Hey guys, The New Mandalord is here for now.
Just thought I would post this short chapter for all the fans out there. I am liking the faves, but if you would really like new chapters then reviews and PMs on ideas would be greatly appreciated.
So for now, just read, review, and enjoy
The Wall, Last City. Earth.
The first thing any pilgrim would notice approaching the Last City was the Wall. It was ancient and overwhelming. When the first builders in the Titan Order had them built, it was said they were at a minimum of two-hundred feet high and one-hundred feet think. With time and advances in technology certain parts of the Wall were now bands of energy, but most of it remained of the original stone and metal.
Layla hocked and spat over into empty air. With any luck the gob would freeze in mid-air and hit a hiding dreg. But as her luck of the day would have it, that was not to be the case.
Of all days, it had to be today. She just had to pull guard duty on a day like today.
The biting cold of winter, bland food, and endless mundane tasks protecting the City was not unknown to her, but Layla always felt that her talents were being wasted high above world. What made matters worse for her was that she had to cancel yet another date with her lover. Sometimes she believed that Commander Zavala and her father had a twisted deal going on behind her back. She would not put it past her father, seeing how he had not warmed up to Andrew yet.
A guest of wind blew up and over the Wall, and the chill it brought with it acted more like a living creature than an act of nature. Even in her insulated armor the chill was able to creep in and get into her bones.
She scooped in some of the lukewarm mush into her mouth, and part swallowed part chocked the concoction down. In theory this grainy mush was to have all the vitamins and nutrients that could keep a Guardian fueled for months. But apparently flavor and texture did not factor in or were thrown out all together. Some of her fellow Titans experimented with syrup, butter, and alcohol, but Layla's method of dumping it over the side was perhaps the best.
There was a chuckle from behind her. "Are you daft, babe?" It was Andrew. The warlock had materialized and snatched her bowl away. He tried the remaining contents, and then grimaced at the taste. "You don't actually eat this stuff. This garbage is reserved for others who are unfortunate enough not to have me as their lover. If you've been reduced to eating jellied cow hooves and pickled pigs feet, then I have failed you."
"I don't know, both of those sound better than this," She said with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry I had to cancel, once again."
"Well it's only the third one this month, but I'm not counting," He said nonchalantly, trying his best to ignore the fiery death glare she was giving him. He looked out onto the wilds beyond. "Now I have to admit, that is almost worth the flight up here. Pretty romantic for a date our."
"Just once I wish we could have a normal date. No bounties. No rescue missions. No riot or having to blow something's head off."
"I don't see that happening anytime soon," Andrew said quietly. "But that does not mean we can't find moments to enjoy."
He placed a large thermos on the wall's ledge. Twisting off the top, Andrew poured thick, creamy soup into her bowl. The hot liquid gave off white billows of steam in the cold air. It was far better than the nutritious swill that the cooks had given her, and had real pieces of chicken, rice, and even bacon thrown into the mix.
"Also brought these," Andrew pulled out a tightly wrapped bundle from underneath his cloak. "I'm afraid I might have burnt the crust a bit, but the insides should taste good just the same."
It was bread. Rolls to be more exact, but real baked bread, not the rationed stuff that tasted like dust with a sandy aftertaste. There were eight rolls all together, and a few had darkened skins, but the soft warm inside were perfect. She ate three of them before Andrew was done serving himself, using the hallowed out husks to scoop out any remaining soup.
"I have more," Andrew chuckled, "you don't need to eat your bowl."
"This is just one of the best meals I have eaten in a while is all," she had stopped to catch her breath. "So where did you get this from? Must have coast you a good handful of glimmer."
"Nothing more I can't make back from Ao in a game of grimiore," Andrew scooped some soup into a hallowed roll, "But no. I made it."
"You made this?"
"Yes. You know I can cook," he smiled at her. "And I love cooking for those who I care about."
Layla turned away from Andrew, lest he make some wise joke about her blushing next.
Author's Notes:
So I've decided to put up a small chapter this week because I am going to be very busy in the coming months. Won't say too much, but it will effect how fast I get my stories uploaded.
As for the story, I always thought the Wall in Destiny was interesting - insert your GoT jokes here - but you never got to go there. Ever. Not even a crucible match. Plus with no one really attacking it, guard duty has to be pretty dull and cold. They are in Russia I believe. So bringing someone you care for something hot to eat or drink is what I consider an aspect of love.
But what should I know? I'm a cynic to my very core.
So anyways. Peace out.