"Are you sure you want to do this, Braelyn?"
"Yes, Mum, I'm sure," Braelyn replied as her mother hugged her goodbye. "I know it's not what you and Dad want, but it's what I need to do."
Her father kissed her on the forehead. "All we ever wanted was for you to be happy," he said gruffly. "I'm sorry that we ever made you feel otherwise."
"We are so proud of you, dear," Ellysan added. "Alliance, Argent Crusade, Defias Brotherhood, whatever." She smiled as Braelyn rolled her eyes.
Braelyn looked at Andorien, who was trying to comfort his upset girlfriend. "Odariah," she sighed. "Look, I know you want to come with me, but I need to do this on my own."
Her cousin nodded her head, but didn't look at Braelyn. She shuffled forward and hugged the hunter. "I know," she whispered, "it's just the last time we said goodbye, you were gone for months, and we all thought you were dead for a while. I'm worried for you."
Braelyn hugged Odariah tightly with one arm, drawing Andorien into the embrace with the other. "I need to do this by myself," she said. "I need space to grow strong, and to try to get over him."
"You were always strong," Andorien replied. "You were the strongest of us all. Even Bitsie thought so."
They were silent for a while, lost in thoughts of their dear friend. Eventually Braelyn let go and stepped back. She gave them an affectionate smile. "I'm not saying you can't ever join the Crusade... just give it a few months, okay? Make sure you want to do it for the right reasons, not just out of fear for me. You guys are building a life together; that's more important than holding my hand."
"We will do that, but, please, if you need us, Braelyn, don't hesitate to write to us," Andorien said, kissing her cheek. Braelyn giggled as she thought of how that gesture would have made her blush like mad a year ago.
"It's time to go, Braelyn," Anders said, shooting her an apologetic look. She nodded and mounted her gryphon. It was going to be one long, gods-awful ride.
Her mother stepped forward, and Braelyn reached down to give her a hug. "It will be all right, Mum," she said.
"I should be saying that to you," her mother said, and with shock, Braelyn realised the older woman was crying. "It will get easier, darling," she added. "I know it doesn't seem like it now, but the wound will close over, and soon the memories won't hurt so badly... especially if you keep yourself open to new possibilities."
Braelyn didn't know what to say for a second, but then gave her mother a tight squeeze. "I'll try, Mum," she said. "I promise. And please let Aethas know I'm not upset that he told you."
"Will do."
Braelyn gave her family one last, loving look, then urged her mount to take flight. She gave them a bright smile and cheerful wave, even as nausea began to build in her stomach. All too quickly their voices and faces faded away, forcing Braelyn to look at the horizon.
To the Plaguelands, and my new beginning.
Hearthglen was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Argent Crusade. It was a pretty town, with all the amenities Goldshire had to offer, with the added benefit of secure walls.
And some of the most badass defenders in existence.
Braelyn couldn't help but stare as she and Anders landed. It was so pretty, with its cobbled streets and grey stone buildings. Not as beautiful as Silvermoon; but then again, Silvermoon had an attraction that Hearthglen could never have.
Her mouth lifted in a smile as she saw gnomes talking to goblins and orcs, while night elves, trolls, and sin'dorei trained together. It was like paradise to Braelyn. A visual representation of all her hopes and dreams.
"Since it's so late in the day, I'll take you to the recruits' quarters, and then you can familiarise yourself with the town," Anders said. "Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet Lord Fordring, and then get you started on your training. You'll have a bit of a head start on the other trainees."
"Sounds like a plan," Braelyn replied. "And thanks, Anders... for giving me this opportunity."
"It's all right, dear," Anders said, as he showed her the way to Mardenholde Keep. "I'm glad to have you here."
The recruits quarters were small and cramped, which would take some getting used to. Braelyn was more familiar with camping outdoors or living in large houses... like Rommaths'.
Mentally chastising herself for thinking of him, Braelyn concentrated on introducing herself to a couple of her new roommates. One was a Forsaken warrior, while the other was a troll rogue. Both female, so it looked as if she was going to find out whether troll ladies were as awesome as her drunken self thought.
After the introductions, Braelyn decided to take a walk outside. She wanted to find a quiet spot to sit down and write a letter to Lorelai. She knew the priest must have been worried and/or enraged by the circumstances of her departure from Silvermoon, and Braelyn wanted to allay those concerns.
She also thought it a good way to let Rommath know what she was up to... just in case he decided to stop acting like an idiot. She was tempted to write to him directly, but didn't think he would read a letter from her.
To: Lorelai Sunblessed, Silvermoon City, Quel'Thalas
From: Braelyn Hawke, Hearthglen, Eastern Plaguelands
Dear Lorelai,
I am so sorry I didn't stop to say goodbye before I left Silvermoon, but, as you can probably imagine, I was in no fit state to think rationally. I hope you can understand. Please extend my apologies to Boxer when you next see him, and tell him I will write to him when things have settled down some.
As you can tell from the return address, I am now in the Eastern Plaguelands. I joined the Argent Crusade yesterday, and am now in Hearthglen for training. It is a pretty place, and I am sure I can be happy here. I am looking forward to befriending some orcs!
Although, I just realised that I am now dangerously close to Acherus. By the Light, I hope I don't run into Lethallan; gods know how I will react. I am still so furious about how he murdered Bitsie, and treated me, but, at the same time, without him I would never have met you or Boxer... or Rommath.
My parents found out about me and him. They were surprisingly supportive, although I could tell they were a little concerned. Talked about me getting hung for treason a lot, which means they have a lot more in common with Rommath than they think. I think the only reason they didn't flip their shit completely was because we aren't together anymore. Both my parents think he did the right thing when he sent me away, though my dad is pretty upset Rommath hurt me so badly in the process.
But, seriously, is there a good way to break somebody's heart?
Light... I promised my mother I would try to forget him and move on, but I don't think I can do it.
If you can, please let it be known to certain parties where I am and what I am doing. And ask Halduron if he wants me to pay him back. I have a steady income now.
I miss you and Boxer a lot, and wish I could introduce you to Andorien and Odariah. My cousin could teach you some shadow magic to use on a certain warlock.
Please write to me as soon as you can, and let me know all the gossip.
Love,
Braelyn.
...
SIX MONTHS LATER
Brealyn sighed in relief as she spotted Lethallan Dawnbreaker portal out of Hearthglen. The death knight had become a regular visitor to the town when he'd found out about her presence there. It had been hard at first, but then Lord Fordring had discovered what was happening and had insisted that Darion Mograine put an end to the harassment.
From then on, when Lethallan came to town, he had to be accompanied by a Knight of the Ebon Blade, or an Alliance affiliated death knight. Usually it was a human knight named Thassarian, who Braelyn actually liked. He was one of the few death knights who had managed to keep some genuine warmth.
Of course, Thassarian could do little to prevent midnight hug-attacks by ghoul, so Braelyn had caused a few panics with her startled screeching at Mangle's sudden appearances. She had just started getting used to his antics, when he somehow manged to convince Thassarian's ghoul, Lurid, to join in on the fun.
The relief was quickly replaced with anticipation as she waited for her family to arrive. Even though she'd only been gone six months, her parents insisted that they come to visit for a belated 24th birthday get-together, and they were bringing Andorien and Odariah with them. Andorien had decided to make his home in Goldshire with her cousin, and was working as a druid trainer and healer. Odariah took the short journey to Northshire every other day to help out at the abbey.
"Mum! Dad!" she called as her family came into view. She ran forward and hugged them all as soon as they dismounted. "It's good to see you!"
"And you!" Odariah laughed, returning the hug with enthusiasm. "You're looking good, Braelyn."
"I'm feeling much better," Braelyn confessed. "Coming here was just what I needed, although I'd be lying if I said it's been easy."
Her eyes clouded over. It was true that she was doing well. On the surface. She had made many friends, and her skill as a hunter had grown immensely. She'd even gotten around to making the change to mail armor.
Severen had been right, mail armor was so much better than leather.
Then there was the blacksmith, Morris Vant. The day after meeting her, he'd made it clear to Braelyn that he wanted to court her. She was flattered, but was trying hard not to lead him on. The reason being that despite what her mother had told her, time had not made her separation from Rommath easier to bear.
It made things worse.
She still loved him, and being apart from the mage was a pain unlike any other she'd ever felt. She dreamt about him, thought about him often, and in the few life-and-death encounters she'd had as a Crusader, her mind always went to him, and she regretted not being able to see him one last time.
"But it hasn't helped with him, has it?" Andorien asked. Braelyn shook her head.
"I'm trying, but..." she trailed off, and shrugged, allowing her father to kiss her forehead.
"We can talk about that later, pumpkin," he said, "but right now, your mother and I should pay our respects to Tyrion." He took his wife's arm. "Why don't you and your friends catch up on all the gossip?"
While Ellysan and Jasper headed to the Keep, Braelyn guided her friends to the inn for a drink, and a much-needed conversation. They'd just ordered when her worgen friend, Fiona, appeared with a letter for her.
"Do you mind if I read this now?" she asked Andorien and her cousin, excited when she recognised Boxer's messy handwriting.
"Go for it," Odariah said waving her hand. "I need to recover from that flight, it was terrible!"
Braelyn chuckled as she opened the letter and began to read.
Heya, toots!
I don't want to freak ya out or nothin', but some pretty serious business is going to go down in Orgrimmar that you might want to know about. Though, it may be too late by the time you get this, it's hard gettin' mail to ya, even when you're with the Crusaders.
You've probably heard 'bout how crazy Hellscream is these days, right? Well, Vol'jin's decided enough's enough... he's decided ta get rid of that orc, and the Alliance, so I've heard, is plannin' on crashing the party, too.
The reason I'm tellin' ya this, B, is because Lor'themar Theron is gonna be leadin' the blood elves' attack on the docks and then move on up ta the gates. I know Aethas Sunreaver's gonna be there, but I'm thinkin' Rommath's gonna go as well.
It's gonna be ugly, toots, real ugly. Nobody's got any real idea of what Hellscream's got stashed away in Orgrimmar, and there's no denyin' he's gone completely insane. All we know is the orc's gotta die.
I'm thinkin' that maybe Rommath will need to see ya there, to remind him what he's got ta live for. He's been forgettin' lately. Pinin' so bad even Halduron's stopped givin' him a hard time.
I think you're needin' to see him, too. Lorelai tells me ya be putin' on a brave face, but that you're pining for him, too.
Get ta Orgrimmar, toots. Give him ya strength, fight for ya future.
Catch ya on the flip side, B.
Boxer.
When Ellysan and Jasper walked into the inn, they expected to see their daughter and her friends laughing and joking over some drinks and a good meal. What they found, however, was Braelyn in a state of distress as she waved a letter around and argued with her cousin about the quickest way to Orgrimmar.
"What is going on?" Ellysan demanded.
Braelyn's eyes snapped up to her mother's face. "Mum, what's the quickest way to Orgrimmar?"
"Why do you want to know?" the mage asked, eyes narrowed. She did not want her daughter anywhere near that city, not with the Alliance and Vol'jin's revolutionaries about to kick the gate in.
"I have to get there right now!" her daughter replied, before dashing outside. Braelyn whistled for her pets, then started running for the keep to fetch her weapons, and supplies for her friends.
"What the hell is going on?" Jasper asked Odariah.
"She just found out that Rommath is going to be fighting at Orgrimmar," Odariah said.
"And, what, she's going to go there and save him, is that it?" Ellysan asked in exasperation.
"Pretty much," the priest replied. "We're going with her of course."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she'll need us. You too, if it's as bad as they're saying."
"She can't!" Jasper said. "We're meant to be keeping this quiet!"
"Jasper," Andorien said in his calm, melodic voice, "she needs to go. If she doesn't, and Rommath dies, she will never forgive herself, and never get over it. She needs to go to him, needs to be with him."
"You... you... support Braelyn in this?" Ellysan asked in shock.
"Yeah," Odariah replied, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "Look, we know it's not ideal, but Braelyn's putting up a front, Aunt Ellysan. She's dying on the inside. If being with him makes her happy, then I say we do what we can to get them back together, even if it gets us all accused of treason. I won't let stupid politics ruin my cousin's happiness. And neither should you."
Ellysan almost wilted under the pressure of her niece's glare. She looked to her husband, who wasn't faring all that well, either. She coughed. "I see... ," she began. "I want my daughter to be happy, but this could all go so badly, and I want her safe."
Jasper sighed, and placed his hand on his wife's shoulder. "I feel the same, dear," he said. "But Braelyn's a grown woman now, capable of making her own decisions, her own choices. She's going to go, with or without us. I'd rather we went with her, then we can at least try to protect her, and perhaps even mitigate some of the fallout."
The paladin ran a hand through his grey hair. "Besides, I'd very much like to meet this Grand Magister Rommath. He and I have a lot to talk about."
"Perhaps you're right," Ellysan admitted, though her voice was still full of doubt.
"Are you guys ready to go?" Braelyn demanded as she met her family outside the inn. She handed Andorien and Odariah some bags filled with potions and enchanted scrolls.
"We are ready," Ellysan said pointedly. Braelyn gaped at her.
"Mum?" she questioned,
"If you think we're going to let you do this on your own, you are very much mistaken," the mage said. "Besides, the fastest way to Orgrimmar is via portal." She smirked at the look on her daughter's face.
"How do you know how to create a portal to Orgrimmar?" Odariah asked in wonder.
"I don't think you need to know the answer to that, dear," was Ellysan's smug reply. "A girl's got to have some secrets."
"Well, all right, if you insist," Braelyn said, relief evident in every word. "This means the world to me."
"Oh, don't thank us yet, sweetie," Ellysan said, "your dad wants to meet this blood elf of yours."
Braelyn paused for a moment, then the meaning of what her mother said sunk in. She turned to her father in alarm. "Please wait until we're all safe before you try to mess with him, Dad!" she pleaded.
"No promises," Jasper replied, patting his sword affectionately. "I take my paternal duties seriously, and I get very upset when someone makes my little girl cry."
"Uh, now would be a good time for that portal, Aunty E," Odariah said, and with a laugh, the older woman began summoning the gateway to Orgrimmar. Soon, a glimmering portal appeared before them, and they could see the orange vista of the great orc city.
"Who should go first?" Andorien ask. "I could go in bear form."
"No, son, let me," Jasper said, unbuckling his shield, and hefting it up in front of him, his sword held in his other hand. He ducked into the portal, then stuck his head back through. "Come quickly! The siege has begun, and the city's in chaos!"
Brealyn was the next person to leave, and as she passed through the cold curtain of the portal, she could think only of Rommath.
I'm coming, my love.
AN - Mangle and Lurid double hug-attack go! That would be so gross. I love Thassarian, he's one of my favourite characters. Now, I know that Rommath wasn't actually at the siege in-game (that I saw anyway), but I say screw that!
Next Chapter: it's the Siege of Orgrimmar! Braelyn and Rommath will be reunited, but will she get the reaction she's hoping for? And Rommath should probably avoid Daddy Hawke. Daddy Hawke is kind of scary. So's Mummy Hawke, for that matter. Poor Rommath.