Chapter Three
A door shut, rather abruptly, shaking Aydeline from sleeping, startling her rather so. She glanced up and around, squinting as her eyes tried to become accustomed to the bright light from the window that was still open. As her eyes adjusted and she saw Tavin entering in, a few rolled up pieces of parchment clenched in his fist. He sighed, not noticing she was awake, and tossed the pieces of parchment up on the dresser in front of the window. He placed his hands on the inside ledge of the window, glancing out into the ocean, not looking at anything in particular.. just simply thinking. Aydeline glanced outside as well, shocked to see it was much later than she had anticipated, for the sun was starting to slowly climb down from its peak in the sky, which meant that she had slept through the mid-day meeting with Elmsworth.. although Tavin must have deemed it not highly important, other wise he would have awoken her. Still.. she was glad that he thought of her in said way.. allowing her to sleep while he took care of the military plans and other preparations.
She slowly got up from the desk, noticing Tavin's jacket was wrapped around her, the scent of his cologne lingering on it. She tucked her head to one side, breathing in softly, sniffing the scent with favor. Sandalwood, white rose, and juniper.. a gift from Tavin's Father, as he picked it up from a hermit in Feralas, during his "adventuring days". Aydeline slowly drifted over to Tavin, he suddenly taking notice that she was next to him. He blinked in surprise and smiled softly at her, "I didn't know you were awake..." he whispered, allowing her to slip in between his arms. She nodded, "I awoke as you came in.." she said, glancing down at the parchment on the dresser, spotting a map of Kalimdor with several marking's. "How did the rendezvous go with Elmsworth?" she asked softly. Tavin sighed and she felt him tense, telling her he had become angry. He paused for a moment, trying to think of one word to best describe the complete scenario. "Bittering." he finally settled on. She raised and eyebrow and glanced back at him partially, "How so? Surely you didn't get into a dispute with one of your own officers..?" she asked, hoping the latter part of her question hadn't happened.. division amongst the men or resentment throughout the Officers toward Tavin would surely tear them apart, should they have to fight a war soon.
Tavin shook his head however, some relief spreading through Aydeline. "We had a seer contact another magic user amongst Varian, and we managed to make a meeting with him through Scrying."he said. Scrying was the communication between two distant people, through a reflective object, such as a mirror, a pool of still water, or such things. "Ahh.." she commented, sensing where this was going. "Varian first off, told us to keep our "objections" out of this, else we'll become enemies of the Alliance with no hesitation." he said, "How is that possible though?" Aydeline asked abruptly. "Surely he cannot speak for the entire Alliance, nor even the entire humans.. we hold too much trade and connections with other humans, as well as with other Alliance members, especially the Night Elves.. they're our main source of information for Kalimdor." she said. Tavin nodded, "That is what I thought as well, but generally speaking he is the undisputed military leader of the Alliance.. but that still doesn't give him the authority to make decisions for the entire Alliance." he said, backtracking partially on his own question.
"Damn he's so arrogant and brash.." Aydeline whispered. Tavin nodded, "I would have argued with him and used more choice words, but we're still trying to negotiate peace.. so pissing one side off further more at this point would not do us any good." he said. Aydeline nodded in agreement, "True.." she said. "So.. all we can do now is wait until we arrive on the shores of Kalimdor, and then myself and the Crow's will venture up to negotiate in person with him." Tavin said. Aydeline instantly caught the one part of his statement, and she commented on it. "And I as well." she said softly, a hint of steel brushing her voice though. Tavin sighed, "I don't want you to coming to this negotiation.. things will surely get ugly." Tavin said. Aydeline twisted around, facing Tavin now. "Do you forgot I fought in the war, just like you did?.. I believe I can handle myself Tavin." she said. Tavin glared at her, "I almost lost you once.." he said firmly, making his way for the door. "Never again." he said, closing the door behind him.
Seagull's cawed noisily as two Alliance soldier's stepped out on the dock's of Ratchet, observing the ships that came in and out, making sure no Horde could import supplies or soldier's through the vital neutral point. It was orders of Varian, to temporarily occupy Ratchet, despite the Goblin and Trade-Prince's very displeased objections.. Varian ignored them all together though, this was war, and pleasantness would have to be forgotten, no matter who's side anyone was on. One of the soldier's picked up a small dossier off a nearby crate, his notes scribbled on it, each page with a record of incoming items and ships. "When do you suppose we'll make another advance?" his parter whispered to him, scratching the nape of his neck pensively. He shrugged, "We've already stormed hal-.." but he stopped short as his eyes glanced over the water, locking onto what he saw:
Three ships sailed for the old Merchant's Coast.. the insignia of Lordaeron emblazoned brightly on their sails. The soldier stuttered for a moment, before he dropped the dossier in his hand, and dashed off towards the Guard Post.
The Charity shuddered as the anchor was dropped, the deck a swarm of activity as men rushed to do certain tasks, many all ready and in full regalia, in turn climbing down the nets into the skiff's, ready to land on the beach ahead. Tavin tightened his breastplate, yanking on the straps, making sure it was tight as could be. "The men are all disembarked, and will be landed in moments sir.. what is our first order?" Elmsworth asked, knowing surely enough Tavin would separate from them for a time to go negotiate with Varian. "Avoid Ratchet, if possible.. undoubtedly Varian's got some men stationed there to occupy the town.. Travel up through the Crossroads and find any Horde Officers if you can, and have them direct you towards the Gate, or wherever we need be, which will undoubtedly will be north of the Battlescar." Tavin said. "Try to avoid any conflict, but do note we are taking the Horde's side in this conflict so far." Elmsworth nodded, "Very well sir, how will you find us though?" he asked. "By noon tomorrow I will be back at where Taurajo once laid... find me there." he said. Elmsworth nodded and saluted, "I will see you tomorrow then, sire." he said, beginning to lower himself down into one of the last two boats. Tavin saluted and nodded.
With this, only Tavin, Aydeline and the Crow's remained aboard. "Varian will certainly be pleased to see us.." Hawkin's suddenly whispered, slipping up beside Tavin. He nodded in agreement, and glanced down in the water, spotting the last skiff that would carry them inland. "We'll angle away from the main force, and cross that river." Tavin said, pointing slightly south, where a small inlet laid, across it lay Northwatch Hold. Hawkin's nodded and pulled his mask on, his beret atop his head. They dropped down into the boat, a silent Aydeline in front of Tavin, her disappointment and frustration evident as Tavin blatantly refused to allow her to attend the negotiations. He pushed the thought's from his mind, and two of the Crow's picked up the oar's attached to the skiff, setting them off into the water, towards the beachhead. As they drew into shallow water, they dropped out of the ship, the ocean water splashing around Tavin, the wave's crashing against the back of his legs. Out of the corner of his eyes, Tavin could see Hawkin's patting his pockets and belt down, along with the Crows, making sure every dagger was in its tactical place, every powder was ready to use, and that their face's were firmly covered. Hawkin's winked at Tavin and pulled away from him with the other Crow's, making way towards a small cadre of horses that would carry them to Northwatch Hold.
Tavin walked with Aydeline toward's Elmsworth, who was covering order's with a few of his Officer's. Elmsworth spun around at his approach, nodding in understanding instantly at him. "I will protect her with my life." he said, switching his gaze to Aydeline. "We will travel for the Crossroad's, but wait overnight there." he also mentioned. Tavin nodded in agreement, then leaned in to kiss Aydeline. She turned her head way from Tavin as he tried to kiss her, so instead he kissed her on the cheek, breaking away and heading for the horses, a deep pit in his chest for forcing Aydeline in such a way.. but it was only precautions.
He swung up onto his horse, surprised that Hawkin's had been able to keep five horses silent and calm during a ride oversea's, but never the less, thankful that they wouldn't have to travel across Kalimdor on foot. Hawkin's silently nodded to him, and they trotted off, the horses hooves spurring up the water and wet sand but no sooner being washed away as the shallow waves drifted in, brushing past their hooves again and again. Tavin sighed and pushed the thoughts from his mind, instead just focusing on the back of Hawkin's as they traveled.
Night was beginning to settle over the Barrens as they reached Northwatch Hold, which was surprisingly still standing despite the numerous Horde raids and spree's that had come to the Hold before recent events which drew attention back to it. Fires and lantern's dotted the landscape, numerous scouts littered the walls, their eyes scanning the grounds for any would be spies and infiltrators. "Raise the banner." Hawkin's whispered to one of the Crow's whom instantly slid a long thin iron pole away from his saddle, raising it up and allowing the canvas banner to unfurl to reveal the golden symbol of Lordaeron. Tavin's eyes slipped up to the ramparts to see several archer huddling to face them, their bows already trained on them.
Tavin knew they spotted the banner when the arrows hesitated slightly and glanced down, several men aboard the rampart relaying an order across to raise the gate. The large iron gate barring the way into the hold was quickly raised and the convoy continued it's way into the Hold.. but Tavin still couldn't shake a feeling of uneasiness as the gate dropped closed behind them, making Tavin truly wonder if the gate was keeping the enemy out.. or now, keeping them in.
Hawkin's slowed slightly, apparently sensing Tavin's uneasiness. His eyes darted around, the knowledge and craftiness that laid in those eyes was unfathomable, and no doubt Hawkin's was already spotting flaws and weaknesses, should they need to escape.. or perhaps in the future, even attack. "Escaping here will be no problem." he finally whispered, his eyes returning to the front. Tavin cracked a small smile, "Says the man in nimble leather." Hawkin's favored a small grin back, "Your bulky ass will have to barrel your way out then." Tavin resisted the urge to laugh out loud at the comment, enjoying the casualness he and Hawkin's shared, more a comradeship, instead of a back bending military honor.
An Alliance Officer awaited them at the entrance, a Knight-Captain in actuality, judging by the sword and two gold bars welded onto the front of his breastplate. He saluted them, "King Wilhelm." he said sharply, "I will assume you wish to see King Varian?" he asked. Tavin nodded silently, and the Captain instantly beckoned them, "Come then, he will see you immediately. They swung off their horses, allowing several enlisted to lead them off to several holding rings bolted into the side of the walkway. They slipped inside, following the Officer inside the "refurbished" keep. As they finally reached the "top" of the keep, the Officer saluted and left them outside a doorway into a main hallway, obviously where Varian was residing for the moment.
Tavin pinched the bridge of his nose thoughtfully for a moment, then drifted inside, his hand precociously on the hilt of the Ashbringer. He was greeted with the sight of, cliche enough, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Varian Wrynn stood at a planning table, his thoughts drawn into it as his fingers swiveled across it's surface, pinpointing a few areas. However, bad enough, his mild attitude turned sour as he looked up at their arrival, obviously displeased at having to share a room with Tavin. And to finally make matters worse.. Matthias Shaw stood next to him, his face hidden away by a leather half-face mask, leaving his dangerous, glittering eyes to glare out at anyone unlucky enough to gain "admittance" to his bad side. Behind him stood two other sentinels of SI:7, which thankfully looked rather fresh and new to Tavin, otherwise they might have posed a threat.
Tavin felt Hawkin's straighten up behind him, already poised to strike need be.. it would be interesting to see Matthias fight Hawkin's, no doubt they were both master's in their fields, but it would be a challenge no doubt, considering Matthias' more contemporary style that relied on speed, while Hawkin's assassination's forms relied more on power.
"Tavin." Varian said crisply, yet still manging to keep a diplomatic tone in his voice.
"Varian." Tavin answered back, trying to match Varian's words, not wanting to seem overly aggressive, nor wanting to seem like all he was there for was to please Varian's needs and wants. "I assume you are here to discuss my movements across this area.. and perhaps negotiate some form of treaty or agreement?" Tavin favored Varian with a small smile, "Dead on." he answered.
Varian clasped his hand behind his back, walking around the table, towards them. "My actions are my own, and I would expect a former member of the Alliance to understand my war against the Horde.. you obviously know my past Tavin." he said.
Tavin nodded, "I do, and I cannot blame you for your hatred of the Orc's.. however to convert to genocide and mindless hatred over a rotten past is just wrong Varian. I have many past struggles and nightmares too.. however I have forgiven those who have done me wrong, and have worked for a better future for all, not just for a personal sense of "justice" in my heart... And of your war against the Horde, I see nothing but blind anger and idiocy." he said. "Yes, I was a member of the Alliance, and I still favor the Alliance over the Horde to an extent.. however when it boil's down to keeping peace and preventing a madman from singlehandedly slaughtering an entire race.. I must plant my foot down Varian, especially in the position I'm in.
Varian's anger flared at Tavin's few choice words, and especially his last comment. "The position your in?" he reiterated. "You are a young king, handed the former Kingdom of Lordaeron because of a burst of heroism that saved Azeroth many lives... I applaud you for such, but had I done such a thing, what would of happened then? Do you see what I mean Tavin?" he asked.
Tavin raised an eyebrow, "In full truth, I do not.. however I do sense jealousy Varian.. do you hate me for what I did? Do you wish every part of glory to be your own?" he asked. Varian's nostrils flared, "And what is the Kingdom of Lordaeron to challenge such?" he blurted out. "Lordaeron has become the peace-keeping force of Azeroth, practically. When men and women and families seek to escape the conflicts between the Horde and Alliance, they migrate to my borders.. The House of Wilhelm is just establishing themselves as royal blood, no doubt.. but at one time, my father held command over you!" he said, "I believe you owe a bit more respect to my house, than you are giving." Varian's eyes widened slightly at the comment, and Tavin smirked slightly, "You didn't think I knew about you being in SI:7.." Tavin scoffed, "I'm older than I seem and look" Tavin said, obviously referring to his immortality, but also to his maturity and knowledge levels.
"And what of your Queen?" Varian asked, obviously discarding any formality and ditching the subject, now only trying to invoke Tavin's anger. "Do whore's like her have no place in your system?" he asked, his words striking a chord in Tavin. Before Tavin could retort although, a voice answered Varian's question.
"At least Tavin can control his Kingdom enough not to kill their own Queen."
Aydeline pulled back a black cowl, stepping up beside Tavin.
Her words, referring to Tiffin Wrynn, invoked the anger inside of Varian. "Bitch!" he roared, backhanding her as she stepped up, his metal gauntlet knocking her back. Tavin growled and tackled Varian to the ground, his fists pummeling Varian's face in anger, Tavin's rage finally snapping his previous cooperation and diplomatic form.
Hawkin's moved to pull Tavin off of Varian, however Matthias flitted up beside him, placing a soft hand against his chest, pressing him back. "Don't." he whispered, "Let them fight it out." he merely said, crossing his arms and watching the two King's fight like gladiators in a pit. Hawkin's silently found amusement in the irony of his and Shaw's actions.. they were the "bodyguards" of both Kings, sworn to protect them from any sudden attacks, and sacrifice their lives need be in servitude... however now they both stood hand-lengths away from each other, watching their King's fight themselves.
Varian hooked his leg around Tavin's and rolled Tavin off of him, springing to his feet and throwing a fist at Tavin. His head snapped back as Varian's metal encased fist slammed into his face, knocking him back a few paces, the coppery tang of blood instantly spilling into Tavin's mouth. Tavin growled and cut his shoulder low, smashing into Varian, wrapping his arms around him and picking him up, carrying him across the room and slamming him into the wall. Varian grunted and threw several punches at Tavin, but Tavin merely pivoted down and slammed Varian into a chair below them, the feeble piece of furniture snapping under Varian's weight sending wooden splinters flying everywhere. Varian kicked out with his legs and disengaged from Tavin, springing back to his feet and raising his fists once again.
Before the two could engage again, Aydeline finally snapped and she put herself between the two, screaming "Stop it!" Tavin wiped the blood away from his mouth and picked up the Ashbringer on the ground, returning it to his belt. "You two are fighting, while you should be negotiating!" she said, glancing more at Varian, than at Tavin oddly enough.
"Theres little negotiation to be done, when one is talking to a genocidal madman." Tavin spat out, glaring at Varian.
"He's only doing whats just." Aydeline said in a lower tone, catching Tavin off guard at first. "Excuse me?" he asked, forgetting his quarrel with Varian, his mind flipping to Aydeline, wondering if she had gone mad now. She turned her head and looked at him, "The Orc's invoked this in the first place.. Varian's only retaliating against what was done to him." she said. Tavin was livid now, "Are you blind Aydeline?" he asked incredulously. "That war ended! What Varian's doing is wrong and inhumane.. what he's doing goes against all values of human compassion and mercy!" he shouted. "Why would you have compassion and mercy to someone who burned your home to ashes and killed your own father!" she shouted back, turning now to face him fully.
Tavin was lost for words now.. his wife was siding with Varian, instead of him on this matter.. when days before she was fully against Varian's insane plans. "Forgiveness Aydeline!" he said. "did the Crusade not teach you such values? The Three virtues of the Light?" he asked. She ignored his question and returned with her own, "I highly doubt you would refer to those, were you in Varian's situation." she said. "I'm sick of being tolerant and trying to maintain peace, if you want complete peace then you must prepare for war Tavin! My parents were killed by the Scourge, and damn well enough I fulfilled the justice of killing every damn Scourge I could.. how should Varian and the Orc's differ?" she retorted.
"Because they're living beings!" Tavin shouted, trying to get his point across, appalled by Aydeline's sudden turn of view.
Her countenance hardened and she took a step back, "If you won't give Azeroth the justice it needs.. then I will no longer stand by your side Tavin." she whispered harshly. She grabbed a hold of her ring finger and slid her wedding band off, tossing it to Tavin's feet. "I stand on the Alliance's side in this matter.. I will fight alongside them, and win with them." she whispered, "I wish you the best of luck on the battlefield Tavin." she said. All compassion and love that once touched the way she said his name was gone, now it was a neutral tone, as if she had no recollection or anything with him.
Tavin's heart lurched and panged as he knelt down and picked up the ring, the shock evident on his face. He clenched it in his hands, and without any further words, left the room, Hawkin's and the Crow's close behind.
Tavin shed no tears or allowed any emotion to show, instead he formed his emotions and face into a stony mask, still clenching the ring in his hand. They exited the keep and found their steeds waiting, the gate leading out of the Hold surprisingly open and clear for them to leave. As they brushed past the gate and reached the outskirts of the Hold, Hawkin's finally spoke up.
"What do we do now?" he asked, actually at a hesitation and loss for action for once in his career.
"We leave for the Gate in the morning." Tavin answered, any emotion gone in his voice. Hawkin's glanced sideways at his King. He had known Tavin for his entire reign, always watching the emotion he put into everything, the happiness that filled him, especially around Aydeline. Now that she was gone from his life for a time, hopefully not forever, Tavin's happiness was gone.. now he was more distant and calculating.
Hawkin's merely nodded and pushed the thoughts aside, merely focusing on the road ahead, his eyes still drifting around for anything immediate.. but that was a constant for Hawkins.
Tavin maintained his emotionless persona.. but inside his heart was in fragments, his anger was a tempest, and his emotions were slashed to bits. His main support and lifelong partner was now gone; he felt as if he was missing an essential part of him, as if he couldn't go on without recovering this piece. He sighed and his hand tightened around the ring slightly as he dipped his head and tried to push the thoughts from his mind.
But still, at the dredge's and outskirts of his mind.. one thought remained.
Something was amiss...
Authors Note:
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