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Chapter 1: Visiting Old Friends

Medelitha looked up in surprise as the troll entered her room. Her face was drawn, her frame too thin. Her normal make up and jewelry were nowhere to be seen. "Malis... My dear, whatever are you doing here?" She had been reading in bed, the covers drawn to her waist.

"Ah be lookin' t' visit silly!" Malis strode into the room with a small bundle of cloth in hand, her usual satchel slung over her shoulder. "Ah be wonderin' if ya be doin' ok, ya be soundin' so sad in t' letter. Ah be let in by t' servin' person ya be keepin' downstairs. Hope ya don't mind." She paused for a moment as she finally took a look at Litha and her face grew a little worried. "Ya be doin' ok?"

Medelitha let out a small, dry laugh. "I'm alive, but that is as much as I can say for now. I must beg your indulgence if I do not get up to greet you properly... My strength is not what it once was."

The troll tilted her head to the side before sighing and flopping to the floor. "Ya be not lookin' well... Whatcha be doin' t' become like this? Ya be gettin' sick like Rynn?" She placed the bundle to the side for a moment, her attention more focused on the pale elf before her than the gift she had brought. Playing with one of her dreads a small frown on her face, Malis had an aura of concern about her.

A grimace spread over the mage's face as she turned her head towards the window. "I'm afraid I do not know what plight your friend is suffering... As for me, well, I foolishly attempted to engage in magics that were beyond my abilities." She lowered her voice, looking back down at her hands atop the covers. The skin looked nearly paper thin and her hands seemed almost bony. "I thought I would be able to handle it, to conduct it properly. It would have cured our people, but..." With a heavy sigh, she shook her head and looks back up, forcing a small smile. "I'm afraid my ailment is the price of my tampering in those magics."

"There be nothin' wrong wit' wantin' t' do ya best t' better t' peoples around ya. At least ya be still here t' be wit' t' ones ya love." Malis shook her head at the Sin'dorei's words. "Ah be t'inkin' that ya be seein' t' bad side in t'ings right now but ya be better soon. There be t'ings ya can still do, ah be knowin' someone who be strivin' towards t' same end." The troll fell quiet after such an unusually concise statement. "There be not'ing foolish in tryin' t' help t' peoples, it be very noble for ya t' be makin' t' sacrifice."

Another dry chuckle escaped her unpainted lips. "Ah, it wasn't my research or goals that were foolish, my sweet Malis, but my thinking that I could handle two types of magic outside of my training and meld them together." She raised her hand to wave the matter off, but it didn't seem to have the same grace or force behind the gesture that it once did. "But I'm sure you didn't come here to listen to me prattle on about my own idiocy."

"Actually, that be exactly why ah be here!" Malis grinned, "Ah be wantin' t' find out what ya be doin' an' why ah not be seein' ya for so long... and wantin' t' know why ya letter be soundin' so sad... Now ah be knowin' why." She waggled a finger at Litha as if telling off a student. "An' don't ya go feelin' all sorry for yaself. Ya be doin' noble t'ing there be not'ing wrong wit' that. Ah be sure ya be ok, it just be a matter o' time." She got up and started bustling around the room, as if making sure it was in good order. She had an aura of a mother hen about her and had a lighthearded smile on her face when she completed her circuit and sat on the edge of the bed. "So... ah be here now an' mah questions be answered... What ya wanna know t' catch up on? Ya be askin' about such in t' letter."

A soft smile slowly spread across her lips. "To be honest, Malis, I wouldn't even know where to start. I suppose simply asking how everyone else has been would be a good place."

Malis placed her hands slightly behind her and leaned back, looking at the small ever preasent glowing motes that danced around in the air. "Hmmm... Well, ah be meetin' lots o' new peoples recently. Most they be Sin'dorei like yaself. Ummm..." She closed her eyes for a moment thinking, "Ah be seein Mister Archeon, he be doing well, mah sister Rynn be his student now. Ah be seein' Mister Elitharan too... he be givin' mahself some books t' read an' such. Oh! an' ah been meetin' Allo-van, he be livin' wit' Mister Elitharan an' Khenti!" She kicked her feet a little before realizing that her height made it hard. Turning back to look at Litha, the troll grinned before adding. "Ya know what? Ah be forgettin' ah be full member o' t' Symphony now!"

"Oh my, then it would seem congratulations are in order, my dear." Medelitha smiles, the first full smile since Malis arrived. "I always knew you would make it."

"Yah!" Malis grinned even wider, her single tusk making it quite comical, rather than the fearce grins of the Zandalar tribe. "An' ya never guess what! 'cause ah be learnin' how t' read wit' t' elvish books, ah' be learnin' t' talk like t' Sin'dorei." She closed her eyes and recited some words from memory.

Each word was spoken precisely in Thallassan without her usual accent, the foreign words seemed a little deeper and more gutteral coming from the troll's lips but still the sing-song quality showed through.

Medelitha blinked three times in surprise. "That was wonderful, Malis, truly. I've never heard another race attempt our language and speak it so fluently."

"It be an accident." Malis chuckled, "Ah not be findin' books in Zandalar an' so ah be learnin' t' Thall-assn... Ah be knowin' t' poems better t'an t' rest... Ah still not be very fluent but ah be tryin' hard t' be so." She waves a hand in the air as she spoke, the bangles entwined in her hair clinking lightly as her dreads swayed from her movements. "Mister Dissonance be t' one t' be showin' mahself t' poems. Ah be writin' mah own too!" The troll's face almost glowed as she rememberd her induction, "Ah be recitin' it when ah become full member."

"Was the one you recited the poem you wrote for your induction?" Medelitha continues smiling, seeming to have completely forgotten, for the moment, her ailments.

Malis shook her head, "Nah... that be a poem that Rynn be findin' for mahself... well, it be in a book she be findin' Ah guess ah be findin' it in t' book." The troll chuckled before glancing over once more. "Ah can be lettin' ya brrow if ya want. There be lots o' very perty soundin' poems in t'ere. " The shaman shook her head, "Ah not be one t' be singin' but ah be likin' t' rhythem o' t' poetry."

The mage tilted her head to the side, "I would love to borrow it whenever you are through, but to be honest, I am most curious as to the poem you wrote, my dear."

"oh... Ah dunno if ah can be rememberin' it..." Malis scrunched up her nose for a moment thinking. "Ah do 'ave it in my journal though. Ah can be bringin' it next time ah be comin' t' visit." She nodded with a grin before her eyes fall on the small bundle near her feet. "Oh, ah be bringin' ya a gift! Ya wanna see?"

Chapter 2: Lessons Learned

Amirynth peered into the darkened lab and frowned. He had told her to meet him but she assumed he would be there before her. With a shrug she moved into the now familiar lab and looked around for the candles. With a silent whisper of power she lit each of the wicks until the room was filled with the warm glow of tiny flames. Nodding to herself she drew in a deep breath to settle her mind before glancing around the room. It looked so much different when he wasn't there, as if it was an empty shell, discarded for better roomings. The thought made her frown as she carefully put the books she had been carrying on the corner of the large desk in the center of to room. She would wait for him here and started glancing around her mind wandering.

Her good eye passed over the table, spotting something interesting. He almost never takes these off, did he forget them? Her hands grasped the cool metal of the goggles that were usually upon Master Archeon's head. I shouldn't... The warlock let go of the copper goggles before she paused, a small smile spreading across her face. I doubt he'd notice, they really are... Carefully she picked them up and put them on, glancing around for a mirror or something reflective. Wow! They do look nice! She admired her new look as she noticed that the goggles hid the silver of her dead eye and was pleased about this. If only...

"Child, what are you doing?"

Rynn looked up to see Archeon standing in the doorway. His face was shadowed in such a way that she could not tell if he was amused or angry. "I'm sorry... I... I just wanted... to t-t-try them on." She started to back away from the table, shoulders slumped, hand raising up to take off the goggles. Klathgrave in the corner seemed to make a growling whisper as he shrunk suddenly, shadowy wisps moving towards the bloodelf before they were halted by Archeon's voice.

"What have I told you about that?" The stern tone of voice made her look down for an instant before she glanced back up with a more determined expression on her face. "I'm s-s-sorry, I just wanted to try them on." Her voice came much more clear and precised with an inner strength that wasn't there before. "They look pretty g-g-good don't they?" she added impishly.

Archeon sighed, slightly exasperated. "I called you here for your next lesson, not to mess with my belongings." He leveled his gaze to her until he was sure she had gotten the message before relenting slightly. "But yes, they do look good on you. Now..." He raised his hand to change the subject. "How has your studies on Demonic furthered. I gathered you decided to talk to Miss Derusilla?" The forsaken moved to the other side of the table where a few books and notes sat. He glanced at them before picking them up and handing them to Rynn, "I see you have been busy."

Amirynth nodded and took back her notes. "Yes, I was writing down the things I noticed Klath and Zuri s-s-saying that I couldn't quite make out. Miss Derusilla said she would help t-t-translate them if I asked her." The young warlock seemed to walk with a little more grace then she once did, her movements betraying the new found growth in stamina. While Klathgrave still stayed near to her, the voidwalker didn't seem to shrink as much as he used to. "And look what I can do now." Carefully she closed her eyes and whispered one word before thrusting her hand out towards the shadowed demon. The voidwalker growled before vanishing in a small gust of wind and in his place stood the smaller imp.

"What do ya want?" Yazuri's eyes narrowed before widening as he saw the expression on her face. "Sorry, M'lady, you wish for me to aid you in some way?" he backed up a little before glancing towards the forsaken not quite sure he felt comfortable in this warlock's presence.

"Nothing Zuri, that will be all." Amirynth banished him with the same words and gestures before letting Klath come back and letting go of the breath that she had been holding. "See Master Archeon, I have been p-p-practicing." She added with a smile.

Chapter 4: Voices in the dark...

"She said I have changed, that I was no longer myself. She was right, I -have-changed. I am no longer weak willed, no longer one with no strength. I have found, no, you have shown me there is hope in the darkness." The warlock stood straight, her good eye flashing a brilliant green as she spoke with a vehemence so unlike herself. "You have done so much for me. You have shown me how to regain my strength once more. I was weak, pitiful, now I can stand on my own and not depend on the demons every moment of the day. For the freedom you have given me I would walk through fire if you requited it of me."

Suddenly she spun on her heel and threw her arm out at Klathgrave who had been skulking behind her. With a snarl in demonic she banished him before turning back towards her watcher. "Now I can stand tall without aid. I am on the path to becoming the person I used to be. For this, Master Archeon, I shall stand by your side and follow down your path.

The scene changed, snarls of scourge scrambling over her senses. She felt a dark fog overcome her filled with rotting limbs, hungry sunken eyes, and ravenous teeth moving towards her. Slinking back she called for her demon and yelled insults in demonic towards them. She lithely dances from side to side, evading their clumsy movements. Quickly the bloodelf turned and pulled shadows from Klath before hurling them at the misshapen bodies. Again and again she struggled against the masses before the warlock felt herself slip, her control over the voidwalker lessening as she heard his whisperings grow louder. Amirynth yelled in anger and frustration as she pulled hellfire from within and rained it down on friend and foe alike. Anything, anything to get free of the nightmare that surrounded her.

And then it was silent. The chilled wind blew around her as the Sin'dorei stood on a lonely hill. She turned to see her mentor gazing at her with stern eyes that seemed to reflect the ice around them. She watched as he raised one gloved hand and felt more than heard the metallic sounds of the voicebox...

"Are you with me?"

Amirynth jolted upright in her bed breathing heavily. Her pillow was drenched in sweat and she felt her heart race as if she had just been running. Slowly she blinked the dreams away until the room came into focus, the gale glow from the moon illuminating shadows that swirled around her bed. "Klath?" she spoke in a low voice that almost shook with tension into the darkness, "Check the area please."

"As you wish..." came the whispered reply.

Chapter 6: Essence of Loneliness.

Amirynth stood at the open doorway staring at the emptiness that used to belong to Malis. She knew she should have been happy. I have freed her... Now she can go and live the life she had left before she joined up with me... Slowly the bloodelf crumpled on the floor, knees crashing into the dusty wood. I have protected her from... Her hands came up to cover her face as the tears started falling, Oh fell... what have I done? Waves of sobs came upon each other as she kneeled on the floor feeling the hard grains through the thin fabric of her robes. The echo of her cries reverberated in the empty room, coming back to her as voices that seemed to haunt her.

She had to do what was best. Malis would have never left her side otherwise. The shaman was the closest thing she had to family for the longest time. She had stuck with her even when her real family had turned their backs upon her. Rynn rocked back and forth on her heels as she felt the loneliness crash back in. She felt responsible for the troll's stay in the city, for her to strike out and look for a new family as she couldn't re-join her own on the island. Kiowa had come to bring her home and Malis had refused saying that she had to stay and take care of the warlock. Mails had stayed to take care of her... The warlock felt another sob rack her body as the pain in her chest stabbed a little deeper. She needs a life of her own...

Hearing voices, Amirynth looked up for a moment, her cheeks glistening in the candlelight. The communicators spoke once again, a clamor of voices each filled with worry and care. The warlock looked over to her bag where it had dropped and reached out for the stone to turn it off before she halted in her movements as the trolls voice spoke into the room.

"Mah sister, mah A-mi-rynth, she not be needin' mahself anymore! Why she be sayin' that?" Malis' anguish filled the room with a savagery that cut into the bloodelf.

"It's not that I need to... I need to protect you! You need to live you're own life, not mine!" Rynn felt the pain lance into her chest as she called out, knowing no one could hear but herself.

"I need to talk to that child," Archeon's voice rang clear as Amirynth quailed slightly. If he was angry with her then she really would be alone. Before she always had Malis to turn to and now she had pushed that away. Why couldn't Malis understand this was for her own good? She didn't care whether she lived or died, she had lost hope that the troll would ever find a cure. Amirynth knew that the troll's life was a almost a heartbeat compared to her own. She didn't want to tie the shaman down. Rynn wanted Malis to find her family again, to find her daughter, find her siblings and maybe even re-unite with Voodoo one day. The memory of that evening came back to her as she listened to the voices calling for Malisl in the background...



"You mean... you left suddenly? Why didn't you... want to tell... anyone?" Amirynth lay on the bed watching the troll as she wet the cloth down and moved to place it on her forehead.

"Ah not be wantin' him t' follow mahself. He be wantin' t' see me but ah dunno... Ah guess ah be scared, not be wantin' t' settle down an' such." Malis sat on the bed and looked out of the window, the morning sun finally streaming through the glass. It had been a long night but the fever was finally back down which relived her. "Ah didn't want t' confront him. Ah be feelin' bad that ah not be interested. So ah be leavin' to strike out mah own fortune. One day ah be comin' back, ah sure they not be missin' mahself."

Rynn shook her head slightly with a frown. She didn't understand the troll leaving a family who loved her but accepted it. "Well, I am kinda... glad that you... decided to leave. I..." Rynn took another deep breath, "I... would never have... met you otherwise." She smiled weakly as the troll tended on her. "You have... done so much... for me. I wish... I could find... some way to... repay you."

Malis grinned down at the bloodelf, "Nah, ya not need t'e be replayin' mahself. But ya know, if ya really wanna do somet'in' for mahself. Ah wanna see ya dance one day. Ah promise ya that ah be takin' care of ya until that day an' then ya be dancing for mahself ok?" She removed the cloth from the Sin'dorei and wrung it out, washing it in the fresh water before replacing it. "Ya tell me that ya be such a dancer, ah wanna be seein' that. Ah wanna see ya dance again."

"But... what about... you? What if... what if it takes... what if... it never happens?" The warlock looked at her friend with a worried expression. "Promise me... that you will... go back home... That you will... talk to Voodoo... Tell him how... you really feel..."

"Ah will go back home when t' time be right. But until then ah be here t' take care of ya! Even if it be forever. Ah promise ah be here for ya no matter what. That be makin' mahself ya blood sister." Malis took the necklace that she had made out of the dragon's claws they had fought together and with a sharp knife she cut into the palm of her hand. At Rynn's nod she did the same to the pale hand of the Sin'dorei and pressed them together, the dragon's claw between them. "There now we be sisters forever an' ever. There be no breakin' this bond until death be makin' us part. Now ya be always 'avin' someone there for yaself."

Amirynth smiled and leaned back feeling the heat of the troll close by and the aura of protection that seemed to cover her. The cut on her hand stung but it was soon replaced with the warm glow that emanated from the shaman's healing spells. She would become strong for Malis so that they both could go home and see the world together. She would dance again, she was sure it was only a matter of time...



Time... It was time. Amirynth heard the voices come for Malis, call for her and take care of her. The troll had people, she had a family to go to but she had people here too. Rynn had not left her alone and had protected her from what would be happening but she did not realize how hard it would be to let her go. The ache within her chest grew as she felt herself become left behind. This was for the best. It is better this way. As long as she is take care of, as long as she can be free to live her own life. That is what matters. That is... The warlock tried to pull herself together. She had to be strong for the world. She had promised that she would learn how to dance again... no matter what the costs. She knew where the strenth lay, she just needed to reach out and touch it. She needed to grasp at it and pull it into her. She would learn how to dance once again for Malis, for herself, for the family she lost all those years ago. She would learn to dance so that promises would not longer be broken.

Chapter 8: A new direction

Malis wandered through the city finally with a purpose. Carefully looking through the packs, the troll made sure everything was ready before calling for her bokbok. She was about to mount up when she spotted Asinity moving about the city. With a grin the troll sauntered over to greet him. "Heya Mister Asinity, how ya doin'?"

"Good evening Malis, I am good, yourself?" Asinity paused in his meanderings and smiled up at the troll. It had been a while since he had seen her around and he had been wondering where she had gotten to.

Malis opened her mouth to respond before closing it again as a pained look dashed over her face for a split second. "Oh ah be goin' off t' look for t' dragons in t' Winterspring an' ah be wonderin' if ya wanted t' come wit' mahself."

Asinity raised his eyebrows for a moment and nodded solemnly, "Of course , I would love to come with you. I would have t tie up a few things before I left, but of course. Why are you hunting this dragon if I might ask?"

The troll looked away for a moment at first not wanting to say why. She thought about the conversation she had had with Medelitha and of her time sitting in the new apartment without any direction. Litha was right, it was time she had to move on. It wasn't as if she was not welcome in the city, there were plenty of people who still wanted her around. It was time she went back to following her dreams. "Miss Litha told mahself that t' get out of t' city be a good t'ing."

The paladin raised his eyebrows once again then smiled a little. "So you thought you would go hunt a dragon?"

Malis nodded with a smile. "Yarp, ah used t' be huntin' t' dragons an' watchin' them. But it not be easy t' be goin' alone in case they be findin' ya. Ah usually try t' be stayin' near t' back an' ah be findin' that if ya stay away from t' gold t'en ya have better luck but it always be good t' have someone if t'ey be attackin' ya."

"Then I do believe I shall aid you." Asinity grins. "I've never really fought a dragon by myself, so I would be worried about you if I didn't go."

"Oh we not be goin' t' be attackin' t'em." The troll let out a hearty laugh. "Ah be likin' t' eatch t'em. Ah be studyin' t' dragons. One day ah hope t' be writin' a book now ah can be doin' t' writin' t'ing." She was quite excited about that thought. This was a way she could put to use the things she had learnt while in the city.

Asinity grinned at her response though he still had an aura of protectiveness about him. "Very well, I'd still be worried about letting you go alone so consider me part of the party. I don't have much reason to stay in the city right now and adventure seems to me a nice idea. I do have to ask though," He watched her closely, "Is it because of Rynn?"

She nodded slowly, "Yah... Miss Litha says ah shouldn't be waitin' for her t' let me back in. She be sayin' that it not be good for me t' hangin' around t' city all by mahself 'cause ah don't seem t' have a direction an' ah be all sad."

"Let you back in? How is she keeping you out? Is she a Blood Knight?" Asinity frowned at that thought.

Malis shook her head. "She not be kickin' mahself out o' t' city..." The troll paused, collecting her thoughts before trying again, "She be not wantin' mahself around t' help her out anymore. Ah not be knowin' why but ah guess she be findin' out how t' be strong again wit' Mister Archeon's teachin's. Ah be happy that she be findin' a way, even if ah not be much help for her." She sighed, "Ah just wish ah could be helpin' her out an' keepin' mah promice."

Asinity inclined his head into a nod. "I see... very well. Then would you mind waiting until the morning and then we shall gather our things and head off?" He smiled an encouraging smile and tapped the troll's arm lightly. "We can have breakfast on the way yes?"

She nodded with a slight smile, "Yush, ah be ready when ya be. Just be callin' mahself on t' talky stones an' ah be meetin' ya on t' morrow." Waving a farewell she called once more of her bokbok, this time hopping astride. "Thank ya Mister Asinity."

The paladin nodded a good bye and gave a low bow. "Your welcome Malis. Either way, you sleep well alright? I'll see you in the morning."

Chapter 10: The plot thickens

Dusk had fallen by the time Malis reached the door where Kiowa was staying in the city. This was the last goodbye she had to do. Carefully she knocked on the gilded wood before taking a step back. She wondered for a moment about what Kiowa would say when she found out that her big sister was still not coming home and instead would be back on the trail of the scalies. Knocking again she smiled a greeting when the door finally opened. "Heya little sis!" The troll gave a quick wave. "How ya doin'?"

"Sis! You came to see me!" Kiowa grinned in return, giving the red-dreaded troll a strong hug. "I'm fine, how are you?" She was always happy to see her sister. She didn't get enough time with her, especially now she managed to track her down after so long of Malis being away from the family tribe. "I hope you are not getting into any more trouble," she added with a smile.

"Oh, ah be... fine." Malis' smile grew a little strained but she kept up the merry facade. "Ah just be commin' around to tell ya something..."

She was interrupted by Kiowa who suddenly blurted out, "Actually, I have something to tell you..." The green-haired troll took a deep breath before adding in a rush. "Malis, you're my sister, and I love you, but... I think you have a problem. Well, not you necessarily, but you trust to easily."

"What do ya mean?" Malis looked confused at her sister. She had come to say goodbye and was not expecting this change of conversation. "Why it be wrong t' be trustin' people?" She raised a hand to play with one of her thick dreads lightly gnawing on it absently.

Kiowa sighed, she was not looking forward to broaching the subject but as her sister she had to look out for her open-minded sibling. "Because not everyone is good. Not everyone is worthy of your trust, they'll betray you one day." She crossed her arms and regarded the older troll, hoping that she'd understand.

"But why would anyone be doin' that? Who would be doin' somet'ing so mean?" Malis hated the thought of someone not liking her. She was always the first one to greet a person and, with the exception of shinies, would give everything she had if she thought it would help someone out. The troll looked down at her hands not wanting to accept the truth she knew her sister was speaking.

"Not everyone has a heart of gold, Malis." Kiowa narrowed her eyes for a moment shaking her head, "More specifically, that Amirynth doesn't."

Malis' eyes widened to hear her blood sister's name. "Why bring up Rynn? Why ya be sayin' that?" The last person she expected to talk about with Kiowa was the warlock. "Rynn be mah sis..." She paused for a moment, "Mah sister." A sad look flashed across her face. No, she was no longer her blood sister but Malis didn't want to believe that yet. She still held hope that with her return with the book of dragonology Rynn would be there with open arms.

Kiowa's face grew sour, "She thretened me, told me to leave, that I didn't belong here with you." The priest remembered that fateful night where she had fought with the bloodelf and her voice grew hard. "She told me that you didn't really love me 'cause you hadn't told anyone of me!" That was still a sore-spot for Kiowa and she still felt the sting of anger against Rynn for that.

Malis was stunned, her eyes growing wider. "Really!? But she would never! Ah never be hearin' o' her doin' anyt'in' like..." The troll stopped to think, "she id seem..." She shook her head, "No, she couldn't have."

"She did, and her master just looked on in approval." Kiowa turned to face Malis, trying to drive home what she was saying. "They are going to hurt you... I'm sure of it." A look of worry passed over her face. If she didn't protect her sister, who would?

"Her master? Ya be meanin' Mister Archeon be tellin' her t' do t'is?" The troll frowned with concern. This didn't seem to be the Ambassador she remembered, even if he didn't hold the title anymore. "He always be seemin' t' nicest person. He be very old, like grandfather be, ya remember?" Malis shook her head again, thoughts storming through her mind like confused bugs. "She has been acting very different..."

Kiowa shook her head, "I'm not saying he's telling her to do it, but he's happy about it, if not encouraging her." She put her hand upon Malis' arm and squeezed firmly. "IO don't think she truly cares about you. She seems to be quite willing to treat your blood relations quiet poorly. I mean, what if some stranger came and was rude to me, telling me I had to leave the city, that I was no longer accepted. You wouldn't stand for that would you?"

"Of course not Kiowa, Ah never be lettin' anyone harm ya. But..." Malis shook her head and pulled her sister's hand off her shoulder, holding it tight. "Ah be knowin' Rynn for a long time and she never been like t'is. Ah not be thinkin' Master Archeon be approvin', He said he be talkin' to her for mahself when she through mahself out of t' house." The troll looked uncomfortable for a moment wishing she hadn't revealed that now turn of events.

"She kicked you out!? Malis, Mister Archeon made comments upon how wonderfully Rynn is blossoming while she tried to convince me I was nothing to you!" The priest was flabbergasted that Amirynth could have done such a thing... and that Malis' had accepted it so readily. She wasn't about to accuse the former Ambassador of anything to do with Amirynth thinking that the warlock was just a bad egg but usually Malis had at least some decent instincts about people.

The troll grew worried. "If what you say is true..." She blinked as the cogs started turning in her brain. If this was true then what had caused the sudden change in temperament? Rynn used to be so caring and quiet. Some of it was because of how weak she got if she over-exerted herself, but she had always been the guiding voice that had kept the shaman out of trouble. It had only been recently that Rynn had been a little more... assertive and almost spiteful. She had spent so much of her time locked away in the lab experimenting on thing that had given Malis the creeps. An idea suddenly took hold in her mind, "Oh Kiowa! What should ah be doin'? Ah be t'inkin' that she be just wantin' mahself t' be writin' mah book..." Malis trailed off as she thought of the implications.

Scrunching her nose Kiowa replied, "Well that was the only interaction I've had with her, so I don't know what she was like before him but I found her to be bad, completely too pleasant and untrustworthy." The priest sighed, waving a hand in the air. "You only see the good in people, so I have no way of knowing if she was actually kind before Archeon. If I was you, I'd leave her to her own corruption." She eyes her big sister, "But I'm vindictive, I don't forgive easily, and you know that." She frowned, turning to look at the darkened star-filled sky that was shared with the island that they came from. "I still haven't completely forgiven you but I love you, and will protect you as best I can, even if I am angry or frustrated." Sighing she turned to gaze back at Malis with dark blue eyes that shone with the wisdom of the ages. "But I can't do that if you put yourself at the mercy of cruelty."

Malis grew quiet for a long while. "Ah be here t' tell ya that ah be leavin' t' hunt t' dragons in Winterspring but if she really be corrupted by Mister Archeon then ah have t' be helpin' her. Ah be makin' a promise t' her a long time ago that ah be t' one t' come t' her aid if she ever be needin' it."

"How do you know she wasn't corrupted already? That this isn't just her true nature showing through?" Kiowa sighed and eyed Malis, trying to prove her point. "I think her booting you to the curb is enough grounds to break that promise. Heck, with knowing this, now I have a good mind to go over there myself!"

The troll smiled lightly, "Ah just be knowin', Kiowa. Ya ever been wit' someone, been so close that ya never want t' be apart? Ya ever been wit' someone that ya be doin' anything for them, just t' see t'em smile? If they be callin' ya want t' be there for t'em, an' even if t'ey never be t' ones t' call, ya still be there just in case? Ya want t' be spendin' every wakin' moment wit' t'em an' if they be in danger ya be helpin', even if it be meanin' ya death?" Her deep red eyes lit up with an inner conviction. "Ah be doin' t' same for yaself as ah be doin' for her. Ah be knowin' she be changed an' ah be intendin' t' find out how t' get her back!"

The younger troll sighed, "You're the only person I've ever cared nearly that much about, so you understand why I'm worried right?" She felt like she was loosing the battle, "I don't want her hurting you anymore."

Malis nodded, "Ah be understandin'... Ah be needin' t' find Mister Archeon an' ask him what ah can be doin' t' be gettin mah Rynn back." She chewed upon a thick dread as she tried to hatch a plan. She was usually the type to run in there and then figure things out later. She knew that this would have to take a different approach.

"Are you sure that is the best idea?" The priest frowned, "Archeon doesn't seem to have a problem with the way she is now; why would he help you to get her back, as you say?"

"But ah have t' be tryin'! What if she be under a spell an' she be tryin' t' break free?" Malis looked at her sister in shock as the idea came to her. "She be all lost an' alone in her head... that not be good. Maybe ah can be tryin' t' find a way t' be savin' her! Oh! Ah gotta be tryin' t' save her!"

Kiowa was startled by her sister's sudden outburst and frowned, "Are you implying that Archeon has bespelled your Amirynth?" She raised an eyebrow in skepticism, not sure if this was another one of Malis' foolhardy plans. "You do know what that could mean?"

"I don't know!" Malis flailed in anguish, wrapped up in her own scenarios that were running through her mind. it explained so much. If this was the case then that would be why Rynn was no longer acting like herself. The shaman clenched her fist in determination. She would find a way to rescue her blood sister from the grips of the dark side. "Oh!" Malis cried out, "It be all mah fault! Ah be t' one who be tellin' her t' go see Mister Archeon in t' first place. It it not be for mahself she might have been ok."

"It's not your fault, if Archeon is doing this, and that's a big if, then it's his fault and no one else's." Kiowa fumed for a moment before pointing towards her older sister, "And I don't want to ever hear you say that again ok?"

The troll took a step back and nodded, if only to keep her sister off her back. "What should ah be doin' then? Ah can't be just confrontin' him... that might be endangerin' mah Rynn." Malis tried to come up with other solutions, not quite sure if she was the right troll for the job but not wanting anyone else to find out for her.

Kiowa gasped and thwacked Malis on the arm. "That might endanger yourself! Rynn is his pet student from what I have seen so he shouldn't harm her." She shook her head, "I don't know sister. There are no books that will give you a definite answer, so I just don't know." Tapping her foot on the ground the priest suddenly realized something, "Are you going over there alone?"

Malis nodded, "Yeah, ah not be wantin' t' be endangerin' anyone else. Ah not be really havin' a plan so it be better this way." The troll definitely didn't want her sister coming along, she had already lost one to the mastermind, she didn't want to loose another one. "What kinda sister be lettin' her get into t' kind o' trouble like that?"

"The kind who finds significantly more trouble than her little sister!" The green-haired troll spluttered indignantly "You are my sister, we're here to take care of each other right? All of a sudden you care about my well being? What about when you left the tribe without any clue as to where you went! I love you, I really do, but sometimes you just fustrate me! I am not a child anymore!"

"Ah be knowin' ya not be a child but ah be goin' at this alone an' that be final!" Malis spun on her heel and stalked off into the darkness. The last thing she needed was her sister following her so she had to leave fast. She would figure out where Mister Archeon was hiding and make him turn Rynn back, the bloodelf deserved nothing less than that.

Chapter 12: To die would be an awfully big adventure...

*Log transcribed
Song dedication: Perfect time of day

" Mister Archeon? Where ya be? Can ah be meetin' wit'cha? Ah be needin' t' talk wit' cha right now" Malis called out over the communicators as she hurried through the city, heart in her throat. It had to be true, there was no way Rynn would turn her back unless she was enthralled. Malis wasn't a fan on the Forsaken, believing the dead needed to stay within the ground, but a few had changed her opinion so she gave them the benefit of the doubt. However, this was soon to change if this Archeon had anything to do with it.
A cold mechanical grumble replied "Can it wait, Malis?" Even his voice made her scowl for the moment and she gripped the communicator tighter in her hand.
"Malis!?" Rynn's voice came next, "What happened! Where are you? You just vanished!"
Her voice made her heart leap into her throat for a moment. The troll shook her head, trying to keep her focus on the madly concocted plan within her mind. It was now or never, if she left, she would lose her sister and would probably not get to see her again. "Rynn! Don't ya be listenin' t' him! Follow mah voice! Come back t' me!" Plans be damned! The smallest thought of losing her blood sister was too much for Malis to bear. If she could pin point their location and get there, then she would be able to figure out what was going on.
"What absurdity is this?" Archeon demanded, intruding in on her thoughts.
Malis gripped the communicator, she tied to keep her voice empty of the anguish and revulsion she felt as she spoke. "Mister Archeon, ah must be speaking wit' ya right now!" Now or never... the chanting in her head repeated over and over, keeping her focused and seemingly calm.
"I'm by the bank in the royal exchange, Malis." Archeon's familiar crackle come over the communicators in answer. "Do come visit if you must." Malis couldn't tell if he was aware of the emotions storming within her but if he was, he was hiding it quite well.
"What in fell's name are you talking about Malis? Don't listen to who? You are not making any sense" Amirynth spoke once more, "Where have you been? Mister Asinity has been looking for you?" Was that a tremor in her voice? The bloodelf's stammer was hardly noticeable, almost as if she was a different person.
The troll took to the streets, the bank was just around the corner and it would only take a few minutes to get there. Sooner if she could shift to spirit form but then she would be unable to communicate and she had to keep her dear friend out of trouble. "Rynn ya be in danger!" Malis' voice took a pleading edge, "Ah be comin' t' save ya! Mister Archeon, ah be comin'!" She was almost frantic now, her mind conjuring up worse situations that became more and more implausible. Amirynth had mentioned nightmares getting worse and now Malis had the thought of those nightmares coming true.
A new voice came over the communicators as Marrika chimed in, "Malis dear, Rynn is right here with us. I'm sure whatever is going on she'll be fine." Her voice was smooth and calm, trying to placate the troll but it only served to stoke her frantic thoughts.
"Rynn what ever ya be doin' don't be listenin' to him... follow t' light! Ya must be findin' t' strength t' be comin' home!" With that she clicked off the communicator. Spirit form it was, she needed to get to the bank fast!

Archeon turned towards his apprentice with a frown "What is she babbling on about, Rynn?" He had never heard Malis get so riled up about something before and was concerned. "Didn't you say she was leaving to go hunting for dragons or something?"
Amirynth looked confused, "I have no idea actually, I haven't seen her in quite a while." She shook her head wondering what the troll was thinking. A small part of her worried that Malis was going to turn this into something bigger than it was. She needed the troll to leave the city because she was sure that the shaman would get the wrong idea. With a glance towards the now-silent communicator her worries might be correct. If Malis got the wrong idea... Rynn shuddered, she had done everything she could to push Malis out of harms way. Surely Kiowa would have dragged her sister back home to Yojamba Isle?
"You said she was missing?" Marrika glanced over towards her fellow warlock, punctuating her thoughts.
Rynn nodded, "Yes, Asinity was asking about her location..." Her heart beat a little faster as her mind ran over the conversation with the paladin. If only they had planned one day sooner... She paused as Malis suddenly ran up, shifting out of her wolf form as she did so, halting before them, her breath coming hard.

"Give me back mah Rynn!" The troll had a look about her as if she hadn't slept for a few days. Everything was spiraling out of control around her and it showed.
Archeon's voice box crackled on, "What do you want, Malis..." The warlock's eyes narrowed from behind his bandana. The last thing he needed was her causing trouble. He looked around as she yelled her threats, noticing that the outburst over the communicators had attracted more than just the troll to the footstrps of the bank.
"Mister Archeon, ah be needin' t' talk wit' ya alone" The shaman looked at the growing crowd and frowned, wondering why everyone was here for a split second. Even Per and Deru had gathered, Dorac and even non-Symphony members like Karis and Meela were here. There was a tenseness in the air that felt like it could be cut with a knife. Amirynth looked confused, and a little worried, watching everyone with Marrika from just behind where Archeon stood.
"I'm in no mood for trifle or games, spit it out." Archeon's voice almost growled as his eyes narrowed towards the troll. In the corner of his eye Marrika, wondering if Malis's wits were addled by her 'disappearance', shook her head slightly as Peredhel shot a firm look at his wife. Eniki eyed Malis coldly as the troll spoke.
Malis frowns, "Well then fine! If ya gonna be like that. Ya be stealin' away somet'ing special t' mahself an' ah be wantin' her back!" The shaman lost it, standing up to her full height of almost nine feet and scowled down at the forsaken. Now or never... She bared her teeth and clenched her teeth, sure that she could get him to break the enchantment upon her sister, not wanting to accept that it may have been of her own volition.
"Stole? "her"?" The warlock arched an eyeborw. "Rynn has made her own decisions, Malis." If he was intimidated by the large troll he did not show it. Archeon leaned back on his heels in a nonchalant manner as his followers moved slightly to gether closer to his 'side', the guild of Symphony dividing slightly between them.

Malis shook her head, "Ah be knoin' that!" She waved a hand in the air as if trying to explain. She knew that on the surface, the bloodelf had made her own decision, had chosen to follow Archeon. Until a few days ago when Kiowa had opened her eyes, she had thought Archeon was a great influence on Rynn. The last few moments with her blood sister, however, had illustrated something a little more sinister but Malis wasn't sure how to explain it correctly, she just... had a feeling. "But ya be makin' Rynn be all... different. She not be t' person she used t' be. Rynn not be... Nice an' kind an' such!" Malis stomped her foot and put her hands on her hip, glaring at the forsaken before her.

"She has grown in confidence and skill." Marrkia narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps that is "different" to you." The fellow elf moved slightly to wrap her arm around Rynn's as if to shield her from the irate troll before them.
"She's learned independence, is that so bad?" Derusilla added, nodding towards Marrika in agreement as they both sided with the younger warlock.
Even Amirynth chimed in, shaking her head, "No, Malis. Archeon has done nothing wrong. He has taught me how to become strong." She wanted to tell her how she had managed to not rely on the demons anymore, how he had shown her how to find an inner well of strength that she did not know she had. The look on Malis' face dissuaded her, the troll was in no mood to argue.

She narrowed her eyes, nails digging into her palms. "Yes! It be bad when she be different' when she not be herself anymore." The troll looked between the three women who almost formed a wall behind their forsaken mentor. Malis once again turned towards Archeon who was no longer even listening to her.

"Karis." Archeon looked towards the darker forsaken who straightened up slightly at the mention of her name, "Stand with me." His eyes glowed with that unholy look, no longer the inviting, polite expressions that most remembered him with. The darker aura about him permeated through the others who stood with him. Amirynth and Marrika seemed to have the same feel about them but then so did Perehdel and Eniki. The troll shaman no longer his usual jovial self and the shadow priest completely entangled in his namesake.
Karis spoke some gutteral comment in the tounge of the forsaken at Archeon as she blinked, eyes flashing for a moment. She seemed to be turning something over in her head.
The warlock's eyes grew harder "You swore an oath, Needleteeth."
Terthelas frowned, looking over at the assembled. "I...am very confused." He wondered who to stand with anymore though the divide seemed to be growing larger as time went on. As he observed, there was a subtle shift in positions as secret bonds were strengthened, finally coming into light.
Meella blinked at Karis wondering what he was talking about. "An oath?" Shaking her head she frowned with disappointment at Archeon. "...What's this all about, Archeon?" Like Terthelas, she felt the subtle pull of the growing chasm that was forming between the members of the Symphony.
Jyrunai looked uneasy as he watched the battle of control. His gaze settled upon Karis as she set her jaw. "I swore an Oath to the Dark Lady first." From just behind her, Horror nodded to himself in agreement. His tongue moved back and forth slightly, the eye clasped between it's prehensile grip observing the goings on.
Asinity joined the throng on Malis' side and glanced over at Medelitha as she also joined them sharing a moment of confusion at what was happening before them.

"Malis, you have this all wrong..." Amirynth stepped forward to placate the troll. It was up to her to defuse this. She knew that Malis would not listen to Archeon and, if this was all to blow over and not escalate, she had to make the shaman listen to her and understand that there was nothing wrong and well, people changed and... Her words sounded hollow to even her as she played them within her head.
Malis turned on Rynn, "You used t' be happy! Remember all t' adventures we be havin'! What happened t' mah sister?" The shaman almost wailed as she spoke, trying to show her blood sister that it didn't matter if she was 'stuck in the city' as long as it was with her. The vibes she was getting from her nerves was grating against her skull. She could feel the spirits screaming at her and yet there was something rooting her feet to the ground; she couldn't leave Rynn in this situation.

Archeon shrugged. He pulled something out from his robe and slips it over his head, slowly. "No sense being discreet any longer" The large horns gleamed menacingly in the light as the cowl covered the forsaken's face with shadows.
Horror snapped his head in the direction of Karis. His tongue retracts a bit, as he noticed her reaction as she swore under her breath, the forsaken knew more than she was letting on.
Meella widened her eyes. "What the..." She turned to the paladin as he gasped and reached for the pommel of his mace that hung on his hip. Asinity shrugged in answer before getting ready for the worst, determined to protect his guild.
"What under the Light itself..." Jyrunai shook his head in disbelief, "What is he wearing?" He shifted stance as the rest of the Symphony gathered behind him. Medelitha glanced over and nodded at Elitharan as Terthelas frowned, a hand also dropping to his sword.

Amirynth ignored the gasps of astonishment around her and focused her attention upon Malis. "I am just a burden to you, Master Archeon promised me strength and see, I can now stand tall with no aid from the demons, isn't that what you wanted?" She almost winced as she said the words. Everything was crashing down around her, the people she trusted were now standing before her, weapons at the ready. She had not wanted it to come to this, she had not wanted anyone else to become wrapped around these nefarious plans.
"NOT LIKE THIS!" Malis stepped forward until she was close to Rynn and Archeon. Her height towered over the forsaken and bloodelf and her eyes burned with a bright rage that seemed to be reflected in her dreads. She clenched her fists in frustration, not knowing what to do with the emotions running through her veins. She wanted to shake the forsaken, try to get him to understand her words, getting frustrated at how everything was turning out. The troll did not even notice how there was now two sides facing each other, both poised to attack.
"MALIS, YOU WILL NOT INTERFERE!" Archeon turned his attention back to the troll as Marrkia moved up close behind him.
Malis tried once more to talk to Archeon, "Please give her back! She be no nice anymore, she be actin' mean. She be yellin' at mah sister, tryin' t' get her t' leave. She not be like this an' it be all your fault!" She almost pleaded with the forsaken, the pain in her voice making Marrika wince.
Medelitha stiffened as Terok shook his head. "None of this bodes well." The rest of the Symphony eyed each other as the forsaken and troll exchanged words.

"You. Will. Not. Interfere." Archeon drew his sword, his eyes narrowing, each word punctuated with another step closer. It was done, over with. If she wasn't going to back down, he would use her as an example. The secret was out and this stage was just as good as any other. even better in face, as most of the Symphony was gathered here, called either by the earlier outburst on the communicators or the growing network of spectators who had gathered to see the altercation on the steps of the bank.
Eniki growled softly. "Get away, girl... if you know what's good for you...." Marrika and Derusilla stood with him, Per hunched behind the trio, not quite as tall as the furious Zandalari before them but still giving a run for her money.

Asinity glanced at Elitharan, then jerked his head towards Archeon. He was ready to step in and end this but wanted confirmation before he blazed in. The paladin had a bad feeling but did not want to raise his weapon against fellow Symphony members. The guild leader shook his head slightly before holding up his hand, there had to be another way to restore order to the throng before them. Eli glanced at Litha and Jyr, seeing their agreement with his decision before turning his attention back to the main trio in the center, the Zandalari towering over the forsaken and blood elf. He didn't know Rynn that well but had grown fond of Malis. Archeon, he had known for years and this sudden betrayal seemed very out of character for him. There was something going on that was bigger than all of them but until he figured out what it was, he didn't want anyone rushing in in case someone got hurt.

Amyrinth gasped and took a step back, looking between Malis and Archeon, her heart beating fast in her chest. This was not what she had wanted to happen and for a moment she considered jumping in between them in hopes of possible stopping the face off. There had to be something she could do though she had the feeling everything has spiraled too far out of control and there was no backing down now. Sides had been chosen and the chasm had opened up, splitting the guild in two.

The troll pulled out her axe, eyes flashing. "You be not havin' any power over mahself Archeon. Ya be returnin' what ya be stealin' an break t' spell ya have placed upon Rynn!" The shaman growled softly, her hands tightening around the shaft of her 'Fluffy'. The rage that burned with in was something new to her but she refused to let the forsaken take away someone she held dear. This was no longer someone she looked up to, this forsaken was an enemy. The troll muttered lightly to herself in Zandali before hefting her axe. She paused considering her options, not wanting to attack but ready to do so if it would help save her friend.

Without warning, Archeon broke the tension, lurching forward, impaling Malis on the runeblade 'Fateweaver'. With a shriek, the metal twisted and grated, changing shape as it pulled forth the troll's life essence. His grin was palpable from behind his mask, the fel taint within his eyes growing into a cold icy blue. Slowly the troll fell to the ground, her knees buckling and bright red dreads spilling around her face. Fluffy fell with a final clang right next to her, stunning everyone around her for a moment frozen in time. A pool of blood darkened around her as the troll blinked with the instant pain and confusion, breathing her last...

Medelitha 's eyes widened and she griped the sword at her hip. "MALIS!" The world exploded around her with the cries of the Symphony, each echoing her disbelief.
"NO!!"
"Archeon! Don't!"
"Malis-..FEL."
"You..."
"THE FEL?!"
"By the...by the Sun!" Elitharan was stunned, not quite expecting what he had just seen.. "Archeon! What are you doing?!" The mage clenched his fist, preparing a spell, looking for a priest to help same Malis, hoping the wound was not fatal. He noticed the paladin stride forward, hefting his mace with both hands.
"You..." Asinity seethed with anger, eyes burning brightly. "What the -hell- have you done!?" He readied his weapon, about to attack, "You -b*****d-! In the name of the Light, I will not allow you to leave this place in one piece!"
He was joined by Horror who brought his giant axe to the ground and spun out his flaming blade. The forsaken's tongue jutted forward, the amber eye glowing brightly. Behind him Terthelas drew his sword, cursing softly.
"TRAITOR!!!!" Jyrunai began to wield an amalgam of shadow energies, coalescing into a sphere as Medelitha shook with the emotions coursing through her body. "How could you... Dammit all! Archeon, how could you?!"

Archeon turned to the Symphony, laughing coldlly. "Fear me Mortals, for I am the anointed, the favored son of Arthas, Scourge of the world. The Armies of the Lich King rally behind me and it is by my will and by my blade that your weakling nations shall fall..." He disregarded the troll at his feet and slowly eyes all who stood against him, cold eyes burning into each and every one. "Stay yourself, lest you join her in Oblivion."


Eniki raises his hands, balls of shadow gathering in them, his eyes on Asinity.
Litha gasped, hand to her mouth as she head the words come from Archeon's vice box. "No... Oh Light, no... Brother, no...."
"You...you ******** b*****d...I trusted you!" Elitharan 's hands balled into fists as Dorac paled, stepping back slightly. "No... Archeon..."
Asinity gapes, and gripped his hammer tightly. "You -b*****d-! In the name of the Light, I will not allow you to leave this place in one piece!"
Terthelas blinked, eyes going wide. "No!" He moved forward, blade raised.
Peredhel draew his axe from its place acoss his back. "Don't you!" He leaps forward, swinging his axe in Ter'thelas's direction.
Archeon points his blade at Ter. "Stay yourself boy, lest you join her in Oblivion."
"Don't you touch him!" Meella snarls, raising her blade to parry Per's blow. "Move aside, Per. He's fel damned -traitor-."
Jyrunai stepped up, "ARCHEON, MEELLA!"
"How could you... Dammit all! Archeon, how could you?!" Medelitha shook with the emotions coursing through her body.