Category: Warcraft
Genre: Angst/Romance
Rating: PG-13, R since second chapter
Disclaimer: Wish I owned Wacraft... Wait until I'm rich. :3
This is not a pure yaoi story, taking place during Warcraft I (year before Thrall's birth). Lord Anduin Lothar has been lost on his quest for the Tomb of Divinity. Meanwhile Khadgar has visions of his master Medivh's past. Includes male slashes, inner struggles, blood and heartbreaks. You have been warned.
I have started to write this before reading "The Last Guardian", making my own version of events. But I liked some ideas, like the name with which Medivh addressed Khadgar...
There were few years between Lothar's return from the mines and Medivh's death, but I shortened that time by my needs (like if it hasn't been already done in "The Last Guardian"...).
And please forgive me my old English forms, I'm not too good in this...
Thanks to Shirogane Tenshi for helping me choose the title - taken from Hammerfall's "The Fallen One".
And PS - THE WORLD NEEDS MORE WARCRAFT YAOI! Howgh, Kuni. =]
'Master...'
Khadgar closed his eyes. With a wave of a hand, he cancelled the spell. The silvery shining orb floating over his opened palms disappeared. The mage sighed and fell heavily on the chair.
The visions... those scenes he just witnessed were more than he wished to see. They terrified him.
So that's why he's acting like this, he thought. A necromancer... he shook his head. None of this was his fault... He didn't cause any of this... misery.
It was Sargeras.
Khadgar stood up, shook his head once again, this time slightly and walked over to a window. It was huge enough to let a gryphon in without damaging the walls. He often wondered why did Medivh design the tower of Karazhan like this, but never actually asked. The answer woul've probably been one of his "never you mind" or "everything in this world has its place, Trust. You shall learn". The sky outside was cloudless and dark, lighted only by countless stars and the full moon high above.
The mage sighed deeply, praying inwardly that Anduin be safe. Lothar, a fine warrior of the Azerothian army and also Khadgar and his master's bet friend, has left Karazhan over twenty months ago. He's been repeating that he has a mission to attend to as a knight of the Light. He was never heard from again...
Now also Medivh left, but without a word. Khadgar didn't manage to locate nor him, nor Anduin Lothar. Garona, their half-orcish friend hadn't visited them for a few days. Thus he, the apprentice mage Khadgar was left all alone in the tower.
He surveyed the lands below. Mountains... plains... a lake... all covered in velvet black of the moonlit night. It was too dark, he knew it. The full moon ought to give much more light... or maybe it's because of his imaginations. He's seeing things.
Those visions... Medivh mentioned Sargeras a few times, but never said much. His expression and tone explained everything... But why wouldn't he want to speak about himself? Was a part of Medivh overcoming the demon's control?
He sighed again, dismissing the thought as impossible, yet subconsiously he prayed for his master's soul. He recalled the best memories he had with him and Anduin...
'Master...' he whispered.
Suddenly an idea struck him. He rushed to the lower levels of the tower, nearly trpping over his own robes and falling to the very bottom. He stopped by a huge wooden door and entered the old library. The dustied books on enormous bookcases brought back memories. He remembered well the first day of his studies here. Medivh told him to put all these tomes in order. A slight grin appeared on his face as the image came.
With a wave of a hand and few mystical words Khadgar lit all the torches placed at the walls of the library. He took the closest and by its dim light, he ventured through the bookcases and shelves, seeking for the right book. Carefully surveying each of them, he walked slowly. Finally, he reached out to take a huge tome. There was the herb of Quel'Thalas on the cover. Khadgar remembered it very well. Medivh did everything to gain it from the High Elves. There must've been something in this book that was very important to him.
The mage took it and sat by a small table somewhere in the chamber. With the torch still in his grip, he travelled through the ancient pages in search for anything. He did not know what it was, and the whole search was more difficult due to the fact his elvish was far from good. Yet he was able to understand some of it.
It was written in an archaic language, the one only the elven priests now use. The book must be older than he thought. The parchment seemed to have no more than few hundret years. Perhaps the elves of Quel'Thalas just collected some ancient knowledge in this tome? Khadgar stopped at a page where he's seen a familiar word. Placing his finger at the beginning of the sentence, he traced the words trying to understand it. It seemed like a clue...
The times of darkness hath come. He translated, not being sure of the sentence. But it made sense, so he tried further. Our once beloveth (elvish word)'s betrayal openeth a (another unknown) and let the Legion in. Legion?, thought Khadgar. What Legion? Demons rageth in our beloveth forests, killeth all there was.
The mage quickly skipped a few sentences, noticing a word that seemed to be the elvish writing of Sargeras. He read: They were to clear a path for (few unknown words), nameth Sargeras. This is it! The next paragraph seemed to be the demon's description, so once again he skipped it and stopped further.
The Burning Legion hath been defeated and escapeth through the (one of the words from above). Only thanks to the first of the demon... He paused, strongly trying to read the next word... hunters, Illidan Stormrage, hath the demons perished. But Illidan's betrayal...
Khadgar could not understand anything from the next few sentences. From what he translated later, Sargeras was never killed. Medivh's mother, Aegwynn, has defeated and locked him within the tomb... But did she kill him?
He closed the tome, tired of translating the hard lines. With the letters still before his eyes, he stood up and slowly left the library, making a mental note never to read elvish by torchlight again. He didn't pay attention to time, so when he neared a window, he was surprised to notice it was already after dawn. Great, he told himself, I had no sleep this night... With another deep sigh, he realized that he's not hungry at all. And - what's worst - has absolutely nothing to do. Wandering in the huge corridors of Karazhan tower, he wished for anyone to come.
Suddenly the front gate creeked open.
Khadgar descended the stairs with a shade of majesty in his movement, the same with which archmages walk. He wished for Medivh to train him enough to one day join the Kirin Tor in Dalaran he's left. The base of the stairs was a perfect spot for watching the gate. Khadgar stoped there and noticed a young elf. He was standing before the open gates and looking around, a bit nervously. His silvery hair were set lose around his shoulders and flew to his sides as he turned his head.
Finally he noticed the mage.
'Ishnu-dal-dieb.' he said, bowing.
'Ishnu-alah.' Khadgar answered. After all he did know some elvish.
'I am looking for the master of this tower.' the elf explained. 'I am a messenger from Northshire Abbey.'
Northshire?, thought the mage. What would they want from master Medivh? 'Unfortuneatly, he's now away.' he answered. 'He left me to look after things. I am his apprentice, Khadgar of Dalaran.'
The elf nodded slightly. 'I bring a message from the abbot, Light bless his name! He had a vision of Lorth Lothar wounded in the Dead Mines.'
Khadgar's stomach twisted. He drew his breath, awaiting further information about his friend. Light willing, he's alive...
The messenger went on: 'We've already informed the Silver Hand and instantly they sent their finest men to rescue him. He is now recovering in the Abbey and wished the owner of this tower to be informed about this.'
'I will surely tell him.' Khadgar replied as calmly as he could. He prevented himself with all willpower from hugging the elf and hopping around. He's invited the messenger inside and thanked him with a roast pig and Medivh's best wine.
By the meal his heart and mind kept racing. Anduin lives, yelled the heart, joy, joy to all! Now you can tell him what you've seen, suggested the mind. Khadgar tried hard to silence them both. He'll greet his friend and tell him everything when time comes.
Medivh... he just recalled the dreading vision. It told him the truth. Sargeras was in his master, but Khadgar could not accept it. He needed someone to tell it to...
He slowly stood up and said:
'Could you please wait a few minutes, I'd have a letter for An... Lord Lothar.'
The messenger nodded and waited patiently for the mage's return. The apprentice came back, carrying a small scroll of parchment. There was a purple ribbon wrapped aroung it and a dark green seal Medivh gave him for his own letters. He handed the parchment to the young monk along with food and water for his journey.
'This is very important.' he said, leading his guest to the front gate. 'This message must reach Lothar.' the boy nodded. 'Thena'more.'
'Ar'del neru.'
Khadgar sighed, watching the elf leave his sight. He didn't bother to remember the details. He was focused only on Medivh, what was in him and the letter that was to reach Lothar. Anduin will know what to do, the mage told himself. I know he will.
'Has something happened, my boy?' he heard from behind. He knew the voice very well. It had its usual doze of serenity, but this time also care. Khadgar must've looked very troubled.
Medivh was surveying him closely. 'Trust, are you alright?'
The apprentice shook his head slightly, gathering his senses. 'Yes, master, I'm fine.' he pointed at the open gate behind him. 'A messenger just left.'
'A messenger?' the old mage asked surprised. There was no sign of Sargeras within him. How did this work? 'From whom?'
'The abbot of Northshire.' Khadgar tried to look into the Guardian's eyes. They always showed the truth... but these were surprisingly human, more human than most he knew. 'They've found Anduin.'
Medivh's eyes widened as he heard that. Khadgar noticed the shock. Did Medivh believe that Lothar would not survive? A smile ran across the Guardian's face. A warm, honest smie.
'I'm so glad to hear that.' he said with great relief. 'I'll write to him instantly.'
'No need to.' the apprentice answered. 'I already wrote him a letter.'
Medivh smiled again and patted the younger mage at his shoulder. 'Thank you, Trust.'
Weeks have passed, but Lothar has not yet returned from Northshire. Medivh kept contact with him by letters and the champion's news reported that he was getting better. It was just a matter of time before ge leaves the Abbey.
In secrecy before his master, Khadgar also sent letters to their wounded friend. He told him about the vision and Sargeras remaining within the Guardian. Lothar's shock was no less than his own and he demanded any information Khadgar could find. But the mage of Dalaran knew very little himself. He wrote to Anduin of what he's read in the ancient elven tome, of what they've written about Sargeras. Lothar understood that the demons have reached the world of Azeroth far back in the ancient past. But what worried them most was that all of a sudden the kingdom of Azeroth began to die.
Crops die out, wrote Khadgar, diseases are spreading incredibly fast. Many children have died, now it reaches the old men. I'd like to believe it's not true, but Medivh does something strange at nights. I can't spy on him because of his protctive spells, but I fear these two events may be strictly related...
He put the quill down with a deep sight. These are defineatly bad news... was Sargeras gaining more control over the Guardian? He prayed inwardly that he be wrong. But in these circumstances, everything is possible...
Khadgar stood up and rolled the parchment. While sealing it, he heard footsteps in the corridor. Perhaps it was the dwarf that took the letters? He walked out of his chamber to see no one. But the footsteps echoed from below, so he followed the muffled sounds. In one of seldom used chambers, he found Medivh.
The mage had placed two fingers of each of his hands on his temples and had his eyes closed, as if meditating. He seemed not to notice Khadgar. The apprentice thought that maybe right now he is fighting Sargeras inwardly? He slowly approached him, but froze in place when the older mage spoke:
'What is it, Trust?'
His voice sounded a bit harsh, as if Medivh did feel pain. Khadgar swallowed. 'I'm worried about you, master.'
The Guardian sighed. 'I've heard that many times from Anduin, so spare me.'
The mage of Dalaran shook his head, not even thinking of giving up. Medivh hasn't moved a muscle since his apprentice came. Khadgar continued: 'We've got reasons. Are you hurt?'
He reached his hand to touch the other man's shoulder, but it was slapped away. 'I'm fine. Now go, you've got work to do.'
The apprentice didn't move. 'I won't.'
Medivh finally moved. He opened his eyes, lowered his hands and turned around to face Khadgar. He looked at him with anger. 'You dare disobey me, Trust?'
'I dare.' the apprentice answered calmly. 'Something's wrong with you, master, and I'm here to help you.'
'How can you help me?'
Khadgar paused, rolling the question on and on in his mind. He couldn't answer. He had no idea. But there's one thing he needed to say, and he'll find a way to fit it to this conversation, no matter what.
'I don't know...' he said weakly. 'But if something is wrong, I will find a way.'
Medivh raised his eyebrow.
'I am your apprentice for seventeen years now, master.' Khadgar added, more firmly. 'You know I care.'
The Guardian replied: 'I've heard that from everyone. Lothar, Llane, Moroes... They all say they're worried.'
'They are.' Khadgar said.
'Why don't you just leave me alone?'
Tension kept rising and now reached the boiling point. Both mages stood dangerously close, only inches away. If Medivh attacked, Khadgar would not have time to react. Now or never, the Dalaran mage thought. He'll kill me, but I must do something... Anything...
'Because I love you.' he whispered.
Medivh remained silent, as if he didn't hear.
'I love you, master.' Khadgar tried again. 'It pains me when you throw me away...'
'Trust...' the Guardian took a few steps backwards and turned his head to a side. The apprentice gazed at him, his heart beating loud. How will he react...?
'Trust...' Medivh spoke again. 'A-are you serious?'
His sight was almost pitiful. Perhaps before spoke Sargeras, and now it was Medivh himself?
'Positive.' the mage of Dalaran replied firmly. 'It's been so many years...'
The older man did not look at him. 'I... I've never expected this...'
I know you haven't, Khadgar thought. And I expected a worse reaction.
He felt a stab of pain right at the heart each time he saw his master in pain. Now he was so miserable... The apprentice took a few careful steps forward, awaiting reaction, but there was none. Medivh remained as he was, so the other man approached him and gently grabbed the hairy chin in one hand. He turned his master's head to face him and was greated only by a weary and surprised eyes. This is it, he thought. He'll kill me.
Their lips met in a deep kiss.
Medivh broke the kiss, throwing Khadgar away. Panting, he gazed at his apprentice. He was more worried than ever.
'Trust, I...' he breathed. 'I can't, I...'
'Easy, master...' Khadgar whispered, embracing the other mage at the shoulder.
'There already is someone in my heart...'
Silence fell again. he younger man wondered if that meant Sargeras. Or is he overreacting? After all his master could've just fallen in love. He has feelings.
'I don't care.' he answered. It wasn't all true. 'I only wish to be near you.' it was better than being completely thrown away.
'You do.' Medivh said, as if he was reading an open book named Khadgar. 'I know you do.' he sighed. 'But you're too late, my boy... too late.'
He slipped out of Khadgar's grip and left the chamber.
End of chapter I.
Genre: Angst/Romance
Rating: PG-13, R since second chapter
Disclaimer: Wish I owned Wacraft... Wait until I'm rich. :3
This is not a pure yaoi story, taking place during Warcraft I (year before Thrall's birth). Lord Anduin Lothar has been lost on his quest for the Tomb of Divinity. Meanwhile Khadgar has visions of his master Medivh's past. Includes male slashes, inner struggles, blood and heartbreaks. You have been warned.
I have started to write this before reading "The Last Guardian", making my own version of events. But I liked some ideas, like the name with which Medivh addressed Khadgar...
There were few years between Lothar's return from the mines and Medivh's death, but I shortened that time by my needs (like if it hasn't been already done in "The Last Guardian"...).
And please forgive me my old English forms, I'm not too good in this...
Thanks to Shirogane Tenshi for helping me choose the title - taken from Hammerfall's "The Fallen One".
And PS - THE WORLD NEEDS MORE WARCRAFT YAOI! Howgh, Kuni. =]
'Master...'
Khadgar closed his eyes. With a wave of a hand, he cancelled the spell. The silvery shining orb floating over his opened palms disappeared. The mage sighed and fell heavily on the chair.
The visions... those scenes he just witnessed were more than he wished to see. They terrified him.
So that's why he's acting like this, he thought. A necromancer... he shook his head. None of this was his fault... He didn't cause any of this... misery.
It was Sargeras.
Khadgar stood up, shook his head once again, this time slightly and walked over to a window. It was huge enough to let a gryphon in without damaging the walls. He often wondered why did Medivh design the tower of Karazhan like this, but never actually asked. The answer woul've probably been one of his "never you mind" or "everything in this world has its place, Trust. You shall learn". The sky outside was cloudless and dark, lighted only by countless stars and the full moon high above.
The mage sighed deeply, praying inwardly that Anduin be safe. Lothar, a fine warrior of the Azerothian army and also Khadgar and his master's bet friend, has left Karazhan over twenty months ago. He's been repeating that he has a mission to attend to as a knight of the Light. He was never heard from again...
Now also Medivh left, but without a word. Khadgar didn't manage to locate nor him, nor Anduin Lothar. Garona, their half-orcish friend hadn't visited them for a few days. Thus he, the apprentice mage Khadgar was left all alone in the tower.
He surveyed the lands below. Mountains... plains... a lake... all covered in velvet black of the moonlit night. It was too dark, he knew it. The full moon ought to give much more light... or maybe it's because of his imaginations. He's seeing things.
Those visions... Medivh mentioned Sargeras a few times, but never said much. His expression and tone explained everything... But why wouldn't he want to speak about himself? Was a part of Medivh overcoming the demon's control?
He sighed again, dismissing the thought as impossible, yet subconsiously he prayed for his master's soul. He recalled the best memories he had with him and Anduin...
'Master...' he whispered.
Suddenly an idea struck him. He rushed to the lower levels of the tower, nearly trpping over his own robes and falling to the very bottom. He stopped by a huge wooden door and entered the old library. The dustied books on enormous bookcases brought back memories. He remembered well the first day of his studies here. Medivh told him to put all these tomes in order. A slight grin appeared on his face as the image came.
With a wave of a hand and few mystical words Khadgar lit all the torches placed at the walls of the library. He took the closest and by its dim light, he ventured through the bookcases and shelves, seeking for the right book. Carefully surveying each of them, he walked slowly. Finally, he reached out to take a huge tome. There was the herb of Quel'Thalas on the cover. Khadgar remembered it very well. Medivh did everything to gain it from the High Elves. There must've been something in this book that was very important to him.
The mage took it and sat by a small table somewhere in the chamber. With the torch still in his grip, he travelled through the ancient pages in search for anything. He did not know what it was, and the whole search was more difficult due to the fact his elvish was far from good. Yet he was able to understand some of it.
It was written in an archaic language, the one only the elven priests now use. The book must be older than he thought. The parchment seemed to have no more than few hundret years. Perhaps the elves of Quel'Thalas just collected some ancient knowledge in this tome? Khadgar stopped at a page where he's seen a familiar word. Placing his finger at the beginning of the sentence, he traced the words trying to understand it. It seemed like a clue...
The times of darkness hath come. He translated, not being sure of the sentence. But it made sense, so he tried further. Our once beloveth (elvish word)'s betrayal openeth a (another unknown) and let the Legion in. Legion?, thought Khadgar. What Legion? Demons rageth in our beloveth forests, killeth all there was.
The mage quickly skipped a few sentences, noticing a word that seemed to be the elvish writing of Sargeras. He read: They were to clear a path for (few unknown words), nameth Sargeras. This is it! The next paragraph seemed to be the demon's description, so once again he skipped it and stopped further.
The Burning Legion hath been defeated and escapeth through the (one of the words from above). Only thanks to the first of the demon... He paused, strongly trying to read the next word... hunters, Illidan Stormrage, hath the demons perished. But Illidan's betrayal...
Khadgar could not understand anything from the next few sentences. From what he translated later, Sargeras was never killed. Medivh's mother, Aegwynn, has defeated and locked him within the tomb... But did she kill him?
He closed the tome, tired of translating the hard lines. With the letters still before his eyes, he stood up and slowly left the library, making a mental note never to read elvish by torchlight again. He didn't pay attention to time, so when he neared a window, he was surprised to notice it was already after dawn. Great, he told himself, I had no sleep this night... With another deep sigh, he realized that he's not hungry at all. And - what's worst - has absolutely nothing to do. Wandering in the huge corridors of Karazhan tower, he wished for anyone to come.
Suddenly the front gate creeked open.
Khadgar descended the stairs with a shade of majesty in his movement, the same with which archmages walk. He wished for Medivh to train him enough to one day join the Kirin Tor in Dalaran he's left. The base of the stairs was a perfect spot for watching the gate. Khadgar stoped there and noticed a young elf. He was standing before the open gates and looking around, a bit nervously. His silvery hair were set lose around his shoulders and flew to his sides as he turned his head.
Finally he noticed the mage.
'Ishnu-dal-dieb.' he said, bowing.
'Ishnu-alah.' Khadgar answered. After all he did know some elvish.
'I am looking for the master of this tower.' the elf explained. 'I am a messenger from Northshire Abbey.'
Northshire?, thought the mage. What would they want from master Medivh? 'Unfortuneatly, he's now away.' he answered. 'He left me to look after things. I am his apprentice, Khadgar of Dalaran.'
The elf nodded slightly. 'I bring a message from the abbot, Light bless his name! He had a vision of Lorth Lothar wounded in the Dead Mines.'
Khadgar's stomach twisted. He drew his breath, awaiting further information about his friend. Light willing, he's alive...
The messenger went on: 'We've already informed the Silver Hand and instantly they sent their finest men to rescue him. He is now recovering in the Abbey and wished the owner of this tower to be informed about this.'
'I will surely tell him.' Khadgar replied as calmly as he could. He prevented himself with all willpower from hugging the elf and hopping around. He's invited the messenger inside and thanked him with a roast pig and Medivh's best wine.
By the meal his heart and mind kept racing. Anduin lives, yelled the heart, joy, joy to all! Now you can tell him what you've seen, suggested the mind. Khadgar tried hard to silence them both. He'll greet his friend and tell him everything when time comes.
Medivh... he just recalled the dreading vision. It told him the truth. Sargeras was in his master, but Khadgar could not accept it. He needed someone to tell it to...
He slowly stood up and said:
'Could you please wait a few minutes, I'd have a letter for An... Lord Lothar.'
The messenger nodded and waited patiently for the mage's return. The apprentice came back, carrying a small scroll of parchment. There was a purple ribbon wrapped aroung it and a dark green seal Medivh gave him for his own letters. He handed the parchment to the young monk along with food and water for his journey.
'This is very important.' he said, leading his guest to the front gate. 'This message must reach Lothar.' the boy nodded. 'Thena'more.'
'Ar'del neru.'
Khadgar sighed, watching the elf leave his sight. He didn't bother to remember the details. He was focused only on Medivh, what was in him and the letter that was to reach Lothar. Anduin will know what to do, the mage told himself. I know he will.
'Has something happened, my boy?' he heard from behind. He knew the voice very well. It had its usual doze of serenity, but this time also care. Khadgar must've looked very troubled.
Medivh was surveying him closely. 'Trust, are you alright?'
The apprentice shook his head slightly, gathering his senses. 'Yes, master, I'm fine.' he pointed at the open gate behind him. 'A messenger just left.'
'A messenger?' the old mage asked surprised. There was no sign of Sargeras within him. How did this work? 'From whom?'
'The abbot of Northshire.' Khadgar tried to look into the Guardian's eyes. They always showed the truth... but these were surprisingly human, more human than most he knew. 'They've found Anduin.'
Medivh's eyes widened as he heard that. Khadgar noticed the shock. Did Medivh believe that Lothar would not survive? A smile ran across the Guardian's face. A warm, honest smie.
'I'm so glad to hear that.' he said with great relief. 'I'll write to him instantly.'
'No need to.' the apprentice answered. 'I already wrote him a letter.'
Medivh smiled again and patted the younger mage at his shoulder. 'Thank you, Trust.'
Weeks have passed, but Lothar has not yet returned from Northshire. Medivh kept contact with him by letters and the champion's news reported that he was getting better. It was just a matter of time before ge leaves the Abbey.
In secrecy before his master, Khadgar also sent letters to their wounded friend. He told him about the vision and Sargeras remaining within the Guardian. Lothar's shock was no less than his own and he demanded any information Khadgar could find. But the mage of Dalaran knew very little himself. He wrote to Anduin of what he's read in the ancient elven tome, of what they've written about Sargeras. Lothar understood that the demons have reached the world of Azeroth far back in the ancient past. But what worried them most was that all of a sudden the kingdom of Azeroth began to die.
Crops die out, wrote Khadgar, diseases are spreading incredibly fast. Many children have died, now it reaches the old men. I'd like to believe it's not true, but Medivh does something strange at nights. I can't spy on him because of his protctive spells, but I fear these two events may be strictly related...
He put the quill down with a deep sight. These are defineatly bad news... was Sargeras gaining more control over the Guardian? He prayed inwardly that he be wrong. But in these circumstances, everything is possible...
Khadgar stood up and rolled the parchment. While sealing it, he heard footsteps in the corridor. Perhaps it was the dwarf that took the letters? He walked out of his chamber to see no one. But the footsteps echoed from below, so he followed the muffled sounds. In one of seldom used chambers, he found Medivh.
The mage had placed two fingers of each of his hands on his temples and had his eyes closed, as if meditating. He seemed not to notice Khadgar. The apprentice thought that maybe right now he is fighting Sargeras inwardly? He slowly approached him, but froze in place when the older mage spoke:
'What is it, Trust?'
His voice sounded a bit harsh, as if Medivh did feel pain. Khadgar swallowed. 'I'm worried about you, master.'
The Guardian sighed. 'I've heard that many times from Anduin, so spare me.'
The mage of Dalaran shook his head, not even thinking of giving up. Medivh hasn't moved a muscle since his apprentice came. Khadgar continued: 'We've got reasons. Are you hurt?'
He reached his hand to touch the other man's shoulder, but it was slapped away. 'I'm fine. Now go, you've got work to do.'
The apprentice didn't move. 'I won't.'
Medivh finally moved. He opened his eyes, lowered his hands and turned around to face Khadgar. He looked at him with anger. 'You dare disobey me, Trust?'
'I dare.' the apprentice answered calmly. 'Something's wrong with you, master, and I'm here to help you.'
'How can you help me?'
Khadgar paused, rolling the question on and on in his mind. He couldn't answer. He had no idea. But there's one thing he needed to say, and he'll find a way to fit it to this conversation, no matter what.
'I don't know...' he said weakly. 'But if something is wrong, I will find a way.'
Medivh raised his eyebrow.
'I am your apprentice for seventeen years now, master.' Khadgar added, more firmly. 'You know I care.'
The Guardian replied: 'I've heard that from everyone. Lothar, Llane, Moroes... They all say they're worried.'
'They are.' Khadgar said.
'Why don't you just leave me alone?'
Tension kept rising and now reached the boiling point. Both mages stood dangerously close, only inches away. If Medivh attacked, Khadgar would not have time to react. Now or never, the Dalaran mage thought. He'll kill me, but I must do something... Anything...
'Because I love you.' he whispered.
Medivh remained silent, as if he didn't hear.
'I love you, master.' Khadgar tried again. 'It pains me when you throw me away...'
'Trust...' the Guardian took a few steps backwards and turned his head to a side. The apprentice gazed at him, his heart beating loud. How will he react...?
'Trust...' Medivh spoke again. 'A-are you serious?'
His sight was almost pitiful. Perhaps before spoke Sargeras, and now it was Medivh himself?
'Positive.' the mage of Dalaran replied firmly. 'It's been so many years...'
The older man did not look at him. 'I... I've never expected this...'
I know you haven't, Khadgar thought. And I expected a worse reaction.
He felt a stab of pain right at the heart each time he saw his master in pain. Now he was so miserable... The apprentice took a few careful steps forward, awaiting reaction, but there was none. Medivh remained as he was, so the other man approached him and gently grabbed the hairy chin in one hand. He turned his master's head to face him and was greated only by a weary and surprised eyes. This is it, he thought. He'll kill me.
Their lips met in a deep kiss.
Medivh broke the kiss, throwing Khadgar away. Panting, he gazed at his apprentice. He was more worried than ever.
'Trust, I...' he breathed. 'I can't, I...'
'Easy, master...' Khadgar whispered, embracing the other mage at the shoulder.
'There already is someone in my heart...'
Silence fell again. he younger man wondered if that meant Sargeras. Or is he overreacting? After all his master could've just fallen in love. He has feelings.
'I don't care.' he answered. It wasn't all true. 'I only wish to be near you.' it was better than being completely thrown away.
'You do.' Medivh said, as if he was reading an open book named Khadgar. 'I know you do.' he sighed. 'But you're too late, my boy... too late.'
He slipped out of Khadgar's grip and left the chamber.