And some more:
Leanadas walked out of the inn and through the streets. From all sides she could hear mutters and whispered curses, the news of what she had done travelling faster than lightning. Consciously she drew herself upright and marched forward, seeming not to care about what the crowd grumbled and called behind her. Yet, as she reached the ornate Dalaran bank, she couldn't help but stop and look back. Only a few paces behind, a small crowd had gathered. With a tinge of bitter amusement, she noted that it was mainly Kaldorei and Sindorei trailing her footsteps and all sported expressions of disgust. As she looked, the tide of whispers grew louder and soon she stood buffeted in a storm of abuse. Around her catcalls and insults in both languages assailed her ears, males from both sides of the divide made crude gestures and the women eyed her with hostility. She whirled back round with a nonchalant toss of her head, as though she could not care about the words shouted and with unhurried steps, she headed into the bank.
Within the cool stone structure, she finally took a breath and made straight for the cashier at the other end. Buttoning down the welter of feelings that surged within her, she calmly removed a pouch of money from her account and turned to leave. The crowd outside watched her as she approached the door, their faces agleam with ugly anticipation. Swallowing nervously, she stopped and caught the attention of a member of the Kirin Tor.
"Yes?" The mage answered, his eyes alight with curiosity.
"Is there a side entrance I could use?" She whispered, her eyes carefully indicating the crowd outside.
The mage followed her glance and nodded.
"Can you show me?"
"Of course," he led her off to one side and through a door. Passing into the corridor beyond, he led along a well swept, but empty passage, before finishing up before a heavily barred portal. "Here you go miss," He uttered before unbarring the solid wooden door. Opening out into a quiet side passage, Leanadas had no trouble in hearing the murmurs and heckles from the crowd.
"Thank you," Leanadas ducked beneath the guard's arm and headed for the exit.
"Be safe Miss," He uttered as he shut the door behind her. Out in the quiet of the alley, she suddenly felt horribly exposed, unsure of what had possessed to openly declare her feelings for Kalvor. From the street ahead she could hear the crowd being dispersed, yet she knew that would be no aid. Now the more disgruntled ones, would lie in wait for her and she knew it would not be for a quick discussion about Sindorei/Kaldorei relations. For one long moment, she stood indecisive and nervous, her teeth delicately nibbling her lower lip as she contemplated the angry crowd ahead of her. For a fleeting instant, she felt for the teleport runes in her pouch and considered heading for Silverymoon or Ogrimmar, but no she couldn't just leave. There was more here than herself. Setting her jaw carefully, she walked forward with a purposeful step, she had stood on the battlefield for the Horde and no idiotic civilian would rattle her. Stepping out into the main street, she hurried past the dispersing crowd, heading for the nearest seamstress.
"Hey it's that Blood Elf!" A shout went up around her and several figures turned. Barely increasing her speed, she hurried towards Runeweaver Square. From behind and before her, she could hear people moving in her direction and she increased speed, hurrying across the square and heading for Magus Commercial District.
"Kissing people like that means you may get married," Kalvor stared at his niece for several seconds, unsure of how to respond. In her eyes, things like that were simple, you kissed people and got married. It was no matter that they should be mortal enemies and that many people would be against it. Despite what she had been told about Blood Elves, a child saw kisses and that made everything alright.
"Eat up," He managed finally, patting her gently on the head. "You have to keep up your strength." Obediently Alianne tucked into the stew before her, silencing her childish prattle as she ate. Leaning backwards, he stared at his nephew and niece, they were filthy and their hair hung in lank clumps about their faces. In Salantir's silence, he could read what the devastation at Auberdine had wrought and he reached forward to pat him reassuringly on the hand.
"Come on Salan," He whispered encouragingly to the young boy, moving the platter closer. "You need to eat." His nephew reached mechanically for the fork and slowly began to pick at the food before him.
"Is that true what you say?" A voice broke into Kalvor's thoughts and he turned around. Behind him stood a night elf, his clothing simple and elegant over a well muscled frame. Scars and calluses lined his hands and the insignia of the Argent Crusade was sewn onto the shoulder of his tunic.
"Is what true?" Kalvor answered carefully, his gaze taking in the form before him with deliberate interest.
"That Blood Elf saved your life?"
Kalvor regarded the man without speaking, beside him Salantir and Alianne raised their heads from their food and stared up curiously.
"What's it to you," Kalvor's voice was soft, yet there was a hint of warning in his careful tones.
The man smiled, his lips twisting into a reassuring expression. "Not a thing, except." He gazed down at the two children. "It's an unusual sight, a night elf, a blood elf and two night elf children." He took a breath and continued. "Call it a curiousity,"
"I could call it an imposition," Kalvor replied, turning fully to face his questioner.
"Not at all," The man looked back at the table. "You are right to be suspicious of my questions. Most would not understand."
Kalvor looked at him, at the Argent Crusade badge and sighed. "Alright," He whispered, "Yes, she did save my life and no," He indicated the two children. "they are not ours or even mine, they are my sister's children." Kalvor looked across at the staring pair and tapped the table. "Eat your dinner you two," Kalvor looked back at the Night Elf. "What is your interest?"
"I'm a recruiter for the Argent Crusade, I'm looking for those who do not subscribe to an insane level of racial loyalty."
"So you want me to join you?" Kalvor's voice was full of disbelief.
"In a word, yes."