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| Details |
| Author: | Aly |
| Summary: | Jenzelle makes a new friend named Sophie. They talk about toys and their travels. Brendol arrives the next day, and the three leave the safety of Fort Wildervar. Then things take a dark turn. |
| Rating: | M for Mature 17+ |
There's still some construction ongoing in the newer outpost of Fort Wildervar, nestled in the snow at the foot of the northern mountains of the Howling Fjord. The core of the settlement is there and whole, but the sound of an occasional saw or hammer can be heard as lower priority buildings are slowly erected.
A brown-haired woman, the one currently calling herself Sophie Hagstrom, is walking through the camp, greeting everyone with a friendly smile. She carries a little satchel, which she occasionally opens to bring out small odds and ends for sale, or to tuck in a message to be delivered. It seems to be larger on the inside - one of those enchanted bags.
Practically sprinting through the snow in a beeline to the inn is a woman with short sandy hair and a staff over one shoulder. Her green robe is pulled up and collected in her hands - it's easier to run this way - revealing a pair of dark brown boots. Snow boots?
No alarm ripples through the camp's residents at the sight of her. Apparently this is normal. The woman quickly vanishes into the inn.
Sophie watches the woman bolt with curiosity. With no sense of urgency, she makes her way over to the inn and pushes her way inside, looking around to see if something is amiss.
The woman has secured a seat by the fire, and the innkeeper is handing her a steaming mug. "There you are, Jenzelle. The usual."
Jenzelle beams at the innkeeper, accepting the mug. "Thank you so very much. There isn't anything like a cup of hot cocoa after being out in the cold."
Sophie brightens on hearing the name, and she makes her way over to take another chair by the fire. She smiles at the young woman with hot cocoa. "Did I hear her call you Jenzelle?"
"Oh! Yes, I…" Jenzelle smiles hesitantly at the newcomer. "Were you looking for me? You're not injured I hope?"
"No, not in the slightest," Sophie chuckles. "I just ran into a friend of yours up at the Amberpine Lodge. Brendol? Do you know him?"
"Bren?" Jenzelle's already rosy cheeks further pinken. "You saw him? Is he well? The Argent Crusade has been so busy, I haven't contacted him myself…"
"Yes, he seemed fine," Sophie says with a friendly smile. "He's working as a messenger, so I expect he's traveling all over, like I am. He mentioned that he meant to come by and see how he's doing, so when I heard the innkeeper mention your name…" Sophie shrugs. "Oh, and I'm Sophie, by the way. Pleased to meet you."
"He plans to come here?" Jenzelle reaches a hand to her hair self-consciously. "Goodness, well…thank you for letting me know. It's very good to meet you, Sophie. Would you like a hot cocoa?"
"Oh, sure," Sophie says. "It's just perfect on cold days, isn't it? But why wouldn't he come here?"
"Oh, it's not that he wouldn't - he's certainly free to - I just mean, it's been a while, and - Light, what do I say to him?" Jenzelle's hands tighten around her mug. She flashes a nervous smile at Sophie. "Have you ever had that? Where it's been…well, it hasn't even been that long, and you really want to see that person, but when you try to imagine what you'd say, your thoughts just…fly off somewhere?"
"Goodness, yes," Sophie, who has never felt that way about anyone in her life, says with a dreamy smile and a faint blush. "When all you want is to be near them, but then at the same time the idea is terrifying. Would it help if I told you he blushed a little when he mentioned your name?"
Sophie shakes her head and sighs, taking the moment to gesture at the innkeeper and point to Jenzelle's hot chocolate. "It's really too bad that he's traveling so often. Are you living here at the Fort long-term?"
"H-he did?" Jenzelle hides her embarrassment at being so directly called out by taking a long, slow drink from her mug. "I've been staying here, yes. There are a lot of civilians out to settle these lands. They've scattered about to build houses and such, and I've been making rounds to ensure they keep well and out of danger."
The innkeeper comes over to hand Sophie her own hot cocoa, which she accepts with a quiet "thank you". She turns back to Jenzelle and says, "Wow, that's very kind of you! With all the vrykul and the giants and everything around the area, it must take a lot of work. Have you heard much about the civilian settlements further north, in the Grizzly Hills?"
"Only from the Cobalt Company newsletter," Jenzelle admits. "I read there were people disguised as worgen up there. It must be especially hard to trust strangers in that area."
"Mm," Sophie nods. "Difficult to trust strangers, for sure, especially since it's contagious. But there are a lot of settlers up there, around the Westfall Brigade camp. Not to mention that some of the people are actual natives of the area, and friendly. I find it terribly interesting — I circle through there very often, all the messengers do."
"You do? By yourself? Are you— I suppose you've done well enough if you're around there a lot, but, how do you keep yourself safe?" Jenzelle's eyes are wide with curiosity.
Sophie just looks at Jenzelle for a moment, something a little bleaker coming into her eyes, before she covers it with a smile and sip of her cocoa. Then she says, "I'm not new to the messenger game. I did some work in Outland as well, and let me tell you, the wildlife there…" She shakes her head. "I've had my share of close calls and scars to prove it, but I've learned to handle myself pretty well. And to know when to hide and run. I'm a little jealous of you, maybe, being a healer. It must make traveling so much safer, doesn't it?"
"Goodness no, it's always much safer traveling in a group. I may have the Light for protection, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the world is full of dangers." Jenzelle takes a sip of her own. "The homesteads aren't scattered too awfully far, and I always make sure someone knows exactly where I'm going and when I left. If I had to go somewhere unusual, I would make sure not to go alone."
"That's… awfully wise," Sophie says, looking at her over the mug of hot cocoa. "It's so good to have people who care about where you are, and where you're going. Are you planning to go anywhere anytime soon? Like I said, I travel a lot and… I could use the company, if you need someone to help watch your back."
"Well, I don't have any plans to go anywhere, but if you're not feeling safe about your next delivery, I'd like to help." Jenzelle appears genuinely concerned. "And I know Bren would too, if he's not busy. We could make a small team of it. Northrend is not to be underestimated. The Lich King himself is out here somewhere."
Sophie looks a little startled at that suggestion, for some reason. "Yes, he must be. It's his kingdom, this whole continent." She looks down at the cooling cocoa for a moment and then says, "I'm not sure where I'm going next yet. I have some business here, and then… up until recently I've mostly been transporting small goods and letters. Things for the settlers, handmade toys and trinkets for children and people down south. I was mostly traveling between the Tuskarr settlements and Dalaran, stopping at outposts along the way. These days, though, there's a lot more business as a personal courier, what with all the troubles at the fronts."
Jenzelle smiles warmly. "It's very kind of you to help the settlers and the children. You've been risking so much by yourself. Once you decide where to go next, let me know. In the meantime though, do you have any of the toys with you? Could I take a look?"
"Alright, I'll do that," Sophie smiles at her hesitantly. "And sure, I think I still have some here in my bag." She sets down the hot cocoa and rummages in her enchanted bag, pulling out a small wooden mammoth with little bone tusks. It's neck is articulated, so one can raise and lower its little wooden snout. "Here's one of the Tuskarr ones. There really is quite a market for these little things."
"Oh my goodness, that is adorable," Jenzelle leans towards it for a better look. "I bet the settlers around here would love them, too. A couple of the families are expecting."
"Oh? Then maybe I should go out that way, see who's interested." Sophie smiles, digging back in her bag. She brings out another handful of toys, and continues, "I'm a little low on stock, but I can go by Moa'ki if I run out." She sets out each toy. A shoveltusk, a worg, a… clockwork eagle? Sophie stares at the object in her hand for a moment, and then tucks it back in her bag. She gestures at the wooden animals and says, "They have a pretty wide variety of creatures, all native to Northrend."
Jenzelle's eyes catch on the clockwork eagle, the odd one of the bunch, before it disappears back into the bag. "Was that one not for sale?" she asks kindly, distracting herself by picking up the shoveltusk and turning it over in her hands.
Sophie hesitates. "Maybe, for the right price. The supply…" she seems to be choosing her words with care. "There won't be any more made like that, so it's not useful as an example."
"Oh dear, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Jenzelle says, seeming to have picked up on something. "You mentioned going to Dalaran, so I thought maybe it came from there." She takes a hasty drink, finishing off her cocoa. "They really are quite impressive. The other toys, I mean! Not that the clockwork one wasn't… Um, do give my compliments to the Tuskarr?"
"Of course," Sophie smiles again, back to smooth saleswoman poise. "And I did take my last shipment of the clockwork ones to Dalaran, if you're looking for something like that."
"I may have to pay Dalaran a visit," Jenzelle says, returning her smile. "I knew someone who used to make clockwork toys, so I am interested."
Sophie shoots a quick, involuntary glance at her bag and then turns back to Jenzelle, her eyes brightening with interest. "Really? Anyone I should speak to about opening trade lines?"
"Oh, no, he's… He died." Jenzelle gently sets the shoveltusk back down. "Sorry, I don't mean to sour the mood. These really are well crafted. I'm happy to see them being distributed beyond the Tuskarr settlements so more people can enjoy them."
"Oh, goodness," Sophie says, looking at her in concern. "I'm sorry to bring up such a painful topic." A beat, and then she adds, "And I'm sorry for your loss, of course. But yes, that's my hope, that people can see there are things in this land beyond war and danger and undeath. Beautiful things, worth seeing."
"That's a very noble goal, Sophie, I hope you get to see lots of smiles," Jenzelle says, leaning back in her chair. She is finally looking warmed up, from the fire and the cocoa.
Sophie reaches forward to tip back the shoveltusk's head, so it's looking up at Jenzelle. "Maybe I could come along, next time you make the rounds here? I've nothing urgent calling me elsewhere at the moment."
"Oh, of course you can come! I won't be setting out until tomorrow, but I'd be happy to introduce you to some of the families out here. They are going to love seeing what you have to sell." Jenzelle smiles at Sophie with full confidence.
"I hope they will," Sophie says, settling back in the chair and smiling at Jenzelle, raising her hot cocoa to take another sip. "It's lucky I ran into you, Jenzelle. That's the one thing I do enjoy about my work - you meet the most interesting people."
——
Early the next morning, while the sky is still dark, Jenzelle emerges from her room in Ford Wildervar, looking refreshed, and maybe even a bit excited. As she settles down in a chair to wait for her new friend Sophie, her staff laid out neatly in her lap, the innkeeper approaches with her own exciting news.
"Guess who got in just last night after you retired for the evening," she grins playfully.
Jenzelle sits up straighter in her chair. "Bren? Is he here?"
As if summoned, Brendol thumps heavily down the stairs, pausing mid-yawn when he catches sight of Jenzelle. His hair is a mess, making it obvious he hasn't brushed it since he got up, and his clothes look like they were pulled on any which way. Embarrassment flashes across his face, and he glances back the way he came, as if wishing he could go straighten himself up and try again. Instead, he stuffs his hands in his pockets, shrugs, and continues down the stairs. "Hi Jenzelle," he says, stopping awkwardly at the bottom. "It's, uh…been a while."
"Bren!" Jenzelle springs from her seat and practically dashes over to him, abandoning her staff to the ground. She throws her arms around him when she reaches him, a reaction Bren was clearly not expecting, from his startled hesitation. Before he can think to pull his hands from his pockets to return the hug, she is already pulling away. "Sophie is here, she told me you two met in Amberpine?"
"Oh," Bren says, disappointed by the missed opportunity. "Oh, yeah, Sophie? You've met her?"
There's a light step on the floor above, and then it ceases. Sylvie hesitates just out of sight at the top of the staircase, leaning against the wall. She waits just a moment, to see if the two of them will give away any useful information while she 'isn't there'.
"Just yesterday in fact," Jenzelle continues. "She showed me some of the toys she's selling, and they are so cute. Not pumpkin cute, of course, but still, I think some of the families settling out here will love them. I promised to take her around to them today. Maybe…" she hesitates, glancing away. "If you're not too busy…"
"I'm coming," Brendol says decisively. "I haven't been able to contact Rae recently. I wrote her, but, I never got anything back. And that Kaela Mondragon lady's after you, too, right?"
"Well…yes. I've been fine so far. Not a single sign of her." Jenzelle smiles reassuringly. "But…I would love your company."
"Really? I mean uh…of course. I'll keep you both safe." Bren's cheeks turn a bit pink.
Sylvie takes a breath and puts on the persona of Sophie the toy seller. She pushes off the wall and starts down the stairs, letting her face light up with a smile when she sees her two new friends. She raises a hand to wave as she walks toward them. "Oh my goodness, I didn't expect to see you so soon," Sophie says to Brendol with delight. She turns to Jenzelle and adds, "I was just prophetic, wasn't I?"
"Sophie, good morning," Jenzelle says, beaming at her. "You were, and really it was the best timing. Bren's going to come with us, if that's alright with you?"
Bren greets Sophie with a smile of his own. "Nice to see you again, Sophie," he says. Now he really wishes he'd stopped to brush his hair at least.
"Of course it's fine," Sophie says, her smile widening. "You needn't even ask, when I'm the newcomer here. How shall we travel? In foot? By horse?"
"The homes aren't terribly far apart, so I usually just walk," Jenzelle says. "I…don't really trust my ability to calm a horse in case of a Scourge sighting, or, goodness, a vrykul."
Bren shrugs amicably. "By foot will make it easier to protect you both I suppose."
The innkeeper flutters among them, passing out sandwiches. Tuna, probably. "You three take care," she says, winking at Jenzelle in such a way that the priestess almost fumbles hers.
Sophie waves at the innkeeper and follows the two of them out into the frosty air. She looks over at Bren and Jenzelle as they walk. "Everyone's so kind around here, aren't they?" Sophie asks. "Even though we're on the edge of war."
"Isn't that the best time to be kind?" Jenzelle asks, taking the lead. "If everyone was rotten to each other, we wouldn't be able to support the people fighting on the front lines. I like to think that they're able to do their best because they know we've got their backs."
Bren has already started in on his sandwich, munching away as they walk. He nods his agreement to Jenzelle's explanation.
"Right, we've got their backs," Sophie says, looking to the side for a moment. Probably she's just a little nervous about heading out of the settlement. "Do you often run into Scourge or vrykul out here?"
"Thankfully no," Jenzelle says. "Cobalt Company has thinned their numbers quite a bit in this region. Mostly I see worgs. And spiders. The occasional bat if I come out too early. Giant versions of course. The wildlife in Northrend is… well it's had a lot of time to grow, I suppose."
"Do you have to fight often?" Bren asks, frowning with concern and probably imagining Jenzelle surrounded by an army of giant worgs, bats, and spiders.
"Goodness, no," Jenzelle says with a laugh. "Most of the time I can get away with making a lot of noise, or bright lights and scaring them."
"I mostly get by with running and hiding, myself," Sophie says with a thin smile. "I've found it's always better to avoid a fight, when possible. Alas, it is not always possible… but I hope it will be today."
As they head into the woods, Jenzelle starts to glance around, almost nervously.
"What's wrong?" Bren asks, picking up on her distress.
"It's probably nothing, but…it's so quiet today." She flashes a reassuring smile. "Usually there's birds, or squirrels, or skunks—not that I'd like to startle a skunk!" She laughs, probably to fill the silence.
Sophie laughs too, but it sounds a little on edge. She starts to glance around as well, though she might be looking for something different than Jenzelle. "Birds can't sing all the time," Sophie says. "Maybe they're just resting."
"It could be a bit early for…" Bren stops suddenly.
"What? What is it?" Jenzelle asks, stopping as well.
A pair of glowing blue eyes emerge from the darkness, attached to the shadow of a man in a hooded cloak. He stops just in front of them. Jenzelle lets out a small gasp and drifts back a few paces, while Bren steps forward, blocking the death knight's path to the ladies.
"Oh," Sophie says in a small voice. Her face goes pale, and she falls still. She doesn't make any move to either fight or run.
"Peace, friend," Bren says, holding up both hands, unarmed. "We're just passing through. Are you Ebon Blade?"
The death knight responds in a low voice, almost a whisper, as he draws his runeblades. "Traitors…"
Before Brendol can step back or draw his own weapon, the death knight lunges forward, cutting a bloody gash across his chest, staining the snow beneath him red. Jenzelle immediately whispers the words of a healing spell, and golden light surrounds him. The wound vanishes as though it had never existed.
After a brief moment of shock, Bren draws his sword. "Sophie, run! This one's Scourge. We'll cover you, just get back to Fort Wildervar, tell them what's happened."
Sophie takes a step back, staring at the death knight with an odd expression of guilt on her face. She takes another step back, and says, "I'll tell them to send help."
Then Sophie turns and runs.
The death knight makes no move to stop her, his attention on the two before him. A rune on one of his swords dims as he points it at Jenzelle, cutting off her breath. Her hands rise to her throat in a panic, but she can't speak. Can't heal.
"What did you do to her?" Bren demands, forcing the death knight back with a swing of his greatsword.
"Traitors…" the death knight hisses.
A frosty wind blows in, seemingly from nowhere, and two more runes darken on the runesword. Bren braces himself against the terrible wind and cold, forced to shut his eyes to protect them from the biting assault.
With a grin, the death knight plunges his runesword into Bren's leg, laughing as the living man cries out. "Mondragon will have you, traitors!"
He pulls the blade out and tosses it aside, sending a sharp, unarmed blow into Brendol's ribs. Unprepared for the amount of force mustered by the death knight, Bren drops to the ground, stunned. Jenzelle stumbles forward, screaming soundlessly, but her oxygen-starved muscles soon betray her and she falls face-first into the snow.
Silence returns to the woods. The death knight is right. Mondragon will have them.
In the quiet, still-dark woods of the early morning, another dark shape slips past Sophie, on her flight to Fort Wildervar. "Didn't think you had it in you," says the smaller, dark haired death knight on her way by. "Well done."
Sylvie - there's no need for subterfuge now - slows into a stumble at the praise, a flash of something similar to pain showing on her face for a moment. She half-turns to watch the smaller death knight heading toward her new 'friends'. "I was the right person to do this," Sylvie insists in a low, hollow whisper. She swallows once and blinks watery eyes that are surely from some kind of allergic reaction to the forest plants. Resolutely, she turns her back on the death knights and their prey, continuing toward Fort Wildervar with no urgency in her step.
- - Some Time Later - -
Sophie the toy seller runs into Fort Wildervar, gasping and out of breath.
"Help!" She calls out to the nearest guard. "Jenzelle… Brendol Westwind… they were taken by death knights in the forest! You've got to go help them right away!"
The guard's mouth drops open in surprise, and then he shouts to the others, raising the alarm. In the subsequent chaos, it's likely that no one notices Sophie slipping quietly out of the camp, back into the wilderness.