Ebon Enlightenment
From EFWiki
Whispers from Below
Three dwarves casually sitting together lost in conversations of their origin and the titans. Each holding, with a steadiness rarely seen in battle, what seems to be a bucket full of some or other liquid, the smell of which will instantly rob an elf of his senses. The conversation is frequently interrupted by an outburst of laughter, swiftly followed by the clash of three buckets, a rehearsed cheer, and suddenly Friya, Ilathud and Kili start talking at the same time. So it continues and judging by the pool on the floor, all should be well. Yet somehow… it isn’t.
“It is hopeless, give in.”
It is difficult to tell whether it is a special chair, designed to perfectly support a very small man reading a book, or whether everyone should start running in an attempt to avoid the blast. Fenmapus hurries around it, rapidly making adjustments, then standing back to appreciate his own handy work, only to be followed by more adjustments and the inevitable addition of more “features.” Meanwhile, several people gather around the unknown device and even though they can’t possibly appreciate the intuition applied or perfection of design, it is already clear to them that it will be another engineering masterpiece, if it doesn’t kill them before they get the opportunity to label it as such. Yet somehow it seems flawed.
“Give in to your fear.”
A small group of people are gathering near the front, preparing for yet another excursion to the Halls of Stone. Selantaeu’s finely sharpened blade flashes in the late afternoon sun as she turns to see if the party is assembled. Annaelia’s quiver is already stocked again, after the morning’s target practice. Sofiana effortlessly calls upon the power of the light to strengthen her allies while Vynna opens a portal to shorten the journey. Jadenn, already with blades unsheathed is ready to enter the portal and start the battle. They have become powerful after years of guidance by the eternal flame, yet for all their preparedness, somehow they lack determination.
“You are a pawn of forces unseen.”
ENOUGH!
Everyone abandons what they are doing and stares at Maelor with confusion. Maelor slowly stands up from the chair and starts making his way towards the door. He suddenly halts, turns around and speaks with a loud voice, before disappearing out the door:
Meet me at the Temple of Wisdom. We made a mistake.
Preparing for the worst
Kinta and Maelor continues talking quietly while the people of the Flame gather. Maelor is still holding the large Naaru hammer in his hand, as if it had only just been used. As the noise dies down they turn to face the crowd. Maelor rests the head of the hammer on the ground while still holding the hilt in his hand.
I thank you all for coming, and welcome to Ulduar. I’m sure most of you have been here several times to explore the ancient halls of the titans, but the picture has changed dramatically only a few minutes ago.
Thorim the Stormlord had finally awoken from his stupor, only to walk straight into a trap set by his brother Lokin. Now both Thorim and the proto-drake broodmother have been captured and taken into the depths of Ulduar. Through our attempts to gain the alliance of the Storm Giants, I fear we have made a far worse enemy.
We have been focussing so much on the war against the Lich King we didn’t even notice the slow corruption imposing itself upon us. This ends now! Our War Commander will instruct us on how we must prepare for our journey into the dark depths of Ulduar. Ebon Flame has to mobilize at once and prepare for war.
Kinta quickly steps forward and starts talking in a hurried voice.
Folks, we must prepare for the worst. We do not know what horrors await inside and fighting a hidden enemy often proves disasterous. With the little time we have Telsadar, Chess, Sofi and Faela will drive every fighter to perfect his form, every mage to study the most ancient of magic and every arrow to hit the mark. Sienn, Xenier, Friya, Carenne and Verannion, led by Grandmaster Heba, will ensure our armour is strong, our blades are sharp and our elixirs are potent. From information gathered by Sessiah's skirmishes, Ravincal will formulate strategies and Perlin will ensure the treasury is ready for war.
Each of us has a part to play now. We do not wish for this, but it is something we must do. Ebon Flame has always protected Azeroth against the greatest enemies, and so we shall do again!
Maelor nods at Kinta and starts speaking:
We go to cleanse the taint this place leaves on the world and to free our allies and us from its corruption. Perhaps we will find powerful treasures or ancient knowledge to take with us for the final assault on Ice Crown Citadel.
Let the cries of the Flame drown away the silent whispers! Let the spirit of the Flame clash violently with the evil hidden below! Let us remind the world why we must stand together. For all life on Azeroth!
FOR THE FLAME!
