silverbluedreams (7:01:01 PM): Festivities in Stormwind were already underway when everyone arrived into the city. The central hub of this activity was at a pub called Blue Recluse, located in the Mage Quarter.
Omega19x (7:03:47 PM): And the guests of honor were just arriving. Mahaado had been told there were secret mission plans to discuss. What he didn't know was that he was being led to a surprise party.
Omega19x (7:04:10 PM): By his new wife.
fai tiger (7:05:19 PM): Naturally, Honda was already at the pub before Mahaado got there, having successfully resisted the urge to visit a bar he was slightly more familiar with.
Omega19x (7:06:55 PM): Their warrior escorts opened the door to the Blue Recluse.
fai tiger (7:11:08 PM): "Surprise!" Honda greeted them (hopefully at the same time as other people)
Omega19x (7:11:41 PM): Mahaado was just wondering why there were no torches lit, only to have thatquestion very suddenly answered. "I... beg your pardon?"
Omega19x (7:12:14 PM): He looked around at the other familiar faces, and back at Delwyn.
silverbluedreams (7:12:23 PM): The pub was full of a variety of humans, dwarves, gnomes, night elves and even a few draenai. Some had already been drinking, and all shouted at the same time as Honda.
fai tiger (7:15:09 PM): "Heh, sorry we couldn't just tell you why you were being brought here," Honda added, stepping up from the crowd to approach Mahaado and Delwyn. "But otherwise you might'a skipped out on showing up."
Omega19x (7:16:30 PM): Needless to say, Mahaado was still looking at them all with a very shocked expression.
silverbluedreams (7:23:44 PM): "They wanted to thank you for the other stuff," Delwyn explained.
fai tiger (7:24:27 PM): "Yup! There's plenty of people happy to see you here," Honda agreed eagerly.
Omega19x (7:25:01 PM): "And birthdays are a great excuse to get hammered! Ye think ye can beat me THIS time, human archmage? Ye better think again!" a dwarf shouted from the back.
Omega19x (7:25:38 PM): "Weddings are even better excuse!" another shouted, and tipped his hat to the lovely bride.
Omega19x (7:26:59 PM): "So what does that make this, then? A birthday wedding?" a third asked. "Whatever it is, I'll drink to that!" and he held up his mug in a toasting fashion.
fai tiger (7:27:08 PM): "Er... right," Honda muttered. "Try not to get too embarrassed over the dwarves," he told the newlyweds, "they couldn't very well have been left out of this."
Omega19x (7:29:39 PM): "News travels quickly in this kingdom." Mahaado's face turned a noticible shade of red.
silverbluedreams (7:30:38 PM): "I'm sure they mean well," Delwyn said, also blushing.
fai tiger (7:31:20 PM): "Of course they do." Honda gently led them towards a table to sit down.
Omega19x (7:35:47 PM): "The innkeeper has prepared a grand feast. Beer basted boar ribs, spiced wolf meat, barbecued buzzard wings, and the best Dwarven Stout silver can buy."
fai tiger (7:36:34 PM): Honda blinked. "People eat wolves?"
Omega19x (7:37:20 PM): "Aye! An' gooey spider cakes too!"
fai tiger (7:39:24 PM): "Huh, never had a spider cake before, sounds great." Honda still wasn't quite convinced wolves were for eating however.
Omega19x (7:41:02 PM): "Gooey Spider legs and hot spices. Courtesy Chef Gural."
silverbluedreams (7:41:52 PM): "Is there anything...not alcoholic to drink? I'm not sure how well I canhandle alcohol.
Omega19x (7:43:14 PM): "A glass of filtered draenic water for the lovely matron?" one of the tavern wenches, who was refilling a dwarf's mug, asked.
silverbluedreams (7:43:50 PM): "That would be fine, thank you."
Omega19x (7:44:55 PM): "Of course, of course." she smiled politely. "And how many bottles of Darkmoon Reserve do you want to start off with? 12?"
fai tiger (7:47:04 PM): "...I'd, uh, rather you didn't," Honda replied, as much to Mahaado as to the tavern wench.
Omega19x (7:47:54 PM): At the same time, the other tavern wenches were placing great platters of food on the tables, from a great number of beasts. Only the finest Kaldorei Spider Kabobs for this party!
Omega19x (7:50:11 PM): Smoked sagefish, big bear steak, spicy hot talbuk... "Do not be shy, my friends. Eat! Be merry!"
Omega19x (7:50:51 PM): "Perhaps I will just begin with some conjured glacier water..." Mahaado finally answered the wench.
Omega19x (7:51:31 PM): "Night's still young." she winked, and went to get the couple of honor their beverages of choice.
silverbluedreams (7:52:13 PM): "It's...kind of nice to be here not as a prisoner."
Omega19x (7:53:02 PM): "The kingdom is quite pleasant when battles are not raging." he nodded to her.
fai tiger (7:53:15 PM): "You deserve to get to enjoy this world too," Honda gave her a smile in between looking around.
silverbluedreams (7:56:08 PM): "I guess," she smiled.
Omega19x (7:57:32 PM): The wench returned with small goblets of the waters. "Here you go. It's the least we can do for the slayer of Kael'thas and hero of Tempest Keep'"
Omega19x (7:59:15 PM): "Thank you." Mahaado nodded politely, taking some food onto a plate for Delwyn, and then for himself.
fai tiger (8:00:09 PM): "I lose track sometimes of what all you've done," Honda admitted casually.
Omega19x (8:02:20 PM): "I simply do whatever I must, when I am needed. Especially when there are veryhigh stakes."
silverbluedreams (8:03:10 PM): She nodded her thanks also. The food was rather good.
fai tiger (8:03:36 PM): "Ah. Right, yeah." Honda nodded a little before starting in on his food.
Omega19x (8:03:55 PM): Mahaado cut into the bear steak fillet. It was very tender.
fai tiger (8:12:00 PM): Honda meanwhile was enjoying the spider kabobs and trying to decide about the fish.
Omega19x (8:13:00 PM): Meanwhile, a drunk dwarf was arguing with a draeni over how difficult it would actually be to take down Kael'thas.
Omega19x (8:14:20 PM): "You'd be lucky to gaze upon Thaladred the Darkener and live to tell the tale."
Omega19x (8:14:56 PM): "Did I ever tell ya'bout the time I mooned Grand Astromancer Capernian?"
fai tiger (8:16:19 PM): "...Do I want to know what an 'astromancer' is?" Honda wondered aloud, a bit uncertainly.
Omega19x (8:18:23 PM): "So that is how you came home with that hole in yer pants." a lady dwarf came up from behind him and mocked sarcastically. "Don't listen to Maz! He was jus' cheatin' with a Succubus."
Omega19x (8:18:43 PM): "I pity the warlock that summoned her."
fai tiger (8:19:45 PM): Honda really didn't think he wanted to know about that issue.
Omega19x (8:20:11 PM): "I do not think I wish to know either."
fai tiger (8:22:25 PM): "Okay," Honda shrugged and glanced around for the next bit of amusement.
Omega19x (8:22:43 PM): Eventually, the dwarves got a little more tipsy and started bragging about various duels they've won.
Omega19x (8:24:14 PM): "I suppose I only have myself to blame." Mahaado whispered to Honda. "My drinking binge awarded me exalted status in Ironforge."
fai tiger (8:25:08 PM): Honda lifted an eyebrow. "I see... Another good reason not to do something like that again?"
Omega19x (8:26:21 PM): "Perhaps a single mug of darkmoon special reserve would be all right..."
fai tiger (8:26:50 PM): "I'll leave that choice to you," Honda replied with a shrug.
Omega19x (8:27:54 PM): "You lost that duel to a bearded hill woman." a drink was thrown in someone's face, and another one quickly brought.
fai tiger (8:28:32 PM): "...Odd insult, don'cha think?"
Omega19x (8:29:02 PM): "That wasn't an insult." A draeni warrior whispered to Honda. "That's what actually happened."
Omega19x (8:29:40 PM): "You gonna' say that to my face, ye weasel hearted weedy scabshyte?!"
Omega19x (8:29:48 PM): "Now, that.... That was an insult."
fai tiger (8:32:29 PM): "Ah, okay," Honda nodded quickly to the draeni. "Couldn't tell, since I''m not from around here."
Omega19x (8:33:33 PM): "You think you're so tough. Challenge the archmage to a duel, right here and now!"
fai tiger (8:35:32 PM): "The archmage is busy eating, try someone else!" Honda shouted over his shoulder. Not that he thought it'd stop them, but couldn't hurt to try.
Omega19x (8:35:48 PM): Mahaado looked up, across the table.
Omega19x (8:36:41 PM): "Maybe he'll drink ya under the table, and then turn you into a table." another dwarf nudged.
fai tiger (8:37:49 PM): "Is there not enough tables already?"
Omega19x (8:38:49 PM): "Long live Dreadbeard the Table. Flat and square!"
Omega19x (8:39:01 PM): There was more laughter from that end of the table.
Omega19x (8:41:55 PM): "All right." Mahaado made eye contact, and waited the necessary five seconds before raising his hand, and levitating the offending dwarf out of his seat.
Omega19x (8:42:14 PM): "Hey! Put me down!!"
fai tiger (8:43:21 PM): "Guess he changed his mind about wanting to be a table?"
Omega19x (8:44:33 PM): Now there was even more laughter in the crowd. Especially when Mahaado telekinetically thrust a footman's waterskin in the dwarf's mouth.
Omega19x (8:45:19 PM): Leaving him there, Mahaado picked up one of the boar ribs. "Peace and quiet at last."
fai tiger (8:46:15 PM): "Um, yeah... exactly." Unsure what to make of all this, Honda glanced around, then went back to his food.
Omega19x (8:46:18 PM): "Hey, can you come do that at my house?" a lady dwarf shouted, slamming her hand into the table.
Omega19x (8:48:26 PM): "Honey, I don't think even the archmage can silence Brann." the tavern wench patted her Alliance sister on the back.
Omega19x (8:52:20 PM): There were cheers all around.
silverbluedreams (8:55:09 PM): Delwyn wasn't quite sure what to make of the whole exchange, instead choosing to sit quietly and eat. Dwarves were extremely strange.
Omega19x (8:57:00 PM): And another wench took the liberty of sliding some darkmoon reserve to the duel winner.
Omega19x (9:00:16 PM): "Bear them no ill will." he whispered to his wife. "This is simply one of the ways that they celebrate."
fai tiger (9:00:29 PM): Honda glanced at the alcohol, but kept himself from saying anything.
silverbluedreams (9:01:11 PM): "They're very....open, aren't they?" she whispered back.
Omega19x (9:01:20 PM): "You might say that."
Omega19x (9:01:59 PM): He glanced around, almost wondering if anyone else was going to suddenly wanta duel.
silverbluedreams (9:22:34 PM): Though no one took much notice, the party had a new attendee. A mage with a stern demeanor and age marked by greying hair and a receeding hairline. He was searching the crowd for Mahaado.
Omega19x (9:23:05 PM): Mahaado noticed the new presence, and turned around.
silverbluedreams (9:23:51 PM): When he spotted him, he practically stalked towards him. "So. You are the 'archmage' everyone speaks of, are you not?"
Omega19x (9:24:15 PM): "May I help you?" he stood.
fai tiger (9:25:09 PM): Honda watched, ready to stand up too if it looked like there would be a need.
silverbluedreams (9:26:36 PM): "I am here to set the record straight," the man announced. Some patrons paused to listen, curious. "You are no archmage, regardless of how many dwarves you have outdrunk or foolish blood elf you put down. It is a title reserved only for those who's lives have been dedicated to the study of the art. Not some young hero who got lucky."
fai tiger (9:28:41 PM): "I'd say Mahaado's life has been pretty dedicated to study," Honda put in with a shrug, knowing that likely wouldn't mean much to this guy.
Omega19x (9:28:55 PM): "I can assure you. Luck has nothing to do with anything, save for being in the correct place at the correct time."
Omega19x (9:31:48 PM): And because dwarves will be dwarves - several of them started drunkenly chanting - "Duel! Duel! Duel!!"
silverbluedreams (9:32:59 PM): "Luck or not, you are not worthy of the title, and I intend to prove it. I challenge you to a duel - and will prove how undeserving you are of such a prestigious title."
Omega19x (9:33:50 PM): Mahaado couldn't exactly refuse to accept the challenge...
fai tiger (9:34:22 PM): "I don't recall you ever asking for the title, did I miss something?" Honda murmured to Mahaado, despite getting the feeling he wasn't being listened to.
silverbluedreams (9:34:28 PM): "Wait, is this truly necessary?" Delwyn asked, standing up.
Omega19x (9:35:04 PM): "Very well. Though should I not claim victory, I will say now that it is no dishonor to lose to one who has dedicated himself to the magical arts."
silverbluedreams (9:36:28 PM): "And when I do win, I shall prove to all what a fraud you truly are," the man grinned, turning to lead the way outside.
Omega19x (9:37:02 PM): Mahaado followed. He knew these duels were more for sport than for blood.
Omega19x (9:37:23 PM): (birthday boy gets first strike!)
fai tiger (9:37:30 PM): "Are you calling what he's accomplished fake?" Honda shouted after the man.
Omega19x (9:38:01 PM): (rolling d10's until we hit a total of 50 points for a knockout)
silverbluedreams (9:38:02 PM): "Dwarves tell tall tales boy," the mage shouted back. "Especially when they're drunk."
fai tiger (9:38:23 PM): "I'm not a dwarf though."
silverbluedreams (9:38:32 PM): "Mahaado wait," Delwyn followed after. "You don't have to do this."
Omega19x (9:38:44 PM): "Good thing! Or ya'd be an ugly one!" a lady dwarf shouted over Delwyn.
Omega19x (9:39:22 PM): Five seconds up, Mahaado immediately cast a magical blast toward his opponent.
Omega19x (9:39:30 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 7
Omega19x (9:39:39 PM): A strong hit.
silverbluedreams (9:40:17 PM): The mage withed under the hit, which only made him angrier. He countered with a blast of his own.
silverbluedreams (9:41:06 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 5
silverbluedreams (9:41:24 PM): A frost bolt, not his strong suit but it would slow Mahaado down some
Omega19x (9:41:33 PM): Mahaado was knocked back, but recovered quickly for another attack.
Omega19x (9:41:48 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 8
silverbluedreams (9:42:20 PM): The man couldn't get up a shield in time to block the hit.
silverbluedreams (9:43:04 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 1
silverbluedreams (9:43:14 PM): ((wow, I suck))
Omega19x (9:43:30 PM): The shot merely grazed by.
fai tiger (9:43:40 PM): ((I'd feel sorry for you, but Honda's still kinda pissed.))
Omega19x (9:43:55 PM): Hopefully no one liked that mailbox anyway.
Omega19x (9:44:04 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 4
silverbluedreams (9:44:10 PM): But it would give the gnomes something to do.
Omega19x (9:44:45 PM): Unfortunately, this mage wasn't about to let the same trick work twice.
silverbluedreams (9:45:04 PM): The man managed to resist a great deal of the attack.
silverbluedreams (9:45:20 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 2
silverbluedreams (9:45:35 PM): However his Firebolt wasn't very effective
Omega19x (9:45:52 PM): Mahaado despelled it quickly, before it could inflict much damage.
fai tiger (9:46:05 PM): Honda rolled his eyes at this entire situation.
Omega19x (9:46:08 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 2
Omega19x (9:46:28 PM): Neither was his.
silverbluedreams (9:46:30 PM): The shield the man managed to cast was just in time.
silverbluedreams (9:46:46 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 3
silverbluedreams (9:47:00 PM): Another poor shot.
Omega19x (9:47:11 PM): (we're at 28 to 39 right now)
Omega19x (9:47:17 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 8
Omega19x (9:47:39 PM): "Dark magic attack!" Mahaado sent a powerful blast toward the other mage, to knock him off his feet.
silverbluedreams (9:47:54 PM): It worked, taking out his shield as well.
silverbluedreams (9:48:03 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 7
silverbluedreams (9:48:30 PM): However, Arcane Missles proved to be successful this time.
Omega19x (9:48:57 PM): But he wasn't going down without a fight.
Omega19x (9:49:02 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 2
Omega19x (9:49:29 PM): Almost a miss.
silverbluedreams (9:49:46 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 5
silverbluedreams (9:49:52 PM): Another frostbolt.
Omega19x (9:50:02 PM): Mahaado was again pushed back, but hardly stunned.
Omega19x (9:50:15 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 5
Omega19x (9:50:34 PM): He reflected the spell back at the other mage.
silverbluedreams (9:51:08 PM): It made him stumble, but did not succeed in knocking him by much.
silverbluedreams (9:51:15 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 3
silverbluedreams (9:51:35 PM): Arcane Blast, which because of the distance was not very effective.
Omega19x (9:51:51 PM): (13 to 25)
Omega19x (9:52:01 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 4
Omega19x (9:52:20 PM): Fortunately for the mage, neither was Mahaado's lightning blast.
silverbluedreams (9:52:54 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 8
silverbluedreams (9:53:13 PM): The mage's Cone of Cold proved to be more effective, with a better reach.
Omega19x (9:53:29 PM): It was a solid hit. Mahaado rolled across the ground, regaining his feet again.
Omega19x (9:53:39 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 7
Omega19x (9:54:01 PM): And he launched a firebolt of his own.
silverbluedreams (9:54:26 PM): The man was shoved back from the hit.
silverbluedreams (9:54:37 PM): silverbluedreams rolled 1 10-sided die: 1
fai tiger (9:54:44 PM): Honda couldn't help wondering how many people would mind if he interfered and decked them both.
silverbluedreams (9:54:49 PM): However it did affect his next attack.
Omega19x (9:54:54 PM): (2 to 16)
Omega19x (9:55:23 PM): "Hey... I hadn't checked the mail yet!" one of the tavern owners was surprised to see her mailbox destroyed.
silverbluedreams (9:55:42 PM): "Go check it in the Park then!" someone yelled from inside.
Omega19x (9:55:52 PM): Omega19x rolled 1 10-sided die: 5
Omega19x (9:56:18 PM): One more magical blast from Mahaado and the duel was done.
Omega19x (9:56:29 PM): (care to get one last blast as you lose?)
silverbluedreams (9:57:29 PM): The man didn't move from his place on the ground. He was clearly displeased that he lost.
Omega19x (9:57:30 PM): Cheers erupted from the crowd, which had grown considerably since the party moved outside.
Omega19x (9:57:49 PM): Mahaado walked over to his opponent, and offered an outstretched hand.
silverbluedreams (9:58:13 PM): He knocked it away. "Get away from me," he hissed.
Omega19x (9:58:54 PM): "You are welcome to join us inside, if you would like. There is easily enough food to share."
silverbluedreams (9:59:31 PM): "Leave me be," he glared up at Mahaado. "Take your party back inside, so I may depart with some shred of dignity."
fai tiger (9:59:38 PM): Honda sighed and wandered over. "Seriously... what is your problem?"
silverbluedreams (10:00:01 PM): "Unless you wish to be turned into a pig, I suggest you not stay for an answer."
fai tiger (10:02:07 PM): "I've never been turned into a pig before," Honda replied with a shrug. "But fine, whatever, I don't understand humans."
Omega19x (10:02:32 PM): "Turn him into a pig! Lynda'll sleep with him for sure!"
Omega19x (10:03:00 PM): "Maybe we can get the archmage to silence you too."
fai tiger (10:03:17 PM): "...I'm not sure I understand dwaves either come to think of it," Honda muttered under his breath.
Omega19x (10:03:46 PM): "Okay, okay, show's over. Come on back inside." the tavernkeeper ushered them back in.
Omega19x (10:04:09 PM): Mahaado bowed politely to his opponent, and followed the others.
Omega19x (10:04:31 PM): (so who was that guy?)
silverbluedreams (10:05:23 PM): ((mage trainer. maginor dumas))
Omega19x (10:06:41 PM): (how nice. First mage trainer I met when I got to Stormwind that first time.)
Omega19x (10:09:25 PM): "Dumas will be whining about this for weeks." another human mage laughed.
Omega19x (10:11:17 PM): "Elsharin won't likely let him hear the end of it either."
silverbluedreams (10:11:30 PM): "Are you all right Mahaado?" Delwyn asked, looking slightly concerned.
Omega19x (10:12:01 PM): "I am. The attacks of a duel are meant to stun, not to injure."
Omega19x (10:15:34 PM): And Mahaado fought well, even with one eye bandaged shut.
silverbluedreams (10:16:42 PM): "I suppose, but you are still trying to mend. I don't want to see you sustain another injury."
Omega19x (10:18:17 PM): "My recent healing spells have been quite sufficient, I assure you." he picked up his bottle, and took a drink.
fai tiger (10:20:20 PM): "Just let her fuss over you, Mahaado," Honda replied with an amused smile. "You'll like it if you let yourself, I'm sure."
silverbluedreams (10:21:12 PM): Delwyn blushed.
Omega19x (10:21:41 PM): Mahaado did as well, almost spilling the darkmoon reserve, which he just now realized he was drinking instead of the water.
Omega19x (10:23:37 PM): "That will not be necessary..." he put the bottle down. "As I am quite all right."
fai tiger (10:24:53 PM): "So? She can still fuss over you and you can still learn to like it."
Omega19x (10:25:48 PM): "... really, friend Honda."
fai tiger (10:26:28 PM): "Fine, don't learn to like it," Honda sighed. "Your loss."
Omega19x (10:27:52 PM): Mahaado blushed again, much to the chagrin of the dwarves. He fidgeted with his bottle of darkmoon.
Omega19x (10:30:35 PM): (shall we continue the revelry on Wed night? I need to crash)
fai tiger (10:31:02 PM): Honda laughed and went back to the table, ignoring the reactions of Mahaado, Delwyn, and the dwarves.