Discord

Bowing curtly, Maevrim turned and walked away from Necator without awaiting a response. She gave her counselee leave to speak with him, as requested, and hoped fervently that the mercenary would not harm him.1

She headed to rest beneath a tree, turning her back to it for protection. She heard a slight chuckle; smiling crookedly, she bowed towards the direction it had come from.2

"Sir Starlear, I am in your debt once again."3

The Night Elf materialized from the shadows. "No debt--call on me when you have need." He gestured towards Necator. "I could have taken him; he and I have no love for each other. I once persuaded a student of his that he was too foolish to learn from."4

Maevrim giggled, silly from relief. She'd not been sure what to expect when she'd received Necator's letter. He'd begged her to indulge his curiosity on a "mutual aquaintance." Although she knew the elf had been told to kill her before, her own curiosity had been peaked. To her surprise, his questions had been of Dareca; he seemed almost lost, angry and grieved. 5

"You now know some of my darkest secrets, sir elf." Maevrim rolled her head as if to ease the tension in her shoulders, hiding her eyes so that he'd not see her lie. 6

Starlear dropped gracefully to sit beside her. "They are no worse than my own."7

"I don't know how to thank you for your protection. My life is dedicated to my studies; my talents do not lie in the martial arts."8

Starlear stood, immediately assuming a combat pose. "It so happens I am a teacher of such; I can show you a trick or two, if you'd like. I've even studied with a Troll Shaman, and can control lightening a little like they do."9

Maevrim grinned and pulled herself up. "I'd love to see that!"10

Before long, they had made their way outside the city gates to begin the lessons.

11

Several hours and numerous fights later, Maevrim mopped the sweat from her face and studied the elf who had sought her out. She bowed with a slight flourish, gesturing to her companions as she did so. "I am Maevrim SaDiablo, but I believe you knew that. Sir Starlear was giving my student and I a lesson in combat--you're welcome to join in if you'd like."12

The new rogue bowed slightly, remaining silent. Maevrim prodded him a bit. "Please, could we know who you are as well?"13

"I have become accustomed to being called Heartrift."14

Maevrim smiled, though it did not quite show in her eyes. She stepped aside to build a fire, motioning for everyone to sit if they wished. Starlear bowed and made his farewells; his friends followed. 15

"So tell me, Heartrift--what is it that you are here for?"16

He peered at Meavrim in that odd way of his, and began to speak in a halting voice. "I was told that you could help me find out who I am." 17

"Where you came from, or who you are now?"18

Heartrift nodded at the latter and began to tell Maevrim stories from his violent past. She listened intently until he finished, then tilted her face up into the rain that had begun to fall.19

"What is it you -do-, Heartrift?"20

He shrugged. "Whatever feels good."21

Maevrim let her head fall forward again and tilted it. "I see."22

A flash of light caught their attention; a doomguard flailed wildy under a rain of fire. Maevrim and the two elves jumped to their feet to join the fight--she knew that a doomguard loose in Elwynn could mean only one thing: Resputan. With the help of everyone nearby, they defeated the doomguard quickly. After the crowd dispersed, Resputan stood alone in the middle of the road, sneering.23

Maevrim straightened herself, gesturing that her companions should remain back. "Lord Resputan," she nodded sharply. "It has been some time."24

He stared at her, no hint of recognition showing. His eyes rolled madly as he studied her. "That face...that shape...you are...Maevrim." He sidled forwards, peering at her. "And you...are with Keruptis. Yes, Keruptis...that name has haunted me." 25

Maevrim stepped backwards, narrowing her eyes and hissing a warning. Her counselee stepped between them, but she ordered him aside.26

Resputan cackled maniacally. "Would you like to know what I have seen, dear Maevrim? I have had...a premonition!" He spread his arms wide in revelation. 27

Maevrim remained silent towards Resputan, mentally warning the others not to heed his madness.28

"Yes...a premonition...the Dark Gate has shown me your death, Maevrim. Yes...I can see you even now, fallen in battle...I see the fair-haired warlock with your blood spilled over her."29

Maevrim laughed, mocking Resputan. "Oh yes, I am sure."30

"Tell your husband...I seek him...and that the silly oath he swore me to...will not hold for long." He cackled again, rolling his head. His eyes fell to Maevrim's belly. "Oh yes...but where...where is your child? Was it born already?" His eyes burned with derision. "You lost it, didn't you?" His laughter rolled through the forest. "You couldn't save it!"31

Maevrim did not even respond. She turned, leaving Resputan even more abruptly than she had Necator.32