One month later.
Braelyn grinned as she walked through the portal from Hearthglen to the gates of Silvermoon City. She could have portalled straight to Sunfury Spire, but she wanted to experience walking into the city as a free citizen.
It was time for her to return to her adopted home, and she would enter of her own volition this time, with her head held high, not as a terrified slave.
She paused a few metres before the main entrance into Silvermoon. The sun glinted off her new mail armour, causing it to shine silver in the light, and a soft breeze ruffled her Argent Crusade tabard. Her new bow, made of silver and enchanted to glow with a radiant blue light, was a reassuring weight upon her back.
She was not afraid, but could not deny that she was nervous. It was her first day in her new role as the Argent Crusade's ambassador to the Horde, and she wanted to do things right, make a good first impression.
Or second impression in her case.
Highlord Fordring hoped that by appointing permanent representatives to both factions, then the leaders of the Horde and Alliance would not be able to ignore the work that still needed to be done in Northrend and Lordaeron, and that their people would heed the call. By choosing to send a human to the Horde and a Tauren to the Alliance, he also hoped to remind them of all that could be accomplished when they united under a common cause.
Braelyn would be spending most of her days in Orgrimmar, but she would be living in Silvermoon. Rommath had already created a portal in Sunfury Spire for her to use.
Her grin widened as she thought of her fiance. Because of her armour, she wore her engagement ring on a chain around her neck, tucked beneath her tabard. It was beautifully crafted; a delicate gold band set with a single ruby the same colour as the crystals that graced Silvermoon's skyline.
"Are you just going to stand there grinning like a crazy woman all day?" a male voice asked dryly.
"Halduron!" Braelyn said happily as she took the arm he held out to her. "What are you doing out here?
"Lor'themar thought it only proper that our newest diplomat get an escort into the city," the Ranger General replied with a cheeky grin. "Rommath wanted to do it, but I outrank him. I wanted the chance to do this again under better circumstances."
"I understand," Braelyn replied, laughing. "I was thinking earlier about how nice it will be to enter the Spire looking like a live person, and not some half-dead creature you'd just bought of a death knight."
"You didn't have to pay me back for that," Halduron said, as the pair made their way into the city. "I've never regretted spending that money."
"I didn't," Braelyn chuckled. "Rommath did. He didn't want you getting any ideas."
Halduron laughed. "I wouldn't be game enough to try anything. He throws a mean fire-ball when he's mad... or jealous. Or both."
Braelyn looked around as they walked slowly to the Spire, her eyes eagerly drinking in the city's sights. Silvermoon was as beautiful as she remembered, but there was a difference. It seemed brighter, and more inviting than before, as if her changed circumstances infused the city with a warmth it had lacked. She couldn't help the delighted laugh that escaped her lips.
Her spirits continued to rise as she noticed that the people of Silvermoon were not sending any hostility her way. There were some suspicious glances and mutterings, but nothing that caused Braelyn concern. She had all the time in the world to change their minds.
"Here we are," Halduron said as they reached the Court of the Sun. "Are you ready?"
Braelyn nodded. "Yes. I feel like I've been waiting for this day my whole life."
"The let's go."
Braelyn took a couple of deep breaths as she walked into Sunfury Spire. Her eyes immediately locked onto Rommath, who was standing next to Lor'themar Theron. He looked as stern and unapproachable as ever, except for his eyes, which took on the warm glow that was reserved only for her.
Lorelai was standing off to one side, and she gave Braelyn a huge smile and a wave as they made eye contact. Boxer was standing on the other side of the room, along with the other Silvermoon ambassadors. While his colleagues didn't look too impressed, the goblin was grinning, too, and Braelyn knew he was struggling not to laugh.
Halduron guided her to Lor'themar, bowing before the Regent Lord. "My lord, I present to you Ambassador Braelyn Hawke, of the Argent Crusade."
Lor'themar Theron looked at Braelyn and smiled, holding his hand out for her to shake. "Welcome back to Silvermoon City, Ambassador," he said warmly. "I am pleased to see you return."
"Thank you, Regent Lord," Braelyn replied with a small smile. "I can assure you, the feeling is mutual. It is wonderful to be home."
It was well past midnight, and Braelyn stood on the balcony of her and Rommath's bedroom. It was a warm, calm night, and she was enjoying the fresh air and beautiful view. Violet was perched on the railing, trilling happily as she rubbed her face on the silk shirt her master was wearing.
I wish I knew who that Stormwind guard really is, she thought. I owe him so much, including an apology. I wouldn't have all this, wouldn't have Rommath, without his interference. I wish I could thank him.
"What are you doing out here, dear heart?" Rommath said, appearing quietly behind Braelyn and slipping his hands around her waist. "It's late, and I no longer sleep well without you."
"Just enjoying the view, my love," Braelyn replied, wrapping her arms around his. "I missed it so much." Her voice wobbled slightly, the only sign of how hard the separation from Rommath had been, and how glad she was to be back here in this house with him.
"As I missed you," he murmured, nuzzling her hair. "But you are home now, so do not waste time dwelling on the past." She felt comforted by his touch, and turned to hug him. He stroked her hair as she kissed his neck.
After a few minutes, he shifted his grip so he could pick her up. "Come, let me show you how much I missed you," he said softly, and carried her back inside.
The rest of the night was blissful and passed quickly; a wonderful start to their new life together.
Across the street, hidden in the shadows surrounding Aethas Sunreaver's house, two figures stood watching as the Grand Magister of Silvermoon carried his beloved inside. They both sported the same happy, and rather smug, grin.
"I knew they'd get there in the end," Randall Garret said quietly, with a satisfied nod.
"Sure made us work for it though," his companion said, laughing. "That Braelyn, too stubborn for her own good." The man cackled as he remembered all the hard work he'd had to put in to ensure the two headstrong fools got together.
"I ever tell ya how she nearly resisted my mind control back in Tranquilien?" his fellow Agent asked. "And don't even get me started on how long it took to convince those elves to let me tag along on their pursuit!"
"You did well, my friend," Randall said, smiling down at his accomplice. He'd never have been able to accomplish this happy ending if it weren't for his help. The man was an invaluable ally in guiding Braelyn and Rommath towards each other.
The two Agent's of the Light remained in their vigil until they saw the last light go out in the Grand Magister's house.
"Anyway, Randy, I gotta get goin'. I have a meetin' to attend first thing in the mornin', and I need my beauty sleep," the goblin said, and began walking off towards the house he shared with his wife on the Walk of Elders.
"Goodnight, Boxer. Sleep well, and may we meet again in the Light," the Stormwind guard said. The only reply he got was a cheerful wave.
Randall Garret, Stormwind Guard and Agent of the Light, took one last look at the Grand Magister's home. He recalled what Braelyn had thought to herself before Rommath had shown up, and smiled. "You're welcome, dear girl," he said. "You have a bright future, and we expect great things from you."
He let out a contented laugh, and faded away into the peaceful night air, leaving the residents of Silvermoon to their dreams of a golden future.
But the Light was not yet done with Braelyn Hawke...
AN - a happy, but rather mysterious ending! Not so subtle lead in to the sequel, there. Yeah, I'm real smooth.
This story has almost as many chapters as my other multi-chapter works, but is heaps longer. I'm oddly proud.
The sequel: Tentatively titled 'The Shadows of Our Past'.
Set two years after this story, in a world that is enjoying an unexpected, but fragile, peace.
Jaina Proudmoore, though pledging Dalaran to the Alliance, has become increasing aggressive over the years, especially in regards to the Sunreavers and their 'theft' of the Divine Bell.
Aethas Sunreaver, consumed with guilt, makes a confession to Rommath that threatens to plunge Azeroth back into war.
Braelyn Hawke, meanwhile, has accepted a job that puts her smack dab in the middle of the conflict... and makes her some powerful enemies.
Oh, and there's a wedding in there. Somewhere.