Appearing Characters: Alleria Windrunner, Anya Eversong, Arthas Menethil, Ashwynn Menethil, Esara Verrinde, Garona, Gilveradin Windrunner, Giramar Windrunner, Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil, Kael'thas Sunstrider, Liadrin Everpost, Lianne Menethil II, Lirath Windrunner, Loralen Nightseeker, Maraad, Marwyn, Maxwell Tyrosus, Nathanos Marris, Remnii, Rhonin Windrunner, Rommath Pyrewing, Sylvanas Windrunner, Turalyon Windrunner, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Velonara Dewflow, Vereesa Windrunner, Victor Prestor
October 19th
Vereesa smiled and expressed she was glad Sylvanas made it. Sylvanas, under her breath, expressed that at least someone was. She had taken her place around the fire and everything went silent for a moment.
Vereesa Windrunner says: It’s been a while since we could have everyone together. I think the–
She stopped, realizing the last time was probably in Dalaran for the memorial service for Vel.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Yes. Little Moon, I think you’re right. I think that was the last time we all saw each other. And even then, we weren’t all present.
She looked over at Turalyon.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I have to admit, I’m surprised to see you back.
Turalyon Windrunner says: Truth be told, I wanted to return earlier. But… things kept happening. After I had heard what befell the Knights of the Silver Hand… that was one too many events. I have trusted lieutenants looking into things in Outland. I’m needed here.
Turalyon furrowed his brow.
Turalyon Windrunner says: But I get the sense that’s not what you were referring to.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Not precisely, no. Allow me to just ask it. Am I to be the bad guy now? If my presence here is stifling, I’d be glad to leave.
Vereesa Windrunner says: No no! Sylvanas, it’s not like that.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Is it not? It was all laughter and music before I walked in. And yet… you claim my presence isn’t causing any distress?
Alleria furrowed her brow.
Vereesa Windrunner says: Sylvanas, it’s okay. We can put all of that behind us.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Do you really think it’s that simple, sister? That we can forget everything that happened and everything we saw? Our people are going through an unprecedented change. And I’m supposed to just nod and accept that without any concerns or fears.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I think it’s fair to have both of those, in truth.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s good for someone to have questions.
Turalyon Windrunner says: I hate to be… I’ve been away for a moment, and I believe there’s something I’m missing.
Sylvanas crossed her arms.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I suppose they wouldn’t have had time to tell you. As you may have noticed… dear Velameestra is amongst the living, so to speak, but there was a time we thought she was not. Most of the family gathered at Dalaran for a memorial service.
Alleria looked down.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Once the service concluded, and things were beginning to wrap up, I was approached by your son, Turalyon. He had witnessed something concerning, you see, and he didn’t know who to approach. When I went to investigate, what did I find but–
Vereesa Windrunner says: Sylvanas, that’s enough.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Is it!? Is the truth too hard for you to bear, sister? Or were you planning on telling him yourself? When it was convenient?
Turalyon Windrunner says: It’s alright, Alleria. Tell me what happened.
Alleria Windrunner says: I… I’d only recently been turned. I… I hadn’t eaten in a while. I was… weak. Vereesa noticed. Arator… saw.
Turalyon Windrunner says: Oh…
Sylvanas Windrunner says: As I’m sure you can imagine, seeing his mother burying her newfound fangs into the woman who raised him was concerning.
Vereesa Windrunner says: Sylvanas, you know that’s not fair. I offered. We talked about this!
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I don’t care if you offered, Vereesa. We don’t know if you did so of your own right mind. Is it not true that vampyrs can bend the minds of those you speak?
Alleria Windrunner says: You know I would never do that, Sylvanas!
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Do we? Do we know that for certain?
Velameestra Windrunner says: She’s still your sister. We are capable of it yes, but that does not mean we utilize it.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Have you?
Vel was silent for a moment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Not on anyone I cared about.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: So you have then.
Velameestra Windrunner says: A cultist. It’s how I got the information that led us to Venetia so we could stop Heigan Capless.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Do you fear every enchanter or enchantress you’ve ever encountered?
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Why wouldn’t I? You know as much as anyone what magic is capable of. But magic can be detected. Magic can be seen. There are ways to protect oneself from magic.
Vel said that uncle Rhonin had developed a way to protect oneself against charms too. Rhonin nodded and explained that there had been a moment when his own lapse in perceptions had led him to harm his own sons.
He produced a small ring.
Rhonin Windrunner says: It’s enchanted with a… a special payload, so to speak. If it detects its wearer has been charmed, it will shock them. Not enough to cause lasting harm, but enough to ideally to give them forewarning against something like this. I had originally created it to make sure I wouldn’t fall victim to a demon’s charm… but it’s serendipitous I came up with this. Look, Sylvanas, I get it. I get why you’re afraid. I… I am too. A lot of us are. We’re just doing what we can.
Vereesa stood up.
Vereesa Windrunner says: Sylvanas, I’m terrified! Do you… do you think I liked seeing Alleria the way she was? When I first saw her fangs and let her feed on me, I was petrified. I don’t know what it’s like. But you know what scares me more? Seeing the two of you fight. You two are my heroes! My entire life I always wanted to be like the two of you. I’ve always looked up to you. Seeing you… look at each other this way kills me. I know this is hard. But Sylvie, you know, if the tables were turned, if this happened to you, I would do anything to try to help you and ensure you didn’t feel like you were alone. You know I would! Take one look at me! Do you really think she’d need to trick me with charms or magic? I’d do anything for either of you! So… don’t make me choose. Don’t make me choose.
Sylvanas looked at the fire. Alleria stood up and made her way over.
Alleria Windrunner says: I understand how you feel. Lady Moon, I will never judge you for being afraid of me. Because I believe a part of me is too.
She reached into her pack and withdrew something wrapped in cloth. She unwrapped it, and inside was an arrow. Vel could tell the shaft was made of deadwood, and the arrow tip was made from the claw of some sort of demon. The fletching was plucked from a bird with feathers as black as night.
Alleria Windrunner says: I want you to have this, Sylvanas. You have every right to suspect. To fear. I would trust few people but you to have the right judgment. If you ever believe that I have gone too far, that I have done something that you believe is unforgivable, I want you to use that.
She handed the arrow over to Sylvanas, who held it for a long moment. She looked up at Alleria as she returned to her spot by the fire.
Alleria Windrunner says: It’s funny. Both you and I have offered to leave and cut ourselves off for the sake of the other. But that would break Little Moon’s heart. So… I guess that means we’ll both have to stick around for now. All the easier to keep an eye on me, I guess.
Lirath leaned over and put a hand on Sylvanas’s knee as she turned the arrow in her hand. She slipped it into her quiver as she looked into the fire.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t think anyone here expects things to go back to how they were. No one here is foolish enough to think that is the case. We can’t do anything but move forward.
Esara nodded.
Esara Verrinde says: I know I just got here, but the fact you’re still trying so hard anyways despite the hardship is pretty inspiring. I’m from a pretty small family. I know things are hard, but I think you’re doing good, even so.
Rhonin Windrunner says: About as good as we can. We’re alive. In one sense or another. And we’re here, most of us. And eventually, we’ll all be here. And things will be easier. Maybe we can actually go home.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There’s only one of us to bring back in.
Alleria and Turalyon shared a look.
Giramar Windrunner says: I’m glad everyone’s here. I was afraid when everything happened that we wouldn’t be able to sit around a fire like this. So. I’m glad we are, even if things are hard. And, I mean… me and my brother got into a fight too. I think we’ll be able to figure it out. So you probably can too.
Vereesa rubbed his back with her hand and a proud smile.
Lirath Windrunner says:' That’s exactly right. And Vel’s right too. Things will be different, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be bad. We just need to keep growing. Regardless of what happens, we are still a family. No matter what changes any of us go through. I think that’s the thing we should try to remember.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I hope you’re right. I truly hope that you’re right, Little Sun. I… truly hope that you’re right.
Gil smiled at Sylvanas.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: We aren’t a family that’s going to let others tear us apart.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: We have been good about that historically. But…
She looked away.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: But we are in a rather historic time. I hope that continues to be the case. Nevertheless, I do feel that I owe you an apology, Gilveradin. When we spoke last, I was… necessarily harsh to you.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: And you were right.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Of course I was, but that does not change the fact what I said was unkind. Even so, if my words caused… I’m sorry I had to say those things to you.
Gil shrugged.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s what I needed to hear. You were right, and had you let me give in, I could have put everyone else at risk.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I’m glad you saw it my way. How have things been with your… new employment?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Different, for sure. But not quite different enough. The same goal, I guess. Different road.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Cryptic. But about what I would expect. Given the… clandestine nature of the dragons.
Alleria Windrunner says: We actually met some of them.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: So I heard.
Alleria nodded.
Alleria Windrunner says: They weren’t what I expected.
Gil asked what she was expecting, and Alleria said her knowledge was that they were mysterious, powerful monsters. Not what they had seen.
Velameestra Windrunner says: A lot of stories tend to be embellished.
Alleria nodded with a soft smile that expressed the sentiment of “about us too”. Gil said a lot of things were being dragged out of the shadows, and Vel worried her ring for a moment before she announced to the group that another Windrunner had returned: specifically, Lireesa, her grandmother and the mother of many of those present.
Vereesa Windrunner says: What!?
Sylvanas shot daggers at Vel with her eyes, but Vel proceeded to explain that when she had returned to Windrunner Spire to retrieve her mother’s body, she had witnessed the village under the occupation of orcs. Thus, she had opened a door and allowed many of the spirits to come through to chase them from the village, and Lireesa had been one of those who answered the call to defend the lands she once called home.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Great. So what does that mean?
Velameestra Windrunner says: She and the Hunt she commands are fighting back the orcs. She… likely will do so until we return home. Perhaps I should not have been surprised she was the first one through, given the stories told of grandmother.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: No, perhaps you shouldn’t have been. Well then. There’s not much to do for that now. But thank you for telling me, at least.
Vel expressed it had never been her intention to leave that as a surprise.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: We’ve heard enough interesting rumors coming from southern Eversong. While I now know the nature of some of those, that still has come to a bit of a surprise.
Lirath Windrunner says:' We can… figure out what to do with that when we need to. At the very least, I’m glad you got to meet her. Even for just a moment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: She has a presence.
All the siblings looked at each other, and Sylvanas stated that there was no question it had in fact been her then. Some awkward small talk and questions were shared, and the tension was still heavy, but it at least was simmering rather than explosive.
Not too long after, another voice called out for Sylvanas. They glanced over, and they saw an elven woman with long, dark hair they recognized as Anya Eversong, one of Sylvanas’s rangers and best friends. She had a grim face. Sylvanas asked what it was, and Anya looked across the group.
Anya Eversong says: I have an important update.
Sylvanas stood up and informed the family she needed to return to her duties. Vel watched the duo move away, and they spoke quietly. Vel saw “it’s Nathanos” on Anya’s lips. Vel saw Sylvanas’s demeanor freeze.
Vel had a bad feeling in her gut, and she informed her family that she would be back shortly, she just needed some air. As soon as she was out of sight, she shifted into her raven form and took off after them as they headed for the stables. She was watching their lips.
Anya explained it was while they were investigating the structure, and they had come at them quickly. They started to head back to report, but the injuries started to fester. Nathanos had lost consciousness, and he was no longer in any condition to travel. Velonara and Loralen were with him at his homestead.
It seemed he had fallen victim to the infection, and none of the first aid they had tried worked even though the undead had simply grazed him. Sylvanas nodded and said they could ideally make it to Nathanos before sunrise and attend to him before the orcs found him in such a vulnerable state. Anya said that Velonara and Loralen had fortunately not been injured because Nathanos had interceded.
Having now realized the full context, Vel fluttered down next to them and rapidly took her elven guise. Both Sylvanas and Anya instinctively reached for arrows at the same time, but they paused upon Sylvanas recognizing her niece’s voice. Her eyes narrowed.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Let me come with you.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: You followed me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I did. The infection. I know what it is, it’s what we were dealing with.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: So you were eavesdropping as well.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I would apologize, Ranger-General, but I believe I would be an asset in this instance.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: This is Farstrider business, Velameestra.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Be that as it may, I am also a named ambassador of the sin’dorei with an intimate familiarity with what you are going to be dealing with. And if it’s Nathanos, I believe it qualifies as family business just as readily.
Sylvanas grit her teeth.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Fine. If you think you can help, I’d be foolish not to accept it.
Back at the camp, Alleria had gotten up to follow after Vel after they had a very brief exchange using thieves’ cant. Turalyon furrowed his brow and asked if Alleria was alright. Alleria assured him everything would be before she set off into the dark.
Vel had started to conjure phantom steed, and Alleria likewise emerged from the shadows and asked Sylvanas to come too. Sylvanas said she wasn’t surprised Alleria followed, and Alleria retorted she was still her big sister. Sylvanas relented, and admitted her skills would be valuable.
Gil also showed up, and Sylvanas sighed heavily. She told him to go back. He said he wanted to help, but she said it was Farstrider business and he was no longer a Farstrider. Gil asked if it was Farstrider business or if it was more personal, and Sylvanas insisted on him returning. Alleria, however, also said he might be able to help.
Sylvanas threw her arms up and relented. She asked Vel if could make two more steeds. Vel said Gil wouldn’t need one, and at that moment Ara’shel got bigger and took on the guise of a dragonhawk.
They took off beyond the gate, riding hard and fast. They passed zones that had seen a great deal of conflict and were destroyed.
October 20th
As they got a mile and a half out from the Marris Stead, there was a figure collapsed in the midst of the old road. When they drew closer, they saw she was a farstrider. Sylvanas dismounted swiftly and recognized it as Velonara. She had long, dirty blonde hair, and Sylvanas leaned down to turn her over. There were claw marks.
Vel called for Sylvanas to step away from her, but at that moment, Velonara lurched forward to bite Sylvanas. In that split second moment, Anya tackled Sylvanas out of the way. Velonara latched onto Anya. Within moments, Sylvanas rolled over and pinned Velonara’s limbs to the ground with arrows.
She then rushed over to Anya to check on her, and Anya winced, but she said it was just a scratch. However, she then looked over to Vel, whose expression was dire and haunted as she recognized that Anya had ultimately also been infected.
Anya Eversong says: I... take it that doesn’t matter, does it?
Vel slowly shook her head. Sylvanas’s eyes widened as she looked between Velonara and Vel.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: What. Happened?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s the plague. The one we were contending with. He blighted the Eastweald. That’s what I was talking about at the meeting. We need to find the other two.
Anya asked how long the spread of the infection normally took, and Vel said it could range, but it ultimately acted quickly. Anya said she would watch over Velonara while they found the others, and they would ultimately figure something out.
They headed to the Marris Stead, and the first thing they saw was two hounds lurking on the outside of the homestead. Their flesh was torn, and their eyes were dead. Parts of cloth and sinew were still dripping from their maws.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The hounds are infected!
Sylvanas and Alleria immediately loosed their arrows. The dogs didn’t drop even as arrows pierced their body. Vel disappeared as she used [Steel Wind Strike], slicing down the dogs with her claws. Sylvanas called for them to continue, and they entered a battlefield. Arrows and blood were everywhere, and they saw a figure bent over another figure.
There was the sound of chewing. There was the dark cloak of a ranger captain bent over another.
They saw the distended, cruel, and feral gaze of a human. His beard was caked with viscera, and his eyes were burning with mindless hatred. Nathanos Marris was no longer amongst the living.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Nathanos! No… Nathanos!
Nathanos started to stalk toward her. The body on the ground started to twitch, and its hand clenched. Standing up behind him was an older ranger, half her face was missing, and her white, pale hair was caked with blood, mud, and violence. It was what was left of Loralen. Nathanos lurched into a sprint.
Alleria put a hand on Sylvanas’s shoulder.
Alleria Windrunner says: We need to stop him!
Alleria drew her arrow, and shot Loralen’s leg. Sylvanas took aim at Nathanos, the arrow honed on his skull.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Sylvanas stop!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: He’s still in there.
Sylvanas grit her teeth.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: But-
Velameestra Windrunner says: Is this really how you want to say goodbye, Ranger-General?!
Vel’s voice cut with a sudden surge of intensity. Sylvanas’s hand shook, but at the last second she moved her aim downward and shot Nathanos in the knee.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Help me take him down. If there’s something you can do for him, then DO IT.
Vel grabbed her spellbook from her hip and opened it in her palm.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Keep him contained. I just need a few minutes.
Gil summoned a massive vine that pulled Nathanos’s leg out from under him. Alleria slid in and tied a rope to an arrow to closeline the undead and pin them to the ground. Sylvanas looked to Vel as she knelt down next to Nathanos.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Show me. Whatever it is you’re doing, show me.
Vel nodded as she then pulled out an onyx stone and started to chant the incantation. Necromantic magic seeped into Nathanos’s body and illuminated his eyes with an eerie light as the spectral thread materialized taught between her fingers.
Sylvanas channeled her own magic into the spell, abandoning her bow for the time being.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Say his name.
Sylvanas reached forward and grabbed Nathanos by the side of his face. He struggled, his jaw gnashing, and Sylvanas called his name over and over again.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Nathanos! Your Ranger-General commands you! Come back to my side. NOW!
The magic seeped into Nathanos as he fought against the influence.
Nathanos Marris says: …Syl… vanas…
His struggling stopped.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Nathanos…
Nathanos Marris says: Why… why are you here?
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I’m here to retrieve my rangers. You fool.
Nathanos pulled himself away.
Nathanos Marris says: You see… what I… what have I become?
Sylvanas grabbed him by his chin.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Don’t you DARE look away from me. You… you’re my ranger-captain, Nathanos Marris. When I command you to look at me, you will look at me, do you understand?!
Nathanos Marris says: …Yes. I understand.
Sylvanas was breathing heavily.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: We’re building something new. Things are changing. They won’t be the same. You’ll just need to grow and figure out what to do. Belore dammit! I’m not doing that without you, you idiot!
Nathanos Marris says: …As you wish. My lady.
Sylvanas looked down.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Can you help the other two?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Already on it.
The others were gathered, and their minds were restored to them. As Velonara came to, she withdrew a hand mirror as she looked down at the mess she was in. Her eyes grew wide in panic and fear as she laid eyes upon what she was. She entered a panicked state.
Loralen pulled her hood further over her face and said nothing as she was pulled back from the brink.
The sun was thinking about rising. Sylvanas was speaking almost to herself.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: This… this is some kind of cruel joke. This has to be some sort of nightmare.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If it is… we’ll get through it together.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: We’re still here with you.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Why? After everything I said and did–
Velameestra Windrunner says: You care about your family and just want them to be safe.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Not even the Ranger-General is immune to fear.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: …Belore, if I was. What I wouldn’t give for that.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Sorry to say… you’re like everyone else. We can’t escape our fears.
Velameestra Windrunner says: But it breeds the conviction to see things through.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That’s definitely one thing we all have.
Sylvanas turned back to them, and her eyes looked back to Nathanos, who had drawn his cloak over his face. She then looked at her three rangers.
Nathanos looked at her, went to look away, but then didn’t.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: … thank you. For insisting the two of you came. I suppose things would have been significantly worse had you not.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Fortunately it wasn’t.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: We don’t need to worry about what could have happened. I think the here and now is complicated enough.
Alleria and Anya returned, and Anya said it was probably wise to ensure she didn’t become a threat. It was decided that Alleria would simply turn her herself, quickly and painlessly as possible, and Vel ensured the newly risen vampyr didn’t burn up in the sun.
Vel conjured a teleportation circle to return to the Bulwark. Sylvanas didn’t sleep that night, as she immediately went to work enacting protocols to ensure disease creatures didn’t enter the Bulwark.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: We will get through this. I have to say… I would never understand what it would feel like to be in the boots of a Knight of the Silver Hand, yet here I stand…
Nathanos Marris says: What do you mean?
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Nothing.
Nathanos Marris says: I can stay with you Sylvanas. I need to make sure you are alright.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I’m fine! I will be fine if you are fine. So take care of yourself. I will come and find you soon.
Nathanos Marris says: I just…
Nathanos started to reach a hand out, but Sylvanas grabbed it and put it on her face.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: I’ll try to get some rest. So don’t even think about saying anything. Now go, before people wake up.
Nathanos Marris says: As you command, my lady.
Nathanos skulked away. He elbowed Lorelyn, as she likely made a joke at her expense. Velonara, however, said nothing.
Alleria looked at Vel and Gil and put a hand on their shoulders.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We should all get some rest.
Alleria Windrunner says: I hope she’ll be alright.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We won’t be that far away. All things considered.
Several hours later, everyone awoke and met up to head off to Capital City. Uther had stayed with his sister for the night so they could continue catching up. Ashwynn handed Uther a report to deliver back to the capital, and she apologized for how unbecoming it was for her to ask him. Uther assured her that, before anything, they were siblings. They embraced and Ashwynn told him she’d see him soon. Marwyn gave him a salute and a smile.
Turalyon was also heading back to the capital with Alleria. He hoped that everyone got a well enough rest, and Vel said it had been managed for as well it could be.
Kael’thas informed them that Anya had been assigned to accompany them, and Vel sensed the same concern for Anya from Alleria that she had for her.
Vel opened up a teleportation circle back to Capital City. Literally the moment they appeared in Jaina’s study, Uther was tackled in the back as Lianne leaped onto him. He immediately caught her legs as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Uther laughed jovially as he expressed he had missed her too.
Lianne Menethil says: You’re really alive! And oh wow, you really did mess up your hair.
Uther Menethil says: Who said that?
Lianne Menethil says: Well, mother said you got it cut, and from the sound of it, you messed it up.
She hugged his head.
Lianne Menethil says: I’m so happy you’re still alive! Do you know how worried I was? How much I cried because of you!?
She hopped off and landed with her hands on hips. She said she cried with all sorts of people and alone. She also greeted Remnii and Vel, and Jaina also welcomed them warmly.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: Jaina. It’s a pleasure to see you again.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Likewise, your majesty. I’m glad to see you hale and healthy. And I’m glad you already met up with everyone else. Grand Magister.
Rommath nodded in his own greeting. Further greetings were made and Jaina said there was time to share information over lunch. However, before that, she wanted to introduce someone, and she called for someone to enter.
She was unfamiliar to everyone but Remnii. It was a half-orc with tealish skin. She was wearing a beautiful golden-yellow dress that seemed to have been fitted from Remnii’s size, and she had makeup on as well as earrings and a laurel headdress. Two small horns were nestled in her hair along with a tail. She had a thick, sharp, broken off collar of heavy orcish steel with a chain attached to it. The collar had spikes that jut upward.
She looked at Remnii with genuine surprise.
Remnii says: Garona?
Garona crossed her eyes and looked away. Lianna pulled Uther a step forward.
Lianne Menethil says: Uther! This is Garona. She is my new friend! We met under, um, some accidental circumstances, but she’s been here! She’s extremely smart! And kind!
Garona looked to be getting increasingly uncomfortable with each compliment. Remnii sensed the air go cold behind her, and as she looked back at Maraad, his face was stone-cold as he looked straight at Garona.
Remnii shifted slightly so that she was partially in front of Maraad and she put a hand on his forearm.
Lianne explained that she had first met Garona when she was out riding. She had accidentally found her after Garona had gotten into a fight, so she was checking up on her. However, then some of the guards found them and then Garona took Lianne hostage, but she wasn’t hurt or anything. Arthas had helped smooth everything over, and apparently she could also use magic.
Jaina said she was doing a good job with her studies and not sneaking out, and Vel smiled and commented that she was doing better than her brother then. Uther laughed.
Garona asked if they believed Grom was captured, and Remnii confirmed. Garona asked if they knew who he was, and Vel confirmed they had been given the gist, and the current plan was for Sasha, Mag’beth, and Nazgrim to find the other Warsong.
Garona asked if they needed a translator. Vel said several of them were fluent with orcish, but if Garona was able to offer additional insights, it would be appreciated. Garona said she wasn’t sure if she could, but Lianne said that she was just being modest and was great at finding people. She said she had stopped playing hide and seek because she was too good.
Remnii nodded and expressed she had known Garona to be clever.
Garona says: I… I owe a debt. I will help if you believe it will help. I just… at least few Warsong would be of the Shadow Council. They cannot know I live. You understand.
She looked pointed at Remnii, and Remnii nodded.
Remnii says: I would hear the points I am missing, as I believe we have both missed much. If not now, sometime soon.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: I knew I recognized you!
He stepped forward.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: You fought alongside the Horde. We encountered you in that glade in Eversong. You were with the one called Garrosh, yes? The one who I faced in battle.
Garona nodded. Kael’thas furrowed his brow.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: You nearly killed me.
Garona says [orcish]: Not my proudest moment…
She switched back to common and assured him it was nothing personal.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: Is that so? And how did you end up here? I don’t recall seeing you in the frozen forest when we clashed against the others.
Garona says: That’s when I escaped. I was not there on my own free will. I got away.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: You’re a slave?
Garona bared her teeth.
Garona says: I believe that would be the common word, yes.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: …I see.
Kael’thas got a contemplative look as he looked at Garona, and then at Remnii. He was piecing some things together.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: At the very least, you are skilled, then.
Garona chuffed.
Garona says: You have others looking for them, but I will do what you need of me. I owe a debt.
Maraad was still quietly seething.
Remnii says: With Nazgrim? Will you be okay there?
Garona says: I don’t know him well. I… I don’t have many friends amongst the Horde, either. If he… if Garrosh learns I’m alive, I don’t think he would take it well, but I don’t know. If he’s loyal to him, then I don’t care. I’ll do what I need to. Better he find out than…
There was a name she didn’t say because she didn’t want to invoke it. Remnii nodded solemnly.
Garona says: I’m not a spy. I’m not here to betray. I’m just… I’m just trying to repay a kindness. But you have no reason to trust me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We can also assess once information is fully exchanged.
Garona says: My skills are yours.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: I would normally rely on my own network, but they are scattered and I have been unable to contact many. But if there’s anything you think you can do, don’t hesitate.
Garona nodded and thanked her. He looked at Uther and asked him if he was the chieftain’s son. Uther confirmed. She said that she owed him as well, as Arthas had spared her. She said that had she threatened the spawn of most chieftains, she wouldn’t have been shown that mercy.
Garona says: I don’t deserve it, but I live. It’s an honor to meet you.
Uther Menethil says: Consider that mutual.
Jaina clapped her hands together and she invited everyone to join her for lunch. She said that Arthas was handling a few things and would meet them there. She looked over at the other Arthas and asked if he was ready to meet him, and Arthas acknowledged he didn’t have much choice.
Jaina assured him that she could confidently say he had nothing to be afraid of. She reached out and took Arthas’s hand. He froze, but accepted the touch. Arthas said it was really hard to not believe her, and she smiled as she kissed his cheek.
Lianne Menethil says: Mother! What are you doing!?
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Oh… I never told you this. Oh… that slipped my mind. Lianne, there’s been a situation recently. I think your father… may have been split into two people. This is the other half of him.
Lianne looked over at Arthas and crossed her arms.
Lianne Menethil says: If you’re really my father, then what’s my favorite flower?
Arthas sighed and said he didn’t know because he didn’t have memories. He said she must be the third kid, and Lianne got huffy and claimed she was more than just a third kid. She was Princess Lianne Memethil! Not just a third kid. Arthas apologized, as he was trying to catch up on a lot, and he asked her to cut him some slack because he didn’t want her to be mad.
Lianne Menethil says: Well, father would be sad if I was upset with him. So if you’re my father, you need to make it up to me! But you’re on thin ice mister!
Uther Menethil says: Doesn’t sound unreasonable to me.
Arthas looked at Uther with an expression of betrayal, and said it was as she said. Lianne got a devious look in her eyes and she claimed Arthas got to sit next to her.
Liadrin said that she was going to check in with Mercy, but she thanked Jaina for the offer. Salandria pointed out they never got to eat at the palace, and Liadrin decided to relent at Jaina’s reassurance. Liadrin said she would ensure Remnii knows when Zabra returns with Natalie, and she also invited Seria, as she felt it would be a good meeting.
Remnii told them she would join them shortly, and she took Maraad’s hand as they went on a brief walk. He commented he had made her worry, and Remnii said she would worry for less.
Maraad says: The… half-blood. Garona. I recognize her markings. It was a tradition of the Bladewind clan.
Remnii didn’t recognize the name. Maraad explained they were the first of the orc clans to attack them unprovoked. They had started the war, and they were the ones that took his sister and he knew their markings well.
Remnii says: Do you know her?
Maraad shook his head.
Remnii says: By no means will I ask you to forget or forgive the hurts of the past. I know we may not always align. But Garona is a complex individual. I had some run ins with her long before I was reunited with you or the rest of our kin. She rarely has been allowed to be her own person. Look how young she looks.
Maraad says: I will try not to let it bother me.
Remnii says: It is allowed to bother you. She is the product of the fall of our home. I hope if she speaks true… that she may yet see herself as something beyond a weapon.
Remnii explained that she had been used for many things, and was always on a leash. She had escaped one leash only to get on another.
Remnii says: Though my experience with her is limited… I have never seen her as a free woman. I understand she simply being half draenei does not excuse what has happened, but suffering was clear. I tell you this so you may have context, but I will not tell you how to feel, Maraad. I only ask that you hear, on neutral ground, and perhaps see her as such.
Maraad sighed and assured her he would do his best.
Maraad says: If I start acting like a talbuk’s ass, just tell me. I don’t want to embarass you.
Remnii nodded and he thanked her. Remnii cupped his cheek and kissed the other as she touched their foreheads together. She said if he got overwhelmed, her suggestion was to take a walk.
They decided to take the scenic route back to the dining hall.
It was a wide open chamber with a large table. As Uther walked back through the halls, he felt a conflux of emotions as he reflected on who he was and who he had become. He was deep in thought about everything. Lianna pulled him back from his thoughts as she demanded if he was even listening to her. He admitted he was distracted after not being home for so long. Lianne didn’t blame him for that, but she said she was going to hold his hand so he didn’t get lost. He thanked her for looking after him.
As they passed, they heard a bunch of beeps from a flock of chickadees from a nearby tree. Lianne waved and greeted them before continuing on.
Arthas was waiting in the banquet hall when they arrived. He stood up to welcome them as they entered. His eyes then fell on Uther and he walked over with a fond “welcome home, son.” Uther thanked him and Arthas returned a genuinely warm smile.
King Arthas Menethil says: I didn’t know what to think when Jaina came back and told me you were all alright… I’m so glad to see you back. Please, all of you, take a seat, make yourselves comfortable!
Everyone filed in, and Arthas greeted each individual personally. Uther noted the one thing that wasn’t normal about Arthas: he saw more of Arthas’s uncertainty on display. Arthas told Remnii Mae was going to be excited to see her, as she had been truly distraught. Remnii thanked him for the warm welcome.
He then moved on to Vel and thanked her for looking after everyone, and he also thanked Gil for not murdering those present, as he understood there were a great deal of misunderstandings. He looked at Seria and said he didn’t think he had the pleasure of meeting her. Seria nodded and introduced herself.
Then he got to Kael’thas and said it was always a pleasure to host him. Kael’thas agreed it was always wonderful to see him. It was evident that Kael’thas was scrutinizing him, but he thanked Arthas for opening his home to him. He went and sat down next to Vel.
Arthas then got to the other Arthas. He said that it was a pleasure to make his acquaintance, and he introduced himself. The wild Arthas asked Arthas why he said the introduction like it was a question.
There was some confused tension, as it was very strange for them to meet each other. They went back and forth, and wild Arthas said he had no idea what happened as he just woke up in a cave being tortured by a dragon. The king Arthas said he was also in a cave with a dragon when he was rescued.
Uther knew immediately they were both his dad, and he exchanged a look with his mother. The king Arthas proclaimed they should just have lunch, and Turalyon and him also exchanged greetings. King Arthas invited wild Arthas to sit next to him, but wild Arthas refused the invitation at first. Lianne proclaimed that she was going to sit between them.
The entire room was watching the entire exchange, bewildered.
However, they had a wonderful lunch of pecan apple salads and poultry. The vampyrs present simply partook of drinks, and Jaina and Arthas were caught up on everything that was important, including the plague and the evidence of the Scarlet Crusade’s involvement.
King Arthas Menethil says: Truly?
Uther Menethil says: Indeed.
Vel pulled out the manifesto across and pushed it across. Arthas shared it with Jaina, his brow furrowed as he expressed that many of them were nobles within Lordaeron, on top of the Scarlet Crusade being implicated with magister Fireleaf.
Rommath Pyrewing says [telepathically]: Indeed. Something I plan to speak with him about, personally.
King Arthas Menethil says: I… I can’t believe they would do this. Have you told anyone else?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Just the Convocation.
King Arthas Menethil says: I find it hard to believe the entirety of the Crusade would be on board with this…
Velameestra Windrunner says: They weren’t. Baron Fordring was taken in as a traitor for questioning it.
Turalyon nodded.
Turalyon Windrunner says: Something truly corrupt has been root in the heart of all this.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: I intend to get to the bottom of it as well. On that you have my guarantee, your Majesty.
Arthas nodded and said it couldn’t be allowed to stand.
King Arthas Menethil says: The Crusade has a barracks here in the city. They have since they were established. With this evidence in hand… what if we called a tribunal? Called their leadership to meet before a court, along with the names implicated. We can get tot he bottom of this that way?
Turalyon Windrunner says: A sound strategy, Arthas. I’m certain they may have ways to avoid it, and there are those that would refuse to show, but that in itself would be an act of condemnation. If you would be willing, as a representative of the Silver Hand from an unaffiliated power given Stormwind has seceeded recently… I would be glad to precide. I am unbiased third party, after all. Not associated with the Crusade nor the Alliance. I am in a curious position.
Liadrin Everpost says: I would be happy to help as well. I’m not directly affiliated with Lordaeron either, and while I am a priest of teh Holy Light, I believe the two of us together could offer some unique perspectives that the Crusaders could not dance around.
King Arthas Menethil says: That sounds like a good idea.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Lets do it, dear.
King Arthas Menethil says: Alright. We can start to send out the subpoenas. We’ll hold it two days from now. Amicable?
Turalyon nodded.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I believe that’s wise. They will need to defend themselves publicly, and they may also trip themselves up publicly.
Liadrin said that they had a plan, and if they were able to prove the Crusade did not have the best interests of Lordaeron in mind, then they may be able to shut everything down.
Maxwell Tyrosus says: And rescue Taelan as well. The lad’s a good soul. Even though he was a part of the Crusade. I wager there are others within their ranks as well. If they can be convinced, I’m sure those folks that are just trying to do good will flock against it. But getting to that point will be tricky.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: How are we going to prove this isn’t a manipulation?
Jaina acknowledged that was ultimately the tricky part. Vel offered to give thought strands as she had witnessed the encounter with Taelan, and Jaina said they might also try to discount them as manipulated as well, but if they could offer evidence of the dealings of Capless Feather Grains on top of this, the knowledge would ultimately be out, and it would be hard for anyone to lie.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: There’s another thing we need to consider. Your testimonies as mercenaries can only go so far.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: We don’t have much of a name behind us.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: No… I understand the inherent risks given the obvious dangers. But if you would be willing to testify as yourselves, that may provide a greater level of veracity to your arguments. A random mercenary or sellsword is one thing, but that of our own prince is another thing entirely. But… obviously if you do so, that information will spread, and that is a danger. I have too much of a conflict of interest to advise you, but I’ll leave that to you. I know many of you saw the terrors there… for those who believe it would be safe to do so, it may be worth considering.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We have some time to consider the pros and cons.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: For some of you it would be too much of a risk… the last thing I want is for you to put targets on your heads for a different conflict.
She looked at Gil and Victor and assured them they had no obligation to reveal themselves, and it was wise if they didn’t. Gil and Victor both agreed, as Gil was still a wanted criminal, and Victor couldn’t let his father know where he was.
Jaina assured them they would get through things even if it was difficult, and she told everyone lodgings were available if they needed them, and if they needed anything, they simply needed to ask. Wild Arthas asked what he should do, and Jaina advised him to lay low and she wanted to run some tests with the both of them there.
But ultimately it was going to be confusing to the populace if they started seeing two Arthases. King Arthas proposed wild Arthas could pose as a body double. Wild Arthas furrowed his brow and asked why he had to be the body double.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …With respect, your Majesty, one of you has a much better public face right now.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: And you don’t even remember anything.
Remnii says: Worst thing is to forget a name!
Uther Menethil says: Father, I love you dearly, but can you even name a single noble?
King Arthas Menethil says: Of course I can!
Uther Menethil says: Not you, father, other father– ah this is hard.
Vel offered king Arthas a quick glance, and he seemed physically healthy, but he also appeared to be more demure in his mannerisms. Jaina asked if Vel wanted to join her in taking a look at them later, her own expertise and insights would likely be invaluable.
The group was given leave to go and do what they would. Vel offered to look at Uther’s shield to see if maybe they could get something setup so that he could read the discs despite him not knowing titanic.
As Garona, Remnii, and Maraad went to leave, Garona said that if Maraad had a problem he should just spit it out. He turned to Garona and said he recognized her markings. He asked when she was born. Garona grit her teeth and asked why he wanted to know that, and Maraad replied he knew the Bladewind and what they did to his people.
He wanted to know if Garona was a part of that.
Garona says: I barely knew the clan before it was wiped out.
Maraad says: What?
Garona says: Before the clan was wiped out.
Maraad says: What do you mean wiped out?
Garona says: What else could I mean!? They were killed to the last one. You were the one who did it.
Maraad shook his head.
Maraad says: We… the draenei you mean? We did not wipe them out, we rescued our prisoners! We struck back and took back what was stolen! We attacked raiding parties.
Garona says: Then what happened to the rest of them? The villages?
Maraad says: I was there. I was on the front lines! I know that I killed many of your people, but I never struck those who were not ready to fight. I never attacked innocents!
Garona says: They’re not my people.
Maraad says: Then why do you have their markings!?
Garona says: Do you think I had a choice? Look. I don’t know where they went. If you didn’t wipe them out… then it was probably him. Everything was him. It always comes back to him.
Garona sank back in her chair.
Garona says: I killed a lot of people. I don’t know if they were people you knew. But most of the people I killed were orcs. Not draenei. There were plenty of other people to kill them.
Maraad nodded.
Maraad says: Then... I have no reason to hate you. It’s… clear to me that you’re as much a victim of the Horde as we were. I’m sorry if my glances made you feel uncomfortable. I just… I lost someone during the raids. Someone I was not able to save.
Garona bowed her head.
Garona says: My condolences.
Remnii says: This will not be the last time discussions like this will be had. But in all my odd times with you, Garona… I hope whether I am a part of those things or not, I hope for better things in the future. You look beautiful.
Garona winced.
Garona says: Don’t say that.
Remnii says: Very well.
Garona said she was going to go and get some fresh air. As she walked past Vel, the elf could tell the shackle she kept tugging on was not cursed. However, it was warded from detection. Vel asked Jaina later about the shackle, and Jaina said Garona had refused to remove it.
Remnii put a hand on Maraad’s arm as he expressed the conversation had been bad, and she said there was no way that conversation wouldn’t have been rough. Maraad said he believed he needed to meditate for a while.
Remnii says: The scars of Draenor are more like wounds still. We have some long way to go.
Remnii did some loose assessment of the situation around the basilica, as it was heavily watched. She heard that Benedictus had not left the burned ruins of the basilica, and Mae, who was over the moon to see her, informed her that Jaina had arranged guards to bring food to Benedictus so he wouldn’t starve. However, there were regularly missionaries that entered to deliver the food. She took the opportunity to begin to prepare to go see him.
Gil had decided to go see the red dragonleaf tree, as he had recalled seeing it before he had gotten involved with the dragons. It seemed to be growing strongly, and he pressed his hand to the bark. It was warm. A thought came to him, and he considered what would happen if Daval Prestor saw the tree. However there was no indication of tampering. Gil asked a gardener if they had noticed anything strange, and he pointed at the dragonleaf tree. The gardener said it had drawn much attention after it was planted in the last year, including king Daval Prestor himself. He had asked about the tree on his last visit and was curious about where it came from. The gardener explained it had been a gift given to Uther from the Wildhammer, and the gardener had been amazed the tree took to the soil so readily.
Vel had spent some time helping Jaina look over the two Arthases. They determined that there were actually some physical differences: wild Arthas was stronger, but it appeared king Arthas was where he was before he was kidnapped. Their blood was also identical. Wild Arthas also only had sparse echoes of magic ability, but king Arthas was still capable of all the paladin miracles he was before. Vel took a sample of each Arthas’s anima, and as they got closer, they sucked together and combined immediately. Vel expressed that, at Arthas’s core, it did seem they wanted to reunite as they were in fact effectively split parts of a soul. Jaina looked at the two Arthases in exasperation and asked what in the world Onyxia did to them. Wild Arthas said he would tell her if he knew, and Jaina said it was a rhetorical question, and king Arthas had to then explain to himself what that word meant. Jaina thanked Vel for her help, and also thanked the two Arthases for their cooperation.
Later on that evening, Uther approached Vel’s former bedroom, which was where she was once again staying. He knocked, and she called for him to enter. He greets her as he entered, and she asked what she could do for him.
Uther Menethil says: I was hoping you could convince me of something.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Of what?
Uther Menethil says: Convince me to not testify as myself.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Ah…
Uther Menethil says: I’m certain there are pros and cons. But my gut, my heart, and my soul…
Velameestra Windrunner says: I…
Vel hesitated for a moment as she put down the pen she had been writing with, and then she closed her eyes and sighed.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The biggest con… would be that this would get back to Daval Prestor. But… that would be a… ultimately we’re going to be leaving again, once things are situated. In theory, that would draw his attention up here just in time for us to go back down south.
She tapped her claws on the desk.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Uther… is this what you want to do?
Uther Menethil says: Being back has been hard. I know I’m not king, but these are my people. Just because my father wears the title does not absolve me of their plights. And their hurt.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright, in that case, I don’t think there is anything I could say that would convince you otherwise. If that is what you want to do, and that is what you believe you need to do, then we can work with it. Ultimately you being alive is not evidence we were the ones that rescued Victor, and it would split Prestor’s attention. After all, he’s looking for his son down south, but then you would be here. So I think we can work with it.
Uther offered a small smile.
Uther Menethil says: Not foolhardy or reckless?
Velameestra Windrunner says: No. In this instance, it is a calculated decision that has pros and cons that are pretty equivalent on either side. So I think it’s a good gut feeling.
Uther beamed at her.
Uther Menethil says: Thank you Vel, that means a lot.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Of course. And, truthfully, I do believe it will be rewarding across the board to see the likes of Othmar Garithos confronted with the dead crown prince of Lordaeron.
Uther Menethil says: I do not like that man.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t either. I doubt many do. But in this instance, I suppose you can give him and the rest of them a show. Which, obviously, we should likely separate our identities with how we appear. If you’re standing as yourself with us in affiliation, people will just make assumptions about the rest of us. But we have time to sort that out.
Uther Menethil says: Then I should make the show a good one.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You are good at that. I doubt you’ll have any issue. And we can plan for that tomorrow.
Uther thanked Vel again, and she offered a small smile.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Good night, Uther. And good job. With everything.
Uther Menethil says: I know you already know this, but I think you’re doing a fantastic job too.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …thank you. That doesn’t mean I don’t like to hear it all the same.
Uther Menethil says: Strange. The last time we were in these walls… I wouldn’t even recognize the version of us that exists in my memories.
Velameestra Windrunner says: A lot has happened in the last two years.
Uther Menethil says: Has it really been that long?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Give or take some margin of error, given the time dilation and things. But we’ll figure it all out.
Uther nodded and asked if she would be receptive to a quick game of Hearthstone before bed, and Vel agreed, as she ultimately was due a rematch after the last win Uther had managed to secure. Uther was glad to hear it, and they settled down for a quick match before Uther left to head to his room.
Maraad smiled at Remnii as she entered the chapel later that night with dinner. He greeted warmly and expressed that he had been thinking on everything that had happened.
Maraad says: A selfish thought… do you think it would be… would it be overstepping if I offer to… help her? She is a victim of the Horde. She has always been. And even if she’s killed people or done wrong, so have I. I am in no place to judge her. If she was born after the raids, it’s clear her origin… is as happy as a tale as her life. The Horde has not been kind to her. Maybe… maybe she could find something on the other side of her lineage. Perhaps there are even survivors. Relatives. Those who she may share blood with. I don’t know where we would begin, but if she has family… does she not deserve to know? If I was in her position I would want to know. I don’t know why I have been thinking about this so much. But I think I just want to help her. Is that selfish? Is this me trying to make amends for my own failures? Am I simply projecting? Hoping that by leading her to some better future, I might help myself? Is that wrong?
Remnii shook her head thoughtfully.
Remnii says: I… perhaps this is my own sort of soothing, but I often times find myself realizing there is no clean way to understand what happened or what is happening now. What we do make of it is our choice. I think the baseline to help her is a good thing. But there must be the understanding she may take time to warm up to you.
Maraad says: I don’t believe I made a good first impression.
Remnii says: I believe I made a blunder myself. But you will need patience. Something wonderful can bloom, but if she does not want your help… then you must understand that she may not be ready for it.
Maraad says: You are as wise as ever, Remnii. All I can do is offer, and perhaps ask lady Windrunner… she has strange magics I do not understand, but she is smart and good at finding things. I would not be surprised if one of her blood incantations can help us find if she has anyone left. If that is possible.
Remnii says: Why don’t we ask Lianne if Garona is ever seen in the sparring yards? If she is, that may be good common ground to start.
Maraad says: That’s actually a very good idea.
Remnii says: If she’s not there, then we know she doesn’t engage on that front. We would learn something. But it may be an easy door. To simply… share in that.
Maraad says: Would you mind introducing me to your friend? She seems fond!
Remnii chuckled and asked if she mentioned the princess club, and Maraad laughed and said that he hadn’t understood the meaning of the word before. Maraad said they could talk to Lianne tomorrow, and he pressed his forehead against Remnii’s.
Maraad says: Thank you, Remnii. I am so lucky to have you here. I hope you know I love you.
Remnii searched his face, and she inhaled.
Remnii says: I love you too.
They kissed.
October 21st
The next morning, everyone woke up one by one and started to head down for breakfast. Uther had gotten up and started to get ready, but then he heard a firm knock on his door.
Victor Prestor says: Uther, are you in there? Are you awake? It’s me.
Uther Menethil says: Of course cousin.
Victor entered, and he seemed a bit perturbed and bothered.
Uther Menethil says: What’s troubling you?
Victor Prestor says: Have you seen Velameestra this morning?
Uther Menethil says: No, not since last night. Why?
Victor Prestor says: She didn’t stop by last evening. She comes to visit to… she has some magic she’s been using on me. It makes the nightmares less… difficult. It makes the headaches stop. She didn’t stop by last evening. I fell asleep without realizing it. I was wondering if you had seen her. She wasn’t at her room.
Uther Menethil says: …Uh huh.
Victor Prestor says: When did you speak with her?
Uther Menethil says: Last night before bed. I wasn’t certain of the time.
Victor Prestor says: I don’t know when I fell asleep. Look. I don’t like this.
Uther Menethil says: Let me finish dressing, and then we’ll go looking for you.
Victor started to pace.
Victor Prestor says: She hasn’t missed one of these check ins since we started. Even the night of the ziggurat! She stopped by after that. I don’t know. I don’t like this.
Uther Menethil says: It’s alright, cousin, we’ll get to the bottom of this.
Victor urged him to hurry up. But then he realized he snapped at him and he apologized because he hadn’t slept well last night.
They searched, and they didn’t find any sign of Vel. Eventually, they found the rest of the group, and Uther greeted them and asked if they had seen Vel. Remnii said she didn’t.
Victor Prestor says: She missed her check in last evening. She always comes to use... she called it mind blank I think? It makes the headaches less severe. I don’t know where she is.
Gil tried to send his sister.
Gilveradin Windrunner says [sending]: Vel where are you? Victor’s looking for you.
There was no response.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Well, that can’t be good.
Uther Menethil says: What can’t be good?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: She didn’t respond.
Remnii had started to scry, and Uther ran off to find his mother in her study. She was having tea with Kael’thas.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: Uther, good morning, is everything alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
Uther Menethil says: Vel’s missing.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: What!?
Uther Menethil says: She’s not in her room. There was no check in with Victor. She’s not responding to sendings.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: Have you spoken with her uncle? She checks in with him every night.
Uther Menethil says: I haven’t yet, no.
Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil says: We’ll figure this out. I’m sure she’s around somewhere.
They returned to the banquet hall, and Gil sent Rhonin and asked if he had heard from Vel.
Rhonin Windrunner says [sending]: Yeah, she sent me a message last night like normal.
There was a pause.
Rhonin Windrunner says [sending]: What happened?
Gilveradin Windrunner says [sending]: We can’t find her this morning and she’s not responding.
Rhonin Windrunner says [sending]: I’ll make my way to the city when I can. Let me know if you find her. Take care, kid.
Gilveradin Windrunner says [sending]: Let ann’da know.
Remnii finished the scrying, and the mirror swirled. It grew cloudy, and then it failed to create an image. Behind her in the mirror, she saw Jaina and Kael’thas looking quite concerned.
