She sat there window ledge and ate her apple while watching the magnificent view from her building. The library within the headquarters of 'The Order of Arcane Anarchy' had a stunning view of Stormwind Harbor and it was one of the most astonishing views you could find within the human capital of Azeroth. She found it very calming to watch as the boats arrived from various locations to either bulk up to deliver supplies to other Alliance outposts or to transport soldiers to the war front. It was relaxing and in this time of war, it was good to take in moments like that while you had the chance. Watching the mammoth warships come in and out of the harbor was a stirring site and they gave her hope that the war was not going to be lost. Their people were determined, zealous and eager to take each campaign to the bitter end. Death before dishonor and for King and Country was all the soldiers of the Alliance needed to walk into any battle field and take the fight to any enemy. She had more than her share of battle with the Orcs, trolls and even the undead. Yet she was never given the chance to do more. As she watched more ships come and go, someone entered the library behind her. She quickly put one hand on the hilt of a dagger she had beside her on the window ledge only to let go when she realized it was a friendly face, one of the servants of the Order. "What is it?" she immediately demanded.
The servant bowed before giving her a response. "You have been summoned to the table of the Order, Mistress Valleria."
"Who has summoned me?" Valleria asked.
"Master Dameos. He has returned from Outland." The servant answered. "And I would recommend changing into your armor. I believe he has an errand that might require a little travel and some battle."
"Very well." Valleria responded as she dismissed the servant with the wave of her hand. She immediately hopped off the window ledge and walked back to her quarters to change. It took a few minutes but she removed the robe she had been casually wearing that day and changed into her battle armor. She slowly and carefully put on a set of blue scaled armor of the Defender, custom made to fit her agile yet muscle toned body. Valleria also equipped herself with an array of weapons before she threw her tabard on. The cloth didn't provide any protection from anything, but the logo commanded respect as her master chose only the best to join his guild. Once she had completed donning her armor, Valleria left room and went to the stairs that led to the room where she was beaconed to meet with Dameos.
When the Master of the Order summoned her, it was only for an assignment, which was fine with her. Valleria had been resting in the headquarters too long and was eager to get back to work. It was thought that the Order had been hesitant to give her new work because of the result of her last few assignments or because she was one of the only women in the Order. These reasons seemed to be incorrect as Dameos had something for her to do. She never doubted the sincerity of her leader as Dameos didn't seem to be the kind of Paladin who would judge people based on their looks or their gender. If you were capable of doing your work and completing whatever assignment he gave you, then you were a valuable member of the Order. Dameos was no fool, and in times of war able bodies were in high demand.
She walked into the main room and towards the table of the order was located in the center. It was a massive table, round in structure and in the middle of it was the logo of the Order. The black background had the picture of gold erupting volcano. Surrounded with a white border it was the logo of the Order, the same logo she wore on her tabard everywhere she traveled. There were two people in the room when she arrived. A very small man with a bald head and a long brown beard was located at the opposite end of the table from her. He was a new member, a warrior recruited from the Gnomes in exile. Valleria walked into the room and took a seat. "I assume you were summoned as well, Smoggel?"
The little Gnome also took a seat at the table. "I was." he confirmed as his eyes scanned the room, "But I do not see the man who summoned me. I was told Dameos had returned from Outland."
"He has." A voice called from the back of the room.
Valleria turned around to face the darkness of the corner, placing a quick hand on the hilt of her sword. "Who goes there?" she quickly called out.
"A friend." The voice replied as he came out of the darkness. The rogue was wearing a red mask over his mouth and was draped completely in black leather armor that allowed him to disappear into the walls with ease. "I too was summoned but I have yet to see our Master."
"Thalisar." Smoggel called from the other end of the table, "Stop hiding in the darkness and sit with us."
"I prefer to stand." Thalisar replied as he strolled around the room, never taking his eyes off the two at the table.
"You rogues are too wary, even when at home." A voice called from the staircase. "If you can't relax here in the heart of our headquarters, then I don't think you can do so anywhere."
Thalisar put his hands together and did a short bow as Dameos walked through the door. "For you I will make an exception." Thalisar took out a dagger and placed it on the table before sitting down.
"Thank you." Dameos replied as he also walked over to the table to take a seat. The Paladin was massive in structure, wearing the colossal plate armor reserved for men of his stature. There were several noticeable dents in the plates to go along with the usual wear and tear, which gave Valleria the impression that he had been in battle while in Outland. His armor was as black as night, but he had a green cape that looked as mystical as it did out of place with the rest of his gear. Despite the wear and tear, Dameos looked in good spirits as he removed a weapon from his person and placed it on the table so he could sit down comfortably. The bright blue mace was constructed of a very unique stone, but was recognizable to almost anyone in Azeroth. The Oathkeeper was a mighty weapon, one used only by the strongest of Paladins as they packed quite a punch and were also a chore to carry around. This weapon was so heavy to use that it required both hands to operate, which meant you couldn't use a shield when in battle. The thing was bigger than Smoggel and probably weighed twice as much as the little Gnome too. "I appreciate your eagerness to serve the Order." Dameos started, "I have a very important assignment for you all. One that is vital to the security of Azeroth and the Alliance."
"We are here to serve, Master." Valleria quickly responded.
"I am here for the Order." Smoggel said to confirm his eagerness to move forward.
Thalisar however didn't seem to share the same enthusiasm as the other two at the table. "I prefer to work alone." He said with a small hint of distain. Rogues were known for their tendency to be loners, and Thalisar was clearly no exception.
"I realize how tough it will be to work with a team." Dameos said as he understood the rogue's hesitation. "But your skills are in great demand for this assignment and everyone's participation is necessary to ensure success."
Thalisar paused for a moment then retracted. "If it is your will, Master, it will be done."
"Excellent. All three of you will have to work together to make sure the work I have to assign is handled to my satisfaction." Dameos continued without hesitation, "There is something strange going on in Westfall. It is not only troubling Gryan Stoutmantle but it is also worrying the nobles here in Stormwind. I want the three of you to report to Stoutmantle in Sentinel Hill and investigate what is going on down there. He will give you more details of the situation when you arrive. We are using a lot of our resources to battle the Lynch King and the scourge on many fronts, the last thing we need to deal with a new threat or something that is even worse: another war front. Your assignment is to find out which one it is and report back to me with your findings. From there I will personally report those findings to the nobles and the King with my recommendation on what to do."
"You can count on us, Sir." Smoggel quickly declared from the other end of the table.
"It will be done, master." Thalisar repeated.
"I have no doubt in your abilities." Dameos said as he stood up. "I have already spoken to the Gryphon Master here in the city and he's waiting for you to immediately take flight to Westfall. Go to the bank and gather up whatever supplies you need. Pack extra potions and rations just incase this takes a while. If you require anything more, Stoutmantle will make sure you are restocked when your supplies run low."
"You're not coming with us?" Valleria asked somewhat curious to what the master's plans were in Stormwind.
"I am not." Dameos confirmed. "After I get my armor repaired and catch up on some rest, I will be returning to Outland to rejoin the siege on the Black Temple." He picked up his Oathkeeper and looked back at the three still sitting at the table. "I have faith you will all be strong and determined enough to complete the task I have given. Good journey." All three stood up from their chairs and watched as the huge Paladin walked out of the room and was gone as quickly as he arrived.
The three stood there and shared a quiet moment until Valleria broke their silence. "So who's in charge here?"
"No one." Thalisar quickly answered. "But we do have to work together. We should concentrate on our common goal, to serve the Order." He paused for a moment to think. "It's obvious that our master wants us to sneak around which is why I am a part of this assignment. Yet assigning two warriors to join me on this quest tells me that we might encounter some heavy resistance if discovered. I recommend we pack plenty of healing potions and I urge you all to carry some spare weapons as backup. I will meet you at the Gryphon Master to begin our journey."
Valleria watched as the rogue left the room without making so much as a sound. They were quiet and very careful people, those rogues. She knew already that when it came to looking and sneaking around, Thalisar would likely take charge. But if they were to do battle, both she and Smoggel would be bearing the brunt as they were the soldiers and the brute force of their group. "Are you coming?" She called out to Smoggel who was still at the table.
"Aye." Smoggel said with a huff and he hopped off his chair and followed her out the door. It was time to prepare for travel as the vast farmlands of Westfall were waiting for them.
