"Faiyte, dear, come in here." A draenei woman called, pushing open the door to a small, cozy home, nearly in the middle of the night elf city, Darnassus's, trade center. From a ways away, playing near the water's edge, a young night elf perked up a bit, looking back to the woman through bright golden eyes.
"Are we leaving?" The fourteen year old asked excitedly, jumping to her feet and hurrying over to follow the Draenei back inside.
"Soon." She smiled, motioning the girl over. Faiyte complied, obediently taking the seat in front of the woman as she began pulling the night elf's indigo hair back into a high ponytail. "You're lucky we're pressed for time. I can't believe you knew we would be heading into the city today, yet you still decided to go play around in the muck out there!"
"Sorry, mum." Faiyte offered, though it didn't sound entirely genuine. "I needed to do something to pass the time. Why couldn't we have gone sooner?"
"Because your father wouldn't even be there." The woman sighed. "You know how busy he is, lately."
"So we could have went anyway. Walked around the city.. Gotten something to eat.."
"Oh you just want to run around with that boy, again. You know how your father disapproves."
"There's nothing wrong with Kayve." Faiyte argued, and her mother gave a huff.
"Other than the fact he's a thief."
"There's no proof." Faiyte muttered, getting to her feet as her mother finished with her hair.
"Enough to know he shouldn't be trusted." She said sternly. "Now, come, or we'll be late." She said, slinging a bag over her shoulder and starting out the door, Faiyte close behind. Faiyte was used to the usual time and effort it took to get to Dalaran City in Northrend. It was a trek she and her mother made nearly every weekend. There was the ship ride to Stormwind, followed by another to Borean Tundra, then the flight to Dalaran, itself. Though it did take a while, it was well worth it. Faiyte loved the city. It was big and bustling, full of all the different races of Azeroth coexisting in peace. They always stayed in one of the extravagant inns, there, while they were visiting Faiyte's father, for the weekend. But, honestly, Faiyte didn't spend much time, there. She was always off in the city, somewhere. In truth, it's why she liked to go.
"There's my girl." Faiyte's father stood on the platform, waiting for them to arrive. He resembled his daughter closely, with the same golden eyes, indigo hair, and blue-grey skin. Faiyte moved forward quickly, grinning widely as she allowed her father to pull her into a tight hug. "I've missed you! I feel like every time I see you, you've grown even more!" He chuckled, allowing her down as he gave his wife a happy hug and kiss in greeting. "How's she been, Elnoir? She isn't driving you too crazy, is she?"
"Oh, if only you knew." The draenei sighed, though she gave a warm smile. "And how have you been? Any chance of you coming home, soon?" She sounded hopeful, but the look in her husband's eyes was rather grim.
"We've still got quite a bit of work, here." He said. "I'll make sure to contact you the moment I hear anything, I pormise."
"You know, I'm starting to wonder why I was foolish enough to fall in love with a man involved with the Argent Crusade." Elnoir said, giving a sad sort of smile. "Haven't you done enough? Honestly, even if you retired, early, you'd still be considered a hero, dear."
"You know I can't do that. They need me, here." He tried. "I already told them, once we've got Northrend stabilized again, I'm heading back home. They understand it, said I would be greatly compensated for all my hard work.. But it just isn't time yet. I can't abandon them."
"You would rather abandon us?" At this, he frowned.
"Can't we just have one weekend where we don't get into this whole mess?" He asked. "I make sure you and Faiyte are safe and well taken care of, while I'm away. I see you every weekend, and I've already planned to cut my services to the Crusade short, like you asked."
"We miss you." She said, resting a hand on his arm. "It seems like this will never end."
"I know. And I miss you, too." He smiled, then looked back to Faiyte. She seemed to be looking for something, watching around the platform attentively. "What do you say we get you settled in? And Faiyte can tell me all about how her training is coming along?" At the mention of her name, Faiyte looked back to him with a smile.
"It's going great! They say my connection to the light is very advanced, for my age." She boasted, following after her parents as they started into the main part of the city.
"You'll be a grand priest, someday, I'm sure." He nodded confidently. "As long as you continue working on it, that is. Your mother has told me you've been running off around Teldrassil, on your own. You need to stay within the City, during your training. It's too dangerous for you, alone. You're too young." Faiyte sighed, turning her attention forward as they continued to walk. As she did, she suddenly smiled, perking up a bit.
"Can I explore the city for a while?" She asked, looking back to her father.
"We were going to grab something to eat, dear. Visit for a while." Elnoir said, looking to her daughter.
"I already ate, earlier. I'm not hungry." She argued. "And we have all weekend to visit."
"Where is it, that you're off to?" Her father cut in, looking much less enthusiastic, and more strict.
"Just around the city." She tried.
"Into the underbelly?" He asked, disapproval thick in his voice.
"No, sir. I wanted to look through the shops. Mum let me have some spending money, I want to get a toy."
"Well, as long as you stay out of trouble, this time." He said, though he sounded reluctant. Faiyte didn't wait for him to change his mind. She rushed forward, darting around the corner in the direction of the toy shop. However, when she reached it, she gave a quick glance back over her shoulder. After a moment's pause to make sure her parents weren't following her, she crossed the road to duck into the tunnel that lead into the underneath of the large, floating city. As she continued through the tunnel, the sounds of clashing blades, drunken yells, and laughter echoed off of the walls. Dodging puddles and a few rats, on the way, Faiyte finally reached the clearing she'd been looking for. Adventurers of all races and ages clashed in heated duels, sat around on benches and at stands, even some on the floor, chugging brew and watching the duels in amusement. Shady vendors lined the walls, and the low lighting flickered every now and again. The underbelly of Dalaran City was truly an unruly, slightly lawless area. But it was exciting. Faiyte weaved her way through the crowds, making it across to the back wall, where a rather large chunk was missing, leading into a dug out area. She quickly ducked inside, through a small passage way and into a rather dingy, self-made room. It was small, only holding a collection of assorted artifacts, a few bags, likely full of gold, silver, and copper coins, and a make-shift bed. A mattress of cloth clothing, stuffed into a long bag, covered by a tattered quilt and a dirty pillow. Near the corner, counting out a few coins, was a night elf, a few years older than Faiyte. He had dark green hair, pulled back with a strap of leather into a low ponytail, blue-purple skin, a few shades darker than Faiyte's, and peculiar red eyes that were focused on his work, seemingly not noticing the fresh presence. Faiyte smirked, quietly moving to sneak up behind him. As she did so, however, he quickly whipped around, pouncing on her and pinning her down. At the action, she let out a squeal of surprised laughter.
"You should know by now you can't scare me!" He chuckled.
"And you should know, by now, I'll always try." She said, sticking her tongue out childishly.
"When did you get here?" He asked, moving to allow her to sit up.
"Just a few minutes ago. Had to think of a good excuse to come see you." She announced. "Buying a toy." She answered his unvoiced question.
"Well, we'll have to make sure you go back with one." He nodded.
"Kayve!" A sharp voice called from beyond the opening to the room, gathering their attention. "Get out here, now! I don't pay you to sit around in there, all day!"
"You barely pay me at all!" Kayve shot back, giving a glance to Faiyte before moving past her out of the room. She frowned at the occurrence, but followed after him.
"With that tone, why would I?" The goblin hissed, crossing his arms as Kayve and Faiyte approached. "You've got another collection, due."
"Who is it, this time?" Kayve sighed. "Can't it wait."
"I'll get someone else to do it, if you don't want to eat tonight." The goblin shrugged, turning.
"Alright, I'll go, now. Where are they?"
"With any luck, he'll be at the bank. But, we're never that lucky. The name's Galligar. Human, tall, blonde hair. I think he's a warlock." The goblin said. "Find him, and get my full payment. You come back with anything less, you aren't getting your cut." Kayve looked like he wanted to argue, but thought better on it. He turned, motioning Faiyte to follow as he headed back up the tunnel to the main part of the city.
"You shouldn't have to deal with him, anymore." Faiyte sighed, after a while of walking. "You're better than this."
"I'm not." Kayve argued, looking over to her pointedly. "Just wait here. I won't be long." He said, gesturing to a clear area beside the mailbox. Faiyte looked reluctant, but obeyed anyway, leaning back against the wall as she watched him continue alone. As he ducked out of sight, she gave a sigh, looking up to the crisp skies above. It wasn't long that she had to wait, before a loud bang, and subsequent yelling erupted a ways away.
Then, in a rush, Kayve came running around the corner like a bat out of hell, a small group on his tail. Faiyte frowned, rushing forward. This always seemed to happen. It was a dangerous line of work that Kayve had gotten himself into. Howerver, the two of them had worked out a decent strategy. Faiyte ran along side Kayve, who immediately passed her a satchel that, she knew by now, was full of gold. Of course, the group following had seen the pass off, and followed Faiyte as she separated from Kayve, weaving quickly through crowds of adventurers and through buildings to put as much distance between she and the group as she could. As she glanced quickly over her shoulder to make sure they were far enough away, she ran past the well, near one of Dalaran's banks, and threw the satchel down. The well lead directly into Dalaran's underbelly, where Kayve was waiting below to fetch it. Faiyte smiled to herself as she continued past, the group stil following. They hadn't seen it. She continued to weave through crowds, leading them along so as to allow enough time for Kayve to return the satchel to the goblin waiting for it. Once he had it, the group couldn't do anything about it. However, as Faiyte looked back and rounded a corner, she ran straight into something, causing her to fall backwards with a hard thump, knocking the wind out of her. Without even casting a look to who or what had blocked her path, she glanced over her shoulder. The group had seen her fall, and were nearing her quickly. She jumped to her feet, ready to run again, when someone snatched her wrist. She gave a sharp gasp, turning to stare into the stern, knowing face of her father.
"Again, Faiyte?" He huffed disapprovingly.
"Come here you little wench! Give me back my gold!" The group had caught up with her, and the warlock who spoke made a grab for her. Faiyte's father, however, pulled her out of his reach, but didn't let go of her wrist.
"My daughter does not have your gold." He announced.
"Of course she does! I saw her take it from that worthless delinquent rogue." The warlock snarled. "Don't think that you can protect her from this forever, just because you're in the Crusade. She's got to pay for her crimes."
"It isn't her crimes that landed us in this situation. I'm sure whatever gold was collected, was a debt to Vance for covering up one of yours." At this, the warlock scowled. "By now, it's already in the goblin's hands. There's no need to carry this on any longer."
"Someday you won't be around to protect your precious little angel, Fyrelilly. She will get what's coming to her." The warlock shot. He knew he was defeated, however, and turned, calling the rest of his small posse after him as he went.
"Explain yourself. Now." Faiyte's father demanded, looking down to her as he finally released her.
"It's not that bad, I-" She began, and he frowned.
"Not that bad?" He repeated. "What have I told you about getting mixed up in all this mess?"
"I can handle myself." She argued, crossing her arms in defiance.
"No, you can't. You're too young." He said. "All you're doing is ruining your future and your reputation."
"Who says I need to have a good reputation! It doesn't matter to anyone, as long as I do what needs to be done!"
"It does matter. You think the Crusade will let you in it's ranks with this kind of juvinile behavior clouding up you past?"
"Well then I won't join the damn crusade!" She shot. "I'm not obligated to, just because you're part of it!"
"The light chose you, Faiyte." He argued. "As a priest, with as much connection to the light as you were blessed with, the crusade is the most meaningful thing you could do with your talent. Do not waste that just because that ruffian doesn't want you to follow your destiny!"
"Kayve supports whatever decision I decide to make!" Faiyte hissed. "He's the only one who does! So stop trying to convince me that he's the bad guy, here!"
"You are still too young to see him for what he is. What he's going to become. I am your father, and I know what is best for you, even if you don't see that. Everything I do is for the fact of trying to improve your life. The rogue is bad news." He paused, watching his daughter. She was still standing defensively tense, angry, and defiant. He sighed. "After this visit, you and your mother will not be coming back into the city."
"What!" Faiyte exclaimed, immediately uncrossing her arms in a slight fit. "That isn't fair, I-"
"If I cannot trust you to listen to my advice and stay out of trouble, there is no other choice!"
"Alright, I'll behave!" Faiyte tried. "I'll listen!"
"Will you?" He asked, raising a brow.
"I will, I promise! Swear on the light!" She pleaded, and he regarded her a moment.
"If I see you act out again, I will tell your mother, and my threat will become a reality. Now, go back to the inn with your mother." Faiyte gave a nod, submissively starting towards the inn she and her mother were staying in.
Faiyte lay still in bed, slowing her breathing in an attempt to strain her ears. Her parents had been talking for what felt like hours, but she couldn't make out what they were saying. She caught a few words here and there, but not enough to string together into an understandable conversation. It had been quiet, however, for the past few minutes. She had hoped they had gone to bed. It was hard to tell, in the city, because there was always some sort of noise and some kind of light shining under the crack of her room's door. She had done her very best to behave that day, so as not to rouse any suspicions. Though her mind was constantly locked in thoughts of Kayve, the underbelly, and never being able to return to her beloved city. How could she get past this?
Once satisfied that her parents wouldn't catch her, she slowly eased open the door to her room, starting out down the hallway and through the main room of the inn. It was late, but the fireplaces still crackled, adventurers still sat around, chatting of their travels and drinking together. The innkeeper still stood behind the bar, though she looked immersed in a book she held before her. After one more quick look to the stairway, Faiyte moved through the door. She was on a set path, and didn't stop as she made her way through the winding tunnels of the underbelly to Kayve's small, makeshift room.
"Kayve? Are you in there?" She called into the opening. There sere still a rather large amount of adventurers still in the clearing behind her. Still dueling, gambling, and drinking. She hadn't gotten an answer. "Kayve?" She tried again.
"Yeah?" His voice behind her made her jump with a sharp gasp. She turned, looking to him in surprise. "Didn't mean to scare you. What happened? You never came back."
"My father happened." She muttered. "He found them chasing me and made me go back to the inn.." She paused. "He says if I don't start behaving he won't let me come back tot he city." At this, Kayve frowned.
"What are you going to do?" He asked.
"I don't know." She sighed, leaning back against the wall. "What's the rest of Northrend like? Maybe I can run away, find somewhere to-"
"You don't want to stay in Norhtrend, unless it's here." Kayve interrupted, earning a raised brow from Faiyte. "Trust me. I've been down there. Between the cold and the scourge being everywhere.." He sighed. "You wouldn't survive out there. And you can't stay here, or your father will find you. He's here almost every other day, relaying information and whatever else the crusade orders him to do."
"Well.. Then you should come back to Darnassus with me." Faiyte tried. Kayve frowned. "It's not that bad.. And then you and I could see each other more, anyway. And you wouldn't have to deal with Vance."
"I can't come back with you." Kayve muttered. "I have to stay in the city, it's the only place I belong, now."
"Why? What happened?" Faiyte asked, looking to him. She didn't know much about his past. They had met when she was seven, and had been friends ever since, but he didn't talk much about the things that had happened to him. How his family died, how he had ended up in Dalaran, or how he got roped into Vance's collection crew.
"It doesn't matter." He answered, glancing back to her. "I just can't leave."
"Well, what else is there?" She asked. "If I can't stay here and you can't come with me?"
"I'll tell you what else there is." Faiyte jumped as she heard her father's voice from across the room. Both she and Kayve leapt to their feet as he approached, looking furious. "Come, Faiyte. You and your mother are leaving, now. I'll be back into Darnassus for our visits, from now on."
"But, Dad, this isn't fair! I-" Faiyte tried. Her father, however, interrupted by snatching her arm and pulling her after him as he started away.
Faiyte's mother looked outraged as they approached, arms crossed and an angry frown on her face. Faiyte still struggled futilely against her father's grip, casting looks over her shoulder back towards the underbelly, hoping Kayve would have some last ditch plan on how to prevent them from taking her away. He didn't appear, however, and honestly she didn't even know what could possibly be done. It was useless to fight it. Finally, Faiyte stopped struggling, allowing her father to bring her onto the landing platform and secure them both a griffin ride back to the ship in Borean Tundra. The ride was silent, and, once they were home, Faiyte was simply ordered to bed. But, there was no sleeping for her, that night.