Ripples of Shadow
Chapter 7 - The City in the Sky

“Hello, welcome to the Lodge. I am Amisi Azuregaze, and I am honored to have you as my guests. Behldan has explained to me that you will be staying in Dalaran for a while. I offer you any accommodations you may desire.” The woman had a sway to her walk, and a thick rolling accent to her tongue. Mitsume noticed Rash and Hendrig had both set down the luggage they were carrying: Mostly her luggage. Hendrig was eyeing the bar with a certain lust in his eyes. Rash however, was beaming at the innkeeper. Mitsume shot him a glare that he ignored thoroughly, his attention was elsewhere.

Kaihlyn met Amisi with a shake of the hand. “We do thank you for your hospitality. If you would be so kind as to show us to our rooms, I’m afraid I am in a bit of a hurry.”

Amisi nodded and showed them the way up the stairs, on the opposite wall from the bar. As Hendrig picked up his share of the luggage, he gave a sorrowful glance back at the bar. Their rooms were exquisite. Kaihlyn and Mitsume shared the room at the end of the hall, on the right side, while Rash and Hendrig had the room directly across the hall. Dro’gath was given his own room, with an over-sized bed. Mitsume felt a pang of guilt as Hendrig and Rash hauled the woman’s luggage into their room, sweat dripping from them until she remembered the look Rash gave the innkeeper.

She put on her best cool face and thanked them as she rushed them out of the room. As she closed the door she faintly heard Hendrig’s words to Rash as they headed down the hall.

“Aye lad, they all do be the same. But don’t be worryin’ yourself over that! Come, let us get some ale!” The last Hendrig laughed as he spoke, and Mitsume shook her head as she walked further into the room. Kaihlyn sat on her bed, on the far side of the room, looking out the window. The great lavender dome of the Violet Citadel could be seen high above the horizon of buildings. Mitsume stood at Kaihlyn’s side, apparently forgotten for the moment as the warlock’s thoughts took her elsewhere.

Suddenly Kaihlyn looked up to her. Her face held a mixture of excitement and… fear? “Mitsume, I would like you to come with me to meet Rhonin tonight. I feel you would have much to gain from such a meeting.”

“What!? You want me to come with you to meet the leader of the Kirin Tor? Archmage Rhonin himself?” Mitsume’s voice rose so much at the end she nearly squeaked.

“Yes, I do.” Kaihlyn smiled, and looked back out the window. “We have arrived, finally here in fabled Dalaran. Here, in the heart of the forces opposing both Malygos and the Lich King. And we must ask ourselves if we have the courage and the will to do what is necessary. We all must.” Her brooding continued into silence, and Mitsume joined her in looking out the window. An orange hue was beginning to blanket the city as the sun was descending over the horizon. A day was coming to an end for the City in the Sky, yet tomorrow would bring all new possibilities for the denizens of Azeroth.