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sunrunnerrs replied to your post: Hey Alleria it's Xe'ra again. Are you and Turalyon...

being an obsessed bitch that’s how

sunrunnerrs‌ // AIRLIA.

“When I most needed aid, it was one of your people who offered it to me.” To her people, yes, but to Thalyssra herself also; aid that she would not have found elsewhere, much less so careful and willingly given. “Once Suramar was freed, the quel’dorei and kal’dorei both departed, but the sin’dorei continued to help. Your people did for mine much more than I expected any to do. Silvermoon offered us friendship when we had nothing to offer in return --- believe me when I say that, truly, I am glad to be of help. Suramar would not have recovered so without that help. Aiding Silvermoon to recover fully would be a joy, not a burden.”

The First Arcanist may be well versed in wielding soft words, but those were far from untrue, earnestly offered. She did wish the friendship between their two peoples to continue flourishing; and now that it was within their power to aid the sin’dorei, they would not hesitate to do it. The shal’dorei were grateful --- and they would not leave their debts unpaid. 

The Blood Elves had offered them compassion and understanding, sympathy to their plight the Nightborne had not found from others, even those who would have been considered closer kin. Where Tyrande had closed doors, Liadrin had extended a hand; and for good or ill, Thalyssra would not forget how both of them had acted then. 

“I understand the need for caution, of course.” The mage herself was no stranger to betrayal; and she understood just as well that the kingdom’s safety should be placed above personal trust that might risk it. “You can assure Lor’themar we will be more than willing to offer aid where you need, Airlia --- and not to ask for more information than strictly necessary to provide such aid. It’s been a pleasure to receive you, and I am happy to indulge your questions --- just as I’ll be happy to help where I can in the restoration of your land’s shield.”

sunrunnerrs‌ // RANGER GENERAL.

“Is it a stretch, truly? You did tell me to talk to her instead of doing so yourself.” Retort comes so easily one may think she wasn’t talking to one she was less than familiar with, much less one who was well above her rank; Kelantir says it all the same, an eyebrow arched and the shadow of a smile still upon her lips. It is no sign of disrespect, as some might take it to be; true, a certain disregard for formality, yet this did not mean she would not show proper regard to his position. If anything, their conversation had bettered her opinion of him; he needed not listen, much less allow her to speak further --- and he most certainly did not have to explain to her, not even briefly, the whys of his partiality to the Farstriders. Others wouldn’t have; others may not have taken well to criticism at all. 

Slight surprise replaces her formerly bold demeanor at his suggestion she could do what she had so proposed. In spite of so readily providing criticism, she hadn’t expected him to heed it entirely, much less to want to work with her further. That not only he listens to it, but is able to take it graciously, speaks only in his favor; as General, yes, but even further. There were other options, surely enough --- most Blood Knights were not exactly famed for their honeyed words, yet the Ranger General was sure to find some who would be more careful when offering their opinions. Certainly some who would not offer said opinions unless when directly requested.

Nevertheless, Kelantir did not doubt her ability to provide the needed insight where her order was concerned; and she would be glad to do it, if it meant the Blood Knights would no longer be set aside when they should be deployed. Not all of the paladins would be eager to do so, she was well aware; while there were other options for sure, some of them were not exactly thrilled to answer to a ranger, and would be even less so if it required more direct interaction. 

Her brief moment of surprise passing, she gave him a half smile of her own at the playful reproach. “I would be glad to do it, should you so choose. But I am not prone to hold back my words, as I’m sure you already noticed, sir. Not even when they are quite critical.” If it would not prove to be a problem for him, than it surely wouldn’t be a problem for her; on her part, Kelantir was not truly bothered that he was a Farstrider (well, not beyond how it affected the rest of them due to his leadership decisions, at least). Partial as she may be to her own faction (and to her mentor), there was nothing to be gained holding on to petty enmity towards the rangers. “Still, I can promise you I do not usually spend entire conversations criticizing people --- and that I would be willing to talk without criticizing you further.”

sunrunnerrs‌ // AIRLIA.

“I imagine it would not be easy for one on either path to learn the other.” Thalyssra herself could hardly walk a path of faith, be it to Elune or the Holy Light; her only devotion, as far as sources of power went, had been to the Arcane, which she had always been most glad to study and experiment. “Not impossible, perhaps, but difficult. And it could prove more difficult than it has to be, if a combined force achieved the same results.”

Thalyssra heeded her words as the priestess further explained how the shield had formerly been built. Indeed, if treachery from one of their own had led to its ruin, it seemed unwise to keep too similar composition of keys, much less the very same positions they had been formerly kept in, even if there was a reason for their positioning. 

No commentary is made; instead she waits for Airlia to finish. There is some contentment in being able to answer a question with certainty; the First Arcanist did not mind at all the dwelling in possibilities, but it was visible Airlia wished for something more concrete --- and if nothing else, at least this question Thalyssra could answer without need for further research. “Yes, it is possible to redirect them. The Arcway beneath Suramar was originally built to direct the leyline’s flow of power, before we came to rely on the Nightwell --- and activating the conduits that were connected to Shal’Aran was essential to the growth of the Arcan’dor.”

“Building something as complex as the arcways would take time, but it is surely achievable.” There may be ways to redirect leylines more directly, yet those would require far more power; even the use of artifacts they did not possess. Utilizing conduits to direct the flow of power, however, was not merely feasible, but something Suramar had succeeded in doing and most certainly would be able to aid the sin’dorei with. “And it would prove efficient in powering an artifact that would in turn power the shield itself. Its construction would not be simple, even with the use of magic... nevertheless, a system similar to the arcways would allow you to direct the flow of power of the leylines to a chosen point, and even redirect it elsewhere, should the need ever arise. A fine precaution to have, I think --- should the initial position be compromised, it may not compromise the entirety of the defenses.”

sunrunnerrs‌ // RANGER GENERAL.

“I would hate to claim to have done it without truly having backed you into a wall, Ranger General.” Which she could do, regardless of what he thought; size advantage would hardly be enough to stop her, in spite of what most people seemed to think. Kelantir always delighted particularly in proving people wrong when they underestimated her strength because of her looks --- still, she believed it to not be the case. He had treated her with respect, even when she had been less than respectful initially. “But I will let her know, of course.”

“Forgive me for the impolite criticism --- it’s been frustrating to have you waste good opportunities of better using the Blood Knights, though.” She is sincere in both apology and explanation; Kelantir might not have offered it had he acted differently, but Halduron Brightwing had been much more willing to listen to the complaints of a paladin than she had expected he would be. Indeed, his agreement to compromise made him a better leader than most; even if he had much to improve where favoring his own faction was concerned. 

“--------- But since you asked, let me just add this,” Not a complaint, not truly, not as much as it was merely a suggestion still much on the same topic. He had not been doing a shit job (she wasn’t likely to have remained silent for long if he was), but there were always points that could be improved; and it was one of his most obvious weaknesses as a leader, this difficulty to deal with factions outside his comfort zone. “if you don’t know what the Blood Knights are capable of, talking to one of us to better understand our skills would certainly help. If you’re not sure how to best make use of a faction you’re in charge of, discussing it with one who would know seems like a best course of action than merely sticking with what seems safest.”

“Even if you seem to be too afraid of Lady Liadrin to talk to her, there are those among us who would be willing to help.” Adds in a lighter note, although she is unconvinced this is not the truth; not that she would hold it against him. Her mentor is a formidable warrior, and she can be commanding when she so wishes. “------ And it certainly would help build the Blood Knights’ faith in you, considering you are bound to meet some resistance from some due to being a ranger.”

sunrunnerrs‌ // AIRLIA.

"The circumstances of my visit were adverse enough as was, I think. Lor'themar was a most gracious host nevertheless." Reply does not demean nor ignores Airlia's attempt at lightheartedness, regardless of it's success; rather, Thalyssra offers sympathy in her smile and similarly light tone, in spite of speaking of matters not light at all. "Indeed, I have not seen the damage the Lich King wrought in your kingdom, though I have heard of it. I do not imagine it would be easily mended, as some sorts of magic do tend to leave lasting marks."

Such was the case of magic dealt in death, but also that powered by demonic fel. The First Arcanist heeds the priestess' words, pondering them briefly. "In theory, a combination of arcane and light wielders both would likely prove to be best --- if those are the energies that compose the Sunwell, they would be more easily manipulated by one with skills with both sources, but failing that, different people in a combined effort might prove just as effective."

"A priest or mage alone might not be capable to do it alone, although there are variables to take into consideration, such as what composes the Sunwell in greater quantity, and then what would be the composition of the barrier itself.” Thalyssra did not hesitate in diving deeper in possibilities, since Airlia seemed so willing to discuss them; it was no useless theorizing, either --- if naught more, it could provide them the foundation to devise the shield the priestess sought to restore. The First Arcanist had a sincere wish to help; it would be only fair when the sin’dorei had helped Suramar so. “Being mixed in nature, the most likely is that both mages and priests would be necessary, I would think. Still, one or the other might be able to sustain it though, albeit probably not as effectively.”

sunrunnerrs‌ // RANGER GENERAL.

In an ideal setting, a task force mixing rangers and knights both may have been more effective; still, this was far from being an option when not only they were not familiar enough with each other’s styles and tactics, there was blatant animosity between both groups (from both sides; the rangers disliked them, yes, but it would be a lie to claim most of the Blood Knights to not feel similarly towards the Farstriders). Having them work separately would be more productive, even if they worked towards a same goal; but having both groups take part in it would also mean they wouldn’t each be dedicated exclusively to a single goal, and other points would also benefit of having both the paladins and the rangers working towards something. 

“We may not be as swift, but we can withstand far more than rangers can.” It was not boasting when stated in such matter-of-factly tone. “And the Holy Light is particularly effective when it comes to fighting undead.” She stepped closer to the table as well, watching the Ranger General find what he was looking for. What he proposes then is something she’s much more agreeable to than initial plan had been; surely, Kelantir did think the paladins could be used to do more still, but this was good enough compromise --- and more than that, having a strong position in Tranquillien would make it easier to spread out their control over the area, between that and the Farstriders Enclave. 

“We would not need rangers’s support,” And in this some annoyance cannot be avoided entirely, try as she does to keep it from showing. Somehow it feels like distrust in their skills, that they cannot do it on their own, and part of her cannot help wondering how impartial he was capable of being, as a ranger himself. “yet it is a sound idea. Tranquillien being secured would be a great advantage, and having somewhere to fall back to is a good precaution.”

“A good first step towards making better use of our skills --- certainly an improvement from your formerly shit plan, sir.” Commentary is offered with good humor, the shadow of a smile on her lips as golden eyes flicker towards Brightwing once more (his mistake to not reprimand her when given the chance, instead so laid back in his approach before he did start talking strategy; had he not chosen to be funny when it came to her name?). “Many of the Blood Knights would be willing to do it, I’m sure --- and I believe Lady Liadrin would approve as well.”

sunrunnerrs‌ // AIRLIA.

Even were she not perceptive enough, the demeanor denounces Airlia’s obvious discomfort at matter discussed, quiet distress in clenching of hands even as she offers the First Arcanist brief background of her homeland’s tale. Thalyssra has, of course, heard some of it; details were, however, not so easily offered, and neither would she press for them knowing it to be the painful story it was. If there is attentiveness in the mage’s gaze, there is obvious sympathy also; the sin’dorei had been through much that the shal’dorei similarly suffered, and as they had shown the Nightborne compassion, so did Thalyssra feel compassion towards them for their past plights.

“I see.” Acknowledgment came with the wish she had more to offer than she truly had, though Thalyssra hoped it not to disappoint the priestess entirely. “The shield around Suramar was meant to isolate as completely as to allow us to withstand the Legion and the Sundering. Because of that, it was an elaborate spell, and required a number of our most powerful mages to be erected, even though it was powered by the Nightwell.”

Information is freely offered; it was not defense Suramar still relied on, and there were other such ways to create a new shield, even if they would not be as simple with the Nightwell destroyed. “But if your Ban’dinoriel was not meant to be entirely isolating, perhaps a variation of it could be devised --- and with the use of ley lines and the Sunwell to sustain it, perhaps the moon crystals would not be needed at all.” Seemed both a sound enough path and one possible to achieve; after all, if treachery had formerly destroyed the shield, best to establish one in a different way and prevent it to be shattered a second time, and if Suramar’s own shield had relied on the Nightwell’s power, likely the same could be done through the Sunwell. 

“I fear I cannot offer anything other than possibilities... but I do believe it can be done. Not the same way your shield originally was, perhaps, but in a way that would work similarly enough as far as protection is concerned.”

sunrunnerrs replied to your post: How did Kelantir survive Arthas little uninvited...

arthas just wanted to decorate the sunwell for winter veil obviously

sunrunnerrs‌ // RANGER GENERAL.

She had overstepped her position, perhaps; it wouldn’t have been the first time. Sure, Kelantir could have worded that better; maybe it had been the general disregard towards the Blood Knights (lingering still, specially where rangers were concerned), or maybe that his planning seemed so utterly focused on Farstriders that one may think those were all the forces he had available to use --- regardless, it was frustrating. She hadn’t spoken out of disrespect for the Ranger General; even if Brightwing was far from having as much respect from her as Liadrin.

Naturally, at the dismissal of others but not herself, she expected to be admonished for her insubordination (it would have been fair; and the Grand Magister in the least had been very vocal about her inadequate behavior). No protest is offered as she halts step she hadn’t quite had the time to take; and whether she feels angry or ashamed, impassiveness does not betray her feelings, golden eyes watching others leave before gaze turns to the General himself. 

Surprise, however, does shine through in slight widening of eyes, in arched eyebrow as she listens to him instead ask about her opinion on what should be changed (part of her still expects this to be nothing more than an elaborate way to reprimand her, somehow; other part makes her narrow eyes at his casual demeanor, or that he refers to her as Miss Blood Knight). “My name is Kelantir Bloodblade, sir.”

Even then, there is slight hesitation in proceeding, expectation he does not truly mean to listen (not that he wasn’t given to listening --- she wouldn’t know --- but because listening to one who had so openly criticized him wasn’t something most people would do). It does not come; and if she is yet uncertain of what he really wants, Kelantir decides she might as well speak, and if he listens or not, well, that is beyond what she can do.

“Well, for a start you might want to actually make use of the resources you have beyond Farstriders.” The rangers had always been vital part of the cities defenses; after all, it had always been a ranger to lead their entire military forces. She understood that; while some of her colleagues were still antagonistic towards the rangers due to the open opposition they had shown the Blood Knights before, Kelantir did not resent them. Neither did she think relying entirely on rangers was the wisest course. “You are assigning Blood Knights to common guard duties. Common guards can be used for those --- while our numbers are few, paladins are more than just simple soldiers. We are efficient in the front lines, and can heal as much as fight. In the chance of direct close combat, we would be much more effective than rangers --- and we have knowledge of the land too, even if we are not attuned to the woods as you are.” 

“Lady Liadrin has sent most of us on several missions on the Ghostlands. If you mean to strengthen our positions there, it seems like a dire oversight not to have Blood Knights be part of the main forces.” She has a care to tone down the assertiveness, then, acknowledging she might yet again be toeing the line of what he would find disrespectful. "And in doing so, the rangers would not be as heavily taxed.” Falls silent, then, golden eyes meeting his in looking for reaction while waiting for his reply.

sunrunnerrs‌ // AIRLIA.

If the suggestion (and even Airlia’s own acceptance) may seem to the sin’dorei as overstepping boundaries, it was not the First Arcanist’s intention at all; rather, one’s home was seldom kept apart from politics in Suramar, ofttimes being the setting for meetings that might draw unwanted attention otherwise. Even in times of relative peace, the politics of Thalyssra’s homeland tended to be a dangerous matter; and while this did not concern the inner works of Suramar (or so she believed), it seemed whatever discussion Airlia wished to have would be best had in a setting that would allow them as much discretion as possible.

Reassurances in that regard offered as they make it for the estate, Thalyssra offers her a polite smile and ‘thank you’ at the compliment upon arrival, before leading her guest inside. The living room matches the estate’s, and indeed, the city’s aesthetic, making use of colors and designs the shal’dorei clearly favored. Perhaps she could offer to show Airlia around the estate later, but as was, the other elf seemed much too concerned with the discussion they were about to have (and Thalyssra herself could not avoid wondering, yet again, what was this all about; nothing came to mind that would be such secretive topic). “Please, have a seat. If we are to discuss sensitive matters, we ought to at least do it comfortably. Can I offer you anything? A drink, perhaps?”

Once they were settled, the First Arcanist did not delay in offering Airlia the chance to speak. “Now that we are here... what was it you wished to discuss?” Sees no reason to skirt around it, blatantly providing Airlia with opportunity to speak directly as well, should she so wish. If Thalyssra is curious (somewhat concerned, beyond intrigued) her tone remains just as serene as it was before. “It seemed quite serious, for you to come to me without consulting Lor’themar.”

Arator was struggling. Today was…it was the day his parents finally returned. It was supposed to be the day his loneliness faded and his parents embraced him. Maybe that was too much to ask for. Too unreasonable a request from these strangers. They had no answers for him that he had not heard before. Had it really been that difficult to see him before now, to send a message?

He tried to put aside all of the evidence to the contrary. Struggled to feel as though he was no more than a burden to be put to the side in favor of an endless war. Yet he thought of Light’s Heart and the message that was sent to Azeroth, to be activated by his presence, but containing little more than a warning for others.

He thought of Lothraxion and the Aurubos. How close he had been to the ship, and the Army that came from it to defend the Netherlight Temple. So easy for the army to come to the defense of other followers of the Light, but what of his parents? Had the always had the ability to travel like that?

Arator scolded himself for being so upset at them, his long lost parents. Even if they could have sent a message, or visited him, to feel he was owed any of that was childish. To think he had the right to demand it when their work was so very important. Much more important than one child.

Yet it still hurt. Would always hurt. Even if he believed it unreasonable, and tried to convince himself his abandonment was necessary.

All his doubting did was make their reunion that much more difficult. He expected too much. Placed too much importance on his own wishes. There was no time for bonding. Now was the time for war, and it was never far away.

Already it had visited the Xenedar. He had witnessed Light’s Heart being returned to the Prime Naaru Xe’ra, only for her to be destroyed. Being in Xe’ras presence had been…nice. The warmest sensation he had felt this entire trip. Witnessing her was like being bathed in the radiance of a rising sun. He had felt as if anything was possible.

It did not last long. His awe had quickly become horror as he witnessed Xe’ra’s attempt at forcing destiny upon Illidan. That was not what destiny looked like, nor was it right. The Light, for as wonderful as it is, was not something to be pressed upon another. For it to be benevolent, it had to be willingly accepted.

He felt stupid for questioning the actions of the Prime Naaru, but less stupid when she exploded. In just the span of a few minutes, Arator went from knowing very little about naaru to knowing that they could be wrong, and could be destroyed.

Turalyon, his father, had immediately attempted to attack Illidan afterwards. His fury still permeated the ship even now after the fighting had died down. The High Exarch was now busy with the other members of his army, attempting damage control and trying to figure out what their plan was next.

Alleria, his mother, was much harder to get a read on. Whatever she was feeling was being kept close to the vest. Shock was certainly worn on her face but little else. Arator hides his own protests when she excuses herself to tend to matters elsewhere.

They are both busy again. Busy with their own plans, their own wars, and though he traveled here to see them, to help them, he feels as though he is simply a burden. He does not stop them from doing what they must, he never will. However, he does decide to find something for himself to do.

Perhaps he would travel down to Argus and assist the Highlord. If he was on the ground and fighting the Legion, then at least he was engaging in the same war as his parents. Might give him something to talk with them about.

Before he would decide on his next action, Arator went about exploring the ship. It was beautiful and alien, yet the warmth from the light it permeated familiar. He was curious about it’s secrets and went about slowly exploring them. He explored without concern or care, doubting there was a single threat on the ship. Even the shadows in the dungeon were explored, though he did question the need for dungeons.

Arator was returning to the bridge when he noticed something in the shadows. A place people might not normally look and only the insatiably curious had a chance of stumbling upon. This was probably why they chose it. That and who among a ship of paladins and lightforged would look into the shadows? Only one who had a habit of finding those broken and seeking redemption.

Though she seemed to have picked this spot just to hide. Though a small ball in her hiding spot, he still recognized her golden hair as his own. She did not see him, could not with her face hidden. Arator knew he should leave her there, to deal with those emotions she clearly wanted to hide. He did not know her well enough to help, much less to feel allowed to. A step was taken, it’s intention to quietly walk away, but once the distance began he felt certainly it would only grow if he kept moving.

Knew her or not, it was nowhere in his nature to abandon someone in need. He did not know what was wrong, or how to help, but he also knew he could not leave her to go through it alone. Arator turned and walked towards her, towards his mother, and took a seat beside her. There were no words of comfort he could think of which would ease her unknown suffering, so he said nothing. Instead he reached out a hand and placed it on top of hers.

He did not know how to help his mother, but he was certainly skilled at helping strangers, and sometimes all one needed was a reminder they were not alone in the shadows.

I like the rejection of the gift cinematic very much so I was watching it again and I have thoughts

1. Illidan is not thrilled from the start but each moment he speaks with Xe’Ra you can see how much angrier he gets. He tries to hold back from it, and when he states the Legion’s end is all he seeks he even manages to tone down the anger a bit, but immediately afterwards she demeans his goal and he’s furious again. After that it only gets progressively worse. He steps back, and when he speaks again, it’s clear her promises of exchanging freedom for power hit too close.

2. there is like one second after this before Xe’Ra outright attacks him that shows Alleria and Velen and I might be looking too much into it because it’s 1 second, but there’s tiny tiny reactions there when she starts speaking of prophecy. Velen narrows his eyes (probably because he has no idea where this is going), but Alleria’s widen a bit --- too little for it to be shock or surprise, but the way I see it, enough to be because she understood where this was going. Illidan was refusing Xe’Ra, but Xe’Ra wouldn’t kill her precious chosen one; this doesn’t mean she won’t try to impose the Light on him, and Alleria of all people would know that.

3. Turalyon’s eye color change will probably end up being the “Xe’Ra was literally blinding/enthralling him” and that sucks because I doubt everything surrounding it will be developed beyond that tbh and it’d be really nice to see actual explicit development concerning Turalyon going back to not being a zealot

4. Illidan fallen to the ground after destroying the prime naaru but still stopping Turalyon’s sword with a single hand? I stan a legend

5. Also he’s bleeding because he’s literally holding a sword and I learned he actually bleeds fel

6. Alleria’s commentary after that being “That was... unexpected. To think he had enough power to destroy her...” is on point because of course no one expected that turn of events but lol she won’t be mourning Xe’Ra, it is that Illidan had the power to do it that really shocks her (because honestly that he’d try is not unexpected and she can relate)

7. there’s just so much going on for Alleria and Illidan both and it’s certainly something that would have taken a while for both of them to process