Free at Last

Their little barrow of the dens of Moonglade continued to remain silent and dark. Some days had passed since the two guardians had had any outside visitors. The demon hunter remained aware as she leaned against the wall, alert as she always was and would always remain. The inexperianced druid sat with her knees drawn up to her, her head resting back against the wall, her thoughts filled with many conserns of what could be happening to all those she cared about, both within the barrow and without. Neyeeva kept her watch of the bodies of the sleeping druids, her eyes darting from one unconcious form to the other, then, sounds of stirring began to fill the small enclosed barrow, sounds long hoped for in the seemingly never ending monotonous atomoshpere of the dens.

Cenias stirred in his place on the opposite side of the barrow, his eyes shutting tightly before fluttering lightly and opening into thin, glowing slits. Elizaebel glanced over at Cenias then back to Xaneria and Ailac as Cenias rolled, grunting. Neyeeva's ears twitched at the noises as she saw the druid stirring.

"Cenias." Neyeeva called to him as she rose to her feet.

Cenias moaned as he gripped the stone beside of him while greenish and dark purple bruises appeared fresh on his orchid skin.

Neyeeva stepped forward to the older druid, seeing the bruises. Her concern for them must have been evident, for as Cenias forced himself to stand, and clutched at his sleepers garments, he said, "I am fine, falore... Have the others awoken?"

Neyeeva looked back to the others momentarily berfore responding. The others still remained still, unconcious to the waking world. "No. You are the first." she said quietly.

Cenias furrowed his brow as he removed his sleepers robe. "I see..."

At that moment Xaneria 's hands began to flinch and her eyes twitched, a light groan escaping her lips as she wearily sat up, touching her forhead in a tizzy and trying to catch her own ragged breaths. Her color is pale and her body weak from the lack of nourishment.

Neyeeva turned at the sounds, to face the other two. "Xaneria."

Cenias's brows untightened. He picked up his gloves, tightening them and walking over to the two druids. Elizaebel turned to look at Xaneria then smiled.

"Eh....hurts....heh." Xaneria moaned as she shook a hand, "Not... so loud...please."

Neyeeva walked over to the other two as Cenias looked down towards the elder druid, nodding lightly. "Good, you are awoken. I trust Ailac saw you through efficiently?" He as aked.

Neyeeva simply looked to Ailac then, waiting, as Xaneria remained to place her face in her hands, sweat slipping down her skin, still catching her ragged breaths, her voice was hoarse from the dry throat. She nodded, struggling to open her eyes. "Yes... he sent me first.... after you."

Cenias nodded in return. "As to be expected, I went to secure the portal, it is only natural that he would pass you in between, and follow"

Xaneria lifted her head in a quick panic, something slightly amiss. "Neyeeva? Is Eli-" she began.

Neyeeva continued to look upon Ailac, a silent prayer upon her lips as she turned her head to face Xaneria.

"It will only be a moment, bide your time, we are incredibly blessed to have awoken at all." Cenias said.

Elizaebel tilted her head slightly at the mention of her name."Is eli... what?"

Xaneria sighed and smirked as she shook her head. "Nothing."

Finally, Ailac groaned. He began to pant as if out of breath, rolling from his side onto his back and stretching out, his right eye opening a sliver to reveal pale amber light. Neyeeva turned her head back to Ailac as she heard his distress.

"It is... done." Ailac said.

Cenias smiled lightly, nodding at Ailac. "You sleep back into the world of the woken, Brother Dusktalon, I trust your travels were unhindered?"

Neyeeva managed a weak smile of utter releif. This time, it seemed to be over, done, at last.

Ailac raised his head slightly from the ground, nodding before letting it fall back.

"Ah.... does it always pound so much waking like this?" Xaneria groaned as she tilted her head downward more into her hand. She was obviously suffering from a headache.

Cenias smirks at the question. "It does depend..."

Elizaebel bent forward, running her hand over Xaneria's hair "At least your awake now."

Cenias turned his eyes away from the two. Ailac groaned, pushing himself up off the ground to a seated position. Cenias stood tall, but no longer displayed the same demeanour of pride that he did during the dream. Xaneria smiled struggling to open her eyes, a hand reaching to Elizaebel's as she nods, her eyes watering lightly. Ailac brought his left hand up to cover the left eyelid.

"Well, I can't say it was... an enjoyable rest... heh though I'm sure you were bored." Xaneria said.

Neyeeva looked upon Ailac, noticing and remembering the damage done to the eye. "Ailac, how does your eye fair? Do you need more healing?" She asked in concern as Xaneria tilted her head back towards Ailac and smiled.

Ailac looked up to Neyeeva from the ground, opening his right eye wider.

"Is it feeling...alright?" Xaneria echoed as Cenias furrowed his brow, looking down at Ailac.

"It's fine, falore Riversong. Things are as I wish them to be." Ailac answered.

Neyeeva nodded before tilting her head in confusion at the comment. "Of course." She managed to say, not knowing how else to respond to such an answer.

Xaneria reached a hand to her face once more, gently a warm glow passing by for a moment. The druid moved, forcing herself to stand.

Cenias took up his staff. "I highly doubt, that I would need to tell you this of all people, Ailac. But if there is some manner of corruption remaining inside you, then are the catalyst we have dreaded. Open your eye, brother."

Xaneria tiled her head at Cenias while Ailac looked the other druid sternly, pulling himself up off the ground to stand and look him in the eye. Neyeeva narrowed her eyes at Cenias, then turned her head to Ailac, wondering herself. Xaneria moved, leaning her back against a wall, taking a breath and slowly letting her eyes open.

"What is left is not corruption." Ailac answered as he pulled his bangs back away from his left eye, opening up the left eyelids. The eyesocket remained black, giving off no light.

Cenias's eyes widened as Xaneria commented, "It's.... so dark."

Cenias watched the light around Dusktalon's eye become drawn to the void. "Indeed, it is dark." He confirmed.

"Yes, as there is darkness inside all minds of those living, so is there in me. I am not corrupt, I have bested my demons. This eye is my price." Ailac closed the eyelids, letting his hair fall back infront of it.

Cenias nodded lightly, placing the staff down against the wall. "I am glad to hear it, brother."

Xaneria sighed heavily, her breaths still harsh. She looked up saying, "As am I. To finally have ended this and to come out alive." Neyeeva sighed quietly under her breath as Xaneria smiled brightly folding her hands infront of her waist.

Ailac turned his head smiling toward Xaneria. "I'm glad. It seems that has worked more than just in the dream." Xaneria nods cheerfully in response.

"My wounds are not grave, how do the two of you fair? I am sure that Ailac is sufficient, but you, Xaneria, were alone for quite a period of time without either Ailac or myself." Cenias asked. Xaneria looked at Cenias as Elizaebel crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. "The dream is not one that lends itself to be easily guided by those not used to its ways and paths."

"Tired... sitting there... the nightmare was boring into my body, like it was slicing away at my soul.... if it wasn't for that voice, I may not have reached out to you, and my soul swallowed... I'm tired... as if its stolen years from me." Xaneria explained as Neyeeva listened intently, learning all she could from the pthers' experiance. Xaneria sighed while Cenias looked down. His eyes becoming heavy. "I do not wish to repeat such an ordeal... that final dream...was a true nightmare." Xaneria said solemnly.

"I am... truely sorry, Xaneria." Cenias said with a heavy heart while Elizaebel pulled away from the wall walking toward the doorway and Xaneria reached up to her collar bone gripping at something, taking a realization that the object is missing and smiles.

Ailac nodded grimly. "The Nightmare is no ordeal to be borne lightly. It takes a toll."

"Why? It was not your fault... besides, I gained something from this... as well as helped Ailac...I think." Xaneria protested as she glanced past the other druids, watching Elizaebel move towards the door, frowning briefly.

Cenias closed his eyes, and pressed his hands together. "I give you thanks for under taking this burden, Falore. Yet again, females have been forced to suffer unequally balanced. I am truely sorry... forgive us." Cenias said as he bowed before Xaneria, kneeling at her feet.

Xaneria blinked at Cenias. "Cen...Cenias..."

Elizaebel sighed muttering under her breath "druids..." as Neyeeva raised her brows at Cenias, yet remained silent.

"I honestly don't view things the way you do... its our people... not our gender that suffer. You and Ailac both underwent your own trials and such am I correct?" Xaneria said.

Cenias shook his head in disagreement. "The males of the dreaming world will stand on guard lest those which fall to Nightmare see it loose upon awakening, and forever the females will protect the world to which the dreamers wake. Again, we have asked our females to take the double burden of protecting both." Xaneria frowned. "And for that, we will never be free of our shame for our insufficiency, and for our plea in weakness which has been answered."

"It was my own choice... and there is no shame here... this isn't about society or those foolish ideals Staghelm boasts...this is about family and friends... Why make it into an ordeal of shame?" Xaneria protested again.

"Do not take such a thing lightly, the Emerald Dream is sacred, and it is no small task."

Xaneria crossed her arms as Elizaebel commented, "The strong aid the weak is that not the way of our people? Or any other?"

Ailac shook his head lightly, still groggy and looking somewhat confused. Cenias lowerrf his head a bit more. "For a watcher and protecter..." Cenias stood.

"It isn't even about strong and weak... you do for those you care for regardless.... One would stand on Arthas's throne for those they love... is it not true?" Neyeeva's eyes hardened for a breif moment at Xaneria's words, as they hit her with a hard realization.

"To be protected in their own realm by those who they are comanded to watch over." Cenias continued, "It will always bring shame." Xaneria sighed. "Do not question, do not debate-"
"I will never get through to you...why do I bother?" Xaneria said.

"Do not spit in the face of those who honour sacrifice, and mock their shame." Cenias conitnued as Elizaebel smirked and shook her head. "And I fear you will never still your knived tongue that cuts honour and drives shame. Even if you do not, and will never accept it."

"You are as hard headed as she... and your tongue as sharp. I do not think that is the case but your old fashion ideals keep you bond." Xaneria responed.

"You have our thanks, and we honour in humility the sacrifices you have made." Cenias went on as Neyeeva shook her head slowly, a slight smile coming to her face as she thought to herself things quickly became as they were before the undertaking.

Cenias bowed before Xaneria.

"Cenias... I do not disregard honor... nor shame... I just think in this situation its uncalled for...."
Cenias shook his head.

Elizaebel grew impatient as she said, "Are we quite done here? I tire of this hole in the ground... and rants about honor and duty."

"Then still your tongue." Cenias said heatedly.

Xaneria narrowed her eyes. "Cenias..."

Ailac shook his head. "Enough, both of you, please."

"Please, refrain from speaking to me, your elder... as if a child." Xaneria responded.
Ailac continued, calmly and wearily, "I do not understand how you can argue like this.... my head is spinning enough as it is."

Neyeeva smile became a little brighter as Ailac raises a hand up, rubbing his temples to accentuate the point. "It would seem you are both back to you own senses fast enough." Neyeeva said, still smiling brightly at the familiarity of the situation with Xaneria and Cenias once again at strong odds.

"As is mine... and my eyes burn... but ... perhaps we should all take our leave yes? Perhaps the enclosed space is setting our nerves loose." Xaneria admitted.

Ailad interjected, his tone sincere, "But I must give thanks as well, to all of you who have risked so much." Ailac bowed, holding the gesture to all in the room.

"Ideals and bonds give us the strength to live, Falore Riversong." Cenias chatised, though Neyeeva did not mind it, she was too relieved to have matters back to a sense of normality after being for so long cut off.

Xaneria grinned. "Of course Neyeeva, I wouldn't be living if I wasn't able to bounce back easily. Its my nature." Xaneria lifted a hand to Ailac's shoulder and smiled, taking a step forward. Neyeeva continued to smile as Xaneria went on to say, "I think...it's time to stretch my unsued legs and take a look about the earth... that has passed in time while I was dreaming."

Ailac nodded, reaching up to grasp Xaneria's hand. "One moment first, Il'dar..."

Xaneria turned to Ailac. "Ailac?"

Ailac reached his left hand into his hair, untieing a cord and pulling free a neckleace from dangling amidst his hair. "This was a great help." Ailac smiles, taking her hand and placing the amulet within.

Xaneria blinked her eyes widening with a gentle smile, her fingers tracing it before clutching it tighter to her chest. "I was afraid...it was lost the moment the nightmare snatched me before... Thank you Ailac."

Neyeeva tilted her head, then deciding it was none of her affair, she began to gather things into her pack. Cenias turned, and walks towards the entrance of the barrow, obviously feeling the same.

"That nightmare.... I kept reaching for this... even thought I had forgotten it. This is... very precious." Xaneria said as Cenias picks up the rest of his cloth, and looked to the female Night Elf by the door. Ailac nodded, letting his hands fall away.

Neyeeva pushed items into the bag, closing it as she turned to walk out the barrow, her heart light with the thought of finally returning back to her duties. Xaneria smiled, replacing the pendant upon her neck and then turning, walking hazily but cautiously towards the entrance. Elizaebel glanced at Cenias then looks back in Xaneria's direction. Ailac let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

"Thank you, both of you, for everything while we were within the dream." Cenias said as he bowed down graciously. Ailac stepped lightly out of the barrow, wobbling slightly from exhaustion.

Neyeeva halted before Cenias as Xaneria addressed her, "Ah... Neyeeva... I'm sorry... that you had to stay here so long... I hope that you recieved the visits and your supplies?"

"I think it is far time we return to the surface world, and are born a new from within the earth." Cenias said as Elizaebel shook her head and slowly began to make her way up the path.

"Yes, we did. Peris brought them." Neyeeva answered.

"Good... ah..." Xaneria said as she turned moving out the door entryway.

Upon finally reaching the the open ground above the barrows, Elizaebel frowned at tauren Moonglade Warden. Neyeeva looked out into the night, a sigh of relief escaping her lips as her muscles were finally able to relax the tension that had been building up whilst she was in the den.

"Finally.... air...." Elizaebel said.

Ailac stepped up, shading his eye against the light slightly. Xaneria exited the dens without looking back and with a smile, moved to Elizaebel's side, gripping her arm tightly in an embrace.

Cenias rolled his shoulder, and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose and rubbing it for a moment. Cenias sighed deeply, and looked upwards to the sky. Cenias furrowed his brow.

"If I was bored I would have left.. I was there for you and only you..." Elizabel said to Xaneria. Xaneria blinked, blushing, her head nodding softly. "We need to leave... this place.. annoys me." Elizabel commented.

"Still..... Ah... right." Xaneria responded as Neyeeva smiled at Eli's comment. "Then leave, and I'll make something to eat!" The two then went on their way, back to their home, away from Moonglade. Xaneria followed Eli, her arm still clasping the demon hunter's.

Cenias turned taking offense to Eli's comment, saying, "I will turn an unlistening ear to your fel tongue for everything you have done for us." Cenias watched the two leave, and bowed in silence.

"I think I will take my leave as well." Neyeeva said as she turned to the other two druids.

Ailac frowned slightly.

"I must get back to Stormwind." Neyeeva explained, ready to be gone from Moonglade for the time being.

Cenias nodded at the younger druid, "You must have taken a great deal of time to aid us in this, falore Riversong."

Neyeeva turned to Ailac, giving him a warm smile as he nodded to her in return.

"You have my deep gratitude." Cenias said.

"You have my thanks, Falore Riversong." Ailac echoed Cenias.

"Please, seek either of us for your aid if ever you are in need, and we shall come to it with out question." Cenias added.

Neyeeva nodded to the both of them as she said, "I am relieved you have come out alright. I hope to see you both again soon." She paused for a moment, considering the offer, "Yes, I will, should I need it." She said.

"We are eternally greatfull." Cenias said as he and Ailac bowed in gratitude to the young druid, still new to their ways.

Neyeeva nodded to Cenias, then Ailace before turning to leave as she made her way back to her own home, leaving the two older, seasoned druids to themselves. With Each step she felt her heart become lighter and lighter as though a great burden were finally being lifted. Now, she could return to her duties, knowing that Xaneria was safe and well, that Cenias would now return to his own duties within the circle, and that Ailac, who had been so troubled since her first meeting him, was relieved of his burden, as they all were; at long last, free.

Beyond the Darkness

The darkness pulsated, sending a wave a dark energy out as a warning, though it was weak. A green glow began to curl from the base of the gigantic mass, crawling up like a candle held to a tapestry. The darkness seemed to grow lighter and thinner, its constant contractions showing signs of struggle , the fading show signs of its depleting power. Deep inside this creation was Xaneria, without a doubt, her energies were slowly seeping from the weakening ball of despair.

The light peaked in the center, before Cenias and Ailac, the darkness looking as if it were splitting. Quickly, without warning, two thin, tiny hands pushed through the darkness, whipping about as if reaching for something, like the hands of a drowning person. The hands flinched and flickered with light green energy that began to fade as it was slowly pulled across the wrists, into the darkness and fell off like water to an oiled cloth. A faint cry could be heard somewhere deep beyond the malice of the mass.

Without even a thought Ailac bound to his feet and stepped closer, reaching for one of those fragile hands. Darkness lashed out at his hand, threatening to push him back or tear the intruding hand to shreds, yet he pressed on. To his right a blur of motion flashed, Cenias was beside him reaching out past the flailing darkness. Light coursed from the druids hands, reaching out to draw forth Xaneria’s fading light. Hands connected amidst the tangle of verdant flows, darkness bursting forth into blinding green light.

The myrtle flows of energy began to lighten as they coursed in towards the fading light, connecting. The powers of the 3 druids began to grow, and change quickly, silently shifting about in a flow that seeped into the darkness. The hands gripped tightly to those which took them and in a fervent and instant motion, the light broke out past the thinning walls of the despair wrought mass, cause it to compress and expand, dissolving into a grey gas that vanished from sight. Xaneria's body fell forward from the anomaly, her hands tightly gripping Cenias and Ailac’s, her body dropping against theirs, her eyes closed, her hair matted and her breaths shallow.

She spoke nothing.

‘Xaneria, she’s freed. But that nightmare was so intense, can it truly be beaten back so easily’. Cenias’ wary eyes scanned the glade, searching each blade for some sign the nightmare lurked within. Pain seared at wounds yet the proud druid stood tall, reminiscent of the proud stag that roamed in his thoughts. ‘I see nothing, yet in this place what the eyes see can be deceptive. Still, I do hope...’ Stepping back a step still wary, Cenias let his grip fall slack, her arm dropping from his.

Relief washed over Ailac like a spring rain, purifying his mind of worry and cleansing the pain from his eye. ‘She’s alright…’ he sighed relieved, moving to pull her closer against him. Exhaustion tore at Ailac, finally the adrenaline of his frantic search coming to an end. Muscles threatened to sag and fall to the ground, yet he held himself firm, cradling the weak form of the female druid in his arms protectively.

“I’m so glad I found you, Il’dar,” spoke the youngest druid warmly.

“But is she truly free, brother?” The elder male questioned. “Darkness and trickery is the way of the Nightmare. Can it be cleansed so easily?”

Xaneria's legs falter as her breaths deepen, suddenly, her eyes still closed and her body limp, the druid began to weap, soft, gentle tears. Her weak body shook lightly as a hand reached up and rested her balance on Ailac's shoulders. The druid reached her other hand out lightly, taking hold of Cenias' arm and tugging at him gently, without a word.

Xaneria lifted her tired body, allowing her arms to grip and embrace both druid's tightly, her energy seeming to return slowly to her body and her color growing better. For a moment she said nothing, holding them quietly. Cenias’ eyes still questioned, yet he did not fight. He stepped closer, letting himself be tugged, looking over to Ailac. The younger druid merely smiled back, tiredly but genuine, nodding his head once to Cenias. Cenias gave a brief nod, letting the question go from his eyes to look down at the female druid holding him. With a faint smile he raised one hand to pat her back, letting it rest there tentatively.

Xaneria lifted her head slowly and smiled brightly, letting her vibrant cyan blue and jade green eyes look upon the druids, clear as day. She took in a breath and forced out weak words.

"I think... by far that was the biggest nightmare... " She tilted her head. "I'm glad the two of you are safe, but... I really... want to go home now."

Ailac nodded his head still keeping his arm around Xaneria to support her. “Let’s go back,” Ailac said quietly. “Open the portal Cenias.” Cenias looked at him once, but turned to perform the ritual of waking. Ailac barely noticed, tired beyond belief, but filled with a peace and exuberance like no other. ‘Finally, time to wake up from this Nightmare.’

Misunderstandings: Understood!

The icy winds blew up over the snow drifts across the lands of Dragonblight, and Xaneria knew her hands should be shaking. By now she and the two warriors ahead of her have been traveling for what looked like days, yet felt like minutes. At this point in time, Xaneria knew her fingers should be chilled to the bone even under the thick leather gloves, her arms should be more stiff and not move as much and her ears should feel the sour tinges of pain at their tips from the air that would ride past them. Yet, something was off. Amist the snow, there was a low temperature, that was getting lower, yet nothing on her body suffered and when the wind picked up Xaneria could hear no cries, no life, feel no bitting from the tundra's lack of heat.

Her chest ached. Something awful beat at her breast like an Elkks hooves, causing her breathing to be difficult yet, she didn't suffer. She was anxious from something, something in the back of her mind calling to her. From time to time when the wind was still, she could no long hear the footsteps of the nightsabers her and her companions rode, and Xaneria could faintly hear her name. As they progressed further and further towards their destination it started to get louder, yet still a whisper taken over by the bellows of the tundra's vent.

The druid was quiet. Even she knew it. Xaneria had not spoken since their traveling started, which she knew was unusual yet so much consumed her thoughts. Do not worry about me. I hope it doesn't worry them, I really can't explain what's wrong... Xaneria stopped in her thoughts, looking up. A shock wave hit her and lumped in her throat. Looking at her companions, Xaneria felt empty. Staring at their backs. Not once did Elizabel's head turn back to check on her, not once did Larimore smile at her or wave his hand just to ensure she was well. The normally precautious and constantly watchful warriors were like mindless creatures riding onward into the snow, not even cautiously moving. There was a leisure to this traveling and Xaneria found it even harder to swallow, when the darkness seaped into her eyes, almost engulfing Larimore and Elizabel before vanishing with the wind.

Xaneria stopped.

"...can't go..." Elizabel and Larimore halted their sabers and looked back at the druid. "I... We can't go." Xaneria continued as she held a hand to her chest, where something was missing, yet she grasped anyways.

"Xaneria, if you really aren't feeling well... we should have had you stay back at the camp, however now that we are already this close, it's too dangerous for you to turn back." Larimore sighed as he tilted his head slightly.

"No. I can't let you go... we can't go. I don't know how to explain this, but looking at you two I feel so empty it hurts to the point I can barely breathe. Something omnious is upon us and I cannot allow us to push forward. I keep getting this voice in my head screaming at me not to go, there's a lump in my throat and my chest aches," Xaneria's voice began to shake, tears building in her fearful face. "Something about this whole thing isn't right, and just feel continuing would be dangerous, more than even the two of you can handle."

A voice called out.

"Xaneria. Do not go." The voice was louder now.

"Xaneria." Elizabel moved around and climbed behind Xaneria on her saber, letting the reigns of her own attatch to Xaneria's and took hold of her hands. "You still aren't feeling well it seems. However, staying here in this frigid air will only make it worse, we will continue on." Elizabel leaned down slightly, whispering in Xaneria's ear. "I'm here with you."

Pain. More pain shot up the druid's spine and into her chest, tears freely rolling from her eyes and forming small ice upon her lap. The embrace that she ofted yearned for wasn't warm or gentle, but it was like nothingness. Here she sat, wrapped closely in her mate's arms, as she tries to comfort the druid, yet Xaneria felt nothingness. This uncontrollable yearning and pain, this quietness and emptiness broke her heart.

The voice became louder, as if a scream of fear beconing her.

"Xaneria! ... return!"

Xaneria froze. For a moment all the emptiness washed away from her body and it filled with fear, sadness, pain and longing. The nastaulgic feeling this voice brought to her head, though still broken, warmed her heart and made the icy wind chill her spine. That voice called to her, so much louder. Xaneria's eyes moved across Dragonblight, taking in the sights, her eyes fixating on a single cliff. She gripped her hand tightly on Elizabel's arms; still nothingness.

"That voice..." Xaneria spoke as she suddenly lept from the saber and took off running.

"Xaneria?!" Elizabel and Larimore called out to her, yet they did not chase.

Her feet tripped in the thick snow as she ran, constantly using her hands to brace her and keep running, fumbling but never stopping. Her body ached and was weak, as if all her energy was being drained yet, Xaneria forced herself. Allowing her body to shift, her skin became golden and her form curled into a green and blue eyed sunflower cheetah that dashed off into the icy tundra, coming closer to that cliff, where Xaneria felt someone, something waiting for her. Someone.

"Xaneria. Hurry! You must wake!" Why couldn't she put a name on that voice! Xaneria could hear it calling to her yet she couldn't say the name, though she knew she remembered it.

Nearing the edge of the cliff, Xaneria once more changed her body swiftly, her arms extending to the air and her body growing dark with obsidian feathers, and tribal markings, her long sharp beak falling under focused eyes, like a hawk, soaring high and swooping down on her mark. A rock like object upon the cliff's edge, that seemed to glow with warmth, yet was burried in snow. Yet there was an air around it that was different from everything else, it was something warm, and memorable to Xaneria.

She reached a weak outwards as she came down to landing, allowing her body to retun to normal form, falling near the stone, her arms gripping it tightly and tears rolling from her eyes like streams of sorrow and ache washing out of her weakened body. Xaneria looked down upon the stone, the name written did not shock her, nor bring her fear, just warm sorrow that filled her heart, her mind still racing. Her fingertips began to trace the crude carved name, a wave of memories washing into her head with the sound of a large bell being rang over her ears.

Memories of the nightmare filled her body like heavy stones, honest memories of the past rolled into her heart and began to fill Xaneria's body with life. She took in each moment with pleasure and pain, the tears fading from her face as she became whole once more, yet exhausted and weaker the more she fought back. The tombstone opened as a small passageway of light, the nightmare slowly eroding the land around Xaneria as it began to call living tendrils up her legs, trying to consume her body of what mana she had left. The druid froze, her body completely weak.

"Xaneria, don't give up. Return home. You must return home." The voice called again, from inside the light.

Xaneria looked down into the tiny lighted path, seeing a form. She reached her hand out to the form in curiosity and desire, trying to grip it. As her fingers began to pass through, she felt the air about them change, becoming warmer and a real breeze gripping it. She bit down on her lip, and tried to force her body to move.

"Get a grip! The nightmare is taking everything my celestial body has left. If I die here I will never wake in the real world, to them, to her." Xaneria began to fill her body with will and confidence. "I am not letting my flaws be the death of me just yet, ... I'm... I'm too old to hide in the candle light from a bad dream!"

Xaneria's body began to harden, bark rolling up the skin and taking its place, vines crawling from the earth as to shield her from the darkness. The black tendrils pressed into her flesh like knives, trying to take from her the very energy that sustained her in this sleeping world. Xaneria fought it off, desperately reaching into the light.

"I... just want to wake up... I want to go home..."

The Empress and the Leper

Cenias held his hand over his eyes, breathing deeply and heavily. He emptied himself of his shame and washed his face in the river; he shook his locks. I have to keep moving, Ailac, Xaneria, they are both still waiting for me, and still counting on me. He looked down upon his reflection for a moment, staring angrily at the weakness he had allowed to envelop his form. Placing his hands upon the water the keeper slid into it without making a ripple, assuming once more the form of a wild salmon.

Water flowed past easily, regardless of direction. He moved in it rather than through it, the liquid sustenance of life held no meaning within the dream, and had become little more than a pathway along which the watchers traveled. Emerging finally at the base of the mountain, Cenias swam upstream, form melting smoothly as fins changed to wings, and the falcon flew to the towards the peak.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Ailac stepped away from the pond steadily, never once turning to look backwards. The dream enveloped him, its swirling energies pooling in whorls as he moved, each step taking him across leaps in time and space here. Through dense untouched forests, across flowing plains of tall grasses grown up past his chest, over barren chasms of rock he searched, his mind drifting out to search for his companions.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The elder druid stood at the highest point of the mountain, wind wiped wildly around him. Standing in his Keldorei body, Cenias planted his feet and held his hand out over the ground, willing the earth to move. The rock beneath him remained still, a crack appeared in the rock, soil and gravel bleed outwards from it. A single sprout raised from between the cracks growing straight upwards. It twisted, a second sprout growing and twirling around it, entwining with it and thickening. Seasons passed as the vinelike tree sprouts continued to grow towards the outstretched hand, living wood changing shape and hardening. The living wood swirled, wrapping around itself and opening a fennel, becoming a long wooden horn coated in moss and thin leaves.

Cenias raised the completed instrument to his mouth, a horn of the dream. He blew into it, breathing his life force with the wind as the call of the wild carried upon the high winds of the mountain, reaching out across the vast expanse of the dream as far as it would be carried.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The deep bellow of a horn pierced through the air as Ailac walked, eddying the energies before his eyes to an image. Cenias was calling for him. Thin trials of clouds floated through the sky, shattered by the peak of the mountain, a small crack stood in the stone, at the feet of the feral druid calling with the horn.

Ailac closed his eye, taking hold the image in his mind and stepped forward.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The elder druid released the horn, feeling the air about him. The mighty roaring winds that ravaged the peak of the mountain ceased suddenly, and began pushing inwards towards the same point. The air swirled around itself while space clenched tightly together, compressing harshly as if in pain. The air itself re-opened like an ethereal maw, and a Keldorei stepped through, planting his feet firmly on the mountainside.

The wind tore at Ailac, billowing his kilt out to the side like a cloak and whipping free strands of hair about his face. Goosebumps from the chill formed upon his arms. He opened his eye to see Cenias before him standing firm atop the plateau, horn at his side. Despite himself, Ailac’s mouth twisted in a light grin to see his old friend. Nodding his head Ailac raised his left arm, waving a calm greeting.

Cenias raised his eyebrows lightly, taking in the form of the druid who stood before him. It was not just a sleeping druid answering his call, it was a familiar presence. And yet, it was not. He looked different, he carried a pride and a dominance within his normally passive and submissive frame. He had grown, he had changed. The corruption was no longer strangling his being, and the younger druids essence flowed freely from him. Yet, it was not the same as it had been before the Nightmare. It was unbound now, yes, but it soared unimaginably higher than ever before. He was free of more than just corruption…
Cenias bowed his head lightly in greeting then spoke,
“If it weren’t for your scent, my brother, I would have never recognized you.”

“Time changes all of us, finally it may seem I have regained those last three hundred years. But our work is not over, brother.” Ailac spoke calmly.

The elder druid nodded,
“Indeed. We can rejoice in your recovery later. Do you know anything of Xaneria? Is she not with you?

“No. The Nightmare claimed her before I could awaken us,” Ailac paused, his voice strained. “I need your help brother, we must find her.”

The watcher furrowed his brow. “I see. Let us take to the sky, and we will do all that we can for her.” He spoke while extending his arms, fingers extending and melting into light bones and feathers. Talons and beak formed while his skull became crested, becoming an elegant orchid stormcrow. “Do not mistake me though, she has become an important person in my cycle of life as well. I will not hunt out of favour, or out of duty, but out of obligation to a companion.”

Ailac nodded solemnly, his form unwavering. “Fly swiftly brother, I will search by other means.”

The orchid crow dipped its head lightly, nodding, before stretching it’s wings to their full span and taking off from the peak of the mountain, soaring into the open sky.

Ailac closed his eye, reaching out into the wind as the verdant energies of the Dream buffeted his body. He felt himself drift, letting thought and emotion float past him untouched amidst the swirling torrent of energy. He let himself spread out from his shell, drifting across the air and down the mountain. Touching each insect and critter he passed, seeing their sight and smelling their smell as he spiraled out from the mountain. Forests passed him by, followed by plains and streams, rocky crags and sweltering deserts. Outward he flowed, drifting along the minds of the wildlife as he felt for her presence, felt for the Nightmare that must surround her.

Cenius drifted through the sky; the wind currents did little to aid or impede his movement. Looking down below him the world was small. He opened himself, and expanded into the infinite. Soul intermingled with other beasts and birds that wandered the dream. Creations both real and ethereal of different shapes and forms. His spirit touched theirs, spoke with them, exchanged wisdom and knowledge of what was seen and felt, heard and sensed.

At once the Dream shifted, a wrongness rippling through the flows of energy. As if the vibrant blossom of the Emerald Dream was at once consumed by the Blight of Nightmare. Ailac withdrew into himself once more, letting one last thought drift out in search of Cenias.

“To the North brother, I can feel it.”

The beasts spoke to him, their spirits shared what they had known, and at once the gaping void that drank light and sanity became a swirling reality. There was location, there was form, there was existence, and there was corruption. A voice spoke in the elder druid’s mind, and Cenias replied to it. I know, I feel it as well… We shall go, and begin our search where the wound is festering with such vigour.

Ailac leapt down the mountain in long ground eating strides, dashing faster than any waking beast could have achieved. The forest was no hindrance to him, drifting between vines and creepers without second thought, pressing ever northward towards the blackness. Not slowing as the familiar presence landed beside him to join the run.

The stag flew through the windless forest along side of the younger druid, its hoofed feet striking the wilderness floor without sound. The two shared no familiar glance, gave each other no brief and knowing nods; they simply strode, breathing through the forest as unhindered as wind until the corruption grew overwhelming in presence.

Ailac flowed forward out of the forest and faltered. Clear blue sky replaced with boiling black clouds, flashes of murky red and orange dancing across the blanket of the clouds. The ground screamed as it was split in twain, great pillars of flowing rot spewing from the ground on all sides, filling the air with the scent of rotting fungus. The ground cried out as it was rent into the air, spinning madly into oblivion before the druids.

From the Maelstrom of earth and rot, arose Emeriss. Once a powerful Green Dragon of Ysera, now tainted by the Nightmare into a dreadlord of rot and disease. Its great scaly face towered above the druids, scales flecked with putrid moulds fading to a sickly blue hue. Great fungus sprouted down from its pale beard, dangling nearly ten spans from its chin. Bone plates of its underbelly grown into wicked spikes, stained a blackish red of dry blood. Fallen scales and fungus littered the ground as it moved, falling free with green clouds of spores that stung the nose with the scent of decay. Spreading massive torn wings the Dragon reared up, towering above the pillars of rot and forest behind the druids, letting forth a shower of acidic saliva as it roared into the churning sky.

The stag stopped, its white form amidst the trees as it beheld the terror that the dream enveloped before them. There were no words, no thoughts, no comprehension, it was truly more horrific than any waking scourge or demon. This was not corruption or Nightmare, this was a dragon, a servant of the god Ysera. All of that form and majesty, that austere and sense of dread in the face of true divinity that escaped description and made those with hardened hearts weep, now inverted. Now gut wrenching anxiety prevailed. The watcher looked on, and felt its bowels twist, felt its legs twitch in desperation. They sank into the ground, not from fear of running, but from fear that on their own accord they would grab its own eyes and burst them to drive away the sight. It would not work, it would be forever burned into the elder druid. Continuing to drink, allowing the cup to overflow of madness in overwhelming paralysis was all that it could do to keep from mutilating itself on the spot to rid its mind of gazing into oblivion.

The maleficent being crashed to the earth before the druids, its claws tearing deeper into the tortured landscape beneath its feet. Ailac stood bound faster than the strongest roots could have held him. There was no hope of escape, no where could be free from that crushing presence. Instinct fled from Ailac. No hope. Emeriss drew closer its eyes boiling with hatred, the great scaled jaws creaking open to devour the druids intruding upon its domain. Blackness filled the sky.

The stag watched the massive form move closer. Its movements were unnatural, and it almost seemed to increase in size while distance between them just began to rot and fade away. Cenias could feel it, it radiated from the ever-encroaching leviathan of oblivion. It was fury, malice, anger, but not at the two druids for any sin or trespass of their own. In the same fury one crushes an insect for little more reason than it has had the miss fortune to cross the threshold of a doorway into a man’s house.

There is no hope. We have to run. Xaneria is beyond us. There is no hope. I have to run. Ailac is beyond. There is no hope. I must flee. Flee! Run till your legs bleed and erode to stumps. There is no hope. The druid’s legs remained frozen, unable to even obey desperate fear. The maw of oblivion slowly opened as the divine Nightmare moved closer, the stench of rot and disease alone brought bile up into the druids’ mouths, even if they could flee they would stop to vomit and wretch. There was a glint in the forest, if it were not for the ever alert eyes of the stag, the watcher would never have noticed it. A small whiteness that moved in the distance. Perhaps. A glimmer and vanish, impossible to distinguish from a trick of the eye. A fawn…Cenias’ memory of impotence returned to him. How he had done nothing, how he could do nothing. Was there a single thing he would not destroy and break to regain what he had lost? What he had allowed to come? And yet it had happened; twice. Xaneria remained, alive and awake in a corrupted sleep of Nightmare and breaking reality.

The horns remained firm, strong and proud, bone white defiance as the bonds shattered, chains fell around the druid as its resolve returned in the face of corruption that had strangled even a servant of Ysera. This Dream has been entrusted to us, and our kind. We will persevere, we are eternal, we are the children of the stars, and vast beyond the dream. The druid reared, violently, thrashing with its front legs as its hindquarters turned and the stag bolted through the trees like lightening.

A faint scream shattered through existence, shrill and filled with pain, Xaneria’s scream. Time shattered as the scream filled Ailac’s mind, the great dragon’s maw frozen above him, acrid saliva halted in mid air like rain over the druids.

“Such a sweet screams,” a hollow voice cackled. “Wouldn’t you agree, runt?”

Ailac’s empty socket flew open, filled with a pure blackness like a bottomless pit, unseeing the dream around him. The Nightmare of himself stepped into view of his left eye. “Look at your weakness, were you all talk, runt? You take the reins to sit an quake in fear?” The nightmare turned, waving in the direction of the great dragon. “You could have had that power, immune to fear and thought. But you passed it up for your precious little friends, your precious little Il’dar.”

The Nightmare rounded upon him, a wicked grin of black fanged amusement upon its face. “Better run boy, or you’ll wish you had just let me take you.” Xaneria’s scream pierced his mind anew. “Do you really have time to stand here and soil yourself?”

Time burst into existence, Ailac throwing himself back from the jaws snapping shut with a spray of rot infested fluid, devouring the earth.

Trees flashed past in blinding succession. The stag bowed its head, lowering its antlers as a foot long splinter rifled past that had exploded out of the Dragons mouth when it had narrowly missed biting Ailac. Leaping over a fallen tree the blinding white flash continued surging forwards. The ground beneath its feet began to rot, the Nightmare infested divinity closed space as it flew along the essence of blight.

Ailac dashed into the trees disappearing after the white form of the stag. Rot tore at his kilt and clenched about his ankles, trying to snag and hold him for the Dragon to consume. Searing wrath flowed through Ailac’s pores, burning back rotting tendrils. Ailac pressed on, chasing after the white streak running through the forest. Rot filled his peripheral vision, overtaking trees and earth in a maddening pace.

The stag whirled, barely keeping ahead of the rot at his own pace. He leapt backwards, towards the younger druid, rushing past him. Ailac, you’re too slow, get on! The younger druid gritted his teeth, thrusting his fists back behind himself, two green arcs of wrath cresting through the air as putrid rotting bindings were cast off. Emeriss roared in fury as the younger druid’s hand smacked dully against the beasts antler and he flung himself onto the white streak.

Ailac crouched low upon the stag’s back, staring in horror as the Nightmare devoured the forest. Black vines devoured the forest to either side, running further ahead of the druids. Behind them trees split like melons dropped upon the ground, rot spewing forth to coat the forest floor. Death swept along to all sides, squirrels and birds dropping from tree branches like falling rain. A fox burst from its hole, screaming as blackened vines tore after it, leaving nothing but flesh and fur coated with maggots. Life wilted and was consumed, creeping up upon the pair fleeing desperately to the edge of the forest.

Mountainous jutting rocks became exposed as vegetation burned and bubbled in a sickening rot and blight. The mountain side the druids moved up became a trap, the flatland had run out, and their speed advantage that was only proving to be barely slower than the rot to begin with now vanished. A wave of death rushed past them as wildlife and wilderness alike exploded into disease and melted in a pool of rot that ran like blood over the rocks. Instinct now reigning the stag’s hooves skidded on rock as it spun around. Ailac, gripping the antlers, flipped forwards off of the stag, being launched higher up the hillside before the beast turned. Antlers melted together, becoming a horn as the stags legs turned into thick trunks and the druid increased in size ten fold. Flight changed to fight as the massive shagged rhinoceros kicked away the rot that had lost even its liquid form at his feet and was now dust. A powerful snort cleared the floating particles as with loud thundering footsteps the druid charged the Dragon, trunk like legs pounding the rock beneath himself harder than pistons within a steam engine.

Ailac twisted in his flight, bare feet skidding over loose rock as he pulled himself to a stop amidst the jagged spires near the base of the mountain. A forest of tumbled boulders lay before him over the base of the mountain, nearly 30 spans below the rot fell away as it crashed against the rock spire. Below in the clearing a massive rhino charged proudly forward, dashing in towards the towering dragon of disease. There was no escape from the Dragon for the rhino, with the mountain at its back and the flatland torn asunder by pillars of fire and poison. Surrounded by death and trapped with it. Ailac called out, power and song along his voice to coax up the sparse shrubbery of the mountain, entwining to form the living staff that felt so natural within his hands. Cenarius’ power flowed in his veins, filling him with life threatening to burst. The torrent unleashed, swirling energy filling the sky with grey clouds streaked with green life energy, drowning the unnatural darkness of the sky overtop the clearing. Ailac unleashed a typhoon of Natures wrath upon the wrongness, lightning scouring the rot and striking off the rotting Dragon’s back, trying to throw it aside while the rhino charged for flesh.

The Great Dragon never flinched.

The rhinoceros rampaged forwards towards the Dragon while stars and wrathful nature energy circled downwards, exploding dully against the hide of the monstrous being and deflecting off without notice. Emeriss looked down at the elder druid, and raised its right foreleg into the air, preparing to swing it down upon the rhino and crush it into the ground. With difficulty, Cenias snorted and veered off towards the left leg, the deep booming of the slow galloping thunder foot steps echoing while the right paw of the Dragon reached its height, and prepared to descend on the rhino.

Ailac thrust his staff into the rock of the mountain, feeding his force into the living wood to make it take root and flourish. Cells germinated and divided. Dust burst forth in great clouds, shards of rock ripped into the air as the roots sped down through the earth, tearing boulders and spires in twain. Corruption assaulted the roots burning and rotting them as they sped towards the dragon, each sprouting forth from the dying tip to press forth. Emeriss swung its mighty claws to reach the charging feral druid, yet claw met thick towering roots that burst from the earth at the massive paw, staving it off from the other druid. Emeriss roared fiercely for the annoyance, its mighty claws being entangled and slowed, fought back away from the druid to give it the opening for its charge.

With one of Emeriss’ legs momentarily suspended in the air Cenias was free to continue his charge towards the left one supporting the front half of the Nightmare Dragon. Lowering his horn, the watcher dug it forcefully between the toes of the clawed forearm, thrusting his head backwards to lift with all of his strength. The foot shifted, slightly, but enough to loose footing as the leg slipped out from underneath the Dragon. I would never have enough strength of my own, even in the Dream, to pierce the hide of Emeriss, even in this form. But if she falls, and brings all of her weight down upon the tip of the horn, then by her own strength we will tear her open. The rhinoceros snorted as its piston like legs slowed, pressing into the ground to hold its own while the enormous leviathan fell earthwards. The world slowed, sun rifling through the sky as the great beast stood beneath corrupted divinity, large bone horn raised in defiance to the exposed side that now descended towards him.

With whip like speed, the great Dragon’s tail struck the distracted beast, hitting it with bone crushing force despite its quickness. Cenias snorted, a grunted gasp as the jagged tail tore open his rough hide and lifted him off of the ground. He flew past the falling Nightmare, twisting and writhing in agony as he crashed down on the exposed rock surface of the mountain.

The living staff came to seed in Ailac’s hand, roots pushing from the earth to entwine the falling form of the Dragon. With a graceful leap he bound down the mountainside, energy pulsing forth across the field before him. The Emerald dream infused him, stretching his powers further than they could ever go. Locusts and insect swarmed from their spots amidst the rocks, a buzzing heap that swarmed across the form, biting at exposed eyes and flying at snout. It would not be of use, not against such foe, but it might create enough hindrance.

Ailac landed beside the fallen druid, now reverted back to his elven form. Loose pebbles slid free from the haste of his impact. A gaping wound lay open his side, blood trickling through shattered leather and bark plating.

“Hold brother, I’m no healer but I will do what I can.” Life flowed once more through Ailac’s form, trickling down from his fingertips like fresh spring rain to fall upon the rent flesh. Bone twisted back into place, knitting with audible cracks, flesh twined together roughly. The fallen druid did not cry out, mearly grunted as flesh fell into place, the healing rough but it would be all the power Ailac could stand. Below the Dragon threatened to break free.

Snatching a shard of fragmented bark from the armour of his companion he sped down the mountain from boulder to boulder. Wood glowed to his touch and hardened, a stout knife forming from jagged bark. Emeriss thrashed its tail, long arc faster than any whip, shattering the pillar of stone Ailac stood before, narrowly bounding into the air to dodge the blow. With a fierce kick he pushed off the tail, soaring across the gap to land upon the Great Dragon’s back. Spikes towered over Ailac’s height, jutting from scales spans across, yet rotting flesh pierced between cracks. Biting back the bile in his throat Ailac plunged the knife into sodden flesh, forcing the seed inside. Ailac shook with the verdant life flowing through his being, sweat poured from the exertion, a torrent threatening to sweep him away as he drove it into the seed.

Cenias stirred, forcing himself to sit up he groaned rolling over onto his side and forcing his knees under him. Forms flashed through the watchers mind, animals, lizards, insects, fish, but against Emeriss, what is there that can be done? We are little more than dust in the wind… The druid struggled, shakily forcing himself onto all fours. Fur sprouted, fangs extended as his spine stretched into an elongated tail. But even dust can still agrivate the eye of a king. The black panther rocketed forwards, darting from boulder tip to jagged rock outcropping in black streaks. He leapt off the last one towards the rising figure of the fallen Nightmare, wings shot from the pather’s shoulder blades, stormcrow taking flight and soaring higher towards the divine monstrosity. Putrid gas and disease seeped from the Dragon’s mouth forming a green cloud of death, surrounding the watcher. Wings beat furiously, enveloping a circle of wind to keep the corrosive blight away as feathers rotted from their touch. Formless once more the wings bulged incredibly with thick powerful sinews, muscles griping bone as flesh and meat formed and the great bear fell from the cloud, landing on the type of the snout of Emeriss.

Claws dug in, slashing in fury as the powerful form attempted not to fall from the scaly rotted face he fell upon. Finally finding his footing the druid pulled itself higher onto the dragon’s snout, the head whipped wildly, trying to throw it off. Raising a giant muscled paw the watcher pounded it down with fury in between Emeriss’ eyes, time and time again. The claws slashed and tore, tendons gripping rippling muscles to the bone of the great bear as it hammered the plate like scales and pulverized exposed flesh on the weak bridge between the eyes. Black rotten blood spewed, clinging to the flesh of the ferocious druid as the Dragon roared at the minimal annoyance, flinging its head up and swinging it downwards. No longer able to maintain his hold, Cenias flew the creature’s face and slammed into the mountainside beneath it. The watcher exhaled, all the air rushing from his lungs with the force he struck the rock. Emeriss vicious maw opened, the Dragon’s enormous, jagged, misplaced teeth exposed as she swung down to enclose around the stunned bear.

The seed burst forth into life, trunk crawling up and tearing apart scales as it sprouted amidst rotting flesh. Massive roots clambered down from the Dragon, digging deep into the earth and pinning the back haunches to the ground. The trunk climbed upwards, cracking and groaning with its rapid ascent, carrying Ailac up higher over the dragons back, great branches opening to the sky. Wood sung to Ailac’s call, branches wrapping tendrils past his arms for guidance. Thick branches whipped forth at a command, latching to the front legs of the Dragon and reaching for the sky. The wood strained and cried out, yet prevailed, lifting up the massive arms, drawing the thrashing dragon back just away from the feral druid, giving precious seconds for retreat and opening. Ailac collapsed to the branch, drained and weary, yet held the struggle, fighting against all odds to buy time.

Cenias grunted, feet thrashing wildly trying to gain footing as the bear rolled off of its side and kicked off of the ground. Muscles withered and faded, absorbing into the tendons as the form became miniscule and lithe. A tail sprouted, thick and bushy as a grey fox darted away from gnashing teeth.

The limber body of the fox darted with agility along the rocky ground, droplets of rotting flesh thudded around it as it leapt onto the base of one of the younger druid’s trees. He nimbly scampered up along the bark, leaping off of it onto Emeriss’ leg, small claws finding footing admits plated scales and continuing to dart upwards. The fox hoped back and forth between the tree and the leg as it moved, dodging bubbling boils and festering wounds that spewed toxins and rot, then leaping back onto the leg to avoid being over taken by cracking and growing bark.

Cenias landed on the Dragon’s back, small claws melted into large hooves as legs pushed upwards and grey fur elongated into white shaggy wool. Bone stretched and formed curled horns as the creature began running while transforming. The large mountain ram snorted furiously, hooves used for clinging to slippery mountainsides made quick work of the Dragon’s back, making the path seem as smooth to run along as an expanse of road. Emeriss saw the defiance of the creature running towards her head along her body, and in growing anger opened her vicious rotting maw to snap at the insect.

Ailac whipped his arm forth in command letting energy pulse into the tree, wood roared as it came to life. From above his head a great branch swung like a club, driving towards the open maw of the dragon. The branch hit home, splintering on jagged teeth yet held the jaws open, nearly 4 spans of thick dense wood. Anger boiled from the dragon, its mighty neck thrashing and snapping off the branch, a thick span still wedged in its open mouth like an enormous bit. Vines burst from the shattered wooden end, more from the leafy tip of the branch whipping and coiling through the air like massive ropes, hurled like harpoons back towards the trunk. Vines shot past either side of Ailac the wind of their passing dragging him to his feet. The vines wrapped around the trunk and up its length, a bit and reins tied off to the mighty trunk. Ailac gripped both as he drank of the energy of the Dream, its power endless in comparison to his own feeble control of Cenarius’ might. He heaved upon the reins and the great tree arched back drawing with him. Leaves danced along the wind shaken free, the tree groaning mightily as it drew up the Dragon’s head inch by hard won inch.

“Cenias! Strike now!” Ailac bellowed.

Cenias lowered his head, picking up speed as he flew along Emeriss back and galloped across her elongated neck, now beginning to curve upwards from the strain of the bit. The watcher ran along the neck, tilting sideways at the angle when with ferocious power the jaw of Emeriss snapped shut, crushing the mighty trunk between its teeth and splintering it. The neck begain to coil back towards the elder druid when, halfway along it, he kicked off powerfully, landing a giant splinter of the branch bit that flew from the Dragon’s mouth. New life erupted in the falling shattered splinter and the ram tore along it as a branch pathway lead to the divine Nightmare’s head. Snorting, the legs kicked the branch a final time, the charge ending as the thick skull of the ram struck home, bashing into the eye like a hammer against an anvil.

Emeriss cried out in rage, deep bellowing roar shattering against the mountains and forests. Blackness flowed forth from it in a shockwave, stretching out across the plains and mountains, devouring the forest. Trees burst into putrid fungus, the bonds bulging and shattering into puss raining down upon the barren field. The great tree twisted black beneath Ailac’s feet, rotting away and leaving him falling stranded. Wings beat furiously, a great wind spreading the rot and sending the falling druid soaring through the air amidst splinters of rotting wood. The ram flew back from the force of the roar, crashing and rolling across the rot slicked landscape. All brief fancies of false hopes died amidst the pulsing blackness.

The ram rolled on the ground, shagged hair mixing with the dirt as it righted itself. There was never a plan, there was never anything more than this. An Empress had reached out to push an unsightly beggar from his path, and the beggar had slapped his hand away. That was what the two druids had accomplished, and now the wrath of a nation descended upon a beggar’s insignificant spite. The ram’s horns split and formed antlers as front hooves changed into claws and shaggy wool was shed. The hippogryph kicked off of the ground and shot upwards towards the falling younger druid. Even the splinters around the falling druid turned into gas from the force of the rot and anger, seeping hatred and corruption that leaked from the infuriated Nightmare the insects had spit upon.

Ailac reached out desperately, catching the antlers of the darting hippogryph and swung onto its back. Acrid gas choked his lungs but he hung on for dear life, swinging upon its back as it burst across the sky away from the putrid fumes. Northward they sped, dashing across the sky away from the bubbling maelstrom of chaos. The Great Dragon’s roars echoed across the Dream, chasing them. Behind them they left forests and mountains boiling in rot and death. Entire forests drained in the space of a breath, no natural death. The Empress of Nightmare lashed out at all about her, fading back into the distance as the Druids fled.

The Druids sped onward, slowly regaining their senses as they left unnoticed from the chaos. Before them a new darkness crept up from the forest, drawing them onward. Each beat of wing bringing them closer to the fountain of blackness ahead. A dull ache welled in the hole left by Ailac’s left eye, a small fire growing hotter as they pressed on. At last they found it, below them the forest broke into a clearing, small with dense grass and ferns, and at its heart lay blackness.

Ailac leapt from Cenias’ back, fumbling weakly on his landing and dropping to his knees. Exhaustion overwhelmed him, drained his body completely. His left eye socket screamed with burning pain. Slowly he stood, drawing wearily to his feet beside the elder druid now reverting back to elven form. The pain in his eye spoke to him, spoke to the writhing black mass of corrupt vines, seething and pulsing yet cut at a fine edge, a perfect bubble never gaining nor retreating with the knobbed vines movements, darker than the finest obsidian.

Slowly he stretched a weary hand forward, hesitating slightly feet before the bubble’s edge. “She’s in there, Cenias. I can feel it,” he paused, his voice choked with fear and concern. “Xaneria…”

A New Path

The gentle fragrance of flowers and moss, washed clean with morning dew still clinging to the patches of shade, permeated the air filling Ailac’s nose. Nuts and fruits mixed underscored the soft scent of the grass and trees, adding an earthy headiness to the gentle breeze. Leaves rustled under the breeze, crinkling faintly against one another. A twig snapped under of hoof nearby, followed by the gentle lapping of water, the scent fur drifting up just to the side, the creature unheeding of the druid as it bent to drink. Ailac opened his right eye.

Soft golden trailers of light filtered down through the gap in the rustling canopy of leaves high overhead rimming a clear shallow pond nearly one hundred spans across. Butterflies and small insects lilted across shimmering surface of the water, dancing among the flowering lilies. In the center of the pond rose a tall spire of stones, towering over the water with tall trees climbing farther still from the spire. No rot infested this place, no wrongness of the Nightmare. The land here teemed with the silent life of the Emerald Dream, strong and free of taint. Ailac closed his eye once more letting the tranquility of this place wash over him, scratching the head of the young elk as it nuzzled his leg.

The elks head lifted up beneath his hand, peering out over the lake before drawing back, the animal kneeling down upon the shore. All around the glade life arrested its movements reverently, small woodland critters pausing to rest upon the earth, while birds and insect quieted their dance. The very breeze itself stilled to rest, silence fell upon the forest like a blanket. Ailac opened his eye to view the familiar presence.

In slow graceful steps belying its massive size the Great Bear Spirit descended from the spire. Its footfalls made no sound, bent no blade of grass nor shook free stone. Ailac watched its causal descent breathlessly, even after over a thousand years as a Druid of the Claw, the majesty of the Spirit never diminished. Massive paws slipped into water that would have rose above Ailac’s chest without a stir, the water rising almost to its underbelly undisturbed by the intrusion. Slowly it came forward; towering above the small druid standing upon the banks as it drew close, pausing to look thoughtfully into his eye.

Ailac returned the gaze unwavering, in his mind he knew what must come, the path his feet would tread. Closing his eyes he bent low in a bow of reverence. No words existed to express his gratitude. Strength, courage, tenacity… the Great Bear had lent him so much, taught him to walk when he could but crawl and fumble his way as a druid. He would be eternally grateful for that guidance.

The Great Bear merely looked on, considering the bent druid placidly. Ailac felt the gaze upon him, the Great Bear drinking in his essence. A feeling stirred deep in his chest, acceptance tinged with a hint of regret. Today the Spirit watched its cub leave the den for the last time. A Druid of the Claw no longer.

Life fluttered into existence within the glade, the soft breeze stirring the creatures back to motion once more. For many long moments Ailac merely let it wash over him, remaining bowed upon the shoreline in reverence even as the Great Spirit plodde1d along into the woods. Finally Ailac rose back up to his feet, standing straight to stare out at the shimmering pond once more, planting his feet firmly in the earth. Xaneria still lay trapped within the Nightmare, Cenias yet to be found.

The druid turned from the shore and stepped onto the new path before him.

Troubles of the World

Over the past several days, Neyeeva had remained in low spirits. She mostly sat in her usual spot within the barrow, keeping her knees drawn up to her with her head in her arms. The days and nights had passed long and silent in the dark dens. Still Neyeeva worried for her friends, still she prayed that they would come out of it undamaged. Still she wondered what could be happening within the world outside, wondering how her fellow Arbiters faired in their ongoing fight against the scourge. Yet something was bothering her as of late, an uneasy feeling deep within herself. She could not place it, nor could she explain it or why she felt it. She hoped it was only her worrying over her friends, or a side effect for not having any clue as to what was happening with the arbiters. No matter its reason, the feeling was there, sitting like a bolder within her gut, heavy with some unnamable dread.

Suddenly, the stone cold silence was broken by the sound of footsteps pressing against the the stone and dirt paths of the tunnels. In the distance a warm light began to come into view. Neyeeva picked her head up as her ears twitched curiously at the new noise as Eli pushed herself off the wall she had been leaning against, glancing up the path.

With her hand on her sword the warrior watche in silence. "We expecting someone?" Eli asked, her voice low and deep.

Neyeeva shook her head at the demon hunter. "Not that I am aware of." She answered, her voice carrying a mix of confusion and curiosity.

The footsteps grew louder as the unknown came closer, deeper into the den, nearer to their barrow.

"Anyone there?... I was told xaneria was in here." Came a voice.

Neyeeva brought herself to a standing position then backed away from the entryway at the unfamiliar voice.

Eli glanced over at ney as the light approached nearer. "Sounds familiar..." She said, her own voice heavy with thought.

"Does it?" Neyeeva asked as the form becane visible. It was a Draenei shaman her armor alive with subtle flames.

"Its been some time... Fenris," The draenei greeted as she bowed, "and you must be one of... these arbiter friends of theirs?" The shaman mentioned as she looked over at Neyeeva.

Eli nodded to the draenei. "I is a releif to see you're alright after all this time."

Neyeeva eyed the draenei up and down in caution. "Yes, and you are... ?"

"I'm Nodika Shardblade, a friend of Elizaebel and Xaneria... I'm sorry I couldnt come at a better time." The shaman introduced herself. "How are they?" Nodika asked as she looked over at the sleeping bodies.

Neyeeva's eyes widened with realization, as she remembered the name of the shaman who Peris had said was the one to craft the idol. "Oh! Forgive me, I am Neyeeva Riversong, Arbiter, as you have guessed." She said before answering, "They are doing well enough for now, though once again things seem to have taken a wrong turn. Xaneria has encountered the nightmare. I am afraid she is trapped within it."

"Trapped in the dream? Thats a rather dire thing is it not?... is someone trying to reach out to her?" Nodika asked in concern.

Neyeeva nodded to the draenei. "Yes. We are doing all we can for her."

Eli leaned back against the wall, as she made her own comment in answer to Nodika. "All we can do now is wait... as we've been doing." Neyeeva nodded solemnly in agreement to the more than accurate statement.

Nodika thought for a moment. "Though it might not be much... " The shaman began as she motioned her hands as if pulling objects from the ground. A totem came into being then, another sprouted up, one pulsing softly as the other gave off a soft glow.

Neyeeva merely looked at the totems, her face expressing a small light of gratitude to the shaman. It was clear to her how much Xaneria ment to these people. It was only natural, given Xaneria's kind and caring nature.

"You must forgive me. Yhough I should have come to help... I came for a rather selfish reason." Nodika admitted suddenly.

Neyeeva raised a brow at the drainei in curiosity as her face remained stoic.

Nodika sighed as she looked at the two. "Has... Perisanya been acting... inappropriately? Towards others?" The shaman asked as she seemed uncertain as to what she was saying.

Neyeeva bit her lower lip as she turned her face to Eli, awaiting the warrior's response. She knew what the shaman ment, yet she also did not know what was, or was not, appropriate for Peris.

Eli glanced up as she answered. "She certainly hasnt been acting like she was taken... or that she respects it much." Eli raised a brow in annoyance at the thought.

Neyeeva remained silent, watching the draenei.

Nodika simply placed a hand on her chest and sighed. "She has been acting strange for... some time. Is there anything else?" she asked as she looked at the two before her.

Neyeeva shrugged her shoulders, as she speoke honestly, "I would not know. I have only met her breifly." Eli was the one to speak next.

"She's had a loose tounge of late, even with her. " Eli motioned her head at Neyeeva as the druid looked to the ground at the memory of the uncomfortable encounter. "She had the senseless to refer to my daughter a bit too familiarly as well."

Nodika nodded again, this time with a sad look on her face. "I thank you. Again, forgive me, coming here for this." The shaman turned to walk away. "I hope all goes well. I would like to see Xaneria again soon." She admitted as she walked off the light trailing up the tunnel till it disappeared into the dark distance.

"I pray so as well." Neyeeva said as she watched the Draenei be on her way.

Eli once again made herself comfortable against the wall. "Perhaps," she said, "her antics will stop after this." Eli laughed lightly at a thought. "Should be an intersting day for them." She thought aloud.

Neyeeva merely raised her brow at the comment as she returned to her usual spot, leaning back against the wall of the barrow as she let out a slight sigh. It was none of her buisness, the affair between the paladin and shaman. She did not need to know any such details, no matter how interested she was of them. It was not long before hoof like foot steps returned echoing down the hallway, slowly; only a few mere moments after Nodika's had left.

"Aren't we the popular ones today?" Eli remarked as she raised a brow at Neyeeva before placing her hand on her sword again."

Neyeeva's ears twitched at the now familiar noise. "She is comming back?" The druid voiced, mainly to herself.

Eli shook her head. "Sounds heavier." She informed.

Neyeeva pushed herself off the wall, once more backing away from the entrance of the barrow.

A timid voice, more like a child's whisper trailed down the pathway, the footsteps stopping about one meter from the entry way. This time, there was no light present. "Fenris... you're still awake?"

Eli smirked as she said, "You expect me to sleep in this place? Too much excitement today."

Neyeeva raisef her brow in a high arch at the whisper, her lips curled into a smile of amusement.

Peris moved into the room, her face blank as she sighed. "Not really. Especially since company just left." She said, pointing behind her, scanning the room as her voice remained in a low whisper.

"What brings you here today?" Eli asked as she raised a brow.

Neyeeva could not help but hug herself in some uncertainty as she immagined the tension between the two draenei, the shaman and the paladin.

The paladin reached into her pocket, removing another small box, dropping it as it forms another small robot; this time to take the shape of a tiny bug. "To replace what the nightmare broke, and check on everyone... the idol and restock supplies... " She explained. "It took me longer to get here..." she stopped, looking out the hallway and sighing. "Plus to let you in on a tidbit of information I found out... while in Lights Hope a few days ago."

"Oh?" Eli remarked.

"Another machine?" Neyeeva spoke to herself in a small voice of dissapointment before raising her brow at the news.

"Forgive me Knight Riversong," Peris said. Her voice was void of anything but firmness, "however, this is how I know what is running low, and if you need my help, as well as what their bodies are doing. I know its disgusting but bear with it. This one is much less visible, I made it as to not disturb you as much as Peenuts."

Eli smirked, shaking her head at the name.

"Either way," Peris continued, "Fenris, seems my playing messenger has brought up an interesting turn of events."

"How so?" Eli asked as she tilted her head slightly at the information.

"I am not sure how much of Nodika's family you know about. However she has two sisters."

"A shaman and a warrior... I met the later." Eli said as Neyeeva listened carefully, attempting to follow the conversation as best she could, given her complete lack of knowledge.

"I'm greatly pursued by one, interestingly enough, though her and her father dont see eye to eye, they both dislike me. Seems Ryzhara is making her way around hunting me down. Last time she found me, Chidorie and I were speaking... I left the child with her... Long story short, shes moving again and knows I frequent here. Ryzhara never liked Xaneria either, so in her mental state... I dont know, but I was told she has thoughts to come this way." Peris explained at some length.

"Is that so? I'd imagine shes still alive... considering..." Eli then glanced at Neyeeva, "Searching for you here? Hmm... I imagine she won't be too happy making the trip for nothing but I'm sure we can manage a angry child."

Neyeeva tilted her head in some confusion, however nodding her head to Eli.
"And if shes with your niece?" Peris questioned. "Honestly, she's more dangerous than Ryzhara. Both have similar goals... Xaneria has told me."

"Chidorie and I have an understanding about a few things, I wouldnt worry." Eli confirmed to the paladin.

Peris paused then nodded. "I... I'm sure you don't want to hear this... nor will you like this much, but I wont be bringing you supplies next you need them. I will have my ex-warlords student do it from here on out."

"And who might that be?" Eli asked.

Peris shook her head. "A strangely familiar rogue... She's been doing work for me for three months, since I found her. She's merely here to work, though I am sure you have caught my drift. She's been asked not to enter if Xaneria is awake... however I have to do something and can not come back."

Eli nodded in return. "I'm sure it will be fine." She said unconcerned as Neyeeva nodded in comprehension to Perisanya's news.

Peris forces a smile. "I'm sure you wont even recognize her. Still," she looked over at Xaneria and took in a deep breath, her hand starting to glow lightly, the golden color fading to purple before vanishing, "I wish I could see this through... at any rate... I'll start bringing the supplies down, is there anything the two of you are in need of or desire? Ill make sure it gets here on the next visit."

Neyeeva shook her head in response. "Of course, and thank you for everything that you are doing and have done." She said to the paladin in a heart felt gratitude.

Peris then began her work of coming in and out of the dens, bringing in the much needed supplies. When she was done, as she turned to leaving, she stopped at the entry way without looking back, saying in a near whisper, "Thank you both, for being honest with her." She then quickly moved up the dark hall without a word or light to guide her.

Misunderstandings! Painless

Snow drifts built around the path way of the traveling trio, as the chilled wind blew past them, shooting through Xaneria's body like small daggers. Even in this moment of bitter cold, she stared down at her hand curiously, without distraction, as if it were the only thing in her view, her eyes narrowed as if strained from the light reflecting off the snow.

Something...What was I reaching for? Something seemed to be missing... something is wrong.

"Xaneria?" Elizabel's voice broke Xaneria's hard concentration as she quickly lowered her hand to the reigns of her Saber and looked up.

"Hmm?"

"You have been staring at your hand for nearly an hour. Are you alright?" Larimore chimed in, his voice as calm and gentle as ever, yet Xaneria's back chilled down the spine at his voice, rather than feeling at ease.

"I'm fine, I just... have this disgustingly omnious feeling about something bad... and I don't know what." Xaneria lowered her head in thought, finding her fingers running up to her temple. Touching the right temple, she rubbed over the scar and took a deep breath.

Elizabel and Larimore looked at one another, and pressed forward. Xaneria gripped the reigns tighter, trying to shake her thoughts, yet in the back of her mind an uneasiness still lingered.

Something really does feel like its missing... something seems wrong... this snow, these hills. Everything seems as familiar as my own body... and even that feels foreign right now. Somewhere in my chest, I feel this burning sorrow when I look at Larimore, and this longing when I see Eli... I'm constantly looking behind me... as if waiting for someone... who?

"Don't breath. Feel pain... are you even alive?"