Speech = ``...´´
Thoughts = ...
Inner voices = " ... "
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Vereesa point of view:
Quindong of Quelthalas :Rangers Lodge
Several weeks had gone by since the end of the festivities, leaving things slowly yet steadily getting back to normal. Well….whatever that it was that normal these days that is.
Which meant that her early "vacations" had finally come to an end, and with it her probation. In other words…, she was back again with dealing with the usual vermin at the office. Pesky nobles with too much pride, flimsy idiots who love to bark but no bite, trouble makers, the image of a certain pair made its way inside her mind. And last but not least, Nathanos….and Rhonin
Those last two made her cringe, a scowl warping all around her face at the very thought. For some reason she had not seem the Ranger Lord after their "little incident", her eyes gazed by accident at her hands, she was almost ready to see the thick blood falling down the bruised skin of her knuckles….., only that it was a futile effort now that her hands were covered by a pair of gauntlets.
She still remembered vividly that moment she had held the knife in her battered hands, and with it his life. How her blood had slowly slipped from her hands to the cold steel she grasped like a hot burning iron, adorning the masterfully crafted silver steel with a bright shade of scarlet. How the air had tasted of iron….
She flexed her fingers, slowly, the burning sensation of a bile making its way up her throat hiding that faint tremor in them. Back then, it had been for a second, enough time to leave that mark burn inside her head. That thought of plunging the knife in his throat had been almost too enticing, too strong for her to fight off.
She shook her head, breaking away of her contemplation, not that she cared much exactly, she was just…... tired, perhaps weary would have been a better word, at least that was what she thought. Curiously the mans whereabouts were a mystery, if someone had seem him, then she had not heard of….
Perhaps that was for the better, since merely thinking about him brought up a new renew wave of acid to crawl its way up her throat. Poisoning her mood for the rest of the day.
And speaking of Rhonin….
Oh Rhonin…, the memory of the red haired mage was by far more benign than his Ranger counterpart, yet that did not make it better. Though she had felt the ending of their conversation to be in better terms than she had expected, all things considered…., it still left a sour taste in her mouth. Especially with the way his eyes had lingered on her as their hands slowly separated once again.
It was not over, not for him…. and there was nothing she could say to convince him otherwise. Not now anyway, he had yet to think of what had been said. Still, she only wished he would not do something stupid.
Leaving those thoughts aside, not everything sounded like shit, after all, that also meant training duty at the fire range. Surrounded by dozens of fellow minded people who only wanted to brood in silence as they turned their targets into static porcupines.
Yeah, she could live with that.
For such an old place situated away from the capital, almost like lost in the woods the place was surely bast. Divided in three sections. Stables for mounts, a residential zone for those that lingered within for a while longer than usual, and the playground where the targets resided. The targets ranged from four, five, six and even eight hundred meters of distance.
The pressure in her fingers only grew stronger as she pulled the strings backwards, aiming her bow at one of the targets that was hanging from a lone tree branch in the field, six hundred meters away from her, the wind pushing its form softly in a pendulum like form.
It wasn't like the training grounds back at the capital, but she knew she would rather be here rather than there. For now at least.
She kept her hand steady, her breath slow and controlled while her eyes did not waver for a second onto her target.
Then she fired.
The simple whiplash that reached her ears was the only thing that told her that her shaft had left the comfortable hold of her hands, propelling itself through the air in a almost straight line it crossed the distance between the two in but a second, the arrow head managing to hit the outer section of the bulls eye with a sonorous thud.
She cocked her head to the left as she inspected the result. Not bad for starters, but not good enough. Her fingers retrieved another one.
Arators new found presence at the spire had become a welcome change from the usual routine, Beloree knew that those walls were too big and large for a family of two. A small pang of shame shook her mind as those thoughts came afloat, her hands closing more tightly as a result. Though she would never admit it, it ashamed her to consider lesser the efforts of the servants in an attempt to favour her nephews efforts.
They had done as much as they could and beyond, she could not had ask for more. The voices of both Sharlindra and Melissara echoed inside her mind with more force than the others as her thoughts slowly switched from the matter back to her nephew.
In the end she was just glad that she had not spotted again that sadness in his eyes, that same hollowness that had made its way inside her heart and gripped her soul for more than two decades. Though he had refuse her first attempts to talk about what troubled him with politeness she wasn't exactly worried.
He wasn't exactly a child any more if that small spot of blonde hair growing on his back had anything to say about it she thought with a fond smile as she remembered that time she went looking for a small box she had forgotten inside the room and instead caught him undressing. The way that he had jumped of fright and waved his arms all around like some kind of while he pushed her out had been too cute.
It was possible that he was just embarrassed about the whole thing, if that was the case it seemed that he had inherited something more from his mother than just his looks.
Her brows started to narrow, her lips slowly taking a light downstroke. He had taking residence on the guest wing of the Spire, much to her chagrin she may add. It seemed that no matter how much she he would not use the now empty room of her parents. She did not understood what had gotten into him but alas she would respect his wishes.
She took a deep breath as she lifted the bow, holding it tightly for a few seconds, feeling the string and the wood grew tense. Then she let go.
The arrow buzzed through the air, its form barely a blur to her senses before it came to an abrupt halt once it reached its target. Only its shaft remained to be spotted from the distance. She left a scoff, it was inside the inner circle, yet had missed the bulls eye for a few centimetres. Another arrow found its way to her fingers.
But now that she thought about it, that had not been all. Not at all…..
True to her words, Kaliras and Velonaras wedding had occurred just as they had said it would, minus the two more days they needed to add to their already tight schedule for reasons she did not fully understand, though it may had to do with the who would attend.
Or something else between the sheets….
It had been decided to celebrated it over a seclude zone at the east coast of the kingdom, her family's summer house to be more exactly. Sylvanas thoughtful gift for the couple in a way, that way the two did not needed to spent their money in getting a place for the ceremony and she would need to buy them an actual present….a good idea, even if it was pushed by laziness.
Also so that someone gave the place some deserved use after so long.
A smile spread through her lips as she recollected those memories. Liadrin had preside the ceremony as the chosen priestess to allow the engagement, Cyndia and Anya had been the flower girls while she and Sylvanas had been chosen to be their respective wingman's.
Not a position they had expected to be offered, though one they had not refused on the least.
The rest of their fellows squads had been their guest, and each one had brought their own things for the event. Nevertheless it had not been a boring day.
She glanced at another target this An arrow flew she did not need to turn to know that it had been fired just right next to her. ``Just how long are you gonna stay quiet like a mute, dear?´´ She said as she finally addressed the woman to her right. A certain brunette who by all accounts should not be there, her bow held tightly by a fingerless glove while an arrow rested in her other hand.
``I have to say, I didn't expect you to be down here. At least not this soon….´´ Was her reply, her eyes shined with a playful glint though her face remained unmoved.
``That should be my line, lieutenant. You were suppose to be in your honey moon, no Velonaraa?´´
The woman in question merely gave her a shrug before she prepared to fire, the sound of the wood creaking as the arrowhead tore through the surface echoing in her ears. ``Oh we were, we still are…, in a sense...´´ Velonaras´s words trailed off, a strange look in her eyes.
Now that managed to rise one of her brows. ``In a sense...?´´
Now it was Velonaras time to roll her eyes, a look of annoyance plastered all around her face but did not outright respond, choosing to stay quiet instead. Her arms pulled back another arrow from her quiver and seconds later it was sent flying at the distance.
It was only after some time that she finally relented. ``Yes, in a sense…...if you could say´´
``Go on...´´ She said, wanting for her to continue and see where would this lead to.
She sighed ``Things lately have been pretty…. Hectic, perhaps a bit too much for my liking´´ She muttered softly, more likely directed at herself than her. ``Since that day we went in a tour through Fairbreeze, Tranquilien, Silvermoon, The Bazzar and the shattered coast…..to name a few ´´
She cocked her head to the left, her brows partially lifted. She would lie if she wasn't slightly surprised about it, not every day someone told you that in two weeks had visited half the kingdom with the same importance as if she was talking about the weather.
``You have been busy….´´
``You don't know half of it, cap….´´
``But that doesn't really tell me what's bothering you…´´
``…...´´
``No, not really...if I could read your mind trust me I would not be asking, so….. what is it?´´
A gaunter look started to take shape around her friends features, a shadow on the corners of those eyes that now refused to glare at her. Her right hand came up, rubbing the back of her neck. `` I-its nothing…., we are just taking a few days off….´´
``Why the long face then? Are things not your liking? One would think that now that you are married you would be happier...´´ She tried to probe at her friend, a smirk of her face as she gave a soft pad on the brunettes shoulders.
Velonara shook her head, a tired sigh coming out from her. ``N-no….its that its just a bit too…..comfortable, she is trying too hard to make everything perfect, n-not that I dislike that, mind you…., but I feel that we are getting a bit overboard, too hasty in our choices of destination´´
``Well….its not my place to tell you what to do with your time…., but hearing you I think you two should take things slower, those places are not going anywhere…..´´
``I know, and so I tried to tell that to her….´´
``I take that she didn't take it too well….´´ She said, the wince she received from her friend was all that she needed to know.
Velonara rubbed the back of her head, the upper section of her lips twitching with discomfort before she left a tired sigh. ``No, she did not…..´´ She admitted, her voice low, almost imperceptible while her ears were pinned against her head. `` I tried to be subtle about it…., it didn't work´´
Oh Velonaraa….you have always been subtle like a brick, what did you said to her? She thought with apprehension, her friend was by no means perfect, of that there was no doubt, but she had always been impressed by her honesty. In a sick, brutal, sense of way. She was someone who had always spoke out their mind with no qualms if it hurt someone else feelings, words after all could not kill people….
Perhaps only now she wished she had more tact.
``I am sorry to hear that…., but see the good side of it..´´ She said calmly, earning a confuse glare from her. ``You two had your first lovers quarrel, now you two are completely together...´´ She said cheerfully, hoping to lift her spirits.
``…..´´ The look of perplexity told her otherwise.
``Well….., I suppose that she wanted to make the best use of the time you two had been granted to. Besides, you know that she have always being a bit…..hyper active. And now with something so important like her own honeymoon? More than ever…, surely you did not expect her to stay put, right?´´
Velonaraa crossed her arms, a hesitant look in her eyes, jaws tensed that pushed back any retort while her fingers dig deep in her arms.
Vereesa felt the pressure of one of her fangs chewing on her lips, this was not what she wanted ``My apologies...it was not my intention to cause you any more undeserved grief, I just….I thought that you knew this….., or at least some part of it´´
She sighed ``I do, and…. I love that thing about her, captain….., but I cant avoid thinking that I did something wrong. What kind of…, wife...´´. She halted then, her eyes wavering from her usual coldness as her face became a mask of uncertainty, as if she was unsure of having phrased the word correctly. ``I would be if I allow her to worry herself to death like this? I just wished she knew that we shouldn't be running so fast, but enjoy the things we have at our own leisure and time….´´
Adorable….., like a plushy bear…. with sharp knifes and bad temper. She thought with mixed joy and awe. Gone was that cold exterior that had served for so long as a barrier between her and the rest of the world, instead now stood before her a woman who was very much like her. With problems of her own who knew what was wrong...but had no idea of how to fix it.
She felt a pang of pride to know that she would think of her so highly to show this fragile side of hers.
``I am sure that deep inside that thick head of hers she knows that you meant well, Velo, and that this thing you two had now its actually nothing. Don't let it to bring you down, instead use it as a step for your relation…., what kind of rangers we would be if we did not took risks?´´
``Not good ones, of that I am sure…..still, it sounds a bit...complicated´´
That would have been an understatement…. ``Well, sometimes, before you learn how to walk…´´
``You need to run...´´ She finished for her, one of her brows slowly rising.
``Exactly´´ She exclaimed, beaming a smile.
``Thank you, captain…..I think I needed that´´ She croaked, her fingers brushing the cold metal plate before she felt the heat of her hand pressing on her back in a soft pad, a shy smile over her friends lips. I suppose that I own you one now….´´
``Anything for a friend…., but now that you speak about that…. could you not do that?´´
``Do what, captain?´´
``That captain thing, only you and Cyndia call me that, its way too formal to be speaking with colleagues...´´.
Velonaraa remained silent, her eyes looking down at her bow before she glared back at her.``Its only appropriate to call you by your station...just like we do with the Ranger General´´ She simply replied.
``Of the many things I am, being like my sister is not part of them…, you don't have to act so stiff and courtly around me, you can call me Vereesa….or Vere like the others. Can you do that for me?´´
``….´´
``I suppose that would be the best I will get from you then…...´´ She muttered though she receive no answer this time either. She sighed a bit exasperated, pinching the bridge of her nose. ``Velo, if you have any other problems about it, you don't have to deal with them alone….., especially when its clear that you have so little experience on the matter….´´
``And What experience is that, captain?´´ Was her snarky remark, a subtle grin warping around the edges of her lips, placing one of her hands around her hips as she sent her an amused glare. Her eyes challenging her to give a moderately acceptable answer.
``Who knows...´´. She muttered weakly, not really wishing to enter in the game while a pale flush started heating up her cheeks. As much as it pained her to admit, she had not that much experience on that matter. Not that she had tried though, but she would never admit it….
After all, the last thing she needed was to give her friends more ammunition for their future meeting. It would only more fuel to the fire.
They could try to guess though….
Velonara huffed in disappointment at her silence, but it did not last for long as she waved her free hand in a placating manner. ``It doesn't matter, really. I suppose that is the intention what counts, and that is all I care´´ She stated calmly, it look like the weight on her shoulders had been lifted, if not entirely at least slightly.
``That's good to hear...´´ The two then remained quiet for a while, allowing the words to stew inside them.
``So….. what is your excuse?´´ Velonara commented, placing another bolt in her bow before pointing at another target, an eye still trailed on her.
``My excuse….´´ She repeated absent-minded, standing still though she found herself using one of the pillars for support, her mind questioning that very same thing.
``I don't think you came here for the sights….´´
Ah, that... What was her excuse? She could not say, not right away anyway.
It wasn't the lack of tools at the headquarters, or the increasing reunions her sister had in private in her office with other rangers and nobles. A bitter taste slowly made itself palpable as a certain bloodied human ranger made itself known in her thoughts.
Right, it was him she was avoiding….., him and his toxic presence. With a quick look she found that Velonara was patiently waiting for her. An idea crossed her mind.
Should she tell her about her violent encounter? She was sure that she would count with her aid and support on the matter. Her distaste for the man was not a secret among them…. , but would it help her situation? After all…., Nathanos was still her superior and she did not know if her sister would prescind off her favourite toy. Especially with all the bullshit she went through to get him at the corp in the past in the first place.
No, that did not seem plausible…., but could she get her to punish him in some other way? It was tempting, daring and yet possible...if she played her cards well though.
Now that thought did bring a smile on her face.
But just as she was about to speak her words died out in her throat, a gasp leaving her lips as her eyes laid in a certain figure at the distance, blinking a few times as her mind tried to process the information. This did not pass unnoticed, her companion narrowed her eyes and turned around to meet the disturbance.
``Speaking of the damn….´´ Muttered Veloara, her brows lifted slightly.
There, not very far away from them, they spotted much to her chagrin the very character of her displeasure. The human ranger Lord, clad in his uniform advanced through the corridors with barely concealed haste, his face, the only place where his skin was visible was mostly hidden by a series of bandages, the white cloth obscuring from view the more than grotesque battered face from their last encounter.
It seemed that they had not fully healed yet. Good….
He was not exactly alone either, in fact Lorthemar was walking just right next to him with a few more rangers tagging alone, possibly of their respective units. Both of them were engaged in a heated conversation, of what? She did not know, they were speaking too fast and the noise in the back ground did not aid her.
She only managed to catch something about the "disturbance" before they quickly disappeared from her sight as they turned a corner.
They must be going towards the main office….., but what are those two doing here….!? She wondered internally. Something was at work….but what? Her friend said something, sadly she was not listening.
She then recollected that this was not the first time something out of the ordinary had occurred, the informs about military movement, her sisters extended stay at the capital, the appearance of those two at the celebration.
"It was kind of cryptic…..but there is nothing to worry about..."
Her lips tighten, leaving only a thin line for a mouth. It was clear now, it had been a lie, but for what purpose? What goal could her sister had to go to that lengths, wouldn't it had been easier to tell her? Why keep it under wraps if no one was really doing their best to hide away this not so subtle changes? Her musing were interrupted by the voice of Velonara.
``I must say that I was surprised too when I found out, though for a guy that looks that a whole stamped walked over him he seems to be pretty quiet about it, I wonder who taught the bastard a lesson. He surely has kept a tight lip about the subject´´
``Yeah….I wonder who would have´´ She muttered quietly, hiding her gaze from her friend who looked at her puzzled, eyes narrowing….
Thankfully before she could even began to press on the matter someone else came abruptly inside the enclosure.
``Captain! Where is captain Windrunner!?´´ Came out a loud voice nearby, startling both of them. Never before her neck had turn as fast as it did, to the point that half of her body was still mid way to reach her new position. Closing in was a ranger, his upper cloths were spotless, but taking a better look she noticed that his boots were muddy, with each steep leaving a small trail of dirt and squashed leafs on his wake.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as behind the cover of his cloak she saw the symbol of the Forest defenders resting just below chest plate, the man was a bit away from his station. Especially since they operated always at the edges of the kingdom…
What and why had that man come here seeking her out? Taking a deep breath she shook her surprise from her shoulders and took a step forward, she then lifted an arm, redirecting his attention towards her.
``You don't have to look any further, it is I who you seek…..., what troubles you ranger?´´ She questioned the man.
``Oh thank the Sunwell, I thought I would not found you in time, my lady. There has been a situation at the frontier, I was fetched to inform you of this event, your presence is direly needed there...they say you are an expert on the matter ´´
Situation? Expert? Those two terms echoed in her mind, the first she could understand, it was a given. It was the last one that trouble her, what did he meant by expert?
``I don't think I understand what is going on soldier. Could you clarify?´´
``I cant say mam, I was just told to find you, I believe that only the commander will be able to explain things to you once you arrive. I will gladly guide you there….though I will need to find a replacement for my mount, mine will not be able to make the travel….´´
``Of course, feel free to take another from the stables, I believe that you know the way?´´
``Indeed, then I will see my self of..´´ With that said he disappeared from her sights, leaving her surroundings as fast as he had entered them.
``A bit weird the whole thing, wouldn't you agree?
``Yeah…...do you have any idea of why?´´ She tried to inquire from her friend, but to her disappointment she was met with a shrug.
``No, just that It rubs me on the wrong way…..and I always trust my instincts´´ She muttered dryly, flipping her hair to the left before she took another arrow from her quiver, her muscles tensing in anticipation for a two seconds before the sound of another arrow embedding itself reached her ears.
Another bullseye.
All that while looking at her.
Show off.… She scoffed. ``I see, cant blame you for it, part from cryptic it did not sound good, not at all. More if you consider that we already had troops at the frontier edges of the kingdom to keep things quiet. Why came all the way up here only to search for me?´´
``Beats me, do you think that there was some kind of accident? ´´
``If something like that ha happened whatever issue it was it would have fallen in Feldan Flarespirit laps, he is one of the leader of the outer squads...to just redirect their duty's to the upper echelons...it has to be something of a different nature´´
Something that he either wasn't thrilled to do or just was above his pay grade.
In truth it wasn't that they couldn't do that, it was just rare, even more when the man in question was too proud to ask for help in a normal basis. Yet, that really wasn't what was had gotten her attention, no. It was that for some reason they had called for her, only her.
Strange.
``I take that you will go there ….´´ Commented Velonara.
Her gaze wanders over where the man had disappeared before she switched her attention at her, giving a weak nod. ``Yes, most likely. Now that poor soul made all the way here it would be of poor taste to just ignore it´´
``Should I inform the general of your parting? If only for the record….´´ Offered her friend.
For a second she considered the proposal, then she shook her head. ``Not yet, if this is nothing then I wouldn't like to bother her….´´ This earned a small nod from the black haired ranger.
When she noticed that she was not hearing the sound of Velonaras footsteps behind her. ``Aren't you coming?´´
``I was planning to spend the afternoon at the training yards, a bit hard to do if I were to ride with you back there…., also I have paperwork´´
``If I recall correctly, I believe that Kalira patrol group was stationed just right where we are going…, I am sure that there is a few things you two can spend the time while I am busy with whatever mess have been cooked up down there...´´ She muttered softly as she looked at her friend.
Velonarass response did not came as she expected, she instead crossed her arms and sent her a not very convinced glare, her face a cold mask of indifference that did not give out easy entry to her inner thoughts, but the way her ears sprung tense from her hood betrayed her.
``I also could cover for you about the office work...´´
``Alright...I will prepare the horses, fifteen to twenty minutes from now on at the stables, try not to be late c-Vereesa´´ She corrected herself mid way, a stoic expression on her face though one that did not hide the annoyance from those usually cold eyes.
That made her smile.
``Don't worry, I will see you there, I just need to bring some things that I left inside the main building….´´ She stated, the ranger merely gave her a silent nod and departed from her. Only when her friend had left her sight she turned around, meeting those eyes that been watching her from afar. Her blue light eyes met his orange shaded ones, holding a stare off as none of them back down.
There at the distance, sulking behind a balcony over the third floor like a bird of carrion stood Nathanos. Holding his balance with one of his arms while the other remained obscured behind his back.
Though the distance was nothing to scoff at, and while he had been looking at their direction, she knew deep inside that his gaze was only set on her. A frown all over his face, as if his throat had gotten stuck with something particularly disgusting.
But just as she took a step forward the human ranger Lord left the balcony as he walked inside the room he was in.
She glanced at her hands, flexing them open and close. Still remembering the thick metal taste of the blood dripping from them to the cold stone floor below, the pressure in her hands of the combat knife she plunged in the ground instead of his wretched flesh.
Perhaps there had been some truth behind his words, perhaps it was true that of all her sisters she was the one ruled more by her emotions rather than cold cynicism and a stone heart, perhaps it was true that her friendship and relations with humans back in the war had painted a target on her back for the most petty souls of Quelthalas, or that all of that nonsense had made people talk behind her back…..
But it id not matter, not any more, not while there were those that would stand behind her. During her best, and her worst.
And she will stand behind them.
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Even though they tried to arrive as fast as possible through the main road after using a portal to the closest town it still took two days to reach the edges of her homelands territory, the colours of the woods had periodically changed as they ventured ever southwards to a stronger shade of green, a cold dry wind brushing their faces as they continued their march. A result of the ancient runes that controlled the infinite loop of Summer/ Spring time in Quelthalas slowly loosing their strength as they neared edges of the human kingdom and the lands that laid beyond their forests.
Through their journey she had tried to get their guide to spill out more about himself, he had not said much but she had managed to get a few things out of his evasive answers.
His name was Kalrian Sweethide, a former city guard that had been stationed at Silvermoons docks a few seasons ago, until he was found guilty by association with a band of cretins for smuggling goods out of the country. After spending sometime under the shade he had been stripped of his former rank and then relocated at the border as some sort of penance.
A better deal than most if she was honest, though perhaps not that much knowing who he was working for now. Still, he clearly was not someone that she would trust any time soon, but it seemed that he would behave, for now.
A part from that, contrary to her prior beliefs, the matter at hand had nothing to do with bandits or those pests of the Amani. No, nothing of the sort. In fact, it was a group of humans.
Not armed humans who had trespassed their country looking to evade their fellow kin for some kind of crime, not soldiers of Lordaeron who had ventured to far from their patrols…., but mere civilians. Common men and woman, with children and elderly as well.
That was…...strange though not worrisome, yet. But by all means it looked like it surely would not be worth the her time. She was starting to regret they were not Amani….
``We are here captain...´´ Came the voice of Kalrian Sweethide, bringing her up from her thoughts. Looking around she nodded in confirmation, they had arrive to a small plateau where she could spot the hooded forms of rangers moving from left to right.
With a gesture she signalled Velonara who remained behind her to follow her as she dismounted and made the final stretch of the road on foot, some with more haste than others.
Uncaring of the looks they drawled from the men and woman around them they made their way through them in their desire to reach the small hill that laid before them as they followed their guide. It was more than probable the location were his boss was. As they approached, a particular noise continued to rise, it sounded like voices but they were too overlapped with one another for her to recognise anything from them.
Thank fully, she wasn't left astray.
``We are here ser, I brought her just as you wished´´ He spoke out, wearily, earning the attention of his commanding officer.
She had already seem him before, that did not diminished neither the awe or repugnance she felt towards the man. Feldan Flarespirit was old, too old for elf parameters at least. A thick yet polished white beard hide away most of his face, leaving only a large eagle like nose sprout out from his hood. A thick scar ran through one of his eyes, leaving nothing but an empty cavern embbed on his face.
She was still waiting to find out to this day why the hell the man refused to wear an eye patch.
It was said that he had been a ranger before Anaestarian had taken the crown. It also could explain his complete disdain and disregard for any other life form that wasn't elven.
``Good, now scatter fool! We have much to discuss and I don't want you sticking your filthy crooked nose on this, understand!? He barked dangerously at the elf who involuntariness took a step back from the unexpected lashing ``R-right away sir...´´ Muttered before running away from them.
Ah yes….she forgot how much she hated criminals, perhaps only more than humans or the Amani.
``Captain Windrunner, you grace us with your presence…...if only briefly´´ He said slowly, his words not matching his harsh, uncaring voice. He looked coldly at her, searching for any sign of weakness. She merely held her gaze unperturbed.
``Lets skip the pleasantries ser Feldan, you called me for a reason, and your pet did not give me much to work on. Want to fill the gaps?
He left a growl but made a motion at her with his head. ``Then look right there….there your questions will be answered´´ He then pointed an arm at the distance. She frowned at his command but did not fight it, thinking of it as a waste of time and spit. Instead she follow it.
But nothing would have prepared for what was to come
``By Beloree…..what's this? She gasped in surprise, her eyes open wide as they roamed the many different shades that moved around in the distance. Humans, and not just a small group or several of them….., but thousands, perhaps even more. It was then that she realized that they were the cause of the ruckus that she had overheard prior to her arrival.
``When I sent the idiot to look for you there were at least three thousand of them camping here, in this two days they have tripled the numbers with ease, and they still keep coming….´´
``I now understand why you transferred the responsibility of this issue to the main office, this is no trivial matter´´ She muttered weakly as she tried to regain her composure, struggling though.
``Good for you to notice, still that doesn't change the fact that they are a problem, one that We must fix I may add´´ He stated with a gruff, clearly not very thrilled about the prospect of having to deal with them.
She rolled her eyes, a sigh of exasperation leaving her lips. She knew he was an ass…, but could he at least try to keep it to himself? She shook her head internally, now there was no time for that, there were people in need.
``Of course….., what were your plans regarding them? Do you have your men preparing tents and resources to accommodate them? Have you talked with the mayors of the surrounding towns to make place for them or you need me for the transition to go more smoothly?´´ She asked.
It was somewhat sensible, Feldan may be a ranger with friends on high places, but he lacked the charismatic pull to get those people to agree about these kind of matters, that and the fact that he was an elderly, angrier version of Velonara did not help on that regard.
The mayors of the settlements of the countryside will not heed his call, but an authority from the capital with the right name however…
It seemed that she had pegged the man in the wrong light if he had thought about all that prior to her arrival.
Sadly whatever machinations and plans were forming inside her head were push away when the aged elf started to cackled, or what should have been considered as that with that disgusting gurgling echo slipping through his clenched teeth.
``What-?´´
``Plans!? Accommodate!? ´´ He spatted incredulously at her, a grotesque smile forming under all that bushy hair, as if it was something to laugh about. ``I want them gone! Not give them more opportunities to camp as they want over my trees. Besides….., why should I waste my time thinking on their well being!?
You cant be serious…..
``Believe me, I would have loved nothing more than do that before you arrived, but protocol dictates that if the presence of a number of non combatants exceeding three digits is detected within our own borders, it have to be notified to high command. And since you are known to be friendly with those…...things…..´´ He snarled more than spoke `` They may even listen to you, it will spare us the need to fight them if they feel the need to do some funny business….´´
For a man known for his dedication for his duty he truly was ruthless. Then it hit her.
"Expert"
"Friendly"
A sensation of bitterness started to crawl behind her back, like sharp tendrils that slowly glued themselves at the back of her mind, her hands closing in, slowly...but steadily until she felt the pressure of the metal talons in her palms. For he, had summarized in two words her entire career.
A new record for that matter.
For it seems that for her peers, if you have a human friend you must know everything about them, and that by proxy, be respected as well. Such belief were so devoid of the usual cold stone logic, most likely fuelled by a childish resentment or superiority complex towards their short eared neighbours.
Such incompetence was truly maddening, more so when it was being thrown at her from a man of a position of authority. And yet in the end that wasn't what truly had hurt her the most.
After all this time…,that is all that you think of me…..?
"What did you expect? That he would grow a spine and be altruistic!? How laughable, you should have known better"
"He and his kin cant change, he will always be ignorant fools…..., why do you keep up with them? Break his face like you did with the last one!"
"You should had gone with your dear mage boy, away from their toxic minds and hearts….perhaps then you would have found a better life than been stuck with these fools..."
``Are you even listening to yourself!?´´ She finally exclaimed, her voice shaken with horror and spite. He did not seem mind.
``Tell them to go back, scatter, to never return or else we will use deadly force. I have a forest to keep, I have no time to baby seat them when there are more dangerous foes lurking about…., my lady´´ The way he uttered the last word spoke much of what he thought of her.
She grinned her teeth until she tasted the metallic scent of blood, a look of both disappointment and cold tempered anger flashing through her, all directed at the old man who to her chagrin appeared to be unperturbed by it all. In fact he seemed to be thriving by it…
``Have you even tried to find out why they are here? Surely there must be much to learn from this people and the threat that has force their hand to come to us, tell me that you at least have done this...´´ You cant be that blind! Are you?
``No, nor I care if they came here looking for pastries, unicorns from the six dimension or if the end of the world came to their doorsteps. They have entered our borders unannounced, and without permission, in mass I may add. As you already know that alone would charge them to be imprisoned or executed depending on the various degrees of threat they may pose to the kingdom. And a large concentration of human dregs without any supervision is no trivial matter, my lady. It is then our duty to enforce our laws, whether they be our own citizens or not….surely you are capable to understand that´´
Her brows narrowed in suspicion to the point they made her eyes looked like thin lines, a cold light emanating from them.
`` You know very well that there are exceptions to the norm, especially when it comes to non-combatants and strange circumstances such as this, even more so when you have no idea of what the fuck is going on thanks to your ignorance and lack of effort. To your surprise, it´s clearly stated that no matter what, we must provide with protection and safety to unarmed citizens of a former allied country, to reject them so abruptly would create a political scandal…. or did you forgot...?´´ You are not tricking anyone old man, you only want to avoid having to take care of them….
``Now you have gone too far, I will not be judged by a fundamental little girl who confides with those animals in how I do my duty, not now, not ever. Let it be known that before this is all over I will write an expedient of your attitude, the general will hear of this!´´
``I can and I will, Feldan Flarespirit. For nor only I am your superior, but also the one you have so blatantly drag away from her duty's to clean up your mess, one that you seem intend to worsen at every passing second. Do you want to bring this to the General? By all means…, I am sure that my sister will be very interested in hearing how you wanted to twist the Corp values for your personal preferences and then frame her own sister for reminding you your duty's...´´ She said calmly as it was the most simple thing in the world, if glares could kill she would have been slayed where she stood a hundred times.
See? Don't think for a second that I don't know to play your game, old coot She thought triumphally when she saw Feldan took a step back, his face a grimace of outrage and anger, slowly taking a deadly shade of red, veins popping from his tanned skin like worms coming out from rotten bread.
It was a rather amusing expectable if she was honest with herself. Though perhaps not as much for the people around them, who looked at them with worry. Probably expecting a fight to break out any time soon.
``Even if that maybe be so...…., they are lucky I decided not to hound them like the vermin they are to the edges of our border and instead waited for the expert´´ He replied as he tried to held at bay his anger from his voice, failing miserably.
``Tell me, if they were not human….., would you have acted a different way?´´
``Does it matter?´´
Her hands closed tightly, the metallic talons digging deep in her palms. ``No, I suppose not...So you had no intention to help them out in the first place´´ It wasn't a question, but rather a statement.
`` Indeed, though I don't see why that should be of your concern any more…. ´´
``Alright, I heard enough of this...´´ Came out a growl at her side, startling them both in the spot by its suddenness. It took her a few seconds to realize that it was Velonara who had spoken.
``What is the meaning of t-´´
``I said Enough! I don't know who you think you are, but that's not the way to speak with the captain. I would suggest you watch yourself…., or I will make you...´´
Feldan Scoffed with distaste at Velonara, his face frowning in both disapproval and anger at her. ``A mere lieutenant its not gonna tell me what I can or cant do, it should be you who should be careful girl, I could end your career with a word, are you willing to risk that much for so little?
``I would like to see you try, old man´´
``That is far enough, both of you! We have not come here to fight´´
``I may not care what say or think of me, ser.…, but make no mistake. I will not allow you to slander and threaten my friends at your leisure when they were kind enough to give you a warning instead of breaking your teeth at the first chance they got. So I am only going to say this twice…. Do you understand?´´
``You should-no..., you cant-´´ His words ran short when her hand flew right at his face, the very motion of the slap made his head turn to the left. It would not be long before the skin would start to redden around where she had stroke.
She did not care of the way everyone around them were looking at them both in shock or awe, she could not tell. She was too busy drilling her eyes through his skull.
``Are you deaf apart from arrogant, Feldan?´´ She stated coldly, she then took the opportunity to grab his gorget and pull him right next to her. Their faces standing so close that she could feel his breath brushing her face. That would not deter her. ``Its better that you don't make me wait…., for your own good, or don't and see what happens….´´ She whispered dangerously in his ear.
``Of course…., I will try not to forget it´´ He snarled more than said, pulling himself from her grip.
Much better…. ``Now about the problem….., yes, we are going to help you, but not in the way you expected´´
His eyes narrowed in suspicion. Yet no word was uttered, clearly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
``We are going to let them in, all of them…..and then we will work things out from there´´
``We!? Sputtered with shock the old man, his semblance of calm and tranquil smugness shattering as fast as his body was shaking with either horror or anger, though she did not care.
She spun her head to the side, glaring at him, her lips warped in annoyance. ``Yes! We! Now that you have so graciously allow me to take control of the situation I command you and your men to escort them to the closest towns, aid them in everything they may need and provide them with the basic needs that you have put a blind eye until my coming...´´
``I should have just deal with them on my own...´´ He muttered with dejection, his hands closed into tight fists.
``Too tale for that, now do as you are told or I will find someone that will´´ She replied harshly, sending a final glare at the old man as he walked away from her, muttering curses behind his breath but too low for her to pay them any heed.
``And lets pray that the damage its not irreversible...´´
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The fun times are near at its end, the ripples of the canon are finally coming back for their rightful due, though there are still a few things left unchecked for a certain pair