Work Text:
Dalaran
Vereesa Windrunner was inspecting a new uniform idea she had when two of her rangers entered. Both of them captains and the elven general couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments. The taller ranger had her hair pulled back in a black ponytail with the smart looking glasses, the smaller ranger wore her fire red hair loose with it partially covering her left eye.
"Is everything ready?" Vereesa asked the two women.
"Yes, though are you sure you should be doing this?" Ranger Floridormi asked, she removed her glasses to give them a good clean on her sleeve.
"I am allowed to visit, there were no restrictions on that." Vereesa calmly replied.
"I do not feel like she can be trusted, general." The taller ranger added.
Vereesa closed her eyes tightly for a moment before speaking again. She knew this would be an issue in regards to her exiled sister; though she had shown remorse for her actions and wanted to set things right any trust would have to be earned.
"I have to give her a chance, besides I broke her trust long ago. So she may not trust me entirely as much as..." Vereesa rubbed her temples, this was complicated.
"We understand, general." Ranger Tinuviele said in an assuring tone. "If she is determined to face this new life ....unlife then I can trust that she will not squander this chance."
The ranger general nodded, Tinuviele Moonspell had once been a ranger under Sylvanas's service and was still a close friend. She trusted the older elf's words.
"If everything is ready then take the boys first, there are a few people I wish to speak to." Vereesa was quietly dreading it, her oldest sister had been harder to crack since their sister's return.
We have our sister back, please give her a chance. We have a chance to be a family again. Had been her words before Alleria disappeared into a portal. Only Arator seemed receptive to seeing his aunt and had probably made his way over to the spire already.
"We'll ensure the boys get to Windrunner Spire safely. Is there anything else?" Ranger Flori asked.
"Check on Quel'Lithian Lodge, it's supposed to have been going under reconstruction." Vereesa had been given plans from Ranger General Brightwing under a joint agreement of silver covenant and farstriders.
"I miss that outpost," Ranger Tinuviele had spent many an evening there when it was in use. "I'll give it a look."
Vereesa smiled, "then I'll leave that to you, I need to talk to my sister again. I will see you there."
The two rangers saluted and left the office and their general alone with their thoughts, and for several minutes it was quiet.
The air began to crackle as void energy and soon brilliant violet light filled the room as a portal formed. Vereesa looked up to see her eldest sister enter, she looked cold and decidedly unhappy.
"You know my feelings on this, I do not wish to see that mockery of our sister."
The youngest Windrunner sighed, "She is not a mockery, she's also whole now."
"Spare me, why should I give her any of my time?" Alleria asked coldly, she winced from the whispers demanding her to commit murder again.
"Because we've both hurt her, and she needs her family. If we don't give her a chance then who will?" Vereesa demanded, she was tiring of her sister's coldness.
"How have I hurt her?" Alleria asked indignantly.
"By rejecting her the first time, by not hearing her out. Alot of that is my fault because of how I told you, I made her sound like a monster. She joined the horde out of a need to protect her new found people and to survive, and she's pragmatic, it was also convenience. What was she supposed to do?" Vereesa countered with her own question.
"I..." Alleria had no words for that, she hated admitting when her sister made a good point.
"I'm not having this argument again, either you come and see your sister for Winter's Veil, or you stay in Stormwind.... brooding with your whispers." Vereesa stood tall under the scrutinising gaze of her sister.
Alleria looked up at her sister and the whispers intensified.
Kill them both! They are weak!
"Little Moon..."
"Don't Little Moon me, Alleria. You're either going or you're not." Vereesa's anger was beginning to rise.
"Fine, I will come. But do not expect me to give her a hug and pretend everything is ok." Alleria remarked and rubbed her temples again.
"I don't, you can brood in your old room if you choose to...." Vereesa said.
Alleria had no response for that and conjured a portal to Windrunner Spire. The void energy crackled again and dissipated, leaving Vereesa alone with her thoughts. Please let this go well, belore.
Vereesa was about to leave when the door opened, it was Jaina. She felt a smile on her lips form as the mage entered. "Jaina, what brings you here? I was just about to leave."
Jaina leaned against the doorframe and folded her arms, "aww, I was hoping to take your sons to Kul Tiras for Winter's Veil."
"As fun as that sounds I am actually going to be visiting Sylvanas." Vereesa explained, though visiting the island nation sounded relaxing.
"Oh, family time." Jaina stood up straight from where she had leaned. "I hear she's been behaving herself?"
"She's been helping restore some outposts within the ghostlands and rebuild Quel'Lithian Lodge. So yes, it's a rough road she's chosen but she faces it head on." Vereesa had been in the ghostlands a few times and had seen her sister making an effort to help the farstriders and forsaken that resided there. There had been talks of relocating the forsaken to the former deathholme, if they wanted to. There were many that were still angry with their former queen and wanted nothing to do with her, even some of her rangers stayed away.
"Sounds promising, might I come along? Not as a Lord Admiral or Alliance but as a friend?" Jaina asked, she could endure the banshees presence with Vereesa around.
"Yes, but don't bring up anything to do with...just.." Vereesa was imagining the arguments already, the judgement, I just want this to be a new beginning.
"I won't, if you say she's been helping her people out and striving to move forward then I'll leave it alone." Jaina promised.
"Thank you, my son's, nephew, and sister are already there." Vereesa informed her friend, she couldn't figure out why but Jaina seemed to make her spirit lighter when she was around.
"Then let's join them," Jaina was already conjuring a portal to Windrunner Spire while Vereesa was moving around the desk.
Vereesa stepped through the portal with Jaina following behind to her old family home.
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Sylvanas stared over at Shalandis Isle and the two night elf ships docked there. They had permission now to camp there if only to watch over her, but she knew they too had rules put upon them. They could only occupy the island and a few small outposts within the ghostlands and they were not to steal any secrets or spy on the blood elves as they had before. So far they had honoured the conditions and even sent in druids to work out ways to heal the land.
The banshee had gotten to know a few of her wardens and they had grown less hostile over time. Mostly because one of them had two teenage daughters that always ended up exhausted after spending time with Sylvanas. As an undead she did not tire, so their games ended in the thirteen year olds falling asleep by the time their sentinel mother returned. The other sentinel appreciated Sylvanas's dark humour and tour of the dark forest.
This time however, neither of the sentinels disembarked. Instead she saw a druid and a warden, what have I done now?
Sylvanas watched quietly from the comfort of her balcony and spyglass. They didn't seem to be heading towards the spire which filled her with relief. The last Warden she dealt with was Maiev.
"One slip-up banshee, and I'll lock you up in the barrow dens where you can be forgotten and imprisoned for as long as you continue existing."
The gruff words of the warden echoed in her head. I will not slip up!
Sylvanas had thought determinedly and before she resumed her watch the sound of two portals filled her long ears. She wondered if someone was coming to finish her off, she held her ribs and winced, one assassination attempt was made weeks ago and she still was reeling from it. She expected that, it shouldn't have been a surprise. You earned this, Windrunner.
"Sylvanas?" A familiar voice pulled her out of self loathing and into relief again.
"Little Moon?"
"No, it's Ranger Captain Floridormi. I have your nephews."
Sylvanas came down stairs and heard the chatter of the little half elves. She straightened up and felt the intelligent eyes of the dragon ranger on her.
"Ahh, how nice of you to brave the winds with my nephew's." She smirked and looked down at the two boys who fell silent. They had packages in their arms and held them out to her.
"What are these for?" Sylvanas asked.
"Presents, it's Winter's Veil, Aunty." Giramar said with excitement.
"Oh, is it that time already?"
"Did you forget?" Galadin asked in a very concerned tone.
"To be honest, young ones, I didn't think I'd be celebrating it."
The boys looked saddened at that, "Well you will now."
Sylvanas nodded, "I suppose I will...is it just you three?"
Ranger Flori shook her head, "No, Sylvanas. I am only here to drop them off, I won't be staying."
Sylvanas smirked again, she could feel the hatred and distrust in the elf and couldn't blame her.
"I trust you can handle two eleven year olds?" She asked.
"I babysit hyperactive half kaldorei children, I think I can handle my own nephews." Sylvanas was getting irritated, she would speak to Vereesa about her rangers lack of professionalism later.
The ranger gave her a look and swiftly turned on her heel and left on her Griffen to meet with her sister Ranger at Quel'Lithian Lodge. She didn't want to spend another minute at this place.
The boys looked back at her then at the gloomy looking sitting room, they looked back at her and smiled. "Where can we put these."
"By the sofa, I wasn't expecting visitors." She admitted, she was expecting to be forgotten.
The boys put their presents by the sofa and then ran outside to look around. Before Sylvanas could follow them she heard a male voice. "You two becareful, I'm going to see who that is."
Giramar and Galadin nodded and started to chase each other around the base of the statue that had been placed there a few years prior.
Sylvanas was surprised again, this time Arator was there with a few presents and what looked like a bag with food. "Are you here for the holiday I forgot too?"
"Yes Aunty, you shouldn't be alone. I brought food for the rest of the guests. We wanted to surprise you." Arator said with a smile, he inwardly hoped this would go on without a hitch.
"I am most definitely surprised, nephew, just...put them inside." Sylvanas was baffled, why are they doing this? I do not deserve this.
Arator walked inside, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the listless banshees that had quieted down in her presence.
Sylvanas stood at the doorway and looked around for these "guests" she spotted a few forsaken wandering around her home. They looked up with that hurt expression she had been greeted with ever since she got back. They did not speak to her, not yet, one of them had admitted they weren't ready to. I am sorry, I will win back your trust.
She knew that would take time, but it would be worth the effort.
Her thoughts were interrupted by two portals appearing, the void portal threw her off a little as she could remember Alleria not wanting anything to do with her. The second portal was an arcane one, she assumed it was Proudmoore? Why would she come here?
Vereesa, Alleria, and Jaina all appeared in front of her. "Hello, are you all here to celebrate a holiday I forgot?" She repeated what she had said to Arator as she was still surprised.
Vereesa gave her an appraising look and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Yes, we didn't want you to be alone."
Jaina didn't nod but she stayed silent, Alleria stared upwards instead of meeting Sylvanas's gaze.
"I see, well...come in." Sylvanas gestured for the three women to enter the old home.
"Still have your rangers I see," Alleria pointed to the banshees circling the spire.
"They----"
"I don't care to hear your explanation," Alleria said abruptly and walked inside quickly.
Sylvanas sighed and looked at two of her rangers that stayed at a distance. They protected the spire and served her still but she could always see the heartbreak there.
She went back inside the tension filled house and braced herself for what was to come.
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A few hours later the group was sitting at the table talking and eating. They had spent the day looking around the house and even helped Sylvanas clean it up a little bit. Sylvanas still didn't understand this at all, she felt Alleria's judging gaze, Jaina's simmering anger, and Vereesa's hopeful stare. Why are they doing this? I know two of them don't even want to be here!
The only ones that were enjoying themselves were her nephews who kept her attention with their stories of adventure. They atleast seem to want to be around me. Vereesa feels obligated I just know it.
That was the only explanation she allowed herself to think of. Obligation to her war criminal sister who was exiled and watched constantly.
I need to be alone! I can't put up with this! I don't deserve this! Why are they being kind? Why did they come here?
"I'm going to my room, I need to be alone." Sylvanas stood up suddenly, she couldn't stand to be in the dinning room, not with the ghosts of the past and with those that most likely hated her.
"Are you sure?" Vereesa stood up concerned for her older sister.
"You would be better without me spoiling everything with my mere presence. I will retire, please do not come upstairs. Enjoy the holiday without me, it's clear I'm unwanted in my own home." Sylvanas shot a glare at Alleria then at Jaina before vanishing in a cloud of smoke that fled to her room.
Vereesa was about to follow her when Arator stopped her.
"No, I think we overwhelmed her. Give her space then go and check on her." The young man suggested.
Vereesa nodded and glared at Alleria and Jaina, "You two couldn't keep your disdain to yourselves could you?"
"We didn't say anything," Alleria reacted defensively.
Jaina looked down guiltily.
"You didn't have to, she felt it. She was trying to be a good host, even with the surprise. Although, this is my fault for not warning her." Vereesa realised that she had made a mistake in dropping in unannounced.
"How do you expect us to act?" Jaina asked.
"I... Don't know but not like this, I know she's not your favourite person but I just asked both of you to act civil." Vereesa wasn't sure if she should have expected this or if she should feel disappointed.
"If you two want to leave go ahead," she added before they could say anything else.
"No, you're right." Jaina admitted, as much as she didn't want to be near Sylvanas she didn't want to disappoint Vereesa.
"Gladly." Alleria was about to leave when her son gave her a look of utter disappointment which stopped her dead in her tracks.
"I'm going to go check on her," Arator said and ran upstairs.
Alleria sat down and folded her arms, she was not expecting the two boys to react too.
"Why are you so mean? She's trying to be better." They too left and followed Arator.
Sylvanas was in her room struggling not to cry or run back downstairs in a rage to rid the house of her unwelcome guests. She was about to do so when three knocks on her door got her attention.
"Yes?"
"Aunty can we come in?"
"I guess."
Arator, Giramar and Galadin entered with worried expressions on their face. Sylvanas couldn't see ulterior motives in their faces, they were genuinely concerned.
"I did not mean to ruin the evening, I just couldn't stand being judged every minute of even moving. I know I've earned it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it." Sylvanas said as she retreated to her bed.
"We are not here to say you deserve it, it's not our place. We just wanted to be here for you, I do not hate you, nor do the twins. Aunt Vereesa is also trying to be someone you can reach out to." Arator explained as he sat on the floor. The children sat next to him quietly.
"Well, that's a relief." Sylvanas said and could not keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
Arator smirked, "Look, I know my mom's being a jerk...."
"I do not care if she is, I should never have come back!" Sylvanas blurted out and put her head in her hands.
"Then again, they don't want me there either." She added and felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, tears were about to fall.
"I am glad you're back, you have been making good strides. Sure it's a long road but..."
"But what? Arator. Even my actions are scrutinised. I didn't realise how much this would hurt, I said I'd face consequences, I'm accustomed to be persecuted so why am feeling like this?" Sylvanas looked at the younger elf with barely restrained despair.
"I don't have the answers and only you can figure out why you feel this way. I however can be here for you. You don't have to shoulder this alone." Arator moved closer and took her hands in his, the twins stood up and spoke.
"We wanted to meet you, we made you a welcome home present...if that helps." Giramar said.
"I don't deserve this kindness ..." Sylvanas began to cry.
"Who said that?" Arator asked curiously.
"Me."
"Well you is wrong....wait....apart from my poor choice of words you deserve compassion. I know there's alot of your unlife you didn't ask for, and you've never had anyone willing to understand. Now, you have a chance to rebuild and start fresh." Arator felt like his words didn't reach her until she pulled him into a hug.
The twins hugged her in turn as she continued to cry. "I still don't understand why you're being kind."
"You have enough hatred aimed at you, why should I and my cousins add to it?" Arator asked calmly.
"Alright, good point." Sylvanas pulled away and rubbed her eyes.
"You have a few who still believe in you, you have loyalists still, so think of what you do have for now." He suggested gently.
"Things will work out," Giramar said cheerfully.
"Yea, ignore Alleria and Jaina, come downstairs and open your presents!" Galadin said exclaimed.
Sylvanas almost laughed at the boys attempt at cheering her up. Maybe we can get through this.
"But I didn't get you anything, or make you anything." Sylvanas remarked sadly.
"Just play with us tomorrow and we'll be fine." The boys said in unison.
Arator stood up and looked back at his saddened aunt.
"Come back downstairs when you're ready, despite my mother and the lady Proudmoore. You have four of us who want you and are glad you're home. Others will come around in time, or they might not."
Sylvanas nodded and wiped away her tears, she stood up and grabbed his hand, "I'll face this, nephew. After all what type of host would I be to ignore my guests? Unwanted or no?"
"That's the spirit." The half elf said and accompanied his aunt and cousins back down the stairs.
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Vereesa felt relief when she saw Arator with her sister. She lead the small group into the sitting room where a small tree was placed, Jaina had felt terrible and conjured a tree with lights. Alleria placed the presents around the tree but stayed quiet.
Sylvanas and the boys sat down around the tree and opened the presents and for once the banshee didn't hear the self loathing voice telling her that she was unwanted.
"Thank you for this surprise, however little moon, I would like a warning next time."
Vereesa nodded and moved to sit next to her sister, she wanted to start making an effort as Sylvanas had been doing since she returned.
"Happy Winter's Veil, Lady Moon."