This was a quick edit, so I suspect plenty of errors. I will go back over it soon. Sorry =(
Chapter 25
Welcome to Goldenmoon
Pyrasong sat near the gates of Silvermoon. The guards were absent. All things considered, she wasn't surprised. They were in trouble again. Like the return of the Scourge kind of trouble, but of their own making. She would have mused on about it to herself, when there was a flash of light that took her interest. Had someone just portaled in? Impossible! The large glowing green eyes flashed as a Human Mage rose out of the bushes.
Chelinka was groaning in pain. A hand coming to her head. Displacer was right! They had been at Stromgarde one second, and then she found herself in a bush. "Ouch!" A really thorny bush. "Learen? Are you there?" She came to her feet and saw the tip of a trident in her face. Looking up to see a single Blood Elf female. Chelinka discerned her to be a Paladin. A low skilled Paladin, if the Elf didn't have the wit to, either kill her or communicate with her. Arcane tongue activate. "Get your pig sticker out of my face, Blood Elf!" Oh dear, was that common she had just uttered?
Pyrasong blinked at the Mage. Had she just tried to speak with her? She was used to more aggressive tactics from the Alliance races.
Chelinka dipped under the polearm and came to her feet. The Blood Elf wasn't going to harm her until she did something threatening. That much was certain. Waving her hands, she felt the magic crack and then snap dead "What is this?" She turned to face the Blood Elf. Silvermoon was devoid of all arcane flow! What the hellat those moronic Blood Elves done this time in their never ending lust for mana? Oh someone was going to pay!
Unfortunately it was Pyrasong that got the counter flow of karma. As a ball of angry Gnome landed on her back. Little hands pummeling away on the plate mail. "AYYYIEEE!"
"Learen, no!" Chelinka rushed around and tried to grab him. It was hard to evade his snapping jaws, that were not accidentally aimed at her hands, and she was his ally in this endeavor. She could not imagine the torment the little Blood Elf was receiving.
Learen dropped the Blood Elf, and they rolled around on the finely laid cobble stone paths. "She had a weapon on you! Free target!"
"She is nothing more then a baby!" Chelinka caught hold of a shoulder pad and tried pulling him free of the scrambling Blood Elf. The former mentioned weapon had been thrown free and landed far.
Learen was not to be deterred in his actions. Horde were never to be trusted. Armed ones were to be killed without question. "So you found me a baby with a polearm, get me more and I will kill them too!"
Golden and Braelyn came into sight of this fiasco. Golden pulling his hooves back, to blink with his large eyes. Then a roaring laugh, "Is that Learen playing with a Blood Elf Paladin?"
"Oh no!" Braelyn kicked his sides hard. "Go! Go! We have to save her?"
"Ow. Ow. I'm not a horse!" Goldenleaf trotted over to the amusing pile of Rogue, Mage, and Paladin. As he assumed the Hunter joined in. If Goldenleaf was in a good mood perhaps he could form a full party and they could go adventuring. He could heal decently, and if he failed, well the Paladin was Horde. It was a win win really.
Braelyn was waving her arms over the rolling combatants. "Learen! Chelinka! This is not boding well for our peace talks."
"Tell that to Learen! I am trying to, ugggghhhh. You bit me, Learen!" Chelinka screamed grabbing her hand.
"Let her go Learen! Bad Gnome! BAD!" Braelyn called out trying to get him off the Blood Elf. "Chelinka, turn him into a sheep, a toad, a freaking penguin. Just do something!"
Chelinka scrambled back eying the bite. Thankfully it had not broken skin, but it was sure going to hurt and bruise like hell. "I can't. The stupid Blood Elves broke the magic here."
"What?" Golden and Braelyn called in unison.
"Get off her Learen! Off!" Braelyn tried to grab hold of him. Wondering why this Blood Elf was still alive, when Learen was in full on kill it mode.
"Blood Elf!" Learen called up to Braelyn trying to make her understand his intent and reasoning. "Weapon. Chelinka. Learen KILLLLLL."
A sudden flash of powerful light rent the air blinding all. When they could focus again there lay a dazed Learen. Clearly, he was moon burned. All eyes coming to a very innocent looking Goldenleaf.
"Thank you Golden." Braelyn pushed Learen's smoking form off the Blood Elf. She assumed that since his powers were nature based and not arcane he still has some of his skills and abilities.
"I didn't do it." He said as his smoking hands moved behind his back. "And if you continue saying such things about random acts of the cosmos, I will blame it on you."
Braelyn let out a short burst of air that ruffled her bangs. Then looking at the terrified Blood Elf she spoke in Thalassian. "I am Braelyn Hawke of Stormwind. We are here on a peaceful mission to investigate the arcane disturbance emanating from Silvermoon."
"You're people do not seem all that peaceful." Pyrasong looked over at Learen crawling across the ground trying to get back up. "I am Pyrasong of Silvermoon, and we have no need of your aid in the arcane matters. We will be setting it to rights soon on our own."
"You will be setting it to rights now, or I will show you that Learen is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fear factors." Chelinka snarled. She had heard enough to know her assumption that the Blood Elves were the root of this mess was correct. She wanted her magic back, damn it all.
"We have our own issues well in hand! The Blood Elves of Silvermoon do not need or want any help from the Alliance." Pyrasong argued.
"Pyrasong!" The authoritative tone brought them all around. "You do not speak for Silvermoon. That is my job."
The group turned to see Lor'themar Theron standing with his Blood Guard just a few steps away. Braelyn swallowed hard at the sight of the Regent Lord. Chelinka stepped behind her prudently.
"What brings you to Silvermoon?" Lor'themar asked. Pyrasong moving to stand at her leader's side. "We are not looking for trouble with the Alliance, but if you seek to bring us some, I am sure we can oblige you."
"Brave words when your very city seems to be in a weakened state. Missing out on your daily Mana fix?" Goldenleaf brought Lor'themar's attention to him.
"Goldenleaf?" There was shock in the glowing green eyes. Then with a more acid tone, "What are you doing here? I heard that you were working for the High King of Stormwind these days."
"I am." Goldenleaf sauntered up to Lor'themar with confidence. "A far cry from the days when I worked for the First Druid, isn't it."
"I would say it is a step in the wrong direction. Does your father know you are gracing Silvermoon with your presence. Golden Boy?" There was a slight taunt.
Goldenleaf cast a glance over at Braelyn, "King Wyrnn does hold my leash these days, but its not as tight as I found the one in Darnassus to be. I am here only because my woman has been assigned to check on the magical disturbance. I heard a nasty rumor that last time she was here, Silvermoon wasn't so kind to her."
"Braelyn Hawke? Rommath's Braelyn?" Lor'themar took a hard look over at the two women. Studying the face under the helm. "It is you! I wont say I am at all displeased to see you have returned to us."
"It's temporary, Lor'themar. Don't get all excited." Goldenleaf scowled. "And do drop the Rommath off her title. She belongs only to herself."
"I thought you said that she was your woman."
Goldenleaf laughed hard, a deep masculine sound the rippled through the air. "I did say that didn't I? I am sure to be punished for the infraction. No, I am her Druid is more correct way of putting it. Brea, dear, please come greet the Regent Lord with the respect he deserves. I can't find it in me to do so."
Braelyn could not believe her eyes. Goldenleaf was not only standing toe to toe with Lor'themar, but the two seemed to know each other. Perhaps even have some sort of competitive rivalry going. The Druid had said his reputation would precede him. She thought he was merely being cocky and vain. Now she wasn't so sure. She moved up and greeted Lor'themar in Thalassian. "I am honored that you have come out to greet us, Lord Regent. We have been sent to discover what is wrong with the magic in the continent. Also we have been ordered by the Lady Lothar of Stromgrade to offer aid if need be."
"Lady Lothar?" Lor'themar looked over at Brealyn in confusion. He continued speaking in common. It was evidently for Goldenleaf's benefit. "As in Anduin Lothar? I was not aware the original Supreme Commander of the Alliance had a child. Then you say Stromgarde? Last I heard, Sylvanas was taking Arathi for her own. I opposed such a move, but things being as they are, there was not much we could be doing about it from here."
"It is quite a detailed subject to be discussing out here, don't you think?" Goldenleaf stared only at Brealyn. "It has been a long journey, and I believe Braelyn could use a seat and refreshments."
"Speaking of refreshments!" Learen suddenly came forward sniffing the air. "Does any one else smell that?"
"Smell what?" Chelinka tried to figure out what he was talking about.
"I don't know. It's like spices and sugar." He walked around, led my his nose, until he stood at the feet of the Regent Lord. "It's YOU!"
"Excuse me?"
"You smell like Cinnamon and Nutmeg. By the Light! Were you baking cookies when we got here?" Learen shot him a devastated look of disappointment.
"I have not now, or ever baked a cookie." Lor'themar glared down at the little Gnome.
Learen shook his head. "You are the Leader of the Blood Elves, curse your pink girly forms! I can't even tell if you even have males amongst your ranks most of the time. Now you are trying to tell me, that your natural scent is that of a pastry shop? True Champions should smell like dirt, grime, and oil! You should reek of the blood of you enemies like the rest of the Horde! Who is responsible for your training, because it is becoming obvious why I can slaughter your people so easily. Failure at every turn!"
Lor'themar reached for his weapon, but Goldenleaf moved first to touch his arm, staying the motion. "Excuse the Gnome. He was irradiated quite heavily in Gnomergan. He only managed to stop drooling on his tabard but a week ago." The lie came easily.
"I find him very offensive." Lor'themar snarled.
"Yes, I agree with that statement." Learen growled back, "Chelinka. Daggers please."
"I, uhh, can't cast magic here, Learen. There are no daggers." The Mage whispered down to him.
"What?" Learen turned to look at her. Physically shaking from stress.
"There will be no daggers and no stabbing Learen. You are here to observer proper decorum in hopes to treat your condition." Brealyn backed up Goldeleaf's lie. She didn't feel the least bit guilty doing so either.
"I do NOT have a CONDITION!" Learen cried out.
"I beg to differ." Lor'themar chuckled amused by the Gnome now. Believing he was a very special case. "Very well, seeing as he is unarmed and so, diminutive, I see no threat in him. You may all enter Silvermoon under my protection. But should you cause any trouble, I will deal with you personally. Understood?"
"Yes!" Braelyn dropped to her knees and clasped a hand over Learen's mouth. Successfully cutting off the very clear no, and rabid argument, he was trying to supply.
As they entered through the main doors, Learen slipped to the side. Grabbing one of the Silvermoon banners and pulling it down. Looking to make sure no one saw him, he reached down and pulled up one of his Alterac Valley flags to take it's place. He stood for a moment admiring his handy work. The blue field with the golden lion crest gleaming out at him. Smiling in something close to joy, as he stared at it intently. When he realized that no horn was echoing out to signal his victory, he frowned. Then sang out loudly "Do Doot Do Dooooo."
"Learen?" Chelinka came back around the corner, "Are you coming?"
"Be right there!"
The group was lead through the streets by the Regent Lord. The Blood Elves were not carrying on their daily lives. Most of them had the ragged look that came with lack of ability to feed off their precious Mana.
When they entered the main hall, Lor'themar did send out for a snack to be brought up. Casting a glance to Goldenleaf, he added, "Make sure it's more impressive then the common fair. I would not want to be considered a rude host."
They moved into the grand hall to find Ranger General Halduron already waiting for Lor'themar. He had his back to the door as he spoke. "So I heard there was some disturbance at the front gates? Seems you handled that fast enough." He turned to see the Alliance party entering the room. A stunned moment seeing it.
Pyrasong moving along the side wall taking up a position to guard her superiors, in case the Gnome should deiced to become violent again.
Halduron's smile fell. "Goldenleaf?" He looked to Lor'themar, "You allowed the Night Elf's second coming, into Silvermoon?"
"That's harsh. Coming from Sylvanas's replacement. Haven't quite figured out how to die with honor like she did yet?"" Goldenleaf shot back. "Not that she has been anything but dishonorable since her death. But that could be said of your entire race."
"You son of a ..." Halduron started forward ready to wipe the smug look off the Druid's face.
"Halduron! They are my guests for the moment." Lor'themar's tone was meant to curb the rising dissension in the room.
Golden raised his hand, to the Blood Elves. Locking his glowing golden eyes on Halduron. "No, no. Allow him to say it. We have all met my mother and know the truth of his words."
Braelyn pulled off her helm so that she could look at Halduron more clearly.
"Braelyn? What magic has blessed us with your presence yet again, sweet one!" Halduron moved across the room seeking to embrace the human girl.
Goldenleaf moved between them. Not looking back to Braelyn he asked, "What is this, Braelyn? Are you some sort of Blood Elf magnet that they all rushed to cater to you?"
"It's nothing like that Golden." She peeked around his arm to to Halduron, addressing him in Thalassian. "I am glad to see you well."
"I feel the same way. Rommath will be even more so. He has been distraught since you have not answered his summons. But we figured that the broken magical streams had something to do with the messages not being able to get through. Then he has been working day and night trying to fix the mistake we made."
"What mistake is that?" Chelinka moved in. "Because I can tell you that having my magic cut off isn't doing anything to improve my temper."
"Rommath misses me?" Braelyn brightened.
Goldenleaf's head shot up at that. " Braelyn, darling, please do not forget how upset he has made you over the past few months. I do not wish a repeat of the sadness he left in your eyes, just as we are getting past it."
"Getting past it?" Halduron ignored Chelinka, who did not take well to the action. The Mage moving across the room pulling her staff from her back. She was more then ready to resort to physical violence.
Learen standing by the door watching it all play out. A slow smile creeping on to his face. Sure, he liked fighting, but watching the dirty drama of others was just as satisfying. What was really bothering him was the slowly building desire for cookies. They really had to do something about this place.
"I think I spoke clearly the first time, Halduron. Or has your advancing years come to effect your hearing?"
"Golden!" Brealyn grabbed his arm, "We are here on a peaceful mission to gain information for the Lady Lothar."
"Lothar? As in Anduin Lothar?" It was Haluron's turn to looked stunned. "I served under the Supreme Commander in the Second War, and never was there mention of a child."
"Well she exists, Halduron. In fact, she has just taken Stromgrade back under her control and is currently establishing a foot hold with the Alliance's help. Although, she has a desire to make it a neutral Holding for meetings between the Alliance and Horde. Vol'jin, himself, had already established her as a formal member of the Horde. Although he has yet to acknowledge her formal position."
"Did you know this, Regent Lord?" Halduron turned to look over at Lor'themar who was removing his sword to hang on the back of a chair.
Sitting down and kicking his legs out into a more comfortable position Lor'themar shook his head. "No. this is the first I am hearing of it as well. Goldenleaf's presence confirms their story. He would not lie about something like this and ruin his reputation on a jest."
Braelyn looked up at Goldenleaf, "You weren't kidding when you said your family was politically connected were you?"
"No. I was not." Golden looked to the Bloodevlves. "And I do not wish to speak of my paternity while I am here in Silvermoon, so please leave that out of it. I am of Stormwind, most officially now, as you well know. Please consider that when addressing me."
"If only the rest of us could cast off our shackles as easily." Lor'themar sighed. He looked up to see the platters of food being brought in.
Chelinka felt her jaw drop at the opulence of it all. "This is a snack?"
"It's not everyday we have Alliance guests. Your races tend to appreciate these forms of splendor more thoroughly then the other Horde races."
Learen walked over to the table and looked over the food. Pulling up a plate he snagged and entire chicken. Ripping off a leg he marched over to sit next to a horrified Pyrasong. Sucking the meat off the bone, and tossing it onto her plate boot. "Okay enough of the jabs and posturing. Someone start talking about why our portals are broken." He talked as he munched down his food in the most vulgar fashion. Enjoying how the Blood Elves reared away from him in disgust. Sure it was all for effect, but their reaction was all the payment his little show of barbarianism needed.
"I agree with Learen!" Chelinka tossed her staff from hand to hand. "Sure you know Braelyn from her stay here, and some long historic brotherhood with Goldenleaf, but the Gnome and I want to fix this mess and remove ourselves from your city as soon as possible."
Lor'themar looked as if they had just deflated him as eloquently as a balloon meeting a pin. "Halduron, if you would, please go summon Rommath. I don't even have a full handle on the arcane aspects of our situation like he does."
"Right away, Regent Lord." Haldurdon bowed. Before leaving he looked to Brealyn. "It was very nice seeing you again Miss Hawke." To Goldenleaf he pointed and scowled, "You, not so much."
Goldenleaf crossed his arms and leaned low to whisper in Brealyn's ear, "So here come Rommath. Are you ready for this part of the show?"
Author Note: No Fox, No Varian. What is the world coming too? Just focusing on some of the other aspects and characters going on at this time.