A carefully wrapped present addressed to Grogkor with a bloody note. by Anaie

[Keeper Of Lore]

((FYI all of this was discussed with Cessily first ooc in game.))
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Anaie stretched slowly from her crouched position, looking down at the bloody mess below her. The elf Cessily had not really resisted when the attack took place, which came as a bit of a surprise to Anaie considering the fire that she normally showed when she spoke.

A lack of resistance did not mean she did not scream however, and Anaie could not help but let a sadistic smile creep across her face as she thought back to the agonizing screams that filled the woods of Ashenvale not five minutes ago. The girl was no longer conscious, the pain and shock of the event causing her to pass out. She would continue to breathe, a rarity considering how she had spoken to Anaie earlier in the evening.

An' here I thought dat our little talk in the jungles of Stranglethorn so long ago may have actually helped her learn to mind her tongue...Anaie thought to herself.

She should have cut out the girls tongue, but then she would never know if she learned a lesson or not. If she could no longer speak, then no discipline would be needed to remember the lesson. No this is a prize that will do just as well... she mused.

She left the unconscious elf's body on a hill near Zoram'gar outpost, where an Orc guard would see it soon enough. Mounting Nageater, Anaie rode with her new prize hanging from her belt. Straight through the Night Elf town of Astranaar where she kept Cessily from harm and deep in blood earlier in the evening, and onward until she reached Spintertree Post.

Dismounting and moving into the Inn, she took out a quill and parchment. On it she wrote a small note.

My love, I cannot stand by and be insulted by this whelp any longer. I know you wished her tongue but I have my reasons as to what I have chosen. I also know that you were only trying to scare the girl, as you could not raise your hand to harm a fellow Grim... but I no longer wear the tabard, and am not bound by its codes. As always, I would die by any Grims side in battle, but this one, she needed to learn to mind her words. Her belief that she was a superior race and that she could speak to any and all as such should be diminished a bit now... I hope you like my gift to you. Also, do not fear that may have infected her with the plague... I made sure to draw any of my own blood before slicing her supple flesh.

Forever yours,
-A

Anaie folded up the note, set it aside, and picked up the small box to hold her prize. Reaching down to her belt she held up two beautiful, long pointed ears, the blood still dripping from the perfect slices where they had joined the elf girls head. A few drops of blood splattered on the back of the folded note and Anaie smiled as she placed the ears into the box. Tying the ribbon around it carefully, and tucking the note under the ribbon safely, she handed it to the goblin postmaster with the coins to send it on its way.

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Kiaransalius

Kiaransalius heard her cry over the hearthstone. Cessily, while outspoken, was Grim, and Kiara enjoyed her presence greatly. The two had fought side by side before, and Kiara always looked forward to the day they would again.. but now, Cessily sounded like she was in great pain, and Kiara vowed to help find and aid her.

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Skumm

Skumm and Drinn were together in a dark corner of Orgrimmar catching up with each other when Cessily's voice transmitted through the stone. Weakly, she said, "I think I need a doctor..." Her voice trailed off to silence. Skumm spoke, saying "Cessily, where ye be?"

She didn't respond. Skumm held the stone close to his face and listened carefully. He could recognize the familiar sounds of Ashenvale, where the rogues had been gathered earlier that night.

"Drinn," He said, "We fly te Splintertree post."

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Aquizit

Her ears?!

Aquizit's mind raced as he wandered through Shattrath Tuesday morning, looking for that ever elusive coffee vendor so he could enjoy something hot with his bladespire bagel.

Why would -- who would..?

He shook his head, remembering the conversation with Jabiba regarding the fellow sin'dorei's actions and experiences earlier last evening. After the rogue had been found underneath one of the great Ashenvale trees. She seemed almost beyond comprehension, almost out of touch. Aquizit chalked that up to the loss of blood. After all, she was drenched in it. And it flowed still from the clean slices down the side of her head. Where her ears -used- to be..

Apparently there was an issue.. too many suspects though. The hunter, Grog.. something.. Grogkor, yes.. I had fought with him in the Dragonkiller's lair. Jabiba had said Cessily angered him greatly. And that he had chased her down after Syreena's rogue meeting. But --- no, that doesn't make sense! He wields a giant axe, and has taken quite a few too many hits to the head to take ears that cleanly without taking half her head with it. The shaman also said she was protected.. and left along after awhile. Nor the two-faced priest the troll was mumbling about. Deathsomething, whatever. Both are also Grim. It is against the Mandate, lest they risk the Mistress' wrath..

He sighed, brushing his fingers over the small crystal pendant he wore around his neck, closing his eyes as his thoughts drifted out.

"Lieutenant?"

A familiar mind came back to him, and a smirk fluttered over his lips. Loyalty still held meaning these days, and he was pleased the rogue had kept his means of communication from the Brigade.

"Yeah?"

"Xion, we've had an issue. It seems I could use some Cartel experience after all. I think I need to call on that favor. We've an investigation to run."

There was a pause.. longer than he was comfortable with. He was afraid for a moment that he wouldn't be able to accept.

"Where do you want to meet?"

Aquizit's smirk widened, loyalty -did- mean something still.

As much a loudmouth as she is.. and as much as I'm sure it's her own fault she's been mutilated, she is Grim. I will do my part...

And so, he schemed...

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Drinn

((i'm just going to assume we're all taking out bits and pieces from the story and posting in our own fuxt'd up time line/character view.))

"Ye only be only sorry ye weren't there to see it." Skumm smirked as he rubbed his jaw.

"Oh yes…", the Elf rolled her eyes as she toyed with a small gnomish effigy in her hands, her words complacent with sarcasm. "It keeps me up at night."

It was business as usual in the city of Orgrimmar as the pair sat perched between the buildings, chatting in their usual spot within the Drag. Quietly the soft whispers of distress echoed through their hearthstones simultaneously. The whimper was pained, familiar, female.

The Forsaken became rigged as he grabbed the stone from his pocket and held it to his twisted mouth.

"Cessily where ye be?"

Drinn leaned forward.

"Cess…?"

There was no answer.

"It be soundin' like she be in trouble." There wasn't any need to say anything else. They both stood and scaled down the side of the building and hurried towards the Flight Master. They had seen her only a few short hours before at the Rogue meeting held in Ashenvale and that was where they headed.

"I'll head to the shore. Ye stay here by the post." Without waiting for a response Skumm mounted his silvery worg and left the gates of the Splinter Tree compound leaving Drinn where they had landed.

---

The Sin`dorei swallowed. Her throat was dry. She was anxious.

Drinn paced the compound for what seemed like hours, her hearthstone alive with chatter.

"Have you found her?"
"No."
"Attune me."
"Aye, attune me as well. I will come look!"

Apparently the rest of the Grim noted the sense of urgency held within the missing Elf's cries.

Drinn kicked at the ground in frustration. How long had it been? Surely Skumm couldn't expect her to just stand here. He more then anyone should be able to understand that. They had been in a much similar situation some months back.

The Elf summoned her ram and climbed up onto its saddle and rode out from the compound. Patience was not one of her stronger points.

"Tell me where you are… Cess…"

"Drinn.." Her voice was frail. "No." Cessily coughed. "I don't want you to see me like this…"

"You stupid wench… tell me where you are." Drinn softened her tone. "Please Cess… where are you?"

"I…I..don't know." Her voice quivered as through she were crying. "I see the road.. some strange rock."

Drinn yanked on the reigns of her ram and turned it sharply towards to the road, it hooves pounding through the brush. She was going to find her friend. There was no other option.

---

"Cessily!?" Her voice was harsh; she had put away her stone and was simply yelling into the dark as she rode down the same stretch of road for the third time. Something whimpered from behind a tree and Drinn slid off her mount.

"Its me.." the sharp, metallic smell of blood flooded Drinn's nostrils as she cautiously approached.

Cessily leaned herself against the base of the tree. Her ears, her most defining feature, were gone. Her wounds camouflaged within her matted red hair. Cessily shuddered and suppressed a weak cry in the back of her throat as she meet Drinn's gaze.

"Drinn… my ears.." Her cheeks where stained wet with tears, the rest of her face streaked with dirt and so much blood.

Drinn held her breath a moment and then swallowed hard.

"I found her." Her hand squeezed the stone in her pocket, linking her to the rest of the search party.

"What .. who..", She went to her friends side to embrace her, comfort her. Instinctively her hands came up to the sides of Cessily's head but fell short and recoiled. The sight was unnerving. Cessily gave no response.

Jabiba was the first of the group to arrive. The Troll clumsily dismounted from his raptor and lumbered over to the two elves with a confused look on his face.

"Do something, Troll." The Elf hissed.

"I didna do anythin'.."he replied, not having fully understood the scene. He paused and it made sense she was making a request and not placing blame.
"Right den." The shaman started to work with his healing totems as others arrived to crowd them. Gasps and hurried whispers upon seeing what Cessily was left with was the general response. Amongst the confusion the Mistress of the Grim had arrived and took her place in the center of them, her posture no less stern given the situation. Her mouth coiled into a grimace holding nothing more then a look of disgust, if not pity as she looked down at the maimed elf.

"Leave us." Lascivious ordered and took a step towards Cessily . The group shifted at her request, all except Drinn.

"I'm not going anywhere." Drinn spat out and positioned herself behind the other rogue her hands coming to her shoulders in a protective pose.

Lascivious canted her head in an almost amused fashion, her eyes slitted as she spoke pointedly. "Don't make me kill you..."

Drinn tensed, her jaw tightening in defiance. She was the Mistress. Her word was law but who was she to push her from her friend? Where had she been when Cessily had been attacked before and by members of their own Mandate? Where had she been when Deathshadow came against Mogok, crippled dear Skumm. He'd never be the same. Now she was acting with her authority? Now? Dramatics. The Elf glowered, furious. Still the disapproving looks of the others reminded her this was not her place. Hesitantly Drinn released her grip on the other elf's shoulders and stepped away towards to the road where Skumm stood.
Lascivious turned her attentions back to Cessily still the others stayed precariously close.

Skumm sighed. His tone was less then pleased, "Lets go."

Drinn nodded with a defeated frown and they both called their mounts to leave the party.

"Give us some fucking privacy!" The Mistress boomed at the others.

"You have your fucking privacy!" Drinn returned hastily from over her shoulder with a growl as she settled onto her ram. Skumm looked over with his eyes wide. The Elf only shook her head before spurring her mount and headed back to the post without waiting.

As she rode all she could see was the blood. The gore. Cessily. Her hands clenched as she regripped the leather of the reigns. The petty fighting within the Grim had gone too far and now they pay attention. The thought only fed her anger. She was close to shaking with rage as Skumm road past her, his worg much faster then sad beast she had acquired during Brewfest.

"Hey..", he called to her as he paced himself just steps ahead.

"Go away." Her words were quick.

"Why?"

Skumm circled his frost wolf around her and she halted. She didn't know how to respond, how to articulate her thoughts. She needed time to sit back and fully absorb what just had happened. Finally the Elf responded with the first hurtful thing that she could grasp onto. Her voice was distant and cold, "I'm in no mood to play silly little games with any of you..Grim."

The Forsaken's shoulders squared as he narrowed his eyes, hiding his surprise. "Aye then."

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Deathshadowz

"Primalfang..."

Death called to his old Shaman friend, a friend who was lost in battle. He felt his presence. Despite Fang being mute, Death always knew what he said, and what he meant. Even without looking at him.

Death had heard the news about Cessily shortly after the others did, and he was furious. While of course, Cessily was not his favorite, nor did he even enjoy her presence, he cared about her. He cared about all Grim, and sometimes His actions prove differently.

"I warned you Anaie... For harming this Grim, the same punishment will be placed on you."

Primalfang would of course reply, "Friend, I see your desire to seek righteous vengeance, but Anaie is not weak in any means at all. You would be slaughtered."

"Your right, Fang", Death replied. "I cannot defeat her... But I know someone who can.

Death kneeled down, and inhaled deeply. Death rised, but Shadow grinned.

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Chaindog

"Lucky Grogkor, elf ears always be tasting better den da pork rinds..." says Chaindog after she hears the news from all the gossip.

[Keeper Of Lore]

Kiaransalius turned to leave at the Mistress' command, but stopped after the words "Kiara stay" followed shortly thereafter. She turned back and nodded, forcing herself to look at Cessily, trying to be strong.

Kiara always put on a strong front in front of the others, but she was having a very difficult time holding back the tears that were welling in her eyes.

Do not cry... the will know you are weak if you cry... she thought.

"All will be okay Cessily...." she said softly as she caressed the girls hair.

"Kiara, heal her." came the Mistress' words.

Kiara nodded and called upon the Light for various healing spells. She frowned as each one only healed the injuries slightly, closing the tears in the flesh, but not able to regrow the portions that were removed.

"My powers are not yet at full strength, I fear this is the best that I can do..."

She stood by silently as the Mistress spoke with Cessily. Hearing the information of the skull faced attacker that seemed to take an enjoyment in hearing Cessily's screams.

"Kiara, take her to safety and care for her this evening." Lascivious stated.

"Yes Mistress" she replied as she wrapped an arm around the girls waist.

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Bloodscream

Bloodscream shopped in Orgrimaar. He examined all manner of item: rings, statues, candles, weapons they had so much stuff in Orgrimaar.

"Awfully quiet on the guildstone at the moment" he thought to himself...A pleasant change from the often constant bickering that flooded it of late.

He smiled quietly and shopped.

[Keeper Of Lore]

"I'm in no mood to play silly little games with any of you..Grim."

Skumm looked at Drinn a moment longer. She was angry - and with good reason. Ever since Shadow attacked her, Drinn had become increasingly distrustful of other Grim, and disappointed in the leadership that had failed to protect her.

Now this.

She needed some time for her anger to cool. At the moment, it would be difficult to talk to her. Better to let her be for a little while.

Skumm's gaze softened. "Aye then," he said, simply. He dismounted, then walked his Worg along the road leading away from her.

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Guduk

Rumor spreads, words travel faster then a Paladin flee's from a fight.

Guduk strolls through Shattrath, glancing at the Hearthstone and shakes it a bit to make sure its working, no arguments, no comments, just quiet.

Guduk sighs and tucks his stone away as he approaches one of the city portals, he had always threatened Cessily with a Shield in the face for her actions, he never thought someone would remove her ears.

Guduk smiles to himself for a moment 'Even a warrior decked out in full plate could likely sneak up on the Blood elf now and not be noticed until it is too late' the smile turns into a frown and he breaths deeply 'looks like I will need to make sure the Alliance don't take advantage of that until she learns'

He turns in his steps to start searching for Cessily, another idle thought in his head 'You know, this would be the first time I really am going to Meet this verbal miscreant..'

[Keeper Of Lore]

The night had not given the elf much resolve. She still had so much conflict and struggled to place her course of action. At least now she was calmer, more composed. Her thoughts went to Cessily. They had been barely on speaking terms in the days leading up to the girls attack yet that didn't make much difference. She needed to know how her old classmate was doing and brought her stone to her mouth.

"Cessily."

"W..what."

"How are you?" Her voice was soft with concern. Cessily, as expected, didn't sound like herself.

"Drinn! That damn orc found me again!.. I can't take this!" Her voice was less urgent then it had been the night before and Drinn had assumed she was speaking of events that had already taken place. She wanted to be with her.

"Where are you?"

"Ferals."

"Give me specifics."

"The Twin Colossal."

Drinn returned the stone to her pocket with out saying anything else. What she needed to say was something that should be done in person.

---

Drinn road down the winding path towards the landmark Cessily had given when something moved in her peripheral vision. A large Orc stood with his back to her, his form massive in stature. The orc was obviously occupied because he did not bother to look up as she approached.

"You're a monster!" Cessily's voice yelled.

Drinn recognized the orc now as Grogkor, one of the Grim's own hunters. Cessily was pushed up against the side of a form of slopping rocks with the orc looming down at her.

"What's going here?" Drinn spoke loudly breaking the orcs attention.

"Drinn!", Cessily looked over to her friend with wide eyes.

Drinn didn't wait for much more before she positioned herself in the space between to the two of them. Cessily at her back.

The orc stood up straighter with a roll to his shoulders and grinned baring his tusks. "Grog jus make sure Illid know lesson. Grog nub tink illid know."

Cessily quivered behind her and placed her hands on Drinn's waist. Drinn narrowed her eyes and glared at the hunter

"I don't think Grog need be concerned whut de illid nub know...", she mimicked the orcs accent.

Grogkor's grin only brightened and he took one large step toward her, "Other Illid make fun of Grog."
His large hand came up to caress the side of Drinn's face as he spoke. "Dat nub be too smart. Whut keep Grog from makin both illid dead?"

Drinn fought to keep from recoiling from his touch and grabbed at the black and red tabard that the orc wore over his armor, it matched her own. She twisted her hand and pulled the fabric up towards his face.

"This should be enough."

"Whut?" Grogkor broke in a guttural laugh and smoothed his hand down pushing Drinn's grasp away, straightening the fabric. He looked amused. "Dat nub anything. Illid need to learn dat Grog people let Illid in horde. illid need to be thank for that. Horde before Grim."
Grogkor stepped back as he pulled his stone from some place in his armor and showed it to Drinn in an all most playful fashion before speaking into it.

"Grim. Grog got sumthin' he want say. Grog use be proud to call Grim brother. Nub now. Nub anymore."

Cessily repositioned her grasp on Drinn and screamed at the orc from over her friend's shoulder, her voice erratic. "Lascivious will kill you if you touch me!"

Grogkor bellowed with a laugh again and held his side as if it hurt. "Illid nub hide behind Mistress forever. Mistress be illid wall but dat wall will fall soon. Illid need know."

"Fuck you!" Cessily's voice cracked.

The orc's grin twisted with a deep growl, pulling his axe from his belt and shoved Drinn to the side. He brought his axe down hard and quick to the ground beside Cessily but surprisingly the elf did not move.He growled angrily once again. "Grog not kill illid. Grog promise. Grog teach illid through lesson wit whut illid care about. Tell Grog, dis hurt?"

Drinn righted herself only to be brought to the ground again by one of the orc's massive fists. Cessily screamed and that seemed to only drive Grogkor to continue with the pummeling until his fists were slick from the elf's blood, though as promised, he made sure to not kill her.

"You're a monster!" Cessily paced. She wanted to flee but was not about to leave Drinn. "Lascivious will know!"

Grogkor kicked the crumpled form of Drinn for effect before stepping over her towards his real focus. He didn't bother adding anything else to the conversation. Grogkor's speech was simple but always to the point. He back handed Cessily and she fell on all fours under the weight of the slap. Before Cessily had even enough time to look up the orc's boot connected with her head, splitting it open. The elf didn't make a sound. She was still.

Grogkor snorted in disgust and shook off his boot. "Illid know now respect."

He turned and knelt at Drinn's side, digging into various pouches. "Grog nub want dis. But Illid now know."

Retrieving a vial of viscous fluid he brought it to his mouth, biting at the cork that sealed the potion and spat at the ground. The liquid seemed to glow as he poured it over the elf's wounds and then he tended to her with bandages. Satisfied he grunted and called his mount.

((There was a bit more to the conversation but you get the idea. Grog you're incredibly hard to understand! Hope I didn't rape your dialogue too much!
Oh and i guess I should mention that all I'm typing has already happened ICly in game. I'm just reposting my accounts and not following any particular timeline.. for those who are interested in stepping. ><))

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Thysta

*A clean, neat note is delivered to Lascivious*

My dear Mistress,

It has come to the attention of this humble priestess that some sort of naughtiness
has occurred amongst the brethren. I am unclear as to the specifics of this matter,
but please know that I serve your will.

While I understand that many of the brethren are quite...spirited, I am simply
beside myself knowing that such unruliness has occurred despite the fine
example set by the priesthood of The Grim. This priestess begs of you for
forgiveness...I will redouble my ministrations and make absolutely sure the
brethren have a truly fine example to follow. One that is righteous and pure.

If any of our fine brothers and sisters, in your wise opinion, are in need of...more
focused attention, please do not hesitate to call upon me. I will ministrate to them
personally. Why, I am sure in fact they will scream with the power of the revelation
I will bring to their souls. Sin is corruption. I will cut and cut until it is purged.

The Light be with you,

Thrysta

[Keeper Of Lore]

by Syreena

The Grims were gathered in Thrallmar, preparing to invade the home of Magtheridon when Grogkor approached Syreena. The little rogue knew there was tension between Grogkor and Cessily, but she never believed the funny talking hunter would actually act on his threats.

He told her what happened with Drinn and Cessily earlier that evening. But they weren't dead. He said he left them injured, but he hadn't killed them.

Syreena nodded, trying to focus on the situation, but her mind was still going through her checklist of what she would need for the attack tonight, and she wouldn't be satisfied that she was ready until she made one last check that she had everything she needed.

Memories of long ago also came to her. She remembered a time of long ago, when violence was an accepted form of conflict resolution within the guild. She remembered the hatred between Lupen and Bloodscream, a hatred that once found its way to the lawlessness of the arena in the jungles of Stranglethorn. The old hunter, Laughingcrow had also fought another Grim in that same arena another time. Syreena couldn't remember who, but there weren't many people Laughingcrow didn't find an argument with.

The Grims were violent people, most of whom were more skilled with weapons than with words. The little rogue shrugged and focused again on Grogkor, and made a request. "Don't hurt Drinn again."

Grogkor had told her that the attack was brought on by Cessily's insults against orcs, and based on Cessily's behavior the first time Syreena met her, which happened to be in that same jungle arena, she had no reason to doubt Grogkor's word. But Drinn was just a bystander trying to protect her friend.

Grogkor agreed not to hurt Drinn, and Syreena believed he would keep his word. Things like honor seemed to be important to most orcs.

And then the matter was dismissed from her mind as she resumed her preparations for the evening's attack.

[Keeper Of Lore]

Skumm rose from his resting place in the Undercity. As was his habit, he reached for his stone to see what his friend Drinn was up to. He had an urge to see her in person, considering what had transpired the night before.

"Drinn," he said, "I wish te see ye."

Her reply was terse, "Feralas."

-----

Skumm found her sitting on a rock along the dark coast. She stared out over the ocean. Her armor was ragged and soaked in blood - though strangely the elf looked unharmed. "Drinn, What happened?"

At that moment, Lascivious's voice came over the stone, "Skumm, I sense many of you are in Feralas, are you leading an attack?"

"Nay, mistress, but it looks like Drinn has gotten inte some trouble."

Drinn slowly, steadily, rose to her feet. Her gaze had gone cold. Distant. Lascivious said, "Is she alright? She can move? Then meet me in Camp Mochaje."

-----

Drinn told them both of the attack, and of how Deathshadow appeared briefly and healed Cessily's wounds. Lascivious' kept her calm exterior, though beneath her stoicism one could see the anger welling up within her.

After she had gathered all the information, she asked to speak with Skumm privately.

"Nobody touches Drinn, Las," Skumm announced.

"What's it to you?" she asked.

"She be me friend."

"Is that all there is to it?" Lascivious responded.

Skumm's demeanor relaxed. "She...she be the best friend that I gots, Las."

The Mistress of the Grim looked at the forsaken rogue thoughtfully. "I see."

She reached for his mask. Skumm grabbed her hand. "If you want to keep those fingers, Skumm, you'll let go."

"Earlier," she said, "When I asked you both to remove your masks, you almost begged to keep yours on. I must see what you're hiding beneath there."

Skumm reluctantly loosened his grip on her hand. She lifted his mask, an examined the face Skumm always kept hidden. In truth, it didn't look too different from any other forsaken's face. There were straps, yes, holding together small breaks in the skin and bones, but overall he just looked like the corpse of a man who, in life, some may have found attractive.

He stood tensely with his face exposed. His own insecurity in full view of the keeper of their mandate.

She only smiled at him and left a small kiss on his cheek. "So that's all?" She said. "Go. Be with your friend."

Skumm nodded, then walked off. As he flew out of Feralas he announced over the stone: "Grogkor, not today, but soon, I'll be cuttin that green skin off of yer idiot head."