Speech = `` ….. ´´
Thoughts = …
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Kingdom of Quelthalas.
``The more things change the more they stay the same, it feels like it was yesterday when our kind thought themselves the utmost rulers of this continent...´´
It had been a long day, tired eyes gazed indifferently at the cool void of the night sky that had enveloped the world in its silent embrace, now the horizon filled with nothing but an endless tide of stars with the peculiar addition of the auroras in the sky, painting certain zones of this black canvas with garish colours greeted with equal cold reception.
His nose wriggled as the wind brushed softly against his face, unable to put in disarray his immaculate looks yet not stopping the humid sensation spreading around him. It was humid, far too much than what he had expected possible with the barriers around the acting as a filter. But summer storms were nothing out of the ordinary…the northern winds of the arctic lands beyond were growing stronger with each passing day.
He did not attempted to search for the silvery reflection of the twin moons, who remained obscured by a thick curtain of clouds in the skies. His eyes narrowed slightly as he tried in futility to peer through it, that should not have been possible, not with the rune stones.
Something far more potent was at work he realized, but what he could not say. Without taking that into consideration it would seem that it would just like any other night at the capital if only for one little, simple but special detail…
It was then that he finally turned around, moving away from the distant star light washing over the balcony into the shrouded darkness that filled the room, only bereft by the timid candlelight of a series of strategic placed spell fires. Large shadows protruding into every direction from the flames with each blow of wind slipping through the open window.
Still, he would not have need of them in revealing the wayward visitor leaning comfortably against the silky surface of her seat, nor the ice cold glare burning holes on his back emanating from one could only consider as delicate features.
There was no chain mail or reinforced leather covering her midriff as she usually wore with her military gadget, exposing to the elements her taut stomach, the marred scars that he could spot not diminishing anything in the slightest, in fact it seemed to add to the aura of danger and mystery around her. With no hood to imprison it, her hair had been let loose over her shoulders, the poor lighting giving the sensation that it glowed at times. A cup of wine rested over one of her hands while the other held her head in a pensative look, legs crossed.
Most would have melt under the sway of such beautiful visage, almost as if come out from ones wildest dreams. He sneered at the foolishness of those who tried, for he only could see a predator making itself at home at his own expense...
The two of them had clashed enough times for him not to mistake her coming, or her favourite pass time to get something of him. Annoying him...
``I have to admit, with all the things that have been going on at a national and international level, meeting with you was not one of them…..´´ He muttered, finally reaching her and taking the only seat that was standing before her. A chess board standing between them, a lot more white shaded pieces out of it than blacks.
He was loosing...
``Already regretting opening that door?´´ Sylvanas voice was mellow, almost apologetic but he knew she was being sarcastic. Those sharp eyes of hers were enough as a give away as it was.
She shook his head. ``Not at all, our meetings are all too few and far between, even less as time when on. If you ask me I could have said that you were keen to avoid my presence….´´ He mused, moving his knight forward.
She chuckled, a hint of mirth in her voice as she pushed a pawn to his knights left. ``You should not take that to heart, Romath. I avoid everyone up here...when you tread over a den of vipers you don't stick for any of them to bite you...its just common sense´´
``Ever the diplomat General…., no wonder you are always an unending source of gossip´´ He took Sylvanas pawn and placed his rook in is place instead, securing his knight and giving him wide berth to approach the opposing king.
``We both know we have not come here to do anything better than hear about your fellows´´ She replied dryly as she snatched his rook form his fingers as she brought forward her remaining bishop that had magically appeared at his left and sweep the table.
For someone who was overly aggressive with her words she seemed to chose a rather reactive than proactive approach at his attempts. Allowing him to prod all he wanted only for her to jump at the throat when the occasion arose.
He clasped his fingers together, glaring at her with a pensive look. ``Which begs the question, why are you here´´
She remained silent for a second before she cocked her head to the right, placing away the cup of wine from her lips into the table. ``Were you not taught that is bad manners to asks questions you already know the answer? ´´ She said mischievously, one of her fangs slowly showing as she barely leaned forward.
``It almost seems as if you were the host of my humble abode instead of a peculiar guest who headbutted its way in…if I may add´´ He laughed, though there was no mirth in his voice as he moved his tower to the other end of the board, taking one of her knights in the process.
``My oh my, headbutted my way in…? You must have spent too much time with your low class clients for you are starting to sound more and more like them , your magisters friends will be horrified once they hear about this…. ´´ She fired back, placing her own tower right in front of the line of sight of his own.
A threat or warning of sorts as he now found his opening slowly closing by on itself…, he did not like it.
``What they don't know wont hurt them, though I am not the only one acting out of character my dear General, who was the one that said that was not interested about gossip?´´ This earned a shrug from her shoulders, clearly not convinced though he did not care much.
It was easier to twist the kings arm than change the blond stubborn nature when an idea crossed her mind.
``Fair enough, though to your information...fate is such a fickle thing, you don't know what you will end up doing, or going to end up doing…., curious thing isn't it´´
``As curious as the reasons that must have brought you here, my lady...´´ He quipped back, pulling another pawn from the Generals defence line, though only to lose it a few seconds later.
Sylvanas rolled her eyes. ``Lets get the pleasantries off the way, Romath….we both have wasted enough time as it is...´´
A side glance at the ever tickling sound of the clock on the wall spoke of the few hours left before dawn took place and he was forced back at his office. Perhaps it was true…, with a tired sigh he resigned to end their back and forth and finally start on far more pressing matters.
``Lordaeron...´´ He spoke out the name as slowly as he could, as if he was dragging the name through the ground as he moved a bishop forward, taking away Sylvanas tower in the process. The mentioning of the former human city brought a barely perceptible change in the woman's ears as they grew straighter. It only took him a few seconds for him to realize it. He knew what it was going to asked if not demanded of him, the things that would be needed for such event to occur and also how improbable it would be for that to even come to pass…
He would have smiled had he not reigned himself not to, no matter how ruthless she was, it seemed that some of the wrong placed kindness of the youngest remaining Windrunner had had rub on her. There could not have been any other explanation to risk so much for so little reward…..
Or this was another of the Generals stunts, there was only one way to know for sure.
`` Of course…., there are to few things going on within our lands to catch your attention, Sylvanas. You should pardon my lack of focus on such matters for there are so many things to plan and schedule for me to spent my time with the goings of the sheep weeping outside our walls. Surely you understand it? ´´ He said dryly, though putting special emphasis on the last words as he waved one of his arms to the side to reinforce the statement. His eyes never leaving hers as he awaited for any sort of reaction.
She would not disappoint him.
A scowl started to morph around her face, a small twitch in her left eye. ``Noted, it is not as I have not heard the same tale from the high echelons of the nobility already…, as if they would not care´´
He cocked his head to the left, though his face remained stuck in a stoic expression his thoughts were anything by, his eyes narrowed in a fruitless effort to catch a glimpse of whatever machinations may being hatched in his guest mind as her words echoed within his mind. What she aiming at?
``Surely you are not implying that the noble Queldorei are shying away from their obligations to protect the lesser races, are you?´´ A question that both of them knew the answer for adding to injury.
``Romath...´´ She cut him off. The words were laced with neither blunt annoyance or hot anger, but a frigid calmness, her eyes having narrowed into a pair of thin slits. Her fangs finally showing from those plump, lethal lips.
Play time was over it seemed..
``I see, my apologies, I may have been carried away. I wasn't my intention to mean that´´ He hung his head in an apologetic gesture.
``Still, the question lingers in the air, why should I help you? No matter how you look at it, though noble your efforts seem to be on the loosing side. It would reflect poorly on me to try tip the scales if the handles are hot red´´
She did not seem to mind his words though, in fact the tension in her features started to lessen.``Actually, now that you speak about it…., its rather simple really, surprisingly even….you may not even believe it yourself..´´ She chuckled to herself, a playful glint in her eyes, one of her fingers circling around the edges of her cup before she brought it to her lips.
The words stroke a cord deep inside as their touch felt icy in his grasp. He tried not to rise his head too fast once the words reached his ears, knowing well enough that she too was gauging his reaction.
And so he remained there, gazing at her, the moonlight reflecting over their dim lit room in a shade of silver. His mind flashed to a number of different questions, trying to pry what schemes his female counterpart may have hatched during her stay before he decided to use some of the Generals own direct approach.
``And what would that be?´´ He smiled at her, though the gesture was lost with the enchanted scarf around his neck
``You will help me because is in your best interest…., without me you will never reach that position that you have been ogling all this years, having to let the likes of Dharkams to covet what you desire another century or two since he became the kings favourite pet, for Belorees sake... I am still surprised, who knew that brain rot vermin with only kissing thoroughly his majesty's ass he would get what he wanted´´
An opinion he too shared, sadly...
Her words rang in his mind, but he merely shook his head, a fake look of hurt on his face. If she was expecting for him to lash out at it he would not give her the satisfaction, unlike many others he had a pride to maintain.
``Truly, you must think little of me if you believe I would harbour any ill feelings towards the student of Belo´vir. Such condescension is beneath me as it should be in you my dear...´´
``Please, don't get cute with me Lord Magister, we don't have the luxury of doing what is the morally thing to do, we both know the way it eats you inside, how close yet so far away from the position you desire as the kings right hand. You can try to shied away from them, deny them under all the pretences of civility you can name but at the end of the day..you despise them for having what you consider yours..´´
``Your imagination is growing wilder by the minute general, what you imply is nothing short of madness.., besides..what do they have that I already do?´´ He remarked in a flat voice as he eyed her carefully, but if he thought that would be the end of it he was sorely mistaken.
``Is it? Is it really though?´´ She asked, her sultry voice echoing inside the room though he did not answered back, a dangerous glint on his eyes as he held his ground. Gods she was relentless...and he hated her for that, for been so insufferable right.
His hands slowly closed tightly, the wooden surface of the chair creaking under the new found pressure. He was grateful for the cloth covering his mouth for he would not have been able to stop the grimace that had formed.
``There is nothing to feel ashamed of, Romath….is only natural to grow bitter at those who grow fat and complacent from the results of your hard work, that flaring desire for more nagging you at each second. You, like most of our own compatriots have ambition running through your veins than blood´´
He viewed wise not to comment on the sheer absurdity of her statement, more so when in truth he knew to be true.
She left a sigh leave her lips, tiredness winning over the wariness that had flashed for a second. ``You must be wondering what am I really talking about so I will cut tot he chase for both our sakes, the options are simple, you either aid my little project and get what you want, or you can prepare getting on your knees for a little while longer before your rivals...if there is anything left of you that is... ´´
``Pardon me, but isn't it a bit preposterous of someone such yourselves to state such claim while also wishing nothing to do with politics? Your position is strong, that I shall admit but you can not change the already settle board because of a whim. You would only incur chaos that while useful for some individuals to thrive, right now is the least thing we need´´
``Is it? Or is that what you would like to believe?´´
``Is it I or of all your sisters, you are the only one who speaks as if you were stabbing someone when negotiating with me?´´ He really did not like the guffaw of amusement leaving her lips, it felt as if he was not aware of a very funny joke.
``Of all my sisters I am the only one who would not literally stab you for dealing with you´´ She replied with a guffaw. It seemed that she found it funny the way the situation was derailing.
``All too true, such aggressive negotiations….its no wonder none of my comrades wishes to stay in the same room with you, general. You would make them agree with anything´´
``I don't think I will lose any sleep because of it´´ She replied candidly.
``No I don't think you would´´ He calmly agreed, a playful glint on his eyes as he moved `` Still, it remains true that you were always fond of theatrics, perhaps too much´´
She raised an eyebrow at that. ``Is there a problem with it?´´
``Not at all, merely stating a fact that you always seem fond to neglect. Now, what is that you want…., general. As well as the fact that you do not think this will be a partnership of sorts, no…, someone as proud like you would not allow that´´
``What makes you believe such thing?´´ She shot an accusatory glance at her now empty cup before she retrieved the bottle and started filling it up once again.
``You have always been a masterfully speaker Sylvanas, a liar? Not so much...´´
``One would think that the two could come hand in hand, specially taking into consideration the roles we play in our little world...´´ She narrowed her eyes in suspicion, yet she could not hide away the curiosity glinting from them as she glanced at him.
``Not if you are a Windrunner...´´
He was not wrong, not entirely. Even though pylars of their society for their distinct skills in military matters, their straightforward tendencies and lack of touch with the wordplay were mostly the same reason their attempts in the great game were not as substantial as they could have been.
Though Sylvanas was just more versed in the game than her fellow sisters, that did not grant her all knowing knowledge of those playing it by centuries in advance. She may know how to play it, but she despised it all the same.
It was then that she uncrossed her legs, a thoughtful look warped on her face for a second before it vanished as fast as it came, leaving only a cold mask of professionalism. Adding more to the unease that was crawling inside him.
``You have always been way too smart for your own good´´ He could not help but frown for a second before he waved in an easy going manner at her.
``In the world we live is the only way to survive and have a meaningful live, wouldn't you agree?´´ She did not speak out right away, instead her eyes wandered lost at something past him for a few seconds before they switched back to him.
``Too true...´´
``So what really are you playing this time...my general?´´ He finally inquired with some sense of satisfaction of taking the reins of the conversation, yet he received no immediate answer. Instead Sylvanas remained passive in her seat, his eyes unable to peer through the wall she had erected to view her thoughts.
It was only when he heard her sigh loudly that he knew that whatever they had started had already come to an end. So why was his heart pumping faster?
``No more games, no more lies….you will be a tool I will employ to fix this refugee disaster that has presented in our front door, nothing else...nothing more...´´ The words were uttered with a finality that was hard to miss, as if she had uttered some sort of universal truth that could not be argued.
His teeth started to grind against one another, the bitter taste of iron quickly reaching his senses by the pressure alone.
Such arrogance….
``Tool, such a measly tittle you have bested upon me….should I feel overjoyed about that?´´
``What you feel or stop feeling is matters little to me, as you already know, the human kingdom is in complete disarray if not outright destroyed. Those who made it here will not survive for long thanks to his majesty nature. Sadly We cant push twenty six thousand souls away with out leading way to violent incidents´´
``Isn't your duty to deal with such situations on your own?´´
``Is my duty to see it fix in an efficient way…., these sort of events change nothing´´ She rebuke him as if she was speaking to a child.
``And how would you use this tool? I may be a magister of renown, but I am neither in command of a fleet of battleships nor I can turn gold everything I touch´´ He said calmly, giving her a mocking ovation in the process.
``Are you sure? I think I heard that every time you rub two gold coins a third pops up...´´ She cheerfully replied.
``Sylvanas...´´ He quickly admonished her, right now he was not up for the jokes of that variety. He had enough of them at his time in his office with his co-workers.
A single look told him that she did not seemed repentant in the slightest. ``Right, my bad..how you ask? Well…, using your vast network in the shipyards of course´´ She stated as if it was the most simplest thing in the world.
His clenched jaw moved as he gritted his teeth, anger seething his every been but still trying to held himself in check. A fight was the last thing he was looking for. ``Preposterous what makes you-´´ His voice died out in an instant as she cut him off, slamming her hand over the table. Cracks appearing all around it like the webs of a spider.
``You see..., you may have held up for a while your hardworking good Samaritan character, always giving a hand towards those troubled bussinesess, always diligent in your tasks and never acting out of place. At a first glance you would look like the proper citizen, wouldn't you say? After all, it was you who said that such actions had to be done to survive our world...´´
Cold sweat started crawling behind his back, his breath coming to a brief halt as his mind tried to conjure a dozen different scenarios of how this would play. Each one far darker than the last. He could feel his fangs clawing their way through his lips, allowing for the bitter taste of blood flowing soon after.
It could not be, she couldn't be meaning that she had found about it. It surely had to be a ploy, a scheme to make him lose ground, to make him more compliant especially when she had asked for his aid not even ten minutes ago. He raged internally, whatever she may had found he could not allow it to go any further.
``That is enough general, this slight upon my person will not be taken lightly for I don't find funny the hidden implications of your deluded accusations. Leave my home for I have nothing to say to you´´ He warned her, his voice running cold as ice as he never wavered his gaze from hers. And yet, much to his chagrin she did not even flinch, continuing on as if his words had been carried away by the wing.
``But just as the beautiful pretence that our ancestors employed in the creation of this piece of shit that we proudly called a nation, that as well…., was only a facade. Though one that you have kept rather well, congratulations….only those with a brain between their heads know your true self´´
He shook his head, not buying anything at all. She was surely only projecting over him what she knew or believed to know. There was nothing that confirmed her words whatsoever. He would continue to play it safe…., it was the only way.
She was relentless….
``Nonsense..´´
`Do you know how they call you those in the Academy? In the council? A visionary or a sneaky rat, the truth then must reside somewhere in between….´´
``If we are using the words of third parties to accuse me of any wrong doing wouldn't your high self be subjected to the same treatment? I believe that there are many more stories circling around you General than little old me...´´
This seemed to only spark a greater flame in her attempts as she started leaning closer, muscles growing tenser with each passing second, her eyes no longer viewing him like a sentient being but prey.
``Why the need to be so defensive Romath? Surely if it was false then you should not feel the need to defend yourself with such ferocity? No, it doesn't matter, you may have funded the fifty percent of the shipyards of our nation, gave funds to those merchants whose merchandise could not be sold or even fixed problems in the guilds, a noble gesture if it was committed without ulterior motives but even then a good action does not wash away a bad one´´
``And pray tell what are these "bad" actions that I have committed?´´
``Does the law of regulation and fair prices rings a bell? No, of course you do….you are too active to not know it´´
``I am merely strictly speaking a well intentioned businessman...´´
``Strictly speaking you are more than that, you have complete control not only of the merchant guild but as well as those distribution of steel , meaning their ships, their men and resources are yours, even if their actual patrons believe otherwise. And those businesses you aided? You were the one in the first place who forced them almost into bankruptcy, then buying their loyalty with gold and promises, and before you knew it you were the third most richest guy in town. More than I reluctantly admit...´´
``You accuse me of thievery and conspiracy on what could be more easily explained by sheer brilliance and skills of my talents in the market´´
``Is easy to get things done when you are the one holding half of the markets prizes, a direct violation of the law of regulation and fair prices that forbids political figures from interfering in the market´´
``Pray tell, what would your so called friends do once they get wind of this?´´
``You have words, but you have nothing on me. Nothing Sylvanas...´´
``Nothing, eh?´´ Her lips morphed into a savage grin, a mockery of her once respectful countenance. It was then that he knew, that it had been all a game, and that he had been walking on her palm all this time.
``What are y-´´
``Then this book of yours just pop out of thin air?´´
In a split second he stood out from his seat, a wave of magic erupted from him, blasting away his seat and cracking some one the windows in the process, the very room they stood started shaking like a thunderous storm rocking a lone ship in the middle of the ocean. Cracks forming around his feet over the once delicate marble.
``You dare come into my home, drink my wine and play games only to blackmail me!?´´ He spatted with, his eyes glowing with arcane power as he pointed at hand at her. To his credit she seemed unfazed by the whole ordeal, rubbing her lips with one of her fingers as if she was smearing away a stain.
The coldness in her eyes was the only thing that stopped him from lashing any further.
``Blackmail is a rather ugly word, strongly advising is more like it, wouldn't you agree? Besides, its only natural with the situation at hand that I would need all available ships to take as much as they can and sail down the cost towards the closest Alliance port they can find. I also want those ships supplied with all they would need for the travel, no reason to send them on the ships if they are going to eat each other on the way..´´ She said as she stood out from her seat.
``You came with both an offer and a threat to my doorstep, I knew you were ruthless, but it seems that you are not as direct as one would think, Sylvanas´´
``That's the problem with you lot, you always overestimate yourselves as the only ones who can play the game. Take pride that I find you more useful that those arseholes at the council..at least you open your door to me´´
And what a terrible mistake it was… He could not avoid that feeling of hopelessness from washing over him on the spot, forcing him down to pull his seat and sit down for he did not believe he would be able to withstand the rest of this conversation up. He felt so tired….
``You are asking quite many things, and in not such a great spam of time I may add´´
Sylvanas merely shrugged. ``You will figure it out, you are after all the great and mighty Lord Romath…´´
``Appealing now to my pride? Planing to seduce me now?´´ He scoffed bitterly.
She merely gave him a side glance, a fake playful smirk warping around her lips as she started rubbing the edge of her cup. The sound of the wood of the seat barely creaking as she started leaning against it.
``Was I too obvious….?´´
Romath merely smiled bitterly back at her, and even the action weighed heavily on him.
``You are no fun Romath, did you know that?´´
``Then lets keep it professional….´´
``Good, I would rather keep it that way...´´ She stated sternly, a deep scowl on her features as she held his gaze. By the time he thought that the two of them would remain like that for a long while she broke her gaze, landing her eyes at the board below before they switched back to him, a playful smirk appearing soon after. ``Game over, Romath...´´ Earning a perplex look from him as he tried to make heads of what she had just said, it would not take him long though as his eyes roamed the board that had remained left untouched by the prior outburst.
Grinning his teeth to the point to draw blood he closed his hands into tight fists. He could feel the bile rise through his throat, its burning touch leaving nothing but bitterness and rage behind his once polite husk. His eyes unable to move away from a certain piece that should not have been there in the first place.
His king, once shielded by his pieces now remained cornered against the wall with the black Queen as its jailer.
``How did yo-´´
That is not part of the game, isn't it?´´ She was right, much to his chagrin. He sighed in resignation as he acknowledge that he had lost, again….
With one hand he rubbed his forehead as he tried to fight off the early symptoms of the migraine that threatened to split his head in two, his remaining arm lunged forward grabbing one of the bottles of wine rolling over the floor before systematically empting it. And yet not even the fiery taste of the wine could fight off the defeatism that had taken hold of his very soul in that moment.
He was at the jaws of the beast, literally at this point. He could not fight nor he could not ran away, what was left to do after that? Nothing, nothing at all. And he hated that even more, that feeling of been hanging by a thread that could be at any moment if he ever so dare step out of line.
If only there was something he could do, a gap in her machinations, in his situation as he pondered what sort of results such scenarios would give birth. Suddenly his eyes widened in surprise, an idea dawning mercilessly in his mind as his neck turned around at breath taking speed.
There was away out, one where he could not only survive but also thrive on the chaos that would ensure. At any point in time he would rather fight alongside the devils he knew rather than been chewed by the monster that threaten to devour him all in the spam of a second, but sometimes war made for strange bed partners….
His lips quivered for a second as the idea crossed his mind a thousand times, knowing full well the implications of what would happen if she refused. Luckily for him, if he had been backing everything on luck he would have called quits already.
``No´´ He spoke out softly, yet loud enough draw her attention.
``No?´´ She parroted on the spot, her voice mellow yet not exempt of coldness as if the word tasted foreign to her, her fingers starting to tap the table with a rapid growing speed in exasperation.
``No´´ He reaffirmed himself as he shook his head vehemently, trying to hold onto the security it brought to him like a sailor to the last broken wrecked of their sinking ship. ``Even if I aid you, your pressure in the council wont have the necessary power to tip the scales in my favour. What we need is something shocking, to draw their attention´´
``Continue on...´´ She demanded more than said.
``You may have discovered the crimes he has committed through out the years, you may be able to sing them all in the throne room for all to hear, but with your previous mishaps and with Darkhams position as the "Kings pet" as you stated previously….you would fall short.
``You seem rather sure….´´
``How sharp of you general, anyway... you would need tangible proof...something that they would not be able to whisk away and close their eyes to the truth´´
``I suppose you know what is it that I am suppose to find, is it not?´´
``Indeed...´´
``So tell me so that we can get this over with quickly´´
``No, because even if you know what to look for, you would not know how to make the splash if you act now...´´
``Does the time table matter? We don't have much time to waste...´´
``Everything...´´ He stated, conviction drawing out from every pore of his body as he stood out from his seat. Earning a look from the Ranger General in the process though she did not seem in much hurry to follow his example, he approached the balcony again, but this time not with the intention to star gaze but collect his thoughts.
It was now time for Sylvanas to narrow her eyes in frustration, leaning forward. ``Explain….´´
``We both know that even a useless man such as Dharkam he must have need of a notebook to make sure his...nefarious dealings are all under control, I have the information but I need prove of his actions. A week from today Darkham will celebrate a party in which several members of the council and some important families will participate, myself not included of course. I want you to retrieve the book and cause some damage while you are at it….´´
``Damage you say?´´
``After all, with so many guests it would not be surprising if a candle were to be knock over and start a fire….´´
``You want me to retrieve those documents when the security would be at its highest, before the noses of hundreds of dozens of different members of the noble houses and the council…and cause a health hazard as well?´´ She summarized, a hint of amusement in her voice as she awaited for his confirmation. At any given moment he too would have been puzzled by such requirements, life surely had ways to surprise one self, didn't it?
``Indeed, what better way than to deliver such debilitating blow that would last for the ages than the very day he brings forth all the can muster to shine over his peers?´´
``I thought you said you were not one for theatrics and meaningless drama...´´
``You believe you will fail?´´
Sylvanas did not rose to the bait, instead leaning against her chair. An unreadable expression on her face. ``Then we are in an agreement, the only thing left to discuss would be the day of the transaction...´´
That sparked something within him, though he could not yet tell. Placing down the cup he eyed her carefully. ``I take that you have someone in mind for such endeavour, I hope you are not going to send one of your minions. For secrecy's sake...´´
``Don't worry, I know just the one...´´
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Kingdom of Quelthalas: The royal docks.
For a summer night after these long days with the sun melting down the pavement this night was awfully cold, at least at the docks. Even under the cover of the warehouse he could feel the humid winds slip through the cracks on the old wood. Brushing against his face as some sort of wet blanket.
Annoying, but bearable, much better than sweating buckets and having to deal with the stink later on.
Perhaps for once in a long time the colder weather of Lordaeron had managed to slip through the city barriers. With all the stories he had been hearing out of lately it would not be that strange to imagine that some sort of Dalaran mage had created a snow storm by accident and it was moving around the kingdoms borders. With humans one never knew, they were the likes to be mesmerized with their first fire ball like children looking after candy.
Perhaps he could sell that gossip to those retards at the West side of the city, they surely would not know better.
But it would not be much to pay for the last catch of dwarven merchandise that had they had slipped by before the borders were fully closed, they needed something more….productive. Too bad that the amount of patrols had magically increased. Those ill witted, know it all buffoons, sticking their noses in the business of respectable people like him, disrupting the market….
A tired sigh left his lips. Still, things were not bad, business going a bit stale with the way things had been going was nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to worry about in the short term.
That did not meant he was not getting a bit tired of having to hear the childish whining of the brats, who by misfortune had fallen ill when getting almost caught by a blast of frost when they had tried to mug a mage.
Poor idiots…
He almost pity them, almost...for there was no way he enjoyed having them jumping around him, disturbing his moments of peace in their vane hopes of getting on his good graces. Like vultures circling around corpses
The image of a certain blond midget appeared on his mind briefly, the ghost of a smile warping soon after. At least she doesn't pretend to like me…. And though such images managed to alleviate him from he weight of his charges, that did not stop that dreadful, languishing feeling of boredom from settling in.
Good thing that something….., or more accurately, someone had come to free him from this boredom.
He or she were good, he had to give her that. Not many where capable of getting through the slums with no one noticing, and lest not said getting inside his warehouse. It took a certain level of skill, one he knew wasn't easy to find out and not hear about.
But he had no lived this long to be caught by surprise like the sorry excuses that tried to call themselves his students. It did not matter how good she could merge with the shadows, or how she could move around with barely a sound echoing through for there were two reasons to have nothing to fear.
For whenever it was, they were no rogue and he knew where they were, hanging right over the ceiling above him.
If it came to a fight he would not be an easy picking, but perhaps it didn't have to come to that...after all, why waste all of time when they could have just get it over with?
``It´s not like I mind…., not at all really, but for how long are you gonna keep me waiting while you hang from up there?´´
``Boss, with who are you talking about?´´ Asked one of the boys near enough to hear him, a puzzled look on his face. He did not pay him no mind, his attention was fully centred on what would be the intruders next move.
As he uttered the last word he could sense the sound of cloth brushing against the wind before the wooden floor cracked if ever so slightly as the mysterious individual landed on the ground rather smoothly. Finally allowing him to get a good view on who it really was as he ignored the distress gasp of surprise of some of the brats that remained behind him.
It was a woman, even though her body was mostly hidden away by the thick black cloak or the hood obscuring her features he knew a feminine slender body when he saw it. And an armed one at that if the metal glint from both a knife hanging from her waist and her armour was anything to go by.
Blue, it was coloured blue he realized….
``You don't look like a guard….´´ Was all that he said, his face not showing an ounce of emotion as his eyes wandered over her, searching for any sign of heraldry that could tell more of who she served, but most importantly, what she was doing there...
``I am not´´ She said dryly as she slowly rose from the ground.
``I know, that's what I said right now...´´ He replied calmly, placing one of his legs over the other before he lit a small pipe. He could hear the gasp of surprise from afar as more people started to realize the presence of the intruder in the middle of the warehouse. How slow could they be? It had been wise not to put much faith in them to begin with for any more laborious tasks.
``…..´´
``And by your smell I take that you are not from around here, so not a member from another gang...not with those looks anyway´´ He muttered, though more to himself than anyone else.
``You are the Striker´´ It wasn't a question, but rather a statement. He did not need to be a seer to notice that she knew who he was, she was just been polite about it, how touching….
And yet neither of them were moved by it, in fact the way they confronted one another in barely hostile silence felt like an unspoken opinion the two of them held of one another.
``Depends who is asking´´ He said, leaning against the chair in a rather carefree manner yet his eyes never wavering from her form, it was never good to lose sight of the other, not even for a second.
``Someone...´´
``Someone, eh? Real cute, girl….well, if you don't want to say then don't, names are such annoying things...even though you know mine. But let me warn you, if you were looking for a good laid then you came to right neighbourhood though at the wrong hour..´´
The words were meant to study her, to see what sort of reaction they would entice from her. It always gave a rather precise prescription of what kind of person he dealt with, gave him space to manoeuvrer his next words.
``…...´´
He rose an eyebrow. ``The silent treatment? Youngsters these days…not able to take a joke here and there´´ His smirk died out once he noticed that she remained as impassive as a wall ``Alright, no more jokes…., now care to explain to me why you are here? As you can see...I can not peer through one owns mind though it would be a nice trick if I may add´´
He had expected firstly for her to keep quiet, glaring him to death with those soulless eyes….or just turn around. What he was not expecting was for her to move towards him at a rather rapid speed, one of her hands disappearing within her cloak by the time she was just seven paces from him.
All the alarms rang inside his head as his free hand quickly grasped the hilt of his dagger, the sound of the blade scratching the sheath barely audible, ready to plunge it inside her heart but when hand came back it wasn't the cold glint of steel that greeted him but a rather plain and harmless parchment of paper that she swiftly yet carefully placed before him.
With a grunt he placed back his weapon on its sheath and studied the letter. He silently berated himself on how he had been almost fooled.
If the boys heard about it he would not heard the end of it.
It was nothing of the ordinary, in fact he could have confused it with any other letter in his improvised desk. It was obvious that they had hide under such poor state whatever message they wished to communicate. A way to lose track of any spies, perhaps? Quickly and without care he tore the meagre seal of wax before finally exposing its colourful insides into the light.
His eyes widened for a second as they noticed the writing over it. He had been expecting many things, but not what laid before his eyes.
A blue golden shield with a scarlet phoenix at its center surrounded by swords and arrows welcome him. He recognise it, it was impossible not to. A growl of amusement left his lips as he met her eyes once again, holding the letter with renew respect. It seemed that business would no longer be stale in his side of the neighbourhood.
He loved when his problems fixed themselves. What was not to like?
``I have to say, that is been a while since I have seem your kin around…..., you usually avoid us small folk, watching us from the distance with your expensive gear and capes…. what happened this time? Someone bothered your boss or something?´´ He chuckled as he placed the letter over his desk, puffing a trail of smoke through his lips.
``I don't think questions are part of the job prescription´´
Silent and to the point….screams military, rangers? It was not that he did not recognise the armour, but anyone willing to deal with them was surely a client that wished for secrecy, having their intermediaries moving around in disguises was the most sensible thing.
Unless the client was powerful enough not to care about such fancy things…, how interesting.
``No they are not´´ He answered in kind, nodding at her weakly.
``Good, I take you will contact us once the deed is done´´
``What makes you think I will accept? For all that matters I could just toss this sorry waste of paper to the fire and be done with it. What your master is asking is rather...dangerous, we would rather not get the heat of such mess once chaos commences´´
``Are you the Striker or just a chatter box?´´ She replied, her voice finally showing a small hint of annoyance as her steel like eyes cut through him with ease. It was clear that for her everything was done and there was no need to waste any more time.
He merely shrugged, crossing his legs while he was at it, one of his hands searching his pockets for a pair of matches to lit up again his crafted dwarven pipe though not finding any of them. A scowl formed around his lips as he retracted his hand from it. He surely had lost them again in his other pants, as usual.
``Fair enough….double...´´
``Double?´´ Her voice cracked slightly at the end, her blazing blue eyes narrowing a second later.
``Indeed, you want this done sooner rather than later, and I doubt is going to be the usual mugging idiots on the streets. I want the double of the original fee, for insurance of course´´
``What makes you think I will be foolish enough to do that when I could find someone else far more cheaper?
``Can you take the chance?´´
May it be blind bravery or down right stupidity he could not help but utter those words, prompting her to take a step forward. For a few seconds the two remained silent, allowing for the words to stew in their minds as they prepared themselves for the worst. His ears perked at the sound of blades been drawn out, possibly the boys ready themselves for what looked that would be a fight. Brave foolish boys….
It almost felt like an eternity when her lips parted ways, almost as if reluctant to move.
``The rest will come once the job is done, not any moment sooner...´´
Well, that would wrap it up. Not the best deal he had managed in his lifetime but he supposed it would be the best thing he would get from it.
``A pleasure to make deals with y-´´ Before he could finish he had to duck to the side as she pounced on him, one arm barely grabbing tightly his throat while a blade cut through the air until it rested over his chest, ready to pierce his heart. His own blade was pointed at the small hole between the neck and chest pieces of her armour
A second later and he would have failed to place his blade in any useful location.
``When I asked if you were looking for some physical contact this was not what I was expecting, girl...´´ He chuckled, but his words fell on deaf ears, feeling the growing pressure of the blade slowly nicking away the leather of his jacket. Craving for the soft flesh underneath.
``Fail and your head will be the last thing you will regret missing from your neck´´
``Girl….we never fail´´
And with that he felt the cold touch of the blade slowly move away from him, she quickly moved away from him without a word, disappearing from sight into the dark of the night. He does not mind, rather deciding to breath in and out, taking slow deep breaths with each passing second.
That had been close, a lot more for comfort.
``I pity the bastard who goes for her heart….´´
``That went better than expected...for a second I thought she would jam that big ass knife in to your guts boss´´ Spoke out one of the boys who with her out of the way had decided to close the distance between them. ``But do you think it is a good idea? Perhaps is a trap to get us all to the shade...or worse´´
He merely bristles in annoyance, sometimes he could not imagine what crossed the minds of these children. ``If she wanted me dead she would have just shove it up my skull the first time she got, not waste time hiring us...´´ He barked loudly at the boy.
That seemed to push away whatever doubts lingered as they nodded weakly at him.
Fools, all of them….., and they believed themselves good enough to be his crew? Preposterous. The very same boy from earlier approached him
``I see…., then what should we do now bos-´´ His words came to an abrupt halt as a fist was slammed against his face, the sound of bones cracking for a second before the young boy was sent flying to the ground like a sack of potatoes, blood pouring down a broken nose into the dirty floor.
``You? Nothing at all, the fact that you did not seem to notice her presence is worth for punishment, that goes for All of you ungrateful wretches! All of this training and you can not even notice a fucking ranger in the middle of our own turf!?´´
``I-we apologize sir...I-we promise we will do bett-´´
``I don't wanna hear it, rat. All I hear is your pitiful mumbling. Scram now before I decide to turn that ugly face of yours into mush. Now about this job…, I think is time she ears her rent for the month...´´
A look of realization dawned over the boys bleeding face, looking at him bewildered as if he had grown a second head on the spot.
``You mean...she?´´ He all but meekly sputtered out, as if not fully believing what he was asking.
``Did I stutter?´´ He all but growled, what was with the boys today? Asking stupid questions and acting like a bunch of school girls?
``No boss, right away...´´
He left a tired sigh as he saw the idiot ran away as fast as he could, not knowing the more than surely beating he was gonna get from her once he pocked his nose into her business. She always seemed to have a bone to pick with anyone in his merry band.
Now that he could enjoy the silence of solitude he leaned against his chair, the ghost of a smile threatening to break the frown over his lips. What could he get with all that gold?
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/ I hope that all of you are enjoying how the story is going. Though I tried I don't know if I managed to stablish that cool aura of superiority and down right vanity Sylvanas has or the way her peers see her in an intellectual level, the way she acts around different people pre-scourge and post-scourge have always been something that drawled my attention in other fics I have seem /
/ Feel free to comment and leave your opinions about the story, after all..., feedback is fundamental for a good relation between readers and author /