(2023-12-02) A Grizzly Getaway

Details

Author:	Disknight
Summary:	Celaven takes Velrin to see Grizzlemaw. The two talk some more to learn about one another and make sure that they want to be together.
Rating:	M for Mature 17+

+ Show additional content warnings

Celaven raises a hand in greeting, his face brightening in a smile. "Velrin!"

Velrin runs up to Celaven as soon as she spots him, "Celaven!" She jumps forward into a hug.

Celaven catches her and holds her tight.
[Celaven]: How's the tournament going?

Velrin giggles and nuzzles his neck, "Well I'd like to think. Soon we shall be fighting while riding war bears it seems."

[Celaven]: Riding bears! That sounds exciting. I wonder if they are very similar to cats.

Velrin leans up to kiss his cheek, "I suppose I'll find out soon."
[Velrin]: But you have been well I hope? *she draws back a bit* You mentioned going to visit that priestess in your letter.

[Celaven]: Yes, yes. I think I've been well. It was just a matter of… things I did not want to commit to letter. Have you heard much of the recent…. death knight problems of Cobalt Company? *Celaven searches her face*

[Velrin]: I… cannot say that I have. I've been trying to keep myself busy here. *she looks at him with concern* Why? Did something happen?

[Celaven]: It's just… perhaps we should assist here, and talk as we do so?

[Velrin]: Ok

The two go about doing various hunting tasks for the people of the area while they talk.

[Celaven]: The outposts in this area are still strengthening, gathering supplies, but Amberpine is not what I meant to show you…. we'll get there soon enough.

[Velrin]: Lead the way darling. I'll follow wherever you ask.

Celaven smiles at her.

Velrin smiles back

Celaven 's smiles fades a little, as he asks, "Do you recall someone by the name of Kaela Mondragon?"

[Velrin]: Kaela… *she thinks for a bit then her face gets cold and pale* Oh… Yes. Yes I do.

[Celaven]: She is… not exactly dead, these days.

[Velrin]: She's not… You mean she's a death knight?

[Celaven]: Just so. And I was warned that… well, that she might come after you.
[Celaven]: She is not one of the Ebon Blade, so this is more serious than it may sound.

Velrin scoffs and grins wickedly, "I welcome it. I'd love nothing more than to get the chance to kill her myself this time."

Celaven looks at her curiously. "So you did not? May I ask what happened?"

[Velrin]: It's a bit of a long story a-and not one that I like to tell, but…
Velrin looks at Celaven and takes a deep breath, "For you I will."

Celaven reaches out a hand to touch hers, and says, "Thank you."

Velrin smiles weakly at him, "This was all long ago. Before my mission. I was only 26 years old at the time, but… There was this human man. Marus. I believe I spoke of him before?"

Celaven nods. "I remember."

[Velrin]: Well the company I was with at the time had been dealing much with the Scarlet Crusade. We were always fighting them some place or another. Marus's father was a bishop, and Kaela Mondragon manipulated him into coming back to the fold.

[Celaven]: So he wanted revenge against her?

[Velrin]: Oh no. Bishop of the Scarlets. Marus was the one who was tricked.
[Velrin]: Naturally I was distraught over the whole affair, so I went to the Plaguelands and killed as many of the undead as I could to prove to him that I loved him and wanted to help.

[Celaven]: I… I see. I take it the Crusade was already quite radical at this point?

[Velrin]: Yes.

[Celaven]: But she was not undead at this time. So I take it your efforts received attention?

Velrin now starts to tremble, "A-and so I sought him out a-and…. Kaela was with him. I tried to reason but he wouldn't listen."

Celaven reaches out to touch Velrin's shoulder, and try to turn her toward him. "I'm sorry. I can tell this still hurts."

Velrin starts to cry silently. She places a hand over Celaven's and grips it tight, "Th-thank you… B-but he wouldn't come back with me. H-he wouldn't listen. A-and because I was an elf he said we couldn't be together."
[Velrin]: I was so… s-so ANGRY! I lashed out and attacked Kaela and he stepped in to defend her a-and he… he struck me… *Velrin sobs into Ven's shoulder*

Celaven curls one hand around her, holding her as she cries, and gently strokes her back with the other. "You made it out, though, in the end."

[Velrin]: I-I did… *she sniffles* Some friends of mine came out to look for me and found us there. I was in shock and just lay there after that, but in the end Evanlyn slew Kaela.

[Celaven]: She is very protective of you.

Velrin nods, "She kept me from taking my own life after we got back to safety."

[Celaven]: Whatever Kaela is now, then, she might remember you from that time.
Celaven looks down at Velrin in concern. "I'm glad she was there for you."

Velrin takes a deep breath and steadies herself, "I don't care. I may not hold any fondness for Marus any longer, but I'll still gladly take her head should she be so kind as to present it to me."

[Celaven]: She is Scourge, so you will have support on that, with Cobalt.

[Velrin]: That's good to hear. *she stops for a bit and looks over at Ven with big puppy dog eyes*

[Celaven]: And mine, of course. *He says, looking down at her.* I will never let her harm you, if its in my power. And if you fight her, I will be there to heal your wounds.

Velrin smiles weakly, "Thank you." she steps closer "I… I'm sorry if I frightened you telling you about how I almost… I'm sorry…" She looks down at the ground with guilt.

[Celaven]: Things are better now, aren't they? *Celaven says, reaching out one hand to her cheek to urge her to raise her eyes.* And if one day they aren't, you won't keep that secret from me?

Velrin presses into his hand and looks up at him, "I-I won't. I promise." Her eyes sparkle.

Celaven leans down to kiss her lightly, and then pulls back. "For today, maybe we can see something more wondrous, help take your mind off the darkness of the past. Do you know much of Vordrassil?"

Velrin closes her eyes and accepts the kiss eagerly. Her ears press back to her head in submission. "Vordrassil? I… I think I heard my father talk about it once maybe."
[Velrin]: Does my precious guardian have something special to show me? *she asks playfully*

Celaven gestures at the massive broken tree in the distance. "It was an offshoot of the World Tree, ill-fated, but part of it still exists here. Will you come with me to see it?"
Celaven smiles at her, his ears perking up in anticipation.

[Velrin]: Of course I will. *Velrin bounces* Wherever you go I'll follow.

Celaven whistles, and his gryphon flies down.
Celaven leads her into the open trunk of the giant tree, where rings of little furbolg houses are visible and pollen and flecks of light glitter in the warmer protected air.

Celaven lands in a little garden in the center.

Velrin gasps at the sight, "It's so beautiful…"

Celaven dismounts from his gryphon and steps closer to her. "I spent a lot of time here, meditating… and I remembered some things you told me, close to when we first met."
[Celaven]: You said, when you were young, you used to play with the furbolgs. I thought… these are not Timbermaw, but… they are friendlier now, since the corruption is under control.

Velrin blushes as he steps closer. She notes how quiet and private the spot is and clears her throat, "Th-that's right." she laughs, "Mama and papa would scold me for going out alone, but they were always kind to me."
[Velrin]: The furbolgs I mean. W-well mama and papa too, but… *she giggles and trails off*

[Celaven]: I hope the tribes here will be as well. *Celaven steps forward and reaches for her hands.*
Celaven chuckles.

Velrin slides her hands into his.

[Celaven]: It should be safe here now. They call this place 'Grizzlemaw'.

[Velrin]: It looks so peaceful. It almost makes me forget about all the fighting.

[Celaven]: The Grizzly Hills are fairly peaceful. There's not much Scourge presence here. More trading posts are opening, now that some of the problems in the region are resolved…
[Celaven]: Maybe we could spend more time here.

Velrin smiles wide. She squeezes Ven's hands and sways them from side to side.

Celaven pulls her in as if he might spin her in a dance.

Velrin blushes and giggles as she's pulled in, "Celaven…" she says breathlessly.

[Celaven]: Hmm? *Celaven says, attempting to twirl her into his arms.*

Velrin happily twirls into him and gets up on her tippy toes to peck him, "N-nothing. I just… I'm really happy."

Celaven smiles brightly, his ears rising a little. "So am I. I missed you, when I was away from Northrend."

[Velrin]: I missed you too. *she closes her eyes and hums* Is it true that you felt jealous when I told you about this competition for the titan Thorim?

Celaven raises one hand to brush along her hair. "Yes. Is that absurd? I have no idea the first thing about this Thorim."

Velrin sways her head with Celaven's touch and goosebumps pop up on her neck, "No, it's not absurd. It's really sexy actually." She giggles, "You won't let him steal me away will you?" she asks playfully.

[Celaven]: I don't intend to. *Celaven says with a low chuckle.* Though I'll have to stay nearby to pull that off, since I have confidence you'll win the tournament.

Velrin hums again. She reaches a hand up to run her fingers through his hair and scratch the back of his neck, "Oh? That will make you stay close to me? Maybe I'll have to do this sort of thing more often."

[Celaven]: I might not make a very convincing Hyldnir, but I can still shadowmeld. *Celaven smiles playfully.*

“Well if you’re watching me then I’ll have to fight extra hard. I said I wanted to show you how ferocious I can be.” Velrin nips at him and giggles.

Celaven laughs, moving his hands around her waist and lifting her slightly in a quick spin. “As long as it’s not directed towards me, I would love to see your ferocity.”

Velrin yelps and laughs as he turns her around, “Don’t worry darling. I would never do such a thing. However…” She gets a glint in her eye and bites her lip, “If you wanted to direct your ferocity towards me…”

His arms tighten around her, but there’s something hesitant in his expression as he says, “I can try, for you, but… ferocity does not come easily to me.”

Velrin puts her arms up around his neck and looks up at him with concern, “I-I know… And that’s part of why I adore you so much I just… I’m sorry.” She presses her head against his chest, “I’m sorry if this is too forward. I-I just want you to know how much I want you…” She tries to sway side to side to soothe him, “Would you rather we just talk more for now?”

Celaven relaxes slightly, raising one hand to her shoulder blades. “Talking would be nice, yes. In any case, I would not want to scandalize any passing furbolgs.”

Velrin inhales sharply as his hand climbs higher and she blushes, “O-ok. Well…” she glances over to the tree in the middle of the glade, “Shall we sit a-and ask each other more questions perhaps?”

Celaven pulls back, drawing her towards the tree that is a completely innocent tree in the little garden and not an attempt to regrow Vordrassil because that plan was definitely thwarted. “Yes, let’s do that… would you like to start or shall I?”

“Hmmm…” Velrin thinks while they go to sit down, “How about you start this time. I want to hear about what you want to know. So don’t hold anything back.” She finishes with a smile.

Celaven settles next to her, thinking. “Not holding anything back… perhaps I can go for a more serious question than usual, to start. Things that I have been thinking about lately. Do you have lines you would not cross, in war? In a moral sense.”

“Any lines?” Velrin doesn’t take long to think about this, “Well I would never use fel magic to serve my ends. It will only ever cause more harm than it can prevent. And I suppose I would take steps to avoid unnecessary casualties whenever possible.”

“So you would not use the fel, and you would not send your own people to certain death,” Celaven nods, and then considers. “Does that extend to using others who use fel magic? Warlocks… or anything else?”

Velrin groans, “If I had my way, then yes. However when I joined Cobalt Company I had to agree to be willing to work alongside their ilk if needed.”

“Mm,” Celaven hums agreement, and reaches out to touch her shoulder. “And you worked alongside the Illidari girl, back in Zul’drak.”

Velrin huddles closer to him, “Don’t remind me…”

“She’s… not evil,” Celaven says, resting an arm around her shoulder. “That’s the girl you helped me look for in Outland, briefly, before things started to go… do you remember? Her sister was my friend, and she’d died, though later I found she’d been reanimated. Well, anyway, Aszera is a little irritating, but I wouldn’t say she’s evil.”

“Just misguided then.” Velrin sighs, “What about you? Are there any lines you wouldn’t cross?”

“Yes,” Celaven says. “That was one of the things the shadow priestess pointed out, that I needed to be clear in that myself. The biggest, that seems to come up with unusual frequency given that I am a healer, is that I am not a torturer. Nor do I ever want to be one.”

Velrin wraps her arms around his chest and swings her legs across his lap, “A noble ideal. It is not pretty work. I would much rather bear such a burden myself than to give it to others.”

Celaven frowns. “It’s not about keeping my hands clean. It’s that I disagree with the necessity. Anything that can be accomplished by the intentional application of pain can be done another way, a better way.”

“I don’t completely disagree. It’s a sloppy method of obtaining information even at the best of times.” Velrin tries to kiss him on the cheek to comfort him, “Less disciplined minds especially. They would tell you that the sea is red if it meant that the pain would stop. The amount of information you would already need to verify anything they told you would render the entire process pointless in the first place.” Velrin is clearly speaking from experience.

Celaven tenses at the obvious admission that Velrin has crossed that line, but he doesn’t pull away. “Even for other purposes. The Lich King uses pain to train his death knights and to keep them in line. I don’t think that’s a training strategy we should emulate.”

Velrin shrinks a bit sensing Ven’s reaction to her words, “I-I think you’re right, but… I still need to do what I must to protect those I love, even if there are some things that are too horrible to bear. Right?” Her ears droop while she looks up at him.

“I suppose that was at the heart of my question. At what point do the ends not justify the means? That is something we each must answer for ourselves.” Celaven sighs. “I don’t want to dwell on this, it’s just something that’s been on my mind. What’s your next question?”

“It’s alright darling.” She reaches up and rests his cheek in her palm, stroking it gently with her thumb, “It’s good to think of these things sometimes. If there’s something that is bothering you I want you to tell me.” Velrin takes a moment to look into his eyes before she continues, “Well… if we want to shift to a more pleasant topic, I wanted to ask you how you want to be loved. What sort of love languages speak most clearly to you?”

Celaven considers that carefully before saying, “Attention, perhaps? It is easy for me to fall into the background… and not just because of shadowmelding. This, that we’re doing right now, that you care how I want to be loved. That… that is already a large part of it for me. Physical touch, but… that can be offered without love, so it is harder to trust.”

Velrin smiles bright and squeezes him tight. She presses herself right up against Celaven. Her chest squishes onto his and she kisses his cheek and whispers into his ear, “You know you can have my attention whenever you want. All you need to do is ask.” She remains there, kissing him for another couple moments before relaxing. “I am glad that I am able to help you. Please don’t ever feel selfish if you want to spend time with me or you want me to take more time to focus on you. You are the one I care about most right now. There is so much I want to say to you.” She laughs a little, “Trying to remain calm and not rush is taking quite its toll on me.”

Celaven clings to her tightly for a moment longer, and then sighs, but it sounds like a happy sigh. “There is not enough time in eternity to spend with you, Velrin, though I know I must let you go to… fight for your Hyldnir and everything else that calls to you. What about yourself? How would you like to be loved?”

“Well touch for one.” Her ears wiggle uncontrollably, “I love it when you hold me. It makes me feel so cared for and safe. Your gentle touch, your delicate kisses, the weight of your body on top of me, and how you-” Velrin cuts herself off and blushes, “Y-you know. I-I guess I should end there for now if we’re starting anew this time.”

Celaven smiles gently, trailing one hand along her neck.

She takes a deep breath and relaxes down again to continue, “But also affirmation. After losing my parents I always felt like I was a burden to everyone. I lost my home and I felt like I should have tried to do something to help.” Her eyes shimmer and she sniffles, “What I want now more than anything is someone who wants me. That’s why I love it when you take the lead. When you ask me to touch you or to spend time with you or be with you. I-it helps remind me that you care b-because sometimes my heart gets frightened and forgets.”

“I do want you, Velrin,” Celaven says, looking deep into her eyes. “And I am working on being more clear about what I want, as paradoxical as it seems for me to think that what I see in myself as selfishness can be felt as love. But I also know hearts can change, and if you push me away… I can be pushed. That is also because I love you. Because on my unselfish side, I want you to be happy, even if your happiness is not with me.”

Velrin gets caught up looking at Ven, her gaze flicking from one eye to the other, “I know hearts can change sometimes, a-and I’m grateful that you have been able to care for me regardless of what it may mean to you. You’re so kind…” She slides her hands down to rest on his chest. “I truly believe that you were sent to me by Elune. So please don’t speak like this is but a fleeting fit of passion.” Velrin’s expression gets a bit more serious, “B-because I see a future with you. I see a future full of love and happiness. A-and to someone who sometimes feels like she cannot even see tomorrow th-that…” tears silently stream down her cheeks as Velrin struggles to find the words to continue.

Celaven leans forward to set his forehead against hers, his arms still encircling her. “I believe in that tomorrow. I hope that we can make it come true together.” He stays silent a moment longer and then says, “That may be my next question, for the future. Suppose you have a son, and he longs to be a Sentinel. What would you do?”

“W-well…” Velrin looks a bit embarrassed, “Maybe it’s a little non-traditional, but I-I would want him to be happy no matter what that meant.” Velrin gives him puppy dog eyes, “And with you to guide me… Do you want to give me a son?”

Celaven’s smile brightens at her answer, and he says, “I can even imagine such a child now. Perhaps with your hair and my eyes, seeing the world entirely anew.”

Velrin seems to almost get a little shy at that. She brings her arms back in front of her chest and cries happy tears. Her flushed, purple face can’t seem to look at him for more than a second or two before glancing away. She wiggles and relaxes her whole body, seemingly as a sign that whatever they do next is Celaven’s decision.

Celaven pulls her close, resting her head on his shoulder. The smile is still evident in his voice as he says, “I should ask you another question, that was still only two. My family is… rather complicated. How do you feel about them being a part of your life?”

Velrin clutches tightly to the front of his robes, “I would want that more than anything.” She says breathlessly, “I want a family. I want you to give me a family.”

“Have you met them all? My mother, yes. And Larawen, I know. My father is unnecessary.” Celaven considers. “Florande and Caspis?”

“I’ve met Shan’do yes. And Florande too. But not Caspis.” Velrin wriggles and adjusts herself to look up at Ven, “Should we visit him sometime?”

“You’ve met Florande?” Celaven looks down at her, curious. “Was it something with Cobalt? And yes, I think we should. Caspis and my mother are in the Plaguelands now - it seems the Circle is finally making some progress there.”

“We’ll have to plan something. I’m excited to see what they think of the two of us.” Velrin giggles and boops Celaven on the nose, “But yes, I umm… I met Florande once while I was doing a… covert operation.” She leaves it at that, “She seems sweet. She reminded me a lot of myself when I was around her age.”

“Really?” Celaven’s ears lift. “That sounds like a compliment. The last I heard from her, she was still at Moa’ki Harbor, assisting the surviving Tuskarr at Indu’le Village. I value her compassion. But to visit Caspis… perhaps we can arrange something once your work in Storm Peaks is complete?”

Velrin nods and hugs Celaven, “I look forward to it.” She snuggles deeper into his chest, seeming to forget all about the last questions for now.

Celaven relaxes, holding her in his arms for a long moment, peaceful in the little glade. Eventually, he murmurs, “I think we are safe enough here to talk, but we should head back to Amberpine when it’s time to rest.”

Velrin hums, “Ok, darling…” She says sleepily, “Should I call you darling? I feel like,” she yawns, “I should think of something special to call you.” Velrin giggles, “After all you are my savior right?”

“Savior? I don’t know if I would claim that,” Celaven says with a low chuckle. “You can call me Ven. There aren’t many who know me well enough to call me by a nickname, these days.”

“Ven.” Velrin says with a smile. She giggles and says it over and over again feeling out the word for herself. “I like it.”

From the dreamy smile on Celaven’s face, he likes it too. “And what shall I call you? I already call you Vel, occasionally. Maybe love?”

Velrin beams up at him, “Can you call me ‘mine’ or something like that?” She reaches up to run her fingers through her hair, “Especially when you praise me. I want to know that I’m yours always.”

“My Vel,” Celaven says, trying it out, watching the way her rippling hair falls back into place. “My beautiful, ferocious Vel.”

Velrin squeals and bites his arm. She growls playfully while trying not to let go from laughing at herself.

Celaven laughs, and says, “Maybe I will sneak into your warrior village up north, just to watch you fight.”

Vel bites down just hard enough to leave faint teeth marks on him before letting go, “It will be a sight to remember. I promise you.” She sighs and continues to wriggle and relax in his arms, slowly going more and more prone. She opens one eye, narrow and sly, “Is it time to go back?”

“Mm, I think so,” Celaven says, reluctantly rising and pulling her to her feet along with him. “This area is much safer than it once was… but I would rather our date here not end in violence. Back to Amberpine? There’s also a new trading post with the Argent Crusade, I’ve heard, a little ways north.”

“Is it comfortable there? Somewhere nice and private?” Velrin leans forward and squishes her breasts on his chest through her thick armor. “I can give you all sorts of attention if you’d like.”

“Maybe the Lodge is better than the camp for that, but we’re not… not rushing…” Celaven trails off, looking at her with yearning in his eyes. “Then again, perhaps we’re moving at the right speed after all.”

Velrin smirks, flashing her fangs, “I’m ready for any pace you wish Ven.” She places her hands on each side of his face and traces her thumb across his lips, “But don’t feel rushed. We can tease one another a little longer if you’d like. Maybe we can just lie down and rest for today.” She leans in closer to whisper in his ear, “I can tell you about all the things I did to myself while thinking about you late at night and we can plan something extra romantic for next time.”

A little shiver goes through Celaven’s frame, and he leans forward to nip at her earlobe. Then he murmurs, “I think if we’re at the point of teasing rather than waiting, we’ve waited long enough.”

Velrin’s body tenses in anticipation and her hair stands on end, “Then what are you waiting for?” She purrs, “Let’s head back so you can take what’s yours.”