Leonaess Dawnbinder

Watching you, watching me

Inseparable would have become the word of the day, or rather, something that found itself on the tips of tongues in silent agreement between the studious pair over the course of months; one with hair of gilded morning light and the other inky midnight. The library, which had opened its doors to allow many a curious person to plunder the textual depths, had become a success not only within the small Gilnean comprised town but for members of the Serpentine Kiss - at least that was until they disappeared. But, with the company of questionables having taken their work underground, it did not stop such things as story-time corner with Leonaess Dawnbinder, who once a week gathered the little ones of the town and treated them to baked goods, hot chocolate, and rich fairytales. Nor Cassimir Netherward’s expansive works as he helped any and all who had questions pertaining to a variety of subjects. While he kept up a good show of being genuinely interested in one and all, it was the quiet moments that brought the most joy, where the soft whisper of breaths in shared excitement as someone discovered something wholesomely amazing echoed and remained like a remnant for him to hear. Two desks had been set up with all the accoutrements of a scribe neatly put away for the days a splash of vibrant red happened upon the knowledge hoarder’s abode. Plying her own craft and helping the local township with any drafting up of important documents that might be required as well as the restoration of ancient tomes.

While not always able to stay, a cot had been set upstairs which was layered with comfortable blankets and pillows should the Sunshine of Silverpine decide to leave it dreary for the next few days. But her presence was everywhere one might look, either a colorful shawl left draped over the back of a chair in misremembering to the many vases with it’s heap of flowers mixed with herbs that decorated the library; a quiet absence that lingered. But it was such a night, where the hour had snuck up and it was before the large fireplace with it’s stone wolf heads snarling, that the pair found themselves settled before. With the last of the day’s knowledge pioneers having left the archives, it was time to sit down with a hot mug of cocoa, warm blankets, and discussions that were always best kept for after hours while the rain fell in winter-time torrents outside.

“ What do you think she is doing? “ Came the temperate glide of the lordling’s question, “ Ah, thank you. “ Hands curled about an offered mug of an exotic cinnamon hot chocolate blend from Pandaria that his cohort was most anxious to try. Though the scent of her wafted floral and airy, she did not settle immediately but went to collect her own drink, pausing by the roaring hearth to ponder upon the question and the female to whom it applied. It caused the still sitting Magister to shift uncomfortably, the wandering of his gaze as it traversed the planes of her delicate face as if a maze and at the end was the answer.

“ I’m not certain though it must be something terribly busy as I’ve not felt her presence in some time. A little unsettling to know she could at any moment sweep in or summon us. “

A smile found her mouth easy enough, doe eyes moving from where they had fixated on the consumed logs to rest on the writer’s hand who lifted up a downy blanket to usher her beneath.

“ You’re making me nervous with all the standing. “

He offered, the strange formation of a delicate curve unsure on a mouth unyielding in its tenderness, expressive brows in their perpetual furrow lifting to reveal the handsome gentility beneath; so terribly deceptive. It charmed a laugh from the aura soother, the sense of momentary dread they shared between them, being bound to a Mistress of Fel, dissipating as Leonaess nestled herself amongst the soft comfort of blankets and companionship.

“ I think it only troubles you because it reminds you of Magistrix Blackarrow and her pacing. “

Was chirped before lips were pursed together, the cooled down sip of milky tea was taken followed by a melting sigh of pure delight. Snuggling deeper against couch cushions, blankets, and Cassimir, mind started to mull over their last venture and the discovered findings of another ancient text whose location the pair had yet to uncover. Hours had been poured into reading, looking through various scrolls, and making notes. But tonight was one of reflection for the world was moving in a very strange direction as above loomed a planet destroyed by the onslaught of demonic hordes and fel corruption. Unavailable was their link to the teaching of such destructive magics as Lydira Morningsworn was about her own tasks. No winged visits from the distantly familiar Varynoth Stillstrike, as the fight to cast back the Legion and taking the heads of numerous monstrosities was proving to be endless. Not even the Serpentine Kiss remained, as they had been taken deep underground to become a society and trade, safe from prying eyes; despite the lingering township on the coast that sat haunted and empty.

It was only the lingering few that remained, pondering the next course of action.

The silence that had drawn out, no quipping response from her left caused eyes to drag slow towards the dwelling gaze of Cassimir that had set the intensity of his stare on her face. It caused golden crown to cant, brushing aureate curls against a pale cheek now flushed fractionally with color.

“ What? “

The magus reached up to swipe a finger across the tip of her nose, procuring with it a dollop of whipped cream that had found itself stuck.

“ I’ve been waiting for you to get it this entire time but you didn’t seem to notice. It was terribly distracting. “ He gave a sigh of relief, taking a sip of his own hot chocolate while eyes found themselves trying to look anywhere but the fractionally embarrassed Leonaess at his side, though sidelong did he peep.

“ Well, next time you have my express permission to tell me as I can’t imagine the immense suffering you endured. “ A pretty roll of eyes followed by the playful wrinkle of her nose was given before taking another delicious sip from her mug, this time being mindful of the lingering cream on the rim. “ I was thinking about giving up my cottage in Silverpine and finding a place more suitable. Would you mind helping me tomorrow? I was put in mind of that updated collection of maps and townships that might need to be visited. “

A spark of interest had been ignited, as Cassimir straightened his back and coughed a little, to which Leonaess giggled as this was always her favorite part about his built up excitement. His mouth opened, pausing in what he was going to burst out saying before glancing at his companion’s grinning face.

“ You already know the answer. I’m busy and as much as I’d love to help, I can’t pull myself away from the ever arduous task of dusting and book keeping. “ A pillow came in a light swat to that dark haired noggin, “ It’s a serious job, Leo! I’m a slave to my work…” To this he faltered, unable to hide the smile that was no longer haphazard but rested comfortable.

“ If I already know the answer, then why are you telling me no? Oh no, are you teasing me again?! This is too much, too much! “

The laughter, melodic and lilting softened from it’s giggles, mingled with his own. It was a rarity, while not an unpleasant and joyless person, Lord Netherward’s amusement was ever appropriately placed; a gift to those who knew him best.

“ Hush and drink your hot chocolate. “

Came the command that sometimes crept into his voice, a slither of dark silk much like the hair that draped across his shoulders. It always caught her off-guard not for a negative reason as it suited him, but sometimes forgetting that he was raised under the scrutiny of nobility. Fleeting thought passed to be replaced with that press of fondness for Cassimir as he was his own man in every way.

“ While we’re out looking for a new place for you to grow and bake, perhaps we should use that traveling to our advantage. We’ve comprised a good collection of notes from all that we’ve been able to accumulate on our findings of these sacred texts. Best put it to good use while we can. “

Finishing off the last sips of her drink, watching his interest start to grow into a hungry beast -  the thrill of another adventure worked electric between them both.

“ It’s as if you were reading my mind. “