fandomtownies | Down to the Causeway: [later] Saturday night

Entry tags:

Down to the Causeway: [later] Saturday night

Molly and Karal - he had the cushion under one arm and was holding onto her hand - were making their way towards the causeway.

The portal would be there soon and he was starting to worry about the lack of Firecat. "I hope Altra is here soon. I do not want to leave without him."

[ooc: Molly modded with permission.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Where does he keep going? Do you know?"

"No, I never have. Sometimes he just disappears." Karal smiled ruefully. "Not only is he a cat, he is an Avatar of Vkandis. His ways are beyond mere mortal understanding, as I am sure he would be happy to tell me. Were he here."

"You did tell him when the portal was coming, right?" Molly asked, teasing.

"Actually, I did not. I did not see him after you found me." Briefly worried, he looked around as they walked. "But he always knows these things. I am sure he will be here."

Molly firmed her grip on Karal's hand and sent out a mental thought, not knowing if it would actually work, but needing to try. Altra, you're making him worry.

"If he doesn't, I'll go with you," she said in a light tone, not really serious. She grinned up at him. "I can pretend to be a Firecat."

:You really couldn't.: Altra stepped out of nowhere and sat down in their path. :I was trying to give you some privacy to say goodbye and you,: he shot a sardonic look at Karal, :need to have more faith.:

"We only need a little privacy," Molly said, looking up at Karal again. "You'll both be back by tomorrow so no need to make a big deal about it, right?" She may have been trying to convince herself.

Altra didn't answer and Karal smiled at her and squeezed her fingers. "I hope so, Molly."

Sorry, Altra. Thank you for the gesture.

"So, did you start your book yet?" Molly asked Karal as they continued walking.

Altra flicked his ears at her. :You're welcome,: he replied, just to her.

"Not yet, and I almost forgot it," he admitted sheepishly. "I had to go and fetch it from the library this morning."

Molly pouted at him. "I'm glad you remembered," she said.

He sighed when she pouted. "I only forgot because I was worrying about the library, about getting it closed up properly," he explained ignoring Altra's mental snickering. "I remembered first thing this morning."

Molly grinned. "Good thing the library was open today."

"If it had been closed, I would have snuck in and retrieved it," he told her, steps slowing as they approached the causeway. "How long until the portal is here?"

He was really going to have to get a watch at some point.

Molly didn't own a watch either, but she'd gotten good at estimating the time. "About ten minutes, I think," she said.

He set his bag down but held onto the cushion. "That is not very long," he said, glancing at Altra.

With a flick of his tail, the Firecat trotted off.

"What is the cushion for?" Molly asked.

Karal smiled down at it. "Jaina left it for me. I mentioned how uncomfortable the chairs in the Council hall are, and she insisted she would get me a cushion." He held it out so Molly could see it. "It was leaning against my door."

Grinning, Molly looked at it, but didn't take it. "That was nice of her."

"I was not expecting her to actually get me a cushion!" He set it down carefully on top of his bag. "I suspect Altra will likely claim it when my back is turned."

Molly chuckled before checking for the portal. She was trying to make this be a low stress good bye, but she was really worried he wouldn't come back tomorrow. She held his hand between both of hers and looked up at him, reluctant to actually say good bye.

"I may be gone longer," he said, sensing what was worrying her. It was worrying him, too. "But I will come back. This is where Vkandis wishes me to be, and, even were that to change, I would not be forced to leave Trenor behind."

Which, he suddenly realised, might not be very comforting. "But it will not come to that. It will depend on how things progress in the lands of the Alliance."

"If you're not back by Monday afternoon, I'm going to camp out in front of Trenor's stall so that whoever comes to find that horse will have to deal with me," Molly said stubbornly.

"It would be me, I am sure," but he smiled, touched by her fierceness, and kissed her forehead. "I would insist, but I doubt it will come to that."

Molly took at step closer and leaned her forehead against his chest.

Promise you'll come back. Promise you won't forget about me. Promise to stay safe. Things she couldn't say for various reasons even though she desperately wanted to.

"It really will be fine, Molly." He couldn't promise, but he would have if he hadn't been aware it cold turn into a lie. She just seemed so upset. "It will. Here--" Karal let go of her to pull his Vkandis medal off over his head and leaned back so he could settle it around her neck. "You can care for it until I return."

Molly clutched the medal and looked up at him. "Can you do that?" she asked, ready to take it off and give it back if he seemed unsure. "It's okay?"

"My faith is here," he touched his heart, "and here," he pressed a finger to his temple, "not in here," he finished as he wrapped his hands around hers. "It is only a symbol. One that I cherish, true, but it holds neither my faith nor my vocation. It will be safe in your hands, and if it would grant you a measure of comfort, the Sunlord would not begrudge that."

"Thank you," she said then, grinning a little, because it did give her some comfort.

"You are very welcome," he replied, touching the tip of her chin before leaning in to kiss her.

Molly stretched up to kiss him back, wrapping one arm around his waist.

He mirrored the gesture, holding her close while they kissed, one hand cradling her cheek.

Molly ended the kiss and leaned her head into his palm as she looked up at him. "Please try and be safe?" she asked quietly.

"Safety is not an issue, I promise. I am an Ambassador, harming me would trigger a diplomatic incident and endanger the entire alliance." He brushed his palm across her cheek, before letting his hand fall. "And I am just not that important," he added with a smile.

Altra returned and sat beside them, staring at an empty space. :It's coming.:

Molly sighed and Looked over to where the portal would open.

She looked back at Karal. "You'll let me know as soon as you're back? Even if it is just a voice mail?"

"I promise," he said solemnly as the portal swirled into existence.

:I can't believe we have to go back using this,: Altra grumbled. :I'll keep an eye on him, Molly. Don't worry.:

Molly grinned at the 'cat. "Thanks, Altra."

She looked back at Karal. "Good bye," she said. And, man, did it feel like she was saying good bye for more than just one day.

He scooped up his bag and his cushion, then waved as he stepped through the portal. Altra followed, grumbling the whole time. "I will see you when I return," he called, and smiled as the portal winked out of existence.

Molly stayed until the portal closed and then turned to make her way back up to the school.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Down to the Causeway: [later] Saturday night

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

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