Karp
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Chapter 113
🕑 Added 2024-11-25 19:14:47 +0000 UTCAfter the Worgen had been eliminated, Tess had lit a fire, and burned the shredded remains of her comrades.
The beasts had been so thorough in their carnage, none of the corpses were worth burying.
Tess looked to be on the verge of breaking down, but at the same time, Syra's very presence seemed to be like a beacon of light. Like a drowning man about to die, Tess seemed like she would grasp onto anything that would prevent her from drowning into the depths of despair.
Varrus nudged Syra in the side.
“You should take her under your wing, it will be good for us. Both politically, and as a learning experience.” Varrus whispered in Thalassian.
“...” Syra silently stared at Varrus, and pouted, expressing her disinfection by inflating her cheeks, and narrowing her eyes.
“Look, I know you don't like teaching, or being subject to ‘fangirl’ behavior, but you'd be doing me a real favor if we took this girl in. If nothing else, think of it as practice for when we have children of our own. Moody teenagers aren't exclusive to Humans, and among 12 children, you know at least one of them is going to be moody!” Varrus brushed her shoulder, and looked her in the eye.
“Are you guys talking in Thalassian? Do you mind if I join in?” Tess fidgeted from the side, and spoke the Elven language with a heavy accent.
“See? Just like a teenager would act. Except for Elves, our ‘teenage years’ can last decades. Better to get some practice in now while we can, right?” Varrus coaxed once more, then turned to the raven haired Princess. “Yes, we are related to the Elves of Quel'Thalas, does this bother you?” Varrus smiled.
If this was to be his ‘Plan B’ then it would be wise for him to see where she stood on his people.
“Problem? There's no problem, I wish I lived there! I always dreamed I'd visit Silvermoon, to witness the bright colored architecture, to walk among floating buildings! All I ever knew was this city. Dull, gray, shadowed buildings, endless fog, and the dark confines of my room. A Greymane has never been to Silvermoon…” Tess looked out to the sea of fog in melancholy.
‘Good lord, she is like a weeb, but for Elves!’ Varrus almost burst out in laughter, only containing himself, because to do so now would be highly inappropriate.
He then turned to Syra, and wriggled his eyebrows as if to say ‘see? Isn't she a precocious young lady?’
Syra slumped her shoulders, and subtly nodded.
“You owe me.” Syra spoke so softly, Varrus barely heard her.
However, if the snickering of his guardsman was anything to go by, it wasn't quiet enough.
Shooting the man standing besides Rho'dan a death glare, Varrus turned to Tess, and gave her an over exaggerated bow.
“Well, it just so happens, Princess, I and my lovely wife are most welcome within Quel'Thalas. It would be our pleasure to escort you there once all this dreadful civil war nonsense has come to a close.” Varrus raised his hat, and smiled grandly.
“My father would never allow it.” Tess shook her head.
“Well, we'll see if he can't be convinced. In the meantime, perhaps you can talk to my wife about the Void within our carriage. I'm sure you have much to share.” Varrus shoved an unwilling Syra forward.
Tess's face seemed to glow, and Syra glared back at him. To Varrus, Syra was like a cute kitten that had been denied its treat.
Closing the door to the carriage, Varrus took up a seat besides Rho'dan.
“I assume you researched where Godfrey is? Let's go!” Varrus enthusiastically slapped his chief guard on the back.
Rho'dan whipped the reins of the horse, and they were off.
After a few quiet moments in which each man enjoyed the morning's peace, that quiet was broken by the sound of magic taking place down below. This sound was accompanied by some bright purple lights, many “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry's” and a few giggles?
Varrus meanwhile, ignored the girl bonding exercise, and pulled out a guitar from his inventory. Thanks to his Speech skill and the Performer perk, he had become a natural talent.
Rho'dan glanced at him with a scandalized look. His stoicism, apparently, could only go so far.
Varrus gave Rho'dan a knowing smirk, pleased that he had finally managed to break his composure, if only for a minute.
“Is this wise, Highlord?” Rho'dan questioned with a raised eyebrow, and a heavy dose of skepticism coloring his voice.
“What? Syra and Tess alone in one place? It's not like the Princess is into me or anything, it'll be fine.” Varrus waved off Rho'dan's concerns, then took a couple strums of his instrument, and began to play a song.
“Forgive my candor, but I'm beginning to worry that you aren't taking things seriously. I understand that you are in search of allies, but this all reeks of opportunism. There is none of the careful planning I am accustomed to with your father. This method of operating is so new to me, it makes me-I am ashamed to say-it makes me feel uncomfortable.” Rho'dan said with a serious tone.
Varrus sighed when he saw the naked concern in Rho'dan's expression. This conversation felt like he had a relative worried that he was walking the wrong path in life.
It was, all things considered, refreshing.
Smiling at the man who was almost like an uncle to him, Varrus strummed along as he collected his thoughts.
It wasn't like he could tell Rho'dan that he was aware of the future, right? Because while Varrus knew about many things, so many events were different or had butterflied away.
For one, Varrus knew next to nothing about the Convocation other than they were the former ruling body of Quel'Thalas before the Scourge attacked. His knowledge of Canon did not not prepare him for the insane boss battle against Old Man Vandercross.
But the foreknowledge did help him convince Kael not to leave Quel'Thalas early. The info helped him make an informed decision, such as the knowledge that the Dreadlords ravaging Lordaeron were arrogant, conceited, and would never march north.
It was because of this knowledge that he knew he had a grace period in which he could build up his forces, and take the enemy by surprise.
From Rho'dan's perspective, this move to Gilneas must seem like it was coming from left field. But to Varrus, he wanted to capitalize on the civil war, and come out on top.
His foreknowledge told him about this event, and the central characters, but little else other than that it happened.
So Rho'dan was right to worry that Varrus was acting like an opportunist. Varrus knew that he couldn't count on Genn Greymane or Darius Crowley to lead a pro-Covenant government.
But of the 3 leaders he had in mind that would be accepted by the peasants and gentry of Gilneas, he didn't really know anything about them beyond their names and a very basic description. Foreknowledge only went so far!
After mulling over his response, Varrus decided not to tell Rho'dan that he knew certain events about the future. However, that didn't mean he would lie to him either.
“I appreciate you looking out for me, but you could say I am shopping around. I know what I want: Gilneas subservient to Quel'Thalas. I know how to get it: assassination & smooth talking. But I don't know who I want to lead it.” Varrus splayed his hands in a ‘what can you do’ expression.
“Hmm. If you say so, Highlord. I know you like to keep things close to your chest, what with keeping your magical talent a secret all these years. I trust you, but I felt it was my duty to express my concerns.” Rho'dan spoke in a serious manner.
Rho'dan's eyes never once left the road whilst he directed the horse-drawn carriage, and his hand remained steady throughout the discussion.
Varrus admired this man's professionalism. If only he had had a Rho'dan back on Earth.
Clucking his tongue, Varrus greeted Rho'dan's serious persona with a light chuckle.
“Again, I appreciate the concern. Now, how close are we to catching up to Godfrey? It feels like we've traveled almost an hour in this blasted fog, and the wife must be getting a little you know.” Varrus complained at the long wait, then pointed down at the suspiciously silent carriage.
“Oh, it's only been about 10 to 15 minutes I'd say, and as for our destination, you'll know it when we see it.” Rho'dan said with a straight face.
Varrus blinked his eyes. He felt like he was being bullshitted.
Opening his mouth, Varrus was about to question his chief guard, but the muscular redhead beat him to it.
“No, I am not as you put it ‘bullshitting’ you. Really, whichever crass Human inspired such foul language in you deserves a whipping.” Rho'dan tightened his grip on the reins, and leaked a little bloodlust.
“Now I know you're bullshitting me! Know when I'll see it. C'mon Rho'dan, you'll have to do better than thaa-” Varrus playfully punched Rho'dan on the shoulder, only to stop mid sentence when he saw an absolutely gargantuan monument.
“As you say, sir.” Rho'dan tipped his hat at Varrus, and kept the ride going.
“Wait till the men hear about this!” The one other guard present on the carriage muttered with a shocked grin.
Varrus wanted to shoot him another death glare, but was too preoccupied with the monolithic, grim dark cathedral that had emerged from the fog.
It was no exaggeration to say that this temple was as tall as a skyscraper, and miles long.
The fact that it was built without modern machinery was mind boggling. Gilneas's devotion to religion must be something else, because this building absolutely dominated the landscape.
“Light's Dawn Cathedral, the largest temple dedicated to the Light in the Eastern Kingdoms. If you'll recall the city map, it acts as the gathering point for all of Gilneas City's districts.” Rho'dan spoke up from the side, and gestured towards the wide open square.
Looking around, Varrus saw that the fog was clearing, and that the amount of open space was huge. Previously, the roads had been tight, and the buildings were clustered close to one another like any typical urban city.
However, there were miles worth of open land surrounding the cathedral.
On the route leading up to the church's main entrance, tens of thousands of parishioners were steadily making their way inside for service. Glancing at them with Mana Sight, Varrus noticed several members of the clergy had a different mana signature than the average Human. Theirs was tainted with a wild green, like that of the Worgen.
How curious.
“Godfrey is inside. Shall we idle out here, and wait for him to emerge, or would you and the Lady rather find him yourselves?” Rho'dan calmly asked.
“I'm rather curious as to what goes on in such a large structure.” Varrus said, intending to investigate this potential Worgen plot. He then nodded at Rho'dan, and dropped down to open the carriage door.
Once open, Varrus was met with a scandalizing scene. Both women had taken their shirts off, and Syra was demonstrating a meditation technique that involved breathing in a specific pattern.
His wife sharply inhaled at the sudden intrusion, and Tess shot him a purple eyed glare.
Instead of backing down, and acting like a spineless husband, Varrus used Syra's own logic against her.
“Should I be worried about anything?” Varrus dangerously growled.
“Control the power, do not let the power control you. The Void is a tool, do not become its tool.” Syra cuffed Tess over the head, and reprimanded her.
The Princess lost the glow in her eyes, and she lowered her head to Syra's stern demeanor.
“You could have knocked, this cold is unbearable.” Syra pouted, and dressed up.
“I see you have everything in order, I knew you had the makings of a good teacher.” Varrus grinned, and pulled her close.
From his position, Varrus saw a jealous look on Tess's face, but it only made his grin widen.
He decided he would test the Princess one more time.
“Come along then, Godfrey is nearby.” Varrus took Syra's hand, and led them towards the cathedral.
“Godfrey? What business do you have with that cretin?” Tess hotly demanded as she followed close behind.
“Hm? I take it you're not a fan of your father's right hand man?” Varrus said with a hint of dismissal.
This only seemed to cause the young lady to bristle and grow hot under the collar.
“Godfrey is self serving slime. It was his idea to place the wall where it is, and his sleights that caused the civil war!...plus, he is the one who enforces my house arrest. I hate Godfrey.” Tess seethed.
“Remarkable. Well, it just so happens we aren't fans of his either. Say, Syra, do you think she knows enough to enter stealth?” Varrus put a fist under his chin, and asked in an exaggerated manner.
Syra rolled her eyes, then glanced at Tess critically.
“I can do it, big sister has taught me a lot!” Tess eagerly pounced forward for a hug, but was held back by one of Syra's hands.
“...she is serviceable.” Syra eventually said after some deliberation.
“Very good.” Varrus smiled at Syra, then turned to Tess. “My guard has been tracking the Worgen, and that sanctimonious boot licker since last night, and they have led us here. Would you care to join us in ousting a traitor?” Varrus sinisterly smiled as the workings of a plan began to form in his mind.
“You think there is a connection between the two?” Tess gripped the handle to her sword in response.
“I have no proof, but with a Princess conducting the investigation, hopefully we can come to the bottom of this.” Varrus inclined his head.
“What are we waiting for?” Tess eagerly took the lead, and marched towards the cathedral's entrance.
“Ah, you will make a wonderful father.” Syra held onto Varrus's arm lovingly.
“And you, a beautiful mother. Do not worry my love, we will have children someday, I promise it.” Varrus squeezed her hand.
He knew how important this was to her, and she had been so accommodating with his nonsense.
Syra didn't have many hopes, or dreams for the future, but living peacefully with a family full of children was something Varrus could get behind.
Clinging onto her tightly, Varrus crossed the threshold, and felt a burst of warmth sufuse him once he entered the church.
The first thing he noticed was the smell of candles and cinnamon permeating the air.
Tall ceilings with countless mosaics were everywhere, and the images of Heroes battling evil were depicted in tapestry.
Low, melodic chants reverberated alongside the hauntingly beautiful tune of an organ.
Dim light shone upon their forms, and Varrus almost lost sight of Tess from within the sea of people.
Gilneas City was home to hundreds of thousands, or perhaps over a million people. It was a megalopolis in the truest sense.
This level of density reminded Varrus of Tokyo, it was that intense.
As he walked along the halls, he was funneled by the crowd into a central foyer. Within, countless benches were lined up in a 360 circle, and row upon row of seats were raised up, like bleachers at a sports arena.
There were easily 30,000-50,000 people seated at this venue.
In the center was a stage. At the moment, a classical orchestra was busy playing a song, and the people in the audience were mingling with one another.
The scene felt surreal to Varrus. This place constructed with medieval tech put every mega church on Earth to shame!
“Come on, this way!” Tess shouted to be heard over the crowd.
Varrus and Syra followed after the teen, and found themselves in a side hall.
“I haven't been here since I was a little girl, but I remember Liam and I used to sneak around. There should be a-aha!” Tess was fumbling around in a corner, and pulled a candlestick on the wall.
A moment later, a creak in the wall was revealed, and a passage opened up.
A sinister air escaped the passage, accompanied by a sinister cold fog that eliminated almost all vision.
Goosebumps formed on Varrus's arms, and he almost shot a spell into the dark by reflex.
His heartbeat unconsciously increased, and an unknown tension filled the room.
The last time he had been in a temple, a powerful shadow creature had tried to murder him.
Now that he was about to explore the depths of another temple, his gamer sense was going on hyperdrive, warning him that something was off.
Before, he hadn't taken the Worgen threat all that seriously, as while they were strong, they were nothing when he, Syra, and Rho'dan teamed up. This was supposed to be an easy murder assassination of Godfrey, a mission to make his wife happy, and eliminate a thorn in his side.
How quickly things had spiraled out of control.
He knew that a massive gothic church rivaling something straight out of Dark Souls wouldn't be so simple.
“Be careful, this won't be as simple as I had anticipated. It is different from that temple, but somewhat familiar.” Varrus warned Syra in a serious tone of voice.
Syra squeezed his hand, then let go. Her jovial mood pulled back, and she had locked in.
There was the lovable murder machine he had come to rely on!
“Good girl.” Varrus flashed a thumbs up, then took a deep breath.
Taking a glance into the dark, bone chillingly cold corridor, Varrus gathered his courage and stepped forward.
Once more into the breach.
Comments
Conor McGroarty
Tess wouldn’t have died in normal canon and yet MC saved her from a bad state. So either his butterfly effect has become large enough or things are naturally changing as the game world isn’t exact. Both are going to become larger issues in the future. Anyway, would be good to get the gnomes on board before they irradiate their city. They lasted for a good few years before resorting to that. MC has time.
