Chapter 7: Cabin Fever
Addy couldn't bring herself to go back to the Cathedral after that day. Every time she thought about it, her mind went back to the piles of dead bodies and the cold stiff body of the little girl. What had once been a place of peace for her was now a horrifying memory.
She went back to staying in the room, watching people all day. It was rather dangerous to leave herself alone with nothing but her thoughts, and her mind was slowly filling with grief and guilt.
Could she have done more? What if she hadn't stopped healing her - she might have been tired, maybe even passed out. But what if she could have saved her? She hadn't been able to afford continuing her physical training, but surely there hadn't been anything stoping her from continuing her healing training...
She slouched in her chair by the window, curling her blanket around herself as she watched the Rogue across the street who still hadn't been caught. She'd been sitting there for hours, since before the sun had risen above the horizon. She'd woken up from a horrifying dream. She'd been preparing the last rights for Katie, when suddenly the little girl had awoken, grabbing her arm and jolting her awake, her body covered in sweat and tears in her eyes. She hadn't been able to fall asleep after that.
"Oh Light."
Addy didn't move from her spot, only turning her head to acknowledge Gryan groggily waking up, "Good morning."
"How long have you been there?" He asked, cracking his neck and wincing as he sat up.
Addy shrugged, "Since before the sun came up."
Gryan groaned and stepped onto the cold floor. He tip toed over to his clothing and started to dress himself over his undergarments. The morning air was brisk, before the sun had risen there had even been a layer of frost over the cobblestone streets and thick glass windows.
"It's bloody freezing." Gryan rubbed his arms, trying to warm them, "It'll be snowing in no time."
Addy looked up at the sky above Stormwind. It got cold in Westfall, but it didn't snow anymore. She remembered playing it in as a child, making snowmen and then knocking it over with wooden swords. She wondered if she was too old to make snowmen now.
"Alright, that's it." Gryan grabbed a bag in the corner in which Addy had been collecting borrowed clothing, tossing it to her, "Get dressed."
Addy fumbled the bag a few times before she caught it, the warm blanket around her shoulders falling to the floor, "Why?"
"Because you're coming with me." He glared, daring her to argue.
Addy looked between Gryan and the bag, confused, "I'm allowed to be there?"
"Not in the meetings, no." Gryan scoffed, "But I'll be damned if you spend another day in this room, wallowing."
"I'm not wallowing."
"You're starting to stink."
Addy glared at him, waiting until his back was turned to subtly smell herself. She grimaced, "Fine I'll take a bath."
"You'll take a bath, and then come with me to the castle." He ordered, "Or don't talk a bath, I really don't care. But you're coming with me either way."
"What if I don't want to."
Gryan huffed, "You're acting like a child."
"And you're acting like I am a child."
"You are a child."
Addy paused, turning to look at him. His gaze had softened a bit as he watched her and she felt some of the animosity leave her. There was such a depth of caring and love in his gaze that she suddenly felt very uncomfortable and looked down, her face flushing.
Gryan waited for a moment, before he gave her a soft smile,"I might not be your father Addy, but I watched you grow up. I taught you everything you know, took care of you even when your fool of a Grandfather forgot to. I care about you...and to me, you'll always be that four year old girl you were when I met you."
Addy sniffled lightly, ignoring her wobbling lip. She'd never been good with big declarations of emotion. She still hadn't spoken to him about the little girl, but looking at the loving glance he sent her she loosened up a bit, and looked down.
"I messed up." She mumbled, not looking him in the eyes. She clenched her jaw tight. "I messed up and someone died."
Gryan didn't say anything, and they both sat there in silence. Addy knew he was preparing some sort of monologue in his head and she swallowed the lump rising in her throat.
He walked over and saw down on the edge of her bed, closest to the window. He placed his hands on his knees and tried to catch her eyes, "I...I suppose I could say it wasn't your fault. That sometimes people die and there's nothing that you can do about it. But I'm not going to."
Addy flickered her eyes over to him, trying to ignore their growing wetness as she made eye contact with his warm smile lined eyes.
"Because I've been where you are." Gryan's eyes vanished for a moment, going someplace in his past where Addy couldn't follow, "And I know that saying that won't help. It won't make you feel better. But I will say that, I'm here for you. If you wanna talk or if you want me to lie and say it'll get better, and easier...then I'm here for you."
He leaned forward and gripped her shoulder tightly. Addy gave him a watery smile and reached up to wrap her fingers in his hand, nodding.
"However." He stood up, walking over so he was looking down on her, "I am going to make you get out of this room. So get up kid, I want you bathed and dressed in twenty minutes."
She wasn't allowed in the meeting with Gryan. Addy assumed he was going to walk her to the Cathedral, but instead she found herself walking with Gryan through the front gates of the Keep, up the stairs and into the long hallways of the castle. As they walked Addy found herself studying the tapestries that lined the walls - some depicted great battled with trolls and between human kingdoms. The newer ones showed the three great wars with various great warriors and battles.
They reached the throne room and Gryan stopped, turning to look at her.
"The war room is over there." He pointed to the right, where there was a single closed door with two guards positioned outside, "I'll be in there for most of the day. But there's a public courtyard where you can stay until I'm done."
He pointed to the left and Addy turned to see an open archway into a lush green park. Addy perked up a bit, reminded of the parks around the Mage tower. She hurriedly said goodbye to Gryan and they went their separate ways.
The public areas of the Keep were pristine, with lush green grass and large beautifully trimmed trees in a large open courtyard which was situated on the edge of a sheer cliff that overlooked the shoreline and the horizon against the grey waters of the Great Sea. She supposed it would be a beautiful view in the summer, but now the sky was clouded over and the air blowing off the sea was cold. The courtyard was filled with people, groups of noble ladies walking together and chatting comfortably, a few families playing with children and others simply laying down on a blanket, reading or drawing or doing whatever caught their fancy. Addy noticed spitefully that everyone around her wore fine clothing, with well washed skin and cosmetics and jewellery. It made sense, she supposed. Nobody who needed to work for their meals would have time to waste socializing in the castle
Near the western side of the courtyard there were several large sand filled arenas pitted with training dummies and racks of training weapons. About a dozen men and women were in the pits, wrestling and sparing. Addy tilted her head, watching them as they trained with a frown. They were extremely talented. She knew that she was fairly good with a sword, but looking at the men and women training in front of her, she felt more than a little inadequate.
But she still felt better than how she compared to the ladies of the court, in their fine silks and powdered faces. So she walked over to the edge of the sword arena, sitting in the grass and watching them practice with her head resting on her knees.
As she watched the men and women spar she took mental notes, observing with interest that she'd been preforming several techniques incorrectly for years. watched the sword fighters dance around each other in such a graceful way that Addy felt jealous. Any attempt at footwork in swordplay usually result in her tripping over her own feet and nearly impaling herself. But these men and woman flipped and twisted and turned with ease in order to best each other.
A few of the ladies were sitting on a stone bench nearby, fanning themselves despite the brisk autumn air. They were speaking a giggling to each others, speaking softly, but not quietly as Addy was still able to hear everything they were saying.
"He's not betrothed, as far as we know."
"Really? Why not?"
"I'm not sure, but I know that my father is going to be sending a proposal offer to the king."
Addy blinked to herself as she realized the two Ladies were talking about Prince Anduin. She suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if just by listening in she was actively participating in gossip about the Prince. She tried to focus on the sword fighting, but the voices of the Ladies carried and she felt herself listening in regardless.
"What about Princess Greymane?"
"If he was going to marry the Princess, they would have been wed already. At least, that's what my father says."
"Perhaps I will see if my father intends to submit an offer. He has grown to be rather handsome."
Addy flushed, and immediately shut out their voices. It was incredibly inappropriate. She found herself jumping to her feet and walking over to the weapons rack, determined to find a distraction from the conversation.
She lifted the different swords until she found one that was close to the weight and length of the sword she used back home. She felt a pang of sorrow at the thought of her lost sword, but shook her head. People had lost their lives in the attack, she had no right to be upset over a stupid sword.
She walked over to a dummy on the far side of the arena, away from the rest of the fighters. None of them seemed to take notice of her and she felt a bit more confident. Looking around she noted that not a single person had looked her way. Letting out a small breathe of relief, she lifted her sword, adjusting her grip as she prepared to face the dummy.
She went through the usual motions as she remembered them. The same exercises that Gryan had taught her and which she used to spend hours practicing. Much to her dismay, her arms quickly tired and she soon found herself out of breath. Just how out of practice was she? She paused to roll her shoulders a few times before, picking up the sword and trying again, continuing with her routine.
But eventually it proved to be too much for her. The sword twisting awkwardly in her hand, which quickly cramped causing her to drop it. She let out a small cry as the sword slashed her arm open on it's way to the ground, and quickly grabbed the wound with her hand, distancing it from her to avoid getting blood on the Innkeepers dress.
"Are you alright!"
Addy jumped lightly, her head looking up to see a man standing in front of her. She recognized him as one of the swordsmen she'd been watching earlier and flushed in embarrassment.
"It's fine." She assured him briskly.
He walked over, holding out his hand, "Give me your scarf, I'll wrap it for you."
She stiffened, suddenly very aware of the scarf covering her neck and hiding the horrendous scars from view.
"It's fine." She repeated, reaching deep into herself and allowing the light to flow out into her hand. The cut was clean, and fresh, so it knit together easily and quickly without any mark of it ever happening.
The man let out a puff of relief, "That's good. truth be told I haven't the faintest idea how to wrap a wound."
She offered him a tight smile, "Well, thanks anyway."
He smiled and then jogged back to where he was practicing. Addy felt a breathe of relief and even a small smile on her face. She was thankful that the man didn't comment on her slip up or make fun of her poor swordsmanship. She allowed the blood on her arm to dry and then raised her sword again, ready to continue practicing.
It was sloppy. She couldn't believe how much she'd let herself go. No wonder she'd been so exhausted trying to heal Katie.
She felt a burst of rage and held her sword up again, and swung it around to attack the dummy.
The sun had set half an hour before. Gryan rubbed his hands over his face as he walked out of the war room and into the throne room, making his way towards the open courtyard where he'd left Addy. He assumed she'd have left by now, but he felt obligated to check.
He was surprised to find her in the courtyard arena, using a sword against a wooden dummy with a Horde tabard on it. She was the only person left in the courtyard, which was dark and only lite by torches on the castle walls. As he approached her he could hear her heavy breathing and see the wet stain of sweat on her back. Her arms were shaking dangerously and he could tell she was damned near close to exhaustion.
"Adeile?" He called gently, using her full name.
She paused, blinking rapidly as she turned to look at him, "Hey Gryan."
He hesitated for a moment before walking towards her, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, her eyebrows furrowed, "I'm fine. Why?"
"Well..." Gryan approached slowly. She'd been wound tightly since she'd performed last rites for those who had died in the Cathedral. More than once she'd snapped and nearly bit his head off and he was a bit cautious now that she held a sword. "You look about ready to collapse."
"Oh." Addy paused for a moment and her face paled, "Oh!"
Gryan rush forward and grabbed her as she fell. He helped her back to her feet, throwing one of her arms around his neck, "You idiot girl, how long have you been doing that?"
"Er..." Addy stumbled as they started to move forward, "I started not long after I got here."
Gryan shook his head, "No wonder. Have you eaten anything today."
"I've gone whole days without eating before."
"Not when you've been so active. Your body needs nutrients."
Addy shrugged as much as she could, "I needed the practice. I'm out of shape."
Gryan snorted, looking down at her. She was still too skinny. Over the last few years he'd been forced to see her get thinner and thinner as the famine continued. She always refused to accept food from him, assuring him that she was doing good. He never believed her, but he could hardly force her to take food.
"You're hardly out of shape." Gryan grunted as they got to the front gate and started the long trek down the stairs, "You're still malnourished. You can hardly expect to be competent with a sword when I can count each of your ribs individually."
Addy grunted, using her other arms to rub her chest self consciously, but didn't argue for once.
"It's gonna take time for you to get healthy again, kiddo." He assured her, a surge of protectiveness going through him, "That means eating the food that the Innkeeper brings you. Betsy's been telling me you're not eating the whole thing."
Addy wrinkled her nose, "I'll only use the allowance for the bare minimum, I don't need that much food."
"Yes you do." Gryan retorted, "Eat the food, build up some meat on your bones. And don't repeat what you did today."
"I was fine."
"Yes and that's why I'm practically carrying you home."
Addy's face fell for a moment and Gryan inwardly winced at his own idiocy. He knew she was homesick, but would never admit it to herself, and the idea of the Inn being her temporary home scared her more than she'd say.
Addy cleared her throat, "I'll be fine. I'll get better over time. And stronger."
Gryan sighed. She was always too hard on herself, "Fine. But promise me you'll eat, and rest. Over working yourself won't help, you'll just end up hurting yourself.
She nodded quickly, wincing as they walked over the rough cobbled streets of the Dwarven district towards their room. When they walked into the Inn Betsy immediately started fusing over Addy, grabbing her by the arm and leading her away. Addy looked back for help but Gryan just chuckled, giving her a small wave as she vanished around the corner.
Gryan smiled, shaking his head as he wandered over to the bar and ordered a drink. Unlike Addy he was not opposed to spending the crowns money, and was more than thankful when the Bartender gave him a frosty mug filled to the bring with golden amber. He sipped at it lightly, trying not to think about the meeting of the day.
They had finished interviewing the final known Warlock Cult. A young worgan girl had come to represent the cult from Darkshire, and she'd spoken candidly enough. But Gryan was still frustrated. They had been sure it had to be one of the cults, but if it was it was either a Horde cult or an unidentified group. Westfall had been searched top to bottom and from what they could tell there, whoever as involved in the attack had long since left.
Gryan took another deep drink of his beer. Scouts had brought back information about the countryside, and the farms that littered them. It hadn't been good news. The demons had torched the ground, and the homes that resided on them. Addy's vinery hadn't been spared.
He hadn't had the heart to tell her yet - that her home, her farm, everything she's spent her life working on, had been burnt to ash.
Gryan finished the rest of his drink, tossing down a few copper to pay for it, as he turned to his room. He was too tired to start that conversation with Addy tonight - no doubt there would be a lot of yelling and tears involved, and he didn't think his heart could take it right now.
When he got to the room he saw her passed out on her bed, her red hair sprayed out on her pillow and snoring very lightly. He walked over and pulled the covers over her, knowing how cold the nights had been. He leaned down and pressed a soft whiskers kiss to her forehead, before moving back to his bed, letting his beer quickly lull him into a deep sleep.
A/N: Sorry for such a short chapter. This was originally meant to be attached to the last chapter, but then it turned out too long, and it didn't fit in the next chapter at all, so it's now it's own chapter. So no Anduin still chapter still, but next episode is gonna have so much Anduin it's gonna blow your socks off.
Super double thank you to everyone for their lovely responses. Seriously the reviews I get for this fic are some of the nicest of any fandom I've ever written for. I can't believe that i've gotten such a positive response. You are the best!
-Ash