seventh rune; blood; video

[deadelfwalking]

[He really has no desire to make this post. If he were acting entirely of his own accord, he would simply follow the trail of dead, as it were, until they brought him to Arthas. But despite the guilt weighing on him for everything that's happened recently, and despite how very little he wants to discuss it, he had promised not to face Arthas alone again. To several people.

Koltira is, at the very least, a man of his word.]

I have noticed some of you wondering about the cause behind the recent infestation of malevolent undead. Only a few beings here have the ability to spread the plague of undeath [such as Koltira himself.], and only one of them is interested in doing so with abandon.

Arthas Menethil is responsible for these attacks. He is a man--a monster--of great power and evil, and he eventually becomes known as the Lich King back in our home, Azeroth. He has razed cities; destroyed civilizations. He would like nothing more than to turn this island into a necropolis.

I don't intend to let him.

[This next part is difficult. He might grind his teeth a little.]

If you feel the need to accompany me, you may, though I advise against it. I saw many of you take Arthas for a posturing fool back when he introduced himself. I assure you that he is not. Especially not here. This war-torn island is the perfect place for any necromancer to work, and few necromancers are as skilled as a death knight. Going after him will mean going after whatever else he has dredged up from these corpse-ridden fields.

[He pauses, and then adds.]

I have also not seen much of the Lady Jaina Proudmoore recently. As she is not the type to sit idly by during a Scourge incursion, I must conclude that Arthas has done something to her. Rescuing her, if I can, is my other objective.

[But, he has to be real. It's mostly about Arthas.]

If you wish to assist me, meet me outside the Hold, five hours from now.

Comments

[stonefaith]

Good to know.

[ the initial... anxiety? anger? whatever it was, it drains out of his voice. all business, now. ]

What will you do to him?

[deadelfwalking]

[WHAT WAS IT, INDEED. Koltira is too closed-off and guilty to even guess. He continues flatly.]

I will rescue the Lady Proudmoore and I will put an end to this current madness.

[stonefaith]

'Put an end to.' How. You can't kill him [ er, not permanently ] and much of the damage has already been done.

[ oops. pause. ]

I don't mean to discourage you. I just want to know your plans.

[deadelfwalking]

[The lower corner of his mouth twitches. A scowl is trying to form, but he won't let it.]

Why?

[stonefaith]

Because I will worry myself senseless otherwise.

[ all right, that's definitely anger.

he exhales, sharply. and, somewhat contritely, he adds: ]

I won't be joining you.

[deadelfwalking]

[Worry himself? That answer surprises him, and his expression breaks a little--at least until Bariyan continues.

He murmurs softly.]

No. I would not expect you to.

[stonefaith]

[ As if Koltira hadn't spoken: ] You know why. [ But besides the obvious, what did Bariyan even have to offer? Nothing, now.

He sighs. ]

Will you tell me, then?

[deadelfwalking]

[Yes, he knows why. And that why is exactly the reason he feels too guilty even to speak with Bariyan. But he replies, regardless.]

The undead seem to be mainly cleared from the main part of the city, but they are still thick on the ground in the Outlands. They must be cleared out, and Arthas must be weakened enough so that he cannot continuously summon more. Otherwise we will simply be overrun again.

[stonefaith]

Understood. [ said emptily. ] Is Arthas out there, too?

[deadelfwalking]

[grimly.] With any luck.

[stonefaith]

I wish you the best, then.

I'm sorry. I wish I could do more.

[deadelfwalking]

You can take care of yourself. And the children who rely on you.

[step one: not talking to me, the guy who just recently severed your goddamn spine.]

[stonefaith]

I still wish I could take care of more than just that.

Good luck, Koltira. And please... watch out for yourself.

[ Bariyan cuts the feed. Koltira's about to get real busy, and Bariyan has a lot of drinking to do. ]