Venibeth straightened abruptly, her eyes going wide at the crash from the shop. She turned to the twins, “Stay here. Don’t you dare move.” she warned.
Aiden and Emma nodded gravely, “Okay mommy.” they replied in unison.
The mage gave them a dubious look then darted through the curtained door that separated the shop from the living quarters just as another crash resounded through the building.
The broom she’d enchanted and had left sweeping when she’d taken the children in for lunch lay on the floor, the end of the handle protruding through a broken pane of glass while a dress dummy leaned brokenly against the wall. A small table that had held a vase of flowers was turned on its side, the blossoms scattered amidst shards...
Niviene paced the office, wringing her hands and casting the occasional look at the young man who sat passively in the chair opposite her desk.
“Why in the world would anyone think he could be guilty? How could they arrest him? Everyone knows Bragh, they know he’s a paladin in the employ of the Cathedral.”
Erik didn’t bother answering, he knew the priestess well enough to know that she wasn’t really speaking to him, she was thinking aloud. And working herself up into a temper. He didn’t know yet if she planned to go to Stormwind but he certainly wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of the petite blonde’s anger. Not that he wouldn’t mind being there to enjoy the show.
“Did they get Shadowbreaker? What did he...
It had been Niviene’s habit for years now to continue on across the bridge that connected Duskwood and Westfall, circling down one embankment and up there other, verifying the stability of the structure as well as searching for evidence of suspect activity. On more than one occasion such an inspection had helped the members of the Shrouded Dawn get a jump on the bad guys and thwart them before they could do a great deal of harm.
Tonight had been like any other night. Braghaman had arrived at the square in Darkshire first and by the time the priestess was able to get there a newcomer had arrived. Highlord Quint stood, his golden armor shining in the dying light of the evening, the two paladins deep in discussion of events across the...
Niviene watched the children as she walked down the hall, the new assistant dean at her side. Unaccustomed as they were to a woman wearing anything other than a modest, serviceable dress or heavy armor, they were somewhat taken aback by the woman dressed from head to toe in leather. Some of the children cast covert glances while others outright stared, until they realized that the headmistress was looking at them. It wasn’t that the newcomer’s clothes were menacing or risque, it was just an uncommon sight at Darkshire Academy.
The two women walked through the building, Niviene explaining the layout of classes, the daily schedules, and what one could expect from a typical day at the school until finally they stopped at a door on the...
She hadn’t been able to find a buyer for the house and forge yet but there had been inquiries in renting the forge and that was the next best thing as far as Venibeth was concerned. She had a little money set aside that she used as a down payment on the shop and the apartment behind it, the monthly rents from the forge would pay for the mortgage and any money she made sewing would cover her other expenses. Or so she hoped.
Veni looked around the little shop, adjusting a dress dummy in the window so that it displayed the crimson and cream colored dress at its best angle. The window itself gleamed brightly in the sunlight that filtered through the usual canopy of clouds hovering over Darkshire. The counters shone with fresh polish and...
The thing sat limp in the draenei's hand, a gelatinous blob with barbed tentacle that hung like the dripping entrails of a gutted deer. Niviene paled at the sight of it, her fair complexion turning to near parchment white. She moved to stand closer to Bragh, slipping her hand into his, seeking comfort in his strength.
The priestess watched in horrified fascination as Daciana tied the tentacled thing around her head like a bandana; it was all Niviene could do to keep her supper down at the sight. The draenei stood in the center of the group, turning to look at each of them. After a few moments Daci declared every one free of the parasite that took control of the mind of its host. And everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Daci paused in...
“Your father is quite livid dear one. He has vowed to hunt you down and take back the money you stole from him.” the succubus draped herself against the door frame, her glowing eyes half closed with pleasure.
Tesclina shrugged as she continued to unpack one of the heavy wooden crates that littered the room. The demon moved a step closer, “He vows to have you committed.” Again Tes shrugged. The succubus smiled, her voice dropping into a seductive purr, “For good.” she added.
The redhead stopped at this, straightening, she turned her head slowly, looking over her shoulder at the demoness. “He’s all bluster. He’s insured, he’ll recoup the money in no time then raise his prices to offset the lose. He’ll hire some...
“Yes, I saw him.” the frail night elf murmured. “But not… after… no I didn’t see him after.”
Venibeth’s hopeful expression faltered, “Where exactly did you see him?”
“He kept going back in. He would bring someone out and then go back. I think… four, five times? And then there was a rumble and it all came down.” the woman paused and took a sip of water, “I’m always so thirsty now, and everything tastes like ash.” she took another drink then set the glass aside, “I didn’t see him after that. But I wouldn’t expect to. Nothing could have made it out alive.”
The mage let out a small gasp, gulping in air in an effort to quell the tears that trembled on her lashes. Of course he would go back. It’s...
Niviene stepped out of the solicitor’s office, her head reeling at how quickly it had all been done. They had only discussed a few weeks ago. The decision hadn’t come easily, there were more than a few sleepless nights as she went over the different scenarios and possible repercussions in her mind but in the end they had both agreed that this is what they wanted. This was what was best for the family.
Her steps took her mechanically to the gryffin master and the man, recognizing her, had sent her on her way, his brow creased with worry. It had been ages since the priestess was too distracted to spend a moment or two in small talk, inquiring about his children. Whatever it was it certainly had her head somewhere else.
When the...
The afternoon sun came streaming through the lace curtains, leaving dappled shadows across the kitchen table. Niviene glanced around the room, taking in the hustle and bustle of the women preparing the evening meal, listening to the laughter and lively conversation that practically bounced off the walls of the room. She turned sky blue eyes to the woman who sat across from her then looked down into her tea cup, “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”
Venibeth nodded, her speech a little rushed, “Yeah. I can’t stay there. There’s too many reminders. I know it’s silly. I know he might come home. But the place is so big and the forge… it looms out there, silently judging me. I just can’t.” she shuddered slightly and...