Vereesa point of view:
Kingdom of Quelthalas; Silvermoon
``Don't we have enough?
``Please, my dear miss…...the Day of the founding is fast approaching, it would be irresponsible for us to not get a good look at the current merchandise before it´s too late´´
``Then why don't we use that violet vest with dark red patterns at my wardrobe? Or that blue cyan dress that Syl gifted me nine seasons ago? Last I recall they are still in top condition´´
``Those may be…...useful, true…., but they were used for the last festivities. You can't think that you can use them for this year celebrations. Especially when King Anasterian will preside the event himself! Exclaimed the head maid hotly.
Another sigh escaped her lips for what it would be the ninth time for the day. Liadrin's proposal had left her with not much choice, and to make matters worse, she did not have any idea how to fix it. She of course, had spoken about it with the head maid, if there was one person who could help her with it would be her, it should have been as simple as sending her away on an errand.
Her left eye started twitching.
Instead of that, she was dragged away from the Spire and force her to enter at every possible shop at the capital, making deaf ears of her pleading to take a break and just take the first thing they could lay their eyes on.
How long had they been at this?
Sharlindra had said that they could stop once they find three different dresses, to have from where to choose she had said. That had been three hours ago. She was starting to regret ever mentioning it,
``Oh please, it's not like the king himself its gonna meet with us, and lets not forget that we will be more than probably lost within the multitude. Why take all these measures when the only ones who I am going to be with are my friends?´´
``Perhaps his majesty may not demand for your presence or Mistress Sylvanas, yet if the chance presents itself you cant present yourself less than spectacular. Better safe than sorry, won't you agree? I would take that as a Fastrider you would prefer be ready for anything rather than be caught by surprise´´
She rolled her eyes in exasperation, how much enjoyed the older woman to tease her with her training and use that as an excuse to drag her through the streets like some stray cat. Before, she would have argued with her, but since she was already tired, she let it slide. No point in wasting breath when she knew she would not change her mind.
Soon enough they found themselves before another shop. A two store red building with a vintage look on the outside this time. The scent of arcane energy was especially strong in this one. More than just for decoration. A magical store, perhaps?
``Where have you brought me this time? It doesn't look like another cloth store´´ She tried to inquire, earning a half baked smirk from the older woman.
``Always the perceptive one, miss Vereesa´´ She sent her a glare, but it did little to stop the amusement of the elderly elf. ``A special place of my own selection if you could say. Please come inside, little miss. You will certainly like it´´
Please, let´s these be the last one.. ``Alright….lets get this over with. Its already getting late as it is...´´ She huffed.
The insides were far larger than what could seem from the outside. Just as she had expected, the rows of that filled the interior were not filled with dresses or any kind of silk or leather, but with gems and jewelry.
``Did you really though we would end these day with another clothing store? Ah, dear…., you have much to learn. After all, just a dress is not gonna cut it for the occasion, you are gonna need some...accessories to add to your appearance. The finishing touch to the whole ordeal if you may say´´ Replied the elderly woman with amusement, a sly smile on her lips.
``You don't mea-
``Yes!´´ She replied immediately, interrupting her as she brought her by the arm towards the closest shelves. Sharlindra's eyes shined, as she looked with vivid attention at each gem and trinket that she could gaze, it felt like it was her who was buying for herself rather than helping her.
``What about a slim silver bracelet with ruby's encrusted on its surface? Its scarlet shade would give a bright, passionate look to the silvery white dress with swam feathers. Your mother did like them during her youth…, she always looked...so glamorous.´´
``Perhaps….but wouldn't it be repetitive? She said as she got a hold of the medallion, it was light for its size yet it did not shine with half the strength that a gem of its kind should, yet she could not avoid scowling at it. Too big and too eye catching for her liking, this will not do. `` It may not look like much, but I do always wear my sisters parting gift, adding more ruby's would not change much my appearance, no?
``Oh…, you may be right, I did not take that into account´´ She muttered quietly, giving a last glance at the medallion before she placed it back to where it belonged. ``Then, what about a necklace with diamonds and emeralds? These bird pattern is a rather old model. Old yet daring, a lot more interesting than those silly flowery things those fools are selling these days…..´´
``I...will take that into consideration, just...give me some time´´
``Of course, my dear, take as much as you can. One does not need to be hasty when it comes to this. Just know that the shop will close in…´´ Sharlindra took a brief look at a clock just above them. ``Twenty minutes to be exact...´´
``Even if you say that, I don't know where to start...´´ She wasn't joking when she said that she did not an idea of what she was supposed to do. Armor and chain mail always fit like a glove, but again... fashion had never her forte.
Alleria or Sylvanas would know, both of her sisters always had a rather surprising ability to choose rather fitting outfits and move with grace at ballrooms or parties, hiding their true nature as they spoke with their guests. A peculiar thing to take into consideration as their line of work was more directed at killing rather than posing at the limelight. Something that a long time ago made her question it after all, even though their family was wealthy her mother was extremely strict on how they should behave as warriors and the bearers of her legacy. the answer she received couldn't had been closer from the truth as it was cryptic.
"You don't have to be on the field to look for battle"
A strange thing to say to your one hundred years old child who was learning how to not shoot herself with the bow, now nothing but a fitting way to speak about the political turbulence that had its home within the capital for centuries, schemes that for better or worse entangled all noble families, including hers.
Who would have thought that she would yearn for those nights where her knees would hurt from those ridiculously thin high heels? Or those dance lecture's?
She waved those thoughts away, what was done was done. To get lost in mere reminize would do her no good and she was tired already of feeling bad with herself. She needed to find whatever eye catching trinket, hope for the best that Sharlindra would like it and then leave. They had lost too much time with these goose chase, she just wanted to go home and lay on her bed. The thought of bashing her head in those fluffy cushions renew her vitality.
Yet, what could be that good enough? Should she ask Sharlindra for help?
``Is something wrong miss? She asked politely.
``N-no Sharlindra, just lost in thought´´
``Something in particular in mind?
``No, not really, just….dumb stuff….´´ She waved her hand off calmly, she only wished that she bought it.
``I see, then I will let you to collect your thoughts… ´´
As she walked around a strange glint caught her attention.
``Uh?´´
Her eyes wandered the shelves of her left until she found a black podium. It did not take long before she found the culprit behind her sudden interest as it lingered behind a cover of glass.
It was necklace, one with a butterfly symbol carved (on/in) its center. The body was made of diminutive strands of diamonds, connected with the rest of body with ropes of ethereal purple from the arcane attached to it. Its wings were made with different shaped sapphires and ruby's, the edges of each one covered with a thin layer of gold and silver granting it a rather majestic appearance.
It was small, barely the size of half her own hand if she did not count the black leather band, yet she had the feeling it was far more expensive than the other two combined. Still, she would not deny that it was pretty, whoever had done this deserved a pad on their back for a job well done. Or several.
``My o~oh my….You do have good taste, miss Vereesa´´ Hummed Sharlindra in approval, approaching her from behind. She must have caught sight of the collar while she was busy inspecting it.
``I am glad you find it worthy of your praise, I have to admit...though it may not look like much I think it will turn a few pairs of eyes´´
``And with you carrying it I think a few dozen more´´
``Then its decided, lets grab this and go back´´ It did not take long before the two of them left the building.
``By the light! Vere, is that you!?´´ Came a rather well known voice from behind.
Just what I needed….
There, approaching from the left was Liadrin. Clothed with a pair of black pants and a rather plain white shirt, her hair left loosen with the air playfully. She wasn't exactly alone either. A bit far behind yet approaching at them though mostly obscure by the several boxes she was holding in her arms was without out a doubt Cyndia. The girl was wearing her ranger outfit. A bow and a quiver rested on her back.
``Liadrin…. I did not expect you in Silvermoon…..what's the occasion?´´ She asked her friend as the two approached before she glanced at the younger woman. ``Greetings to you as well Cyndia. Though I have the feeling you are not on patrol, are you?
``Greetings captain´´ Replied the girl with a gruff while she started lowering down her heavy load on the ground before she sprung back at full high. Giving her a stiff salute in the process.
``At ease ranger, we are in public, not in the battle field or the office. People are looking´´ She said, giving a brief glance towards the onlookers who were standing around only to get on their merry way once they realized they had been found.
``O-of course captain, it won't happen again´´
``So...why are you the two of you here?´´
``Oh come on Vere, what for you ask? Shopping of course dear, didn't I told you to prepare for the big day? Well, then here you have me, tying loose ends before the stores close or things are no longer available. You cannot imagine how much those thieves can charge one.
That managed to rise one of her brows. ``Lia, your family has enough money to build a spire, you are one of the few who shouldn't be worry about it…..´´.
``That doesn't mean that I should waste my money pointlessly, is not just ethically but also pragmatic´´
Well, she should have seen that coming, perhaps now more with her being so entangled with the Light. But that only left her with more questions than answers. Especially with what laid before her.
``So….how do you explain...that?´´ She muttered, holding back her laughter as she pointed at the large tower of boxes standing next to Cyndia, a pile that almost dwarfed the poor girl.
``Some of us like going places Vere, waiting for others to do it for you makes it loose its charm´´
``Right….If you say so…, .what about you Cyndia?´´
``Yes, ma- I mean Lady Vereesa. I couldn't refuse, she didn't take a no for granted´´
``That's Lia for you Cyndia, there is rarely nothing that she cant get when she puts her head into it´´
``Except good paid vacations´´ Snorted the red head, a playful smirk on her face.
`` Liadrin? What a pleasant surprise to find you here. I take that you have come to gather things for the imminent event´´
``Sharlindra? Oh please, the pleasure its all mine, and yes, you will be correct. There is so much to do and so little time that I ought to do what I could´´ replied the priestess politely, bowing her head slightly before she gave her a tight hand shake.
``Oh please dear, there is no need for such formalities, just call me Miss Shar….., we are not strangers after all´´
``Of course...though it pains me to cut short these meeting, but I and Cyndia need to reach "The burning Stars" to leave the tailors some measurements, and time is running short. I wish we could have more time to speak…..´´
``Another one? Whined the young ranger, shock plastered on her sharp features, but to her annoyance she was ignored by the rest of them.
`` It is of not inconvenience Liadrin, we understand. Go, make sure you reach it on time´´
``See you soon Vere! Cyndia, lets go´´ She said, walking away while the other girl stumbled close behind, trying not to drop the cases over the street.
``Ah….such a good mannered lady, I think that you should try to expend more time with her young miss, like old times. Who knows, perhaps her common sense may rub on you´´
``I will try to ignore that´´ She huffed with irritation.
``You do that, young miss….now its to carry our treasures back home, there is still much to do´´ Commented the old lady with a matter of fact tone, yet deep down she could sense that small hint of smugness from her voice. Quickly spelling an incantation a bright blue light appeared a few meters away from them, so bright that she needed to block her eyes to let them adjust before she could spot the fluid form of the portal.
She disappeared not long after through the arcane gateway without a word, leaving her alone on the street.
``At least you could have waited for me….granny´´ She sighed with annoyance ``These boxes are not exactly…..hmpf..light´´ She muttered as she started to pile them up on her arms to the point that a small tower had sprung from her chest. She wondered if it would fit inside the portal. It did not look that big.
The only good thing about it was that at least this time they would not need to go back on foot, Beloore knew that such thing would be just impossible to carry out. Slowly, she approached the portal, but just as she was about to take a step in she halted. A thought crossing her mind. Forcing her to turn back.
Even from the distance and the sun setting down, painting the skies with deep shades of orange and red, annunciation the coming of the twilight. She could spot with ease the royal palace, with its massive walls and high towers.
Somewhere, deep within the structure, her sister must still be there. Dealing with whatever mess had left the darkness of the Royals carpets.
I wonder what you are doing sis… Was her last thought before she crossed the twirling energies of the portal, disappearing from the street in a flash of light.
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Silvermoon: Royal Palace
Silvanas point of view:
The royal palace of Silveroom was a sight to behold, truly a place worth the descendants of the founder of the Queldorei after their long peril from the mysterious lands of Kalimdor and the foes that had appeared before the first Queldorei could manage to live in peace and tranquility on the continent.
Though truth be told, she preferred the natural and rural environment of Windrunner village and the spire than the oppressive nature of the cesspool of snakes that was the palace in reality. Yet that wasn't the reason behind her anger, part of it at least, but not the whole reason.
She would have rather teleport to the palace rather than ride all the way to the capital, but for some reason she had been forbidden from making use of any of them. So, grinning her teeth, she set forth with her faithful mount. Which took away from her a good chunk of time.
To make matters worse Kaelthas had not presented to her at first as he had told her he would. In fact, he had sent one of his personal bootlickers to do the deed "To not draw attention" They had said.
She snorted at the notion, anything the young prince brought down the attention of the court on him, calling her to the palace would be just one of many mistakes on his long career, after all, once someone talked about her presence within the palace without any formal invitation questions would arise. Leading to more useless gossip before someone would had to answer them.
In the end the maggots had left her, secluded in a room to left her stew her anger while they searched for their master. Had she knew this would end this way, then she would had rather stayed at the spire with her sister. Mourning for their family. At least then she would be doing something productive.
What was the point if in the end Kaelthas would walk along side her, guiding her through the long corridors?
At their wake servants and nobles alike bowed and saluted with both respect and courtesy. They stinked of fallacy and deceit, but she did not pay them heed. No, she would not, not when there were others far more deserving of her wrath, especially a certain blond fool at her left, a fool that could not avoid to flinch every time their eyes locked glares.
``What was so important that you had to call for me all the way to the spire? I had something very important to do, your highness´´ She stated rather harshly. Her words eerie cold to the point that one could have freeze with their mere touch.
``I'm sorry that you had to postpone…... whatever plans you had, but I assure you, it was worth the trouble, in fact I am delighted that you came as fast as you could, Ranger General. Such punctuality is rather lacking from other nobles´´ Commented Kaelthas with false amusement.
She scoffed under her breath, sorry and Kalethas Sunstrider were two words that could never be mixed. He was too damn prideful for that.
``You did not give me much choice when you say "Matter of utmost importance, lives are in danger"She replied with a monotone tone, earning a scoff from him.
``So…? What is it? Which house did you burn this time with your parlot tricks?´´ She asked a bit impatiently, whatever it was that had scared the blond idiot to send her a message about imminent danger it had better be good, or the king would need to spend some more quality time with his queen, again. If he could stand up to do the deed at all...
``Right away….but first, I think it would be better if we were to speak in private, one doesn't know who might be listening on these walls. I am sure you will understand the need to wait just a little longer´´
The nerve, you and now you are gonna make me wait!? ``Fine! lead the way, I am tired of going on circles your majesty´´ She emphasized the last word as much as she could.
Once they were inside his personal quarters the doors closed hastily behind them, the metallic sensation of arcane filtering through the air told her that various wards had been activated around them.
Sound dampeners?
Or something more?
``Would you mind….?´´ He said calmly, offering her a grin as he sited on a well chair, his arm gesturing towards another one that stood in front of him.
``I will only to not tire myself needlessly with your petty needs Kaelthas, now get it over with´´ She replied as she sited down on the offered seat,her legs and arms crossed, looking expectantly at the young prince. ``What is it that has startle you this time?
``It's….a matter of great importance for the kingdom and considered that I would need your aid, someone like already knows how important is to keep things under warps to avoid….unneeded attention, surely you understand this?´´
Great importance this, great importance that…. Its always the same with you ``Don't tell me that this is about that girl that left you for Goldilocks, or have you made me come all this way just to court me again? Know that the answer is still no´´ She said exasperated.
Kaelthas face warped in a mask of disbelief and pain as if he had been struck by a fist in his stomach, it did not last long before he sent her a furious glare, she ignore it. ``Her name is Jaina Proudmoore, and no... I have no intentions to court you either Sylvanas, as sadly as that sounds´´ He replied, with clear disappointment in his eyes.
``A real pity…., so what is it?´´
``Something far more…..worrisome, if it can be call that, though fret not….I believe that it wont be something imminent, at least I hope so…..´´
She did not find any trace of deception, none of those silly cheap tricks that the boy before her tended to use when dealing with her. Perhaps something really happened…..but deep down she knew that the idea wasn't entirely out of his head.
She remained silent, her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she glare at the prince mannerisms, it was then that she perked out at the mention of that name. A wry smile forming around her lips.
``Jaina….a pretty for a such a young girl´´ She said as she tried to keep that name printed in her memory, it could be useful for her teasing material `` What a pity that our local womanizer was incapable of swaying her off her feet. Or was she too much of a woman for you?´´ She said mockingly, tapping Kaelthas shoulder softly. This managed to stop the young prince on his tracks, his eyes now shining with a renew glint.
``Its seems that you find great joy to laugh at my expense using her as a pretext Ranger General, may I ask why?´´
She shrugged ``Any girl that is capable to shame you beyond measure its worth to be remembered for posterity my prince, especially knowing your other…..tendencies´´ She, phrasing each one of those words, the prince hands started to shake to her amusement.
Oh she knew, she knew what the laid behind that facade of nobility and rectitude that he was so proud of. For most, he would appear as their bright future….., but behind those layers of gold and deceit lay a man with a wretched mind for political schemes, uncaring for those he trampled down and an unhealthy desire to control his life. And everyone around it.
But once again, he was Anaetarian child, it would have been to much to ask for him to be normal. Still, she could admire his effort to admit what he was though. Perhaps that was one of the few reasons she tolerate him. He was flawed, but he had at least the will to try to be better. That...and that he had no love for his father.
``She did not shamed me!´´ He spatted at her. His face now stuck between bewilderment and honest sadness. Good, let him feel my frustration...
``Really? Then you should have been more careful when you fuck up things with her. It seems that many then have misunderstood what happen a few years ago when you opened your heart to her in front of the court no less, and she dumped you like trash. Hard´´
``She did not….dump me…..´´ The way that he spoke out those words seemed like he did not believe it either.
`` What was she suppose to say? Oh yes, my Kaelthas! I would like to abandon my studies, my family and a fiance that I have been with for years only because you ask me´´ She said in an effort to sound as feminine as possible, even going to the point of holding both of her hands together. ``Your plan was doomed to failure from the very start, so why did you even try it out? I though you were of the smart kind´´
``Dammit Sylvanas! It would have changed my father's views over mankind! We could have reestablished our relations with the rest of the Easter Kingdoms ending this stupid isolationism!´´ He bellowed at her, gone was the scheming foolish prince replaced by a man child who didn't take well to be pushed around.
And when he gets riled up, he always speaks enough for the two of them.
``For thousands of years we have been hurdle here by our own pride and lack of respect towards those that we do not consider our own. Allowing others to expand and solidify over lands we had stumble long before their ancestors had even been born´´
``If the ancients test were correct we once held a mighty empire, before someone fuck it up and we found ourselves here….´´ He muttered that last part a bit more slowly. ``Think about the kingdom of Arathor, though primitive and its rulers vision short sighed it was the step on the right direction that we should have done long ago,
Ah, now that was a name she had not heard for a long time. Few times had been when she had heard of the now extinct realm, most of them from Allerias own lips since most of her kin were more interested in ignoring its existence.
After all, if it had not been there for more than two thousand years it was considered a fail state.
``Perhaps I see where you are coming from, but you understand that it fell by its own weight, right? You can not put together different tribes and expect them to work together with threats and poor management ´´
That seemed to sent a wrench on the young prince mind as he halted on the spot, only speaking again when he found the right words.
``True, but we could be better, imagine what we could have accomplished if we were to shed those useless chains of vanity and dogmatic superiority and tried to mingle with the other nations, slowly absorbing them. Might and magic, traditionalism and technology….´´
``Jaina was one of the many steps from which we could have achieved such unity….and perhaps Father would get down from his high throne and see the folly his games are doing to us´´
And to you, am I right?
``So you didn't do it for love, but for a twisted sense of control and self esteem? Seem it for the good side, at least it failed….who knows what could have happened if he had succeeded. `` One that if it didn't work you would still have another whore to warm your bed?´´ She relented without mercy. She had the pleasure to see the boys anger vanish as quickly as it had come, shrinking under the table in an effort to make himself as small as possible from her hateful glare.
``T-that is not wh-´´
``Or perhaps you were merely trying to get back at the human? If you ask me I think on the latter, which is kind of ironic, by stealing the girl from his fiance you would have managed to bring Quelthalas to a war with Lordaeron. Tell me? Is that your idea of mending bridges? By burning them?´´
``N-no! I….I loved her, I-I did…. You have to believe me´´
``Don't try to look at me with those eyes Kael, its not I who you are trying to convince´´
The young prince winced visibly, but quickly recovered, his face was collected…,his lips nothing but a thin line that one could have poked with a knife. It was his eyes that had gotten her attention, a storm of emotions brewing inside them.
``I loved her….I truly did, yet she never saw more than friendship between us. She preferred that...that brute!´´ He spatted the last words with as much venom as possible.
``Really!? What did she see in him? He is not courteous, nor intelligent….he is not even well mannered! I tried Sylvanas, believe me that I tried so hard to make it possible…. and yet I failed like a new born when trying to take its first steps, while he only had to swing a hammer around to get her attention….such crude and unrefined behavior´´ He snarled once again.
Perhaps you did not took into account that she liked it rough? She of course did not voice those thoughts.
She left a tired sigh as she rubbed her forehead, trying to quell down the incoming headache. No matter how insignificant such thing had truly be it seemed that her prince was the kind of man to not let go of such trivial things, not even if his life would be on the line.
Typical of men, always trying to win their stupid dick contest over resolving their disputes like grown people, though is not like they use their heads much but to headbutt one another
Sometimes she wondered, had Kaelthas being born a woman would he act the saw way or act far more mature? She quickly brushed away those thoughts, she didn't need fuel to fill her nightmares. Those already there did not need company.
``And the rumors of your attempted courtship with me may have not helped your case too much, or did you forgot how you convinced your father to put me to babysit her?´´
It seemed that he had not been expecting that, as his eyes open wide, almost to the point the threatened to fall down their sockets, his mouth hanging low, muttering a strange gilberish. Only after a few more seconds his eyes regained his composure and he stood tall from his seat.
``If she left me for something you said I will…..´´
``Don t worry your grace, the reasons for why she left you are her own. Possibly she managed to see what kind of person you were and try to leave in the best note that she could….or not, not that it mattered mind you with the way you have been howling since her answer´´ She replied unmoved.
This managed to shut him up, his eyes flinching by her interruption.
``Look at the good side, now you can search for a more permanent union…., one more simple. For both you and your father. After all, humans don't live that long Kaelthas, not even when aided by magic. What would you do if you managed to marry her only for her to die years later...´´
``I would never allow that´´
``Everything dies, young prince…..except your bloody father, that man is surely gonna outlive us all´´
That at least managed to draw a dry laugh from him, easing the tension that had been building over his shoulder. ``True…., but those that seek my hand only do so because they desire the power I wield, nothing else. Their hollow promises and false faces disgust me to no end, is that what you wish my fate to be, Sylvanas? To be tied to such wretched creatures?´´
`` I didn't say they were perfect, besides…. you will find a way eventually. You have not reached your place by being idle...´´
``Its going to be a pain….´´
``If it were easy, we wouldn't be having this conversation´´ She replied, her eyes softening slighly.
``Now if you dare to threaten me again, I will break that arrogant smug that you have for a face and leave nothing but a broken turd, do we have an agreement, my liege? She replied softly yet coldly, a smile appearing on her face that did not match her eyes.
Kaelthas took a step back, his face frowning as he grinned his teeth. ``Y-you wouldn't dare, Ranger General! My father will not allow that! He stated as sternly as possible, mana cracking on his finger tips. The message was clear; continue at your own peril.
A wry smile started to warp around her lips. Perhaps someone else would have considered the situation too volatile to continue antagonizing the prince, especially on his very home, some even could had fallen for his posture.
But not her.
She could see behind that false bravado of the man. Well, her mother had always told her to look for the smallest details.
If his defense, she would admit that it was a rather good attempt to remain in control of the situation, but not good enough.
``I would believe that your father would not care if you were to fall on your face when you were walking down the stairs and break that stupid face of yours, trust me, it happens to everyone, even the best of us´´ She said cheerfully as she approached him, making the young prince shiver in fright. Cracking his resolve the same way the wind would crumble a house of cards.
``Alright, I should not have threatened you Ranger General, I just lost my cool in the heat of the moment, I am sure you would understand´´
``Of course, now where we….? Something about great importance you said….´´
She was met with a puzzled look from the boy before realization dawned on him. ``Ah..right, its a delicate matter, to be honest with you Sylvanas, I don't know if I even have the right words to phrase this…... correctly´´
She groaned in frustration ``If you are not gonna tell me the reason you drag me out from my day off then I will leave you to mop on the floor like he pest that you are, good day. She said as she started to stand up ready to leave.
``Wait! You can not leave! Not yet!´´
She sighs , rolling her eyes. ``And here we go again…..….., what is it?´´
``Do you remember the strange occurrences that have been happening around our neighbors? The people are quickly succumbing to a strange and deadly disease. No one knows where it comes from….., or who may behind it´´
Of all the things he could have said, that was the one that was furthers in her mind.
``Yes, I sent a few of our rangers and priest to Lordaeron to give them a much needed support, especially in the outer regions of the kingdom where their knights cannot reach them as fast possible´´
``And for what purpose may I ask? ´´
``The duty's of the Fastriders are to protect Quelthalas from whatever threats there may be, from the outside or inside. Their magical expertise and experience would prove a serious change of pace from their already thin ranks of priests...´´
``And what has this given us…...? ´´He asked, his tone calm, even polite, yet she felt that dissonance within. He was looking for an angle, the reason behind her decision? If that was the case, the answer was simple. She crossed her arms below her chest, her brows narrowing.
``To your credit, it has served to rekindle some of the remaining embers of solidarity that remained within both our peoples after the second war. Knowing that our warriors can and will stand strong between them and the perils that are taking place in their lands will comfort them, even those who have grown a grudge against us will have no reason to lash out, but keep quiet, as you know thanks to his majesty we are not particularly…..liked down there´´.
`` I would know a few things about that wouldn't I? Good thing that the council of six is rather open minded in that regard, no? Though perhaps they feel it not wise to be openly critic my fathers bluster after the war…, their magic after all was a gift of our people ´´ Growled Kaelthas, though more to himself than anything else.
``More than a gift, it was a deal. We taught the ways of the arcane and they aided us against the Amani in the Troll wars. The war my sister championed if it serves to simplify things, your highness...´´ She replied with a monotone tone, though the moment she mentioned her she could not help herself but stiffen.
``My apologies, I did not want to sound condescending…. Its been quite a long day´´
``Do tell...´´ She muttered dryly.
``Speaking of warriors and perils, I am sure you know that many of the nobles are not happy with your decision..´´
She shrugged. ``Since when has that stop me from doing it anyways?´´
A weak smile appeared over the prince face before it disappeared with a soft sigh. ``Right, dumb question…., still they are pretty vocal on the we are not part of their alliance thing, and…..though they don't hide their more than one sided views, deluded and warped they do have a point though…..one that is not gonna make us any favors´´
``Which is?´´
`` Shouldn't one of their remaining members do something?´´
So it was that
It was a sensible question, one that at first glance would surely make sense to those who were unaware of the political mishap outside their homes, after all...why should an unaffiliated faction have to bear with the responsibility of protecting another faction, let alone another species.
A sensible yet selfish point that when brought to bare with the isolationism Queldorei would only grow exponentially. Too bad that Lordaeron did not had as many friends and steadfast allies as everyone thought they did.
Kaelthas knew that she was aware of it, though why ask her anyway?
``And here I thought you wanted to mend bridges and create a large common ground of understanding and care between us and non-elves, in your imperialistic dreams….´´
``As you know that ship has sailed, crashed and sank long ago Sylvanas….I am merely seeing how the garden has caught fire and trying not to get a serious burn out of it ´´
``And what a fine job you are doing…., those men can have their opinions but we both know that the other factions are not gonna get their hands dirty for people of Lordaeron, good that we don't need them for such task….´´
`` Sending resources and men to a nation who failed us in the past will not set well with the court, I am sure they will find a way to make it seem a pointless effort and waste of use of their tax money….., like they always do´´ He muttered those last words with cynicism.
``I am sure they will, but at the end of the day whatever they come up with I will put down As long as the king doesn't put his weigh on their side, that is… As for the other thing, one doesn't need to be part of their alliance to be capable to aid them. My rangers findings have been rather….worrisome though´´ Not a word she would have use to describe the contents of the letter she had received from her rangers report, ye she felt it rather appropriate.
Kaelthas gave her a weak nod ``Aye, a mysterious deadly plague that sweeps the land, making no distinction between its victims is no laughing matter but I feel that there is more to it, you have feel it too, didn't you?´´
And I feel that you know more than you lend on As amusing as this dance of back and forth we usually have is, I have the feeling that neither you or I want to waste more time than it already has, I am sure that you managed to get a copy from the inform long before my arrival, so spit it out. What is it?´´
``Always to the point, eh? My father wasn't wrong to make you our protector. Yes, you are indeed right, there is another reason for why I have summon you Sylvanas, there is a more, darker matter that needed to be addressed and I thought you should be the first person to heard this….., before we make it...public´´
``Urgh...fine, I am listening. Just be quick there are matters far more important for me to attend´´ She said with fake resignation, waving one of her arms at Kaelthas. The tension lifting away from her shoulders as she took a more relaxed position in her seat. Just get it over with…..
``Like going back to your human pet? You should at least try to control your urges….´´
The room started to feel colder than usual. Her lips slowly took the slightest of down strikes, and the warmth of her eyes faded away. It wasn't a secret that no one liked the ranger lord, not only because his heritage, or his lower social sanding….but because he had reached a position of power that many would kill for. The rumors, the whispers and the stories that came as product of twisted invidious minds had been a sour theme of conversation among the weasels for years. Until they grew bored of it and finally tone down.
So why did it hurt to hear those words again?
For a second the image of herself taking the table before her and smashing on that disgusting smug on his face until she left nothing but a bloody pulp was overly tempting…., it was a beautiful scene. The only thing that stopped her was the fact that he was not worth the effort.
``Sorry, that was uncalled for...´´ He muttered weakly, faking a coughing as to redirect the attention elsewhere. `` As I was about to say, the Crowned prince Arthas Menenthil and some of his knights from the first legion purged the city of Sthralholme from the plague´´
``Come on again? What are you trying to say?´´
``I mean that the entire city was purged, every man, woman and child were brutally murdered by him and his men, none survived the onslaught´´ He said grimly, his eyes fully devoid of any emotion as his hands had turned into tight fists.
This caused her to blink her eyes for a few seconds while she tried to comprehend what he had just said. The gears inside her mind slowly echoing as they revealed the sick, twisted reality those words truly implied.
That can not be possible, he would not be capable to do such a thing! ``The entire city? Are you sure? She asked, this time with a bit more urgency behind her words.
He nods at her ``The rumors say that after he he left quickly from Lordaeron to the Arctic lands of Northrend in some quest for vengeance against a demon named Malganis, though that is…..up for debate. The stress of command and committing such a brutal act can make people see things that are not actually there or it could have been a ploy to avoid responsibilities. Truth be honest, it has left me intrigued´´
``So you brought me here for mere gossip? You know how unreliable that is? It could be that they burned a few houses and killed a few hundred, the sick and some they deemed suspicious of carrying the disease, nothing more and probably not the entire city!
``You know that it is more than that, especially when we have found out several human crates of infected grain trying to get inside our Kingdom.´´
The memory of her rangers showing her their findings from a suspicious merchant, had that infected grain made its way inside the damage alone would have been significant, and that was being kind.
Thankfully, elves frontier guards were a lot more harder and vigilant than their human counterparts, the distrust and paranoia towards the humans since the second war seemed to paid off in the end. How many would have died if it had made its way here?
``How many within the city were infected with the plague? What would have happened? I dare say that you know what dire implications such event could have on our people´´ His words were courteous, his face warped in polite expression, yet his eyes spoke of amusement.
And my reputation, is what you really mean She thought grimly at the hidden jab ``It seems that you are getting your nose in some places young prince. May I know why this sudden interest in military affairs? Again….´´
``Well…., It's my duty as the future ruler of my people to know what is happening around us and do what is necessary, whatever happened in Lordaeron can not occur here Sylvanas. At any cost´´
``You don't have to remind me my obligations boy, perhaps I should remind you of yours, you are getting over your head, only the king and the king alone have the authority to command the Fastriders. we don't take orders from you Kaelthas, not yet at least, not after that incident
``I know, I know….and I have learned my lesson after such…..miss use of my authority, but if you wont do it by my command, then do so as a friends request´´
``If for a friend you mean an idiot with a terrible sense of fashion and ego bigger than the Sunwell then yes. She said as a smile started to form on her lips.
``There is nothing wrong with my fashion taste, Windrunner´´
``So you admit being an idiot with a big ego? A broad smile forming on her lips.
``If that makes you comply much faster I would admit being anything´´ He replied a bit with distaste, though more probably about loosing their banter.
``Sure you will, anything else that I should know?
``One last thing´´
``Yes?´´
``Recall the troops that you send to Lordaeron, as quick as possible. It is vital for our peoples survival that you do it as soon as possible´´
This surprised her, Survival? `` If we do that the people they are helping will probably die, if what is said of the plague that its taking so many lives and the undead produced by it is true then it will become a massive problem in the long run. We cant just….´´
Her words trail off, finding a dead end as she is unable to expel them from her tongue. Her eyes gazing at prince who was refusing to meet her glare. Gone the smugness from him as he tapped the table repeatedly.
For she finally understood what was going on, why had she truly been called.
``Long before I had entered those doors You had already make up your mind about the humans, about what was about to happen to them…, you called me here to convince me….´´
A pained look flashed through his eyes, a feeling of resignation warping shyly on his face. ``You are as sharp as ever...you do bring pride to your station´´
She ignored his attempt at banter, slamming down her fist on the table. Small cracks forming around the surface where it had collided. Her eyes never wavering from his, she would not allow him to lie to her.
``Why?´´ She growls out.
``I know it may sound hard to believe, but I had nothing to do with that decision, Sylvanas...but rather my fathers...´´
That made more sense, for all his flaws and mistakes, Kaelthas was too close to the human kingdoms to just let them rot own their own. This was Anaesterians work.
``What he is committing is…..´´
``Stupid?´´
``Genocide...´´
The words bring a new found coldness to the room, one that quickly slipped its way inside their skin and bone as they acknowledged the ramifications of those words. She was glad that the magic dampeners were still on, to utter those words was treason.
Kaelthas skin had turned a soft shade of pale, leaning against the table while his fists remained closed tightly.
``Its a sacrifice that he is willing to take, the public excuse is that we are in not real obligation to aid them as we are not part of the Alliance anymore, and lest not forget that their powers are been wasted in a sickness they can not actually cure´´ He stated matter of factly.
She wanted to tear that uncaring expression over his face, how could he dismiss the imminent deaths of so many yet he wasn't wrong in saying that their priests arts have proven to be…. rather ineffective in dealing with the plague. Their powers had managed to quell the symptoms but it never truly healed it as it returned after a few hours. Still their efforts were useful in giving some relieve to the families of the afflicted as they had the chance to live long enough for the possibility of a cure being develop.
Or so she hoped, for she dreaded to consider that they were only prolonging their suffering.
``In the end it´s stated that it will be a human problem, not one we are going to deal with anyways….if you could even believe that´´ He said in an easy way before spatting those last words, as if they were filth.
She could agree with that.
``I doubt such plague will be resolved by the human kingdom, not when they are so weakened and those orcs are camping on the wilderness´´
It wasn't a secret anymore that the orc camps had been breached and that their bestial denizens had escaped, creating mayhem and chaos. Proving to all those that had been against the idea of letting them live to be a wrong decision.
Reinforcing that negativity towards the once pristine kingdom that had ridiculed those who had argue about the destruction of the small groups of orcs with the moral high ground.
She saw how he brought a hand to his temples as if he was trying to mitigate a headache``Its complicated Sylvanas, you are right on your assessment of the situation but…., I have a bad feeling that this is not going to be last thing from happening´´
A feeling? She did not know whether to laugh at it or just scoff. Perhaps both with the way things had been going on.
``I….I had a dream about it, to be more….precise if you could call it. A large shadow looming over Azeroth and it carries with it a massive storm that would smash the world. You know better than anyone that I have never bought visions or prophecies but this time I want to be ready, if just in case. My father agrees with me and have felt the same worries as I, that's why he has told me to contact you to do such….grim task. And know that I understand your reservations about the nature of these….orders, and I would understand if you were to refuse´´
``But I have no such choice, do I?´´ She replied, her voice now ghastly.
``No, you do not….´´ He muttered slowly.
``And his highness knows the ever lasting effects of this explicit command?´´
``He does, but you know he has never cared about anything or anyone that is not him...´´
He wasn't wrong, and yet…. that wasn't the worst part, no...not at all, it was the fact that they wanted her to do, to be part of that made her sick.
They had the numbers, the power to change the seemingly grim fates of so many innocents, to put a quick end to what was brewing out of their very gates to not allow another second war event take place ever again.
Her hands clenched into tight fists, fighting back the urge to snarl at the closest being for this..this madness! Brief images flashing through her eyes, the essence of carnage and flames still alive in her mind.
Even though she closed her eyes she could still see it, grinning her teeth to the point she could sense the bitter taste of her own blood as she tried to fight off the ranging emotions.
And yet she could not refuse.
``Still….., to just abandon them...´´
`` I know how this must pain you, I may dislike Menethil with all my heart, but I would never wish this to anyone, to command you to... ´´ He halts, taking a long deep breath before he looks back at her.
`` I wish we could, but we cant always save everyone….´´
Save….
To have all this power and not be able to use it…..pathetic. It wasn't fair…., but when had been fair anyways?
``Fine, I will do it…. I hope that you know what you are doing, boy´´
``I certainly hope so Sylvanas, I really do´´