Orcs, Draenei, and Elves OH MY! (Sera and Procyonix)

[Procyonix]

Walking into the inn, the dark night elf looked around him. They didn't much care for beasts in their inn so he turned to his two wolves and nodded for them to find someplace comfortable to wait for him. Moving to the bar, he placed his order before retiring to a table near the stairs. He'd been to the Legerdomain Lounge more than a few times, as it was the one inn in all of Dalarans where the two factions could share a beer together. As such, the place had good memories. It had been where he had met Pleione, the Blood Elf woman who had born him a son. Though that son hated him for living in his shadow. And of course that now with the Legion defeated, odds were great that their respite from the race wars back on Azeroth was coming to an end. It was a shame truthfully. In the last few years, he had met many members of the Horde that he felt a closer kinship than that he felt with many of his own faction. Too many people were short sighted, and didn't see the bigger picture.

Still Procyon flipped the note in his hand between calloused fingers. It had come from the Prophet Velen. Apparently, a young Draenei huntress was being groomed for greatness within her people. And the Prophet would like to ask the Hunt Master to take her under his wing for a while. Of course any "Request" from Velen was more or less an order. Priests, he thought, just because they have the ability to channel the Light and heal and mend broken bodies didn't make them the be all of Azeroth. Without hunters, who would bring the meat into the cities to feed them? Without mages, who would transport them from place to place, often sending them to the wrong continent as a joke. And so it went.

Idly flicking the letter in his hands he was happy to have his ale arrive. Taking a sip, he allowed the bitter brew wash the dust out of his mouth. Soon he would likely take the last eagle flight to Trueshot Lodge. With the war in the Broken Isles done, most likely Dalaran would be returned to its usual place in Northrend or perhaps elsewhere. Who knew what the Kirin Tor had in mind? But first, he would have a beer.

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

The streets were more full of different races than Khora had expected. Seeing as she spent most of her years training and studying in Exodar, she had very little experience with all of the races and personalities that Dalaran City carried. At least being in the same place. Being so, she clutched the note in her hand rather tightly, an edge of distrust and nervousness settled into the pit of her belly. She kept up her guard, unsure of how exactly to act around so many others in such a setting. Most didn't pay her much mind, choosing to ignore her rather than glance her way. That upset her more than it should have, but she stuck up her nose and focused on her task. The Prophet Velen had sent her to the city to find a Legerdomain Lounge, where a Hunt Master was waiting and willing to take her under his wing. During her training in Exodar, she had apparently shown great promise as a huntress, something she couldn't exactly obtain the proper training for if she remained in Exodar. Not wanting to waste her blossoming skill, Velen ushered her off.

Now she was wandering around a city and had no idea where she was going. Khora huffed, stomping her hooves as she stopped at an intersection of pathways in the city. The glow of Khora's blue eyes shifted in each direction until she decided to choose one. "Mmm..This way..." She mumbled, lifting a hand to brush back some hair from her face. She had no idea what the Hunt Master looked like, and hoped he was expecting her like Velen insisted. Khora wasn't looking forward to hunting him down in a city of strangers.

In passing she caught her reflection in a shop window, she stopped, gazing at herself and running her hand lightly over her horns, assuring herself that she looked presentable to her trainer. First impressions and all. Satisfied, Khora turned, heading back down the road and pushing through a group of people. She spotted a Draenei male and she softly cleared her throat, he looked up and offered her a small smile, asking if she needed help. She pointed to her note and the name of the Inn and he nodded, pointing her in the right direction. The two shared a few moments of pleasantries before she wandered off in the direction he pointed. Having had the opportunity to converse with her own kind, her nerves had settled some.

However, as she rounded a corner she spotted two large wolves, wandering off on their own. That was startling in itself for her and she skidded to a stop to watch the beasts. Looking around to see where they came from she spotted the Inn. "Oh!" Khora's eyes widened and she immediately made her way towards the Legerdomain Lounge. When she stepped through the front door she gazed around, hoping to catch the eye of someone that might be waiting for her. Her steps were graceful as she slipped into the bar area, glowing orbs skipping from person to person as she weaved her way through tables.

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon watched as the young draenei woman entered the tavern. She was cute in that draenei way, at least if you didn't mind hooves an a tail. And that they were the same race as the Eredari that served the Legion. Those of her people who had accepted Sargeras' bargain thousand of years ago. A large portion of the red skinned demonic helpers were now were dead after this brutal and savage war against the Legion. He wasn't big on killing other sentient beings, but when it was war, there was nothing to be done about it. Still he took no pleasure from it.

Motioning to the bartender, he pointed at her silently. The bartender nodded, and prepared a spiced mead for her before handing it to the young woman, "M'lady, the gentleman you are seeking has bought you a drink," he says to her while pointing in the dark corner where the cowled visage of the elf can be barely made out.

Procyon simply waited, his highly polished bow standing within arms reach. Not that he didn't trust her, but in a city where Horde and Alliance both had freedom, and old hatreds starting to reignite, one could never be too careful.

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

Khora heard the voice addressing her and quickly turned her gaze on the bartender, blinking at his comment. She regarded him silently before reaching out to take the drink he had poured. "Thank you..." With hands wrapped around her mug, she looked to the corner where her new companion was awaiting her. She couldn't really see him in the shadows that he hid among and she frowned, hesitantly stepping in his direction. Khora felt exposed and vulnerable. He had known her immediately, while she had looked around, oblivious to his presence. With a tense jaw, she made it to his table and stood to the side, regarding the night elf somewhat curiously.

After a moment of silent appraisal, Khora spoke, "Hunt Master...Procyon?" She inquired, she waited for some form of acceptance of his title before she continued, "I thank you for the drink..." She nodded in appreciation. "I am Khora..." She waited until she knew he wasn't going to shove her away and then sat down at his table, close enough that they could have polite conversation, but far enough that she wasn't crowding him or ruining his personal space. "Velen sends his thanks...As do I...For accepting me..." Khora tried to express her gratitude through her tone, but she was so unused to interactions with others, she was sure that her words came across a little awkward. She had few others she spoke to back home, spending more time in her studies and training than making friends. She had suspicions that Velen had sent her away to be socialized in addition to trained.

 

[Procyonix]

The dark visage under the cowl of his cloak nodded. His gleaming golden eyes were openly appraising her. Looking at her with an intensity that would drive even the most seasoned adventure to feel uncomfortable. Procyon wasn't sure if she would be able to tell what he was appraising, as not only was he appraising her as a huntress, but also as a woman. He liked draenei women, there was something exotically sexy about them. Be it their part goat-like hooves, horns and tails, or the sexy accent that the Draenei had. It was far different than any other accent on Azeroth. Or was it that they dressed almost as scantily as a large number of his species did. Regardless, she was a shining example of what her species offered a man. She was a deliciously sensual and sexy woman. That might just make her training more interesting.

Lowering the cowl so she could see his face for the first time, and his long flowing white hair, he nodded, "Well met, Khora, and while you are welcome for my accepting you, I didn't really have much choice did I? You know as well as I, what Velen wants, Velen gets. Though I don't mind, I am always willing to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who wishes it. That being said, the letter of introduction that came with the request was impressive. Your instructors in the Exodar speak very highly of you."

Taking a drink from his ale, he watched her reactions closely. The gaze he had used was intentional, he wanted to see what she was made of being openly appraised for not only her mettle but her feminine charms. Some women would be offended of course, with good reason. Some would be terrified by the intensity of his look. Some could, potentially be oblivious, but given what he had read about her, he doubted that would be the case. But he needed to know both how she reacted, and just how committed she was to this task. Being a top flight hunter took countless hours in the wild, and at the Lodge.

"Now, the first question that I need an answer to is the sort of hunter do you wish to be? Do you wish to be a marksman, eschewing the taming a companion to instead learn deadly accuracy? A beast master as I am, which tames a beast and then learns to become as one with them in combat? Or the survival tree with rather than using a bow, used a pole arm or staff in close combat? You can of course, change in between disciplines, but that requires a tremendous amount of time."

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

Khora met Procyon's gaze as he regarded her, her own blue orbs narrowing slightly as she watched him. Was he...appraising her? Had she had feathers, they would have been ruffled, her lips twisting into a small frown. Well...I'll be... Her frown quickly melted away and she let her lips quirk into a small smile. Khora naturally had a straight posture, which only appeared more poised as he continued his open appraisal. Her attention shifted to his face as his cowl was lowered, and she took in the appearance before her. He was blunt. She could appreciate that. Lifting her mug to her lips, she hid her smile while she took a sip. She hadn't seen the letter of introduction and didn't know exactly what had been said about her, but he was right in regards to Velen. She hadn't been immediately interested in leaving Exodar to meet the Hunt Master, but when Velen instructed her to leave- she did.

"Velen..." She set her mug down and laughed, "He does get what he wishes..." She relaxed into her chair, not letting the assessment she was clearly in affect her. Sure, she was nervous. As she already told herself, first impressions were everything, but letting him psych her out wasn't going to get her anything. "I can only assure you that I will strive not to disappoint.." Khora told him with a small tilt of her head, "I have not left Exodar until this journey...I..." She thought about the proper word to use, humming quietly to herself, "I have a fervent interest in exploring the paths of a Hunter...as well as exploring this...world..." Her lips curled upward and she leaned forward, inching towards Procyon's side of the table. Her light blonde hair fell forward, the soft strands brushing in front of her cranial tendrils.

"I wish to pursue the path of a marksman..." She didn't hesitate, her passion clear as she held his gaze for a few long moment. Soon she straightened in her seat, her gaze remaining steady as she stared at Procyon.

Khora crossed her legs, a slow and more deliberately sensual movement. If he wanted to so openly assess her, she'd give him more to assess. As if she hadn't just turned up the level of charm in her movements, she reached out to lift her mug, watching him silently over the rim as she took a slow sip. When she pulled it away she made a show of licking her lips and placing the mug back down. Despite playing his game, Khora was genuinely interested in increasing her abilities as a Hunter and marksman. She wondered what exactly it was that he was looking for in her with his intense gaze. Deciding she didn't want to prolong the exchange anymore than necessary, she was blunt. "Are you quite finished?" She inquired, a nicely sculpted brow rising in question, though her expression appeared amused. "I wish to be trained. I wish to be guided. This is what Velen requested and what I have traveled for...Have I passed your first test, Hunt Master?"

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon watched as she started to give him sensual looks and teasing gestures. She knew he was looking at her as a woman as much as a hunter, and while he could sense her discomfort, she didn't show it. She held her own, which was a good start. Her quick decision of her chosen specialty spoke of her devotion to her chosen path. All marks in her favor. And she was an attractive young as well, he had come to realize after the long inspection of her. Her blunt question amused him. He gave her a simple nod.

"You did indeed, Khora. I use the stare and open appraisal of a prospect trainee to see your metal and you willingness to do what must be done. With you, as you are a woman, I needed to know how easily it is... umm....forgive me this insensitive remark, but how easily one could get your goat," he gave her an apologetic smile. He had no desire to offend her, but some Draenei were very sensitive about the running goat jokes and some even calling them space goats. But Procyon had worked long and hard with her people over the last fourteen years, and he had found them to be kind, compassion, and courageous as a people. They, like elves, were long lived. In many ways, their races had similar histories, the shattering of their home city and its environs that had lead to the creation of the Nightwell, and the people it protected, the Nightfallen.

"If I offend you at any time, you are free to tell me so. I am a big boy and can accept that I am not infallible. I will be hard on you. I will use your gender as a way to try to throw you off your game. I will be blunt about that. I may even attempt to seduce you, to see how you handle it. Our enemies will not stop to be sensitive and proper, and as you know all to well from Dreanor orcs love to humiliate and subjugate women of your race. If as I suspect it will now that Legion has been driven from Argus, the hatred between the Horde and the Alliance may spill over into open conflict soon. As hunters, we are he scouts. Meaning we are in enemy territory a lot. You likely be subjugated to Horde men trying to take you down a peg using your sexuality. This is why I am including sexual aspects into your training." OF course he thought to himself, certainly it could have anything to do with the fact that he wanted her as well. He convinced himself that training her for the war was the only reason for those elements.

Finally, he stopped talking for a long moment, "If you have questions for me about your training or anything else at this stage in your apprenticeship, this is the time to ask them before we get to the Lodge. We are in a social setting, so you may speak freely." He was certain she would give him a piece of her mind, and why not? It wasn't as if he didn't deserve it.

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

Khora sat silently while Procyon explained himself. His motives were understandable. She didn't think she could exactly think ill of him for his strategy. It was a hard world they lived in, one which she needed to quickly become accustomed to. Procyon's actions would help her do so. If he sugar coated everything and treated her as she may have wanted in another time and place, she wouldn't be prepared for the harsh reality that awaited them. His goat remark made her tense, as she was aware of the ridicule some of her kind faced from other races. But she had never been confronted with such comments, seeing as she had never left Exodar.

Procyon explained to her that he wasn't going to go easier on her. At times it would likely seem he was harder on her than if she was a male in the same position. This truly was acceptable to her. She didn't want to be trained by someone that would give her easier tasks or trials. Khora was aware that being a woman, she would face many different scenarios. I may even attempt to seduce you.. Khora didn't hide the smile that stretched across her face. She had thought he was blunt before, she knew for sure now. He seemed to be finished, but neither of them spoke. Instead, Khora just stared at him, contemplating how exactly she wanted to react to everything he had laid out for her. Her training would certainly be interesting, and nothing like what she had faced thus far in her life. She found herself equally excited and nervous.

"Hunt..Master...." She drawled, lifting a hand to examine her fingers. "Do you assume I want anything less than what you have stated? I did not travel from Exodar to be showered in flowers and sweet words from a kind mentor..." Khora stiffened. "I admit..." She shifted her gaze to the patrons around the bar, "I have little experience with other races...and no experience with other territories...But I am aware of the dangers and possible situations I may find myself in...." Khora paused for a few moments, slowly bringing her gaze back to the man across the table from her. "Any man that tries to use my sexuality...." She paused, "My sex...." She tilted her head slightly to the side, "Against me...Shall be quickly informed of their mistake and be made to feel the consequences..." Seeing as he was going to use the very same circumstances in her training, she offered him a smile, "Of course...for training purposes...You may find yourself outside of such consequences...To an extent..." The threat was clear, though the likelihood that she would actually be a threat to him was low. She would put up with only what was required for such a lesson, and if he crossed the line she'd be sure he knew. For the moment, Procyon was a Hunt Master and Mentor. Her instructor. Nothing else. Khora didn't have time or patience to think of any but her training.

"I wish to know the rules in which I will be judged by. When we arrive at the Lodge. What guidelines am I to follow to ensure that we continue a smooth companionship?" Khora took another sip of her drink, savoring the flavorful spices that flowed over her tongue. "Will there be schedules to maintain? Daily tasks to consider? Responsibilities?"

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon listened to her and the more he did, the more he smiled. She wasn't some frail sheltered young woman unaware of the dangers she faced. She wanted his best teaching, and had enough spunk and sass to give him shit. That spoke well of her. "Well, its something I need to be open about, did I think you were that sort? No, or Velen be damned you'd be on the first portal back to the Exodar. I won't train soft hunters. Soft hunters wind up as trophies on some orcs wall. And as I intend to include sexual elements in your training, I wished to be clear on that as well. You will find I am a very direct man, I don't beat about the bush in any conversation: be it tactical discussions, or asking a woman to my bed. You will always know where you stand with me."

Taking a drink from his ale, his eyes continued to watch though for now there was no sexual element to his gaze. He was observing his apprentice, the hunter. There would be times later, to look at her as a woman. But they had made their statements on the topic, and seemed to be of an accord. Shifting in his seat, he took a final swig and then said, "Come, let us walk and talk. I have to check on my companions, the two wolves you may have seen when you arrived. Leloo can get into mischief."

Standing up, he smiled warmly and offered her a hand up. It was plain courtesy, but he hoped she didn't read more into it. "As to duties and chores and the like, there will be things yes. Some will be mundane things like cleaning the stable where hunters keep their pets. While a marksman you wont be using one, its still important to understand how the bond works. Just as I have studied in the Marksmanship discipline. Some tasks will things like meditation. I expect you do so at least an hour a day. And from there, we'll see what comes up. Was there anything else that you wished to address or a question? Dalaran is a good place to converse as it is relaxed an away from the Lodge. "

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

When she learned that the two wolves were his own, she stiffened, surprised and interested. "Leloo?" She smiled slightly at the name, but then quickly finished her drink before they stood up to depart. Seeing a hand before her she regarded it in silence. Deciding that he was simply being polite, she grasped his hand, placing her slender and warm hand in his palm while she stood. "Thank you..." Khora responded kindly, dropping her hand once she was steady on her hooves. They headed out of the bar and Inn, turning their way down the road to look for his two animal companions. Procyon answered her question regarding what tasks would be given at the Lodge and she nodded in understanding. "Very well..." The mention of meditation brought a brighter smile to her lips. "Meditation will be easy..." She nodded, brushing some hair behind her ear, "I usually meditate for a few hours each day...An hour will be a simple enough task..."

She considered additional questions for him and she fell into a comfortable silence beside him while she thought. There were many, but she knew she would eventually get all the answers she wanted. "At the Lodge...what is actual lodging like?" She wanted to know about her living arrangements. "Don't misunderstand, I do not care...But I would simply like to be aware of what to expect..." she added, making sure he didn't believe her to be concerned.

Khora kept a comfortable pace as they walked, keeping her gaze fixed on the area around them in case she spotted his wolves. "What type of mischief does your Leloo get into?" She asked, stifling a small laugh behind her hand. "Does your other companion not join in the fun?"

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon nodded. "Yes, Leloo. Her name mean wolf in a dialect of one of the many Tauren tribes. Long before there were an Alliance or a Horde, their people and mine were friends joined by our love of nature and the natural world of Azeroth and the bounty of its lands. It is hard for me to be their enemy now. But my people joined the Alliance when the Orcs arrived through the Dark Portal. And his joined the orcs in the Horde, as their capitols are relatively close together and they didn't want humans encroaching on their tribal hunting grounds. So when I tamed her, I named her for those tribes before the war. To honor the past, and hope for a better future." In truth, he shared many of the Tauren's philosophies over those of his Alliance counter parts. The humans wanted to bend the land to their will. The dwarves were drunks that lived in the mountains, literally. Gnomes? Please those steam addled tinkerer's were the bane of nature as they tried to "improve it." Her people were noble, but their reliance on techno magics often hurt the land in unexpected ways. But unlike the Gnomes, they at least understood that the land needed to be taken care of. Perhaps was what losing two planets to the Burning Legion did to a proud race, reinforcing in them how precious the land beneath their hooves truly were.

"The Lodge is less a place of sleep than a place to gather to discuss all things hunter. We will likely only be there part of the time, as much of a hunter's true training can happen in the wild. The only lodging, is the building I have been granted as Hunt master. There is but one bed, so unless you plan to join me, you will need to make yourself comfortable with a bed roll either inside or out," he looked at her apologetically.

As they found the two wolves in a small park around a monument, they came upon a scene that answered her question all too well. Leloo was digging into the manicured grass, tearing it up. Procyon sighed, his face in his hand. "Leloo, heel!" he commanded and the ice blue spirit wolf stopped and instant came to his side nuzzling her master's hand. Leaning down to her level, he gazed into the wolves bright and playful eyes, "How many times have I told you? You're a wolf, not a dog.. And that means no digging up the garden..." That there was no point to this conversation, she scratched her head and motioned for her and the other wolf to fall in place with them. Turning back to Khora he smiled, "Hati, the other wolf is bound to me by the artifact weapon I wield. As such, she is far less playful. She died protecting Titanstrike, the titan forged rifle. To bring her back, I bound her to the gun as if she was tamed, but it changed both her, and the gun into the bow you now see."

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

His tale of Leloo's naming was a good one, one which increased her opinion of him as a person. She knew he was a good Hunter, he would have had to be to gain his title, but as an individual she knew nothing of him. She would slowly begin to put together her own assessment of him, but for the moment he was shining in a rather decent light. Their talk shifted to her question of lodging and she nodded in understand. "Very well..." She smiled, assuring him that she was not bothered by his answer. She would be perfectly content on a bed roll, because for the moment she was not going to consider sharing a bed with him. She didn't know how seriously he had meant such a comment, but she didn't respond to it. For all she knew, such a scenario would lead to a "lesson". Khora stopped herself from rolling her eyes, instead focusing on their search for his wolves.

They stopped when the two wolves came into view, and Khora stood quietly, trying not to laugh at the scene she was witnessing. The blue spirit wolf was digging away in the nicely clipped grass, making a rather large mess of the area. Khora had to lift a hand to hid her smile, knowing it was probably less funny and more obnoxious for Procyon. At least Leloo stopped when ordered, quickly coming to heel at her master's side. Her gaze shifted to take in Hati, appreciating the quiet wolf for what and who she was. Her story was indeed an intriguing one. "You certainly have an interesting selection of companions..." She remarked, softly and without judgement. "Did you always wish to work with animal companions?" She asked curiously. "Was becoming a Hunter always your passion?" These were the things that were important to Khora.

She wanted to know what drove him to be what he was. Had he been fueled by revenge? Or genuine interest in the Hunt? Had he been mentored by someone that had inspired him to become what he was? Such things set the groundwork for an individual and Khora found it was such groundwork that built a person's morals, regardless of race. An individuals morals were what Khora based her judgements of others on. She had high morals, and took loyalty and respect very seriously. But also Khora's interest in becoming a Hunter went beyond any thoughts of revenge or the desire to fight for her race.

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon smiled as he remembered his past. It had been a strange one certainly. As a small child in the original version of Suramar, he had dreamed of being a wizard, an telemancer, controlling the portals in and out of the famed Elven capital. Before the breaking. Before his peoples change, when the ones he was with turned to the night and became the Night Elves of today. Ten thousand years ago. It seemed like yesterday. "I wanted to be a Telemancer, the sort of wizard the Highborne would use to control the connection of the Ley Lines and portals that fed Ancient Suramar. Of course, they still do, though its much different now that the Nightborn are in there, the remnants of my people that didn't get separated from the the city in the Breaking. Once my people landed in Teldrassil, we turned our back on magic for a long time. We felt that magic was what had brought the Legion in the first place, and outside of our priests should be left well enough alone. So I turned to the only path that to me seemed to benefit my people, I took up the bow."

Giving her a warm smile, he shrugged, "Then, like you, I was seen as a progeny, and that I would become great at the hunt. I was sent to the great huntress Alleria Windrunner. She taught me, as I will teach you. Before she and Turalyon left with the Army of the Light to take the war to the Legion. When I met her again, all these years later on Argus. Well to say it was a powerful moment would be an understatement. Did you know that is her bow I carry? A gift from her sister, Vanessa, when I rescued her from the Legion."

Smirking slightly, "Now you know why no matter our war, nor the crimes she has committed since her death, I could never strike down the Banshee Queen. To me she will always be Sylvans Windrunner, the third sister of our greatest family. I fight because I must, I kill because I must, like any true hunter, I kill only when necessary for the greater good. Never for sport. Even why I hunt game that isn't for food, it is to maintain the balance of nature."

As they stopped at a large beautiful estate, one of white adobe and large arched open doors, he smiled, "Can I invite you inside? I have things I need to pack before returning to the Lodge."

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

Khora hoped to hear more about Procyon's history as her training went on, for he certainly appeared to have a story worth telling. She enjoyed what he had told her so far, and it only further increased her opinion of him. "You carry her bow?" Her eyes were a little wide, obviously curious and interested by the fact. He didn't fight because he wanted to, nor kill because it was sport. He did only what was necessary for the good of society. Khora crossed her arms and regarded him curiously. Velen had been wise to send her to Procyon for training. The man had his head in the right place, at least from what she could tell. Being so lost in his story, Khora didn't notice that they had stopped at first.

When she glanced to the side she saw the large estate. "Oh course...Lead the way..." Khora motioned that she would follow him. She waited for him to turn before she slipped behind him, following him into the large estate. She was eager to learn his art of the Hunt. Khora wanted to explore and see the world for what it was. Exodar was her home, but it had become boring to her early on in life. There was a deeply rooted desire for exploration and discovery in her, a desire she knew she could fulfill while training to become a Hunter. While she had other motives as well, her interest in the knowledge and wisdom such explorations could offer was high.

"I rebelled against what others wished of me..." Khora commented after a few moments of silence. "I was encouraged to pursue a class that focused more deeply with magic..." She made an expression of annoyance, "But I did not wish for such a path..." A sigh escaped her and she moved from behind Procyon, to beside him, glancing at him, "It took many years to cease the pressure..." Khora smiled fondly, "Velen aided in such matters...He is much of the reason I have made it as far as I have..." Khora remembered the early years of her studies. Everyone wished to be a mage, or a paladin, some even preferred the path of a warrior. But she was never interested in the journeys those paths would take her. Draenei were not always involved in the ways of Hunting, but she was thankful that they had eventually developed a need for such a class. Otherwise, she feared she never would have found a niche to call her own. She would have been unhappy with anything else. Pushing away her thoughts she turned to the present once more, "Are we to make way to the lodge immediately after you pack? Or do you have more to finish here?" Her enthusiasm was obvious from her tone, "Or shall I go ahead?"

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon gave pause at her question. His first thought, although it should have been his last he knew, was to invite her upstairs, then see if she survived a seduction attempt. But as they had just enjoyed a very good conversation to base their professional relationship on, he didn't think it wise to try anything just yet. Better for her to get to know him a little, and let things happen. So instead he shrugged, "I have to pack, I want to check my stabled friends before I head out. Maybe take one last hot bath before the road, so you don't start to cover your nose when I try to teach you something."

Grinning at her, "I'd invite you to join me, but that might be crossing the line a little bit, even for me. If you want to go on ahead, you certainly can. There is an eagle at Krasus' Landing waiting for you. She will take you to the lodge." There he had said it, but in a joking manner that she would hopefully take as such. Of course, if she suddenly decided she wanted to join him, he certainly wouldn't argue. That was the hard part of being in the field all the time. You love life tended to suffer. While he had been blessed with a number of fine lovers since the war started, none seemed to last long.

Not that he could blame them, really. He was often times gone for months on end, sometimes even more, when he was in town, it was rarely for more than a week. Having twice tried to get involved with women who were in his company when he was working against the fortresses of evil, that hadn't worked either. Both times, after heated passion, the idea of trying to be serious was too much for them, and so he was alone again. Not that he really minded, it did give him the independence and freedom to take advantage of openings that he might miss in a relationship. But having somebody to keep your bedroll warm from time to time while out in the frozen lands of Northrend or some of the other cold places that his work took him wouldn't be amiss.

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

Khora regarded him with a small hint of amusement, “Mmm. Well a shame I am not in need of a bath…” She commented with a twist of her lips. “Seems you'll have to scrub your back on your own…” A small laugh brightened her features for a moment until she stifled it. “I shall continue on ahead...to Krasus’ Landing…” She explained her plan in a somewhat distracted tone. “I assume I will see you by nightfall?” Khora inquired curiously, making a mental list while she awaited a response. She planned to collect a few necessities on the way to Krasus’ Landing so that she was fully prepared to start her journey in training. But she wanted to be sure she was waiting for him when he arrived. If he was going to be awhile she would be sure to take her time, but if he wouldn't be far behind she would skip some of her more comfort based stops.

The temptation for a hot bath was actually a lot stronger than she thought it would be, and she caught herself glancing at the stairs that would lead to where Procyon would bathe. Khora frowned, unhappy with the direction of her thought. The comforting warmth would not be worth the shift in their early relationship. She didn't want to risk ruining the opportunity that Velen had gotten arranged for her. So Procyon would need to keep his bathing offers to himself, at least for the moment. Khora hid a smile as she turned, glancing back to the front door. She really needed to get going. She waited for him to comment before she turned and left.

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon nodded, smirking at her comment of the bath. Teasing her back, he said, "Just think of the training you're missing by not scrubbing my back. That takes fine motor skills after all." He laughed softly at himself, lest she not realize that he was teasing. Did he want her to stay, of course. But there would be other times, when she would be more comfortable with the idea perhaps. "I will be there by nightfall, yes, so take your time. I have a few tasks here, and then one or two in the city to take care of before I leave. I had very short notice of your arrival. So rather than get ready, I prepared to meet you and know something of you. I'd say it was worth it."

Once she had left, he went up to bath and shave. He took his time, not wanting to rush his last hot bath. Once complete, he packed up his gear and clothing, before checking on his pets. While the two traveled with him, he easily had a dozen or more at the stables to use in special instances. And to watch his home in his absence. Once he was satisfied, he headed out into the city while sending his gear on ahead. He had three tasks left: stop back at the inn to get dried meals for the road and a ration of mead, stop at the stablemaster's to make sure somebody came to check on his animals and clean their pens while he was away, and lastly the bowyer's to collect enough arrows for a month out in the wild for two hunters.

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

Blonde hair was a mess of tangles as it fell in the face of an angry green eyed blood elf. Aereth Firestar was annoyed as she stared at the door that had just been slammed in her face. The rough wood was only an inch from the tip of her nose, a main part of why she was so pissed off. "You did NOT have to slam the DOOR!" She yelled, kicking the offending blockade before she turned on her heel. Her traveling bag had been tossed out with her, which she snatched up from the road. She may have started an argument with a mixed group within the Inn she was now staring at from across the road. Aereth was a little lost on the current events list, and her ignorance was making it a little harder to maintain civil conversations with anyone outside of The Sunreaver's Sanctuary. "Maybe I shouldn't open my mouth," She muttered softly under her breath, lifting a hand to untangle her long blonde locks.

After leaving her brother, Thilonn, behind to suffer out his existence as a Wretched, she took to the Sunreavers, who sent her off to Northrend to aid in the battle with the Lich King. After ten years of freezing the tips of her ears off, she decided to leave. She hadn't realized ten years in Northrend would leave her so out of the loop with everything else that was going on. Unsure of where she wanted to go, she decided to travel to Dalaran before returning home. She wasn't experiencing any hostility in the city, but she got a few looks occasionally when she left the Sanctuary. Choosing to ignore them, she continued her exploration of the city, thankful to be away from the snow and ice.

Knowing she was in need of another place to stay for the evening, she followed the road to go to the Legerdomain Lounge. She didn't really want to spend the entire remainder of the day looking for a place to stay, so she was hopeful the Inn would have room for her. Upon entering she looked around, her back straight and her head held high. Spotting the owner, she walked over, offering a civil smile, "I'm in need of a room..." She started. The man looked her up and down for a moment and then narrowed his eyes, "Ahh Ahh. You're that damn elf I keep hearing about. Picking fights in every Inn this side of the Sanctuary..." He was shaking his head and Aereth gaped at him. "I have NOT been starting fights!" She snapped, her brows furrowing in irritation. "How dare YOU say such things..."

The man leaned over the bar he stood behind, his eyes filled with his annoyance, "I don't run no fighting ring here, I don't need your trouble. Get on your way!" It was obvious she wasn't getting a room. How had word spread so fast? How did he even recognize her? Aereth looked down at her appearance, wondering if she should have changed. The fur lined armor she still sported from the Northrend must have been more of a statement than she realized. "I don't PLAN to start any fights!" Aereth argued. The owner rounded the bar, coming towards her with every intention of dragging her outside. "Hey! Hey!" She complained, stepping out of his grasp gracefully. "I get it!" She growled, turning with a scowl. "I'm not welcome..." Aereth didn't give the man another look, but marched out of the Inn, pushing past a particular night elf on her way. "I don't start fights..." She muttered bitterly under her breath, kicking the front door as she left. Aereth waited till the door to the Inn slammed shut behind her before her shoulders slumped slightly.

Not sure what she was doing, she leaned against the side of the Inn, hoping at least there she wouldn't get a door slammed in her face.

 

[Procyonix]

Witnessing the scene in the Legerdomain he was surprised to see the innkeeper toss anyone out. What sort of trouble did this woman cause to get her blacklisted from the inns? In this day and age of tentative peace, she should have had no problems. Something was amiss, and his curiosity got the better of him. Taking his package, he stepped outside to follow the young woman, only to find she hadn't gone far.

Moving to her, he gazed into those blazing green eyes with his golden ones. "So," he said quietly, "I couldn't help but overhear that exchange, what was all that about? You don't look like a troublemaker to me. Though perhaps not quite dressed for Dalaran. Have you recently come Stormheim? Or perhaps Northrend? Or did you just grab the wrong armor on the way out the door?" The tone was light, playful, and genuine.

Procyon had no arguments with his Sindorei cousins. They had retained their pale skin and hair, at the cost of addiction to magic. While he wouldn't wish that on anyone, he did envy them their beauty. He had very nearly married one before they joined the Horde. As a result, his son was cut off from him except for rare instances where he was granted immunity to visit Silvermoon. Most Horde knew him, and knew his heart wasn't in the racial war. He only fought to defend his people. As such it was not unheard of for him to be treated as a welcome friend among the Horde when it was a small group. He had drank many an ale or mead with orcs and tauren, even the occasional troll.

"My name is Procyon, Huntmaster of the Unseen Path. While our governments are at odds, I have no ill will towards my Sindorei cousins. Perhaps I could be of help?" He told her firmly yet in a friendly manner. Though his eyes could hardly leave her figure, which while hidden under fur lined gear, was still supple and enticing.

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

The door beside her opened and she slowly dragged her gaze up to meet the the golden hues of the night elf. She hadn't been the most polite when she brushed past him and she was fully expecting to get told as much, but instead his tone was playful and light. It was honestly refreshing and her immediate guard was lowered. "Northrend..." She commented, replying to one of his questions. Aereth glanced down at her armor again and held back a scowl. She did need to change. The elf made a note to buy something as soon as she had a chance. "I'm not a troublemaker..." She stated, pulling her shoulders back and righting her posture. Out of habit she felt the need to stand tall and prideful, she wanted to be cold towards the stranger in front of her, but he was being kind.

Procyon. The Huntmaster. Aereth frowned, but nodded in greeting. "Aereth..." She stated simply, glancing away when he mentioned that he could help her. She did need help, she wasn't exactly having the best luck on her own. But did she want the help? He had stated he had no quarrels with her or blood elves in general. Some relief softened the tension in her shoulders and she nodded slightly, "Hmm. I appear to be out of...the current events...?" She forced herself to retain a bored expression, though she was clearly irritated at the topic. "One doesn't hear much while kicking snowballs among Northrend..." She vaguely explained, "For ten years...." A shifty glance brought her gaze back to his own. "Such has caused some clashes with the local guests of a few Inns..." A sigh escaped her and she pushed away from the building's exterior. "I surely didn't mean to start arguments...But others appear to be rather sensitive..." Her shoulders lifted in an unconcerned shrug.

Aereth caught his focus as it lingered in areas that certainly weren't her face. A small grin turned her lips upward and she let her expression reveal her amusement at his lingered gaze. Placing a hand on her hip, she regarded him curiously. "See something you like?" she mused, "Are you sure that isn't a motive in your welcoming offer of aid?" She challenged.

 

[Procyonix]

Procyom chuckled softly. Somehow, he couldn't quite see this little hellion as throwing snowballs. But that was fine, he wasn't one for excessively docile women. Docile was alright for the short term, but if you wanted something long lasting, a woman who could hold her own against any man was far more exciting. Shrugging that she had caught him appraising her figure, he said playfully, "Hard to say under all that fur, might need to get you some clothes appropriate for the climate." He gave her a soft wink in case she missed the playfulness.

As his wolves appeared near him, he looked down at them and petted each gently before telling them to go for now. Likely she didn't need two wolves sticking their noses in her crotch at this particular moment. "So, Aereth," he started quitely, "a lot has happened in the last ten years while you were building snowmen up there. I understand your thoughts on the place, I spent four years up there myself. The most recent twist to Azeroth in the time you've been freezing is that currently we are in an uneasy truce between the factions, which means you and I don't need to be enemies. As I have a son who is of your people, I find myself more open minded regarding our mutual racial heritage. Once we were the same people after all."

Motioning her to walk with him, he waited for her to move before continuing, "Is my physical attraction the driving force to aiding you? I won't lie and say it's not involved, but I tend to try to be friendly when not looking at somebody along the length of an arrow. Killing is what I must do, not something I care for. The world we live in is complicated, both sides feeling betrayed for good reasons, and in the right for good reasons. Ultimately, this war is between the Orcs and their allies vs the Humans and theirs. Our branches of the Elven family chose different sides for various reasons. But that doesn't mean we need to fight. I almost married a Sindorei once. Like you, a mage. From a powerful family, she turned to heavily to the war after the defeat of the Lich King, unlike her sisters who saw the division being fueled by the racial hatreds of a few."

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

She couldn't argue with his comment, even playful as it was. It was a necessity she couldn't ignore. It had been much too long that she'd suffered beneath the furs required for Northrend. She longed to have the smooth, flat expanse of her abdomen uncovered and free to breathe. Not to mention her legs. She wanted to uncover them more than anything. Aereth grumbled softly, irritated further at her armor. "If you have a reputable merchant...I do wish to shed some of this suffocating clothing..." Her eyes rolled, but then immediately fixed on the two large wolves that approached their apparent master. Aereth watched silently, relaxing when Procyon dismissed them to go elsewhere. She wasn't in the mood.

As he explained a little about what had happened in her absence, she blocked out her other concerns. One thing that did stick out in her mind was the information that he had a son. She decided not to comment on it, letting him continue speaking. Aereth wanted to learn as much as she could before he decided to go on his way, because that was what she assumed was going to happen. She walked beside him as he continued. He'd almost married a Sindorei? Her eyes widened slightly and she inched closer, "You truly feel as such?" She asked. "You would have married her?" Aereth sounded surprised, because from where she'd come from- that didn't happen. After leaving her brother she'd been shoved to Northrend, she hadn't had much involvement with a peace between the races.

Satisfied that he truly meant her no offense or harm, she decided is help was very much desired. "Very well.." She turned a smile towards him, "Help me find a place to stay tonight? And your favorite shop for me to select new attire..." She inquired, "And advise me to what I need to know regarding the last ten years...while I was..." A slender brow rose, "building snowmen..." A silken laugh parted her lips and she shook her head, "I'm sure we can come to some arrangement for me to thank you for your troubles. I assume a Huntmaster has better things to do than help a troublemaker?"

 

[Procyonix]

Procyon nodded, he understood her suspicion that he would have married a blood elf. It was a rare thing. But at the the time, he had been very much in love. And politics be damned, he would have married her. It was one of two times he had nearly married. The second had been to a priestess of Elune, of his own sub-race,they had a hot and fiery romance, that ended abruptly when she got swept off he feet by a human mage. While their romance had ended as abruptly as it had started, the sense of hurt and betrayal had been impossible to overcome, despite that he worked with her in his raiding team.

"Well, first things first," he told her, "clothing. Probably the two best shops in town for you would be the Threads of Fate, or Tantric Textiles. Both are fine establishments, though the Threads will more than likely have more off the shelf sorts of things that you could wear right away, Tantric tends to craft from scratch." He waited for her choice, and then made his way towards the shop. Along the way, he made small talk for the most part, nothing of value.

Finally, he turned the conversation to important things. "As to the important details," he started out, "Sylvanus Windrider, the Banshee Queen is your War Chief now. After Thrall stepped down to follow the calling as a shaman to help heal Azeroth from the destruction of the dragon Deathwing, he gave the mantle to Garrosh Hellscream. That reignited hostilities with the Alliance, as he pursued a very harsh Orc First mentality. That culminated when after the discovery of a new land called Pandaria, and the discovery of pandarans, with the Sacking of Ogrimaar. Then he fled through the dark portal to another time, before the Legion arrived on Draenor. That led to the fight against Guldan, the powerful orc warlock, that in our world was killed years ago. That Guldan then came here to the Broken Islands below us, and heralded the attack of the Legion once more. Due to the war against Guldan and the threat of the Legion, both factions have put aside past differences. There is even a rebuilt Order of the Tirisgarde for your mage types. But alas, now that the Legion has been beat back, and us spending nearly five years working together, the peace is showing signs of breaking. Add in the strange goings on in the desert of Silithus, and well tensions are high. Which likely explains your arguments."

As they turned the corner towards their destination, he smiled at her thinking over her subtle insinuation of payment arrangements. "As to a place to stay tonight," he said playfully, though his voice had grown a touch huskier, "I think I have a place that you could stay, and perhaps we could work on those arrangements you mentioned." Deciding to be a touch brazen, he leaned in and kissed her neck softly, scraping his teeth over her delicate skin briefly. It was the first time in many years that he had given a woman a public display of affection of any sort, much less to a woman from the Horde. But what better way to show that not only did he want her, but that he bore no ill will towards their people.

 

[xXSeraphinaXx]

Aereth decided to take his suggestion of Threads of Fate, knowing she wanted something immediately. She was too impatient to wait. Surprisingly, she enjoyed the pointless small talk as they traveled. When the topic about current events began, she listened intently, stepping closer to Procyon as she let the new information sink in. A lot had happened in her absence and she was disturbed that she'd missed so much. The Banshee Queen was now her War Chief? Aereth blinked, surprised, but also curious to know more. As each piece of knowledge shifted to the next she found herself growing dizzy over the amount of information. By the time he'd finished, giving her insight into why her arguments kept coming up, she felt a slight throb in her head. She wondered where she would go now that so much had happened. Where did she fit in?

They came to a corner and she stopped walking, turning to look at him when he mentioned a place for her to stay. Her lips were already quirked into a smirk as she sensed the shift in his tone. "Hmm?" She looked at him curiously, her mind wandering at thoughts of payment. Aereth had been ready to comment but she stopped when she saw him lean in towards her. She was frozen as his lips brushed her neck, the shocking tease of his teeth making her gasp. When was the last time she'd felt the brush of a man's lips against her skin? Without thinking otherwise, her hand rose to touch the back of his neck before he could pull away, so that when he did, her hand caressed along the side of his face. The thrill of attraction shot through her as she met his golden eyes. "I believe this is an arrangement I can't pass up..." Her words were a soft purr.

He was bold. Even before she'd offered a way of payment for his aid, he had been willing to help her. It was that which caused her to make the offer in the first place. She found herself attracted to his unbiased viewpoints and the strength which she could clearly see defined in his body.

Aereth pressed the tip of her fingernail into his cheek, dragging it down the side of his face until it fell of the tip of his chin. "Oh...Look..." She passed him, "Threads...." When she was a few steps away she glanced over her shoulder, giving him a heated look. "Why don't you wait for me out here?" She was looking forward to becoming further associated with him.

Without another word she found herself in front of the shop, pushing open the door and starting to browse the selection of ready made clothing. A flash of red fabric and golden metals caught her eye and she gravitated forward, plucking the pieces up one by one. Not only would they leave her abdomen delightfully bare, but her legs would breathe in the open slits of the skirted cloth. Fitted together with gleaming gold, she found herself in awe. It was perfect. With detachable shoulder pieces, she could comfortably wander the city without being weighed down or burdened by battle regalia. "These...." She pointed to them and the shop owner approached with a smile, informing her of the price. Aereth reached into her travel bag, pulling out the necessary funds and dumping them into the owner's hand. She inquired if there was a place she could change immediately and she was pointed to a back room. It took her a few minutes to pull off the heavy furs, but when she was finally unburdened she sighed with relief. Aereth started to slip on the much lighter clothing, enjoying the feel of the well made fabrics and metal ties and clips. For something that wasn't tailored to her, it fit perfectly. Her hips were draped gracefully with the red fabric, her slender legs peaking out from the high slits. Her chest was snugly wrapped and supported, her chest piece open and breathable, while her abdomen was bare. She ran a hand over her skin and smiled, "About time..." She mumbled, "I was melting in those furs..."

She chose to stick the shoulder pieces in her bag, and requested that the owner get rid of her furs or resell them, it didn't matter. After adjusting her new boots, she left the shop, immediately fixing her green orbs on Procyon. "Does this better suit your fancy, Huntmaster?" She teased, approaching him slowly and with a knowing smile.

 

[Procyonix]

The attraction between them was electric and he could feel it from her as well. As she touched him in return, he smiled warmly. Her soft purr sent shivers down his spine and iron to his waking manhood. "I like the way you think," he told her huskily. Kissing her finger as it left his chin, he nodded, "Who am I to argue with a lady that will be coming to my home right now? I'll wait here, I have to send word ahead that I wont be returning to the Lodge tonight."

Once she entered the shop, he called forth his black raven companion, Quoth. While not one that fought with him, the pet and he had been friends for many years. Scribbling a note out to Khora, he sent the raven off to deliver his message. It read simply Something has come up, wont be there until after lunch time tomorrow. Sorry for the delay.

When Aereth returned in her new much more revealing outfit there was no hiding his smile or his appreciation for how it highlighted her gifts. His eyes met hers, and he nodded, "I think it will look beautiful on the floor next to my bed, don't you?" Slipping an around around her slender waist, he pulled her against him. This time, the kiss wasn't a teasing one at her neck but a full on kiss, as his lips claimed hers. It was aggressive and bold, as was he. Procyon had not survived all these years without those traits. He was used to being the decision maker, the controller, and that filtered into his romances. Being bold and assertive made him more dominant than not when it came to women, and his aggressiveness he had found most women enjoyed the way he approached them with open desire.