(2022-08-10) Back Out Into the Beyond

Details

Author:	Disknight
Summary:	Velrin is called back to Darnassus to receive a special assignment.
Rating:	T for Teen

Velrin strode through the streets of Darnassus. For the past few weeks, she had been kept posted close to home in an attempt to get her to rest. The restlessness it brought her was frustrating beyond words, but she was finally starting to relax. Either that or thoughts of a certain someone were keeping her cheery. Velrin smiled and tapped her pendant, “I hope he writes to me soon.” she said to herself quietly.

However, her peaceful days of guard duty seemed like they might be coming to a close. Commander Oceansong had summoned Velrin back to Darnassus for another special assignment. Furthermore, she had neglected to provide any additional details on what it was. Velrin shrugged. Sure, it was strange, but it was probably just to prevent her from having time to conjure up excuses for not taking it if it was too boring. Not that she would have done so anyway. Velrin smiled. She had much better things to worry about now.

When Velrin walked into the hunter’s hall, she saw Commander Oceansong at the far end, but next to her was another figure. She was covered from head to toe in light plate, shrouded in a long green cape, and carrying a large umbra crescent at her side. Velrin raised an eyebrow as she made her way to the commander.

“Elune adore, Velrin.” said Commander Oceansong.

“Elune adore, commander.” Velrin remembered her decorum and quickly bowed.

Commander Oceansong raised her hand to ease her, “My apologies for not having the messenger explain this summons further, but I thought it best for the Watchers to handle the details themselves.”

Velrin straightened herself back upright, “The Watchers? But… I already debriefed them on my work concerning the demon hunters in Felwood.” A chill shot down her spine, “Don’t tell me Nylarria has done something…”

The armored woman shook her head, “Be calm, captain. The bracers remain safe and sound in the Vault of the Wardens. My business with you is of a different nature.”

Velrin cocked her head.

“The Watchers were quite pleased with the work you did for us in Felwood, and unprompted at that. We would have use for someone with such drive.” She continued. “And after listening to everything Fyrdriel had to say about you, I simply could not think of a better candidate.”

Velrin opened her mouth slightly and glanced between the two women in front of her.

The Commander smiled and motioned to the armored woman, “My sister, Warden Shaldira Oceansong.”

The warden nodded, “I am pleased to meet you in person, Captain Silverbloom.”

“L-likewise, Warden Oceansong…” Velrin bowed again and stuttered, “Apologies if I am not as poised as you imagined, I must admit, your presence here is much of a surprise to me.”

“That is understandable. This plan was conducted with some haste at my own request. Would you hear it out?” She inclined her head towards Velrin.

Commander Oceansong looked at her expectantly.

“I-I..” Velrin cleared her throat, “Very well. I live to protect the forest and all who call it home.” She adopted a serious expression, but her heart was pounding. She had a very bad feeling about this…

“Excellent.” the Warden nodded again, “Then if you have accepted, I will give you the details of your new mission.”

A mission at the personal request of a warden… Velrin thought.

“As I am sure you know, Warden Maiev Shadowsong pursued Illidan Stormrage into Outland. However, we have not received communication from her or her forces for some time now. Unfortunately, the bulk of our reserves were a part of this venture, so we have been hard pressed to find others to seek her out as we cannot neglect our chief duty of protecting the Vault of the Wardens.”

Commander Oceansong looked at Velrin with pride.

Velrin swallowed, “Of course… So what would you have me do?”

“There is a famous mercenary company, Cobalt Company, which I hear is going to be venturing into Shadowmoon Valley in the coming weeks. I would have you join them and support them in their efforts, acting as the eyes and ears of the Watchers until Maiev and the others are found.”

Velrin started to feel dizzy, “But… going to Outland… My chasing the Betrayer and his minions… Surely you know what that nearly cost me!?”

The Warden nodded, “I do. And I trust that you have learned from the experience.”

Velrin wanted to protest, but no words came out.

“None of Cobalt Company’s members have experience in Shadowmoon. Your assistance will be invaluable to their efforts, as will their support to an assassin as skilled as yourself.”

“I agree with Shaldira.” Commander Oceansong chimed in, “You have ever served faithfully and without complaint. I could not name another sister under my command whom I would rather entrust this duty to.”

Velrin’s head swam with thoughts. What if she failed? What if Cobalt Company had no interest in her goals? What if she was captured by the Illidari? What if they tried to turn her into one of them too? How could she possibly-

“Do you accept, Velrin Silverbloom?” asked the warden.

Velrin suppressed a sigh and nodded.

The warden’s body was completely covered, but Velrin could tell from how she carried herself that she was smiling.

“Good.” she responded, “Do you still have the medal that we gave to you?”

“I do.” Velrin said in a slightly confused voice as she produced the silver and green owl medallion from her bag. She held it in front of her.

The warden revealed a hand from under her cloak, scratched the medal, and hid it alongside her arm back in her cloak’s green folds, “As thanks for your continued support, I would bestow upon you a more fitting gift.” She nodded to Commander Oceansong.

The commander walked back and knelt down in front of a small chest that rested on the floor. She opened it, removed its contents and stood back up, walking over to present them to Velrin.

It was a suit of green, leather armor. Velrin reached out hesitantly and grabbed it. She squeezed and twisted it to feel the material. It was heavier than her Quel’dorei made armor, but it was stronger, and much more flexible. Exactly what she needed. Velrin smiled. She was strong enough that the weight wouldn’t slow her down, and the added protection and greater mobility would be invaluable.

“I am glad to see that you like it, Velrin.” said the commander.

Velrin’s head snapped back up.

“You have my thanks, captain.” the warden bowed, “On behalf of the Watchers and as Shaldira Oceansong both.”

“Of course…” Velrin said softly, “I am the blade of the forest. It is mine to serve.” She looked back down at the armor, trying to distract herself from an impending feeling of dread.