We Shall Meet Again
He was drunk and he knew it. Stumbling up the stairs in the Dalaran inn, which one he had forgotten, he fell just short of the large bed in the elegant room he had rented just two days before. Unfortunately, in his drunken stupor, he had entered the wrong inn.
The sleeping occupant of the room awoke suddenly to the loud thud of something hitting the floor in front of her bed. Sitting up she looked around to see just where the mysterious sound had come from or perhaps what had caused it. Noticing a large shadow cast on the wall next to the ajar door, which she knew she had closed, she reached for her sword lying on the nightstand. Crawling slowing across the bed she realized there was indeed a large object on the floor.
A faint moan came from the heap on the floor. It was a living thing she had deducted, just what it was doing there she was not sure. Stepping off the bed she crept closer to get a better look. To her surprise it shifted, turning over to reveal a human man sound asleep or passed out from too much ale she decided, the smell seeping from his torn shirt.
Something about him seemed familiar, but at first she could not place just what it was. An adventurer and explorer, she had seen hundreds of men of every race throughout Azeroth, but something set this particular human apart. The man shifted yet again, this time turning his head from side to side before settling once again, motionless. An outside light shining through the window allowed her a better look at her unexpected visitor's face, then she noticed, the dark wavy hair.
It can't be, she thought. Her imagination, or perhaps her eyes were playing tricks on her. She stared at him for what seemed like ages and then realized it truly was him, the boy she had met five years earlier in the forest by the lake. He had obviously aged, no longer a boy, his face now donning a scruffy beard. Shocked, she backed away and settled slowing into a nearby chair in the corner of the room.
Run, I must run. He won't recognize me, she told herself. Something held her still, frozen in the wicker chair. Fear rarely ruled her, but now sitting in this room with her handsome paladin, she was actually afraid. Sitting as still as she could; she assessed the situation. He was not armed, well at least as far as she could tell. The tall boots he sheathed definitely had the potential for concealed weapons. The idea of checking to be sure and possibly awakening a drunken, potentially hostile man did not seem appropriate.
Taking a chance she crept back to the bed. She was tired and for now she decided to just let the human, who so much resembled her handsome paladin, to just sleep off his drunken state. Come morning, well she was not sure what morning might bring, fate would take into play as to just what might happen.
His head ached something awful. The sunlight showing through the window blinded him, making him feel dizzy and sick. He was not even sure where he was, looking around trying to remember just what he had done the night before.
Why am I on the floor, he thought. Trying to sit up, his muscles resisted. It took him three times before he was sitting up in a room that he did not recognize. He heard the slight sound of someone or something breathing nearby. The bed that stood in front of him seemed like a possible location for someone to be sleeping.
Cautiously, he hoisted himself up on the end board of the large bed. There lying in this bed, that obviously was not his, was a woman. Head swimming, he blinked trying to make out just what she looked like. This was not just any woman asleep soundly in this room with him, it was an undead woman! Taken aback, he thought hard about the previous night. Had he lost his mind completely, coming here to this place with a Forsaken? He had no recollection of having any kind of company when he had stumbled towards what he thought was his room.
Not sure what to do next, he reached into his boot to equip the small dagger he carried always. Slowly approaching the bed, he contemplated slitting her throat and having the matter quickly taken care of. Abruptly, she moved in her sleep, turning her sallow face towards him. Acting quickly he placed his shoulder against her chest and placed his dagger against her bony throat.
Reacting to the sudden presence of something smashing her chest she awoke with a shudder, dark glowing eyes staring at him. She gasped for air and struggled slightly before noticing the sharp blade against her throat. Then oddly, she fell still, looking at him with pleading, adoring eyes. Confused, he stared back, examining the pale face before him.
Why isn't she fighting back? he wondered. Her thin, bony hand, with claw like fingernails reached towards his face in an attempt to touch him. This confused him even more. The unexpected movement caused him to stumble backwards nearly falling on a pile of heavy plate armor on the floor next to the window.
Realizing that he had left himself open for attack he regained his balance and stood back against the window, dagger pointed towards the sickly creature on the bed. She made no move to attack him or even stand up for that matter, only sat staring at him with those mysterious eyes.
"Why am I here? Did you poison me and drag me from the bar in an attempt to feast on my flesh you undead harlot?" He shouted.
At first she said nothing, only bowed her down looking at the blankets. "I am no harlot," she replied. "You invited yourself into my room in the middle of the night."
"You mean to tell me I walked in, passed out on your room floor and you did not have the slightest inclination to kill me on the spot?" he yelled.
"At first yes," she said. Looking up at him finally. "Until, I realized just who you were."
"Who am I then?"
"Five years ago I met a boy fishing in a lake in Tirisfal that looks like you."
Shaking his head, he glared at her. This story she told was insane, made up, impossible. He had never told another living soul about that summer with the pale undead girl in the forest. How could she possibly know?
"Did you kill her?"
"Kill who?" Rowen asked.
"You know who," he ranted angrily.
"I am her," she insisted. Then, she laughed. He was not sure what possibly might be humorous about the fact that this wretched abomination had killed the only woman he had ever truly cared for.
Suddenly it came to him, her laughter was familiar. Somewhere he had heard it before. He studied her now smiling face carefully, trying to figure out who she was and just how she knew him. Could this possibly be her, the pretty little undead from the lake?
"Does my laugh not sound familiar then? We laughed a lot during that short time we spent together, I never wanted it to end. You left me one day with a kiss and a wave and I thought you would never come back", she continued.
He remembered the beautiful, young girl he had met by the lake, as if it were yesterday. Now he had to convince himself and his aching heart that she was truly sitting here before him. Neither said anything for a long time. Examining each other with questioning eyes, they both finally smiled at each other. Alex's doubt still high, but his hopes even higher for her to truly be who she said she was.
"My heart really wants you to be her," he finally said. "I have missed you all these years, hoping that someday I would see you again and be able to speak to you."
"I am her, like I said before," she said. "I have nothing but words to convince you. You were fishing when I first saw you. I approached you cautiously, afraid you would wish to fight me, but you did not."
"Only you and I know of those days in Tirisfal," he said. "I have told no one about it."
"Neither have I, it would have only caused chaos and discrimination had I said a word to my friends. Besides, I do not think they would have believed it had I told them. A Horde undead falling in love with an Alliance human, such things are unheard of," she said surprising herself with such honesty.
"Do you believe that this is wrong?" Alex asked.
"Who's to say who we are allowed to love? I believe you love who you love. No one can change what someone else feels. Factions may forbid, but that only makes us want each other all the more." She smiled, staring at his face.
"I do like that idea, what is forbidden always seems more fun," he said grinning back at her.
"What now then?" Rowen asked.
"Dainty little thing still. Haven't grown any," Alex smiled. Rowen laughed at that. The thought of her getting that chance to change always amused her.
"Did you expect that I would be different?" She asked.
"Not at all," he said.
"You though, are very different. Tall, dark and handsome with that scruffy beard." Alex touched his beard and laughed. Offering him a chair, she pulled another close to him. "If you would like something to eat or drink, I could call the barmaid up."
"What do you propose I do when she comes up with it? Stealth or perhaps feign death?"
"The closet should be plenty big enough," she said pointing to a tiny coat closet by the room door.
"I am hungry," he said laughing. "Getting me into that closet might be a bit tricky though."
"Here allow me to help you," she stood up and grabbed his hand. He rose as well holding her hand tight. Rowenthia pulled him toward the closet. He pretended to stumble, falling to his knees on the floor pulling her down with him.
She expected to hit the floor hard, but instead he caught her in his strong arms. Looking up at him shyly, she smiled and laughed. Holding her felt right and she did not seem uncomfortable so he continued. Standing up from the crouching position he lifted her up gently. Staring down into her glowing eyes, he felt warm and relaxed. He stood her up in front of, holding his finger under her chin. She merely looked up at him, feeling things she did not think she would ever feel.
A sudden desire to hug her overtook him. Not sure how she might react he pulled her slowly towards his chest. She didn't resist and wrapped her arms around his waist. Holding her in his arms he felt the exposed bones in the middle of her back through her thin linen nightgown. Curiosity got the better of him so he moved his hand farther down her back feeling all the bones on her back.
"Is there any flesh back there?" he asked laughing.
"Wouldn't you like to know," she mused. Grabbing his wandering hands and placing them on her hips.
"I am going a bit too far aren't I?" He asked, backing slowly away from her.
"No, I just like to tease."
"No one likes a tease you Forsaken temptress." Alex joked. He considered kissing her and having his way with her on the not far away bed, but held back not wanting to destroy this moment with this beautiful creature he loved.
Rowen turned towards the bed and walked over to the small nightstand. She opened the second drawer to dig for something.
A weapon, he thought. She is going to kill me for being so forthcoming. Instead she pulled out a black garment. A plain, light dress with a white ribbon tied to it.
"Would you mind?" she asked pointing towards the wall.
"What?" He played dumb.
"Turning around so I can put on something more appropriate for a guest."
"I do not mind one bit what you are wearing my lady, " Alex smiled.
"I'm sure you don't. Now turn around before I put a hex on you."
Alex had a good laugh at that. Warriors could not cast hexes. Although she might charge him, stun him and beat the living daylights out of him. He obliged, turning to the wall and walking into the corner.
Rowenthia watched him, staring at his backside slightly before shaking her head and removing her gaze. She changed quickly, feeling nervous that a man was in her room and that he could turn around at any moment and see just how scarred and bony she really was.
"May I look now?" Alex asked. A little part of him wished she had left the nightgown off and was standing there unclothed before him.
"Of course." He turned to face her. The dress she wore was actually becoming. It barely covered her chest. Cut low, with a slit cut in between her breasts and stomach. She pirouetted to show the back of her dress with its triangle cut in the back. Her hips were exposed as well, showing thick bones. Her back was fleshed covered, but every bone showed itself. He was surprised at just how she looked. He had never imagined something that felt so alive and warm would look like that.
She looked at him, trying to judge his reaction. She expected a smirk, perhaps a look of disgust, but instead her handsome paladin just looked her adoringly.
"Why that look, Rowen? Alex asked. Her expression was enveloped with fear.
"Am I not a hideous creature in your eyes?
"Why would I think that? "
"We Forsaken are not an attractive race to some. I think I am lovely, but I was fearful you would not think the same."
"That is ridiculous. You are jumping to your own conclusions. Truthfully, seeing you in that makes me want you even more. I have felt like doing unspeakable things to you since we embraced earlier, but I am a gentleman my lady. I only told you of my thoughts just now because you seem to think that I do not find you attractive, when in fact I am very attracted to you."
She released her breath, which she realized she was holding. Backing up a short distance, she sat on the edge of the bed. Alex joined her sitting slightly apart from her. She looked over at him and patted the bed next to her, beckoning him to sit closer. He edged closer to her and placed his hand on her upper thigh. She smiled and propped her head against his arm. They sat quiet for a while, enjoying the warmth of each other. A quiet knock at the door awoke them from their trance.
"Oh I forgot, I am expecting someone," Rowen said standing quickly to straighten her dress. She went to answer the door, but Alex stood up and grabbed her arm to stop her.
"Should I hide or something?" He asked hastily.
"No", she turned to smile. "Just have a seat." Rowenthia opened the door and stepped out into the hall to talk to her visitor.
"Ready?" Talendra asked. "What are you wearing, Rowen?"
"A dress my friend," Rowen replied.
"You cannot wear that! It's a duel party not a dance party! " Talendra laughed.
"Something unexpected has come up."
"No way, not again. No more I'm tired or I've had too much to drink or yet another one of your excuses Rowen. Besides, William will be there."
"He isn't exactly my type, Tal," Rowen said.
"You have a type?" Talendra laughed. "Are you going to change so we can go, it starts in an hour, got a long ride ahead of us."
"This something is in my room right now, I cannot exactly leave." Rowen explained.
Tal looked at her friend, trying to figure out just what she was talking about. "Wait, you mean there is a man in there? Finally gave it up to some handsome bar goer?"
"Not exactly," Rowen said.
"Let me meet him," Talendra said reaching for the door handle.
Rowenthia stopped her. "Wait out here a second," she said opening the door and shutting it as she reentered the room.
"What's happening?" Alex asked standing up from his chair.
"My friend wants to meet you," Rowen said.
"What did you tell them?"
"Told her I had a man in here, just left out a little detail."
"A most important one I am sure. Let her in, dear." Alex smiled.
Rowen opened the door and let Tal in. Closing the door quickly, the end of Talendra's long cloak was stuck in the door. She turned around before looking at her long time friends' male suitor. Opening the door slightly, her cloak fell loose and she closed the door.
"Now," Tal began, stopping abruptly, seeing the human man sitting in the chair across the room.
"My lady," Alex said bowing before the surprised blood elf. Instinctively she grabbed her daggers pointing them defensively at him.
"No need for those, Tal. This is the man I was talking about," Rowen said.
"That's a human," Talendra hissed. Alexander had returned to his chair. He could not help but be amused at the rogues' surprise.
"Not what you expected, milady?" Alex smirked.
"Calm down, Talendra. Have a seat, talk awhile, no need to fight," Rowen suggested.
"What is going on? Has someone cast some unknown spell on you Rowen? Why did you sleep with this human?" Talendra was beside herself.
"It's a long story, no time to tell it now. Do you see why I can't go to the gathering?" Rowen asked almost pleading with her friend to understand. Rowenthia grabbed her stunned friend's hand and led her to a chair across the room. Talendra sat straight up ready to attack at any moment.
"Relax blood elf, I wish you no harm." Alex assured.
"I do not know what to say. I cannot believe what I see. Never peacefully stayed this close to a human," Talendra said.
Taking a seat next to Alex, Rowenthia told the tale of just how her and her handsome paladin had met; knowing that her friend needed some explanation.
Alex sat quietly listening, holding her hand, enjoying every moment of the story.
"Are things clearer to you now, Tal?" Rowen asked hoping for some understanding from her best friend.
"Yes, but it is just beyond me why you go in fall in love with someone you can't love," Talendra said.
"I can love whoever I please," Rowen said, feeling annoyed.
"It isn't possible, you two can never be together. If it is discovered the consequences could be dire," Talendra said.
"Shunning us at worst," Alex said almost laughing.
"Please, Tal, I need you to understand," Rowen pleaded.
"The entire situation makes me uncomfortable, but like you said, who am I to say who you can love."
"Thank you," Rowen stood and went to hug her. Talendra squeezed her friend tight. This human made her nervous, but she loved Rowen. She had to be supportive.
"Is there somewhere you two are expected?" Alex asked.
"Yes, there happens to be a party, but it doesn't look like we will be going," Talendra sighed.
"Don't let me stop you," Alex said.
"Would you mind waiting downstairs for me," Rowen asked.
"Not at all. I think I need a drink anyway," Talendra said.
Alex rose from his chair and approached the rogue. He cautiously reached for her hand and raised it up. He looked at her face and deciding the worst she would do was cringe, kissed the soft skinned hand.
"Nice to meet you Talendra," Alex said bowing before her.
"Likewise human. See you in a few Row," Talendra left hurriedly.
"That went well," Alex joked.
"Oh yes, so well. She wanted to slit your throat," Rowen laughed.
"I guess this is goodbye," Alex said.
"Yes, I must be going. Talendra will want to talk my ear off about this."
"Can I see you again?" Alex asked hopefully.
"I would like that very much, but it will be difficult."
"Where do you live? Here in Dalaran?"
"No, I am everywhere it seems. Have several places I stay, when I am not traveling," Rowen explained.
"Somewhere secluded, perhaps, where we can meet secretly?" Alex asked.
"Well after the gathering I had plans to make a trip to Arathi."
"Why Arathi?" Alex pondered.
"Have a spot I camp at. No one is ever around. Like to lay out in the open and look at the stars. It's beautiful," Rowenthia said.
"Where might that be? I could perhaps see you there in a few days?" Alex was hopeful.
"Behind Stromgarde, you know of the place I am sure."
"I am. Very rocky and quiet," Alex nodded.
"Three days from now," Rowenthia said reaching out to him. They embraced and for the first time, kissed.
"Goodbye my love. I will miss you," Alex said, arms still holding her tight.
"I will miss you as well," Rowen stepped back. Alex walked towards the room door and before turning the door handle he turned to her and bowed. She laughed and he was gone.
