"Then you'll have to leave here empty handed." Kalvor replied through gritted teeth. "I'm not going to say yes and I don't think Lea will,"
The Night Elf gave a sigh and his eyes flickered to the ceiling. "You're a fool," He repeated. "If Arthas and Deathwing are not stopped, you won't be able to keep them safe. So I'm not leaving until I can talk to Leanadas personally." Kalvor shot a venomous look across the table. "Because you can't speak for her and she needs to know my offer." His gaze flickered over Kalvor's tense frame and he continued. "And I think you'd better relax, you don't want to start anything violent before the children." nodding across at the two curious faces that were watching them in interest.
"Fine," Kalvor replied as he settled back in the chair. "Stay if you wish." He turned back to the children and continued to convince them to eat their meal.
Leanadas hurried through the Dalaran streets towards the inn. Her last encounter here had left her wary of revealing her identity as she walked past the mass of humans, elfs, orcs and trolls that mixed in a tense, enforced peace. Stepping through the doors of the Legerdemain Lounge, she paused at the sight of a different Night Elf sat with Kalvor. For a brief moment, fear surged through her as years of hostility reasserted herself. Hesitatingly, she crossed the floor towards the group. Salantir and Alianne had finished eating and were staring at the Kalvor and his guest with curiosity. Her heart thumping loudly in her chest, she approached the table. Kalvor was staring intensely at the other man, his hand twitching close to the knife on his belt.
"What's going on?" She asked as she approached the table, heart thrumming lightly as she took in the tense tableau.
"Lea, this man is..." Kalvor started to speak, but was interrupted by the Night Elf.
"My name is Loren Mistrunner," He reached forward to take her hand. "I represent the Argent Crusade,"
"What do you want?" She asked as they shook hands.
"Straight to the point, I like it," He smiled. "I want you to join us."
Lea glanced across at Kalvor, taking in the tense and hostile stance of his body. She turned her gaze back to Loren and nodded for him to continue. "Go on,"
Loren allowed himself a taut smile before he continued. Leanadas listened as she sat down at the table, her fingers reaching out to Kalvor as she settled into the chair. Kalvor caught her fingers and gave them a gentle squeeze as Loren continued his spiel.
"So that's it?" Leanadas asked as he came to a finish.
"Yes, I'm sure you can understand..."
"I'm not giving you an answer tonight," Lea broke into his explanation. "The children need to sleep and so do I." She looked directly at Loren. "I'll talk to you tomorrow about lunchtime,"
"But..."
"No buts, this is not a decision that I will take suddenly or lightly. I'm certain that the Argent Crusade can continue without our decision for at least a night." She stood and held her arms out to Alianne. "Come on dear, let's get you bathed and in bed."
Taking her cue, Kalvor stood and gathered Salantir into his arms.
"But.."
"Tomorrow... and if you can't wait, then my answer is no." Leanadas said and she left the table, heading for the stairs. Kalvor gave a small smirk and followed Leanadas up the stairs, leaving Loren to stare after them with exasperation.
"Oh you're amazing," Kalvor stated with some admiration as they reached the upper landing. "He was being quite annoying,"
"I'm sure..." They took the children into one of the rooms and began to get them ready for bed. "We'll get these two to bed and we'll talk about it." Kalvor nodded before calling down to kitchen for some hot water. The kitchen provided the water for a bath and they took turns to wash the children. They didn't speak save for encouraging murmurs, the children were sleepy and both felt that any adult converse could wait. They finished drying the children who were now almost asleep. With great care, they placed the children into a bed each and watched as they both drifted off.
"I got some clean clothes for us all and I took out some money." Lea whispered as they closed and locked the door to the children's room. Tension rippled between them as they crossed the landing and opened the door to their room. A large double bed dominated the room and Leanadas felt the tension increase as Kalvor shut the door. He walked forward and took the bag from her shoulders, placing it on the ground. He raised his hand and gently trailed his fingers down her face. She shivered as his fingers softly drifted across her skin to her shoulder. His warm calloused hands sent thrills across her skin and she almost cried in disappointment as they drew to a stop at the top of her arms.
"May I?" He asked, his voice husky. Not trusting her voice, she nodded and leant forward. Kalvor dipped his head and captured her lips as her eyes closed. Her arms moved to encircle his neck as Kalvor's hands slid into her hair, passion in his grasp. She drew closer, her body fitting easily against his as the kiss lengthened. Her fingers slid into his hair, across his skin and every nerve end seemed to be on fire as his warmth enveloped her. For what seemed to be a lifetime, they stood there, immobile and lost in the moment. Reluctantly, Kalvor drew back and Leanadas leant her cheek against his chest, hearing his heart beat through the fabric of his shirt.
"I wanted to do that for some time," He murmured as he looked down at the top of her head.
"Don't apologise," She replied, voice muffled against his chest. "I wanted you to do that as well."
She lifted her head and he kissed her again, deeper this time, his tongue delving into her mouth as his fingers slid down her back. Leanadas gave a small moan as his fingers slid beneath her shirt and trailed across her bare skin. After several minutes, they pulled apart, both breathing heavily as they looked at each other.
"Lea?" His voice was husky, questioning as he felt her fingers tug his shirt free and draw it open. Her mouth touched his skin and he gave a moan as she kissed the still scarred skin of his chest. He drew her closer, sliding his fingers across her skin, her breasts. She gasped as he gently pinched the nipples.
KNOCK KNOCK
They drew apart at the sound from the children's room and with a rueful glance, tidied themselves up as they crossed the hall to deal with the interruption.