Sphere Dilato

[clys]

I had such a good time last night. Danlily was off doing something or other, and Kittsu had gone to see if she could contact the Lady Kurohane, and I was left to my own devices for a while.

Zilayn

I spent some time with Zilayn, our young troll priest. He's quite a funny fellow. He led me to Westfall, where he pranced around in the open as I followed in the shadows. Many of the humans, elves, and gnomes there were friendly, laughing and waving to him. Those few that attacked him were the only ones who felt my blades, dying with surprised looks upon thier faces.

After he left, I had some time to myself. I wandered through the Duskwood for a while.

This was good. I needed to think. The events of the past week came quickly, and my decisions required speed as well. The death of Maledictus was, in some ways, a blessing to me. Although I revered him, his passing required a new leadership in The Grim. The new leaders are, fatefully I would say, not to my liking, nor I to theirs. This gave me the push I needed to do what I have known for a while I must do. Take a new direction.

Kurohane

It was just as I was thinking on this that Kittsu called to me, her voice drifting into my mind despite the distance. The Lady Kurohane was coming to meet with her shortly. It was my chance to make contact.

Kittsu didn't reveal to the Ogema, as she is called, that I would be present. I simply faded into the shadows and waited, near the portal to the Emerald Dream that stands in Duskwood.

When Kurohane arrived I watched as she greeted Kittsu. She is a compelling figure, this elven huntress. I can see why she commands such loyalty among her followers.

After a few pleasantries, they sat on the grass, and Kittsu explained the reason for the meeting.

"My Mistress would like to know what you think of her hair," she said, with a completely straight face.

At that moment I appeared, repeating the same words in Orcish. Kurohane sprang to her feet, surprised and concerned, thinking that it all might be a trap. I grinned, making sure to display my fangs properly, and then stepped slowly closer. She watched me warily, but allowed me to approach. I sat down on the grass and turned my face up to her. After a bit of hesitation, she sat opposite me, a questioning look upon her face.

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We spoke then, Kittsu translating as needed. I told her of my split from The Grim, and my forming of the new House. I explained that my vision of the future is broader than simple annihilation, much broader. I told her that we might never be friends, but that did not mean we would never need each other's aid. I told her I wished to keep the lines of communication open.


She, naturally, remained wary. But, she listened, and kept an open mind. She is willing to wait and see. This is good. In the end, she may have to die, but perhaps she will be useful. It may even be possible to enlighten her sufficiently to allow her to live. We will see.

Conidivh

After I left Kurohane, Kittsu was contacted by the rogue Conidivh. Now, this fellow interests me very much. His view of things is rather unusual. He is concerned that the future holds enemies much greater than either the Alliance or the Horde, and he is convinced that our best chance of survival is to find some sort of way to work together. While I can't accept that the Alliance as a whole will ever be worthy of anything but destruction, individuals like Conidivh and Kurohane convince me that there are at least a few over there who could possibly worthy of living, or at the least serve as tools for the greater good.

Conidivh gave me a present. A token of his goodwill, he called it. It was a vial of blood, taken from the paladin, Lovely, my dear old friend. It seems that The Crimson Watch has been becoming more active. I haven't really been following their actions much, but I think I might need to take a closer look at them.

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Yomi, one of The Crimson Watch, and rather well known, has created some kind of mechanical squirrel contraption, which contains a mix of hallucinogens and diseases. She has been using these metal squirrels to attack the Alliance, and Lovely was caught in one of the explosions.

Somehow, Conidivh managed to take a sample of Lovley's blood, right after she was affected by the noxious brew. This is what he gave to me, for my research. What a thoughtful gift.

He is concerned that the Crimson Watch poses a threat to both the Alliance and the Horde. He could possibly be right. I will have to investiage this. He also spoke of the Netherguards, those demons out in the Blasted Lands around the portal that lies there. He claims that if we don't deal with them, nothing else will matter because we'll all be dead.

He may be right, or wrong, but one thing is crystal clear. There is no place in my plans for simple black and white concepts. The world is painted in shades of gray, like my own shadowy vision.

Lovely

Lovely, of course, was not damaged permanently by Yomi's contraption. She is quite strong, and all the stronger for what I put her through. After talking with Conidivh, Kittsu encountered Lovely in Stormwind. This was the first time they had seen each other since Lovely's vacation with us.


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Lovely was upset, a bit angry, a bit hurt. Kittsu, as always a fine diplomat, smoothed the ruffled feathers and assured dear Lovely that everything had been necessary, and it was all for the greater good. And anyway, wasn't it a paladin's place to forgive?

In the end, Lovely was calm enough to agree that we could speak more. Kittsu tells me that Lovely rubbed the brand on the back of her neck more than once during their conversation. It's nice to know Lovely still thinks of me.

My conclusions about all this? Well, as I said, nothing is black and white. Every event, every person, every moment must be weighed and evaluated. I have to broaden my scope, reach out my arms to a wider and wider group. My goal is to survive, and to take those who are worthy with me. We must all work together. One cannot do it alone.

Sphere dilato, as the old language puts it. Horizons expanding. That is what my focus must be, now.


----------------------

[snake]

((Always an entertaining read!! wish i could get in on some of that RP action =P ))

[clys]

(( Well, why doncha, snake? We're easy enough to find. Give us a shout at our forum, and we'll work something out, I bet ))

[clys]

After Kittsu's discussion with Conidivh, I decided it would be worthwhile to check out this Dark Portal he mentioned in the Blasted Lands, and assess for myself the danger the Nethergardes present. I was accompanied by Danlily, Nissi, and Daala. We approached the Portal less cautiously than I would have preferred. Daala, probably due to her familiarity with things demonic, was excited and wanted to rush us in to view the wonder of the Portal. Or so it seemed. She rushed ahead of us, talking excitedly, full of the desire to show us this place.

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We had a few problems approaching the Portal. There were fiends of various types guarding it. The first one that saw us attacked viciously. We fought it, wounding it severely, and yet it would not die. It seemed to reach a state of nearly complete damage, and then stay there, still fighting. No matter what we threw at it, it could not be damaged further. We had to retreat from this single demon.

Daala then explained that some of the demons could not be slain, because their souls were bound to magical stones. Unless the stone was destroyed first, the demon was un-killable. Why she didn't mention this beforehand, I don't know. I'll chalk it up to her excitable nature.

Eventually we did manage to get close enough to the Portal to look into its depths. To me, it looked like a very dangerous thing. From what I understand, and it isn't much, the Twisting Nether lies on the other side, filled with all manner of foul things. The Burning Legion could come through. Maybe other things even worse could enter Azeroth. I would like to see the Portal destroyed. I am quite certain that destroying it is currently beyond my powers, maybe beyond the power of all of Azeroth combined. It worries me, this thing.

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The Portal had an unexpected effect upon our dear mage, Nissi. She could not stop looking at it. She said it was calling to her. She said that she felt it held all the answers to all her questions. She even attempted to ride her horse up between the guards and into the Portal itself. She might have been lost to us, but her horse shied away and refused to go closer. Even after the rest of us left the place, she remained, unwilling to leave it. I fear for her. I told her, and Danlily told her, to please stay away from the Portal. She nodded as if agreeing, but I could tell she was just making the motions. I hope she doesn't do something unrecoverable to herself.

In the end I came away with the feeling that Conidivh may be right about the Portal. But, even if he is, I see no immediate way to prepare, other than to keep an eye on the place. I will set my allies to investigating things. Daala is already looking into it. Serrine also has agreed to help. We'll see what they come up with.

As for the vial of blood Conidivh gave me, I split it up, giving some to the RAS, some to Danlily, and some to Daala. Knowledge is power. We'll see what they discover, soon enough.

[clys]

Clys pondered the information she had gathered, carefully. The Dark Portal definitely held some mysteries. Was it a threat? Was it a power she could contain and use? It wasn't clear, yet.

Kittsu came up to Clys in cheetah form and pushed her head against Clys' leg. Clys smiled and reached down to ruffle the fur on Kittsu's head.

"You've done an excellent job, my dear. Lovely is back in our good graces, and now the Lady Kurohane is stepping closer as well. First we drove them together, and now we can make use of them as a unit."

Clys turned then to Danlily, beckoning her closer. The golden haired troll grinned, and came to kneel beside Clys, looking up at her expectantly.

"You have something to tell me, Mistress?" she asked.

Clys smiled, her small fangs glinting for a moment.

"Yes, dear one. You know, I've been thinking further about our future directions. As much as I admired and revered Father Maledictus, I find myself disagreeing with his prime philosophy -- peace through annihilation. Oh, there' s nothing wrong with the concept, not at all, but I don't feel that it's truly optimal.

Destruction is often necessary, naturally. Enemies who can't be broken or directed, or who are simply too stupid to be worth anything, must be destroyed. But if they can be controlled, and set to my purposes, then destroying them would actually decrease my power.

This is how I see these two, the elven huntess Kurohane, and the tainted human paladin Lovely. They are much more useful alive. Of course, that could change, but for now, yes, I want them alive. They have powers that I require.

I'm particularly interested to see how the paladin responds to the Dark Portal. We saw how it affected our dear mage, Nissi, drawing her with some powerful magnetism. And the warlock Daala was filled with some nearly uncontrollable excitement. What will a paladin feel from the Portal? Can her odd mix of the divine and demonic help us to control the power of the Portal? Is it possible we could reach through the Portal and bring powerful servants into our control? That demon, Hakkar, may be beyond this Portal, with all his knowledge of life and death and immortality.

It certainly bears investigating."

Clys smiled warmly, stroking Kittsu's ears, and then continued.

"There is another reason I wish to take these two to the Portal. Whether or not the Portal is a threat to us, I think it will appear to be one. If Kurohane and Lovely believe that we and they have a common enemy, something that threatens the safety of all Azeroth, including them and their friends and families, then they will be very willing to work with us. It will make them easier to direct and control, and keep their minds focused on that."

Danlily smirked a bit, stroking the silvery hair attached to the top of her bow.

"Does this mean I get to play with the paladin again? I did so enjoy it last time."

"Truthfully, my dear, I think she wants it to happen again. She is still drawn to us. Her demon still lives. So, the answer is no."

"No?" asked Danlily, a puzzled look on her face, her eyes glowing dimly.

"No. Let her want it. Let the need grow in her. You may tease her if you wish, fan the flames, but give her nothing."

Danlily nodded, understanding now.

"Yes, Mistress." Turning to her bow Danlily stroked the hair again, giggling. "What do you think, Mother? Will it be fun to tease her? Yes? You think so, do you? What's that? Oh! That's a marvelous idea, Mother. You are so smart!"

Clys stood and squared her shoulders a bit, her hands caressing the hilts of her twin daggers.

Let's rally the forces, then. You, Kittsu and I, Nissi, Karkarov, and I think Dalla as well... we'll set a time and meet with the two Swordwaltzers, and take them with us to the Dark Portal. Then, we shall see what we shall see.

[Daala]

A letter to Clys, Danlily, and those they deem fit.

Information...like a mother's breast, it needs only the slightest of stimulation to bear its nectar. The Dark Portal...Medivh had opened it from Azeroth while he was possessed by Sargeras, as the other end was brought into being with the redoubtable Shadow Council. The Orcs were finally pushed back, until the new clans emerged. Hellscream's Warsong was one...the Allied expedition was lost, but somebody sealed the portal from the other side. Perhaps it was Khadgar's lot?

The portal itself is simple enough; though suitably regal, magnificent, it remains nothing more than a door. Medivh bore the key, but Medivh is dead. His spellbook remains in the hands of Kel'thuzad, Regent of the Plaguelands. The destination is Draenor, Outland, former home of the Orcs and future home of the Sin'dorei, the Naga. It was a teeming hot-bed of demonic affairs until Illidan and his supplicants carved the world out to their personal preference. Aside from the artifacts, the lost lore...is there truly anything of interest? I do not know.

Irrelevant, at this juncture. It would seem that the Dark Portal is not the only way to and from Outland, as Kael's band spawned a temporary gateway at Dalaran. The exact nature of this ritual, as well as the prospects of a repeated trial are quite unknown.

The blood of the woman, Lovely. More questions than answers, in that, but intuition tells me to follow the lead very intimately. A pity a sample couldn't have been taken prior to the Watch's assault, for comparative analysis, but such is life. More personal terms should be sought out; at this juncture, I'm hesitant to declare any findings as more than suppositional, speculative, or hypothetical.

I intend this missive as merely an update, as opposed to any sort of conclusive message.

If possible, I should like to investigate the Jaedelnar, I believe that is what they're calling themselves, and the surrounding Felwood. They are the evolution of the Shadow Council, and perhaps no mortals know more of the fiends than they.

Sincerely yours, Daala.

[Lovely]

After the meeting with Kittsu, Lovely was fully charged with emotion and anxiety. Many things were implied, and Lovely was terrified and intrigued at the same time.

But the largest concern on the paladin's mind was the portal. The dark portal...

Lovely had heard of the portal, but had never given it much thought. Now, after Kittsu's talk about a trip to the portal, Lovely could not help but think about it. Impulsive as ever, she knew she must see it.

Clys and the others would accompany her to the portal, but how could they know if she snuck a peek beforehand...They weren't around anyway....

Lovely mounted her steed and made her way to The Blasted Lands. Riding past Netherguard Keep, she continued south, veering away from the dragon, until she made it to the large crater where the portal was housed.

The blue glow from the portal enticed Lovely....Calling her forth. It was now or never.

Lovely pushed forward, riding quickly through the masses of guards in front of the portal, and moving toward its beckoning glow. One of the demons caught her by her shoulder armor, destroying it as it ripped her off her horse. She fell to the gound and rolled as the demons tore her steed to bits.

Panicked, Lovely ran toward the portal, diving into it as the guards clawed at her....

Inside, she was surrounded by the blue glow....A field kept her safe from the guards, but she was trapped. The field enveloped her, tantalizing her with unspeakable knowledge while giving none...She could feel many beings enter her mind, and then after a few moments of strange awareness, she was cast out of the portal.

The demon guards were there, waiting for her. Still confused from being inside, she had lost her bearings and the demons tore into her flesh. Her mind went blank as they laughed and bit into her flesh....

Lovely awoke a short time later near the Spirit healer, who was vanishing. Her armor was torn to bits, but she was already healing....Sick, but healing. Her ordeal in the portal was nothing more than a fuzzy memory...Try as she might, she could not remember what had happened in there.

Yes, she thought...I must return there...With Clys, with the others....We will solve this puzzle....

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[Karkarov]

*Karkarov idly taps his claw on his table back at the Rest in Peace*

Things are moving smoothly for now... yes all is well. Investigating the portal is fine, but for now it can not be breached. Hopefully Nissi will contain herself.

*Stares out the window in the direction of the plaugelands*

All the weapons needed to kill him are here. It is just a matter of time hehehe.

[clys]

Clys sighed, and stretched her shoulders. Her back hurt, and she was tired. So much information was coming in, from numerous sources. It was a drain to assimilate it all. Still, she was pleased to have it available. Knowledge was power, as the old adage went.

Rayeth had explained to her a few things about warlock magic. He told her that certain locations seemed to be inherently powerful, and that warlocks would often be drawn to such places, because it made the use of their powers easier. The Dark Portal was such a place. It was created by a warlock, in fact, and one of the most powerful Warlocks ever. He'd told her the name.. Gul'dun, was it? Anyway, the point was that the Portal was a locus of energy.

The Portal once lead to Draenor, the land of the Orcs. The destruction of that world had caused the great explosion which had created the Blasted Lands. What was on the other side of the Portal now was unknown. However, it was clear that the Portal could still be traversed. There were indications that various beings had entered Azeroth through the Portal since the explosion.

The Portal is currently guarded by demons. Some of these are soul-bound to magical stones. Karkarov had told her that the strongest of the shadowsworn are responsible for this binding. The demons that are so bound cannot be killed unless the stone is deactivated. They also cannot roam very far from the stone. He said that he had heard of a way to deactivate the stones. If there was to be any chance of controlling the Portal, that would be necessary.

Nissi, the mage, was still drawn to the Portal. She said it spoke to her. Rayeth's unusual succubus, Glynnia, remarked that it spoke to her as well. She was not willing to say any more. She seemed to fear that 'they' would hear her, although she wouldn't say who 'they' were.

Then there was the tainted Paladin, Lovely, who also seemed interested in the Portal. She had even traveled there on her own, according to the information Kittsu had learned.

Clys was determined to make an excursion to the Portal. If something was on the other side, and could enter Azeroth, she wanted to know what it was. If the Portal could be used to travel somewhere, or to draw power, she wanted to know.

How best to determine all this? Perhaps she should take a full contigent. Nissi, of course, Daala, Karkarov, Rayeth perhaps, Danlily... and maybe she could convince Kurohane and Lovely to go as well. Then she could see the effect of the Portal on all these, first hand. It might tell her something. Or it might just raise new questions.

Either way, it seemed to be the best course of action. Her decision made, she went out to find Danlily and make some plans.

[clys]

A page from Clys' journal:

Things progress. My research has indicated quite clearly that the Dark Portal is opening, perhaps soon. My concern over this is great, but not overwhelming. I offered, perhaps in error, a truce to the Lady Kurohane and her Swordwaltzers, thinking that it would be best to have a strong front against the danger that lies on the other side. I believe the Burning Legion still resides there, amongst the ruins of Draenor, within the Nether... the exact condition of the other side is yet unclear. We will have to deal with it in time, of this I am certain.

However, Kurohane has chosen enmity with us. Her final missive to me was terse.

"I must decline. I have too much on my plate already. Farewell."

If she thinks her plate is full now, just wait. If she doesn't stand with us, she stands against us. I suppose I was foolish to expect anything else. So be it.

The paladin Lovely, however, may still be a resource. She has broken with the Swordwaltzers, at least. Her latest actions don't speak very well of her, though. It is frivolous, at best, this escort service she has formed. I will continue to draw her in, though. Her particular gifts may reveal something useful. We shall see.

Rayeth has disappeared. I suspect he is investigating things in his own way. I hope he will return with valuable information, or at least with a renewed vigor for the battle.

I will take those who stand with me to the Portal to investigate it further. Information is the key. Can the power there be controlled, or befriended? I intend to survive, whatever it requires. Those who are my allies will have my support, no matter what happens. Those who set themselves against me will be left to die, or eliminated, as necessary.

[clys]

Silently, Clys slips past the guards. In her hand she has a message. Using all her skills, she approaches the door beyond which Ogema Kurohane sleeps. Clys knows that a single sound would betray her, and so she steps carefully in her whisperwalk boots.

She lays the message upon the sill, standing back for a moment to verify that the arrangement is perfect. There, in severed night elf fingers arranged to form letters, are the words "So be it."

Clys nods to herself, and silently makes her way out, fading into the shadows.

[clys]

((written by Rayeth, cross posted here for completeness))


*A crumpled piece of paper written by Rayeth. Its current location unknown*

Hah! yes yes yes! I think I know. I know I do! They think they can hide the words of truth! but alas to them I shall find it! WHY? they both react the same way! Lets see... think think you crazy lich! Why does the portal affect both members of the horde... and Glynnia at similar times and in similar ways? Surges maybe?! but surges of what?

Easy... calm yourself down Rayeth... Now... I think to yourself... you know the portal is opening. That is certain! But if so... then why do they lash at beings here? Maybe it needs... needs... what could it need? Power?! Of course haha!! *Some random scribbles and crude little drawings of demons are on the page*

Why does the portal strike fear into the heart of a girl like Nissi? Because she has potential. A powerful mage with much doubt and fear in herself... yes I can see it... the legion feeds on such traits. She fears her own abilities... but then what of the demon? Surely how could a demon fear something she has been a part of for such a long time? Because she was enslaved! The thought of such a terrible life would bring even the most brutal of warriors into the fetal position... that must be it! Much like the shadow trance... the demon can be re-enslaved and the mage can be a tool... yes yes... due to her fear of herself... the same thing many warlocks encounter right before they go mad. I have solved it I believe! but this is not safe... what if someone steals my journal? No! these secrets must stay in my head and no where else!!! *A rip in the paper cuts off the rest of the page. It appears that the page itself was ripped from a book*

[clys]

Clys waited with growing impatience at the entrance to the Blasted Lands. Smegmar and Karkarov had gone ahead to scout the area, and Daala waited nearby.

Lovely, the tainted Paladin, was late. Why were these Alliance people so unreliable? How had they managed to survive at all, with such sloppy discipline?

Clys shifted in the saddle of her undead horse, Leukemia, and patted the side of his bony neck.

"Well, Leuk, looks like she's a no-show. Such disrespect. I'm not surprised, really. She doesn't respect herself, much less anyone else."

Turning towards the Blasted Lands, Clys rode off to join the others.

They spent quite some time assaulting the varioius guardians of the place. Some of the guardians seemed not to be demons at all, but were trolls or orcs who were enslaved and forced to guard the Portal. The stones to which they were bound were the key. Destroying the stone allowed the guardian to be killed. As they died, they cried out,

"At last, the pain ends!"

After battling through these outer guards, however, they were faced with a powerful demonic force that stood grouped near the Portal. Smegmar in his experience said that they were too powerful.

"We cannot defeat those without additional help. We need a priest, at the very least."

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Clys nodded in agreement.

"Very well, then. We have learned much. Certainly the Portal is held by some force on the other side. Based on what we've encountered here, it is almost surely the Burning Legion. I spoke to the Draenai in the Swamp of Sorrows. This Portal led there, to their world of Draenor, before it was destroyed. Now, it probably leads to what's left.

The questions still remains, who or what survives on the other side? The Legion? Can we pass through the Portal? Can they? Is there a power strong enough to control the Portal, so that we can say who passes? And why do I get this shivery feeling down my spine when the name Arthas is mentioned in connection with this Portal?"

They turned to go, then, riding back through the Blasted Lands.