Nini Mousse

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As the days lingered on for Alcmene, lost in her mana-deprivation induced slumber, her brother Prince Kael'thas, Lord of the Blood Elves continued to linger in his wary home away from home in the realm of Outland. His palace was filled with pleasurable company of all sorts, as well as various "friends" from time to time, but it never felt the same as the home he once cherished. The destruction of the Sunwell had laid an ugly truth upon the prince's shoulders: He and his people were addicted to magic. Day by day he struggled with the memories of home and his family, the pleasant times basking in the artificial light. Nothing whatsoever gave him such satisfaction. He had resorted to arcane drugs, meditation, training, and women trying to find comfort, but had not truly succeeded. Though he had given up harmful substances, his taste for fine weaponry and females had remained. That morning, the light shone brightly into his lavish bedroom, adorned with luxurious furniture and finery. The mage leader sat on the edge of his enormous bed, turning his head for a moment to glance at the sleeping women behind him. They were sprawled out in a rather undignified manner, discarded and used. The prince smirked, remembering last night's events. The two elves were significantly younger than he even on an Elven scale, but they were eager to serve their prince and had not disappointed his expectations. He had enjoyed their company, but he doubted he would ever request them again. Though he sometimes felt cruel in doing so, he never used the same one twice. He had never been the same with females since Jaina had broken his heart some time ago.

Kael began to dress with the help of a servant and he munched on a few pieces of rich bread for his breakfast. As he was preparing to start his day calmly devoted to the service of Illidan, another servant, a runner, burst through the doors.

"Sire! I have an urgent message! It's from Darnassus!" he cried. Kael looked most unpleased, for he predicted it to be another warning or threat of some mediocre level. He had grown tired of those constantly requesting his aid.

"Go on," Kael ordered, flicking his wrist at the servant.

"My Prince, Lord Amathan of the Night Elves writes to you," he began. The Blood Elf's eyes widened at the mention of his old rival. He had not heard anything of his activity in years.

"'Good day to you, Your Highness. It has been some time since we last met one another. I imagine that that is the way you intended it to be, our fates no longer intertwined. I, however, have unfinished business with you and your family, Kael. Yes that's right. I know your most precious secret. Your charming little sister was much easier to capture than expected. I can assure you she is safe with me in my lordship, but I cannot guarantee her safety…or her maiden state for any said period of time. As you know, Blood Elves are highly prized possessions among our people Kael. She will be in high demand. As a matter of fact, I have received several offers for her, some for just her innocence and some for her entirely. I hope that your excursions in the Outlands do not prevent you from fetching her. That is all,'" the servant glanced up to see his ruler the most frightened, angry, and confused he had ever been in his life. Kael was fuming.

"He is bluffing! There is no way he found her! Or perhaps he has the wrong girl and bribed a guard to tell him of a supposed sister of mine!" Kael was shouting, thinking out loud. The audacity one must have to make such a claim infuriated him.

"Sire, I do not believe he is bluffing," the servant suggested hesitantly.

"Why?" cried out the prince, full of anger and distress.

"He also sends this…" he said, holding up Alcmene's necklace. Kael's eyes widened at the sight of it. He snatched it from the other elf and gazed at it a moment, turning it over in his hands. It was in fact the diamond and sapphire pendant that had been their mother's. Kael remembered very distinctly the day he removed it from her body and saved it among the artifacts of his family. He had given it to Alcmene before he departed for war many years earlier.

"How dare that little mongrel! Years after I beat him and he still taunts me for more! He will surely pay this time. No one insults my family and gets away with it!" he bellowed, snapping away from his servants to fetch his advisors. As he sped through the halls, he wondered how this happened. Surely Amathan had not known of his sister's existence beforehand. It was the most guarded secret in Azeroth. He must have stumbled across her in a raid or invasion attempt, sensing who she was from her energy patterns. He cursed himself for not keeping Alcmene safer. She was all he had left, and he'd be damned if anything happened to her. The thought of any Night Elf, especially his nemesis, forcing himself on his sister was enraging.

All morning, Kael organized a team of ambassadors to travel to Darnassus on the princess's behalf. His advisors warned against the prince himself traveling there, as many would make attempts on his life. It would be safer for all of them if he did not go at this particular time. Surely Amathan would settle for a financial arrangement or territorial gain and Kael's presence would not be necessary. After all, Amathan had not specifically requested Kael be the one to retrieve her. Kael would also be more likely to feel the impact of his aggression towards Lord Amathan. He prepared the team to travel by that evening to get a good start on the journey. The prince breathed in the crisp air as he watched his men depart later that day. With them, he had sent plenty of gold and gems, several slaves and women for the taking, notes of embellishment and honor, and a note written for both Amathan and Alcmene.

"Anar'alah belore, be safe, little one," he whispered to the wind.

Meanwhile, Amathan lurked about his home, waiting for his prisoner to awaken or a response from Kael to arrive. He was equally anxious for them both, hoping the former might happen first. The Night Elf was intrigued by the girl and wanted to learn as much about her race as he could while she was here since it was strategic to know his enemy well. For reasons all his own, Amathan despised the Blood Elf race more than any other of the Horde. Ever since he had been a boy, his father had bred him to believe they were a subordinate species while Night Elves were the more distinguished. He had always viewed the Blood Elves to be magic obsessed fiends who could not control their inner desires and his experiences with Kael'thas proved this to be true in Amathan's eyes. They lacked the discipline necessary to persue druidism, as most of his own people did. Amathan had been unique, like Illidan, in his pursuit of magic similar to their lesser kind. Princess Alcmene gave him a direct insight to their behavior, ideals, and customs, especially a female's point of view. Amathan had only dealt with the easy Blood Elf women who acquainted with Alliance members out of rebellion. Their company had been less than ladylike, unlike his current prisoner, and his treatment to them had been less than gentlemanly. He was enjoying the change. Of course, the biggest reason she was here with him was for her worth to Kael and the ransom she might fetch. She might even draw Kael out from hiding. The warlock could get pretty Blood Elf whores rather effortlessly, but be simply loved having an advantage over his rival that was once in a lifetime, a powerful and manipulative tool Amathan wasn't ready to part with any time soon. In the process of shifting the balance of power, he didn't suppose there was any harm in having a little fun with Alcmene.

After all, he was one of Malfurion Stormrage's greatest captains and commanders, appointed Lord General some time ago. Amathan had worked hard from a young age to achieve his status as such an esteemed Night Elf, especially with his supposed and undisclosed disadvantage…

Before he could get lost in his anger within his memories, a servant informed him that the princess had awoken. He ordered that she be bathed and clothed, then sent to his dining room right away. For several minutes he waited for her to dine with him, offering her a shred of courtesy despite her captivity here. It could be worse for her, he supposed, for she was not in the dungeons or the cellar. He wondered if he was being too nice to her.

Alcmene held her head as she walked with a female servant into the bathroom. Her head was pounding and her balance was off, but she sank down into the tub not even worrying about modesty for once in her life. She hoped the water would relax her and it did, to a degree. Another maid passed her a piece of cloth for her face, which she pressed on gently. Then it struck her: these were Night Elves. She was still a prisoner, but being treated like far better, for now. She dressed in one of her salvaged robes and fixed her hair, as she had been instructed to dine with Amathan this evening. The guard had told her not to get used to it, so she assumed this might be a final shot at impressing her captor.

As she walked into the room, Amathan grinned that typical devilish smile of his. He was wearing a more casual dark red robe and was not dressed in his battle attire. His black hair was still the same, as was his facial expression upon seeing her. Alcmene kept her eyes on the floor as she neared him. She donned a robe of dark purple and blue, her necklace complementing the outfit perfectly. Though he supposed he would rather see her in something more scandalous, he noted that she looked attractive in her choice of attire. He watched her movements and noted that she had elegance and poise, something his people generally lacked. He made slight fists under the table as his thoughts widened, remembering he had more in common with this girl than he cared to admit. Amathan was not ready to share that with her just yet.

"Come," he beckoned, as he needed to remove her binds for her to eat properly. She hesitantly walked closer to him, nearly forgetting that he had to remove them. He grabbed her wrists and made a circular motion, as if he were sliding them off, which in fact he was. Suddenly they reappeared and he laid them on the table beside him.

"Sit," he motioned. She lowered herself softly into the chair across from him and stared at the piles of food in front of her. There were countless items of fruit and meats laid out for their disposal. She had not eaten anything substantial for days, for her usual meals consisted of bread, cheese, maybe soup and spring water. She was rather hungry, but she refused to indulge lavishly. Alcmene was also not sure what to say to this warlock. She did not know if he even wanted her to speak. Alcmene could feel his eyes on her, increasing her nervousness.

"Now, if I am providing you with such fair living quarters and a nice meal, the least you could do is provide a bit of pleasing company for me, don't you think?" he smirked.

"I…I am sorry...my Lord. Forgive me, I was not sure if you desired me to speak," she said softly. Her shift to such soft words in Darnassian pleased him. He wondered if it had been the days alone she had spent that had made her more obedient. He wondered if more days alone would increase this.

"Well, I do in fact. I was under the impression princesses are well versed in conversation?" he asked, taking a bite of his tender haunch of meat.

"I am, yes. We are instructed in many languages besides Thalassian. I also know Ocish, but every Horde member learns that I suppose. I have always been taught to be pleasing to the eyes and the ears," she replied.

"But not to the taste or touch?" he teased. She sighed and ignored him, for she was unfamiliar with his innuendo.

"I suppose my teachings sometimes fail me in uncomfortable and unfamiliar circumstances," she said. She nibbled at her food slightly, not wanting to seem too deprived.

"I cannot to much more to improve your comfort level, I'm afraid. That is at least until your brother responds to my message," he said slyly.

"You have not heard from him yet?" she asked, her eyes widening with the mention of Kael'thas. Amathan noticed her sudden change in demeanor, wondering if anything else he did to her might yield a similar reaction. Reigning in his thoughts, he continued.

"I'm afraid not, but once I have, you will be informed," he said sarcastically.

"Am I to simply remain in my quarters?" she asked.

"That is typically what prisoners do, yes," he remarked with a smart-alecky tone. "It seems I am spoiling you with these favors…"

"No sir, I will be content there. I did not mean to seem ungrateful for your…kindness," she muttered, her eyes drifting away from him. She hated him. She hated him with every ounce of her soul for taking her hostage and using her this way. He had ripped her from her home and was profiting off of her now, possibly leading her brother down a dangerous path. She didn't want that. But something about Amathan was unusual and unlike the others. Alcmene just couldn't figure out what that could be.

"Its for the best, I assure you. Many people come and go here and you don't want any more negative attention than necessary, do you?" he asked.

"No, I suppose I don't," she sighed. At least if she was in her room, she wasn't up for visual harassment by the other warriors or whispers by the concubines and maids.

"You wouldn't imagine the number of offers I have received for you, Princess," he said slyly, making Alcmene gulp with nervousness.

"Well perhaps if I were sold and became a maid, at least I'd have tasks to keep me occupied," she pondered, trying to be somewhat rebellious.

"No," he shook his head as he swallowed his food. "Where you'd be going, you'd be far more than a maid. You'd be begging to come back here," he said. The elves who had asked for her had said they would ravish her nightly and keep her locked in a cellar when she wasn't being used. He knew they would beat her and treat her title as though it meant nothing as far as their place in the Alliance rivalry against the Horde. They would terrorize her, all the while paying him handsomely for the opportunity. It made him slightly sick, yet he hadn't completely ruled it out of the question if Kael decided she was not worth saving. Though he liked his riches, he did not know if he would allow Alcmene that sort of treatment. He was vicious and commanding, but he wasn't a monster.

"I don't understand.."

"I assure you, you'd rather not know," he replied.

"So you declined their offers?" she asked faintly.

"Yes, out of high hopes for your brother I'd rather keep you safe here with me. I cannot trust any of my men enough with such a...possession," he grinned. "However, my other concubines wouldn't take it lightly if they discovered I was treating you so generously," he chuckled. "Not even they get such fine meals or the privilege of dining with me."

"Other concubines?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought I was a prisoner?" she inquired.

"Oh yes, how silly of me," he rolled his eyes. "It's hard keeping track of so many beautiful women."

She was naïve to think he was just going to let her remain here untouched, untarnished, no matter what her pathetic brother did. Either he himself would have the honors or receive a high price for someone else to do so, as honorably as possible. Amathan did not pride himself on being a man of force upon women, but he also did not foresee her agreeing so readily if he simply asked or made an attempt. Perhaps in time when her morale was lowered and her reserve weakened, she would give in to his advances. But he would wait for those. She had been though enough as it were.

Several minutes passed as they finished their meals. Alcmene placed her hands in her lap and sat quietly, waiting for Amathan to release her. Hoping to invoke a response, she spoke up.

"Sir, I am finished eating. Is there anything else I can do for you before I return to my room?" she asked slightly sarcastically but politely. It took more effort than she thought she possessed to be so cordial to him, but she knew it would help her chances if he was pleased with her.

"No, not tonight anyway. Leave," he said with a grin after looking at her for a moment. He knew she didn't really want to stay with him. He was slightly disappointed in her decision not to ask what other nights might entail. Once she had bowed and bobbed her head in acknoledgement and left the room, Amathan began contemplating the means of her stay further. He decided that until Kael could alter her fate, she would remain in her room for as much time as possible. He wanted to see her desperate, practically begging to come spend even five minutes with another being, preferably him. Surely it would take some time to break her due to her race and upbringing, but he did not rule it impossible. Not only would this be an advantage over Kael, but a victory for his own ego.

After their meal, Alcmene returned to her chambers to ponder what her future would hold. She had run though countless scenarios over and over, from worst to best. Obviously she hoped that Amathan would be satisfied with whatever her brother offered and released her. She wasn't so sure that this was going to be so easily solved. Her captor did not seem like such a simple man. All she could do in the meantime was hope Amathan continued to have a slight interest in her and that her brother would be swift with a response. As she returned to the tranquility and distant world of her dreams, she remembered the words Amathan spoke to her earlier: " It's hard keeping track of so many beautiful women."

'Was he trying to tell me he thinks I am beautiful? Why would he do that?' she wondered to herself as she drifted into slumber.

Several days passed before Kael's ambassadors arrived in the Night Elf territories. They had sent forth a runner with a white flag, signaling their arrival on behalf of the Blood Elf prince. Amathan was not pleased that Kael himself had not appeared, but he hadn't honestly expected him to do so. As he dressed for the meeting with the emissaries, he had a servant send for his prisoner.

Alcmene had risen that morning prepared to face the day as the previous bunch. Free of anticipation for the time being, she sat in her provided wooden chair, reading stories from an old book Amathan had ordered be given her. Suddenly, a guard began to unlock the hallway door, startling the princess. It was not time for her bath nor her permitted daily walk. She rose to see whoever this was entering her enclosure. A large Night Elf guard appeared, beckoning her to come with him.

"Lord Amathan sends for you. More of your kind have arrived," he announced.

'Kael'thas!' she thought to herself, trying to keep herself composed. She did not even know if he was among them, but she certainly hoped. Following the guard toward Amathan's room just down the hall, she found herself having to keep her hopes in check with every step.

Soon after being summoned, Alcmene entered his room curtly, unaware that he was in the process of dressing. He wore only his lightweight cloth pants that went under his robes. Seeing him without a shirt made her blush and she was unsure of what to do or say. In a very unladylike display, she found herself stunned and mouth agape. She couldn't seem to look away from his toned and muscular chest, as well as his bulging biceps. The princess had simply never seen a man this strong or this unclothed, especially only about two feet away from her. Her reaction made the elf grin, taking his mind off of the task at hand.

"Your brother isn't here and I am about to put on a shirt, so don't be so excited. He has sent representatives on his behalf. As you can see, I am dressing to meet with them and determine your future," he said, harshly throwing on a shirt and then a robe.

"Very well then. Shall I wait in your sitting room?" she asked, regaining her composure.

"No, I want them to see you. They should appreciate how well I have taken care of their princess," he said, grabbing her by the arm and leading her toward the meeting room. Apparently he was unaware of his own strength and the fact that he was unintentionally taking out his anger toward Kael on her, as his grip was extremely tight on Alcmene's frail arm. She attempted to stop as they walked down the corridor, clawing at his grasp.

"Please," she winced. He turned his head sharply to see her face showing signs of distress. Seeing her beg made him want to let her go, but he couldn't. He cursed himself for even thinking of being so kind. Amathan continued to hold her, but with an adjusted, less evasive hold on the girl.

As they rounded the corner, the pair entered a large and open marble room. After nearly two weeks, Alcmene was reunited with those of her kind. The warlock released his grip harshly and Alcmene fell forward, falling into the other Blood Elves slightly. The messengers caught her and smiled at the sight of her, pleased to see her unharmed.

"Princess, you seem to have been well cared for and for that, we are pleased Lord Amathan," one of the five said in fluent Darnassian, looking up at him. Amathan presumed him to be the leader of the group by his dress and casual tone when speaking in the Night Elf tongue.

"Yes, I assumed her to be more worthy of such treatment due to her lineage. Tell me, what does your prince offer in exchange for his sister?" Amathan asked as he cast a spell on the girl, causing her to be surrounded by a shadow of purple and dragged from the Blood Elves backwards behind him. They reached for her, but it was pointless against his magic.

"Prince Kael'thas offers a vast array of wealth for you, Sir. He sends gold, gems, women, slaves, and is willing to negotiate trade agreements or territorial offerings. He also sends these," the leader said handing the Night Elf two letters. Amathan took them and glanced over the items and servants. The amount of gold was substantial and the additional prospects weren't bad either. Several fine women of various races made up the assortment. He thought for a moment as he walked back towards his captured princess. Looking at her slim figure and slightly ravaged blonde hair, hanging suspended and helpless in his power, she was much more appealing. He could acquire concubines and these material things through any other means. Acquiring Princess Alcmene was much more rewarding. Plus, such a hostage gave him the upper hand. If he agreed to Kael's terms, that advantage would be lost forever.

"I am afraid I have to reject your prince's offer. If his sister is worth so much to him, I would have though he'd come for her himself. Is he too afraid to face me again after all this time?" Amathan teased as he played with the girl's hair delicately then proceeding to caress her chin, neck, and shoulders. She closed her eyes, trying to distract herself from his touch.

"My Lord, surely you understand that Prince Kael'thas venturing here would surely mean a dangerous and vile journey. Every bounty hunter in all the land would seek him out. Perhaps a neutral location…" the emissary started, clearly upset by Amathan's display.

"Yes, just as I thought. He isn't willing to risk much of anything to save her. He will come here and face me in Darnassus or she will stay as my possession forever," ordered Amathan, casting her abruptly further behind him. She cried out lightly as she came into contact with the wall. The Blood Elves gave an eminent look of concern for their princess.

"You wish it to be a fight then, the winner takes Alcmene?" inquired the leader.

"Perhaps something along those lines, yes," Amathan replied.

"Very well, I will submit your terms to His Highness, though I can assure you he will seek to negotiate further, as these territories are not ideal for his safety," he said regretfully.

"That tells me all I need to know about his character and your pathetic excuse for a race!" spat Amathan.

"Might I remind his Lordship that he in fact is…"

"NO MORE!" he wailed, lunging at the emissary. He turned him so that he was behind the Blood Elf now, placing his dagger under his chin. "She will stay here until he comes for her, understood? Get them out!" Amathan commanded, pushing away his struggling victim. As the emissaries were escorted away, he turned to Alcmene. She was terrified at his sudden outburst and clutched her hands together to her chest in fear. He picked her up firmly and proceeded to drag her back to her quarters once again. Alcmene did not understand why he had gotten so violent at the messenger's words, but she kept quiet to avoid angering him further. A few tears slid down her face subconsciously, not really because of any physical pain, but because of her confusion and the fact that her chances of leaving anytime soon had evaporated.

"Are you crying because your brother is too much of a weakling to face me or because your messenger doubts he will even bother to come and save you?" Amathan asked as they stopped outside her door, his right hand still pressing on her arm. She did not want to answer, as Kael was not actually a weakling and she knew he cared for her, but she assumed the latter was a more fitting answer. "Answer me!" he demanded, shaking her. With her eyes cast to the ground, she responded after taking a deep breath.

"As a princess, I hope...that he does not endanger himself or further degrade the fate of our people on my account. But...seeing how I have no future here, the other more selfish part of me hopes that he will come for me," she whispered frailly. She hoped that her reply was pleasing enough for him to leave her alone. Seeing that she was on the verge of breaking down into sobs right there in front of him, he decided not to further pester her. She was not in any condition to be toyed with and she was too afraid of him to be even remotely her usual and more entertaining self. The warlock simply growled and shoved her into her prison. She fell onto her bedding, her face buried in her pillow. Face down, she began to sob softly. Now that her brother would have to decide if she was worth endangering his mission for, Alcmene knew her time here would be further drawn out and could possibly get worse. Perhaps she had angered her master and now he would no longer look upon her with the least bit of compassion. Her tears had no effect on Amathan's decision to leave her in her room for several days, but he planned on calling for her again eventually. Amathan hoped his plan would make her even more receptive to his desires. He wasn't entirely sure why, but he wanted her to want him. Badly.

'Part of me hopes that he won't,' Amathan said to himself as he locked the door and watched her drown in her sorrows.

Thalassian Translation(s)

Anar'alah belore: "By the light of the Sun"

Next Chapter- Kael's reaction to Amathan's denial, continuing distress for Alcmene, and a certain chain of events that makes her less of a prisoner to Amathan and more of a debtor.

Any ideas about Amathan's secret? =)