Sylvanas point of view:
Kingdom of Quelthalas: Silvermoon.
If someone were to be asked what they thought about the Ranger General of Silvermoon with one word, it would be perfection.
Courageous where others would fall to despair. Cleverness and wisdom that could rival even the most competent orators and magisters. Unmouthable beauty that lady's and lords alike would kill for and the sensation of hope and that she carried where she went….
General
Hero
Saviour
Legend
Though perhaps that was when she could hide away from the prying eyes from the distance of her family spire, a simple commodity that day by day had become more and more a luxury that she could not afford. Her once pristine golden mane now remained loose and unkept, several strands falling without regard over her shoulder pads as her hood rested on her back, a faint shade of red was growing around the edges of her eyes, product of poor rests that were mostly used to fix the damn mess that cun-, his majesty had landed so gracefully on her lap.
Not even the strong scent of caffeine mixed out with herbs coming out from the diminutive steaming cup standing next to her was been of much help against the strong migraine that was slowly crawling its way up.
But alas, what would be life without challenges?
``Do we have word from the blacksmith guild? She grumbled more than said as she tossed aside some worn books from her desk, to place a sheet of paper, quill already in hand, not regarding with her attention at the two other occupants of the room who remained still before her.
``We do, though not as positive as we would like, general….´´
``Elaborate´´
``The first half of production seems to be on point, the new weapons and armour shall be distributed equally to our frontier outpost and inner compounds in land. Sadly they are stating that the price of steel is quickly raising on the market and that it may lead to…...complications´´
``You still haven't tell me what they want´´ She replied drily, her brows narrowing just barely.
Anya closed her eyes before she left a tired sigh leave her lips, flexing her fingers slowly. `` They ask to expand their time table…..or be given greater funds to acquire more material if possible...´´
So it was that….
Slowly, she placed down the quill from her hand, warping the sheet of paper inside a blue gold envelop and then placing it inside one of the shelves swiftly. Though her face remained unchanged, deep within a storm of thoughts were clashing out with one another. Truly, she did not know whether she was more disappointed with their lack of success or with herself for having come to that conclusion long before they came back at her door and whined of how unjust the world was.
As this took place, her lips started to form a scowl, the muscles of her face growing ever tense to the point of nuisance as she fought back the need to laugh bitterly in front of her rangers. Her eyes eyes still fixated on her hands, closing them tightly soon after.
She truly knew her people, didn't she?
Finally, she deigned herself to gaze at the duo, the two of them standing still and silent just as they had since they had entered hours ago, waiting expectantly of her answer, only that timid glint on the corner of their eyes spoke of their current discomfort.
``Inadmissible, they were paid well for every ton of steel they promised they could forge, if they can not keep their vane promises they shouldn't have done so in the beginning. Inform them that the king shares their grievances and understand what they are going through, but that he is too busy with the encroaching turmoil that threatens our land to do anything of use, and that perhaps, in time he will heed their words. That should keep them in line for now...´´
``As you wish, General´´
``Cyndia, do we have any news regarding this cult of the dammed?´´
``I apologize general, but we don't´´
That brought a low swift growl to leave her lips, something that normally would not have shown, but these days had been testing her patience. ``May I ask why? Black hooded humans chanting whatever comes to mind and adorning themselves with bones tend to stand up like a sore thumb….if you know what I mean´´
Cyndia remained quiet, not at all undeterred by her remark.
``We just haven't been lucky so far, after a series of unsanctioned raids through the human countryside near the border we tried to glimpse from afar the damage done by this Scourge and their surroundings, but because of their small numbers and the short amount of terrain they have covered they have not found anything troubling...or worth mentioning´´
``We also took a look at some of the corners of our kingdom that no "sane" person would travel to, just in case…., unfortunate or not for us there was nothing or no one hiding there´´
``Am I to understand that you found no traces of the presence of these individuals, or any sign that they were there once?´´
``Actually, we have…., in several occasions I may add, yet we never found them physically on those locations. Whatever these….men were doing may have already been done or were force to leave before our arrival. All in all... it is as if everything looks..….normal, if not too silent´´
She frowned at the very mention of the word. "Normal" such a naive word world to describe what was going around one self when one did not bother to look over its exterior. It wasn't, but the calm that came from it that. only predated to catas
``Everything is also normal when you take a stroll right next to a lynx den before it jumps straight at your throat and rips it open before you know what is happening, we cant take any chances…. not when we don't have a strong grasp of what we really are about to face, the wolfs are out and they prey on the sheep, Lordaeron was a lonely weak sheep, and now only its bloody corpse remains, I want to know if we are wolfs as well or just another lamb for slaughter´´
``I am afraid that I cant answer your question, my general´´
``Have you received their report?´´ Immediately Cyndia brought forward a small block of papers and shove it at her open hands, the smell of ink still fresh over its pages,
She swiftly took a look, her fingers dancing through the sheets of paper at a rapid pace before she threw them to the side, a look of disappointment started settling over her features.
``So we have a plague of magisters….´´
``Yes….´´
``And the king wants me to welcome his hand chosen representatives in my office to give counsel of the situation…..which are more likely to be stupid demands´´
``It is as it sounds, my apologies general´´ Muttered the blonde girl sheepishly, her head lowering slightly in an apologetic gesture before it rose up again.
``And I suppose that I can not just forget about this so called meeting and do something actually worth my time...like prepare for an eventual crisis?´´ She muttered sarcastically, placing a hand below her chin.
``They will surely not take it lightly, my lady..´´ Answered Anya this time, even though she could not see them, hidden away in her back she could tell she was fidgeting with her hands.
They never do… She was sure she would heard a racket about it, especially when she had done far less. That did not mean it would deter her from doing so anyway.
``Then that is what we shall do´´
``Excuse me? / General?´´ The two women muttered with different degrees of surprise even though they had tried to sound as collected as possible.
``Petulant men are annoying at best, downright pests at worst. I would rather deal with and angry simple minded men, than allowing the clarity of mind to scheme and think with their brains rather than their egos….though I would rather prefer not deal with them at all´´
She quelled the desire to pinch the bridge of her nose, Alleria would surely be laughing if she ever heard anything about this. Speaking of which, she had idea of how to fix that matter.
``I see…., who might the fortunate soul that will attend them?´´ Spoke up Cyndia, finally regaining her composure from the stupor.
``Leave that honour to Theron, we all know how he enjoys hearing himself talk, it was about time we put that tongue of his to better use´´ The man always prided himself on his more passive but peaceful approach against what he deemed abrasive and from her part. Lets see how he fared with a bunch of know it all ingrates who felt slighted against their inexistent honour.
``Of course, shall we inform him about this...change on his schedule?´´
``Please, do so..., but only a few minutes before the meeting takes place, that way that sly fox wont have time to slip his way out of this one´´
``It will be my pleasure´´ She muttered, a wide grin settling on her face that showed a pair of fangs.
With that out of the way….. ``Looking at the corners of our forests with frontier personnel will do us any good, not any more´´ She muttered more to herself than anyone else in the room. Though seemly unrelated, the arrival of the magisters would change the tune she had so carefully set up until now, and she did not like this new one. She knew of a certain old coot that will feel a lot more brave these days.
She would deal with it one piece at a time.
``Sadly, but I understand why, Feldan though not to keen of our presence and change of role thanks to the tide of humans, he has not make any more attempts to thwart our authority. Once he catches wind of the kings support….that will change, quickly´´
``Do you expect them? The letters does not actually says anything about confronting the general, or that her command has been reduced...´´
``Not in a literal manner, but if you think about it, is some kind of declaration…..or at least I expect the old man to interpret it as such. And when he does you can bet that he will be the first one to wring their nose and say "Why should I listen to this girl who prioritizes strangers over her own people" ´´
``Well, they cant support someone if he is no longer in a position of power, why not dismiss him with honours? No one would bait an eye at that´´ Replied dismissible Anya, but before she finished that sentence Cyndia was already arguing back.
``Taking him out now will do little to help…., and though annoying as he is, he is not the only one under the kings pocket, I would rather know where the knives are coming from rather than look over my shoulder for any other pretender...´´
And that list was not precisely small.
Their desire to cling to power as fast as they could, uncaring of the bloody trail of bodies they left behind and their one sided animosity towards the Fastrider Corp and all that it stood. In other words, against her...
Though it wasn't like she had done much to get on their good graces for a few centuries, nor she was wishing to start of.
She would not delude herself in such an empty victory if she threw that man to the dumpster he very much deserved. For if his fellows sensed a change in the food chain she was sure that before she could blink she would be met with birds of carrion.
Such cannibalistic polities from such high esteemed people….
She swiftly brushed away another golden lock from her eyes before she took a glance at the other occupants of the room. The two of them ended their banter immediately as she the sound of her fingers tapping the wooden desk reached their ears.
``What we need, is another approach, one that will look beneficial to them but must serve our goals…., any ideas?´´
Just as Cyndia was about to say something the door sprung open in a rather abrupt fashion, the hinges around its wooden frame crying by the unexpected motion, though to their relief the door did not crashed against the wall as a steady hand remained grasping the doorknob tightly. The owner of said hand been someone she easily recognise.
``Captain Vereesa….., to what do I own the pleasure?´´
Her sister stood still for a few seconds, her grasp over the doorknob finally receding though with some wariness, as if she wasn't complete sure about, leaving her hand hanging. ``Can we have a moment? Alone ´´ She stated drily as she glanced at other two occupants of the room.
``Cyndia, Anya….you are dismissed, I will have a word to say with my sister´´
``As you wish Ranger General´´ Both of them muttered in unison, bowing their heads before leaving the room swiftly after. She could hear the sound of their footsteps growing ever weaker as they marched down the hall until they vanished completely.
She turned her head towards her sister who was now looking at the open window, the scenery behind it been the training grounds though by then there was not a single soul in them, the moon light reflected poorly on the grass below, creating a strange light effect from the distance.
While she was doing that she grasped another parchment of paper over her desk, the broken remains of the seal showing a choppy scarlet form of a phoenix in its surface.
``What can I do for you, Little Moon…..? Its not like you to barge without knocking...´´ She asked, still not taking of her eyes from the letter as she opened it, the paper crunching as it was forced open.
Vereesa did not respond immediately, the only clue she heard her the way her ears perked out slightly. Only after two long breaths did she turn around to face her. Her eyes before her lips parted ways.
``You look like crap...´´
``What a sage observation…..´´ She muttered with a guffaw, eyes rolling though not bothered at all. She wasn't wrong after all, it was gonna be a bitch to fix the mess that was her hair.
``It doesn't take a genius to know that you are cranky at best after two weeks of unchecked work, thought to give you…..a visit´´
Among other things...isn't it? ``Is that so? Not that I mind of course..., thought if you have nothing else to do I would appreciate it if you were to lend a hand, this orders are getting stacked up on my desk´´ She waved absent-minded towards the ever growing pile of notes with one hand, while the other pressed down her chest, a growing smile forming around the corners of her lips as she saw her sisters skin pale a few shades when her eyes ogled the high stacks of papers.
``No thanks I am good, though if you can joke about it then you must be feeling a lot better now…...´´ She muttered with no effort to hid the sarcasm out of her voice, arms crossed, clearly not amused on the slightest.
``You should know better than most that paperwork alone can not bring me down´´ She joked, brushing off a lock of golden hair from side, earning a fake cough from Vereesa.
That seemed to put their banter at an end when no follow up came, no dry remarks or petty complains in their usual game. Silence finally stetting between them as neither seemed to want to speak up any time soon.
Leaving the sound of her quill scratching the surface of the sheet and the sporadic blow of wind to come through the open window to be the only source of to reach her ears.
That however did not disturb her at all, it allowed her to continue her task while the other party was busy dealing with something else. Speaking of which, though not usual, Vere too had times she preferred to stew her thoughts,
The way she was holding herself against the nearest wall, arms crossed with a downcast look on her face, a reminisce of a certain "Troll Bane". Her fingers paused, memories flashing out before her as a certain thought lingered for a moment longer than an instance. How the features and mannerism of her sweet little sister slowly resemble those of a more sharper and pragmatic warrior.
The image of a blond woman, with a light blue tattoo trailing down her left eye overlapping with Vereesa´s for an instance, yet in the next blink it disappeared, perhaps it was a side effect of this constant fight against the ever growing pile of trash, or simply Allerias old uniform and position fitted her little sister like a glove.
Though if it was the latter, she would not deny that more than one would have been overjoyed. Lady Sun, you would have been proud…... . Yet such thoughts were not meant to be for long, as her sisters following torn apart that image from her mind.
``When were you gonna tell me?´´
For a second she felt her breath hitch as her lungs grew cold, that feeling of drowning spreading through her body, her grasp over the letter tightening lightly, she was grateful it proved to be a rather good tool to obscure her features.
``Tell you about what?´´ She replied softly, cocking her head to the left as she tried to sound calm and collected as she could yet she could not help sound defensive in her stance.
Vereesa stood silent until a shadow fell over her eyes. A faint flicker of pain flashing out in an instant through them as her lips quivered into a half hearted smile.
``When were you gonna tell me that there was a plague of undeath in Lordaeron? That the orcs placed on their camps had escaped? Or that the priests who volunteered to aid the sick were called back by you? Is there something else that has happened and that I am not aware..?´´
There was no animosity, anger or outrage in her beloved sisters voice, none of it, in fact one could have thought that the matter wasn't that serious if they had not paid attention to what her words truly entailed.
Yet where her tone failed to create alarm, her eyes managed to send the message. They way those usual kind hearted eyes lacked any warmth sisters eyes flared with disappointment in her guts
It felt wrong.
Her sister had not left her much room to manoeuvrer, especially with the way those flaring eyes kept glaring at her from the distance. She would do with what she was given, that did not meant she should just take the full blunt of the blame.
``Where is this coming from?´´
``Don't get cute with me Lady Moon, you were one of the first to know about my inform, but I can tell that you already knew of it before they even set foot in our kingdom, right?´´
``Against popular belief, we elves don't always stay in to garden our flowers and forest critters. Yes, I did know of what was going on outside our borders, and my curiosity grew even more when a suspicious cargo of toxic grain arrived at our border from a human merchant. Though about those priest and sorcerers that went down there…., it was Anaestarians decision to bring them back, not I, so you cant forget to judge me for that´´
``I wasn't judging you….´´ Vereesa muttered softly, placing her arms below her chest as she looked down the floor, her foot tapping the with unease. `` What rubs me in the wrong way is that you didn't tell me about it…or try to keep it away from my sights, any particular reason?´´
``There seemed to be no need for such thing at the time, so why bother you with it? Its not like anything important is really going on...´´
Just as she finished uttering those words a dangerous glint started showing from her sisters eyes. She did not like it
``That is actually pretty hopeful outlook of the situation, especially when we are gearing up for war...´´
``…..´´ Her lips remained sealed tightly with one another, no sound leaving out from them though there was nothing else to say, but it had hit closer to home.
``Don't think I have not taken notice of the weapons production, the increase in guard duty, or the countless times someone whisk you away and you shove me some pretext
``I don't know what you are talking about sis, war...? Surely it can´t be that-´´ Whatever she was about to say was halted abruptly as her sister slammed her hand over the desk. The action itself was not enough to make her flinch, or even stutter, but it accomplished its goal to make her focus on her sisters eyes.
Those round sapphire glowing eyes now hardened into cold steel, trying to peer into her soul with their unblinking glare. Followed by a gentle, almost soothing voice.
``Sis…..please, this charade is unbecoming of you´´
For a moment she was reminded of another time, another person. She pushed back those thoughts as fast as they appeared, now was not the time to space out. She wasn't aware of what methods Vereesa had used to know about such sensitive information, such would need for future dates.
Now she had a choice to make, deny it or….. accept it.
For a moment she stood still, pondering what a shitty situation she had managed to get herself in.
Deny it? Claim that nothing she had seem had to do with her and that everything was right, perhaps even throw Nathanos under her shoulders and say that it was just his prank of the year? No, not happening. Vereesa would obviously smell the bluff a mile a way, the same way a fly would detect fresh shit on the field and be more angry at her. And she was in no way willing to risk her new desk and coffee cup for such poorly planned scheme.
Accept it? It would take out some of the tension of the room and made her sister more willing to hear her out, meaning that she could still salvage the situation. Yet that would mean to admit out loud everything Little Moon had call her out, which wasn't actually pretty.
Ignore the matter entirely and hope for the best that her little sister would drop it? She shook her head internally, no, that would probably end even worse than just lie about it. That lead her with only one choice, albeit bad one in her honest opinion. She only hoped it did not blow on her face.
``Who told you?´´
``No one, I found out on my own….., when your sister leaves without much of an explanation for extra-official meetings, when a few thousand humans find their way into the kingdom and have such colourful stories about what is going on back home makes one more focused when looking for clues.…, not that it mattered when I knew where to look´´ she muttered a bit bitterly though a lot more calm than before.
``It couldn't have been that quick-´´
``Three days´´ She cut her in, her eyes frowning but around the edges of her lips one of her fangs was slowly popping out. `` It took me three full days to find out your secret stache of documents, those with the shiny emblem in the back side. And before you say something about the magical wards blocking the access….. let me tell you that they work against those that are not of our bloodline. You forgot that I too am a Windrunner´´ Vereesa said calmly, though not without a small hint of smugness in her voice.
Her surprise was short lived as the gears inside her mind understood what had really happen.
She is not exactly wrong….. She did not know whether to look with pride or annoyance at her sister for finding out a loophole in what should have been a sturdy well thought wards with her being non the wiser. Perhaps both….
``It seems that you have been quite busy...if you went all this way to find out about such matters´´
``That I have been, though no more than others as I have recently seem…´´ Sylvanas had been ready to defend her reasons, to find a way to make her see the things as she did, but one last look at her sisters face told her that it would be for naught.
There was nothing she could say to convince her otherwise, nothing but the truth. She signed in exasperation. She wished that it but it was useless now to lament about it. The cat was already out of the bag, it was pointless to drag it around any more. If she wanted the truth she would have it.
``As I told you back then, there was nothing for you to worry about….., what happened, what its still going on in the human Kingdom has no direct effect on our own, or you for that matter even though we are relatively close to them´´ She paused for a second, a shallow breath leaving her lips as she tried to ready herself for what was about to come next.
``I did what I did because it was the best thing to do...´´
The words echoed resolute through the room though they were barely louder than a whisper, she hated giving out excuses...no matter how right or wrong she was about something. Something that her sister did not seem to care with the way her hands closed tightly into fists. A deep frown forming on her face….
``Don't lie to me..´´ She seethed at her.
``Its the truth..´´ She replied back calmly.
The words hang out in the air for a while as the two lock eyes with one another, neither of them giving ground as they did. Allowing to her the strong throbs of their hears pounding incessantly inside them, their warmth slowly turning into a furious hell storm.
She was the first to break silence.
`` Back then, you were in an emotional distress and had more important things to do after what happened, with is still happening even if you deny it. It sounds selfish….but I wanted you to have a few more days where you would not have to met with these strange cruel events. To spend them with those close to you...before it was too late´´ Belore knows that you need that more than anyone else…. . `` If I had landed this mess on your lap I would not know how would you react, I could not take that chance…...´´
``Because I am compromised?´´ Vereesa seethed with disappointment, her eyes narrowed to two dimly slits in her face.
The words felt like burning knives digging themselves on her flesh, her chest aching as they echoed inside her head. She knew where this was coming from, why she was saying this…., that did not made it hurt any less.
``Because you have a good heart...´´ She replied back, not wavering once from her sisters glare.
This finally seemed to bring her sisters outburst to a halt, her mouth hanging open baffled, while her eyes remained widen. There was some scepticism still remaining inside them, though no where near her previous state.
An improvement to say the least all things considered, she swore to not let this opportunity go to waste…
``You are a good person Vere, better than most…..and its difficult for a good person to stay put while the world burns around them. To steel your heart each time while others tell you to let the tide wash away...knowing well that you could make a difference´´
``So you basically mean that I cant follow orders? That because of My heart you don't trust Me with this?´´ Her sisters voice was not even loud, yet the way her words cracked at the end of her sentence as she pointed at herself brought an unmistakable pain in her chest.
Vere wasn't looking at her with rightful anger or distress, just disappointment. She hated seem her this way. But most importantly, she hated to know that it was her who was the one responsible for it.
She shook her head internally, anger rising like a bile for such an obvious slip, now was really Not the time for self loathing. That would come later, now she needed to say something, and fast.
Before she knew, she found herself standing before her, placing her hands over her shoulder pads, her eyes never leaving Vereesa´s own glare. Uncaring of the sound her chair had done as it landed on the ground in a not so ceremoniously way.
``I did not say such thing, sis…..for nothing could be further than the truth´´ She stated firmly, her grasp tightening with every passing second though thanks to the thickness of the pauldrons the pressure would not even register in her sisters mind.
`` You are strong, diligent and tenacious, more than you give yourself credit for. You did not make it this far because of our family name or wealth, no..., but because of your stubbornness your determination to see things through, no matter how uphill the battle ever was….., that drive that carry´s your will was everything that you ever needed´´
``That's-´´
`` And even your best may not be enough, especially if you disregard your own health...or the games of others with less than...charitable goals...´´
``Can you at least go to the point instead of going in circles?´´
``Don't play coy with me sister, you may have been younger than I but mother did taught us the same...´´
The frown on her sisters face remains as stiff as ever, muscles tensed to the point that they resemble more like iron than real flesh, yet she could notice the way the tip of Vereesas ears slowly started fold downwards.
Or how her breathing had paused, barely a frail trail of air slipping away through her closed lips. A chip, a crack on her sisters wrath.
``Still…..,what does this have to do…with everything?´´ The words were spatted more than said though she does sense the perplexity her sister is filling in them, a gestured accompanied with the softening of her posture, the tension of her muscles that had been building up vanishing.
"What did it have to do?" With everything? With her? A rather good question, a lot apparently. Selflessness was something viewed well in paper to have as a person.., but not so much in the real world, the gears of reality taking a few turns for the worst as those primary examples of goodness were either forgotten or trample under the weight of bureaucracy or the ambition of others.
Selflessness was something to be seem in stories and tales for children, it did not have place in their world.
``Leaving aside your….emotional state which have left way for a colourful sort of rumours. How many times have you found yourself besiege by fellow co-workers? How many "accidents" have taken place around you? Times when you found yourself hitting a wall after wall, even when doing simple things?´´
``Sylvanas...-´´
``How many, sister….´´ She replied this time more forcefully perhaps more than she would have liked as she closed even further the distance between them. Much to her surprise her sister merely stood still on the surface.
But she did not delude herself with the reality, not with the way of her muscles tensing and breath halted.
And then a deep breath left her sisters lips as she closed her eyes momentarily.
``Too many...´´ The words are low, too low even for even her to catch without struggle, yet they were carried with undisputed resolve.
``Do you know why?´´
Her sister gave a side glance at the pale light of the night sky that timidly made its presence known through the open window before those blue orbs locked eyes with hers. Arms crossed below her chest and a frown between her eyes. ``I guess that you are about to tell me, don't you?´´
``Strength attracts challenge, challenge creates conflict and from that conflict a bloody mess is about to pop up somewhere on the worst time possible. Whether you like it or not, you must understand is that you have created enemies, more than I would like though...´´
``You are lying...´´
``And I? And I really?´´
The words hang through the air, tethered with an eerie taste of metal. It felt like the temperature in the room had gone colder in an instant.
She internally cursed herself for coming up with such a sarcastic quip instead a more mature response. The best way to put down a fire was to calm down the flames, not throw more lumber to the pire.
She felt almost tempted to slap herself for such blunder, almost.
It was only after Vereesa left an exasperated, almost comical sigh, raising her hands over her head that she found out that she had started holding her breath, then her sister allowed herself to fall down the closest chair, wood cracking by the unexpected punishment.
``Fine...I concede the point….´´
``It happens to everyone, believe me…., you are not the only one who feels wrong about this´´
``That still doesn't make it any better...´´
``I know...´´ Its the only thing she can said as she takes a step back, allowing an eerie silence to once again stand between the two like a thick curtain. She leans against the cold sturdy surface of her desk, displacing some of the objects over it to the side with one hand as she closes her eyes.
A migraine surely growing inside her skull by this overextended argument.
``Look…., this is not one of your escapees to the edges of Zulaman. If you were to go out you would put a massive target on your back, one that neither I nor our family name would be able to avoid, not this time. The weasels are looking for someone to blame…., so please...don't give yourself in silver plate´´
``Ha! I would like to see them try….´´
``I would rather not…., I want you to know that if things were different I would never push you away from things like these….´´ Its not the time to settle the stage, not yet….
``….´´ Vereesa does not reply, a shadow of doubt crossing her features before she shook her head, leaning against the chair as she slowly pinched the bridge of her nose. Clearly something bothering her by the looks of it.
``Something wrong, sis?´´
`` What about you….?´´
``May I inquire what you mean? I don't think you are asking about my well being..´´
Vereesa glares back at her with a look of bafflement before realization struck her and she held her head between her hands ``No.., not that, I mean, what about you? You challenge both the magisters and the kings council on a daily basis, just take the moment you named Nathanos as Ranger Lord. why am I the one been….. grounded!?´´
A rather childish term to phrase a far more serious matter.
`` I have already dig the bases of my power in the state….., no matter how much they howl and push I am too important to remove. But in your case, its a power-…. ´´
`` I Don't have….´´ Vereesa finished for her, a hoarse voice escaping her lips, words strangled by righteous anger and shaking hands. Had her sister had snapped right then she would have not minded, after what had transpired she would have been in her right to do so, and yet to her surprise that built up vanished.
Her sisters hands slowly unclasping themselves as her shoulders loosen their tension, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from them. A faint feeling of resignation spilling out from each word she utters.
``Of course…., because I am just a captain, just her replacement, nothing else….´´
``Little Moon…..´´
Vereesa remained still, her face warped in a stoic expression, though one that barely hid away her true thoughts, the way her fangs slide away, chewing her lips with clear unease. A gesture that she had always done since she had the capacity to make long sentences.
When she had felt disturbed.
Lost.
Hurt.
But what tugged her heart the most was the way she was trying not to meet her gaze.
In any other situation she would have tried to embrace her right then and there, to cup her hands behind her head and push her towards her chest just like the old times when a familiar white haired girl popped up under the mattress of her bed when lightning roared the skies during the night.
A bitter smile threatened to form up as those memories still lingered. Even after all this time she could not help but see flashes of the young girl she had been, of the person she still was, something that annoyed both her and her sister in equal manner.
Yet she did not.
And it was for a rather simple yet complicated reason. For no matter how her senses demanded to hold her, she knew that now what Vereesa needed was time, and space. She was an adult, not a little girl to be smothered until the end of her days.
So she decided to step back.
What she did not expect was her sister to launch her left arm and grasp her hand.
``Sorry…..it wasn't my intention to worry you. Its just…...argh, all this mess...even to ponder about it gives me the mother of all headaches…, you understand, no?´´
More than you can imagine ``No harm done, sometimes one must get those things out….so that they don't fester..´´
``Still, have the feeling that you haven't explain everything to me, not yet….´´
She left a tired sigh, how cruel of her to weaponize sadness against her. ``And may I ask what may that be?´´
``What are...the plans of those cockroaches about this whole mess...´´
``You may not like the answer….´´
``I think that at this point with all the shit that have already been said we are beyond secrecy….´´
A grim point to make, though one that was not any less trustful.
``With the way our politics work, and adding to that their petty rivalry and ill thoughts towards the short lived humans as long as they are aware, this problem is not theirs to meddle with, after all, things are pretty quiet form the comfort of their spires, but if you ask me it may have to do with the fact that they have their heads stuffed in each others arseholes….., that would at least explain how their brains have rotten so quickly...´´
It wasn't a lie, not really, though she wished it was. That would have meant the problem wasn't their own people but rather an external factor. Something she could deal without obstacles, without second guesses...
``That doesn't give them the right to just left them to fend for themselves…, you of all people know that what they are doing its not kicking them out, but throwing them to a death sentence!´´
And there it was where the core of the problem laid, at least with her sister in a moral stand point. Or anyone who still had some sense inside their skulls.
``No it doesn't, nor I think they ever will have it. Yet we cant change the situation, our leaders are massive jerks and the our frontier is overflowing with refugees that looked like they have gone through hell and back….yet we just cant waltz in now, now more than ever when the situation is still heated´´ She replied calmly, trying to sooth the agitation that lingered inside her sister, or perhaps even herself.
Vereesa did not answer back, instead deciding to gaze around the table as she collected her thoughts, an action that led her eyes to stumble with the open map of the kingdom that had been brought from her reunion with the other two.
It did not take long for her to see an idea dawn inside her sisters head.
``We can do this discretely, no one needs to know….´´
And she said I was stubborn as a mule…. She thought with a pleasant smile, remembering a certain not far away morning. Yet as much as she found it endearing, sometimes it could be such a headache to deal with…... perhaps that was one of the many things she loved about her sister.
`` I was afraid you would said something like that…. , to know that you will always try to help everyone in need, uncaring for your own personal health, much to my chagrin I may add´´
``And here I thought that self sacrifice and bravery were requirements for the Fastriders´´ Muttered Vereesa with a weak mock, her eyes dazzling towards the ground.
`` Oh I bet that no one would question you about it sis, not after dealing with that oversized lizard with a serious bad case of importunity….´´
``The fact that dragons have scales and normally crawl through the floor when they don't fly doesn't automatically make them lizards…, you should know that their blood runs hot and that most of them live in the far north´´ Whined Vereesa, crossing her arms below her chest.
``Details sis, details…., and speaking of which…..you do understand that there are regulations in place to deal with things like these, no? That we cant act impulsively without care for repercussions?. Quite contrary to what Kalira thinks that rules are to be broken we are behold to them...…´´
``How bad that most of the upper echelon of our society doesn't share that same sentiment´´
Now that is mighty low….. Though she did understand the reasoning behind it, especially after the incident. A frown appeared on her features, that did not meant she would allow her to push her. `` That doesn't change anything, not in the long or short run…..or should I sent word to the academy to prepare some classes for you? I am sure madam Fireblade would be delighted to have you back, you were her´´
``That's debatable, if by favourite you mean the one she had a bone to pick on, and no…., the seats would not be large enough for me…., though now that I think about it, didn't you had a similar conversation with Alleria during the second war?´´
``Yes….´´
``Yet she went on her own, hundreds of miles away from the border, with others in tow...´´
``She did...´´
``Without oversight….´´
``…..´´
``And….?
She could not help but sigh in exasperation. She knew where this was coming from. `` Lady sun was…..an special case´´. She was way more stubborn than a mule…. It wasn't her fault that that she had refused to see reason in any possible way, nor it was fair that she had to deal with the backlash of her heroics back at court.
``Was she now?´´
Indeed, a foolish brave girl… ``You already know that she said that she was following the code of the Fastriders...´´
``Nice try, I think that what she exactly said was that "The king can shove his mighty order inside his old folded ass for I will not stay idle when those beast wander around unchallenged!Repeated Vereesa in a matter of fact voice.
Sylvanas fought back a snort, some things never changed, didn't they? ``You truly do have mothers memory´´
``Please don't try to change the subject...´´
``And her no bullshit aptitude´´
``Or that...´´
A smile warped around the corners of her lips much to her sisters chagrin. She would lie if she did not miss these simple banters between then when the four of them were together, the mirth, the jokes, even the smallest gestures like rolling their eyes in exasperation...
All lost to the unwavering pass of time, and the wretched hands of some nameless bastards.
Vereesa was growing colder and sharper with each season, to quickly, to fast for her liking….was she really trying to emulate their eldest sister? Did she really thought her as a prime example? If so, she could not allow her to follow it to the letter…
Never, for both their sakes or her sanity if nothing else….
``Alleria was brave…., valiant and sharp, with a heart to big for that small body of hers…. You could say she was the best of us. That doesn't change our mortality, our skin does not harden like steel nor we become immune to the effects of a blade running through our guts, and yet she held tight to her stubbornness, see what good that did to her…..´´
For a moment none of them dare speak up, allowing the words to stew in their minds for a few seconds. She did not know if her words would work or if her Little Moon would snap at her as she gazed with uncertainty at her sisters eyes. Trying to decipher the emotions running through them.
Luckily it would be the former as they softened slightly. Yet before she could say anything else she was met with a scenario she was not expecting. With two quick steps Vereesa cut through the distance between them and grab her, her arms enveloping her body in a tight hug, her sisters head slowly pressing itself against her neck between the empty space of her pauldrons.
``There isn't a Dark portal for me to get lost forever...….I will be with you, always, I promise….´´ Muttered Vereesa softly, her voice nothing but a whisper that only she could hear, yet that alone was enough to make her visibly flinch.
It was not an act made out of love.
It wasn't the action of someone trying to appease her.
It was just the soft statement of someone who understood, that did not stop it from hurting though.
"I promise I will come back, I have no plans to die any time soon, even less by these foul beast hands!"
"I promise I will bring her back Ranger General, even if that endeavour takes my life"
Yet even those promises had fallen short, leaving nothing but grieve at anger at them, the orcs but mostly herself for allowing those fools to throw themselves without thinking on the belly of the beast.
Fools filled with more courage than sense that had not doubted to throw themselves in such wild adventure, never looking back for those that remained behind. People she had trusted time and time again.
And for what?
How was she suppose to take her sisters words? How was she supposed to answer that simple sentence yet filled with meaning while keeping her emotions from showing through her face, knowing well off that there was nothing she could do against the thoughts plaguing her. The very warmth from her sisters body burning her.
``There isn't a Dark portal for me to get lost forever...….I will be with you, always, I promise….´´
"Don't you seek vengeance for what they did!? For our family!? For Lirath!? I thought I knew you better…."
She chewed her lips, the words hammering her skull, overlapping with the distant echoes of blades clashing, and the metallic scent of blood in the water. There was doubt inside her, and how could she not when time and time again reality had done everything in its power to thwart her expectations.
Alleria never returned
Turallyon couldn't keep his promise
And she failed to protect her family
She hated it, she hated them..., she loathed the very thing their perpetual presence represented in her psyche. Her naivete, her blind trust in people instead of facts, for how could she trust them if she could not trust herself any more?
And yet….
Her hands clenched into fist while her teeth grinned against one another as the sudden pang brought her back to her senses, for a moment she was grateful that her sisters distress could not notice the storm of emotions brewing inside her, especially the shame reflecting from her own eyes.
How low could she get if she started to doubt her Little Moon?
She did not left her behind to pick up the pieces, she did not stood aside while she went to live her life, she did not abandon her when she could have chosen a life outside the toxicity of their kingdom with that red haired mage. She had chosen her….
Having some faith in her was that least that she owe her...
Slowly her arms surrounded her sister as she returned the gesture. Holding her tightly against her while one of her hands caressed softly those platinum lose strands of hair. Just like she had done so many times before.
Vereesa did not flinch at this, instead she seemed to enjoy it, pulling herself closer, her grasp tightening yet not becoming bothersome to her. Relief slowly washing over her as she too notice of the soothing effect it had on her sister, with the way she seeked contact instead of pushing her away.
It felt….nice, but, at least it was better than the alternative.
``No, but that doesn't mean you would not jump to the field uncaring of the danger if that meant to aid strangers, we are the only ones for each other….and this threat is not to be taken lightly, not even by you´´ She stated as firmly as she could, not willing to show any crack in her composure even though Vereesa had her head still pin down her neck.
The two remained in that position for a while, neither willing to separate themselves from the other as if by doing so they would loose themselves forever. Their fingers slowly tightening their grasp, carefully not trying to bring any discomfort to the other.
She was grateful that it was so late on the night and that there was barely anyone inside the Fastriders headquarters than the minimal staff and some guards, for if someone were to enter the room right now she would have trouble explaining the situation.
``You know that you could have still told me rather than me finding out..…., right?´´
But she knew why.
``I thought that it was best to spare you the details than having you to worry about something that you couldn't have any word or control about it…, but now I realize I was merely sparing myself the need to do so. I am sorry, it wasn't my intention to deceive you…. Or hurt you….
``I am sorry for jumping to conclusions either…, it seems that is something we are doing a lot lately….´´
``You would not be the only one…..´´
`` Ha! I bet on that….had Alleria being here I am sure that none of those weasels would have not managed to say no to her, hell she could have headbutt them and they would have probably thank her!´´
``Things are never that simple Little Moon….´´ She muttered softly, her clawed gauntlet tapping the wood of her desk . The old man may not have much will to fix his own problems but he sure does spend it on being vindictive ….
``They never are, aren't they?´´ She muttered weakly with a sigh. ``Can we not drag some of the refugees to the throne room and use their testimony to our advantage to get the message through their thick heads, perhaps a hundred so that they don't wash away the humans presence with their cheap drinks….´´
``I did, but their answer was lacklustre...´´ Though that would be a generous description with what happened...
``I see…..´´
``You don't sound surprised by those events?´´
``Should I?´´
``No, I don't think so...´´
``When do you think they will make their move?´´
`` Knowing them? Not any time soon at least…..´´
``I see….that means that we have time to put things clear. So….., any idea of how this mess came to be in the first place? Any clues from your informants?´´ Bereesa asked.
``I thought that you had handled the search of information of the refugees….´´
Her sister sent her a glare, though she dismissed it. ``From what I have gathered there were a serious of problems that started to pile up one after the other rather quickly, the orcs getting freed, a sickness running rampant through towns and cities alike…. And let´s not forget the crowned prince going mad´´
``And that wasn't enough?´´
``They were grief stricken and shocked by their recent experiences, as much as I wanted to do so, I just could not fully believe everything they said, for obvious reasons. Now about this peculiar petition of mine? Well,….I just wanted to make sure you did not have something else covered in red tape….´´
She felt the corner of her lips took the slightest of ups trucks, her sister was sometimes way to nice with her. Alleria would have just been a lot more straight forward, and vulgar.
``It started when we stopped a cargo of infected grain that was being transported by a group of humans wearing dark robes, then the very same day that I could not go with you to the mausoleum I was informed by Kaelthas that the man had purged an entire city from his inhabitants, people that had been previously been affected by the same illness that resided within that very grain only to disappear without a trace as he took with himself half of his legion´´
``And you said that wasn't nothing to worry about!?´´
``As I stated earlier, I did not think it noteworthy for you to become involved...´´
``Fine, but no more cover things under the rug, ok? The magisters do that already and the thought of you to resemble them would keep me awake at night. With that out of the way, no idea of where he landed?´´
`` No, Northrend is a rather big place, his ships could have ended anywhere….or nowhere, many thought that we would not hear of him for a while, or so we thought´´
``How did you came to know about this then?´´
``Sis, you should know by now that We have our ways….., though in this instance we were lucky that we had some eyes there when it happened. Bet that they think otherwise….´´
``Couldn't have said it better….., speaking of which, isn't that is a serious slight against the sovereign of our neighbour´´
``It is….., the thing is not getting caught, though right now is a bit redundant since there is no nation left to speak out. Menethil had seem to it….´´
``I am sorry, I am sure, you knew some of those people….to know that they are gone, by his hands no less, it feels wrong´´
``No, it doesn't matter, is the truth. Now the thing is…..what we do to not end like them?´´
Vereesa remained quiet, before she took a look towards one of the maps that were hanging on the wall. ``I don't know…., this is not just a war, not a conflict or dispute about territories or resources of some kind, this is-
``Extermination…..´´ She finished for her sister, earning a weak nod in reply.
It was rare when such word was used, even more uttered by her own family, but there were no other way to describe it. A cold, relentless, mechanical butchery….one that did not made distinction on those whose blood stained the ground, nor carried with it the notable characteristics of the conflicts of the past and their primitive pursuits of glory or conquest, vengeance and retribution or even some sort of holy pursuit….
It was just death, plain cold death with the addition of desolation along the way. How unsettling.
``Does Nathanos know about this? What is really going on in his homeland?´´ The name of the infamous human brought back her sisters attention.
``He does, why?´´
``And?´´
``He is fine…...´´
``Pardon me for my doubts, but that is hard to believe´´
She merely scoffed. ``My dear…., we are talking about Nathanos´´
``Fair enough, guess that I should have seen that coming, I guess that he is truly a cold hearted bastard….´´
``That would be one of the many reasons why I appointed him as my right hand instead of some of those arse-lickers that trail behind my back at any moment´´ She said with a grin on her face, her sister crossed her arms, a brow raised.
``And I thought that it was to hand you your paper work...´´
She could not help but snort at that. ``Good one sis, keep going at it and then one day you will get to the big leagues...´´
Vereesa rolled her eyes, clearly not amused on the slightest. ``Urgh….forget it,
``Well, if you are going to be like that, you wouldn't mind taking a look at this, no?´´ She muttered, a grin over her lips as she left a golden parchment over the desk, allowing for Vereesa to pick it up and eye it curiously.
``Let me guess….another half baked attempt at comedy? Or have you received the calling to make fake letters? The quality is….impressive´´
Ha! As if….! ``Worse, is a royal command...´´
``Haha….very funny, now what is it?´´
``….´´
``You are not joking….are you?´´
``I rarely do when is about work…, I thought I taught you better sis´´
``Right, and murlocks fly…..´´ Vereesa replied with a scoff, pinching the bridge of her nose before she left a sigh ``What does he want this time?
``The king wants to meet you, both of us in two days time from now at the palace in the middle of the night…., I know why I am being summoned, do you think our mutual friend has to do something with yours?´´
Her sister left out a groan as she grasped her head with both hands ``Feldan…. the bastard must have a hand on this….I am sure of it!´´
``Well, you will have time to get back at him, I suggest you take tomorrow morning off and get everything you need to do before we have to go…., I have the nagging suspicion that we are gonna be busy for a while´´
``How are we going to deal with this, sis?´´
``Like we always have done it, together….´´