Letter

The journey went more smoothly than Sylvanas had imagined. As she flew over the canyons of the Alterac Mountains, she worried about an attack by the Frostwolf Orcs stationed there, but thankfully a group of Stormpike Dwarves helped divert the Horde's attention. Her harpy mount could then approach her destination along the fastest route.

"We've finally arrived." Sylvanas smiled as she saw Fenris Isle in Silverpine Forest. She urged her mount to change course, avoiding the lake. Fenris Isle was an outpost of the Forsaken, and Sylvanas's goal was to make contact with Forsaken, but she wouldn't choose those she didn't trust.

The person she's looking for is in Shadowfang Keep.

As the hyena soared through the sky, she reached into her pocket again to check that the two letters inside were intact. Just to be safe, she fastened the pocket even tighter.

When they were still a grove of trees away from the castle in Pyrewood Village, Sylvanas tightened the reins, bringing the griffin to the ground. She would now have to continue alone. Many adventurers had come to Silverpine Forest seeking the secrets of Shadowfang Keep, but none had ever returned. Dangers lurked within the forest, unknown to outsiders. As Ranger, she knew better than anyone the lethality of arrows.

"Stay here and wait for me to return." Sylvanas patted the horned beast's forehead. The tamed beast responded with a sharp growl. The Ranger-General smiled and turned to walk into the woods.

The woods exuded a verdant fragrance, permeating every vine, nest, and floating duckweed in the pond, interspersed with low chirping sounds, bird calls, and frog croaks.

In short, these things provided excellent cover for those people.

She noticed movement at the base of the tree ahead, where the roots protruded high. If they were Quel'Thalas Ranger, they would cleverly smear themselves with mud, silently waiting for their prey to approach, then fall almost unnoticed in the dense bushes and mud.

"Come out, all of you, I see you." Sylvanas put her fingers to her lips and whistled, signaling to the Dark Ranger of Shadowfang Keep that she had noticed them. They stood up one by one, and their leader stood in the middle of them, slowly walking over.

She didn't recognize the person in charge, but she believed that everyone in the group knew who she was.

Although no longer alive, these Dark Ranger retained their swift and decisive style. They surrounded the Female Elf with lightning speed. Sylvanas sensed that some hadn't yet revealed themselves, meaning they were hidden in the shadows, their arrows aimed at her.

"Greetings, Ranger-General," said the leading Dark Ranger. She was a woman, and apart from being somewhat dry, her skin was undamaged, allowing one to imagine what she looked like in life.

"Hello, soldier," Sylvanas nodded in response. "I'm very grateful that you didn't attack me directly."

"That's because your harpy didn't cross the line, otherwise we would have had a hard time controlling our arrows." The Dark Ranger gave Sylvanas a strange smile, as if she were imagining the Female Elf being shot down. "I am the Dark Ranger Liana. Now, please leave this forest, Sylvanas Windrunner. This is Forsaken territory."

"I will leave again after I finish what I need to do," Sylvanas replied briefly. Liana's expression was full of wariness and doubt, as if she was waiting for an explanation.

"Many fearless survivors have ventured here, each seeking something, but in the end they have only gained death. This is the final warning, Sylvanas. Leave this place, for the sake of our past as Ranger of Quel'Thalas."

The Female Elf interrupted her impatiently. "I have two letters to deliver to your commander, Veronalara."

"You know Veronalara?" Liana, somewhat surprised. She raised a hand, signaling the Ranger wary of Sylvanas to lower their weapons. "Is it a letter from the Alliance?"

"No. One is my letter, and the other... belongs to someone else," Sylvanas said, adding, "The letter to Veronalara has a green stamp, and as for mine... she'll know who to give it to." She took an envelope from her pocket and gestured for Liana to come forward.

The silver-haired Ranger, sword in one hand, slowly approached her and silently took the letter. Without a smile, without further questions, he carefully examined it for poison. When Liana looked at Sylvanas, the Female Elf, like the other Dark Ranger, remained expressionless.

"I will make sure it reaches the Dark Ranger Commander. Now, you may leave."

"Your actions just now have made me very uneasy. I demand that these two letters be delivered to Veronalara intact."

"Our tolerance has exceeded its limits," Liana said angrily. "You have no right to ask for anything more."

Sylvanas may have been outnumbered, but she was swift and daring. She was prepared; the moment Liana pointed at her, she grabbed the Dark Ranger's arm and pinned her sword-wielding hand. Other Ranger nocked their Female Elf, aiming them at the elf, but Sylvanas paid them no heed.

"This is not a request, Liana. You must listen to me. This matter is of utmost importance. Only Veronalara can see what is written on it, and you must ensure that it does not fall into the hands of Belmont's spies. As Ranger, you should have known how to keep secrets while you were still alive."

"You are no longer my Ranger-General," Liana replied coldly, a smile playing on her lips that sent a chill down Sylvanas's spine. These Ranger had once been her soldiers, fallen in the war against Arthas, their deaths not finding peace. Sylvanas had always felt guilty towards them.

The Female Elf took a deep breath and whispered, "Please."

A flicker of surprise crossed Liana's face, and she paused, momentarily stunned. Sylvanas had once been a high-ranking Ranger commander in Silvermoon City, and her proud nature made her a stern and unsmiling figure in the eyes of her soldiers. Those two words she had just uttered shouldn't have been in her vocabulary.

Answer one question for me and I will consider your request.

"Go ahead and ask."

Liana glanced at the letter in her hand. "Why are you avoiding Belmont's gaze? Is there some kind of conspiracy written in the letter?"

"I swear in my own name that the contents of this document will never harm the Forsaken."

The Dark Ranger nodded, promising after Sylvanas delivered it to her, "I will make sure it reaches Veronalara intact. You can rest assured."

"Thank you," Sylvanas said in her native language.

A glimmer of hope flashed in the Dark Ranger's eyes, only to be extinguished in an instant. The past was fading into the distance for those of them, neither truly alive nor truly dead; all memories were no longer bright or beautiful. But they still had to maintain their last shred of dignity. Liana didn't respond to Sylvanas's words. She waved her hand, and the surrounding Ranger formed a "V" formation and began their return to the forest.

"I will wait for Veronalara's reply in Theramore," Sylvanas said.

Liana glanced at the Female Elf and raised an eyebrow. Then she turned and walked into the woods, disappearing from the Ranger-General's sight.

"Retreat is not shameful!" Veronalara was training a group of newly promoted Ranger. "Retreat can prevent total defeat." The Ranger listened attentively. In fact, this was Nathanos's view; in many battles, the Witherer would not choose to engage the enemy head-on.

A Ranger raised his hand. Veronalara nodded to him, indicating that he could ask a question.

What's the difference between running away and retreating?

That's a brilliant question, and it deserves praise. Veronalara explained, "First, you must distinguish between retreat and flight. Flight is a despicable act, a concrete manifestation of your inner fears. Retreat, on the other hand, is a tactic; it's necessary for victory, the best option when the battle is unnecessary to continue."

How do we determine whether we should retreat?

"It depends on your mission." The Dark Ranger Commander paced back and forth in front of the training squad of Ranger. "First, you must be clear about the specific objectives of each mission, and then consider whether the battles that occur during the operation will help you complete the mission. If they don't, then the battle is meaningless, and you must choose to retreat. Second, the basic principle of a mission is secrecy, but no matter how perfect the plan, unexpected events often occur, and unexpected events often lead to unnecessary trouble. If you cannot resolve trouble in the cleanest and most efficient way, then you must retreat, and leave no trace." As Veronalara spoke, she caught a glimpse of a Ranger approaching out of the corner of her eye. The Ranger did not approach, but stood at a distance, gesturing to her that he had an important report to make.

What happened this time? Veronalara wondered. She said to the soldiers, "That's all for today. You may all disperse."

The members of the Ranger squad left one by one, and only after the footsteps faded away did she beckon the person over. "Is there something you need, Liana?"

The Dark Ranger glanced around; the gloomy tunnels of Maraudon didn't seem so safe. "I came here through a portal to Shadowfang Keep. Do you know what that means?"

The Dark Ranger Commander crossed her arms; she knew, of course. One of the Forsaken's laws stipulated that any inter-territorial communication must be recorded to prevent spies from infiltrating, and the records would eventually be sent to Belmont. Liana's words were a reminder to Veronalara that the message she needed to report must not be known to the Shadowblade leader.

"Come with me," she said, leading Liana to her private room. Each Forsaken has their own private space to stay, though most prefer to spend their time on endless work.

Veronalara closed the door and activated a room-shielding spell. "Now you can speak."

"Sylvanas sent two letters, one of which is for you." Liana took out the letter and handed it to Veronalara.

The Dark Ranger Commander let out a short, sharp laugh. "That's quite unexpected."

"It seems that's true. I never expected her to know about you."

Veronalara seemed not to hear those words, and directly crushed the wax seal to begin reading the letter.

To Veronalara, former Ranger-Captain the Silvermoon City Rangers

I can hardly believe you're still alive, in another way. But I finally feel a responsibility to reach out to you. If you're reading this letter, I believe there's a possibility that this responsibility can be fulfilled.

With the deepest concern, I heard from my sister Sylvanas about the Forsaken, you, the Dark Ranger, and my husband Nathanos.

I'll get straight to the point. When Nathanos broke free from the Lich King's control, he considered returning to my side, but he refused. At the time, I was still haunted by the horrific crimes Arthas had committed against Quel'Thalas, and I couldn't understand how he was any different from the Scourge's Undead. His fate must have horrified the other resurrected Quel'Thalas heroes, making the Forsaken their brethren, feel a sense of despair at being abandoned.

I am extremely sorry for this.

When Nathanos announced that he was not yet buried by the dust, I was deeply shocked, especially after hearing Sylvanas mention his years of dedication to sheltering and gathering the fallen souls. His initial intention was not revenge, but to create a habitable environment for these cursed beings. I found it hard to believe, but it was true, and it confirmed that my previous assumptions were wrong. I apologize for misunderstanding him, and for all of you.

Now, I hope the misunderstanding can be cleared up. Veronalara, you were already engaged to your fiancé in life, Arthas brought destruction and despair upon you, separating you and your lover forever, just as we are. If we can put aside our prejudices and cooperate, perhaps those forced apart can be reunited.

You are luckier than I am. Over the years, I can't even imagine how much Nathanos has changed, but Sylvanas tells me you are still the same as you were in life. I've inquired; your fiancé hasn't sought a new partner. He's serving on Isle of Quel'Danas, hoping the Sunwell will ease his pain of losing his lover. But all wounds require more than just less pain; only healing can bring recovery.

I propose that you be reunited to soothe your tragic past. Please do not mistake this proposal for charity; it is something that should have been done long ago. This applies to both you and Nathanos.

Alleria Windrunner, Regent of Quel'Thalas

Veronalara trembled as she raised her head, her eyes also closed. She had already stopped breathing, yet she could feel her chest rising and falling.

While she was reading the letter, Liana also glanced at the words and was shocked by them.

"It's like a trap, but it's incredible," Liana said, shaking her head. "It was Sylvanas who gave me the letter. She's from the Alliance, and she wrote another letter saying you know who to give it to."

Veronalara nodded forcefully, an emotion long buried deep within her soul breaking free from its confinement. She gritted her teeth and said, "It's a letter for Nathanos."

"But the master has long since disappeared."

"Even if he were here, we can't give it to him immediately." Veronalara opened her eyes. "It's not the right time yet."

"What are you planning to do?" Liana asked, looking at her with concern.

"I... I don't know either, but perhaps I've already made a decision. What else did Lady Sylvanas say?"

She said she would wait for your reply in Theramore. But Theramore is Alliance territory.

"No. She's talking about Theramore, in Kalimdor."