Azdralin's Perspective
She felt insane for holding hands with not only a near-complete stranger, but a sworn enemy; but it felt so calming, so welcoming. Azdralin could sense how emotional Vylaris seemed, and he must have really been struggling if he wanted to hold hands of all things. Either way, it really was a terrible place to be, walking on land that felt so dead and...sad. Could such a thing truly feel sad? If it could, the Dead Scar definitely would.
A few minutes had passed as they walked through the darkened wasteland. Silence was all that was between them, but it was somehow comforting. It was like they understood how vulnerable they both felt, and they simply held onto each other.
Vylaris broke the silence first. "I'm sorry for all of this. I may have saved your life and all, but I feel like I've made everything so complicated."
Azdralin could hear the sorrow in his voice, it almost sounded like he was holding back tears. "It's okay, really. I'm sure we can figure this out. I think it's for the best. After all, we wouldn't have even thought to establish some sort of truce if you just killed me."
She felt him squeeze her hand a bit harder, but not hard enough to where it bothered her. "Still. I feel so foolish." Vylaris' voice cracked ever so slightly.
"Hey, it's okay. It's in the past now, isn't it?" Azdralin stepped in front of him, looking up at him sympathetically; how she yearned to meet his eyes.
She heard Vylaris sigh, his breath shaky. "Yeah, I suppose so. Come on, let's keep moving."
Azdralin walked beside him as they neared the edge of the Scar, and she felt Vylaris' grip still strong on her hand. She honestly wouldn't mind if he just kept it there; despite everything, it was really comforting.
As they stepped onto the bright, green grass of Eversong, they both took a deep breath, and then looked down at their hands. Vylaris spoke softly before releasing his grip. "Thank you."
Azdralin smiled and nodded. "It's no problem." They both stood there for a moment before Loque'nahak let out a loud yawn. Azdralin laughed and patted his head lovingly. "Don't worry, we'll be home soon."
Vylaris' Perspective
Vylaris watched as Azdralin soothed her pet and he frowned. A companion...a home; what a lucky, lucky elf she was. He turned and looked out towards the direction of Silvermoon, its tall spires visible from even this distance. "We can probably get there by sundown."
Azdralin walked up beside him and nodded. "I'm certain we can. Fairbreeze Village isn't far from here, we can take the main road from there."
"As long as I keep my mask up, I'm sure the locals won't suspect anything." Vylaris could see a path up the crest of the hill and he made his way towards it with Azdralin close behind.
He tried to forget about what happened in the Scar; feeling so vulnerable he wanted to hold her hand. Was he crazy? He must have been. This would all be over soon, he just needed to get her to Silvermoon, and hopefully, he would be spared of judgment.
Vylaris took a deep breath and looked up at the golden trees around him. They were much more lively than anything in Ghostlands, and he felt so at peace. Leaves fell slowly to the ground and the breeze was filled with a sweet, warm scent. Eversong Woods was so beautiful; it was enough to make anyone completely lose themselves in awe.
His ears twitched as he turned and saw Azdralin watching him, smiling. Damn that blood elf, he thought, why did she make him feel this way? Vylaris tried to ignore her and he kept following the path towards the village.
It wasn't long before they reached the outskirts of the village, and Azdralin happily greeted the guard stationed there. The guard eyed Vylaris and dipped his head in greetings. Vylaris frowned and gave the guard a slight wave as they walked by.
As long as he kept his face hidden, no one should have any reason to believe he wasn't just another blood elf like them. The village was bustling despite it being rather early in the morning; merchants setting up their shops and children playing, their laughter filling the air. Vylaris smiled, he felt happy, something he hadn't felt in quite a while.
Suddenly, he felt the hairs on his neck stand as he sensed someone was watching them. He turned, noticing a couple of elves watching them curiously, whispering to each other in hushed tones. The strangers began to approach them and Vylaris instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of one of his blades. This was it, he knew it, he knew this was a terrible idea.
"Lady Azdralin? Is that really you?" One of the strangers said.
Azdralin turned and smiled happily. "Ah, you got me! And to think I've been gone long enough that I'd be forgotten."
"How could anyone forget you? You're a decorated hero of Silvermoon!" As the strangers spoke to her in awe, a few more elves watched on in curiosity and a few gasps spread throughout the village folk. More and more villagers approached her, exclaiming their thanks or simply their admiration for her.
Vylaris removed his hand from his blade and simply crossed his arms awkwardly, watching the crowd gather around Azdralin. After a few moments passed she managed to break free and she nervously waved her hand towards them. "I do appreciate your words, but I really must be going!" Azdralin quickly walked up to Vylaris, grabbing his arm as they made their way out of the village.
Once they were away, Azdralin let go of Vylaris and sighed. "Sorry about that! I guess I still have fans around here."
Vylaris raised a brow at her and laughed lightly. "Apparently so. I was told you were dangerous but I didn't realize you were just a little princess."
Azdralin shot a surprised glance at him and she seemed flustered. "Princess? I'm no princess!"
"Okay, sure." Vylaris retorted, his amusement thick in his voice. He watched as Azdralin stormed off ahead of him, and he couldn't help but laugh.
Azdralin's Perspective
Azdralin's ears were burning with embarrassment and she felt warmth in her cheeks. What the hell was wrong with him? Princess? She exhaled sharply and tried to regain her composure. This guy was getting on her nerves, but at the same time, she couldn't help but enjoy his presence. It was hard to read what he felt though, did he feel the same as she did?
She stopped and turned back to see Vylaris walking at a normal pace behind her, even with his mask on, she could tell he was rather amused. Azdralin waited for him to catch up to her and she glared at him. "I worked really hard to get where I am today, don't mistaken me for spoiled royalty."
Vylaris raised his hands up slightly. "Hey be careful with those eyes, they look as sharp as my blades, you're gonna hurt someone with those."
Azdralin rolled her eyes and kept walking, but she didn't storm off this time. Sure, it was annoying having to deal with the side of him that enjoyed toying with her, but the side of him that he kept locked away seemed so...alluring. She could tell that deep down he had a lot of pain and a lot of emotion; she could tell that he had experienced as much sorrow as she had, she just had to let him open up to her.
Birdsong filled the air as they walked down the cobblestone path side-by-side, the only thing separating them being Loque'nahak, who still looked at Vylaris with his fangs bared. She didn't blame him, and she would've mirrored that reaction if it weren't for the fact the void elf had saved her life twice now. Azdralin wondered what his intentions truly were; it wasn't that he wanted to get on Lor'themar's good side, because he didn't even know she was related to him. So, what was it?
As they crossed a small bridge, Azdralin looked up to see a directional sign pointing towards the entrance to the city of Silvermoon. She smiled, barely able to contain her excitement. "I haven't been home in a long time, I'm really looking forward to seeing the city again."
Vylaris spoke quietly. "Yeah...me too..."
The path stretched out far ahead of them and it curved down into the Dead Scar yet again, but the path here was mostly repaired, and it wasn't as bad as it was down by the Ghostlands border. Azdralin stopped as she gazed up at what once was the main gates of Silvermoon, which now stood as a ruined and shattered monument of the great tragedy that occured here. The Scourge had cut right through the city to get to the Sunwell, the Great Scar marking the land behind them. It was so cursed and decayed that Lor'themar had stopped all efforts to try and restore this part of the city. He instead closed it off and it remained as a terrible reminder of those who died here.
Azdralin could feel Vylaris approach her and he placed his hand on her shoulder lightly. "This is why we fight, to prevent this from ever happening again."
Azdralin nodded and swallowed hard, trying to hold back her emotions. "I know. That's why I'm going to convince Lor'themar to see reason; we can only be stronger if we stand together." She moved her hand to his. "Thank you."
Vylaris' Perspective
It had been a long day but they had finally arrived at the entrance of Silvermoon. Vylaris took a deep breath and gazed up at the grand architecture, the crimson flags that blew in the breeze, and the shimmering crystals that adorned the scenery.
He felt like his heart was escaping through his throat; he felt terribly nervous to be standing here, the heart of his enemy's territory. Vylaris wished he was here as an ally, in the city that used to accept him; the city he used to call home. Azdralin was calling to him to catch up to her and he barely managed to command his legs to move him forward.
The sweet sound of violin drifted along the towering spires of the city and countless elves filled the streets. It was so lively and he could hardly keep himself from smiling.
If he remembered correctly, the Sunfury Spire, where Lor'themar resided in, should be located in the back of the city, but he followed Azdralin's lead either way. It was much better if she did the talking, and talk she did, as nearly every guard greeted her happily as they only stared Vylaris down. He felt so out of place here yet so blissful; he truly despised such a combination of emotions. His stomach felt like it was knotted up into a ball and he wanted to throw up. That would be an amazing first impression on the Regent Lord, he thought sarcastically.
They turned down a few more streets before he could see the grand spire looming above them like a true beacon of power. Water surged about a stunning fountain that sat as a centerpiece to this wing of the city, and it all made Vylaris feel awestruck.
Azdralin stopped and turned back to him, offering a friendly smile. "Is it as grand as you remembered?"
"Even more so." Vylaris muttered back, his mind occupied with the sights around him.
"Are you ready to meet Lor'themar?"
Vylaris gulped and exhaled slowly, turning to look towards her. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."
Azdralin nodded and made her way up the winding steps that lead to the entrance of Sunfury Spire. Vylaris felt like he was on auto-pilot, like his legs were struggling to listen to him, he felt sickeningly nervous. What if they decided to execute him on the spot? Like Azdralin was supposed to? Like he was supposed to?
He stopped as they neared the spire entrance, watching as Azdralin walked up the arching ramp, guards lined up on either side. Vylaris quickly caught up to her and followed close behind, trying not to seem as nervous as he felt.
It wasn't long before they entered the spire and a soft, blue light enveloped them from the glowing crystals that hung down from the grand ceiling. Vylaris' breath was caught in his throat and he stopped as he gazed upon the three leaders of the blood elves. Ranger-General Halduron Brightwing stood to the left, while Grand Magister Rommath stood to the right, and at the center of the three stood Lor'themor Theron, Regent Lord of Quel'thalas, leader of the blood elves.
Azdralin's Perspective
She ran up to Lor'themar and embraced him tightly. "Ah, my dear Azdralin, what brings you home so soon?" Proclaimed Lor'themar.
Azdralin broke their embrace and bowed politely to both him and his two cohorts before properly addressing her uncle. "Lor'themar, during my time in Ghostlands I have made an unlikely friend, and I wish for a moment of privacy for me and you to discuss some things." Lor'themar raised a brow and peered over towards Vylaris with his one good eye.
Rommath and Halduron had already been staring him down, but they didn't seem to have any hostile intentions...not yet at least. Lor'themar nodded to Azdralin and the two entered one of the chambers at the back of the sanctum. As they were no longer in earshot of the others, she could hear Lor'themar sigh warily. "You know very well that time is not a commodity I often possess, so I do hope this is worthwhile. That elf that is with you, who are they?"
Azdralin took a moment to gather herself before speaking. "His name is Vylaris. He's...he's a void elf."
"Azdralin, for your sake, this better just be a poor attempt at a joke."
Azdralin frowned and looked pleadingly at her uncle. "It's not...he's really a void elf, a-and he's an ally."
Lor'themar sat down on a nearby chair and pinched the bridge of his nose as he sighed once more. "You remember as well as I do, what happened the last time we allowed a void elf amongst us. The Sunwell could have been destroyed..."
"I know, I do. But...I also know that void elves used to be just like us, and I hear they've been learning how to use the void magic for good."
"For good?" Lor'themar rose from his chair and seemed upset, but not directly at Azdralin. "If they used their dark magic for good, we wouldn't be fighting them in Ghostlands."
"They're fighting for their home, our home. We've only gotten in their way because we chose to! We should know better than most what it feels like to be criminalized for our magical prowess."
Lor'themar looked at her sadly, he seemed to understand her words. "It's not as simple as that, my dear. I have to put the entire city, the entire region itself above what I think is right or wrong; I have to consider what is best for their safety. Either way, I'm not the only voice that they listen to." Azdralin knew that he meant Halduron and Rommath, Rommath especially, as he has dealt with multiple accounts of void elf conflict.
Azdralin gripped her arm anxiously. "I know, I know...but, wouldn't it be easier if we just fought together? Just this one time? Against a common enemy? I'm not saying we let them into the city and forget everything they've done, I only want to work towards a better future." She frowned, tears starting to swell in her eyes. "I don't want to keep fighting, especially not against our own kind."
Her uncle embraced her once more, patting her back to calm her. "There's no need for tears, Azdralin." Lor'themar let go and made sure Azdralin had regained her happy self before they continued. "Now, what spurred this whole debacle, hm?"
Azdralin wiped her face briefly with her hands and sighed to relax herself. "He...Vylaris...he saved my life, twice in fact. We both had direct orders to kill each other at the river border in Ghostlands, but he...he spared me. He brought me to safety and he kept me safe the whole way here." She looked at her uncle, her eyes bright with the remnants of her tears. "Surely that must mean there's good in him. If he has good in him, why wouldn't other void elves?"
Lor'themar had a pained expression on his old, scarred face. "It's possible, that is certain. However, it's also possible he could have darker intentions."
"I know...but it's a risk I'm willing to take...for the good of our people."
"Very well, but I would like to speak with him before I make up my mind." Lor'themar walked past her and out to the sanctum where Halduron, Rommath, and Vylaris awaited. The Regent Lord stopped and looked Vylaris up and down before addressing him. "Vylaris, is it?"
Azdralin could notice Vylaris stiffen ever so slightly as Lor'themar spoke his name. Vylaris instinctively kneeled before speaking. "Yes, Regent Lord. Vylaris Darksworn."
Lor'themar raised a brow. "And you are a void elf, yes?"
Rommath and Halduron exchanged glances between the Regent Lord and Vylaris, Rommath appearing especially alarmed. "Lor'themar you can't be serious, she brought a void elf here?" He spat the words like they were poison.
Vylaris rose to his feet and removed his mask, allowing his hood to slide down the back of his head. "Yes, I am a void elf, and I won't apologize for that. Despite what you call me I was born a blood elf like you. Ghostlands was my home, just like it was yours!"
Everyone was silent as Vylaris spoke, until Lor'themar addressed him once more. "I have been told that you saved Azdralin's life, is this true?"
"Yes, and I'd do it again."