Krivax could feel his sense of excitent growing as he, a few other mbers of the delegation, and a small escort of knights left Lordaeron and began making their way to Dalaran.
The past week had been stressful, and the chance to be free of his normal responsibilities and instead spend his ti touring a true magical city was sothing that he was looking forward to. While the amount of cultural misunderstandings that were happening between the delegation and Lordaeron was steadily decreasing, Krivaxs job had not actually gotten much easier.
High King Anubarak and the rest of Azjol-Nerubs leadership were increasingly debating the costs and benefits of establishing so manner of settlent in the Eastern Kingdoms, and where such a settlent should be built. As a result, Anubarak directed the delegation to subtly evaluate how the locals would react to such a thing.
Needless to say, nobody was particularly enthusiastic about living near a powerful empire of xenophobic spider people that may or may not beco a threat in the future. The fact that nerubians generally lived underground and that they would not be claiming land that the other kingdoms wanted made very little difference. It didnt help that pretty much all of the northern section of the continent was claid by one kingdom or another, the only exception being the small bits of land that still belonged to the trolls.
If Azjol-Nerub ever did decide to build a city in the Eastern Kingdoms, then it would be hard to do so without stepping on sobodys toes.
In addition to that headache, the atmosphere in the palace was starting to grow increasingly uncomfortable as negotiations faltered between the human kingdoms. This was in spite of reports from the ambassadors from Ironforge and Gnoregan that the Horde was making preparations to march north.
Trixie had co to him more than once to talk about the threat the Horde posed to her people and ask if there was anything that they could do to help. Apparently, Gnoregans embassy had decided that she could be of more help to her people as an expert on the nerubians than as just one more warrior to fight off the Horde, much to her displeasure.
Unfortunately, Krivax doubted that Azjol-Nerub would be willing to get involved in the war until it beca clear how it affected them.
All of this ant that he was eager to get away from Lordaeron for a while and set his eyes on one of the most famous cities in Warcraft for the first ti. Especially since it ant that he would get the chance to look into Krasus while he was there. Even if he allowed himself to enjoy his ti in Dalaran, he couldnt allow himself to forget that there were certain goals that he needed to accomplish.
Krivax, how long will we be staying in Dalaran?
Krivax was pulled out of his thoughts by the voice of his friend asking him a question and he turned his attention back to the present.
Im not sure, Masruk, it depends on a few different factors, said Krivax, turning to look at the warrior. It mostly depended on how long Vizier Hadix felt like staying in the city, which would be influenced by his investigation into the Void. Why do you ask?
I doubt that the trip will be very entertaining, Masruk explained. Visiting a magical city is much more interesting for you than it is for .
Arent you looking forward to sparring with so of the mages there? asked Krivax, trying his best to excite his friend. Ive already noticed a few differences between our magic and that of the people here. Im sure that there will be differences in the way that we fight as well.
From what you have told of Dalaran, I doubt I will actually be able to find anyone willing to spar with , Masruk said evenly. Most of the mages in Dalaran are scholars, and even those who are not will not be interested in fighting soone who isnt a mage.
Unfortunately, that was very likely to be true from what Krivax could tell.
Do you think theres anything else in Dalaran that you might find interesting?
Masruk took on a contemplative expression as he considered the question, eventually reaching an answer that Krivax found surprising.
I think I might like reading about their history, said Masruk, sounding unsure of himself. I still rember when you first told about the Nerubian-Vrykul Wars and other stories about our peoples history. Do you think that the history of these people might be as interesting as our own?
Im sure that it is, Krivax said encouragingly. It would be nice if Masruk developed a hobby outside of just fighting with people. Once were there, Ill ask if they have any history books about their wars.
Thank you, said Masruk, his expression brightening. I think I would like that.
The two of them made companionable conversation as their group traveled down the dirt road to Dalaran along the edge of Lordare Lake. Given that Capital City and Dalaran were close enough that residents of one city could see the other, it didnt take them very long before they reached their destination.
Dalaran was a city of large dod buildings and tall, majestic spires. Most of the buildings were painted violet, and Krivax could easily tell that the city was nearly completely drenched in arcane energies. The city itself was much larger than Krivax had expected, and reminded him that aside from their mages, Dalaran was ho to a large population of non-mage residents as well.
As they approached the citys gate, however, it beca clear that traffic had been cleared out in anticipation of their arrival when they saw several mages waiting to welco them. They were a small group of an older human man, a female elf, and a male gno, the latter two of whom looked young and nervous.
Welco to Dalaran, said the heavyset man dressed in elaborate, violet robes. I am Archmage Ansirem Runeweaver, and these are my apprentices. I will be your guide during your initial tour of Dalaran.
Greetings, Archmage Runeweave. I am Vizier Krivax, and these are Vizier Hadix and Vizier Crinis, said Krivax, stepping forward to address the Archmage. He didnt bother to introduce Masruk or any of the other warriors who had co to serve as protection since none of them were expected to act in a diplomatic position. Weve heard much about your city during our ti in Capital City and look forward to seeing it for ourselves.
Then I hope we et your expectations, said Archmage Ansirem. I must confess, I was surprised when I failed to see Spiderlord Anubrekhan accompanying your group. Has sothing happened that prevented him from joining you?
Anubrekhan chose to stay in Capital City to handle any diplomatic affairs that might erge during our absence. He regrets that he could not co to visit your city, said Krivax, lying only a little.
Anubrekhan chose to stay in Capital City because he was far more interested in the Light than he was in Dalaran. Krivax had been a bit surprised by how enthusiastic the Spiderlord seed to be about the Light, but he was definitely happy about it. The Light was the single most powerful weapon that Azjol-Nerub could gain against the threat of the Lich King, and it was nice to see things moving in a positive direction.
Vizier Hadix had so far been content to leave investigation into the Light to the Spiderlord, but Krivax felt like that would change after the Vizier learned the effect that the Light had on the Void.
I see, said the Archmage, his tone neutral. In that case, I will show you through the city and then to your accommodations.
The Archmage quickly turned and began making his way into the city, his apprentices following behind him after a mont of hesitation. Their escorts of knights bid them farewell, explaining that their protection was now the responsibility of Dalaran, and left to being their journey back to Capital City.
As soon as Krivax stepped through the gate, he could feel himself passing through a ward that he hadnt previously sensed. He wasnt sure if the ward was only to alert the authorities that sobody had entered the city, or if it usually kept people out, but nobody in their group had any issues entering the city.
The first thing that Krivax noticed as he stepped onto the streets of Dalaran was the diversity of the residents walking through the streets, although many stopped to unabashedly stare as soon as they saw the nerubians. As far as he knew, Capital City was already a fairly cosmopolitan city, but he could already tell that Dalaran was much more so.
With a single glance, Krivax could make out dwarves, gnos, humans, elves, and even a couple of goblins. He had only seen a few elves in Capital City, and even fewer goblins. The city itself was much more beautiful than he had been expecting, and its citizens looked significantly healthier than those in Fairwater, or even Capital City.
Welco to Evokers Street, said Archmage Runeweaver, his tone filled with pride. The first street that everyone sees the first ti they enter Dalaran. To our right is the citys residential areas, which include lodgings for those who are accepted into our city to learn magic. If you go further down in that direction then you will eventually find yourself in the famous Magus Comrce Exchange, a place where you can find goods that cannot be found anywhere else in Azeroth.
Krivax was more than a little interested in discovering how true those claims were. From what he could tell, the mages of the Eastern Kingdoms seed noticeably more adept at enchanting than the Circle of Viziers, likely due to the influence of Quel'thalas.
It would make his life much easier if he could buy an enchanted quill so that he didnt need to struggle to write legible Common while responding to diplomatic letters.
To our left are many of the citys administrative buildings, as well as Eventide Plaza, where you can find many restaurants and the citys main bank, Archmage Runeweaver continued. If you go down further in that direction, then you will eventually reach the Violet Citadel, the citys main fortress and the eting place of Dalaran's ruling body, the Council of Six.
Even with his view being disrupted by the many buildings between him and the Violet Citadel, Krivax could still easily see the citadels massive spire towering over the rest of the city.
And finally, at the citys center, are its many places of learning, Archmage Runeweaver said reverentially. Teaching the next generation of mages is Dalarans most important duty. I look forward to showing you one of our ongoing lectures at the end of our tour. But for now, I think that I will show you all to your prepared lodging in the residential area, and then we can go take a look around the Magus Comrce Exchange, if thats acceptable to you..
Krivax glanced at Hadix and Crinis, who were both quietly looking around the city with visible interest.
That sounds good, Archmage Runeweaver, Krivax said politely after seeing that neither of Viziers had an objection.
After that, they were quickly escorted through the streets under the curious eyes of the citys inhabitants to a few relatively secluded buildings in the residential area. The buildings were apparently built to house Dalarans important guests, and were extensively warded to keep out those who didnt have permission to enter.
Krivax could tell by the lodgings magically expanded exterior that the city had done as much as they could to prepare for their arrival, but there were still a few things that needed to be done to make the building comfortable for nerubians. Krivax directed the few skitterers that had traveled with them to begin weaving sleeping webs in the corners of the room.
Just as he was preparing to leave, Krivax paused as he noticed a trio of floating dishes filled with various shellfish headed in their direction.
This city is more impressive than I expected, said Vizier Crinis as she lifted one of the shrimp to her mandibles from the floating plate. Their wards leave much to be desired, but their enchantnts are quite advanced.
The humans learned magic from the elves, said Vizier Hadix, looking over the food that had been presented to him. From what our historical records tell us, its not a surprise that elves focus their efforts on such frivolous nonsense.
What is wrong with their wards, Vizier Crinis? Krivax asked inquisitively. I wasnt able to detect anything wrong with them.
Even without examining them in depth, I can sense many vulnerabilities in their wards, said Vizier Crinis, her tone derisive. If it were not for the strength of the leyline nexus that the city is built upon, then I would have no difficulty teleporting in and out of the city without permission.
The nexus itself is one of the most powerful Ive ever seen, said Vizier Hadix, begrudgingly impressed.
Krivax listened to the two Viziers share their impressions of the city as he enjoyed his al
By the ti the three of them made their way outside, a small crowd of curious pedestrians had gathered to get a glimpse of the giant spider people being led through their city. Thankfully, the citys guards were doing a good job keeping the crowd at bay, so Krivax decided to just ignore them.
He had long since gotten used to the staring.
Im sorry about this, said Archmage Runeweaver. Word has gone around about you. Theres not much we can do to stop a crowd from forming. If youve finished looking over your accommodations, then would you like to continue the tour?
Of course, Archmage, I think were all excited to get a look at your Magus Comrce Exchange, Krivax said politely.
After giving a stoic nod, the Archmage began leading them down the street and to their destination sharing historical anecdotes of the city the entire ti. Krivax could tell that the man didnt exactly have his heart in doing sothing so beneath his station, but it made sense that the Council of Six would want to send an Archmage to watch over them.
Archmage Runeweaver, Ive noticed that the crowd seems to be much less hostile than the crowds in Capital City, said Krivax, interrupting the man with a question that had been on his mind. Why is that?
The citizens of Dalaran are more than accustod to strange sights, explained the Archmage. Thats just a natural consequence of living in a city with such a high proportion of mages. I couldnt tell you how many tis weve had strange creatures running through the streets just because a student decided to cast a polymorph spell on an inanimate object.
I see
It didnt take them very long to reach the Magus Comrce Exchange, and for them to split up and go into separate stores. Hadix and Crinis went into the Agronomical Apothecary to purchase magical reagents while Krivax and Masruk went into Simply Enchanting to quickly get a few enchanted quills from a very nervous looking elf.
They even had enough ti to go into the bookstore and purchase a few books on war history for Masruk.
Krivax had a feeling that the price demanded by the elf salesman was not particularly fair, but it mattered little to him. He had more than enough gold after all.
When the Viziers finally made their way out of the store, Krivax was surprised to see them both with identical expressions of satisfaction.
Did you find what you were looking for, Vizier Hadix? Krivax asked curiously.
Dalarans supply of rare magical reagents is surprisingly varied and comprehensive. Very impressive, said Vizier Hadix. There are a few materials that are common here that I would find exceedingly difficult to acquire in Azjol-Nerub and wider Northrend.
Quite right, Vizier Crinis agreed. I believe that creating a permanent portal between Northrend and the Eastern Kingdoms will be much more feasible than I previously estimated.
Krivax had not expected the two Viziers to be so enthusiastic about Dalaran, but he was glad to see it.
If there is nothing else that you would like to purchase in the Magus Comrce Exchange, then Id suggest we continue on to the Violet Citadel, said Archmage Runeweaver, interrupting their conversation. After all, your eting with the Council of Six is scheduled for a few days from now. It would be best if you are familiar with the building beforehand.
How much of the Citadel will we be allowed to see? asked Krivax as they started moving again.
I will show you through the reception area, and the public portion of the Grand Library, said Archmage Runeweaver. I will also point out the portal that you will use to transport yourself to the Council of Sixs eting room, the Chamber of Air.
The Violet Citadel was a truly impressive structure that grew more and more amazing as they approached. Krivax had no doubt in his mind that such a massive spire could only have been raised by magic. The Citadel was a large building composed of many smaller spires surrounding a much larger one with so kind of circular structure surrounding its tip.
Archmage Runeweaver quickly led them up the stairs and introduced them to the Citadels secretary, a young human woman, and then brought them to the library. Krivax had seen many truly impressive libraries in Azjol-Nerub, but none of them, aside from maybe the Orders secret library, compared to the Grand Library alone. Many young students could be seen walking through the library aisles as enchanted books flew through the air, conveniently sorting themselves in the many bookcases that stretched to the high ceiling.
The fact that this was only the public portion of the library made Krivax wonder what the entire Grand Library looked like, restricted knowledge and all.
Many of the students stopped their studying to stare at the nerubians, but a stern look from Archmage Runeweaver sent their attention back to their books.
Lets go. Many of them have important examinations at the end of the week, and they cannot afford to be distracted, said the Archmage.
After leading them to the portal that would take them to the Chamber of Air, there was only a single remaining stop on their tour.
Now we go to our final and, in my humble opinion, most important, destination, said the Archmage, his tone one of excitent. Runeweaver Square, a portion of the city nad after one of my ancestors where most of the citys classrooms are located in. We will be looking into one of the ongoing lessons.
Krivax and the rest of the group were quickly brought to the center of the city, where Runeweaver Square was located, and they all entered a classroom that was being taught by one Arcanist lelis Flatrail, an older elf man. Their entry into the classroom obviously caused a commotion, but Archmage Runeweaver and Arcanist Flatrail were soon able to reestablish order and get the class back on topic.
And it didnt take long before Krivax realized that the topic being taught was magical warding. The elf stood at the front of the classroom, writing out so kind of Arcane formula on a chalkboard that Krivax didnt recognize but seed lacking. Was this an introduction course?
It didnt help that the elf simply wasnt a good teacher. He did a poor job of explaining so of the underlying concepts, seed impatient whenever one of the students asked a question, and just generally seed like he would prefer to be sowhere else.
It made Krivax wonder how Dalaran chose their instructors, were they volunteers, or had Arcanist Flatrail been assigned to teach the class?
They all watched the lesson for so ti with Archmage Runeweaver quietly explaining Dalarans educational system before Arcanist Flatrail was very suddenly interrupted.
Hmph. What absolute nonsense, Vizier Hadix said derisively while speaking Common, loudly.
Krivax buried his face in all four of his hands as the room imdiately grew silent enough that you could hear a pin drop.
Oh? Does one of Dalarans esteed guests have sothing to say about our lesson? Arcanist Flatrail asked through gritted teeth after composing himself. Id certainly love to hear what a giant spider from a frozen wasteland like Northrend could possibly have to say about my teaching.
Your wards have more vulnerabilities than a hatchlings first web, Vizier Hadix said bluntly. If you dared to teach such garbage in Azjol-Nerub, I would make certain that you never taught magic again.
If you feel so strongly about the matter, insect, then why dont you co to the front of the room and correct ? Arcanist Flatrail asked mockingly.
"I shall, elf, and I won't kill myself in the process of doing so," said Vizier Hadix, not hesitating to move to the front of the classroom.
Krivax watched with trepidation as Vizier Hadix began to humiliate the elf by pointing out a multitude of vulnerabilities in his Warding formula, introducing ways to improve upon it, and even drawing out a rather complex warding diagram that had various students furiously taking notes. It didnt help that Hadix stopped every once in a while to berate the elf for his incompetence in front of his students.
By the ti he was done, Arcanist Flatrail was silently seething, unable to retort after being so thoroughly outclassed in the very subject he was supposed to be teaching.
How dare you! What gives you the right to co into my classroom, take over my lesson and attempt to sha in such a way?! Arcanist Flatrail finally yelled, practically frothing in rage after having enough.
In order; I was invited, you asked after I pointed out your failings and I didn't sha you, your own incompetence did, Hadix replied evenly.
Enough! If you are so confident in your magical ability, then Im sure youll have no problem demonstrating it firsthand, said Arcanist Flatrail.
"Oh no," said Krivax, guessing what was coming. He had a feeling that the elf was about to say sothing very unwise.
"Under the rules and regulations of Dalaran, I formally challenge you to a magical duel. The terms of which are that if I best you, you will bow and apologize to for your poor manners!" said Arcanist Flatrail.
Very well, elf, if you are so eager for further humiliation, then I will not deny you, Vizier Hadix said haughtily. I shall not ask anything of you, as I doubt a mage as pathetic as yourself has anything I would want.
Krivax couldnt help but let out a long-suffering sigh. So much for diplomacy.
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