Krivax glanced worriedly at the Lothalor Woodlands treant that was currently staring at him silently.
The creature was not completely perated with arcane magicif it were then it would likely be growing crystals from its barkbut Krivax could still sense the arcane emanating from it constantly. He did not know very much about treants and where they ca from, but he doubted that every woodland on Azeroth would be able to produce them. The large amounts of treants were likely a result of the dense magic that perated the area.
While there were few things in the Lothalor Woodlands that visually marked it as influenced by the ley line beneath itaside from the faint violet tint of its leavesthe entire area was like a beacon in the night to Krivaxs magical senses. He could only begin to imagine how overwheld he would be if he ever found himself in the Crystalsong Forest.
Fortunately, there was little reason for him to go to such a place, given that Azjol-Nerub had already tried and failed to harvest anything worthwhile from there. The Cystalsong Forest was just too well guarded by mad spirits and treants, and the Viziers already possessed more easily acquired alternatives to what they could gain from the forest.
The lightly infused bark of the Lothalor Woodlands was much more useful than the crystals that composed the Crystalsong trees. Not only that, but Vizier Hadix had also expressed an interest in the various flowers, fruits, and wildlife that could be found in the Woodlands. While neither Krivax nor Hadix knew for certain exactly how these arcane-inclined flora and fauna could be used, they both knew that the Viziers of the Arcane Research Division would do everything in their power to find out.
It was very rare for a society as insular and stagnant as Azjol-Nerub to be exposed to anything it had not already seen before, so this was a rare opportunity for them.
Krivax forcibly pulled his thoughts back to the present as he bent down to gather a fallen branch while watching for any sign of aggression from the treant as he did so. It was difficult to predict what he could harvest from the Lothalor Woodlands without being attacked by its guardians, but they usually gave so sign of warning before becoming aggressive, thankfully.
Krivax picked up the branch without issue and carefully stored it inside his spatial bag. Once that was done, he decided to begin heading back to Indule Village before his good luck ran out.
Krivax directed his flyers to follow him and watch for any hostile creatures as he began making his way back to the village.
After they had co to an agreent with the villages leadership, Krivax and Masruk spent most of their ti in Indule while they waited for the rchant ship from the Eastern Kingdoms to arrive.
According to Chieftain Konani and his Elders, the ship should be arriving soon if they kept to their regular schedule. The tuskarr of Dragonblight had seemingly encountered both goblins and rchant ships from the Eastern Kingdoms that occasionally traveled to Northrend for the purpose of trading and transporting mbers of the Explorers League.
The tuskarr had also been willing to trade away a map of the Eastern Kingdoms and a gnomish toy, both of which Krivax had given to Hadix as quickly as possible, much to Masruks disappointnt in the latter case until he was given a spare. After being given further proof of the existence of the lands across the ocean, the Vizier had given him orders to contact him when the foreigners arrived and began to contact him less frequently. Krivax was curious about what Hadix was doing with the evidence, but there was no real way for him to know.
However, he understood that the imminent discovery of the Eastern Kingdoms would have an imnse impact on Azjol-Nerubs leadership, and the politics that the Vizier was involved in must be complicated.
In comparison, when the arcane regents that Indule Village had harvested from the Lothalor Woodlands were finally delivered to Kilahkuk, he expected it to be lost in the noise.
Krivaxs thoughts were interrupted when he stepped out of the treeline and caught sight of Indule Village and approached the gate that separated the Woodlands from the village.
Built around the sa lake from which it derived its na, Indule Village was the largest settlent of tuskarr that Krivax had seen so far. If not in population, then mostly in size, as the local tuskarr took full advantage of the lakes nature as a font of magic and life to put up fish farms and buildings nearly all along its edges.
Good evening, Utoq! said Krivax, cheerfully greeting the tuskarr responsible for guarding the gate. The treants were starting to look at funny, so I figured Id finish early for the day.
"Welco back, Krivax," said Utoq. The tuskarr quickly moved to open the gate. "I still don't understand why you're the one that's going out into the Woodlands instead of our people. We have a longer and more understanding relationship with the local tree spirits, after all."
It was an unfortunate reality that the tuskarr of Indu'le Village did not have as much experience sensing arcane magic as Krivax did. Although living on a ley line likely did give them an increased aptitude for the arcane and a minor ability to sense the magic, Krivax was still far more proficient in detecting arcane magic than they were.
When he had finished negotiating with their Chieftain, it was decided that Krivax would be the one to go out into the Woodlands and collect samples of items that the Arcane Research Division might want. Once those samples reached Kilah'kuk and were analyzed, only then would the tuskarr venture out into the forest and harvest it themselves.
The Lothalor Woodlands were not without danger, after all, even beyond potentially angering its nature spirits, and all the tuskarr who were capable of defending themselves were busy fighting off wolvar. The village could not afford to send these warriors to collect goods that might not even have any value.
It made sense from a logistical point of view, but it was still a bit troubleso for Krivax. His life would be much easier if Hadix would simply take a day to fill up a bag full of samples and then teleport it to Kilah'kuk, but there was little hope of that happening any ti soon. Not only was he incredibly busy, but the Vizier also did not believe in doing Initiates work as he called it.
Krivax tried to explain this to Utoq.
I understand that, said Utoq. It just does not feel right for us to send guests to do such dangerous work, but I guess thats none of my business. You should go see your friend. I heard that he went out with the warriors to kill wolvar today. They should be back by now.
Krivax thanked the guard for the information and quickly started making his way toward Masruk. While he didnt approve of his friend constantly leaving to fight the wolvar in search of battle, he knew that doing so was Masruks choice. Still, that didnt stop Krivax from worrying about him.
Moving through the village as quickly as he could without being impolite, he soon reached the northeast gateway, where Masruk could be seen speaking with one of the tuskarr warriors.
Hey, Masruk, said Krivax, greeting his friend as he approached. I heard from Utoq that you just ca back. How did everything go? Were the wolvar a good challenge?
Krivax did not enjoy violence or combat like his friend dideven if he understood the necessity of itbut he would still make the effort to show an interest in his friends passions. After all, Masruk had been the only one to show an interest in his passion for the surface world, so it was only fair for him to return the favor, right?
They did, said Masruk with genuine joy in his voice. The wolvar are ferocious warriors and despite their lack of intelligence, they possess a cunning that makes them a formidable enemy. I look forward to fighting them again tomorrow.
Ha! Ive never t soone with as much bloodlust as this one, said the large tuskarr warrior that Masruk had been speaking to. Hold on to that passion, and youll grow into a truly formidable warrior one day!
Thank you, Edwek, said Masruk. I have learned much from you and your fellow warriors.
Dont ntion it, said Edwek. Youve done a lot to help us fight off the wolvar.
At the ntion of his peoples enemy, Edwek lost his jovial smile and his expression twisted into sothing fearso.
The damned beasts have been attacking us constantly lately. They always beco more aggressive during this ti of the year, but that doesnt make it any easier.
I wish there was more we could do to help, Krivax said sympathetically.
He had gone out with Masruk once to fight the wolvar, and he understood why the tuskarr hated them so much. The primitive wolverine people were extrely aggressive and difficult to handle. They frequently attacked the path between Maoki Harbor and Indule Village and often killed any tuskarr unlucky enough to be caught out alone.
Youve already done more than most, said Edwek. Ive heard that Chieftain Anogut managed to reach a deal with Chieftain Konani for tal weapons made from the ore that was brought on Green Island. Once our warriors are better equipped, well make the wolvar regret every last tuskarr that theyve killed.
The warrior's last words were said with a tone of grim promise that made it obvious he ant every word.
After a few more monts of making small talk with the warrior, Edwek said his farewells and went about his business.
You should have joined us, Krivax, said Masruk once they were alone. If we are going to continue exploring the surface, then you will need to continue honing your skills in combat.
I know, said Krivax. I just prefer to avoid violence when I can. But that doesnt an Im not continuing to grow stronger.
Intent on proving his point to his friend, Krivax began casting a spell that he had only practiced in private until now.
In an instant, Krivax disappeared from his location and reappeared a few feet from his previous location.
Look! I finally learned how to cast Blink! Krivax said proudly. Learning spatial magic had not been nearly as intuitive an experience as learning frost magic, but Krivax eventually had gotten the hang of it.
Masruk stared at him blankly for several monts before throwing a rock at Krivaxs chest.
Ouch, said Krivax, more in surprise than anything else. The rock had not actually been thrown hard enough to damage his carapace. What was that for?
You need to train your reflexes, Masruk said smugly. Being able to teleport wont help if you get hit before you can finish casting your spell or after you finish it.
Thats not fair. You just caught by surprise. Ive gotten pretty good at casting that spell.
Oh?
This ti Krivax was ready for Masruk to throw the rock at him, and he Blinked out of the way.
Ha! See?
Krivax hurried to dodge the next rock that Masruk threw; while he had learned how to Blink, casting the spell several tis in quick succession was beyond his current abilities.
The next several minutes were spent with Krivax doing his best to dodge and Blink away from the random items that Masruk threw at him in the na of training.
Excuse .
Krivax and Masruks impromptu ga was interrupted as a young tuskarr approached the two nerubians and called for their attention.
Chieftain Anogut has called for the two of you.
Krivax had not spoken to the Chieftain very often since they concluded their negotiations, so he was surprised that the man was calling for the two of them. Chieftain Anogut was an extrely busy man, after all.
After signaling their understanding to the ssenger, Krivax and Masruk began making their way to the Chieftains ho.
Once they arrived, Krivax was surprised to see the Chieftain speaking to Orfus, given that the Kamaguan warrior usually spent most of his ti in Maoki Harbor.
Good evening, Chieftain Anogutt, Krivax said respectfully. I was told that you called for us?
Ah, youre here! Good! said the boisterous Chieftain. I called because Orfus here has so news I thought you would like to hear as quickly as possible.
I do, said Orfus as he turned his attention to the two nerubians. The shamans in Moaki Harbor told that the foreigners from across the sea have nearly arrived. I ca to tell you as soon as I heard.
Once Krivax finished processing what Orfus had just said, he froze in shock and was only brought back to reality by the worried prodding of Masruk.
.
He glanced at his friend in thanks before addressing Orfus. Lets get going. It would be best if we arrived in Moaki Harbor as quickly as possible so that we might have so ti to prepare.
After offering Chieftain Anogut a short but respectful farewell, their group of three exited Indule Village from its southeastern gate and started heading back towards Moaki Harbor.
The three of them were interrupted by a small group of wolvar, but fortunately, Krivaxs flyers spotted them coming and the resulting fight was short and barely affected their journey.
It took them so ti to make the trip, but when they reached there, Krivax could see that the rchant ship had still not arrived yet. As soon as they walked into Moaki Harbor, one of the Elders imdiately approached their group.
You arrived quicker than I expected, said Elder Siuigo. Co with to the Chieftains ho. We have made preparations for your introduction to the foreigners.
Why do we need to go to the Chieftains ho? asked Krivax, confused.
Well it would be best if the foreigners were warned about your appearance before they t you, said Elder Siuigo after only a mont of hesitation. Much like our warriors were warned by Orfus when you first arrived on Green Island. Im sure you have learned by now that your peoples form can be unsettling to our people without warning. I do not know for certain how the foreigners will view your appearance, but I suspect their reactions will be similar to our own.
Krivax winced in embarrassnt. That was not sothing that he should have forgotten. The tuskarr had all reacted in shock once seeing them, but Krivax had gotten used to it and the tuskarr adjusted very quickly once they realized that the two nerubians were not hostile.
Still, there was sothing he wanted to see before Elder Siuigo escorted them to the Chieftains ho.
If its not too much trouble, Id like to take a look at their ship before I go with you.
Elder Siuigo looked at him strangely for a mont before shrugging.
Very well. I suppose if you have never seen one of their wooden ships before then it could be an interesting sight. Im not much of a fan of their ships myself. Rowboats and kayaks are easier to control and turtles are much more convenient.
Soon enough, their group had made their way to the docks and Krivax was staring at the incoming ship through a borrowed spyglass. Spotting the three-masted sailing ship in great detail, he was suddenly filled with conflicted emotions.
He had already been aware that the rchant ship was scheduled to arrive at any mont, but it felt strange to be confronted with a mont that he had been working for his entire second life.
Today would go down in history as the day that a citizen Azjol-Nerub contacted a citizen of the Eastern Kingdoms for the first ti, and Krivax could not help but feel the weight of that knowledge settle on his shoulders.
After a few monts, Krivax pushed down his tumultuous emotions and nodded to Elder Siuigo.
As he followed the elderly tuskarr to the Chieftains ho, he couldnt help but look back at the incoming ship and wonder about the people who were onboard.
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