Fhaliona

Mission Critical, pt 3

When the unlikely trio returned to camp, word of their attack had already spread like wildfire. The baby was left with the medics while Dizarak and Fhaliona headed to the barracks for debriefing. The void male went first, while the Lightforged paced outside pondering exactly how much threatening she'd have to do to ensure he got his way. Once he was finished, Diz emerged and shot a look of disappointment toward Fhaliona. Of course they said no. The herald poked his head out through the doorway and paled at the look on her face as she marched up to the building, not needing to be ushered in. The council had been arguing and seemed in a foul enough mood. She would have to tread carefully.

The Human spoke first. “We have already received Sanar's report. Do you have anything to add?”

Fhaliona shifted. “Had we been permitted to act sooner, we would have prevented loss of life. Those captives were being executed at a rate of one to two per day. The child would still have her family.”

A Gilnean spoke next. “The child will do well with her own people in Stormwind.”

“You want to place an infant in the capital city, overrun with refugees, in the middle of a war? Have you lost your minds?! She belongs with a loving family in a safe place far away from this conflict!”

The Gilnean's face reddened and Fhaliona knew she'd spoken out of turn. Then the Dwarf spoke. “Wha' do ye suggest then, lass?”

“She should go with Dizarak back to Tol Barad.” More arguing from the council. Fhaliona raised her voice. “He has a warm home and a family. The village is well guarded by those who have taken residence there, including a full contingent of displaced Demon Hunters. If that is not acceptable, at least allow the child to be placed in the orphanage there. They have the supplies and staff to ensure the child has everything she needs for healthy growth and social acclimation. The village is far enough from the battle and has no strategic value, and would not be attacked by the Horde.” She left out the part about the village being neutral territory. “If it comes down to it, I will take residence there and personally ensure her safety with reports back to Stormwind.” The council seemed unconvinced, so Fhaliona pushed just a bit more. “I can take an entire encampment down single-handedly. Between myself and the Illidari, that should be more than enough to guard one child from non-existent dangers.”

The commanders glanced back and forth to each other. “We will discuss this further. You are free to go.” Fhaliona turned on her heel, plucking the arrow from her pauldron and tossing it to the ground, making sure it stuck point-first into the dirt before heading back to her own tent.

Dizarak had been staring into the long-dead fire, his face a mixture of unreadable emotion. Fhaliona slipped her damaged plate off before sitting beside him, fishing two cigarettes from her belt pouch. She lit both, passing one to him and he took it without a word. They sat in silence for a moment before Diz asked, “What did they say?”

“They said they'd discuss it.” Fhaliona took a healthy drag from the cigarette, stifling a cough. “I can't guarantee anything, but I imagine you'll be collecting your prize from the medics before we leave.”

Diz sputtered, nearly choking on his smoke. “What did you tell them?”

Fhaliona glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “The 'Wind of Death' has personally ensured your daughter's safety.”

mentions: @dizarak