Chapter Nine
A full three weeks had passed since Hyleana and Lorus had made their home along the beautiful beach of Azuremyst Isle. Since then, they had added more to their small home; two sleeping area's of fine draenei-made bedding, three chests and baskets for organizing materials such as food and clothing, and another fabric that they could roll over the front of their tent to create a third wall.
Every morning thus far, Lorus had found himself waking up at some random point in the day and instantly search for his night elf companion. Most of the time, she was still asleep by the time he woke up; she would sleep against the wall while he would sleep in the center of the tent. He'd find himself staring at her for a few moments in a tired gaze as though he were confused towards her existence, but ultimately he would get up immediately and start their daily chores.
Hyleana, on the other hand, suspected the blood elf was changing his views of her. She couldn't help but feel a soft spot for Lorus now herself either. She found herself excited to return home with a stag for them to cook and a meal for them to converse over.
Hyleana had never been one to open up, at least around her own people, but she felt as though the blood elf had a right to know who she was and what she as an individual valued. "My people are said to share the same set of beliefs, but that's not really true for any race is it? Surely some try to impose their political opinions on to their people, but the reality is that not everyone can think the same way." She told him one night. "I don't believe in everything that the night elves preach. They feel no trust for the younger races, and I feel that is a big mistake. We've lived for a very long time, and yet we continue to make mistakes even with all this 'wisdom' we've supposedly acquired. I believe that races live long enough to know enough about life."
Lorus found himself silent during their conversations. He felt as though there was nothing he could say to her. Part of him, one that he'd long since stashed away, felt the need to add to the conversation. But the other part of him felt as though what the night elf said was wrong. So rather than devalue her thoughts or give in, he simply said nothing.
Hyleana, though she may not have known it, was right about one thing; Lorus was changing, and he could feel it. While he thought little of his few moments upon awakening and looking at her pale face, he began to recognize that he worried for her often. While he had all of his day to take care of himself, Hyleana found herself busy between her travels for supplies up at Azure Watch and her own chores that waited for her at home.
Once, during their brief moments of interaction, they were washing their clothing in the river. It was late into the night, which was perfect for Lorus for no one would be out in this area during that time to spot him. While it was dark, Lorus looked over at the night elf and noticed her face was worn and tired. "You look horrible." He stated after a few moments; he decided that if he stated it as an insult, there was no way she'd know he cared about her wellbeing.
"Don't I always to you?" she asked the cranky blood elf, clear exhaustion in her voice. He watched her exhausted body work with great strain to clean the shirt in her hands. "You were out much later yesterday, you came back during the afternoon. Did something happen?" he asked. Hyleana silently wondered why he'd even noticed, but she decided not to point it out. "The draenei have started to offer me jobs. My friend, Kazi, was moved over to the Watch and she knows that I will eventually run out of gold."
It was true. Kazeleora had transferred over to Azure Watch and would remain there for quite some time, mostly because it promised Hyleana's presence. The last time Hyleana had been up there, not only had Kazeleora offered the nickname "Kazi", she'd also offered small jobs to put money in the kaldorei's pocket. "I do not know what you have," the female draenei had said. "But you will not last forever. My people could use some help."
"And you've decided to take these jobs?" Lorus stopped to turn and face the woman. Hyleana looked up at him and sighed, "Yes... I suppose I will." Her silver eyes glowed dimly in the moon's pale light and he could see her hands shook slightly from lack of sleep. It was at this that Lorus felt guilty. She was not only supporting herself, but him as well. Blood elf or not, he could not stand for this to continue.
"I shall take care of things here. You just worry about these... Jobs, and I'll take care of the rest." He said slowly with hesitation. Her eyes widened; Hyleana could not believe that he was even proposing this system. After a few moments of silence, he added in defense, "I recognize that you're the only one of us able to work. So I must compensate." Hyleana smiled, "It's okay, there's no need to feel I need help. I honestly don't mind." Looking down, she continued to wash the shirt in her hands.
Her eyes grew wide as he grasped her wrists in his hands in a single and gentle movement. "Please, Hyleana. Go to sleep." It was the first time she'd ever heard him be gentle and sincere. Up until now, what she thought had been common tongue was now a force of public pressure. Hyleana leaned her face in to peer into his green eyes to fill her thirst of curiosity; did he honestly feel something of concern?
He could feel his heart pounding; her nose was too close to him and her small wrists where clasped in his hands. Hyleana felt those same nerves, but what both could have wanted would not happen on this night. She did not want a man who could not be honest with himself. Pulling away, she gave the sodded shirt to him. "I shall go sleep now then." With that, she got out of the water and went into the tent. Lorus's eyes followed after her in bewilderment. They had been so close and he could have sworn that for a moment he'd desired something more from the transaction.
No... I do want something. He finally admitted to himself. He knew in his heart that there was a woman he longed to be with. Of different race and of different affiliation, he did not care. He only cared for her.
