Work Text:
Winter's Veil
The large tree in Orgrimmar was still being decorated and several of the orphans were helping. They could not wait until the time when the tree could be lit up and wondered who would be doing it this year.
"I bet it's going to be Saurfang!"
"No, it will be Baine this year I know it!"
Two of the children said in excitement, they looked at the matron for confirmation.
"It might be our new Warchief this year," the elderly orc smiled and pat the boys head.
"You mean? Sylvanas Windrunner? The banshee queen?" A small elf asked, she loved hearing stories of the former ranger general.
The matron nodded, "Yes toriel."
The elf looked excited and looked around for the undead banshee that was now in charge of the Horde.
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Meanwhile Sylvanas Windrunner was returning from a long ride in Azshara, she wanted a good look at the land riddled with goblin tech and night elf ruins. She wanted to clear her mind before starting the festivities, she still didn't understand why she had to do this.
Why me? Winters veil isn't my forte, Hallow's End is.
She sighed as the sound of busy merchants filled her ears and the smells of cooked meat filled her nose. It was definitely a busy night and she only needed to get through it.
"Greetings Warchief, gonna light up the tree this year?" A goblin asked, he wore a garish green sweater that would stand out in any crowd.
"I am, what of it?"
"Well I should tell ya, it won't be candles this time, I thought of something else."
Sylvanas raised a brow and stopped her horse. "Explain."
"Well I was playing around with wires and lights and discovered they look really nice on a tree." He started to explain and even told her how it would work.
Sylvanas seemed skeptical but was slowly coming around to it when he pointed to the shops with lights decorating the doorways and windows. She had to ask one thing, "They won't blow up?"
The goblin laughed, "no, I worked out all the bugs, you should be fine to light up that tree."
Sylvanas nodded and started to ride again, the goblin followed and expressed his joy of her being the new Warchief to which she would Inwardly sigh, thank you but I did not want this.
They soon arrived at the large tree Sylvanas could swear it seemed taller this year. She looked at the small crowd gathered and closed her eyes, just get through this...it's only lighting a tree.
The banshee queen dismounted and was approached by three orphans, "Welcome to Orgrimmar! Are you lighting the tree?"
She smiled at the three children who had gotten very close to her, "Yes, children, and I expect there will be gifts for you later, yes?"
The children looked even more happy, "Yes!"
"Then why don't you accompany me, if that is alright with your matron." Sylvanas looked over to the orc woman for permission. She smiled and waved them off, go on little ones you need this. As does the Warchief.
Once permission was granted the banshee queen took the three children and grabbed the device the goblin spoke of, she looked at the crowd and then at the eager children. She couldn't help but smile a little as she plugged in the wire and watched as brilliant colours of green and red lit up the tree.
The children marveled at the newly lit up tree and cheered at their new Warchief. One even hugged her which took the elf by surprise.
Alright, I guess it's not that bad….I could do this again. Sylvanas thought and hugged the child back, she moved back to see the lights and felt satisfied. It was as beautiful as a wickerman burning and it symbolised something new, like her as Warchief.