Tryst with a Twist

[Ariale-cenarion-circle]

It all started out as such a marvelous day. Bright and sunny in the jungles of Stranglethorn. Ariale had found plenty of herbs growing in the lush tropical land. As the instructor had warned her, she had to be careful not to disturb the local wildlife. He especially warned her not to go near any of the Troll ruins, or the Horde fortress at Grom’Gol.

Her patience and care paid off and she had full bags when she finally decided to take a break and see if she could find something interesting to drink in Booty Bay. It seemed a bit naughty to come down here by herself. The sense of danger and excitement had her on high alert.

The bar seemed very quiet, however, and she ordered a cherry grog and a fruit salad. While she waited, she became aware of a slight movement in the rafters of the old ship that served as a tavern.

To her surprise and delight, it was none other than the mysterious Mr. Mask. She could not hide her joy at seeing him again and invited him to sit with her. It did not bother her that he had not removed his mask for her. She expected he was still a bit wary of other eyes watching him.

With no one else near the private table they occupied, Alan spoke cheerfully of his freedom. Of course, Ariale had been there when he made the deal with the Watch. She knew most of what it entailed from the words spoken aloud. Her realization that Alan was most likely now to be considered a traitor to the Horde worried her. He had put himself in danger by allowing himself to be captured.

Ariale knew that her cousin Jahana had egged him on, she heard it many times over the course of his confinement. Only once had Jahana contacted her, just to remind her that Sydric Silverhawk, Ariale’s uncle, was worried for her safety. Ariale had assured her that the Alliance was treating her well and her studies at the Mage Institute in Stormwind were well organized and thorough. It had been her choice to study the Void and give up all ties to Silvermoon. Though not everyone in the family had been as accepting of her choices. Sydric had allowed her to follow her heart and learn the most dangerous magic of all. He trusted her and her talent and knew that the Magisters in SIlvermoon were most likely jealous of her rather than angry.

What bothered her the most was that she knew Mr. Mask was not considered to be a very good choice for her. Jahana was right in warning her he was a playboy and a drunk who did not have a care for anyone in the world but himself. Ariale had argued with Jahana that Alan did care, but he had to hide his feelings. He was a male, and they seemed to think that was a good idea.

It was brought home to her very hard when she saw him with the other ladies. Suddenly, as he bargained for his freedom, she saw how much they fought for him as well. He was charming and handsome, of course…the harem he had collected would stand up for him. She hid her pain very well, though she might not have hidden it from some who were more observant. Ariale knew then they would never be more than friends. She would have to accept that and move on.

As Alan questioned her in Booty Bay she had to fight to keep her heart from giving her away. She agreed they would remain in touch and she offered to pass messages for him if he asked. For his part, he seemed reluctant to let her get involved. Ariale reminded him she already knew too much not to be considered involved.

They parted with a warm hug and she thought then her whole body would give her away. It felt so good to have his arms around her. Reluctantly, she pulled away and said her farewells.

It was only five minutes later as she made ready to leave that she felt a hand on her shoulder…

[Relar-cenarion-circle]

Alan Mask moved silently through the Booty Bay tavern, his body aching from a night spent fighting on the front lines and lack of sleep. His mood was still foul but his mind was thankfully much clearer now. The night before had been… a mess. There was no other way to describe. Between betraying the young mage and having her end up in jail, picking a fight with his friends… Everything has just gone to fel in a handbasket.

And really, it was entirely his mistake. There was no two ways about it. He had lost his chance to have Ariale help him solve the Tyrdan mystery. He knew the instant Lellith learned what happened, he would never get her to trust him again. He knew he was a dead man if he set foot in Stormwind. He knew Anya might not so easily forgive him for what he was going to allow to happen.

He quietly made his way down to the bar area and started making coffee. Cup and Thel would be up soon, least he could do is make sure his friends had warm coffee waiting for them. He also made sure to pay in full for his room and board, leaving a hefty tip. As was becoming his habit, he also left random items made of pure gold for Thel. He knew someone was coming after him for Ariale’s arrest. And it simply wasn’t fair to involve the Feathers of Iron in what essentially was his mistake.

“I really need to stop losing bars…” He chuckled wryly before walking out of the tavern.

He only had a few hours he suspected before a certain someone came to hunt him down. And there were many loose ends to wrap up. His only hope is that he would have enough time to do one last thing to help Ariale.

A stray thought crossed his mind and he shook his head a little sadly. He was going to miss his usual breakfast appointments for the forseable future.

Maybe it was for the best? The mystery surrounding the man still locked in the Stockades would have far reaching consequences. Why did he have to make friends with both sides…

Drawing the shadows around himself, the rogue vanished from sight and simply left Booty Bay.

[Jahana-cenarion-circle]

The normally quiet halls of the SIlverhawk mansion echoed with the tread of plated boots. Jahana and Hahnei sat in the parlor, glancing at the door, then back to each other.

“He will be more than angry.” Jahana mumbled.

“It’s all your fault for losing track of her. You know how sneaky she is.” Hahnei replied smugly.

“I did not teach her to disappear like that! She is a mage! She has spells! I did not expect her to meet Lellith either! Believe me I will be having words with her as well!” Jahana shut her mouth suddenly as the door swung open. She stood and saluted. “Lord Silverhawk.”

Hahnei snickered and stood as well, offering the noble a low bow. “M’Lord.” Her smile left her face as he turned his cold gaze on each of them in turn.

Sydric SIlverhawk was a proud Sindorei. He had paid the price of that pride with his life. Raised as a death knight and serving the Lich King had made him powerful. His return to Silvermoon and facing the wrath of the current head of the House, Lord Kaelin Silverhawk made him humble.

“Where there is blame, there is consequence. I left it to you two to make sure Ariale stayed out of trouble. I realize it was a challenge, since she made her decision. You had only to keep her from getting mixed up with the wrong people, outside of Stormwind. You have both failed me, and Ariale.” His deep voice seemed to come from the graveyard.

Jahana hung her head, “Yes, M’Lord. I intend on hunting down the traitor. Hahnei was not there. It is my fault. I did not keep him away from her.”

The flaxen haired rogue smirked. “I would have found a way. You are too soft, Jahana. Don’t tell me you were falling for him too?”

“ENOUGH!” Syd’s voice boomed. “You will both go and bring me this traitor’s head! Or you will both end up as Sylvanus’s next dark rangers! Do I make myself clear?”

Both girls stood shaking and nodding, in unison, “Yes, M’Lord.”

“GO!” he commanded and the room shook with his wrath.

It was hard to tell who made it out of the mansion faster. Jahana had her strider outside and they raced to the Plagued Lands not too far away. Both were equipped with poisoned blades and nets. They were taking no chances.

[Ariale-cenarion-circle]

The basement cells were cold, and Ariale shivered in the thin blanket provided. The night had proven to her beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Mask was not to be trusted. She had tried so hard. There was no way she would have allowed Lellith to harm anyone. Sitting there in the dark, thinking things over, Ariale came to the stark conclusion that she was indeed a naive silly mage who had better grow up.

She wriggled on the hard cot trying to get comfortable. Remembering all the things that Jahana and Hahnei had tried to teach her. Both the older cousins had tried to sheild her from the worst of the Sindorei culture. Their warnings had gone over the mage’s head and she refused to let them stifle her goals.

When she had braved the dangerous Void to learn the most powerful spells, the Silvermoon Magisters had kicked her out of the Academy. It was only her brother’s efforts that saved her. He joined her in the Void and they learned together. That was ages ago, and he had left her to pursue his own goals. She had no clue where he was now.

In all the time that Ariale spent studying and mastering the Void, not once did she intend on harming anyone. Necessary killing to survive was one thing. She would take the steps needed without hesitation. Self preservation was not a problem. It was her kind heart and naive belief in the inherent goodness in all creatures that was her downfall. Now she was paying the price. It may very well be the ultimate price. Considering what had happened, she doubted the Watch could find her a competent attorney.

She turned her face to the wall, and struggled to hold in tears, but they came anyway. Her dreams were vivid and stark. The guard might have heard her crying in her sleep as she repeated over and over. “Why did you betray me?”

[Relar-cenarion-circle]

Alan was growing rather tired of being hunted and captured. He was tired of cells.

At least this one had fresh air.

Well. Not that the Plaguelands counted as fresh air. And he had a sinking suspicion those vats of fluid being carted around by the Forsaken guards were not just mint flavored water.

Alan leaned back against the walls of the broken down stone tower he was temporarily being held in. He knew they would be moving him within the hour and fel only knew where he would end up. But even so, thoughts of escape were the furthest thing from his mind right now, not after being captured by a Dark Ranger of all people. Outside guards were patrolling and he’d already tested the walls and rafters hanging above him. They would not hold his weight if he tried to get out that way.

“Guess I’ll take a nap for now…” He sighed and closed his eyes. At least his arrest had brought one positive bit of news. Things would finally start moving forward for the other captured elves.

[Ariale-cenarion-circle]

The night was long and Ariale was not able to get much sleep. She was uncomfortable and cold. No one had come to visit her and she was so depressed she almost gave in to the Void whispers. It would be so easy, even with the magic dampening in the Stockade, which was tuned to prevent hearthing and offensive magic. The whispers continued to urge her to let her spirit go and simply fade away into non existence.

Fortunately for her, the Watch sent their prosecutor, Roy Bean, to work out a bail. He had no idea how close she was to ending it all. His manner was gruff and business like. He urged her to spend her time in study rather than going off to parts unknown and befriending strangers who might have bad intent.

All Ariale could think of was how bland a life that would be. Sit in her tower room and do what? Read books, bake cookies, study magic history? She was not meant for that! Bean seemed to have the impression she was rather of low intelligence or lacking in wisdom. He certainly treated her as if she was dumb as a rock.

Considering her lack of self esteem at that point, it did not help her attitude at all. Brow beaten and depressed, she wrote a check out for the standard amount of bail. If she had not been a member of the Silverhawk House in SIlvermoon at one time, she would be out of luck. As it was, Sydric was generous and allowed her enough gold to complete her studies in Stormwind and live well. He always held out the hope she would return to the House. That was not going to happen.

The attorney reminded her that she still had to face Orwyn at some point and accept the punishment if it was decided she was guilty of what they had arrested her for. This was a reprieve, a chance to prove she was not going to be doing any plotting against anyone of the Kingdom. He advised her not to leave Stormwind until that was settled. Ariale agreed.

When they opened the door to the cell and allowed her to walk free, she left with head down and spirits low. She was still considered a criminal. That meant that everyone who had witnessed her arrest would probably hate her! Those who heard about it later would as well. So much for doing good and trying not to harm anyone! It was very likely she would not be invited to go anywhere anyway, so staying in Stormwind would be a moot point.

Somehow, as she left the Stockade and started walking back to her apartment in the Mage District, she ended up in front of the Recluse. Her thoughts showed on her face and she was not looking for anyone to even notice her. To her utter surprise, a kindly voice stopped her as she passed.

“Miss Nala’Teth, how good to see you out of that dreary place. How are you doing?” Roedran spoke from a table on the patio.

Ariale was a bit startled, but a faint smile crossed her lips as she nodded. “I am out on bail. I still have to face a judge.” her voice subdued and soft.

“Well, that’s good! Things will work out, you should relax.” he replied with confidence.

Ariale swallowed and sat down across from Roedran and tried to keep the tears at bay. “I am still a criminal, everyone hates me now. They think I did terrible things! No one will even try to understand.”

For the next hour, Roedran comforted her and tried to cheer her up. In the end he succeeded and she felt better. Even the passing Eloise and a Draenei whose name she could not pronouce, stopped to offer kind words. The Draenei even offered a hot meal, which Ariale was very grateful for.

By the time she let Roedran go back to his prayers, so she could eat, Ariale felt a lot better. There were still people in Stormwind who did not consider her a bad person.

[Orwyn-cenarion-circle]

It was late evening and agents Hazlett and Irlii were ascending the steps to the second floor of the Watch office, on their way to meet with the Commander.

“Do you know what it is that I got called all the way back here from the swamp to take care of?”, asked Hazlett. “Not that I can complain too much, I guess. Almost anywhere is better than that mess.”

“Oh, you can never complain too much. At least in your mind,” Irlii replied with an amused smile. “And I do know. It is due to the disappearance of Mr. Mask.”

“That son of a ****, what the **** do we give a **** about him for?”

“Oh, you mustn’t speak like that in front of the Commander,” Irilii grinned and wagged a finger at him before knocking on Orwyn’s office door. “Mr. Mask is our friend now.”

“The **** he is,” grumbled Hazlett.

After hearing a muffled acknowledgement from inside, they entered the room.

Orwyn set aside a very long report, heavily edited with penciled notations and looked at the pair. He sighed. “I wish you’d brought me some coffee.”

Irlii smiled and said, “Apologies, Commander.”

Orwyn gave her a weary wave. “It’s all right. You wouldn’t have known. Although honestly it would have been a good assumption.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I’m about to relocate to my study at home. Just need to finish a couple of things, your new assignment being one of them.”

Irlii nodded, while Hazlett dug around in his pockets until he found a stick to gnaw on.

“As we learned from your inquiries, Agent Irlii, Mr. Mask has disappeared. This is concerning because his last communication mentioned he was being hunted. “Orwyn frowned. “We didn’t go through all the trouble with the man for him to be killed before he could make good on all the information he promised.” He paused and then continued, “and less cynically, he did come over to our side and agree to help us, so we have an obligation to try to protect him if his former faction comes looking for him.”

Irlii continued to smile and nodded in agreement. Hazlett rolled his eyes but remained quiet.

“That being the case,” Orwyn continued,” your new assignment is to locate Mr. Mask and prevent his death or capture by the Horde, or any other hostile group. Please ensure your actions and results remain discrete. None of this is anything we’d really like to draw attention to.”

Irlii saluted enthusiastically. “Yes sir. Thomas and I will accomplish this mission.”

Hazlett glared at Irlii. “Bloody hell.”

Orwyn gave Hazlett one of his best looks. “That will be all, officers. Keep Lieutenant Skyriver and I advised on your progress. And remember, discretion, agents, discretion.”

“Certainly, sir!” Irlii nodded emphatically. Hazlett saluted, less enthusiastically, and appeared on the verge of expressing an opinion when Irlii grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the office.