Straight to the royal court

Under the hot sun and clear sky, something flew over the horizon. A closer look showed a creature with a combination of bird and dragon. Most living on Azeroth already knew their race was known as Dragonhawk.

Originally wild flying creatures until the high elves arrived on the eastern continent and started to domesticate them. Most were found near Quel'Thalas. Very few existed in other parts of the mountain ranges. However, no other races could train them as the high elves did.

Dwarves also raised many griffins to serve as their air mounts. Since their rule of territory was situated around mountains, they were well-suited for their required tasks. Only a very small percentage of griffins trained by dwarves were sent to human kingdoms as gifts. This showed the preciousness of possessing the air force in the world of Azeroth.

Now on the dragonhawk laid two female high elves, one leaning on the other chest. The weather was extremely scorching and as their height was closer to the sun, the temperature appeared hotter.

Fortunately, Lireesa dispelled the vehement heat even under the sun by using magical spells and cooled everything around her. This also helped mitigate her mount's tiredness. She served as a humanoid refrigerator for three of them.

Since the journey was quiet after leaving from the spot where she upgraded, Lireesa bored from the ride talked with her inner self. But it was an angry rebuke of an old lady for disturbing her work. She had no idea what her other counterpart was focusing on. It seemed very important from her tone.

She called Alleria in front for a conversation. "Alleria, do you blame your mother to send you off early to the battlefield."

There was no reply and she regarded it as Alleria's protest until she found out her daughter was sleeping on her chest, without fear of heights or her safety. She patted her forehead silently at the moment and lamented Alleria's courage. Her trust in Lireesa was almost admirable.

Soon as their destination got nearer, Lireesa spotted other dragonhawks patrolling the area from afar. By far meant it was very far. Her eagle eye ability had been upgraded along with her levels so that her sight was incomparable with the past. It was no mistake to call her vision, a telescope if her previous capability was regarded as binocular.

To travel fast and quickly get rid of the boredness, she blessed her mount with some wind magic to fly faster. She arrived at the destination sooner than planned. Of course, her flight was intercepted by outer air patrols, who came nearer to question her identity.

Before they approached, Lireesa utilized her 'Wind Whisper' to send her voicemail straight into their ears. "I'm Lireesa Windrunner."

As soon as they heard her voice, their gesture became respectful and they saluted from a distance, knowing Lireesa could see them. Afterward, all of them returned to their post. This occurred several times on her path to Silvermoon City.

It wasn't long before the golden brilliance shone in her eyes. The buildings weren't made of gold or painted in gold. Rather, it was the magical field and aura surrounding the entire city reflecting the sunlight.

Along with the lush forest around, the scenery was like a painting drawn by a mythical being. If someone named this city 'heaven', then Lireesa wouldn't refuse this word.

This time, the air patrol was stricter and got close to Lireesa to observe carefully. Lireesa wasn't angry as their deeds were necessary to uphold the safety of Silvermoon City. After proving her identity, she saw respect in the riders' eyes and was escorted to the landing space.

Under their guidance, she landed her spot and Alleria jumped out of the mount, stretching her slim waist. The glamorous perks on her chest and enthralling curves behind received gazes from around. Lireesa coughed and the sound spread like a thunder explosion beside their ears.

Everyone retrieved their glances and return to their post, not daring to watch any longer. A damsel danced in front of them and displayed her beauty. Yet no one turned their head in her direction because her mother was guarding her. Not to mention the mother was one of the most powerful high elves and Ranger-General of Quel'Thalas.

Regardless of ranks or influences, they couldn't compare and the air around Lireesa at the moment caused their breaths to stagnate. Just returning from the battle, Lireesa's strong momentum hadn't changed.

Noticing their unwellness, she retrieved her aura and the whole person seemed like an ordinary girl. But would others believe she was one? Impossible.

Her eyes looked at Alleria in the complaint as Lireesa wondered whether her daughter really slept or pretended on purpose. Or her waking up alarm was very strict as she woke up as soon as they touched the ground.

Lireesa dismounted and handed over the dragonhawk to another guard. She asked one of the guards for a direction to meet the king and he responded by volunteering to guide her on the path.

Lireesa and Alleria followed the guard while her daughter looked around in amazement, exclaiming sometimes whenever she discovered something exquisite. Even Lireesa was astounded by the sheer size and splendor of the elven castle.

After going through several chambers and rooms, Lireesa felt like a maze even though her brain already memorized the road. The decorations collected for a long period of time never ceased to amaze Lireesa. It wasn't without reason to call Silvermoon City, the pride of high elves. Only the royal castle had already shown the edge of what the Elven civilization was made of.

Lireesa was inexplicable because every time she passed another elf, they would glance at her with strange expressions. Only after realizing her attire along with the design of the headdress, they became respectful. There was nothing wrong with respect, but what's with their pitiful eyes? It wasn't one, it was all of them.

The guard turned around and respectfully said to Lireesa. "We've arrived at this place. Now please excuse me, milady."

Lireesa nodded and the guard disappeared from the corridor. She arrived at the entrance of the royal courthouse where meetings among the council members and diplomatic conversations were held regularly.

"Tell his majesty, Lireesa Windrunner and her daughter await his audience." She asked one of the royal guards at the entrance for an audience, who saluted her and entered the hall.

A few moments later, she and Alleria were granted permission after leaving their weapons outside. As they entered the colossal hall with gorgeous designs, Lireesa imagined even hearing an ethereal hymn playing beside her ears. The grandness brought solemnity and at the same time relieved their tensions. It was a contradictory sensation.

Alleria purposely fell behind her steps as they strode toward the throne. Lireesa didn't say anything and led both of them. She saw human and dwarf visitors who were talking with the king currently but it was more of a politeness because her eyes captured boredom from the king. There was also a queen sitting beside him on the throne holding his hand gently and smiling from time to time to exude a kind gesture.

To Lireesa, this human and dwarf were nonstop chattering, back and forth, whining about their dissatisfaction. Naturally, Lireesa could hear some words such as 'war' and 'border' and realized their topics.

Her arrival stopped the chatter and attracted others' attention. The king's and queen's reactions were elated as she expected. Her firm steps from the ranger's boot clanged alongside her daughter's, serving as a background to announce their entry performance.

When they got close, Lireesa raised her eyebrows at the two diplomats' similar reaction while the queen gasped covering her mouth. She bowed slightly and saluted with her hand on her chest as required by noble's etiquette. Alleria also acted without mistakes. She guessed Ella taught her well.

"Greetings, your majesties. I sincerely apologize for any disturbance."

"Greetings to you, General Lireesa. I thought you are going to be late for a meeting." The king said, his voice sonorous and calm. The couple also stood up to return the salute.

"I thought so too, but the situation changed very quickly and I return as soon as the opportunity arrives," Lireesa replied.

"I presumed your ladyship came back from the battlefield. How's the situation on the frontline? Care to delve more information for us." The king asked everyone's questions. The human and dwarf on her right also had their ears picked up.

Since Lireesa wore the ranger outfit and despite her cleaning magic on her body, there were traces remaining such as tears even showing her skin, it was obvious Lireesa fought personally not long ago. Along with damage on her dress, the battle must be fierce.

"The mission went well until our scout reported a possible troll Legend presence. The captain responsible for the expedition requested my help and I went there this morning. I fought this Legend, expelling him and annihilating his troops." Lireesa stated the event succinctly and attracted the king's interest.

"Then, what's wrong with your face Lady Lireesa?" The queen cut in and asked her doubts, her voice worried a bit.

"My face?" Lireesa was confused for a moment and remembered the reddened cheek hadn't disappeared. Now she found out why everyone who saw her had the same reaction.

Touching her left cheek softly, she replied. "During my duel with this Legend, it became a close combat. My face was slapped hard on the left during the chaotic fight while I slice his arm."

Everyone around Lireesa had their mouth twitched. If not for the seriousness in her voice, they would regard her description as flaunting. Cutting off the Legend's arm. Brawling with this troll in melee. Despite the weakest moment in the ranger profession, you still won. Please, keep bragging.

Everyone understood the event took place really. As they listened more to Lireesa's narration, they became more and more surprised. They also discovered the severity involved and showed their concern. Lireesa was unsure whether they were real or on show.

"Thank you for your concern, your majesty the King and the Queen. I quickly come here to report my presence. I'll be taking my rest if there's nothing left to say."

"Wait a moment, Lady Lireesa. I don't know if you heard our discussions, but We wanted to know why the elves are now fighting the trolls when they weren't invaded." Before she was about to gesture for a leave, the human cut in.