Members of the Horde and Alliance were bustling about in Booty Bay. Tension hung in the air, constant sneers and dismissive gestures were traded between them, but the neutral ground was usually upheld. Except for the occasional drunk that had to be cooled down in the salty waters by the Bay Guards, it only rarely happened that hangings around the Revilgaz statue were necessary. The Baron made sure the rules were understood and enforced, his statue on the small island just outside of Booty Bay being only one of the reminders. The trio walked up the zeppelin pier without major incidents, only Tilani giving every member of the Forsaken a wide berth.
"Glizk?" Gortak grunted, looking up to the goblin standing at the railing next to the plank leading up the zeppelin.
"That's me. You're the horde group I'm supposed to get to Island Niplar?"
"Exactly, my good sir," Tilani said, slightly panting after hurrying to rejoin the group.
"Can we enter your fine ship, Captain?"
"Get on, we leave soon. It should be a smooth ride, the weather is fine. But just in case, put your belongings inside, or at least fasten them. As by the decree of the Baron, we provide no recompense for lost possessions that go overboard," Glizk said.
"Of course, that is understandable." Tilani said, moving up the plank. The other two and Drisk followed suit.
Shortly thereafter the zeppelin started moving out of Booty Bay, flying closely by the huge goblin statue before banking to the side towards north west. Tilani stood at the railing, trailing one hand over it and looking around eagerly with a small smile. They were flying alongside the coast of Stranglethorn Vale. Gortak sat down at the cabin in the back, his tiger next to him, closing his eyes.
"Ya on a zeppelin for da first time?" Ka'la asked, standing close to Tilani, holding onto a rope hanging over her.
"Indeed, I am. I have to admit it's quite glorious to soar through the air, wind whipping about. You can say what you want about goblins, but they are quite ingenious little buggers," Tilani said, continuing to look into the distance.
"I'm more comfortable on da ground, 'specially with all da clanking coming from inside dat hull. But meself guessin' 'tis safe enough."
Tilani turned to her, pointing towards the coast. "Isn't that where your people come from? The jungle over there?"
"Yep, I can still rememba it well, 'tis a glorious place, if it weren't dat hostile. Our new home is less luscious in plants and animals, admittedly. Me guessin' you understand about being driven from ya homeland?" Ka'la asked, with a sad look towards the jungle.
"Yes," Tilani sighed, "but we also understand about getting back what's ours!" She glanced at the troll, a fervor in her eyes.
"Da cycle of fightin', dat is the way of things in this world. Nothin' left but making sure the Horde comes up on top," Ka'la said. The blood elf nodded curtly.
"The Orcs are a peculiar people. Using a rift in space to a new land, only to conquer, as it is in their blood. But it seems they can become different. Although, I suspect they won't be able to lay off their nature. Which is good, these lands don't look kindly to weakness. Strength and power is the only thing that matters. If it weren't for all the strive it drags along."
Tilani watched Gortak, who seemed to sleep. Ka'la held her palm up, a small flame moving in the wind. She stared into it.
"Ya, magic can be much stronga than any weapon."
"Indeed, whatever form it might take. But enough of philosophizing. What do you think we can expect on that island and the park?" Tilani asked.
"Haven't heard of dis goblin park before. Volatile, mechanical constructs probably, as far me knowin' what deir speciality is. The Horde and the Alliance can coexist in places like Booty Bay, but a park… me wonda'?"
"We certainly need to keep our eyes open, expect everything and work together," Tilani said, raising her voice so the orc could hear her. Gortak didn't stir, but the ears of his tiger perked towards them.
"Good idea, mon," Ka'la said.
The zeppelin pushed away from the coast and flew over the wide ocean. By now, the sun was at its highest peak, when the passengers could see a large island in the distance. The island boasted dense vegetation and a volcano peak rose at the center. They flew through a forest aisle and passed a waterfall until they landed next to a docking tower made of wood.
"We have arrived and will wait for your return. In case you won't be back by tomorrow afternoon, we will presume you are missing in action as well and fly back with that news. In three days a ship is scheduled to dock at the shore, following the stream towards the ocean." Glizk gestured along the lake to the outpouring into the jungle. "Moving along the path at the foot of the tower brings you to the gate of the park. Good luck!"
"Thank you, Captain," Tilani said, standing in front of him. Ka'la nodded and immediately moved over the plank to the tower, touching the wood upon arrival. Gortak grunted to the goblin and followed her slowly off the zeppelin.
"The allotted time should be plenty. Is there any way to contact you in case there is any news?" Tilani asked.
"The path is not long. But you'd have to leave the park and come back here, I'm afraid."
"Alright then. Be well," Tilani said and turned to leave.
They went along the path, already being recaptured by the heavily growing vegetation. Sweat coalesced on their skins and the insects buzzed incessantly around them. Gortak walked in front, seemingly in his element, while Ka'la did mind the insects, occasionally directing tiny bursts of flame towards the offenders.
We do not know what dangers await us. A shield might be prudent, thought Tilani at the back. She held up a hand and after a short murmur a golden sheen laid itself over her form.
"Ah, better. I thought Booty Bay was already bad, but this is a new level of wilderness," Tilani said, her posture relaxing, small insects lighting up her shield in their demise from time to time.
"This is a good sign. Less insects here could mean a worse situation within the park," Gortak said, focused on their path and the surrounding jungle. Both companions perked up at that, surprised by the sudden words from the orc.
"Ah, Gortak, do you see anything else of note? Maybe fresh tracks?" Tilani asked.
"Yes," he said.
The troll and blood elf looked expectantly in his direction. He remained silent.
"Maybe he used up all da words and has to recharge," Ka'la said, grinning.
"Possible, or it's his attempt to appear mysterious, or maybe even…"
"We arrived. Beware," Gortak said, his voice calm and steady. He gazed at his tiger and pointed towards the underbrush. Drisk immediately disappeared into the shadows of the jungle.