Big trouble in little Shattrath

[Rikt]

The Lower City, a part of the Shattrath City that contained the outcasts of tribes, refugees, and ruffians alike. A place where little was enforced and where cultures intermingled. A place of trade, where the Consortium ethereals and the current residents sold their wares.

But even amongst the seemingly tranquil atmosphere of the Lower City, hate poured from the mouth of a vindicator,

“Who do you think you are? ”

Two Aldor vindicators had backed a draenei to a wall.

The draenei was dressed in black and blue robes, the only part of his attire that stood out was the golden hammer amongst a background of purple. Nobody wanting to get involved, pass by and work without openly noticing the commotion.

“It’s bad enough the blood elves have taken residence here, now our own KIN join those murderous scum, and a priest no less ” one of the vindicators snarled and glared menacingly at his target.

“Rumors have also circulated that you are a death priest, is this true?” the other vindicator asked, trying to keep a calmer demeanor then his partner.

Hailos stood before them, shifting his head from one to the other, regarding them both.

“What if I was?” Hailos’ face showed no expression, and made it difficult to tell if he was lying or not.

“Then, if you are, we must make you face the actions of your crimes, what they have done cannot go unpunished.... until we have confirmed such, you must come with us.” the vindicators reached for their maces, preparing for any resistance.

Hailos smiled at them, “I am a death priest, so you can deal with me here if you wish...”

“That I shall!” the more violent vindicator took a swing at Hailos... as he assumed shadowform...

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

Hailos stood over the two draenei, both were on the ground and groans of pain could be heard escaping their lips. Picking one up by his neck, Hailos stared directly at the draenei, the pale blue of his eyes turned light violet from the shadow that consumed him.

“The fact that I have joined the Scryers or I am a death priest should not concern you. I have never been the first one to raise arms against my own ‘kin’.” Hailos dropped the draenei, and signaled for both of them to leave.

As they both ran back to the Aldor rise, Hailos sighed and left shadowform. Many of the residents were now looking at Hailos, rarely seeing any sort of violent action taken within the walls Shattrath. He turned to walk away from the astonished crowd.

“Dammit... This might get much worse...”

[Vilmah]

Vilmah loved Shattrath. Loved it like a baby. It was the most beautiful city she'd ever been in, full of light and hope. It didn't matter what race you were, here. It didn't matter where you were from. Usually, anyway..

She spotted something familliar. A golden hammer over a field of purple. Sanctuary? No, it was on a draenai.. a draeni! Haven! He was from Haven! Vilmah's face lit up when she saw Hailos for the first time. She'd seen plenty of draenai, but not one that she might actually want to talk to casually. Kicking Edmund's sides, she urged the huge wolf towards him, and realized that a few other people had the same idea. They were looking at Hailos, and not in a friendly way.

"Yuh oh.." Vilmah said to herself, sliding off of Edmund's back and going towards the Draenai. She didn't know much common, but she figured that her friendly expression made up for it. After all, she wore the gold and purple, too. Running in front of the priest, she waved frantically. "Hi!"

[Rikt]

Hailos stopped as he looked at a short female orc dismount her wolf, then walk up and greet him with a “Hi!”. At first Hailos look dumbfounded at the random greeting, then he noticed that she wore the same colors as him.

This was the first time he had the chance to talk to anyone from Sanctuary. Rather then speak to her, he decided he had heard enough horrible common from Nikholai; thus he projected words into her mind.

"Greetings, what is your rank and name? Don’t speak, I can hear your thoughts just fine."

Turning back to look at the crowd, he decided it was also best to leave here, he signaled for her to walk with him toward the World’s End Tavern.

[Vilmah]

Vilmah made an audible sigh.

Oh, thank GOODNESS! I don't know a bit of common aside from what you've just heard. Hi there! My name's Vilmah, Warboss of Sanctuary! I saw that you were a member of Haven, and I just -had- to come and meet you! What's your name?

She followed him eagerly, hardly coming up to his stirnum. It Vilmah had to skip to keep up.

[Shadowspeak]

He shifted his eyes from above. he had sensed a formation of Shadows below, it's bleak arua was more than noticed by the priest. He peered down from his perch, through the passing crowds of refugees down to what he had sensed.

A priest? Hmm.. Odd enough. I wounder why his brethren have him... subdued?

He released a small chuckle as the two were quickly dealt with. Even though Shadowspeak relished in killing the Alliance, he knew they were not that differant from him. There were a few on the other side of the fence similar to the old corpse that watched from above.

He shrugged and went about his way.

((- Sorry if I was intterupting, but I figured anyone would have seen this if theyr were just passin' by. -))

[Darkblade]

The World's End Tavern reminded Darkblade of home. Her home before the plague, before the Scourge. Before her undeath.

As a young woman, she had spent quite some time in the Stone Crow Tavern in her home city of Stratholme. Often her time was spent with a mark. Equally as often her time was spent recreationally. The drink, the smoke, the random male with whom to spend part of the night...a girl has needs and desires, you know.

Upon her first entry in to the World's End, she immediately felt a sort of...familiarity. It wasn't the decor, nor the patrons, simply the "feel" to the place. Even though as a Forsaken she rarely imbibed alcohol, she would still find time to patronize the place, as it was sort of a home away from home.

And so it was she was sitting at one of the tables in the World's End Tavern that day, idly stirring a drink she had no intention of drinking.

[Rikt]

Hailos strode forward, relieved to get away from the crowd.

You’re the Warboss? I see, so you are the leader of Sanctuary. I am Hailos Lexal, Inquistor of Haven.

Reaching and entering the tavern, Hailos walked over to a table and held out a seat for Vilmah.

After you.

Turning his head over to a Forsaken women idly stirring her drink, his mind began to wonder...

Can Forsaken drink anything? His mind had accidently projected the words to the Forsaken along with Vilmah.

Quickly turning his head away in slight embarrassment, he took his own seat across from Vilmah’s at the table.

[Vilmah]

Vilmah sat across from him and nodded, projecting her thoughts.

Oh, sure! Forsaken can drink fine. They can also eat. I mean, that's how they feel better after a long fight. They eat the remains of the guys they kill. 'course I mean, the Forsaken in Sanctuary only do that to people who need an extra big handfull of justice served to them, yanno? And--, oh wait, did you say Inquisitor?

Her face brightened even more.

It's so nice to meet you! The Inquisitor of Sanctuary is Nojinbu. He's actually my fiance, we're gonna get married on Saturday. I hope you and the rest of Haven'll be there. Niethan--, er, Nikolai? I think that's what he calls himself.. he's gonna marry us himself. We're gonna do it in Nagrand! It should be real fun.

[Rikt]

Hailos nodded, amused at how bubbly Vilmah was even amongst a projection of thoughts.

I believe I will be at the wedding, I am sure our Warboss will be aswell, and a few others from Haven. Although, where exactly in Nagrand will this wedding take place?

[Vilmah]

A floating island! We found a perfect one that was just the right size. We're gonna try and communicate with Thaena right before, because we don't want to give away the exact location yet. There's plenty of jerks that'd give us a hard time..

She frowned at the thought.

[Rikt]

Hailos nodded again.

I see, that makes sense. What is Sanctuaries' status at the moment with other Alliance guilds? I remeber the letter you sent me, have they become a increasing problem?

[Vilmah]

Ohh yeah.. we've officially gone to war with First Legion. Not only are they KOS, but our Inquisitor is oing to great lengths to hunt them down. Guys like that..

She shook her head sadly.

I can't imagine why they think the way they do. Almost like it's a game, yanno? That killing our leaders is something glorious. It's not! It's awful, and I mean, whadid Thrall do to deserve that?? Nothing, that's what..

[Rikt]

People kill for many reasons, money, bloodlust, justice... I am not exactly sure what First Legion thinks or what their motives were when they killed Thrall. But, I have a interesting question for you, for instance, what happens when justice clashes with each other, such as in Haala?

Hailos leans forward, looking at her with a cold expression. He was eager to ask this question from a member of Sanctuary, this was his chance

I am sure you are no stranger to the fighting that goes on there, and how both sides believe it is theirs. What would you do if you met someone from Haven there?

[Vilmah]

I would never hurt a member of Haven

She thought, without hesitation.

I consider Haven to be like family. Sanctuary's my family, and I didn't think Haven would be any different. What goes on in Halaa is.. well.. it's not right, in any case.. it's a shame, but people fight there for different reasons. I fight against people there because some members of the Alliance attack our homeland. I don't see why we can't just coexist. I mean, I know as an orc, that's a weird thing to hear.. but.. I am sorry for the terrible things my people did to yours. I wasn't even around, but I see the concequences of our actions, and I feel the backlash of it every day.

Vilmah shifted in her seat.

I've gotten a lot of heat from my side by asking one favor; for all who have any respect or love for me not to hurt members of Haven. It might not be many, but the few who respect my wishes won't be hurting anyone who wears the purple and gold. I told them that, because since you're like Sanctuary, I can be sure that you won't hurt anyone without proper cause.

[Rikt]

You do not need to apologize from what the fel orcs have done.

Hailos leans back, his face returning to a more serene expression

And thank you, for trying to convince other members of the Horde to not attack us, I appreciate it. Sadly, that is cold comfort to the fact that...

“Show yourself, death priest!” a loud booming draenai could be heard from outside. Twelve Aldor vindicators in two rows of six were marching upon the tavern, with their Exarch commander behind them; their maces ready and posed to subdue anyone who got in their way.

...I am not even safe from my own people.

[Niethan]

"Show yourself, death priest!"

Niethan startled, nearly dropping the small box of beads he'd been admiring. He whirled around, searching for whomever was, apparently, not inclined to like followers of Samedi. He saw no trolls immediately about, no one in the black deathmasks or the white tiaras of Lukou. He scratched his head in confusion a moment, setting the box of beads down so as not to forget and take them unpaid for.

Ssee the ssoldierss, Red King. They call out not for you.

"Maybe not..." He glanced up at Nagendra's voice, looking around until he spotted the parade, heading for the tavern. Aldor Vindicators? And an Exarch. They weren't usually so... hostile-looking. Niethan cast out his senses, sniffing at the air for trouble.

He could smell the food and various wares behind him, the oil on the draeni's armor... the sweet smell of rotting fruit, dusky scent of old beer... and Vilmah. And Hailos? That didn't make sense. But those Vindicators looked angry, nearly ready to explode.

Then go be a catalysst, Red King. Your feet twitch with the wanting of it.

Niethan nodded, abandoning his browsing of the beads and moving over to Montana, cooing sleepily in a beam of sunlight. He rifled through the saddlebags long enough to locate his paints, making a squick swipe of white down the left half of his face to balance out the black mourning masque on the right. Some rarely-used grey was applied with a practiced stroke to the cheekbones and jawline, giving the impression of a skull.

He rubbed off the paint onto Montana's saddle (much to the raptor's distress) and switched out his beribboned spear for the blackened scythe he'd picked up... somewhere. He thought perhaps in Hellfire. This done, Niethan strode quickly across the small square to the row of soldiers and the Exarch, to answer the unintended summons.

[Darkblade]

Darkblade looked up to the Draenei as his words echoed through her mind. She cocked her head, curious as to how exactly she heard what he said. Her gaze then moved to the Warboss of Sanctuary.

The similarity of the two individuals' tabards was striking.

((sorry it took so long, busy and without comp access most of the day))

[Vilmah]

I'm sure it's all a big misunderstanding, she thought optomistically.

Vilmah stood, holding up a hand towards the Vindicators.

"Hey guys, chill out," she said clearly. "Hailos is a peacekeeperm like you guys. No reason to mess with him."

[Darkblade]

Darkblade glanced toward the doorway, and the waiting peacekeeping force. Musing to herself, she thought, "this should be good."

[Rikt]

The Exarch stopped his men at the entrance, telling them to wait and let noone in or out. Walking into the tavern, the draenai caught the small physique of a orc, telling them to “chill out”.

“My apologize, but you misunderstand, this man is no peacekeeper, he is a traitor and a murderer, you would do best to just walk away from the table.” the Exarch explained to her as he walked past her and up to the seated figure that was Hailos.

Hailos looked up at him, “What can I do for you?”

The Exarch smashed his gauntlet into the table, splitting it in two. He stared down Hailos with a menacing glare,

“When I heard you were residing in Shattrath, I immediately formed this unit of Vindicators, not to subdue you, but so I can settle the score with you, with no interference...”

Hailos looked at him with a unchanging expression.

“What score?”

The Exarch eyed him with even more malice then before.

“You slew my brother, the Head Alchemist of Azure Watch.”

“Ah...”

“Scouts witnessed that event, and you were banished from the Exodar. If it wasn’t for my duties in Outland, I would have sought you out and payed you back for slaying my brother!”

The Exarch took off his giant mace strapped to his back, and pointed it at Hailos.

“For crimes against the Draenei people, and affiliating with the death priests of Auchenai, I shall bring judgement upon you, Hailos Lexal.”

Hailos stood up and assumed shadowform.

“Go ahead, I won’t make the first move.”

[Vilmah]

"Wait wait!"

Vilmah wasn't sure what was going on, but she knew it couldn't be good. From what she picked out of the conversation, she learned very little. Just that the guard had something personal against Hailos, and she could decipher the word "killed", as well as "banished". Did Hailos kill someone he wasn't supposed to?? As soon as he assumed shadowform, she could tell that things were serious.

"Wait just a minute, here! This place is a Sanctuary, and Hailos is a member of a peace-keeping organization, just like you guys. I'm sure you can settle your differences without violence, now stand the heck down!"

She folded her arms, looking stern.

"This isn't the place to take out your anger."

[Darkblade]

Darkblade spoke up, in the crude language of the Orcs. "Oh Vilmah, dear, if he was such a peace-keeper, I'm sure the peace-keeping force of Shattrath wouldn't be here accosting him."

The rogue smirked, enjoying the show.

[Vilmah]

"Hey, everyone makes mistakes," she said to Darkblade, a smile on her face. She could tell that the Forsaken was trying to get under her skin. "Besides.. nobody is above redemption. Anything he's done can surely be forgiven, for all of the good he has brought to the Alliance and the Horde."

[Darkblade]

"True enough." She glanced to the Draenie in shadowform, and turned back to Vilmah. "Though he doesn't seem to desire redemption nor forgiveness."

[Rikt]

The Exarch clasped both hands around his mace, ready to strike at Hailos, oblivious to the orcs attempt to stop him.

“Maybe you should take whatever she just told you and act on it, I bet it went along the lines of ‘stop fighting’?” Hailos stared at the Exarch’s face, twisted in malice. “I apologize for what I did to your brother, but what is done is done, and fighting me won’t change that.”

The Exarch, for a second, relaxed a bit, lowering his mace and pointing the head toward the ground. Hailos looked at his facial expression, noticing no change. Instinctively, he looked down to find the mace flying up toward him. Catching him squarely on his chin, Hailos went sailing into the air. The Exarch then quickly reeled his mace back, and swung it right at the still airborne Draenei, smashing his ribs and sending him straight across the tavern.

Hailos’ fell and caught himself just before his entire body hit the ground. Slowly getting up, clasping his hand on his side, Hailos spoke with a menacing tone,

“....But if that is how you want it, then so be it...”

[Vilmah]

"Hailos!"

Vilmah didn't wait for another word. With shield in front, and a massive sword at her other hand, she stood between him and the enraged Exarch. Her battle stance was that of a protector, willing to take as many hits as she needed to for the person behind her.

"Alright, that's enough! Now either you put down your weapons and let him be, or I'm gonna have to start handing our my own justice."

[Rikt]

Hailos straightened himself up and walked up next to Vilmah.

This one isn’t going to let up just by words or a show of force. There is little conviction greater then to avenge the death of a loved one...

The Exarch took his chance and charged forward, swinging his mace upwards to take another blow at Hailos’ ribs. Bringing his hand downwards, Hailos stopped the swing midway, his hand gripped tightly around the shaft of the mace. His bones groaned under the great force the Exarch exuded, his hand shaking to keep the weapon from meeting it’s mark.

He will live with only hate and sorrow in his heart for as long as he lives, for he cannot slay me under the code he has sworn himself to.

The thoughts he projected began to become more dark and distorted then before.

I however... am not bound by any such code... he has sought release from me... and he shall have it...

Shadow energy began to creep from the death priest’s hand, moving along the mace and toward the Exarch in malicious intent. Hailos’ face showed no expression under the darkness that veiled his body, save the two shadowy orbs that stared out toward the Exarch.

This is what you have truly sought from me... Release in Death....

The malicious thought was for the Exarch’s mind only, and he smiled.

[Vilmah]

Vilmah saw the dark aura surrounding Hailos, and she didn't like it one bit. Being a member of Haven, she knew that Thaena's judgement reguarding an Inquisitor has to be good. She'd have never appointed someone questionable to have such a responsibility. Of course, everyone had an off day every once in a while.

"Uh..H-hailos?" She stammered. "Maybe you should.. cool it... this is looking.. freaky?"

[Darkblade]

Darkblade moved from her table, wanting to make sure she wasn't in the path of any flying Draenei.

She smirked, still speaking in Orcish. "Yes, I see now how wrong I was by not seeing your friend's peace-keeping intentions."

Her hands were on her sword hilts, just in case.

[Rikt]

The shadow energy did not contaminate the hand of the Exarch as it trailed along the mace and completely cover it in darkness. The shadow disintegrated the mace, turning it to dust. In Hailos’ free hand, he quickly a produced a lantern shaped object of Draenei origins from his robes.

“What do you see?” Hailos asked the Exarch,

“I... I see...” the Exarch was almost teary eyed as he looked at Hailos, falling to his knees. Hailos gave the lantern to the Exarch, who held it in both his hands, staring at it intently, then up toward Hailos again.

“My apologies, am I standing in your way?” Hailos asked noone in particular, as he turned and walked to a corner in the room, gesturing for Vilmah to follow.

I am showing him his deceased brother, I brought his soul from Azeroth to Outland in that object.

Hailos left shadowform, and turned to look back at the Exarch mumbling to thin air.

It might look strange, but I can assure you, I did not drug him with anything.

[Vilmah]

Vilmah's face melted into one of relief, heating his explanation. She smiled at Hailos, shaking her head. "Sorry, I had no idea.. but heck, I didn't think you were doing anything devious. I knew Thaena was right about you."

She smiled and looked back over to the Exarch.

"What happens to Draenai, when they die? I don't know a thing about you guys.. I mean, his brother isn't trapped in there, is he? Warlocks can trap souls, but I didn't know if priests could.. and I dunno anything about Draenai souls either.. sorry if I'm rambling," she smiled apologetically. "I'm just trying to understand."

[Rikt]

Hailos takes a moment to contemplate Vilmah’s question, then, assuring himself that he had a good enough answer, projected his thoughts again

You do not need to apologize, it is understandable that you would be curious. To answer your question, Draenei like to think they become part of the Light when they die. However, if a Draenei does not have a proper burial, they become restless and exceptionably violent souls that roam amongst the living until they are taken away from this world by other means. In a way, Draenei aren’t much different then other species when it comes to the matters of the soul.

Hailo looked down toward Vilmah, then stared back toward the Exarch.

As for the soul of his brother, he is not trapped inside there. He gained a proper burial, but he wanted to say goodbye to his brother in Outland before he took his final rest.

[Vilmah]

"Ohhh, I get it!"

Vilmah smiled and turned back to the Exarch.

"That was an awfully nice thing you did, there. I have to say, I was a little worried when I saw you go into your shadowy form thingie. That usually spells trouble, considering most of the priests I know. I'm glad to see you're not amongst them. Heck, I don't care how you do good, as long as it's good you're doing, yanno?"

She put away her weapons, their familliar weight causing her to slouch a bit.

"My husband's the Inquisitor, on our side. You should meet him, someday. I'm sure you two can exchange notes."

[Rikt]

The Exarch stood up and nodded toward Hailos, crushing the medium for his brothers soul in his hand. A silvery orb manifested itself, gliding toward the entrance and up to the sky, free to finally rest. Turning to his troops guarding the entrance, he gestured for them to assemble in marching order, and they headed back to Aldor Rise.

Hailos watched them leave, then turned toward Vilmah.

Sounds good, I hope to meet you again, and hopefully your husband someday. But for now, I must leave, the High Priestess of the Aldor needs to cool herself down and my presence here will defiantly not help with that.

[Shadowspeak]

worried when I saw you go into your shadowy form thingie. That usually spells trouble, considering most of the priests I know. ."

((- >.> -))