Rhoelyn: Nysse tugs self-consciously at her dress as she steps into the Lower City inn. Her eyes rake over the tables in the dim light.
Araatris: By the end of the first mug of mead, Nysse has watched many people enter and leave the inn, but no dashingly-handsome druid.
Rhoelyn: Nysse narrows her eyes and walks up to the bar. While asking for another mead, she checks to see if anyone left a message for her.
Araatris: The barkeep checks a small stack of notes she keeps behind the counter, but shakes her head. “I have nothing addressed to a Nysse.”
Rhoelyn: “Thank you.” Nysse picks up her drink and heads back to her table. He’s late. If he’s not arrived when she finishes her drink…
Araatris: Perilously near the bottom of her second mug, Nysse glimpses familiar silver hair and pale violet skin join the crowd at the bar.
Rhoelyn: Nysse, not wanting to seem overly eager to greet him, casually finishes her drink. She casually adjusts her dress and grins.
Araatris: After a brief word with the barkeep, Rhese turns and scans the room, his eyes alighting on Nysse. Smiling in relief, he approaches.
Rhoelyn: Standing and smoothing the folds in her dress as she stands, Nysse smiles politely, “Good eve, Rhese. I trust you know the time?”
Araatris: Looking contrite, he takes her hand and kisses the back. “I couldn’t regret more that I left such a lovely vision waiting, Nysse.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse flushes in spite of herself and she grins. “Sweet words, but you’re still late. You have a second meeting to earn.”
Araatris: Rhese seats her and takes the seat beside hers. “Really, I AM sorry, Nysse. The last retrieval got a bit … messy.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse frown in concern and places her hand lightly on his arm. “Are you alright, Rhese?” Her gaze assesses him for injuries.
Araatris: He smiles, warmed by her care. “I’m fine, lovely. Only one mark has managed to scratch me, but I think she used cupid’s arrow.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse blushes. “It seems you have bad luck with arrows.” She turns to her empty flagon. “Was she pretty?” Nysse glances at Rhese.
Araatris: Laughing, Rhese looks Nysse up and down, leaning in close. “Oh, she’s VERY pretty. And, much to my relief, patient and forgiving.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse covers her mouth as she laughs softly. “You’re very lucky, Rhese. Very lucky. So, shall we get something to drink or eat?”
Araatris: “Yes! Food. I’m famished.” He raises a hand and calls out to the barmaid. “Kylene, two more meads and some dinner, if you would.”
Rhoelyn: “You’re here often?” She looks at Rhese surprised. “But you did suggest it…” She shakes her head. “I’m more comfortable outside.”
Araatris: He leans back in his chair. “I often relax here. If you aren’t at ease, we can take our dinner and drinks somewhere less crowded.”
Rhoelyn: “N-no! You chose here.” Nysse tugs at her dress awkwardly. “Its just been a very long while since I’ve been around so many people.”
Araatris: Rhese smiles and places a calming hand over hers. “I won’t let any of them bite, lovely. Will you tell me about yourself?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles and visibly relaxes at his touch. “Well, I’m not all that interesting. I’m a ranger assigned to the Cenarion Refuge.”
Araatris: He nods and accepts a couple of dinner plates from the barmaid, setting one before her. “There are many good people at the Refuge.”
Rhoelyn: She nods. “They’ve been very pleasant. I was hunting for rations when I found IT.” Nysse begins eating while staying close to him.
Araatris: “Mm. Yes, the orb. I wanted to ask you more about that.” He sneaks a bite of dinner. “Do you feel comfortable discussing it, now?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse shudders as she takes another bite of dinner. “You may ask. I don’t know if I’ll have answers.” She takes a sip of mead.
Araatris: The druid nods sympathetically. “I need to understand how you found it. What first attracted your attention to it?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse ponders for several moments. “The moments with it are a bit blurry as if it was protecting itself. I recall a small figure..”
Rhoelyn: Nysse took a large drink from her flagon and leaned with her elbows on the table staring into it. “Sporegar… I waited for him..”
Rhoelyn: “I waited for him to die. Seeing it, I wanted it. Touching it… It began directing me. I don’t know where.” Nysse closes her eyes.
Araatris: Rhese leans in, his dinner forgotten. “Go on, Nysse. What else do you remember?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse shakes her head with a pained look. “No more, Rhese. Please… it hurts to think.” Her knuckles are white from her grip.
Araatris: “Ah, I’m sorry, lovely.” Shaking his head to clear it, he takes her hands. “I’m four colors of fool. Put it out of your mind.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse opens her eyes and turns to him with shimmering eyes. “It was so horrible, Rhese, not being in control of myself. Horrible!”
Araatris: Feeling the total cad, Rhese slips off his chair and pulls her into a hug. “You won’t know that feeling again, Nysse. I promise.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse hugs Rhese tightly back. She speaks quietly into his ear. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You can’t always be there.”
Araatris: “I know,” he admits grudgingly, pulling back, “but I know others who can help make sure you don’t need ME to safeguard your will.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse shakes her head and pulls Rhese back into his chair. “I don’t need a babysitter. I’m just still a bit shaken is all.”
Araatris: “I understand, and I’m sorry for marring our evening with the topic.” With a wry grin, he mutters, “I’ve my own little obsession.”
Rhoelyn: Grinning, Nysse speaks between bites. “Then why don’t you tell me about yourself,” She pauses, “Handsome, and make it up to me.”
Araatris: Rhese smiles at the compliment. “Certainly. I’m a druid of the Circle, which means an ‘errand boy’. I go where they send me.”
Rhoelyn: “So, what types of errands besides the orb?” Nysse points to his food. “And don’t forget to eat.” She chuckles and winks at Rhese.
Araatris: “Mm.” He takes a bite of food, mulling it over. “It’s a long list. I spent a few months in the Storm Peaks. Before that, Azshara.”
Rhoelyn: “So, they reassign you often?” Nysse looks disappointed, but recovers quickly by sipping from her mead. “I’ve been here a while.”
Araatris: “And looking none the worse for the wear, lovely.” Rhese grins and winks. “Do you have family here in the Outland?”
Rhoelyn: With a faint, blush Nysse giggles. “Hmm, Father lives in Telaar and Mother’s a Sentinel in Darnassus. I chose to come with Father.”
Araatris: Rhese nods thoughtfully, taking a swig of ale. “Is your father a Ranger, too?”
Rhoelyn: She nods. “Yes, he is. He takes very seriously.” Nysse leans towards Rhese. “What of your family?” She looks at Rhese curiously.
Araatris: His smile takes on a new warmth. “My sister lives in Darnassus. She’s one of Elune’s priestesses. One of the best, if I may say!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse laughs. “Tell me about her. She sounds like a wonderful woman to be in the Sisters of Elune.” She sets her hand on Rhese’s.
Araatris: Enthusiastically, he leans in. “Well, she’s all heart. Sweet and sensitive and serene. You’ll seldom see a stronger healer.”
Rhoelyn: “She sounds like a woman without compare, Rhese. What’s her name?” She smiles and brushes a lock of his hair back without thought.”
Araatris: “Rhoelyn,” he answers. Then he pauses and looks a little chagrined. “I sound a bit more like a devotee than a brother, don’t I?”
Rhoelyn: “No, Rhoelyn is lucky to have a loving brother like you.” Nysse squeezes Rhese’s hand. “I enjoy listening to you talk about her.”
Araatris: Rhese raises his eyes skyward. “As gracious as she beautiful! I must’ve done quite a deed to earn meeting you, Nysse.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse’s cheeks flush crimson, “Your sister sounds much more wonderful than me! I’m just a Ranger.” She waves her hands in denial.
Araatris: “Ah, lovely, no one is JUST anyt-” “SILVERWING!” Rhese jumps as the voice pierces the din of the tavern, his smile dying. He sighs.
Rhoelyn: Nysse reaches for the dagger on her calf instinctively and her eyes search for the owner of the voice. Her voice is firm, “Friend?”
Araatris: He rolls his eyes as a meaty draenei male stomps up behind him & clamps a hand on his shoulder. “Yeah, lovely. No need for alarm.”
Araatris: “Heeey, Valerio,” the druid turns, offering a strained grin as he’s tugged to his feet. “I thought we agreed: no manhandling.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse releases her dagger with a half-grin. “Do you need to be somewhere, Rhese, or is this a… friendly visit?” She eyes Valerio.
Araatris: The draenei scoffs, letting Rhese shrug out of his grip and gain his balance. “Some druids NEED a heavy hand.” He glances at Nysse.
Araatris: “Hmph. When Val’s sober, it’s never a friendly visit. And I don’t smell burnwine.” Rhese grumps. “Valerio, this is Nysse.”
Rhoelyn: She stands and bows slightly, “A pleasure to meet you, Valerio.” She smiles gently at them. “Don’t let me keep you from business.”
Araatris: Val bows in return, his scowl gentling significantly. “The pleasure is mine, Nysse. I am most sorry, but Rhese must come with me.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse steps forward placing herself next to Rhese. “If there is a problem, then I ask to accompany Rhese.” She glances at Rhese.
Rhoelyn: “With Rhese’s permission, of course, if this is a private matter. As a Ranger though, I am sworn to help.” Nysse crosses her arms.
Araatris: Rhese and Valerio exchange looks, and the druid grins at the hunter. “See? I told you she was a sweetheart.” Val rolls his eyes.
Rhoelyn: “I… Ummm… Shouldn’t we be going?” Nysse tugs at her dress, wishing for more familiar garb. A pleased smile carresses her lips.
Rhoelyn: “Oh! The bill!” Nysse grabs a small pouch off her side and begins counting out coins. “Four meads… Dinner…” She mumbles.
Araatris: Rhese grabs her hand, interrupting her counting. “I’m afraid my ego simply won’t allow that.” He plonks a stack of coins down.
Rhoelyn: “Rhese! But… I had drinks before you got here! I couldn’t possibly!” Nysse stares at Rhese surprised. “At least my part…”
Araatris: He gently places a finger over her lips, smiling. “Not a word. You have to take pity on a poor elf and his ego.” Val groans.
Rhoelyn: Nysse’s cheeks color, but she nods. Relaxing, she puts her money away. “I’m sorry you had to wait on us, Valerio. We’re ready now.”
Araatris: “The girl does not come.” Valerio pronounces rudely, crossing his arms across his massive chest. Rhese turns with a frown.
Rhoelyn: Nysse narrows her eyes and steps in front of Val. “I will come if Rhese wishes. I owe him a life debt and will not be dissuaded.”
Rhoelyn: “That’s not even including the fact that you intruded on our..Meeting.” She glares at Valerio. “Either I come or you leave. Alone.”
Araatris: The hunter scowls and opens his mouth to argue, but Rhese stops him, placing a hand on Nysse’s shoulder. “No, lovely. He’s right.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse spins about. “Rhese…” She looks confused and vulnerable despite the clenched hands at her side. “I’ll… Do as you wish.”
Araatris: Rhese brushes her cheek. “I’m sorry, lovely, but rest assured that I’m in no danger. Sour squid-face is one of my teammates.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse reaches up and clasps his hand. “Teammates?” She glances at Valerio. “But he’s so…well, compared to you.” She grins weakly.
Araatris: He smiles, reaching back to rap Val’s chest with the back of his hand. “Next time you meet, buy him a few drinks. He softens up.”
Rhoelyn: “And us? I don’t have any way to contact you.” Nysse brings Rhese’s hand around and kisses his knuckles. “I would like try again.”
Araatris: His smile brightens as Valerio grumbles a wordless reminder & tugs his arm. “I’m glad you feel that way, Nysse. I’ll contact you.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles brightly and releases Rhese’s hand. She turns on Val. “You can have him now.” To both “May Elune bless your paths.”
Araatris: Rhese blows her a kiss as Val drags him away. Finally turning to walk beside his friend, he grumbles the whole way out the door.