(2025-03-15) Season's Eve Chat

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Dane finds Jo in Ironforge HQ for a pre-season chat. ~1200 words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Season 16: Twilight Approaches

Atley marches into Cobalt Company headquarters carrying a small pan. He wears his comfortable, but reasonable civilian attire.

Jocoza is seated in one of the company chairs, going through her correspondence. She looks up as Dane arrives. "Oh, hello! I wasn't expecting you… is there a problem with the highlands plan?"

Atley grunts. "Evening Cap, and no — no." he says swiftly, shaking his head. He overlooks her paperwork before grunting again. "Have you got a moment?"

[Jocoza]: Sure, nothing urgent here. *Jo smiles, tucking the letters away.* Just trying to make sure everything's in place for our next missions.

Atley grunts. "Quite the schedule ahead, innit'." He moves to take a seat, the chair creaking slightly underneath his weight.

[Jocoza]: It is, yes. Only just out of Uldum, and now the highlands, and this new offensive over at Hyjal… how are you holding up?

Atley inclines his head. "Can't complain." He raises the pan, before he sets it on the table between them. "One of Ivri's chicken pot pies. A traditional human dish, but you ought to like it." The meal seems to have been formed into a gnome-sized portion.
[Atley]: S'good eating.

[Jocoza]: Pot pie? *Jo peers at it curiously* Ivri's an excellent cook, so I'll be happy to try it. A… savory pie, I take it? Or is the chicken sweetened?

Atley shakes his head. "Savory. Bit of salt, bit of pepper. You ought to find it filling. It's no sweet thing."

Jocoza smiles up at him, reaching over to take the pan. "Thanks — tell her thanks from me? And I'll return the pan, obviously. Maybe I'll come by Eastvale? Are the children old enough now for clockwork animals?"

Atley scoffs with amusement. "Karson may eat it, if my bloody hound doesn't get to it first. The healer's tell me Lila's eyes are still adjusting. She can barely see as it is, but I'm certain those devices will amuse them in time." He up-nods.
[Atley]: How've you been, then?

Jocoza blinks. "She can barely see? Is she alright?"

Atley grunts and waves a hand. "It's normal, apparently, at her age, just a few months. Only just now has she started looking about, taking the world in."
[Atley]: Karson was the same way in his earlier days.

[Jocoza]: Oh… it's… just an ordinary baby thing, then. *Jo gives wistful little smile* I wonder of gnomes are the same. Maybe I'll find out someday… I'll see if I can come up with more edible toys for your children, then. As for me, I've been well.
[Jocoza]: Keeping busy.

Atley studies her features and nods slowly with a grunt. "Wise, I warrant." He inhales slowly. "You've led us well. Smooth and steady."

Jocoza 's face doesn't show any obvious signs of distress, though her hands are a little more sootstained than usual. "Thank you. I do appreciate it. Sometimes… there are a lot of decisions to make, and I don't always get to find out if I made the right ones."

Atley grunts. "I'd like to make something clear," Atley begins. "If you hadn't requested me for Mount Hyjal, Deepholm, Uldum, or the Highlands, I'd have volunteered." he says, giving her a stern look. "Ivri knows it. We're prepared for the sacrifices in line of duty. I'd have you never be troubled by calling on me."

[Jocoza]: I… I would never doubt your courage and patriotism, Dane, *Jo says, her eyes wide and earnest* You know I wouldn't. It's only… I do think sometimes, about you going into danger, with Ivri and the little ones waiting at home…

Atley nods sharply. "I know," he begins. "I'm grateful for your sentiment, and your acknowledgement. I'm grateful you know how much they mean to me, but we must understand that I'm no less expendable than any other squad member."
[Atley]: I'm not a father in the field. I'm a knight.

[Jocoza]: You are. And I think you can see I've never hesitated to call on you when we need a knight of the realm. *Jo bites her lip, then nods* I'll remember that, not to feel reluctant to put your name forward.

Atley nods. "I also know you don't question my commitment," he reassures. "I merely wouldn't see weight added to that which you already bear as leader."

Jocoza smiles, a little relieved. "Thank you. I'll try not to carry your burdens as my own, in this particular case." Jo pauses. "Did you see the notice about Hyjal? I would've sent you there, only I'd just arranged the squad for the highlands…"

Atley grunts and sets his jaw, craning his head into a nod. "A campaign into the Firelands. Bold, and about time, I warrant," he growls. "I cannot yet say how the Highlands will keep us, but if there's a lull in our work I'd be eager to help take the fight to Ragnaros and his lackeys."

[Jocoza]: I don't doubt it, *Jo nods* You all defeated him, last year. If only it would stick — but I guess it will in the Firelands, as it has for Al'Akir.

Atley 's look turns dark. "We'll show them. Deathwing, and all of his allies. They'll be made to regret trying to destroy our world."

[Jocoza]: They will, as all the villains have before them. I'm sure Aura and Anareline would be happy to have you, if there's a lull. Or, well, as happy as one can tell they are. Kaldorei are very stern sometimes.

Atley growls with amusement and nods. "That they are." He looks down at her paperwork. "Time'll tell, I warrant. I ought to let you get back to it. Ivri'd be here herself, but she couldn't get away. Know that you're always welcome in Eastvale, Jo."

[Jocoza]: Thank you, Dane. And you know I'm always happy to see you, anytime you want to talk. *Jo looks thoughtful for a moment.* Clockwork soldiers maybe? Like I used to make for Sil's book club? One Karson's a little older…

Atley smirks, but only with his eyes. "For me, or for him?" he jokes dryly. "I'm fond of those things myself, you know."

Jocoza giggles. "Maybe I don't need to wait, then. I'll send you some 'for him', and you can keep them safe until he's ready."

Atley pats his knees and stands. "Very well. The gnomish experience has been unique, but if you're ever of a mind to talk, I'll listen. As a friend."

[Jocoza]: Me as well. I can't always guarantee I'll understand the human psyche, but… you know I care for you deeply. You and Ivri both.

Atley nods. "I know it," he says, before offering a large hand. "Farewell, for now, and Ivri instructed me to tell you to dig into that pie while it's warm."

Jocoza shakes his hand with her small, four-fingered one. "Then I won't wait much longer. It smells amazing. Take care in the highlands, will you?"

Atley grunts. "I shall." He gives her a respectful nod before marching out.