Rhoelyn: Nysse stirs sleepily when someone scratches at the tent. Leo’s voice carries into the tent. “Rhese? Are you awake yet or did Nysse keep you up?”
Araatris: The druid tugs her closer against him, croaking out a sleepy, “Tiny bit awake.” His friend’s chuckle sounds from outside. “Right. Kept you up.”
Rhoelyn: “What time is it?” “Noon. I thought you might like to get something to eat before we send Nysse and Rylana back to the main camp.” Leo offers.
Araatris: When the huntress opens her eyes and sits up, Rhese smirks. She starts to call out, but he clamps a hand over her mouth. “We’ll be just a minute.”
Rhoelyn: Leothir snorts. “Then I’ll get a head start on you. Meet me when you’re ready.” Nysse pulls his hand away and leans down, hissing softly. “What?”
Araatris: He chuckles. “I’m not supposed to let my slave answer for me, Ms. Stomach.” Rhese softens the tease by tugging her down for a drowsy kiss.
Rhoelyn: The huntress blushes, lingering before she pulls away. “We need to make ourselves presentable…” She untangles herself with a sigh and stands.
Araatris: Rhese watches her for a minute as she dresses, but finally he forces himself up with a sigh. “I know what we’re supposed to believe, now, but it’s…”
Rhoelyn: “It’s hard to believe. Knowing doesn’t make it easier.” She helps him with his cuirass after he dresses, then hands him the collar and chain.
Araatris: The druid brushes her hair back, caressing her neck before he lays the collar around it. “I hope that no one wears these in the right world.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse glances down. “I hope so, too. I’m not sure I could handle staying collared. It’s hard enough now.” Rhese clips the chain in place.
Araatris: “It’s not forever, at least.” He shudders and rests his forehead on her shoulder. “I don’t like to think about anyone I love in one for real.”
Rhoelyn: The tips of her ears turn red as she softly replies, “You hate seeing me in this, don’t you?” She wraps her arms around him, kissing his temple.
Araatris: “Yes,” he mutters against her shoulder. “I hate the way I’m supposed to treat you. I hate the way they look at you. It makes me want to maul them.”
Rhoelyn: She hugs him tighter to her, unable to speak for a moment. “If I have to play this role for anyone. I’m glad that it’s you, Rhese. Thank you.”
Araatris: The druid nods and pulls away to look at her. “I want to get you out of it, soon. Very soon.” He kisses her. “But for now, lunch with the enemies.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse manages a small smile. “Good. I’m hungry.” Rhese leads her out and towards the mess hall, catching Leo’s attention as they enter.
Araatris: The mage waits as they get their food and sit, practically bursting with the ill-concealed desire to gossip. Rhese shakes his head, chuckling.
Rhoelyn: The druid sits down, pulling Nysse’s seat as close as possible. “It’s written all over your face, Leothir. Out with it before you burst.”
Araatris: Grinning, he leans close. “I’m bringing my flower here!” At Rhese’s surprised look, he nods. “It was Wrune’s idea. He knows her, you see.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse eats silently. Rhese grins, but lays his hand on Nysse’s leg under the table. “That’s wonderful! Did he have an idea how to keep her safe?”
Araatris: Leo nods, gulping down a bite before he speaks. “Yes, he’s promised to see to her safety personally. And it’s only for a day. After the camp moves.”
Rhoelyn: “Are we going to get to see this flower of yours or are you going to hide her away?” Rhese smirks, but his hand tightens on Nysse’s leg.
Araatris: “Oh, I suppose if you are on your very best behavior, I can let you meet her.” The mage grins cheekily and takes another bite of food.
Rhoelyn: Rhese snorts. “I suppose I can do that. I’m sure my girl would love to meet her as well. She took a liking to Faye. Wouldn’t you, Nyssera?”
Araatris: Nysse nods around a bite of food, swallowing before she says, “Of course, Rhese.” Leo smiles. “I think she’ll like you, Nyssera. You seem alike.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress returns his smile. Rylana strides up behind them. “It’s nice ta know ya weren’t gonna sleep all day. Kaerryn’ll be here soon.”
Araatris: Nysse pales and grasps Rhese’s hand beneath the table. Leo winces. “Ah thought ya might want some notice ‘fore she’s knockin’ at yer door.”
Rhoelyn: Rhese nods jerkily. “It’d escaped my mind. I appreciate the warning.” He glances at Nysse. “It’s alright, my dear. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
Araatris: The huntress bites her lip, but she nods. No one can see the tight grip she has on his hand nor the way her fingers tremble. “Yes, Rhese.”
Rhoelyn: Leothir sighs and rubs his chin. “How long? I’ll come with you all as well if it’d make Nysse feel better. The poor thing looks like a ghost.”
Araatris: The huntress forces a little smile and shakes her head. “Th-thank you, but Rhese and Rylana will not let her hurt me. I couldn’t bother you.”
Rhoelyn: “It’s no bother, Nyssera.” He turns his gaze to Rhese. “Please send for me if you need me.” Leothir grips Rhese shoulder for emphasis.
Araatris: The druid smiles at him. “Thank you, my friend. My girl appreciates your concern as much as I do. We most definitely will call if necessary.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana plops into the chair next to Nysse. “Ya need ta finish eatin’.” Nysse mutters under her breath, “I would if my stomach would settle.”
Araatris: The young woman pats her shoulder. “She ain’t gonna hurt ya,” she says quietly. “Ya don’t gotta be scared any more, Nysse. Ah’d maul’er first.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse gives her a weak smile and forces herself to eat. Rhese and Leo talk quietly until Nysse picks up the dishes and takes them for cleaning.
Araatris: The druid waves Leothir off and waits patiently with Rylana hovering nearby for Nysse to join them before they head out of the mess tent.
Rhoelyn: Rylana guides them to the outskirts of camp where a woman is chained to a short post. Two guards flank her with their hands on her shoulders.
Rhoelyn: The huntress drops behind Rhese, putting him between herself and Kaerryn. Rylana strides ahead of them. “Kaerryn, Rhese and Nysse are here.”
Araatris: The human looks up at them, her gaze finding Nysse. Her expression is something odd between contrite and still angry. She clenches her fists.
Rhoelyn: Nysse grabs Rhese’s sleeve nervously, both wanting to trust the familiar woman and run. Rhese asks, “Why did you want to speak with us?”
Araatris: The human glowers as she says, “I’m apologizing.” He folds his arms across his chest, Nysse peering around him. “That’s an interesting approach.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress’ quiet voice breaks the silence afterwards, “But why? You hate us. Why would you even bother apologizing?” She looks down.
Araatris: “I don’t rotting know,” the soldier snarls. But then she sighs, despondent and drooping. “It’s justified. After Northrend… Why should I feel bad?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse steps slightly out from behind Rhese. She swallows nervously. “W-what happened in Northrend that made you hate us so much, miss?”
Araatris: Kaerryn lifts her head to glare, her chocolate brown eyes harsh and bitter. “I was under for so long that by the time the Mother sent me (c)
Araatris: (c) to claim Nighthaven, I actually wanted to go. But they caught me, and they kept me, trying to ‘cure me’.” She pales at the memory alone.
Rhoelyn: The huntress gasps. “The Mother? You were one of the Taken?” Nysse sinks to her knees, staring wide-eyed at the warrior before her.
Araatris: Kaerryn nods, looking away. “I was a soldier. The soldier, really, for the Founder himself.” She looks at Nysse. “I brought you into the fold.”
Rhoelyn: Emotions flicker across her face: horror, sorrow, anger. Nysse staggers to her feet, snarling. “It’s your fault they’re dead!” She lunges forward.
Araatris: Rhese grabs for her, but misses, and Nysse yanks one of her concealed daggers as she bowls into the human. Ry and the guards reach them too late.
Rhoelyn: The human jerks to one side, the dagger digging into her shoulder. “Son of a-!” Nysse snatches the dagger back, readying for another attack.
Araatris: “Ya cain’t!” Ry grabs Nysse around the shoulders, yanking her away from the human as Rhese rushes over, snapping at the guards. “Fetch the medic.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse kicks and struggles as Ry pins her to the ground. One guard bolts for the medic’s tent; the other presses a cloth to Kaerryn’s shoulder.
Araatris: Rhese takes over, pointing the soldier toward Ry and Nysse. “See that she stays down.” As soon as she moves, his hand over the wound subtly glows.
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn narrows her eyes at him, but sighs in relief. The huntress is restrained and disarmed, but her wild gaze remains fixated on the woman.
Araatris: The disguised druid releases a sighing breath, leaving Kaerryn so he can crouch by Nysse. He purposefully blocks her view of the warrior.
Rhoelyn: She struggles to look around him. “Nyssera,” He speaks firmly to get her attention. Nysse looks up at Rhese with angry tears, “Let me go!”
Araatris: The false sin’dorei shakes his head, reaching out to rest a hand on her arm. Rylana looks between them as his magic flares once more.
Rhoelyn: Nyssera blinks before her eyes slowly close, sleeping. Rhese rubs his face as the guard returns with Nithan. The priest hurries to Kaerryn.
Araatris: “Take her to the tent,” the druid orders Rylana quietly. The sergeant nods, her worgen strength easily up to the task of carrying the sleeping elf.
Rhoelyn: Rylana gathers the night elven woman into her arms and leaves. Rhese turns back to Kaerryn and Nithan and joins them. “How is she, Nithan?”
Araatris: The priest makes a face as he stands. “With a little scratch like that, I’m not sure why anyone even called me. She’s fine. Is the night elf hurt?”
Rhoelyn: “No, but she passed out. Rylana took her back to the tent to rest for now.” Rhese grimaces. “Sorry for the false alarm.” Nithan waves dismissively.
Araatris: “I thought she might be injured. Kaerryn’s tunic is more bloody than I expected.” The human shrugs. “My professional advice is no more chats.”
Rhoelyn: Rhese sighs and nods. “Yes, you’re right. Thanks for the help.” The druid suppresses a groan as he’s sure that both Nithan and Kaerryn are needed.
Araatris: “Yes, yes.” The medic waves a hand as he walks off. “Don’t call unless I’m actually needed, next time, hm?” Rhese just goes to crouch by Kaerryn.
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn grins wryly and snorts, “I had that coming. Maybe we’re finally even… I am surprised you keep such a wild thing though.”
Araatris: He repeats a statement he’s made before, glancing at her guards. “She’s a work in progress. Though, you were right about someone getting stabbed.”
Rhoelyn: “I think I would have rather been wrong on the stabbing.” The woman lowers her voice. “Her, I understand, but why do you seem familiar…”
Araatris: Rhese gestures to the guard and stands back as the woman leans down to unchain Kaerryn. “That… that’s a story. I need to check on Nyssera, for now.”
Rhoelyn: “Then you will speak with me again?” The druid hesitantly nods. “Yes, later.” He looks at the guards. ”Please make her comfortable for now.”
Araatris: As the warrior is escorted away, he turns toward the tent, his long strides taking him across the camp as he winces over a growing headache.
Rhoelyn: Leothir darts from between two tents, bumping into him. “Rhese! I overheard the guard getting Nithan. Is everything okay?” He frowns anxiously.
Araatris: Steadying them both, the false sin’dorei smiles and pats his shoulder. “It’s fine. Apparently, my girl needs a little more civilizing, however.”
Rhoelyn: The mage’s face falls. “She seemed to be doing so well.” Rhese shakes his shoulder. ”Don’t look like that. It was a sensitive situation.”
Araatris: “I was just going to look in on her. She’s resting in the tent. If you’re worried, come reassure yourself that she’s not snarling from the cot.”
Rhoelyn: Rhese grins and puts a hand on Leo’s back, pushing him toward the tent. “The poor girl passed out. It must have been too much for her.”
Araatris: The mage frowns and walks quickly by his side. “See? This is why we must protect our lowborn. Really, they’re not equipped for the civilized world.”
Rhoelyn: Grimacing, the druid nods. “I should have met with Kaerryn by myself first.” Rhese stops and peeks in the tent before waving for Leo to follow.
Araatris: Nysse sleeps on the cot with Rhesan stretched out along her side. Rylana sits on the chair by her head. The cursed human stands as they enter.
Rhoelyn: Leothir lets out a long breath. “That’s a relief. She is resting.” Rylana nods. “She barely even stirred when Ya-Rhesan laid ‘side her.”
Araatris: Nodding, Rhese approaches the cot and leans down to brush her hair back. “Thank you, sergeant. I appreciate that you got her over here to rest.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana bows her head, “‘Course, sir. Ah’m jus’ sorry ah dinna move fast ‘nuff ta stop th’incident.” The distracted druid nods. “It’s fine.”
Araatris: Leo frowns, leaning his hip against the table and crossing his arms. “Just what happened? I saw them escorting Kaerryn away. She looked bloodied.”
Rhoelyn: “They seem to know each other; something about Taken. Nyssera blamed her for something and attacked her. Luckily, it was a scratch.” Rhese sighs.
Araatris: The mage shakes his head. “Taken? Ugh, not that ugly business with the thing up in Northrend. What are the chances of them running into each other?”
Rhoelyn: “What were the chances of us meeting on the way here, Leo? Sometimes the Light pulls us together because it’s intended.” Rhese grasps Nysse’s hand.
Araatris: The blood elf smiles. “That is certainly true enough, friend!” He watches them a moment longer before straightening. “I hope she feels better.”
Rhoelyn: The druid smiles at him. “Thank you.” Leo gestures for Rylana to join him. “Come, Rylana. I think they need a little privacy, don’t you think?”
Araatris: Nodding, the sergeant joins him. Before she goes out, she turns and mutters, “Ah’ll be right ou–… not far away, if ya need me an’ all.”
Rhoelyn: Leothir chuckles as they head out. Rhese quietly removes his armor and boots, dropping his disguise. He sits in the chair with a groan.
Araatris: The druid slouches, resting his head back to look at the tent roof. He scrubs his hands over his face and through his hair. Yami lifts his head.
Rhoelyn: The pup wiggles away from Nysse and with a fluid motion jumps off the cot and shifts to a boy. He clambers up into Rhese’s lap. “An’da?”
Araatris: Wrapping his arms around the boy, his father straightens and looks down at him. “You don’t need to worry. Ny- min’da is just resting. She was mad.”
Rhoelyn: Yami turns his onyx eyes on his mother then up to Rhese. “Min’da hurts. I saw it.” He presses his small hands gently against Rhese’s temples.
Araatris: The druid sucks in a breath as their voidling links them together, and Nysse’s pain and desperate anger unfold through his mind. He closes his eyes.
Rhoelyn: Images of a snowy wolf and a man with green hair flicker across his mind’s eye; both alive and happy and their broken bodies lying at her feet.
Araatris: “Ungh…” Rhese curls forward, wracked with Nysse’s pain at the image. He tugs Yami closer, muttering, “She’s so sad. But it wasn’t supposed to be.”
Rhoelyn: The child removes his hands and kisses Rhese’s cheek. “Min’da needs us. It hurts less.” In a smaller voice, the boy whispers, “We need to go home…”
Araatris: Rhese kisses his cheek. “We will, dalah’alei. We’ll take min’da… everyone back to the way things should be.” The druid bites back his sigh.
Rhoelyn: “An’da, what’s wrong? Do you need to sleep?” The young boy frowns and slides down out of his arms. He tugs on Rhese’s hands. “Want to nap?”
Araatris: The druid grins at his little copy, freeing a hand to tussle his silver hair. “Yami, you and min’da are going to the main camp once she wakes.”
Rhoelyn: Yami ducks his head and fusses, “No, An’da. We want to stay with you.” He turns his face up with a rebellious expression. “You need us, too.”
Araatris: Rhese kneels before him, resting his hands on his thin shoulders. “Alei, Relare is expecting you, and I need you to find the last two.”
Rhoelyn: The boy nods, relenting. “Min’da is waking… I’ll rest while you talk.” He kisses Rhese’s forehead, easing his headache, before shifting to a pup.
Araatris: The druid glances over as Nysse stirs. He grins and pets the pup’s head. “I’m proud of you, Yami,” he mutters softly before taking her hand.
Rhoelyn: Yami grins wolfishly before settling in his bed. Nysse groans and opens her eyes, then she abruptly sits up, gazing around wildly. “Where is sh-”
Araatris: “She isn’t here, Nysse,” Rhese says softly, holding on to her hand when she tries to tug it away. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t let you kill her.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse twists to look at him. “Why not?! You know what happened! You know… If she hadn’t come for me then they wouldn’t have had to die!”
Araatris: He brushes her hair back gently, soothing. “Beyond just the fact that you dare not murder a human in the middle of an Alliance camp…?”
Araatris: Rhese sighs. “She wasn’t in control of herself, Nysse. No more than you were. How does murdering her, holding onto this rage, honor your father?”
Rhoelyn: “An’da was my world. I spent every night of my youth by his wolves and his side. And he’s gone…” She ducks her head, letting her hair hide her face.
Araatris: The druid slips onto the edge of the cot, gathering her into his arms. “Your love honors him. The way you’ve used what he taught you honors him.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress’ shoulders shake and she turns into him, wetting his tunic with tears. “I’ve been running from everything… wolves and people.”
Araatris: “We’re going to set it right, dalah’surfal. You don’t need to run, any more. Or hate.” He holds her tight, rubbing her back. “You have us.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse sniffles. “I’ll try… I’m so sorry that I tried to kill her. That was wrong… I ruined everything, didn’t I?” She curls up against him.
Araatris: Rhese shakes his head, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “No, lovely. Only Kaerryn saw anything, and… Nysse, she’s one of ours. I know it.”
Rhoelyn: “She is?” The huntress looks up. “What if she turns me in for attacking her?” Rhese smiles, brushing away her tears. “She only got scratched.”
Araatris: “Oh.” Nysse tries not to look a little put-out. “I really thought I got a good bite on her.” The druid chuckles and pinches her arm. “You did, minx.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress sniffles and blinks. “Well, I guess that makes us even.” She raises up and kisses the corner of his mouth. “Thank you. Was she mad?”
Araatris: Rhese shakes his head. “I don’t think she was. She felt you two had evened things up as well.” He kisses her. “We owe her some answers, lovely.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse bites her lip as she rubs her eyes and dries her cheeks. “I suppose we do, but how? After that, I’m not sure I should be near her.”
Araatris: “I can talk to her, if you prefer.” The druid grins at his new/old mate. “Though I have faith that you can control yourself when you try. … harder.”
Rhoelyn: Blushing, the huntress casts her gaze down to where her hands grasp his shirt. “I was caught off guard. I didn’t recognize her from then.”
Araatris: Rhese rubs his hand up and down her back. “You were both muddled the entire time you knew each other, like sitting behind frosted glass (c)
Araatris: (c) and watching your life being run by someone else. Is it any surprise?” He shakes his head. “I’d bet she didn’t know why she hated you, at first.”
Rhoelyn: The young woman gives a rueful grin. “I know. I shouldn’t have blamed her for something neither of us could help. What would I do without you?”
Araatris: He chuckles. “I would guess… hide in the forest with a pack of wolves and pretend you don’t need anyone at all. It’s just a guess, however.”
Rhoelyn: The blush spreads to the tips of her ears. “Surfal! That’s not fair.” Still, Nysse leans up to kiss him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Araatris: Rhese tugs her close and when they finally part, he rests his forehead against hers. “I’m glad you’re feeling better now, my lovely.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles. “I’ll miss you when I go to the main camp.” She brushes her fingers against his cheek. “Shall we try to talk to Kaerryn again?”
Araatris: The druid nods and smiles, but steals one more kiss before he thinks about moving. “No stabbing, this time, my dear,” he says as his form shifts.
Rhoelyn: “Yes, surfal.” Nysse stands and picks up Yami. “I’ll even bring a guarantee to make sure I behave.” Rhese chuckles. “Then come along, my dear.”