Chik meets Dax
Chik grumbled to herself as she walked to her home in Orgrimmar. She had the small house here, a welcome place to entertain guests, as well as conduct business. Her dog circled her as she walked sitting at the door eagerly. She smiled at him, before shaking her head. That priest she’d talked to had some fantastic ideas on how to fix Jackaline. But he’d scarpered off, and so she’d given Jackaline the day off and sent Raven to tail the elf. Crazy elves. She opened the door with a welcome sigh. She could hear the whistle of her kettle and smiled a good cup of tea was in order as she strolled towards her kitchen and froze.
There was a stranger in her house. It was an elf, lying stretched out on her floor. He, well it looked like a he, was wearing blue robes and had his legs crossed at the ankles. Chik recognized one of Noix’s pillows under his head and there was a black hat over his face. Black and silver hair flowed out under the hat, even as two cats looked up at Chik with the usual feline disdain. The Siamese at his shoulder and the longhair on his belly both yowled at War Hound. His hands, clasped over his chest twitched and War Hound’s hackles rose. He started Growling, a low dangerous sound as Chik slid her bow off her shoulder and strung it in one fluid motion.
“Get up.” Her voice was dangerously calm, barely tinted with taurahe as she watched the stranger jump into wakefulness even as Noix scrambled into the room sliding on the hardwood floor. He sat up hat tumbling from a face that shocked Chik with how familiar it was right down to a goatee. He blinked sleepily at her as War Hound snarled and he fumbled for glasses tucked into the collar of his robes.
“Who are you and why are you in my house?” Her voice was hard even as she drew an arrow to string and Noix jumped over him to stand before Chik arms outstretched.
“Chik! He’s my Daddy! He’s Jabber’s real Father! Don’t shoot!” She was shrill in panic as Chik blinked down at the small goblin. Who was grabbing War Hound’s face in a hug.
“Oh dear, my apologies Ma’am.” The stranger looked up at her with embarrassment even as his cats stood on him. “I only came for a visit, and didn’t expect the trip to take so much out of me.” He got up stiffly, and Chik could only nod at him. War Hound sat at her unspoken command, still bristling at the stranger. Noix relaxed only for a moment before standing between her father and Chik.
“And you didn’t think to inform me of this guest?” Chik asked icily as Noix hung her head.
“Chik, I made tea. I, uh… need to talk to you about this.” Noix fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, even as her father gripped his own hat with a small worried frown. Chik nodded as she took the arrow from the string and in one fluid motion, unstrung her bow.
“Very well. Young lady this had better be good.” Chik set down her pack as the older elf bowed elegantly before her.
“After you Ma’am, I am truly sorry for this unexpected visit.” He was surprised as she tilted her head towards him a simple gesture of respect. He was not expecting that after his trespassing in her home.
“I believe introductions are in order. I am Chik’apu Earthwalker, the lady of the house. What may I call you?” She studied him as he gave her a wry smile.
“I am Dax’alor Dawnsfury, but please just call me Dax.” He folded his hat and tucked it in his belt as they strolled into the kitchen and Chik looked over the books neatly stacked on the table.
“Ah I see Master Ranonashan stopped by, is he still about?” Chik sat at the table, and beckoned Dax to sit as Noix bustled about the tea tray.
“He ran off after Jabbers.” Noix was quiet as she brought over the tray and poured for Chik, before pouring for Dax and herself. “Chik, Jabbers and our father don’t exactly have the best relationship.”
“Well being that I was told you were dead I don’t believe the two of them were on speaking terms.” Chik stirred her tea, wicked amber eyes soaking in Dax’s appearance. He offered her the cream and sugar, and she shook her head. Today she wanted it black.
“It’s been a shocking day so far.” Dax stated quietly, fingers nervously tapping the rim pf his teacup. Chik could only raise one eyebrow at that as she sipped her tea and waited for Noix to elaborate.
~~~
“Master Dax, I’m afraid I can’t allow you to stay in my home.” Chik was solemn, pouring herself yet another cup of tea. She wasn’t surprised as the older elf nodded agreeably, or at Noix’s horrified and upset expression.
“Lady Chik, given Jax’s reaction to me, and all you’ve told me about what he’s been through… I’d have to agree. May I visit? Only occasionally, mind you. I’d like to still see Noix, even if Jax wants nothing to do with me.” Dax reclined in the chair one hand on his teacup the other scratching a cat under the chin as Noix shut her mouth in an undignified frown.
“Master Dax, I will allow it. I do, however, require advanced notice. Something Noix should remember when inviting strangers into my home. “ Chik’s amber eyes glinted as she gave the goblin a pointed look. Noix covered her face in her hands.
“Damn it to the nether, this is not how it was supposed to go.” She wailed through muffled hands. Dax chuckled as he shook his head, resting a hand on her head.
“Princess, life has a habit of not going the way we want it.” She looked up at him with a melodramatic sigh.
“Very true Master Dax.” Chik’s eyes twinkled. “Now, where would I send letters if I was to correspond with you?” She and Dax both smiled as the old elf pulled out a small notebook. He flipped through pages of notes and scientific plant drawings before tearing out a clean page. Chik had perked up at the sight of his studies and he carefully produced a pencil and carefully wrote out an address. He folded it up and handed it to her with a bow.
“I look forward to your letters, and before I go, may I purchase some of your tea? Specifically the stomach calming blend?” Dax looked hopeful as Chik nodded, Oh yes, she was starting to like this old elf.