The past few days seemed to move by rather swiftly, a blink of an eye and it was gone like that. The warrior settled himself upon a high wall that acted like a seat, staring out onto the broken and cracked landscape that was Krokuun. Gaseous pools of fel bubbled up between the landscape, causing the air to be filled with a smog of it, the smell nearly overwhelming. The wall of an Elf just sat there, golden orbs searching where they could see. His mind was full of thoughts that were nothing but war and even wonder- wonder for what was to come for his time here, and especially for what his Draenei lover was thinking. “Ave…”

It caused his head to turn and look over his shoulder into the very hovel that acted as a camp for the time being. Those of the military and Valarjar alike, comrades he worked closely with, were gathered and resting for the time being before they were to be sent to their next location; whether to fight or secure more land to use for safe keeping. He could see, beyond everyone, where she had set up herself and for her warp stalkers on the other end of the hovel. It caused his stoic and stone-like expression to cross into a deep frown.

It brought his mind back to the very day that they were preparing for the departure. They had spent the night before not parting from the others side, and in a time, that defined their love in heated and intimate passion. Neither were lustful in the slightest, not at all- but, this was not for a simple need. It was to make such promise that they would never leave the others side. She claimed his heart fully, and he adored how she held it close to her own and to her very soul. Once prepared in their armor and supplies gathered for the venture, they departed from the home hidden away in Elwynn that he had come to know as his home with her.

Passing through the city of Stormwind, she had checked on her tigers one more time at the stables, and Calathaes made sure that both his dragons, Shakal and Magnhild were ready to depart with them as well. And soon enough, the pair were upon Krasus’ Landing with the rest of his platoon that were ready to take the lightforged beacon upon the Vindicaar. They were lined up in single file, with Calathaes and Avenarri near the back; he could see the nervousness wrought upon her face that was kept in her usual smile. It caused him to sigh and squeeze her hand gently, assuring her in silence that all would be well. She herself could still hardly believe they were returning to her home, though different now as she once knew it. She drew into his side a bit closer, leaving no space between them as to seek that physical comfort that they gave one another. Some of the soldiers had even given them a sort of glance, as if silently judging their relationship, and Calathaes could have sworn he had heard a woman speak her distaste with a simple, “Unnatural.” He didn’t care for the ridicule that people gave them, only for that he was with the woman that he loved so deeply to his heart. And she, in turn.

However, the moment they were about to step into the beacon, a Kaldorei male adorned in full plate mail stepped in front of them to halt them, though more so directed it toward Calathaes. He was one of the officers among the group, and one that translated for those that did not speak common very well; Calathaes especially being one of those that he knew. The officer then spoke in their native tongue to him, and only to him despite her being there. “If she is to accompany us, and especially you, Shadesong… you are to be separated.” He simply ordered, leaving a rather sorrowed expression upon his face. She didn’t understand any of what they were saying, but looked to her wall of an Elf and knew it was nothing good. “She will not cause any distractions, Lieutenant… She is here to help as much as possible, and to be able to return home as she wished.”

The other male just shook his head firmly, eyeing Calathaes with that same unwavering gaze that held scrutiny all the same. “I would ask that you would not disobey my orders. Not with what happened during Outland. Our last fight with the Burning Legion. ” Those last words were full of near malice, and even she had caught what those words meant deep down. Both Shakal and Magnhild were ready to pounce upon him, the deep rumbling of growls heard that were threatening fully with how even they could understand, as well as feel the pain of their Elven companion. “And your dragons must stay here. They are far too large to be able to go through onto the ship.” Calathaes just brushed all of what he said off and moved out of the line with Ave at his side. He stood off near the center of the landing and peered down into her eyes, seeing the sadness that held within them for how she saw him react. “What did he say, my shield? Is everything alright?”

The deep frown upon his face had said enough, but, he knew she could not understand what was said during the exchange between the two. Only that it was a deep cut. He spoke soon after, his hands raising to rest upon the side of her arms. “He… wishes for us to stay separated. Whether in battle or rest… he thinks it will distract me.” He wanted to say more, especially with what had made him angry and his fury begin to rise and cause a rush within his blood to spill that same lifeforce. But still… he held himself back, afraid of what she may think of him, for what he had done in his past. Her smile faded some, though still held in a solemn expression. Tears even began to form in the corners of her eyes, but, she nodded. “It is alright, my love… You cannot deny what your officers wish. We will be fine, I love you no less for this…” She just moved in and wrapped her arms around his midsection in a tight hug, wishing to comfort him as best as possible.

His eyes rolled to a close and soon… he was looking out over their camp, watching as she turned to him to look at him from afar- seeing that admiring and loving gaze that he shared for her, and so wanting to be at her side. They were so close, and he could walk over while receiving ridicule from his officers- but, so far that he was unable to touch, hold her in his arms. She quieted the monster that rest within him, the one that caused blindness in his actions, defined by raw fury and rage in a need to spill blood and break bones with his sword and shield. And even while his eyes stared out to her, it was as if a mirage passed over it and he saw the entirety of the camp covered in bodies. The bodies of his fellow soldiers, with their blood on his hands... And her, still standing there. He just turned his eyes back forward, not wishing to think on it anymore, despite her being the only way his mind could stay quiet, but full all at once and only with her. He could only fear what was coming for this campaign, and how long he would last with more ridicule that he took, and still… her having no idea what it was about. Soon… she will have to know.