#zurilod

Talandriel groaned softly as Zurilod's strong arms guided her down onto a cot, pressing her back with gentle insistence.   She was dimly aware of hurried footsteps, someone barking questions, the Death Knight's low rumbling response.

Steady hands moved across her body, deftly unbuckling her pauldrons and breastplate.  She gasped, arching reflexively as the armor scraped against the swollen, discolored skin across her ribs.  Her hands clenched in a white knuckled grip on the Death Knight's restraining arm.  "I'm sorry, Zuri-" she choked, her head twisting to one side, eyes meeting his glowing blue orbs. 

The medical wing faded from view as she fixated on the two glowing points of light. "Not your fault," she whispered, "I should have told you-" her voice faded in a gentle sigh, eyes closing in sleep as a renewing mist folded her in its healing embrace. 

***

I'm telling you, folks, Zurilod doesn't mess around!  Talandriel's pre-expedition fitness test just about finished her last night!

Although, it was entirely Talandriel's fault for being dumb.

Sparring with Zurilod just a few short days after a serious injury.  Have you seen that guy?! There's a reason he's Celestial Dawn's chief of security.  *rolls eyes at Tal*  

Good news is she's cleared for the Pandaria expedition.  

Bad news is, at the rate she's compiling injuries she may not be recovered in time to - go - to Pandaria. 

Soccer mom Lyrinel needs to come down to the medical wing and sit on this girl. 

When our towers shimmer from end to end in the morning sunlight, when the paths are paved and the sun sets over the rippling waves near the docks, I hope you take the time to reflect on things and realize that you are a part of this - all of this - and have left your mark on those around you. 

As the first golden rays of dawn stretched across the eastern horizon Talandriel stood in quiet reflection. The words of Headmaster Tarcanus Frostbourne echoed in her thoughts as she surveyed the slumbering grounds of the Celestial Dawn Estate. 

Today the residents would wake to the melody of birdsong rather than the shouts and hammers of the work crew.  Foreman Brightwhistle and his crew had departed over the weekend, their pockets bulging with well earned reward for their months of hard labor.

Melada's workshop stood empty, the talented engineer having recently completed her work on the Celestial Dawn contract.  The guardian had developed a deep respect and fond regard for the woman and left her workshop undisturbed, privately hoping the busy engineer would find her way back to work with them again soon. 

She knelt on the wooden pier, brushing back the loose strands of coppery hair that fell across her forehead as she rummaging in her bag for quill and notebook.  Settling back against a post, she drew her knees up to her chest. The gentle lap of waves against the dock washed over her spirit as she watched the sun rise over the rippling waves.  With a soft exhale of pleasure she propped the notebook against her knees and began to write.  Headmaster Frostbourne,

The directives you issued some months ago in conjunction with the "Sunchaser Initiative" project are now complete.

Engineer Melada Sunstriker's efficiency exceeded expectation and the communication, security and transport enhancements you requested are ready for implementation.

The hearthstone communication devices have been tested and distribution will begin this week under Lyrinel Morningflame's supervision.

The automated sentinels are fully operational and activated for sentry duty.

Teleportation units are in place to facilitate large parcel transit between the estate, outposts and Order member places of business.

The medical wing is fully operational and the Triage Unit flourishes under the capable administration of Amannette Hardy with the assistance of our Pandaren ally, Jaedan Snowdrift.

The Reconnaissance Unit has expanded in recent months to encompasses a network of agents extending from Silvermoon to Pandaria all reporting under the watchful leadership of Guardian Rook Tangram and his capable partner, Guardian Ameriya "First" Nyteshade. 

Zurilod Dawnreaver, head of the Arms Unit and Chief of Security, has expanded his class offerings to include personalized training in fighting styles and self defense.  This unit has also seen the recent addition of the Blood Knight Jadoth Bloodreign. 

I am proud of what we have accomplished together over the past few months and am grateful for the opportunity to play a role in this organization.

It is an honor to serve with you.

Respectfully,

Talandriel Sunchaser

Silvermoon City Guardian

Breathe, Jas. Just breathe. Her fingers clutched the table so hard that her knuckles went white, her hands aching. “He’d finally think you’ve lost it if he saw you like this,” She tried to reason. “Besides, there’s no reason to get worked up… She’s dead. Gone for good.” Her voice sounded odd to her own ears. A low tap, however, ruined the little stability her breathing had gained. Click, click, click… She could see the shadowpriestess in her head, eyes glowing with cruel amusement as she whirled around-

Baby sat in the hallway, head tilted. Jasreha laughed once, twice, the laughter turning to shallow gasps, the gasps turning to sobs. Scared. She was scared. Scared of the nightmares she’d have to deal with alone. Scared of the memories that could be lurking just outside, for all she knew. Scared of the furious, intimidating look in Zuri’s eyes hours before.

Stumbling to her feet, tears blurring her vision, she grabbed blindly at clothes from the small wardrobe, shoving them haphazardly into her backpack, doing the same with changes of clothes for the sleeping Aideyn. As the toddler woke with confusion in his sleepy gaze, she tried to smile; she wasn’t sure if it was for her own sake or his. “We’re off to see Auntie Bebe,” she hummed faintly.

One arm holding the little boy close, she scribbled a note down on a sheet of parchment.

Zuri, I went to stay with Bebe for a few days. I’ll be back soon. Be safe. I love you. Jas

Staring at her handwriting, she could see how shaky it was, and vaguely, she wondered if it was even legible. Setting it carefully on the steel chair within the forge, she let out a shaky breath.

Maybe a vacation would do her some good anyway.

Jasreha stood, looking around, hands on her hips. She was proud, to say the least. Aideyn’s room was finished for now, the little boy fast asleep in a new bed, under soft, warm blankets, crates and boxes unpacked.

Her back, shoulders, and arms were aching; after all she’d done (though she knew fully well he was capable and no doubt willing to do more) she refused to ask Zuri for help yet again.

This was home. She wanted it to be completely by her own hand, as odd as that may have seemed to anyone else. She didn’t want help. Not with this.

She stood in the middle of the still packed room, gazing at all of the boxes, still packed and piled in one corner. For now, she wouldn’t unpack; the mattress alone was pushed against the wall, with blankets and pillows. Against the opposite wall sat charcoal pencils, bottles of paint… That would come first.

She was excited, to say the least. When had she ever been able to make her rooom exactly how she wanted it? She didn’t remember ever being able to. 

Slowly sinking down onto the mattress, leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes tightly, grinning ear to ear. The word was… Well, perfect.