A night alone
A couple of weeks had passed since he had made contact with almost anyone outside the random stranger, who’s conversation was nothing to warrant any interest. A simple ‘How’s the weather’, or ‘What’s up?’, but rarely did anything more than a grunt or simple one sentence answer return to him. And on this night, of all night. Hallow’s End. He walked the neighborhoods of Stormwind, paid a local mage for a portal to Dalaran, and even to Kul’Tiras. Just to wander and see how things were since he began his reclusive lifestyle. The smells of pumpkin, warm spices, and sugary sweets did bring a gentle smile to his lips. The time when he spent the nights with his younger sister, before their parents’ death, and how he missed those days did so flood back to mind as he saw similar walking through the roads of the cities.
He wore simple leathers. A jerkin, cargo belt, and loose fitting pants that cuffed just around his ankles as they stuffed into his boots. He wore an older Kul’tiran long coat, to protect against the chill in the air. He did have daggers on his belt, and a long barrel flintlock. He always traveled with weapons, but didn’t feel the need to be overburdened with full battle raiment. He leaned against a lamp post, looking out over the Kul’Tirans, seeing many just walking around to the shops, the festivities, the hustle and bustle. Lighting a rolled cigarette off a nearby candle, a skinny man walked up to Malthaius, and assuming he was going to ask for a smoke, he reached for it but his ears chimed with silver bell-like voices.
“Tick or teat!” said two small children, boy and girl. About nine or ten winters old. He smirked and immediately killed his cigarette before kneeling infront of them with a tilt of his head.
“What what’ve we got here, eh? You two out being a nightmare for your paw?” He said with a grin, looking over the costumes of the younglings. One was just painted green, with what look like a wooden nose strapped to his face and his hair greased back. A Goblin! And the girl;barely taller than a gnome, wore rags and what looked like toothpicks hanging from both sides of her mouth. A troll. Both of their costumes were very low budget and makeshift. Easily. He looked to the skinny man, their father. Balding with a bushy mustache. He looked tired and worn with age. “Mum ain’t out here with you, friend?”
“Nah, bless’er heart. She.. uhh.. passed. She was docked in Darnassus.. an’..” The man struggled to get it out, and Malthaius held his hand up, shaking his head. “I’m sorry for your loss, friend.” He looked around and one of the nearby shops that was selling treats and he placed a few silver on the counter before taking the small bags of pre-wrapped treats.
“Here ya go, kids. Be good fer yer paw, right?” He said with a soft smile.
“Awright!” they explained, as he handed the kids their prizes. “Have a happy Hallow’s End, friend.” said the man, and Malthaius stood up, offering to shake his hand. Once shook, Malthaius would nod. “Sorry again fer yer loss, mate.” He said.
The older man returned the smile with his glassy eyes, but his hand clenched at something that was not there before. Thinking it was a glove he would look down to his hand to see it was the draw strings of a small leather bag. “Ummm, friend, I think you for-..” Malthaius was already walking away, waving his hand over his shoulder insinuating he knew. “I know your struggle.”
Opening the bag, was more than a fist of gold coins held within. Looking to his children and then back to the man, he closed his eyes and bowed his head in deep thanks.
Malthaius walked on, glad he could do good by someone else. There was too much ugly in this world. Even if just for one single dad and his two kids, he could make something of a difference. He was tired, tired of people being cruel and ugly. He took a breath and exhaled hotly, leaving steam in its wake above him. What had the world come to? They just finished with the Legion, where they all practically came together for one common cause, and now, back to the lunacy.
Having friends on both factions made it difficult to want to take part in any of it. How was Cherly doing? Was she mixed up in all this insanity? Was she even still alive? Did she get married and have some mixed babies by now wit hthat Kaldorei fellow he practically, and literally, gift-wrapped for her? He laughed to himself, sitting on a bench just outside the harbor, lighting another cigarette and leaning back to looking up to the gaslight lamp just above the bench.
More commotion, some kids with their parents trotting by, and then going opposite, a couple in costume. Coming from some form of masquerade no doubt, as their costumes matched, and also mirrored each other in color and design. When was the last time he did anything with anyone? Last time he felt a hand in his? A set of warm lips to his stubble-ridden cheek?
“I prefer to be alone.” He said to himself. “..easier that way, right?”
“....right.” He answered silently into the night.
@cherlyhawthorne
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Man, I sure hope things get better by the end of the month But hey, at least the planet's healing 🌎 so that's something (Earth Day's on the 22nd btw). All we gotta do is do our part and stay home, wash our hands, and social distance. Won't be long now 😉 I love you all, take care of yourselves, m'kay? ❤ 🤗 Peace is coming #peaceiscoming #quarantineblues #day9 #therealfolkblues #🌹 #takecare #washyourhands #stayhome #staysafe #socialdistancing #quarantine #earthdayisthismonth #🌎 #theplanetshealing #iloveyouall #🤗 #✌ #❤ https://www.instagram.com/p/B-f8TAdDEKb/?igshid=gl30xem0hlt6
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