(2026-03-12) Guarding, Again

Details

Author:	Aly
Summary:	Joelle writes back to Finley about everything being fine and normal.
Rating:	T for Teen

Joelle’s handwriting, while still bearing a practiced calligraphic form, seems rushed somehow, different from his usual neatness and precision.

Finley,

I am guarding again. Guarding while other people fight and die. I thought it would be different here. It’s not. The work we’re doing is important. Everyone says it is. Everyone always says that it is.

I hope you are well. Your letter made it seem like you weren’t. Was it illness? I don’t know what bad business looks like for the House. Am I allowed to ask?

Hana writes every day. I think she is scared not to. Her father never came back from Northrend. But he wasn’t guarding. I didn’t tell her that. Thank you for looking out for her. She likes you. I’m going to ask her to look out for you, too.

I’m glad Isla liked the present. It was a helpful distraction, and I got to collaborate with the other engineers in my squad. Their names are Briar Bergaine and Fredrica Sterlington. Briar said Fredrica is from a noble House. Maybe you know them. When is your birthday?

Pandaria is big. I hope you don’t get lost. We got lost for a while. Lathrik kept dreaming about a golden vale, and it is pretty now that we’re here, but my favorite part is the mountains. If I could choose where to get lost, it would be there.

Please tell Her Grace congratulations for me, if you think it’s okay. I will continue to wish for her health, and the health of the children. Hana and Lathrik have both mentioned Isla’s training. Maybe it will help her stay safe. Lathrik doesn’t talk about Natalyah much. Ren has to drag it out of him. It’s good that she’s well.

I miss you. Maybe we will meet when you arrive in Pandaria.

Lathrik and Natalyah told me not to talk to Ilanya, but writing isn’t talking. I’ll write to her next. You’re a good person, Finley. It makes me happy to know you.

From,
Elle

Left as a random footnote at the end,

Lt. Commander Azuredown has trained with Miralynn.