A Secret Glimpse of Documents ((Open))

[Ylisaxa]

From the ledger of Madame Banque, Ylisaxa's servant and exchequer.




Expenditure:



Beverages......................................... ..................2g4s
Food and condiments.................... .......................52s
Clothing.......................................... ........... ........10g46s
Candles........................................... ....................1g67s
Leather and parchment......................................... 1g47s
Quills and ink............................................... ........2g79s
A Shipment of Foreign Books.......... ......................24g72s
Wages............................................. ....................5g
20 Light Feathers.......................................... ........1g42s

Total............................................. ......................50g50s



Incoming:


Auction Sales (after Commission)........................14g74s
Loot from the deceased of Ferelas........................4g79s
Research funds from the Cathedral (Stormwind)
for a shipment of Books from Durotar..................25g
From an unknown benefactor...............................5g92s

Total............................................. ...................130g45s



Notes:

An unusually large payment of 85g92s deposited in Booty Bay. Informed by clerk that receipt is unavailable. Benefactor wishes to remain anonymous.

My mistress' clothing allowance is considerably too generous methinks. These Horde books cannot surely be recommended reading.




A letter to The Arazabesque Estate from Ylisaxa Arazabeqsue




You have not heard from me for some time, Mother. My research is progressing, albeit slowly and laboriously, which I am sure will delight you since you have expressed your disapproval so clearly. I have the support of the clerics at Stormwind, but don't worry, I will not divulge our secret. It brings me as much shame as it does you.

I write to you, Mother with regards to Ylinoxa. In your last correspondence you expressed concern as she had left the estate without informing you. She contacted me from Ashenvale a moon ago and she was assisting me with the more practical aspect of this research. On a recent field trip to Durotar, she vanished in the night and I have not seen her since. I found a lock of her hair a few days later amid evidence of fierce conflict, and I fear the worst. The guards at Stormwind have contacted me and questioned me about her disappearance. Again, I did not divulge the nature of my research since they would no doubt view it with suspicion. Too much brawn, not enough brain methought. Expect a human emissary to visit the estate. They tell me they are pursuing an investigation. Be careful. They are not familiar with our way of life. Do not write to me here regarding these matters.

In the meantime it might be prudent to settle Ylinoxa's affairs.


Ylisaxa







A fragment from Ylinoxa's journal


....escaped unscathed. I zee vhat she is trying to do now, and to zhink I call her zister. I should have known ze warning vhen she put on me ze pain word all those moons ago. I 'ave been 'iding in ze forest too long now and I need to resupply. I vent secretly to Booty Bay for some warm pelts and water for my long travel North, but my bank 'as been emptied. They zhink I am dead. Well, let zhem think it. I vill continue my travel and avoid ze cities. Let us see vhat becomes of 'er vhen the guards....

[Ylisaxa]

From Ylisaxa's Research Notes


The tissue of the specimen is severly necrotic and dehydrated. This cadaver has been dead for three moons, maybe four. Beyond ressurection. The skeletal structure is extremely maladjuested and would have caused the specimen to steep forward quite considerably. The curvature of the spine lurches forward dramatically. If the skeleton where upright, the specimen would be as tall as a night elf, but due to this condition the specimen would appear to be much shorter.

The cranium of the specimen has been shattered. Most likely death by paladin. Evidence in the pupils that the specimen was blinded by light on the moment of death. Two large tusken structures emerge from above the lip. Ears are pointed and elven-like. Skin, if not so necrotic, would be a blueish hue.

The specimen is too far rotten to determine my hypothesis. I will require a fresher specimen.





A Letter to Barke from Ylisaxa.




Dearest Barke,

I know you have not set foot in Stormwind for quite some time, but I ask you to return as a favour. Your skill as a rogue will help you considerably in the task I will set for you.

As you know I have been hauled up in the cathedral doing some research, for which I require a new specimen. All I am getting here are the corpses that are scraped off the ground on a weekly basis by the guards. By the time I get to them, they are no good. I need something fresher.

I am sure it would be no trouble at all for you to smuggle a fresh dead troll into the city, no? With the guards questioning me over my sister's disappearance, they have advised me to stay within the city, otherwise I would venture out and find one myself. Oh, and needless to say, keep this quiet. The guards do not need anymore stories to fuel their suspicion.

Ylisaxa





An Interview between Stormwind Guard Marcus Johnson and Synoxa Vegas, Paladin.



Guard: You found the grave where, M'Lady?
Synoxa: On the banks of the river running through Durotar, Sir.
Guard: And was it marked in any way? A head stone?
Synoxa: No headstone sir, just a simple piece of wood.
Guard: And was there anything carved upon this wood?
Synoxa: Indeed, a name.
Guard: and What was this name madam?
Synoxa: The name was carved crudely, but I think it said "Ylinoxa Arazabesque".
Guard: And when did you happen across this grave, Lady?
Synoxa: About three nights ago.
Guard: Three nights?
Synoxa: Yes, three nights.
Guard: Interesting. And can you tell me, was there anything else carved on the wood?
Synoxa: Yes, Sir. There were words I could not understand.
Guard: Did you recognise what language it was?
Synoxa: I am not a scholar, Sir, but my best guess would be some kind of Elvish.
Guard: And Elvish grave in enemy territory. Very interesting indeed. Would you be able to take me to it?
Synoxa: Certainly, Sir. I have some unfinished business out there myself.
Guard: Thank you, M'lady. You have been very helpful indeed.

[Barke]

A fresh troll. He laughed. Easy enough.

He pushed the troll forward. This will be fresh. The troll looked over the hill and saw the front gates of Stormwind. His eyes went wide and he looked back at Barke. Barke smiled a little scratching at the bandage around his eye.

"Its time my blue skinned friend." The troll gave him a pitiful look as Barke's hand snapped out clamping down on his neck. He pushed the troll to the ground tightening his grip on the troll. The troll tried to struggle. His eyes bulged in terror as he increased its flailing.

Barke's grip didn't let up until the troll lay still. He held for a little longer to make sure it was not a trick to get him to let go. The troll was dead. No doubt.

He picked the troll up throwing the body over his shoulder and made his way towards the outer wall of Stormwind. He passed over Stormwind's wall unnoticed. It was easy enough for him having used to sneak in and out of the human city often.

He carefully made his way towards the cathedral where she said she was.

[Ylisaxa]

Ylisaxa was working by candlelight deep in the under-cathedral where her laboratory was. Slumped over her desk, scratching on her parchment with her quill and glancing periodically at an open text beside her, she barely noticed Barke sneak in from the shadows.

"You ordered a fresh troll M'am"? Barke smirked as he plonked the blue-skinned creature on the dissection table. The troll's arm flopped eerily over the edge catching the flicker of the candle-shadows that mistily lit the dank, stone-naked crypt.

Ylisaxa smiled, not flinching from her books. "That was very prompt, Barke. Let's take a look". Ylisaxa stands, pushing back her crooked wooden chair sending a screeching echo around the room. Standing upright in her white robes draped over her even paler skin she seemed to illuminate the room. She picks up a white mask and fastens it behind her neck as she approaches the dissecting table. Glancing at Barke, she grin invisibly under her mask.

"Would you care to help"? She asks handing him a spittoon shaped vessel. The lighting up of Barke's one remaining eye suggests a similar invisible grin as he nods and takes the vessel from Ylisaxa.

"The specimen is very fresh. Still warm. No sign of any injury. Definitely death by rogue".

Barke lets out a subdued chuckle.

"I am making the first incision above the navel. Skin texture is very fine. This is a youthful example of the species". Ylisaxa gently lifts out a large bloody mass from the incision, glancing up a Barke making a gesture to the vessel. Barke offers the receptacle into which Ylisaxa plops the organ.

"Place that over on the table if you would, Barke".

Ylisaxa, and her newly appointed assistant work quietly in the stillness of the crypt until a chink of daylight creeps through the grate high above them. The troll's dissected remains strewn over the table no longer resemble the creature Barke brought in a few hours before.

"I think I have enough information from this specimen" Ylisaxa yawns. She walks over to her desk, scratches a few notes on her parchment and disappears behind a screen.

"We will go and get some breakfast before we close this up", Ylisaxa tells Barke from behind the screen, slinging her blood-speckled robe over the top. "I know I shouldn't leave it that way, but nobody ever comes down here. We won't be gone long". Ylisaxa emerges from behind the screen wearing simple green dress.

Barke and Ylisaxa leave the cathedral through a small door at the back only normally used by the priests and clerics, squinting under the bright dawn-break sun. The walk casually around the old cobbled alley and into the grand cathedral square.

"So, are you going to tell my why you are cutting up trolls, Ylis"? Barke enquires raising a long Night-Elven eyebrow.

"A rogue like you? I would never tell you a thing", Ylisaxa giggles poking him childishly in his side. "Really, it is very dull. Cleric stuff".

Ylisaxa hoped this would be enough to fob him off, but she knew better and directed the conversation to the subject of breakfast. "Let's go to that place in Old Town".

The two walk across the large open square, casting long sundial-like shadows rippling over the silent cobbled road. Barke leans in closer to Ylisaxa and whispers to her, "Don't be alarmed, but a Stormwind guard has been following us since we entered the square".

The two quicken their pace ever so slightly only to hear the guard's footsteps echo their acceleration. A second guard emerges from adjacent to them. A third from in front in the distance. Barke and Ylisaxa stop still.

Barke grabs Ylisaxa's hand and looks deep into her eyes as he whispers, "trust me". In a moment the two are engulfed in smoke as Barke whisks Ylisaxa into a nearby alley. The two run around the tight corkscrew streets leaving the echo of shouting guards and whistles behind them as they vanish into the bustle of the early-morning trade district.


((edited to remove one of Barke's eyes =P ))

[Danyxandra]

((*squeeks* I want MORE! It's getting exciting and now I'm really curious what she's she's doing with the dissections :) ))

[Ylisaxa]

Synoxa and the Stormwind guard dismount. An orange powder of dust engulfs their boots as they land on the brittle, cracked arid-burnt soil. They had been riding since morning, and they arrive in Durotar under the spiteful glare of the midday sun. Synoxa takes a long swig of water and offers some to the guard.

"We are near to the place", Synoxa gasps gently, her words struggling though the humid tug of air. "But we must travel the rest of the way by foot".

The guard nods, and the two progress into the thick sickly swampland, their blades both drawn and ready.

The shade of the trees made no compensation for the heat that continued to prickle as sharp as barb-hooks under their skin. They move laboriously through the swamp, their blades swinging rhythmically like machetes.

The tangle of green unravels into a clearing. The air here is remarkably cool.

"There, ahead, is the spot". Synoxa points to an earthen mound in the distance with the point of her sword.

The guard steps forward cautiously, gesturing to Synoxa to stand back. His footsteps crack against the viney ground sending eerie ripples around the clearing. This truly is a place of the dead.

"Lady Synoxa", the guard utters turning around, his call breaking the grim silence that lay thick around them. "Are you quite sure this is the place"?

"Of course, Sir", Synoxa responds stepping briskly towards the guard.

The two stand side by side gazing into the open and emtpy grave.

"Then it seems somebody has dug her up", said the guard, testing the soil with the edge of his blade. "And recently. This soil is still soft".

[Noury]

((*squeeks* I want MORE! It's getting exciting and now I'm really curious what she's she's doing with the dissections :) ))

(( Gee.. I wonder why? :roll: *snickers...* Yli, you already know I'm following this story closely.. this is going to be superb..))

[Ylisaxa]

((*squeeks* I want MORE! It's getting exciting and now I'm really curious what she's she's doing with the dissections :) ))

(( Gee.. I wonder why? :roll: *snickers...* Yli, you already know I'm following this story closely.. this is going to be superb..))


(( <3. Yeah, it is finally time I got off my lazy arse and wrote something about Ylis. Feel free to jump in. Those guards are getting pretty nosey and would probably yoink her friends, and foes, in for an interview =P Treat as completely open ))

[Kurohane]

(( *waits on the edge of her seat* ))

[Ylisaxa]

The usual stillness of Ylisaxa's laboratory is filled with the bustle of guards rifling through her possessions like a swarm of pests. Papers are strewn carelessly onto the cracked granite floor, ink bleeding into the grain of her desk.

"Sir! The Archbishop is here and requests your audience, Sir", a guard barks from the doorway.
"Attention Guards. Be still. We have an important visitor". Guard Johnson's booming comand reverberates around the stone room causing the discarded papers to shuffle gently on the ground.

The Archbishop glides into the room accompanied by an elderly gnome.

"Greetings Captain. May I introduce Professor Pilferton Fudgegadget. He will be investigating the... body. I trust you will treat him well". The Archbishop gestures to the gnome who is obliviously adjusting his monocle, and glides back out of the room.

The gnome summons an imp that emerges pre-equipped with a parchment and quill. The imp immediately begins to dictate the Gnome's observations.

Humanoid. Heavily mutilated. Primary organs removed. Gender indecipherable due to mutilation. Skin-tone blue. Height: approximately seven feet tall. Race...

The gnome squashes his monocle tightly into his eye socket and squints, his nose almost brushing against the flesh of the dead specimen. The imp grips the quill tightly in anticipation of the gnome's eventual diagnosis.

Race... Night Elf.

"Is that your official verdict, Professor?" Guard Marcus Johnson enquires. "I need the information for my investigation".
"Oh indeed. Quite sure. Night Elf. Probably female".
"Thank you, Professor". Guard Johnson bows.
The Gnome nods, dismisses his imp, and shuffles out of the door slamming the old oaken door behind him.

Professor Fudgegadget scurries along the dank grey shadows of the corridor. He stops outside a heavy bolted door and knocks surprisingly loudly for such a small creature. The door is gilt heavily and studded with an elaborate pattern of jewels.
"Come", a voice utters from the other side of the door.
The gnome flings open the door and enters the incense-thick, glimmering room.
"I have done as you have asked, Archbishop. My payment, if you please", the professor coughs.
"Very well. You are quite sure the guards believe you?" the Archbishop enquires, lifting a coin purse out of his desk.
"Absolutely. They are not the brightest of men. And besides, a Night Elf is far more convenient. Ties up their case neatly, yes?" the gnome replies, his hand outstretched in anticipation of a heavy coin purse.
"Indeed", the archbishop nods dropping the purse into the gnome's greedy hand. "Dismissed, Professor".
The professor bows, spins on his heel and shuffles out though the door, slamming it behind him.
The Archbishop leans back in his chair, lifting up a parchment from his desk, muttering to himself, "Ah where was I? Oh yes", he chuckles to himself, "request for two guards to witness a soul purging".

[Ylisaxa]

Scraping the last of the blue ichor from the bowl onto her comb, Ylisaxa draws the dye though her hair. Gazing at her expressionless reflection in her dressing mirror, she rhythmically braids her flaxen, rehearsing her infiltration of the cathedral in her mind. After all, she had important research to collect. She crushes a bunch of fresh moonberries and mixes it with egg. Using a delicate brush she paints a mark on her face, just like her sister's. Her disguise is complete.

"Vhat do you zhink"? She says, standing in turning to face Barke.
"I think you have mastered that accent perfectly", Barke replies smirking.
"Well, it is familiar to me. I used to speak this way as a child. It was only a desire to be understood and taken seriously that I dispensed with it".

Barke raises the eyebrow above his good eye. "And not at all to disassociate yourself from your family".
"Of course not," Ylisaxa smiles.
"Are you sure you want to sneak back into the cathedral alone, Yli?" Barke enquires leaning back in his chair.
"I can do without your smoke and mirrors for this adventure. Besides, this disguise is flawless".
"I had never noticed how like your sister you are," Barke observes, leaning further back into his chair, his arms crossed over his chest.
Ylisaxa shoots back a glare, and shakes her head at him.
"Well, be safe, and don't be seen near the cathedral. The guards are stupid, but not quite that stupid. You should be fine".
Ylisaxa nods at Barke, "I have every confidence I will be swift and unseen". With that she turns and disappears through the door leaving a shuffle of sawdust on the ground behind her.
"Remember, you are a druid now", Barke calls after her. He hears an unconvincing "rawr" echo from beyond the Inn room door.


Ylisaxa slips into the city unnoticed amid the bustle of the mid-morning market. Despite the heaving crowds, she remains close to the shadows and the small winding backstreets. She arrives at the familiar loom of the cathedral growing out of the streets, its spires billowing against the cobalt-grey Stormwind sky. She feels a sharp pang of sadness.

Checking that the secret cleric entrance at the side of the building is clear, she scuttles into the doorway, heaving back the creaking oak-weathered door gently. She slips into the unlit passageway as smooth as shadows. Above her she hears the familiar creak of the cathedral breathing above her, the old stone humming its sotto voce mass.

Progressing down the corridor, clinging onto the granite-rough stone, she feels the way to her former laboratory. She knows this place as much by touch as by sight. Her fingertips scrape against wood. This is the door. Home at last.

Her laboratory feels even colder than it did when she occupied it; the stone-naked walls further denuded by the removal of her anatomical drawings. Everything has been removed. The screen, the desk, her rickety old stool, and most alarmingly, the specimens, her notes, her books.

Frustrated, she turns on her heel and slips out into the corridor, too devastated to face the disappearance of her home, her work. She had been obliterated.

In the distance she hears muffled voices and sees a glint of torchlight kiss the crumbling granite. Unable to escape, she melds into the shadows, hugging the cold granite close. The footsteps of two guards approach and brush past her.

"I hate that they make us witness this. I have been dreading it all day".
"I know, but the archbishop wills it, brother".
"Why do they even bother to call it 'soul purging'. Everyone knows it is really torture," the guard added.
"Well, serves him right for being a heretic, I say. And he sent the Archbishop on a merry ol' chase. I expect he will regret that."
"Aye, you are right, brother. It is just such a shame. That Nouri (http://tn.yzeens.com./modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=36276#36276) was always such a nice lad".

[Ylisaxa]

A notice in Stormwind, securely pinned on the eaves of the inn reads:


WANTED:

Ylisaxa Arazabesque for the hideous murder of her sister, Ylinoxa, whose violently mutilated remains were found in the catacombs of our own sacred Stormwind Cathedral.

You will be rewarded handsomely for her apprehension, preferably alive. Those who have any information are requested to approach a guard, before we decide that we need to approach you under suspicion of aiding and abetting a murderer. You have been warned.

[Kurohane]

She was passing through on what was becoming rather regular visits to Trias when the notice caught her eye. It hung in the same place the notice of her disenfranchisement had been placed, but was crisp and new. She paused, peering across the road at the posting from above the scarlet mask that obscured her face.

She strode fluidly over to it, letting her eyes flow over the fine text. A small smirk crossed her lips under the mask before she snatched the note down. Another would surely replace it soon, but this one was destine for her bags.

"You planning to hang around here long, Kuro?" Laushin asked from beside her, nervously glancing towards one of the gaurds.

"No," she answered her druidic friend as she turned her back on the Inn. "Let's be off."