Lost Souls, Journey to Moonglade
((After Lost Souls by http://mebanebuzz.livejournal.com/ ))
Daimon snuffled at the air. He stood with his rider at where the land changed so suddenly from the lush violet and verdant woods of Ashenvale to the brittle and broken lands of the Felwood. The warhorse stamped gently, not liking the looks of this place at all.
Nikoleta gazed at the road ahead of her wearily. She patted her horse gently, understanding his discomfort. The road ahead did not look enjoyable in the least.
Kicking his flanks, Nikoleta urged Daimon to a run. She wanted to get out of these lands as soon as was possible.
“The sooner I get there… perhaps the sooner I can save him.”
~
“Timbermaw Hold…” Nikoleta murmured as she looked from her maps to the cave entrance in front of her. She had never seen any of these Timbermaw, and was not entirely sure what to expect. She had known some folk that were allied with them and some that were not.
Dismounting, Nikoleta pulled on the reigns of her warhorse. She lowered the hood of her cloak as she gently stepped inside.
The tunnel led down and was very long. She passed a huge and furry dead creature on the ground, which she assumed was a furbolg.
Nikoleta shivered violently as a chilling breeze hit her face. Lifting up the hood of her cloak she noticed a faint glow on the sides of the cavern and swung herself on top of Daimon to ride on.
~~
Nikoleta peered at the walled city and rode to the gates. “I remember Everlook…” She whispered to herself as she rode in, watching the bustle of Goblins interacting with both factions. The Neutral cities were rich in trade. Money was to be made by welcoming everyone equally. Opportunities were abundant in such a place.
Approaching the Inn she dismounted at the mailbox to write a quick letter to Mariveaux, letting her friend know she was safe.
Shooing Daimon over to the water trough she looked around for a Bruiser. Bowing to the nearest one she asked him, “Can you tell me how to get into Moonglade, please…”
The Goblin looked up at her and squinted his eyes, he looked her over and eventually blinked at the golden buckle that displayed her family crest. She reached into her belt purse and took out a few gold coins for the Bruiser. He in turn, grinned up at her and saluted jovially, snatching up the gold.
“Yeah, Friend, sure! Now look here, you are gonna want to go through the Timbermaw Hold and go down the first flight of stairs you see. And watch out for the Big One.. she can be temperamental.”
Nikoleta stared at him for a moment, her spirits falling at having to backtrack, to return to that tunnel.
Sighing she fetched Daimon and rode back to the Hold.
~ ~ ~
The Timbermaw Hold was again silent and still. Nikoleta coaxed Daimon through, wondering where all the Timbermaw furbolg were. They came across a flight of stairs leading down about halfway through. She took them slow, wanting to be as quiet as possible and stepped out into a very cramped clearing.
A roar burst from the side, and Nikoleta reflexively pulled out her sword. A giant paw slammed into her face as she was too late and she stumbled. Quickly recovering, she swung around and heard a grunt of pain. Immediately she looked back up to find her next target.
Daimon whinnied and bucked up, kicking around him. Nikoleta soon realized that they were surrounded by furbolg and reached out for Daimon as he leapt about, dodging his flailing hooves. She flung herself into the saddle and hunched over, whipping the reigns.
Daimon flew down the tunnel as soon as he felt the weight of his rider, leaping over furbolgs as they ran forward to meet them.
Looking behind, she blinked at a furbolg that had caught up to them. It rammed its body into the warhorse, just as they broke free of the tunnel making it out of the Hold. The road outside was narrow, cut into the cliff face. In a frightened breath Nikoleta realized she was falling off of Daimon and braced herself for impact as she reached for the reigns as they left her fingers. Her cloak whirled up around her, blocking her vision as she fell and in an awkward moment when she thought she should have hit the road she realized she was still falling and screamed as her leg hit a rock. The force tumbled her around and she screamed again. Facing down, she saw the land below her rise up fast. Tucking her body in as best as she could, she hit the gound, knocking the wind out of her.
Nikoleta laid there silently, concentrating and listening to her surroundings. She heard the soft call of birds in the distance, but did not hear anything coming after her. Groaning in pain, she tried to lift herself up, and was greeted by a warm puff of air on her hair.
Daimon snuffled over her thoroughly where she lay, as if making sure his rider still in one piece. Nikoleta looked up at him and saw an embarrassed gleam in the horses eye as he avoided her gaze. Almost as if he were ashamed about what had happened. She winced as she stood up and wrapped her arms around his face, both for leverage and for comfort.
Murmuring reassurances to her mighty warhorse, Daimon whickered at her happily then lifted his head, deciding that he had shown enough show of emotion. Daimon nodded her off of him and turned, offering her a stirrup. Nikoleta stretched slightly, making certain she was still in one piece and lifted herself into the saddle, feeling very bruised. She took a moment to look around and could not stop her mouth from gaping at the sight, much like the first time she had been to this mystical place.
Moonglade was lush and very much alive. The feeling of raw power was everywhere and she noted the sacredness of the place as she spied decorations on the trees. Nikoleta could see a shining trinket randomly placed in a bush. A thick rope tied in a bow around the thickest of the trees. The squirrels and rabbits where abundant here and Daimon twitched an ear at them as they passed. Both Nikoleta and Daimon looked up simultaneously and marveled at the perpetual night. Smiling, Nikoleta almost forgot how lovely it was when she came to the Lunar Festival.
Without any command, Daimon started to trot his way to a road that was almost visible to him. The horse and his rider slowly traveled up the road, gawking at the beauty around them, Nikoleta wincing with every step her horse made.
~ ~ ~ ~
The pointed ornate rooftops of Nighthaven where visible to the road far below, and Nikoleta dismounted as she eyed them. His reigns released, Daimon opted to following his Knight.
Two armored Wardens approached Nikoleta with patience on their faces. They looked as if it mattered not they were Children of the Stars and that the Knight that approached them was of the Blood. It mattered not that there was a war raging between the Factions. The unspoken bond between them heartened the Land and blessed these old Cousins.
Nikoleta bowed deeply to the Wardens and they returned the gesture. “Welcome to Nighthaven, Blood Knight,” One of the Wardens intoned in Orchish as she glanced at Nikoleta’s crest. Nikoleta blinked, but was not surprised they would know more than just Darnassian. “We are a people of peace and we strive to heal the world. What is it that you come here for?”
Still bowing, Nikoleta responded, “I am Sir Nikoleta Aysel Daysbane. I beg audience with the Council of Cenarion.”
The Wardens nodded and beckoned to her. “They are not in meeting, I am afraid, but we will take you to Dendrite Starblaze. After hearing your plight he will know to whom you need to speak.”
Nodding, Nikoleta straightened and followed closely behind them.
The Tauren and Night Elves that she passed, all seemed to smile kindly to Nikoleta. As she walked she remembered her brief conversation with the Archdruid Hamuul Runetotem in Thunder Bluff. She had sought him out first, not wanting to intrude on the Council. He had regretted not being able to go with her, but he said, “This is your task, Blood Knight of the Light.”
Startled into reality as the path started to incline, Nikoleta looked up to see a Temple like structure next to a tall building, where the Wardens stopped. “Dendrite Starblaze will be inside.”
Nikoleta blinked at them and nodded, bowing again. Not seeing anyone on the first floor she walked through the building cautiously. Her path leading to a flight of stairs she shrugged and took them silently reaching the upper floor.
The massive build of a Kal’dorei was knelt at what looked like a large offering bowl filled with water and floating candles. Darkly rich blue hair was bound up an a long tail on his head, and his clothing only complimented his natural hues.
Nikoleta watched him curiously for a moment before the Kal’dorei stood and turned to her. Bowing immediately she tried to focus on her teachings of Darnassian, to show respect. “It is an honor.”
“Greetings.” He replied in Darnassian, his tone was mildly surprised. He continued in Orchish. “I am Dendrite Starblaze. You must be the young one that Archdruid Runetotem told us to expect at our door. It looks like the road was harsh for you.” Dendrite looked her over and waved his hand in a healing spell, smiling as Nikoleta gasped. She was startled at the familiar feel of a Druid’s healing touch. Her eyes brimmed uncontrollably, remembering when Lataal had rescued her on the Gold Road. She looked down, but not in time for Dendrite to not notice. He peered at her curiously for a moment.
Focus, Nikoleta chided herself. It will do no good to think about things like that right now…
Dendrite paced over to the balcony and turned to watch Nikoleta. “Now. What is so the matter that you have braved the corrupt Felwoods and the possible wrath of the Timbermaw just to come to us?” He smiled kindly to her.
Nikoleta took a deep breath and looked down respectfully. “Master Starblaze, I come to the Circle in hopes for guidance. There is someone that I cannot return back to life with the Light. A Druid. I need advice. Please..” Nikoleta bowed to him again.
Sighing, Dendrite beckoned to her. “Come then. I will take you to one who is more knowledgeable than I in these matters.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Druid led her to a road that branched off into the woods, Dendrite bowed to Nikoleta. “I will leave you now. Keeper Remulos waits for you.” He extended his hand, gesturing down the path.
Nodding Nikoleta bowed and started up the path, eyeing the tall stone pillars ahead of her. She squinted thinking she saw movement between those pillars. Her eyes started to widen and she paused on the path as she took in what she saw.
What had moved was a creature nearly as tall as the pillars that surrounded him. His lower body was that of a stag while his upper looked like a Kal’dorei with antlers. He seemed to be talking to himself, counting on a hand that looked like the roots of tree. Wearily, Nikoleta gulped and stepped forward, stopping between the pillars and bowing deeply to Keeper Remulos.
“Come forward Child of the Blood..” Whispered a voice as rich as the forest around them. He watched her somberly.
Nikoleta rose and stepped closer, looking up at the great being, feeling like the smallest thing in the world. “Forgive me for interrupting or intruding…” She began and blinked when he waved his hand gently.
“No need to forgive when one is in such obviously dire need…” He told her.
Taking a breath she looked down meekly. “I need your advise in bringing a soul back to its body. I have been taught in the ways of the Light and I have been failing in this one task... the body is that of a Kal’dorei, a Druid..”
Remulos frowned down at her curiously, shifting his weight on his hooves, and watched her expression closely. “Hmm… I cannot fathom that a Sin’dorei… a Blood Knight no less… would concern herself so grievously with one that she is supposed to fight.”
Nikoleta bit her lip. “I fight for what is just and good in this world… I have seen and accepted the values of working with both Factions. As my Order has forged an alliance with the Naaru, by the grace of the Light, who is allianced with the Draenei as well, I see its importance. I see the signs, and I do not ignore them.”
Nodding slightly, Remulos accepted her answer.
The Keeper frowned down again at her, shaking his head slightly. She felt as if her very soul was being searched by those eyes. “Your own Light is powerful enough… I can see that myself… and your confidence is as great.” Remulos squinted as he looked down upon her. “You would have no trouble in the matters of Life and Death… Explain to me in detail what happens when you try to resurrect the soul of your Druid.”
-Her- Druid… perhaps he was searching her soul. “When I call for the Light,” Nikoleta explained, keeping her head down shyly. “I force it all into the body that has died and then release it, to find the soul that belongs... There was only one other time I had complication and it was because the soul was bound to an item…” Nikoleta paused to try to keep her composure and shove that memory away. Sighing, she continued. “When I try to find Lataal… I.. I simply cannot… and I get the impression of being lost. But it does not feel like he has passed beyond to…to..”
“The Dream…” Remulos responded when she paused. “The Emerald Dream is where we return to when we pass beyond the Twisting Nether.” He nodded. “Explain to me how this, Lataal, feels lost to you.”
Nikoleta hesitated and began. “I have been… acquainted with Lataal for a while. He taught me how to go further into my meditations, more than the Priests in Silvermoon have ever been able to. I was even able to share his thoughts.” She glanced away when Remulos looked sharply at her. She felt her cheeks burn. “I had never felt my surroundings the way I do now before then… He had opened me up to a new world.” She looked down. “Anyway, when I tried to redeem him with the Light, the Light just kept on searching.. it was away from me for a long while… I felt… like I wasn’t in my physical body at times and I was left with the impression of not finding my way. Finally I decided to try when I was alone and applied my meditation to it, to search for his mind.. I sense him in the Nether… but I cannot find him… and I am uneasy about it…”
She shifted her weight, nervously, hoping that she wasn’t sounding stupid.
Keeper Remulos crossed his arms and looked contemplative. “What has happened to cast him into the Nether?” He asked.
“He was called to arms for his people. I do not know what killed him but we found him in Booty Bay, his..” She choked and took a breath. “His body was torn up badly. And he was stripped of his clothing.”
Keeper Remulos gasped and his expression was angry. “How monstrous… How disrespectful for the dead…” He paced as much as the small area allowed. He asked her as he thought and murmured to himself. “How long has he been in this state, Child?”
“Nearly a week..”
Remulos flinched and shrugged. He stopped his pacing after what seemed like an eternity for Nikoleta and looked down to her. “A love like this can make a lasting impression. There will be those that hate you, and there will be those that support you. You, Dear Child, I think, are brave enough…” He took a deep breath. “There is another way to search for your Druid, Child. You will need to follow our instructions when the time comes for we will need to cast you into a deeper state of sleep and it must be you, Child, as your fate seems to be twisted with his so tightly, whether you know it or not. Besides that, the fact that you have linked to his mind makes you the strongest candidate. I set upon you the task of bringing his body here to us. We will need to repair his body and keep you surfaced with guided meditation. Bring also any trusted companions as they will help ground you to this world. Are you prepared for whatever must be asked of you? For there is a very great risk, I must warn you, Child…’
Nikoleta looked up at him equally for the first time, refusing to look away. “I will take that risk, whatever it must be.”
Keeper Remulos knelt down to her. “You, Child, might become lost in the Nether.”
Daimon snuffled at the air. He stood with his rider at where the land changed so suddenly from the lush violet and verdant woods of Ashenvale to the brittle and broken lands of the Felwood. The warhorse stamped gently, not liking the looks of this place at all.
Nikoleta gazed at the road ahead of her wearily. She patted her horse gently, understanding his discomfort. The road ahead did not look enjoyable in the least.
Kicking his flanks, Nikoleta urged Daimon to a run. She wanted to get out of these lands as soon as was possible.
“The sooner I get there… perhaps the sooner I can save him.”
~
“Timbermaw Hold…” Nikoleta murmured as she looked from her maps to the cave entrance in front of her. She had never seen any of these Timbermaw, and was not entirely sure what to expect. She had known some folk that were allied with them and some that were not.
Dismounting, Nikoleta pulled on the reigns of her warhorse. She lowered the hood of her cloak as she gently stepped inside.
The tunnel led down and was very long. She passed a huge and furry dead creature on the ground, which she assumed was a furbolg.
Nikoleta shivered violently as a chilling breeze hit her face. Lifting up the hood of her cloak she noticed a faint glow on the sides of the cavern and swung herself on top of Daimon to ride on.
~~
Nikoleta peered at the walled city and rode to the gates. “I remember Everlook…” She whispered to herself as she rode in, watching the bustle of Goblins interacting with both factions. The Neutral cities were rich in trade. Money was to be made by welcoming everyone equally. Opportunities were abundant in such a place.
Approaching the Inn she dismounted at the mailbox to write a quick letter to Mariveaux, letting her friend know she was safe.
Shooing Daimon over to the water trough she looked around for a Bruiser. Bowing to the nearest one she asked him, “Can you tell me how to get into Moonglade, please…”
The Goblin looked up at her and squinted his eyes, he looked her over and eventually blinked at the golden buckle that displayed her family crest. She reached into her belt purse and took out a few gold coins for the Bruiser. He in turn, grinned up at her and saluted jovially, snatching up the gold.
“Yeah, Friend, sure! Now look here, you are gonna want to go through the Timbermaw Hold and go down the first flight of stairs you see. And watch out for the Big One.. she can be temperamental.”
Nikoleta stared at him for a moment, her spirits falling at having to backtrack, to return to that tunnel.
Sighing she fetched Daimon and rode back to the Hold.
~ ~ ~
The Timbermaw Hold was again silent and still. Nikoleta coaxed Daimon through, wondering where all the Timbermaw furbolg were. They came across a flight of stairs leading down about halfway through. She took them slow, wanting to be as quiet as possible and stepped out into a very cramped clearing.
A roar burst from the side, and Nikoleta reflexively pulled out her sword. A giant paw slammed into her face as she was too late and she stumbled. Quickly recovering, she swung around and heard a grunt of pain. Immediately she looked back up to find her next target.
Daimon whinnied and bucked up, kicking around him. Nikoleta soon realized that they were surrounded by furbolg and reached out for Daimon as he leapt about, dodging his flailing hooves. She flung herself into the saddle and hunched over, whipping the reigns.
Daimon flew down the tunnel as soon as he felt the weight of his rider, leaping over furbolgs as they ran forward to meet them.
Looking behind, she blinked at a furbolg that had caught up to them. It rammed its body into the warhorse, just as they broke free of the tunnel making it out of the Hold. The road outside was narrow, cut into the cliff face. In a frightened breath Nikoleta realized she was falling off of Daimon and braced herself for impact as she reached for the reigns as they left her fingers. Her cloak whirled up around her, blocking her vision as she fell and in an awkward moment when she thought she should have hit the road she realized she was still falling and screamed as her leg hit a rock. The force tumbled her around and she screamed again. Facing down, she saw the land below her rise up fast. Tucking her body in as best as she could, she hit the gound, knocking the wind out of her.
Nikoleta laid there silently, concentrating and listening to her surroundings. She heard the soft call of birds in the distance, but did not hear anything coming after her. Groaning in pain, she tried to lift herself up, and was greeted by a warm puff of air on her hair.
Daimon snuffled over her thoroughly where she lay, as if making sure his rider still in one piece. Nikoleta looked up at him and saw an embarrassed gleam in the horses eye as he avoided her gaze. Almost as if he were ashamed about what had happened. She winced as she stood up and wrapped her arms around his face, both for leverage and for comfort.
Murmuring reassurances to her mighty warhorse, Daimon whickered at her happily then lifted his head, deciding that he had shown enough show of emotion. Daimon nodded her off of him and turned, offering her a stirrup. Nikoleta stretched slightly, making certain she was still in one piece and lifted herself into the saddle, feeling very bruised. She took a moment to look around and could not stop her mouth from gaping at the sight, much like the first time she had been to this mystical place.
Moonglade was lush and very much alive. The feeling of raw power was everywhere and she noted the sacredness of the place as she spied decorations on the trees. Nikoleta could see a shining trinket randomly placed in a bush. A thick rope tied in a bow around the thickest of the trees. The squirrels and rabbits where abundant here and Daimon twitched an ear at them as they passed. Both Nikoleta and Daimon looked up simultaneously and marveled at the perpetual night. Smiling, Nikoleta almost forgot how lovely it was when she came to the Lunar Festival.
Without any command, Daimon started to trot his way to a road that was almost visible to him. The horse and his rider slowly traveled up the road, gawking at the beauty around them, Nikoleta wincing with every step her horse made.
~ ~ ~ ~
The pointed ornate rooftops of Nighthaven where visible to the road far below, and Nikoleta dismounted as she eyed them. His reigns released, Daimon opted to following his Knight.
Two armored Wardens approached Nikoleta with patience on their faces. They looked as if it mattered not they were Children of the Stars and that the Knight that approached them was of the Blood. It mattered not that there was a war raging between the Factions. The unspoken bond between them heartened the Land and blessed these old Cousins.
Nikoleta bowed deeply to the Wardens and they returned the gesture. “Welcome to Nighthaven, Blood Knight,” One of the Wardens intoned in Orchish as she glanced at Nikoleta’s crest. Nikoleta blinked, but was not surprised they would know more than just Darnassian. “We are a people of peace and we strive to heal the world. What is it that you come here for?”
Still bowing, Nikoleta responded, “I am Sir Nikoleta Aysel Daysbane. I beg audience with the Council of Cenarion.”
The Wardens nodded and beckoned to her. “They are not in meeting, I am afraid, but we will take you to Dendrite Starblaze. After hearing your plight he will know to whom you need to speak.”
Nodding, Nikoleta straightened and followed closely behind them.
The Tauren and Night Elves that she passed, all seemed to smile kindly to Nikoleta. As she walked she remembered her brief conversation with the Archdruid Hamuul Runetotem in Thunder Bluff. She had sought him out first, not wanting to intrude on the Council. He had regretted not being able to go with her, but he said, “This is your task, Blood Knight of the Light.”
Startled into reality as the path started to incline, Nikoleta looked up to see a Temple like structure next to a tall building, where the Wardens stopped. “Dendrite Starblaze will be inside.”
Nikoleta blinked at them and nodded, bowing again. Not seeing anyone on the first floor she walked through the building cautiously. Her path leading to a flight of stairs she shrugged and took them silently reaching the upper floor.
The massive build of a Kal’dorei was knelt at what looked like a large offering bowl filled with water and floating candles. Darkly rich blue hair was bound up an a long tail on his head, and his clothing only complimented his natural hues.
Nikoleta watched him curiously for a moment before the Kal’dorei stood and turned to her. Bowing immediately she tried to focus on her teachings of Darnassian, to show respect. “It is an honor.”
“Greetings.” He replied in Darnassian, his tone was mildly surprised. He continued in Orchish. “I am Dendrite Starblaze. You must be the young one that Archdruid Runetotem told us to expect at our door. It looks like the road was harsh for you.” Dendrite looked her over and waved his hand in a healing spell, smiling as Nikoleta gasped. She was startled at the familiar feel of a Druid’s healing touch. Her eyes brimmed uncontrollably, remembering when Lataal had rescued her on the Gold Road. She looked down, but not in time for Dendrite to not notice. He peered at her curiously for a moment.
Focus, Nikoleta chided herself. It will do no good to think about things like that right now…
Dendrite paced over to the balcony and turned to watch Nikoleta. “Now. What is so the matter that you have braved the corrupt Felwoods and the possible wrath of the Timbermaw just to come to us?” He smiled kindly to her.
Nikoleta took a deep breath and looked down respectfully. “Master Starblaze, I come to the Circle in hopes for guidance. There is someone that I cannot return back to life with the Light. A Druid. I need advice. Please..” Nikoleta bowed to him again.
Sighing, Dendrite beckoned to her. “Come then. I will take you to one who is more knowledgeable than I in these matters.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Druid led her to a road that branched off into the woods, Dendrite bowed to Nikoleta. “I will leave you now. Keeper Remulos waits for you.” He extended his hand, gesturing down the path.
Nodding Nikoleta bowed and started up the path, eyeing the tall stone pillars ahead of her. She squinted thinking she saw movement between those pillars. Her eyes started to widen and she paused on the path as she took in what she saw.
What had moved was a creature nearly as tall as the pillars that surrounded him. His lower body was that of a stag while his upper looked like a Kal’dorei with antlers. He seemed to be talking to himself, counting on a hand that looked like the roots of tree. Wearily, Nikoleta gulped and stepped forward, stopping between the pillars and bowing deeply to Keeper Remulos.
“Come forward Child of the Blood..” Whispered a voice as rich as the forest around them. He watched her somberly.
Nikoleta rose and stepped closer, looking up at the great being, feeling like the smallest thing in the world. “Forgive me for interrupting or intruding…” She began and blinked when he waved his hand gently.
“No need to forgive when one is in such obviously dire need…” He told her.
Taking a breath she looked down meekly. “I need your advise in bringing a soul back to its body. I have been taught in the ways of the Light and I have been failing in this one task... the body is that of a Kal’dorei, a Druid..”
Remulos frowned down at her curiously, shifting his weight on his hooves, and watched her expression closely. “Hmm… I cannot fathom that a Sin’dorei… a Blood Knight no less… would concern herself so grievously with one that she is supposed to fight.”
Nikoleta bit her lip. “I fight for what is just and good in this world… I have seen and accepted the values of working with both Factions. As my Order has forged an alliance with the Naaru, by the grace of the Light, who is allianced with the Draenei as well, I see its importance. I see the signs, and I do not ignore them.”
Nodding slightly, Remulos accepted her answer.
The Keeper frowned down again at her, shaking his head slightly. She felt as if her very soul was being searched by those eyes. “Your own Light is powerful enough… I can see that myself… and your confidence is as great.” Remulos squinted as he looked down upon her. “You would have no trouble in the matters of Life and Death… Explain to me in detail what happens when you try to resurrect the soul of your Druid.”
-Her- Druid… perhaps he was searching her soul. “When I call for the Light,” Nikoleta explained, keeping her head down shyly. “I force it all into the body that has died and then release it, to find the soul that belongs... There was only one other time I had complication and it was because the soul was bound to an item…” Nikoleta paused to try to keep her composure and shove that memory away. Sighing, she continued. “When I try to find Lataal… I.. I simply cannot… and I get the impression of being lost. But it does not feel like he has passed beyond to…to..”
“The Dream…” Remulos responded when she paused. “The Emerald Dream is where we return to when we pass beyond the Twisting Nether.” He nodded. “Explain to me how this, Lataal, feels lost to you.”
Nikoleta hesitated and began. “I have been… acquainted with Lataal for a while. He taught me how to go further into my meditations, more than the Priests in Silvermoon have ever been able to. I was even able to share his thoughts.” She glanced away when Remulos looked sharply at her. She felt her cheeks burn. “I had never felt my surroundings the way I do now before then… He had opened me up to a new world.” She looked down. “Anyway, when I tried to redeem him with the Light, the Light just kept on searching.. it was away from me for a long while… I felt… like I wasn’t in my physical body at times and I was left with the impression of not finding my way. Finally I decided to try when I was alone and applied my meditation to it, to search for his mind.. I sense him in the Nether… but I cannot find him… and I am uneasy about it…”
She shifted her weight, nervously, hoping that she wasn’t sounding stupid.
Keeper Remulos crossed his arms and looked contemplative. “What has happened to cast him into the Nether?” He asked.
“He was called to arms for his people. I do not know what killed him but we found him in Booty Bay, his..” She choked and took a breath. “His body was torn up badly. And he was stripped of his clothing.”
Keeper Remulos gasped and his expression was angry. “How monstrous… How disrespectful for the dead…” He paced as much as the small area allowed. He asked her as he thought and murmured to himself. “How long has he been in this state, Child?”
“Nearly a week..”
Remulos flinched and shrugged. He stopped his pacing after what seemed like an eternity for Nikoleta and looked down to her. “A love like this can make a lasting impression. There will be those that hate you, and there will be those that support you. You, Dear Child, I think, are brave enough…” He took a deep breath. “There is another way to search for your Druid, Child. You will need to follow our instructions when the time comes for we will need to cast you into a deeper state of sleep and it must be you, Child, as your fate seems to be twisted with his so tightly, whether you know it or not. Besides that, the fact that you have linked to his mind makes you the strongest candidate. I set upon you the task of bringing his body here to us. We will need to repair his body and keep you surfaced with guided meditation. Bring also any trusted companions as they will help ground you to this world. Are you prepared for whatever must be asked of you? For there is a very great risk, I must warn you, Child…’
Nikoleta looked up at him equally for the first time, refusing to look away. “I will take that risk, whatever it must be.”
Keeper Remulos knelt down to her. “You, Child, might become lost in the Nether.”