“You’re sure?” Onatam gripped the scrawny blood elf’s arm firmly as he asked again, “you’re absolutely sure?”
The dirty and bedraggled blood elf gave Onatam a baleful glare, “look at me you buffoon, I didn’t go to a resort in the plague lands, I certainly didn’t bring a talking cow this information without bathing first because I thought I saw what I did.”
“Armenak,” another elf with similar, though cleaner, features interjected before Onatam could react to the insults, “thank you for bringing this to us. If you’ll excuse us, we need to speak.” Deftly the better dressed blood elf steered Onatam away from Armenak. Onatam went willingly, “Deltian, your brother had better be right, I’ve already called Maralah to join us.”
Deltian nodded as the two sat on the dusty chairs of the Brill Tavern, “we may not always see eye to eye, but he’s my brother and he has no reason to lie about–,“ his words were cut short as Maralah entered the Inn.
Onatam couldn’t contain his excitement, “Maralah,” he shouted across the room, “We’ve got word of Nariko!” Maralah stopped short, too stunned to do more than stare. Recovering somewhat Maralah moved across the room and joined Onatam and Deltian. Onatam stood as she approached, moving back and forth in his excitement. “This is Deltian, his brother is the one who brought the information, she’s in the plague lands, Mingan has her.” As he spoke Onatam’s excitement turned to agitation.
Maralah raised a hand to forestall further comment from Onatam, “Deltian, please thank you’re brother for me. I am Maralah, Elder of the Den for Pack Spirit, is there some way I could repay your family?”
When addressed, Deltian stood, “it is a pleasure to meet you Elder, though I wish it were under better circumstances. There is one request I have that I hope you and your Pack will consider… I wish to join you.” Deltian watched the tauren woman’s eyes to see how she would react, knowing a little of the Pack’s history and their hatred of night elves.
Maralah shook her head, “I’m sorry hunter, elves are not permitted among our ranks. Remind me when I have a moment and I will tell you the story. In the meantime, I have much planning to do… my daughter is in need of rescuing.”
Deltian nodded, “if you don’t mind we, Gris and I, would like to help.” At the sound of his name the large wolf lifted his head and looked to the Den Mother. Maralah hesitated, but Onatam spoke up, “of course, I’ve been in charge of this hunt for some time now… more eyes and ears are welcome.”
Maralah pursed her lips but refrained from contradicting Onatam, instead she changed the subject. “I need details. Where is his camp? How many men does he have? Where is he holding my daughter? Did your brother provide you with detailed intel?”
A cough from across the room draws the attention of the two tauren and the elf, “I haven’t gone anywhere... I’m still here… still awaiting payment I might add!” Deltian cringed at his brother’s lack of manners. Armenak sauntered over to the group, “I have all the intel you need… lady,” he says as if he doesn’t really think she is, “but it will cost you. I lost a great deal out in the plague lands; I intend to get something out of it.”
Before Deltian can object Maralah interjects, “you will be paid, priest, tell me what you know.” Maralah gestures for the innkeeper to bring them all beverages and invites Armenak to join the group. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”
It was many hours later that Maralah finally stumbled out of the Brill Tavern, her plans made. She would wait until after the upcoming Council with the Bear Spirit, Tocho would be busy researching the situation if Artan once again didn’t show up as expected. If Artan did show there would be much rejoicing among the Pack and Tocho’s attention would be on the rest of the Pack. She’d be able to slip away without his knowledge. The last thing Maralah wanted was to lose one family member while trying to rescue another.
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