Skyshot: A Railo Story
001
“How does it feel to be the top arm’s dealer for a third consecutive year?”
That was the question Railo heard the most when she was approached by the various business men and women, or noble clients who all attended this vanity party. Annually, top dogs in the black market chip money into a pot to put on a networking party to connect resources. It was always an opportunity to gain new clients. Since the founding of this exclusive party, they had begun to compete in sharing their numbers, to see who was on top in all of Azeroth; the reward was nothing more than fame.
In a grand banquet hall within Dalaran, provided by a collection of nobles, there were endless platters of delicacies and delicious food from across the world that a normal household could not even afford one plate of. Bottles of expensive wines and craft liquors decorated the mirrored wall of the full bar. Chandeliers, large windows with bespoke curtains, and the finest hand crafted tables and chairs dotted the room, and the marble floor had a large, round, maroon carpet in the center. It was the epitome of luxury. A class of upscale business folk and nobles who made their funds on illegal means. Champaign glasses clinked together in toasts, and chatter made the ambience with scattered laughter. It was a grand time of mirth and whimsy, producing a real sense of comradery.
They all hated each other. It was a masquerade of smiles and laughs, but most of them had designs to make the others crumble at their feet. Many of them had already put hits out on one another. They each wanted the other to lose, so that they themselves could gain more clientele.
While they all congratulated Railo for taking the number one spot for a third year, they all wanted to see her grovel at their feet. Her and the ever conniving Torello, who had been an aid to her over the past three years. With his aid, she reached the top, but it was he who benefitted the most out of it all. While she was making the climb to the top, he was still collecting crumbs that fell from the table.
She had grown pretty fond of him over the years, and he had always been fond of her.
Railo stood chatting with an old client about an upcoming device she was working on, making promises to give them first dibs. A sin’dorei, she wore a gorgeous red dress that laid elegantly upon the curves of her frame, her crimson hair was as the wind, winding in waves and soft curls, framing her face which she spent an hour touching up with make-up. It wasn’t often that she put so much effort into her appearance, but it was all part of the game to look the part of wealth. She even dared to show some skin on her back, and on her right side where the dress parted up to her thigh. Whatever it took to flex on her haters, she did it.
She certainly caught attention, and most prominently, Torello’s attention. He himself was a rather stunning sin’dorei man. He certainly knew how to look the part of wealth as he donned a black tuxedo with an expensive stitch count, and a red bow tie to compliment Railo’s favorite color. His face was studded with a trimmed beard, and his stark black hair fell down to his shoulders, brushed back. He approached her from the other side of the room.
“Pardon the intrusion,” he said, placing a hand on Railo’s lower back, “I had to interrupt to say just how stunning Lady Skyshot looks.”
“Oh by all means, she is absolutely the main attraction,” The client said, chuckling heartily. “We will keep in touch, Railo. You enjoy yourself, now.” With that said, he dismissed himself.
Railo, with a quirked brow, turned to face Torello. Despite any attempt she made at looking upset, intimidating, or angry, she couldn’t hide the coy smirk that graced her lips. “Someone’s being rather bold, aren’t they?”
He stepped in closer, and she crossed her arms, but he spoke in a low tone that forced her to draw a little nearer. “Who’s the bold one here? The one who’s holding the lady in a gorgeous dress, or the lady in a gorgeous dress who’s letting a charming man hold her?”
“Careful.” She warned lightheartedly. “Last time you touched me there, I threatened to cut your hands off.”
In quick response, Torello wrapped his other arm around her waist, and she uncrossed her arms to lay them on his shoulders. “You say that,” He grinned, “Yet I still have my hands.”
She rolled her eyes and giggled softly. They began to sway from side to side, dancing to the romantic tune the hired band played. “Smartass. I’ll let you slide this time.”
“Oh, I’m beginning to think you like this.”
“No, you’ve just been chasing this tail to the point of delusion.”
“If being delusional let’s me hold you like this, I’d gladly lose my mind, little fox.”
She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I should have never told you about that childhood nickname. Don’t call me that.”
“I’ll either call you that, or call you mine. Can you pick one for me?” He said, leaning in closer.
Her heart began to flutter, though she made no outward indication of this. Or so she convinced herself. It was probably obvious in the way her radiant emerald eyes flicked away, and her cheeks took on a warm blush.
Uninvited, but certainly not unwelcome, closed the gap and planted a kiss on her cheek, to which she responded with an even deeper blush. He had never done that before. He was certainly being bolder than ever. Nearly speechless, she turned her face to look at him.
“You must have a death wish or something.” She whispered.
“I only wish for one thing right now.” He said, lifting a hand from her waist to brush some hair behind her ear and hold her cheek. She pressed into it instinctively.
Speechless at this point, Railo was left staring at him. There was something on her heart that she had no words to express, but her eyes told the story of a woman who wanted to be shown this kind of love all the time. Perhaps she was ready this time. Perhaps she could put her fears and uncertainties away and trust him with her vulnerabilities. She tipped her chin up slightly, but just enough to give him the hint.
Eyes closed and heart ablaze, she felt their lips touch. The banquet hall turned into her own bedroom, and a romantic ballroom dance took a vulnerable and passionate turn.
It was a night of many firsts, and a night that would alter the course of Railo’s entire life. She would never forget it, and would carry the mark for as long as she lived.
