Kingdom of Quelthalas
Vereesa point of view:
She did not know how long it took, the notion of time turning into a blurry detail that barely managed to cling to her senses as her feet drag her ever forward. The pain was still there, aching under her skin as if freshly inflicted with every step she took, yet she continued on ignoring it, far more pressing matters on her mind.
And before she knew it, she stood again before the entrance of the spire.
Its mighty polished walls with their intricate golden flourish decoration a sight to behold from the ground. She heard some of the servants welcoming her, smiles on their faces that faltered for a few seconds when they got a good look of her, but before she could do anything, they bowed their heads politely and continued their task as if nothing was wrong.
Silently grateful for it she gave them a weak nod, not being capable of giving them a far more elaborate answer at the moment.
Slowly, she closed the door, leaning against it once she had made sure it would not open to the other side. A tired sigh escaping her lips as she felt though briefly the weight of the day wash over her shoulders. How she wished she could just teleport to her room and laid over her bed for the rest of the day, avoiding having to climb the four floors between her and it.
Though it could be worse.
She could be still be back there, with him…..
The mere though sent a wave of cold fury through her, her hands clasping tightly even if that awakened a pang of pain from the aching gashes below the blood stained handkerchief, it felt like her hands were holding burning coals, scorching her skin to the very bone. It was almost unbearable….., but she held on to it, stubbornly.
A crude, rudimentary way to gave herself a brief pause from the turbulence swirling inside her, giving her something else to think of rather than pay heed to The ugly conundrum rearing its head.
But much to her distaste it still came, from time to time…..
Not even an hour ago her mind had been running to overdrive, adrenaline and anger carrying her actions, but now? It felt heavy, cumbersome even. The whole mess had been an emotional wreck, and her conversation with the Ranger Lord had not been something that she had desired.
Despised would have been a better word for it.
The rage, the anger, the shame, the fear. All of those pent up emotions that had been bottled up inside her for so long had burst in a violent display. Becoming even if for such a small amount of time a thrall to them, but now?.
Now there was nothing.
An eerie emptiness spreading within her heart.
If only the same could be said about her plagued mind? Why had she felt so attacked back there in the first place? This was not the first time someone had slander her…, especially him, but she had not lashed out like this…
Not ever, or she would have been fired long ago.
Was it because of his closeness with the source? The exact nature of her visit? Her guilt from not saving Stephon in time from the flames? Her family….? Something else? She did not know, the rage and fury she had felt back then was becoming a clump in her memories, blurring them, and that bothered her, more than she was willing to admit.
"You are wasting your time worrying in things that have no solution, girl….."
"Why are you asking things you already knew the answer for? Stubbornest is not excuse for forgetting"
A scowl slowly warped around her lips, yet what she knew was that she could not avoid getting emotional and that only made it worse, to know that she could not keep it together before lashing out at someone it made her feel….weak, vulnerable, ashamed. How could she uphold her duties if she was blocked by useless sentimentalism?
"So much rage, so much anger, but it needs direction…." Nathanos voice rings back, this time louder than the others, smothering them in his grueling, cruel tone.
She swallowed down the growing bile that was making its way up her throat. Its acid taste getting stuck in her mouth before she managed to swallow them down. Her mother surely would know, with her lectures and hard one liners…., but right now she was out of distance.
How convenient.
``Good afternoon, Miss Vereesa, it's so good to see you. I pray that everything went well on your journey?´´ Came a soft and warm voice to her left, disrupting her from continuing to wallow in her misery.
Startled by the sudden intrusion she yelped in surprise, her heart missed a beat when she realized who was talking to her. Clothed in a soft blue, red dress with golden edges stood a woman. Though her face remained mostly young a few while white streaks could be seem from the sides of her head, letting one know her extremely long age.
``Sharlindra….´´ She gasped in surprise, not expecting the head maid to be there at all. From where did she come? Did she see her muttering to herself? Her cheeks started to heat up in embarrassment at the thought of her lack of attention. She only hoped she would not ask about it.
``Yes, who else could I be?´´ Came the nonchalant response from her, a gentle expression warped on her features as those blue aged eyes gazed at her.
``Everything's fine, well, what can I say….nothing happens in a cemetery´´
``Is that so? Color me surprise´´ She says, placing her hand over her right shoulder.
She can not avoid to cringe at those words, at the way Sharlindra looks at her calmly while she cleans the specks off the dust from her torn shirt. Still, she was glad that the first thing she said was that and not ask right away why she looked like she had come from a battlefield.
She then decided to caress softly her hand before she put it away ``Now that I think about it, I did not see you this morning. Where were you? Sis did not explain in detail...´´
``Ah yes...I was out in the village taking some preparations for the coming festivities. It also had to do with Mistress Windrunners orders to not interrupt her with her plans...even though she knew very well that I would have been delighted to help her, children these days…. ´´ She mutters dramatically.
Well, that explains why I did not see her… Well, you know her, she will never let others do something that she wouldn't do´´
A tender smile warped around her lips, yet her eyes showed a small shadow of pain. ``Yes, that is something that she would probably do. In that regard, she is so much like Lieresa. Another century and I tell you that I will find it hard to find any differences between the two´´ She chuckles.
``Well, you can always resort to tell them apart by her jokes, hers are awful´´
``Now that's cruel young lady, your dear mother may not have been the best in that department, but let me tell you that she had a few go-
``I was talking about my sister...´´ She cut her in.
Sharlindra cocks her head at her, an expression of bewilderment plastered on her face before it gave place to pity, it took a while before she got a reply from her. ``That…...makes sense´´
She fought back a snort, she wouldn't have phrased it any better.
`` Well, now with that out of the way…. I think it's the time that you could explain to me, miss. Something that have been bothering me since I laid down my eyes on you….´´
Shit….
``Tell me…., why do you look like you were run over a pack of Linxs? I am sure you did not look half this bad when you fell asleep last night. Unless you did, of course´´
There it was, the one thing she really was not looking forward this late evening but one that found her nonetheless….. , she was starting to regret not hiding away at the first chance she got.
``Ah..well, its... complicated´´
The old woman left a tired sigh escape her lips, her brows furrowing in a stern expression. ``It always is, isn't it? Do you have any idea how hard is to get blood off cloth? No, don't answer that, I know you don't, its I after all who does it!
``But….´´
``Don't but me, young lady, whatever the reasons, surely it wasn't worth this...´´ She says, pointing one slender finger at her, she could help but feel. ``Bah..it doesn't matter, I will have to put it away on the cleaner and find something else for you to wear, we can't have you walking around in a bloodied clothing. Now...does it hurt?´´
``Oh please, It doesn't hurt, really, its just a..ouch!
``Doesn't hurt….ha! My dear, I was there when you were too small to even know where to start changing your underwear. If there is someone who knows you well enough to know you are lying, it's me´´
She wasn't exactly wrong, though not that she was trying at all.. ``I am sorry´´
She stood still, a frown in her face as she continued glaring silently at her before she huffed, her shoulders loosing their stiff as she brought her hand over her forehead, waving away a loose strand of hair ``By the Light miss Vereesa…, what I am going to do with you? Tell me at least that you won´´
``Of that there shouldn't be a shroud of doubt, I am a Windrunner after all´´
``Good, did you already dispose of it or do I need to bring the shovel? Don't say it dear, there is no need. I am sure that there we can find ample of space in the forest across the river.
``The shovel?´´ She could not help but ask, a foreboding feeling crawling up her back.
``To bury the body, of course´´ Replied Sharlindra with the same calm one would speak about the weather and not murder. Truly, her mother had chosen well choosing her to deal with three hot headed teenagers.
``He is not dead´´ She managed to speak out.
Sharlindra cocks her head to the left, her eyebrows frowning slightly for a few seconds before they returned to their usual self ``A pity, don't worry dear, he will be. No one touches my girls and live to tell the tale´´ She replied matter of factly, her eyes burning with promises of untold pain.
``Let's forget about this bury business and move on, I already had a troublesome day´´ The last thing she needed was to get the older woman in her own mess.
Sharlindra cold fury deflated, her shoulders loosing their stiff position as her lips turned upwards. ``Fine, I will leave him be, but only because you said so….. but if something like this happens again….´´
``Don't worry, it won't´´
``Alright, if you say so….is there anything that you need miss Vereesa? The sun is especially strong these days, I believe that there remains some of that two century old wine in the cellar. Should I fetch a bottle?
``No thank you, Sharlindra. I just need….some time to place things together, and I would rather do that sober if possible ´´
The woman nodded at her in silence, perhaps in approval? ``I see, then I will leave you be..., by the looks of it you will probably need it, ice?
``That...would be appreciated, thanks´´ She muttered softly.
She nods at her again, a small feeling of satisfaction portrayed on her face before she grabbing her shoulder softly, not even fully grasping it as she had no intention to harm her already sore skin.
``Then I will see to it... Ah, one last thing before I go, you will have to speak with our guest, she is waiting for you in the living room, though I don't know how are you going to do it in your current appearance. Good luck´´
Wait, what? ``A guest? I don't remember that we had a scheduled visit Sharlindra. Who is it?´´
``You shall see young miss, please don't take long. If you need me, I will be at the attic. Last time I checked, there were some moths in dire need of extermination´´ She said before she gave her a polite bow and parted ways, leaving her once again alone.
For a few seconds she stood still, deciding between going to meet this individual or just go up and lay in her room and forget everything. She was tired and now having to entertain someone wasn't in her to do list. So what if someone felt slighted by that? This was her home for Lights sake!
She was sure it would not be important…... but what if she was wrong?
In the end she decided that it was pointless not to. Sharlindra would never allow strangers or simple civilians to get inside, the woman was far too competent to allow such blunders. That only left her with the possibility of someone from noble birth, and one of high standing at that. If it was someone important they would not take lightly such slight. And now that she was at the spire she may as well represent the Windrunner name now that Sylvanas was out…
Though that also led her to another dead end, there was no way she could show up to whoever had taking their leisure to come by unannounced in this state.
She started rubbing her head in frustration, could she just get a change of clothes? Her room was at the four floor, perhaps if she was fast she cou-….no..., even if she did that how was she going to hide away the bruises? She had no time to try to go for a makeup session when someone was already waiting for who knows how long.
Decisions….decisions….
It was then that an idea dawned inside her mind.
Of course! How could she not have notice earlier? It wasn't a stranger that was waiting for her, Sharlindra would never allow her to go like this.
It could only be a close friend, that alone reduced the list of possible candidates to a great margin.
``Alright….lets see what is this all about´´ Taking a large breath, she set forth the living room, the dual doors leading inside easily giving out when she pressed her hand over the cool surface.
The room was vast, been made to welcome any kind of visitors, when not, it served as her families main location to reunite or pass their free time, if they were in the spire. Bookshelves filled to the brim placed against azure walls, two massive dark oak tables standing over a large, bright red carpet, golden trims on its edge's. Or the massive oval windows that allowed to view the exterior surely brought a comforting sense of familiarity.
But at this moment her attention was more focused on the individual sitting on the green lime couch's.
Soft tan skin that shined under the soft beams coming from the open windows, a bright scarlet mane falling around her bare back like a waterfall set ablaze, calmly reading a book as she hummed a known melody. Her ears stiffen when they perked the noise coming from her footsteps, though she wasn't doing much to hide her presence as she approached her directly. The woman turned around, finally revealing her face to Vereesa, surprising her.
``Lia? If I made an appointment with you for today, I am sorry if I made you wait´´ She apologized to her childhood friend.
The red headed priest merely ducked her head to the left, a smile appearing on her face. ``Of course not, silly. I came here to visit, besides today I actually don't work so it would have been impossible for you to make an appointment whatsoever´´ She replied calmly, waving her hand without concern.
``I see...´´ She gave out a breath of respite, it would have been bad if she had forgotten about such an appointment. It also explained why Sharlindra had allowed her inside, Lia was one of the few that the older woman would consider a child of her own.
``Still, I'm sorry that you had to wait if you had told me in advance I would have come sooner or wait for you to arrive before going´´
``No harm was done, besides this day was very important for you and it would have been better for you to not have other things to do, no pressure attached to you. Things are difficult already as they are´´
``Well, you could have come with me to, you know? I wouldn't have minded, not at all´´ She said as she took a sit just next to her.
Lia smiled at her, but shook her head ``No…., I think that it was better to leave things quiet, between family rather than bringing strangers alone´´
But you are family... Were the words that she wanted to say. Far to long the red head had been part of her families life to not be considered as one, still, she decided not to press on the matter.
``I see…...then what did you have in mind?
``Not much really, visit the spire, and perhaps have a nice conversation with the locals...´´ She muttered, her eyes roaming the room before they settled on her once again `` But now that I think about it….. since you didn't come to my office the last time for some reasonShe remarked those words, a cold shiver crawling on her back. That is why I have decided to bring with me my toys. One never knows when they could be of use´´
She could avoid to let a groan escape her lips. She should have known better than seem Liadrin next to a black bag was equal to medical inspection ``Do you really need to? She asked, but seem how the eyes of her friend looked at her with such seriousness she could not avoid to relent.
`` Ugh…..fine, let's get this over with´´ She said in defeat. She knew that when something got stuck on that head of hers there was little to nothing to make her change her plans.
``I knew that you would see reason! She said effusively, perhaps a little too much. ``Now lets go get your check up! She said before dragging the younger Windrunner up stairs as one would do with a big cat.
Soon the two of them had gone up to Vereesas own room, closing it tightly to make sure that they were not interrupted by one of the servants or Sylvanas herself, though as unlikely as that was with her away one couldn't be too careful.
The two had already paid the price of making that mistake once when during an abrasive and especially hot summer Sylvanas had found her half naked while Liadrin was on top of her doing her analysis. The everlasting tease of her sister from that moment had been a painful thorn for her.
She had been dead tired of repeating her sister that she wasn't into girls, especially her best friend. The storm of problems that something like that wasn't worth the effort and she had the suspicion that Lorthemar and she were a thing. Even though she hadn't said it.
One really didn't need to with the way they looked at one another.
``You are awfully quiet, did something happen? Asked Liadrin who brought her face closer to her, worry in her eyes.
``Nothing! Nothing at all! She exclaimed rather quickly a red shade coloring her face. ``Are you finished? She asked but did not receive any kind of response.
``Flexibility is still normal´´ Liadrin notes to herself, easing her grip on Vereesa's knee, gently bringing her leg back down before her gaze returned to her patients face. `` The injure that you got from falling down Grim Batol in your special assignment seems to have receded completely, it was an ugly one. How did it happen again? I though you Fastriders were meant to be agile´´ She jabbed at her, her words trying to sound with humor yet she knew that it lacked any ill will behind it.
``You tend to get injured when a five stories tall black dragon is trying to kill you by producing a caving while blasting fire inside the very cave you are in. I was lucky that it was just my knee that got injured instead of getting squashed like a bug like most of those orcs….or burnt to a crisp´´
Her assignment to save the Life Binder had been a rather strange one. At the time she had been furious to be, the council of six keeping a tight lips about what their true goal was. Dealing with trolls, ogres and orcs had become the norm back then, still, she would have been really grateful if they had just filled her up with the right intel so she could know that it was a suicide mission.
``Good luck indeed´´ She hummed before she landed her hands over her head `` Though the fact that a healer mended wrong your bones and they had to break your leg again so that they could fix the problem is not something that I would call luck´´
Her face grimaced at the memory, retracting her leg from the priestess hands as she started to feel a phantom pain warp through her bones. It had been a terrible case of bad luck indeed ``Well, not everything goes as planned, you know? Especially under pressure….´´
``Alright, alright... I wont dispute that when its I who calls for everyone to take things slow to avoid mistakes. Does your head still hurts?
Vereesa shook her head, it had been some time since she had felt, only in rare instances she had felt a phantom pain.
`` Interesting, it seems that most, if not all of your old injuries are starting to disappear, specially those scars across your body. Which is good for you, you will able to wear those dresses with their back exposed you always fancied back in the day´´ She exclaimed thoughtfully.
``Very funny Lia. How has been your work going?
``Work has been busy, but I am coping. Thankfully, I have patients that are a lot less difficult than you in order to carry out my job´´ She points her pen in a rather threatening gesture, who merely quirks a brown in response before the healer's expression becomes faraway and sickeningly fond.
`` Your sister have told me that you have been getting difficulties to sleep, are you still taking the medications?
Curse you Sylvanas! Why couldn't you keep it to yourself!? She really didn't want to deal with this, even if it was for her sake...but one last look at Lias eyes crumble any defense she may have tried to set up.
``I have….but I don't think they are working´´
Lia cocks her head to the side, her way to express both interest and concern. ``What makes you think that?
``The memories…. they come flooding my mind when I less expect them, scenes of the past, of lost or violence, moments when I was impotent to stop such things from happening….. they come and go as they please´´ She muttered slowly as she grasped her arm tightly `` It leaves me feel... powerless´´
``Hmm….it could be that you have developed a resistance to the effects of your medicine. I could prescribe you something else, I do know of some natural herbs that the Amani used in the past...´´ Lia stops for a second when she notices her look of repugnance `` Are quite useful to get one's nerves down though they can be quite addictive if one is not careful as they are rather strong for first users.….´´
``Amani drugs? Really Lia?´´
``In my defense, most medications could be considered soft drugs, I only suggest you take them for a short amount of time until your body returns to its original state so that you can take your usual medication. Still better than being high in morphine…. like some others´´ She replied the last sentence with something akin to disappointment, her eyes rolling.
There sure was a story behind it but before she could say something Lia bested her to it.
``Leaving that aside, I am happy to see that your body has finally started to finish off the damage done to you during the war. Under normal circumstances, it should had healed some time ago, but it has taken slightly more time thanks to an unhealthy mix of one complete disregard of ones own health and incompetent leaders placing yourself under a lot of stress and work´´
``Well, we all knew what we were tasked our self's when we joined the corp´´
Liadrin snorts ``Not that I think that concentrating in your duty's to is something bad, especially if it was meant to keep your mind wandering in other places..….. but you should had at least made a better work when taking care of yourself, you know that diligence and health can be together, right?
``Well, that's why I have you, don't I? The bright, wise priestess to keep me from harms way´´ She replied with sarcasm.
Liadrins eyes rolled as a tired sigh escaped her lips. `` Hah! You wish…..but the point still stands, you need to look after you. One Windrunner going wild is one thing, two is too much. I don't need the whole package when thousands more have developed such unhealthy tendencies during the last twenty five years, Vere!´´ She said, exasperated, placing her hands on her hips.
``Speaking of which, care to elaborate this concussion in your head? And this bruises forming around your body?´´ She said pointing at the remnants of her fight with Nathanos. `` They look quite fresh, too fresh in fact´´ She fights back a yelp when she feels Liadrins fingers caress her back softly, just around the corner of the bruises.
``Does it hurt? ´´ She asks, her voice a tender whisper that only she could hear.
She dared not look at her in the eyes. It wasn't fair for how those eyes looked down on her with worry, she shouldn't have done that….. ``It's nothing, don't worry´´ She replied with muttered a gasp, though not fully believing that herself.
Lia does not answer back immediately, instead deciding to fidget with her hair until she felt herself ready`` It's not like its my place to tell you how to live, but did you got into a fight? ´´
``Why did I have the feeling that you were about to say that…..´´ She lamented.
``Vereesa´´ Said the red headed priestess, this time more sternly.
``Yes, I did…..alright, not like you can change it now, could you?´´
Silence stood between the two for a while. Neither one wishing to break the cold tension that lingered in the air, not yet.
``I worry about you, Vere. Not just as part of my duty as a healer, but as a dear friend as well, we are suppose to help one another to deal with these messes, not pick up the pieces´´
``I know…. but each one of us need to find their own ways to deal with, don't we´´
``By breaking someone´s else skull?´´
``Oh please, you don't know that´´
``The skin of your knuckles is barely holding together, which mean a series of quick yet blunt strikes on hard surface during a brawl, something that sadly I am familiar with. That added with the fact that you always aim for the head...tells me someone else is having a hard day´´
``It tends to end things quicker´´
``And messier´´ She quickly retorts.
``Alright, alright...I get it, I did wrong, but he deserved it! I tried to end things peacefully, but he wouldn't have it, I was forced to defend myself, or I can't do that!?´´ She stated rather harshly, this constant probing was doing her patience no favors.
At least Lia did not seem to mind.
``I suppose that I cant tell you not to look after yourself, not with all those creeps lurking around. Still I would like to remind you that violence its not always the solution, one day you are gonna crack a basket that you wont be able to pull under the rug´´
``I know…., you said that once´´
`` Good, I was starting to worry that somehow that head of yours had managed to forget about that too…. ´´ She said softly, a shy smile on her face as she carefully placed her hand over hers. Her eyes gazing at her with...
Oh, oh not again, she knew that look.
``No´´
``No? But I didn't even said anything!´´ Exclaimed Liadrin in surprise.
``I know that look Lia, the answer remains no, don't fight it´´
``But you must be in pain, you know I could ease it with the Light´´
I know... ``No, this is my burden to take, not yours...´´
``Are you sur-?´´
``Can we talk about something else? This matter about fights and pain is getting really old, how have things going in the temple?´´
Lia glared at her, her brows furrowed into a deep scowl, clearly not thrilled about her response. It was clear that the next time she would not be able to get away with it before they returned to their natural state.
``This is not over…..understood?´´
`` I know, but until then…... ´´
The red head priest gave her a weak nod. ``Sadly becoming a Magister or a Fastrider is the fire this days, becoming a Priest or even a Paladin doesn't look a very thrilling experience for the youngsters. As such the number of new recruits have decreased gradually, thinning the priesthoods ranks as a result. Which means that those that remain have an increase of work…. and patients´´
``That sounds troublesome….´´
``Ha! You are not even close, at least it helps that some of the high ranking members of the church also have some pull in the king's council. We lack people, but at least we do have funds´´
``Who would see it, politics affecting the faith to the point it became another hub of trading...´´
``Well, we live in strange times´´ Replied Liadrin with a shrug.
``I think that we have been living such times far longer than we would admit…..I would also recommend you drop drinking. It may have long lasting effects that you may not desire, I also don't want to have to carry you once you drop dead to the floor´´
She grimaces internally, but smiles back at her ``But you enjoy carrying me´´
``Yeah, about that…. perhaps in the past once or twice I would find it funny but now I would prefer if you just behaved like you are supposed to, especially now that you have gained a lot more weight in that body of yours´´
``Are you implying that I have gotten fat!?´´ She exclaimed horrified.
``Me? What have gotten into you to believe such thing? Of course not, Vere´´ She replied softly before a grin appeared on her face. ``But…..it is what it is´´
``You dare!? I will make you know that increased in weight has to do with a well tone musculature body that I have developed through the years! You...you red head simpleton!´´ She exclaimed in outrage. Of all the things Lia could have called her yet she goes for fat? Now that was crossing a line.
That only made Lia smirk even further. ``Not with all the ice cream you have been devouring through the weeks, I have seen the empty buckets in your trash-can and I have to say that at this rate you are gonna make ice cream men rich´´
``W-well, you cant deny that they are just that goo-wait a second….have you been searching my trash?´´ She say bewildered, never expecting to actually ask that.
``For scientific purposes only, of course, a doctor needs to know the eating routines of your patients to better help them.. ´´ Coughed Liadrin, placing one hand over her mouth to hide a faint blush.
``Right….help them´´
``Anyway….look at this thing over here, this poem from an ancient Kaldorei poet, it was one of Alleria's favorite wasn't it? I can see why, the passion behind these words, the intent and meaning behind them….. they are something else. Not like the usual crap that you get with some of our lousy nobles...´´
Changing the subject, are you Lia?
``Yes, it was her favorite, one would think that someone like her who enjoyed and getting dirty on the training sessions and broke arms in merely arm wrestling would never develop any interest in poetry, but she liked it so much that she started writing poems on her own and at any occasion she would try to look for more examples of Teremon Bearsinger.
``Kind of hard to imagine Alleria trying to be an artist or that she had a softer side, but with all we have seem throughout the years, it shouldn't surprise me´´
``I get what you mean, she may not have been good with an instrument, but I will not deny that she liked to put things on paper... it make her seem a lot more fragile, and approachable´´
``Yeah, though that wouldn't be the word I would choose to describe her….at all´´
``Right...do you remember those days when we were younger? What we did within these walls?´´
``We did plenty of things, Vere, which one are you referring?´´
``Yes, right…. about the door incident´´
Liadrin stays confused for a few seconds before her eyes widen. ``Oh….that one´´
-Many years ago-
``Come on Lia, follow me! We are almost there!´´ Replied a younger Vereesa, voice filled with both energy and excitement. Behind her another person was slowly following her footsteps, her bright red hair flowing wildly by the wind.
``Are you sure that she won't catch us? I mean….we are talking about her!´´ Exclaimed worriedly Liadrin.
``Of course not, Syl and I are experts on this, trust us….,we have done this kind of things tons of times...no biggie´´
``I don't think that makes me feel safer or better….´´ Replied her friend with worry, eyeing the stairs that led to the floors below with renewed interest as she fidget her fingers.
``Lia, you are not telling me that you are gonna quit on me, are you? She said with fake hurt, her arms crossed as she pouted.
``N-no! I-I...well, I don't feel like getting in trouble you know? Your big sister can be quite scary when she is angry and let's not speak about Madam Liereesa´´
``Kind of true….´´ Both her eldest sister and mom could be so scary that they put to shame those horror stories about Trolls that they told them at night so that they would not wander the spire on their own. Good thing then, that they could not stay that way for long, being the youngest child had its perks she thought with a smile. `` But it will be fun, I promise´´ She said, holding Liadrin's arm reassuringly before pulling dragging her off.
``So what are we gonna do exactly? You didn't specifically explained to me...and why are we going to the top of the spire? Isn't it ban for us? Your mother did say that we were not allowed there´´ Replied her friend timidly.
``It is, but the things they don't know won't hurt them, now keep quiet, the last thing we need are the servants to catch us in the act´´
The two of them walked almost to the edge of the platform, the wind blowing freely around them, especially strong that day, unmaking their hair with ease. Timidly, they took a look to the ground below. Everything looked so tiny from up there.
``The two of us will throw a bucket of water from the top of the spire to the main door at Alleria when she arrives. While she is surprised, we will leave this place immediately and go back down, Syl will go to Alleria's room and get those pillows so that we can get ready for the battle...´´ She replied cheerfully.
``That sounds extremely dangerous, and mean...´´ Liadrin muttered.
``You help me and I help you get those cookies under the cellar that you liked so much´´
At that the red head stood straighter, a special glint in her eyes before she made a clumsy salute ``Count me in!
A grin makes its way her lips ``Now that's the spirit! Now help me push these buckets to the edge, but not too much, it would waste the surprise if the winds knocks them over´´
``Alright, so…,why are we doing this again? She said while she held her own bucket in place.
``It's been six months since she left, not before stealing away our secret batch of cookies. Such offense needs the most severe of punishments´´
``With a bucket..´´ Said Liadrin as she placed her hands over her hips, not clearly convinced.
She shrugged. ``Most sever punishment I know...´´ Slowly the two of them place the two buckets over the edge.
``Eh...Vere?´´
``Yes?´´
``She is here´´
At that she stood up, her eyes roamed the forest around her until she caught a slim glimpse of something moving fast through the thick cover of the trees. Even for her it should have been impossible to get a clear look at the figure, yet she knew that there was only one green hooded elf that would ride alone towards the spire at that speed, her head turned towards the spire.
``Yes…., it is Alleria alright, she is looking our way´´
``Oh light….. did she see us? Tell me she didn't Vere, tell me she-
``Don't panic Lia, now is not the time…...that comes later´´ A grin formed around her lips as she saw the dumbfounded expression of her friend. `` Now be ready, she will be down there in no time´´
Right to her words, Alleria arrived short after, the sound of the horses hooves finally coming to an end as she dismounted from its back.
``At three, two, one…. ….Now!´´ The two of them threw away their watery cargo down below the spire, it was all silence until they heard the sound of water hitting the ground in a sonorous splash, quickly followed by a sudden and terrifying yell.
``Vereesa! Sylvanas! When I get my hands on you, you will regret the day you were born!´´ yelled Alleria from the entrance with such strength that they managed to hear it with the same clarity as if she was just next to them.
``Nice lungs she got there...´´ She muttered impressed before she shook her head, there was a time and a place for such things, and now it surely wasn't.
``Run Lia, run!´´ Exclaimed Vereesa as she started to run for her live leaving her stunned friend behind who stood petrified in place as her eyes still wandered where the blue caped figure of the eldest Windrunner sister had been moments prior. By the time she managed to shove off the shock it was to late.
``Hey! Wait for me!´´ She whined as she realized that she had been left alone.
The two ran down the stairs as fast as they could, the as they went towards the only place they knew would offer protection against the terrible wrath of Alleria. As they finally were met with the soft blue frame of their room where they found Sylvanas already waiting for them. Her head poking through the doorway in search for someone.
Her flattened ears perked up as they caught wind of both Lia and herself coming down the stairs, a smile though she could.
``Come in! Vere! Lia! Before she comes!´´ She exclaimed with haste, gesturing them to get inside. It was just in time, because as they were closing the door they heard the ragged breaths and steps of their eldest sister.
``Open the damn door you two little devils or I will break through it!´´ Warned hotly the stern voice of their elder sister as she banged the door repeatedly. It held, for now.
``Nah, not happening sis….´´
``Is that so? Well then you will have what is coming to You!
``She can't get inside... right? Right? Asked Liadrin as she watched the door's lock being twisted repeatedly, a bestial growl coming from the other side.
``Of course not, she may be strong, but it would take a real animal to bre-´´ Tried to reassure Sylvanas before the door creaked when the first hit landed on its wooden frame. The second time, a small but perceptible bulge had appeared in the center. By the third one webs started to form around the bulge, the wood creaking in anguish by the rough treatment it was being subjected to.
``Ok….., perhaps I miscalculated..´´ She said as she started taking a few steps back.
``You did what!? Lia exclaimed. Terror now started to creep out in her voice, but she could not as the center of the doorway gave up under the heavy punishment brought by her sister, leaving a small yet big enough hole on its surface.
``Aargh! / Oh shit! / She really is pissed this time...damn ´´ The three of them exclaimed with different degrees of dread building up inside.
Alleria's head crawled through the massive hole, her eyes searching frantically the room until they found them. ``Here I am! No room for you to run away, sisters´´ She replied dangerously, a grin on her lips before disappearing once again through the hole. A few seconds later a final blow threw the door off its hinges, crashing down over the floor with a loud noise.
``Minna is surely gonna kill us´´ She muttered as she saw the remains of the door before her eyes were glued into her eldest sisters that shined like burning stars. Now that she was closer to her, she could see the results the mixed bowl of water and mud had left on her. Alleria's bright golden hair was now a brown mess, sticky mud covering both her green hood and face while water continues to drop down copiously from the strands of her hair. The rest of her clothes had not fared any better, showing different degrees of dirt and water attached to them.
``Not if I kill you first! Replied Alleria dangerously, cracking her knuckles loudly as she took a step inside the room, the broken splinters cracking under the pressure of her body as she approached them. A terrifying look in her eyes, multiplied by the looks of blood falling down her fingers to the floor, some splinters stuck on her skin.
``We are screwed´´ She managed to say as she took a few steps back, yet because of her fear it instead sounded almost like a whimper. The only thing that told her that someone had heard her was the way Lia's hands tightened on her arm.
``Not if I have anything to say about it´´ Came the voice of Sylvanas, who was now standing tall over the bed with two large pillows in both her hands, a costume cape made with the curtains of the room, hanging around her shoulders.
Alleria blinked a few times at the strange scene taking place before her eyes before her eyes frowned and her jaw tensed briefly ``What the….? She muttered dumbfounded, but before she could take another step two pillows hit her on the face, making her stumble backwards.
``Sis, Lia! Arm yourselves! We are taking down the Troll's bane tonight! She exclaimed, placing herself behind the bed as she prepared for the imminent fight. An action that was quickly mirrowed by the two of them as they threw themselves at the nearest sofa to grab the cushions on it before taking cover behind it.
Alleria stood still for a few seconds, gazing at one of the pillows that had been thrown at her that now rested on the floor before switching her attention at them, seem the three of them behind the furniture, using them as makeshift covers, as if they were expecting a siege.
A sigh escaped her lips as she pinched the bridge of her nose, her anger vanishing from her shoulders. ``By the Light…..the things I have to do….´´ She whispered before taking a step forward.
``Fools! You dare challenge me to a pillow fight!? I'm gonna show You how it is done! She exclaimed before she grabbed two pillows. Ducking on the way a throw from both Liadrin and herself with ease before she brought her arms forward, throwing them back like a pair of bricks.
Vereesa managed to duck her head down at the last moment, their soft fabric grazing her hair before it crashed against the wall behind her.
``Ouch! Came a muffled yelp right next to her.
When she managed to caught sight of her friend again, she found her a few feet away from her, on her back with a pillow for a face.
Scary…for a brick they flew pretty good Her thoughts were quickly dashed away when her sisters voice echoed in the room. ``No! Lia has fallen!´´
``One down, two to go….´´ She heard Alleria said.
As a result, she and Sylvanas retaliated, attacking their eldest with everything they had. A torrent of soft projectiles made of expensive silk flew across the room as if they were javelins. To her surprise, Alleria managed to dodge them all.
``Sis, it's not working!´´
``Then we will need to take a more direct approach. Come! To victory!´´
The two immediately stood up from their positions and set forth to storm their sister from both left and right, chanting a short war cry as they approached Alleria, pillows in hand. So sure of their victory in numbers.
If only they knew….
``Brave little things, you come to your doom´´ Alleria argues back, taking two long strides forward, she approached her. Dodging with ease their attacks before striking back.
With nothing but a back handed strike she was sent flying like a pebble through the room, a testament of those muscles her sister was so proud of, the same ones that would be responsible for her headache when the back of her head touched the floor.
``Ouch...´´ She yelped. That wasn't in the plan, not at all…. She mused to herself, nursing her head with both her hands. The pillow may have been soft, but the floor surely wasn't.
``Now you are the last one standing, Lady Moon…..any last words?´´
`` Come at me, if you dare of course´´ Challenged Sylvanas, one that Alleria swiftly answered with a pair of flying bricks right towards her sister.
Yet even with the relative close proximity that the two shared, the pillows flew harmlessly as Sylvanas ducked her head to the left. And much to her surprise Alleria was hit, though not by one of the many pillows, but a certain plushy that had find its way to Sylvanas hands. Allowing her to make a tactical retreat towards the bed.
The feathered lion falling to the ground from Allerias shoulder in a soft thud.
``Its over Alleria! I have the high ground! Exclaimed Sylvanas.
Their eldest sister scoffed, her eyes rolling. ``You underestimate my training…..´´ With a swift jump, the bed creaked under the new weight but it miraculously held.
As the two continued their fight over the mattress Vereesa started crawling her body away from the fight as slowly as she could, the last thing she wanted was to attract Alleria's attention towards her before she reached her goal. This one been a small red box half the size of her arm. It had been hidden away under a table, but with the ongoing fight a pillow had tumbled it down, revealing it.
Her sister was and had always been a strong and resilient individual, of that there was no doubt. With a quick glance she observed the fight, a grimace forming on her lips as she saw the two move. At this pace they would never win, not with conventional means….she gave a soft push to the box and it soon replied with a series of scratches and soft wails. Her concern disappears, a devious look now on her eyes.
But who said that they had to play fairly?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud shout.
``You loose Lady Moon, yield! Exclaimed Alleria, pointing one of the pillows at the fallen form of Sylvnas as if it were a sword, keeping her grounded against the soft fabric of the bed. Though if Sylvanas was impresed by it, she was doing a good job to not show it.
``Bah, I will pass..´´
``You think you can win?´´ Exclaimed Alleria with a hint of amusement, tilting her head to the side while she brushed to the side a loose stray of her golden mane from her eyes.
``You may have won the battle, but you wont win the war Lady Sun! We will stop you!´´
``Oh really? You and what army?´´ She snorted, a smirk on her face as she lowered herself over her downed sister.
Only for Sylvanas to smirk back, a defiant glint in her eyes. ``This army….Vere! Now!´´
By the first shout she was already throwing the small box right at her eldest sister's head. Of course, she did not expect it to actually hit her, flawlessly Alleria grabbed the flying block with one hand, keeping it over her head.
``If you want to make a secret attack, don't say it out loud, Lady M-´´ She halts, her smirk vanishing completely when the top of the box falls down on its own, a few seconds later a small head popped up. Then it was joined by two more, then six, then a dozen…, their small frames almost topping over the edges of the box, all of their small black onyx eyes glaring down at Alleria.
Perhaps it wasn't the most logical thing to stuff a box with fire lizards….but yet again, they were children.
Alleria barely had no time but to utter a curse before the lizards jumped over the edge, landing all over her. Sending her into a panic as they cling to her with their sharp little claws.
``Get them off me! Get them off me! Get them off me! Get them off me!
``Lia, Vere! Scatter now that you can before Lady sun gets up!´´
-back to the present-
``Yes, she really did got really mad when we did those things, but they were so much fun….´´
``She broke her hand that time, though´´ Replied Liadrin sternly.
Vereesa shrugged `` She said it was nothing but a flesh wound, you know that she always stubborn as a mule when it came to deny being in pain, way more than Sylvanas´´ she snorted.
``Oh no don't get me started with the Ranger General... you don't have the idea of how many times she has gotten herself wounded here and there doing whatever Belore knows and telling me to stop whining and heal her. I once snapped at her for being too reckless when she came with a broken hand and inflate arm and the only thing she told me was and I quote you "You should have seen the other guy"…. like I would care what poor soul decided to get on her bad side. If only she were to take things more slowly instead of getting in the middle of the fray…..´´
``Good luck in trying that, you should know by now that even if she is the strategist, she always leads the troops at the front. It also raises morale´´
``Perhaps you are right, but some caution is always welcome. You know that as much as I would like I don't do bits and pieces. I have to say that I have the feeling that she resembles Alleria more and more these days´´
``I don't think that she would appreciate that if she heard that, if there is one thing Sylvanas hated more than being told what to do by a bunch of squabbling nobles was to be compared with Lady Sun…., not because she had anything against her, mind you, but because she had to struggled to make a name for herself during her formative years so she would not be labeled only as the younger sister of Silvermoons war hero´´
It also had to do with their mother's unique way of raising a child, but there was no need to speak about that just now.
Liadrin nodded at her, though by the looks of it she wasn't entirely convinced. ``True, I suppose that may be for her desire to leave it undisputed that she is way better than her, though there will always be idiots around who may have different opinions. But you won't deny that she can be as reckless if not more when it comes to fighting, and since no one but the King and those of his personal choosing can reign her its really hard to get her to back down when an idea gets inside that head of hers´´
``Well, it must run in the family. Stubborn to the end...´´ She smirked as she saw how Liadrin could not avoid to roll her eyes in exasperation.
``I can not argue with that, just don't start soaking damage like a damn sponge and preaching how fine and dandy you are when you are not and we will be fine. I don't like doing bits and pieces you know´´
``Don't worry, I am not planing to add more scars to my body, the ones that are already there don't need company´´ She responded as a matter of fact
``Good, we three surely were a mischievous bunch, I cannot remember a single time that I came to your home as a guest that we did not wreak havoc on this walls, though I believe that she enjoyed the tease . Being a ranger all day and night for centuries can be rather bad for ones sense of humor, especially when you are conscripted to a bloody war like the Troll wars were a thousand years ago´´
``Mmm….and now the three of us have duty's that we need to uphold…. like her, who would have thought that the three of us who would end up like that, eh?
``I didn't and yet it happened, perhaps it was fate that even in our crazy adventures we would find the necessary wisdom to grow and improve. Back them, we were children and as such were given the gift of a wonderful childhood, to act as we wanted with no care for the repercussions, but as we know, that wouldn't be a role we would have forever´´ Said Liadrin.
Vereesa cocks her head at her, a brow raised in amusement ``It seems that becoming a priest have granted you some wisdom Lia, is it the Light?´´
``Nah, I think I always had this part on me, only that you two always dragged me down to a dark path´´ She joked, waving an arm in a placating manner.
``You wound me Lia!´´ She said as she punched lightly the red priest arm `` Am I thought that we were friends, tell me who was the one that placed frogs inside Alleria's bed during her summer break and accuse Sylvanas for doing so?
``What lizards?´´ Liadrin innocently asked as she smiled brightly smiled at her, those blue ocean like eyes giving away that look of mischief and playfulness that she had way back when both had simpler lives. Simpler goals. It felt rather good to see them again.
``You are impossible!´´ Bursts Vereesa between laughs, finally not able to conceal any further. She was soon joined by the redheaded priestess.
``It seems that you are having some fun, may I know what was about? Came a voice from the entrance of the room. There, they found the head maid as she was walking towards them, a blue bag floating in the air.
``Ah Sharlindra…..it was nothing, thanks by the way´´ She replied as she got a hold of the small bag of ice, a small hiss left her mouth when she placed it over one of the bruises.
``The two of us were just reminiscing about the old times, things like that´´
``I see, I hope you are not scheming another stunt. You two rapscallions surely did a mess of things at a day basis….´´
``There is no need to worry, Sharlindra, we are already adults, see?´´ Vereesa said, waving her arms to the sides.
``Doesn't mean you cant act like fools from time to time...´´ Replied exasperated the head maid.
Vereesa shrugged. ``Fair enough...´´
``I will leave you then, enjoy your stay miss Liadrin´´
The two watched the elderly woman leave swiftly the room, their eyes still locked over the now closed door for a while.
It was only when she felt that the ice was starting to freeze her left hand that she turned around to look at her friend, only to see her lost in deep thought. ``Is there something wrong?
Liadrin eyes blinked a few times before she meets her gaze. ``I was.. thinking….´´
``Really? What a surprise! Vereesa snorted, earning a lightly punch on her left shoulder as a result. Though a bit more strongly that she had anticipated as she started to rub the place it struck.
``Hush you Vere, you didn't let me finish! Replied, pouting at her friend's antics while a slight shade of red was forming around those sharp cheeks.
`` As I was saying, in a few days the day of the foundation is gonna come, you know how the king likes to make a party all over the country and give some of his long and boring speeches. I wondered…..´´ She stopped to catch her breath, her ears pressed to her head while her hands started to fidget with one another.
``I wondered if you and Sylvanas would like to come with me to enjoy the celebrations. I know that things have not been easy around here, but I thought that perhaps what we needed was to vent out our frustrations, do things our way, take a day for ourselves. You know….just like the old times´´
``Like…. the old times….?´´ She whispered, her words so low that even she had trouble hearing them. The way those words came from her mouth weird her out, as if the concept was completely foreign for her tongue and it struggled to express itself.
Lia, unaware of her friends inner turmoils beamed at her, tucking her hair to the side with care before she placed herself a bit more closer. Her warm breathing reaching the tip of her nose.
``Yes, when things were better….when we did not have to worry about things like duty or work schedules. When we could drop on your sister a bag full of balloons and the only thing we ever cared was what we would get for supper. Better, simpler times ´´ She muttered softly, flipping away a handful of her long mane away before she pressed her head over her shoulder, the smell of cinnamon intensifying.
``Wouldn't that be wonderful? For all of us to be whole once again,the gang back together? She uttered calmly, the words of her voice carrying such So hopeful. A series of images of Liadrin and the rest walking around flashed inside her head, how long had it been? Five years? Ten? Perhaps…... perhaps she was right and this was the bes-
"You are a broken wreck..."
A cold shudder ran through her spine, taking away her attention from those thoughts that vanished silently. Her hands clenched into tight fists. How could she forget about that?
She wanted to laugh, laugh at the absurdity of it, the madness that came from understanding Lia's every word and their meaning. Of what she was trying to do and why she couldn't. Like the old times? To go out for a party? For what? What other purpose could there be than to try and pretend for a few hours that everything was fine? That none of them had turned bitter and colder after the events of the war so that they could and laugh at jokes that no longer were fun while the world around them laughed?
There was no use, it was impossible, she had been done with it for some time….she should just decline and let those thoughts cold down under the frozen touch of the ice Sharlindra had brought her once she was done with this conversation. A grimace forming on her face when her right hand trailed down her leg, carrying the bag along the way.
She had really needed the ice, the bruises on her body were starting to pile up in an ugly way and she would be lucky if she could reach survive the night without having to feel half of them. She internally left another curse towards that blasted human.
Yet…. she did not.
She did not know why, nor how yet here she found herself considering whether to do as she said instead of down right decline it. Whether to try to extend her arm forward toward that flimsy and fleeting light of hope or just go back to what she knew. It was foolish, naive even….only someone like Liadrin would ever come up with something like that.
She looked away from those eyes that gazed at her, waiting, expectant. Glimmers of that bright hope shine through them with the same intensity of the light from the sunset, biting her lips in frustration she retracted her own hand away from hers before she stood up from her seat and turned away, not even registering the look of shock from Liadrin.
``He was right, you cant leave the past behind...´´
``Look at the face she has, glorious….´´
She closed her eyes, her hands tightened into close fist, her body quivering in both anger and shame, she was tired already of this show of pretend, not afraid of the past, as if! Why couldn't they see it? It wasn't that hard, right? Right?
She then thought about the second phrase, was Liadrin upset? Improbable, perhaps she may have acted a bit more harshly but it wasn't like she had said anything bad at her. She took a deep breath, all of this mess was only making her head hurt more, she would probably need a good dose after this.
She then opened up her eyes…...only to be met with her friend who was but a few inches from hers, those light blue eyes gazing at her intensely.
Do I have something on my face? Was the thought crossing her mind, but luckily her lips failed to utter them to reality, only a strange mumble coming forth.
``Are you okay, Vere? You look a bit pale…., should I call Sharlindra?´´ Asked her friend, placing one of her hands over her shoulder while the other caressed her forehead.
She felt…...disarmed. A loud noise started to fill the room.
You were always the better speaker of the four of us….. Windrunner women were always a steadfast bunch who did not know how express their feelings even if their lives depended on it. It took her some time to realize that the sound that she had been hearing was her own laughter.
``Well, if you are laughing then it's not as bad as I feared´´ Replied Liadrin, bothered with a pout, her arms crossing down below her chest, yet with a shy smile over her lips. ``So….are you up for it? It surely would be nicer than just me alone´´
``I think that it would be nice…..thought I don't know what to do, it's been a while….. you know?´´
``Aye…..but if you don't feel like it….you should know that you don't have to do it if you don't want to, right?´´ She said, placing her hand over hers, her fingers trailing down her own.
``I know….but I do believe that it would be nice to go out instead of staying at home in such an important day´´
``Really! Oh! That's so good to hear!´´ Exclaimed Liadrin as she hugged Vereesa tightly, her arms embracing the silver haired woman against her own chest. ``I knew that you wouldn't let me down!
``R-right, t-that's good and all….but Lia….. you are c-crushing me! She managed to mutter, the bag of ice long forgotten on the floor as she tried to pry her friends arms open.
It took a few seconds before her friend managed to understand what was going, her eyes widening when she realized the pale tone Vereesa's skin was turning. ``Oh! Sorry, sometimes I forget the strength the light grants a believer´´ Replied Liadrin sheepishly, a shade of red taking place on her cheeks.
``Yeah…. I have seen that first hand´´ She groaned as she took a step back from her. Even if the red head priestess had less muscle on her arms than her, the lights strength could still surprise her.
``Do you mind if we were to call the others? I am sure they would love the idea to share the day with us´´
``No not at all, perhaps we could all go together as a group. How long has it been since we tried something like that? Eh?´´
``Too long, though we had a lot of things to do´´
``Well, then it's time to fix that wouldn't you agree? She said before she stoop up from her seat and started to leave.
``W-where are you going?´´
``To start with the preparations of course silly! I would suggest you do the same, it will not be long before and it would be terrible if you were to wear that burly blue shirt to such occasion´´
She ignores the jab ``Is there something else?´´
``Yes, it's a girls day so no bringing any guys okay? That includes that red haired human from the Kirin Tor that you are so fond of, alright?
``Hey! I am not-´´ She stopped mid sentence when she realized that Liadrin had already left the room,
``Argh…, always leaving me with the last laugh´´
For some time Vereesa stood there in silence. At first she did not consider such, but as time passed she considered it not that bad.
Perhaps this day would not be that bad after all. She smiled at the thoughts of the many things they could do.