Leylin had come to request a mission from Sir Lothar, ignoring the surrounding lieutenants and commanders.
Sir Lothar was deep in thought, his head spinning from the mage's antics. But he couldn't afford to think about anything else; he needed to focus all his energy on the orc tribes within Southshore.
"Alright, you can depart immediately." Sir Lothar said decisively.
Without a moment's wait, Alleria and Leylin led their ranger force from Tarren Mill to Durnholde.
Durnholde wasn't yet a military fortress, much less a concentration camp for the orc tribes. Like Southshore and Tarren Mill, it was an ordinary fortress. Before the inhabitants of Hillsbrad Foothills evacuated, it was a beautiful and bountiful town.
With Sir Lothar's orders, Leylin met Lieutenant Blackmoore, now the commander of this outpost.
Blackmoore was somewhat surprised that the elven forces had arrived in Durnholde today. Logically, these elite elves should be stationed in Tarren Mill, not this outpost located southwest from Tarren Mill, where the orcish tribes are nowhere to be seen.
"Ranger Captain, why not stay at the front and instead retreat here?" Blackmoore asked Alleria.
Alleria didn't answer; this was Leylin's idea. Although he was the leader of this force, Leylin made most of the decisions. And now it seemed those decisions had proven correct.
"Let this mage answer you," Alleria said, shifting her position and stepping behind Leylin.
Leylin couldn't directly state his thoughts, so he reminded them, "Lieutenant Blackmoore, keep the soldiers vigilant. If the orcs attack here, we'll defend immediately; if not, that's the best outcome."
Blackmoore seemed confused, looking at the mage with a puzzled expression. "What's the logic behind that, Mage?"
"Behind Durnholde Fortress lies the Hinterlands, the weakest point for the Horde's northward offensive. So, you should understand why." Leylin explained.
Blackmore understood the mage's words, but he didn't believe the orcs would abandon direct combat and instead attack this place. Sir Lothar had told him that these tribal orcs were driven by honor and battle; they wouldn't abandon a war that was already upon them.
"While I cannot agree with your words, I will still deploy soldiers for defense; after all, it is our duty."
"That's good." Leyllin nodded.
Alleria led the elven soldiers into Durnholde, and she and Leylin climbed the solid, towering walls of the human fortress.
"What are you worried about?" Alleria asked, puzzled.
Leylin looked south and said, "Captain, if you were the leader of the Horde, would you engage the Alliance army head-on?"
Alleria pondered for a moment, then said, "If I had a good chance of winning, I would engage them head-on; after all, I hold the initiative."
"Then I'll add one more condition: the Amani trolls will help you in the Hinterlands. What will you do then?" Leylin continued.
Alleria began to understand why Leylin had come here. They don't know much about the Hinterlands, but with the Amani trolls assisting the Horde. It would certainly make major changes in this war.
"Why didn't you tell Sir Lothar these things? With just our troops, it's impossible to stop the orcish horde's northward advance." Alleria clenched her fists, staring at Leylin.
"Empty words won't change Sir Lothar's orders. Nobody will believe me. They're not you," Leylin said, looking at the ranger captain beside him.
Alleria sighed, her pale neck turning towards Leylin. "I admit, you're much better than me now. You think more comprehensively and thoroughly. But why did you bring us to this most dangerous place again!"
A light punch landed on Leylin's chest. Alleria's breathing quickened; she was angry. This guy really seems to like facing death. This is a war where who knows what could happen, the changes within the battlefield could lead to accidents or deaths.
"I believe in the strength of our troops. We can slow the orcish horde's advance as much as possible. We can even wait for Sir Lothar to send reinforcements, completely dissuading the horde from going to the Hinterlands." Leylin said.
"Have you considered the consequences? You're so stubborn, always thinking about the results of victory. What about defeat? You, me, the soldiers, and the rangers will all die here! You're a good soldier, but you're not suited to be a leader," Alleria rebuked Leylin.
Leylin knew better than anyone that after the orcs invaded Hinterlands, where would their next target be? Beyond Hinterlands was still a part of Lordaeron, and further on, Quel'Thalas!
"I'm sorry, Alleria," Leylin understood the meaning behind Alleria's words.
Alleria looked at Leylin coldly and said, "You don't need to apologize to me. I'm not afraid to die! You need to be responsible for the soldiers and rangers. They didn't come to the human war with the determination to die."
"We are all fighting for ourselves. The orcs have invaded Hinterlands, and their next target is Quel'Thalas. Beyond that mountain range is Lordaeron, and then, Quel'Thalas."
He wasn't too surprised. The orcs wanted to seize this land; they wouldn't tolerate a threat like the elves just outside their homeland. They would either wipe them out or force them to move somewhere far.
"I've never seen a human more noble like you, always putting others first." Alleria sighed, her hands resting on the city wall. Leylin smiled wryly. He wasn't as noble as Alleria made him out to be; he was simply trying to end the war faster.
"First, I'm not a noble, I'm just a simple human. Second, I'm not a saint; I have my own desires." Leylin's tone changed, and he smiled at Alleria.
Seeing the hope in Leylin's face for the first time, Alleria asked curiously, "What do you want?"
"I want Vereesa Windrunner."
"Didn't you already get her?" Alleria rolled her eyes at Leylin.
"And Sylvanas, Aminel, and you." Leylin spoke his mind, though it was shameful, he finally said it. He lacked some confidence; after today and tomorrow, he might have no chance.
Alleria wasn't angry; she smiled gently. "I knew you had ulterior motives. Your idea is good, but as long as I'm here, you'll never achieve it." She didn't rush to explain.
Leylin acted nonchalantly, saying, "You know, I just want it, I didn't say I'd definitely get it. Besides, these things require mutual affection; you can't force them."
"You womanizer! I really wish you could die here, then you couldn't go and ruin other girls." Alleria said fiercely.
"I prefer your playful scolding than your rebuke." Leylin stretched, gazing at the pale green hills just beginning to sprout in the distance.