Speech = ``….´´

Thoughts = …..

Inner voices = "…..."

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Vereesa point of view:

Kingdom of Quelthalas: Silvermoon.

The sunset lights undeniably ruled the sky outside her window, tinting the horizon a pale orange and yellowish colour. Reports continued to come in, always dripping. Cyndia had been kind enough to bring her a list of the materials the humans urgently needed to sustain themselves apart from some complaints from some locals while she was eating a cold swam for dinner, not wanting to waste time going out her office in her search for food while she eagerly perused the contents of the letters. One by one being slowly discarded to her left where she allowed them to form a small bulge of thin paper.

Most of them contained more of the same; Ranger movements, orders from above, terrain disputes between landowners ,complaints about the refugees…...

Yet not a word from her sister, not even a message carried by one of her own rangers. Her eyes frowned as she pondered the meaning behind that well kept…..silence.

Soon the twilight had turned to darkness, a cold wind pushing through the soft curtains. Brushing her face like an ethereal cold shower after a long day under the sun, the room remained mostly shrouded in darkness. Neither the fireplace or the candles in the room were lighted, she had not allowed none of the servants to do so. She was in as bleak a mood as the room, and Kalira's presence during the day had failed to cheer her up at all.

It would have been too hard to dismiss what she had seem back there anyways….

With a hand pressing the side of her head she took a weak glance at the silver silhouette of the moon who still remained obscure for the most part by some clouds, its light beaming through the open window and covering her desk in a faint silver aura. A sigh left her lips. It had been four days after her encounter at the border, such a short amount of time for the ruckus it had brought.

As if a frozen ball had been thrown down her throat, her guts twisted in unison inside her as she recalled the events that had happened back at the frontier. Her fingers tapping the wood of her desk repeatedly and without rhythm as her mind slowly delved in it.

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``Do you really think that was wise, captain?

Those the were the first words that she heard since she had saw Feldan leave her sights through the multitude five minutes ago, the commotion having drawn the attention of many interlopers who had slowly retreated to continue their task once they realized that nothing else would occur…..

She had needed the time to cool down her thoughts, take a few long and deep breaths and drag her mind away from that insufferable old man. Sadly she knew she could stay idle any longer, for there were people in need and it seemed that she was their only hope.

She casted a glance at her fellow ranger, Velonara, who by all means remained impassive behind her. With Feldan now away from them the tension in her shoulders had diminished, though not disappeared completely. With a closer she could spot the thin lines that always formed around the edges of her nose when there was something troubling her.

``You don't agree with what I did?´´ Was her simple reply.

At first she remained silent, redirecting her attention at her left hand for a few seconds before she shook her head, she looked tired. ``I….its not that, you know better than anyone that I cant stand the likes of him…, but was it a good idea to allow him such free reign? You will be lucky he writes that report and doesn't start undermining anything else..´´

``Perhaps, but knowing him he probably would do so regardless I take some of his liberties or not….´´ She receive a nod from her ``Still, what would you suggest? Keep him with us with a collar in his neck?´´

A grimace formed on her friends face, a scoff leaving her mouth as she crossed her arms around her chest ``Nothing of sorts….captain, he would do a poor pet anyways´´

``That's good to know….´´ She hummed in agreement.

``Still….why endure it?´´

She did not turn to meet her friends gaze as she understood what she really meant. ``Its better than the alternative...´´

``Is it? You could send him packing back home, he is old enough to be considered unfit for duty, and lest not forget his long strike of bad behaviour. I don't believe that anyone would rebuke this decision if you were to cordially suspend him from duty in a polite manner´´

Since when a wolf cares what a parchment of paper says….? ``You know that its in not my power to decide who serves and who not, I..like you merely follow the orders of our superiors´´

Not entirely true, even though her words did hold some modicum of veracity. Velo just had never saw her more….independent side.

``True, he may have given you command of the situation unwittingly, though it wont be enough to do that on your own you can still do the petition, and the general will probably heard you´´

Now that left her thoughtful, Velonaras words ringing true in her head. As she was now, she could do little but a soft slap on the wrist…..one that he would bounce back with a more than probable plan for retribution. But if the Ranger General were the one to demand the suspension of one stubborn old man, there would be little he could do, at least not legally.

It wasn't a bad idea, minimum risk for her and a high chance of success…..and yet it felt wrong, leaving a sour taste in her mouth with each passing second that idea lingered in her mind.

It did not take a genius to know why….

After almost five hundred years making a name for herself away from the gigantic shadows of her family, after having to deal with the weight a legacy she had not wished upon her shoulders and the incessant challenges set on her lap, wasn't using her sister position against those she disliked as a cheap move? Would it not be the same as those pesky noble brats who can do nothing than cry out their daddy's name and expect things go their way. A hollow victory that served no other purpose than to invigorate her own inability to fight her own battles.

No. She could not allow that, such humiliation….

``In any other case I would agree but not now, I would rather prefer to ignore him and keep him at arms length than to risk turning this into a political mishap inside the corp. It would not be worth it, trust me´´

"Are you sure?"

She could not avoid the way her resolved wavered even if it was for a second as the voice echoed deeply inside her. How it held no malice, nor smugness but an utter sense of disappointment. Like a mother watching their children make up excuses for their failings.

She shook her head, pushing aside those thoughts aside. She would not be deter from her chosen path, she had to….or at least thought that much. No matter how much bitterness swelled inside her, she had no intention of bothering Lady Moon with trash like him, especially when she had better things to do. She had already done enough for her as it was. She would have to make do with what she had, which wasn't much at this point. At least, the fact that she still had her friends support felt like a faint wave of fresh air. Not enough to quell done the bile burning her insides, but at least allowing her to stew in silence.

``I am…., don't worry about it. No one has died in the Corp for bad manners and short tempers ´´ Not yet at least…, but I don't think we will have to wait long at this rate

``I understand...´´ Velonara replied weakly, perhaps not fully believing those words or still shaken for the whole ordeal. In either case there was nothing left for her to do than give her time.

Lets pray that things don't get worse….. First thing first…., we need t-´´ Her words died out in her tongue when she sensed the way the brunette tensed, crossing her arms below chest plate. Her eyes lodged at her, no…, something or someone behind her she realized.

``I have to say that you two did quite an expectable….., quite a lovely way to start out what it would have been a long boring day….´´ Came out a soft yet cheerful voice close by, one that she recognised without a shred of doubt

Well…., look who deigned to arrive? Turning around she was not disappointed in what laid before her.

``Kalira….´´ She simply said, the woman was clothed in her usual ranger garb, with the exception of a large sack tagged in her back and a large wooden cane. Her hood was still on, while a small scarf was attached to her neck, leaving only her eyes out . It would have explained why she had see her when she had first arrived.

``Greetings Vere, Velonara..….´´ She muttered, for a second she thought that she had uttered the brunettes name with something a kin to discomfort, or was the light from the sun? Since she arrived it had been rather heated. `` What brings you down here? I hope you didn't came here for little old me´´ She asked playfully, a shy smile warped on her lips.

``If only, Feldan sent one of his pets up to the lodge searching for me, I decided to humour him and see what was going on with my own eyes´´

``I see…, what are your thoughts?´´

``Right now? Not much I fear, but I have the feeling that will change sooner rather than later. You would not mind handing us a hand on this, no?´´

``Oh, not at all…, though with all of that people camping back there….how many more humans do you think it would take to make the old man be more reasonable?´´

``None, for he is a huge douche bag´´ She replied rather quickly `` Was that a trick question?´´ She asked with amusement, a brow raised as she glared at the blonde girl.

``Sorry, I couldn't help myself...´´ She giggled, though her laugh hold no speck of its usual warmth. Perhaps even her could see the grimness of what laid before them.

Velonara sighed, her eyes close for a moment as she perhaps was collecting her thoughts before taking a step forward, standing between her and the blonde ranger `` Kal, please…., this is no time for jokes´´ She muttered softly, she extended her arm forward but before she reached her lovers shoulder she took a step backwards.

``Always so serious….´´ She stated calmly, that faint smile finally leaving her lips, replaced by a thin line. ``So you don't have time to be with me but you can tag around Vere? I did not take you for a liar, Velo...….´´ She said coldly, her gaze remaining unwavering on Velonara, like a pair of twin suns that glowed with disappointment.

The brunette recoiled backwards, as if stroke by an invisible blow, her face warped with a visible tinge of sadness. Her jaw tensed slightly ``Y-you know that is not true!´´

``What is it then? For lights sake girl, make up your mind! You said that you wanted to take some time to slow things down, but now I found you that you rode all the way south for an emergency? That is not taking time slow….´´

``I was there when the captain received the call, and I decided to accompany her all the way down. That's what friends do, help each other, should I have not?´´ She stated with cordiality.

It was a nice touch that she didn't share with her spouse the deal the two had made back then. It would surely take away some of its nicety. Kalira however did not seem to buy the idea all that much, a flustered look appearing on her face before she waved her arms back and forth.

``W-ell I am not telling you not to, but don't I get a better treatment since we are engaged?´´

``Always, but this is work, I don't see what startles you´´

``Why yo-!´´

``Kalira, I may not know what happened between the two of you, and though I would love to not try to disturb your…..lives together I cant let in good conscience let you stay mad at each other. You may have the right to be angry, but…. can you at least try to see things from her perspective? Surely you know that she did not meant wrong?´´

``As always...´´

``Velo….´´ She muttered in exasperation but decided to pay her not much heed as she started to focus on Kalira. It was good that she did, or she would not have managed to grasp anything at all with the speed she was going.

``I did! But she wouldn't have it, no matter how many times I tried to assure her that what we were doing was behind our limits she stated that I was going over board. Could you believe that!?´´ The blonde ranger exclaimed, pointing an accusatory glance at the brunette as she did.

``Because you were, you almost fainted while we rode our dragonhawkns in that walk along side the coast because you stood the entire night awake, you buffoon!´´

``It was well under control, you brute!´´

``Right, and that time you end up hanging from a cliff because you wanted to take a better look?´´

``That is ancient history!´´

``That happened barely a week ago!´´

Those two truly deserve each other….., now how I keep them from surviving their second quarrel? She pondered internally, but as she did a faint feeling of nostalgia grasped her heart. The world around her swiftly vanishing to leave way for a strange couple trailing down a forest soil that had yet to know the cruelty's of war. A curse that would live on through the hearts of those that would remain.

Truly, fate had a twisted sense of humour to bring people together. A disgraced mage and the youngest daughter of an old bloodline.

It still felt fresh in her mind.

She shook hear head effusively, wiping out those thoughts from her mind with renew fortitude as she grimaced. She truly was getting old if looking at her friends union could rift her feathers this way. No, she would not grieve about something that never existed in the first place.

With a tired sight she took a step forward, ready to throw herself into the crossfire if it meant ending this here and now. `` I may know not much, but aren't you two over reacting? Surely you can come with a compromise regarding….these events, in a more private setting would be preferable´´

Her timely interruption brought an end to their argument, though only because she gave them another thing to be busy with. Two pairs of eyes, one cold while the other agitated were now trailing down on her as they once again acknowledged her presence. It would not be long before they started speaking again, but long enough to mentally prepare herself.

``Vereesa, my friend….. don't mingle in our affairs..´´

``Captain, I am sorry that I warped you with my problems, and that this may sound selfish….., but please stay out of this. This is between me and her´´

Their words lacked any mirth or warm they would usually hold, instead replaced with a scathingly tone. That was the least she was expecting.

My little two stubborn mules….. She thought with fondness, had the three not been stuck in this situation she would have been happy to oblige their request, but well….when does anyone get what they want? Time to impartake some sense. Clapping her hands she approached the two.

``I cant...´´

``What!? / Why!?´´ Exclaimed the two of them either in bewilderment or dumbfounded.

``You heard me, I am not going to allow you two idiots to bicker with one another for such silly things. I mean come on, what are you children? No, don't answer that, I have remember with who I am speaking with´´ She replied without waiting for their reply, leaving a grimace in their faces.

``You cant be serio-!´´

``Before any of this I would have prefer to let you two sort out your differences while I dealt with the mess….., believe me I would, but I cant do this alone. Right now I need you, They need you, and every second that passes matters….. Can I count with you two?´´ She asked, grasping tightly both of their shoulders pads, reinforcing the importance meaning of her words.

She knew that it wasn't much, that it may even not be enough, but that was all she could come out with. She hoped that by changing the source of the problem at hand would at least twist their arms.

The two of them remained quiet, exchanging a few furtive glances at one another, doubt and confusion warped in their eyes, their ears pressed down their hoods. A weary feeling she slowly crawling behind her, perhaps she had not said enough…..

Her fangs started chewing her lips as a result.

``Always...´´ Velonara stated drily though with no less conviction.

Kalira seeing her mate taking her decision left a tired sigh in defeat. ``This is not over….but I am not that petty to allow my personal problems to make others suffer…., so what do we do?´´

Vereesa did not know when had she started holding her breath, a shy smile that forming around the edges of her lips as she felt with renew vigour. At least that is out of the way… ``Kalira, can I trust you to bring with you a few dozen rangers to accompany us? Tell them to bring food, clothes and some priests if they are available, there could be wounded and time is of essence´´

"Do you truly think that those wounded would have lasted this long after his careful tending? Or is it another of your delusions?"

Her friend nodded ``I believe I it wont be hard to find someone willing to lend a hand, though many here fear that Cyclops, their dislike for him is clear as day, and with you now giving the shots…... I will see what I can do´´

``Good, that is all I ask´´ With that said the blonde left their side.

``What of me?´´ Stated Velonara.

``You will come with me, its time to find out what is really going on….´´ Turning around she did not wait for her answer, her steps trailing one after the other swiftly down the slope. Before long they were traversing through the forest of tents.

She didn't know what she was expecting but it surely wasn't….. this. Tattered clothes, dirt and black ooze stains all over them, or even the dried blood plastered over their hair, giving them a rather somber and even more gaunter appearance as she got closer.

The people around them were in so many different states of health, varying from some that seemed that had just arrive after a long stroll, to those that seemed that had gone through hell and back. She thought for a second that some of them were about to fall down dead by the way their chest swelled up and down by their ragged breaths.

Her nose wriggled in distaste as the wind brushed her face, carrying with it a particular stench. The smell was bad if not terrible, probably coming out from the bodies of the thousands of humans congregated in such a short space and with out the possibility to take a bath, among other things…..

Their faces where tainted with sadness and as if a terrible tragedy had befell the world and that only she and her rangers were not told off. It was not long before her small retinue with their bright blue gold capes caught their interest and slowly started to swarm around them. Some of them sharing a mix of both fear and hope in their eyes.

From the covers of their mothers skirts she managed to spot the frail forms of children, looking no better than their elders but though they gazed at her with apprehension, like a watch dog observing carefully a stranger passing by the fence. The grasp of their little hands only tightened even further as she walked by.

She dare not phantom the reasons that would make those eyes look so….. devoid of life.

We sure have their attention…, I only hope this works. ``Greetings, citizens of Lordaeron. What brings you to our kingdom?

`` What happened? Why are you at our doors? Did some enemy attack the kingdom, your homes?´´ She asked to the multitude. Her words at first went unheard over the multitude, their voices though low, in these large numbers managed to quell much of her voice. It was only in the last one that seemed to spark something in their brains, as they quickly started to ramble with one another, their volume slowly getting higher as everyone wanted to make themselves heard above the others.

``Lordaeron! Lordaeron has fallen!´´ Screamed a scrawny young man, sometime ago he may have passed for handsome but now his hair was nothing but sicken chaff. His lips broken in two from where the smear of blood had ran dry long ago. A pair of dark soles under his eyes that spoke of countless sleepless nights. Followed by that declaration more voices joined the chorus.

``The Prince! That dammed Prince! He betrayed us all! Exclaimed a little girl, perhaps in her teens. Her high pitched voice ringing in her ears Her face was covered by dirt and a black sticky ooze. A visible trail could be seem below her puffy eyes. She had been crying until that moment she realized.

Her attention switched rapidly as another person caught her attention. This one more stranger than the last.

``Doom has come over the world! Doom!´´ Exclaimed an elderly man who wore the remnants of a priest outfit, a fresh scar roaming the side of his bald head ``For the sins committed by the foolishness of mankind we all are gonna burn! He exclaimed vehemently, quickly followed by a maniacal cackle. One only stopped by a sudden fit of coughing.

``Please, one by one people….if you speak all at the same time we will not hea-´´

``Orcs, demons, abominations! The lights judgement have come and it has found us waiting….this is our penance!´´ Spoke another soul of the multitude.

``Sirs, I need you to calm down…, you are scaring the others...´´

``Please, have mercy on my children. They are the only thing I have left!´´ Said a woman in her early forties, her face haggard by malnutrition while she held tightly a small child, warped in a blue tattered cloth with red specks of cloth mixed with it. Or was that blood? With a yelp of fright she was quickly shoved away by a young man, bloodshot eyes locking gaze at her before he throw himself at her, grasping her by her shoulder pads and pull her closer to him.

Her nose wrinkled in disgust. He reeked of cheap alcohol and lack of bath among other things that she was yet to discern, still her primary concern was to get him off her without escalating it further. He was clearly under the effect of a myriad of disgraces.

``They said that we would be fine, they say that they would protect us! They lied! Everyone Lies!´´

``No one is going to hurt you, please list-´´

``Y-you are lying, they will hurt us, y-you will hurt us! I have seem it, I-I am alw-aays right!´´ He stammered, his body going rigid and tense with every word. The pressure of his hands leaving her shoulder pads before they approached her neck and close around it.

For Belores sake Before he could apply any pressure with a swift motion she grasped both of his thumbs and twisted them, forcing them in an unnatural angle before she kneaded the man in the gut, spit and air spilling out from his mouth before his face met the ground when she pushed him away. ``Final warning, stay down, for your own good….´´

To her annoyance, her words rang in deaf ears for the man convulsed in the ground, shrieking curses and nonsense. One of his arms caressing his aching stomach while the other one pointed a finger accusatory at her. ``See!? They attack us! She attacked me! We are all in danger!´´

``How I hate it when they squeal….. Should I gut the rat captain?´´ Stated coldly Velonara, uncaring of the effect her words brought on the people close enough to hear them. It did not surprise her in the slightest when the corner of her eyes got a glimpse of the light refracting from the blade. It was more than probable that had she not tossed him aside, Velonara would have skewered him like a pig.

She turned her attention back at the man, it would only work against them. How this people would trust them if they would kill in cold blood a lunatic? She shook her head. ``No, he is just shocked beyond help….its pointless to hate him, just let him be´´

``Alright, but-´´

``Lies, lies! This was a mistake! They plot our demise!´´

`` …...´´ Velonara walked softly past her, her steps barely perceptible as she cracked her knuckles.

``W-what are you doing !? D-don't step any closer or I Aaarchgh…..´´ Cried out the man in fright before his when her lieutenants fist made itself at home on the man´s face. Blood pouring out from the now broken nose and teeth before his body fell on the ground with a soft thud.

It wasn't ideal, though at the very least he was no longer screaming out. That was good, right? Right?

She crossed her arms below her chest, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glare at her friend who returned to her post next to her. ``Did you really needed to knock him out?´´

She merely shrugged. ``He was seeding chaos among this already hopeless people….´´

She left a tired sigh, well, she wasn't entirely wrong but she wasn't gonna tell her that. ``I hope it doesn't bites us back…..´´

``They may be civilians, but they are not that stup-´´

``By the light, they truly did it!´´ Spatted a man incredulously within the crowd, his untimely intervention souring mood even further, if that was possible.

``Real nice of you lieutenant, real nice...´´ She muttered through clenched teeth, bringing a hand up as she rubbed her forehead for the incoming head ache. She only wished it would one or two rogue elements in the crowd and nothing more.

Too bad that was not gonna happen.

To her distress, the cacophony of voices were soon joined by many more, until the entire multitude erupted in a violent shouting match, making her wince in pain. Her hands graving her ears in an effort to block the loud noises that were drilling her skull.

She was once again reminded why she detested crowd control. The soaring sensation left behind was not worth the effort.

Why anything can't go as planned? Why does anyone have fuck up things this much!? She screamed internally.

At least they were not throwing stuff at them. Though for how long?

``What a racket this lot are, I wouldn't dream to be in your position, captain´´ Said Kalira , giving a soft elbow to Velonara as she saw the multitude with amusement, though with the whole mess she barely made up her words. The brunette left a sigh of exasperation but did not respond her wife.

She ignored when was the moment that the blonde had managed to reach them, but it seemed that she had been long enough to see the beguiling of this bloody mess. Too bad that her arrival had brought as well a few dozen rangers which looked with different grades of disgust or paranoia at the humans around them.

A situation that was clearly mirrored by them ten fold.

``You are not helping Kalira, now if you are not gonna help me then step back!´´ She ordered as loud as she could, her voice immediately lost with countless others, the only thing that told her she had gotten her message through was the way her friend nodded at her, a grin still plastered on her face while she walked a few meters away.

Speaking her way out was not an option, with this much noise it would be a miracle if those closest to her managed to heard a quarter of it.

She would need something louder, precise.

Wait….louder? Immediately an idea popped inside her head, though crude and simple it held some modicum of success..

I hope this works…. She thought before she took out a gun strapped in her belt, gift from a dwarf she had befriend during the second war. She made sure it was properly loaded before she carefully aimed at the air, and then she fired.

A sole booming warning shot tearing through the air….., then another and another until she could hear the faint clicking from the trigger, the echo of a well known empty chamber. Each loud detonation torn through the multitudes petty squabbling with the same ease a lynx would rip out a man's throat, and while not strong enough to be heard across the entire fields for the remaining thousands of people around her surroundings, the silence brought by her interruption started to spread like a domino.

``Everyone! Stop!´´ She roared. Making many of the civilians around her scatter away from her, fearing whatever real or imaginary retribution was about to behold them. In the end, for better or for worse she noticed in their weary gazes their complete and utterly attention on her.

Awaiting for her next words….

I hoped that I didn't have to do this but it seems as the only way….

``I understand, I do understand now that all of you have gone through some deep shit, that there are memories of terrible things that have occurred recently and are haunting you even now, of such terrible pain that I could not even begin to imagine….I do understand, I really do…..., So please….STOP YELLING! ´´

Immediately she saw the way their faces flinched, some of them taking another involuntary step backwards. It was not her intention to cause panic, but the silence that it had gifted her was a welcome surprise. Much better…..

``As all of you have demonstrated, your fears and incomprehension of what has set your lives upside down have taken hold of your bodies, you must control yourselves and not assume the worst or act rush for that path will lead to dark places and loud screaming!´´

``Nice lungs captain´´

``Hush Kali, I am in the middle of something´´ She muttered with annoyance. Trying to not pay attention at the red shade her ears were slowly taking. `` Now, if you are gonna speak then choose one representative to explain what happened so that your voices don't overlap with one another, or don't speak at all. Your choice….´´ She said now more calmly than before.

``Are you sure this will not back fire?´´ Whispered Velonara in her ear, her tone indicating her unease with it. She could not judge her for it, she wasn't filling very thrill about it either.

Like you hitting that mess of a man? She wisely decided to keep that to herself. ``Bites me….but is better than what we had before, that I can assure you´´ With that her friend returned to her position.

It took a while, as they looked at one another with doubt or worry before they started speaking in hushed tones and whispers, all trying to come to an agreement.

In the end from the multitude an elderly man stepped forward, his form was burly and rough, but she found that he had ``I...I am sorry my Lady, I….we are all sorry for the way we have treated you and your companions, there is no excuse for that.

Finally someone with some sense She thought inwardly, relieve spreading over her mind. `` I am glad to hear that but, with who I may have the pleasure to speak with? She asked, if only to be polite.

``My name is Tristian Eastoft, a carpenter my lady…..or used to be´´ Said the elderly man with a polite bow ``I like most of those folks that have come here along side me are just normal people, those who had lived in peace until that dreaded day came….´´ People around them started shuddering, whispering to one another frantically, clearly disturbed by whatever the man's words entailed.

``That day? Pardon me but I don't think I understand´´ She inquired, hoping to get a far more lengthy explanation.

``Yes, that day…..At first it was the orc raids that kept us awake at night, since their scape from the work camps the kingdom went into full alert, not knowing if our towns would be the next ones to be pillage in their lust for battle as they had done so decades ago. Killing and burning whatever they could not steal. They were stopped, of course...though not after the loss of many innocent lives.´´

`` Then the sickness came by, friends and love ones alike falling ill by the mysterious disease. It was horrible, terrible even….but we had survived Trolls, forest critters and orcs before, some of us thought it was just a passing trouble, brought by a lack of judgement by a sick merchant, or just some spoiled grain...´´ A strange gargle noise started to sound, it took her to realize that Eastoft was actually chuckling. The sound struggling to come out through his dry lips that remained sealed, his face downcast as he glanced at his own hands, dirt and that black ooze covering the marred skin below.

``If only we had known….´´ His voice was now nothing but a fickle whimper, threatening to shatter at any moments notice. The aged man remained still for a few seconds, rubbing his forehead with both his hands, fingers trembling in clear distress before he regarded her once again.

`` But no one did, not the guards, not the priests, not the king. No one. We were on our own...and alone we were forced to deal with it. Then... the prince…..´´

``The Prince? What has to do the Prince of Lordaeron with you being here?´´ She asked, a bit puzzled by his choice of words. Could it be that he had order them to come to Quelthalas in some kind of effort to protect them?.

Commendable, though perhaps he could have at least warned in advance or sent an emissary along side the refugees. Sadly, something deep inside her told her otherwise, she would need to wait long.

``It seems that everything my lady, a friend of mine…. Kole Foy, a blacksmith who lived in Lordaeron witnessed the tragedy that occurred in the city´´ He halted, placing a hand over his chest, a pained look in his eyes. `` He was there to see how the people gathered to witness the arrival of the prince who had been lost for weeks in a far away land…´´

``He was lost? How can you lose a prince?´´

The man gave her a shrug. ``Truth be told, I don't really know. The whereabouts of the prince were left in mystery for a while and after the destruction of Stratholme we had more pressing matters to deal with, only after a week it was noticed that he was no where to seem. The stories that came out as a response where many and each of them different. That an orc had slain him in single combat, that he had fallen ill to the sickness, or that he had been sent as an envoy to another kingdom in hopes to get aid. What everyone seemed to coincide was that he was no longer in Lordaeron soil´´

``Rumours…., they tend to be rather complicated to understand, the truth behind them mostly insignificant for most are nothing more than exaggerations, but I have the feeling that those were more real than most, weren't they?´´ The only answer she needed were the sudden coldness sleeping through the humans eyes.

``Then tragedy struck…..´´ The way he uttered those words left a bitter taste in her mouth, a gaunter look took hold around his features.

What came next could be considered nothing else but a horrible tale of madness and carnage. Men, woman and children, all gathered with hope in their eyes as they saw the return of their beloved prince, only to be brutally murdered by the one that had swore to the defend them from harm, an abuse of senseless and maniacal level of violence.

It wasn't just down right murder, but a sacrilege of the highest order.

``This Kole Foy must be a good man if he put his life at risk trying to tell you about this threat instead of running away, there are not many men willing to do such thing´´

Eastoft rose his head, his face stuck in a solemn expression. ``He was...´´ He uttered apathetically, making her flinch at the connotation of the word.

`` The poor lad didn't make it through the night, his wounds too great for a mere old carpenter and my family to deal with….., at least he did not die alone. We made sure to burn his remains so that his body never search for us in the afterlife. It was the last thing we could do to thank him for warning us….and so that he would not search for us afterwards´´

She frowned, there was something wrong with that statement...she only hoped it was not what she was thinking. ``What do you mean by search for you? If he was dead how could he achieve such thing?´´ Her words seemed to spark something within his mind as he slowly started to cackled, it was a low, sporadic croak, steadily growing in volume until it exploded into a full bloody laugh.

She caught by the corner of her eyes Velonara take a step forward, her left hand tracing down the handle of one of her trusted blades. She quickly gestured her to back down, steel would not be of any use.

``Oh my apologies my fair lady, I...I wasn't laughing at you….. its just that the dead are walking on the world again. What a curious thing to be hold, isn't it?´´ He replied with abundant sarcasm.

"The dead are walking on the world again"

Those words echoed inside her head, Vereesa felt a growing sense of unease built up inside her as she gazed at the man´s eyes. No matter how hard she tried she did not found out anything that could tell her that he was making things up, that this was a product of the shock. He was jaded, old and grieving beyond measure…...

But the more she looked at those tired eyes, the more she believed that idea, it did not take long for another, way more unsettling theory to pop up, one that a logical person would refuse.

He was been honest…..and that terrified her even more. .

She stood still, silently pondering about the man's choice of words. Undead, there was no other creature in this world that would fit the bill the way he had describe them. Blasted creatures of the night, a blight upon the natural way of things.…

Her semblance took a gaunter look.

She was no stranger to such things, for no long ago she had faced the ruinous machinations of the orc warlocks over the bodies of the men they had slain, the form of the rotting corpses clad in the armours and weapons they wore in life, now parading over the world with a will not their own as they fought with the malignant souls of those that brought them death.

A crude and barbaric way to try to break the wills of men, showing how much the lengths of their debauchery would reach.

Good thing how that the Amani and their desire for living flesh had taught them much to not leave even the bones of their fallen for them to claim afterwards. She though grimly.

Wait!….Was this the work of the orcs? If so, how they had escaped captivity? Why Eastof had merely mention the flesh puppets instead of the green skins? Why would Arthas kill every soul in sight? Where the sickness came from? There were many things left without any explanation, gaps in the man's story that did not fully connect with one another.

There had to be some kind of catalyst, a plan of sorts….but what was it? Her ignorance of it only increased her worry. Not having a damn clue about what was fully going on was never a good thing.

Taking a step forward she went to call out the man out of his stupor, as much as it pained her to be so inquisitive she needed to know. She would make sure to apologize later, sadly she was not granted time to ask.

``Gramps…, is something wrong!? We heard gunshots!´´ Came out a high peaked voice right next to them. She blinked repeatedly at what she saw. A pair of little children, a little girl who couldn't be more than eight or nine years old and a boy slightly older than her. The two of them were looking at him with worry as their little hands tugged their elders cloth, only to stop when they realised the not so human lady standing before them. The girl immediately hide away behind Eastoft, her entire body shaking like a leaf.

But to her surprise the boy stood between her and the old man, a fierce glint on his eyes as he gazed at her, his diminutive hands clenched into fists.

``S-stay back, thing! I-I wont let you harm my gramps!´´ He spatted out as strongly and fiercely as he could, but the way both his body and voice shook took a heavy toll on his words.

``By the light...what I am going to do with you two?´´ He muttered under his breath.

``Gramps?´´

``There is northing to worry children, I was just talking about this lovely miss over here´´ He said as he started to pat the heads of the two children. At the the two

``G-gramps...stop it! ´´ Whined the boy, not enjoying at all the way the aged man ruffled his hair though not truly loosing sight of her. Those pair of eyes still glowing with distrust even though if a little more lessened.

``There is nothing to worry about, really….you shall see that things will get better. I promise´´

``You said that too when mum and dad got separated from us!´´

``Where are they? Its been days…..´´

``Children, please…..´´ He whispered, his words ranging on deaf ears as the two children were shaking inconsolably in his grasp. Their faces remained obscure from her sight but she could make of the muffled cries. ``My apologies, it wasn't my intention to show this to you my lady…..but they have got it pretty rough and everyone is a bit…..´´

She shook her head, placing one of her hands over the rough leather that made for his worn out vest, stopping him on his tracks. ``You have no need to explain yourself to me, sir...I understand. Believe me, I do ´´ She stated calmly, giving a soft squish at his shoulder before pulling the hand away.

He did not answer her with words, but the look of his eyes spoke of gratitude. It wasn't much, not really, but it would be a good start to take some of that weight off their shoulders. Luckily it would not be the last thing she could do for them.

Now that she knew what was at stake there was only one thing left to do. Taking a step back she took a quick glance at the people looking at her. Good, she still had their attention. She should make it count.

Clearing his throat she gestured to the people before she spoke louder, an effort to make herself heard towards those that remained far behind the ring of bodies. ``I thank you for your collaboration in putting to light this tragic circumstances that have brought you here, especially knowing how fresh those wounds are, both in your flesh and mind. Your fortitude is something to be commented for….´´

Voices started to rise around her as while some of them nodded in agreement. Shy

`` I also take that my fellow kin has not been as nearly as accommodating and kind to you since you stepped over our lands as they should…...´´ Immediately the conversations around her died out, faints looks of anger and resentment flashing out through their tired eyes as they recollected the events that took place before her arrival. The people further away soon took notice of their fellows silence and quickly follow suit.

She slowly raised a hand in a placating gesture, hoping to lessen whatever doubts may still linger in their thoughts. ``Fret not for that its about to change right here and now, I will make sure of it. That I swear in my name….´´

This seemed to break them from their stupor, breath of relief coming out of them, some even going on their knees and started praying frantically. It was both a touching yet saddening scene, but if it meant that it would not spiral into utter chaos then she would take what she could.

``Right now, we are going to led you towards our towns so that we can settle you for the time been. There you will be able to feed, rest and heal under a rooftop. The injured, the sick and those who need help to stand will have priority but soon enough we will get you all accommodated as you rightfully deserve, but we need your help….can we count with you to do this as fast as possible?´´

A booming chorus of voices greeted her in response, cheers echoing over the distance though what they said was lost to her, their voices overlapping with one another, while those that seem more healthy waved their hands at her, perhaps offering themselves to be the ones to aid her.

Take that Feldan, you arrogant asshat! Kindness trumps over your old fashion tendencies...! She thought exultant, barely able to contain a smirk from appearing. Her inner ramblings were interrupted when she notice Eastoft approaching her, his eyes switching from the people around them to her in a rapid succession.

He was clearly unease about something.

``I don't want to sound ungrateful, but are you…..are you truly serious about this? Do you really mean it girl….?´´ He asked, his words calm, even collected, but his eyes told another story. He was gauging her.

She beamed a shy smile at the old man, for she understood where his reservations came from, if he only she too would be suspicious.

``I never go back on my promises….´´

"Are you sure about that? Lirath would have much to say about that…..,"

The words hanged over her head, as if tangled in webs of shadows, weak and fragile, yet ever present like the sun of morning. Immediately she waved away those thoughts from her mind, focusing again on the man before her who had not noticed anything wrong.

``You have done your best, now be at ease knowing that I will inform my superiors of what is going on and that I will try to aid you with everything in my power, we may be neighbours…..and not even of the same species but in times like these we must band together, always´´ For if we don't do it, then who else? That I swear in my honour´´ She stated firmly, placing a hand over her chest.

But before she knew it, she was warped in a tight hug by Eastoft , the old man moving forward too fast for his age and then pulling her in a bone crushing hug. Luckily for her, the armour dulled most of it quite nicely.

``Blessed child of the Light! Thank you, thank you so much….. You don't have an idea how much those words meant to this old man's heart´´

``I—I am happy that I brought you some relief….´´

``Gramps? Are you okay? Do you have a fever? ´´

``He must be, Gramps is acting weird. Should we hit them with the stick?´´

``I think we should´´

``Quiet you two, ruffians…, I was merely overwhelmed by the news, nothing else´´ Exclaimed Eastof in a ragged voice, mixed between exasperation and joy as he grabbed the two children and brought them closer to him much to their displeasure.

``No, Gramps…..you stink! ´´

``Stink, stink!´´

`` If you think this is bad you have seem nothing lads ´´ He replied scathingly at both of them, a frown on his face before he switched his attention from them towards her. ``Still, I am grateful for this chance, I am sure that my daughter and son in law would have said the same if they were here´´

``I was just doing what was right, ser. I am sure that you would have done the same...´´

``If only half the people I have seem thought like that… and please, don't call me ser, I am just a carpenter...´´

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"If only half the people I have seem thought like that."

Her lips took were twisted in downwards, those words had echoed inside her for a some time, and not without a good reason.

Eastof wasn't wrong to be rather sceptical when confronted about the selflessness of others, especially after having a dose of elven prejudice thrown at him at the first chance Feldan got. What she later found out about the elder ranger was a long list of grievances and petitions of the refuges to not be taken under the wing of such an infuriating old man. That had been easy to grant.

Now making sure that their new homes would at least be empathetic of their plight had been another thing entirely. Not that the villagers had been anything but kind to them, the problem had mostly relied on the mayors.

At first they had been flattered for her arrival, it seemed that they did not care she was just the Fastrider captain as long as the word Windrunner was attached to her name. But their honed words and half hearted smiles soon turn sour when she mentioned the reason behind her arrival.

Some offered words of condolence, others scoffed. In the end she was left with two groups to contend: The greedy and stubborn.

The firsts she only had needed to promise them some sort of reassurance, and tools for the field works. Even from the distance of Silvermoon the magistrates had a tight grip over the money they could send to the wayward towns, leaving them dry in a whim. The others had downright refused to open their gates, and told her to take the lower lifeforms away…

They had needed a more….practical approach to solve the matter. She flexed her hand slowly at the memory.

Yet that wasn't what had bothering her, not really though…..

She stood up from her seat, giving one last look at the chaotic scenery that had become her desk before with three long strides she reached the window. A sudden brush of air blowing through it just as she tucked her head out, throwing into disarray her already messy desk. Her eyes glaring at the moon that was slowly been warped by darkness with a frown.

Under any normal circumstances as it was regulated, it was imperative for any commanding officer to communicate with the parties involved with the matter before taking any sort of action, and if not possible then write a lengthy report of why that had not be possible.

Feldan´s meddling and refusal to take matters on his own hands had thrown at her lap a lot of unnecessary tasks to full fill…..until Nathanos had relieved her from it. Something that she was not thankful to the human Ranger Lord.

Not when the memory of the assault remained fresh in her memory.

She remained impassive, a cold mask of indifference that let no clue of what thoughts lingered within, only the sound of her fingers tapping the edges of the window could give some light of her annoyance.

By now she should had been summoned by her sister, or at the very least received some kind of order regarding the situation, something. Anything really…., but that was it, she had not. For whatever reason, Sylvanas had kept a tight lip about, for none in Silvermoon knew about this tide of fleeting humans. Nor the massacre at Stratholme or anything else going on outside for that matter.

They were happy in their ignorance and will continue to do so by the looks of it. There was something at work, and she had no idea of what it was.

Until now…..

Her eyes had wandered over her desk, the wind having blown away everything she had kept in short stacks, leaving nothing behind but her already cold meal. Nothing…., but a small thin letter warped in a slim golden veil attached to the sheet.

The battered and broken form of a phoenix on its used seal.

As she tucked the cape over her back and walked right to the door in four long strides she gave one final glare at her empty desk before shaking her attention from it.

Yes, it was about time she came out from this hole and confronted her about this, This talk had been long overdue.