drinking. Writing. Staying on my routine, but I couldn’t help but think of the dream; maybe I wasn’t meant to come back, or maybe someone else entirely influenced my return. I prayed to the Light to guide me to answers. 

The docks were quiet as the boats later in the week finally made it into the small port, the crews mingling around, unloading crates of fresh produce and some trade goods. A batch of fine mooncloth caught my eye, but I had to pass on even thinking about how much that is worth, but I couldn’t help but imagine tailoring some new armaments out of it, one day. I made my way towards the dock master’s hut peering at the dwarf seated at a small desk with a large stack of paperwork, as he was speaking with a goblin. I waited in line, picking up bits and pieces of conversation about some political unrest in Booty-Bay, but nothing too interesting, as the two persisted on for ten, then eleven, twelve minutes before the dwarf noticed me and his eyes perked up asking the goblin if they could continue the conversation a little later of a pint. The goblin nodded and leered at me as he exited the hut, I shuffled in his place and looked to the dwarf, a finely embossed desk plate read, ‘Urum, Dock-master’, and he forced a smile, not sure how to feel about my presence.

I began, “I am Mr. K, Dock-master, I apologize for the length between the letter and now but I have the coin ready to depart today. I would seek passage to Sunsail if that vessel has arrived?” He looked at me with an appraising gaze and his tone seemed apprehensive but he allowed the interaction, “Aye, lad, sure. The Valtameri arrived an’ hour ago and they are still unloadin’ her, let’s see here... according to their rates they’ve got single cabins available for ‘bout 180 gold a’night, the venture there is two days, so she’d be 360 for the trip. I can see about working them-” I cut him off.

“They aren’t affiliated like your goblin friend, no offense of course.” I asked Urum bluntly, “No, they aren’t affiliated, last I heard Captain Kyna, actually spit n’ the direction of a few of the High Magisters, she ain’t taking a fondness of this war, tha’s for sure.” His reply seemed sincere, but also curious, “Why’d you ask? You on the run?”

It took a bit of negotiating, ended up paying a “Late fee” to shut him up and to ask anymore questions. Captain Kyna showed me my quarters and asked that I be there at dawn tomorrow to cast off. No issue.

The last night in the tavern was a somber one. I spoke with a few of the patrons, one of them, a former mariner named Taoln, told me of his life and his daughter who just started teaching at Stormwind University; to which I gave him my copy of Elements of Medicine as a gift to her. Hopefully his daughter finds it as a good resource as I did when I helped write it with Dorene. I then said my goodbyes to the staff of the Heart of the Raven, hopefully I could come back here with a clean conscious and a clean record next time. Hopefully soon.

41. Valtameri.

I decided it for the best not to make friends with this crew. Simply stating my name as Mr. K if they asked. I could understand now why some of us who risen as Forsaken claimed different names in death than in life. Not that they were ashamed of their past, well the majority of us weren’t, but that they had nothing to gain from taking that life forward into their new lives. Why muddy things when you are starting up new? For me, I never understood that until now, I actually went against this line of thinking, since one of the goals of the desolate council was to eventually be accepted for our past and our future. To live unimpeded from judgement. We were no longer scourge, mindless, or unfeeling. Yes, we were dull, and maybe didn’t have organs, sewing ourselves up to continue on, or my case, nothing but dust held together by conflicting energies in endless discomfort - but we were people with thoughts and emotions and legacies. We are people. Even if we choose to leave that past all behind. I wasn’t planning to do this for long, only in the short term, but I finally understand why some would be inclined.

The two day journey was uneventful to say the least, honestly the best time for reflection I’ve had in weeks since the attack in Stormsong. I looked back onto the journal entries with the tablet, adjusting my research on the effects of having nearly been drained of all my Light. I think that’s what she was hoping for, but what she was going to receive was far more than what she bargained for. My end of deal had... yes gone unfulfilled, but that wasn’t my fault, if I was meant to stay dead - I can’t believe I’m writing this - She would have made sure of it. I feel like influence of void from the tablet may have purged a portion of the shadow from when I was initially brought back, hence why, when I was saved by Roscoe, Sol, and Lea - The void was consuming nearly every fiber of my being. When the tablet lost it’s grip on me and the energy escaped, the light immediately filtered back in, and even more so than I’ve ever had both in life or death up to this point.

I still feel like I’m gathering strength every day, despite the interactions that I’ve had with the entity I had struck a deal with all those years ago, coming back to haunt me once more, but my theory is that it shows that she knows that I’m no longer weak. I’m no longer a pawn for her to gain anything out of. I have ascended into her threat.

Light filtered into the wooded canopy. It has been nearly four years since I’d seen such beauty. Forever fall of leaves, brightly orange and red, the creme colored trunks of trees and aura of the peace. In the distance I could just barely make out the stark contrast of the scar and edge of where I knew I had to go. She was waiting there, I thought to myself as I nodded to the captain, disembarking the vessel.

((This post is an open invitation for anyone to interact with Kav. Responses can be reblogs, private messages, or through discord (Lynx#3745)! If your character knows her, that’s cool. If they don’t, that’s cool too! It’s not exclusive in any way; anyone can respond and any number of responses can happen.))

- - - -

It is rare to get sunlight around the island of Tol Barad, especially during the cold months, yet today the clear blue skies accented by the thin dusting of snow settling on everything with a vibrant glow from a cool sun. Of course, it isn’t warm enough to melt anything enough to relieve the flora of its ice layer, but the sunlight is enough for Kav.

Rustberg Village is not the typical island village Kav dreamed of; instead of palm trees and golden beaches it was more rocky shores and pine. Though so close to the once prison locations on Tol Barad, Rustberg is now a rather bustling little port village with a collection of small businesses and homes. Her home a decently sized, typical building near the square, hosts her living quarters above her business, the un-creatively named Rustberg Music Studio.

Standing just over seven feet in height, the Kaldorei made his Captain look like a child. They were certainly an interesting pair on the officer's deck of The Mistrunner II. "Mind the keel, eh," Captain Lynx spoke above the steady winds towards the helmsman, eyes not wavering from the rocks jutting out of the waters in the distance. Her First closely monitored beside the binnacle, a ever watchful eye of their new crew working alongside their more familiar crew. Lynx Dilancri knew these waters and these winds well enough to plan a favorable route while still testing the efficiency of her crew. After they passed through the rougher seas, the captain stepped to the helm. "She'll warm up to you," Lynx said and gently tapped on the man's hand.

They made good time from Boralus to Rustberg. Though the harbor and adjacent village were smaller than she remembered, Lynx was still glad to be somewhere else. A flyer near the dockmaster's office mentioned a tavern with a special menu just down the road and she didn't want to miss what might be a good chance at a unique new brew. Some of the ships in harbor were familiar to her and she quietly hoped she'd run into a few friendly faces.

What she had not been prepared for was elves. Many elves. Mostly those looking similar to the high elves, but also one of those Shal'dorei she heard about. Getting to see one up close was fascinating, though she did her best to play it cool and keep her airs up. Lynx nearly lost it when a monstrosity of a Sin'dorei walked in and looked over everyone; he had to be security. Sure enough there were other sailors there she recognized, though none the captain was familiar enough with to know by name. Not until she saw Vanalion, that is; that half breed looked a lot better maintained when not behind bars, and they both made that sentiment clear with snarky grins.

As the tavern dwindled down to mostly night crew the two said goodbye. Lynx returned to her cabin of The Mistrunner II after grabbing a few apples from the mess. Her crew seemed to be getting along well and she was glad to be back in the game.

"This is it. This has got to be it. The little porch at the entrance is perfect. I can already see the front hallway with the coat hangers and boot mat. I can heat up drinks on the fire in the nook with just enough space for a table. Oh! Or a hammock! That could be cute. And this second room will fit a full size mirror and a wood dance floor - I can use the step up as a sort of practice stage! Upstairs will suit me just fine with cozy bedroom and the long hall for my instruments and surfboards and clothing chest and this little side place will be perfect for candle carving and  ... gosh I love it!"

"This is the one. No need to keep looking at vacancies," Kav grinned to Vynix, gloved finger-tips tapping her cheeks to keep them warm. "It might be more expensive, but it suits my needs better than anything else."

They had been roaming Rustberg for a little while, looking through the different open locations in the village to house Kav's house of music. She had first written this specific building off; it had a higher priced due to its prime square location and the unique architecture, Now that she had explored half the other buildings, the elf fell in love with the place. 

"If we sign today how soon can I move in? I'd like to make some minor renovations before I open shop." And with no time at all Kav's signature was on the paper, and her bank account was transfering funds to the proper people. Within a week all her things from her storage in Stranglethorn will be ready to arrange in her new place. Back at the Heart of the Raven Tavern, just across the square, Kav penned a letter to V. Firestarter giving the new address and her move in day.