Astrid sat, somewhat disgusted with herself for melting in his hands like that. He could just kill her right now if he wanted to… She knew he wouldn't though, not with their past. She turned her gaze back to him, looking into his violet eyes and seeing sorrow and regret, but no pity. For that, she was grateful, she didn't need anyone's pity. "Why did you do it?" She asked suddenly, her voice low.

Ryruil sighed and looked at the ground beside him, gathering his thoughts for a few moments before answering, his gaze fixed on the dirt. "After Jarriaera said she didn't want to see me anymore I was bitter, to everyone and everything. I hated her, or so I thought. It turned out, I was desperate, I needed to feel wanted, like I was some use to someone. That's when I was approached. They offered power and freedom and shelter from persecution." He smiled bitterly, shaking his head. "I was so stupid to think I would actually receive what they promised, but I helped them. I helped them because I was angry at Jarriaera and angry at you because you were closer to her than I was." He paused, his eyes still fixed on the dirt as he drew in a deep shuddering breath. It was several minutes before he was able to speak again, his voice soft with remorse, "When I found you here, I lost sight of myself in my rage and despair. I know it's too much to ask that you ever forgive me, but I truly do apologize for every thought and feeling against you." When he finished speaking, Ryruil closed his eyes, awaiting her response.

She listened to his plea, thinking of how shallow and petty his thoughts must be to think that the correct revenge on an ex-lover was to betray his own people. No, she would never forgive him for his misdeeds, nor did she think that he was truly sorry for what he had done. In Astrid's opinion, every choice he had made, he had done for himself; opening the doors in revenge, coldly ignoring her in anger until now, when he had no one else to turn to and came crawling back to her in his fear of being alone. He was a selfish, arrogant, ignorant being, and as long as he lived, she didn't think that she could ever live in peace.

Reaching behind her neck, she unclasped her necklace then brought her hand down to her lap, concealing the jewelry beneath her hand as she slid the silver spirals together. She spoke to conceal her movements as well, her voice devoid of any emotion, "You're right, I cannot forgive you. But we can move on from this, forgetting the past, only looking to the future." She folded the spirals of her necklace until it became a hand sized weapon, ideal for her purpose. The necklace was another gift from her mother, though she received it long before the Blood Elves invaded.

Ryruil looked up at her words, his eyes full of hope at the ray of light she had shone him. She nodded, her face softening fractionally, and he sighed in relief, glad that she had found it in her heart to give him another chance.

Reaching out a hand to him, Astrid spoke again, in a friendlier tone this time, "Come, let us embrace in our new friendship." She breathed out as she leaned slightly toward him, her hand still held out to him.

He smiled fully and began to lean towards her, his arms outstretched to embrace her. In her mind, things moved in slow motion, like she was watching him through a filter, and everything became crystal clear to her. Astrid's senses heightened; she could hear tiny forest creatures scrabbling in the dirt, smell the loam and dampness in the air, her skin became hypersensitive to the slight draft through the trees and she felt her pulse slow, hearing her heart beat as it pumped blood through her body.

1…

Ryruil leaned in closer, she could smell his scent: wild berries and metal.

2…

She reacted and moved her body towards him. She could almost see his pulse pounding in his neck.

3…

Her hand itched, wanting to plunge her necklace-turned-dagger into his body, but she knew he was still too far for her to strike quickly.

4…

They were less than half a meter away from each other now. The moment felt surreal to her… she deceived him so easily. It was so simple to manipulate his guilt. Like molding wax, all she had to do was heat him up a bit and he would wrap around her like a doll.

5…

She felt his arms on her back, her own arm resting lightly around his neck. Her stomach turned over, but she told herself that he deserved this, she had good reason. Her resolve was strong as she let out a breath, feeling his head beside hers. She brought her hand up lightening fast, plunging her necklace dagger into his heart as far as she could.

Ryruil's eyes widened as he felt the cold metal in his body, the shock turning his blood to ice as it flowed out of him. She twisted the dagger in his body with a wet crunch, gripping his neck to hold him down as he jerked back away from her hand.

Blood dripped down her hand as she held the necklace-dagger, her fingers slipping slightly on the silver. She pulled it free and pushed him back, scarlet dripping down her forearm as well as his chest.

He stared at Astrid, shock and betrayal on his face and deep pain in his eyes. In her coldness, she stood, lifting her foot and pressing it to the puncture in his chest. Shoving him hard, she sent his limp body sprawling on the damp bed of leaves, looking down at him with his blood dripping from her hand.

Without a sound or a glance back, she turned on her heel and walked around the clearing to collect her scattered weapons, then out of the clearing and back to the restaurant.