Speech = `` ... ´´
Thoughts = ...
Inner voices = " ... "
To be honest, I was always a bit unsettle in the way Blizz stated the way diferent races grew or how such growth was handled, especially with those that are suppose to have either extremely long life spans or are just inmortal. Its reasanable for an orc child to reach adulthood far sooner than an elf, I understand it. But you are telling me that a human child reaches adulthood at the same speed a Night elf? Now that doesnt make much sense, though perhaps with all the meat grinder expansions where thousands die every one or two years they considered it...right enough. We can not send children to war after all.
So I decided to make some changes.
Races adulthood:
Hight elf: 100 years
Half elf: 35 years
Human: 20 years.
More changes may come down the line.
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Kingdom of Quelthalas: Silvermoon
Vereesa point of view:
The hours passed unnoticed by all….even her, much to her surprise. Of what was first a meeting between friends had become an unchecked joy ride.
Well, perhaps not that wild…..not yet anyway.
Sadly the time for the first strokes of horns annunciating the start of the main event had finally taken place. With either silent resignation or vocal annoyance they all had to come forward towards the front square of the royal palace where his majesty would enlighten them with their presence and say a few kind words to his people. She scoffed at the though, as if the man cared for those below his walls.
That did not meant that their bright Lord would waste the opportunity to show off in one way or another before half the entire kingdom until he grew tired and wished them away from his tired eyes.
She shook her head, if she was honest with herself she should not be wasting her time thinking about that, or him on that matter.
Still, they had nothing else to do, and though their absence may not be noticed with the mass of bodies all around, probable…... It was possible that someone would, taking out her two rangers friends, both Lia and her were not exactly unknowns in certain circles, she was also starting to regret the eye catching dress she had decided to wear.
Then it began.
Just behind the king, a semi circular row of seats had been placed for those of High standing. There the elite of Quelthalas stood packet like fish in a barrel. Each one of them dressed in a more lavish and exotic way than the last. With the constant heat of this summer that not even the night had bee capable of dulling much, she wondered how could they put up with all of those mantles over them.
The way they stumble and fawned at Anasterian and how they tried to get his attention almost made her puke. They at least could have tried to keep some of their dignity when within their view, but they had remained in their own little worlds.
The king in the other hand was ignoring them all, like always. His eyes set on the far distance rather than the crowd itself.
A scowl appeared on her face as she shook her head. Politics, they never changed.
The same words she had heard every other anniversary were spoken with the same lacklustre empty tone of someone repeating a boring line from a book they had read thousands of times. Of course, the people clapped their king, their voices cheerful and joyful, sending prayers at their ruler within the cacophony of voices. She did not know if it was with real enthusiasm or just by default, to get it over as fast as possible and ran towards the closest booth to put down the headache with the first bottle.
How it had bored her.
Her sister, forced to stand tall at the very front as part of the security detachment, a mere symbolic gesture of showing off to the populace their hero, when taking into account that she was the only ranger placed in such position. The others been members of the royal guard. Even under that mask of indifference and the distance between them she could spot that light twitch in her right eye when she was annoyed by something. Who wouldn't?
Liadrin was having a conversation with Cyndia, though what it was about she had no idea as they spoke in hushed whispers, the only thing she managed to pear of, was something about matching colours and….souls? She shook her head, she would later ask them what was that, she even managed to caught Kalira fast asleep, drooling over Velonaraas shoulder.
The other woman not finding the courage to wake her partner and risk bringing attention towards the two by outsider interlopers or Kalira's own yawning. It was rather cute.
The only funny thing of the whole ordeal was the way the Queen was paying more attention towards a female Magister to her left than the speech of her husband, and by the looks of it she was having fun.
Two hours later, they were finally released from that torment and left to wander the streets again to their leisure.
Kalira and Velonaraa had decided to set a betting table in the middle of the street to her dismay, there they challenged the closest bystanders to a pulse. It shouldn't had surprised her when Kalira managed to draw a small group of poor souls to her grasp, she had always had a big mouth. Each one betting two gold coins they could beat Velonaraa yet each one fell under the might of her taciturn friend. She was sure that by the end of the night they would end up being a little more rich than the day before.
Cyndia had pulled Liadrin by the arm to follow her to the hill, so they could get a better view of the fireworks. The red head simpleton had waved them goodbye before disappearing in the chaos, and Sylvanas…...well. She rubbed her forehead with a slight feeling of annoyance as she remembered what had occurred.
Halduron and Romath had appeared from almost thin air, not even acknowledging her presence as they requested her sisters presence to speak about a certain matter. She gave her an apologetic look before vanishing from her sight, leaving her alone within the tide of people.
She huffed at the memory, well….she had expected this, but at least she could had said something! Now alone, and without directions it would seem that she would spend the remaining time walking aimlessly through the still crowded streets.
Lucky for her, she knew better….
The harbor, once a bursting place of activity and movement, laid now quietly. The ruminating of the waves and the movement of the docked boats being the only thing sound reaching her. It was to be expected, most people would had preferred to spend their time as far away as possible from a place that for better or worse had the proclivity to stink of fish. At least that meant that she had more space for her.
Even with the heat that had been plaguing them those late summer days or how it seemed unlikely they would change anytime soon, a soft breeze came from the ocean. Bringing forth a rather unexpected but not unwelcome reprieve from it. It washed over her, like a cool blanket, enveloping her softly
Right above the skies, the moon loomed over the dark, silently….., accompanied by a small army of stars, scattered around the endless dark like grains of sand. Projecting a faint silver light on the tide. A welcome change from the constant noises and arguments that had left her ears ache terribly, all the conflicting emotions and thoughts cursing through her mind from, and perhaps the way those ridiculous high heels had basically demolished her feet to the point she could not take four steps before having to take another breath.
Who could had guessed that this cold dumpster of fish and salt would be deserted of people?
What she did know, was that here she could be at peace…..and more importantly, have some time for herself. She soon took a sit over a makeshift bank constituted by a couple of boxes, still unopened.
She brought her hands up, her fingers trailing over the silvery strands that made of her braid until they grasped a small at the top, with a simple tug she pull it out, her hair taking not long after to fall down over her shoulders and back like a silver like waterfall.
She then took off those blasted things from her feet as well, throwing them away from her. A sight of relief escaping her lips after the deed was done was soon turned in a sudden yelp of surprise when her now bare skin felt the coldness of the floor. It took her a few seconds before adjusting to the sensation of cold daggers digging through her skin.
``O~oh…..much better, Beloree cursed heels and whoever invented them´´ She huffed with annoyance at the fallen form of her footgear , now laying dangerously close to the murky waters.
If Sharlindra could see her right now she was sure that she would throw a fit, luckily for her, she would be too tired to pay much notice.
So, she stood there, contemplating the soft movement of the waves for who knows how long. She was too lost in thought that did not notice the shadow approaching her. Only by the time it was just next to her her ears pin out its presence.
``I knew that I would find you here…..´´. Came a soft yet polite voice, too young in fact to be one of the workers of the harbor or a guard stationed over the promenade.
Her ears tensed slightly as they went to pin point the one interrupting her brief respite, her breath hitched slowly before a haggard sound left her lips as she turned her head towards the source of the voice, she would not have to look far.
Not far away from her, a mere two meters in fact stood a ma-no, a boy she corrected herself as she took a better look at his features, and a rather young looking boy at that. His hair, golden like the sun shined still under the moonlight with a peculiar glint.
Just like hers….
Dressed in a black vest with golden trims around the edges, a small white inner shirt and a pair of grim lime trousers. The boy would surely have not look out of place…..had she not notice the still fresh spots of mud over his boots, or the pearls of water falling around the edges of his brows.
Clearly, not a by product of the heat.
A gasp left her lips when she finally caught a good glance of his face, his short yet knife like ears told her of his half-elf upbringing, not rare but they usually avoided the capital. Still, that wasn't what really caught her attention, rather who was the one that stood before her.
For she now understood why she was feeling such sense of nostalgia as her eyes gazed down his chiselled features, like a golden reflection given life of her sister...
``Arator….´´. She muttered, her voice nothing but a faint whisper that barely managed to slip pass the cage of her lips. It took a few seconds for her to regain her composure, a timid smile appearing on her face as she straightened herself. The boy merely nodded at her, returning a soft look from his eyes.
``Its a good night to be outside, wouldn't you agree aunt...?´´
``It is…..´´ She hummed in agreement, for such a hot day and the constant bickering of the capital denizens, here at the docks one could enjoy the tranquillity of it. She gave him a wordless gesture to sit by her side, one he immediately complied. Soon the two of them stood side by side with their eyes gazing at the sea in silence, with only the sound of the waves crashing ashore filling the silence between them.
This did not disturb her at all, in fact she enjoyed it, a reminder her of times long past, where the two of them would walk around the edges of the sea or sit over the sand and watch the boats of the port sail. He was so small back them, how those eyes had shined with curiosity and marvel…. and though now they still held some of it, she could see around the corners a faint trace of melancholy…..
An expression that did not suit his still round features, even if some sharpness was forming around the edges of his face. It did not suit him at all.
They grow so fast…..
For her kin, the moment one was considered an adult was when the individual reached their first one hundred years of life, but that was not the case for half elf's. To think that at his age she was barely half his size.
`` I did not know you would came back home so soon, does Lady Moon know about your arrival...?´´ She would be most thrilled to hear about it if not…..´´.
He gave her a nod, a weak smile starting to take place over his lips `` She does, aunt Syl was the first I managed to find, or as she likes to say, she found me´´ He said placing special emphasis at the last words.
She giggled at that, imagining the situation that her nephew must have found himself in not that long ago. ``She does have a tendency to never admit when someone else caught her by surprise´´.
Arator snorted, shaking his head with a small sense of dismay ``That she does…, she was also de one to told me about your wish to take some air for yourself, I guessed that you would come here, it was your favourite place when when we were younger…...´´
``Is that so? She told you to come by and see how I was doing? Using my own dear nephew to trespass my desire to have some time alone?´´ She asked with fake hurt, placing one of her arms above her head as she glared at her dear nephew, yet deep inside a she smiled at this. Sylvanas may have left her without a word, or not told her what was going on... but deep inside she knew she was merely looking for her.
That did not meant that it was any less infuriating those games of smoke and mirrors the two played.
Oh Lady Moon, you little mix….
It seemed that her sister had managed to get back at her for her little stunt back then, much to her chagrin. Well...what is done its done….I will get back even next time though With that thought, she met Arator´s gaze once again.
``She was just…..well, you know….feeling a bit bad for having to leave so soon…., but duty calls and it looked quite important though...´´ He rambled about, rubbing his neck with obvious uncertainty.
``Its okay, I am not mad at all, Arathor. I kind of found out a while ago´´
``You do?´´ He asked dumbfounded, caught a bit by surprise.
She beamed a smile at him, one that did not reach her eyes. ``Of course! What kind of sister I would be if I did not know in which messes my sister was?´´.
``That makes sense...´´
`` Well, now that you are here I suppose that its best to enjoy this while it lasts. Tell me, how things went back in Lordaeron? I heard that they were having a celebration of their own, no? Why not stay? Quelthalas is a long way up….´´
This seemed to lighten his mood, the way his unease dissipated from his face as he smiled at her brought her some relief. He then nods at her.
``Hallows end, yes…. burning a wicked man to commemorate the incoming arrival of winter and the protection of the crops. With Quelthalas eternal spring-summer time you may not have noticed but its getting rather cold in Lordaeron. Its not bad, especially when you get used to step on the ashes of the puppet the next day or having to be careful not to get to close to it or risk having a stink of ashes for the next day.
``My o~oh my Arathor, you are an expert, perhaps one of these days I may go down there for a visit and you can be my guide..´´
He have her a shrug ``I can get by…but I wouldn't say that I am an expert, there is still so much to learn, to see…´´
``Always so modest….you have sometimes to take some merit for yourself, Arator… there is nothing wrong about bragging about something you have worked for. I assure you, more than half the Queldorei wouldn't know where to go or look inside a human city. We are kind of sedentary….´´ She replied with a smirk.
A chuckled came out from him, his lips taking the slightest of upwards. ``I—I will take that into considerations, aunt…...´´ He muttered, rubbing the back of his head with clear amusement at her idea before he shook his head.
``Anyway, things went rather well, calm even…, if don't take into account what has been going on around the lands around the capital….´´ Just as he said that last part his face had darkened, but before she could utter a single question he continued. `` I also got to see the king during the celebration, though from the distance, the guards would not let me get a better view nor I was about to get in trouble for it´´
A smirk crossed her lips as she eyed her nephew with renew interest ``Bah, I am sure that had it been my sister or I we would have found a way to do so unspotted...´´
``Aunt…., not all Windrunners know how to climb walls or avoid guards like you two do...´´ He admonished her, crossing his arms, the marks of a small pout slowly forming around his cheeks.
She shrugged. ``A pity, but don't worry Arathor, there is still time for you to learn. I will make sure of that...´´
The way he looked at her showed how not amused he was about that, though he did not call her out for it. `` At the very end there was supposed to be a feast to concluded the celebration…., though with everything that have taken place….I dont think its the best thing to do´´
Perhaps, though colour me surprise that it seems that the difference of species does not put an end to untimely overly expensive celebrations….or they did it to avoid a full time riot if things are going that bad….such is the nature of the game´´ She muttered incredibly more tiredly those last words.
``You would know much more than I, aunt…..still, why have you not taught me about these… "games as you call it"? They seem more prominent than what you once told me…. ´´ He muttered quietly, scratching the back of his head.
``Oh, please don't bother sweetheart….politics are boring, and they are the same no matter where you go. Besides, you would loose your mind if you tried to make heads of the utter nonsense that comes from such word´´ That seemed to raise an eye brow from him.
``For someone who dislikes it, you seem to know an awful lot´´
``When you grow you will understand….., there are things one can not explain, they have to be lived…..´´
``That they are…. ´´ He answers her, a low snort coming out from him as he nods his head slowly. ``In the end I decided that I could not postpone this and left at the first hour of morning´´
``Why didn't you stay?´´ She could not help herself but ask, a bit curious about it, though she would not admit it.
``Because I wanted to see you….´´ He replied with certain before he gave her shoulder a comforting pad on her back.
She did not respond, there was no need for words, instead her arms trailed down his leg and give it a soft squish, the warmth of her fingers trespassing the cloth. He is definitely more like Lirath than Alleria…. Her nephew surely had obtained her mothers beauty, but he surely had gotten his empathy and kindness from her former brother.
``That's so sweet of you dear, did you miss me that much?´´ She said with a snort, a grin plastered over her lips as she softly caressed Arators face, her thumb circling around his left cheek until he politely relocated it around his hands.
``Its been six months aunt, of course I wanted to see you again….´´
``Only me? O~oh my….you flatter me, but what would Sylvanas said if she heard about this? I am sure she will be thrilled about who is the better aunt´´ She cackled maliciously, as she witnessed how her nephew grew different shades of pale in a few seconds, his eyes stuck in horror.
``N-no! Don't do that! She will kill me if she hears it!´´
``Oh come on, Arator, you are being over dramatic. you are her favourite nephew….she surely will leave something of you to remember by´´
He shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose with clear exasperation ``Aunt...have I told you that your jokes are not funny?´´
``Its a family trade, my dear….better get used to it´´
``Ugh…...now growing up doesn't look that good any more if this is the price to pay...´´
That made the both of them laugh, their voice echoing all around them.
``Though they would have liked for me to stay a little longer with them until the day was over she understood my reasons, and let me go…´´
``I see, then perhaps I should write a letter to thank them for their consideration and good will...´´
``You know aunt? I think you should visit them, I am sure they would be delighted to have you again, when was the last time you set foot over the manor? Five years ago? ´´
``Too long, Arator….too long´´ She said softly, her fingers tapping the bank while she looked away, trying to hide away the grimace that had appeared as she tried to recollect such memories. The last time she had appear there had been more than ten years ago, there had not been any real reason for her to go back, preferring to stay inside the comfort of her forest than the green fields of the human kingdom.
There was no real ill animosity against Turallyons familiars, she just….felt not that connected with them. Though it could be attributed with their constant bickering that she alone could not raise him properly, that she was not fit for such task and that she had to share her so- Arator's guardianship.
Cursed nobles… She would rather have nothing to do with them, but a quick look at her nephews eyes put a stop to such thoughts. A tired sigh left her lips. ``But I will consider it…..for you, okay?´´ For all her disdain for such circumstances she would not deny her golden boy a chance to dream for a more tightly close family.
``That's all I ask, aunt. They are good people too, they just need a chance…...you shall see, in no time you could be more than just acquaintances´´
Oh dear….you have no idea ``Of course, I am sure we can talk about many….things´´ She had no the singles of clues what a bunch of nobles would like to talk, veiled threats perhaps?.
``Now that we are talking about visits, for how long you were planing to stick around?
``Well…, now that is the funny thing´´ He muttered nervously, not wanting to meet her gaze.
She cocked her head to the side ``Don't tell me, you don't have a place to stay, right? Her words dripping with barely contained amusement that only grew when she caught sight of the way his body shook at the mention of that.
``I was in a hurry and I didn't plan the thing for long, I thought that perhaps I could stay at the guests room at the spire…..if you wouldn't mind of course, I would not like to become a burden´´
``A burden? Never, you know that you are welcome there anytime s-Arator, but I am sure that after such long travel you would rather wait a few days than venture yourself out to the woods. The last thing we want is for you to arrive at their manor made a complete disaster´´
`` Yeah I know….human or elven, it doesn't matter, they don't like their nephews to covered in mud or dirt….or drenched in sweat ´´ He replied with a laugh ``Thank you aunt, I own you one´´
``Well, that's what is family for, to be for one another´´ She replied back, a warm smile on her lips, but to her surprise her nephews attention was no longer on her but rather something lost in the distance.
She frowned, her lips taking the slightest of down strokes. ``Something wrong, dear? Her hand trailed up his arm before she grasped softly his hand, her thumb rubbing his palm. He gave her a pained smile.
``N-nothing…..just lost in thought, aunt. Nothing to worry about´´ He muttered sheepishly, her short ears slowly taking a deep shade of red as they pressed themselves around his head.
``If there is something bothering you the least I can do is listen about it. It may not be much...but talking helps... ´´
"Then why don't you do the same?"
``I know that we have talked already about this, but…..´´ He halted, a deep breath leaving his chest as his eyes wandered indecisive between her and the ground.
``Yes dear?´´ She said hastily, worry building up inside her but she kept herself from closing in the distance between them, not wishing to smother him any further.
`` Sometimes, sometimes I wished they were here…...with us´´ He finally said in a faint whisper, yet one that she heard completely. His eyes now set on hers, doubt and worry in full view for her to see. Bitterness spilling out from each word as he grasped his own chest tightly.
That killed the mood instantly, a cold shiver ran through her spine as her hold over his hand tightened inadvertently, her heart skipping a bit for a brief moment. Her mouth closed tightly, the once bright smile disappeared into a thin line, her jaws clenched as she swallowed down some spit.
She knew what he was talking about, nor this was the first time either they had this talk. Another wind strike from the ocean brushed her face, but this time it did not brought her any joy or comfort.
The shadows of her eldest sister was always ever present. Like a looming threat that one could not see until it was too late. It would seem that she would not escape her iron grasp any time soon.
She bited her lips, the tip of her fangs clawing in through the soft flesh of her lips. Of course, she should have know better than to speak so freely about family would bring out those undesirable feelings, those very same thoughts that he may have kept lock down for a while only for her to open the can of worms in her clumsiness.
Beloree she wanted to hit herself.
For an orphan, family would be always a sore spot.
And why wouldn't it be? For a child to be force to heard only their past exploits and adventures instead of speaking with them themselves. For a child that could not remember the face of neither his parents nor had ever receive their love and kindness, for a child whose only memory of his parents were the glow of their golden manes. His life, divided in two different worlds because of his heritage and the lack of compassion of her fellow patriots….
It was not fair, no one deserved that.
He did not deserve that.
But this world care little for what one would deserve, heedless of the fairness or lack of it.
``Did you thought that you were the only one affected? How selfish….´´
``You are a broken wreck, you cant let go of the past...´´
``Will you hurt him as well? Will you abandon him too?´´
Shut up! She cursed internally, her words raging on within her mind like a volatile maelstrom as each phrase stroke hard in her conscience, barely held down by her utmost efforts. To not show the rage brewing inside her.
How dare they use this against her!? How dare they use him to play with her emotions!?
It may have been a few seconds but it felt like hours, her heart pounded heavily inside her, forcing her to take quick short breaths, her. She scowled at this, she detested the way this things could rile her up this much, and so quickly.
Yet, deep down she knew where this came from.
Of all the sins that Alleria had committed, the only one she would never forgive was leaving her son become an orphan only to satiate her desire for vengeance. To force her to take care of an undesired result from a bad night without even a word, be it for shame or callousness...
There had to be another way…something else than just throw her life in such way beyond that blasted portal.
``And if there was not? She decided her fate long before your intervention….nor that you did anything to stop her... Came back another voice with a snide remark.
She could only grit her teeth to the point of bleeding in response.
Arator, who had been watching her change of demeanour grew even more worried. ``I—I am sorry, I did not mean to cause you any undeserved distress. I should had just kept quiet...´´ He said, his head hanging low between his hands, refusing to meat her gaze.
She closed her eyes, not giving in to the desire to growl back as she took a deep breath, her throat felt tighter and hoarse, the words, scared to come out, her mind not fully believing them. But she did not care, that only thing that mattered was the young boy before her and she would not fail.
Not again.
``No…., it is I who should apologize my dear, not you´´
His eyes opened wide. ``W-what? He exclaimed dumbfounded, his eyes blinking several times, perhaps not understanding where she was going with this.
``After all this time….I should have tried to be more careful. The fact that I hurt you without realising it means that I am still a long way to be a good caretaker for you…. ´´
``Aunt please, you don't have to d-´´
``Don't worry dear, I know that this is as hard for you as it is for me…..,yet I am sure that whether they are….they are looking at you, with pride and joy of what a great man you have become´´ She muttered, a haggard voice wearily leaving through her lips before her fangs chewed against them, sealing them tight.
Slowly she placed one of her arms around his back as she hugged him tightly, her hands placing themselves around his back and pressing him harder against her chest.
``Are...are you sure?´´
Oh you poor little thing…. ``Of course! Mother knows best´´.
For a few seconds he remained quiet, emotions wavering under those eyes before he embraced her, surprising her even further when his arms pulled her towards him even harder. ``Thank you….´´ He croaked, his voice a harsh whimper.
``No, thank you Arator…..for everything´´ She replied softly, her fingers digging through his hair while she held him. The two remained lock in place for a while, neither of them wishing to separate from each others embrace. Finding no small sense of comfort with one another, the sound of their breathing echoing inside them.
It took a while, but after sometime they managed to separate themselves from one another, even though reluctantly. A sheepish look in their faces as they fought the inwards desire to return to the embrace.
Slowly the warmth that had spread inside her cooled down, her breathing though sluggish was not as problematic as the erratic beating og her heart.
Perhaps it was good fortune when by the time if regain its usual something, no…, someone else had drawn her attention. A detail that Arator soon caught onto.
``It seems that my friends have arrive, earlier than expected….´´ He muttered with a mixed hint of pride and sadness before he looked back at her. `` I better get going, they must be worried...´´
He is a boy and yet he acts with the maturity of a grown man….
"Too bad you can not seem to emulate your nephews accomplishes…." The words tasted bitter inside her, a cold layer slowly getting over her heart, but she did not spoke out. Slowly she met her nephews eyes, a strained expression warping over her features, though one that she was struggling to quell.
She only wished he would not take notice of it.
``You gave them the slip? My oh my dear…., perhaps there is still a future for you as Windrunner´´
``I-it wasn't like that!´´ The poor boy stammered.
``Then how was it?´´
``You know what forget it….´´
``I see, take care sweetheart…..and watch out for those drinks, I don't wanna smell the rick of alcohol from your clothes when you arrive, got it?´´ She stated, pointing an accusatory finger at him while she placed one of her hands around her hips.
Arator stood dumbfounded, her eyes blinking several times before the gears inside his mind managed to understand what was going on. It was not long before he chuckled, a shy smile now taking place around his lips. Whatever had ill him before, now was nothing but a forgotten memory, that dread that had weighed down the mood finally dissipating with a new wave of fresh air.
``Don't worry, I will...´´ He said with a pained smile before running away from her.
She remained in place, her hands grasping her legs tightly as she saw him slowly leave the area, his body steadily growing smaller as he put more distance between the two until she could no longer see him.
She left a tired sigh, placing one of her hands over her chest, feeling the decreasing beatings of her heart before she crooked her neck towards her left. Her brows narrowing as she gazed at a particular spot of darkness in the harbor.
``When are you going to stop hiding yourself, to scare to show off before others? She taunted at the shadows, trying to pry at their wounded pride for being found out, but to her chagrin she was met with silence.
Her knuckles slowly clenched in anticipation as her heart started beating slightly faster. She waited, But just as she was about to call out again for the entity to reveal itself, a blur appeared just where she had set her gaze, then a bright light started to envelop the blur, peeling off what seemed to be a caped figure.
``May I know how the lady found out about my presence?´´ He said, giving her a polite bow though his eyes never losing sight of her. His voice was rough around the edges, almost guttural in some points before it turned lighter at others, it did not held the same of her kin, nor she felt the body hiding behind the robes held any qualities close to them. His shoulders were too broad.
It did not took an expert to know that what stood before was not a Queldorei, or even a half-elf…It could only be a human. Still, why did his voice sounded so familiar?
``You are not as nearly as silent as you think you are...´´ Was her snide remark, not willing to explain much. It wasn't false though, she had heard a low steady echo of breath, one that did not match her nephews.
``Ouch….how cruel of you, truly how painful…. , anyway…..lovely time we got here, don't you agree? May I take a seat, snowflake?´´ Came a more controlled voice yet with a faint tone of infantilism drawing out from his words.
``Of course….if you don't mind being poked with this´´ She muttered calmly, pointing out at the metal glint of her dagger.
``I am sure that there is no need to get violent, Little light...´´ He muttered worry, lifting his arms in a placating manner.
``Can you blame me? Its not like you were stalking me under the cover of a spell, normally those kind of folk don't have the best of intentions….´´ She stated matter of factly, eyes never wavering from the stranger.
``Oh please, if I wanted to hurt you why would I reveal myself to you? A bit counterproductive, no….?´´
The question had some merit….for a fool.
She scoffed at him, her eyes rolling behind her skull. Did he really think that she would fall for such pathetic excuse? He had heard better from a Troll. ``Who knows, perhaps you are just that bad...´´
``Now you are being rude´´ Was his lacklustre response, or whining if she was honest with herself, but to her surprise he didn't do anything, preferring to stay still in place. She glared at him, wishing for something to happen, this stand off was getting on her nerves. But as she was busy wrecking her head for an answer a certain phrase had burn itself in her mind.
Her eyes widened when her mind managed to piece together the clues.
There was only a man who call her Little Light.
`Wait...what did you-´´ Her words stumbled with one another as her eyes widened in surprise, gazing at the hooded man that stood silent before her. His face, mostly hidden from view did not obscure that bushy scarlet beard, or those dark green eyes…
How did she not notice that until now?
``What? Cat got your tongue, sweetheart?´´ He said playfully, a wide grin presented to her.
That voice, it could only be him.
``Rhonin?´´ She asked wearily, not fully believing even if the evidence said it so.
`` The one and only, my fair lady ´´ He replied with enthusiasm, extending his arms to the sides in some kind of ovation before he pulled down his hood, revealing for good manner his identity to her.
``How did you….´´ She muttered before a realization struck her and she dropped herself back on her seat, looking at Rhonin with both exasperation and contempt ``Oh by the love of Beloree, you know what? Forget it, I am sure you are going to say that you cant tell me but you will in due time, don't you?´´ She stated annoyed.
A grin formed around his lips, a playful look appear on his eyes spoke lengthy of what thoughts were brewing inside his mind before he could even utter them. ``You did not need telepathy for that, didn't you?´´
She pinched the bridge of her nose as a snort escaped her lips. ``No, I am just used to it at this point… Jack ass... `` So…. what brings you here? If you don't mind if I ask. You are far away from your beloved Dalaran, red haired fiend...´´
``Me? Well, cant one admire the view of the majestic and mythical Queltahlas?´´ He said, waving his arms around him, as if he tried to engulf the world around him.
She snorted at that. ``Pardon my lack of trust, but I doubt it´´
``Oh Vere, you always know that I am anything but honest!´´ He replied with earnest. ``You know what? Let me tell you a secret but please don't tell these to Antonidas or Modera, the two wouldn't understand. Dalaraan has its beauty but when you have walked through, stepped over every single stone, and read all of those old dusty tomes…..the place looses part of its charm, the same can not be said for your home´´
``Oh, I don't doubt it, you had always that desire to explore and experiment with the unknown that your mage kin does, of that the Kirintoor or the Magisters are one but the same´´
``What can I said, we old coots don't like doing the same thing over millennium. Surely you cant fault us for that, right?
`` But I have the nagging suspicion that its not everything to it, does it? Looking for something….or someone?´´ There was no need to specify.
``Perhaps, but I cant deny that the view from this point its breath taking´´ He said lavishly, looking at her with warmth, and…. more…..
A frown formed on her face, but it quickly gave way to a soft smile on her lips ``What a charmer, but its going to take more than cheap words and weird mannerism to sweep of my feet, my friend´´ She said without apparent interest, showing her fangs slightly as a show of her challenge. A warning of sorts.
She shouldn't have bothered….
``Don't worry my dear, I love challenges….´´ He stated with confidence, taking a seat just next to her while he showed that stupid grin of his, not noticing that small tremor on her finger tips.
Minutes passed, with the two of them remaining in utter silence. Rhonin no longer focused on her, as he passed the time gazing at his hands in contemplation while she stood frigid in place looking at the opposite direction, not willing to meet his eyes even by mistake, instead deciding to focus on the skies, no longer clouds covering the stars.
Perhaps Rhonin had thought that she had lost interest in the conversation, but in truth she was simply biding her time, considering her next course of action wisely. As well as searching in her own heart of what remained of those feelings that had died at her family´s funeral.
Immediately she found herself fighting back a flinch. Right, not a good memory to start such search. Slowly she took a few deep breaths before giving it another try.
A pink shade started to form up the tip of her ears, she wasn't unused to the gaze of men fawning over her, that lust or desire warping around their features as they gazed at her from the distance or approached her with honeyed words. Back then, it had been a diary occurrence.
It had taken her a little bit longer to realize that most of them were not looking for the flesh….but rather the name. For those, it had always being the some kind of game or competition, a prize for the taking.
``A good lay….´´
It disgusted her.
She had been more than happy to break apart their dreams and humiliated them in front of their friends so called friends each time one of them tried their luck, that way their shame grounded them for decades if not more. It depended how weak minded they were. With luck some of them would wise up and leave her alone. Others just tried harder….
Her wry smile dissipated, replaced by one of worry.
There was no doubt about it, only a fool would deny it after all those days they had met up at Dalaran, or the correspondence they have maintained with one another, to her sisters chagrin. Even more now, after the man himself had stated his attraction with his barely veiled words.
A cold shudder ran through her spine, she wasn't blind to it and she should had seem it coming after twenty five years, but she was frighten all the same. He did not just like her….he desired her.
And yet…..., why wasn't she happy about that?
For a few seconds she had struggled to gulp. This uncertain situation had left her at odds.
She liked him, she truly did…., but there was no desire. Was it in a brother kind of sense? Perhaps, she wasn't too sure though, not really. True, he wasn't like one of those worms trying to cheat their way with their cheap tricks and their paper thin personalities like most of her former pretenders had tried. The way those sly men had used the arcane to try to perfect their body's to the eyes of others while remaining their childish and toxic personalities had sicken her.
Genuine love was not a usual currency in Quelthalas, even less between nobility, where families planed the weddings of their offspring long before they were even born, as if a mere transaction.
No, Rhonin was...better, honest, funny unlike those other pricks…... though it could be attributed with him being human. Away from the smoke and mirrors she was so used to.
She could not say.
Or she dare not venture in that direction.
Her mind conjured more images around her, long way back. When it was the two of them had their backs against Deathwing, when the throws of death and madness had been so present, stalking them day and night. The shadows of the war never truly concealed from their sight as they continued on, never knowing when their special assignment would get them next.
Yes, there may had been a fire back then she realized with certainty, before her eyes narrowed.
But now? Now she wasn't so sure. it had been almost ten years before any of them had spoken with one another after the war, and fifteen more of sporadic visits and brief letters to exchange their thoughts. Most of them work related…..never touching the war.
Never.
The death of their family, becoming the guardian of her eldest sister son, her new found duty's as the first captain…..all of this had taking their toll on them, mould them, change them...
She would be very generous if she said that cinders remained. And yet, that did not change the bloody mess she was in. How was she supposed to deal with this? How was she supposed to speak with a man who loved her and she did not love back with damaging or outright breaking their relation?
She started rubbing her arm, her fangs chewing lightly her lips. She wasn't prepare to deal with these shit, why feelings couldn't be solve with something simpler, like hunting or training? It didn't help that none of their family were experts on the matter or prided themselves about it, with Alleria choosing a paladin who were supposed to be caste or Sylvanas with lord grumpy.
They truly were hopeless.
Come on Vere, you can talk to him, tell him that you are not interested….tell him….
She finally managed to gather the courage to look back at him. Her words died in her throat. He was no longer contemplating his hands, instead he was looking at her, a curious look on his face. One of his hands holding hers….
When did he do that?
``Vere? Is something wrong?´´ The words managed to wake her from her stupor.
``N-no nothing´´
The sensation of awkwardness was crushing her like a beetle under a shoe.
Perhaps another day…. yeah that's better... She thought.
"You can face a dragons wrath yet a man's feelings defeats you. How utterly useless can you be?"
Quiet you! She snapped back at the voices, though only laugher replied back, her hands tightened in response as well as her teeth grinning with one another.
``Are you okay? You are starting to get a little red...and your hands...they are trembling...´´
Fuck! Of course he would notice her change of demeanour.
``N-nothing...I was just lost in deep thought, a lot of things happened..´´
He nodded at her, his eyes softening slightly, he returned his gaze at the ocean, for a while he continued silent before a sight escaped his lips `` This bring backs memories….doesn't it?´´
``Our last date...´´ She muttered in but a whisper.
Rhonin nodded at her, a wry smile on his face as he looked at her. ``Yeah….its been some time, almost twenty five years since the war ended, since we stood together against the destroyer...´´He muttered, gazing at the jewelled skies looming above them as if expecting their light to bring some measure of answers. She then realized that he was reminiscing those events.
``Already my hair is being invaded with white spots, nor I move the same way I did back them…. and yet you….you still remain the same, like you were trapped in a timeless capsule….you blasted elf's... ´´ He said a bit harshly that last words, yet there was no ill intent behind them. To her surprise he extended his hand forward, caressing her face slowly with his thumb.
She decided not to spoke about it. ``Really? I am sure that we have met , you did visit twice every six months, oh wait...that was fifteen years ago perhaps?´´
``Too long, way too long I am afraid dear. Fate and time have not been kind with me, you would be surprise how when things start to pile up one after the other and everyone thinks you are the only one that can solve their problems time seems to ran at a different pace. Before you know it twenty five years passes before your eyes and you are none the wiser..´´
``Still.., those times don't hold as much importance as the first time, that moment of mystery and doubt´´
She rolled her eyes with fixated exasperation ``Another human custom I am unaware of?´´
``I know, right? Though truth be told…. most of what I remember when you dump me´´
``Yeah, because you were being a dick´´ She laughed.
``Oh, come on! Surely you exaggerate, I wasn't that bad... ´´
``The first time we had dinner you proposed to me, mister´´
``Well...I was young and kind of inexpert on the subject, nothing that time could temper´´ He muttered as he rubbed his head with a bit of embarrassment.
``You were so nervous that you picked up the pepper box and mixed it with your drink. You almost throw up on me, no...you did throw up, only that you missed by an inch´´
``Mistakes were made, I know, but the bloody faults lays with those idiots who placed the salt and the pepper with the same looking box! Besides….you looked outstanding that night, with that blue light gown. You still do my dear´´
There it was again, those eyes fawning over her with polite adoration as well as mirth.
``Do you always said that to your friends´´
``Friends!?´´ He exclaimed taken aback by surprise, his eyes blinking repeatedly before he shook his head, a dry chuckle leaving his lips. `` Well no.., you are the only one, the ladies would break my face if I were to speak them like that´´
``Twenty five years….and you have not gone after other girls Rhonin? I didn't take you for a caste paladin...and even some of those have kids, like Turallyon….´´ She said softly, her words were meant to sound playful, yet that did not stop the feeling of wrongness crawling in her back.
``Why does it matter to you? I have you...don't I?´´
Whatever smile had timidly fought its way over her lips quickly vanished as he finished to utter those words. It bothered her, that bothered her. There were no words to express the empty hole now spreading freely inside her, as if her very own organs were in free fall and she futile tried to cling to them so that they would not fall into the pit of her own making. A peculiar thought she had believed merely paranoia now shone brightly in the depths of her skull.
Beloree….he could not me-,no... of course he had to mean that, what else could it be after his lack of subterfuge?
"I have you….don't I?"
She closed her eyes, back then she may have suspected it, but now she knew. She was screwed….too bad that there were no Trolls shamans nearby so that the earth would swallow her right then and there.
Fuck
"Does he though? You wouldn't be questioning it if you felt the same….."
"I have you...don't I? What a love stricken boy…, at this rate I will die of love poisoning. Can you believe it? Love-poisoning…."
"Too bad that we have you, no? After all….misery loves company"
"You are too emotional….see? Where your foes failed to bring you down, this pathetic excuse of a man has done so with just his deluded expectations"
The words continued on to voice out their displeasures, quickly growing in volume as they slowly built up over one another. She dared not meet Rhonins eyes, preferring to duck under her arms and remain as still as she could, no longer caring on whatever look may warp over her friends face as she did so.
A myriad of thoughts coming by as she tried to retrace her steps, recalling words for word that they ever exchange yet finding none were she confessed to him or gave him a signal. For how long had he been drown in the memories of a kinder past? How had she not notice it sooner?
Things had been going so good until then. She could have done this day without all these emotional drama….or the shit storm that was about to unleashed no matter what she said or did given her luck And still…., if there was one thing that hold true somewhere inside her would be that she should not, could not allow this to go on...
But a what cost...? It was even frightening to consider.
If she could she would have wished for time, but time was not what she had in hand. She had wasted enough as it was. Silently she rose her gaze from her prying hands, slowly yet steadily until she met with his, blue met with green for an instance. No words were exchanged between the two as they stared at each other, an eerie silence brewing in between.
Fuck it, things could no get any worse anyway…
If there was a moment to back down it probably was now, but such opportunity would not last. Perhaps had she allowed the idea to stew a little longer like before it she may have. Taking one last deep breath her lips parted ways.
``Rhonin…...´´
``Yes?´´
``Stop...´´
``Stop?´´
``Can we...can we stop this? I don't want this…..thing, this illusion…. She muttered with apprehension, halting for a moment to regain her breath before continuing. To continue, to the point it may hurt us more than it already has…..I am sorry that I...that it took so long for me to find the courage for it but I can not let it stand no longer with clear conscience´´
The words were heavy on her throat, at times almost clogging it. That did not stop her, nor the perplexed and weary look that appeared on his friends face.
``Dear...I don't understand…, what do you me-´´
``Cant we leave this behind us? We both have remade our lives...even though not in the way we would have liked back when we last met. What you seek….is no longer certain...´´
``Vere, I know I haven't been the best person to you, or hell that I was not there when I had to…Alleria, your families funeral, Arator…., hell perhaps even a hundred things more, but we still can m-´´
``Please….if not for me, for you….you deserve better than this´´ Better than I….
``You are making a mistake….´´ He muttered through baited breath.
``I have make a thousand mistakes over my life…..this is not one of them´´ Or at least that was what she wanted to believe. He did not seem to hear her though, a loud scoff coming out from his lips.
``You are afraid and perhaps a bit drunk, I get it...truly I do, but listen to me, Vere. You can not just throw your life away for a spontaneous gut feeling´´ He said, graving her hand and placing it over his chest ``This is not about me, it never has….there is so much more than you can do, that we can do….if only you were to led me in. When have I ever lied to you?´´
Why couldn't he just leave it? Why did he had to hold tight onto the premise like a sailor fighting for his life in a tempest? He sounded desperate. Why did it hurt to even look at it?
Was she making a mistake?
``You said that Alleria´s anger turn her insane, pushing away those she loved because she could not see another way. Don't become like her….´´
Or perhaps not….
She gritted her teeth to the point her guns bled, no matter how truly that statement was, that was a low blow.
``Rhonin...that's enough´´ She muttered, her voice cracking under a quivering lip yet with enough strength to shut whatever words of displeasure were about to sail from the red head mage, forcing him to stand up from his seat and walk back and forth from left to right as he started mumbling things. Waving his arms in clear frustration….
Sadly it would be a short lived respite.
``Alright, so...who was him? ´´
``Who?´´ Her voice still echoed scathingly through her ears.
``The young lad, handsome face, blond hair waving in the air, noble posture of a child's book... cant miss it´´ Said Rhonin waving his hands around his head in exasperation as if he was speaking to a child.
``What about him?´´ She asked, trying to sound as disinterest as possible as thought started to linger in her mind.
``Oh, nothing, just point out how easy going the two were a few moments ago´´
``You were spying on us?´´
``Spying is a rather strong word my dear, more like….observing´´
``Is that jealousy that I sense?´´ She said sarcastically, her smirk growing wider as she observe the baffled look he sent her back.
``Jealousy!? Me!? What in the light could had make you come to that conclusion? I am a grown man my dear, of course I am not!´´
She could not hold it any more, she covered her eyes with her hands as she started to laugh. If things were indeed going to shit between the two tonight, then she would at least try to have the more fun of it.
Beloree knew she would need it.
``Hey! Its not funny, no really Vere, please... cut it out! Of all people you cant do that!´´
``Well, for starters I can do whatever I want, and second he is basically my child´´
``Y-your c-child?´´ Muttered Rhonin in a frantic panic, gone was the anger or rage that was consuming him a moment prior as if it had never been there to begin with. The colour of his face now turning to a deadly shade of white while his eyes remained open wide, shock plastered on his face. He stood there for a while before he lowered his gaze in defeat, not daring to look at her as he set his eyes on the floor.
``Yes, didn't we resemble one another?´´ She said devilishly, grinning at her friend.
``And t-the father?´´ He stuttered, his voice now nothing but a whimper.
Oh Beloree, that face…. it was too much.
``Turallyon of course, who else could be?´´ She said with fake modesty. Flipping her hair to the side as she took a better position.
``B-but Turallyon was married with your-oh Oh! By the light Vere! How t-that happened!?´´ His voice seemed to regain back some of its strength, she could spot a few veins popping over the man's forehead as she did.
``Well, its rather simple you know, it comes when a man and a woman get together and-´´
``N-not that!´´ He exclaimed with haste, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance taking hold on the poor man composure, his face reddening with a bright shade of red. ``Does...does your sister know? He croaked with something close to dread.
``Of course, we are family, we don't keep secrets from one another´´ She replied with an up beat tone.
``Oh..ah...I understand, am sorry for asking….lucky paladin bastard...´´ He muttered in nothing but a whisper that last part to the point that she almost failed to grasped it.
``Well, technically its my eldest sister child but as you know it would be a bit hard to do when stranded in another world or dead for almost three decades, so…. I acted as her foster mother. So there you have it´´
``W-what!?´´
``Someone had to take care of him. Who better than his aunts? ´´
``But you said that he was your...Ah….that..that makes sense, yes totally...´´ He replied, the tension and regaining once again before his eyes open wide, before he hitted her shoulder, the hit aching a bit more than she expected as she sent her left hand to rub the surface affected.
``Hey! What was that for?´´
``You jerk! You trick me thinking he was your flesh and blood!´´
Ah! That…. ``He technically still is….You should had seem your face Rhonin, I wish I could had your expression for all time to see´´
``It seems that time have made you quite the jokester my dear, you could had give poor old me a hear attack´´
``What? What were you thinking inside that red head of yours, Rhonin? I hope nothing...naughty´´ She taunted, a wicked grin on her lips.
``Never mind, you just caught me umprepare, that's it´´ He replied quickly, his face a deep shade of red that would with his own hair as he crossed his arms below his chest as he continued to grumble.
The ghost of a smile threatened to appear, but she managed to bring forth enough will power to quell it. She was sure that he would not be amused if he caught her laughing any further at him.
``So the lad…..is your nephew? I bit short for an elf, no?´´ He snorted with amusement, a curious glint on his eyes. ``Last time I saw him he was barely a few months old..´´
``Half-elf….jerk, besides you are not all that tall yourself´´ She corrected him, a bit on the nose but she could not help it.
``Right, right…. sometimes I forget the simplest of details, I am getting too old for this shit´´ He said with a dejected tone, waving his arms in a placating manner before a bottle materialized from thin air in a flash of light, floating aimlessly as arcane energy held it. He grasped it and quickly uncapped the cork, a strong scent of wine reached her nostrils even before the cap had fallen to the ground.
``Want some?´´ He said as he offered the bottle.
She shook her head ``I will pass…..you know that I am a bit light way with those things anyway..´´
``Suit yourself then...´´ And with that he brought it to his lips, by the time he pull it down it barely held a quarter of its content, wiping away some of the left overs from his face with his sleeve.
``He is lucky to have you watching over him, you know that?´´
``No, its I who is the lucky one….´´ She said softly, and she was certain of that. Even though it had been hard to accept it, to feel their cold skin brush against her fingers knowing their warmth was lost forever, no matter how much pain would bring her to see the reflection of her sister in her nephews eyes…
Arator had been her light in the darkness.
There few things more precious than the laugher of a child.
``You were always too modest with yourself Vereesa…., well I suppose that it would take away some part of your charm if you weren't´´
She glared at him, a brow rose. ``I don't know whether you are flirting with me or complimenting me´´
``Why not both?´´ Was his eloquent answer.
Oh Rhonin….what I am going to do with you..? ``You whine about us elf's not changing over the years, yet here you are, acting just like our first meeting...´´
``I will take that as a compliment´´
``Hmpf, you are impossible...´´
``Even after all this time….the sky shines ever bright…..´´ She mused to herself, her eyes gazing at the stars hanging on the endless dark like candles. ``Tell me, how long do you have before you return to your den, Rhonin?
``A few hours, give or take mostly….why?´´ He replied unsure.
``I know is not much….but would you mind if I give you a tour? For old times sake?´´
``Always...´´
º
Its a bit funny that Arator is basically his own man at this point but Valeera would still need one or two expansions before reaching maturity.