(2025-08-30) Out of the Rain

Details

Author:	OzmaAsimov
Summary:	Dane wants to touch base with Gwenivene after her first outing as a squad leader.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Season 17: From the Mists

Atley observes the view of the coast while eating a strip of jerky, his helmet laid out on the ledge in front of him.

Gwenivene strolls along the bridge, sighing happily at the stunning landscape below. She almost doesn't notice Atley until he is filling nearly the entirety of her view. "Oh! Hi!"

Atley slowly glances around. "Hullo', Gwen." He grunts and points upward. "Watch. It'll rain upon us soon. This place sees no shortage of it."

[Gwenivene]: It's no wonder it's so lush and green…and pink! So much pink.

Atley grunts and glances back at her. "How are you settling in, then?"

[Gwenivene]: I'm good! I mean…I miss home. But it's hard to complain, being here. Even with the Horde here.

Atley eyes her up and down. "You look well. We've had a chance to get to know the squads, Squad Leader. Anything that's needed from me?"

Gwenivene 's cheeks flush a little. "Having a hard time getting used to that-…oh, here comes the rain!"

Atley tugs his helmet on. "Fancy a walk to the inn?"

Gwenivene waves her hand above them, conjuring a partial arcane shield to serve as a temporary umbrella.

[Gwenivene]: Probably a good idea. That shield won't last forever.

Atley glances upward and scoffs with amusement. "Mages always have their uses." He gestures to Pookie as he walks past. "Am I acquainted with this creature?"

The arcane familiar does not respond, merely following dutifully behind Gwenivene.

[Gwenivene]: Hehe. That's Pookie. She's not exactly a creature. More of a magical construct.

Atley grunts. "Help you fight, does she?"

[Gwenivene]: Sort of? She's handy for storing spare mana. But mostly I keep her around to carry stuff, deliver messages, that kind of thing.

As they approach the inn, they hurry inside, out of the rain.

Atley removes his helmet again and marches over to take a stool.

Atley nods. "Pookie, is it?" he asks her, light-heartedly grumbling.

Gwenivene beams and nods. "Pookie!"

Atley shakes his head with warm amusement. "Well, you've handled yourself well for the first mission day. These Sha will be a thorn in our side, I warrant — best to keep an eye on our squads."

Gwenivene nods solemnly. "I confess, I'm a little worried about Shun. I don't know him well, but he seems rather…dour. I don't fully understand the Sha yet, but I worry it might latch onto that."

Atley inclines his head. "I see. Fortunately, he's got Estel, they've a long established history and can lean on one another. How are you faring with them?"

[Gwenivene]: Good…I think? Estel has been very supportive, which is nice coming from a veteran like her. Rae and Shun are kinda intense, but both are following orders just fine. So is Azizia…but jeepers, is she full of opinions.

Gwenivene giggles.

Atley scoffs with amusement. "That's her way. She's willful. I've had my run ins with her, but we've been able to make our time together productive and fruitful."

[Gwenivene]: Yeah, I think we'll be fine. I don't mind constructive criticism. I've just gotta make sure she does it at an appropriate time.

Atley inclines his head. "That's right. They, each of us, represent the whole, especially here. The situation's delicate, and urgent."

[Gwenivene]: Your advice really helped me get in the right headspace, I think. You and Jo, both. And I'm so glad you're both here. I'm sure I'll need more advice in the future.

Atley grunts. "I am confident that I can speak for Jo and say that we are grateful to of any aid. You've a strong grasp on all this." He pats his knees. "I'll let you go and do wot' you will, and I trust you'll come to me, anytime?"

Gwenivene gives the big man a grateful smile. "Absolutely. Next time, we should do lunch! Have you had those steamed dumplings the pandaren make? They are sooo yummy. I ate like two dozen the other day."

Atley perks up at the suggestion of food and nods earnestly. "I'd like that. And I have," he pats his stomach. "I've still a craving for them. Bit of pork, wot'ever they put in there…" he trails off, looking into the fire, before he shakes his head.

[Atley]: A fine idea.

Gwenivene giggles. "Maybe I can wrangle us up some now…."