He opened his heavy eyes, each blink a struggle against the throbbing ache in his head that screamed for him to stay down. Every movement felt like dragging a blade across his shoulder. Getting up was a battle in itself; every inch he shifted sent waves of pain coursing through him. But the pain didn't matter much; he was disoriented and didn't remember why he had blacked out. All he could recall was a blinding flash of fiery light, a searing pain, and then nothingness.
As he glanced down at his left arm, he noticed it was bandaged, but the extent of his injuries was unclear. His gaze trailed from the tips of his fingers to the edge of his shoulder, the motion slow and laborious, until he could turn his head no further. A tight bandage also obscured his left eye, limiting his vision.
Despite the soreness and lingering headache, he felt oddly... fine. Just sore enough to convince himself he could push through it.
"It is fruitless to stand for now..." A faint voice suddenly echoed in his ears.
Galvane turned his head, searching for the source of the voice, but found nothing. He decided to ignore it and push himself up anyway. "Just look at your left..."
Curiosity piqued, he obeyed the mysterious voice. To his surprise, he found his weapon, Shadowmourne, resting nearby. The crystal glowed with a vibrant red light, pulsating ominously. It had always emitted a glow, but this was different, more intense. He wondered what the voice meant by directing him to his weapon.
"In short, Galvane, I am the manifestation of Darkness and Light that you forged from Life and Death. I am the Sacred and Corrupt in one. My voice is the weapon's manifestation," the voice explained, its tone smooth and resonant.
Galvane struggled to process the fact that an axe was talking to him. A sentient weapon, no less. After seven years of warfare and battles, he thought he had seen and heard it all, but this was a new experience. "I would assume you'll try to corrupt me like Frostmourne did to Arthas, since you are basically the 'sister weapon' of the destroyer of humanity." He raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face; he was far from enamored with this disembodied voice.
The voice chuckled, as if amused by his presumption. "I am bound to you; you are my master. My nature is to advise you and reveal what benefits you through the realms of logic and reasoning. My will is yours. You are stronger than I, unless you allow me control, which you would not. I sense you have many desires, and I advise you to look to the corner of the room."
Galvane followed the voice's instruction and, to his astonishment, saw Nilsha sleeping with her head resting on her hand, her delicate features softened in slumber. "I say this woman is quite... persistent for you. Be it as it may, I have watched her cry, plead, pray, and guard you day and night. She is determined to save your life..." The voice continued, trailing off as it observed the pair, keenly aware of Galvane's gaze on the sleeping beauty. "I've sensed that you desire her..."
Shock flared in Galvane's chest at the voice's words. He wasn't sure if it was joking or trying to provoke him, but he fought to maintain his composure. "I'll not comment on that..." he replied, standing up despite the bandaged wounds. He carefully lifted her in a bridal carry, feeling only slight discomfort as he moved. If the voice spoke the truth about her vigil, then he owed it to her to do this.
"Your actions will lead to something in a moment..." the voice echoed, leaving him unsure if it was wise to leave her alone with it. If it could communicate with her as it did with him, he felt a flicker of concern. But judging by the darkness outside the window, it was dead of night; she was too sound asleep to worry. Perhaps she deserved this rest, and he could discover what had happened tomorrow.
He took one last look at her serene face, imprinting her features in his mind, truly appreciating her beauty. It still surprised him how lovely she was—a marvel to behold.
As he turned to leave, aiming for the door to perhaps find a quiet corner to rest, a soft voice called out, "Galvane..."
He looked back to see Nilsha stirring from her stupor, sitting up and locking her tear-filled eyes onto his.
Her gaze widened as she sprang up from the bed and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, her eyes glistening with tears. Galvane was momentarily at a loss for words, looking down at her as she looked up at him, their eyes locking in a moment of shared vulnerability. But then she hastily broke free from the hug, suddenly aware that she had lost herself in her emotions. Her eyes darted to the bandages, scanning him for any signs of lingering pain or injury. "Are you fine now, Galvane? Any hurt, sore spots, or anything that relates to your wounds?" she asked, her voice a mix of concern and urgency as she gently held his wrist to examine the burns.
He shook his head, managing a half-hearted smile. "I'm fine, just... hungry."
In an instant, Nilsha dashed to the table and uncovered a plate tray, revealing a spread of food. Although it had lost its warmth, it still retained its appetizing aroma. "I've got food ready for you, Galvane. I made this for you when you woke up..." she told him, her smile unwavering as it brightened her features. Galvane could sense that he might have been deeper in the trenches than he currently understood, judging from how he had always read people and her hasty preparations at the table.
"Sit, I'll sit next to you..." he replied.
He nodded and took a seat opposite her. Yet, as soon as he began to eat, he became absorbed in the food, shoveling down heaps of meat and fruit into his mouth as his stomach cried for fulfillment. He barely registered her presence, caught in the haze of hunger. However, her occasional glances at him did draw his attention, causing him to glance back at her. In her eyes, he saw pure joy, an almost overwhelming elation, but hidden beneath that happiness was something more—an uncertainty, perhaps a knowledge of what had transpired in the dark hours of his unconsciousness.
When he finally felt full, he placed his spoon down and noticed her averted gaze. He was puzzled by her reluctance to meet his eyes. "Umm, Nilsha, thanks for the food and..." he awkwardly began, looking into her amber eyes. "I just need to ask what happened... How did I end up in here? I don't remember anything about why I blacked out..."
She bit her lip, her eyes struggling to connect with his. Instead of responding directly, she stood up and walked over to a dresser. She picked up a newspaper and slowly returned to the table, showing him the article with a trembling hand. "Breaking News: Defias Brotherhood attacked Crowded Market, killing twenty people and injuring hundreds."
Her eyes still lacked the courage to meet his, despite her apparent joy at his awakening. The weight of what he had experienced was nearly impossible for her to articulate. "You almost died, Galvane... You saved my life from that fire, and then you almost perished yourself. I almost lost a friend. I kept praying for two painfully long days that you wouldn't be among the twenty souls that perished," Nilsha reluctantly revealed, her voice trembling as she struggled to convey the horror of those moments.
He faintly remembered now, flashes of chaos, explosions, and flames engulfing the restaurant. "The restaurant?" he asked, somewhat bewildered by how little he seemed to care about his own life.
"It's burned to the ground..." A voice suddenly interrupted, and Galvane turned to see Ereera entering the room, her lips curling into an expressionless line as she locked her eyes on both the elf and the human. "To answer your question, Galvane, you are in my house, along with Nilsha. She had nowhere to turn because of the fire that destroyed the restaurant. My home will always be open to my friends. But with what I overheard from you both, I'm just grateful that none of us died; we are fortunate compared to the others..." Ereera said, smiling gently in their direction, genuinely relieved that he had survived such wounds and trials. She glanced at the window and noticed the night had fully set in. "It's late, Galvane. I'm going to rest. Matilda left a day ago because she was called back by her family to deal with matters, and so should you... by taking a rest first," she suggested. The warrior's smile toward her indicated otherwise, and that was enough for her to leave the two alone. "I'll see you tomorrow, you two..."
Nilsha then turned her full attention back to Galvane, examining the bandage wraps around his body, looking for any signs of tears or further injury. She hesitated for a moment before lifting her finger to gently touch his shoulder, causing him to wince slightly. "Does it hurt much, Galvane?" she asked, her hands glowing faintly as she prepared to ease his pain with her powers.
"No," he replied, his gaze still downcast. He was lost in thought, grappling with the reality that he had nearly died yet again. To him, death was becoming a familiar sensation, as if he had brushed against its cold fingers too many times over the last seven years. He pondered the oddity of it all—how he had not been afraid of dying, yet somewhere in the depths of his memory, he recalled begging to live, which was strange for him. He had never pleaded for mercy since Stratholme; he consistently threw himself into the fray, surviving without uttering a prayer to his creator to save him from death's grasp.
He looked at her then, meeting her bright amber eyes, which were filled with warmth and concern. "I'll... I'll just stay up for the night. I rested too long, and I want my eyes to be open for a bit now," he said, trying to spark a conversation with her, to bridge the gap that had formed between them.
""Aren't you going to sleep?" he asked, resting his injured arm on the side of the bed opposite her.
The elf let out a light chuckle, her laughter warm and inviting. "Aren't you forgetting that I just slept as well, Galvane? You lifted me up to place me on the bed, despite your own injuries." She paused, a playful glint in her eyes. "And besides, are you forgetting that I'm a Kal'dorei? The night is my sanctuary; I can thrive in it."
He smiled, nodding as he gazed out the window, the moonlight casting soft shadows across the room. Just then, a question arose from her, cutting through the tranquil silence.
"Galvane, why?" she asked suddenly, her voice steady and unyielding. No longer afraid to lock her gaze onto his, she held his eyes with an intensity that spoke volumes. Her lips were drawn straight, betraying her seriousness. "Why didn't you let yourself be introduced as a hero? You deserved it. You deserve that recognition, yet you didn't... why?" Her tone was soft, sincere, laced with genuine curiosity.
He sighed, biting his lip as he turned his gaze toward the window, lost in thought as he observed the moon's serene glow. "I'm just a farmer's child. I want to be remembered as that," he replied plainly, resting his chin on his hand as he pondered.
"Do you not wish to be remembered as a hero?" she pressed, her lips pursed, carefully ensuring her tone didn't imply interrogation.
He shook his head, frustration flickering in his hazel eyes. "Too many bad memories from those places. I'd rather forget them than remember," he replied, curling his hand into a fist. The familiar ache felt oddly comforting; it reminded him that he had survived, that pain was a part of his existence now.
She sighed, knowing that convincing him would be an uphill battle. From what she had observed, once Galvane fixated on something, he was steadfast. But perhaps there was a memory worth sharing that could help ease his troubled mind. "Surely there must be something from your time in service that's worth remembering, Galvane," she suggested gently.
Galvane narrowed his brow, glancing at his arm as he searched for a memory, his expression softening as a recollection surfaced. "Well, every night in my tent, I would step outside and watch the Aurora Borealis, despite the biting cold. It kept me sane, a reminder that there is beauty even in the most dangerous of places. But beyond that, I can't recall much else," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Nilsha raised an eyebrow, sensing an opportunity to delve deeper. "Oh? Would you share with me how beautiful those skies were? I have my share of memories gazing at them when I still lived in my homeland, but I believe they would be even more breathtaking in the North," she encouraged, shifting her chair closer to bridge the distance between them.
Galvane chuckled softly, unsure how to articulate his feelings, but it would be unkind to leave her hanging. "It's stunning. I loved its colors, the way…" He trailed off when his eyes met hers, a sudden warmth blooming in his chest. For themanyt times since their meeting, he felt an undeniable attraction. "The way the shades of amber move and dance with the other hues," he continued, surprised at his own poetic expression.
Her eyes widened, sparkling with interest. "Oh? Like my eyes, Galvane? Do they possess such color?" she asked softly, her eyelids fluttering as she blinked. A flurry of butterflies danced in her stomach at his words, causing her to blush lightly.
He nodded, his throat tightening, unable to muster any more words.
Her smile brightened, and the blush on her cheeks deepened, a vivid hue against her fair skin. As she adjusted her chair to sit next to him, she stole glances at the bandages covering his wounds, which obscured half his face and upper body. Gently, her soft purple hands brushed against the bandages to tighten them, but she quickly withdrew her touch, locking eyes with him once more. "Tell me, Galvane, do my eyes match the beauty of those skies?" The question hung in the air, a playful tease that surprised her; she had never asked anyone, especially men from other races, such a bold question.
He swallowed hard, his heart racing. "I truly believe your eyes are much more beautiful," he replied, the sincerity of his words causing her to look away, the weight of his compliment sinking deep within her.
Her cheeks flushed crimson, an undeniable warmth spreading through her. She had never received a compliment like that before, nor experienced an atmosphere so charged with emotion. The sensation of shyness was new to her, and she found herself wishing for a reply, something more in return for his kind words. "Galvane, I-I don't know what to say—"
Just then, a knock echoed through the room, breaking the tender moment they had been sharing.
"Nilsha, Galvane, I've brought some pillows for you to lean on if you decide to sleep in the chair," Ereera called from the other side of the door. The sound shattered the dreamy trance that had enveloped the two individuals, each from different races, who suddenly realized that their conversation had strayed into unconventional territory.
"We'll be fine, Ereera. I'll stay with Galvane to monitor his health," she replied, her voice firm yet gentle. With that assurance, the draenei stepped away from the door, finally allowing the two to enjoy the quiet night together in solitude.
Galvane shifted, sitting at the edge of the bed, his gaze drawn to the window. The moon shone brightly, illuminating the stars that flickered like diamonds against the vast expanse of deep blue sky. "I'll stay up for the night; I don't feel the need for sleep," he stated, his voice steady, though a hint of weariness lingered in his tone. He glanced at her, and with a slight nod from the elf, she moved her chair closer to the bed, resting her head on her hand.
"I'll rest, but I won't sleep either," she replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. The two settled into a comfortable silence, the soothing sounds of the night wrapping around them like a warm blanket.
As the hours drifted by, the stillness was punctuated only by the distant rustling of leaves outside and the gentle sighs of the night. Each lost in their thoughts, they began to embrace the peacefulness that surrounded them, finding solace in the quiet companionship they shared.
Time seemed to stretch, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow across the room, a constant reminder of the world outside their little sanctuary. The night unfolded slowly, each passing moment bringing with it a sense of calm, as if the universe itself was holding its breath, allowing them to savor this short moments of time together.
2 weeks later
Galvane sat up once more, feeling the dizziness swirl in his head like a tempest. He glanced around the room, but he was alone. A sense of calm washed over him as he positioned his legs to swing off the bed. However, he paused when his injured hand brushed against a piece of paper on the bedside table. His eyes fell upon the emblem of the Alliance and the Kirin Tor emblazoned on the page. With curiosity igniting in his chest, he picked it up, removed the seal, and unfolded it to read.
"Galvane Hilt, by the request and approval of Jaina Proudmoore and King Varian, you are hereby relieved from your duty as a soldier and will no longer be subjected to any drafts."
He fell silent, overwhelmed. "Overjoyed" was an understatement; his expression morphed into pure shock as he stared at the precious piece of paper. Tears began to well in his eyes, dripping down and marring the beautiful document that carried such a significant message. He knew exactly who to thank for this—her. She had done so much for him that he felt a twinge of shame knowing she had been burdened with his problems as well. Yet she had handled it all so gracefully, lifting the weight off his shoulders effortlessly.
Galvane stood up, compelled by an urge to express his gratitude. The helplessness that had previously consumed him began to dissipate. He approached the door, still feeling a bit hazy from sleep, but the sensation paled in comparison to the clarity of purpose surging through him now. There was nothing left for him in the death-ridden continent where he had fought countless battles, victories marred by loss. This was a blessing—one he would never have received in a thousand lifetimes had he not crossed paths with them.
He twisted the doorknob, peeking out to see Ereera and Nilsha sitting at the dining table, breakfast spread before them—a loaf of bread and an assortment of other foods. He closed the door behind him, slightly limping as he felt the soreness in his wounds, but a smile broke across his face. "I read the letter... I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me," he said, his gaze unwavering from their faces.
Ereera beamed and gestured for him to join them. "Just come and eat with us, Galvane. That would be thanks enough. What are friends for, you know?" She chuckled, looking between him and Nilsha. "How long have you two worked together, Nilsha? Three? Four months?"
"Six, actually," Nilsha replied, taking a fork and slicing through the breakfast spread. Her gaze flickered from the food to Galvane, uncertainty churning within her. It was just a small gathering with simple conversations, yet it made her blush unexpectedly. Perhaps it was the warmth of companionship she hadn't experienced in Elune's name since the start of her journey. This was new territory she might be ready to explore—or perhaps not.
Galvane felt little inclination to engage in conversation, content to let the two women chat. He wasn't much for talking, having just woken up, and he found comfort in their camaraderie. But eventually, the silence began to weigh on him, and he felt a pang of longing to be part of the exchange. "Umm... thanks for the food. It's pretty delicious. I guess last night's meal just didn't quite satisfy," he chuckled, his brown eyes glimmering as they shifted between the two women.
"Well, at least you've managed to muster some words, Galvane. Because we've got something important to tell you," Ereera began, casting a glance at Nilsha, silently encouraging her to share the news.
Nilsha took a deep breath, her expression growing serious. "Ereera told me I received a message from my family, asking me to return to my village in Darnassus. It's been seven years since I last saw them, but I've managed to write to them from time to time. Given the recent events, with cultists and fire elementals causing havoc in Ashenvale, I feel I need to aid the people in my homeland for now, Galvane. After that, I'll return here to continue rebuilding the restaurant." She paused, observing the concern etched on Galvane's face. "And you don't have to worry about anything, Galvane. I'll bring you with me if... if that's what you want." The flush on her cheeks deepened as she uttered those words, almost as if she were inviting him to meet her family for their approval.
Galvane stroked his chin, the decision settling within him swiftly. "Alright, I can't complain. My friends saved my life, so I'll just follow along," he said, rising and approaching a mirror before heading back into the room.
"Where are you going?" the elf inquired, her brow furrowing with curiosity.
He glanced back over his shoulder. "I'll just grab something from my room," he replied, entering and retrieving Shadowmourne from its resting place. As he stepped back outside, the weapon felt familiar in his grasp. "I'm glad you've recognized the importance of my presence, master. I'll gladly assist you for your interests," the voice echoed once more, eliciting a huff from Galvane, a sign of his annoyance at the constant chatter.
Ereera eyed Galvane, her discomfort evident as he emerged, injured and bandaged, wielding the weapon that unsettled her. "Umm, you're bringing that? It's like it talks or something, like a companion," she said, her tone laced with sarcasm.
"You have no idea," Galvane thought bitterly as he heard the voice. "I'll just bring this, just in case I need it," he exclaimed, moving his arm slightly and grimacing at the soreness that shot through him. He sat back down, finishing his meal, though he gritted his teeth for a moment when his arm bumped against the table, causing the wound to shift painfully. "Damn sore..." he mumbled under his breath.
Nilsha glanced at him, her expression softening. "Galvane, my mother is a high-ranking priestess. She has more power than I do; she'll be able to heal the burn permanently, but the scars will likely remain on your body, I'm afraid..." she revealed gently, taking his finished plate and handing it to Ereera, who placed it in the dishwasher.
He nodded. "If these scars signify that I saved a friend, then I have no qualms about bearing them." He spoke bluntly, but the knowledge of her mother being a high-ranking priestess sparked some curiosity within him. His understanding was that priestesses and priests must remain celibate to ascend the ranks. A smile crept onto his face, catching Nilsha's attention, prompting her to ask what thoughts occupied his mind.
"Why are you smiling? Did I say something that piqued your interest?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on him as he wore an expression of utmost curiosity.
"Well, I had to ask because I thought that to achieve higher ranks in religious organizations, one had to be celibate." He answered, his anticipation palpable as he leaned in closer, eager for her response. "And since you mentioned your mother is a high-ranking priestess, I couldn't help but inquire."
Nilsha nodded in acknowledgment. "Well, she was celibate until… well, until she met my father. I mean, what you said is true, but if you break your vows, you won't be able to achieve a higher rank than what you had when you broke your vow. You'll maintain the position you were in, though. My mother told me she became a priestess ten thousand years ago, and I'm two thousand years old. So, it took her eight millennia to reach that status, you know?" Nilsha explained, her tone reflecting a mix of pride and affection for her mother.
Galvane glanced at Ereera, who was quietly washing the dishes, wondering if she could hear their conversation. He then turned back to Nilsha, his heart pounding slightly in his chest. "How about you, Nilsha? Are you celibate, or is there something else related to that?" he asked, feeling bold yet aware that it was a very personal question. Deep down, he hoped she wouldn't say yes. The thought of her being celibate felt like an insurmountable barrier between them, one he wished wouldn't exist.
She looked up at him, contemplating her answer, and he held his breath, his anticipation mingling with anxiety. "You know, I never really thought about it... I mean, I guess I wouldn't be. I've always wished to be a mother and have children someday," she replied, a hint of shyness evident in her voice as she navigated such a personal topic.
Galvane felt a wave of relief wash over him, one that he was careful not to reveal to either woman. The unspoken tension lifted, and he couldn't help but smile at the thought that perhaps there was still a chance for something more between them.
Ereera, unable to resist joining in, smiled at their conversation and chimed in. "You know, Nilsha, if you want to have children, why not use our human Galvane here as a sperm donor?" she teased, her words catching both of them off guard.
Nilsha's mouth opened in shock, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Ereera, I—yaaaa..." She didn't finish her thought, covering her cheeks in an attempt to hide her embarrassment, which only seemed to amplify her blush.
Ereera chuckled, glancing at Galvane, who remained seemingly indifferent to the banter. Yet, she reveled in the reaction from her elf friend, unable to suppress her laughter. "Hey, Galvane, are you going to be alright visiting their lands? You know, the average night elf isn't as warm-hearted as Nilsha here," she said, flashing a smile at Nilsha, who was still recovering from her embarrassment. "I think you'll manage just fine."
Galvane nodded. "I've been there before; it's nothing new. I've met a few night elves throughout my life, so it's not foreign territory for me," he assured her, though a sense of determination swelled within him.
Ereera picked up a bag and handed it to Galvane. "What is this?" he queried, a note of confusion lacing his tone.
"Clothes. You'll need them, of course. The journey will likely take more than a week. Darnassus isn't exactly close, you know?" she explained, glancing at the clock as she considered their timeline. Meanwhile, Nilsha stood up and moved toward the room.
"Hey, Nilsha, where are you going?" Ereera called out, curiosity lacing her voice.
The elven priestess turned back. "I'm just going to grab some clothes as well, just in case we need more if the voyage extends due to unforeseen challenges." She reasoned, casting a skeptical glance back at Ereera.
"The voyage won't begin for another eight hours, Ereera. We have plenty of time," Nilsha reassured her as she disappeared into the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Ereera looked back at Galvane, who was inspecting his axe, lost in thought. She pushed those observations aside and decided to bring up something that had been on her mind for some time. In the last six months, she had noticed how close he and Nilsha had grown, closer than she'd ever seen her friend with any man before. Nilsha, usually polite and distant with suitors, seemed to share something special with Galvane. Ereera knew where this might lead.
"Galvane, come here for a second. I need to talk to you about something," she said, motioning toward the kitchen, making sure they were far from Nilsha's room.
Galvane followed her, sitting on the edge of the table. "What's the case?" he asked, adjusting his bandaged arm, his brow furrowing slightly.
Ereera glanced toward the door where Nilsha had gone and then back to him. "Galvane, I've been friends with Nilsha for three years now…" She began, her tone soft but serious.
He raised an eyebrow, already sensing where this conversation might be headed. "Wait, where is this going?" he asked, his curiosity piqued but his heart already racing at the possibility of what Ereera might say.
The draenei sighed, lowering her voice. "Don't be blind, Galvane. I know this trip, this voyage, might lead to something between you and Nilsha. Maybe you didn't expect it, but I did. I've watched men come and go in her life, all trying their chances, but none of them ever got as close to her as you have. She's not someone who's easily wooed, but for whatever reason, Galvane, she has her eye on you. And I know that feeling is mutual between you two."
Galvane lowered his head, letting the weight of her words sink in. His heart swelled with a cautious joy, the kind he hadn't allowed himself to fully embrace before. Could it be? Could Nilsha actually feel the same way? It seemed almost too good to be true, but now Ereera's words made that hope feel more real. He smiled briefly, his mind racing with the possibility of a future with Nilsha. Yet, he knew he couldn't let his guard down completely. He had to be careful. Hope was a fragile thing, and he couldn't let himself be blinded by it. "I'll admit, I have a 'thing' for her," he finally said, his voice quieter. "But I don't believe she feels the same. I mean, she's always been kind to me, but maybe that's just who she is... not because she returns those feelings."
Ereera stepped closer to him, her eyes softening with understanding. "You don't have to believe it, Galvane. But trust me, I've known her for years. This is different. And if I'm being honest, I hoped she wouldn't fall for you—" she hesitated before continuing, "—not because you're human, but because of your lifespan. Nilsha is the kind of person who would never love again after her first... and you know how many years that might mean for her."
Galvane sighed, the happiness he felt dimmed slightly by the reality Ereera pointed out. He knew she was right—there was an unspoken burden that came with the difference in their lifespans. But still, the thought that Nilsha might return his feelings was enough to keep that flicker of hope alive, cautious but undeniable. He looked back at the door, his thoughts swirling with possibilities.