He wandered through the grim corners of the corpse-ridden street, each step heavy with despair. It had become painfully clear that he was utterly alone in this nightmarish world. Accepting the truth was a struggle; he felt trapped in denial about the lives lost around him—victims who lay sprawled on the cobblestones, their necks slashed, and their heads grotesquely severed from their bodies. Guilt gnawed at him relentlessly, a dark specter haunting his thoughts and overwhelming him with a desire to end his suffering.
Kneeling before three lifeless forms, he bowed his head in a silent apology, whispering words of remorse that seemed to drift into the void. Hours slipped by as he begged for their forgiveness, wishing fervently to join them in eternal rest. His mind felt fractured, and his heart echoed the pain of loss. What purpose could there be in living, he wondered, when this was the fate that awaited him? Alone, he was left to grapple with the horror of his father, who had pleaded with him to embrace discipline, now lying lifeless with an open wound spilling its secrets. His mother lay facedown in the dirt, a jagged gash marring the back of her neck, while the most innocent soul he had ever known—a precious eight-year-old girl—clutched her mother's lifeless arm, her small teddy bear nestled close to her heart.
This moment would haunt him, an indelible mark on his soul. He rose slowly, a heavy heart propelling him toward an isolated corner where shadows danced with despair, where none would find him. A length of rope dangled from his hand, and he tied it securely to a branch that arched high above, leaving his feet dangling just above the ground. The urge to end the unbearable ache within him was overwhelming, a desperate wish to sever the tight cord that had wrapped itself around his heart. He longed for a sword to plunge into his chest, to escape this torment and join the deceased in eternal peace. But he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Instead, rage bubbled over inside him. He lashed out violently, pummeling the sturdy trunk of the tree until blood dripped from his battered fists. The futility of existence clawed at his mind, yet he couldn't take the final step into oblivion.
With a deep breath, he gathered himself and turned back toward the city, intent on giving his loved ones the burial they deserved. He would atone for the unforgivable words he had spoken in anger, dedicating his entire miserable life to honoring their memories before he eventually rotted away in hell. It felt like a small price to pay for the burden of his guilt.
"Galvane." A soft voice broke the silence, smooth and faint, but it was enough to awaken him from his stupor. He hadn't even realized that beads of sweat had formed, sliding down his skin like rainwater against the metallic roofs.
"What happened?" Galvane asked, his voice hoarse as he felt his hands tremble. He looked around, blinking against the morning light streaming through the window, signaling that a new day had dawned. His gaze returned to the white-haired Night Elf, who looked down at him, her expression filled with genuine concern—a trait often absent in others but strikingly present in her. He exhaled deeply, releasing the tension as Nilsha prepared to respond.
"You were shaking in your sleep, so I thought it best to wake you," Nilsha explained as she bent slightly, perching on the edge of the bed. Her hand hovered near his knees, gently patting them in a gesture of reassurance. It had a few days since she had offered him shelter under her roof, a decision she believed would benefit them both. Understanding the risks of inviting a stranger into her home, she sensed something different about Galvane. She had perceived his stoic demeanor when he first stood before her, and that impression had compelled her to extend her hospitality in exchange for his assistance—a task he seemed indifferent about accepting. Yet, despite the necessity of boundaries, she found herself uncomfortably close to him, acknowledging the budding affection she felt for the human stranger who is now more friend than a stranger.
Galvane nodded slowly, rubbing his eyes as flashes of his recent nightmare invaded his mind, vivid images of the corpses that haunted his past in Stratholme. The memory momentarily froze him, and he struggled to gather his thoughts. Shaking his head, he pressed his palm against his forehead, a frown forming on his lips as he focused on her. He glanced at the Night Elf, now standing beside the bed, and sat up. "I'm alright; I was just going to—" He hesitated, unable to conjure an excuse that would suffice.
"Are you truly alright, Galvane? I worry about you." Her voice was soft as her gaze swept over his features, taking in the haunted expression etched into his face. Her brows furrowed deeper as she heard him sigh, the lack of reassurance in his silence worrying her. Uncertain whether to pry into his past—having no knowledge of the man before her—she decided to take a small risk. "Are you having any bad dreams? Perhaps I could help in some way, so you feel more at home in my household restaurant…" she offered gently.
"I'm fine; you needn't concern yourself with me." He tried to rise and move toward the front door, but paused, suddenly wondering about their plans for the day. "What are we going to do today again?" he asked, seeking clarity.
"I'll explain, but you must promise me that you're truly alright. Like I asked, Galvane, are you really okay? I want you to feel welcome here, especially since it's not ideal for my only 'worker' to be disturbed every night." Nilsha stood, her tone tender yet firm.
He nodded. "Yes, like I said I'm alright, I shouldn't be taking so many concerns from you, I should be thanking you for providing me some room and that is enough for me to say that I'm comfortable." He once more explained and moved on to the next subject.
He nodded. "Yes, as I said, I'm alright. I shouldn't be burdening you with my concerns; I should be thanking you for providing me with shelter. That alone is enough to assure me that I'm comfortable here." He offered this reassurance before shifting the conversation to a new topic.
She smiled and left the room, returning a minute later. "Alright, Galvane, since you're new here, I wanted to remind you that you'll need to wear a uniform during restaurant hours so that our customers aren't startled by a hulking human clad in armor," she explained, dragging a sturdy chest box into the room.
"What is it?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
The white-haired Night Elf presented a set of leather clothes: a brown leather jacket, a white silken shirt, and brown leather pants—all in excellent condition and surprisingly elegant. "This is a set of leather clothes that I need you to wear, so you can blend in with the restaurant atmosphere," she suggested, holding the garments up against his frame. "I think it will fit you quite well," she smiled as she handed them over.
The warrior didn't protest; he appreciated her generosity. At least his 'boss' was kind enough to provide him with clothing rather than expecting him to buy some for himself. "Thanks. I suppose this will help with whatever tasks I might tackle here. Light knows what I'll need to do," he scoffed, casting a brief glance at her before returning his focus to the leather attire.
The Night Elf beamed at him, pleased to see a smile finally gracing his lips. "Well, you'll primarily be holding the door for customers as they arrive. There's not much more for you to do at this stage, especially since you've only been here for a few days. I guess this is the first task for you," she informed him before turning to exit the room. "Oh, and if you need assistance," she added, stopping herself, "there are others who will help us; they're my friends here."
"Alright, I have no complaints. You go ahead while I catch up to you downstairs," he nodded, closing the door behind her.
Nilsha was busy preparing the tables for their customers, draping crisp tablecloths over the surfaces and placing elegant flower vases in the center for a touch of charm. She wondered how people would react to the sight of a towering human standing guard at the entrance. A chuckle escaped her lips at the thought of the scene unfolding before her.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew her attention, and her gaze shifted to the recently employed human—or perhaps more accurately, the man she had helped when he was drunk. To her delight, she noticed that he wore the leather clothes comfortably; there were no signs of stretching or tension in the supple material. As she assessed his appearance, she couldn't help but find him somewhat dashing. Although he lacked the polished visage of a knight in shining armor, his rugged face bore an intriguing intensity, with a hint of softness in his demeanor that could easily be seen as handsome by some. Yet, she didn't dwell on those thoughts.
Just as she finished arranging the last tablecloth, she looked up at him with a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "You look quite dashing, hum—I mean, Galvane. Forgive me for that; sometimes I still forget your name. But I'd say you look more than presentable for the customers. Well enough that they won't be frightened by your presence," she teased, her tone light and humorous.
Galvane responded with a grateful smile, still adjusting to the casual exchanges with the Night Elf. She was still a stranger to him, just as he was to her, yet it seemed that Nilsha was far more open and friendly than he was prepared for. "Thanks for that. I appreciate the compliment. I thought I looked a bit ridiculous in this outfit, but your opinion certainly carries more weight than mine," he replied just as a knock resonated from the front door.
"That must be them, Galvane. Please open the door," she encouraged, and the warrior complied.
He approached the door, grasping the handle and twisting it open to reveal a Draenei alongside the human girl, Matilda, from yesterday.
The Draenei had flowing dark hair that reached her shoulders, her light blue skin glowing softly against the morning light. Her striking silver eyes held a beauty that was often celebrated within her race. She glanced up at the towering human standing before the entrance, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. "Ummmm, Nilsha... who is this man?" the Draenei called out, curiosity evident in her voice.
Quickly, Nilsha stepped toward them, ready to clarify the situation. "Oh, hi, Ereera!" she greeted the Draenei warmly, moving between her and Galvane. "This is Galvane, Ereera. He works for me. I met him two days ago, and he's considering staying on for a while," she informed, then turned her attention to Matilda. "Oh, hi Matilda! I'm glad you and Ereera came together, but I thought you'd be telling her about him," she exclaimed, gesturing at Galvane, who remained silently observant.
"Well, I thought he'd just be working for you for the day. I never expected him to actually be a regular here. It seems a bit odd, Nilsha… I mean, a hulking human under the same roof as you?" she clarified, her tone laced with surprise. Leaning closer, she whispered to Nilsha, "Isn't that a bit... dangerous?"
The night elf nodded, her gaze fixed on Galvane, who appeared to be lost in thought. "Well, I'm still here, am I right, Matilda? I have enough trust in this human not to be harboring a criminal under my roof. He's decent enough to comply with my requests," Nilsha explained, advocating for Galvane.
The draenei finally spoke up. "Well, in that case, I suppose that clears up any misunderstandings. Hi, Galvane, my name is Ereera; it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She extended her hand for a handshake, her expression warm and inviting. The warrior met her gesture, grasping her hand firmly but gently. She seemed amiable, though Galvane couldn't quite shake the feeling that there was a hint of mischief behind her friendly demeanor.
"Nice to meet you, Ereera," he replied, his voice steady. He then turned his attention to Matilda. "And you too, whom I believe to be Matilda. It's lovely to meet you." In response, the human woman offered him a soft smile, her eyes gleaming with friendliness.
Ereera stepped further inside, placing her bags beside the table with an effortless grace. "So, I guess we have a doorman now?" The draenei shrugged, her tone suggesting she wasn't entirely content with the idea of having Galvane as the welcoming committee, considering his shadowy past. "But I suppose we could use the extra security. We've had enough trouble chasing off the drunks around the city who think three women of different races are easy prey," she remarked, her irritation evident in her voice.
"Trust me, Ereera, he won't disappoint you. Just give him time; he'll prove himself," Nilsha implored, placing a vase on the table with care. "Anyway, I suppose we should get started. Any minute now, customers will start pouring in, unless it's a slow day. Galvane, you know what you need to do: stay by the door while we handle the rest. Intervene if there's any harassment among the customers, especially if drunken men cause a scene. This is a fine dining establishment, not a bar," she instructed, her tone authoritative yet encouraging.
Galvane raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "But how was I able to eat here a couple days ago when I was—"
"That was an exception—a slow day. Now, please refrain from asking questions and let us work," the night elf urged, hurrying the others to the kitchen. With her command, the warrior nodded, taking his place beside the door, ready to greet the first wave of customers.
To his surprise, the crowd wasn't as diverse as he had anticipated. It was mostly High Elves and Humans. He watched in wonder, momentarily lost in thought. He nearly forgot that many High Elves still resided in Azeroth. Despite the tragic history of their people, their numbers had remained stable, especially in Stormwind, where they now thrived. The sheer resilience of their culture, bolstered by a post-war baby boom among all races, filled him with appreciation. They had fought alongside him during the war, but he pushed those thoughts aside. The restaurant had started to fill up; it wasn't a busy day, but enough patrons arrived to keep the three women bustling, ensuring every order was met without delay.
"Young man, thank you for keeping the restaurant civilized. Here, for a little relief on your post," a feminine voice interrupted his reverie, offering him coins delicately balanced on her fingertips.
He glanced in her direction to see a High Elf couple accompanied by their three joyful children, their smiles radiating warmth and familial love. "Oh, thank you, but you really don't have to," he replied, accepting the coins reluctantly as the High Elf insisted. Although it was a modest reward, he appreciated their generosity. Any small token of gratitude felt significant after his recent life experiences.
With a nod, the couple and their children departed. Galvane smiled at the handful of silver, feeling a flicker of contentment. These little gestures of appreciation would help him sleep better at night, far away from the nightmares that had haunted him since that fateful day eight long years ago.
"Galvane, that's the last of them. They're my regulars; fine people, aren't they?" Nilsha called out from behind him, her voice breaking through his thoughts.
Galvane looked back at the departing family, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "Fine people, indeed. A fine family. Something I would wish for myself someday." He stood up to assist Nilsha as she lifted tables onto one another, creating space for the cleaning to begin. Ereera and Matilda worked diligently, clearing the remnants of their previous meal and stacking the tables in a corner for Nilsha and Galvane to manage.
"Well, why haven't you started a family? You're still young; surely opportunities lie ahead of you," Nilsha inquired, her tone filled with curiosity, leaving an implicit suggestion hanging in the air.
Galvane's expression shifted, and he frowned, a hint of frustration flaring in his features. "I had the chance, but I didn't seize it." He sighed, elaborating further, "I'm not even sure I'd make a good father figure, you know? I only mention it because of a debt I owe."
"To whom?" Nilsha pressed, genuinely intrigued.
"My father," he replied, the weight of his past evident in his voice. "He told me to stop trying to train for combat. I agreed, provided he kept his criticisms to himself. Now...well." A hollow chuckle escaped him, devoid of genuine happiness. "He's quiet now...forever. So I must keep that promise."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Nilsha said softly.
"Don't be. It's just nature. We all die sooner or later. I'm not concerned about my own death; I focus on living as fully as I can for however long I have left." He continued to stack the tables with ease, a blanket draped over them for good measure, a small act of care.
Nilsha smiled, touched by his perspective. His words resonated with her, offering a refreshing viewpoint. She pondered how mortality might not matter as long as one embraced the vibrancy of life. "I guess you're right," she acknowledged, feeling inspired.
"Nilsha, Galvane, let's eat! We still have enough cooked food to serve all four of us. It'll be our dinner," Matilda called out, settling down at the table. Galvane joined them, taking a seat at one end while Nilsha sat at the opposite end. Matilda and Ereera filled in the spaces between them. An uneasy atmosphere hung in the air for Galvane, as two pairs of judgmental eyes scrutinized him. While Matilda's expression softened into a smile, Ereera's gaze pierced him, filled with skepticism.
Galvane maintained a civilized demeanor as he began to eat, trying to ignore the intensity of Ereera's glare. He raised an eyebrow at her. "Am I a disturbance to you, Ereera? Because if I am—"
"No, you're not a disturbance, Galvane," Nilsha interjected suddenly. "Ereera, ease off on the man. He's new. Just give him time; you'll warm up to him. He's no danger; I spent the night under the same roof with him, and I turned out fine." The night elf's calm demeanor helped ease the tension in the room.
"I understand, but how can you hire a man like him so quickly? Yes, he was drunk when he arrived, and he's... well, he's rather large. Letting a stranger like him into your home seems dangerous." Ereera voiced her concerns, her eyes narrowing slightly. "No offense, Galvane; I'm still adjusting to your presence."
The human nodded in acknowledgment. "None taken, Ereera. I appreciate your concerns." He poured himself a cup of water, grateful for the chance to express camaraderie.
Nilsha looked pointedly at Galvane. "I know what risks I took by allowing him to stay here, but it's the same as welcoming any random stranger in need of help. He needed assistance at the time, and I took the risk. It paid off; now he serves for a meager pay," she chuckled lightly, her humor infectious.
The night elf took another bite of her meal, and, like any lady would, she covered her lips to discreetly release a small gas. "I'm full."
"Alright, I am too. I suppose I can trust Galvane now, but not entirely," Ereera commented, offering him a tentative smile that earned a nod of respect from him.
Meanwhile, Matilda finished her meal and glanced at Galvane, a playful expression lighting up her face. "Ooh, I'm so full!" She lifted her plate in a show of contentment.
"Please, let me wash the plates. It's the least I can do aside from just opening doors for everyone. Besides, it brings back fond memories of home," Galvane offered, stacking his plate atop hers. The others nodded in agreement, accepting his generous offer.
"Thank you for doing this, Galvane," the elf said appreciatively. "Join us afterward? Just a small chat among friends would be nice."
"Thanks, but I think I'll pass for now, Nilsha. Maybe some other time. I'd like to head upstairs," he replied as he carried the plates to the dish sink. Nilsha didn't object, allowing him to tend to his duties while she resumed her conversation with the others, sharing lighthearted gossip.
It took Galvane a while to finish the dishes, but it was a task he approached with determination. As he headed upstairs, he caught Nilsha's eye, momentarily locking his hazel gaze with her amber ones. She was strikingly beautiful, more captivating than he had seen in quite some time. Yet, he was accustomed to encountering remarkable faces throughout his life and adventures.
Once in his room, he opened the door and settled onto the bed, retrieving his extensive booklet filled with three hundred pages of notes chronicling his adventures and struggles. If only he had a quill and ink, he would document the day, but he resolved to simply remember it, leaning against the wall as he awaited the night's end.
Another hour slipped by, and the laughter and chatter from downstairs began to fade. Galvane stood up and glanced at the clock, noting it was ten o'clock at night. Descending the stairs, he found Nilsha alone, sipping what appeared to be tea, the steam rising from the cup as she scanned the newspaper. "Did you find today's work satisfactory, Galvane?" she asked, her tone inviting.
"I beg your pardon?" he replied, slightly puzzled.
"It's quite different from serving in the town garrisons, wouldn't you agree? Instead of guarding a castle, you're overseeing the restaurant," the night elf remarked, her enthusiasm contagious.
Galvane chuckled softly. "I suppose you could say that, Mistress Moonlit. I had a bit more fun here than merely guarding a garrison." He paused, a distant look crossing his face. "In fact, I did more than that. I fought in Northrend during the Third War, enduring battles that tested my will to survive. It was a time of chaos and loss, but it shaped me into who I am today."
"Nilsha dear," she interjected with a playful smile.
"Nilsha," he echoed, a note of respect in his voice. Galvane was not accustomed to using names; he usually preferred titles, but her request softened his approach. "I had fun, Nilsha. I wish I could stay and work here longer. The thought of returning to the gallows isn't appealing," he added with a light-hearted jest.
Nilsha chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. "Anytime you want, Galvane, as long as you remain productive. I may be kind, but you must uphold your end of the bargain if you wish to stay here," she reminded him with a nod.
She took a sip from her cup and offered him some. "Tea, Galvane? I can prepare some for you."
He gently shook his head, declining. "Thank you, Mis-Nilsha, but I'll head upstairs to sleep. I'm not particularly strong when it's this late at night."
"Then goodnight, Galvane. I'll see you tomorrow," she replied, her voice warm.
"Thank you...ah...Nilsha," he responded, nodding as he retreated upstairs.
"Elune-Adore, Galvane," she called softly after him.