(2023-05-24) Treetop Seats

Details

Author:	Disknight
Summary:	Velrin and Taeavon scout out a vrykul village preparing to launch a counterattack before they can make their own attack on a supply convoy bound for Westguard Keep. They chat a bit while they work.
Rating:	T for Teen

Velrin and Taeavon sit perched up in a tree overlooking a vrykul village while Thoridas circles overhead keeping watch.

“Feels a bit weird always staking targets out like this.” Taeavon says.

Velrin raises an eyebrow, “How so, Lieutenant?”

“Just not used to taking the offensive like this quite so much. Usually I’d just follow them and wait for them to slip up before I strike. You like to make your own openings.” Tae smirks.

Velrin returns the smirk imperceptibly, being virtually invisible under the cover of night, “I don’t like leaving my victory up to chance. If I want something done, I make it so.”

“Wasn’t complaining, Captain. It’s been a little eye opening, working for an assassin.” Tae’s ear twitches. He glances over and sees a pair of shoveltusk bucks fighting. A bit unusual at night…

Velrin nudges him with her foot, silently asking what’s going on.

Tae raises a hand. He wants to observe more first. He uses a spell to throw his voice to another tree on the opposite side of the village and whistles a fjord hawk call to Thoridas. He always made sure to acquaint himself with the local wildlife of the area and train his companion to respond to the calls of local species as to remain inconspicuous. Thoridas adjusts accordingly and goes to observe the shoveltusks.

Taeavon strains his eyes trying to make sense of the situation.

Velrin tenses up, hands already making for her daggers.

Tae waves his hand, “We’re safe.”

Velrin relaxes and wraps her cloak tighter around herself, “Good. What was it?”

“A worg must have been out to do some late night hunting.” Tae explains, “Found itself right between two bucks’ territories. One spotted him and went to chase him off but got too close to the other’s territory so he came out to fight.”

Velrin chuckles, “You’ve really never been to Northrend?”

“No. It’s been interesting, though. Lots of animals here I haven’t really seen before.” He keeps watching the shoveltusks, “These things aren’t really like the deer we have back home. It’s been nice to be able to do notes from scratch for once again.” He finishes with a chuckle.

Velrin sits silent for a moment. She looks over at Taeavon gazing out at the bucks, the curiosity sparkling in his bright blue eyes. Velrin smiles. “I am glad for your watchful eye, but if there is no trouble, I’d rather you take notes on guard rotations for now.”

Taeavon snaps back to attention, looking out at the vrykul village, “Right. Sorry Captain.”

Velrin stifles a giggle before looking back out herself too, “There.” she points to a vrykul in a watchtower leaving his post, “Mark the time.”

“Got it.” Taeavon pulls out a notebook, looks up at the sky, and marks the time accordingly. “Not very punctual fellas, are they? These times are completely random. Every single one this week has been different.”

Velrin gets a lethal look in her eyes, “And each time they leave the tower unguarded while they wait for the next guard to take their post.” She nods to Taeavon, urging him to note that as well, “But only three guard changes a day…” Velrin shakes her head, “Their endurance almost makes up for their carelessness.”

“Almost. But not quite. Isn’t that right, Captain?” Tae gives her a knowing grin.

Velrin smirks and turns her away from him, “You are getting far too used to my mannerisms, Lieutenant.” She regains her composure, “But yes. What is the margin of irregularity with the times?”

“Looks like they’re all between midnight and three AM.” He looks up from his notes, “Not the best margin to work with.”

Velrin looks out at the village and opens her mouth slightly, baring her fangs, “My sisters know how to remain hidden.”

Taeavon catches a glance at her expression when he thinks she isn’t looking and clears his throat, “I guess all that leaves is drawing up some battle plans back at camp.”

Velrin nods, “I just want to get one last look at their fortifications with my own eyes. You said Captain Darinir will be finished with the device by tomorrow?”

“Yeah, he said so. Got a bit of an earful about how artificing isn’t really his specialty.” Tae bites his tongue for letting another thing slip that he probably should have kept in confidence. He’s not one for secrets, “But he’s a good mage. He’ll have it done.”

Velrin keeps scanning the area and notes that the new guard is finally in position. She nods to Tae to mark the time, “I’m glad to hear it. His specialty, though… it’s basically just a glorified smoke bomb to spread poison throughout their armory. Is it truly that difficult?”

“Ehhh, yes and no.” Taeavon marks down a few more notes, “Arcane magic covers a lot of different things. If you have a good working knowledge you can figure most anything out in a pinch, but most people only specialize in a couple schools.” He finishes and closes his notebook.

Velrin nods, considering, “I see… In my time in Dalaran I was mostly concerned with what magic could do I guess I didn’t pay much mind to how.” She turns to him, “And Captain Darinir’s specialty is?”

“Enchantment. Which isn’t a bad fit for the task you gave him. He knows how to do it, he’s just applying his skills in a way he’s not really used to. Normally he’d just be using spells on himself or his weapons.”

“I see…” Velrin nods as she listens.

Taeavon grins and puts his notebook away, “Don’t worry about it. When I told my mother that he was going to be my captain in the Silver Covenant, she even described his skill with magic as ‘adequate’.” He chuckles.

“I suppose I shall have to trust her judgment, then.” Velrin unwraps herself from the several extra cloaks she brought with her to keep warm.

Taeavon follows suit and packs up all of his own gear, “Are you gonna be coming with this time? I know our last raid you got called off to Dragonblight for a special assignment.”

“No. It’s important that we eliminate these vrykul before they launch their attack on the supply convoy to Westguard Keep. I want to be there to ensure it goes over well.” She tucks the spare cloaks into her pack.

Tae gives another call to Thoridas telling him to come back to him, “Well I’ll be happy to know you’re with us. You are something else on the battlefield. Not surprised you got called off on a special mission for…?” He draws out the sentence, fishing for an answer.

“Cobalt Company.” Velrin replies, “We had a mission to aid the Wyrmrest Accord.”

Tae’s eyes go wide, “Cobalt Company!?! You’re with them?” He can barely believe it, “Well now I know where you get your tactics from. You’re a lot more strike team with things than scout.”

Velrin raises her eyebrows, taken aback by his enthusiasm.

“N-not that I’m complaining.” Taeavon catches himself, “The results speak for themselves. We’ve been completing assignments twice as fast since your company joined up with mine.”

“Thank you…” Velrin responds after a moment.

“I guess that was a bit out of place. Sorry Captain…” Tae fidgets with his pack.

Velrin waves a hand in front of her face, “It’s alright. I didn’t take offense. I… have my reasons.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. Whatever it is, I’m glad you’re with us.” He smiles anxiously, “It’s been an honor to fight with the Kaldorei.”

Velrin nods, “And I have been glad to have you at my back.”

The pair sit there for another minute, their gear already packed.

Velrin shakes her head, “Let’s go.” She jumps down to the ground without a sound.

“Right behind you, Captain.” Taeavon hops down after her.