A choice to make.
Alyriel made her way down a dark hallway within the Dorathis Estate. When she opened the door to her chamber, she found a vision she did not expect.
Nyxandriel sat there, Lady of House Verdigris. The woman that had taken her in, despite having every reason to condemn her. Nyx sat in Alyrie's office chair, a glass of deep red wine in her hand. She was idly leaving through some papers on the priestess' desk. "My Lady..." Alyriel spoke low, almost whispered.
"We must speak," Nyxandriel simply announced, turning to face the priestess "I've noticed you've been doing more and more dangerous work." Lady Verdigris tipped her glass. "This must not continue if you are going to do so without company from competent people."
"My Lady, I do not understand. Are you asking me to join a specific group?" Aly closed the door behind her quietly and made her way to her desk, leaning her hips against the edge. She looked to Nyxandriel with concern and confusion.
"Either that or found your own. I haven't heard of many guilds or orders that focus quite on the same things you do. Wouldn't this be a good opportunity to put your skill and charm to use?" The witch took a sip of her wine before her head tilted. Her eyes narrowed at the young woman beside her with a criticizing and introspective gaze.
"My own...?" Alyriel felt like she was in open waters suddenly. "I have no experience leading. I do--"
"Nonsense." Nyx scoffed and shook her head. "I've more than a few reports about your leadership skills. The section of priests in Stormheim? What about the negotiations for the funds that were supposed to go to the Sanctum of the Sun? That one event where there was a dispute with those two ambassadors... I don't care to recall the details of their buffoonery." She waved a hand dismissively. "You've gained more than enough insight under your belt over the years to lead a small project on your own."
On her own? Alyriel felt like her body had grown heavy. Past events flashed before her as she tried to make sense of why the Witch thought she was fit to erect a group all of her own. The responsibility that would fall on her shoulders... Was it going to break her? Was she strong enough? Nyxandriel was rarely wrong, especially when it came to the judgment of people. "Will you sponsor this then?"
"Of course. You ask something you know the answer to. When have I not lurked in the shadows to support your endeavors? House Verdigris is never too far from you. I am sure Lord Dorathis might have some hesitancy on the matter, but he cannot let go of the vision of you when you were not yet grown." Nyx laughed. "Whoever said Death Knights could not feel anything. That man loves you like a daughter. He just doesn't show it like the living do." Nyxandriel sat up in her comfortable seat. "Listen. You have a choice to make. I think you can do so much good if you are given the tool and the freedom to do so. You have a very admirable goal. I do not belong in the light. But you do..."
Her lungs seized, no breath daring to fill them as she listened to Nyxandriel. There was suddenly a strange feeling that sparked in her chest, like the buzzing in the air before lightning struck. Her body felt tight but her mind widened with the bright vision they shared. It was inspiration.
Hope.
Alyriel took in a breath and it burned her lungs. There was anxiety at the thought of creating something of her own. Of building something that would make her dreams for Quel'thalas come true. She had always been the aid that came, the support that helped others achieve their missions.
"I..." The priestess stammered, hesitating to speak those words aloud. They banged on the door, scraped at the wood, shook the hinges... There was a surge of courage.
"I will make my own."
Nyxandriel smiled, the crescent lips round with pleasant approval. Those virulent, fel blazing eyes stilled and held pride. "Good. You need only send word. Spy Mistress Edoria will shadow you now and then and you can call on the Pathfinder for more open needs. Drak'hiel will keep an ear and eye open for you. You know the protocol when it comes to affairs, hidden or in the light."
"Yes. Yes of course." Alyriel wanted to throw herself in Nyxandriel's arms for a hug, but she knew better.
"Excellent. I have much faith in you, Alyriel."
