((On mobile so there may be some format errors or grammatical mistakes, but I wanted to write a more cheerful story over break))
The moons hung bright in the sky over Greywatch–the Stormheim weather surprisingly clear for a change, though carrying a chill. Not many were stirring at this late hour, save for the guards posted for the second watch.
Yet there was one in camp that was defying sleep–a quel’dorei sorceress dressed in simple fur-lined mage robes, with her silvery-blue tresses pulled back in an elegant braid. She seemed to be intently studying one of the books on the desk inside her makeshift study, which was little more than a tastefully decorated tent near one of the compound’s walls. Unlike the other books in her study, this book appeared to be a simple prayer tome that a paladin would carry, judging by the more ornate protective case accompanying it.
Khynareth leafed through the pages, eventually closing the book and locking it back in the case, her fingertips lightly brushing the name engraved into a small plaque on the spine. She tilted her head to the side, studying the libram case for a fww more moments, then casting a curious look towards the doorway. Very likely, the owner of the book was out there on guard duty, and would likely appreciate it having back, although why such a one as him would have this, she wasn’t entirely sure. Perhaps she might have attributed it to the man’s near-death experience with the local pirates…if she hadn’t seen him carrying it upon his first arrival at Greywatch. There was more to this one than met the eye, that much was certain, though some things were more easily observed than others. She glanced back at the name, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as she fastened a warm cloak about her shoulders. Carefully, she tucked the case underneath an arm and stepped outside.
It didn’t take long to locate the book’s owner, though it was a bit of a walk to reach him given his position atop a small rise overlooking the outpost. He was clad in heavy plate, as one might expect from a paladin, but the large runeblade sheathed on his back told otherwise. Khynareth remained quiet for a few moments, studying the death knight before slipping up behind and giving him a soft tap on the shoulder. “Pardon me, but I believe this belongs to you, does it not? Morician T. Blackborne?”
The death knight yelped in surprise, nearly falling out off the rock he was sitting on as he stumbled to his feet, turning to face his visitor. “What in the…how…what…where did you…” He cleared his throat, kicking a nearby pebble as he focused on the libram case, doing his best to avoid eye contact. “You shouldn’t be here–you’re supposed to be asleep.”
Khynareth merely tilted her head to the side in amusement as she offered the libram case. “Perhaps,” she replied, nudging him with the case a couple times to prompt him to reluctantly take it. “But I couldn’t sleep, and remembered that I’d run across this while you were away. It seemed important, so I kept it safe.”
Morician remained silent, his frosty blue gaze locked on the libram case as he inspected it for damage before sheepishly hooking it back onto his belt. “T-thank you…” he finally managed to whisper, briefly meeting her eyes for a moment, before quickly looking away. He turned back to resume his post, though he remained standing this time.
Khynareth allowed herself a slight grin as she continued studying the knight, making no effort to leave. Very interesting, this one. Certainly entertaining to watch, and quite an enigma to puzzle over. At the least, studying him would help keep the dullness of Greywatch at bay, for a time.
“You never mentioned a middle name,” she ventured, picking her way over to stand at his side. Morician shifted uncomfortably, scooting over to leave a larger gap between them.
“Not…really somethin’ I go tellin’ people, ma’am…” he replied, before hastily adding, “Not that you’re not people, because you are…but…uh…”
“Is it Thomas?” She arced a feathery eyebrow, leaning over to meet his eyes with an inquisitive look. “Or perhaps Todd or Timothy? Those are common human names, are they not?”
Morician swiftly looked down, shaking his head as he intently began studying the armored toes of his boots. “Tiberius…” he mumbled, embarrassment evident in his tone. “Doesn’t fit, I know.”
Khynareth tilted her head to the side once more, smiling for a moment at the reply. “I think it’s a fine name, and seems to suit you well.”
“It’s a hero’s name–belongs on a hero, not on me,” he replied quietly.
Khynareth frowned, several moments of uncomfortable silence passing as she debated a response. “I’m sorry if I offended,” she offered gently. “But…I did hear about your little foray against the pirates. I would say my previous comment still stands, even by your own logic.”
The apology was met with silence–the death knight continuing his vigil and staring straight ahead over the sleeping outpost. There was, however, a heaviness to his shoulders and a reluctance to his tone that betrayed the otherwise stony facade.
“I wasn’t lying when I said I couldn’t sleep,” she remarked softly, looking up towards the stars. “Though I suppose I wasn’t being entirely honest about my reason for venturing out tonight. In truth, you seemed lonely, so I thought I’d offer you some company after returning your book. It seemed to mean a lot to you, and I’m curious how you came about it, though if you prefer solitude I underst–”
“No…it’s…it’s fine…” Morician countered, finally managing to look the sorceress in the eye this time, if a bit nervously. “The extra pair of eyes would probably help…if you really want to help keep watch anyway. Um…I ain’t very interestin’ to talk to though, so you’ll probably just fall asleep anyway.”
“Well perhaps I should do the talking then, hmm?” Khynareth responded with a light chuckle, settling herself down on the nearby rock. “After all, I don’t believe I’ve yet introduced myself. I am Khynareth Skyshatter…”