The Clash of Thunder

Ulduar

"My, those brutes were atrocious," the priest complained. "It was as if they were still living in an era a millennia ago."

"Don't be such a sore loser Samuel," Zariyana teased. "It's not your fault our friend here is quicker with a rifle than you are an incantation."

"I was merely referring to their style of battle sister," countered Samuel. "Their formations were uncoordinated and their attacks wild. I feel more threatened by the germs in the air giving me a cold than I fear any of these creatures laying a menacing hand upon my flesh."

His sister continued to giggle at his expense. The three walked down the wide hallway. It was certainly easy to tell who this fortress was constructed for. The ceiling was over a hundred feet high and the distance between walls was wide enough to send a fleet of siege vehicles through. The Titanic Watchers have built this place to suit their own physical needs. Walking around this fortress made the trio feel painfully out of place.

"You are being rather open despite our present company," the male twin declared. "It is unlike you."

"Frankly my dear brother," she replied. "I don't find her presence nearly as threatening as the others."

Zariyana softly shrugged her shoulders as they walked.

"And besides, who is she going to tell?"

Samuel did not look the least bit amused at that comment.

"That was most unkind Zariyana."

"It was just a joke," she spat back. "Or did you forget what those sounded like coming from your precious little sister?"

"I did not forget," Samuel sighed. "I would just rather keep our minds focused on the task at hand."

"You're no fun today Samuel," she moaned.

A twinkle of mischief lit up in her golden eyes.

"Perhaps her lover's words had bested you better than you're letting on."

"Please stop," the priest begged. "I do not wish to discuss –"

Saelena placed her hand upon his shoulder. The priest stopped as she gave him a knowing look of concern followed by a short smile. They stood in silence for a while. Zariyana couldn't see past her brother to more closely examine what was going on between them. After a few moments, a bellow of laughter lifted into the room. Samuel could hardly contain himself and even the draenei shared his sentiments with a silent gesture of chuckling.

"What is it?"

The frustration was thick in her voice.

"Wait a moment," she paused. "Can you actually understand her? I thought only her husband could do that."

"I am a creature of study after all," Samuel replied while finishing up a good laugh. "It's fairly easy to decipher intent and emotions through a few clever eye movements and expressions. Though I must say, Miss Saelena has definitely bested me on this day."

"Miss Saelena?"

Hearing her brother refer to anyone other than their family or other nobles with that level of respect was beyond words. Samuel and Saelena had met only moments earlier and yet in the blink of an eye, they had become what most people would recognize as close friends.

"What did she say to you?"

Acid dripped from the priest's tongue. She couldn't have been any more serious. If her brother was forgetting their roots after a simple glance from another creature than she would do what she must in order to bring him back to her side.

"Oh nothing Zariyana," the male twin coyly smiled. "She merely remarked that she was surprised you were able to notice me at all today since your eyes were locked on someone else this entire time."

"What?!"

The color dropped from her face. This was a flagrant and gross misunderstanding and yet, anything she would attempt to say in her defense would only perpetuate the rumor implanted in her mind by the cunning draenei. Saelena may have been good with a rifle but she excelled at finding the weak points in her targets.

"Touché Samuel."

The priest shot a quick glance over towards the silent draenei. As a woman, she was also good at conveying her thoughts with something as simple as a knowing nod. Zariyana offered only one brief statement before returning her focus towards the hallway and the opening that vesting approached.

Well played Miss Saelena.

A small flight of stairs leads to a grand entrance. The opening revealed an enormous circular coliseum of sorts. Stands are packed with minions of the Iron Lords spectating the grand event unfolding below. A jormungar eagerly snaps away at a group of chained fighters. The beast easily picked one of them up in its jaw, shredding his body with its bladed teeth. His blood-curdling cries became muffled as the snake-like creature devoured what remained of his battered carcass.

Illuminated orbs spread the soft glow of yellow light at the base of the raised platform to the east and all along its edges. A Titanic Watcher stood above all others overlooking the battle being waged. Five radiant blue orbs glowed ominously on his shoulders, knees, and waistplate . Cracks of lightning sparks from his eyes. Next to him, a vrykul woman with hardened blue skin in leather armor and a dull grey dress holds onto his arm lovingly.

Saelena raised her arm signaling for the twins to stay back and remain quiet. She crept up the stairs slowly. Her body planted against the golden pillar holding a glowing orb at its peak. The desperate fighters continued their meager resistance against the gigantic beast. Their efforts were futile at beast. Chains shackled to their legs bound them to one another and tied them in place against the nearby wall. This appeared to be some sort of gladiatorial event going on but in actuality, it was an execution. Those fighters had no chance of winning and yet, the audience cheered to see their blood.

The silent draenei retrieved her rifle and peered through the scope. She set the barrel through the crack between the opening and column. Her hand gestured to the priests to move up the stairs silently and with their backs to the walls. The sounds of vicious combat drowned out any need to speak below a whisper.

"Rather barbaric, wouldn't you say Samuel?"

The male twin did not respond. His eyes were fixated on the battle. Bodies were splattered amongst the tiled floor. The remaining two fighters hopelessly jabbed at the jormungar with their rusted spears. In one quick dive, the beast impaled them both with its colossal tusks. They flailed hideously from side to side, screaming for the pleasure of a quick death.

A deafening burst exploded into the air. The jormungar shrieked as the bullet pierced through its armored hide and embedded itself into its tiny brain. It continued to stammer for a few moments before falling backwards into a lifeless heap.

Saelena casually removed her gun from the opening. She looked over towards the priests and nodded while heading into the room. They followed closely behind her. The room reeked with decay and death. Tiles were sticky with the freshly coated juices of the recently deceased. A small lever stood near a caged door in the northern part of the room.

The three Knights stood in the center part of this coliseum. Iron minions taunted them from above screaming about their discontent for what they just witnessed. Samuel was not concerned with their desires. His eyes bore into the Keeper standing mightily above them. A glowing red hammer in his right hand cracked with tremendous power. It pointed down upon them as lightning snapped wickedly from all directions.

"Interlopers! You mortals who dare to interfere with my sport will pay..."

"Sport?"

The inquisitive priest stared upon him without the slightest look of fear or intimidation. He placed one hand behind his back as taught when formally addressing anyone of nobility. This was done not out of respect but necessity. His fingers gestured towards the silent draenei. They motioned and formulated a request. Saelena's eyes caught his twiddling and returned only a wink as the message was received.

"This is hardly what I'd call a fair competition," he taunted. "Or are you completely enthralled with the idea of slaughter that life holds no meaning to you?"

The Keeper's eyes scowled as he looked down upon the mocking priest. This appeared to be working. Now all he needed to do was keep up this rhythm and give Saelena the time she needed to work.

"My apologies," shrugged Samuel. "And here I thought your kind was one of peace and –"

The priest stopped himself when he noticed the vrykul women getting unusually close to Thorim. His mind snapped as the realization quickly set it.

"Is that?" His sister whispered.

"No," denied Samuel.

They were both thinking the exact same thing. This impossibility was both puzzling and alarming.

"The records show she died a long time ago. It was the very reason why Thorim waged war on the frost giants."

"Then, she is an illusion?"

Samuel nodded.

"And a clever one at that. Whoever manifested her presence has an incredible amount of power. She can speak, think, and touch as if she were a living creature."

"Then that is the source of his corruption."

"Perhaps," the male twin shrugged. "I could become a hindrance if we allow her will to roam free. However, as of right now, we are going to use it to our advantage."

"How so Samuel?"

The priest took a deep breath. He filled his lungs with cold air before slowly exhaling. Normally, this sort of thing wasn't his particular style but in order to perpetuate this ruse, Samuel needed the Keeper's full attention.

"Of all the Titan's creations, you were supposed to be their most glorious. The chief defenders of Azeroth. Historical texts speak of your heroic deeds. Creatures look upon you as if you're Gods. However…"

Samuel paused while pushing his glasses closer to his face.

"I never thought one of them could be so easily manipulated by the whims of a single woman."

Thorim's brow furrowed. His eyes sharpened as anger glared through his expression.

The priest snuck a quick glance out of the corner of his eye. Saelena had already made it over towards the northern gated door. She quickly pulled the lever. The bars raised and she snuck through the entrance without a second pair of eyes noticing her departure.

"How dare –"

"Thorim, my lord," the vrykul interrupted. "Why else would these invaders have come into your sanctum but to slay you? They must be stopped!"

The Keeper gazed upon her eyes. His rage slowly subsided. Thorim waved his hammer into the air. The collective audience of iron minions looked upon him with fierce admiration.

"Behold…"

The Keeper's booming voice echoed throughout the coliseum. His hammer pointed downward at the two lone priests.

"Our next challengers have arrived."

The iron minions cheered. The swarmed the edge of the upper wall and began their descent towards the priests.

"Do not hold back!" Thorim ordered to his minions. "Destroy them!"

The Halls of Winter

Ulduar

Blood splattered upon the frozen walls. The acidic substance scorched the hardened ice-carved walls of this grand hallway. Jormungar corpses littered the surrounding area. The body of a slain frost giant was propped up near the entrance a few hundred yards back. His throat was nearly split in half from the tremendous gash delivered from a powerful adversary.

"This is glorious," the draenei hailed. "I have yearned for battles like this!"

Ademski's blade cut down another fearsome jormungar. The beast was thrown to the side with the added might of the light's blessing. He turned the corner and began racing down the snow covered hall leading north.

"Wait!" Begged the mage. "Slow down!"

Cayden panted heavily as he gave chase. The draenei may have been bulky but he moved swiftly through the battlefield without hesitation. In the time it took the mage to conjure a basic spell, Ademski had already cut down a litter of jormungar that exploded from their burrowed nest. Watching him fight was a sight to behold but the manner of which he carried himself left more to be desired.

Laughter echoed throughout the halls. Even with potential death staring him in the face, the draenei showed no signs of fear. His apparent enjoyment must have come through the adrenaline surging through his body. Biologically, it was designed to numb a person's senses and allow them to act freely without hindrance. For Ademski, it was a feeling of pure bliss and the oncoming opponents were just another source of his entertainment.

The mage turned the corner quickly. Ademski was still way ahead slicing through another pack of beasts that stood in his path.

"My friend!" He grinned while casually glancing over his shoulder. "The battle is this way. Hurry! Or I may take all of this fun for myself!"

Cayden groaned. He slowed down for only a second to catch his breath and the draenei was already advancing towards the next corner. He couldn't exactly wade through these thick tufts of snow easily either. There was only one way he could close the distance between them quickly.

Fire exploded from the mage's heels. He blitzed forward tearing through the frozen hallway in a blaze of speed. Black scorch marks trailed in his wake. The icy air tore through his cheeks as he raced forward to meet his companion.

The path before them was split by a frozen column. Ademski had taken the leftmost side and waged his constant stream of attacks against the adversaries along the way. The mage's eyes sharpened as he saw a frost elemental barreling down from the other side of the pathway. It was closing in on Ademski who was completely oblivious to any approaching enemies from his backside.

There was no time to stop. Yelling at Ademski proved fruitless in previous attempts. This would be tricky and goes against most of his teachings but Cayden needed to conjure a spell while he was still moving forward.

A ball of fire grew in his palm. The mage spat out incantations through the cracks of his teeth as he ran. Desperation filled his mind as the elemental drew closer and closer to ambushing his companion. The conjured spell grew immensely covering his whole hand in searing flames. He pushed himself as fast as his legs could muster bringing him within a stone's throw of the draenei.

Cayden planted one foot forward. He came to a screeching halt and braced his stance. With one hand on top of the other, he unleashed the glorious ball of fire. The resounding blowback nearly drove the mage flat on his back. The spell hurled forward and speeds that would impress even a bolt of lightning. It exploded on impact, devastating the elemental and turning the creature into a lifeless pool of melted snow.

The loud sound drew the draenei's attention. He turned to face Cayden and with a boisterous grin, he thanked him for his assistance.

"Your strength is impressive me friend. I knew we would work well together."

The mage sighed. He almost allowed himself to fall backwards into the soft pile of snow. The moment of relief calmed his otherwise excited emotions. Not even the cold bite of air registered in his skin. It was a powerful feeling. This is what Ademski must be feeling when engaged in combat. No wonder he liked it so much.

"That is it for the small fry," the draenei calmly stated.

He pointed his blade down the next hallway.

"Come, our next challenge awaits us."

Cayden nodded and briskly jogged to join his companion. They turned the final corner and revealed a gargantuan opening to the final room. Like the previous hallway, this area was seemingly carved out of ice. Giant icicles hung from the roof. Snow covered the edges of the walls to reveal an icy tiled floor.

The final adversary stood before them as if anticipating their arrival. Hodir was massive. The descriptions did not do justice to his sheer size. It was as if he were carved out of the very mountains lurking outside. His light blue skin was covered by only a few measly scraps of armor. A plate belt that could easily dwarf a small cottage with a howling skull sat on his waist. Hazy mist spewed from its vicious maw.

Sitting in the large hands of the Keeper was the most terrifying aspect of his presence. The club was easily ten feet in diameter at its top. Bladed spikes surrounded the weapon large enough to tear a man clean in half and sharp enough to make it easy. It radiated faint blue aura that resonated with the rest of the room.

Blood began running cold through the mage's veins. This was no small feat they were about to embark upon. His mind raced with hundreds of scenarios, all of which led to their eventual demise.

"Look," Ademski pointed. "Down there."

Cayden was so enamored with the giant Keeper before them he hadn't noticed the four pillars of ice encircled around him. These weren't simple decorations. There were people trapped inside of them. The mage peered deeper and examined them each very carefully. A dwarf, night elf, draenei, and gnome were encased in icy prisons. Thankfully they were members of the alliance but not soldiers specific to any army. Their assistance may prove to be a great help, if they were still alive that is.

"They appear to be members of the Explorers' League," he replied. "Their bags carry its sigil. They must have been caught during Brann's escape."

"Can you free them?"

The seriousness in his voice was almost unbecoming given his previous behavior. Ademski was not concerned with the how or why of the situation. He only saw the end result awaiting them.

"I can," said Cayden. "But it will take some time."

Ademski slid the blade on the ground and sat it across his shoulders.

"Then I will make this time for you."

The draenei marched into the room without fear or regret. He strolled forward, seemingly unimpressed with the size of the Keeper before him. After seeing countless bodies of his brothers and sisters massacred in a genocidal war, one big blue giant didn't pose just quite the same threat.

"Greetings," he called out to the Keeper. "I am Ademski of Elodor. My friend back here tells me you are suffering a great trauma. Allow me to assist you in cleansing these demons from your mind."

The Keeper puffed angrily. A large while cloud of frosty air exited his nostrils. His words did little to create any amusement or compassion. It only incited Hodir's growing rage.

"You will suffer for this trespass!"

"My friend," the draenei smiled. "I have suffered for many years."

Ademski pointed his blade at the blue giant's massive skull.

"Allow me to introduce you to the true meaning of the word."

The Corridors of Ingenuity

Ulduar

The cylindrical hallway blurred outside the windows of the LMS Mark II train. It sped along the straightened path with incredible velocity. The glass windows provided excellent dampening to the rushing winds outside. Within seconds the vehicle was blazing along track outside of the fortress entirely. Snow covered hilltops and mountains filled the view for a few moments before returning to a new hallway and the familiar dull copper color of metal pipes.

"I'd appreciate it if you hold off your tinkering until after this frickin' thing stopped," the warrior moaned.

As soon as they flipped the switch for the train to take off, Weasel dove into the main console and began examining every nook and cranny within.

"Hey, I'm not doing this for my sake!" He shouted back through a muffled, echoic cry. "If something goes wrong in there, I want to make sure I've got some options available."

Marcus's loud groan shook the windows of the train.

"Please don't tell me you're planning on blowing this thing up."

"I'm not planning on it," the gnome replied. "But if it needs to be done, you'll be glad I figured it out beforehand."

The warrior sulked where he stood with his back pressed upon the wall. His arms were crossed and the titansteel-forged mace rested beside him. The cold touch of iron pressing upon his exposed back did little to cool his nerves. They weren't about to embark upon a simple fetching request or even against members of the opposing faction. This mission had too many unknown variables and Marcus sat in silence considering each and every one of them.

Weasel popped out of the console a few moments later. His face covered in grease and a few extra nicks in his armor from rolling around in the tight confines provided. He dusted himself off and kicked the metal door behind him ceasing any further exposition of the delicate wires and gears. The gnome hopped up and took a seat opposite of the warrior upon a flat piece of metal. His short legs dangled off the edge as his eyes drifted towards the windows.

"Have you ever thought about," Weasel started before stopping himself to rephrase. "I mean, do you ever wonder what happens to us when we die?"

The question startled Marcus. He looked up as the gnome continued looking astray. It was an honest question but coming from him, a little out of character.

"We've killed people. I don't know how many. Never kept count really but between us I'm sure it is a pretty big number."

"Yea, so?"

The warrior tried to mask his own curiosity underneath feigned interest. He was waiting to see where Weasel was going with this before delving any further down the hole.

"Did you ever stop and wonder what happens to them? I know I don't. Don't care really seeing as how I'm alive and they're not."

"Is this your subtle way of asking me if I'm religious?"

The gnome shook his head.

"I always thought that as soon as the lights go out its just bam! And then darkness. Then, nothing else really. You stop caring about anything. You don't think. You don't feel. It's just… Nothing."

That was quite profound given where it emanated from. The warrior started to give him the benefit of the doubt was Weasel continued.

"But what if it's not that? What if there's a whole world on the other side that we don't know about full of all kinds of weird and crazy stuff? There could be fire pits, endless oceans, countless stars…"

The gnome trailed off for a bit. It quickly rifled Marcus' patience.

"So, what's your point?"

"My point is, I've already spent plenty of years here and I still haven't figured this place out! I don't want to go somewhere else and have to start all over again."

He made a very good point. The argument was surprisingly sound and well thought out. For a guy who puts gold, jewels and other means of wealth above all else, the gnome certainly had a brain beneath that hard skull of his.

"What's got you thinking about all this stuff all of the sudden?"

Weasel casually shrugged while twiddling a dagger between both hands.

"I never really started. Never stopped either. Don't know when it began really. Given our previous professions, our number could have come up at any time. It still could come up now. I was just curious about what you thought about it is all."

The warrior nodded. A soldier never really has time to think about death on the battlefield. They're more concerned with preserving their own life. That kind of thinking gets you scared, worried, and aloof; all of which are emotions that have no place in a battle. He thought back to the first person he killed. The look in the orcs eyes as life slowly drained from him. At the time, he felt no pity or remorse, only relief simply for the fact that it wasn't him lying on the ground instead.

"Is it because you're genuinely interested in my answer or has this mission made you think more about it given the circumstances?"

The gnome was silent for a few moment. Not hearing an instant high-pitched retort was odd. Weasel was actually formulated a thoughtful response for once.

"I mean, we are going up against an Old God. Isn't that what we should be thinking about? Maybe not entirely but given what's at stake, it would be weird not to, right?"

Marcus sighed loudly. He never thought he'd be sharing such a moment with Weasel of all people but they've fought well together in the past and continue to do so. While he'd rather be trading words with a beautiful woman wrapped up in his arms atop a soft cotton bed, a good friend was a close second.

"I do."

"Yea?"

The gnome raised an eyebrow.

"How often?"

"Every day."

The warrior did not hesitate to respond. His eyes still locked on the ground as he sulked. When the adrenaline's flowing and your heart is full of rage, there's nothing more to think about than winning. Unfortunately, battles usually don't last very long. When you're not fighting, all you're thinking about is what's going to happen when you inevitably lose the last one. It's something the warrior has come to terms with after countless years of wars but not something he's actually accepted. The drink has been ordered and enjoyed; he's just not ready to close out that tab.

"I guess all that's left is," the gnome spoke, "Are you ready to find out what's on the other side?"

The train glided to a slow halt. Marcus and Weasel exited without a moment's hesitation. Their enlightening conversation would be put on hold for the time being. The mission always took precedence.

A buzz of electricity filled the surrounding atmosphere. The view ahead was breathtaking. It was as if they had shrunken and fallen inside a clock. Three massive iron pillars stood in the background of this vast circular room. Steel arches carrying runed cubes circle a lit pathway around a set of tall bronze walls. Hanging above, a huge electrical device charged a column of pure green energy in a clear container. It snapped wildly within its shell. The immense power being generating in that space would have been enough to power the whole of Azeroth or a fairly devastating weapon.

There was a single opening in the wall looking straight at them. They walked down the angled path leading straight towards it. As they drew closer, the gnome's jaw dropped and a disgruntled groan vibrated through his throat.

"Ah man, I knew it!" He cried. "That bastard made another one!"

Marcus raised an eyebrow at first but soon sharpened his expression as the item in question came into view. The original tank that had caused them so much trouble when they first entered this fortress was sitting in the center of the room. A growing sense of dread filled his heart as they did not have any of those wonderful siege vehicles available to try and fight this thing on equal footing.

The angled platform ended in front of a clear circular road. Lines of white energy snapped and cracked throughout the interior below. Weasel's eyes never left the beastly tank standing before them that he blindly started walking through the path without any regard.

The warrior slammed his mace in front of the gnome stopping him dead in his tracks.

"Hey, what the hell Marcus?!" He barked. "You trying to kill me before that thing gets a chance to try or something?!"

"No gasket-case," the warrior snapped. "Look."

Bombs casually walked along the circular path. Their metal crafted legs bounced back and forth as they scuttled along. Marcus carefully reached down and scooped one up. Its legs continued to kick in the warrior's arms as it dangled off the ground.

"Nice," he grinned. "Think we can use these?"

The gnome returned a big smile.

"I don't think, I know."

Marcus cradled the bomb under one arm and his trusty mace hung softly in the other. They passed the opening and entered the room. It was much smaller than the Formation Grounds outside and just as barren. They had no place to hide and limited places to run. This was going to be an arduous task to overcome in and of itself. However, a small glimmer of hope slowly came into view.

"Check out that little guy."

The warrior pointed his mace at the mechagnome bouncing from cog to cog along the tank's frame. He was on the short side, no bigger than the rogue himself. His bronze body radiated soft green lights throughout the cracks in the exterior. Four pieces of amber green metal hung off his face in the vague shape of a moustache and eyebrows.

"Chsk," the gnome spat. "I can't believe we were ever that ugly."

All observations aside, this presented a unique opportunity to the duo. They could completely circumvent dealing with the tank if they could catch him off guard and get him away from it.

"You sneak around the side and jump him from behind. I'll stand here and distract him."

The gnome grinned and nodded. His body quickly faded from view as he stealthily dashed along the walls. His steps were silent despite slapping against the hard metal flooring. This was almost too easy.

Marcus casually stepped into the room. The bomb continued to flail uselessly in his arm. He made sure to make each plate boot that slammed onto the ground pronounced and noticeable. After getting within arm's reach of the tank's colossal battering ram, Mimiron had failed to acknowledge his muscular existence. Either way, it really didn't matter. Whether he noticed them or not made little difference to the intended outcome. Weasel appeared to be right in position. This was going to be too easy.

"Hey Marcus!" He called. "Check this out!"

The warrior's cringe nearly shattered the mace's handle in his grip. Of all the idiotic things he could have done, the gnome had blown their one chance at avoiding what would be a horrible confrontation.

"Weasel!" Marcus snapped. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"There's a big red button here. I think it starts the self-destruct sequence."

The warrior shifted his gaze around the side of the tank. Weasel was mustering all the strength he could within his tiny frame as he pushed the giant button with both hands. The gnome was practically at a forty-five degree angle and yet, it wouldn't budge.

"Damn! It's stuck!" He groaned.

Rage built quicker that Marcus anticipated. Hanging above the button was a sign that, in so many words, told them it was a very bad idea to push it.

"Get away from there!"

There was a loud clank. The warrior's heart dropped. He had no idea what had just happened but tensions soon smoothed when he realized the gnome had given up as instructed.

"Oh, my! I wasn't expecting company! The workshop is such a mess! How embarrassing!"

Mimiron had finally given them the attention they worked so hard to avoid. He hopped into the tank revved its massive engines. Steam sputtered from the pipes. Cogs whirled within its armored frame. The tank had been activated.

"Uh oh," the rogue sighed. "Busted."

"We haven't much time, friends! You're going to help me test out my latest and greatest creation."

"Latest and greatest?!" Marcus spat.

"We already turned one of those things into scrap," taunted the rogue. "I hope you ready to cry over another one you greasy metal bitch!"

"Weasel!" The warrior called. "Will you shut –"

His words were cut off by the mechanized squeal of the Keeper.

"Now, before you change your minds, remember, that you kind of owe it to me after the mess you made with the XT-002."

"Ex-what?!" Marcus cringed. "What the hell is he talking about?"

"Maybe he saw what we did to his fat-ass girlfriend outside the front door?" Weasel pondered. "I'd be pissed too if I had to stick my lug-nuts in that vehicle hangar."

The warrior sulked. As much as he wanted to fret about his partner's lack of tactfulness, they were going to have to contend with this second behemoth first. Marcus didn't like it one bit but at least he hand something hanging up his naked sleeve that might just turn the tide in their favor.

The Conservatory of Life

Ulduar

Large trees and lush bushes decorated the arched entrance. It was a peculiar sight to behold given the architecture of this fortress. To think there was something within that could sustain the plants for this long was quite a feat. The area was beautiful beyond description. The Keeper that dwelled within must be a master of her craft.

A crudely formed dirt path lead the way inside. The green grass seemingly glowed in the surrounding area. Colorful shrubs, trees, and unique florae surrounded the vastly open area. High-peaked mountains lightly covered in snow stood in the background. This was the one part of the fortress that actually connected to the outside world. It may have been useful to know there was a second entrance available to them, however, knowing what they doon learned about the Keepers, it was probably best to proceed as planned.

Narula walked a couple of steps behind the paladin. It wasn't out of fear or caution. He was generally moving faster than normal and the night elf had to increase her own pace just to keep up. It was almost as if he were eager to face the challenge that stood before them. Maybe not so much excited but rather, desperate to fight something.

"Do you sense anything Narula?"

The paladin's voice was strong. He was very stern in his tone and conveyed a serious presence. It caught the night elf off guard for a moment. She was dwelling on too many other thoughts.

"The plants are screaming," she began. "Their thoughts are clouded. I can only hear pain and suffering. They are not dying but appear to be wishing for death."

"Then, this whole area has been corrupted as well?"

Narula timidly nodded. She did not want to accept that fact but it appears nature did not possess a will strong enough to resist an Old God.

They passed through the entrance and another Titan teleportation device. The paladin walked brazenly along the dirt path. He didn't even draw his sword or shield despite being directly told about the dangers lurking in this area. Zariyana was right to be concerned. Something had changed within Rayne and the night elf was determined to find out why.

"Raymond…"

The paladin stopped in his tracks. He turned and faced Narula with sullen glaze over his eyes.

"Yea, Narula?"

"I wanted to apologize about earlier and asking you to accompany me here," the night elf began.

Rayne waved his hand to dismiss her concerns but before he could speak, she continued.

"I did not wish to say this in front of the others. I had hoped to speak with you candidly, if I may?"

The paladin nodded slowly. His eyes narrowed slightly. An inquisitive aura surrounded him.

"It is about your behavior as of late. The way you've been acting. The way you've been speaking. I feel as if your entire attitude has changed."

"Narula –"

The night elf tensed up. Her resolve strengthened as she forced herself to continue.

"It is not the same as before. Everything about you seems different. It is as if I am speaking with another person entirely."

Rayne attempted to say something in his defense but his words were silenced once more by the night elf.

"Ever since we came here it is like you've become someone else. There is no more compassion in your voice. And, more importantly, you have become increasingly hasty and impetuous when it comes to engaging in battle."

"I can ex –"

Narula's eyes sharpened. She bore down upon him with a concerned wrath the likes of which she never thought would ever be pointed down upon some she cared for this deeply.

"It is unbecoming of you Raymond."

The paladin froze. He could not hide the astonishment plastered upon his brow. Narula knew those words may have been harsh but they had to be said. Her eyes lowered. She took a deep breath while clutching her straight left arm in the tender grasp of her right hand.

"Even the way you have spoken with and acted around me has changed. I thought, at the very least, that after all we have been through together… Nothing would come between us."

Rayne's eyes shook. There was a crack in his armor. The night elf was wearing him down. She could see the prize buried underneath his guarded exterior. All she had to do now was keep on digging.

"Now I find myself in a constant state of restlessness. I never thought I could ever feel this way but it pains me to be at your side. It is hard for me to concentrate on the battles when I am continually worrying about your behavior and what reckless thing you will do next."

Her gaze averted the paladin's. Teeth clenched within the thin barrier of her lips.

"It is not just that I am simply worried about you Raymond," she began. "Rather, I –"

This would prove to be the hardest thing yet for her to say to him. After all of their history, all of their shared moments, this would be the one on the forefront of her mind for the longest time.

"I'm frightened."

The words stung deeply pouring from her lips as they must have been when they penetrated Rayne's heart. She wasn't appealing to the man standing before her. The night elf was looking for the one she's always known and cared about that had been absent for far too long.

"Narula."

His tone was soft. This was a good sign.

"I'm sorry," he began. "I had no idea you felt so strongly about it. Sure things have gotten a little intense lately -"

A tiny smile formed upon his lips.

"But really, I'm fine."

Narula released the grip upon her arm. Her fists tightened. All of their history was being thrown aside because he still hid behind that blasted shell of his.

"I don't believe you."

It barely came out above a whisper. She had never felt this angry at him before. It was proving to be a challenge but one she was easily willing to endure.

"What did you –"

"I said," she sharply called in a raised tone. "I don't believe you."

"Narula?"

The paladin was baffled but it didn't wane on her desire to keep driving the point forward. She drilled into his blue eyes with a stern glare.

"You may lie to your friends. You may even lie to your family. But please Raymond…"

Her voice was cracking. It was imperative that she say this with unyielding resolve. He deserved at least that much.

"Don't ever lie to me."

Rayne's footing slipped slightly. His stance wavered. The same look of bewilderment had not left his face since the night elf began her drilling. There was treasure lurking just ahead. It was right within her grasp.

"Narula," he started.

The tone in his voice shifted. It was somber and warm. This was it. She had finally released him from this painful burden.

"I –"

Vines snapped from behind and wrapped around the paladin's throat. He coughed violently as it flung him backwards towards the shrubs to the east. His body slammed into the grand trunk of an ancient protector. Scant orange leaves filled the branches along his hands, head, and chin. His face was massive and nearly encompassed the paladin's frame entirely. Glowing teal eyes looked down upon him and glared menacingly.

"Mortals have no place here!"

The corrupted dwellers emerged from the surrounding bushes and launched their attack. Lashers and treants swarmed from all sides. One already had Rayne tightly wrapped in its thorny grip while two more lashed out at him attempting to seize his flailing arms and legs.

Narula's stance widened. She launched her hands forwards and channeled the energy of the ambient spirits begging for their aid. Deadly volleys of silver balls struck the ancient protector's toughened hide. Her first concern was to free the paladin from his bonds and they would deal with the rest of this menace together.

"This place will serve as your graveyard."

The night elf's eyes darted northward. Another ancient protector began its march towards them. His entire body was nearly covered from head to two in bright green leaves. A small group of white flowers rested upon his ankles.

"Matron, the Conservatory has been breached!"

Lightning struck Narula's chest. Her stance shifted as she caught a third ancient protector barreling towards them. He was built similarly to the second. His leaves were a deep violent and the looming glare rooted in his expression. Ancient protectors had a deep history with the night elves. They are some of their most respected guardians and soldiers. To see them befall such a corruption was unjust and saddening.

Thunderous steps approached. The night elf's previous intentions did not falter until this uneasy disturbance came rushing forward. The Keeper had finally made her presence known to them. She dwarfed them in both size and presence. Her skin shined of a silver glaze. Golden brown cuts of leather armor surrounded her. A dress made of lush green leaves hung just below her knees. Teal runic orbs sat on her wrists, knees, and waist. Powerful glowing eyes stared down upon them. Her mouth opened and released a booming declaration.

"The Conservatory must be protected!"

Narula unleashed a feverish assault of stars. The lashers and treants whined as their bodies were struck with the pure bolts of energy. She had to keep them at bay to give her enough time to release Rayne from their grip and turn the tide of this battle.

"Narula…"

The night elf turned towards the groaning voice calling out to her. The paladin seized the vine wrapped around this throat and pulled it far enough to choke out a word. He was still in great danger but at the very least, he hadn't given up yet.

Narula ignored the swarming group of violent vegetative attackers. Her hand lifted and concentrated upon building a beam of pure solar energy. One shot is all she would need to cut through his bonds. She had to concentrate as even the tiniest deviation could cause unwanted pain to the paladin. Her eyes focused and blurred the rest of the world away. The target was in her sights. Golden energy swelled within her palm.

The paladin continued to struggle but there was something about his eyes that made Narula hesitate. They weren't looking at her at all. His gaze was locked at Titanic Watcher bearing down upon them. The Keeper's fist was lifted high into the air and preparing to come crashing down over the night elf's slender frame. Rayne was able to squeeze out one more word before the crushing attack landed.

"Run!"