[Hugnir]“Soo what are y’ doin’ t’day lass?”
[Merlinne]“Doing some work for the elves in an effort to prove I am “worthy” to have one of their riding cats. Though I think they are toying with me. The tasks they give me to perform are those normally given to the lowest ranking apprentices.”
[Hugnir]“Elves are like that sometimes.”
[Merlinne]“Yes. Though things must be improving for this fellow just gave me [Sleeping Robes]. Normally I sleep in my night shift, but this robe is very soft and seems like it would be quite comfortable.”
[Hugnir]“I’m noo’ allowed t’ sleep ov’r in Darnassus annaemore.”
[Merlinne]“Whatever for?”
[Hugnir]“Well, seems there was this night elf lassie wantin’ t’ change th’ sheets, an’ I was goin’ commando that night.”
[Kanammer has joined the channel]
[Merlinne]“Commando? I’m not familiar with that.”
[Kanammer]“What did I be hearin’ about me goin’ commando?”
[Hugnir]“No’ YE, Kanammer.”
[Merlinne]“Is it a form of trousers?”
[Hugnir]“<mutters> Somethin’ like that.”
[Merlinne]“Hmf. Scandalized by trousers. And they say I’m prude.”
[Kanammer]“I see I dun be tha only one that be like’n ta fly free.”
[Merlinne]“Fly free? So they are loose trousers.”
[Hugnir]<fidgets> “Sort o’.”
[Merlinne]“Well it wouldn’t be very comfortable to sleep in something snug.”
[Merlinne]“I’ve never seen Commando Trousers.”
[Hugnir]“Oh, I’m sure y’ will someday.”
[Merlinne]“I wonder if there is a pattern for Commando Trousers. I’m sure there are others that would like something comfortable to sleep in.”
[Kanammer]“They be more common than ye think.”
[Hugnir]“Pretty well known aboot th’ common folk.”
[Merlinne]“Maybe I could get a pair and take them apart at the seams and make an appropriate pattern.”
[Kanammer]“I dun be a thinkin’ that be a good idear”
[Kanammer] *Shivers at the thought of a pair of scissors getting anywhere near his commandos*
[Hugnir]<winces> “No’ a good idea ‘t all. If’n y’ take ‘em apart they’ll be ruined.”
[Merlinne]“But surely if they are so common, the loss of a single pair wouldn’t be so great.”
[Hugnir]“Well, they’re sort o’ …er…like th’ items that b’come bound t’ ye.”
[Merlinne]“Oh, so they are magic trousers. Hm…”
[Hugnir]“Aye. Magic.”
[Merlinne]“I wonder if the local innkeeper has any. I could ask to purchase a pair from him.”
[Hugnir]<gulps> “Tis noo’ good t’ be askin’ fer ‘em. Y’ tend t’ get poor quality when y’ do that.”
[Kanammer] *Mumbles something about getting them cheap in Goldshire*
[Hugnir]“Dinnae be askin’ fer annae in Goldshire fer Light’s sake!! Er…th’ merchants knoo when ye’re lookin’ fer ‘em.”
[Merlinne]“But I should like to learn to make them. Others might want some.”
[Hugnir]“P’rhaps y’ already have some an’ y’ dinnae knoo?”
[Merlinne]“Oh no. I’m sure I don’t. I haven’t got anything called Commando Trousers in my pattern book.”
[Hugnir]<sweats trying not to think of Merlinne’s Commando Trousers>
[Kanammer]<bites his tongue also trying not to think of them but fails and smacks his head with his hand>
[Kanammer] <in the distance> “Bruuk!! Gimme a Grog an’ keep ‘em comin’. I think I gunna be needin’ a couple ‘r twenty after tanight.”
[Merlinne]“If I could find a pattern, I could offer some to the guild. Do you think they would like that?”
<Hugnir and Kanammer both drown their responses in bourbon and booze>

She continued to stroke his soft orange fur as she made her way through the night darkened rooms to the sleeping chamber. Hugnir was already stretched out on the great darkwood bed, sleeping fitfully. She bit her lip and tears pricked her eyes as she looked at him. Yet another night she was unable to return to the suite they shared early enough to spend time with him.

Something had to change. Those she loved the most were suffering because she could not get away from her duties as Lady of the Manor or as a Mage of the Tower enough to spend time with them. Balah crawled out from under the bed and stretched before gliding over and wrapping her long feline body around Merlinne’s ankles. She sighed and left the sleeping chamber.

Yes. Something had to change. There were many new faces in the manor. Many new voices. And she had barely had time to meet them much less help them feel at home. Fortunately Nauloera had taken care of them. Shown them around, introduced them to the staff. Helped them to feel at home. The gentle priestess was even the one who had led them here.

She left her suite and made her way purposefully down the corridor to Nauloera’s room. A dim light glowed beneath the heavy wood door telling Merlinne that the Draenei was still awake. Perhaps reading or meditating. She knocked lightly on the door, hoping she wasn’t disturbing her.

Moments later the door opened and Nauloera’s face peeked around. She smiled brightly when she saw Merlinne standing there. “Lady Merlinne,” she said, opening the door further. “Please, be welcome.” She motioned the mage inside and offered her a chair.

Merlinne shook her head. “I shan’t bother you long, Nauloera. I have been doing a great deal of thinking lately. There is too much that weighs upon me. I am neglecting those I love. As the Lady of this Manor and a mage of the Arcane there are many things pulling me away from what should be most important. There are things going on in the Mage Tower that I am not at liberty to discuss with others but they are matters that I must assist with. I have tried to stay dedicated to this house as well and to those I love but there is simply too much for one person to bear.” She sighed and gripped her hands firmly in front of her.

“You have shown that you possess the skill, caring, and compassion necessary to lead this house. You have the heart and intuition towards others that is required to make it more than just a place to live, but to make it a home. A safe haven. For everyone from the lowest servant to the most powerful adventurer. That has always been my dream for this manor and I wish to leave the charge of that responsibility in the hands of someone who can give it the time and care necessary.”

With another sigh, Merlinne met and held Nauloera’s gaze. “I should like to hand over to you the title and responsibility of Lady of Lost Virtue Manor.”