Party Games
Bjorke entered the Salty Sailor and headed straight for the bar. “Nixx, you got in all the booze I ordered? No running short tonight, ok?” She glared at him, and he cackled.
“No worries, Ms. B! I got ya covered!” He slid a mug of Cherry Grog to her. Sipping it, she heard voices from above. She made her way upstairs to find Grandmaster Snapdragon surrounded by three of her guildmates. There seemed to be some concern over an article of clothing. Bjorke smiled, thinking of how much time some women spent over fashion. “I liked the first one,” she offered when asked. The men sent up a chorus of “See? That’s what we said!” much to the elf’s dismay. Obviously, she wanted a different one chosen. Read the rest of this entry »
Together
The footsteps of the Barbarian announced his arrival. Bjorke stood, smoothing her shirt and pants. Edrick came and stood in front of her, the expression on his face unreadable, even to Bjorke. She took a deep breath, and said, “I acted with disrespect, and without honor, Edrick. I apologize for that. I…” her voice trailed off.
“I.. “ she tried again. “I care for you deeply, Edrick. I want to be by your side.” Bjorke waited for his response.
“I was a foolish old man.” Read the rest of this entry »
Time for Action
She poured another drink for Silvas, still laughing. “I’ve never seen a grown man jump at a Tonk before!”
Silvas laughed, too. “Yes, well, the explosion startled me!”
“I’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt. At least there wasn’t a tram coming when you fell! How is your knee, anyway?”
“Better, thanks! What was in that stuff?” He rubbed his knee, and flexed it.
“Oh, just some Bruiseweed and other herbs. Makes a good liniment for muscles. I told you I was a talented healer.” She smirked slyly at the paladin. Their friendship had grown over the months, and she had a deep respect for this particular paladin. Silvas and Edrick were close friends, and Bjorke felt any man worthy of Edrick’s trust was worth getting to know. Read the rest of this entry »
Training
They stood in the rain at the edge of Telredor in Zangarmarsh. Edrick faced Bjorke. “I ask you now, if you wish to continue your training to become Ulfhedinn.” He spoke in Althorin. Bjorke had been struggling to learn the language, and now understood most of Edrick’s words. Her own accent needed work.
“Yes, I want to learn more, and continue my training.” She hoped she didn’t insult his mother again with her mispronunciations.
His grin told her she still needed work, but he nodded. “We head south.” Read the rest of this entry »
Off-Duty
Bjorke sat in the tavern in Ironforge, going over the books. Hero lay at her feet, and in her bag, she had knife she wanted to show to Edrick. She spent the day going over her books and trying to decipher the receipts her orc business partner had submitted. “Does this say ‘swords’ or ‘dresses’?” she asked to no one in particular.
She waited all day, to no avail. The books were balanced, the guild records in order, and her weapons were sharp and gleaming.
“Well, Hero. I guess he’s not coming today.” Read the rest of this entry »
Buyer Beware
Auralis assembled the servants, paid them, gave them each a letter of recommendation, and dismissed all but two. They would be needed to pack up the items for sale.
Bjorke, meanwhile, traveled down to Booty Bay to find a buyer. Since the market for silk draperies was not very large these days, it took a bit of haggling.
“Traveling and shipping expenses will be your responsibility, of course,” Skizzix cackled.
Bjorke nodded, smiling. “Of course, my friend. I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
The goblin looked at her. “Well, I might be able to give you a break on that,” he replied. Read the rest of this entry »
Down to Business
When the tears were spent, Auralis wiped her face, and she smiled at her sister. “Come on, B. We have work to do.” She looked at the armor. “This is much better than my own. Perhaps I could re-make it to fit me.”
“You are a very talented blacksmith.”
Auralis raised her eyes in surprise. Bjorke chuckled. “I told you, I’ve been keeping tabs on you. Your work is rather well-known.”
Closing the chest and nodding, Auralis’ face turned pink with embarrassment. There did not appear to be much else in the bedchamber. She turned to leave, but Bjorke stopped her. Moving to one of the massive bedposts, Bjorke ran her fingers along the carvings. Grinning when she found the catch, she slid back a panel to reveal a niche. Read the rest of this entry »
Taking Stock
Auralis had invited Bjorke to accompany her to Niles’ home in Hillsbrad. With him dead, his property needed to be dealt with. His servants, accustomed to his long absences, had merely carried on as usual. Auralis planned to sell most things, using the money to pay the servants. Whatever was left would go to the Church.
“Unless you want it, B. After all, you have as much right to it as I do.”
Bjorke shook her head. “I don’t want it.” This surprised both of them. Bjorke turning down money? She shook her head again, emphasizing her decision. She’d taken enough. Read the rest of this entry »
Time for Sleep
It was shortly after midnight when Auralis started yawning. “I’m not used to late nights, I’m afraid.” She pulled Bjorke to her for a goodnight hug. Bjorke returned the embrace as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Bjorke headed to Ironforge, then out to Dun Morogh, to give Hero some exercise. She chuckled as she watched him chase rabbits in a merry game. They would certainly be easy prey if he were hungry, but he just wanted to play. When the game was over, Hero lay in the snow, his fur white, panting. She whistled for him, and he bounded over to her, shaking the snow from his fur.
Bjorke paused before heading inside the city, looking East towards Loch Modan. Was Edrick enjoying the crisp, clear night? Smiling, she turned, and went to her room. Bjorke took the time to build a fire, warding off the chill in the air. Winter was coming early to Dun Morogh. She pulled the dossier from her bag, and laid it on the fire, watching as the papers curled in the flames, ignited then turned to ash. Niles was dead. His life of corruption did not need to taint his daughter. Either one of them. Read the rest of this entry »
Sisters!
The spent the rest of the evening remembering old times and making plans for the future. Auralis had requested a change of post to Stormwind, so they would be able to see each other often.
Bjorke told her about General Thunderman’s mission, and how she had come to be in command. She told her sister about the Barbarian, Edrick of Malcore, going on about his fighting prowess, his wisdom, and his strength.
“Sister, do you know your face lights up when you speak of this man?” Read the rest of this entry »
Family Matters
“Well,” Auralis said brightly. “It’s been eight years. Certainly we have more catching up to do!
“Are you married?”
A quick flash of pain shot through Bjorke’s expression, but Auralis saw it just the same. “No, never married. You?”
Auralis chuckled. “I’m married to my work. But Mingus is ever hopeful!”
Bjorke raised an eyebrow. “How many times has he asked you now?” Read the rest of this entry »
Hard News
“B, what is it?”
One does not learn to swim by standing on the shore, Edrick had told her. Bjorke was about to dive in headfirst.
“It’s about Niles, A.”
“Where is he? I’ve been searching for him!” Her face was so eager for news.
Bjorke shook her head slowly. “He’s dead, A. I’m sorry.” She waited for the words to sink in, then took Auralis’ hand again. “I’m sorry,” she repeated. It was the appropriate thing to say. Read the rest of this entry »
Catching up
Her eyes glistening, Auralis stared at the face that was so much like her own. The silence stretched out, as she tried to make sense of this all. “I find it hard to believe Aelsa would try to kill me.”
Bjorke frowned. “She was once one of the most ruthless operatives in all of Ravenholdt. And while she is now semi-retired, I know what she is capable of. Yes, at the time, she would have come after you.”
“And now?” Auralis’ voice held a hint of worry. Read the rest of this entry »
A Friendly Reunion
While she wasn’t sure what she had expected, Bjorke knew it certainly was not to be embraced in a bear hug by Auralis. She was glad the woman was not wearing her armor!
“Let me look at you!” Auralis pulled back, keeping Bjorke at arm’s length while peering at her, as if hoping to find some explanation for Bjorke’s actions. She smiled at last, and pulled her in for another hug. “I can’t believe you are alive! After all this time….” Her voice broke with emotion.
Bjorke pulled away gently, ill at ease. She motioned to the table. “Let’s sit down.” Hero sat beneath the table, wagging his tail, as if he, too, was greeting an old friend. When Auralis sat down, he put his chin on her knee, and her hand stroked his head. “That’s Hero,” Bjorke said, by way of introduction. Read the rest of this entry »
