(2025-06-30) Military Stars (Fallon Gala Side Scenes)

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Author:	Athena
Summary:	Avrenne's circuit of the room leads her to following up on two conversations, one with Ralaea's instructor Anareline Silvershade on the ways of the kaldorei military before the Sentinels, and the other with Captain Jocoza Sparkwire of Cobalt Company on perhaps securing a rare star device. 4k~ words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Avrenne, Anareline

After the speech, Avrenne makes her circuit through the room, and eventually to where Anareline has ended up, the moment of approach chosen specifically when the warrior is not occupied in any other conversation.

"Anareline Silvershade," Avrenne greets.

Anareline turns her attention to the duchess, and nods her head politely in greeting. "It is a very long time since I have been to such a party. Millennia."

It sounds like a compliment, though it is spoken impassively, as a statement of fact.

"Has it? I suppose then we might mark the success of the night for you by whether or not it feels like a millennia spent in it, or if another millennia passes before you dare another one," Avrenne says, a touch of wit as she sets her hands in a light clasp in front of her.

The Duchess Esprit is no Aspenwood of natural near-blank face, only a woman who carefully controls herself deliberately, holding the reins of reaction neither too tightly or too loosely, but somewhere in between. She has mastered herself, and it shows to one versed in such things.

Anareline nods, and allows a small smile. From one carefully controlled person to another, it's an acknowledgement of a joke.

"We will see," Anareline says quietly. "It felt… pertinent… to attend. I did fight Deathwing, and I have the connection to your ward. If my presence lends support to the… cause, then it is right for me to be here."

"I agree," Avrenne says. "It's important in particular for some of the people attending tonight to put true faces to those who fought for them, and to remind some who do not venture beyond Stormwind City's walls that the Alliance is, and always has been, more than Stormwind or human kingdoms. Your people have fought valiantly for our world, and your perspective on these events, particularly of the meaning behind the end of a dragon aspect, is valuable, and much needed. When the world changes so entirely in one's own lifetime, those who have witnessed these events throughout a much longer one have wisdom we all benefit in heeding."

"I cannot say I have the story of Neltharion from the beginning," Anareline says slowly. "I was only a young woman at the time of his corruption, and not yet drawn deeply into the affairs of dragons. I have revisited that time recently, though, on behalf of the bronze dragons. It was… different, seeing things from the perspective of who I am now."

"I can only imagine," Avrenne says truthfully. "May I ask if there was anything in particular that you would care to share of the experience, of seeing what was with the knowledge you have now?"

"I had forgotten how truly beautiful it was, before the fall," Ana says softly. "The memories of the horror tend to overshadow, I think. But of Neltharion — Deathwing — perhaps I never realized before, how pitiful he was. His body held together by nailed plate through his own actions, grasping desperately for more power. He was powerful, it is true… but also in some way pathetic." Ana frowns, and shakes her head. "I had little interaction with the Aspects back then. I was only a young soldier in a military better designed to gratify the egos of the nobility than to win conflicts."

Avrenne listens with an attentiveness that proves her interest is unfeigned, and that she is considering each word as she hears it. "Mm. That is an interesting way of describing it, but I see the reasoning, I think. Before the Horde arrived in the First War, there were several human kingdoms of a similar nature. Alterac, for example, learned how to navigate the conflicts of borders and power through trade and marriage. It made them prosperous and peaceful compared to its aggressive neighbors, but it did little to hone their military power. I would even say much of it had gone the same way, to gratify egos more than prepare to repel an entire ruthless army.

"Unlike the Alterac people, though, yours adapted, clearly. I must admit I am curious, when was the shift from a military as we may call it, to the Sentinels creation? I have spoken to many Sentinels, but few whose history stretches back even further than the organization as yours does."

"The military was entirely reformed," Anareline says, and then frowns. "If that is the right word. I do not mean corrected, I mean discarded and created again. Some few hundred years after the Sundering, it was decided that the new force, the Sentinels, would be created from the sisterhood of Elune. Our priests are not quite like human Light priests — they were usually highly trained in combat," Ana pauses, and then adds a personal note, in the same dry tone. "For me, the betrayal of the Highborne officers still burned too brightly for me to trust in another order. At that point, I was… something of a hermit. I passed on my mastery to students who would inevitably join the Sentinels."

"How interesting, and I expect possibly frustrating at times," Avrenne remarks. "Do I understand that you did not then discourage them strongly from joining, but gave them sufficient information, and allowed them the freedom to make the decision for themselves, even if you may have disagreed with the choice?" It sounds more like an observation than a question.

"That is an invaluable attitude for an instructor, perhaps informed by experience, especially for those like Ralaea, who might fight against being so deliberately led to a conclusion she doesn't share, and would therefore learn the wrong lessons. A good teacher shapes their students, oftentimes in their own image. An exceptional one teaches them to think for themselves with information and freedom to act on it as they will."

"I was taught by experience… that my words carried little weight for others," Anareline says, her gaze going a little distant. "Perhaps in a way that led me to be a more effective teacher than I would have been otherwise. I offered what perspective and wisdom I had to give, and then my students left me to conduct their own lives and make their own decisions. But… what I wanted mostly was to force them to consider what they were doing and why. I cannot tell you how many students I had who were determined 'be the best' or to 'serve their people' without a deep understanding of what either of those things meant, or what deeper feelings motivated these surface desires."

"I confess I was a weaker teacher for my own daughter, as strange as that may sound. I was not content to let her make her own decisions for good or ill — I wanted to ensure she did not make my mistakes. I can say now that she did not make my mistakes, she made her own," Anareline pauses, considering. "Perhaps today, I am by intention the kind of teacher you describe, whereas before I was through bitterness."

"That is what experience does, does it not? The way our paths are shaped with options limited by our past and by our own natures. What might turn another to harsher methods, forced compliance, a tighter grip through punishment and control," Avrenne says gripping her own hands tighter in unconscious movement, "will yet see another learn acceptance of freedom of choice, and a lighter touch while still guiding others to see the path ahead of them better, lending skill with foreknowledge and the tools to make their own decisions."

It doesn't just sound like agreement; it sounds personal, a philosophy the human woman holds from her own experience.

A small smile moves her expression, the kind that isn't about joy but about a way to show a shared pain. "It is always another thing with one's children, though, isn't it? I admit I learned that lesson of the mistake one can make with holding a little too tightly the difficult way myself."

There's a flicker of recognition in Anareline's eyes, an acknowledgement of shared experience in two people who are in many ways quite different.

"I lost… so much time, out of stubbornness on both sides," Anareline says slowly. "It takes so much more time and patience to mend a bond than to break it, as I have found. And those one loves… change a person. I would have never expected, a century ago, to find myself where I am today. And I do not simply mean fighting against Deathwing. I refer to being so entwined in a group, a family, to being entrusted with the lives of others. I hope you know that I do not take this responsibility lightly — I have done my best to guide Ralaea true, in Hyjal."

"Even from only what Ralaea has said of you and your code of honor, I would expect nothing less, and I am grateful for what you have done with Ralaea. It truly is an honor for us," Avrenne says. "May I ask another question regarding your military history?"

Anareline raises an eyebrow in mild curiosity and then gives a solemn nod. "You may ask."

"Did you hold any position with a title that has a translation equivalent in Common? I realize even in the asking that it assumes a certain human-centric perspective of a military organization that would have Generals and Captains as ours," Avrenne says, moving a hand in a circular motion. "But if the differences are as wide as that to not share the equivalents, I would be curious to hear what those are as well. I have an interest in military history."

"There were… officers in the military," Anareline says, a little stiffly. "I would never have been in a position to hold such a title, due to my family. The empire had not been at war for some time, so titled positions were primarily bestowed as gifts to praise the Highborne. I was taught it was my purpose to serve. To quietly ensure that those placed above me appeared… more capable than they truly were… so that they would be further respected."

She pauses, and then adds, "I believe the Sentinels have an officer structure you would find more familiar. I will not say corruption in promotion is nonexistent, but I believe they do make an effort to reward merit."

Avrenne listens, that self-containment evident, but she is not a blank slate — there's enough of a narrowing of her eyes, and a pressing together of her lips that speaks of Disapproval of the concept of titled positions used as gifts.

"Yes, I am aware of the Sentinels structure, as a necessity for my own work with military contracts, and I agree it has a familiarity, but I had not realized that there is a greater history behind where it has arrived now. Human history is not free of the bias you describe, to the great detriment of it, for such a system will always arrive to the same corruption, and while many things have necessitated a greater adaptation to the reality of our world to understand how merit must be at the forefront of all military structures, some of it still lingers. Are you familiar with the concept of purchasing a commission?"

"Purchasing a commission?" Anareline says her brow drawing down. "My guess would be that it refers to some kind of… use of money to purchase status."

"Your instinct is correct. It is when a person of sufficient wealth, most often of the nobility, to quite literally buy an officer's rank in infantry and calvary, all the way up to colonel, with no experience, no knowledge, no test whatsoever of their ability," Avrenne explains. "In long ago days, it was even so gate kept by nobles that even when a person of wealth tried to purchase one, they would refuse it if the person came from a 'low society' position.

"The argument for it, you see, was that those who were wealthy and noble families had the resources to better teach their children the art of war and the complexities of leadership over larger groups, while the commoners may not even have literacy as a skill. However, reality more often proved against the rule than for it.

"As you can no doubt understand from your own experience, the practice led to widespread incompetence at often the highest branches of the military. And unfortunately, even if with the practice no longer common at all, the attitude that it cultivated remains, and it's far more likely that a person of noble birth will be promoted to a higher position for no reason other than those responsible for the promotion are nobles themselves."

"That does seem in line with my experience of the military," Anareline says with a slight nod. "There was a pervasive idea that one's birth and arcane talent determined one's value. My own…" Ana pauses, and continues, "I knew others who I believe internalized this, and sought favor with those they saw as superior. And we have seen the result of this way of thinking — the sundering of the world."

"In some ways, kaldorei society as you see it now was deliberately and aggressively in opposition to this," Anareline concludes. "Though… we have recently welcomed back some of the Highborne, from Feralas. They are no longer afforded any special consideration."

"If I may offer the opinion of an outsider, I think it to be a wise decision," Avrenne offers, as an outsider. "It's one part of what makes the kaldorei a valuable ally in the Alliance as well, where we may benefit from learning from your people's history and wisdom found, and strengthen ourselves in turn. Other perspectives of various cultures enriches us all.

"Thank you for speaking with me, Anareline Silvershade. I have enjoyed the conversation," Lady Fallon says, as the party shifts around them again, and the hostess must return to her circulating. "I hope we will have another opportunity to speak again."

"I have also enjoyed your words," Anareline says, bowing her head slightly in acknowledgement. "And so I will hope for that opportunity as well."

---

Avrenne, Jocoza

Avrenne's route through the ballroom is a difficult to pin down pattern, the reasons known only to the duchess herself, but when Jocoza has a moment to herself, that is when she finds the Lady Fallon there to meet her.

"Captain Sparkwire," she greets, coming to a stop by the gnome mage.

Jo looks over with a wide smile, and glances between the duchess's constellation dress and her own (less rigorous) starry skirt. "Lady Fallon, it's been such a lovely party."

Avrenne allows a small smile in return, setting her hands in a clasp in front of her. "I am glad to hear so," she says. "Cobalt Company has earned a respite, many times over, and now there is even more to celebrate. Your company did important work several years ago in Theramore, and has been active in the region this past year to aid with the stability of the Kalimdor continent, if I recall correctly."

"We've had teams in Theramore a number of times," Jo nods proudly. "Once following up a… bit of a mystery from Stormwind, during the King's absence. And then, of course, Cobalt Blade did a lot of work there with Tervosh and Kinndy, concerning the elemental disturbances last year."

"Mm. The management of such a complex and widespread Company no doubt has many challenges, but I admit that I am impressed at the consistent quality of work your people do. As you undoubtedly know, House Fallon has contracted Cobalt Company several times, and we have been impressed anew each time," Avrenne says.

"I understand that you were recently married to Siege Engineer Kerlo Quarterflash of the 7th Legion, if I may offer congratulations on it. I had the good fortune to make his acquaintance a few years ago during the Northrend campaign, and he was a valuable resource in confirming a direction for military war machines."

Jo beams proudly on behalf of her people. There is absolutely nothing guarded or carefully curated about her expression, she is just openly happy and proud. And then her gaze softens at the mention of Kerlo, a gentler, more personal kind of happiness.

"Yes, we were married just two weeks ago," Jo confirms, glancing over to where he currently is in the ballroom. "We're only just back now fully from our honeymoon. He's the unexpected star that illuminates my future. After Gnomeregan, something I never thought I'd find again — but here, let's stay on happier subjects. Did you know I have a stepdaughter here tonight as well? Natlee Spatterspark — I think I saw her come in with Sandy Spellbond."

"Oh, I was not aware, but I congratulate you on the addition to your family." Avrenne glances through the ballroom, and it does not take her long to locate Sandy, and then the gnome with him. "I am very well acquainted with the Spellbond family, and I am glad that it seems Lord Gausanders has found another friend. The past few years have been challenging for him.

"I have four wards of my House, and three children of my direct line myself. My two older wards are here tonight. You have not met my eldest, Finley Boutille, but he just over there," she says, indicating the tall gentleman in the brown suit. Finley doesn't seem to notice the attention, in conversation with another young man dressed, shall we say, like a dandy. "Of course you are very well acquainted with Ralaea, who newly joined our House this past year. I don't know if she has mentioned it or not. She can sometimes hold onto information until an abrupt notice out of context."

Jo looks over at Finley curiously, and then turns back to Avrenne in surprise. "Ralaea joined your family? No, she didn't say anything. That's lovely, though! I suppose that's also why she hasn't ended up stranded in a desert or anything in the past year — which, don't worry, Cobalt looks after its own, too."

"Sandy has had a hard time, what with the kidnapping and losing his leg, and then… well, I think things are looking up for him now," Jo smiles over at Sandy and Natlee. "I only have the one stepdaughter so far, though there's also Joanie — the child of a dear friend I've been keeping an eye on."

"It is one of the most important duties a society has, to look after the young, regardless of whether or not they are from our direct line, and I am glad to see you share the sentiment," Avrenne says. She may or may not be adding in desert survival into Ralaea's instructor education list.

"I expect that between your inarguably worthwhile duties and your family it leaves only a small time for pursuit of other hobbies and interests. How did you come to create something that displays the stars of a specific location? It has the ring of a story behind it."

"Yes, indeed, for the future and for their own sake," Jo says with a smile of agreement, and then she adds, "It is a bit of a story, but the short version is that a very dear friend asked me to help realize an idea she had for a gift for someone she loved — something she thought would impress him. A device of mixed arcane and tinkering expertise, designed to display the moving stars on the ceiling of a darkened room. I chose the northern border of Stranglethorn for the location, since that's where she and I first met. It was an ambitious project, because I linked it to the turning of Azeroth, you see. We called it a stellarium. I did promise I wouldn't mass produce them, but I do have the magic and the knowledge now to do something else star-related, if you and your husband are interested. I… I do really enjoy designing and making things for friends."

Avrenne's eyes widen, and her lips part slightly in a genuine show of surprise and there is no mistaking the light in her eyes, as she raises a hand to her chest, well manicured nails resting on the bare skin there.

"Oh, goodness. What an extraordinary invention," she says with all sincerity. "Of course, I would never dream of asking to break a promise, and we would respect the constraint entirely. I must say however that the Admiral would be most interested in such a device. He is a naval gentleman, and the seas are his roads, and the stars his heavenly guides." An interesting thing to say, perhaps, while wearing a gown and diadem of stars.

"Would you be willing to make a stellarium of a similar nature of accurate stars from a place you may not be able to go to yourself at present?"

Jo tilts her head, considering carefully. "I'm not sure I could do the sympathetic magic if I can't go to the particular place. I could do something else though, more based on mathematics than the arcane to keep track of the constellations. Is it… somewhere at sea?" Maybe an obvious guess for an Admiral and his wife. "The same place as your dress, or different?"

"You could say that. It would be Stormsong, Kul Tiras, where the Admiral was born, and at present there is no access to the island," Avrenne explains. "I must say though that a stellarium based more in mathematics than arcane would be an even greater delight. I will forewarn you that if you share your work of doing so to translate it into a movable display with the Admiral — and you may want to if you enjoy speaking with a peer who knows the math of the stars — you must be sure to prepare to remain there for some time. I recommend tea."

She pauses and adds, "Indeed, if you do not have a preference for working alone, I think the Admiral would enjoy the gift of working on it alongside you to learn and see how as you go as much as the final project itself for display."

"Oh! I've never been to Kul Tiras," Jo says, brightening further, if that were possible. "I believe my stepdaughter has, but obviously not lately. To be honest, I didn't really go much outside of Gnomeregan at all until a few years ago." When Gnomeregan was irradiated, but she doesn't bring that up directly. This is a party! "If you have the latitude and longitude… or if you have the star charts, that would shorten the work. As for working together… I do ordinarily work alone, but that's not out of aversion to working with others. I just tend to get… very focused, I suppose one would say, and I'm afraid it might be terribly boring. But if you think he'd like to… we might need a few teapots."

Avrenne smiles, more warmly than the polite social expressions, a glimpse of something brighter in the self-controlled woman, before she dims it back down. Ahem. Serious duchess.

"I think he would like that very much. He is not averse to working with someone focused on their work and not on idle conversation, or many teapots," she says, and there is still a sparkle in her eyes, as she turns her head to look at Siamus. He was not in her direct line of sight, and she didn't search for him in the crowd; she knew exactly where he was.

She turns her attention back to Jo. "Then, I shall let you consult your calendar for your schedule in the next coming months, and when you have a period of time for such a project, we can work to align it with the Admiral's schedule. Cost is not an issue," she says with the certainty of a woman wearing a necklace worth several houses around her neck. "Ingenuity with materials, especially new ones, will be supported fully."

"Oh, please don't worry about that," says Jo, with the certainty of a woman who runs an incredibly successful mercenary company. "When it comes to tinkering the work itself is its own reward, for me. Though… I suppose I wouldn't turn down help with materials, if I ended up needed something I wasn't sure how to get my hands on."

"I'm afraid I don't have a firm handle on my calendar yet, as I've only just come back," Jo says, and there's a softening of her expression, as her own gaze shifts to a certain platinum-haired figure in the crowd. It is unlikely she has unerring memory of the room — she just can't keep her eyes off of him for long. "But I'll look things through, and send you my expected future availability sometime soon?"

"Naturally," Avrenne agrees. "Thank you so much for your time this evening, Captain Sparkwire. It's been a pleasure. I do hope you and your husband enjoy the gala, and the much earned respite."

She gives Jo another smile, this one the one of practiced elegance, but her eyes are still warmer, before off she sweeps.