One Fel Night In Tanaris

While I am a student of Joesph Campbell, I also like to write my own stories. I am a fan of MMORPGs as well. Particularly World of Warcraft. This piece of fan fiction takes place during the Legion Pre-Patch Event.

When one imagines a Desert they usually picture a place of unbearable heat, they do not usually imagine bitter cold. That is what Tanaris was late in the evening, cold. Khaali had spent months tracking down various Marks throughout the Western Continent. Former members of the Twilight Hammer, at least one of which she had had to risk the wrath of the Alliance for. It was Gold however and Khaali was not about to let it slip through her fingers. Most of her targets had been eliminated and she had the evidence of each in one of her leather bags. Which she could feel bumping against her thigh now and then. There was no need to take the bodies, if they were agents of the Legion sometimes she was asked to burn them. Usually however all that was needed was some portion of the body which could be identified through means of Arcane Magic. In her bag she carried the horn of a Tauren, Tusks from several Trolls, and human fingers among other small body parts. What she carried in that bag would excite an Undead, but make anyone else physically ill. It was for that reason she was careful with it's contents. However, carrying the bag was not what troubled her, what troubled her was that there was one Mark on her list which still eluded her. A particularly cruel and Malicious Ogre which was believed to be in Tanaris, called Makabray. How a humanoid so large could elude her she did not know, but she intended to renew her pursuit of him the next Morning. Right now, what Khaali needed was some sleep. As a hired killer Khaali liked to stay the night in Gagetzan, most Assassins like herself did. While Gagetzan might play host to the Alliance it was not the Alliance that Khaali worried about. It was any Assassins which might be looking to collect a bounty on her. While the Goblin Cartel in Gagetzan did not put up with any fighting between Alliance and Horde within their walls. They did not put up with any Assassinations either. Khaali knew that she would likely be able to sleep soundly tonight. She made her way into an Inn and finding a seat at one of the old wooden tables. Then she pulled back her hood revealing a pair of long High Elven ears, long blonde hair braided so not to get in her way while she was working, and a pair of Fel addicted eyes. Khaali was a Blood Elf. As she was settling down into her chair a female Goblin approached her speaking in the usual accent of Goblins, "Evenin I'm Bianka ,what can I get ya there Ma'am?" Khaali thought for a moment then, "Kafa please," as the Blood Elf spoke she laid a few coppers upon the table and the Goblin Bianka took them quickly. "It's a bit late for Kafa, but I can brew you some, Might take a moment." Bianka said and Khaali simply nodded. 

While she waited the Assassin reflected on her previous marks, she had started searching for Makabray in Silithus. A place that no doubt the Twilights Hammer still had some people of their people hiding scattered about the Dunes. This had turned out to be a dead end at least as far as Makabray was concerned. Khaali did however find one of her other Marks in the area, a human. Her name had Lena Ruinfel and she had been hiding in the Mountainous regions surrounding Silithus. The Blood Elf Assassin had made quick work of that one and it was a good start. It was this woman's finger that Khaali kept in her bag now. Lena had worn a ring on that finger from when she had been a Priestess in the Church of Light. Like the Twilight Father who had once been an Archbishop she had betrayed her Faith. After dealing with Ruinfel, Khaali had gotten a lead on another person from her List of Twilight Cultists. This time a Tauren known only as Hateshadow who was believed to be in Feralas. When Khaali found him he was performing the work of a Dark Shaman, attempting to torture and twist the Elements into Servitude. Before Khaali ended this ones life she thought about how no one would ever miss one so cruel. From Hateshadow she took one of his horns to fill her leather bag. Once again she found another lead in some of Hateshadows correspondence. While their letters to each other were often written in code Khaali had seen enough code over her many centuries of life to know what it meant. This lead took her to what had once been Thousand Needles, it had been a Valley but after what Deathwing did it was now filled with water. There on the water she found her third target living on a Riverboat. Khaali doubted that this Goblin had set his feet on land for a long time, this one was called Spoilsag. The boat he had made his home stank. When she climbed from the water stealthily onto his boat to end Spoilsag's life he had been trying to divine something from some fish guts. The Goblins boat was filled with various experiments he had performed on the local wildlife. From this Goblin she had taken an ear. Khaali had taken great care in cleaning not only her blades but herself after that kill. Spoilsag was one of most disgusting Marks she had ever had the displeasure of killing. Unfortunately, Khaali found nothing on that boat that would lead her to her next target because she had burned it. Her next lead had come from from a local Fisherman who had seen an Ogre like Makabray.

Makabray was the most disturbing one on Khaali's list, a murderous Two-Headed Ogre who used the bodies of his Victims to create art. The Ogre wanted to inspire the Void in those who saw his Artwork. Khaali had seen some of his works on Spoilsags ship, it was made from the flesh of several innocents. Makabray believed that every living being was a doorway in which the Void Lords could use to enter our World. It was believed by some that the Void Lords and their Colossal Minions the Old Gods lived in another dimension, a Place between the Stars. In order to enter our realm they needed the assistance of someone on the other side. Soon they would be down one Orge, Khaali was relentless in her pursuit. While Khaali was certainly no Priest she had some experience with the Void. Like all of her people she still suffered with the effects of a prior addiction to the Fel. She had followed Kael'thas Sunstrider into Outland after Arthas had corrupted the Sunwell. While Khaali lived as a refugee in that broken world she had learned about the Void in Netherstorm. Though it still held some mystery for her. She remembered the Ethereals wrapped in their bandages. Their bodies having no physical form after having lost their own world. The memory sent a cold chill up her spine. That is what happens when one is cut off from their home. They lose their identity. These thoughts made goosebumps rise upon Khaali's pale skin. It was then that the young Goblin Bianka returned with a cup of Kafa, "There ya go Miss, careful it's hot!" Khaali was shaken from her dark memories and had to catch her breath. She looked toward the Goblin and thanked her, "Let me know if ya needs anything else, okay!" With that she bounced away and left Khaali to her drink and her memories. It did not take the Assassin long to return to her thoughts, Khaali and her people were just now getting their identity back after the Draenei Valen had healed their Sunwell. The Draenei, another race which had lost their home. Somehow, they did not lose themselves after this loss like the Ethereals. They still had their identity. Khaali knew that those like Makabray needed to die. Azeroth could not become like Outland. Already the Blood Elf had experienced what it was like to have to find herself again after the loss of the Sunwell. If the Burning Legion or Twilight's Hammer had their way Azeroth would be destroyed. Whomever survived would be left floating in the Great Abyss, their bodies formless. Lost to wander the Great Expanding Dark for Eternity. The Blood Elf quit her Brooding and took up her Kafa and began to drink. The heat from the cup warming her body and helping her to shake off the chill. Though Khaali wondered was it the cold she felt from the empty desert of Tanaris or her thoughts.

It was then that Khaali was fully shaken from her Dark Reverie when some seated themselves beside her. There were few who could sneak up on her like that, she turned to see a man in armor that would shine like the light of the sun were it not covered in mud and grime from his adventures. "Sir Geoff Lightflame," Khaali addressed him as she rolled her eyes and he replied, "Miss Khaali Moonchaser, it is a pleasure to see you here." Geoff Lightflame was a Human Paladin, he was good at it as well and Khaali respected him. He was skilled with his blade, but he was also compassionate. While some Paladins spent their free time boasting of their exploits, Lightflame always left his campaigns to work on humanitarian efforts throughout Azeroth. No doubt it was one of these efforts which brought him to Tanaris. "What brings you to Tanaris Geoff, it must be some dirty work." Khaali said as she gestured to the mud which dripped from Geoff's armor, "There were some refugees in Duskwallow Marsh looking for a place to settle. After recent events that area is still not safe. We are moving them back to the Eastern Continent. We had to make the trek from Dustwallow Marsh to Tanaris. There are no ships docking at what used to be Theramore Isle right now." At this Khaali nodded, Kalimdor was becoming increasingly unsafe for humans or anyone associated with the Alliance. "What about you Khaali what brings you to Tanaris? Are you antiquing again?" This was Geoff's way of teasing Khaali. Thefirst time they met Khaali had been hunting the Scarlet Crusade. It hadn't taken Geoff long to figure out what Khaali was up to. Her cover was that she was seeking antiques in the lands of Northrend, particularly antiques which had once belonged in a Church of the Light. Khaali had claimed they had been brought over by Members of the Scarlet Crusade. She had only wanted Geoff to point her in the proper direction. "Yes," Khaali replied to Geoff's question herself not wanting to blow her cover. The last thing she needed was to alert the Goblin Cartel that there was an Assassin in their Inn. "Well, it isn't really antiques this time more like artifacts. Artifacts that once belonged to an Ogre." Khaali said to Geoff then in a hushed tone, "Artifacts of the Twilight's Hammer variety." At that Geoff became more quiet, "In that case I hope you find them. I am sure they will fetch a hefty price." Geoff was not unfamiliar with the Twilight's Hammer and had crossed swords with them in the past. "I did see some Orges on the way here, perhaps..." Geoff was about to offer something when he was stopped by the Goblin Waitress Bianka. The little Green Skinned creature was livid, "Ya know, some people have the common decency to leave their armor at the door. Your making a big mess on our floor. One that is not going to be easy to clean up." She gestured to all the mud that was dripping off Geoff's armor onto the floor of the Inn.

As Khaali was laughing hearing the Goblin Waitress dress down Geoff the Blood Elf felt something strange wash over her. Something both strange and familiar somehow. It brought back memories of the times after Arthas Marched on Quel' Thalas. Khaali had been sick, her body had been weak. What remained of the Blood Elf Capital was in ruins. Her people were wasting away in the streets. Khaali had a room in Silvermoon that she stayed in when she was home. From that room she watched as a Lynx roamed the streets unhindered and the plants had become overgrown. There was no one to trim them, the gardeners had grown too weak as well. There was hope that relief would come from Stormwind, but it never did. However, a handsome Messenger from Outland came bringing a message of Hope from Sunstrider. The Messenger handed a frail woman a Fel Crystal. As the woman held it she saw the Fel energies wash out and over her body revitalizing her. Hair that had grown pale had color again, skin that had withered showed vigor, and her growing madness faded. Khaali took a Fel Crystal as well and that was the first time she tasted it, the Fel. Her mind came back to the present as the Blood Elf Assassin tried to get Geoff's attention, "Geoff..." The Paladin turned to look at her, the Goblin was wiping away at his armor with a dish rag. "Geoff!" The Blood Elf shouted as she pointed to something. There on the table a rather malicious looking Imp had materialized. The Demon dove for Geoff's throat and the Paladin caught it in his armored fist. Somehow, the creature managed to free itself where it dove onto the face of Bianka biting and clawing. It shouted obscenities in some unknown language. The Goblin Waitress screamed in horror and Khaali rushed to pull the Imp away from her. When it didn't budge Khaali produced a blade which had been sheathed on her forearm. With expert precision she removed the Demons limbs and pried it free from the Goblin's face. Bianka fell to the ground in agony and wailed in Pain. A Tauren woman that had been sleeping in a hammock rushed over, "I am a healer, look at me child. Let me see to your wounds." Khaali looked to where she had tossed the Imp aside. It lay in a pool of stinking black blood writhing as it still shouted curses. Khaali held her blade in a reverse grip and kneeling drove it down hard into the Imps heart. The little monster writhed a last time then expired. The Blood Elf removed her blade and took a cloth from her pocket to clean it. It was then that she heard Geoff, "It isn't time to clean your blades just yet, come see this." The Paladin was standing at the door looking out on the rest of Tanaris.

Outside the Inn the sky above had turned green, the color of the Fel. A woman ran by screaming, like the Goblin inside she had an Imp biting and clawing at her face. Khaali would've went to help, but more and more Demons were materializing all around them. Outside where someone had hung some animal skins Felhounds were tearing them down and fighting over them. A local shop keeper was trading blows with an Eredar. The latter bore red skin similar to what Khaali had seen in the Blood Orcs of Outland. Rather than the pale blue of a Draenei. Before Khaali could select a target she heard Geoff, "Get down!" The Paladin grabbed her and performed a diving roll as a portion roof above them came crashing down then there was a manical laughter, "Time to wake up people of Azeroth, you end has arrived!" As the dust from the debris cleared Khaali saw the reason for the collapse, it was a Mo'arg. Not like any Khaali had seen in Outland. He was large enough to carry a club that he could smash the roof of the Inn with. Around that club was wrapped a skeleton of some creature Khaali was unfamiliar with. No doubt a prior victim of this monstrosity. The blood elf assassin climbed out of Geoff's grasp then, "Geoff, if you can distract this one for me I can take him down." The Paladin nodded and taking up his blade began to trade blows with the monster. Had they had more time no doubt Geoff would be the end of this Brute, but Khaali thought it best to end this conflict now. It was how she fought when in a battle like this, kill the enemy as quickly as possible. This way a Warrior can move onto the next target. If a companion is in trouble you can be there to help them end it. Geoff was parrying one of the Mo'arg's blows when Khaali came down off what remained of the roof nearby. She plunged her blades into both sides of the Demons throat. When she withdraw his dark smelly blood ran down his bulging body. Khaali dove off of the Demon ready to protect herself in case the Demon could still attack. One never knew what they might face with the Legion. Sargeras was always recruiting new races into his endless army, as well as improving on older ones. To make them more lethal and durable on new worlds with environments they might not be familiar. The Mo'arg fell however, spasmed a few times, and died in a pool of it's own filthy blood. Khaali turned to say something to Geoff but he was gone, he Blood Elf Assassin then saw him atop his Gryphon. "There is a Pit Lord approaching and I have always wanted to kill one of those things. I'd love for you to come and watch." Geoff winked as he said that Khaali to which she replied, "This I have to see."

Two two flew out of Gagetzan on the back of a Gryphon, one a Blade of the Light and the other a Blade for Hire. Outside the gates of Gagetzan stood a Pit Lord. The Demon was immense in size. Khaali had heard tales of these fiends. One had slain a Blue Dragon on the Sunwell Plateau long ago. Anyone who could slay a Blue Dragon had to be powerful. No doubt, this Pit Lord which was assaulting Gadgetzan was as well. The Goblins Guarding the Gate where being knocked about by this Demon by it's every movement. If the defenders could just catch their breath then they might be able to do something. Khaali spoke to Geoff, "Drop us down closer, I am going to see if I can daze this Pit Lord long enough for the Goblins to gather themselves." Geoff dropped down lower until they were in striking distance of the Pit Lord and when he did the Pit Lord turned and swung at them. Fortunately for the Paladin and his Rogue companion the Gryphon upon which they were riding was quite aggressive and clawed at the Pit Lords eyes. Geoff had to reign her in, "Steady girl, Khaali we will have to..." The Paladin turned to see that the Blood Elf had already dismounted. She had dived off the back of Geoff's mount and landing near the base of the Pit Lord's back ran up his tail. However, her plan to strike at the Pit Lord's head failed when the Pit Lord performed some maneuver which sent Khaali flying into the air. These overgrown fiends were renowned for their Martial Prowess. As the Blood Elf fell she saw the Pit Lord look upwards towards her. The Demon intended to impale her upon the blade of his staff. In Khaali's mind she thought of the skeleton which had adorned the club of the previous Demon she had slain. That would be her fate now, her corpse would become some macabre ornament upon an invaders weapon. However, it was not to be. Geoff had dismounted and brought his blade down. His strike severed the Pit Lords right arm and the fiend wailed in agony. Geoff's blade covered in the slimy green blood of a Pit Lord still gleamed with the Power of the Light. Khaali then landed on the Pit Lords back, but the fall had knocked the breath out of her. Somehow, the fiend still lived. With one arm the Demon turned his staff and charged at the Goblin Defenders. Even with one arm severed this Demon was still a threat. Suddenly, the Pit Lords charge was halted by the charge of a machine. Upon closer inspection Khaali realized it was some sort of Robot, a Robot that had the shape and movement of a Rabbit. However, it was the size of a bear. It's charge had held back the Pit Lord long enough for a bullet to pierce the Demon through the eye which killed it instantly. It's fall shook the earth around them and raised sand into the air. The defenders of Gadgetzan breathed a sigh of relief as they gathered themselves. Khaali watched as the Mechanical Rabbit appeared to "scratch" itself as a flesh and blood rabbit would. Then the machine's Gnome companion appeared, she was minuscule in size and approached slowly due to her little legs. It was a Gnome, "Didn't I tell you, you would need me in Kalimdor Geoff?" The Gnome had blonde hair and a rifle on her shoulder. If the Pit Lord could see the size of the one that had brought him down Khaali doubted that he would ever want to be brought back from the Nether. "Khaali, this Gnome is part of the group that came with me to Kalimdor. As part of the relief effort, her name is Arwyn." The Gnome waved upwards at Khaali then she saw the girls eyes grow wide. The groups introductions would be cut short. In the distance behind Khaal she could hear an unmistakable sound. It was the sound of a Fel Reaver. Mechanical Monstrosities that roamed the land of Outland without a Master. There had been one that had walked the land near a Blood Elf settlement in Hellfire Peninsula. They were a terror to behold and the one which had found it's way to Tanaris was even more so, for it had found it's way to Azeroth. It had to be massive thought the Blood Elf Assassin. For it to be seen so far out into the desert. 

Geoff climbed onto his Gryphon and looked grimly to Khaali, the Blood Elf steeled herself and joined the Paladin. "Last one there is a rotten egg," the Blood Elf turned to see that Arwyn was already way ahead of her and Geoff on her mount, which appeared to be another machine. This one took long strides and appeared to be quite agile. Geoff spoke to Khaali as his Gryphon began to take flight, "At least one of us is managing to stay in good spirits." As the Paladin and Assassin approached the Fel Reaver it appeared to be even more massive than Khaali remembered, improvements had been made in it's design as well. As Geoff's Gryphon came down the pair saw Arwyn in the distance watching the Fel Reaver. The machine of mass murder and destruction was sliding on the sand and as it did so bodies were knocked this way and that. Some did not rise again. Nearby, Khaali saw a Orc standing stalwart with his Shield in one hand and his Blade in the other. Next to him was a Troll arrayed in White Robes, she was obviously a Priestess. One that called upon the Light from the more malevolent of the Loa. The Troll Priestess had an albino snake wrapped about her left arm that she held close to her. For the Orcs this invasion of the Burning Legion would be personal. They had once been driven mad by the blood of a Pit Lord. Now, after making a home in Kalimdor the Orcs were free. They had been embraced by the Elements of Azeroth, they Hunted when wanted, and made War when they wanted. The Blood Elf Assassin approached her fellow Horde comrades, "We must strike around the armored plates, breaking or removing them will allow us to reach the more sensitive portions of the Machine." This is what Khaali told the Orc and Troll, the Orc nodded without looking at Khaali. "I will draw it's attention and hold it at bay," the Orc replied and Geoff approached then, "You'll need help." Geoff held a Shield on his left arm now. At first the Orc looked annoyed, but he was wise enough to know that he could not refuse the human's help. The Orc gave Geoff the nod and said, "I am called Khodash, my friend here is Hadiya." The Troll woman smiled as she caressed the snake she held, "She will call upon her Loa to aid us."

It was a hard fought battle, but the Motley Crew of Horde and Alliance prevailed. Khaali stood some distance away her body covered in sweat. It had been her that had finally pried free the armor that had protected the most sensitive portion of the Fel Reavers body. Goblins swarmed the broken Fel Reaver removing and taking whatever they could pry free from the Monstrosity. Beneath it some liquid Corrupted with Fel Energies seeped into the Sands. This liquid would no doubt taint the soil here, but it was infested with Silithid and as far as the Blood Elf Assassin knew there were no Gardeners in Tanaris. The Orc Khodash that had aided them in holding back the Fel Reaver was down on one knee nearby. His shield was broken and he was exhausted from his efforts. There in front of the Orc lay the body of his companion, the Troll Hadiya. The Priest had been hit by the Fel Reaver while she was finished one of her Prayers. The Troll had called upon her Loa for perhaps the last time. Had she stopped Geoff, the Orc Khodash, and the others arrayed against the Fel Reaver may not have succeeded. Before that last Prayer they had been nearly defeated and their formation broken. That prayer had called up a Powerful Manifestation of her Loa, a Serpent of Light. Nearby, Khaali saw the Albino Serpent that Hadiya had carried laying in the Sand. It raised it's head to study the Blood Elf, like it knew something. The Orc Khodash saw his Troll companion smile as well. His companion had always been strange and he wondered at this until he heard her speak, "Such darkness..."

Some distance away the Legion Ship was now over Gadgetzan, every now and then a ball of green flame would drop down and some part of Gadgetzan would burst into flames. There were projectiles flying back at the ship as the Goblins fought back, it was bedlam and pandemonium there no doubt. "Come on Khaali, we need to get back to Gadgetzan." It was Geoff once again trying to get the Blood Elf's attention. The Assassin turned to look at Geoff, "You've seen the last of my Heroism for today Friend." At that Geoff frowned but he had no time to argue. The Paladin took off on the back of his Gryphon for Gadgetzan. Behind him on the back of one of her machines was Arwyn. The Gnome gave Khaali a friendly wave as she continued her journey to aid Geoff her mount making it's long strides. Khaali waved back then started walking into the Desert. The Blood Elf had a hunch now about where she might find Makabray. 

As Khaali reached the old Ogre settlement the Sun was just starting to rise. All around her lay the bodies of what had been Dunemaul Ogres. Some of their charred remains were still burning with a strange green glow. The Blood Elf Assassin knew that if she did not check this settlement now she might lose her quarry. Eventually, Khaali came to one remaining tent. The Others had been either knocked or burned down. Outside the tent lay the body of what had been a Dread Lord. It had no doubt been a fearsome battle between the Powers of the Fel and Void. Khaali drew her blades and carefully made her way inside. There laying on a mat was what she was looking for. It was the Ogre Makabray and he was trying to hold his entrails inside his body with one hand. The Blood Elf stood over Makabray and one of the Ogre's heads slowly came to life, "Pursued me over the continent," it said then the other, "Disappointed you did not get to fight me before you slay me?" The Blood Elf nodded and smiled cruelly before she knelt down.

When Khaali entered the gates of Gadgetzan again she held a sack carrying what appeared to be two roundish objects inside it. In all the confusion Khaali knew that few would notice what she was carrying. The Goblins were too busy stripping the bodies of what had been the Legion Commander and his many Minions for whatever might be valuable. The Legion Vessel itself had crashed into the Mountains nearby between Tanaris and Thousand Needles. Many were racing to investigate the wreckage, finish off with the Legion, and plunder the ship as well. They better not stray too far from Gadgetzan Khaali thought, that was hardly the last ship. The Legion has an Endless and Immortal Army. They would return soon, perhaps before the Sun fully rises. The Blood Elf made her way to what remained of the Inn to fetch her things. She had to leave Gadgetzan and get back to Orgrimmar quickly. The Troll that had sent her on this Quest would want his proof before he paid Khaali. This Troll had lost loved ones and friends in Northern Ashenvale when the Twilights Hammer had taken them into one of their subterranean caverns. How he had gotten the list of names he had given Khaali the Blood Elf did not know.

Khaali was tying all of her belongs onto the back of her Dragonhawk when Geoff approached her, "More antiques I see," he gestured to the bag which no doubt held the heads of what had been Makabray. Khaali replied, "Well you know, can't turn down a good bargin. It appears that the price had been too high for a Dreadlord." At that Geoff looked amazed, "A Dreadlord," he said questioningly then, "Khaali, we are headed to the Broken Aisles. That is where they believe the Legion is breaking through. You should join me and Arwyn after you have had some rest. I feel a great need to lie down." At this Khaali shook her head, "No rest for the wicked Geoff, besides I have to meet with someone." The Blood Elf turned to face Geoff she smiled. The Paladin smiled back he looked exhausted and made his way back to the Broken Down old Inn. As Khaali mounted up she reached into her bag for her bota. It would be a long journey and indeed she did not wish to become dehydrated. There was something strange there in her bag that was not there before. What appeared to be a Large Coin with a note wrapped around it. On the Coin was a symbol of a crown with a blade running through it. The note itself only read

Come to Dalaran, no need to look for us. We will come to you. 

Whomever had placed this in her bags had done it during the battle with the Legion. Somehow, she was no threatened by these words. She put the items back in her bags and then whispered in the ear of her Dragonhawk. The beast took off. Whomever had left her that note would have to wait.

This story can also be found on the WoW Forums: https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/one-fel-night-in-tanaris/561740