The Great Temple Caper

[Bricu]

The story so far...

June
On occasion, Priestess Indarra Leafwhisper's impeccable decorum...slips. Never for very long, and in ways that most people don't catch. A foul word here and there or a nasty burst of temper are easy enough to overlook or chalk up to a bad day. But a hint that the upstanding priestess had murdered several men followed by her immediate inability to even remember making the claim only confirmed Bricu Bittertongue's suspicions that there was something very, very wrong with Priestess Leafwhisper.

It was easy enough to convince Threnn to help him investigate - she'd caught the comment, too.

But finding the evidence they'd need to prove that something strange was going on would require more than just the paladins. They'd need to seek out the information in the Temple of Elune, which would require not only someone who could read and speak Darnassian, but also someone whose presence the priests and priestesses wouldn't question, someone who had access to restricted areas, and who could be trusted to keep it all quiet.

It would also be helpful if that particular person didn't mind a bit of sneaking and pilfering on his or her conscience.

Annalea al'Cair accepted the job quite readily.

Late July--mid-August
Before he could finish the planning, though, Bricu was distracted by another troubling predicament: the deader mage, Corspilla, seemed to be hearing his voice in her head. The cause seemed to be a gem Tarelyn had stolen from her mother and handed over to the paladin for study. It oozed a substance that came uncomfortably close to resembling plague.

Bricu and a handful of Riders met Pill and a handful of Noxilite at the World's End Tavern in Shattrath City. Working together, they broke the bond and the gem's effects, then dropped it into the Hand of Gul'dan to destroy it.

Putting an end to evil things always has its consequences, though, and Bricu found himself unable to sleep. This wasn't a simple case of insomnia; he could not, no matter what remedies he tried, close his eyes and sleep. Then came the voices, echoes of the gem's previous owners hissing through his already-tired mind: Constanzia Montrose, Thomas Maunt and -- perhaps from contact with the gem's plauge-tinged discharge -- Prince Arthas Menethil.

Eventually, though, extra shifts in the orphanage and cooking at all hours in the Gilded Rose weren't enough to keep Bricu's mind off of his lack of rest and the voices. He needed a scheme, some purpose that would keep his mind from dwelling on them. And if that scheme took him to a place that might be able to cure him, so much the better.

The Temple of Elune and its mysteries waited.

---

[Bricu]

PART 1: ON THE BOAT TO DARNASSUS

Late August - Four days before the Rose Ball

Bricu rolled and lit up a cigarette. "Long boat ride ahead. Either o'yeh bring a book?"

Anna pulled a book out of her satchel that looked a bit like a child's primer, only it's covered in elvish writing. "I can read you a fairy story if you want."

Threnn blinked at it. "I hope you know more Darnassian than that, little sister."

"Elves love their fair....shite, it wont be that long o'a trip Annie. But, go ahead, read me a story."

Anna snickered. She read the story but embellished it all to hell. By three paragraphs in, it was obvious it was not for children.

"Huh." Puffed on his cigarette, "That's why Skyborne has three mommies. Threnn, how much o'the plan did I tell yeh?"

Threnn grinned. "As little as possible."

"Bugger. Annie, how much did I tell yeh?"

"That we're going to Darnassus, breaking into the temple and getting the dirt on Indi. And hopefully not getting caught in the process." Anna beamed. "And that Threnny makes too much noise clanking around in her armor, so she stays outside."

Threnn eyed her. "I can throw you overboard, you know."

"There's a new dimension ta the plan--as yeh could guess--I don't have ta even fake sick now. So I'd like a wee bit o'help so I can sleep. Och, an' break Finn's heart? The kid's fragile."

Both women stopped glaring at each other long enough to glare at Bricu when he mentioned faking sick.

Anna said, "I told you to let me look."

"Oi, I thought I got the shite off me hands. An' we needed yeh ta keep the slick ear up."

Anna hrmphed at her brother in law.

Threnn sighed, "'s done now, anyway. The new dimension involves getting you cured?"

Anna opened her mouth to say something else, but then shut up.

"Aye, it does. Right, then, as long as we avoid the Cenarion Circle folks--those tossers carry a grudge--then we'll get inta the temple. Annie, yeh got any idea what ta tell 'em?"

Anna thought for a minute. "Maybe that I'm looking for, hmm..." She snapped her fingers. "Could be I'm researching elven songs and legends, looking for old stories and diaries. They know I sing."

"They keep those records in the temple?"

"Or, being Indi, if you think whatever we're looking for will be somewhere, um, holier, that I'm after religious texts. They were a bit shocked by the things the church teaches us about priests and shadow. I haven't seen any bigger librairies than the one in the temple."

"Ah--yeh just wanna sneak inta the library. Where is their library?"

"Up on the second tier. In the back. No, I'll sneak into wherever. Just figured the library'd be the most obvious place to look. Once we're in there, we can likely go wherever."

"Right. That gets yeh in there. And yeh know what we're lookin' for. If they're keepin records--an' mind yeh, they are somewhere--then that'll be a place ta start. Now she's sayin' she's only a few thousand years old. What we're lookin' for is somethin' older than that."

"Archives, then? Or figure out who in the temple is older than she is, or at least a contemporary. See if anything on those shelves is theirs. Logs, diaries."

"Archives--old sections. She's let it slip that she was gonna be married ta a bloke that was supposed ta be ArchDruid--before the prat we got now. How long ago was that?"

"'bout a thousand years. Staghelm's a grumpy old bastard."

"Now here was what I was thinkin. We need yeh ta get us a room--even a cell--on the second floor. Close ta the archives. Then we set up ta get me healed--so I can sleep for one bloody hour--so Threnny can be a diversion in case people are lookin' for us. I figure I can try an help yeh find what we're lookin' for. I know old things when I see 'em, even if I can't read all o'it."

Anna nodded. "They trust me there. I should be fairly invisible to them while we're poking around."

"If I get caught...Well." Bricu shrugged, "I decked one Cenarion durin' the Silithid war. I guess I'll be removed forcibly. I'll say I'm lookin' for yeh, as I'm not feelin' too good--as yeh can plainly see, I'm rather ill."

"Hell, someone catches us, I'll just say you wandered off, all disoriented. Because, y'know, you're rather ill."

"Now Threnny--we need yeh so we are respectable."

Threnn snorted. "More like so I can bail you both out of whatever their equivalent of the Stocks is."

"An also --well that too-- ta start talkin' ta folks 'bout not sleepin'. I figure if anyone's got ideas on this, it'll be the elves."

"'specially if I can collar a druid or two." Threnn took out a small set of tools and began inspecting the various weapons in case any need repair.

"We'll come back ta our room on the second floor two hours later. So we meet there. Och--Threnny, if anyone talks about wantin' ta see me, play up the northman bein' prickly. That should get 'im ta leave us two"-- he gestures to Annie-- "to our sneakin'."

Threnn raised an eyebrow. "Play up?"

"Aye. I'm not that bad."

"Right. I'll buy you your time."

"Och, it's more than that love. I need yeh ta help with the sleepin' stuff."

"Oh, believe me, I'll be doing that, too. Otherwise the next step's hitting you over the head, seeing if that works."

Anna snickered

"Let's hope it does. So we all got our parts?"

Anna and Threnn nodded. "Got our parts."

That night on the boat, Annie sang, Bricu cooked and Threnn prayed for all of them.

[Bricu]

Day 2 on the boat, three days before the Rose Ball
Breakfast

"So, Annie, yeh have Finn over for breakfast yet?"

Anna almost choked on her orange juice.

Threnn grinned a huge, shit-eating grin.

"I thought 'bout havin' him help us out--but after we talked, I didn't think he'd be a good idea."

"Few times. Um. I've been sort of staying at his apartment, last week or so." Anna looked at Threnn. She looked away, shoveing a forkful of pancake into her mouth.

"Ah."

Threnn leaned in. "He said you have something to tell me. Care to spill it?"

Anna got the stony, stubborn look that runs in her family. "Nope."

"Well he told me he was officially courtin' yeh. He said that months ago."

Anna looked slightly less stonily at Bricu. "Yeah. He went and talked to Mama and everything. She didn't throw him out on his arse. Guess it's a good sign."

"Bah. If yer mum doesn't hate him, what good is he?"

"He's..." Anna pushed her food around on her plate. "He's a good man."

"An'?"

Threnn blinked at Anna.

Anna shrugged. "And nothing. He's a good man." She looked up, stonewalling again. "Any particular reason you're asking?"

"Because I'm a nosey wee bastard--an' I'm fond o'yeh an' Finn. So are yeh lettin' him court yeh"

"I am. What the hell, right?"

"Really? I call ballacks."

"And why would you do that?"

"When he said courtin', he meant what I meant--serious relationship. Are yeh the type ta go, 'what the hell' inta somethin' serious? He went ta yer mum. That's damn near like facin' down one o'Illidan's own."

"So I need a reason to let him court me? Aside from liking him well enough? And I told him he didn't have to talk to her. He insisted."

"Why on Azeroth would he do that? Oi, Annie, he's fallin' for yeh--an' not like eveyrone else."

Anna shook her head. "Don't... He's just being proper."

Threnn sipped at her coffee, watching them both.

"No. he's not just bein' proper. He's fond o'yeh an' its growin'. An' he's doin' it in a very formal way. It aint' 'what the hell.'"

"So it's not. So we're good company for one another. What are you after?"

"Why yer so upset an' channelin' the Al'Cair stubborness. I'll make cinnamon rolls if yeh spill it." Bricu grinned and winked.

Anna didn't smile. "I'm full now. Thank you. I'll be in my cabin if you'll excuse me." She folds her napkin and stands.

"That hard ta say yeh're fond o'him too?"

"I'm fond of him. All right?"

"Almost. See yeh at lunch Annie."

Anna rolled her eyes and left. Threnn watched her go, mulling over her reaction. "Bloody hell."

"Well, that went well."

"She didn't throw anything. I guess that means it went well."

"I'll talk ta her when I bring her a lunch day meal. We may just find out if gettin clobbered would work."

"So you can go into this tired and concussed?" Threnn grinned.

"Well, we both know I'm a shite liar--this way, when we tell them floppy eared snobs I need help, I won't be lyin." Bricu gave Threnn a wink.

Threnn shook her head. "Is it wrong that I'm half-hoping that what she's not telling me is that she's knocked up? Because the other things I'm thinking are far worse."

"Och, she's on the tea right? What would be worse?"

"'Course she is. But any time I even try kidding Fin about bedding her, he looks like I'm going to punch him. And Fane'd be worse."

"Fane? Shite,how much have we talked 'bout him? I remember tellin' yeh an' Finn I'd stay outta it...."

"You know everything I do. Just saying. Can't think of very many things it could be. Going to hope for the one that ends in less Anna being in trouble."

"Well. I find hope ta be somewhere between a fool's gambit an' divine intervention"

"Yeah. I know. Can't blame me for trying, though."

"Bah. No blame necessary. I indulge in hope every few days meself."

Threnn looked over the cooking utensils. "Where in there does hoping that offer of cinnamon rolls wasn't a bluff fit in?"

"It wasn't a bluff." Bricu disappeared into the galley.

Lunch.

Anna showed up with sketches of the temple's layout. They'd probably make most architects cringe, but were enough to get the idea.

"Right. I'm doin' a lighter lunch. Mostly veggies an' fish. So, yeh got an idea for what room we should use?"

Anna pointed at an arc of rooms. "These are for acolytes, here. Some of them are used for guests, too. Central enough, but if one of the ones towards the back are free, they might do."

"Right. There a way we can make 'em free? Last I checked, most folks who use the rooms are students That still on point?"

Anna smirked. "You ever see what the students eat? Slip one of them enough coin and they'll vacate for a few days. Go out into the Tree to meditate on Elune's grace. Buys 'em a half-decent meal in Dolanaar."

"That was me plan. Bribery. It works for most folk."

Anna pointed at a set of stairs. "These are used mostly by students. They go all the way up, and no one ever really looks twice at you. Leads to important people's quarters. Because, really, your students are your servants the whole time. You need to have them available at the snap of a finger, and racing up and down the main ramps is so undignified."

"Undignified. Right. So we get one o'these rooms." Bricu pointed to the back rooms near the archives, "an' while we sneak, Threnny gets a druid's advice. Here's the question--do we ask 'bout her specifically?"

Anna looked at him drily. "You think they're going to just say 'Oh, Priestess Leafwhisper, yeah, real nutjob. Wanna see the scrapbook of her murder victims?'"

"This is why I'm not a fan o'hope. No, I was thinkin' o'having yeh ask folk 'bout her achievements. They know yer a bard--all yeh have ta do is say Ulth hired yeh at write his lady friend a ballad on her. Then we wait for the screw up."

"Oh, well, I can do that, too. Maybe someone'll give me the nutjob answer anyway."

"Figured yeh could do taht. Smart arse. Well. how many night elves we know are nutjobs? Ulth, Indy, Stormrunners. Chelody. Rhel. Sey. They're all a wee bit touched."

"Point. Though, they likely think the same of us, on occasion."

"Oh aye. But they're wrong." Bricu grinned. "Right--we need anythi'n else?"

Anna shook her head. "I'm charming, your shady, Threnn's... Threnn. We're set."

Threnn threw a small piece of vegetable at Anna.

"Threnn's clever an' pretty. I'm a charming set of shady, yer charmin' an' shadowy. We're good ta go--unless there is somethin' else left ta talk 'bout."

"Nothing here."

"I take it yer done talkin' 'bout Finny."

"Yup. I take it you're done asking."

"Oh, I am. I've got dishes ta do. Threnn may not be. Cheers." Bricu gathered plates and leaves.

Anna gathered her sketches. "Tell him if he wants us all going into this clear-headed, he'll fecking drop it." She left.

Minutes later--

"I take it there's no talkin'?"

Threnn looked up. "Not today. Says we need to drop it if we're to do this thing clear-headed.

"Yeh want me ta drop it?"

Threnn ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "Yeah. For now. We get back to Stormwind, I'll lock her in Tarq's office until she talks."

"Threnn. We're on a boat. she can't avoid yeh here. S'why we're on a boat, not hirin' some warlocky tart ta pull us across time an' space."

"She's not saying she won't be clear-headed, love. If she had, I'd have her over the side by her ankles. She's saying we. Whatever it is, 's going to distract me, too. And I'd really rather not miss something important while I'm on guard duty."

"Alright. I'll drop it."

--scene three,day 2-- evening

Anna listed the names of the high priests and priestesses she knew, to see if there are any who seemed more likely to know useful things. Bricu tossed out names of priests who spent time in Stormwind, possibly ones going in and out of the Feather.

[Bricu]

Day three on the boat--short part of the trip--

Bricu brought breakfast to Annie in her cabin, knocked and left. He brought Threnn breakfast in bed. "I figure that I owe yeh at least this--for keepin' yeh up an' for possibly bailin' me out."

"Haven't bailed you out yet, love. No counting chickens, even hypothetical ones. That whole hope thing."

"Well. It's a thank yeh regardless. This should be an easy job. Still." Bricu sighed. "No smokin'. Bloody hard not ta."

Threnn blinked at Bricu. "Why aren't you smoking?"

"I don't know if they sell me blend in Darnassuss"

"Ah. Not going to try that poncy elven leaf?"

"No. Ulth told me ta stay away from it. Not as good with Fandel in charge."

"And you don't need to thank me. Married you, didn't I? Thick and thin. Rich and poor. Sleeping or awake."

"Ballacks. Yeh need ta keep the common courtesies alive. I just wish I could sleep. Too many thoughts."

"What are they..." Threnn hesitated, then asked anyway. "What are they saying?"

"They're echoes. Tare's mum is bloody scary. The Princes...well he's got a lot on his mind. his cult an' the Eye..."

"Hell. And Maunt?"

"He... He's hauntin'. He's not passed on ta what he has comin."

"Sweet Light. Does he know anything? I mean, where he is? What's happened?"

"No...he's just mad. he's really bloody pissed. I'd rather not think o'it. "

"No. Best not to. We'll fix it. Here in Darnassus or back home. We will."

"An here I was hopin' yeh'd give me somethin' else ta think 'bout." The tea came in.

Threnn grinned and set the tray aside. "I can... oh. Tea."

"I made it."

(and the scene ends with things best left to the imagination of our readers)
(Some of our readers have frightening imaginations.)
(The bastards.)
(dear reader: Its not the weird stuff))


Bricu spent the rest of the trip making himself look sicker. Anna could have probably mixed something up to help him with that. That afternoon, on the boat, he was getting sick. Like really sick.

[Bricu]

....early morning, fourth day

Bricu summoned his charger at the pier and had Chas follow Threnn. Threnn went slow, so people could see how bad off he was as they rode. Anna brought up the rear, taking note of who noticed.

"Right. Slow walk ta the temple then?"

"Yeah. The long way around."

"Annie, lass, yeh sure they got somethin' ta help me out then?"

"Oh, any number of things. Their magic's so much older than ours, they've likely seen it all." Anna grinned. "They might just want to poke at you a bit, first."

"As long as it's not with their tales. Oi, yeh wanna get on o'them Sentinels ta help out? Tell 'em if they don't, Seylon'll....either kick their arse or withold. take yer pick."

"What, help carry you in? They'll be none too gentle."

"Eh--on second thought. Let's just try an pick up the pace."

"Right." Threnn gave Yarrow a kick to get him moving faster.

Toward Darnassus proper, Bricu turned to Annalea, "This is where yer gonna have ta stay in the lead an' do some talkin' lass. My Darassian is limited ta words not allowed in a temple.

"As long as I don't mix up the verb forms, we'll be all right. If I do, um, someone might draw steel. Who'd ever think that switching the order of two words changes a polite request into a suggestion to go fuck oneself?"

"I really do need ta learn this language. Sounds like its right up me alley."

"You should hear the erotic ballads."

Threnn turned in her saddle. "Yeah? Has Fin?"

"Erotic ballads...heh." Bricu snickered--then coughed.

Anna sighed. "I swear Threnny, I'll make you get up and sing them with me -- at the Pig -- if you so much as hint to him.."

Both of them broke off at the coughing.

"You all right, love?"

"I'm fine. I was just tryin' ta sing one, then Delion came ta mind." Bricu gave Threnn a wink and Annie a grin. A simple and slow ride later, they reached the gates of Darnassus. Anna took point, leading them towards the Temple of Elune. "Should we dismount, or can we be big damn heroes?"

"Big damn heroes. Let them take you down."

"Well, at least they got an army ta do it this time." After a short stroll, Bricu on Chas, they reached the Temple of Elune. "Strewth, this is where I gotta walk, isn't it?"

Threnn rode alongside Chas, in case Bricu needded catching.

"Right then--Annie, who the hell do we talk ta ta get a room?"

Anna looked around. "I can go in and find someone who trained me. Bring them out, see how awful you look. They won't want you standing around for long."

"Aye--make sure this one isn't....like Del."

Anna smirked. "You think someone like Del would ever have seen a flicker of potential in me?"

"Good point."

"If you weren't so terribly sick, I'd give you hell for agreeing with that." Anna swung down off of her cat. "But I'll give you a pass this time."

"Lass, the minute Del pays attention--oi, just run along, eh?"

Annalea dismounted and headed into the temple. A few minutes later, Bricu and Threnn saw a young night elf priestess huffing down the ramp, obviously upset. She was followed,distantly, by Anna and Jandria

"I don't want to know what my sister said to that girl, do I?"

"I do. But not now." Bricu dismounted. "We get a room Annie?"

Anna looked slightly self-satisfied. "'course we did. Cozy one, too."

"Brilliant. Now help me there."

Threnn and Anna each took a side, helping Bricu up to the room.

"Yeh know, I could get used ta this. Just don't fling me onta the cot. I'm fragile."

"She's a good student. Choicest of quarters for her rank -- yeah, you're a regular porcelain doll, there – here." Cozy little room, whether that was the student's touch or the room itself. Near the back stairway and easy access to the library. Jandria followed and watched. Muttered a few prayers.

Threnn got Bricu settled in. "Might be good for him to rest awhile before anything else." She looked pointedly at Anna.

Anna, in Darnassian, gently suggested the same to Jandria. Bricu,for his part, started coughing. Towards Jandria, who said a prayer of healing over Bricu and departed. Bricu coughed for a good ten seconds after, then stopped.

"Bloody hell. Yeh'd think she'd piss off when I started the ruttin' coughin'. "

Threnn looked at him blandly. "She's a priestess, love. Healing the sick and all that? We don't just piss off when someone's hacking up a lung."

"Bah. Now then, give us a minute or so."

"All right."

"So we all still okay with this?"

Anna nodded, grinning a bit. She was digging this intrigue thing. Threnn nodded, too, a gesture similar to Anna's, but not quite so excited.

"Now I've lit up in the Cathedral back home....but here, I think it'd be a bad idea. Yeh lot ready? Threnny, find the druids. Annie--lets go find some secrets."

"Yeah, not if you're coughing like that." said Anna.

"Bad idea in the Cathedral, too," said Threnn.

"It's a terrible idea, that's usually why I did it. But the cough was mostly for the other folks' benefit. An' heavin' out three days worth o'rich, wonderful food gives me the drawn an' haggard look." Bricu winked at both sisters. "We'll just move slow an' steady."

Threnn peered out into the hallway, watching to see when it was clear, then waved the two of them out. "Luck, you two. No getting caught."

"Och, who needs luck? We're bloody charmin'." Bricu winked and made a small blessing.

"Fretting gives you wrinkles, Threnny."

---

[Bricu]

Threnn headed towards the Tree of the Ancients where Staghelm lived. By the Ancients where the druids handled their affairs, a gathering of Druids of the Claw were "playing" as cats do. Chasing each other, running and pouncing on each other, biting tails—etc. Threnn stopped and watched them for a few minutes, trying to figure out the best way to get their attention without being rude. As she watched, one of the cats--male--stopped playing. He bats away one of his playmates and while looking at Threnn, he coughed.

A hacking, Bricu-mocking cough.

Threnn blinked at him, her own hackles rising. "Uh. Pardon me?"

He smiled. A wide, cat grin full of teeth. "Your mate's sick?"

"Yes. He is. Very. Coughing a bit like that, even."

"So heal him."

Threnn stood a little straighter, reminding herself that they deliberately made themselves noticeable on their way in. Smartass godsdamned cats. "I've tried. Seems this is something beyond my ken. 's why I'm here."

The cat began to clean itself.

Threnn raised an eyebrow.

"So you bring a sick one here? Not very smart. Who is he?"

"Someone's sick, you bring them to a place of healing. Least, where I come from. He's my husband."

"We have other places of healing--and the Temple may get contaiminated. He have a name? you have a name?"

"Bittertongue. His name's Bricu. I'm Threnody. Threnn."

"Ahhh. Should I have heard of you?"

"Likely not."

"What a shame. Where are you going Threnody Bittertongue?"

Threnn set her jaw. "To see if there's someone here who might have answers...or at least theories, on how I can help him."

"But you brought him that way, to the temple? "

"My sister trained there, as a priestess. He needed somewhere to sleep after so much travelling."

"Who is sister?"

"Annalea al'Cair. Pretty girl. Blonde."

"Oh!" He grinned again, putting his paw down, "We know Annalea. Pretty voice. Talented girl."

Threnn smiles just a bit. "Yeah. Bit of a songbird."

"I should go see her--and husband. You left your songbird sister with your sick husband?"

"I did. She'll watch over him. And likely she'll want a chance to freshen up before she sees anyone else."

"Boring. Maybe the coughing one will get better, maybe not. Maybe the songbird will sing, maybe not. You're boring Threnody." The cat snorted and ran after the others.

Threnn muttered to herself. "Been called far worse than boring before." She shook her head at the cats and continued on in the direction she'd been heading.

She wasn't challenegd by anyone else until she reached the tree. It wasn't bustling with activity; however, there were druids going back and forth. A pack of mistsabers, watched by a keeper, was to the right of the ramp that leads up the tree

"Evenin'." Threnn smiled. "'s a fine looking bunch of sabers, there."

"Thank you. Are you hear to take the reins of one?"

"Oh, no no. I'm better on a horse. Just admiring. My sister has one of yours, I believe."

"Who is your sister?" she said with a smile.

"Annalea al'Cair."

"Anna! Oh, you must be Threnn! How do you do, I'm Lelanai! It is a wonderful occasion that I have finally met you!"

"I'm well enough, thank you. She spoke highly of you."

"She does me a great honor. She was wonderful with my pack. Please, sit. Let me fetch us moonberry tea, tell of your doings and your sister's!"

"Oh, thank you, but I can't stay. I'm on a bit of business, actually. But once it's done, if you've time, I'll bring Anna along and we can all have a chat." Threnn sketched a little bow.

"That would be delightful. Please, do come back."

"Thank you, we will." She waved goodbye and headed up the ramp.

On up Threnn went, looking for someone fitting one of Anna's descriptions, or, barring that, trying to figure out where they taught druids healing magic. After searching the upper branches of the ancient for a few minutes, Threnn managed to find a druid matching Anna's description.

He was with another druid, equally as tall but thinner. Pinched face, beaklike nose, with elaborate blue tattooes around his face. They were arguing in Darnassian.

Threnn stood to the side for a few moments, looking to see if there was a lull in their argument where she might be able to break in. After a minute or so with no lull, she cleared her throat.

The hawkish druid--the one who had never raised his voice, didn't bother turning around. He said something in Darnassian.

The other one spoke. "Our guest may not speak our language Arabis. I am Noren, Druid of the Claw-and who are you young one?"

"A thousand pardons, I don't speak it. I'm Threnn Bittertongue. And my apologies for interrupting."

"Well you have already interrupted" the hawkish druid turned from his proflie to stare at Threnn, "I am Arabis."

"Pleasure to meet you."

"Ignore my friend. He is upset that he is losing a debate about the Dream. How can we help you, Bittertongue?"

Arabis narrowed his eyes. "Do you have a brother, perchance?"

Threnn shook her head. "One sister, no brothers. Bittertongue's my married name. She tilted her head. "You recognizing my face or my name?"

"Married name? You?"

"Uh, yes?" Threnn glanced down at herself. "Do I not look the type?"

Arabis sneered. Threnn could see cracked and damaged teeth. He turned his back on Threnn and started shouting at Noren.

Threnn blinked. "Guess I don't."

Noren put his hands on Arabis' shoulders and turned him around. "Threnn, your husband is known to Arabis, and it does not appear as if they get along. This still doesn't answer my earlier qeustion though--what brings you this far into the Ancient?"

"Oh." Threnn kept her face neutral. "He can be hard to get along with, yeah." She nodded slightly at Arabis. "I'm here for him, actually."

"Really?" Arabis sneered, "Still having nightmares?"

Threnn lifted her chin. "In a sense."

"Let the Nightmare take the bastard!"

"Yeah, well, I'd rather it didn't. He can't sleep. 's a bit of a nightmare in and of itself."

Norren shook his head, "Go on Threnn." Arabis walked towards an opening in the room-away from both Norren and Threnn--and muttered to himself. "He cannot sleep?"

Threnn ignored Arabis. "Can't fall asleep, at all. And he's hearing things, voices."

"What have you tried to get him to sleep so far?"

"Some healings, dreamless sleep potions. He's been working himself into what should exhaust anyone. Nothing. Even tried warm milk one night, like my mother used to make when my sister and I couldn't sleep." Threnn sighed. "I might've burnt the first attempt. He had to make his own."

Arabis watched Threnn, growing interest on his face. Norren nodded. "What does he do by trade, Threnn?"

"He works with gems." She held out her hand so he could see her rings. "fine work, too."

"Ah, I mean, where has he worked. He fought against--yes,very. Exquisite-- the Silithid as a paladin, althought according to Arabis his behavior was..."

"SAVAGE. He is an ignorant, loud mouthed savage ape."

Threnn addressed Noren. "He's still a paladin. Doing work in Outland, these days, though he's been in Stormwind these last few weeks."

"Has he had problems sleeping or nightmares before?"

Threnn sighed. "Yeah. Opposite problem, about a year and a half back. He stopped drinking. Got really sick, then, too. Slept for three weeks straight and spent it all in nightmares. Last summer, there were bad dreams, too, but... We went through something that'd explain those just fine. Doesn't make them easier, but, they weren't a surprise."

"I told you," said Arabis.

"Told you what?"

"So he has these problems?"

"He hasn't for a long time. And this is different."

"I told him"--Arabis pointed to Norren--"that Bricu Bittertongue has been touched by the nightmare."

"Well, then." Threnn turned so she cold see both of them. "How do I make it get its grimy bloody hands off my husband?"

Arabis turned back to the opening. "If we knew all that, Threnn, then there would be no nightmare. But many people have connections to that place of the Dream. The Nightmare is just that--nightmares of all who inhabit Azeroth. It has grown with the fel power of the Sindorei prince and the Draenei.... But,if he wakes and walks, he is not claimed by it."

Threnn nodded. "He helped someone destroy something, just before this started. A gem that was controlling a mage. My sister said the thing was crawling with shadow. He touched it."

"It is simple, really. I could do it." Arabis said.

"You could help him?"

"I could. I would need a priestess of Elune. It is quite, quite simple. It does work with those touched by the nightmare--he flashes a dirty look at norren--but it also helps restore one to balance. But why should I help the brute?"

"I don't suppose 'because it's the right thing to do' applies?" Threnn tried on a winning grin, then let it fade. "Because if you met him during the Silithid war, you'll find him a changed man."

Norren stared at Arabis.

"I am not petty--I would not see one suffer because he is a brute. One does not mistreat an animal because one finds it distasteful. But I want to see him. I want him to wake up and see me."

"So he'll know it's you that cured him?"

"I am not petty--but I do relish victory."

"I hope you don't expect me to keep it a secret, who's coming to see him. I'm not very good at keeping things from him."

"Announce my name. It doesn't matter to me. He never earned the right to learn it."

"All right. He can be angry at me later. Would you have time this evening, then?"

"I can come now. It would be easy enough for me to find one of the comptent priestesses. You know, in his defense, he was excellent at manufacturing bandages and antivenom. He may have been a respectable healer."

"He's healed me up when I've been hurt before. Does all right for himself. But right now, he's resting. 's not the best time."

"The sooner this is done, the sooner I can move on. And the sooner he can leave Darnassus."

"Oh, he'll want to be off as soon as possible, too. But he's been on a boat filled with people for three days. He needs time to be left alone.

Norren spoke up, "Let him regain his strength. Wouldn't he need it for the ritual?"

"No he would not need his strength for the ritual. It is a simple matter--he can stand still, correct?"

Threnn smirked. "He can."

"Then we can do it now. Let me get my things."

"No." Threnn gestured to Arabis' mouth. "Shall I assume he did that to you?"

"Yes."

"I said you'd find him a changed man. But he's also a man who hasn't slept for three weeks. And he hasn't touched a drop of drink for nearly two years. Has to have been itching at him something fierce these last days. You want to see him while he's still surly?"

Arabis slumped his shoulders. "When would you like me to arrive?"

"This evening. After supper, I'd say, so we're all in better moods." Threnn smiled gently. "Whatever you need us to do to prepare, just tell me."

"We'll need to conduct it near the waters of the temple. Speak with a priestess and arrange for its use. And bring a change of clothes."

"I will. Thank you." Threnn bowed deeply to both druids.

Norren smiled.

"I will see you shortly after supper." Arabis then argued with Norren.

Threnn took her leave, leaving them to resume their argument.

[Bricu]

While Threnn was off encountering snarky cat druids and helpful bear druids (and mean tree druids) Anna and Bricu planned on robbing the Temple of Elune. Bricu stood behind Anna, staying close to the wall

The temple looked like the temple, save for a sabercat lying near the statue of Elune yawning sleepily and purring

Anna looked around as they went, making sure no one important was coming, and if someone unimportant was coming, she put on her "Leave us alone face." Bricu followed Anna's lead.

"This way. Act like you belong here. That doesn't mean you can smoke."

"Yeh know, talkin' like that ruin's me concentration an' me practice." Bricu walked closer to Anna

"Oh, should I pretend I can't see you?" Anna began climbing the back stairs.

"It would have been nice."

"I'm sorry, is someone there?" Anna threw a grin over her shoulder.

"Och, so droll. Keep movin'."

She did, leading the way to the library, pausing every now and then to listen for other people on the stairs.

The cat moved. At some point instead of being downstairs beside the pools at the feet of Elune, he was stretched out on a stone ledge of the second story. They never saw him move there, but were fairly sure it was the same cat.

"Right, this way ta the library, or" --he stifled a cough-- "that way?"

"This way." Anna peered around a corner. "It's clear." Bricu followed. Anna pushed through the library doors, turning to her right almost immediately and walking to the back of the stacks. "All right." Annalea whispered. This was, after all, a library. "Histories aren't far. Accounts of battles and such, if we know any she was in over the last million or so years."

Bricu set up a few coppers near the door as he closed it behind them. "Right. Well we know she was involved in the Silthid war,Naxx, an' the war in the Outland. So if yeh were a milllenia old elf with secrets ta keep, where would yeh hide 'im? She also fought in the War o'the Sands. "

"Considering as I'm neither millennia old nor an elf, I can't answer that. But those last two are too recent. We want older - like that. See who she was with, what she did. Maybe who she served under, find something about that. Generals write memoirs, don't they? 'My service with the bloody nutjob.'"

"I can't name a single student o'hers."

"And if someone calls her a nutjob, especially written down, you owe me a gold."

"I don't read Darnassian--so yeh could just point ta a passage in a fairy tale an' tel me ta pay up. Look for a book on the history o'the War on the Sands. Focusin' on the priests."

"I think you're calling me a cheat." Anna moved quietly through the stacks, finding the proper section.

"No. I'm just sayin' yer moral compass is a bit wonky."

"Yeah, well. One of ours has to be. Threnny's the good one. Right." Anna ran her fingers along the spines of the books, looking for something like what Bricu described, about healers in the War of the Sands.

"Which one is this now?"

Anna translated carefully. "My... Service...With the Bloody...Nutjob."

"Huh. See if its got a prophesy 'bout the stubborn sarcastic songbird Anna Al'Cair."

Anna stucks her tongue out at Bricu.

"Oi, she in it?"

"Says I'll be doomed to sneaking about a library with my mouthy brother-in-law." She grew serious. "It's an accounting of the war. List of battles, troop numbers, casualties.

"I'm bloody useless Annie, but if yeh got an idea for me, let me know."

"Here." Anna pulled out a piece of scrap paper and a pen. She wrote "Indarra Leafwhisper" in Darnassian, and "priestess." "Look in the indexes. See if you see anything that looks similar. Indexes look the same, at least, in Common or Darnassian."

"Right."

Anna pulled out a few likely looking books from the shelf and plopped herself down on the floor to look.

"Oi--I'll look through these. For these words" He held up the piece of paper, "but there's another story yeh should know. Indi was accused o'muderin' the bloke she was gonna marry. Murder's not too common in Kaldorei lands. See if yeh can find it. Blokes name was Earthsprung."

Anna raised an eyebrow. "Accused?" She wrote "Earthsprung" in Darnassian as well.

"Well. She said she did it in self defense"

"You think she did?"

"I think she killed the guy, aye. I'm not so sure it was in self defense. She was exiled to Azshara--but with the Silithid resurgent, she was allowed back."

"Because she was innocent or because she was useful?"

"Given that she said she fought in the first one, I'd say cause she was useful."

Anna ran her finger down a page. "I've got a Leafwhisper, but it's a Grizelle, not an Indarra. She have family?"

"Not that I know...Grizelle? that's her middle name. Indarra Grizzelle Leafwhisper."

"Well, then." Anna flipped to the corresponding page in the book. "Here's our creepy girl."

"Strewth. what's it say?"

"Bloody hell. She reported directly to the snobby bastard up in the tree. Ignore the fact that this whole place is a tree."

"That's her. That's why she goes ta her cabin in Azhara. S'like home ta her. There's gotta be more here. Why was she pulled--an' why was she retired. There's gotta be somethin'

"Looking." Anna opened more books, searching for other mentions, or other names associated with Grizelle Leafwhisper, cross-indexing as best she could. Time passed.

"We've found out 'bout her service in the war-- not much else. Annie, we need more eyes."

Anna looked around. "I don't see any other volunteers here, brother-mine. At least, not any I'd trust. Hand me that one behind your head."

Bricu handed Annie the book. "Isn't there someone we could convince ta help-- a kid with a problem, an elf with a crush on yeh?"

Anna rolled her eyes. "Oh, because they make reliable helpers. I imply kisses for someone behind the statue of Elune later, don't show up, and suddenly he's off yapping to anyone who'll listen. They might be hundreds of years older than us, but I tell you, elf men have plenty in common with human ones." She eyed Bricu for a moment. "You just want blackmail material, don't you?" She flipped through the index and paged to the middle of the book. "Oh, hey, look at this. Transferred from Staghelm to Tyrande herself."

"Bah, yeh set it up right, the bloke keeps his mouth shut. From Staghelm ta Tyrande? What 'bout her records from the war--an'why was she shifted?"

"Small temple. They don't usually get the chance to snog human women until they cross the sea and go to Goldshire. Word travels." Her demeanor softened as she scanned the page. "His son died in the war. Says here he led a battalion out to Southwind Village, but it was a trap. One of the Quiraji, Rajaxx, carried him back to the front lines. Blessed Elune, he... Hell. He tore him in half right there in front of everyone. Fandral included. Gods, I didn't know that. Guess he must have thinned out his command, passed her along."

She went back to some of the other books, looking further along in them, closer to the end of the war.

"I knew it. Explains his tosser-hood. But switchin' her command doesn't make sense. Our proper wee Indi would have been loathe ta leave her commander. She would need ta support 'im. It'd look bad if she didn't stick 'round. Gotta be somethin' else. Well talk the finer points o'blackmail later.

"Well, if you're thinking she has some big dark secret, maybe he just didn't have the mental werewithal to worry about her turning on him in the middle of battle. Probably he was too busy mourning to want to worry."

Bricu counted off the statements on his fingers. "Dark secret, mournin' or afraid she'd turn on him. She has a public shame--she killed Staghelm's rival. Mournin' works, but wouldn't he want the help o'a priestess he called ta the front? An turn on her--Strewth, she killed his rival. What did Tyrande do with her?"

"A person doesn't have to be under your direct command to be able to help you. Also? So she killed his rival. Did she do it for Staghelm's benefit? Was it political at all? The woman had no qualms killing one candidate for Archdruid. What's to say she wouldn't have it in her to kill another?" She turned a few pages. "Here. Tyrande didn't do all that much with her that was different. She stayed on the frontlines, healing until the end of the war. Then -- " another book -- "back to the Temple when all was said and done. And transferred again." Annalea blinked. "I know this name. Priestess Alathea."

"Aye, if she at a different command, she's not on the same field. If she was a threat, why call her back? Yer talkin' ballacks. Who's Alathea?"

"I'm talking I've-never-bloody-commanded-troops. You don't like my theories, supply some of your own. Alathea's a priestess here. One of the higher-ups. Old, respected. And if you're going to ask me why Tyrande handed her over, I don't know."

"The next step is gettin' her words on the topic. My theory? When Staghelm was done, he passed her ta his subordinates. They wanted her around an' tightly controlled."

"Fine. I know where her quarters are." Anna began closing books and putting them back on the shelves.

It wasn't too hard to figure out that the "Yer talkin' ballacks" got under her skin a bit.

"Right. Fine. Either we go ta her quarters or ta another section o'the library--the secret shite. Are yeh up for it or are yeh gonna be pissed?"

"I told you I was in. That meant all the way. I just don't see what's so ballacks about the idea that a man deep in mourning might not want to be in charge of a woman who's dangerous on top of all his other duties. Anyway. You tell me where you want to go. Straight to the source or more reading?"

"Strewth lass, it's a word, not an attack. There's a piece were both missin'. How sharp is this one?"

"She's a high priestess. Pretty damned sharp, I'd say."

"Then we need a damn fine reason ta talk ta here. An epic enough?"

"Sure. You haven't slept in weeks and you're hearing voices. I brought you here for healing. When in doubt, use as much of the truth as you can, right?"

"Best way ta hide a lie--between two truths. Just say I commissioned a piece as my way o'apologizin ta the Cenarions an ta Indi."

"Sounds fine. Assuming she's even up there to grant an audience. If she's not, do we try again later or take a look around for ourselves?"

"I've not raided a priestess' personal residence since the day before I earned me spurs. Granted--" he coughed, "the circumstances were different an' the priestess in mind wanted ta see me... But, let's go see the ol'bird."

"I'm telling Threnny." She stood and held out a hand to help Bricu up. "It's up another level."

"Och, she knows most o'what I've done." He shrugged, "An' I've done worse. Now who wants ta blackmail whom, eh?" Bricu winked as he took her hand to help get up. It took longer than it should--and he pulled as if he really needed the help.

"If she gets upset, we'll find another way. Go for more readin."

Anna grinned back, but her brow furrowed as Bricu stood. "You need to stop and rest on the way up, you say so. You're too heavy for me to carry." She watched to be sure the way was clear and led them out of the library.

"Bah, I'll be fine. If I need ta, I'll just take a druid's staff." Bricu brushed off his trousers, "Yeh know, I'm just gettin' tired. This is a good sign. Not too many echoes either."

"Still. No napping until we're back in the room. I don't know where they keep the pillows." As they got closer to the priestess' quarters, Anna glanced around. "Her door's closed."

"But is it locked?"

"Only one way to find out." Anna walked up to the door and tried the knob. It turned. She raised her eyebrows at Bricu, clearly a look that said "Well, how about that?" She took one more look around, grinned, and beckoned him inside.

Bricu, grinning wildly, looked around then followed Annalea into the room. "I guess old habits die hard." he whispered.

"Now I'm definitely telling Threnny." She closed the door behind them and put her hands on her hips, surveying the room. "If I were a record of an overly proper priestess who might be hiding something dark and nasty, where would I be?"

"We can both confess at the same time--yer sister is a holy woman, remember." Bricu surveyed the room, "Hidden between the holiest texts yeh could find....or under a mat."

"Right. You start with the desk, I'll see what's on the bookshelves?"

Bricu began an orderly, methodical search of the desk. He placed everything in its place when he was done looking through each and every piece of paper.

Anna went through the bookcases carefully, looking to see if anything seemed to be hidden behind a false cover, or if any books were hiding others behind them. She occasionally read aloud something scandalous that she may or may not have made up.

"Right, the Cenarious love poem can be skipped." Bricu searched through the desk and then moved to a wardrobe and began the same process. Then he paused and checked exits. "Check the door. Let's play this safe. She comes or comes close, we jump the window. Yeh float up, I'll bubble down."

"Two humans falling out a window isn't conspicuous. At. All." She replaced a book and grinned over her shoulder, then obediently went and checked the door. "Still clear. Nothing in the desk?" Anna went towards the bed and searched the contents of the nightstand.

"Bah, its just one. An' unless yeh got a better idea...." Bricu shook his head, "Na, nothin' in the desk. I did the tappin' for secret things as well. Got letters here, but, nothing with Indarra's name on it."

"Better ideas, no, aside from 'let's not get caught.' Anna tapped her lip. "When I was little, I kept a diary in my sock drawer." She pointed at the dresser. "I probably won't tell Threnny you touched an elf's underthings." Anna heaved up a corner of the mattress, holding it up with her shoulder and sweeping a hand along underneath.

"Bugger." I appreciate that. Thanks Annie." Bricu began a thorough search of the unmentionables.

"Always looking out for you, brother-mine." Finding nothing under the mattress, Anna got down on her hands and knees and looked under the bed. "Blessed Elune, this woman's spotless. Not even a dustbunny under here."

"Right, I'm still lookin' in her cleaner garments--what do these folk use for washin'?"

"Oh, we are not going through her laundry. And they use soap and water, same as we do. Only probably more flowery." Anna stood, dusted off her knees and joined Bricu at the dresser, looking through the next drawer down.

They searched the room up to her dirty drawers... "Oi, all we have ta do is empty the basket on the floor."

"Or maybe not." Anna's eyes lit up. She pulled her hand out of the bottom drawer, clutching a journal. "Let's see if her deepest darkest are any worse than me snogging Tommy Joe Stonefield."

"Nice find lass. While folks in Goldshire or the Bay might pay for that shite, I still have some standards." Bricu started to double check how the room was and ensured that everything was in the proper place. "What's it say?"

"Not really. I was twelve and he was thirteen, and it was two pages of silly mooning over a peck on the lips. Burned the book a year later, never kept another." She made a face, then started reading from Alathea's journal. "Oh, sweet fucking Elune, brother-mine. This is it."

"Bloody hell. Grab it. Were goin'"

"Right." Anna closed the drawer, tucked the book into the crook of her arm and took a look around, making sure everything was the way they found it. "Out we go."

[Bricu]

So our two holy thieves snuck back into the room they had reserved as their hideaway.

Anna ushered Bricu into their room and took a quick look up and down the hall before closing the door. "So...that went well."

"Oh aye. Read us that part 'bout whiping memories then? Actually, yeh should wait till Threnny gets back. Bloody hell. Annie what the hell are they doin' here?"

Anna flipped through the pages, looking pale. "Playing at gods."

"Och, dont let them near me. Not a one. I'd rather keep Arthas in me head than get me head drained."

"We're not going to let that happen. Let's wait and see what she found first, though." Anna put the book aside for a moment and looked at Bricu. "You look like hell. Either sit down or lay down, but get the hell off your feet."

Bricu lay down on the cot, then sat up briefly. "Oi, just light some incense or somethin' just incase they're akin ta Coliskar." Bricu unlaced his boots and dropped them at the foot of the cot. He sighed. "Strewth lass, I'm so bloody tired. Can't bloody sleep--but at least I can't hear any echoes..."

Anna crossed over to him and, gently but firmly, put her hands on his shoulders and tried to push him down. "Lay back till Threnny gets here. How long've they been gone?"

Bricu fell too easy to the cot. He tried to stay up, yet he fell back down. "I really just want a nap"

"Seems we might be able to arrange that soon." Threnn paused as she entered the room. "You know, a druid warned me about this, just before he called me boring." She eyed Anna, who was still leaning over Bricu. "Get your own green-eyed Northman."

Anna rolled her eyes and straightened up. "I have one, thanks. Yours is too surly for me, anyway." They grinned at each other. "So, who's going first?"

"Spill the beans on Grizzelle." Bricu struggled to sit up. "Strewth, its hot in here."

Threnn crossed to the bed and sat beside Bricu, checking his forehead with the back of her hand.

Anna went back to the book. "Right. Seems Indarra Grizelle Leafwhisper, prim and proper priestess of the holy arts used to be Grizelle Indarra Duskglimmer, murderous, dangerous bloody godsdamend scary shadow priestess. People she didn't like disappeared - servants, kids, rivals for her lover's affection, other lovers of hers. She took out a battalion that was sent after her. They caught her, but Staghelm wouldn't let them put her down. He made them wipe her memories and retrain her." She pointed to the pages and pages of Reeducation successful. "They did it every year for a thousand years, at least. Only, it hurts her worse every time. There's more, but that's the short version."

Bricu curled up next to Threnn--he did have a fever--"This is what Ulth is up ta. As bad as she is, or was, this is worse. Now love, what'dme poncy Druid say?"

"Sweet Light, love, you're burning up." She pointed at a pitcher of water and waited for Anna to bring it over. "I found one who thinks he can help. He'll be here tonight." She wet a handkerchief in the water and set it on Bricu's forehead.

"Lemme guess. Bloody nocturnal bastards, with the light' o'the most sacred moon they cure me with...what ? Herbs? What the hells are they gonna do?" Bricu unfolded the handkerchief and covered his face. "I don't want ta see what'm Startin' ta see. Like just after Stratholme--the last time we went." Bricu fidgeted, trying to get more comfortable. "Right. What needs ta happen. We gotta talk ta Tarq, maybe Ceil, an....shite, who else does Ulth trust? Chryste? Saffy?"

Threnn's face fell. "Visions again?"

Anna looked up from translating. "So the voices didn't so much go away as changed into something else." They shared a look over Bricu's handkerchief-covered face.

Threnn said, "'s a ritual of some sort. We're to meet him down by the pools this evening. Ulth trusts you, and Tarq. Maybe me, to a point--he sent a letter from the North. Chryssy, too, yeah."

"Well, the Echoes are back. Mostly the Bloody Prince at this point. What he wants outta here. It's... Strewth." Bricu fidgeted some more. "Right, what we need ta do is get that lot, us included, ta talk ta him. We need another group for her. Tirith, Elyle, Seylon, Ale....who else? Sky?" Bricu began to full-on squirm.

"Love? The hell's going on?" Threnn pulled up a corner of the handkerchief.

Bricu forced himself to remain composed--his voice flat as he tried to keep from screaming. "Arthas' vision for Darnassus...its not as violent as his plan for Stormwind--he wants ta grind that under his boot. Worse than Stratholme. But there's somethin' with this World Tree..what he wants is ta use it. Bloody hell, does he want ta use it. Gimme somethin' else ta plan. If she's got her hooks inta him, we're gonna need proof--the other group is gonna need ta do the same an' keep her contained. Stormrunners need ta be slick 'bout it..."

"Anna, go find a druid named Arabis. Broken teeth, probably pissed off. If you can't find him, find Noren. Tell them we're ready, sooner the better after all, yeah? Go."

Anna didn't argue. She paused only to slip the journal into her satchel, then she took off at a sprint.

"Okay, that book is the proof, beyond that, all we have are the things she's slipped up and said. And she burned Ulth once somehow, by accident. Just before our wedding." Threnn tried getting Bricu into a sitting position. "Where's the best place to stage a confrontation, then? Say she suddenly remembers who she was while we're trying to talk to her. Where do we want to be?"

Bricu didn't resist as Threnn sat him up. "If Ulth says that the book is a forgery, we'd need word from someone else ta say it ain't. The burnin' he'll just blow off....So someone else needs ta say this is real. Don't know who the hell that would be. Rayla? Genise's dimwitted apprentice. She'd be able ta show through magic that its real. Now for her...

"Strewth, Annie didn't argue? She's gotta be a bit scared, eh?" Bricu took a few deep breaths before continuing. "It needs ta be where we can talk without her jumpin' inta 'propriety' talk. IF we do it in the cathedral....shite, we need a slick bastard too. We'll need Finny an' Annie ta confront her. With the muscle o'Elyle an' Teeth an' Lanna, an' Ila's shadow magic, they should keep it tagether. An' safe. Maybe Delion. Shite. Delion! Part o'her still fancies him yeh know....but na, Del'd be a shite choice. Del'd get her ta be defensive from the get go. So we'd need Del for Ulth--an' when we're done, Del can return the book. I want copies o'it first.....maybe they'll return a copy. BALLACKS! Did Annie take the book with her?"

"No, it's in her bag. She probably didn't want us to forget it. Do you want to look at it?" Threnn made sure Bricu was propped up before she retrieved Anna's pack.

"Nah, I don't want ta look at it. I want ta feel it. Gonna keep that bloody kerchief on me face ta keep the visions smaller....somethin' was right 'bout it. Can yeh bring it to us love?"

Threnn sat back down and pulled the book out, guiding Bricu's hands to it. "If this thing starts making it worse, I'm knocking it away. Fair warning."

"Och, love, its not the book. Its the weeks without sleep..." Bricu opened the book and flipped through the pages. "Och, that's what I thought. The spine is thick, but there don't seem ta be many pages. If yeh feel here," he took her hand and put it on the torn pages, "yeh can feel it. Missin pages....like ten pages or so. Someone's keepin' secrets. Even more secrets."

Threnn hmmphed. "Sometime between when you two went looking for it and when I came back, the voices changed. Thought that might've been the catalyst." She frowned at the feel of missing pages. "Does this mean another round of sneaking?"

"No, no more sneakin'. No...what brought this one is....strewth, I've got no idea. IT makes no bloody sense. I've been gettin' worse since we got the bloody thing....could be I'm just worn out. Burnin' the last o'it as I, well, waste away. Fact is, those pages could say a shite load--but who do we ask?" Bricu sighed. "We got what we needed, an' pretty bloody soon, we're gonna get a result. Speakin' o'which, I think we confront Indi where she thinks its neutral, but we know better. I'm thinkin' an Aldor enclave."

Threnn only half-heard the last sentence. "'Waste a--' don't you bloody dare. This druid says he can get rid of this. You're going to let him. He... hell. He says you've been touched by Nightmare."

"Nightmare Nancy? She never touched me! Och, I've had failings in judgment--long before we got married mind yeh--but never with her. She's got the pox...and she does weird stuff." Bricu paused. "The nightmare, huh? That thing in the Dream? How'd I get so lucky?"

"Is she the one who... No, wait, I don't want to know." Threnn took a new handkerchief from Anna's pack and wetted it. "Here, switching that one out. It's getting warm. And he didn't say how he thought it happened, just that you are." She bit her lip, then plowed on. "He, uh, seems to have met you before."

"Wait. Cracked teeth? Och.... The one I hit a few years ago?" Bricu kept his eyes clenched. "Bittertongue's law--if anything can go wrong, it'll get bloody worse. He said he'd help?"

"He did. Took some convincing, but he'll be here." She smoothed the new handkerchief down. "Likely he'll be kind of smug about it. Try not to break the rest of his teeth?"

"I can do that. I mean, it'd be bloody easy ta hit him..." Bricu chuckle turned into a cough. "I'd just give a kiss. Andorhal kiss."

"Not until the ritual's done, love."

[Bricu]

Annalea walked swiftly out of the Temple of the Moon, smiling and making eye contact with each sister, acolyte and novice she saw. There was no need for worry or concern—she was just in a hurry. Running would attract attention, and the attention could lead back to Threnn and Bricu. She kept reminding herself to avoid unbecoming behavior and attention from the temple. Outside, Anna broke into a run towards the Tree of Ancients. Decorum did not matter outside of the Temple.

She found Arabis and Norren next to Lelani and her mistsabers. The two druids were watching the cats at play. Annalea noticed one cat, a large black mistabre with green eyes, seperate from the rest. She was drawn to him; he was watching her every move. Even with her experience working with the big cats it was unsettling. Annalea whistled at Arabis and Norren. Arabis rolled his eyes while Norren smiled at her. Both druids walked down from the ancient to speak with her.

Norren spoke first. "Hello Songbird, is your sister's wife well?"

"Norren, it is good to see you again! And no, Bricu has a fever now and he's begun to hallucinate."

Norren frowned while he nodded.

"Then we'd best hurry. He deserves punishment for his actions..but this is not something I would wish for him." Abaris said. He sighed as he leaned over to Norren and kissed him goodbye. "I will see you when I am done saving the one who ruined my teeth."

"Abaris, do not hold a grudge. It is unbecoming and it makes you ugly." Norren smiled before he continued. "I will see you for our evening meal. Goodbye Songbird."

[Bricu]

Abaris kept pace with Annalea as they hurried back to the temple; however, he did not slow down as they reached the temple's doors. When he was halfway up the stairs to the room they had commandeered, Abaris turned and waited for her. "This is a serious matter Songbird. You should hurry."

"While it is serious, sir, causing a stir would be detrimental to us all," she said sweetly.

Abaris stood his ground and waited for her. The two walked the rest of the way to the room. "Your sister's husband is a sick man, and a dangerous one," he said in Darnassian as they reached the door.

"Which is why we've asked you for help." Anna smiled sweetly and moved towards the door.

Abaris held his ground and lectured her. "You do not understand. He is, and has been, tained by the Nightmare for a long time. Shadows hang around him, as does the Nightmare. We can cut its influence, but this will not be the last time he has these problems. You need to be vigilant and careful."

"Fine. Go in and do what you can, then get out as fast as you can."

"I plan to. Why do you suggest it?"

"Either Bricu's going to hit you again or I will."

Abaris glowered at Anna, but kept his mouth shut. He opened the door for her, as per decorum, and followed her in.

"Here he is. Sit on your hands, brother-mine," said Anna as she strode into the room. Bricu followed his sister-in-law's advice.

Abaris watched Annalea cross the room before addressing Bricu. He stood over Bricu and began to examine his head, removing the damp cloth covering his eyes. "Bittertongue, what do you see?"

"Strewth squire, I didn't think yeh'd come. Right now...I see a dead tree where Darnassus stands, just a giant version o'those stone trees in Deadwind Pass--an' Sorrow's Pass."

"What do you hear?"

"Cryin'. Just soft cryin'. Banshee's cryin'."

"I see. Open your eyes for me." Abaris put his hand on Bricu's forehead then frowned.

"I'd rather not do it. Then I see other shite."

"I do not care for what you see, I care to see your eyes. Open them."

Bricu opened his eyes and said nothing else. He grabbed onto his forearms,digging his nails into his skin. His eyes were bloodshot, his pupils dialated so wide that his eyes looked like a different shade. Abaris turned to Threnn, "Did you see this?"

"NO she didn't see it. I shut me eyes an' put on a towel."

Abaris waited for Threnn's response.

"No. I didn't see them."

"Does he have visions often?"

"Och, only when I have bad dreams."

Threnn shook her head, "No, but he has had them before. After trips to Stratholme, typically."

"Understandable. Grayson told me of your troubles there."

"Did he also tell yeh 'bout me troubles with him?"

Abaris ignored Bricu again. "We need to get him to the pools below. The taint caused by the Nightmare needs to be purged from him."

"OI, answer me yeh tosser!"

"Bittertongue, you lost any authority when you punched me in the mouth. Now be quiet." He turned to Threnn and Annalea. "Each of you, help guide him down. Keep the cloth on his head and cover his eyes."

Bricu started to work his way out of the chair, "Oi! Hold on here."

Threnn put a hand on Bricu's shoulder, "Love. Just relax. I'm right here."

Bricu stopped his protests and returned to grinding his teeth.

[Bricu]

With Abaris in the lead, Threnn and Annalea led Bricu to the Waters of Elune. Bricu didn't struggle or speak, but Threnn could hear him grinding his teeth. She squeezed his shoulder, and he relented until they reached the ground floor of the temple.

Abaris pointed to a deep end of the pool. "Threnn, walk Bittertongue to the center there, then join me at the edge of the pool."

"No. I'll walk him there and I'll stand with him there, but I'm not leaving him."

"Why must you all be so--" Abaris broke into Darnassian out of sheer frustration.

"Careful, that kind of langauge is forbidden in Elune's Temple." Anna said with a grin.

"Very well. When I begin the ritual, cast your spells of healing." Abaris looked a Annalea, still sneering, "Songbird, stand here." He pointed towards Bricu's left. "You will call the Shadows around you, and the energies collecting around Bricu will rush to you. Elune's waters will keep you safe from harm. "

"Oi," Bricu interrupted, but Abaris raised his voice.

"The Nightmare is attracted to Shadow. so it--"

"Oi." Bricu spoke up enough for Threnn to hear him, but Abaris continued.

"...Will go to you. If we are fast enough, you will feel nothing. If not..."

"Ah, bugger." Bricu said, then slumped to his knees.

Threnn caught him before he fell into the waters. "Druid! Start your bloody ritual, or I'll finish what my husband started!"

Abaris began his spells, while Threnn channeled the Light into Bricu. As Abaris uttered his last prayer, a small, shimmering black cloud became visible. It encircled Bricu's head, swirling and changing shape as others saw it. Its apperance startled Threnn, who lost her balance and fell into the waters. Threnn stood up as soon as she could--Bricu knelt in the pool, stock still. Abaris called upon his rituals and began healing both Bricu and Threnn before shifting into the Tree of Life.

"Now, Songbird!"

Annalea called the Shadows around her, and the dark cloud around Bricu's head swirled faster. It began to pull away from Bricu, getting weaker as Threnn and Abaris' combined magics weakened it further. The cloud floated towards Annalea but as it reached her, it was no more than a puff of smoke. She exhaled sharply and it dissipated.

Abaris shifted back to his sneering self. Annalea rushed into the water and helped Bricu and Threnn to their feet. Bricu was standing on his own, but Threnn was examining him closely.

"Well?" Annalea asked.

Threnn put her hand to Bricu's forehead--the fever was gone. "No fever. Love, how do you feel?"

Bricu yawned, then stretched his arms. "Bloody tired. Strewth."

"And what do you see?" Abaris asked.

"I see my beautiful bride, her stubborn sister an' a bloke who I owe a thank yeh to."

"Then my work is done. For now." Abaris turned his sneer onto Threnn, "Remember what you have seen here, for if he is not careful, it will happen again. You are not prepared for Nightmare."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank yeh. Druid."

Abaris turned and walked out of the temple in reply.

Bricu leaned on Threnn, smiling. "I'll buy him a hippogriff...now ladies, I need ta sleep. Help us to our room?"

Threnn took Bricu by the hand and pulled him into their room in the Temple.

Annalea watched them climb the stairs, then walked out of the temple. Blocking her way was the same black Mistsabre that stared at her at the Ancient. He watched her carefully. Annalea shoo'd at him, using the phrases she learned while apprenticing with Lelani. He snorted--more a laugh than anything else--and Annalea thought she saw him exhale a cloud of Nightmare, the same that hovered over Bricu's head. The two continued to stare at each other, until the black cat ran off towards the other mistsabres.

Frowning, Annalea walked towards the trader's tier, humming a song off-key.

[Tirith]

((Awesomeness. I don't want to miss the confrontation with Indy at the end of all this.))