#veleth

‘I know it's pronounced Gaelically but you reminded me of this’

“People despair across the kingdom, Lord Ashcaster. They do not think the Sunguard can protect them when the Alliance controls our most sacred groves.”

“Not to mention with Lord Indaris turning to the Kingdom Reborn many are seeing them as the most legitimate force for protection as the frost begins to set in up north. Falconwing Square is in such a poor state that seems on the verge of surrender to the bandits.”

“Thank you, you two can leave,” Veleth stated. He masked his concern behind an authoritative aura, easily enough with the responsibility Telchis invested in him. The kingdom was in shambles after the Ranger-Captain was captured in Havenblaze, worse off now that Aurelian had played his hand. It was enough that Telchis chose to march his armies south to deal with the “High King’s” threat, and so it seemed that the deal that Veleth had made with the man was in jeopardy.

He hoped that it was unnecessary, but if the Alliance marched on the Ashfort and its gates remained closed he risked losing everything he had worked towards in rebuilding it. Again.

It is a strange thing, when she finally pays mind to the holiday season and feels the impulse to do.. something, for once. It has been many years since she has had more than the smallest handful of people to give gifts to.

Through varying degrees of occult and official means, she sends out a variety of things over the course of several days, when the Archon turns the members of the Sunguard to their own business. Most of the letters are bewitched, unable to be read except by their intended recipients. 

---

Aestus receives a leather armband with elaborate patterns seemingly burned into it, stylish but unobtrusive. On the inside face is inscribed in Thalassian script, “The night does not survive the dawn.”

My friend,

Of the guard, you are the first with whom I spoke besides possibly the dryest interaction I have ever had with the Scion. Though we have not done so in some time, I count you among one of my few steady friends. You have seen the darkness that lurks in the mid of my nights, as I yours.

Trace the script and read it aloud, when it becomes hard. In addition to it, I grant you one favor, to call upon my talents or resources as you will it.

@shampoocommercialelves

Westel is sent a box of pies, professionally made and still-fresh through some minor spell settled over them. In addition, a hunting knife that comes sharpened, its hilt carved and wrapped with artful patterns evocative of woodland beasts, with leafwork embellished along the spine of the blade.

Westel,

You were one of the first to show me friendship among the Sunguard. Three months ago I would not have called it that, but times seem to be changing. I thank you for the kindness, however small it may have been to give.

Where the hell have you gone? I miss Ithruiel. How dare you keep him from me.

@westelfirewing

Nuellen receives a strange, enchanted necklace -- a raven’s skull formed of blackened, petrified wood, attached to a thin, sturdy cord. A note explains its purpose to give the wearer resistance against ambient fel energy or exposure.

Swiftstrike,

Not a week passes that I do not think of my grandfather and how fortunate I was to have him. I have wrestled with feelings about his death for a very long time -- I don’t believe that I am yet done mourning, or that I ever will be -- but I am infinitely grateful to know that I am serving alongside some of the few Farstriders who served alongside him. Thank you.

@thedragonisaprincess

To Thanidiel is sent a cloak of brilliant, blood red fabric. Through some workings of alchemy, the cloak seems to be a remarkable insulator, despite its light weight. Some of the warlock’s sorcery is bound to it as well, and upon investigation it is revealed to be fireproof -- and furthermore, made to deflect magical flame and heat. The underside shimmers against the light with hues of orange and gold. An attached note reads, “This one won’t burn up. Use it well.”

Highdawn,

It has been some time since we have spoken, regrettably. I am still bitter that we did not get to face off at Shadowsunder’s tournament. Though through battle I have regained familiarity with my sorcery and its limits, I would still test it against you when you are available. Consider this a challenge.

@thanidiel

Caelinda is given a pair of boots, sturdy, stylish and well-crafted. Enchantments scribed onto the seams ensure that it will last an eternity of travel -- in addition, the monk feels a little lighter on her feet, when she wears them. To accompany the gift is an ornate brooch fashioned out of gold and ruby to affix to a cloak or scarf, and a batch of festive cookies that are still warm and fresh through some minor spell.

Caelinda,

There are few words to describe the depth of affection and fondness I have for you, however much I may loathe to show it around other people. You have given me a sense of peace and welcome that I have not had in such a long, long time, and I am grateful for your love. I will strive for all my days to be worthy of it.

@superspicedinosaur

Tyleril is sent a piece of everburning coal, infused with sorcery. It is warm to the touch, and a note explains that it can be activated and deactivated through a command word. When active, it effuses strong heat and flame, presumably to be used in the forge or a fireplace. The note warns not to hold it at inopportune times.

Silversword,

Thank you for hosting me in your home the night of the bonfire party. I know that I can be abrasive at the best of times, but it is appreciated, and I wish your business good fortune.

Keep the coal out of Samiel’s hands. That boy has fire in his eyes.

@tyleril-silversword

Vaelan receives a bottle of fine wine, Suncrown vintage. This brand is only seen on shelves practically once in a blue moon -- she must have been holding onto it for some time.

Vaelan,

You’re a fine man to work and drink with, though I fear I tend to grow only more abrasive when inebriated -- but I appreciate your friendliness, and our banter. Put this wine to good use. It’s far too damn fancy for me to drink it myself straight from the bottle, and I’m less inclined to put myself into a stupor on a regular basis, nowadays.

@greatmaulsoffire

A book, old and ornately bound, is sent to Veleth. It appears to be an in-depth study and analysis of extraplanar phenomena, as well as the planes themselves and how they intersect with the material world.

Ashcaster,

I had never expected to find a kindred scholarly mind among the Blood Knights. You are a steadfast ally in battle, and I appreciate your respect and curiosity for my studies. I hope that we both might benefit from learning into the future, with Argus on the horizon.

@veleth95

To Synthiel, a Reliquarian’s sanction for the regulated study and use of alchemically-synthesized anima.

Cloudseye,

It is refreshing to speak with another pyromancer on a level of exchanging knowledge and technique, and for that I thank you -- I have not enjoyed the privilege for a very long time, different as our disciplines may be. My expertise in commanding Wrath hones sharper by the day, and I have you to thank in part for that.

@spiral-seeker

For Ka’ese, a potted Thalassian plant, with delicate leaves in hues that range from scarlet to gold -- it is bright, and fragrant. A piece of home, preserved through magic that is clearly not the warlock’s own.

Brother,

Past our twenty-fifth year I did not think I would ever write to you and say ‘Merry Winter’s Veil’ ever again. I’m still not certain on how to feel that I am doing it now, but I know that I should, after everything. So much has changed since our reunion in Azsuna. Argus yet looms in the sky, and you should know that I intend to see this war to its end. I hope for your health, through it all.

One day we shall spend this time of the year together again, as brother and sister.

@turalyon

The Magistrix Starshard’s gift arrives on the wings of a strange raven with eyes like embers, bearing the warlock’s distinct aura of magic. In a small leather case strapped to its back is a token -- metal fashioned into the emblem of the Sunguard, with its reverse face inscribed with Thinariel’s unique sigil -- and a message of rolled and sealed parchment.

Thradia,

I cannot even begin to presume what you may believe of me at present -- I apparently have an unfortunate habit for disappearing off the face of the world. You have the deepest apologies I may give, and the greatest hopes for your health and success. You are beautiful and strong, more than I could have ever taught you to be.

Know that I survive, and that I had no choice but to take my leave of the Black Harvest when Vataan abducted my brother from Dalaran (yes, I have a brother). Through his hand and mine, no trace of my tower remains in the Twisting Nether. Without my refuge, I serve the Sunguard. So much has changed that I cannot put to words.

Argus looms high in the sky; you know where I must be.

Stay the course.

From the newly appointed Knight-Commander’s office in Quel’thalas’ Capitol flows five letters to Dalaran, Silvermoon City itself, and provinces across elven lands to their desired recipients. The courier responsible is what appears to be a young lass, whose face is obscured in crimson cloth that enwraps her then spills down her shoulders in a great cloak.

With deft feet and a low, lilting voice, she makes her deliveries on good time with her satchel lightening while her coinpurse grows weighty in contrast.

First, the Hawker flies to be received by Ellasha Truefeather,

Knight-Champion Truefeather,

First, I congratulate you belatedly on birthing your first-born. Knowing you and the Archon, I trust that your babe will grow to rival even Lady Blacksun with its vigour and strength.

Secondly, I must inform you of affairs that brew in our great Capitol; from the Magisters I have heard gossip for some time of the State permitting festival within the limits of Silvermoon City. Until last night, I thought these rumours to be falsehoods considering the many years it has been since the Sin’dorei have found cause to celebrate like we did when our lands swelled with grain and people.

Evidently, it has proven true as I have been enstated as Knight-Commander for a task-force to guard over these proceedings that will welcome the new year. On equal level, Knight-Lord Arrodis Lightfury and an old, once-dead, name, Ethalarian Dawnstalker, serve alongside me.

I do not trust this. I do not trust these proceedings. I do not trust the simplicity of this affair considering the three names they have assigned to command this Blood Watch. I am no guard. I am the Terror of Zeb’Alor, once a Hand of the Inquisition, I kill and silence who they tell me to. I know the same proves true for Knight-Lord Lightfury. Guardwork is not our usual affair.

I fear what the State expects from constructing this Blood Watch - how much violence do they imagine to appoint the figures of the Order that they did? This I expect to share with only you and the one who holds my fondness, and I share my concerns with you for good reason:

With the authority granted to me, I conscript you. You must finish whatever affairs you’ve with the Sunguard in haste, and you must ride to Silvermoon City. You, as former guard to our fallen King, will be evaluated to take place as my right-hand. You will teach us to play in your domain.

It grieves me to take a mother from her newborn babe, but you must. Take the babe to the gate of Blacksun in your absence. The mountain air will instill in her robust lungs as is necessary to any warrior. There is little replacement for mother’s milk that is not inferior to Blacksun lineage, but ram’s blood and horse’s milk will keep her vigorous and strengthy in the month you will be away.

Report to the Hall of Blood when you are here. Accommodations will be made in the Court of the Sun’s housing for the duration of your stay.

Knight-Commander Thanidiel Highdawn of the Blood Watch

@azriah ( @jessipalooza very minute mention but i expect you to be smug)

To Esheyn Flamethorn, Veleth Ashcaster, and Velard Sunwhisper,

Chosen Knight,

There is to be upcoming festival in the Capitol of our Kingdom in a month’s time, once the Feast of Winter’s Veil has been observed in full. A temporary unit known as the Blood Watch has been created to watch over these proceedings. I, Thanidiel Highdawn, act as one of three Knight-Commander for this taskforce and, for the duration of these festivities, will hold authority beyond my rank of Knight-Champion amongst the Order itself.

You have been conscripted. You will conclude all business with the Sunguard in haste and ride for Silvermoon City. The Will of the Blood Knight Order is the Will of the State - Paramount.

Report to the Hall of Blood when you are here. Accommodations will be made in the Royal Exchange’s housing for the duration of your stay.

Knight-Commander Thanidiel Highdawn of the Blood Watch

@kinari @veleth95 @lurvyx

To Sakialyn Sunfire-Emberstar,

Knight-Commander Sakialyn Sunfire-Emberstar of the Sunguard,

The Blood Knight Order has constructed a taskforce known as the Blood Watch for the purposes of overseeing festivities in our Capitol in a little less than a month’s time. I, along with Knight-Lord Arrodis Lightfury and Knight-Lord Ethalarian Dawnstalker, have been appointed as Knight-Commanders for this endeavor.

For this affair, I will be conscripting a handful of Blood Knights from amongst the ranks of the Sunguard. They will conclude all business with the Sunguard before gathering under my directive, I will promise you that.

Such is the Will of the State. I inform you to offer you due respect as our superior within the affairs of the Sunguard. The authority of the Blood Watch will not break from this matter, but I will entreat you to arcwine and talk if that would settle any qualms.

Lightward Thanidiel Highdawn; Knight-Commander of the Blood Watch