A/N: Please note that this is of course Fan Fiction, therefore the events described would be slightly deviated from the orginal telling.
And nope, I in fact do not own Warcraft or anything else I write about.
Chapter 9
Full of sorrow and sadness, Arlandria retraced her steps to where her children lay. She kept her ears tuned to the sound of the horsemen, but it seemed that Sylvanas was the only reason for which they had come. Otherwise, she reasoned, this whole forest would be swarming with the undead. The thoughts of Sylvanas that refused to leave her thoughts kept her in a state of worry and despair.
Within a short distance she found her children, exactly as they had left them. Carefully, she lifted and cradled them each against her collarbone and struggled onwards towards the path. No matter how exhausted Arlandria was, she would not stop. Her knees shook with weariness, she had not eaten or slept in over a day, her sorrow was ripping her heart apart, yet she would not stop moving forward.
Along the path it was clear to see the effects of the Sunwell's defilement. Items, carts, cases and occasionally a body were found along the pathway. Elves that were too drained of energy to keep such burdens with them. On that road, Arlandria's heart was her heaviest burden.
After another hour of walking, she came upon enchantments that were once used to conceal the old Elven encampments, but now were left completely open. A few Rangers and Mages assembled and bowed to her, waiting for orders. Many others weakly sat about, some still layed, unable or unwilling to stand. Arlandria saluted back as best as she could and gave the order for them to patrol and secure the area. Hope seemed to be at its lowest point for everyone, therefore Arlandria reasoned that it was not the best time to tell them of General Sylvanas's fate. She stood at the entrance assessing the situation, then called out for her Lieutenant.
"Come with me, and bring a shovel," Arlandria said as Vupila came into sight.
Arlandria turned to walk towards the east. Quickly Vupila joined her holding a shovel in her hands. They walked together, passing across another pathway and into a forlorn grove.
"Let me hold one..." Vupila said, her arms extended.
"No...it's alright, just carry the shovel," Arlandria returned.
Vupila knew not to press the issue, their friendship always had independence and stubbornness at its foundations. Even in their most vulnerable moments they behaved this way towards each other.
"How are you holding up?" Arlandria asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Better than others," Vupila answered. "How long can we remain like this Arlandria?" she quickly added.
"I do not know, perhaps all those who would know are now gone as well," came Arlandria's morose reply.
"Is Lady Sylvanas then..." Vupila asked.
Arlandria gave a swift nod, and Vupila immediately understood. Then Arlandria abruptly stopped and set her children down gently on the grass. She looked upwards towards the sky and breathed deeply before extending her arm for Vupila to hand her the shovel.
"Perhaps I should do it, since you must be more tired th-" Vupila started to say.
"I will do it," Arlandria said softly.
Vupila reluctantly passed the shovel to her and Arlandria began to dig between two large trees. Arlandira was utterly exhausted, yet she felt she could die if she were to stop moving now, and she had to finish this before she could let that happen. A few feet away Vupila slumped against a tree and slid to the ground. For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, it was quiet and peaceful, yet just as tragic as before.
"Did Sylvanas appoint a successor? Was it you?" Vupila asked after another long silence.
Arlandria paused, she had forgotten all about her newfound status.
"Yes, she appointed me before we entered Silvermoon," Arlandria said.
"I am happy for you, but I fear that others will question the legitimacy of your claim. After all, there are high commanders in the encampment," Vupila said.
"I am not worried, Sylvanas wrote a letter of validation in case such a thing were to happen," Arlandria said as she resumed digging.
"You're going to be a fine leader," Vupila said.
"I hope so," Arlandria replied.
"I have faith in you, obviously Sylvanas did as well," Vupila said.
Arlandria's heart rose and fell at the same time.
End of Chapter 9