(2024-02-29) There May Be Such a Thing as Too Many Pies

Details

Author:	Vond
Summary:	Elohad and Paluuva cross paths in the Dalaran HQ, then Vond and Etone find them while confirming it's location. They take the opportunity to pass on gratitude and information. Vond angles for assurance that priorities are aligned while Etone is starstruck, and most importantly, everyone gets to eat non-boot-related fare.
Rating:	T for Teen

Paluuva gives Elohad a luminous smile. "Elohad. It's lovely to see you. I've just come by to file some reports."

[Elohad]: You look very lovely. And patriotic!

[Paluuva]: Thank you. Is this patriotic?

[Elohad]: Well, yes, Alliance blue! Or is it Dalaran blue?

Paluuva gestures to the different parts of her garment. "This is very close to an Alliance blue, I suppose, yes. This part is more violet, which could be seen as honoring Dalaran. So, your point is certainly taken."

[Elohad]: Violet, right, that's the word I was looking for.

Paluuva chuckles softly. "Pardon my saying so, but you seem a little distracted. Is something on your mind?"

[Elohad]: Oh, no, I'm sharp as a tack. Uh… did I do the color thing?
[Elohad]: I did the color thing, didn't I.
Elohad looks around dramatically, then steps closer and lowers his voice.
[Elohad]: I'm going to tell you a secret… Violet and blue look like exactly the same color to me.

Paluuva nods as if she were already aware. "It's quite alright, Elohad."

[Elohad]: I believe that they're different, because otherwise it would be some big conspiracy, but I just… hard as I try, I cannot see it.
[Elohad]: Anything in those reports I should know about?
Elohad turns as the portal deposits more people. His face breaks into a huge smile.

[Paluuva]: It's mostly just about dull diplomatic conversations.

Elohad gently pats you.

[Paluuva]: Oh, how delightful! Welcome, Argent Crusaders.

[Elohad]: Be thankful for dull conversations. Dull is good in diplomacy.

[Paluuva]: Indeed, I wish they were all so inconsequential.

Satterly manifests from the portal with a tired-looking blink around. He looks a bit surprised but relieved to find familiar faces there. "Sir Ference? Anchorite. The timing is better than I expected."

[Elohad]: I'm delighted to see you Brother Vond. Confessor Greennote.

Scribe Whitman says: Too bad I left my light feathers at home… Slow Fall would work perfect here.

Archmage John Nicholas says: Hmm… Interesting.

Elohad eyes Archmage John Nicholas up and down.

Etone sputters briefly upon seeing the World Famous (tm) Sir Elohad Ference, and a light blush creeps over the bridge of his nose when his name was remembered by such a celebrity!

[Elohad]: Confessor, feels like it's been a dog's age. How the heck are you?
Elohad beams.

Satterly straightens a bit. His eyes are alight with something focused that somehow seems to cut through the hollow cast imparted by - whatever it is over the mountains north. "We got the newsletter. Wanted to give our thanks personal about the help as late."

[Elohad]: I'm very proud of our people. Wish I weren't so tied up in politics myself, but then I'd probably just slow the youngsters down.

[Etone]: Hah- Hullo, indeed! Quite the time hasn't it?? Er- Right, yes that 's well too!

Elohad smiles at Etone.

[Elohad]: You boys want to have a seat? Catch up awhile?

Elohad gestures to the table that totally has more than one chair.

Etone instantly answers - zero hesitation or thought involved, "Oh, 'f course that'd be lovely!"

[Satterly]: I, well, I imagine we ought to catch Captain Sparkwire at first chance, as well, but I kinda get the feelin' politics might be of some importance as late. *he nods to Etone at the suggestion*

[Elohad]: As you can see, our Ambassador here is wearing Dalaran violet AND Alliance blue - what a statement, hm?
Elohad totally knew those colors without help.

Paluuva chuckles.

Elohad pulls up a chair that completely exists.

Paluuva takes a seat.

[Elohad]: The Captain might wander through at some point; she does on occasion.

Etone beams stupidly at Paluuva, wriggles a little finger wave, and finally seats himself in a chair that is 100% real for sure.

Paluuva returns a warm smile to Etone and Vond both.

Elohad scoots his chair around so he can see everyone at once.

Satterly definitely finds a chair. "Ambassador - I wonder if some of your days are similar to the Confessor's, being sent here and there to get to know everyone."

[Paluuva]: Oh, yes, very much so. It has been fascinating meeting the peoples of Northrend.

Elohad studies Etone with interest, as he's seen the other two more recently. His warm smile remains, and he makes no effort to disguise his friendly scrutiny. The vibe is a bit like grandma making sure you're dressed warmly and have eaten.

Etone pulls his scarf from about his neck and puffs a bit in an attempt, perhaps, to look larger than he actually is. "Mhmhm…" He can't seem to decide where his eyes are going to rest at the moment. Ahh how lucky was this?!

[Elohad]: So what was it you were hoping to chat with the Captain about? If she doesn't show, maybe I can be of help, or pass the word along, or both.

Satterly follows the look to give Etone a once-over from the side and blinks a bit, given the fanboy glint in the priest's eyes. Probably a far cry from his frontline presence. He snaps his eyes back to Elohad at the question.
[Satterly]: Primarily to pass along the thanks, and assure that Cobalt's efforts have not been wasted. Far from it.
[Satterly]: That and.. a word on the situation past Scourgeholme.

[Elohad]: Yes, I'm all ears. You mind if I take some notes?

Paluuva arches her brow curiously.

Etone purses his lips and nods curtly as Vond actually explains their visit.

[Elohad]: If you want drinks, by the way, or something to eat, Copperworth is happy to serve you.

Satterly lifts his gauntleted palm. "Not at all, feel free. I'm sure you've heard all about the success just days past. The support was invaluable in breaking out of a defensive posture and takin' a foothold past the breach."
Satterly gives a moment's pause. Eat? This seems to rattle his attention on whatever he had been holding on to expecting to say.

Elohad has pulled out a neat little clothbound journal full of very not-neat handwriting.

[Etone]: Mmn…? I - I mean it couldn't /hurt/, right?
Etone looks at Vond expectantly, HE kept them on schedule after all was said and done.

[Elohad]: They've got uh, fish, and venison… locally sourced kinda stuff you're likely sick of, but they do have a few good drinks.
[Elohad]: Also bread and cheese and berries.

[Paluuva]: Please, you have more than earned a meal you can enjoy in comfort.

[Satterly]: I, ah, well, I sure wouldn't mind whatever you've got, Mr. Copperworth. Successful farms are few and far between up here and, uh, y'know.

[Elohad]: Bring us a bit of everything, Copperworth; we'll just all share, hm?

Alfred Copperworth says: Very good, sir.
Alfred Copperworth goes to fetch the already-prepared food, which appears to be kept fresh and warm in some kind of arcane stasis field. Also drinks.

[Etone]: Oh, d'you have any aged Dalaran white?

Alfred Copperworth says: Not on hand, but I can send for some. It will only be a few moments.

[Satterly]: Grains and pulses, y'know? The basics. Shockin' how much you start missing bread or a pot of the simplest gruel you know, though we're somewhat used to it from the Eastweald days.

Elohad helps himself to some random booze as he listens to Vond and nods solemnly.

[Satterly]: I think some of the fellas'd start fighting over a lump of salt pork at this juncture. Not all, but some.

[Elohad]: I was never much of a picky eater, but the first two wars knocked even the slightest of those impulses right out of me. I'll pretty much eat a boot these days if you put a little salt on it.
[Elohad]: Which is good, since neither my wife nor I can cook, and our son is uh, a bit busy saving the world mostly these days.

Etone appears to be one of those people. "Mhmhm, well that'd be lovely then - and something light to go with it." He doesn't seem to specify his food choice, but Alfred is a man of culture and surely will bring the appropriate pairing.

Etone snorts a quick laugh at Elohad's last comment. "A tad bit, isn't he?"

Alfred Copperworth is indeed a man of consummate knowledge and taste in these matters. In a few moments he absolutely brings something just right.

[Elohad]: Mm.
[Elohad]: So. About the Situation. *You can hear the capital letter.* What are we looking at?

Alfred Copperworth Has brought nice large dishes of all manner of food to the table, as well as setting an empty plate at each place. There is, as predicted, fish and venison, bread, cheese, and berries.

[Paluuva]: Thank you, Mr. Copperworth.

Alfred Copperworth also, after a time, brings some aged Dalaran white wine and a nice light entree for Etone with nice fresh greens and whatnot.

Etone silently appraises his drink and light snack meal whatever, before too long he clucks his tongue in his mouth and offers a satisfied nod in approval.

Satterly grins a bit at the boot comment, just looking generally relieved by the surroundings for the moment, if a bit tight-shouldered. "Next step for us is to finish consecrating the ground of Scourgeholme and continue construction."

Paluuva frowns at one of the reports she brought in. "I am terribly sorry, but I must track down Ambassador Stonejowels for a signature." She chuckles. "Amazing how a single piece of paper can halt the gears of government."

[Elohad]: Heh. I hear you.
[Elohad]: Good to see you as always, Ambassador.

[Paluuva]: And you, Lord Ference.
[Paluuva]: Gentlemen, my best to your comrades in the field. It was lovely to see you again.

Satterly blinks to Paluuva, looking mystified by the power of paper for a moment. Imagine having a functioning government with papers that don't get lost or burned. "Light Keep you, Ambassador."

[Paluuva]: And you as well, Confessor.

[Elohad]: So. The construction. I heard they were bringing in materials from Crystalsong Forest of all places! I'm going to assume someone knows more about the safety of that than I do.

Etone offers a slight pout before a bright smile, "Light bless."

Satterly gives a raise of his eyebrows and a pointed glance aside as he lightly tilts his head, it's a very your-guess-is-as-good-as-mine expression, briefly. "That's what the engineers are sayin', that it's proper suited for the rough task of keeping the blight at bay."
[Satterly]: All signs do indicate that we are gonna be in a good position to defend this location, now, with this wave of nerubians finally crumblin' back.

[Elohad]: That is wonderful news.

[Elohad]: Is it wrong of me to be feeling optimistic for the first time in a while?

[Satterly]: We are getting some frostwyrm forays from the north but it is a trickle in comparison to the concerted counterattack we had prior. Next step for my team and some others is headin' out to try to get a sense of the origin point.
Satterly takes a deep breath, considering. He looks optimistic, perhaps, too, in spite of the drain of hard fighting and losses.

Etone picks away at the food and sips at his drink in quite contemplation, having Vond do all the talking really seemed to suit his personality and temperament more than wildly spinning his own reports.

[Etone]: Mmn, with any luck we'll be able to grind our heels in enough to push back proper.

[Elohad]: Sometimes it seems as though things have to get really, really, REALLY bad before you can feel good about the small victories again.

[Satterly]: I do not think that it is wrong of you, sir. We have gotten our teeth in the crown of the world and sure it is kickin' back, but. We still got it. This is moving, slowly but surely.

Elohad nods emphatically.

[Satterly]: Every one of those men and women with us who is standing is doubly determined to not let our fallen have their courage go to waste.

[Elohad]: You know, the two of you are always welcome here, if you just need a bit of luxury. Warmth. Something pretty to look at for a while. It's all right to feel good for a few minutes. The war will still be there.

Etone seems to ponder this thought quite a moment before finally offering, "About that -"

Elohad peers at Etone searchingly.

Satterly has slowed his eager picking at the food with Paluuva's departure, there is less of a lull between his explanations now, though he had some gusto for the fare. He considers hesitantly, glancing aside to Etone.

[Etone]: Mmn, well -

Elohad has also been eating, but mechanically and at a moderate pace.

[Elohad]: I'm listening.

Etone starts and stops, clearly still humming and hawing over some thought.

Elohad smiles, waiting.

[Etone]: Well, I were thinking, do you recall when I first met you?

[Elohad]: How could I forget?
Elohad chuckles warmly.

Satterly gives a slight tilt of his head, looking over the priest curiously.

[Etone]: Mhmhm, well, I was thinking of the recruitment paper I took.

[Elohad]: Mm hm?

[Satterly]: Oh? Did you tell me this story? *he blinks after a moment* Now I'm wondering if I told you when I met Sir Ference.

Elohad 's eyes crinkle even more at the corners as his smile widens at Vond.

[Etone]: Well, in a rare bout of inappropriate optimism - ehe, *he cuts off and shakes his head at Vond.* No to both I believe - Ahhh the poster…!
Etone beams proudly as he recalls his treasured autograph.

Elohad just continues smiling, waiting for Etone to sew his scraps of sentences into a nice quilt pattern at the very least.

Satterly cuts Etone back to the original point he diverted from. "Wait, you took a recruitment paper? Haven't you got your plate full, Confessor?" He furrows his brow at Etone. "Did you sign up for an obligation you couldn't possibly keep, again?"

This has happened before.

Elohad just looks between the two of them, eyes full of warm, amused concern.

Etone clears his throat, "R-right - no- hush - wait a moment here!" He desperately tries to reel it back in as Vond tangles the line into knots.

Elohad looks like he has Words, but he closes them in his mouth as he watches Etone struggling.

Satterly takes a step right then left as he pinches his own chin with a look of consternation, wracking himself for explanations.

[Etone]: This was quite a while back, before the Light's Hope battle, anyway - what I pick up is - *he instantly thinks better of saying my own business and sucks his teeth a moment.* - is perhaps planning for the future.

[Elohad]: And well, there's no reason to worry just because someone puts themselves in our files. Aside from the squads, it's very much 'work for us when and as you can.' I have a few who have signed up and been approved and not yet taken one job. It's fine.

Etone hums loudly, as if that might convince Vond of something - anything really, before continuing.

Satterly has a slightly narrowed side-eye at the priest that seems to say there will probably be later discussion (or a little recreational arguing) over this later.
Satterly is a bit redundant a bit.

Etone briefly looks defeated, but bravely presses on in the face of his disapproving personal assistant.

Satterly takes the opportunity of the time it takes for Etone to compose his thoughts to make fresh fruit disappear.

Elohad just continues listening warmly, giving off Extreme Dad Vibes.

[Etone]: Right, again, like I was saying, in a rare bout of optimism… I wanted to extend our services should - *he waves his hand toward the general direction of Big Skeleton Fite* all this end with a positive outcome.

[Elohad]: It will. But when you say our services…?

Satterly slowly blinks at Etone as he is volunteered by proxy. "Wait, you aren't saying…"

Elohad 's eyes flick to Vond and back to Etone.

[Satterly]: Confessor, don't… you imagine that the Crusade might have plans?
Satterly looks befuddled now. Aren't you in good with the planners, even??

[Elohad]: Well, it's possible to be affiliated with both organizations, you know. Cobalt Company can be very much a part time thing.

Etone stares vacantly at his wine glass, "… But why shouldn't I offer connections to the good people who are helping the Crusade push forward??"

[Elohad]: It's definitely not an either/or situation, I don't think.
[Elohad]: We've even had people switch from full-time work for us to full-time work with another organization and back again, with almost no trouble. Most of the major Alliance organizations have good relationships with us.

Satterly gives a slow nod, eyes widening, his eyes remaining on Etone. "If there aren't any conflicts in - not that I'm saying there would - " He rubs his temple now and makes a wincing smile to Elohad.

[Elohad]: One of our former squad members just went full time Cenarion Circle. A full time Explorers' League guy who was working for us on occasion just switched onto one of our squads. And so on.

Etone simply smiles stupidly, don't worry about it, take on all the tasks, fingers in all the pies!

[Satterly]: This, ah, this is probably a good time to mention the other matter we'd meant to touch on, regarding the situation.
Satterly advises lockdown on pies.

[Elohad]: Oh?
[Elohad]: Happy to lend an ear for whatever's on your mind.

Etone offers a more serious expression as Vond brings everyone back to the here and now.

Satterly takes on a much more focused, serious expression when he attempts to redirect. "As I said, we did get ahold of the newsletter, so I believe word has gotten 'round to all of yours about the matter with the, mn, ambush. On the Broken Front."

[Elohad]: Right. That.
Elohad 's gaze suddenly goes steely, as cold as his gaze ever gets.

[Satterly]: The Crusade received a pair of survivors, so we've been monitoring the situation in hopes of recovering anyone else. It was…

Elohad studies them both, his expression softening slightly.

Etone runs his tongue over his teeth behind his pursed lips.

[Elohad]: One of the survivors was the sister of Lord Siamus Fallon, one of my most steadfast allies on the House. I'm told she's fine, but… Light.

Satterly considers, looking down. "Would that we had been able to go in with greater coordination, but we are aware the 7th on that day were not out looking for a fight with Horde. They were tryin' to take a gate from the Scourge."

[Elohad]: I've heard there was some kind of especially awful darkness at work as well, something that made it almost impossible to heal and resurrect on that field. So once the fighting started… just so much loss.

Etone perks an eyebrow and gives Vond a look like Oh hey we know that guy right?

(They do not actually.)

[Satterly]: So let me just say that while I do share your optimism about the progress so far, I - impossible to heal? *he cuts off when the words settle in properly* That's alarming.
Satterly looks to Etone. "That is something we ought to look into, if we can get any understandin' on the cause."

[Elohad]: Not impossible but damned difficult, I was told.
[Elohad]: There could have been more survivors, but for that. I don't know if it's Scourge… or Old God… or… some unholy combination of both, but that field was cursed.
[Elohad]: Answers would be nice, if they could be found. And to know if we're likely to have that problem all over the Icecrown area.

Etone FROWNS. "… I was… unaware of *that* bit of information."

[Elohad]: Our squad mostly ended up doing mercy killings and burnings to keep the Scourge from getting hold of the remains. They couldn't be saved.

[Etone]: We'll look into it…

Satterly looks grave. "If we can discover anything about the nature of the pollution we will. We were expecting the frostwyrms to be the key hindrance to free movement, but this could be equal trouble if it is widespread."

[Elohad]: Yes, keep an eye out for any similar reports. So far, Mordre'thar is the only area I've heard this about for sure.
[Elohad]: As for that ambush…
Elohad sighs and looks between the two of them, in case they have any Opinions before he starts in on it.

Satterly presses his palms together briefly with a word under his breath at the explanation of the squad work. "Yes. The ambush. As I was saying, the optimism has merit. But I trust you are aware…"

Etone looks entirely put off by the whole idea of it, but perhaps more annoyed that he didn't receive a crucial piece of intel.

Elohad listens intently.

[Satterly]: That if anything other than the traitor prince's own armies could hold us back, it would be for the wars of the living to spiral outta control on his doorstep.

Elohad grinds his teeth a little.
[Elohad]: I've been trying very hard to — keep my personal feelings about the Horde under control. I understand that it's been a long time since I looked back from those refugee boats watching the bonfire they'd made of my city disappear on the horizon.
[Elohad]: But they are making it… Very. Difficult.
[Elohad]: I know you… the Argent Crusade… you work with them. I — yeah. *He just leaves it there.*

Satterly presses his lips with a thoughtful frown, nodding slightly as he gives room for Elohad to speak. "My background being different from yours I will not claim to understand in the same way as you, though I hear you."

A burning city is a burning city, after all.

[Satterly]: I would also assure you that there is no question that this is an injustice, to put it very mildly.

[Elohad]: Mm.
Elohad's jaw muscle twitches.

[Satterly]: Our concern now, with the Crusade, is to try to keep Icecrown from fillin' up with more bodies that are gonna turn into more Scourge. That is the whole of it.

Etone downright scowls. "There is no sense on keeping playing at this garish game when such a threat as the Lich King looms over /all of us/." He huffs rather loudly.

[Elohad]: You'd think that would be a concern for the Horde as well. And yet.

Etone points at Elohad and huffs in exasperation, "Right?"

Elohad nods gratefully at Etone's exasperation.

Satterly nods to Elohad. "You'd think. I am certainly not here to lecture the Alliance none nor find them undue in their anger."

[Elohad]: Just… keep your eyes and ears open, hm? The Horde working among you… don't turn your backs on them.

[Satterly]: What I am here to do is tell you that by working with, we do have contacts, and we are going to be using them to try to press what influence we can to get them to cool their bloody furnace, aye? That's what I mean to get at.
[Satterly]: Your Cobalt lot have good heads on their shoulders. We want to convey that efforts are going to be made to do what we can to press for - if not peace, enough of a let-up to get us where we need to go.
[Satterly]: Not drownin' under a sea of skeletons.

Etone idly wonders aloud, "Wouldn't be surprised to find out she were after the throne herself." Rude, don't talk about faction leaders like that Etone.

[Elohad]: If you can manage to cool their apparently insatiable need for conquest and slaughter, then you will have all my respect and then some.

Satterly raises one eyebrow higher than the other with another look at Etone. Can't take him anywhere.

[Elohad]: To say nothing of my gratitude.
[Elohad]: And I promise not to fly off the handle and start sending my people at the Horde. I know my priorities.
[Elohad]: Besides, Jo would never allow it.

Satterly nods. "I don't imagine we can solve all the world's problems, but that's just in the imagining. If anyone's accustomed to at least hoping for a miracle, well." He nods with gratitude to Elohad.

[Elohad]: I definitely am open to miracles. I've seen too many not to be.

Etone offers a flat look to Vond in return, what? His expression then softens.
[Etone]: Well, good thing that's the business we're all in then, isn't it?

[Satterly]: I thought as much. You have our ongoing thanks. Rest assured that we are going to be doing everything we can to guide the points of all swords to the target and not at each other's wielders.

Elohad smiles again at last, the crinkles returning to the corners of his olive-green eyes.

Etone offers his hands out, palms upward. "Miracles, that."

[Elohad]: I'm trying to stay in touch with that. Even though I don't channel the Light every day in my new line of work.
[Elohad]: Mostly I channel vast, staggering quantities of horse manure.
Elohad lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Etone scoffs, "I highly doubt that, my good man! It might not seem like it, but I have no doubts you channel it's grace daily."

[Elohad]: Thank you. It means a lot to hear that.

Satterly settles back on his heels a bit, looking possibly relieved to have at least touched on the important bits of pressing matters. "You are in an enviable position to have a say in the way the winds blow, sir. Preferably in a direction that carries the scent elsewhere.

[Elohad]: Heh. Yes, that's why my son urged me to run.
[Elohad]: I try to remember the big picture.
[Elohad]: But boy the small details can make you feel like knocking heads together.

[Satterly]: Your lad has the stuff, you know that right? Sense and grit and gets your folk where they need to be. *he pauses slightly as if considering something.* Just real grateful for his contributions, and all the others'.

Elohad beams. "He's an absolute treasure. I have every faith in him."
[Elohad]: I cheated - most men have to try to figure out how to turn the son they have into the heir they need. I got to turn the heir I wanted into my son.

Satterly grins slightly. "You picked a good one, sir. Now apart from the exact, ah, status of the Confessor in regard to Cobalt Company."

Elohad quirks a brow and looks to Etone.

Etone offers a bored puff, "Oh I've no time for that fiddly business, I can't imagine being caught up in all that bureaucratic red tape." He's apparently fixated on some other topic, oblivious to the lovely heart to heart the two paladins were sharing - and to his own entanglement in such tape that required a separate set of hands to unravel.

[Elohad]: I would be proud to call either of you a member of our organization, and I have the authority to unilaterally make it so, if either of you should ever wish. Founder's privilege, I guess, heh.
[Elohad]: So just keep that in mind I guess. No rush.

[Satterly]: We remain open for contact if any direct support should be required, or if any information needs receiving. I pray the trust and cooperation so far to and from the Argent Crusade remains firm."

Etone beams stupidly, coming back to the conversation at hand, "Well, there you have it!! Should you need an extra set of hands or some such, don't be shy to send for us mmn?"
Etone got there in the end, some how.

[Elohad]: I absolutely will. I've come to rely on the Argent Crusade, and the two of you in particular.

Etone frowns as his pocket starts to chime.

Elohad blinks.
It is not polite to stare at a man's pocket.

[Satterly]: That's the hour. You'll have to excuse us, sir.

[Elohad]: Travel safely, gentlemen.

[Etone]: Hah, well on that terrible disappointment - I think we've run out of leisure time for the day.

[Satterly]: Thank you for the hospitality. Great place here.

[Elohad]: Welcome anytime. Light keep you.

Elohad stands at attention and salutes.
Satterly presses his palms together once again with a parting blessing.

Etone frowns at his pocket watch that he's pulled from his coat pocket, how dare!?