Story Sandbox

It can’t be…

She dismounts her mare with the grace befitting a fellow Quel’dorei. My mind is stolen for a moment by the young lady who used to shake her way up a mere yearling. She flashes at me the concerned smile she had once reserved for distant relatives, and bows. I shiver in my armour.

“Forgive the intrusion, milord. My name is Aldanea Quae’duce, I am a priestess of the Light and I come from the south to aid in the efforts against the risen dead. I tried to find an inn to spend the night, but the fog has become impenetrable. I humbly request solace for the night.”

I try to maintain impassive and return the bow. Forcing my voice to a deeper register, I reply “The doors to my Lord’s residence are always open to those who serve the Light. I shall inform the Margrave of your arrival. Miss Legis here shall accompany you to your room.”

I gesture to the small woman at my side, who curtsies. My sister gives me a grateful smile and follows Miss Legis to her room.

As I quickly walk to the evening room, questions reel through my mind. Centuries without contact, and she turns up in this dingy little margraviate, of all places. If she recognises me, I am doomed. And yet, something within me yearns to see her again.

I gently knock at the door and open it. Within, the Margrave sits alone with a large tome before him. He regards me with his dark green eyes; his furrowed eyebrows making him look ten years older. “Milord, a Quel’dorei priestess has arrived from the south and requests a room for the night.” I announce.

He glances at the window. “Ah, yes. That damned fog. Please be certain that she is given a good room.”

As I bow and turn to leave, he speaks again “Veldonus?” “Yes, Milord?”

He regards me for a moment. “Does something trouble you, Veldonus?” The question catches me out of my guard, and words refuse to form in my mouth. I finally settle with “N-no, Sir.”

He smirks, nods, and returns to his book. “Have the horses brought in tonight.”