Chapter 3

"So, you'll be there next week?" asked Thal'ena eagerly.

"I'd love to be there for you," replied Alyna. They were sitting on a picnic rug having lunch outside of their shared home in Dawnstar Village. Despite being a magister now, Alyna had felt no need to move her accommodation. It was just one more thing to add to the list of what made her different.

Thal'ena threw her arms around Alyna's neck and hugged her tightly before holding her at arm's length and bouncing up and down. "The 'Troll Slayer' at my Attunement Ceremony! It doesn't get much better than that!"

Alyna snorted her amusement, "Just don't let your mother hear you say that."

"Mother will just have to grow up."

Alyna laughed. Magister Lana'thel had taken an instant dislike to Alyna from the moment they had been introduced forty years ago. The magister was politically very ambitious, and Alyna's recent achievements had put her in the other woman's firing line. She thought about what Lirea had said a couple weeks ago regarding Alyna being above the political machinations of the high elves. She may be above it all, but that didn't mean others didn't see her as a rival. Lana'thel certainly saw her that way. The ceremony would be interesting, that was for sure.

They chatted about the logistics of what was going to happen next week before Alyna had to leave. She was to meet her mentor, Magister Falcar, at the Sunwell for a lesson.

As she strolled down the pristine walkways towards the Sunwell Plateau, a familiar form fell into step beside her.

Alyna raised an eyebrow and gave Liadrin a quirky smile. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

Liadrin raised her own eyebrow in return. "My apologies; if I had known you required a shadow I would have been here sooner."

"I'm a Magister, didn't you know. I need lackeys," deadpanned Alyna.

The high priestess chuckled. "You can be sure that if I ever see you gathering such a mob I will bring you crashing back down to earth."

Alyna joined in with her friend's chuckle. "Of that, I have no doubt."

Liadrin sounded tired as she spoke. "Well, it's nice to know I was missed, at any rate. I was redirected to West Sanctum last minute to fill in for a priest on leave."

"You don't sound particularly thrilled about having to do that." Alyna's words were casual, but when Liadrin didn't respond she turned her head to look at the high priestess. She asked with concern, "Are you okay?"

She received a brief nod. "I am now. West Sanctum is just a … difficult place to administer for someone like me."

"Someone like you?"

Liadrin hesitated before replying, obviously trying to phrase her words carefully. "While I have enjoyed certain boons the last few years, there are certain aspects of my life that have become … difficult … because of certain associations I keep."

She hadn't thought about her conversation with her sister since it had happened, but Alyna immediately recalled certain points Lirea had raised. She replied to Liadrin, anger tinging her voice, "You mean me. You're friends with me and you're suffering for it."

The high priestess scoffed. "I'm hardly suffering. But, yes. My choice to continue supporting you and Sylvanas has had some minor backlash. Not from within the priesthood, mind. They still think I'm as phenomenal as ever."

"Backlash? From the people?" guessed Alyna.

Liadrin nodded. "Sadly, yes. Most keep it close to their chests but others are much more vocal with their opinions on what you represent, the people of West Sanctum amongst them. They were not openly rebellious to my presence, but they made it very clear I was not welcome for any longer than I was needed."

Alyna closed her eyes briefly, trying to control the anger she felt at the treatment of her friend because of her. "I'm sorry."

That seemed to upset the high priestess and she gripped Alyna's arm and pulled them both to a stop to face each other. "Don't be sorry, and if I ever hear you apologise for being your good self ever again I'll … think of something threatening later."

Alyna couldn't help but smile at her friend. The smile turned to a frown as something else Lirea had said resurfaced within her memory. "West Sanctum is close to Sunsail Anchorage, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," replied Liadrin, warily. "Why?"

"Just something my sister said."

"If you want my advice, and you're going to get it whether you want it or not, don't go messing with Sunsail Anchorage," Liadrin warned.

"And why not?"

Liadrin shook her head. "For the same reason I'm glad not to be in West Sanctum anymore. It's not a very welcoming place for those of us with particular views. So, when you actually embody the very views they disagree with …" Alyna saw a shudder pass through her friend, which only made her even more curious. "Just, leave them be. Their archaic views will change in time."

Alyna felt her shoulders droop with her sadness. "I can't believe just being myself has caused so much grief, both for you and others."

"Ah, it isn't your fault, Alyna. You're just part of the catalyst. Our society has been heading towards this change for some time now. When we first emigrated here, we were few in number, and children were important. They still are, of course, but we are in no danger of becoming extinct. We now have the luxury to follow our more natural inclinations. Society is slow to change though, and what you and Sylvanas are doing is shocking it into reality much faster than it is prepared for." Liadrin shrugged. "They'll catch up. They always do. You just need to give it time." She then laughed. "As for me? I knew exactly what I was getting into when your star rose to neck-breaking heights, and I've not even regretted the hangovers."

"You're blaming me for your enthusiastic imbibing of alcohol?"

Liadrin feigned innocence. "You keep inviting me to parties where it flows liberally. What's a sheltered priestess to do?"

Alyna laughed. "Sheltered? If you're sheltered, I'm practically cloistered." She linked her arm with Liadrin's and they resumed their walk, "Come on or I'm going to be late."

They continued walking towards the plateau, their arms linked.

"So," began Liadrin, "how is Vereesa coping with being surrounded by humanity in Dalaran?"

"She's doing better than I ever would," mused Alyna. "I can take their impatience in small doses but living amongst them would be a challenge for me."

Liadrin chuckled, "They have a lot to do, and not many years of life to do it in. It's understandable. Still, to actually marry one … that was brave of your sister. She'll only have him for a few decades." She smiled at Alyna, "You and Sylvanas, on the other hand …" Alyna smiled back nervously, and Liadrin looked at her with concern. "What's wrong?"

"What? Oh, nothing." Alyna laughed off her friend's worry. "Nothing like what you're thinking. We're great."

"Oh, good." Liadrin looked genuinely relieved. "I may have once threatened to try and kill Sylvanas if she ever hurt you again so I'm glad I don't have to do that."

"You what?" asked a stunned Alyna.

"What are friends for?" grinned Liadrin. "You're welcome."

Alyna shook her head in amused disbelief. "I bet that went down well."

Liadrin gave her a non-comital smile before asking, "So, if nothing's wrong, what's up then?"

"I … was thinking of asking you to officiate at our wedding."

"Ah." Liadrin instantly knew why Alyna was nervous, and it was one of the reasons Alyna adored her friend. "You're concerned Sylvanas will not want a religious aspect to your wedding."

Alyna bit her lip and nodded quietly. They walked in silence for a few moments before Liadrin replied softly, "She loves you. She knows your faith is important to you, and I'm sure she'll allow the blessing." She shrugged. "It also cannot do her any harm, and costs her nothing."

Alyna knew it was a very logical assessment, and while it may sound unfeeling she realised it was also how Sylvanas figured things out. Her general had the ability to emotionally disconnect from a situation to better analyse the facts. Alyna had envied the skill that had helped make her into the ideal general she was. It had added a few bumps to their relationship, but she understood where it came from, and was now adept at knowing when Sylvanas had slipped into that frame of mind.

Liadrin took Alyna's hand in her own and squeezed it excitedly as they walked up one of the access ramps to the Sunwell Plateau. Alyna smiled joyfully as she realised Liadrin was right, and it was all she could do to not squeal like an excited child. Liadrin wrapped an arm around her shoulders and laughed, noticing the restraint.

"It's truly wonderful to see you happy, Alyna. You've come such a long way and I'm honoured to be a part of it all."

"You're a great friend, Liadrin."

"Yes. Yes, I am."

They both laughed as they entered the main courtyard. No matter how many times Alyna saw it, the Sunwell still took her breath away. She could feel the swirling golden pool of energy pulse through the air around her. All high elves felt it and were infused by its magic, though the magi fostered a closer relationship to the source of their power. As a ranger, Alyna had spent most of her time at large distances from the Sunwell. She had felt its energy faintly within her, particularly the lack of it as they went further away for short periods. As a mage, she tapped into its magic more directly. While it gave her a sense of empowerment and wonder, it had made her time as a ranger a little more challenging. She did not suffer anything like withdrawal, but sometimes her distance from the font had left a vacant spot inside her. She was still happiest running around the forests with Sylvanas, but there was an occasional twinge of something missing when they roamed southwards.

A tall, elegant elf turned at their approach, a smile splitting his face. Alyna's mentor, Magister Falcar, closed the distance between them and wrapped Alyna in a hug.

"Welcome back!"

"Thank you, my Lord." She smiled up at him, "and thank you for coming to the party. It was lovely to have you there."

"Oh, trust me, it was very much my pleasure."

His smile was genuine. She raised an eyebrow at this, and almost gaped when he looked bashful. "You didn't …" she half-asked.

He blinked. "What? I …? Oh, no! No, I behaved myself, mostly. That punch was strong though!"

Liadrin chuckled. "The punch always gets spiked. Surely you learnt that as an apprentice?"

He feigned mock offense. "Of course I did! I was usually the one spiking it."

Alyna was still looking at him curiously. "Come to think of it, I do recall you spending a lot of time with a ranger. Minea Lightfall was it?"

Liadrin nodded confirmation. Falcar fidgeted and both women exchanged a knowing look before he had a chance to reply.

"She had some fascinating stories." He tugged the front of his robes down smartly. "She helped me understand the appeal of ranger life."

"I'm sure she did," Liadrin dryly observed.

He clapped his hands together. "Right! We're here to work, not gossip like idle adolescents."

Alyna smiled and gave Liadrin a farewell hug before the high priestess made a swift exit. She had never known her mentor show any romantic interest in anyone before, and she was looking forward to finding out more.


Sylvanas rode at the head of the unit she shared with Alyna. Traditionally, the company and unit that the ranger general headed up did not have a ranger captain. They had broken that tradition after the Second War to accommodate Alyna's need to travel to Quel'Danas for regular training. When Alyna was with the Farstriders she was the leader of the company and Sylvanas was able to focus more on the Farstriders as a whole. When Alyna went to Quel'Danas, Sylvanas slipped back into her old role. It suited them both. Alyna was able to be a full ranger captain with everything that entailed, yet she did not have to worry about her company while she was away. Sylvanas got to focus on the wider details of her role, yet she also got to regularly take over a company's reins and get her hands dirty. It also meant that they could live together at Farstrider Enclave, and that had made the last fourteen years the happiest of Sylvanas' life.

She smiled as she thought of her fiancée. Today was her last day on Quel'Danas, and it would take her about a week to travel home. The only thing that made their separation tolerable was knowing that they would both enjoy the reunion when it happened.

A cheerful voice interrupted Sylvanas' thoughts. "So, Boss, have you come up with something new for the Captain's homecoming next week yet?"

Sylvanas raised an eyebrow at the speaker. Kyala was one of Alyna's most loyal rangers. When she had been made a captain again, Kyala had immediately applied to join Alyna's unit. She had served under Alyna before, and wanted to do so again. She had not been the only one to put in for a transfer either. A shadow passed though Sylvanas' mind as she recalled a few of those transfer requests had been to leave Sylvanas' company to serve under a different captain. That had been the start of the general's recent troubles. Not everyone in the Farstriders agreed with the public relationship she and Alyna had. Some had been almost insubordinately vocal and it had resulted in a reshuffling of personnel that had created a company that was a constant thorn in their general's side. She had stationed them in the far corner of Quel'Thalas, where they could do the least harm, but their political leanings had become noisy of late.

"Not yet. I'm more than open to ideas though. It's becoming harder and harder to surprise her." Sylvanas usually planned something for Alyna's homecoming, though this time she had no idea what to do yet.

A few chuckles could be heard behind her and she just about managed not to blush under her hood. Alyna had personally chosen each ranger in the unit they both led. Other than the fact it had made the unit one of the most elite of all Farstrider units, it had also resulted in a very tight knit group of men and women who teased Sylvanas relentlessly when Alyna was away. She was thrilled by the first fact, and she tolerated the teasing because it reminded her just how adored her beloved was. She was surrounded by people who were unquestionably loyal. They could also bring a smile to her face when they knew her heart hurt the most at Alyna's distance.

"Have you tried taking her out onto the lake in a boat?" asked Tritan, a powerfully built male who had a talent for disappearing into the shadows and reappearing behind clueless foes. He was also the newest amongst them having recently graduated from the Academy the previous year.

"Oh, please, she's done that twice already," scoffed Alaana, the unit's master tracker. "And if I recall, Boss, didn't you fall into the water the last time?"

The group laughed at the reminder, and this time Sylvanas blushed. She had taken Alyna fishing; an activity they were both relative novices at. She had got so excited when her line had received a bite that she had stood up to reel it in. The small boat had rocked violently, Sylvanas had lost her balance, and she had fallen into the lake in full view of the shoreline where a few rangers had been bathing.

"That's right!" Kyala chimed in before turning to give Sylvanas a sympathetic look. "Perhaps spear fishing is more your thing, Boss?"

Sylvanas gave Kyala a withering look. "I could always practice on you, I suppose …"

Kyala dropped her reins and held her hands up in surrender, a big smile on her face, "Hey, I'm not into that kinda thing, Boss. But, perhaps you could suggest it to the Captain when she gets back?"

"You're all impossible." Sylvanas tried to sound fed up but her smile gave her amusement away.

The banter ceased as they approached Suncrown Village, a medium sized village that was a few hours ride north of Farstrider Enclave. Sylvanas liked to ride around the villages as often as she could to see how they were doing. While this would be a short visit before they returned home, they were also there to meet with a couple of rangers from another company. As they rode two abreast down the main approach road, they interrupted three young children who were playing. One of the girls wore a ragged cape and held a long stick. She looked up at the riders and squealed when she saw Sylvanas. The children then took off running into the village. Stifled laughter could be heard from her rangers and she realised that the girl had been pretending to be Sylvanas herself. She shook her head good naturedly as they rode towards the village centre.

As they drew nearer, the three children ran back at them, this time with their friends. The rangers were forced to slow down so as not to risk trampling the children who were eagerly trying to talk to Sylvanas. She had always been awkward around children, but tried her best to greet them all. Eventually, she ordered the rangers to dismount. They would walk the rest of the way leading their horses, and being led by the over-excited children.

The girl pretending to be Sylvanas practically hung off the general's belt, she was so close into her side. The child tugged at Sylvanas' tunic, and the general looked down at her curiously.

The girl asked shyly, "Where is your lady ranger?"

Sylvanas smiled softly. "Captain Salonar is in Quel'Danas at the moment, little one."

The sad eyes the child gave Sylvanas almost broke her heart. She reached out and picked the girl up, perching her on her hip. Small arms wrapped around her neck and she said quietly to the girl, "I'll let you in on a secret." She leant in to whisper into the child's ear, "I miss her too."

The girl giggled at this and gave Sylvanas a hug as the group reached the village centre where the adults had been spending their day. An apologetic mother weaved her way through the throng and peeled the girl from Sylvanas' arm. After assuring the woman it was fine, she turned towards an elderly man who bowed deeply.

"General Windrunner, welcome back to Suncrown," he intoned respectfully.

"Magistrix Indar, it is always a pleasure." She held out her arm and he completed the gesture, clasping forearms with her. She genuinely liked the savvy old mage, though one would be hard pressed to know he was a respected magister just by looking at him. He seldom used his magic anymore, and only to help others. When the trolls had begun advancing through Quel'Thalas in the war he had evacuated the villagers to Silvermoon. They had returned to a ruined village, but they all had their lives because of his forward thinking.

"Let me be the first to offer our congratulations on your engagement to Captain Salonar, General." Despite his smile, she knew it wasn't entirely genuine. She was well aware that her engagement was scandalous, but she also knew most would never comment on it to her face. "May the Light bless you both, and keep you in its warm embrace."

"Thank you kindly, Magistrix." Others came forward all offering their congratulations, some of which surprised Sylvanas by sounding plausibly genuine. Some asked her to pass on messages to Alyna, who visited the village more frequently and was well known to them. Someone even said that it was about time they got married, leading to some awkward laughter, a few hushes, and knowing looks being exchanged between the rangers. Sylvanas shrugged and grinned at the man who had spoken to her. He was right. It really was about time.

She still felt a little overwhelmed by it all. Being the private person she was, she had always shunned talking about her personal relationships. That had been flipped on its head in recent years, but it was still difficult for her to accept the public nature of her relationship with Alyna. Bizarrely, she found it more of a challenge to deal with people such as the one or two before her who openly accepted her relationship with Alyna. She was used to, and expected, resistance to the idea of her relationship, and knew how to deal with that. The open affection some of the people of Suncrown had for their favourite celebrity couple was difficult for her to accept. Perhaps, she was just a pessimist.

Once a good portion of the village had passed on their regards, the magistrix took charge and guided Sylvanas towards his humble home.

"Your other rangers have already arrived. Captain Brightwing awaits you in my home. I would be honoured if you stayed as my guests for as long as you require."

Sylvanas smiled her gratitude. "I would not dream of imposing on your hospitality for long, Magistrix."

Leaving her unit to their distractions, she followed the magistrix into his cosy home. Halduron stood as they entered, and she clasped forearms with the man she had made a ranger captain last year. She had promoted him to command the company in south west Quel'Thalas, and he was now responsible for the safety of Windrunner Village as a result.

"Congratulations, General," he intoned.

She nodded her thanks and invited him to sit. They were meeting because he was about to take over the Farstrider Academy for the next few years. The responsibility for training new recruits rotated around the captains, and Sylvanas herself. As it was Halduron's first time at the helm she wanted to go over a few details and make herself available to answer his questions. Indar provided them with some food and drink as they discussed the particulars but otherwise left the two senior Farstriders to their business.

After nearly three hours, they were done. She smiled at him reassuringly. "I hope you get as much out of it as the rest of us do. By the end, you'll also get first choice of graduates for your company and we'll squabble over the rest."

He grinned. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Right then, all that's left is for me to invite you round to Windrunner Spire for a small party. It's not for several months, but we realise you'll be busy."

"A private party?" he asked slowly.

She nodded. "Alyna wanted to get a few of our closest friends together before the wedding." Halduron's hesitation was not lost on Sylvanas, and she sat back in her seat and sighed at him. "You're not coming, are you?"

"You know I can't, Sylvanas. I don't know why you insist on inviting me to everything you both do."

"Because you're our friend, Halduron."

"I'm your friend," he stressed.

Sylvanas narrowed her eyes at him, impatience tinging her voice. "You need to get over it already. She did you a damn big favour in not letting you torture Zul'jin, and you know it."

He stood from his seat and growled at her, "She had no right!"

She rose to meet him, her shoulders squared. "She had every right!" Before he could reply she continued, her voice laced with a grief she still felt keenly. "You were not the only one who lost a lot of family to the trolls during the war, and you cannot keep taking out your loss on Alyna just because she executed someone you wanted to hurt." She shook her head sadly. "You're a captain now, Halduron. You need to rise above such things as revenge and petty grievances."

He snorted. "It's easy for you to say; you're …" He trailed off.

"I'm what?" she started angrily. "I'm fucking her?" She took a step towards him and she could see he wanted to step away from her but he had somehow managed to stand his ground before his furious general. "Are you implying I cannot see past my personal feelings for her and be objective?"

"How can you be objective, Sylvanas? Okay, so you made her a captain again, fine; she had originally earnt that position before she had to resign. But, instead of giving her a company of her own you decided to keep her close and break with tradition. Then there's the whole Sunsail mess. She also comes and goes as she pleases, regardless of her duty to the Farstriders!"

A knock sounded on the door and a wiry human male entered the home. He was dressed as a Farstrider, and had a beautifully tooled clasp holding his cloak around his shoulders. The clasp marked him out as a ranger lord. The only other two in existence were Lor'themar, and Sylvanas herself. He looked between the two elves before bowing his head in greeting to Sylvanas.

"General, forgive my intrusion, but may I have a moment of your time?"

"Of course, Nathanos. Come in."

Halduron muttered, "Someone else who comes and goes as he pleases."

Sylvanas shot him a warning look before turning to greet the human she had taken into the Farstriders as a protégé after the Second War, Nathanos Marris. His skill had caught her eye during the fighting, and once the orcs had been completely defeated she invited him to train under her tutelage. She had taken over the Academy in the years after the war ended, and Nathanos had thrived. She had recruited him because she thought he could be a valuable ally for the elves to have and he had proven her hunch to be correct.

There had been great resistance to his induction. Even the king's son, Prince Kael'thas, had taken deep offence to her decision. He had penned a long letter demanding that she dismiss him from the Farstriders, but she refused. Once he had graduated, Nathanos had proved his value by leading ranger units to numerous strong victories against the trolls. She had rewarded him by making him a ranger lord. If she had caused controversy by making him a ranger in the first place, her decision to make him a lord had made some of her detractor's apoplectic. These days, he spent most of his time in his native Lordaeron, tending to his family and lands, but he had recently returned to keep his skills honed.

If Nathanos heard Halduron's comment, he did not react. "I'd heard you were here so thought I would let you know in person."

His face fell and Sylvanas instinctively held a hand out to the man, resting it in what she hoped was a comforting gesture on his shoulder. "What is it, Nathanos?"

"The plague that has been ravaging Lordaeron has worsened. I have received news that one of the villages on my lands has begun to suffer from it, and I must go tend to my family and people."

Sylvanas nodded sympathetically. "Of course, you must go. Is there any news at all about what has started this plague?" The plague had been vicious and completely deadly. Once contracted there was no cure, and no one ever recovered. The worst part of it was that the plague did not just kill its targets. Somehow, someway, it created undead zombies from its victims. Death was supposed to be final, but for the people of Lordaeron it was now only the start of their nightmare. She had heard reports of entire villages having to be burnt to prevent plague victims from rising again.

He shook his head. "None, General. There's a rumour that Prince Arthas found something in Stratholme though. He has taken a good portion of the army to Northrend chasing the source of the plague."

"Northrend!" Sylvanas exclaimed. "What could have brought such a horrendous plague to Lordaeron from Northrend?" The cold northern continent was a long way away, and largely uninhabited.

The human shrugged, "I have no idea. He must be fairly sure to make the trip, so I pray to the Light he succeeds soon. There won't be much left for him to come home to otherwise."

She embraced her protégé and warned him to be careful, and he left. She could feel the hatred rolling off of Halduron without needing to look.

"He has done more than enough to prove himself," she stated flatly.

"It doesn't make it right," he replied.

She looked at him closely, and he eventually turned his eyes away from her assessing gaze.

"Tell me, Captain," she made sure to emphasise his rank to make it perfectly clear she wanted a professional response, "what would you do if you had a ranger who was supremely gifted, but also insubordinate, disrespectful to superiors, distrustful, and who believed he knew better than you?"

Halduron thought about his answer before replying, "I would teach him the value of why we operate as we do and make it clear that if he wished to continue being a ranger he would need to step into line or find another calling."

Sylvanas snorted her amusement. "Well, I could have done that I suppose, but then I promoted you instead." He blinked his surprise at her, and she continued her train of thought. "And now I'm letting you take charge of my latest, impressionable, recruits." She stepped into him, her left shoulder almost bumping against the right side of his chest. She turned her head to talk up into his ear, her voice low, "Did I make a mistake by trusting you, Halduron?"

He lowered his chin before replying in a low whisper, "No, General."

She raised her eyes to look at his face for a long while, judging his response. She knew her scrutiny made him uncomfortable, and she purposefully held her gaze longer than intended. She then turned and went to find the magistrix to thank him for his hospitality, wordlessly calling their meeting to a close.