[Alliance] Chapter Three: Session One

Appearing Characters: Aretain Naris, Arthas Menethil, Ashwynn Menethil, Benjamin Warde, Calia Prestor, Elissa Cross, Falric, Gilveradin Windrunner, Galadin Windrunner, Giramar Windrunner, Jaina Proudmoore-Menethil, Jalinde Summerdrake, Julia Celeste, Kurdran Wildhammer, Lianne Menethil II, Lieran, Loania, Natalie Seline, Remnii, Rhonin Windrunner, Saldor Shallowbrook, Syndrissin Naris, Talath Dawnsworn, Uther Menethil, Valeera Sanguinar, Valimar Mordis, Velameestra Windrunner, Victor Prestor, Voldana

Introduction

One the first day of the final month of the 632nd year of the King’s Calendar, there was to be held a summit of all the leaders of the Alliance who wish to see and hear of what happened beyond the war. And where representatives can decide what is to be done next. However, in the nearly three months between then and now, summer turns to autumn, and autumn to winter, and with the droves of refugees displaced from Quel’Thalas, the kingdom of Lordaeron faces one of their greatest challenges. As the kingdom adjacent to the elven nation, they are the closest to this conflict. The king and queen of Lordaeron, Arthas and Jaina Menethil, have done everything they can to ensure those displaced by the war have a place to stay, and though the bountiful kingdom has not seen a famine in many years, with so many people, they will be hard pressed, and the winter may just be long and arduous. But they have not lost hope nor faith.

Now within the kingdom, coming directly from the heart of the conflict in Silvermoon, Prince Uther was slain in battle only to be brought back from a traveler from a distant star. As he and his companions spread to the four wings, destiny would bring them back together in time. But for the time being, they went about, taking care of what business they could before war would call for them again.

Remnii spent much of her time learning common and helping the church.

Vel created a manifesto of refugees, and then returned to Dalaran, where she coordinated with Aethas Sunreaver to start rooting out potential warlocks that also escaped into the human kingdoms. During this time, spurred on by this threat, the Sunreavers were formed.

Through the course of time Vel spent with the Sunreavers, she was able to meet with some of the members of the new organization and show them what she learned. She was able to give them a frame of reference of how she had seen the warlocks operate, and the aspects of society they were trying to undermine, and in turn she got a glimpse of the darker aspects of Dalaran. She didn’t see much of it, but some of the Sunreavers were more well-acquainted, and it became a bigger target. No warlocks were found during this time, but she was able to form a few connections with the Sunreavers. From within the fledgling group, there were a few Vel was able to become acquainted with.

She was also able to sell her trace aura spell to the Kirin Tor, and made some progress with her training with Chillheart, as well as gaining alchemy proficiency.

Uther kept a rather rigorous and structured regime between his princely duties, studies, family time, and physical training.

Gil managed to sell several magic items and got the objects needed for Talath to craft him a ring of warmth. In addition, Talath gave him the sending stone that Vel had commissioned, and enchants Gil’s bow to create its own ammunition.

Which Gil is amazed about, and Talath is simply ecstatic it worked. He admits that he took some inspiration from Sylvanas's own bow, Thori'dal. Gil expresses he didn't know what to say, and Talath just asks him to stay safe and try to keep in touch.

The next day, Gil heads out. They all see him off, including Rhonin, Giramar, Galadin, Talath, and Vel. Giramar's new familiar, a small red squirrel, gives Gil an acorn for the journey, and Gil assures Rhonin he will watch out for himself. Though Rhonin subtly implies that Gil isn't the one he's truly worried about, having stealthily shot a glance at Vel. Gil tells everyone to take care of each other and then heads out, heading toward the Hinterlands. As late October sets in, Gil finds himself arriving to his destination. For the most part, he’s largely alone.

October 26th

As Gil approaches Aerie Peak, he sees great griffins carved into the faces of the mountains. He hears the cry of griffins overhead, and sees a flock of three or four flying above, and before him, the stone dwellings of the Wildhammer dwarves.

Scattered about are male and female dwarves both, their bodies covered in tattoos, as well as griffins both saddled and lounging about.

Gil climbs the steep hills of the city, and among the gathered people, an exceptionally tall dwarf catches his eye. On second glance, it turns out she isn’t a dwarf, though she is dressed just the same as the other dwarves. She’s a human with sunkissed skin, and her hair is a deep black braided in the same manner as the dwarves. She is tending to a griffin with grey plumage, and she is watching Gil with the same degree of curiosity that he is watching her.

Gil heads over to her, and she smiles, asking if Gil is lost. Gil asked if this was the home of the Wildhammer, and she confirms, though notes she thought he was looking for Quel’Danil Lodge. She also says that she doesn’t recognize him, and Gil confirms she was from Quel’Thalas, not the surrounding area.

The woman asks what business Gil had in Aerie Peak.

Gil said he was hoping to speak with Falstad, however, the woman said she doesn’t believe he’s around. Last she heard, Falstad had left to head back to Grim Batol in the northern highlands--south of Aerie Peak, past the wetlands.

She asks what business Gil had with Falstad

Gil says he came as a representative. He proceeds to explain the situation in Quel’Thalas.

The woman’s face steels as he explains. She says it wouldn’t hurt for Gil to tell the story to the High Thane as well. Given the situation, she believes that he may be able to make an exception to have an audience. Gil expresses he was hoping that was the case.

The woman asks what his name is, and he introduces himself. The woman acknowledges, then whispers soothing words in dwarvish to her griffin, whose name is Graysoar, before leading Gil into a larger building not too far away.

She greets several other people as they go along. She seems to be fairly well known. A few people tease her about Gil, and Gil pretends that he doesn’t know Dwarven.

Some of the jibes involve “always figured you’d bring back a taller one” to which the woman replies with a variety of “yeah right” and a friendly “fuck off”. In the process, however, Gil does hear her name. It’s Lieran.

Eventually, they come to a roost on the outskirts. There are collections of sticks, hay, stones, and dozens of gryphons about. Several young gryphons are playing, and a dwarf with a bright blonde beard pulls two of the more rowdy ones apart.

Lieran waves down the dwarf, and he greets her. Then notes that he doesn’t recognize Gil. It doesns’t seem like he’s from the Highveil.

Lieran proceeds to talk to one of the gryphons, and introduces the gryphon as Grayfeather--the mother of her own gryphon after she beckons Gil over.

Two hatchlings have approached Gil and started to sniff at his heel, making curious chirping noises. Gil pulls out some rations to hand to them. One of the gryphons snatches it, and the other starts to chase after it. Lieran laughs.

After some time, the gryphon master returns.

Lieran waits behind as the gryphon master leads Gil up a long set of stairs. They end up in a big chamber with two great openings that overlook the valley. They are actually inside the head of one of the massive stone gryphons.

There is no throne. It’s mostly just a stone chamber with a dais. There is another Wildhammer dwarf in the chamber. The only hair on his head is a long orange ponytail. The rest is covering his face with a thick beard. His bald skull is tattooed. A large gryphon wrests in the corner.

Gilveradin outlines the situation.

Kurdran blinks.

Gil nods.

Gil takes his leave, and Lieran heads to him and asks how it went. Gil said it went about as well as he expected.

Gil raises an eyebrow.

She laughs. Gil blanks.

The gryphon hisses at Gil.

Gil greets Graysoar by name in dwarven. She almost stares into Gil’s soul for a second. Then she stands up and comes over, and she sniffs around. She starts to pick at his armor. Gil just lets her do whatever she wants.

Then she almost stands up straight rather abruptly, and then settles in and gets down.

Lieran looks almost surprised.

Lieran rolls her eyes.

Lieran laughs and climbs aboard, then helps Gil up.

Lieran laughs and they take off. It would appear Lieran is a bit of a reckless flier. At one point, Gil starts to slip, but Lieran grabs him at the last second.

Nestled beneath the trees, they can see the lodge down below.

With Uther and Remnii, the day has finally come for the entourage from Lordaeron to leave and tour the countryside on their way up to Fort Crossing. Word has likely already reached them of the danger in the north, but a visit from their prince would likely raise their spirits, as well as an introduction from a visiting priest from afar.

It’s to be Remnii’s first true public appearance in the position that would indicate an honored guest. The crown has spread word of her existence, but to see her is another thing entirely. However, riots or the sort were not expected.

Remnii had already bid Raluhi farewell the previous evening at the Lordamere dock.

As they are preparing to leave, Remnii hears a familiar voice. As she turns, she sees, wearing heavier, light-blue silver traveling robes with a bundle of scrolls under one arm, and a backpack in another with a holy symbol attached to it, is the violet-eyed priestess Natalie Seline.

She greets Remnii with a smile. It would appear she is going to be Remnii’s first tutor.

They share a knowing smile, a faint air of friendly sarcasm between them.

Remnii bows.

Remnii smiles.

Natalie looks up and shields her eyes.

She prepares her horse as well--a black mare, seemingly the same one she rode here from Stormwind.

Meanwhile, Arthas and Uther are speaking, discussing the itinerary.

Uther blinks.

Arthas grins.

At this point, Arthas turns Uther around to one of the royal stable hands who is with Radiant. The barding that Radiant formerly had is nowhere to be found. Instead, he is outfitted with a beautiful set of war-ready barding with thick plates across his body, and beautiful tabards of both Lordaeron and the Silver Hand.

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Uther runs over to Radiant.

Radiant almost shakes at the armor, like it’s going to take time to get used to it, but he seems the appreciate the compliment.

Uther goes back to the map and puts his finger down to trace his route to figure out travel time. Judging from estimations, it looks like they will be able to arrive at Fort Crossing in late November.

As far as the entourage that will be going with them, some, like the grand marshal, have already left. Elissa, Arator, and Sir Benjamin will also be with Uther and Remnii, as well as Valeera. Jaina will be staying in Lordaeron to coordinate efforts and work with the Kirin Tor and the remnants of the representatives of the quel’dorei people.

Uther promises Lianne that he will bring her back something nice.

Lianne gives him a hug.

Jaina also sees them off after sharing a tender word with her husband. She says she looks forward to seeing them again soon.

Uther expresses he doesn’t think it will be too long. Jaina says she hopes he’s right, and bids them farewell.

Uther is at the head of the entourage, side-by-side with his father. Falric and Ashwynn are close behind. Remnii is nestled just behind the royal family in the section of honor, riding near sir Benjamin.

Valeera was to meet them outside the city.

Many elves have also taken to the streets to see them off. There is some whispering about Remnii. However, the elvish delegation has already taken off to Fort Crossing.

There are plenty of young noble ladies in the crowd waving at Uther and giggling. Uther has a small golden goatee at this point. At some point, Arthas mused about doing the same thing, but Jaina shot it down immediately.

Many of the trees are starting to turn, and the leaves are falling. They pass farmsteads, people raking leaves and preparing for the winter. Many stop and line the roads in small clusters to see the prince and the king, and the beautiful princess Ashwynn, as well as the strange guest. Even on some of the farmsteads there are elven refugees that had sought out work.

They pass guard towers, and some soldiers join the caravan for a bit only to part ways to head to another barracks.

October 21st

The group arrives in the city of Andorhal, and they see a bustling trade town. As they approach it, all the mills nearby are being emptied, but the granaries stand proud and tall. Benjamin explains to Remnii that Andorhal is almost smack dab in the middle of Lordaeron, and it serves as a hub city and is very prosperous. There are also a number of barracks here.

If anything were to happen to Andorhal, it would paralyze the kingdom, so it is well-protected.

But as they approach Andorhal, Uther spies something curious. There are a number of tents outside the city. It’s another military force camped outside, with the black and orange standards of Alterac flapping in the autumn air.

As they ride closer, Arthas also takes note.

As they approach, Arthas laughs quietly.

He points.

There’s a beautiful white mare with long fur over the hooves and beautiful Alterac barding, both elegant and utilitarian. But the barding looks like it was made in Lordaeron.

It’s Calia’s mare.

There’s another familiar horse there. It’s a beautiful destrier that had not been seen since Durnholde. It’s Victor’s.

As the Lordaeron entourage rides in, they are greeted by a few knights. One of them introduces himself as Valimar Mordis, a baron of Alterac, and he offers to go fetch Calia. They had thought they had missed the Lordaeron entourage.

Before long, sauntering through the camp with his mother behind him, is Uther’s cousin, Victor Prestor. Uther smiles, and Victor greets him with his arms outstretched.

Meanwhile, Arthas goes right for Calia, and they embrace.

Uther lowers his voice a bit.

Victor then greets Ashwynn.

They also embrace, and Victor goes around to greet the others.

Then Victor’s eyes fall on Remnii, and he freezes for a moment.

There’s a moment that Victor definitely looks Remnii from hooves to head, and he crosses his arms, and looks her up and down again.

Remnii watches, and nods.

He gestures to Arthas and Calia.

Uther then goes to greet Calia, and they also embrace. She expresses it’s good to see the countryside again as she hadn’t really seen it in nearly 20 years. She and Uther share a look, as that same countryside may become embroiled in war.

Calia also greets Remnii and wishes her luck in pursuing the path to priesthood, as she had once pursued that same route before her life took her a different way.

Julia Celeste is also present, and she greets them, as she will be traveling with them as well. She also introduces them to a quiet paladin named Aretain, and his brother, Syndrissin who appears to be a priest.

Arrangements are also made for traveling plans, and it’s decided Victor will go with Uther, while Calia will accompany Arthas.

Later that evening, Arthas approaches Uther with a solemn look. Uther just follows him without any words, and they cross the bridge east of Andorhal, and they enter Sorrow Hill. Many heroes that had fallen were buried here, including Uther the Lightbringer.

It’s a simple tomb with a small chapel that contains a single room. Sconces of gold everburning flame light the way into the chapel as Arthas and Uther pass through it. They are greeted with the towering visage of the statue of Uther the Lightbringer. Beneath it, the man himself is entombed.

There are many offerings. Flowers. Weapons. Holy books. Bottles of meade--namely his favorite kind. An alter is nestled in the back with a simple book of prayer, and a quill where one can write. There are notes folded and cast about, littering the ground in a beautiful mosaic of wishes and hopes to Saint Uther--the most recent of the saints accepted in the Church of Holy Light.

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Arthas steps in. Falric and Ashwynn remain waiting outside.

Uther and Arthas kneel before the statue.

There is a moment of solemn silence as they continue to kneel in respect and remembrance. The sun is gradually setting, and the window behind the statue dimming until nothing but the light of the moons above, and the candles and torches, illuminate it.

Uther feels a warmth inside of him, and he leaves his Uther the Lightbringer hearthstone card at the feet of the statue.

Arthas chuckles.

They almost fear like they are being watched as they leave. Without thinking, Uther looks back at the statue. There’s nothing there, but at the same time, perhaps there is.

As they head over the bridge in the moonlight, the ruins of Caer Darrow on Darrowmere Lake looms in the dark.

October 26th

Gil and Lieran arrive at the torch-lit lodge, and they can hear water lapping at the shore as the gryphon lands. A young woman is sitting near a lantern, and she was started awake by the arrival of the gryphon. It’s another human who looks a lot like Lieran, but the way she carries herself is completely different. She is wearing elvish clothing, and her hairstyle is more elven in nature.

The woman expresses she was getting worried.

They enter the lodge.

There is some banter. Then Loania recognizes Gil’s name.

Gil confirms.

Loania chuckles and stops in front of a door.

She calls for her mother in Thalassian, and also informs her that Lieran is there. The woman on the other side says she doesn’t need to knock.

They open the door, and the quarters show clearly that the occupant is likely a ranger, not just a farstrider, but it’s a bit more homey. There’s a large buck head on the wall, as well as a grizzly bear that was stuffed in the main hall. The decorations are clearly quel’dorei in make, but they are more woodsy.

The woman who greets them seems to be in her middle ages. She’s a proud-looking elf with long brownish hair in a long braid. She’s wearing simple clothing, and her armor is on a stand nearby with her bow.

There are also various books on arcane magic, which is curious.

The woman offers a smile to her daughter and her twin sister.

He holds out the letter.

The woman notes they already heard of the fall of their homeland, but orders from the Ranger-General should likely be opened as soon as possible. She suggests they should find Summerdrake.

They head outside, and there is a training yard. There is a red-headed elf there, a bit younger than Loania’s mother. The woman stops as they approach.

She see’s Gil.

Gil offers the orders to the woman, and she almost snatches the missive from him. As she reads, she laughs.

Gil stands patiently as the missive is handed to Voldana.

Gil confirms.

Voldana reads the missive aloud.

Summerdrake appears to be fuming

She also nods to Lieran, rips an arrow from a stump, and returns to the lodge.

Voldana smiles and brushes some hair from Loania’s eyes.

It becomes quickly evident they are very understaffed as is.

Loania and Lieran bid Gil goodnight and leave him to his chambers.

Gil talks to some other farstriders about how things are in the area. A few speak quietly. They aren’t harsh, and they are still welcoming, but they don’t seem keen to share information. They are more insular. Gil gets the sense that, while they are elves, they have almost evolved into their own sort of mini-state so far from Quel’Thalas. They almost have a separate identity from the elves in Silvermoon. While they are concerned for the homeland, they also fear for themselves.

The question passes Gil’s mind of when the last time there was a Windrunner present here was.

Gil beds down for the night.

October 27th

The next morning, he awakes to a quiet rapping on his door. An unfamiliar voice calls to him, informing him the ranger-captain wishes to see him.

Gil gets ready and opens the door. There’s another farstrider with a long braided ponytail of chestnut brown hair.

Gil is lead to a room. There’s an older elf there. He’s not quite as old as some of the really old elves, but he may have been around during the first troll wars, or was born soon after. There are some spectacles on his nose as he looks through his paperwork.

Gil leaves, then goes to find Lieran. He finds her hanging out with her twin sister. Graysoar is nearby chewing on a dead squirrel.

Loania grabs Lieran’s hand.

The pair get up and talk animatedly. Graysoar looks up at Gil.

The gryphon closes her eye and nuzzles closer.

The gryphon just clicks in response. Gil makes an attempt to use his magic to speak with her directly. Suddenly, the response she said sounds less indistinct.

Soon enough, the pair comes back, and Lieran looks a bit annoyed, but Loania looks more nervous, but happy. Clearly she won the argument.

Loania covers her mouth, but Lieran smirks.

Only Gil understands her.

Gil chuckles.

Gil just shrugs with a smile.

Loania comes back, and informs them Voldana is letting her borrow the dragonhawk on the condition it is fed well and cared for. She also mentions that she’s not that great of a hunter and she may need Gil’s help to feed the dragonhawk in question.

Gil said he can keep them fed.

Lieran then takes to the skies and heads toward the roost. Loania already has her stuff with her with a bow over her shoulder, as well as a spellbook on her hip.

They join up with Lieran, and Loania whistles for her mother’s dragonhawk. It’s a rather large dragonhawk with an almost silver coloration that turns into an orange-red. It perches on its wings on the ground and croons at Loania.

Loania, in Thalassian, in almost too-perfect diction, speaks to the dragonhawk, whose name is Summerflight. Loania saddles up. Lieran doesn’t use a saddle.

Loania holds a hand out to Gil, but Lieran comments that Loania is a novice, and Gil should ride with her, as Graysoar likes him.

They bicker a bit, then says Gil can ride with whoever he wants.

Gil blinks super slowly, still able to understand.

Gil flips a coin, and it winds up with Loania and Summerflight.

Gil looks at Summerflight.

Gil then hops onto the dragonhawk.

They all then take off. They see Voldana looking up, and she waves. Loania waves back down. Lieran takes that exact moment to do a barrel roll before charging ahead.

Gil realizes the days are steadily slipping through his fingers. By the time they get back, he will only have about a week to get back from the Hinterlands to Last Crossing.

He may not make it in time.

He sends his sister informing her what he’s doing.

Vel takes note, reminding him that the summit is December 1st, and their aunt is trusting him.

Back with Uther and Remnii, the next morning at Andorhal, the group leaves with their new traveling companions. The entourages part ways.

Arthas tells Uther to make sure his sister rests, and that Victor is not sneaking into any girls’ tents. Uther expresses his father has overestimated the control he has over his companions. Calia also asks Uther to watch out for Victor, as this war has already taken a toll on him.

Calia then bids farewell to the others.

October 31st

Uther’s group heads north toward Hearthglen, spending the next week and a half traveling. Hearthglen is the city that has never fallen, and the home of Tirion Fordring. The lord of Mardenholde Keep, Taelan Fordring, meets them at the gates. It’s the last day of October.

Decorations are erected throughout the city, and children are running about in costume in celebration of Hallow’s End.

It’s also Uther’s birthday.

Outside the keep there are a number of common folk gathering a grand number of sticks and lumber as they create the bottom half of a torso from them.

Despite the grim tone of the decorations, there’s a jovial air about everything.

Benjamin explains what is going on to Remnii. Remnii asks if this was for Uther’s birthday, but Benjamin says no, he just happened to be born on the same day.

Eventually the sun goes down, and Elissa asks Uther if they can go see “it”. Uther says of course, and Elissa gets super excited, as she hasn’t missed a wickerman in her life.

Elissa hastily explains it to Remnii, who is quite confused, and they go to see it outside the gates.

A bunch of others also go, including Victor and Natalie. There’s some chatter because there are two princes in the crowd, as well as the curiosity that is Remnii.

There are also some elves in the crowd as well. Many seem to be as confused as Remnii as this is largely a human custom.

An elder woman is addressing the crowd.

Her hands glow with a small degree of magic as she gestures at the wickerman.

She then lights a torch and raises it to the wickerman.

Everyone looks at him and the crowd parts.

There’s some whispering, and then everyone starts chanting.

There’s cheering and clapping, and Elissa nudges Uther forward as well.

Uther faces the crowd, extends his hands out to the side, small flames starting at the tips of his fingers, and then with a big, grand, arm swirling motion, he shoots a firebolt at the wickerman. The chest of the wickerman starts to burst into flames, caught alight.

Cheering begins, and what started as a crowd staring in awe, bursts into song and dance.

Elissa is right in the middle of it, dancing with people she’s never met before.

As the celebration takes off, Uther slips away for a bit, feeling a bit broody.

Remnii is on the sidelines, cheerfully observing. Eventually Victor saunters over to Remnii as he is unable to locate Uther. Remnii mentions she is simply taking everything in, as she doesn’t know anything about anything.

Victor then offers Remnii a gloved hand, as there’s no better time to learn than the present. Sir Benjamin nods encouragingly as Victor whisks Remnii into the crowd. Eventually she is swirled away from Victor.

However, Remnii too slips away, having noticed Uther hadn’t been smiling in his eyes the couple time she saw him. Ashwynn and Valeera are not participating, simply talking idly to each other.

They point Remnii in the direction of Uther, though Valeera said she didn’t want to bother him, and she had to stop Ashwynn from bothering him. There’s a squint from Ashwynn.

Remnii does find Uther.

She asks him how he is.

Uther smiles and stands up.

He holds his hand out.

Remnii presses something into his palm. It’s a pendant with a chain and the symbol of the church of the holy light on it.

Remnii explains it has 50 charges that does not recharge. It can be used to cast the light cantrip for free among other things.

Uther tries it, and it glows, flashing the symbol of a naaru as it cast light about them.

The two then head back to the party. Both Uther and Remnii are super bad at dancing.

As the last cinders expire, the group are finally drug back by Ashwynn to rest for the traveling the next day.

This page was last edited on October 03, 2019, at 08:09 PM

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