The Tower of Azora, Elwynn Forest. The night of the invasion.
The rain hammered down outside giving Sebastian no comfort as he scanned through an assortment of parchment. Battle reports, casualty counts, resource updates. He had had little time to take it all in. The Legion had arrived, Varian and Tirion dead, Stormwind infested with demons and his home, Westfall, ravaged and destroyed. The Rangers had managed to find refuge in the tower, somehow untouched by the attacks, which provided a strong position. Along the path to Lakeshire, a refugee haven for the citizens of Stormwind, and within riding distance to Westfall if more reinforcements were required.
The Lieutenant's tired hands pressed through his slicked back raven mane as he continued to flick through the sheets. After a few moments the sound of boots on cobble echoed around the lower halls.
“Sir?” A familiar voice called out across the room.
“What is it Phlynt?” His speech was short and sharp.
The Ranger's usual grin and boyish immaturity has been ripped from him, all that remained was cold, concerned expression. “Harris has come to, the Corporal told me to inform you.”
His statement was replied to with a simple nod followed by Sebastian turning back to his paperwork. Silence briefly lingered in the air until Phlynt went to speak once more. “How... how’s it looking Sir?”
The Lieutenant pushed himself away from the table with arms crossed and brow furrowed. His eyes darted to his left to peer at Phlynt. There was no sign of joy or anger on Seb's face. All that showed were the tell-tale markers of distress, clenched jaw, narrowed eyes, closed posture. "Ask me again later, I’m still missing information. Head back up, quickly now. The medics will need your help. I'll soon follow once I've dealt with this.” With that Phlynt turned on his heel and darted back up the stairs toward the temporary medical bay.
Time passed, rain lashed against the windows, words were written, crossed out, amended. Plans formulated, doubted and decided against. A banging cracked through Sebastian's ear drums. He swiftly made his way to the door and pushed a wooden slat to the side. His eyes met those of a drenched Captain Skyler Tempesta for whom he opened the door, her wolf Gara by her side, without hesitation. Once within the confines relative safety she removed her hood and shook herself down.
“What news of the city?” The Captain's Lieutenant questioned, offering out a hand to take her spear. Skyler placed her weapon against the nearby wall before she removed her gloves and tossed them onto a table.
“Compromised, the demons made their way to the Keep. The young king has an army of guards by his side to ensure safety. Our new allies, the Illidari, are patrolling the streets in an attempt to stamp out any imposters that still lurk in the shadows. The Rangers?”
“The injured are at the top of the tower, their wounds being tended to. Any with the ability to stand are either taking watch or assisting the healers. Although Iris' wards should do the job I just wanted to make sure, I don't want to underestimate our foes. Our supplies should cover us until tomorrow evening.”
Skyler nodded once as she moved toward the pile of papers. She scanned over them herself, frowning. “Have you come to a decision on our next move?”
Sebastian went to her side, arms behind his back. “The way I see it we have three choices. Return to the city and assist in escorting refugees, take our men to Westfall and reinforce the defences-...” He looked to his Captain and watched for any sign of answer.
“What a fucking mess...” Skyler groaned with a shake of the head as she slumped into a chair.
“The other possibility would be moving to Darkshire. Easy enough access to Westfall if we're called to arms, relatively far from any invasion fronts and apparently abandoned according to an Illidari ally that I sent on a scouting mission. Though the feral worgen and undead are still present those are the least of our worries.”
The Captain slowly nodded as the information was relayed, scratching at her chin. “Darkshire it is. Westbrook is overcrowded, Stormwind isn't safe and there is no need to be on the front until necessary.”
Once the decision was made Sebastian dipped his head and shot up the tower. As he made his way up the spiraling amalgamation of stone and wooden steps he called out. “Rest for now Captain, we won’t be ready to move until morning at the earliest. I'll inform the Rangers” Skyler remained silent, her fingertips running through Gara's damp coat of fur, as Seb disappeared from view.
A foul stench penetrated the Lieutenant's nostrils upon reaching the medical bay. Blood, bile, and cauterised wounds were three smells far too common to him. A selection of Rangers were gathered around the injured, helping any way they could. Phlynt, Vic and Lelinusa with Avellie who were attending to Harris. Andrew T. Shadowsight, Kane, Dralvira and Aurora with Yvette working on a few others. The remaining were either on watch duty or regaining their strength. They all turned their heads when Sebastian's popped into view, some nodding, a few smiling, others saluting weakly with a simple “Sir.”
His first port of call was Harris, he had been injured before the troubles with the legion. As Seb crossed the room eyes followed. Yvette's stayed on him for the longest duration, she went to speak but thought against it. With a sigh and closed eyes she continued, her Lieutenant was busy. Harris' gaze flicked up to his superior standing over him. A look of shock and fear had taken hold of his features but he quickly shook his head. “Si... Sir.” He struggled to speak, coughing a few times.
“Don't speak Harris, I'm just here to check on you.” Sebastian attempted to offer a smile although it was clearly forced. Avellie handed him a medical report. “Those Sin'dorei really did a number on him, sir. Haven't been able to get it out of him due to the shock.” Her words were dull and lacked enthusiasm as she finished tying off a bandage and standing. Harris continued to cough and groan as they spoke.
“He's alive, that's all that matters to me.” He raised his voice slightly. “We move to Darkshire tomorrow, finish up and get some rest. Phlynt and Leli take first watch, let Eirin and Carl get some shut eye.” Without a moments hesitation the orders were followed. Eirin Hawkridge and Corporal Tanner 'Carl' Carlton dropped from the windowsill and their places were quickly taken soon after.
Bedrolls unfurled, gear removed, heads on pillows. All that could be heard in the tower was deep breathing, the occasional snore and few hushed whispers. Sebastian had remained awake for the time being, he was sat in a chair peering out of a westerly facing window. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, above the trees, rain still pouring, where the clouds donned a green glow. The fel. The vile colour of the legion over Westfall, his home. Light footsteps padded across the floorboards behind him which were soon accompanied by fingers trailing across his shoulders and back. Yvette, the petite redheaded priestess, was stood at his side. “Our home...” She muttered, pale faced, whilst sliding into the Lieutenant's lap. “It's gone.”
With a heavy exhale Sebastian nestled his chin onto her shoulder. Arms wrapped around her form as he replied with a solemn nod. His own fingertips moved up her side, brushing from shoulder to neck to hair which he began to gently twirl between his digits.
Yvette sighed, the comforting actions bittersweet. Seb raised his head as his priestess curled up into him, she hid her face in his chest, her hands gripped his back with force. She didn't want to let go. He allowed his mouth to find it’s way to her ear before he whispered gently.
“All we can do is fight, love. Fight for our friends, our family, our world.” His speech was slow and lazy, fatigue was beginning to kick in.
“I'm terrified...” She murmured, words resonating through her lovers chest.
“I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. But we can't let that fear destroy us, let it empower you. It can give us the determination we need on the field. The will to win.”
"What if they win, Sebastian? They took our King...” She pulled her head upward which allowed their eyes to meet, hers glistening, his stoic.
"They won't, Vivi, the alliance still stands. Her armies are still intact."
"I- I heard what happened in Stormwind...”
"The infiltrators, aye. It doesn't look pretty... but we'll pull through, we always do" He offered a weak smile as he brushed a finger across her cheek.
"You don't even believe that..." She mumbled again, curling her arms around him tightly.
“I do, I have to. Otherwise there would be no reason for me, for anyone, to fight. We still have a wedding to attend, I'll be damned if the legion takes that from us.” His eyes closed while both hands now weaved themselves through her crimson tresses. Yvette inhaled sharply.
“Sebastian... kiss me, please. Make me forget...” The Lieutenant obliged, carefully moving a hand under her chin so he could bring their faces together. Allowing her cheeks to be cupped in his palms he pressed his lips to hers, lovingly, longingly and needily. Her fingertips curled within his hair as the couple found a moment of sanctuary and love amidst the surrounding danger.
For a brief moment he ripped his lips from hers and stared deep into Yvette's eyes. With his forehead resting on hers he spoke, noses rubbing together. "I'm never letting go of you, understand? Hold on tight, you're safe, you're with me."
She placed her hands on Sebastian's face, shaking her head ever so slightly. “I won't let go...” With that he forced his lips on hers once more, a fiery kiss of passion burning between the two of them. She shifted slightly to sit on his knees, their lips in a desperate, passionate sync, drawing it out for as long as they dared. Hands fell to her waist as his kisses drifted toward her neck. Once at their destination Seb remained there for a short time, breathing deeply, whilst moving his arms around her to hold on tight. Yvette let out an instinctive mew in his ear. “I love you, more than anything.”
These words only made Sebastian hold her all the more close to himself, if that was even possible. “I love you too, and thank the light we have each other in a time like this.” He turned his head in order to peck her cheek, still keeping her encased in his embrace, he brushed some sanguine locks behind her ear.
“Come, my darling ranger, let us rest...” She picked herself up, taking Seb's hand in her own and led him to one of the empty bedrolls at the edge of the room, away from the medical bay. Dropping their heavier pieces the couple crawled in, shuffling and scooting in an attempt to get even slightly comfortable. Once still Sebastian used his limbs to envelop his little priestess, his warmth around her, she finally felt safe and protected, able to drift into a gentle slumber. However, the Lieutenant would be given nothing of the sort.
