Above the Stars and under the Flames

8. Eternal Love

Thellandria stood in the center of Cenarion Hold, glancing around distractedly at her surroundings. She furrowed her brows as she lifted her gaze to the sky, wincing against the harsh sunlight that so ruthlessly scorched the desert landscape of Silithus.

Footsteps approached her from behind. "Captain," a female voice spoke in Darnassian. She heard the familiar sound of a posture straightening in a crisp salute.

Thellandria blinked and whirled around, fingering her necklace absently. Before her stood a green-armored night elf woman with long white hair and indigo glaives tattooed across her face. The druid recognized her as Laridel Whisperstrike, a Warden of the Mount Hyjal Barrow Dens.

"Er.. sister," Thellandria greeted, tilting her head. "What.. what brings you here?" Her eyes clouded over slightly as she began remembering her time in the Nordrassil Accord military unit, which Laridel had also spent time in. Thellandria had been a Captain of the organization, hence Laridel's manner of greeting, although the Accord had disbanded many months back.

"You are not an easy person to find, Captain, even for a Watcher. I am here on duty I'm afraid. Have you anywhere perhaps more... private in which I can relay a message?"

Thellandria frowned pensively and looked around, still fiddling with her odd necklace. "I.. I don't know." She suddenly narrowed her eyes. "Why should I? Do you think I'm hiding something? I don't see any reason for me to have a private location," she snapped back in an overly defensive manner.

Laridel furrowed a brow upon the druid's aggressive rebuttal. "Is everything alright, sister? Are you ill?" the Warden asked with a worried tone.

Thellandria folded her arms across her chest. "Ill? I am offended by your accusations, so I am apparently 'ill'?" she exclaimed, then clenched her hand around her necklace tightly before softening. "I'm sorry. Of course we can find somewhere more private. I am sure we could just step down the path a little bit, out of earshot."

Laridel perked a brow once more. "I am sorry to have offended you, Captain." She flicked her right ear. "Perhaps we should get this over with," Laridel said with a stern tone. She began to walk up the path, away from the bustling center of the Hold.

"Get what over with? What is it?" Thellandria murmured, scrambling to catch up with the Watcher.

Laridel placed her glaives on the ground and removed her mask. "Hm."

Thellandria raised an eyebrow and momentarily brought her fingers away from her necklace. "Is something the matter? Why have you brought me here?"

"I am certain you have heard by now, but I am the keeper of Fleetsong's will. The will specifically details that you be the last person to receive what they are due," Laridel replied, then tilts her head. "Do you wish to receive what the Shan'do has left you?"

Thellandria furrowed her brows a bit and canted her head to one side. ".. What he has.." She blinked a couple of times. ".. Oh, of course. His will. Yes," she murmured in understanding. "I.. I suppose so. What do you come bearing?"

Laridel nodded, stepping into the shadows and disappearing from sight. After a few seconds, she reappeared. Thellandria's eyes widened in surprise, but she waited in place until the Warden came back.

Upon her return, Laridel was holding a small lock box in her hand. The box was made of a green oak, bound with sky-steel bands. Laridel offered the small chest as well as a key.

Thellandria blinked slowly, then extended her hands and took the offering. She peered at the chest curiously for a moment, then eventually placed the key into the lock with shaking hands. She took a deep, steadying breath, then turned and opened the box.