RP:To Live for Livi pt 1
Summary: Brennia receives a message in her dreams which send Mesdoram and herself out on an adventure to find a snow leopard by the name of Livi.
Plane of Dreams
Brennia’s dreams are far too scattered in her personal ones and she decides to manifest a door to bring her out into the open lands. The area she finds herself in is much darker and twisted than she remembers as she takes one last look over her shoulder to the fading door which she came from. Something luminous stuck in the ground catches her attention, causing her to kneel down next to it for a closer look. What a beautiful flower! With a caress of her fingertips the golden seeds of what appears to be some kind of odd dandelion begin to dance on a phantom wind, but when the seeds settle they seem to be queuing in uniform towards a specific place. How wonderfully curious! The avian thinks nothing of it and begins following the path set forth by these golden seeds. During her journey, she was certain she saw a dark wisp of something shoot up into the trees blotting out the light coming off the moons, but she figured it was just her nerves in a foreign landscape.
Soon enough she sees that old tavern again as a blanket of snow covers the outside adoringly. Does this mean she has found Mesdoram in her dreams again even though they are currently slumbering together? Regardless, she is excited to see him again even if it means putting up with that blonde elf hag for a repeat of their last dream. She opens the door to the tavern and recognizes the same set up as last time with the same few patrons. With a smile, Bre looks up towards the mezzanine to seek out that handsome drow, but he is not there. Yet, the blonde man is sitting there and deja vu hits her once more when he is having the same conversation as last time when she was barely listening. Maybe she missed something before? Meandering behind the bar with the barkeep who doesn't seem to even see the avian, Brennia pays close attention to the blonde man's lips and the words being said. She realizes he doesn't even comprehend she is there either.
"It's important…" then Brennia repeats the words in the mortal plane just as the room is beginning to lighten with the faux morning light spilling in, illuminating her peacefully sleeping. "The place where I left it…" she continues the conversion she is witnessing out loud next to Mesdoram while her eyes remain closed.
Mesdoram | Brennia doesn’t know it yet, but she would perform double backflips were she to know that Nariv will not be entering this dream tonight; the elven blonde witch is still too pissed about being thumped around to interfere with another dream again: small victories where we can find them. This scene is indeed the same setup from their last dream, but why would this vision manifest again tonight? Has Bre overlooked a meniscal detail? How important can this really be? Little does Brennia know… if she were to solve this mystery, she may forever alter outcomes not yet sealed in stone and alter Mesdoram’s fate forever… for better or for worse… but what can it possibly be? As the avian woman studies the elf’s silent, muffled speech, she would be able to get every other word from his mouth… and maybe a surprise visit from an important source before she awakens…
The human next to this elven man listens just as intently to a drunken sad story… he is retelling the story of being in the mountains… “Frost…maw” being the clearest and most potent syllables spoken she can make out: Bre now has a location of this mysterious item. But… suddenly… it looks as though the elf feels another presence near him… someone who is not supposed to be in his memory… but how? The elf gives a few confusing looks around before realizing… smiles, and keeps the secret to himself for now. As he continues to recall his story to the human male next to him, the elf gives Bre the next audible clues in succession. “…This little fluff ball ‘is important to me’… rubbing against me…purring and chuffing as I petted him… packed him in the hood and went home… ’the place where I left it’…” Speaking the key phrases that will aid Brennia in her adventure should she decide to go.
The human, who understands the full context of the story, pats his elven friend on the shoulder and gives him some words of encouragement before exiting out into the ethereal dream world into the planes… but something lingers in this dream that is not suppose to be here… maybe because Brennia and Mesdoram are entangled lovingly in the mortal realm, Brennia is able to feel and manifest Mesdoram’s inner workings: this truly is a memory that Mesdoram has experienced and more so a dream Brennia has seen twice now… but how… It cannot be explained clearly at this moment, but it would appear Mesdoram’s heart is speaking into Brennia’s subconscious and is reaching to her for help... fighting for the right to stay alive as long as possible. In the mortal plane, a still sleeping Mesdoram instinctually gets closer to Brennia's and unconsciously places his hand into hers feeling entirely at peace now... It is unclear where Mesdoram is currently in the dream plane, but he will vaguely remember having a birds eye view of the tavern... but nothing more...
Back in the tavern, the elven man stares straight down at his glass and begins to speak more clearly than before. “Frustrating… isn’t it… I don't want him to die either..." Picking up his glass and finishing his whiskey, the elf softly speaks to a confused Brennia." Please, Brennia… do not be alarmed… it is I, Hawkeye… I do not know how much time I have.” A gentle smile flashes from Hawkeye as he pushes his glass away. “Mes wants to save me… what a guy he is… he’s searching for her… for my Livi…” Hawkeye doesn’t look towards Brennia’s direction for worry he will shatter this dream; however, he does start to fade away little by little as this extra information was not part of Mesdoram’s memory… he does offer some words of encouragement for Brennia before he parts. “Bre… he really likes you… he talks about you often to me… but he needs your help now… help him find my Livi, and she might just save his life… pleas -“ And before he can complete his sincere message, Hawkeye’s body has materialized into thin air leaving behind the whiskey glass for the bartender to clean... leaving a dream Brennia to decipher Hawkeye's words.
Brennia doesn't dare focus on anything else while her experience in the outer plane continues to unfold. Not even a small dark wisp hiding just at the boundary of her peripheral can distract her now because something seems eternally vital. Her slumbering body in the mortal plane curls into Mesdoram's once again, one of her long legs drapes across him and her cheek rests on his solid shoulder. She continues to mumble bits of the dream out loud, "Frostmaw…" as her brow knits together as if narrowing more of her focus. When Hawkeye addresses her, she smiles and she replies, "I know it is you Hawkeye," but no sound comes out while in her dream because she accidentally voiced that in the mortal plane. "Livi…" She mumbles out loud again. Her stomach feels all fluttery when Hawkeye rats Mesdoram out, but he wouldn't have tracked her to Alithrya and put his trust in her if he didn't like her.
The moment he starts to fade Brennia blows him a kiss and a glittery pair of lips floats to fly through the air in a swirl before landing on Hawkeye's cheekbone. This would be a token of her appreciation. As soon as the apparition fades away completely a shade aggressively swoops down at Bre and knocks her against the bar. She has no time to comprehend what is going on, but she steadies herself and bolts for the door. She decides to take flight as she can still see the faint glowing trail of those gold seeds shimmering on the ground, but the shade is hot on her trail! Brennia's wing which is draped over both herself and Mesdoram is twitching subtly with fear along with her breathing quickening. "Hmmuh," she groans as the shade knocked her back to the ground and she has to scramble back on her feet to sprint for the door.
As soon as she slams that door behind her, she is startled awake until she is sitting upright in Mesdoram's bed and trying to catch her breath. If this has not already awakened Sapphire, she places her hand on his shoulder to gently rock him while whispering, but not before trying to smooth her bed head hair down a little, "Sapphire. Please, wake up." As soon as he does she cannot help but to smile at him, still pleased as punch that he is here! She decides to keep whispering to be on the safe side, "we must go to Frostmaw. Hawkeye told me there would be a… Livi there." She searches his expression to see if any of this is making sense. "He is also under the impression that you like me? I cannot imagine why," her grin is telling that she is trying to be coy and funny. Then she curls a wing around him once he is sitting upright like herself and leans in to place a lingering smooch on his cheek before slipping out his bed. "I will address the Queen to allow us an excursion, she will send a couple guards to help our efforts." She tiptoes back over to her room and passes through the false mirror in order to start getting ready, but maybe she sent a glance back at Sapphire to see if he might be admiring her.
Mesdoram's Luxurious Suite
Mesdoram | That is the best sleep Mesdoram has experienced in years… never waking in the middle of the night as he slept very soundly and only stirs a bit as Brennia begins rocking his body back and forth. “Mhhhmmmm – five more days, please…” Mesdoram requests five more business days of sleep being so comfortable in this bed; but as Bre reaches down the whisper into his good ear to wake up, Mes opens his left eye to peer up to Brennia and mirrors a smile matching her sweet face. Tense muscles squeeze out the soreness from his exploration as the tiny man elongates a full body stretch and flexes every fiber equally. Mes just about falls back asleep again with Brennia’s sweet voice being spoken softly to him… he feels like a king right now; but at the mention of Frostmaw, Hawkeye, and Livi, both of his eyes open immediately as if Brennia said the magic words. “Livi? Has she been seen?” The words from his mouth sound a bit groggy as he’s still waking up… but then perks up at Hawkeye’s betrayal. “Whaaaaat?! No…. yooooooouuuu?” Playing dumb to Hawkeye’s obviously true accusations.
The drow stands up immediately and wraps Brennia into a snug embrace as she curls them with her wing and gives him a kiss goodbye, speaking to her ear as those lips press forever on his cheek. “Sounds good, Bre. I will start prepping my gear while you talk with Queen Reginae.” Releasing her from his hold, he purposely reaches down for her trailing hand as she walks back into her room; with her back turned still turned to him, Mesdoram flexes hard to indicate how big his beach ball is… and as she turns around to gaze upon all his glorious muscular splendor, he stands proudly and flexes harder popping out many of the veins in his arms. “Oooooohhhh yeaaaah!!!!” As she finally tip-toes away to her room, he falls face first onto the bed… thinking he held the pose too long and needs a second to recover…
Mesdoram rolls over and his feet find the hardwood floor of his private room; this could change everything for the drow if he and Brennia can find Livi: the faithful companion of Hawkeye during his darkest depression after the war and Atropos. “We may have found her, brother… and how dare you discuss my private affairs without my say so!” With that said, Mesdoram quickly grabs one of his elemental dirks still resting in its scabbard and vigorously pulls out the blade; as the metal hiss echoes the room, he removes the covering from one of the mirror and jokingly stares into his reflection with the tip of his weapon pointing towards to mirror. “Next time, Hawkeye, I will get you for that!” The over-the-top sarcasm of his voice makes him laugh at his own joke… but then, for a moment… Mesdoram’s face shifts and becomes much more… sad. There is a lot riding on this information Hawkeye has given Brennia… and that starts to overwhelm the tiny man with many emotions that now don his face… "If we find Livi, Hawk… maybe I can live too... we must not alert 'her' of our plans…” He says to the mirrored reflection of himself; Hawkeye responds in kind with several bright flashes of blue flickering in Mesdoram’s eyes: he seems to agree that they must keep this journey a secret from Nariv... this could be the key.
As he covers the mirror, returns the dirk to its proper home, and gets fully suited up, Mesdoram searches through his pillows and finds his trinket he so loves. “Can’t forget this…” Despite having several to choose from now, this black feather means so much to Mes: plus, it makes Brennia giggle and panic in a sweet unique way that Mesdoram finds adorable. “Maybe she can explain this ‘wed’ to me one day, and we can go search for this item next…” Tucking his favorite safekeep in his right chest robe pocket, Mesdoram makes for the door and waits in the hallway as he awaits an update from Brennia.
Brennia may have lingered her gaze a little too long when he was demonstrating how big his beach ball is and her brow quirks upwards while her wings do this odd shuddery thing. The avian definitely likes what she sees and she is sorry he spent so much energy proving himself to Reginae last night that they couldn't stay up longer together. She makes quick work of getting herself together after activating the mirror so from her side of the room it looks like just a mirror, but Mesdoram can still see her. After fixing her hair in a cute curly girl bun and adorning a fashionable white dress with gold accents, she slips out of her room.
After a couple of hours, the avian is making her way back down the corridor with a platter of food for Mes and she hands it off to him with a big grin on her face, "we set off for Frostmaw in one hour." With that said, she waves him to follow her down a side hallway which opens up into a beautiful gardened courtyard so he can sit and eat, take a breather for a minute because it seems like he just got here. Now that he isn't being hunted, but the guards, they don't even seem to notice them now as they relax in the garden together. She politely asks, "may I have one of the strawberries?" If he allows it, she gently plucks one off his plate and simply enjoys the glorious views of the palace's unique garden. "So, who is Livi?" Maybe she should have asked that before questesting a journey leave from the Queen. What if they are questing to find another woman and Sapphire would rather be romantic with her?
Brennia considers the possibility, but if that is the case, she would be happy for Sapphire because she only wants to see him happy even if it wouldn't involve her. It's not like someone gos risking their life to traverse all throughout Lithrydel for a friend though, right? She can see the tip of that long feather poking out ever so slightly from his robe and she tries to joke in order to get a reaction out of him, "so I guess we are engaged to be married then?" Her smirk is playful just before she wraps her lips around the strawberry and then sinks her teeth in for a bite.
Mesdoram occupies his downtime by replaying the events of when Livi was last seen by him… truth be told, Mesdoram has not seen this snow leopard since she was a cub. He is deep in thought before catching Brennia’s elegant form strutting down the hallway with a smorgasbord of assorted foods and… it’s for him? My goodness the sweetness Bre bestows on Mesdoram brings him warmth and spoils him accordingly; he only hopes he’s made her feel similar with his gestures as Brennia. Mesdoram matches her pace down the corridor as he picks a few grapes before finding a seat in the impressive courtyard. “Of course, Bre. Have your fill – let’s be nourished before we venture off.” Mesdoram repositions his plate so that Brennia may take as many strawberries as she pleases.
“Livi is… or was… hmmm…” Mesdoram fumbles with the wording and backtracks a bit attempting to get the tenses and origins correct. “Livi was just a cub the last time I saw her. I had not been manifested physically into my own body, but I did exist in small spurts inside Hawkeye’s mind. You know how my eyes sometimes flash blue? That is Hawkeye trying to communicate through me… I used to do the same thing, only with my silvery eyes.” Pausing in his story, the drow man grabs a piece of homemade bread and takes a generous bite of the wheaty deliciousness – our favourite drow has been running on empty for awhile, and the peaceful atmosphere along with Brennia’s food selection is a wonderful combination for Mesdoram’s psyche. “Thank you so much for providing me with food…I greatly appreciate it.” Placing his food back down, he continues with Livi’s origins. “Hawkeye was in a dark place… I mean a really dark place when Atropos… well, I believe he’s shown you the memory of her passing. Hawkeye was ready to end his life on top that mountain in Frostmaw… his brother had forsaken him after he would not go down Hawk’s path of revenge…” Mesdoram doesn’t show it, but the thought of Vexar also shunning him brings a slight damper in his mood. “But, before tossing himself off that mountain side, Livi, a small, small snow leopard cub came running out asking for food. That puff ball just rubbed up and down his shins just purring and chuffing… I felt his attitude change a bit… just enough to keep going with life. He tucked Livi in his hood and ventured through the snow back home.”
Completing his tale, Mesdoram does explain that Livi hasn’t been seen in quite some time. “That was fifteen years ago, and since becoming sentient I thought Livi had passed long ago… but if Hawkeye believes she is alive, it is worth a go. She is… important to him and… can help us greatly in two weeks.” Mesdoram refers to his upcoming play; he makes a conscious effort not to mention the play too often in fears of bringing Brennia’s mood down. Seeing her aura brighten a bit when she teases him about marriage and engagements again, he elects to take a shot in the dark. “Well, I’m game to find this marriage and engagement next after our search for Livi. It’s only fair I help you search for them; who knows? Maybe they will aid us and make us stronger?” Cute little Mesdoram barely knows what love is let alone what marriage is, but he knows this flirtatious vibe and game of cat and mouse is fun. He playfully winks and pats his chest and secures his trinket snuggly inside his sapphire robes.
“You have been very kind to me, my angel. I am very happy to be here. This adventure may lead to some unknown territory, and I am very grateful you are coming with me.” Mesdoram’s tone becomes a bit more serious from his flirty comments from earlier. “But I would be remiss if I did not check in on your wellbeing; how are you feeling after… everything? Last night in the town, yesterday in the throne room… now that you have seen how… ‘abrupt’ I can be when called upon… because if the opportunity arises where I must kill to protect my loved ones, I will not hesitate to do so… even at the dismay of said loved ones.” This has been the most direct Mesdoram has been to Brennia, but he has to be; he does not believe Brennia to be a helpless damsel in distress incapable of defending herself (he’s seen what she did to Nariv), so this is more him saying ’If there are threats out there, I will not hesitate to act.’ “Does that change your opinion of me, my angel?” Stating his inquiry, Mesdoram finishes up his breakfast waiting for Brennia’s response.
Brennia shakes her head ever so slightly at his offer, "thank you, but I'll just have a few. I cannot eat too much in one sitting because of the surgeries I've had. Those potions and elixirs burned a hole in my stomach years ago," seems she has way more than physical scars from her time spent on that farm. As he speaks of livi, Brennia truly listens and a pleasantly soft smile remains on her lips because she can only help but to smile around him. She nods when he mentions his eyes going blue and she adds, "or Sapphire." The way he speaks of manifesting his own physicality in the world resonates with her in a deep way. "Some of what you've gone through reminds me of Raven, that inky entity and even through all the turmoil she caused… I… I do miss her voice in my head at times." She waves her hand at his appreciative thanks, "please. It was nothing. I just went to the kitchens and picked out a few things for you. Soon enough, the staff will bring you whatever food you'll like. My choices can be limited because of my condition and the fact that I am vegetarian."
During the darker parts of his retelling, she observes him closely and even though he doesn't seem affected, she feels the need to gently drape her feathery wing across his shoulders in comfort. "It is amazing how a creature will find us in our time of need. I personally have such an admiration for animals, but my life has kept me too busy for far too long to give the attention a pet deserves." At the mention of his play, she simply smiles sweetly and offers a nod of understanding, but that expression is wiped from her face in surprise at his reply to her teasing question. Holy heck that backfired and she is definitely blushing once more. Then his words register and she gently clears her throat, "a marriage is not something easily found, Sapphire, but you are not far off on it aiding people and making them stronger." It was actually quite poetic now that she thinks about it.
"I must apologize for I assumed you would know what a committed and devoted relationship is. A marriage takes things one step further and makes a romantic couple together forever, where you rely on the other person as much as they rely on you. Without trying, you make each other's day easier and brighter by just being in it. They wear rings to symbolize their union to the world and agree to share their lives with no one else in that intimate way. I… uh," she glances down at a grape in her palm, "thought maybe we were heading in the direction of a, uh, romantic relationship and I was simply trying to get a rise out of you for keeping my feather because then that means we are engaged to be married- or that you intend to be my mate forever." So many would be foolish to rush in, but if he truly only has a few weeks left- someone should tell him at least once, right?!
Before she can muster the courage, he is speaking so kind again and calling her his angel. It makes her stomach feel all fluttery again and she places her hand on top of his own, "I am happy to go." Then her cheeks turn pink along with the tips of her ears when he puts her in the category of a 'loved' one, but there isn't much time to decipher what he truly means because he goes and says it again. "Mesdoram," there is a subtle Veretian (French) accent to the way she says his actual name since names are less common, "do you love me?" She was literally just contemplating on saying it unusually fast due to their unusual predicament. She can hear her heart thundering away as she waits with hope in her expression for his answer.
Mesdoram studies Brennia’s wording carefully as she details the features and inner workings of what it means to be married, committed to another living being, and the simplicity of her explanation when describing how effortlessly each person makes the other’s day much better simply by existing. When she explains the background of what keeping Brennia’s feather symbolizes, he quirks his head sideways slightly and smiles internally watching her nervously looking at the grape as she stumbles a bit with her wording; it was not the first time he has witnessed Bre acting so… so… Mesdoram doesn’t know how to describe what she is doing, but maybe ‘nervous fumbling’ is the right phrase? From all the brief interactions the couple have experienced, Brennia only seems to act this way towards him… and it makes him feel extraordinary in Brennia’s eyes. Those teal beauties convey confidence, vulnerability, and trust back at Mesdoram… and he feels a wave of sweet serenity consuming his tiny drow body.
She then asks him ‘if he loves her’ in a very foreign accents he has not heard yet, but quickly interprets her meaning to be flirty, somewhat sassy, and another coy maneuver to (as she said earlier) get a rise out of Mesdoram… but the drow barely stirs and places the smallest smile he can muster up… her question send chills throughout his body, momentarily leaving his muscles frozen still… He thinks sincerely about the question posed to him and tries to relate this emotion of love to what Hawkeye had with Atropos… remembering how close those two were and how absolutely devastated Hawk has been since her passing, he places himself in Hawkeye’s shoes and silently plays a scenario were Brennia to succumb to a similar fate… and the feeling of despair immediately floods him. Mesdoram looks away from Brennia but only briefly… not even twenty-four hours ago, Bre had witnessed Mesdoram disembowel a Naga man… not because the Queen commanded it, but because he threatened his angel… and he would kill the next fool that is even pondering to take Bre’s life. Is that not love? The fear of losing the one person who he feels most close to… and desperately wishing to find Livi so he can be with her longer… she makes him feel every bit of what she described: a marriage, relationship, connection… so he must love her, right?
Realizing there has been a longer than normal pause in their conversation, Mesdoram sweetly looks back to Brennia. Without saying a word, Mesdoram gradually gets up from his seat and walks around to Bre’s side of the table. Standing just off center to her right, Mesdoram snuggly wraps his arms around his angel’s collarbone and warmly hugs her into his body; his hands vary in routine from rubbing her shoulder, occasional caressing the left side of her neck and face, and swaying her every so slightly in a very soothing and consistent rhythm. Finding just enough space as to not hurt her wings unintentionally, Mesdoram nuzzles his right cheek into space between her neck and left cheek; he then places the most tender kiss upon her cheek and holds her in his arms securely in this embrace. With his angel safe in his arms, he holds her like this is the last time he ever will… if something were to happen to him… and conveys that message in the way he holds Bre- no tears, but a wave of comfort and sweetness envelopes Mesdoram as he continues his loving embrace.
“Do… you feel loved?” Mesdoram manages to ask as he sways her almost like a dance and offers her another kiss intended for her face, but should Brennia turn her head just ten degrees left, their lips would inadvertently touch and transfer passion to one another. After Mesdoram’s gestures and sweet the question asked, he gives her one last kiss on top of her head before loosening his tender hold of Brennia, awaiting to start their adventure in search for Hawkeye’s Livi.
Brennia had asked in all seriousness and now is patiently waiting for him to sort out his feelings because if he has never felt this way about anyone before then it will be a complicated matter. She takes comfort in the silence while finally eating the grape and is happy he is being so thoughtful with what this all means. It is all too easy to just blurt the words out to any pretty face and she gets the feeling that his love won't be for her looks, which is a good thing. When their gazes meet once again, she is still patiently waiting with a kind smile for him on her lips. With interest she watches as he gets up from the table until he is just over one of her shoulders and her right wing curves and bends out of the way in order to see him. Then he is moving in to wrap her in his loving embrace.
She simply closes her eyes and leans into the safety of his arms with a hum of being content, but then his hands begin caressing, kneading and rubbing her shoulders. This elicits a pleased little hum until those hands are dangerously close to her wings. Her heartbeat quickens and he can probably feel her cheeks flush with heat as her wings bend into the touch, begging for attention, but all Brennia can do is gasp ever so softly in delighted surprise and hopeful anticipation. The kiss to her cheek raises gooseflesh along her dewy skin and her wings sort of tremble at the electric feeling between them which only grows every second of every hour of every day. Her head relaxes back on his shoulder as her hands gently rest on his forearms since they are wrapped around her own shoulders and her eyes remain closed during his question.
"I do feel loved, Sapphire," she answers without hesitation. She has never been with anyone who seems to worship her so. He makes her feel like a goddess. Without opening her eyes, she feels this instinct to turn her head just enough to enjoy his kiss to her lips. One of her hands caresses a path up his armor/robe covered bicep and gets lost in his snowy white hair while their lip lock is joined with much more passion than before. With a sharp inhale through her nose, she lets out the smallest of hums during their kiss as if she just tasted the most delicious treat. Dazed, Brennia blinks a couple times when their kiss ends and she is left wanting more, but now is not the time! When he is kissing her forehead, she adds, "I aim to make you feel just as loved."
With him untangling from her, she stands and has to take a calming deep breath while her wings are shifting in a peculiar manner, but then they fold closely to her slender frame once she centers herself even though she still looks slightly dazed at Sapphire. "I am going to go get myself ready for our adventure," with that being settled, she pivots and makes her way back through the palace to her room. He is more than welcome to follow her or make preparations of his own. It is time to set out on their adventure…
Mesdoram mirrors her smile after their intimate kiss and did not shy away from equaling her passion and enthusiasm with their first of many affectionate moments. Hearing how she longs to make him feel just as loved, the immediate thought running through his head is ’I feel all your love, Brennia… my angel.’ For the time being, Mesdoram decides to keep this thought to himself; not out of malicious or ill-intent, but with the being so novel to him he’s not quite sure what proper etiquette for matters of the heart: being destined to a life of hatred and a tool of destruction has our drow man in uncharted territories… for fifteen years, this man was breed for nothing but devastation and cruelty… but the last month plus with Brennia swells his heart with, well… a change of heart as to what life truly could be like with compassion, understanding, and love.
As Brennia walks away towards her quarters, Mesdoram cannot help but soak in the beauty that is leaving his presence… he feels that same longing for more, but knows they have a mission to complete. Still, watching the elegance of her walk, how her wings bounce ever so slightly with every step… he can’t help but get lost- not because of her blessed physical appearance, but the way she makes him feel… complete. Internalizing in his mind, a very translucent Hawkeye appears to be standing next to Mesdoram; Hawk is always the silent observer and cannot help himself in teasing his other half. “Watch out, Mes. You might break your neck staring so hard.” Without even hesitating, Mesdoram slices through the air with an imaginary dagger and stabs where Hawkeye’s heart would be; staring at Mesdoram with a ‘you know I’m not here, right?’ look, Hawkeye plays along and pretends to be stabbed: Mesdoram smiles as Hawkeye appeases his ghost slaying skills.
“You couldn’t say it, could you Mes?” Hawkeye inquiries to his smaller compadre. “You know, they like to actually hear you verbalize it out loud every now and then.” Appearing to have a conversation with nobody, some nagas in the background watch Mesdoram having punched the air and having words with an imaginary assailant. “This drow is insane…” One naga musters under his breath… while the other quickly hushes him. “Shh! That’s the avian’s bodyguard!! He ripped apart Hranga within seconds!” Both naga slowly slither out of Mesdoram’s peripheral… hoping not to offend the tiny warrior. Oblivious to the bumbling nagas presence, Mesdoram continues his talk with Hawkeye.
“… I want to say it… but I must find Livi before Nariv catches on… then I can say it forever…” Hawkeye’s ears perk up a bit and looks down at Mesdoram in a less teasing manner… the drow continues. “When… Atropos died in your arms, she was unable to say the words because of her injury. It haunts your mind still… I do not want to haunt Bre’s dreams when I’m gone.” Hawkeye smiles instantly and returns to his joking ways. “My man, you already haunt her dreams! That’s how you met my friend! She’s dying to hear it.” But Mesdoram doesn’t appreciate the joking manner this time as a small scowl dawns his face… feeling the serious vibe drow exudes, Hawkeye pulls his punches back. “I’m sorry, man. I meant to only jest… it’s what brothers do… and as the older brother here, my only advice is this: focus on your mission to find Livi… but don’t reserve those words for your deathbed… Brennia needs to hear them before then… I promise you she won’t reject you man. You’re her angel too… she wants you in more ways than one.”
Mesdoram nods along to Hawkeye’s guidance but quickly turns his head sideways to his ghostly brother. “More ways than one…?” But Hawkeye has retreated back into Mesdoram’s mind before getting a proper answer. Shrugging his shoulders, Mesdoram pounders following Brennia to her room for a few more words before their departure… but staying true to his convictions, he feels he’ll have plenty of time to romance Brennia and express these feelings he has for her. For now, he switches to professional bodyguard mode and makes his way to wait outside Brennia’s door; but not before glaring at a Naga standing with no real clear duty being fulfilled. “You… if me and the Queen’s prized songbird have to wait any longer, I will hold you personally responsible for our tardiness. We are already late – do not make me find you again.” This particular naga does not show an ounce of fear to Mesdoram, but follows orders out of respect for the drow’s job title. With his order being followed, Mesdoram makes his way outside Brennia's chambers allowing her space to get prepared.
Brennia returns to her room to find Nadia, a sweet healer for the royal palace, picking out all the appropriate outfits for the avian as some of the items had to be altered for her wings. As much as she wants to pout about the fact that Brennia bailed on her birthday night at the tavern, she makes a conscious effort to put her feelings aside no matter how hurt she feels. The shy naga girl cannot help but giggle when Brennia is pulling her into a long embrace, "I am so sorry my sweet Nadia." Brennia won't hear of excusing her awful friend behavior. "There was an intruder in the town last night and I was the one who found him," she grins when she sees Nadia's jaw drop with the sharing of this juicy tea.
"Just take a wild guess as to who it was!" The avian can see she couldn't even conjure a name, so she makes quick work of filling her in, "Sapphire." There is shock and confusion, which is entirely expected. Brennia trusts this naga thoroughly, the cinnamon bun and everything that is wholesome would never divulge their gossip sessions.
"You mean he's -real-?!" Nadia asks and has already forgiven and forgotten her birthday night. She is also relieved that she is safe!
"I don't know if it was because of the dreams we shared or what, but I just- I don't know," she doesn't want to say her thoughts out loud in fear of sounding foolish.
Nadia nudges Brennia and prompts, "you just, what?"
Brennia is beaming while being helped into her jacket, "I just have this overwhelming sensation that we belong." As she continues to get ready, they continue to recap the night's events. Nadia is surprised about the guard, but she has witnessed some of the abuse aimed Brennia's way.
"So, he literally has already killed for you?" Nadia asks in awe while fastening the buttons at the base of Brennia's wings. She isn't one for violence and is glad she missed the gory end to that guard or she might have fainted, but there is still something romantic about someone willing to go through such lengths to ensure your safety.
Brennia blinks and shrugs with a flattered smile, "yeah, I guess he has." She makes sure everything they need is in her hidden pack that is between her back and wings, but also has that expansive space magic so it can hold much more than meets the eye. The pair of women file out of her room and Brennia is giddy to see Mesdoram and maybe a little embarrassed in case he just heard all the excited girls talk and gushing coming from Brennia. "Sapphire, meet Nadia. A dear friend to me. Nadia, this is Mesdoram," Brennia introduces them with a bright smile on her lips.
The naga shyly smiles and waves, but blushes because she stares maybe a little too long at the drow's ruggedly handsome features, "h-hi. Nice to meet you, Mes-Mesdoram." Brennia notices the lingering look from the naga and grins, but Brennia isn't the jealous type.
"Our journey awaits, my protector," she falls in step with Mesdoram as excitement mixed with some nervousness makes her wings subtly swish behind her.
Mesdoram had been leaning against the adjacent wall from Brennia’s room in a quiet meditating state; deep in thought with eyes closed, the drow contemplates and begins plotting the best navigation route in the search for Livi. “She’s going to be fifteen years older… her cerulean eyes were very distinct though. She may have ventured to other lands by now, but if we go back to that mountain top- gah! It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, but the haystack is thousands of miles long.” Before Mesdoram can get too frustrated, the two giggling women leave Brennia’s room… two? The drow furrows a concerned brow at this stranger during the introductions and carefully assesses Nadia’s capabilities and threat level to his Brennia. “Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face? I promise I washed all the Naga’s blood off last night.” These series of inquiries are designed to break the ice while gauging her temperament to Mes’ brash approach; though deep down, hearing Brennia call Nadia a ‘dear friend’ does drop Mesdoram’s guard. Nevertheless, he still needs to vet everyone for himself.
Nadia's reaction is very surprising to the drow as she seems to not take offense to Mesdoram's questioning; his intensity is met with a bit of teasing, borderline flirting from the Naga. “Oh, no sir! I am the healer employed here! I couldn’t hurt a fly if I tried… unlike you…” Nadia plays with her hair and she blushes even more. Mesdoram shrugs his shoulders indifferently with his palms up in the air; this Nadia is no threat to anyone- certainly not to Brennia he decides. “Well, if that is your job title, I will try to not double your workload while I am here, but death is permanent, so I won’t leave any wounded to lessen your duties.” A slack jaw look now adorns Nadia… not of fear but maybe a little intimidation now appears on the Naga’s face. “Well, we will take our leave, Nadia. Brennia, shall we?”
With pleasantries over, both Brennia and Mesdoram make their way through the hallways and cross paths the two mighty queen escorts, Dhrada and Aiset; the pair of capable bodyguards are geared and all professional, ready to protect Brennia during their trip to Frostmaw Mountains in search for clues of Livi’s whereabouts. Mesdoram and the royal guards commence a brief pissing contest to size each other up – no side backing down in this display of dominance, but Brennia interjects before the possible unpleasantries escalates; easing the tension, she explains to Mesdoram who Dhrada and Aiset are and how competent and proficient these warrior Nagas are. Casting away his doubt for now, Brennia’s personal bodyguard sternly, but professionally lays out the battle plans as he addresses his new comrades in arms. “Everyone, Frostmaw is our destination – we go to the mountain ranges north of their local tavern near the Coliseum. Our objectives: Visit the last known location of a snow leopard named Livi; locating her is of vital importance to us accomplishing future endeavors.” Mesdoram spins a half truth, deciding not to go further into Livi’s importance. “Nothing happens to Brennia or any of you on my watch. So long as we are in agreement, we leave now – this is a time sensitive matter. If you get killed… walk it off.” With the itinerary and stakes laid out, Mesdoram pairs up with Brennia as they start walking side by side with Mes slightly ahead of Bre; the guards do their duties professionally and fall in ranks accompanying the hottest new couple of Alithrya.
Brennia is pleasantly surprised by Nadia's suddenly bold flirt and she wonders if she has a little something to do with that in bringing the healer out of her shell. She gives Nadia a brief hug before they set out to meet their company which is apparently both Dhrada and Aiset from when she visited Cenril. With a pleasant and respectful greeting, Brennia begins to introduce Mesdoram, but there is obvious tension. Much to their irritation Brennia makes no effort to reign Mesdoram in as she simply watches the drow with a coy little smile on her lips until things seem to be getting a little far. With a simple clearing of her throat, things die down fast because the two naga warriors are devoted guards of the Queen and they follow her every command. This command they must follow and this command only- nothing else matters, 'Keep my pretty little songbird unharmed… and keep her mine.'
The three of them give Mesdoram their undivided attention as he goes over the plans and Bre has to tuck her lips between her teeth in attempts to hide a chuckle because of his mention of simply walking off the injury of getting killed. She isn't sure if he is trying to be funny or if that is just something natural even though he is entirely serious. Until they get to know each other better and he knows that the humor she sees in him is only out of adoration, not malice, she will quell the desire to giggle when he is being serious. Once they take the portal to the surface on the Rynvale side so they can all keep their weapons, they have procured a flying mount for Mesdoram. The other two naga shapeshift into avians and when the drow is ready, they fly under the cover of the setting sun to Frostmaw.