Thank you for the warm comment, Kuni! I was so pleased to read it! If you liked the tension I created back there, wait for the last chapter... sobs It hurt me to write it, but still...
Another two weeks have passed, but Khadgar did not notice anything unusual in Medivh's behaviour. The master mage acted as if nothing happened. Or was it Sargeras making him forget? Khadgar realized that he began to blame the demon for everything. Perhaps it was the influence of love, to find excuses for everything.
Either way, since then things came back to normal. Medivh left Karazhan for a few days, but this time informed his apprentice that it's king Llane that wishes to see him. Khadgar believed him, though felt a bit anxious, and was glad to see his master return in a very good mood. Since that talk in the chamber, the Guardian wasn't seen worried.
Khadgar was happy because of that, and that the older mage did not throw him away. He still didn't figure out what did he mean when talking about someone in his heart, but it slowly began to lose importance. There was no sign of Sargeras, and it pleased him.
One day, when both of them were expecting letters from Lothar, they didn't come. Medivh was watching something at the bright midday sky, making marks on a map, Khadgar stood behind him holding few scrolls of parchment. The Guardian seemed calm and absorbed by one of his many researches, but his apprentice was worried. Very worried.
Why didn't Anduin answer? Has something happened? He shook his head slightly, trying to dismiss that thought, but deep inside he knew it doesn't have to be wrong. He tried hard to focus on anything else, but not Lothar...
'Trust, I'm talking to you.'
Khadgar was brought back to the ground with a short 'huh?' and noticed his master staring at him with an impatient gaze. Khadgar swallowed.
'Sorry, master...'
'You think too much. Did you hear what I just said?'
The younger mage shook his head.
Medivh sighed. 'Put those scrolls on the table and bring me the map of the world.'
Khadgar was slightly surprised to hear the request. He's never seen the mage use that map. Not once in seventeen years. He did as he was told, wondering what does Medivh need that for.
'Thank you, Trust.' he heard as the Guardian unrolled the huge scroll on the table. Khadgar peeked over his shoulder.
He of course knew of the Maelstrom, the nightmare of every sailor, but no one ever told him one more thing. He's spent seventeen years in the Purple Citadel of Dalaran, and the next seventeen in Karazhan. He had no idea that at the very far east, beyond the Maelstrom, there was another land.
Kalimdor. He has seen this name once while reading letters from the Order of Tirisfal when Medivh was "dreaming". But he decided that it's not his business and finding out too much would anger his master. Was Kalimdor the place where the Order was?
Medivh seemed to ignore him, gazing from the map onto a small scroll and back to the map. Khadgar bent over a little, trying to read a light and messy word, written by Medivh himself. He knew the handwriting.
Kal'dorei.
His stomach twisted. Weren't the Kal'dorei those that first summoned the Burning Legion? So they were in Kalimdor... Khadgar surveyed the light coloured grounds north from the Maelstrom that looked like a part of Kalimdor. But they seemed to be marked as non-existant, and there was another messy writing of Medivh. Perhaps he noted this in hurry? What was it?
Well of Eternity.
This was one thing Khadgar did not know and swore that he's going to learn elvish soon. If it's important enough for the Guardian to note it at the map, it must be somewhere in the tome of Quel'Thalas.
Suddenly they heard a knock on the door.
'What is it?' asked Medivh not turning away from his work.
A muffled voice from behind the wall answered: 'It's me, Med. Anduin Lothar.'
Not awaiting response, the Azerothian champion walked in with a smile. The old mage was already turned to his direction, all the parchment left on the map. Both he and Khadgar were smiling widely.
'Anduin!' said Medivh cheerfully, approaching the warrior and embracing him in a greeting hug. The apprentice was used to this, but now it somehow hurt... but why?
'We were so worried!' the Guardian went on, letting go of the champion.
'No need to.' Lothar answered with his usual grin. He seemed years younger wearing it. 'I didn't answer your last letter because I was already on my way.'
'That's what I thought.'
Khadgar was thankful to the warrior for not mentioning his own letters. Who knows how would Sargeras react, if he found out?
'You must be tired.' Medivh said.
'Just a little.' Lothar answered, running a hand through his hair. 'But if you'll excuse me, I'd like to talk to your apprentice for a minute.'
The older mage nodded and turned back to his map, as Khadgar followed the knight out of the chamber. The Azerothian champion let him far from the observatory, to an empty room near the base of the tower.
'Things don't look good.' he said, making sure no one will hear.
'But he's acting normal since I talked to him.'
Lothar surveyed him with interest. 'What did you tell him?'
The Dalaran mage sighed. 'The basic stuff, that we've got reasons to worry about him, that I want only to help him, that I know something's wrong.' for some reason he did not want to tell the champion about his confession to Medivh. Perhaps feelings of the mage burst through Sargeras' control, yet something told him that letting Anduin know was not a good idea.
'And how did he react?' Lothar kept asking.
'Well...' Khadgar began, but paused, trying to find good words. 'He wanted me to leave, but I stayed. He started yelling...' he paused again. 'I calmed him down...' he finished here. This was the difficult part... Lothar, though trustworthy, honest and fair, did not have to know everything...
The champion nodded. 'I see...'
'You know him longer than I.' Khadgar said. 'Maybe you can talk to him now. Maybe he'll tell you more...'
Anduin sighed. 'It's hard to tell...'
The apprentice mage only nodded. Without another word he left the chamber. Lothar remained there for a moment, considering the younger one's suggestion. He should talk to Medivh, but will it do them any good?
It's worth to try, he told himself and went out of the chamber.
He found the Guardian late at night, back in the observatory. It appeared that after Lothar's talk with Khadgar the old mage has left somewhere. But now he was again absorbed by his maps, concentraiting mostly on Kalimdor. The Azerothian champion took a discrete look and noticed Medivh's hand placing the tip of an inked quill somewhere at Kalimdor's north and noting: Ashenvale... Hyjal... Moonglade... Tirisfal...
Tirisfal...
Lothar reluctantly turned his eyes to the mage, but he seemed to be ignored, so he coughed a little. The effect was only a small smile on Medivh's face.
'Med...' the knight began.
'Yes?' asked the Guardian noting something on the map again. But this time it was elvish.
'Just wanted to talk.' Anduin said. 'Haven't seen you for a while.' he smiled.
'True, true...' the mage gazed at a piece pf parchment in his hand. 'Could you please go get...'
'No.' Lothar said. 'If you need any help, just ask me. I want to talk... alone.'
Medivh put the parchment away and looked at his friend. His stare was meaningful enough. He knew what the champion too well... and had an idea of what he was thinking right now.
'Only if it's important, Anduin, I've got work to do...'
The knight sighed, approaching the mage and embracing him at the shoulders quite tight. 'You've always got something to do.' he said silently. 'Can't you ever find time for me?'
Their eyes met as the Guardian was pulled close to the older man's chest. 'Isn't love important for you?'
'Anduin, I...' Medivh turned his head. 'I-I know I'm acting wierd lately...'
So he's suspecting something, thought Lothar as he explored the master mage's mouth with his own tongue. The kiss seemed to last for at least several minutes, and perhaps that was true.
'Don't explain yourself.' Anduin said, breaking the kiss. 'Just... spend some time with me...' he smiled slightly, his eyes half closed. 'Alone...'
Medivh sent him another meaningful stare, as the knight's hand slowly travelled down to stop at the mage's butt. 'It's been so long...' the champion whispered. 'I missed you so much...'
The Guardian wanted to answer, but the other man lifted him gently on his arms, as if the mage was a child, and put him down to sit on a chair. 'Anduin...'
'Don't speak.' he was told. 'Just... let me please you.'
Medivh, also longing for his lover, though somewhat still reluctant, nodded, knowing that he'll soon melt in the knight's arms. Lothar, with a surprising swiftness, began to untie the mage's robes and taking them off of him. For a moment after that he kept gazing at the exposed body before him with a soft smile. Despite himself, Medivh blushed with deep crimson. Lothar took a moment to take off the plates of his own armour, feeling a bit tight at the pants.
His heart beast fast, but not as fast as the mage's, who just felt a warm and wet tongue teasing the tip of his member. Wondering if Moroes will be searching for him, although usually he didn't, Medivh panted a little, trying to control his body's reactions.
A soft moan escaped his throat, as Lothar took him into his mouth, sucking, licking and kissing it at the whole lenght. Despite Medivh's effort, the full erection came fast, mostly because he was forced to keep abstinece from sex by his lover's dangerous wounds. But now the not long before dying hero was at full health, kneeling before the chair he was sitting on, doing his best to please the Guardian. The master mage's breath became shallow and fast, his chest heaved with each move of Lothar's head.
'A-Anduin...' he breathed, a smile appearing on his face.
'Shhh, don't talk.' the champion answered, pausing for a moment to undo his own robes. His half-erected lenght sprung free. Medivh laughed softly.
'As beautiful as always...' mumbled the mage. 'You never change, Anduin...'
Saying so, he bent down to kiss his lover deeply at the lips. 'Isn't it... your turn?' he whispered through short breaths.
Lothar shook his head slightly. 'Don't worry, I'll have my part...' a grin ran through his bearded face.
He grabbed the naked mage by the butt and raised it a bit. This pose wasn't the most comfortable there can be, but Medivh agreed without a word and awaited patiently. He felt two cold fingers slip into his entrance and left out a silent moan, as he was being streched.
'You alright?' asked Lothar, panting. He didn't admit it, but he was getting quite impatient, his member growing. He worked on his lover for a while, which seemed lognger than it really was, somewhere on the way adding another finger inside. Medivh moaned and whispered his name once in a while.
Finally, Lothar decided that he can't wait any longer, drops of sweat wetting his aging skin. He carefully helped Medivh to the floor and laid him in a more comfortable position. He chose the simple but satisfying, and thus the Guardian laid with his back to the floor. He was smiling.
Anduin bent over him and once again kissed him with fierce and warm passion, travelling from the mouth to the neck and shoulders, while teasing the mage's nipple with one hand. At the same time, he spread Medivh's legs as wide as he could and slowly entered the mage, forcing another moan. The champion panted and began to thrust inside, steadily increasing speed.
When his lover's moans became a bit louder, he used one hand to stroke his member, trying to get his mind off the ineviatable pain. It seemed to work fine, for soon the sounds escaping Medivh's throat changed into pleasurable moans and whispers.
'A-Andu-in...'
The knight didn't answer, feeling himself reaching the release. He began to stroke the other man faster, so that he could catch up and they would come together. After a few minutes it was all over, Lothar laying over his lover, holding him close in a tender hug.
'Anduin...' the Guardian repeated. 'Thank you...'
'No need to, Med.' the knight answered. 'The pleasure's all mine.' he laughed softly and winked, forcing a grin on the mage's face.
He was about to stand up, but Medivh's hands grabbed his shoulders and stopped him. 'There's no need to worry... my love.' he said weakly, his heart still beating fast. 'I'm fine...'
Lothar shook his head. 'We know you're not.' he sighed. 'I don't want anything to happen to you...'
Saying so, he stood up in search for something he could clean himself with. By the time he produced a towel (thinking that not only the library of Karazhan needed to be put in order), Medivh was on his legs. The champion tossed him the towel and began to dress.
When he was done, he took a look at the map again. Medivh approached him, some of his clothes still on the floor, but said nothing.
'Med...' the knight began, pointing at the writings the mage has placed in Kalimdor. 'What are these?'
The Guardian surveyed the map. 'I've just found out myself.' he pointed. 'Ashenvale is a forest here, on the whole northern area of the land.' he moved his finger. 'Hyjal is a mountain. Moonglade and Tirisfal are ones of many glades in Ashenvale.'
He paused, carefully watching his friend's face. Lothar showed only pure interest and seemed to be deep in thought. 'Tirisfal...'
Medivh nodded slowly. 'Yes. It appears that it's where the Order was founded.' he narrowed his eyes. 'You seem to have much more questions, Anduin.'
Lothar decided it'll be best if he saves them for later. The mage didn't seem pleased about him wanting to know about Kalimdor. Was there something Sargeras wished to hide?
The knight shook his head. 'Not really.' he knew that he won't fool anyone. He was far too open to hide his feelings, but if Medivh did not want to tell him, he won't. But Lothar did have questions. He wanted to know about the Well of Eternity, about the land, the forest... and why did Medivh mark them on the map.
But instead of asking, he turned to the mage and said with care in his voice: 'We both should rest now.'
The Guardian only nodded. Lothar kissed him on the forehead and said, walking away: 'Good night, Med.'
'Good night, Anduin.'
When the knight left, Medivh added silently, more to himself: 'My love...'
End of chapter II.
Another two weeks have passed, but Khadgar did not notice anything unusual in Medivh's behaviour. The master mage acted as if nothing happened. Or was it Sargeras making him forget? Khadgar realized that he began to blame the demon for everything. Perhaps it was the influence of love, to find excuses for everything.
Either way, since then things came back to normal. Medivh left Karazhan for a few days, but this time informed his apprentice that it's king Llane that wishes to see him. Khadgar believed him, though felt a bit anxious, and was glad to see his master return in a very good mood. Since that talk in the chamber, the Guardian wasn't seen worried.
Khadgar was happy because of that, and that the older mage did not throw him away. He still didn't figure out what did he mean when talking about someone in his heart, but it slowly began to lose importance. There was no sign of Sargeras, and it pleased him.
One day, when both of them were expecting letters from Lothar, they didn't come. Medivh was watching something at the bright midday sky, making marks on a map, Khadgar stood behind him holding few scrolls of parchment. The Guardian seemed calm and absorbed by one of his many researches, but his apprentice was worried. Very worried.
Why didn't Anduin answer? Has something happened? He shook his head slightly, trying to dismiss that thought, but deep inside he knew it doesn't have to be wrong. He tried hard to focus on anything else, but not Lothar...
'Trust, I'm talking to you.'
Khadgar was brought back to the ground with a short 'huh?' and noticed his master staring at him with an impatient gaze. Khadgar swallowed.
'Sorry, master...'
'You think too much. Did you hear what I just said?'
The younger mage shook his head.
Medivh sighed. 'Put those scrolls on the table and bring me the map of the world.'
Khadgar was slightly surprised to hear the request. He's never seen the mage use that map. Not once in seventeen years. He did as he was told, wondering what does Medivh need that for.
'Thank you, Trust.' he heard as the Guardian unrolled the huge scroll on the table. Khadgar peeked over his shoulder.
He of course knew of the Maelstrom, the nightmare of every sailor, but no one ever told him one more thing. He's spent seventeen years in the Purple Citadel of Dalaran, and the next seventeen in Karazhan. He had no idea that at the very far east, beyond the Maelstrom, there was another land.
Kalimdor. He has seen this name once while reading letters from the Order of Tirisfal when Medivh was "dreaming". But he decided that it's not his business and finding out too much would anger his master. Was Kalimdor the place where the Order was?
Medivh seemed to ignore him, gazing from the map onto a small scroll and back to the map. Khadgar bent over a little, trying to read a light and messy word, written by Medivh himself. He knew the handwriting.
Kal'dorei.
His stomach twisted. Weren't the Kal'dorei those that first summoned the Burning Legion? So they were in Kalimdor... Khadgar surveyed the light coloured grounds north from the Maelstrom that looked like a part of Kalimdor. But they seemed to be marked as non-existant, and there was another messy writing of Medivh. Perhaps he noted this in hurry? What was it?
Well of Eternity.
This was one thing Khadgar did not know and swore that he's going to learn elvish soon. If it's important enough for the Guardian to note it at the map, it must be somewhere in the tome of Quel'Thalas.
Suddenly they heard a knock on the door.
'What is it?' asked Medivh not turning away from his work.
A muffled voice from behind the wall answered: 'It's me, Med. Anduin Lothar.'
Not awaiting response, the Azerothian champion walked in with a smile. The old mage was already turned to his direction, all the parchment left on the map. Both he and Khadgar were smiling widely.
'Anduin!' said Medivh cheerfully, approaching the warrior and embracing him in a greeting hug. The apprentice was used to this, but now it somehow hurt... but why?
'We were so worried!' the Guardian went on, letting go of the champion.
'No need to.' Lothar answered with his usual grin. He seemed years younger wearing it. 'I didn't answer your last letter because I was already on my way.'
'That's what I thought.'
Khadgar was thankful to the warrior for not mentioning his own letters. Who knows how would Sargeras react, if he found out?
'You must be tired.' Medivh said.
'Just a little.' Lothar answered, running a hand through his hair. 'But if you'll excuse me, I'd like to talk to your apprentice for a minute.'
The older mage nodded and turned back to his map, as Khadgar followed the knight out of the chamber. The Azerothian champion let him far from the observatory, to an empty room near the base of the tower.
'Things don't look good.' he said, making sure no one will hear.
'But he's acting normal since I talked to him.'
Lothar surveyed him with interest. 'What did you tell him?'
The Dalaran mage sighed. 'The basic stuff, that we've got reasons to worry about him, that I want only to help him, that I know something's wrong.' for some reason he did not want to tell the champion about his confession to Medivh. Perhaps feelings of the mage burst through Sargeras' control, yet something told him that letting Anduin know was not a good idea.
'And how did he react?' Lothar kept asking.
'Well...' Khadgar began, but paused, trying to find good words. 'He wanted me to leave, but I stayed. He started yelling...' he paused again. 'I calmed him down...' he finished here. This was the difficult part... Lothar, though trustworthy, honest and fair, did not have to know everything...
The champion nodded. 'I see...'
'You know him longer than I.' Khadgar said. 'Maybe you can talk to him now. Maybe he'll tell you more...'
Anduin sighed. 'It's hard to tell...'
The apprentice mage only nodded. Without another word he left the chamber. Lothar remained there for a moment, considering the younger one's suggestion. He should talk to Medivh, but will it do them any good?
It's worth to try, he told himself and went out of the chamber.
He found the Guardian late at night, back in the observatory. It appeared that after Lothar's talk with Khadgar the old mage has left somewhere. But now he was again absorbed by his maps, concentraiting mostly on Kalimdor. The Azerothian champion took a discrete look and noticed Medivh's hand placing the tip of an inked quill somewhere at Kalimdor's north and noting: Ashenvale... Hyjal... Moonglade... Tirisfal...
Tirisfal...
Lothar reluctantly turned his eyes to the mage, but he seemed to be ignored, so he coughed a little. The effect was only a small smile on Medivh's face.
'Med...' the knight began.
'Yes?' asked the Guardian noting something on the map again. But this time it was elvish.
'Just wanted to talk.' Anduin said. 'Haven't seen you for a while.' he smiled.
'True, true...' the mage gazed at a piece pf parchment in his hand. 'Could you please go get...'
'No.' Lothar said. 'If you need any help, just ask me. I want to talk... alone.'
Medivh put the parchment away and looked at his friend. His stare was meaningful enough. He knew what the champion too well... and had an idea of what he was thinking right now.
'Only if it's important, Anduin, I've got work to do...'
The knight sighed, approaching the mage and embracing him at the shoulders quite tight. 'You've always got something to do.' he said silently. 'Can't you ever find time for me?'
Their eyes met as the Guardian was pulled close to the older man's chest. 'Isn't love important for you?'
'Anduin, I...' Medivh turned his head. 'I-I know I'm acting wierd lately...'
So he's suspecting something, thought Lothar as he explored the master mage's mouth with his own tongue. The kiss seemed to last for at least several minutes, and perhaps that was true.
'Don't explain yourself.' Anduin said, breaking the kiss. 'Just... spend some time with me...' he smiled slightly, his eyes half closed. 'Alone...'
Medivh sent him another meaningful stare, as the knight's hand slowly travelled down to stop at the mage's butt. 'It's been so long...' the champion whispered. 'I missed you so much...'
The Guardian wanted to answer, but the other man lifted him gently on his arms, as if the mage was a child, and put him down to sit on a chair. 'Anduin...'
'Don't speak.' he was told. 'Just... let me please you.'
Medivh, also longing for his lover, though somewhat still reluctant, nodded, knowing that he'll soon melt in the knight's arms. Lothar, with a surprising swiftness, began to untie the mage's robes and taking them off of him. For a moment after that he kept gazing at the exposed body before him with a soft smile. Despite himself, Medivh blushed with deep crimson. Lothar took a moment to take off the plates of his own armour, feeling a bit tight at the pants.
His heart beast fast, but not as fast as the mage's, who just felt a warm and wet tongue teasing the tip of his member. Wondering if Moroes will be searching for him, although usually he didn't, Medivh panted a little, trying to control his body's reactions.
A soft moan escaped his throat, as Lothar took him into his mouth, sucking, licking and kissing it at the whole lenght. Despite Medivh's effort, the full erection came fast, mostly because he was forced to keep abstinece from sex by his lover's dangerous wounds. But now the not long before dying hero was at full health, kneeling before the chair he was sitting on, doing his best to please the Guardian. The master mage's breath became shallow and fast, his chest heaved with each move of Lothar's head.
'A-Anduin...' he breathed, a smile appearing on his face.
'Shhh, don't talk.' the champion answered, pausing for a moment to undo his own robes. His half-erected lenght sprung free. Medivh laughed softly.
'As beautiful as always...' mumbled the mage. 'You never change, Anduin...'
Saying so, he bent down to kiss his lover deeply at the lips. 'Isn't it... your turn?' he whispered through short breaths.
Lothar shook his head slightly. 'Don't worry, I'll have my part...' a grin ran through his bearded face.
He grabbed the naked mage by the butt and raised it a bit. This pose wasn't the most comfortable there can be, but Medivh agreed without a word and awaited patiently. He felt two cold fingers slip into his entrance and left out a silent moan, as he was being streched.
'You alright?' asked Lothar, panting. He didn't admit it, but he was getting quite impatient, his member growing. He worked on his lover for a while, which seemed lognger than it really was, somewhere on the way adding another finger inside. Medivh moaned and whispered his name once in a while.
Finally, Lothar decided that he can't wait any longer, drops of sweat wetting his aging skin. He carefully helped Medivh to the floor and laid him in a more comfortable position. He chose the simple but satisfying, and thus the Guardian laid with his back to the floor. He was smiling.
Anduin bent over him and once again kissed him with fierce and warm passion, travelling from the mouth to the neck and shoulders, while teasing the mage's nipple with one hand. At the same time, he spread Medivh's legs as wide as he could and slowly entered the mage, forcing another moan. The champion panted and began to thrust inside, steadily increasing speed.
When his lover's moans became a bit louder, he used one hand to stroke his member, trying to get his mind off the ineviatable pain. It seemed to work fine, for soon the sounds escaping Medivh's throat changed into pleasurable moans and whispers.
'A-Andu-in...'
The knight didn't answer, feeling himself reaching the release. He began to stroke the other man faster, so that he could catch up and they would come together. After a few minutes it was all over, Lothar laying over his lover, holding him close in a tender hug.
'Anduin...' the Guardian repeated. 'Thank you...'
'No need to, Med.' the knight answered. 'The pleasure's all mine.' he laughed softly and winked, forcing a grin on the mage's face.
He was about to stand up, but Medivh's hands grabbed his shoulders and stopped him. 'There's no need to worry... my love.' he said weakly, his heart still beating fast. 'I'm fine...'
Lothar shook his head. 'We know you're not.' he sighed. 'I don't want anything to happen to you...'
Saying so, he stood up in search for something he could clean himself with. By the time he produced a towel (thinking that not only the library of Karazhan needed to be put in order), Medivh was on his legs. The champion tossed him the towel and began to dress.
When he was done, he took a look at the map again. Medivh approached him, some of his clothes still on the floor, but said nothing.
'Med...' the knight began, pointing at the writings the mage has placed in Kalimdor. 'What are these?'
The Guardian surveyed the map. 'I've just found out myself.' he pointed. 'Ashenvale is a forest here, on the whole northern area of the land.' he moved his finger. 'Hyjal is a mountain. Moonglade and Tirisfal are ones of many glades in Ashenvale.'
He paused, carefully watching his friend's face. Lothar showed only pure interest and seemed to be deep in thought. 'Tirisfal...'
Medivh nodded slowly. 'Yes. It appears that it's where the Order was founded.' he narrowed his eyes. 'You seem to have much more questions, Anduin.'
Lothar decided it'll be best if he saves them for later. The mage didn't seem pleased about him wanting to know about Kalimdor. Was there something Sargeras wished to hide?
The knight shook his head. 'Not really.' he knew that he won't fool anyone. He was far too open to hide his feelings, but if Medivh did not want to tell him, he won't. But Lothar did have questions. He wanted to know about the Well of Eternity, about the land, the forest... and why did Medivh mark them on the map.
But instead of asking, he turned to the mage and said with care in his voice: 'We both should rest now.'
The Guardian only nodded. Lothar kissed him on the forehead and said, walking away: 'Good night, Med.'
'Good night, Anduin.'
When the knight left, Medivh added silently, more to himself: 'My love...'