A/N: As always I do not own Blizzard, WoW, or anything associated with it. I make no profit (other than personal satisfaction) from this story. Sorry It took so long to post this. Real life has a way of getting in the way of things. Hope you enjoy. Reviews and critiques would be very helpful to know what I can do differently, and will also help me to become a better writer! Thanks so much! ~Izzy.
They rode in relative silence as they picked their way around the scourge infected ruins. Only conversing when necessary. Neither one saying anything about what had happened that morning. She was relieved at that. She still didn't know what she wanted to say or how she'd wanted to say it. She just knew that, time sensitive letter or not, she would not go any further with him once they'd reached Tarren Mill. The little mage's eyes cast a sideways glance at the warrior on his war bear and her heart ached. She really didn't want him to leave. But in order for her to get to Shattrath with her sanity (and virtue) intact, she'd have to request the magisters to send her a new guardian. Now, the question was: How was she going to make this request without telling the magisters everything? She let out a heavy, frustrated sigh.
"Copper for your thoughts?" His deep, gritty voice cut through her musings. She looked at him, a puzzled look on her face.
"What?"
The warrior shrugged. "You've been sitting there, avoiding any and all conversation since we left Andorhal this morning, and now you just sighed like something's weighing heavily on you. I was just wondering what was bugging you?"
The elf looked away. "Nothing...I'm...I'm just tired, is all."
Darreek eyed her for a moment, then returned his gaze to the road. "You're lying, mage."
Her eyes grew as big as saucers. "How do you know-" she cut off and redirected. "What makes you think I'm lying?"
A sly smirk crept across his face. "You stammer when you lie," he said matter-of-factly.
Indignation swelled within her. "I do not!"
"You do," he nodded.
"Nothing's wrong! I'm just tired and cranky from lack of sleep, is all," Jinny asserted.
He shrugged again. "That may be a small part of it," he allowed, "but that's not the whole story."
She huffed at him and looked away, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger at being caught in a lie. She didn't like to lie. Hated it. In truth, she couldn't do it very well to begin with. But, it wasn't just that. One of Jinny's pet peeves was being lied to. It was disrespectful, demeaning. Even as the words left her lips she cringed inwardly.
The pair continued in silence for the rest of the afternoon. Jinny and Darreek picked their way around the small Alliance outpost on the very southern border of Western Plaguelands, choosing to lead their mounts on foot. The Alliance made her nervous. Jinny's stomach clinched in fear as they carefully pressed against the tiny rise of dirt that rose to meet the road just opposite of the lone building that marked the camp. The tiny elf followed close behind the warrior, not wanting to be caught alone. She'd heard such terrible horror stories from survivors of the Alliance's grasp. Especially of the female persuasion. Nightmarish accounts of rape and humiliation. Women paraded around from one place to another, barely anything for a covering. Sub-consciously, she pulled her cloak around to cover herself.
Darreek interrupted her increasingly worried musings with a soft clearing of his throat. A silencing finger raised slowly to his thin lips. She hadn't heard it before, but now, soft foot falls cut through the tranquility of the forest that surrounded them. They were followed by heavier steps. Two, then. Male and female by the sound of the muted voices. Quiet laughter turned to hushed moans and sighs. Great! Just what Jinny needed. She rolled her eyes, unwilling to be audience to this couple's sordid escapades. The mage blushed bright red as the couple's loving mumblings quickly turned lustful. Chancing a sideways glance at the warrior, she was annoyed to find that he was grinning wolfishly at her.
Jinny made no effort to hide her irritation. Really? She mouthed. His grin widened, shoulders bobbing in a soundless chuckle. She huffed. That disgusting man actually thought this was funny! Do something! She told him noiselessly.
He held his hands up in supplication, nodding his head. Alright, came his voiceless reply. Darreek motioned for her to come near and and she complied, giving Myndee a 'stay' command. The warrior sidled up to her, making her very uncomfortable as he all but pressed his body against hers. His familiar scent filled her nose and the casual way his arm wrapped around her waist sent shivers up her spine. Darreek's wolfish grin returned, white teeth gleaming, as his mouth brushed against the hair right behind her ear. The plan had already formed in his head.
"Alright," he breathed. "When I tell you...run that way." Darreek jerked his thumb in the direction they had been heading. She nodded understanding and signaled Myndee to follow. The spongy grass gave way under her feet as she crouched, readying herself to run. A quick glance back to the warrior's disappointed expression told her she was doing something wrong. The question "What?" was wordlessly asked with a shrug.
Making sure she was watching, Darreek directed his bear to lay on the ground. Jinny followed suit with Myndee. She looked back to the warrior who nodded his approval. He then mounted the bear and waited for her to imitate him. Once she was settled, he returned to the task at hand.
The couple of love-birds who threatened their cover had finished what they'd ventured out to do and were in the process of redressing themselves. He took a deep breath and dismounted the bear. Carefully, Darreek unloaded the bear of his bags, draping each one, in turn, over his shoulder. He then relieved the bear of its bridle and saddle. Walking back over to Jinny, Darreek secured his tack to the bird. He leaned in close and asked, "Ready?" Jinny nodded. The warrior then looked at his bear and made some hand signals, sending Argonos off in the direction of the male and female.
The resounding scream echoed through the trees. The woman sounded as if she'd been attacked. Jinny rolled her eyes. It was only a bear, for Light's sake. Sure, it was a rather large, intimidating bear. She'd never seen it even sneer, but she was positive if it ever did, she'd be a little more than slightly nervous. Either way, it worked. The woman's scream caused the camp to spring to life. People jumping over each other to grab weapons and shields, all running in the direction the cry had come from. And away from the direction they were headed.
When the camp had all but emptied, Darreek slapped her bird on the rump and said, "Run!" Jinny dug her heels into Myndee's sides and urged the bird forward. They sprinted until she was sure no one had followed them. Easing up on the reigns, Jinny guided Myndee into a slow trot. The pair only stopped when they came to a man just outside of Strahnbrad. Upon further investigation, the man turned out to be a flight master, hiring out mounts that were trained to fly to Tarren Mill and back.
"That's extraordinary!" Darreek heard her exclaim as he and his bear neared the little elf and the flight master. "How did you teach them to do that?" Darreek watched as Jinny tilted her head to the side. He chuckled to himself. She always did that when she was genuinely interested in what someone was saying. Though now, she seemed preoccupied. Like she was trying to pay attention but just couldn't muster it. She glanced his way and Darreek flashed her a bright smile. His heart seemed to jump into his throat when her expression changed to joy.
"Warrior!" she all but screamed as he dismounted and she jumped into his arms. "I was worried about you!"
His laughter filled the air. "Aww, now, Mage. I couldn't just leave you, now could I?" He thought he saw something flash across her face. Guilt, maybe? Though, he couldn't be sure as it was there and gone again so quickly.
She smiled softly. "No, I don't suppose you would." Jinny flushed suddenly, realizing she was still in his arms and the flight master was still watching them. The little mage took a step back and cleared her throat. "Umm...this is the flight master," she said, indicating him. "He says for a very small fee, we can procure a ride from here to Tarren Mill. He also said the flight should only take about half a day, instead of two days walking." Jinny eyed her warrior hopefully. "Do you think, maybe, we could hire a flight?"
Darreek thought it over, a frown appearing as he realized the only money they had left needed to last until they reached Shattrath. They needed to conserve as much as they could. He shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Mage. We just can't."
Jinny nodded. She understood, but that didn't mean she wasn't reluctant. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Alright. I guess we should be off, then." She turned to look at the flight master. "Thank you for keeping a little elf company," she smiled.
The man bowed deeply before her. "It is I who should thank you, Ma'am. It's not often someone comes and sits a spell with me." He winked at Jinny and Darreek decided right then that he didn't like him.
Giving his bear's tack one last tug to make sure it was secure, he mounted and called over his shoulder. "Come on, Mage. We have a long ride ahead of us."
The pair spent the better part of two days trekking through snow covered paths. Taking down as many yeti's as they could see to glean hides for sale later. Darreek and Jin'ala had finally wandered into the Tarren Mill Inn hours after the sun had set that second day. The pelts they sold had made them .a tidy profit and they had been able to purchase separate rooms, even after she'd made a crude blanket for herself. Jinny chuckled as she snuggled down into her yeti blanket. Darreek had been completely flabbergasted as she'd deftly cut into the first beast they'd slain.
"What?" she'd asked when she realized he'd been staring at her. "Didn't you think I had the constitution for such work?"
Though, for now, they were in their separate rooms. Jinny had also been pleasantly surprised that the warrior hadn't made a move on her since that morning in Andorhal. He'd had plenty of opportunities. Especially the night they'd spent in their tiny, make-shift lean-to of a shelter. The past two days had changed her mind about requesting the magisters to send her a different protector. She really couldn't see herself fighting next to anyone but him. They had a rhythm. An understanding. But it was more than that. Sure, they were attracted to each other, but it was even more than that.
It was...she felt entirely safe with him. Like nothing could harm her. She was invincible standing with him.
Jinny smiled sleepily and let the memories of the last week and a half gently lull her into sleep.
"Jin'ala."
That voice. She knew that voice. His name was on the tip of her tongue, but suddenly, it didn't seem to matter anymore.
"Jin'ala. Come to me," the dark voice seemed to murmur affectionately into her ear. She stood, finally taking note of her surroundings. A warm breeze teased her hair, tugging and pulling at her clothes, almost as if it were drawing her forward. The landscape was hard, unforgiving under her bare feet. Jagged rock formations jutted at odd angles from the dry, mud caked ground.
Strange.
She felt more powerful here, somehow, than ever before. Fel magic surged through her veins, making her skin tingle. Heightening her senses.
...Turning her on.
Where was she? The little elf turned her face to the sky. Peculiar wisps of clouds swirled above her amongst the stars. Jinny picked her way across the wide expanse that was surrounded by stoic mountain peaks that stood as silent sentinels in the distance. She was headed in the direction of the only structure in view. A grand spire dominating the area. Quel'dorei, High-elf, in design. Luxurious silks surrounded the open top, acting as curtains in the soft breeze that made them dance. The mage carefully ascended the narrow staircase that hugged the circumfrance of the tower. The smooth stone felt cool against her feet.
"Yes, come. Come to me, Jin'ala." The owner of the deep, gravely voice was smiling. She could hear it. The unmistakable lilt that indicated upturned corners of the mouth. It entreated her to continue up the stairs. So, Jinny resumed her cautious climb. She reached the top an eternity and an instant later. The soft silk of the curtains caressed her skin. Delicate floral aromas wafted through the air, reminding her of Silvermoon.
His back was to her. White-blond hair cascaded over broad, muscular shoulders, only stopping a few inches above a belt that sat snugly on a trim waist. Deep azure robes gently moved when he did, almost as an extension of his being. The upper portion of his hair was pulled back into a tight braid held in place with a leather thong. His pointed ears stood high on his head, perfect in every way. The man in front of her stood tall, towering over her. Even across the room she felt tiny in comparison.
He was behind her.
How had she not seen him move?
The thought left her mind as the light fragrance of lavender and lilac surrounded her. Comforting her. Lulling her into a sense of security. A hand affectionately fingered through her hair, gently twisting the auburn locks around a long, thin finger.
"Jin'ala," he said at length. Finger tips trailed down her shoulder. "That isn't a very common Sin'dorei name. Tell me, how did you come by it?"
The little elf thought for a moment. Slowly, she turned to face him. The male seemed even taller standing so near to her. Jinny surveyed his face. High cheekbones flanked a long, straight and stately nose. Thin lips sat above a pointed chin. His eyes seemed to glow a more vibrant fel than any other she'd seen before. She almost lost her train of thought looking into those eyes.
"I...uh...my mother gave it to me. I don't exactly know the story behind it, though. My entire family was slain when the Scourge viciously assaulted our village. I hadn't really known my name was different until I'd moved to Silvermoon to train."
The stoic male leisurely stretched a perfectly manicured hand out to grasp her own. The man with white hair casually escorted the tiny elf to a lounge lined with overstuffed pillows. He resumed his questioning as he gestured for her to sit.
"And what is it you hope to accomplish with your training? What is your ultimate goal?" His deep voice seemed right next to her ear, despite the fact he had situated himself slightly away in order to face her. Long fingers tented in front of his lips, a sign of his complete attention.
"Well, I originally started training because I felt I needed to do something with myself. Eventually, I discovered that I was fairly proficient in the Arcane arts, and I knew that I wanted to do something important. The magisters seem to be preparing me for something, but I haven't figured out, yet, what that is. And, they haven't shared their intentions with me." Jinny fell silent, suddenly feeling that she was talking too much. She looked down at her feet, rearranging the skirt of her robes. Out of nowhere, a question popped into her head. A light blush slowly spread across her cheeks as her eyes found his. "I...uh...You seem so familiar, but I can't quite seem to remember your name. Who are you?"
An easy smile tugged at the corner of his mouth while he raised an eyebrow in mock disbelief. "Really, Jin'ala? You don't recognize me?" She shook her head in a wordless 'no'. His slight smile evolved into a full grin, white teeth glaring at her. "Pity," he said, amusement lacing his voice. "Then again, it was under very different circumstances that we'd met before." The man shifted closer to her. "Tell me, Jin'ala. I know you've been..." he seemed to search for the right word, "...affected by the energy that moves in this place. Do you like the sensations caused you by the energy here?" The tiny elf nodded almost imperceptibly, eyes wide with surprise that he knew about that. How could he? Gently, the elven man took her hand, his own erupting in dark shadows that seemed to consume his entire arm. "And this?" he asked as she felt the shadows seep into her skin. Her breathing quickened. Liquid fire spread through her veins and pooled low in her belly. Her eyes glowed bright green. The pure power this man was transferring to her was liquefying her insides. Heightening her senses. Pushing her toward the edge of depravity. Her body took over, pulling more of the energy from him.
"Yes, Jin'ala," he murmured. "You may have all this power, and more." Jinny's eyes fluttered shut. It was too much to bear. Too many sensations at once. She shook her hand out of his grasp. He chuckled low and soft, teeth flashing. Her vision dimmed. "Come to me, Jin'ala. Come to me..." The last three words echoed into whispers as darkness framed her vision, surrounding her with nothingness. Jinny felt as though she were being pulled backwards through a dark tunnel. To where? She didn't have an answer.