That afternoon, the entire company is gathered in the Dwelling. Many different faces line the area, seated on the couch, on the table,in the chairs, and leaning against the walls. All of them are illuminated by te low light of the warm crackling fire in the massive fireplace. Collected in total were twenty-six employees of the Risen Flame. Human, Afflicted, Kal'Dorei, dwarven, and even a few gnomish stared at their commandant as she paced the floor, contemplating her choices carefully. She could not take the entire company, that would be too risky, and they would move too slowly. She was dressed in her full combat outfit, polished and shiny after yesterday's ordeal. An afflicted nobleman, Edgar Morgan, was leaned against the far wall with his two daughters, Eirika, a harvest witch in training, and Andraidis, a wayward paladin. His daughters were with him during the collapse of Gilneas, and all three were in their human form, having preference for staying in tune with they way things used to be. Finnians, a rather stubborn undead bloke, was seated on the armrest of the couch, his arms crossed in his heavy suit of classic ebonsteel. Rose and Bilgrick watched their commandant steadily, Bilgrick perched on top of the table, and Rose leaning against it with her hip. Zojii was leaning with his back to the stairs, ready to offer opinions should the need arise. Michael was seated on the plush couch next to the fireplace, watching the flames intensely. Sonny was beside him, snoozing like always, dressed in her usual deep green garb. Another death knight by the name of Nothrad was seated on the sofa in front of her. Oschade, another afflicted whom Valinae had her eyes set on for a period of time as a possible mate, sat with his legs criss-crossed on the floor, with his palms resting on his knees calmly. The deciding factor for why she never went with him was that he would be unable to bear her pups, as he was undead as well. Ayanna sat beside him, waiting politely for her commandant to speak. She did not have to wait long.
"Alright, loves. Ya' all know why I gathered ya' here." The worgen starts with a sigh. "We just received another job offer from a cove who only divulged his first initial, O. He has requested that I take with me to meet him whom I choose to aid me on this mission. Therefore, without any prior knowledge, I must choose without knowing whom I might need should we hit a difficult spot. I suppose ya' can all imagine what that's like, aye?" A low bout of laughter echoes form the crowd gathered, as they affiliate with a situation like their commandant is placed in.
"I have already decided on the first person. The reason why I dare not take everyone, is due to time constraints, and we need to be able to move swiftly." Valinae lets those words sink in, then motions to Zojii. "I'm taking Zojii with me, to help me with the difficult decisions." The panda noda in affirmation, looking around the room for those who might challenge her decision. When no one stepped forward, he returned his gaze to Valinae, letting her continue. "For these next choices, remember that this was no easy decision. If we are to move as quickly as he says we are, I decided on selecting stealth and magic over brute strength. Therefore, I've selected Eirika Morgan, and Ayanna to accompany me." She casts her gaze to the startled employees that she has selected. Eirika is stunned, the young woman not knowing what to say. Her eyes showed elation, however, at being handpicked by the Branch General. Edgar's expression is the complete opposite as he glares at the worgen, the look in his eyes clearly stating that she had better keep his daughter safe. The nobleman looks like he wants to counter his commandant's orders, if only to keep his only family safe from harm. Valinae notices this, and she approaches Edgar with a question.
"Is there something wrong with my selection, love?" She matches the furious man's gaze with her own, her deep blue hues revealing her authority. He keep his composure as he answers her.
"I wish ya' had given me a little bit of foresight on the situation, my dear." He answers with a wavering tone. "Ya' know how dear she is to me."
"Indeed, love. I will make sure she makes it back safe, as well. We will make sure of it." She looks to Ayanna now. "Anything ya' would like to say, love?"
The rookie slowly shakes her head and gulps. "I'm just honored that you would select me out of those that are gathered here. Why me?"
"Because, love, ya' can use the experience."
Edgar appears to be seething with fury. "And my daughter? Do ya' think she is inexperienced as well?" Eirika tugs at her father's arm, trying to get him to calm down.
Valinae keeps an even tone as she replies. "No' at all, love. We need her experience with healing and nature magic. She can keep us fighting, wherever we may be going." The man scowls at this, unable to find another excuse. Zojii had warned her a year ago that Edgar would cause trouble. She had seen it every day since. "Any more objections, Edgar?"
"No' one, ma'am."
Valinae nods, grateful for him to be under control. Watching a man his size turn in a crowd this large is enough to unerve people greatly, no matter ho much combat experience they all have. "Alright then. We will depart shortly for the Cathedral. Make sure ya' are geared for the unexpected. We have no clue what we are walking into, so we'd best be prepared. Everyone else, go about your business. We still have-" Valinae looks to the spot on the table where the cake was the night before, only to find an empty spot littered with chocolate crumbs. "Never mind, then. Those departing, when you are ready meet me upstairs." She turns on the spot as she dismisses everyone and saunters up the stairs. Zojii follows close behind, already prepared in his dark grey leather garb. They take a seat at the table next to the massive bookshelf and wait.
Approximately three hours later, they stand in a ring outside the headquarters, bundled up in the crisp night air. Each of them stand in full armor, their weapons sheathed in various places. With a nod, Valinae turns and leads the group down the road to the Cathedral. Lights from candle fires light the windows of the buildings they pass, and the street lanterns bordering the canals illuminate the street below. Valinae quickens her pace to a short jog, and her companions follow in pursuit. They cross the bridge into the Cathedral district, prance up the Cathedral stairs, and come to a full halt at the entrance. A night guard is on duty, dressed in a full suit of Stormwind Guard armor, and seated on the front foyer bench. He looks up at the small troupe, then nods at them, letting them pass.They proceed through the foyer, passing through the near empty hall of the Grand Cathedral of Light, walking softly towards the staircase in the back of the right hall. They descend the spiral staircase swiftly, coming to the underbelly of the Cathedral, where the modern day Scarlets practice their teachings. Two men stand there, both hooded and clad in deep violet robes trimmed by fel green silk. Valinae approaches the two cautiously, telling her followers to stay back, including Sparr.
"I assume ya' are the one called 'O'?" She asks the man in front. He nods and then pulls back his hood revealing a flawless visage of youth. His face is clear of any and all facial hair, and his skin is as smooth as a baby's bottom. His voice almost seems to sparkle as he answers her question, its brilliant sound a melody to her ears.
"Indeed, I am. Although, I prefer the name Odium." He outstretches his arm to accept Valinae's in a handshake. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss MacPhairce." He smiles at the battle-scarred worgen, making a sensation of warmth rise up and blossom within her chest. She nearly swoons.
"W-why, thank you, love." She chuckles nervously, trying to combat the sudden eruption of emotions growing within her mind. "Sh-shall we get down to business, then?"
The youthful man nods, ignoring the woman's discomfort. "Of course. Feel free to match your troops with mine. We have much to discuss."
The worgen's expression contorts into one of confusion. "What you have to say can be explained in front of the rest of my company, love. I chose them to accompany me." Even as she speaks this, Zojii pops up beside her, instantly by his commander's side.
Odium smiles as he shakes his head in a negative fashion. "No, you may explain whatever details to them as you please. But what we have to say is not for all ears." He looks around, expecting there to be a hidden watcher. When none shows up, he shrugs and motions for the duo of wolf and bear to follow him. They walk to the steps leading into the crypt, and one by one they descend into the dark recesses of the Cathedral.
"My mission for you is simple. I am a collector and discoverer of ancient artifacts. I spend my free time investigating their purposes, and attempting to make them work again." Odium lets out a sigh and continues. "One of my more valuable artifacts has been stolen. I have not yet found what its purpose is, but I would very much like to have it back."
Valinae looks at her comrade, and he looks back at her. "Wot's in it for us?" The worgen asks.
"The joyous feeling of exploration and riches! Five thousand gold for each participant!" The man exclaims, hoping he has piqued her interest.
She grins at this statement. "Five thousand, you say? Bloody fel, love. Consider your job accepted."
"Excellent!" Odium claps his hands together and then stares evenly at the duo over his shoulder. "Do realize that you cannot back out now."
Valinae blinks at the man. "Why would we?"
The man frowns. "We have reason to believe that remnants of the Zandalari trolls have taken it from my collection in the Storm Peaks. We also believe that they know how to use it. They have most likely taken it to the Scholazar Basin, west of Icecrown." Odium pulls out a map of the northern continent, and points to a green area on the western quardrant. "Right here.
