Tanstra rolled out of bed. Cursing herself for waking up late yet again.
"Illori?" She called out. Surprised that she didn't immediately spot Illori in the small flat. Throwing on a simple dress before heading outside in search of her. As expected Goldenmist Village was bustling. Judging by the sundial located in the middle of the town's small market it was coming up on noon. The town itself was small with all the homes located around one simple square that housed the market and inn. The majority of craftsmen in the village simply ran their business from their homes; while the market was more so devoted to produce and other foodstuff. Quickly brushing through the crowd as she spotted Illori buying fish from a young boy before turning and waving at her. As Tanstra approached the boy scurried off.
"Glad to see you're awake hun." Illori teased.
"I know, I'm sorry. I promised I'd help you with your work today." Tanstra replied.
"It's fine. I got Harodan up and out of bed to his post and didn't want to wake you too. Honestly I had a nice morning."
"Oh a nice peaceful morning because I wasn't there?" Tanstra laughed as the pair were returning home.
"Well I didn't have to suffer through your attempts at cooking at least." Illori continued to tease as she headed into the kitchen. "I got us some fresh albacore for lunch. The boy caught a good one by the channel."
"Surprised my Father's guard's didn't stop him from fishing so close to the skiffs then."
"Not only was he not stopped, he also saw someone interesting coming and going from the estate."
"Another one of the Azurefold families 'distinguished' guests? I'm extra surprised they didn't make sure the rabble weren't anywhere to be seen." Tanstra let out a snort.
"Oh no. It was not a distinguished guest. The boy told me he saw your brother."
"Strange. I thought he was posted at the Farstrider Enclave." Tanstra flatly replied.
"Strange indeed. Perhaps he was afforded a moment to return home, but perhaps your Father is up to something again."
"Whatever it is I'm staying out of it."
"Oh come on! Even if you're not truly interested in your family anymore you have to admit the gossip this will cause is interesting at least."
"Hardly. It's only gossip, and besides Father will make sure the narrative is that his son was able to return home and that's it."
"Fair enough." Illori relented. Not wanting to ruffle anymore of Tanstra's feathers. As she took the boiling teapot off the fire.
"What of Harodan? Is he returning late again tonight?"
"Afraid so. Seems that he'll be out patrolling further up the cost to ward off those nasty murlocs that have been moving in." Illori placed the warm cup of blood thistle tea and freshly cooked fish.
"He's been sent out for longer and longer patrols recently though."
"Well we both know the reason for that." Illori commented bitterly.
"I'm sorry Illori." Tanstra meekly replied.
"No reason to be sorry. You aren't responsible for your father's actions."
Cupping her teacup Tanstra's mind wandered off to her mother and sisters for a moment. Often she fought with herself on whether or not she made the correct choice. She loved Harodan, but sometimes the guilt of leaving her loved ones behind for him ate at her. 'No. It was Father that pushed me out.' Now Illori was spending less time with her own family because of her.
Illori having finished her own plate and cup of tea set her dishes in the washtub.
"Let me handle washing up Illori." Tanstra said. Illori had been so gracious in allowing her to move into her home. All because Harodan had spoken so highly of her. She considered what it must be like to have such a warm and loving parent. Not that her own mother was a bad or evil person. After teaching her the basics of healing her mother became distant once again though. She knew in her heart that she was loved, but she remembers a mother that was always too busy entertaining guests and running their household. The majority of her rearing was done by her father's apprentice that eventually became their full time employee after her skills in the arcane were deemed to be "subpar".
"Don't worry too much dear. I mean it. You and Harodan will still get a bit of time before he heads to bed at least. On a better note, my fever is almost gone. Thanks to the draught you made." Illori said. Snapping Tanstra back to reality. "Don't worry about the dishes. I'll get that done. You should head around the town to see if anyone else is in need of your talents."
"I'm happy it's worked well." Tanstra smiled. "You're right. I should head to the barracks to see if any men have been hurt fighting off those murlocs." Gobbling down her fish before gathering up her elixirs and saying goodbye to Illori. Deciding that she should first head to the barracks and then the inn to sell her wares she headed off the edge of the village. Going south following along the beach. It seemed undisturbed. A good sign. The murlocs must not have pushed past the guards posted north. She took a moment to stare across the channel at the estate. Noticing a small figure in the distance. It seemed it was Cearea collecting shells. 'Strange. I wonder if Father isn't home. Normally she'd be relegated to her studies all day. Perhaps that's why So'thas visited. Maybe I should go see them too.' She considered it for a moment, but knew that the guards posted by the skiffs likely wouldn't let her cross. It certainly wasn't worth swimming across. 'Sinatra would rat me out immediately.'
Continuing along the beach until she reached the barracks. Thankfully there was only a few guards with wounds to tend to. 'As selfish as it is these murlocs are the thing keeping me in business.' The wounds were merely a couple of scratches from the claws of the ugly beasts. She was also able to sell a few potions for their future skirmishes, but only enough to make a few silver. Looking around at the guards milling about she felt thankful that the only threat close to the village was murlocs. If they'd been posted at the other end of the main road the main threat would be trolls. 'Not a single one of these boys could handle the even the Shadowpine. Let alone a full Amani force.'
"Do any of you know when Halodan will be coming back from his patrol?" She asked.
"Not sure. He's been our main line of defense against the beasts. Captain says Magister Azurefold has been so impressed he's increased him in the field by... well... a ton." One of the boys answered. She knew she'd been told his name once before, but simply couldn't recall it.
'If he'd really been impressed he'd be captain...' She sighed. Some part of her knew that he truly was impressed. That she was the only road block standing between Harodan and an easy promotion. The current Captain was once a great warrior. Once. But it was clear his time had passed.
"Well, hope you feel better boys." She gave a wave to the two men with the scratches and with that she left. Sighing as she began the walk back to the village. While walking back she noticed that the figure near the estate was gone now. The sun was hanging lower in the sky now, but she knew the day was not done yet.
As she entered the inn, the innkeeper Zemar gave her a friendly hello as usual. Tanstra noticed something much more interesting though. The traveler ordering a drink. Goldenmist got the occasional traveler, but none were ever dressed in fine silks. She gave a friendly reply to Zemar before sitting down at the bar. Curiously eyeing the traveler.
"Well, you're in luck sir. This lady here happens to be one of the Azurefolds." Zemar said to the man. The traveler looked at her with doubt. Tanstra tried not to be offended as she understood his doubt. She didn't look like a noble anymore, not even one from a lower family. The man however must not have been from any important house either though if he was spending any time in a common inn in some out of the way village. 'Not to mention he must not have much fashion sense with that ridiculously large hat.'
"Ah I see." The man spoke. Clearly still doubting the innkeepers' claim.
"Not that it matters anyway. If you're looking to speak to anyone important in the family you're in the wrong place." Tanstra flatly replied.
"Oh no no. I was simply curious about the family ruling over this fine spot of land. That's all." The innkeeper handed the man his drink as he spoke.
"Is that all? I figure someone like you must have some important reason to visit this out of the way village." She turned to the man. Studying him.
"You shouldn't assume dear. After all with a beach this fine anyone would come out of their way to enjoy it." The man took down his drink in one big gulp.
'In winter?' She almost let out a laugh.
"I hope you enjoy your stay then. I'm positive Zemar will happily set up a bed for you." The innkeeper's eyes lit up. She didn't blame him. It was obvious the man would be a big spender.
"Unfortunately, I can't stay longer. I've still got traveling to do." The man shrugged before standing up and preparing to head out.
"Al diel shala." Zemar called after him as he left the building.
"Did he mention anything about where he's headed?" She asked.
"Ah yes, he said he was heading up to the grove across the river." Zemar nervously turned his attention to her. He couldn't help but feel he'd messed something up.
"Strange as there's no bridge going across said river near here. Did you catch his name?"
"I apologize, but I did not." Zemar answered reluctantly.
"It's fine. I'm sure it was nothing." Not even she believed herself. Houses were always plotting against each other. Always being sneaky. Something was always happening. She wasn't sure if the stranger was stupid though. He could have easily worn a better disguise when showing up to the front door if he didn't want to be noticed. 'Maybe he didn't really have any goal. Maybe he was just passing through.' She wanted to convince herself. Thinking back on the man she realized she couldn't for the life of her remember his face. "Zemar, could you describe the man?"
"Well, he had that massive purple hat."
"No his face Zemar." She insisted.
"I- I can't remember. Thought I had gotten a good long look at him..." Zemar raised his hand to his lips and he tried to remember. His brow furrowed.
'An illusion?' She couldn't even give a rough estimate of the man's height or build. Tanstra thought for a moment. Thinking if she should inform father of this. 'No. I can't just become his pawn again. His problems are not mine anymore.'
"Tell me if you see him again will you?" She stood up and prepared to leave. "Keep your wits about you, Zemar." Parting the fine silk curtain that acted as the entrance she walked out to a light rain. The chill proves that even in the idyllic land of Quel'thalas winter still exists. Even if it's simply a few cold spouts of rain and even colder nights. She couldn't imagine actually taking a dip in the ocean no matter how majestic the beach was. The man's excuse was certainly bizarre at the least.
'Why not send an underling? Why would he be so obvious? Is he so far above us he doesn't even feel the need for shame? Maybe he was just plain stupid and never thought one of the family would even hear of it. Let alone walk in on him attempting to get dirt; and what a cliche going to the innkeeper. Zemar doesn't know a damn thing.' She started to laugh. 'The only one who knows anything in this town is Illori. Maybe she just missed a night full of gossip from the only person in the whole village who would have been willing to entertain her.' But as she laughed to herself the unease settled deeper into her gut. Looking out at the approaching clouds she couldn't help but feel that something worse than that storm was coming.