October 6th, 28th year after the Dark Portal was opened
Brightvalor Residence
Dalaran
Faylian Lanstryde seemed nervous as she approached the front door to the Brightvalor Residence, the home of the only friends she had remaining in the world: Andryen & Myrandriel Brightvalor and their newborn son Alexandros. Faylian was dressed in the only finery she possessed: a stunning dress of an icy blue and white color. She seemed uncomfortable and awkward in it however as she carefully smoothed the dress out in an attempt to look her best.
Only the Brigthvalors could make her feel nervous and she hated the feeling. In fact only the Brightvalors made her feel at all. Forcibly calming herself Faylian knocked on the door firmly, announcing her presence boldy. Or so she hoped.
The door opened and the mistress of the house was before her. Myrandriel smiled and greeted her: “Fay! Welcome dear, come on in, the tea is just about ready.”
Faylian nodded somewhat stiffly, her posture one of a knight in full plate armor rather than that of a woman in a dress. She walked though the entrance and simply stated: “Tea will be fine Myra.”
Following Myra back toward the kitchen she stopped as she noticed a small basinet on the table. She looked down and peered over the blankets at the fresh face of baby Alex. As she had the first time she had viewed the babe she felt a maternal feeling overcome her, something she had not felt since… Capital City.
“I thought Alex would enjoy your company as well Fay.” Myrandriel said with a knowing smile at the death knight.
Faylian placed a velvet gloved hand on the babe’s brow and her lips twitched in an almost-smile. “He is as beautiful as the first time I saw him Myra.”
“I would have had Mourne baby-sit him but I was sure you would want to see him again too.” Myrandriel was still smiling at her.
Faylian tensed as the voices returned suddenly.
“Mourne is a threat to the child. He must be killed.”
“Myra would never forgive you if she found out.”
Faylian sighed. The voices had seemed to grow worse since she has met baby Alex. They had not used to speak to her when she was in public. Outside she could sense Pavel her black horned owl. It had refused to enter the Brightvalor Residence but she knew he awaited her in the skies above Dalaran.
“It could be made to look like an accident. Or blame can be set upon another. Rhune perhaps.”
“No! You must remain true to the Brightvalors in all things or there won’t be anything of any worth remaining in you. However there is nothing wrong about having him watched…”
Faylian smiled as the voices fell silent again. Myra returned with the tea and poured them both a glass before asking, “So what is new with you sister of my heart?”
“I have taken a squire under my wing… a death knight named Zinwrath. He has proven to be… hard to break in. Stubborn. Mule-headed. However I have every confidence that one day he will suffer well for the Ebon Blade.” Faylian responded, trying to sound confidant.
“He is not loyal to the Ebon Blade, only to you, this you know! He cannot be trusted when his infatuation fades.”
“Infatuation or love? Love is a strong bond, this you know as well. And he learns. In his own way.”
Faylian forced the voices away and focused on Myra. That always seemed to help somehow. Sipping at her tea she merely listened to Myra chatting with her, responding when it seemed necessary and soaking in the presence of Myra and baby Alex.
……
Some time later she returned home to the Slaughtered Lamb. Taking out some parchment and an inkbottle she dipped a quill into the ink and began to write:
To: Sir Alan Mithra, Agent of the Ebon Watch
The Necromancer known as Mourne has come to my attention. He is loyal to no one but himself and must be watched carefully lest he interfere with the goals of the Ebon Blade or reflect badly on the order with his experiments.
You are ordered to set agents to observing his movements immediately. All information of interest should be forwarded to me immediately. I regard this mission of the utmost importance.
-Dame Faylian Lanstryde, Inquisitor of the Ebon Watch
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