|
Post by Callahan on Jul 21, 2009 9:50:04 GMT -5
He was glad that the dress appeared to be fitting her fine. He didn't want to have to redo the lacing. Not that he wouldn't tie them up again without a second thought if she asked. Repeating meant more risk of touch. He wasn't scared of touch, just the meaning. And besides, redoing the laces meant he'd not done it right the first time, not something he would be happy with. Viscero seemed quite happy playing with her, though he did often warm up to new people quite quickly. He watched her approach the bags on the bed as she started informing him of her mission and travelling route. He nodded, though rather concerned at the route they would be taking unarmed. It would be a long way to travel, especially with him without weapons or armour. The council certainly had no idea what they were thinking when they'd agreed to this.
He saw her grasp for the bag as she started talking about what the council may have said. If any of the other races had a problem he would certainly deal with it. Weapons were tools, a warrior did not require them to be dangerous. He certainly didn't. She started handing him the bags, which he took without problem, before she suddenly took them back and moved to wait by the door. He paused, not knowing why she didn't want him to take the bags, and approached the door with her, Viscero not far behind. "Archmage, although the mission details and my exterior may be different, I am still your bodyguard and assistant. Please, let me carry these bags for you. It should not be your place to do the work of those inferior to you." He reached for the bag, grasping the handle and waiting for her to release it.
He was strong and used to this sort of thing. That was not to say that she was weak, just not as physically powerful as he was, definately. She was probably more versed in certain holy abilities than he was, and she probably knew a few spells that her evil father had subjected her to learning. She was also smooth with the tongue and could talk diplimatic relations better than most of the elves he knew. In fact, better than any he knew. He knew very few, but most were diplomatic in nature and all were inferior to her words. And, of course, she was beautiful, but it was not a paladin's way of saying such things. The paladins respected truth and justice and the like as beauty, not materialisms. As much as his heart wanted to, his head knew his place. She was of a good bloodline, his wasn't as good. She was an Archmage and a diplomat, he was a guard and a soldier. No, things would remain how they were.
|
|
|
Post by Narisha on Jul 22, 2009 5:29:50 GMT -5
Please, let me carry these bags for you. It should not be your place to do the work of those inferior to you.
Inferior? Since when had he become inferior? Even if he had been before he hardly was now. Now her long suffering, faithful bodyguard and companion was her equal... Her lover...
Leiran paused, looking at him curiously when his hand brushed hers on the handle of the bag.
"You have never been my subordinate Voresto. From the moment you won the right to guard me from my father I considered you more than just some fool who had made a living guarding those higher than he. The tests my father put you through were in no way easy."
She released the bag, allowing him to take it and continued on down the hallway. As was often the case before a mission, her mind was less on appearances and more on the journey ahead so she continued softly speaking to him as they moved.
"I watched worried you would die. Nocti had been so determined that I should not be protected till he had passed away. I was to fight him in fact for the position."
A tortured laugh came from her, "I suppose the Scourge saved me that torment. It would have killed my mother to watch father and I battle for his position. She'd have followed him to the grave most likely."
She halted her musings abruptly as they climbed the ramp into the Sunspire and made their way to the Orb of Translocation. Nothing was safe within those walls.
"Call your wyrm Voresto. I wouldn't want him left behind..."
As soon as the little creature was safely secured with him, Leiran activated the orb. The journey, though quick was disorienting and she wobbled on her feet as they materialized in the Undercity. Well, in Lordaeron to be more precise... And as always the stench of decay overwhelmed nearly causing her to retch.
This, this is what she fought for. The right for her people, descendants of the noble High Elves, to mingle amongst the Undead who no longer wanted to be a part of that bastard Arthas' band of disgusting murderers. Her face was pale and she struggled to stay upright as they walked through the courtyards of the castle and out into the glades. They couldn't get to the zeppelins fast enough.
Climbing the stairs to the docks, she stopped about halfway and leaned against the wall, the cool wood soothing her as she leaned her forehead against it. It took all her will to continue to the top, stepping regally onto the flying contraption, thankful that the stench had lessened as they had climbed.
"Captain. We have arrived. Let us depart as quickly as possible..."
The last word came out as a whisper as Leiran wavered on her feet. A small cry was all the warning anyone received as she suddenly crumpled to the floor in a faint.
|
|
|
Post by Callahan on Jul 22, 2009 13:36:38 GMT -5
His eyes cast down a little at her words, knowing indeed that her father's test hadn't been an easy one. He still had arrow wounds and magic burns to prove it. He nodded, not quite sure what to say to her after all she had said to him. He did not believe himself to be of as high a rank as she seemed to be indicating, and so took the bag from her wordlessly, wrapping it in a tight grip and following her. He looked up as she described how she felt if he should die. He was not even aware she had watched, let along was present. He cast his mind back trying to search for her amongst the attacking soldiers and flying spells, but could not recall seeing her. He contorted his mouth a little wondering if he'd actually tried to throw a spell in her direction in the heat of battle.
He knew what her father was like, and that was a man who was fond of using his spells maliciously. Even on his daughter. Many had been aware of that, yet none did anything to stop him. It made Vorestro angry, but there was only so much he could do. And yes, the Scourge seemed to have dealt with that problem for them. Wiping out both of their families. He smiled back at her strained laugh, half wanting to place an arm around her. He resisted though, maintaining his position by her side. The hallways were clear as far as he could tell. Climbing the steps into the Sunspire he agreed with her and brought Viscero between his fingers, the Wyrm seemingly knowing what he wanted. The smooth stones beneath hsi feet made the journey somewhat easier, and soon they were before the Orb of Transloation itself.
The green, misty orb stood in the centre of the room perched on a golden stand, and as the Archmage moved towards it he too followed, placing his hand on it. Nothing happened, as he had been told. She was the one who would activate it. With a surge they were flying through space. Black and white shapes whipped past them at frightening speeds and he could feel a force pressing against his body. Then it was over, and with a little bit of a relieved shrug, he found himself back in normality. Or at least as normal as the ruins or Lordaeron could be. Effectively a huge dungeon build beneath the castle, or at least it felt like it to him. No sunlight, no fresh air, no plants, no fine buildings, just the endless amounts of rot and decay and shadow. He detested it, but continued, with the scent of death moving within his nostrils, provoking memories of times long ago.
Moving with her past the dead creatures and the stone walls, he paused for an instant at a doorway. He could feel a presence he had not felt for a long time now. Long had they been aware that Sylvanas Windrunner, like many of their bretherin, was slain at the hands of the Scourge. He had also been aware for several years now that she was the leader of this Forsaken band. He had not seen her for a long time, doubted even that she would remember him, and yet he could still feel the magical presence. The suffering in her that had replaced her good, kind heart. He pressed on, following the Archmage once again. He may see Sylvanas one time, but he did not plan on going out of his way for it. The Ranger General he once knew and, maybe a little, loved, was no more. Arthas had made sure of that.
Moving from the dead city he remained vigilant as they travelled through the outdoors towards the Zeppelin platform. She seemed to quicken her pace as they continued to move towards the platform, or away from the city, he wasn't sure which. Viscero continued to circle around him, a little more eagerly than in the Undercity. Back then the little creature had clung to his wrist, but now he was happily scampering about his body again. They arrived at the guarded platform, trading shifty glances with the guards, before climbing the stairs. Halfway up she paused, and rested. He waited, wondering if she was thinking or struggling, and reached out a hand finally to help, but she began moving once more and he followed her warily. Stepping aboard the large contraption she gave the order for them to leave, and the thing began to move slowly.
It was at that point she fell. He had his back turned, but he heard and felt it nonetheless. Turning immediately he dropped the bag and bent down to scoop her up, glancing around accusingly at the others present on the boat. They were confused, or stoic, and he didn't really trust any of them. Bringing her to rest in one arm he grabbed her bag and looked around for somewhere to rest her. The entire of the top deck was unsuitable, and without a word to the others present he retreated below decks with her, finding little in the way of comfort for the crew, or even the captain. Laying the bag she had given him on the floor, he gently placed her head on the soft material, then unrapped his cloak and pressed it around her, wrapping her tightly in it to keep warm. He could already feel a chill as the Zeppelin rose higher.
He stroked her forehead, feeling little in the way of fever, and sent some healing energy to his fingertips, draping them down her face to try and make her feel better. They left shining lines on her fair skin which disappeared with the body seconds later. Brushing her hair away from her face lightly he stood up, bringing a glowing finger to Viscero. "Stay close to her Viscero, and let me know if anyone approaches." The Wyrm purred gently and rested on her chest, allowing Vorestro to take a few paced away, pausing at the balcony just at the front of the Zeppelin. It was small, maybe enough for two or three people, but it let him feel the fresh air and take in the view below as they started their way west. He could hear some of the shouts above on the deck as the captain gave orders, though they were muffled. It was nice though, and it helped him calm after seeing her go down like that.
|
|
|
Post by Narisha on Jul 24, 2009 4:48:37 GMT -5
She could feel her mother stroking her hair, sighing as she slowly woke up. Leiran had been enjoying sleep for the first time since the loss of her parents, and didn't even bother to open her eyes as she drifted back into consciousness. The headache that had been perpetually behind her eyes since the death of her parents was gone. The soft hum of the motor as it pushed them towards Kalimdor encouraged her to simply snuggle further into the cloak and deny reality. She nuzzled against what she was sure in her barely conscious state was her mothers hand and sighed.
"I've missed you mommy..."
It was whispered and heartfelt, but when Leiran heard no reply her forehead wrinkled in concern, that miserable ache in her heart and head drifting back in to take hold of her. Opening her eyes slowly, almost fearfully, she quickly closed them again the second recognition set in.
That's right... I'm on my way to Moonglade.... Mother is dead... I'm alone....
A soft hissing sound drew her attention and she winced as she opened her eyes to find the source of the sound.
Oh yeah... Voresto has a mana wyrm...
A tiny little smile crept across her lips and she slipped a hand out of her covering to brush it along his scales, infusing mana into her touches. Her smile widened a tiny bit as the wyrm made another adorable purring sound. Shifting slowly, she sat up and allowed her eyes to take in the room. Voresto was standing on a balcony and she could feel the cool breeze brush through as she sat there. He looked cold and she checked to see what was covering her, appalled to see he had given her his cloak and then moved to stand in the air like that. Silently she crept to her feet and slipped up behind him, laying the cloak across his shoulders.
"If you catch cold and die I shall be quite furious with you."
She moved to stand next to him, gazing out the balcony at the ocean moving quickly beneath them.
"We're landing too soon." She sighed, her hands gripping the rail as she resisted the urge to hurl herself over it and into the water. "I don't want to do this. I don't want to go. I cannot tell you how tempted I am to just... just..."
Her voice suddenly dropped to a near whisper as her hands let go of the rail and she took a step away.
"So tempted to just leap over the railing and not go. Sink into the deepest darkest depths of the ocean and never return."
|
|
|
Post by Callahan on Jul 24, 2009 11:38:26 GMT -5
He pressed the back of his hand against his chin, brushing the fingers against his skin lightly as he watched the final pieces of the coast disappear beneath him, leading to the expanse of the ocean ahead. The blue beyond stretched as far as he could see, and ar below he could make out the shapes of several ships in the water. Deciding to occupy himself, he cast a glance over his shoulder to check the Archmage was OK before exhaling and thinking back over what Had happened so far. So many things. The Scourge, the city, the betrayals, and now the attempts at making peace with the Horde. The Undercity and its death-ridden ways, and the presence he had felt in Sylvanas's direction. They buzzed around his head endlessly making him constantly consider his next move carefully. The Scourge had destroyed his homeland, so he obviously owed them repayment. Kael had betrayed him, as well as his followers, and so he owed them too.
The Horde. He had experienced very little in the way of the Horde. That trip to Undercity had been his first, and preferably last. The Orcs, well, he'd never really experienced one of those, nor Tauren. Trolls he had seen many times in his lands but they were dealt with as required. No, the only information he had about the Orcs and Tauren were that they were both large and both strong. He furthermore assumed both were brutish and both smelled terrible, as would probably be their nature. He pulled himself up to sit on the railing with an arm, balancing with ease and staring down at his palms. He let golden sparks trail across the skin of the palms and gather between the lines in his hand. He really did hate fighting without a weapon. If things broke out there he'd be sure to grab a sword from something. It would be more civilised that way. He flexed his fingers slightly, bringing the golden glow to his fingertips and holding it there for a few seconds before allowing it to spread into the air like dust.
The trip was incredibly long, as he had expected, and a few hours of sitting aware and watching the Archmage, eyeing the crew that travelled below decks warily, he moved back into a standing position and stared back out at the ocean. Her voice behind him caused him to turn his head lightly as he listened. Her mother. He dropepd his head a little. Missing her father he would not have understood, but her mother, well. He had heard very little concerning her mother, and if she was married to that man there was probably little she could do for her daughter, but from the sounds of it she seemed to have done enough. He smiled sadly, redirecting his attention ahead as she got up and approached him, her body beside his almost the complete opposite. Broad, muscular, hard and flat against thin, wirey, soft and curved. He did not think this, of course, instead focusing on her words.
"Better I freeze than you, Archmage. I hardly feel the cold anymore, really." He paused with the cloak on his shoulders, rubbing at its touch before taking it and placing it back on her. "I believe it looks better on you anyway, if you don't mind me saying." He smiled, smoothing it gently on her back, before quickly withdrawing his hands and placing them behind his back, clearing his throat and forcing himself to stare into the sea. She talked more now of how she didn't want to do this, and he understood her concerns. She then talked of how she wanted to die, and he did not understand at all. She moved back and he turned, filling up as much of the entrance to the balcony as he could with his frame, unsure as to why she suddenly felt as though the loss of her life would be meaningless.
"I can understand your concerns, Archmage, and I will promise that no Night Elf will approach you if I can help it. If you wish, you can pass on your messages to the Horde through me. I cannot blame you for detesting their company. They are truly savages..." He paused, moving onto the harder words now, biting his lip a little before continuing. "I apoligise for my selfishness, but I must ask that you do not leap, as there are those that need you still." He gazed at her unblinkingly for a few seconds, his eyes comfortable on her face, before diverting them swiftly so as not to arouse her suspicion. He was her guard, and lover only for the purpose of this assignment, nothing more.
|
|
|
Post by Narisha on Jul 25, 2009 6:28:56 GMT -5
His voice did for her what it always did; soothed her soul. He stood in the doorway blocking her and she looked up at him as he spoke, one hand rising unconsciously to rest on his arm. A realization flitted through her head and she gave him a tiny smile.
"You know I just realized... You're supposed to be my lover... What lover calls their partner by their title? Voresto, you're going to need to call me Leiran..."
His eyes had watched her for a few seconds before darting away and she dropped her own gaze before responding to what he had said.
"I am not worried about someone approaching me. And you've been with me enough on these types of things to know you cannot be over zealous in keeping them from me, we will just have to be cautious. More cautious." A smile quirked her lips. "And we both know it would hardly do for either of us to call them savages where they can hear, much as we would both love to."
She flushed as she tried to think of a way to respond to his second statement, biting her lip as she tried to come up with a way to reassure him that she wouldn't do something foolish or selfish. But in truth, Leiran knew that given a proper opportunity the temptation could well overtake her. Turning and wandering back to her bags, she held out her hand for the little wyrm to twist around.
"It is hardly selfishness to ask me to care for my position and our people. I know I am needed, but my soul is heavy Voresto. I was not ready to lose my family. To take on, with less respect, the position on the council my father held. And they know it and use that against me." A harsh laugh and she continued. "If they respected me half as much as they did my father I'd not be in the position I am now. Forced to make a man pretend to be my lover, sent to negotiate in Moonglade. Father would be appalled..."
She turned back towards him hoping he had followed her back inside, it was far too cold for anyone out on the balcony. Shrugging out of his cloak once again, she stepped forward and slipped it around his shoulders, letting her hands lightly rest on them.
"It doesn't look better on me at all and as I said, it would not do for me to be without you on this mission."
|
|
|
Post by Callahan on Jul 25, 2009 10:16:00 GMT -5
She wanted him to call her by her first name? To call her Leiran? The idea sounded almost absurd to him. Although she stated otherwise, a guard like him should definately not be on first name terms with the one he was protecting. It could lead to all kinds of problems. But, then again, if they weren't on first name terms how would the Horde ever expect to believe them to be lovers in the first place? He'd actually put her more at risk by refusing. Resigning himself to it, he agreed to the situation. "As you wish... Leiran." The word felt strange across his lips. He close his mouth again, as though trying to fix whatever had gone wrong with it. He agreed with her again on her next topic, though he was not afraid of calling savages savages. He doubted any of them even understood their language, so he could probably say anything he wanted about them to her.
He nodded as she talked of her family. He was not ready to lose his either, and he was aware that the council believed her to be weak and not deserving of the respect her father had gained, respect that she was entitled to. He brought his hand up into a tight fist again, thinking a moment. There was something he could do, but he was hardly sure whether or not it was a proper thing for him to offer her. In fact, if she was against it enough he would probably be hunted, exiled or killed. "With your permission, Arc... Leiran, if you'd ever needed someone to help display your authority, I am always at your service." A second thought crossed his mind and decided to quickly add that alternative too. "And even if you do not desire your will to be executed by my hand, there are things I could teach you. Techniques... methods..." He paused, realising what he might sound like he was doing and turned away a little, trying to focus away, feeling as though he'd sounded like a fool in front of her.
|
|
|
Post by Narisha on Jul 25, 2009 20:35:38 GMT -5
She stamped down on the shiver that crawled up her spine as he said her name. However, Leiran could do nothing for the light blush that crept into her cheeks for reasons she could not fathom. Many people used her name, just because he had was no reason to get all girly about things. When this was all over things would be normal again.
Brushing her hands down his shoulders, she stepped away from him quickly diverting her attention back to the little mana wyrm. She listened to him in horror.
"Absolutely you will not. Do not understand what would happen if you tried something like that?"
She turned to him, a look of panic on her face. "I know it's a bother having to do this Voresto. But please, just bear with me. It wouldn't help me at all if you did something foolish like upset the council. They don't respect me simply because I am so much younger. It upsets them to see that I can equal most of them in power. No one likes being threatened..."
Leiran was near hysterical and turned, hurrying up the stairs and onto the deck. The breeze rushed across her face as she hurried to the railing and looked over, trying to stem the tears streaming down her face.
|
|
|
Post by Callahan on Jul 25, 2009 21:05:21 GMT -5
He nodded, his head bowed a little ashamed at the consequences of what he might have been suggesting. If he had truly been asked to do that, would he have went through with it? Probably. His job was to guard his quarry, from all enemies within and from outside. If that meant dealing with the council members that resented her, then so be it, even if he was probably not as powerful as they were. Though she went on to say that she had power that rivalled the council themselves. If that were true, she was likely more powerful than even he was, which meant that there was little point in him taking out the council for her if she was capable of doing it himself. Maybe he was getting too involved with her, trying to offer her things that he might not be able to provide, or things she didn't actually want.
Following her up the stairs, he paused behind her, tightening the cloak around himself as he entered into the fresher air. There was still sea as far as he could see, though they seemed to be making a quick pace. He stood beside her, not knowing quite what to say, before apoligising to her once again. "My apoligies, A... Leiran. I did not wish to speak out of place against the council. I should have known, of course, that you'd have the power needed to handle them if you ever wanted to." He sighed, reaching for his sword hilt automatically before realising it wasn't actually there, cursing a little in his head. "And as I had said, if there is anything I can assist your training in, please don't hesitate to ask me." He wasn't sure just what exactly he could offer an Archmage in the way of training, so he just stood by her side as the seas rolled by, remaining silent.
|
|
|
Post by Narisha on Jul 26, 2009 5:20:10 GMT -5
Her eyes closed and she lowered her head as he apologized to her. It was so very frustrating to her that he even felt the need to apologize when so obviously it was her pathetic needs and desires that had put him in the situation to begin with. Leiran attempted to surreptitiously wipe her eyes.
"I couldn't care less what you have to say about the council... You know my feels about that group of over confident fools better than anyone. But Voresto..." She turned to face him, reaching up to lay a hand on his cheek, gently brushing her thumb across his skin. "I have told you I don't know how many times how lost I would be without you constantly at my back or side. I know this particular mission is difficult, but please remember that we do this to protect us both from those idiots."
She gazed into his eyes a moment longer before the realization of what she was doing hit her. Blushing a bright pink, she dropped her hand and turned away from him, gazing back out across the water.
"I-if you think there are things you could teach me, I would be happy to learn them. You've never yet steered me in a bad direction. And who better than the man who protects me to teach me how to protect myself?"
She thought for a moment about him teaching her and a small smile crept onto her face.
"Voresto... do you think you perhaps could teach me how to use daggers? I've always wanted to learn and father refused. He felt hand to hand combat was undignified..."
|
|
|
Post by Callahan on Jul 26, 2009 10:41:11 GMT -5
She dropped her head as she talked, and he decided it may be better if he remained quiet. Clearly he was continuing to do something that irritated her and that was obviously a bad thing for him to be doing. Especially, as she said, at a time like this when there was a lot both depending on them, and stacked against them. She didn't need the extra distraction he seemed to be providing, and he'd never forgive himself if something happened because of it. His body stiffened suddenly as she pressed her fair hand agains his face, her smooth skin brushing against his as she continued to talk, trying to focus more on her enchanting words and not the delightful touch of her thumb brushing against him, his eyes suddenly feeling lost in hers. He snapped back to reality as she turned herself around, suddenly greeted with the back of her head. He dropped his head, trying to regain his composure. Maybe he was a great distraction to her.
She spoke once more and his head rose to focus on her words as she accepted his offer to help her learn to protect herself. Truly he knew many ways that he could teach her to do suchh things, and though he was not particularly versed with daggers, he had experienced combat with them several times before and could certainly teach her several techniques, not only with daggers but of combat in general, and spells. He would certainly be able to teach her of how to deal with spells. He smiled at her, overjoyed that he would be able to assist her further. "Very well Ar... Leiran. As it seems we are both unarmed at the moment the dagger training may have to wait, though I can instruct you in combat. I would not want to insult you in how to use spells, though there are some tricks I have learnt which I can show once we are both armed again." The smile faded, forcing himself to remain silent again once finished, not wanting to say anything that could further annoy her.
|
|