"Jaina, a very nice name." Leylin extended his left hand, took Jaina's fair little hand, and led her around the exhibition hall a few times. It was already quite late, and Leylin had to take this little girl home.
"When I was little, my parents used to tell me that going to bed early and waking up early would make boys grow taller and girls become more beautiful." Leylin coaxed the still-little Jaina.
The obedient Jaina nodded and said, "I know, now it's time to say goodnight."
"Where do you live? Let me take you home." Leylin said with concern.
Jaina pointed to the attic on the east side of the garden and said, "My home is in the attic of the residential area, very close to here."
Leading Jaina's little hand, Leylin led her through the garden to Jaina's residence, a tall building with a circular dome.
"I've arrived home, mister mage, you should go back soon too." The maids, who had been looking flustered, finally calmed down when they saw the 'little princess.' After thanking Leylin, they eagerly wanted Jaina to return to the attic.
Jaina climbed a few steps down the low stairs, then turned around and called to Leylin, "Mister mage, you have to keep your word. After the war, you have to teach me magic."
"Don't worry, I'll come find you, little Jaina." Leylin waved to Jaina. After receiving another affirmative answer, Jaina nodded her little head in satisfaction and happily ran towards the attic.
What a lovely little girl! It's hard to imagine that she would endure so much pain in the future. But fortunately, she met Leylin, and it's believed that everything will be different in the future.
When they passed through the garden again, the moon was already hanging in the center of the Lordaeron night sky. Leylin went back to his room, took off his robe, and hung it on the hook on the wall.
There were still things to do; no matter how late it was, he needed to do one or two hours of absorbing the surrounding magical energy.
"Knock, knock, knock." A crisp knock came from the doorway.
"Still not asleep, Leylin?" the Ranger Captain outside asked. Leylin waved his hand, and the door opened naturally. Alleria entered Leylin's room.
"Weren't we supposed to meet tomorrow morning?" Leylin picked up a glass of water, added some tea leaves, and heated it with an [Ignite], making a warm cup of tea.
"It's a bit cold outside, have some tea first." Leylin continued.
Alleria took the teacup with both hands, took a small sip, and said, "Although I mentioned it before, I came because I saw you weren't asleep. Sir Lothar just finished explaining the combat mission to me; we need to follow the human alliance to Hillsbrad Foothills."
Setting down the teacup, Alleria took out a map from Sir Lothar's magical pouch. The map lay flat on the table. Alleria pointed to a blue route: "This is our route of advance."
Besides this blue sea route, there was also a red land route. Compared to the blue route, the red route traversed almost the entire southern part of Lordaeron. Starting from Lordaeron, it passed through Dalaran, crossed Alterac, reached Tarren Mill, and its final destination was Southshore.
"Is the red route the Alliance's route?" Leylin asked.
Alleria nodded and said, "That's right, but the main force's departure is quite slow. However, the number of ships in Lordaeron's harbors is limited, so we can only send a portion of the elite troops to Hillsbrad Foothills first. As the first advance force, we need to build the first line of defense in this hilly region."
"No problem, I think we can handle this task." Leylin said confidently.
Alleria smiled: "You're still as confident as ever."
"Give me the quivers." Leylin said to Alleria. Alleria pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, then took out her quivers from her magical pack.
After placing it on the table, she said casually, "You know I don't have much money to pay you."
Leylin took the quivers, waved, and said, "It's getting late, you should go to sleep."
Alleria got up to say goodbye to Leylin. As she approached the door, Leylin reminded her, "Use your ranger's vigilance, my Ranger Captain. Don't let anyone see you leaving my place late at night."
Alleria, who had been walking steadily, almost stumbled upon hearing Leylin's words. She pushed open the door, turned gracefully to Leylin, and said, "Of course, for my little sister."
Leylin, who had taken on another job, didn't fall asleep until around three in the morning. However, Leylin had developed a habit in Silvermoon City, and his sleep quality was excellent.
At dawn the next day, Leylin took out his assassin's armor from his magical pack, changed into the outfit, and looked even more like a renowned thief.
Traveling by carriage, Alleria and Leylin, along with the entire elven squadron, headed towards the Lordamere Lake, arriving at dusk.
The fleet transporting troops did not use elven destroyers; Grand Admiral Daelin's transport ships were much larger and sturdier than the elven vessels. The steel surrounding the decks and ships revealed two things: Kul Tiras was a wealthy commercial nation, and Grand Admiral Daelin's fleet was invincible.
As they boarded the ships, Sir Lothar led the procession, followed by his Lieutenant Turalyon and several knights. Leylin and Alleria walked side-by-side, behind them an elderly mage, also dressed in battle attire, his clothing's color and fabric closely displays his status as a mage unlike Leylin who looks more of an assassin than a mage.
Grand Admiral Daelin was the last to board the flagship, bidding farewell to his daughter before departing. Although Grand Admiral Daelin had two sons, his daughter was his dearest. This mission was fraught with danger, and Grand Admiral Daelin kissed Jaina's forehead as he boarded.
Standing on the deck, Leylin looked at Jaina and waved. Jaina waved back. The little girl had excellent eyesight; even though Leylin had changed his clothes, she still recognized him clearly.
"Mister Mage, be careful too, and don't forget our promise."
This little girl was truly endearing. Leylin opened his left hand and crafted another rose for Jaina. This rose was made with arcane energy; with a flick of his wrist, the budding rose drifted into Jaina's hands.
Reluctant to let it bloom, the little girl held the flower in her palm. Alleria patted Leylin on the shoulder with her left hand and said, "You're really something. You've made new friends in just one day?"
Leylin didn't answer. He took out lots of quivers from his magic pack and handed it to Alleria, saying, "Ranger Captain, here's your quivers."
"Who told you to finish so quickly? Rest is important." Alleria scolded Leylin.
"Don't underestimate me. I'm not the same mage I used to be."
"Tch, what's with the confidence? In my eyes, you're still a weak mage, far inferior to the archmages." Alleria teased Leylin.
Shrugging, Leylin leaned on the ship's railing and said, "Yeah, I think so too."
Just then, a burly, energetic young paladin walked over and said, "From now on, we're allies. We'd like to get to know each other."