McTacky Saves Noblegarden (Part 4 of 4)

Early in the morning, Master Blood Knight McTacky was waiting for his followers to wake up. Finally Aeda Brightdawn, Vivianne, Shadow Hunter Rala and Olin Umberhide leave the Frostwall Barracks.

"What is all this?" asked Vivianne, seeing McTacky's eggy handywork.

"Noblegarden!" said McTacky, proudly.

The four followers exchange a look.

"Mon, you really thunk we be impress with this?" asked Shadow Hunter Rala.

"We're not children, commander!" pointed  out Aeda Brightdawn.

"Nevermind! It is our day off Commander, we don't have to put up with your pointlessness this time," said Olin Umberhide.

"Half-day!" reminded called out McTacky.

The group ignored and walked away up to the hill towards the Garrison flight master, Bron Skyhorn.

Harrison Jones however appeared to be having fun hunting eggs, dragging along all the new Treasure Hunter recruits as his 'assistants'.

"Watch out kid! You almost stepped on an egg!" said Harrison Jones.

"Sorry Doctor Jones," said the recruit.

"You always have to watch where you are stepping. You could step on the letter J and almost fall down a bottomless bit," said Harrison Jones, using his archaeology brush on the egg before picking it up. He was clearly taking the egg hunt way too seriously.

But they appeared to be enjoying themselves.

"So, what treasures did you end up putting inside?" quietly asked Senior Sergeant Atain the Orc Blacksmith to McTacky.

"Some money and a bunch of Balanced Weapon Enhancement and Braced Armor Enhancement," said McTacky.

"Gear upgrades, that is generous," said Atain, "it looks like Noblegarden a success."

Atain picked an egg off the ground and took a bite off the top before McTacky could stop him.

"Uh, how does it taste?" said McTacky, worried about the Lead Ore, Nitroglycerin, Sodium Nitrate and Time Magic used to accelerate the cooking process of the chocolate.

"Strange. Raw and spicy?" said Atain, confused.

"It is a delicacy," lied McTacky.

"Delicacy? You went all out for Noblegarden! I misjudged you, Commander" said Atain, taking another bite of the chocolate.

Atain burped and a jet of fire came out of his mouth.

"I really have to get going. Busy. Things to do..." said McTacky, backing off as a look of realisation crossed Atain's face.

"Where are you going, Commander. You haven't had any chocolate yet!" said Atain, advancing on McTacky with a cruel savage smile on his face.

"I have to pass. I'm not particularly hungry," said McTacky, stepping backwards from the hulking Orc Warrior.

"I must insist, Commander! It would be rude to refuse!" insisted Atain.

Terror entered McTacky's eyes as he was forced to bite into the chocolate.

"I must go now," said McTacky, if he hurried he could make it to the out-house in time.

"The whole egg!" insisted Atain.

McTacky gulped in fear, accidently swallowing the first bit of chocolate that had been in this throat. Already he could feel his stomach burning up.

"Really?" asked McTacky.

"I really insist," said Atain.


(((Hours and One Whole Chocolate Egg Later...)))
"We're back, half-day like you said, Commander," said Vivianne.

McTacky sat dazed inside the Town Hall.

"No new orders?" asked Aeda Brightdawn.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh," groaned McTacky, eyes glazed over.

"Mon, you look like you need a half-day," asked Shadow Hunter Rala.

"Nevermind. We'll just take the rest of the day off. See you tomorrow," said Vivianne.

"Merry Noblegarden, Commander" said Olin Umberhide, as the group he left.

McTacky Saves Noblegarden (Part 3 of 4)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky had put "treasures" in the "chocolate" eggs and wrapped them. Now he had to place them around Frostwall Garrison.

 

 

 "I can't hide the egg here on the snow! It really stands out!" said McTacky to himself.

In fact if McTacky hadn't painted the eggs at all they would be very easy to hide in the snow.

 

"The path isn't much better. I painted it too well." said McTacky to himself.

 

Hiding eggs was hard. He would have to pit them in shadows and behind things for there to be any challenge.

 

Noblegarden Challenge: How many eggs in this image?

McTacky Saves Noblegarden (Part 2 of 4)

(((External Establishing Shot: Frostwall Garrison Tavern at night.)))

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky, Commander of the Frostwall Garrison, sat inside the tavern, Loupe in his eye as he carefully painted an egg.

"It is late, I need sleep!" complained the Bartender. It was the dead of night and McTacky was keeping him up.

McTacky paused painting the egg and looked up at the Bartender.

"I need space to work and the Jewelcrafting Workshop is out in the cold," pointed out McTacky.

McTacky, satisfied he answered the bartender's question, went back to painting.

"Why not just go downstairs to the kitchen then?" asked the Bartender.

Interrupted, McTacky paused painting and looked up again.

"I can't work down here. No room left. I have Gorok processing my stockpile of Cocoa Beans into Chocolate," said McTacky, "good thing they stack to 200 bags."

McTacky tried to resume painting, but the Bartender kept talking.

"But the process of Fermentation, Drying, Winnowing, Roasting, Grinding, and Pressing beans into chocolate can take over 2 weeks, you only have a night," said the Bartender.

Irritated, McTacky slammed down his Paint Soaked Brush and took out his Loupe his eyes, and glared at the Bartender.

 

 

"Which one of us has a cooking skill of 700?" asked McTacky.

"You..." said the Bartender.

 

"Which one of us has a cooking skill of 6?" asked McTacky.

"Me...." said the Bartender.

"I think I know more about making chocolate than you do," insisted McTacky smugly.

"As a Illustrious Bartender, I know something about Fermentation. You can't do it overnight," said the Bartender.

"Sure you can. You just have to have the right recipe," said McTacky.

The Bartender looked worried.

"What did you add to the Cocoa Beans?" asked the Bartender.

"Nothing that bad," said McTacky, "just a little bit of Lead Ore..."

"LEAD!?" demanded the Bartender.

"Not much. Not much. The lead content is within acceptable safety limits..." defended McTacky.

McTacky got back to painting the eggs, but he messed up a line when the room shook from an explosion from downstairs.

"What was that?" the Bartender.

"The Nitroglycerin and Sodium Nitrate I guess," shrugged McTacky, "that Orc Chef, Gorok, really has to be more careful, I am trying to concentrate here."

"Are you insane!?" demanded the Bartender.

"700 cooking skill. 6 cooking skill," reminded McTacky at the Bartender, fixing his mistake he made on the egg with some more paint.

"It still won't work," said the Bartender, "you don't have enough time, even with the dangerous ingredients."

"That gives me an idea. Go downstairs and cast Time Warp on the chocolate over and over. And hurry Bartender, every second counts" said McTacky, off in his own world, painting eggs with the care he would cut gems.

"I have a name," grumbled the Bartender, heading downstairs of the tavern. It was going to be a long night.

McTacky Saves Noblegarden (Part 1 of 4)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky stood over the Mission Table in Frostwall Garrison. A group of followers, Aeda Brightdawn, Vivianne, Shadow Hunter Rala and Olin Umberhide enter.

"I have a new missions for each of you, it will take 24 hours," said McTacky.

"It is Noblegarden tomorrow, we were wanting time off, Commander," said Aeda Brightdawn.

"Noblegarden? Bah Humbug!" said McTacky, "these are critical missions!"

"Critical? It is for 'extra experience' again, isn't it?" asked Vivianne, sceptically.

"No!" lied McTacky.

Vivianne's lifeless eyes peered into McTacky's soul.

"Maybe," said McTacky.

The gaze from the Forsaken Mage pieced McTacky's mind. It burned!

"Of course it is!" admitted McTacky, breaking under the pressure.

The four followers groaned.

"That is all we ever do!" said Aeda, "it is pointless! The four of us are already skill capped."

"Only the new followers get to do the +gold missions with their Treasure Hunter trait." defended McTacky.

"We want Noblegarden off!" said Rala.

"You are not getting a week off!" insisted McTacky, "this planet doesn't even celebrate Noblegarden! It isn't even spring here!"

"A day!" said Olin.

"A half-day! You get a half day for Noblegarden tomorrow," said McTacky firmly. He was the Commander of this Garrison and by the light, he was going to have a smidgen of respect around here.

The group of followers grumbled as they left the great hall. McTacky crossed his arms, irritated. He needed those Big Crate of Salvage for items inside to level up his new gold-finding followers. This half-day would delay plans.

 

That night was another cold night. It still felt like winter, far from the spring weather Silvermoon was now experiencing far away. McTacky rosed from his sleep by a noise outside..

Aloysius McTacky sat up in his bed. The sound was like a chain dragging across the ground.

"Who is there?" demanded McTacky, bellowing out into the dark.

"The Ghost of Noblegarden Past," lied Atain, Orc Warrior, Blacksmith, & Drudge. He was moving supplies from the forge across to the pile outside the great hall.

"Can you do your blacksmith-whatever more quietly, I am trying to sleep," said McTacky.

"Asleep already? You must have worked fast," said Atain.

"What do you mean?" asked McTacky.

"It is traditional for nobles and lords to hide coins (and sometimes treasure) inside painted chocolate eggs," said Atain.

"So?" asked McTacky, getting impatient.

"You are the Commander of this Garrison. So it is up to you to do that!" said Atain, rolling his eyes.

McTacky realised in horror that the Orc was right, he had to save Noblegarden!

Déjà vu! Wait... he's not even in supposed Silvermoon this time!

McTacky Saves The Midsummer Fire Festival (Part 2 of 2)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky swaggered into the Silvermoon Inn.

"I'll have you know, Grand Bartender, that the Midsummer Festival is saved," said McTacky with a wide grin on this face.

"So you didn't screw up this time?" said the Bartender.

McTacky rolled his eyes.

"I am a professional!" insisted McTacky.

Days earlier in Coilfang Reservoir, Outland...

 

The squad of 5 travelled from Silvermoon all the way to Coilfang Reservoir in Outland. The discovered the Frost Lord Ahune there.

"It is he who will bring eternal winter!" said Eywaa (Jazz).

"We must stop the Twilight's nefarious plans!" said Morz.

"Let us defeat him and save summer," said Talarial (Zeirah).

"For the Midsummer Fire Festival!" said Nath (totally real Blood Elf).

The group charges in, mercilessly attacking the Ice Lord.

Ahune sends waves of Ice Elementals at the group of Blood Elves.

It is not enough and the Silvermoonites are victorious. 

"He is defeated! We have saved the Midsummer Festival!" exclaimed McTacky.

They all cheer.

Back in Silvermoon Inn

"So you saved Summer? Or did you save the concept of summer?" asked the Bartender.

"He was going to make things cold. That would mean Summer is over," said McTacky.

"So not change the orbital axis of the Azeroth then?" asked the Bartender.

"No," said McTacky, indignant, "he was a Frost Lord! They make things cold with magic!"

"So you travelled to another planet and killed an elemental lord who was minding his own business in his home?" asked the Bartender.

"The Twilight Hammer summoned him," said McTacky.

 

"So the Twilight Hammer summoned a Frost Lord onto another planet in some dungeon under water and you think Azeroth was going to turn cold?" asked the Bartender.

"I'm sure the magic would have gotten to us eventually," said McTacky, "remember Fire Lord, Ragnaros? He was trying to set the world on fire."

"The Fire Lord who only managed to burn some trees down in Hyjal by setting them on fire?" asked the Bartender, "he wouldn't have changed the orbital axis of the Azeroth either. So he wouldn't have made an eternal summer."

"I totally saved the Midsummer Festival," said McTacky.

"No, you ganked a Ice Lord on another planet and said it was related to the Midsummer FIRE Festival," said the Bartender.

McTacky sighed.

"Hey, go have some fun. You love the Midsummer Fire Festival," said the Bartender, trying to cheer McTacky up, "go juggle some torches! Dance at the Ribbon Pole. Don't sulk here."

"I am a hero!" insisted McTacky, "I saved the Midsummer Festival."

"Sure you did," said the Bartender, patronisingly.

"I am a hero!" insisted McTacky.

McTacky Saves The Midsummer Fire Festival (Part 1 of 2)

It was late and Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky was celebrating late into the night at the crowded Silvermoon Inn.

"Don't you have a day job, Blood Knight?" asked the Bartender.

"Lay off! It is the Midsummer Festival! It is our Holiday! Lunar Festival is all Moon, all Night Elf. Midsummer is all Sun, all High Elf. Ehhh, Blood Elf too!" insisted McTacky, deep into his drinks.

"What exactly is your job anyway?" asked the Bartender, "I've never heard you ever do any actual work since we reclaimed the Sunwell."

"Hey now! With the Sunwell's rebirth, us Blood Knights have chosen to embrace it and to forge for ourselves a new identity as they lead our people into a more promising future," said McTacky.

"A future where you don't do any work," said the Bartender.

"I happen to be one of the predaceous few to hold the rank of I am one of the Master Blood Knight. We have loads of responsibilities," said McTacky.

"Name one," said the Bartender.

"I hand out quests to Initiates," said McTacky.

"Whoa... slow down there. That sounds like too much excitement," said the Bartender.

"Pour me another drink," insisted McTacky

"During the Pandaria campaign I guarded members of the Reliquary..." said McTacky.

"Ohh! Did you meet the archaeologist Cymre Jones?" asked the Bartender, pouring McTacky another drink.

"Yes I did. But it is Coolidge the Blood Knight who is with her," said McTacky.

"So basically you watch other people do archaeology and tell Initiates to do their chores. Real hard work load," said the Bartender.

"I also have visions sometimes to save Seasonal Events," said McTacky.

"You hardly saved Love Is in the Air and the Lunar Festival," said the Bartender, "in fact I'd say you failed entirely at whatever you were attempting to do."

"I actually like the Midsummer Festival," said McTacky, finishing up his wine, "more!"

"You have had enough to drink," said the Bartender.

"I'll show you! I'll save the Midsummer Festival," said McTacky.

"The Midsummer FIRE Festival isn't at risk," said the Bartender.

"Huh?" asked McTacky.

"It is the Midsummer FIRE Festival! You kept missing the Fire part" insisted the Bartender, who McTacky couldn't remember the name of.

"Whatever," said McTacky, passing out.

Weird, more Déjà vu!

McTacky Saves Love is in the Air (Part 4 of 4)

Crown Chemical Company HQ (not Hallmark)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky arrived at the Crown Chemical Company. It was situated at Shadowfang Keep. Shadowfang Keep was one the home of Baron Silverlaine before Archmage Arugal took over. After Arugal was defeated Lord Godfrey moved in. With Lord Godfrey removed, the castle was taken over by the Crown Chemical Company.

Usually this place smelt of undeath. That awful awful smell. But this time there was an overpowering aroma of cologne and perfume. McTacky made his way into the courtyard.

 

"Have a free sample of Alluring Perfume and Irresistible Cologne, Blood Elf" said Apothecary Baxter.

 

"Thanks," said McTacky, "I need to speak with your boss."

 

"Blood Knight. What brings you to the Crown Chemical Company?" asked Apothecary Hummel, the CEO of the company.

 

"You are the biggest retailer of Love is in the Air goods. Looking for insights to the changes to the holiday in the past five years," said McTacky.

 

"Five years? Well due to the, ah, "misunderstanding" in Dragonblight, we've had to relocate our facilities to this decrepit mess of a castle. Still we've now plenty of space and time to work on various new and lovely...Products..." said Apothecary Hummel.

 

"So you only started developing the new goods back then? That would explain the changes," nodded McTacky, "so you managed to dominate with sales with your goods and shift the purpose of the holiday."

 

"Is that all you needed to know?" asked Apothecary Hummel.

 

"I was wondering if you knew of any threat to the holiday?" asked McTacky.

 

"Assassins have been making attempts on my life of late, sir Blood Knight, " said Apothecary Hummel.

 

"If Crown Chemical Company is defeated, that will end the availability of goods for Love is in the Air." said Apothecary Frye.

 

McTacky nodded. That would be a threat to the holiday.

 

"Look out! Assassins!" called out Baxter.

 

A group of alliance assassins appeared! McTacky had to protect the three Apothecaries! McTacky cast his powerful healing magic to keep the Apothecaries alive so they could damage down the assassins. Eventually the Apothecary chemicals brought down the group of assassins.

"Thankyou for your help! You saved" said Apothecary Hummel.

"Here! Have a Toxic Wasteling for all your help!" said Apothecary Baxter.

"What about that Big Love Rocket instead?" asked McTacky, spying a Rocket Mount in the corner.

"No. Take the pet and be grateful," said Apothecary Hummel.

 

Days Later in Silvermoon..."So I saved Love is in the Air. The dream was REAL," insisted McTacky to the Bartender.

"It just sounds like a coincidence that you were there when that group of five assassins turned up," said the Bartender, "you just found a threat that had a coincidental connection to your dream."

"You just can't admit this time I was right," said McTacky.

"If you say so," said the Bartender.

 

Then the Blood Elf Scientist came in. McTacky nodded at the Scientist. She came over.

"There you are! I was looking for you. If you had just waited and did some actual research you would have discovered that the chemicals inside the Crown Chemical Company Perfumes and Colognes were slowly brainwashing everyone." said the Scientist.

"So this holiday turning from a celebration of the start of Spring into a Love Festival was a master plan to take over the world by the Crown Chemical Company?" asked McTacky.

"Yes. But we don't have to do anything about it. The Alliance are also aware of this, so they sent in a band of assassins to deal with them. So orders are to allow them safe passage to Shadowfang Keep so they can take care of the problem," said the Scientist, "that way it won't look like the Horde assassinated it's own citizens."

McTacky sighed as the Bartender stifled a laugh. McTacky had screwed up. Again.

"Come join me for a few drinks. I know I need one," said McTacky.

 

The Scientist hesitated for a moment before shrugging and sitting down as well on a barstool.

 

"I am Master Scientist Sannaraleice," said Scientist Sannaraleice.

 

"I am Master Blood Knight McTacky," said McTacky.

 

"I am Grand Bartender Firehybrid," said the Bartender.

"No one asked you," said McTacky, "just get us a whole Bottle of Dalaran Noir now Bartender."

 

Merry Love is in the Air everyone!

McTacky Saves Love is in the Air (Part 3 of 4)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky cleared the sand from his pale silver hair. He had crossed the Tanaris Desert and arrived at the mystical Caverns of Time.

 

From this place the Bronze Dragonflight oversees the timeline.

"Glad to meet you. Or have we already met? Or will be meet in the future? It is hard to keep track of such things," said Chromie.

"I need to travel into the past and find out more about Love is in the Air," said McTacky.

"You wish to travel back in time, a power that a time war between two dragon flights is being fought, to find out about some love holiday?" asked Chromie.

"Yes," said McTacky.

"Come this way. I have two destinations in mind," said Chromie.

McTacky then found himself 12 years into the past!

 

McTacky, disguised as a human, travelled to the human towns of Southshore and Tarren Mill.

 There were signs of decorations and revelry at those places. But the traditions seemed to be less materialistic. Less focus on Achieving things and more on celebrating the world event.

It felt that love really was in the air.

But McTacky could only learn so much from Rural towns, so he set out towards a Human City.

Two years later McTacky arrived at the city of Stratholme. It didn't take McTacky two years to get there, it was just two years later that McTacky appeared there. So technically it took him two years, but he didn't live though those two years.

 

McTacky disguised as a human walked around the city. As soon as he entered he clearly saw the decorations hanging up.

Inside the local inn were also copious amount of decorations. McTacky took note on what was available. It seemed there was a lack of perfume and greeting cards.

Was it an more recent invention of the famous Crown Chemical Company?

 

McTacky returned to the present and decided to visited the Crown Chemical Company for some more answers.

McTacky Saves Love is in the Air (Part 2 of 4)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky rode down the streets of Silvermoon on his Thalassian Charger. The streets were crowded, but it wasn't only resident, there was still a substantial number of refugees from Dalaran. Lady Jaina Proudmore had exiled the Sunreavers and other Blood Elves from the city.

"Back in Dalaran we used to head to the park and have a Romantic Picnic. I remember feeding each other Buttermilk Delights," said Dalaran Refugee.
"I used to do that too!" said a different Dalaran Refugee.

"I did as well!" said a third Dalaran Refugee.

"It is a tradition, of course," said the first Dalaran Refugee.

McTacky started to pay attention after he heard the word 'tradition'.

"Tradition you say? How did it start?" asked McTacky.

"I can't remember, sir Blood Knight" said the first Dalaran Refugee.

"It must have been right around the time Buttermilk Delights went on the market. We just started eating them about five years ago," said the third Dalaran Refugee.

"That sounds about right, sir" said the second Dalaran Refugee.

"I see," said McTacky, "sounds spontaneous."

McTacky had heard a lot from the crowd that this love and consumption aspect to the holiday all started five years ago. What had changed? Was this what McTacky had to save this advent of spring holiday from?

McTacky took a sample of Buttermilk Delight and the science labs, McTacky activated the arcane scrying equipment and began to study his Buttermilk Delight sample. He would find why it was part of this strange tradition the Dalaran Refugees had talked about.

After some time and much searching, McTacky came to a conclusion.

"I don't see anything," admitted McTacky to himself.

"Excuse me," asked a condescending voice behind McTacky, "do you even know how to use this equipment?"

McTacky tuned and realised he was being watched by a Blood Elf Scientist.

 "My gear and weapons boosts my Intellect considerably," pointed out McTacky to the Scientist, "I think I know what I am doing."

"Finding the chemical composition of a substance of something is very different to pouring a light into someone to heal their wounds," said the Blood Elf Scientist.

"I will find that using the light of the sunwell to bless people with the light does indeed heal wounds," said McTacky.

"All you are doing is pouring light into someone without knowing a single thing about anatomy. Your treatment for a sharp force trauma is identical to the treatment for a blunt force trauma." said the Blood Elf Scientist, "there is no intelligence on display."

Such disrespect for a Master Blood Knight.

"Take a look at the sample then," said McTacky, irritated.

Blood Elf Scientist looked at the equipment.

"It is just a Buttermilk Delight. Nothing special about it," said the Scientist, "what is this about?"

"The advent of Love is in the Air from a celebration of the start of spring to a romantic holiday," said McTacky, "and the shifting of traditions."

"Perhaps you should just read up on the history of the holiday and study the cultural shifts and the advent of commercialisation in this globalised world abundant with portals and airships," said the Scientist, "if you stayed here you we could conduct a rigours research and produce a paper into the cultural shift."

"I think it'll be faster if I find evidence and clues directly from the source," said McTacky, "I need to save Love is in the Air."

The Scientist looked at McTacky oddly.

"The source?" asked the Scientist.

"What?" asked McTacky, "my method always works. I just need to find a lead to take me to the next place. So I will just go back in time and find out the answers first hand."

McTacky rushed out.

"The lame excuses people come up with," said the Scientist.

McTacky Saves Love is in the Air (Part 1 of 4)

It was a warm winter night in Silvermoon as Aloysius McTacky slept in his apartment. McTacky was resting from an exciting raid where he obtained two new weapons. One for healing, one for retribution.

 

Then there was the sound. A crystal harmony sound that McTacky recognised. It was a Naaru! Just as before it appeared in his dreams, he could see it now before him.

 

"I speak to you in your dreams. You must save Love is in the Air! Only you can do this, Crusader." intoned the Naaru, projecting it's thoughts into McTacky's mind without actually speaking the words in a language.

 

"You want me to save 'Love is in the Air'?" asked McTacky flatly.

 

"That is the meaning of the boon you were given," projected the Naaru meanings.

 

"What does 'Love is in the Air' even mean? It is a nonsense name for a holiday festival that has no relevance," said McTacky.

 

"It is the advent of spring and the world awakening to find love and regrowth. Those with love have a chance to renew their affections," said the Naaru.

 

"The equinox is a month away, so it isn't Spring yet! Also Noblegarden is the Spring Festival. Ya know, Bunnies, Eggs. It isn't subtle symbolism." pointed out McTacky.

 

"Axial precession, gradual shift in the orientation of Azeroth's axis of rotation, has caused the date of the start of spring to change over the centuries," intoned the Naruu, communicating the complex ideas directly into McTacky's mind, "and Noblegarden celebrates spring, not the advent of spring."

 

"Start of spring centuries ago, fine. But why call it 'Love is in the Air'? It is a very awkward name," asked McTacky.

"The name given to this celebration of the change of the Light is irrelevant, Crusader. You must save Love is in the Air! This is your task!" intoned the Naruu.

"I have no desire to do any such thing!" insisted McTacky.

"You are a Paladin. You have an obligation to obey all boons," intoned the offended Naaru, the crystal noises harsh to the ear.

"I have an obligation to the Light. You aren't the Light, you are merely a dimension-traveling sentient energy being," pointed out McTacky.

McTacky remembered nothing of the rest of the dream, but he eventually awoke in the morning a terrible headache. And the knowledge that he would have to save 'Love is in the Air'.

Anyone else having Déjà vu?

McTacky Saves the Lunar Festival (Part 4)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky entered in Moonglade via the Timbermaw Hold. McTacky years ago had befriended and become exalted with this furlong tribe and they allowed him safe passage.

McTacky's black and red metal boots trod on the stone path that went around the shoreline of Lake Elune'ara. There was a haze rising from the lake and the moon was bright in the sky.

In the mists, standing before McTacky stood the demigod Omen. It roared in rage at the Blood Knight.

McTacky readied himself with a blessing of might and seal of blood.

The demigod was, of course, no match for McTacky's powerful paladin powers. The beast was mindless and McTacky put it down.

With Omen defeated, McTacky continued down the path into the Night Elf town of Nighthaven.

"I defeated the beat Omen. I saved the Lunar Festival," said McTacky, glad this was all over. He had finally completed his task from the dream.



"Defeated Omen? No the beast possesses Elune's blessing and is immortal," said Fariel Starsong, "you just sent his spirit back to the waters of Elune'ara."

"What." said McTacky.

"Your victory is a celebration, McTacky. A celebration of the might of Omen, of you and of the peace you have given this tragic hero of our past," said Valadar Starsong.

"So I did save the Lunar Festival then, at least?" asked McTacky.

"You misunderstand. Defeating Omen is 'part' of the Lunar Festival. Each year during the Lunar Festival Omen's rage rises his spirit from the lake. Each year he is defeated and subsides for another year for the past 10,000 years," said Valadar Starsong.

"So if I hadn't defeated Omen?" asked McTacky.

"A group of champions would have formed and done so, as is tradition," said Fariel Starsong, "here, have a complementary Elune Lantern. Come back next year!"

Days Later in Silvermoon...

"Merry Lunar Festival!" cheerfully greeted the Tauren at the gates to Silvermoon as McTacky finally arrived home after a long trip back.

McTacky just glared at the Lunar Festival Harbingers, he'd had enough of the Lunar Festival. McTacky made his way to the Wayfarer's Rest.


Hours later McTacky was a little drunk. Dalaran Noir wasn't very strong.

"You had a dream then you were surprised it didn't come true? Are you mana-crazy?" asked the Bartender, "It was just dream! And you travelled to two other continents because of this dream? What is wrong with you?"

"Dalaran Noir," said McTacky.

"If I did everything I did in dreams in real life, I'd get arrested." said the Bartender, pouring out the drink.

"Leave the bottle," said McTacky.

The End

McTacky Saves the Lunar Festival (Part 3)

Master Blood Knight Aloysius McTacky brushed back his silver grey hair from in front of his eyes and blinked and squinted from the snows. He had arrived at the Steamwheedle Cartel trading post of Everlook in the heart of Winterspring late in the day.

After receiving directions from a friendly High Elf, Nymn, McTacky left town and set out for the lake. The High Elf also warned McTacky to avoid Kel'Theril. McTacky already knew this place was not safe. Four years ago, before the restoration of the Sunwell, an expedition of warriors and scholars set out from Silvermoon to this lake. They were after a powerful artefact of tremendous arcane power.They never returned.

McTacky left the road and set out in the snow. He strode uphill until he was at the peak. Putting a hand over his eyes, he could see the whole frozen lake below and the ruins.

Here once stood the Highbourne Night Elf city of Kel'Theril. McTacky's ancestors. During the events of the Sundering 10,000 years ago, the city was destroyed and sunk into what is now known as Lake Kel'Theril. McTacky had heard from the Sunreavers in Dalaran that the spirit of an Elder was there and would give him the answers he needed.

McTacky could feel a sense of history as he stepped onto the frozen lake carefully with his metal plate boots. But this place was alien and full of Night Elf architecture and design. His ancestors were another people, unlike himself. Perhaps he shouldn't be here.

McTacky ignored his doubts and crossed the lake. The ice was very thick.

On the island in the middle of the lake stood three spirits. A Kaldorei, a Quel'dorei and a Sin'dori. That is a Night Elf (highbourne), a High Elf and a Blood Elf.

"Do you seek the artefact, sir Blood Knight?" asked the Blood Elf Spirit.

"What artefact?" asked McTacky

"The Crystal of Zin-Malor," spoke the Kaldorei Spirit, "10,000 years ago we stole it from a far-off temple without remorse. Its ability to control the arcane was too tempting, and when it was toyed with, its shattering cursed us all. Kel'theril suffered until the Sundering destroyed it for good."

"The crystal was a powerful artefact that that can contain and control strong arcane forces but it could only be held by the worthy, and brought doom upon all others. 100 years ago we set out from Silvermoon and never returned." said the High Elf Spirit.

"Four years ago we set out from Silvermoon. We were not naïve, as our forefathers were. We were suspicious and cunning and ready for betrayal at every turn," spoke the Blood Elf Spirit, "we found shards of the crystal. Yet we were still destroyed."

"I'm here to find the Elder. Not some artefact," said McTacky.

"Oh. She is over there on the far side of the lake," said the Blood Elf Spirit, "Just know that the Crystal of Zin-Malor brings only ruin to all around it. Leave this place, if you do not wish to join us."

As McTacky set out across to the far side of the lake, he wondered if he should take up the Crystal of Zin-Malor. Only the worthy could use the Crystal of Zin-Malor and the Naaru had said this was a task only McTacky could do. The power of the Crystal of Zin-Malor could make McTacky powerful enough to be the top of the healing charts in the guild raiding team!

Then there was a beam of light from the sky and the Elder Brightspear appeared before McTacky.

"The heavens, in their countless stars, hold answers to earthly mysteries, Mctacky.  Might, then, the wise, and the lucky, gaze up and find truth?" asked the Elder.

The truth? McTacky looked up and just saw stars. He realised the truth.

He was already superb! He didn't need the Crystal of Zin-Malor!

"The Stars of this time are bent on new paths, beacons of hope and strength for the coming ages," spoke the Elder.

McTacky left Kel'Theril feeling enlightened, but yet clueless as to what his mission to 'save the Lunar Festival' actually meant.

McTacky Saves the Lunar Festival (Part 2)

The festival of the moon was ever more important to the kaldorei than the sin'dorei. Aloysius McTacky, Master Blood Knight needed more information if he was to continue in his mission.

McTacky heard from a reliable source in Murder Alley that the The Sunreavers in the Sunreaver's Sanctuary were celebrating the Lunar Festival. The SUNreavers were celebrated the LUNAR Festival? McTacky had to investigate this lead. So he decided to head out from Silvermoon the next morning and take the next zeppelin to Northrend.

After an arduous flight north, McTacky arrived at the city of Dalaran. He moved though the familiar streets that had been his home during the Northrend Campaign. Past the Sunreaver guards, he entered the Sanctuary. The rumour was true, there was indeed decorations up.

 Moon lanterns in the Sunreaver's Sanctuary? McTacky looked around for some locals to question.

 

McTacky found a pair of commoners. They would not dare refuse to answer to a Blood Knight about the Lunar Festival.

"Why do the Sunreavers have Lunar Lanterns up? That makes no sense!" pointed out McTacky.

"Well we were all kicked out of Dalaran over a year ago during the Pandaren Campaign Divine Bell debacle. None of this scene makes any sense!" pointed out the Female Blood Elf Commoner defensively.

"This is a celebration of our ancestors defeating the Burning Legion during the War of the Ancients," explained the Male Blood Elf Commoner in a calm voice.

"The celebration of our ancestral exile by the kaldorei, you mean?" asked McTacky aggressively.

"Think of it like this; aren't you glad you live in Silvermoon and not Darnassus?" asked the Female Blood Elf.

McTacky paused to consider. This apartment in Silvermoon was much nicer than living in trees.

"This is true," admitted McTacky, calming down.

"Seek out our Elder for more information," said the Male Blood Elf  Commoner.

"During the Lunar Festival, we should take time to seek out our elders and consider their wisdom," said the Female Blood Elf Commoner.

"What Elder? There are no Blood Elf or High Elf Elders," pointed out McTacky.

"You can find an Highborne Elder at the ruins of Night Elven city of Kel'Theril," said the Female Blood Elf.

McTacky stayed the night at the The Filthy Animal inn and next the next morning for the land of Winterspring. The location of the ruins of Kel'Theril.

McTacky Saves the Lunar Festival (Part 1)

In his lofty Silvermoon apartment, Aloysius McTacky's silvery hair lay on the pillow as his mind was in a deep slumber. He was resting after a hard day of crafting Gems, beating the heat, and being the charming guild know it all.

But McTacky's slumber was not meant to be. He opened his glowing green eyes and gazed upon a visitation of a Naaru! McTacky's thoughts quickly wondered if it was here for revenge? Blood Knight Master McTacky had drained holy energies from the shining M'uru to grain access to the holy powers of the light. It was another era, before the Sunwell was restored and mana had to be mana tapped from other living creatures.

The crystal harmony noises came from the unnamed Naaru before McTacky. Somehow he understood it's meaning.

"I speak to you in your dreams. You must save the Lunar Festival! Only you can do this, Crusader."

"I'd be honoured. Hang on, the LUNAR Festival?" asked McTacky.

"That is the event of which I speak," projected the Naaru meanings.

"You interrupted my very important beauty sleep for the Lunar Festival of all things? That is that Night Elf Holiday," said McTacky.

"Such arrogance is unbecoming. Communion with Elders is not exclusive to a people" intoned in crystal, translated the Naaru meanings.

"Search Silvermoon. Do you see any Lunar Festival Decorations? Do you see any elders? Of course not. Just some Tauren squatting near the front gate," pointed out McTacky.

"Observance is not important. Being a saviour is of importance," intoned the Naaru.

"What about the Feast of Winter Veil? I'd love to save that world holiday," said McTacky.

"At this time the Lunar Festival is threatened," said the Naaru.

"No thankyou," said McTacky.

"You are a Paladin. You have an obligation to obey all boons," intoned the offended Naaru, the crystal noises harsh to the ear.

"I have an obligation to the Light. I gain strength from the restored Sunwell, as to all sin'dorei. However you are a dimension-traveling sentient energy being," pointed out McTacky.

McTacky remembered nothing of the rest of the dream, but he eventually awoke in the morning a terrible headache. And the knowledge that he would have to save the Lunar Festival .

What are you Tauren even doing here?