westwhere | [ CLOSED ] Grief will have to wait.

Entry tags:

[ CLOSED ] Grief will have to wait.

WHO: Wrathion & fellow travellers
WHEN: Travel Arc!
WHERE: Mistress Isakanami's inn.
WHAT: A multi-prompt travel arc extravaganza! Check here for planning something custom, or he has an end of Serthica network post here or an open inbox!
WARNINGS: None at opening

Wrathion is exhausted.

So much as he is pleased to leave Serthica, so much as he is relieved to have had results there the whole experience has left him drained. The concept, then, of having some reprieve before they launch into more lengthy travel is... appealing, to a point.

It does, he assumes, mean staying somewhere else -- and based on their previous accommodation this may not necessarily be... pleasant.

Although it would be nice if it was.

The journey is long, but being flown there is at least pleasant initially. Far better than hiking, a wagon, or having to ride another creature. Then the weather begins to cool further, and Wrathion senses that they will not be relaxing in a tropical climate.

Snow. Of course.

The Merchant, at least, appear to have selected somewhere with pleasant-seeming facilities. They are, naturally, housed with the staff and expected to perform some minor tasks...

Still. If this place is devoid of any major problems, it does have potential. A hot springs in the mountains brings back fond memories, of a far flung place long ago. Of a time when he was young, before he felt the bitter sting of consequence.

It is also, so far, blessedly free of hozen.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Anduin can't help but notice the way that Wrathion twitches, in response to his touch. Catching the flash of a wince across his face, there and gone again, as he leans against him. He's trying, he's really trying to be gentle with him. Understanding. Not to push too hard, too fast, even if he knows, he can see the strain in his companion.

Obviously he isn't getting it right. Maybe he's being too gentle? Too understanding? Maybe he's given Wrathion too much time, too much space. Or has he not given him enough?

Anduin wishes that Wrathion had a manual he could read on what to do, in moments like these. Shutting his eyes, he leans his head back against the rock wall behind himself and lets out a slow breath of a sigh.

"A month," he echoes softly. "Before the Merchant sends us off to our next destination, no doubt."

"In search of another beacon with which to find our way home."

Likely as not another city with some hidden crisis, some connection to the undead legions, some problem to be solved.

That appears to be the pattern, at any rate.

He slips a hand out of the water and runs it over his face, trying to reduce the chill biting at his exposed skin.

"I do wonder if we'll run into the Huntress or her son again."

Given both of them are still alive, both of them vanished away somewhere. Could he have said something to to the child to change that? Was there a way at all to undo what had been done to it? For that matter, would they ever meet this White Wanderer in person -- and what would they learn if they did?

Her son. The child, rescued from the volcano in Ke-Waihu.

A frown draws across Anduin's brows and he opens his eyes to peer up into the pale grey sky above them. Thoughts swimming around his head as he does, none of them particularly pleasant.

"I wonder if they are still together," he says, at last. "The child and the White Wanderer. It did not seem as though the boy was particularly pleased with his 'friend', toward the end of our stay there."

Anduin cannot say that he is particularly pleased himself. Perhaps the man did rescue the child from the volcano. But -- there is no denying that he was using him. To what purposes, he cannot say for certain, but it was clear to Anduin that his motives were not selfless where the boy was concerned.

"I'm not certain," Wrathion admits. "The boy's memories and concept of what was going on appeared hazy. He claimed the White Wanderer had left him, but equally later discussed speaking to his friend. I'm not sure if they have some link, some method of long distance communication, or if the White Wanderer did return there."

He frowns in thought, considering this. The White Wanderer was clearly the key to this whole mystery, but finding him might not resolve it. They still had too many missing pieces. What exactly happened in Ellethia? Was he the figure they expected him to be? Was any of this purposeful, or was it all out of control? How, for that matter, could they stop him? Was he giving the powers to these people, or was this all happening around him?

Everything he learns seems to raise more questions.

"It would not be impossible," Anduin reasons. "We were given the means to do so ourselves, as soon as we set foot in this land."

As for the boy's confusion... Anduin can't say whether that should mean anything or not. If the White Wanderer, his so-called friend and sole-caregiver, has done nothing but feed him lies for years...

He can't say that it's a pleasant thought. It certainly isn't helping him relax, and he sincerely doubts that Wrathion finds it relaxing either.

Leaning his head back against the rock wall of the spring, he studies his companion for a long moment.

"It has been," he offers at last, "a very long time since I was last afforded this much time to myself." In truth, he wonders whether Wrathion has ever been allowed a moment's peace, or whether he has always been balanced between one plot or another.

Time to himself?

It isn't quite time to himself, though. Wrathion is here, keeping the conversation on all the topics but relaxing ones. He glances sideways at Anduin, studying the way he leans back.

"Then perhaps there is some good to this," he offers. "If you find the hot springs here enjoyable."

You know. Minus the ghost carrying its own head, and the ghosts apparently inside the actual building. Minus all that, perhaps if the actual hot springs are enjoyable then the experience is worth it.

"I do," Anduin says, offering his companion another smile. He can see that Wrathion is trying. He is trying likely more for his sake than his own and he supposes... That will do, if the end result is the same.

"I think perhaps because it reminds me of the Tavern in the Mists," he continues, turning to glance back across over the water. "Not -- everything, of course." There had been no headless ghosts there, and this is no Pandaria, but. There are similar elements. "The hot springs," he elaborates. "The inn and its assortment of visitors passing through." Another wry smile twists itself across his features. "You. Perhaps we might make ourselves some tea and dust off your juhui set later to further complete the comparison."

Ah. Wrathion considers that, expression softening.

"I don't see why not," he allows. In fact, he'd like that very much -- but no need to overplay matters. Wrathion lifts a hand to rub warm water over his face and neck again, then casually drapes an arm along the back of the rock wall behind Anduin. This, he realises quickly, is likely a mistake given the gusts of cold air -- but he's committed now.

"You might hire an armed guard to stare at me while we play, if we desire to fully revitalise the mood."

He remembers that part quite well.

The air may be cold but Wrathion's body is warm. Anduin can feel the heat radiating off of him, even over the heat of the water, as he shifts to drape his arm across the wall behind him.

The mention of the guard earns Wrathion another twist of a smile. Yes, he remembers the guards as well. Their distrust of Wrathion. His own chafing against them. It's amusing now, given the distance. His freedom. He cannot remember the last time he has gone this long without at least one member of SI:7 lurking in the shadows nearby.

"Perhaps we can leave off with that part of the recreation," he replies. "As well as the part where I was recovering from a near-death. I think we could both do without either experience, this time around."

"I do prefer you intact."

Both of them could do without worrying about the other for a while. Wrathion lets his eyes slip closed settling himself better and letting out a slow breath.

"I was hoping the waters here might ease your aches, however. Are they helping?"

They were promised healing properties, after all. Wrathion hadn't expected a miracle, but you can never be sure. Besides which, even the smallest easing of pain is something to be celebrated.

Anduin smiles softly in response to the question and Wrathion's honest concern.

Are they helping? He takes a moment to pause and consider how he feels. He isn't expecting miracles himself either. If the Prophet Velen had not been able to heal him completely, then he doubts the waters of these springs will be able to. However...

Anduin flexes a hand underneath the water, gathering his fingers into a tight fist and then spreading them out wide.

"They're helping," he agrees. "I can't tell you whether they truly do have any magical effects, or if it is simply the hot water working magic of its own, but. For the moment anyway, I feel -- good." He turns to flash his companion a soft smile. "It would be nice if their effects were to linger even after we exit the pools, though. The cold air in this place can be... Biting."

"MMmmmn."

He had noticed it was cold. Wrathion opens his eyes halfway, turns to consider Anduin.

"You had told me heat helped before, so I imagine that is part of it."

Does that mean stepping back out into the cold immediately after might undo all the good the warmth has done? He hopes not.

"If the cold air does more harm than good, we can stay inside in the future."

Wrathion doesn't like the cold anyway, so there's no hardship for him. Little point, he thinks in relaxing Anduin here only to tense him up on the walk back through the cold air.

Anduin considers this suggestion, and Wrathion. The way he is watching him, through half-open eyes, and the arm he has still slung across the rock wall behind Anduin's head.

The way he is factoring himself into caring for Anduin's well-being.

Anduin shifts ever-so-slightly, so his head is resting against the warmth of Wrathion's upper arm.

"I will admit, I do not find myself all that driven to spend my days out of doors in the snow," he agrees. "But I'm sure there are a number of other ways we can find to entertain ourselves inside."

"Beyond jihui?" Wrathion prompts, gaze sliding around the area thoughtfully. There's nobody to see, however, so he lets his arm curl better around Anduin's shoulders. "We could see if the inn has any interesting reading materials."

Books, newspapers, magazines -- anything to pass the time. They haven't tired of each other's company so far, so even if the options are dire he's hoping they can indeed still entertain themselves.

"I'd like that," Anduin says softly. They've spoken about this before -- what seems like ages ago now. Anduin's love of reading. Wrathion's love of boardgames. It would be nice, to be able to get some time to simply indulge themselves here, together. Not having to worry about where they're going next or what threat might greet them there.

Leaning into Wrathion's arm around him, he turns to him and offers him the tiniest curve of a smile.

"Feeling more relaxed?" he asks. He knows he's pushing, ever-so-slightly, but he's okay with that if it manages to work. He'd do just about anything to chase away the shadows in his companion's eyes and the dreams that haunt him at night.

Hmph. Wrathion glances sideways at Anduin, expression pinching a little at the reminder of his tension. Of the headless ghost, the stress of Serthica, everything he'd been processing.

"The water is pleasant."

He can agree the heat is nice, even if he could do without the snow. He doesn't know, strictly, if he feels more relaxed -- but his mind was distracted from things for a few minutes. Does that count?

Anduin understands from the tightness in Wrathion's eyes at that response that pushing isn't going to work. No matter how much he might want for Wrathion to open up to him, it must happen in his own time. Especially when it comes to -- anything personal, really. And Anduin understands that this is personal, for Wrathion. The struggles he is going through, has been going through, since Serthica.

If Wrathion needs him to back off, to talk about jihui and reminisce about their time together in Pandaria, then he will. Anything to help him feel more himself. Anduin really would do anything for him. It is that thought that forces him to settle back down, tucking his head into the crook of Wrathion's shoulder.

"Yes, it is," he agrees. "As is the company."

He glances around hesitantly again, but there's nobody to see them. Nobody to notice their casual intimacy. Wrathion tightens his arm a little around Anduin, letting out a slow breath as he absorbs the contact.

"I do understand I haven't been the best company."

Anduin is flattering him by saying otherwise. He's not so delusional he thinks he's been a delight to be with through all this. Hopefully the worst of it is behind them, but Wrathion has no idea where the Merchant plans to take them next. It could be back to Serthica for all he knows.

Anduin understands that Wrathion is not always comfortable with intimacy in public spaces. And while they might have found a quiet spot to themselves here in the springs, they are still technically in a public space. He's grateful that Wrathion has allowed at least this much. He feels like they both need it, at least to some degree.

"You do not always have to be at your best," Anduin reassures him, softly. "I know that I have not been myself."

In Serthica, and before then, if he is being honest with himself. And Wrathion had stood by him through it all. Had supported him, through what Anduin can now look back and say were some frankly terrible decisions. He is not about to abandon him now, in his time of need.

This is, of course, technically true. It's something he'd say to Anduin, to reassure him he doesn't always have to be happy and that he will support him regardless.

It's still difficult to apply to himself.

He turns his face into Anduin's hair, allowing himself a moment to enjoy the proximity before he draws back.

"Perhaps we should head inside," he suggests, "get ourselves some tea?"

Find themselves some privacy, so they can curl up together and continue their attempts to... relax.

Anduin hums softly at the suggestion, allowing himself to linger in Wrathion's warmth for a moment longer before he pulls back as well. They have not been here for all that long, and he will regret leaving the water somewhat. All the same...

He will not regret retreating indoors with Wrathion, to the privacy of their own room. It's still a novelty, to be able to be alone together, and Anduin would not pass it up for anything. They do not know where they are headed next. Nor do they know what awaits them when they return to Azeroth. He will take whatever chance he can get to simply -- be with Wrathion, and enjoy this time together.

"I think I would like that," he says, softly. "Dry off, fetch ourselves some tea. Perhaps we can break out your gameboard once we have warmed up?"

He nods once, then turns a little leans in enough to gently press their foreheads together. A brief, chaste display of affection before he moves to stand. The hot water cascades off him and Wrathion winces as the cold air hits his skin instead, banishes the discomfort from his face and offers a hand up to Anduin.

"Well then," he offers, "we may as well enjoy the quiet while we have it."

Difficult to find a peaceful moment to play games during an emergency, after all. No doubt there is a new one around the corner, waiting to find them at their next location.

Anduin closes his eyes as Wrathion presses their foreheads together, a soft smile spreading its way across his face even as he pulls away.

"Thanks," he says, reaching out to take Wrathion's hand and using it to pull himself up to stand. Where he had not minded sitting close together or the small displays of affection while they had been in the water, standing exposed to the air like this is -- Uncomfortable. Not that it isn't anything Wrathion has not seen before, but he still is somewhat uncertain of his body. The scars. And supposing anyone else might be able to see...

Anduin reaches for the towels they have set aside by the edge of the pool, handing one to Wrathion.

"Here," he says. "Dry off before you freeze like that."

Wrathion takes it easily and then, just to prove a point about how unbothered he is by the cold, pats his face and the back of his neck first. See? Nothing to worry about. He's a dragon, and completely above ever feeling cold.

He does, however, drape it over his shoulders before he begins to step out of the pool and reach for his robe. The water is beginning to quickly evaporate off his skin despite the icy weather, rising in faint clouds. He stands casually, pats a little more water off before shrugging on the robe and tying it.

"When you're ready," he says, and drags his eyes back to watch Anduin. He's doing his best not to seem in a rush, they can collect their things and return to their room at their leisure.

Anduin wraps his own towel around his shoulders as he follows Wrathion in carefully climbing out of the pool. He finds himself pleasantly surprised when his body doesn't immediately protest both the cold and the movement. Still.

He can't help but feel as though Wrathion is showing off, the way that the water evaporates against his skin. Pretending he isn't affected by the cold, when Anduin knows otherwise. He raises an eyebrow to suggest as much, quickly toweling himself off before grabbing his own robe up and wrapping himself up warm.

"Well, you might not freeze out here, but I certainly will," he says. He slides his feet into the slippers that the inn has provided, tugging the towel up to wrap around his neck like a scarf. "Let's go."

He wonders if they should stop by the kitchens first and grab some food to take with them, or simply head back to the room to warm up first. He glances aside at Wrathion, bumping his shoulder against him. "Are you hungry?"

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject