Post by DornKoon on Nov 11, 2024 10:35:59 GMT
A small tavern in the Mage District was tucked away in a corner frequently ignored. On the outside, it looked like any old pub in the Realm and even Stormwind itself. The outside was unremarkable, with a short slope leading to a simple door with a signpost telling prospective customers they were in the right place, The Slaughtered Lamb.
It did have a reputation, and it was an open secret that the darker elements of Stormwind liked to gather there; rumours of dark rituals and demonic magic were a common gossip among the city's gentry. It was also a recurring hang-out for young mage students looking for a "thrill" when they did not visit the Lamb's rival Tavern, Blue Recluse.
Beneath the pub, the basement and catacombs host the warlocks of Stormwind. They are used as training grounds for recruits in the kingdom and transferred students from Khaz Modan. Within the hidden enclave, the warlock community studies and practices the dark arts, sheltered from the rest of the population. Several masters of the demonic and dark can be found there, studying the chaotic energies of the Twisting Nether.
It was raining heavily outside and had been doing so for the last two days on and off. The Lamb was, as often was the case, largely empty, except for the regulars sitting at their usual tables and the seemingly permanent agents trying to appear inconspicuous. Tellwinna knew Master Shaw did not fully trust her; if letting his little birds flit about the place would set his mind at ease, she was more than willing to let it continue.
Still, she was well aware whether or not any of her patrons were agents; she just pretended otherwise to keep up appearances.
" And I said, and she packed a suitcase? Honey, I don't think she's coming back." Tellwinna said in a chipper voice, pouring more whisky into the glass. "So many are seeking fortune in the Frontier these days ever since Bronzbeard set out looking for lost treasure; I heard even people from the big city have started going there. If you want my suggestion, it's the right time to take action."
"I know," the mage apprentice said, sipping the glass. "It's just-- Master says it is just a phase."
"Pishposh, what does he know? Your master has not left the library for years. The world is changing; take the risk; you'll spend the rest of your life wondering what might have been. My people have a saying: progress is never easy, but if the chicken wants to fly, let it."
"Yes, suppose you're right, thank you, Miss Quirkriddle."
"You're most welcome, dear. Don't forget to write when you find that big treasure out there."
Tellwinna watched the young mage return to his group of friends over at one of the tables. She enjoyed it when the youngsters came for a drink; they brought some much-appreciated life to the otherwise gloomy tavern. They could also provide the latest gossip from the Mage Sanctum, and she loved nothing more than some juicy gossip.
