This story is a work in progress. I'll be editing this chapter over and over. =P
Selthae Sunstone sat behind a round and rather large stone table. The shop owner had left early that night and the young elf had taken up shop while he was gone. She was an apprentice of course but she had a knack for adding her own special touch to her jewelery that she made for herself or for sale. For today her choice was Malachite; a green mineral that was most commonly crystallized in copper. She found the stones to be beautiful in color with their blend of greens and since they were so common, she could use more than one in her designs.
Selthae had carefully cut the stones into oval shapes and kept them in a small wooden box that sat open and ready to her right. Reaching into the box she withdrew a couple stones and measured them up to the thin copper wire in her hands. She then set to work wrapping the wire around the stone in a cross pattern that cradled the stone like an egg, twisting the top several times to make sure the stone was securely in place. She then selected two more stones of small size, encircling each with a small piece of wire much like the first, leaving a small hook at the end. Once that was done she carefully hooked the two extra stones onto the necklace so they dangled on either side of the first one. A few twists to the wire made sure they were secure and weren't gonna fall off if handled roughly. Smiling she then capped both ends of the necklace wire and hooked a small thin chain with a simple open and close clasp for easy use.
Setting the necklace aside with the others the elf suddenly became aware of her surroundings when a shadow moved at the corner of her vision. Looking up sharply she reached for the kukris under her belt and turned her vivid green eyes to the open archway and the blood elf male who blocked it. She had made sure to leave the closed sign up outside so she wouldn't be bothered. But then why was he here? Did he miss it?
The male suddenly turned his gaze to look at the box where she stored the malachite and with a scowl Selthae snapped the box shut and closed the latch. "The owner is not in right now and we are closed. Is there something I can help you with, sir?"
"I'm only here to see for myself. How about you relax that grip on your dagger and maybe we can talk?" His voice was deep and had a smug tone.
Selthae's face flashed a quick look of surprise which she carefully hid under a curious expression, "See for yourself? There is nothing to see and there is nothing to discuss. As I said, we are closed. The master will be back tomorrow morning."
"Oh I think you are wrong, Miss Sunstone. We have much to discuss you and I."
The elf suddenly got to her feet in a flash and instead of pulling the dagger from her belt she drew a long wooden wand from her sleeve. The male was faster though and with ease he sprang across the table top, knocking over the box of Malachite in the process. Before the box even finished hitting the floor he had her sitting back in the chair, a dagger to her throat and her wand in his hand. He gave a small tsk at her show of courage and smiled.
"I wouldn't try that again miss. The next time I may just strike you dead."
She gulped back a sudden feeling of fear. This elf was a smug bastard and knew where to find her without her defenses. "You won't. You obviously want me for something. You wouldn't kill me before hand."
The elf shrugged in a nonchalant manner, "You are correct. Unfortunately my orders are to not kill you. Just bring you in, by any means necessary. Will you come quietly?"
"What do you want with me? I am a mere jewel crafting apprentice."
"That may be so but you are also something more. Something much more, I'm afraid."
"I am no threat to you or to the city."
"That is where you are wrong. A warlock is always a threat. Those who consort with demons aren't exactly welcome anymore."
The warlock's pride made her smile as her reputation hadn't gone unnoticed by others. He knew what she was despite her ability to keep her secret and was very well informed. An assassin or spy; perhaps for a nobles guild in Silvermoon with a hatred for demons? Or some other organization? She stared at his face for several long moments wondering just exactly he and his master wanted from her.
She noted that the male wasn't handsome. He looked more rugged than most blood elves who loved their vanity. He had a long face with steely eyes of the darkest green. A jagged scar started at the left half of his temple and went down, disappearing under a black leather mask he wore to cover the lower half of his face. The only thing about him that had any sign of perfection was his skill and the long fiery orange hair that hung loosely over one shoulder and tickled her nose whenever he shifted.
"So you know my secret. I knew I was being watched ever since the Sunwell was returned to us. However, I have proved my usefulness thrice over when it came to war. I am welcome on these streets even if people don't approve of my actions. I have no information for you than you wouldn't already know!" She stated.
"Is that so?" He tucked her wand and her kukris, which he had stolen while they were talking, into a side bag. She frowned deeply at that but chose to remain silent in her objection. He then withdrew a long piece of cord which he held up before her. "My master will decide that. Now will you come quietly? Or do I have to force you out of here and risk alerting the city guards? They may enjoy having a warlock to jail up."
Selthae glared at him a small growl escaping her lips. She didn't like being threatened and she didn't like taking orders from a lowly assassin. She did, however, entertain the thought of running for it but her weapons were gone and she likely would be captured by him or worse; the city guards. Her other choice was to go willingly and figure just exactly how much attention she had garnered by the nobles. Sighing the warlock reluctantly held up her hands to the rogue who bound them as a precaution against her spells.
"Do I at least get to keep my bag of components and my spell book?" Her eyes shifted to a brown side bag that was propped against the wall next to the archway.
The rogue paused to consider the request then nodded. "Fine." He helped her to her feet and lead her to the door, grabbing the bag and slinging it over his shoulder in the process. The two then left the shop without so much as a disturbance, Selthae marching in silence as her captor guided her from behind.
The city was quiet save for a patrol of guards which they promptly avoided. The warlock wasn't really observing her surroundings that much in any case and instead was staring down at her hands. She wiggled her fingers experimentally under the thick cord but that rouge had been thorough. The only ability she had left was minimal so certain spells were out of her reach, like creating a summoning circle. So much for calling Belqua, her imp.
"Stop fidgeting so much." He ordered and she paused. Looking up she saw they now stood outside the Spire, home to the Reagent Lord and his advisers, along with high ranking magi. Swiftly he guided her into the shadows at the end of the curving ramp that led up to the building, staying low as a pair of guards marched passed. Once they were out of ear shot Selthae turned an eye towards her captor.
"We are going inside there? How do plan to achieve that exactly?" She hissed.
The rogue ignored her and instead was observing the backside of the ramp, running his hands through the shadows. He grinned as his fingers found whatever they were looking for. Keeping his voice low enough that the warlock had to strain her ears to even try to understand, the rogue muttered a word of magic. A password probably and she stared fascinated as part of the wall vanished. Wasting no time he led her inside, sealed the magical door behind them and gave her a slight shove to start walking. There was no light to guide the way and she stumbled several times over her gown as they started down the stairwell. Selthae wasn't sure how long they had been walking but after what felt like forever the rogue had her stop. He then squeezed around in front of her. There was a scrapping noise and another word muttered. A second door opened to their right and a warm glow from candle light filtered into the hallway. Squinting her eyes against the sudden light she was shoved into the room, causing her to stumble ungracefully to the carpeted floor.
Cursing softly in elvish she pulled herself back onto her knees, a soft chuckle coming from nearby. She turned her glare in that direction but saw no one; only a red colored wall with a simple tapestry. Wary of her surroundings Selthae took the time to observe the room. It was well furnished like much of the city. Red walls and a carpeted floor; Silk curtains fell in designs across the walls and the chandelier hanging from the ceiling was the only source of light. There was no insignia to tell which noble house owned this little hide away. Towards the front of the room was a wide chair with gold filigree and thanks to the ring on her finger she noted it had several protective enchantments.
Sitting in the chair was another elf. He was taller than most, wore the robes of office, and was very relaxed despite her presence. White hair was pulled up high in a topknot on his head and his face was lined with age. The rogue was leaning over the arm of the chair talking in soft tones to the noble. Both were ignoring Selthae on purpose, like a child who didn't deserve their attention. Anger welling up inside her the warlock squared her shoulders and sat as straight as she could on the floor. After all she herself was a noble, even though she had left her house, and felt she deserved to be treated as such.
Finally the rogue turned to look in her direction. He grinned at her and stepped back into the shadows of his master's chair. When he was fully gone she turned to look at the aged elf. She met his eyes with a neutral expression, refusing to lower them in respect for an elder. Maybe it would put a chip in his shoulder. The male didn't seem to mind the insolence, in fact he simple waved his hand for her to come closer. Climbing back to her feet she walked until she stood directly under the chandelier and only a few yards from the chair. Selthae could now see that the elf wasn't as old as she was lead to believe. His body was still strong and even though his robes were way to big for him, she could see the strength in his broad shoulders and hands. The lines of age were still there on his face but she guessed they were likely caused by stress and worry.
The room remained silent as both elves seized up each other for several more seconds. Finally the elf spread his hands in a welcoming gesture, "Selthae Sunstone. I welcome you into my humble abode."
"I wish the circumstances were different." She held up her hands, revealing the cord.
"I admit my nephew could of done a better job in escorting you here." The elf chuckled, "The cord is a wise precaution for both your safety and mine. I assure you they will be removed in time."
The warlock tilted her head in consent and smiled, "Why have you brought me here? You are a noble of high ranking. Couldn't you have summoned me with a letter? Perhaps an invite to dinner."
"Pleasantries are useless in time of war, Miss Sunstone. I have my reasons for doing it this way. All I can say is the twisting nether is restless. Magi of all ranks are currently having some pitfalls with their magic. Spells fizzling out or causing the wrong reaction is common. Some aren't even getting a response at all. I have come to wonder if the Burning Legion is up to something. Have you noticed anything strange about your own magic? Or your demons?"
Selthae drummed her fingers together as she thought about the question. She could lie but would that do? He obviously wasn't looking to hurt her, at least not yet. She currently had nothing to gain by telling him the truth but what if something was happening in the nether? The elf had a lot to lose if it was going to start affecting her as well. Slowly the warlock shook her head, "No. Not that I have noticed. It has been several days since I last spoke to any of my demons. I also have had very little use for my magic in the city. As you know I can't walk as freely as I used to."
The old elf nodded slowly, "I have a proposition. I give you the free use of your hands if you summon one of your minions. Maybe they have an answer to this dilemma of ours."
She mused over that idea. The warlock definitely would like an answer even if to satisfy her own curiosity, "I can't promise they know of what is happening to your magic but I think it is worth a shot. However, before we begin can I know the name of my...acquaintance?" Selthae could see him hesitate even if it was only visible by the careful expression he wore. She smiled, "You after all, already know mine kind lord. It would only be welcoming to return the favor before asking such a heavy request."
The elf smiled at her logic, "Zecele Sunstalker," He said at last, " And this is my nephew, Tilthan Sunstalker." He motioned with a wave of his hand towards the fiery orange haired elf, "Whom you've already met."
Selthae smiled. If those were their true names, they may help her in the future. A name was a powerful tool after all. "Pleasure is mine I am sure. Now we can get on with your request." She lowered her eyes and held up her hands. The noble nodded curtly.
From her right the rogue, Tilthan, emerged from the shadows and cut loose the cord with one of his daggers. He then passed her the bag he had taken from the shop but kept her weapons and stepped off to the right. She glared at him once more then retrieved the necessary items, one being a long piece of purple chalk. It was infused with magical properties that let her draw in the air and on the ground, no matter the surface. Dropping her bag she set to work drawing the small summoning circle on the floor. The purple runes glittered and wavered as if a small breeze was blowing through the room even though no such thing existed. Once the runes were complete she tucked the chalk into a sleeve and turned to the aged elf.
"I need a soul. I did not take my collection of shards with me to the shop tonight and I am afraid I need one to invoke the summoning. More powerful the soul the stronger the demon I can summon."
Zecele frowned at this but nodded to his nephew who retreated to the back of the room and returned with a large black case with golden latches, "You can take one from my collection. Just one."
Tilthan opened the case and held it out to the warlock who moved closer to examine. The inside was black velvet with an myriad of purple diamond shaped crystals. Each crystal glowed with a pink light and she knew the brighter the light the more powerful the soul trapped inside was. What the old noble was doing with such a collection the warlock was very interested to find out. Regrettably it wasn't the time for such questions to be asked. Instead she reached in and selected a shard of medium size that was dimly lit. She could feel the tingle of the soul as it reacted to her touch. The warlock murmured a small thank you as the rogue snapped the case back closed and returned to his spot by the chair.
Returning to the circle she cradled the crystal in the palm of her hands. She felt another touch against her mind as the soul tried to reach out to her. It was likely trying to call for help not recognizing it's original owner and she grinned to herself. The poor thing would need a priest and a new body if it wanted to be free. "Today's not your lucky day friend."
Realizing the two males were watching her closely she placed the stone down in the middle of the circle and contemplated on which demon to summon. Her first thought drifted to the fel guard. It likely would have the answers but she didn't want to risk summoning such a minion who would likely break free if the tenuous ties were to snap. Especially if her magic was weakening as much as the magi thought it was. She needed something easier to handle but still smart. Sitting cross-legged she closed her eyes to relax. Once she was fully settled she raised her hands and started to recite the words of magic focusing her will on the demon of choice.
Softly she called the demons name urging the minion to come to her, "Hesthea. My endearing succubus, I have a soul here waiting for you. It cries for freedom."
Long seconds passed as the runes slowly started to grow brighter. The crystal started to hum as the magic spread through the air and a small portal opened above it. Stepping through was a succubus, her black leather wings unfurling in a stretch as she alighted into the carpet. The portal snapped shut with a sucking of air as blue eyes focused on her mistress with a curious look and a small sensual pout formed on her lips. The warlock motioned with a finger to the floor at the demon's feet. Looking down Hesthea let of a purr of delight and picked up the crystal. With a feral grin she waved a hand and the crystal vanished into whatever storehouse the demoness decided to keep such treasures.
"A succubus? Interesting choice to summon before us Warlock." Tilithan sniffed with a warning look towards the older elf.
The succubus turned towards the voice, a smile forming across her face, "Males. Mmm, a gift for me mistress?" Hesthea didn't wait for an answer as she bounded across the room, landing before the rogue. Before he could react she had her arms folded about him like a lover would and nuzzled her face against his neck. "He smells so good too." The rogue shivered as the demon licked the exposed flesh on the side of his neck and purred.
"Hesthea. Leave him be. You are not here to play!" Selthae ordered in a commanding voice. The succubus looked back with a hiss of frustration.
"Why have you summoned me here if not to play Mistress? And denying this... tasteful little treat... a chance at pure perfection, seems like such a wassste."
"Because I have questions that need answers. I'll find you some other.. treat... if and when you answer my questions, Hesthea. Release him now." Selthae jerked her hand through the air in warning, fire dancing in her eyes.
Hesthea hissed again in frustration but reluctantly released the stunned and weak kneed elf, dragging a hand over his hip before retreating back a few steps. "As you command." She purred and turned on her hoof. The minion returned to her spot, falling into a kneel before Selthae and pouted up at her. "What can Hesthea do for you?"
The warlock stared the demon for several minutes to make sure they would obey before she looked towards the older elf who still sat in his chair, merely watching the ordeal with a curious expression. She waved her hand giving him the floor. When the succubus turned towards him she licked her lips curiously. Selthae could only imagine what was going through the minion's mind. As the old elf stood from his chair to approach the pair, the warlock took a peak towards the rogue who was leaning against the arm of the now empty seat. A blush was covering his features but she noticed that he didn't even try to take his eyes from the sensuous form of the succubus. She smiled inwardly at that notion and turned her attention back to the situation at hand.
"Hesthea was it?"
The succubus merely nodded, "How may I be of service?"
He bowed his head slightly a knowing smile crossing his features. Zecele then spread his hands before him, "I wish to know the state of the Twisting Nether. Is there trouble brewing?"
Hesthea stroked the end of her whip in careful consideration. Even through her lust addled brain a succubus was cunning. "I have sensed no issues concerning the situation of the Twisting Nether as a whole. A few of my...guests seemed a bit unnerving but never said what made them so." She shrugged her shoulders. The simple move caused her wings to spread a bit.
"Have you had any trouble concerning your powers? Or those you serve?"
The succubus shifted uncomfortably but masked it with a wave of her hands. All three elves didn't miss the gesture however. "On the demonic plane perhaps. Never here though." Hesthea's blue eyes drifted to the rogue at the chair, her lips curling into a slight smile.
"Perhaps?" He moved closer circling around the minion. He reached out stroking the backside of her wing where it connected to her shoulder. "What do you mean?"
"The energy doesn't feel right. Sort of like something is expanding in power and draining everyone else in the processsss." The succubus hissed and then pouted slightly when his touch vanished, "Several demons have gone missing in fact. If I had my guess I'd venture this world may be the target."
"Oh? And what gives you that impression, Hesthea?" Selthae snapped and the runes holding the demon flared in a burst of energy. A not so subtle hint that the succubus should watch her tongue and remember where she was.
"You wouldn't ask unless whats happening there is affecting the world here. Such a shame too. Some of those missing were such fun toys." She looked towards the noble elf as he came back around her side. She twisted her hair around one finger. She spoke to Selthae although she kept her eyes on the elf, "Can I play now Mistress?"
Zecele merely smiled. "Would you venture a suggestion as to who may be causing such a troubling event?"
Hesthea clicked her tongue and shook her head, "It could be anything. The Legion is large and varied. Best I can tell you is watch your backs citizens of Azeroth. War will again be upon you in due time." Blue eyes flashed dangerously and the succubus snapped the whip against her leg, wiggling in pleasure at the shock of pain.
The noble nodded again and started back to the giant chair. He gave a passing glance to the warlock who understood perfectly. Stepping forward she started to speak the words of magic and once she was finished the demon began to turn transparent, returning back to her original plane. "You are dismissed." She whispered as the demon at last vanished from sight.
The warlock rested back on her heels arms folded across her chest and stared off into space. The summoning had taken a little more from her than normal but she shrugged it off and thought about the conversation, barely noticing the broom that drifted past to clean up the now magic-less chalk that covered the floor. It sent a billow of purple dust into the air before returning to another sect of the chamber. Another attack from the Burning Legion? Or was the succubus lying? Her brow furrowed in wonder curious more to the idea that one of her minions would actually DARE to lie to her than one of them doing so. It was in their nature to do such things after all. Neither question held very much surprise in any case. The Legion had been attacking Azeroth for several years now, another war against them would be no different. Maybe the fluctuating powers of the magi had nothing to do with the demons. It could be just a natural occurrence of shifting energies of the nether. Lifting her gaze she watched the other two blood elves speaking in hushed tones to themselves likely coming up with their own assumptions about the information. Zecele was listening as his nephew speak with a fevered twitch of his mouth; he seemed more on edge than the older elf.
"Well my esteemed captors," She rose her voice with a tone that captured both of the male's attention, "Now that we have an answer although not one we would of liked to hear, what do you purpose we do?"
Tilthan stared at her with narrowed slits of green, his lips pressed into a firm line. Every inch of his face dripped with suspicion. The rogue clearly thought was a hoax; nothing more than a planned joke against the two Sunstalker elves by her and her demoness.
Zecele leaned back in his seat folding his hands before him in thought, "Obviously your demon is a very cunning creature who wishes to cause us great discomfort over a natural occurrence," The warlock bristled at the subtle accusation but the elf continued, " Or something is terribly wrong and Azeroth may be in for another fight for its humanity."
"I've never had a minion lie to me before," Selthae assured the pair as well as herself, "I hate to think one would start now. I can also assure you, " Her eyes turned on the rogue and she brushed back a strand of cream colored hair, " that this is no hoax of mine."
"Would you suggest we go and find out if this Hesthea's story is true?" Tilthan questioned, eyes on his uncle.
"And how do you figure that we get to this Twisting Nether of yours?" Selthae interjected and raised an eyebrow curiously.
Rather than answering the rogue continued, insistent, "If the Legion is seeking to assault us again, we must know!"
"Blood elves have endured the ruining of our lands from the scourge, the betrayal of our king and the trials laid before us by the Horde. We will endure." She tilted her head with a serious expression. Tilthan was glaring daggers at the warlock but she ignored him and turned her gaze to the old elf. Stepping closer she spread her hands, palms up before her, "Lets look at this rationally. Have any of the other casters, horde or alliance, complained of these ill effects? Or have the Naaru suspected anything from the Legion?"
Zecele's face contorted in memory but it was clear as day to the warlock what his answer was, "You haven't even asked them. For all you know this could be a singular attack on the Blood Elves from something within. One of our own perhaps. Have you sought to alert the Regent Lord?"
"The Regent Lord has enough on his plate already." Zecele stated in a firm voice before she could continue with her own subtle accusations, "With the Lich King dead his focus is more centered on the thin and breakable ties of the horde and the ever looming threat of the Alliance. As well as the politics and government of our own city." He drummed his finger tips together and the warlock could sense a plot forming in the back of the noble's mind. Tilthan was coming to the same conclusion and both of the young elves were watching him silently. After a moment the old elf continued, "No, we will handle this on our own. We will find out of this is an attack from within our own beloved city. You two will do just fine for a task li-"
Immediately the two elves started spouting their displeasure before he could finish.
"You can't saddle me with this... warlock! For all we know she could be in consort with these fiends!" Tilthan nearly shouted.
"The nerve you have to accuse me of betraying my own kin!" Selthae retorted. "I have done what you have asked of me. I gave you your answer. I am free to go now."
"You betrayed your kin when you become a warlock. As far as I am concerned you were just part of Princ- Kael'thas' little army to keep his city believing in him! You should be jailed demon worshiper!" Tilthan returned.
The warlock's face was flushed red with anger at that last insult and she balled her hands into fists. The energy from that anger was released in a sudden rush causing a wave of heat that fanned out across the carpet creating a circle of crackling fire. The rogue jumped back in alarm, avoiding the wave with ease. The elder made no move to leave his comfortable seat and the flames washed against him without so much as a singe. As soon as it started the hellfire receded leaving burnt and smoking ring with a very angry elf in the center. Before either of the two could continue their barrage Zecele slapped his hands together. A high pitched ringing washed through the room and both rogue and warlock covered their ears with a cringe. A breeze as cold as the arctic winds and just as strong filled the chamber a second later, crackling with magic and blowing out what flames were left. The two subordinates were cowed by the spell and when it ended they neither looked at each other or at the source of the power.
"You are both acting like children!" The noble's voice was strong and echoed throughout the small room, "Learn to set aside your differences and lets get this quest over with!" He turned his gaze towards the warlock, "Miss Sunstone, please. Control your anger and don't let that demonic taint ruin your sense of good judgment." Zecele then turned his icy stare to the rogue, "And nephew, keep your beliefs to yourself for just this once. This is no time for you to force your displeasure on others and I expect to see no blood split until this situation is dealt with."
Both elves nodded their heads slowly, each sneaking a glare at the other but remained silent. Satisfied Zecele relaxed once more into his chair. "Now as I was saying. I want you two.. together... to find out exactly what is going on here. I want you to start by exploring the city first. See if there isn't some cultists hiding out or something to that effect. And I don't want to hear a complaint until it is done with."
The two nodded again neither daring to speak.
"You'll meet up tomorrow morning at sunrise outside the jewel crafting shop. There you will begin your search. Every inch is to be thoroughly examined and no quarter given, but do it subtly. We don't want to raise any alarms, right?" Zecele raised his eyebrows and smiled as both replied with a small agreement. "Good. Now be gone from my sight!"
At that dismissal the warlock retrieved her bag and retreated from the chamber without so much as a look back to the two males. Tilthan also retreated from the room by a door in the back, bristling with un-vented anger. Once the two were gone the old Sunwalker magister sank lower into his chair and wondered if he was doing right by making those two work together. "I may have just doomed my poor city," He murmured. That brought a smile to the aged elf's face and he let out a chuckle.