Chapter Text
One thing not quite known about the Grand Magister was his affinity for horticulture. He took tremendous pride in the vast garden that encircled his estate. Each plant was hand picked and placed by Belo’vir himself. From the smallest flower to the thriving bushes, each was a craft that he had honed throughout his centuries of life. In another life, Voren’thal frequently wondered if the other man had been a druid or some other natural affinity. He could not remember a time when the others’ garden had so much as a blade of grass out of place.
It was here the two frequently met. The estate was not far from Silvermoon City, nestled neatly between the mountains overlooking The Forbidding Sea. Aside from Belo’vir’s servants and house staff, there was never the stress of prying eyes. Voren’thal himself hardly ever cared to go outside the grand city’s walls but for Belo’vir he would always make that exception. Today would be one of those exceptions as the seer made his way up the winding mountain path on his hawkstrider. Naturally, it would be the gardens that Belo’vir would usher him into once he arrived. In the center of the wondrous and enchanting place would be their destination; a flower and vine lined gazebo tucked quaintly into the direct middle of the property. Within the gazebo was a very generous looking picnic awaiting them.
As Voren’thal took a seat at the table that held their bountiful lunch, the elf would smile to himself as a memory had surfaced as he scanned over the flowers that decorated the gazebo. There was a mixture of arcane roses and fireblossoms, both of which were favored highly by the Grand Magister. As if reading his thoughts, Belo’vir would nudge him from across the table.
“Dozing off on me already?” He teased.
Voren’thal gave a low chuckle. “Not quite yet, unless you start telling me one of your stories about which apprentice in the magisterium almost burned the place down this week. I’m simply lost in thought.”
“I’m sure you could take a certain guess on which one that would be… My protege is a fine young man with undeniable power behind his magic usage… But, Light, does he not know how to reign himself in sometimes. Rommath will be something great one day but I hope he doesn’t scorch the entire city before that happens else he may as well see over the Firelands.” Belo’vir said with a shake of his head. He held a lot of affection for his apprentice despite his constant scolding of the other, almost seeing him like a second son. “What’s on your mind?” He added.
“Mm.” Voren’thal began, spearing a rather tantalizing cube of cheese off of one of the platters set out for them. “I remember this…Brunette boy.-”
“Ah, here we go.”
“Do not interrupt me, Salonar.”
Belo’vir’s smile was wide and affectionate. “Of course, of course, my mistake. Please continue.”
“This brunette boy that plagues me so. He had taken me to these very gardens centuries ago…. Do you remember when you gave me that Starlight rose?” Voren’thal mused as he began to pour himself a cup of tea. The blend this time smelled deliciously of cinnamon and silverleaf and he was sure there was a hint of mint somewhere in there too.
“Here I never took you as a poet, my wonderful spark. I dare say that rhymed… But yes, I remember it fondly actually.” Belo’vir replied. “Do you still have it?”
“I do.” Voren’thal replied. He enjoyed how surprised Belo’vir looked, enjoyed how bashful the Grand Magister seemed to get, and the way he brushed his hair out of his face in a flustered manner. It was so incredibly adorable even after so long, nearly an entire lifetime, his lover would get so red. The memory they shared was one he wouldn’t soon forget. Of a younger Belo’vir showing off his first bloom which had been the Starlight Roses that currently encompassed them. He had gently plucked one from the vines they grew on only to place it behind Voren’thal’s ear. Ever since then, the seer had been completely smitten with his close friend.
“I keep it on my windowsill, with the magic you showed me to keep it intact.”
“You still…Remember all that? Light, that was so long ago!” Belo’vir exclaimed.
“I dare say it’s my most prized possession. Since our duties constantly keep us apart, it is the only thing I can do to wake up with some part of you next to me.”
“My, my. How long has it been since you begged to court me? So much time and you still manage to make me blush so much.”
“Hey I remember equal parts pining back then. Nor did I hear even an ounce of hesitancy when I asked and you agreed.”
Belo’vir’s smile widened at the memory. He took Voren’thal’s hand in his own and gave it a squeeze. “I hope you know I will always wait for you. Time will never diminish the affection I hold for you, my dearest. I am but a portal away.”
“I know.” Voren’thal’s expression softened as he gazed at the chocolate haired man. Unlike his usual preference, he had chosen to wear his hair down today, letting soft brown curls dance around his shoulders. Voren’thal noted he must not be planning to go out much today. How fortunate for him that he managed to find a relaxing day for once. “The same goes for you as well.”
The mage looked at him in a way only a lover could. Pure adoration and love could only be seen in the others’ blue gaze. Both men leaned in to meet the other’s lips in a soft, intimate kiss. “Don’t forget,” Belo’vir said quietly to him as they rested their foreheads against each other for a moment following the kiss. “You promised me you would come in a weeks time. Just for a day.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” Voren’thal said. “I wish there was more time to give.. But alas.”
“Nonsense, I’ll take what I can get.” The other chuckled. “We aren’t the same as we were when we were young. Things are different, we’ve taken on more responsibilities. It is expected we could not be joined at the hip anymore.”
Voren’thal gave a huff of laughter. “This is true. I never could have imagined my days without you by my side though. A shame things didn’t work out in our favor.”
Belo’vir waved a hand dismissively. “As if you’d ever enjoy the mundane palace life. You have never been one to settle in one place for long. How very fitting that you’d go on to mentor the young Sunstrider. It seems you two have a similar spirit.”
“You think so?” Voren’thal raised a snow white brow to him.
“Of course. Kael’thas is just far more loud about his wants and desires but you,” He gestured at Voren’thal, “are far more subtle… But I can see the same drive in your eyes as he carries. You two may have vastly different personalities that often make you clash but you could not have been a better fit for the prince.”
“The same could be said about you and Rommath, could it not? He is more reserved and guarded comparatively but you two share the same antics.”
“Antics?”
“Of course,” Voren’thal stated, “I can remember another certain mage who seemed to have a knack for a stray pyroblast once in awhile. Does he know you are the reason magic lessons require extensive wardings throughout the magisterium? I’m certain if we walked those same halls, that blast mark is still there in the corner of the far hallways.”
“He doesn’t need to know about all that,” Belo’vir laughed. “He thinks too highly of me to believe all that anyways.”
“He doesn’t need to if its the truth.”
“Oh hush you.” Belo’vir scolded, making Voren’thal chuckle again.
“A shame I can’t steal him under my wing less Anasterian has a fit about it. Kael is a spectacular mage, his father is considering sending him to study further under Grand Magus Telestra in Dalaran sometime in the future… I just wish he had more of a focus when I am teaching him. It seems he’s only capable of actually paying attention when Rommath is around.”
“Have you considered perhaps your lessons are…Dare I say, droll?”
“Droll? Me?” Voren’thal feigned a look of hurt as he clutched his chest. “I’d rather sooner you break my heart by saying you no longer love me than say my lessons are droll!”
“Such a fanatic of the dramatic.”
“What were you saying about rhyming earlier?”
“Seems I learned from the best, then, my dearest Voren’thal.” Belo’vir giggled. “I understand though. Rommath is one of my most spectacular apprentices that I’ve taken on in my years. But he seems… very caught up with the prince, it's almost troublesome.”
“That seems very appropriate for the two of them I’d say. They have been inseparable ever since they met it seemed. Does that not remind you of anyone?”
“What are you implying?” Voren’thal asked. He had been suspicious of the two for awhile now, did Belo’vir think the same?
“Don’t be coy, you know what I mean. The two are clearly involved!”
“I’m not so sure,” Voren’thal replied. “I mean, it certainly is obvious the two have feelings towards each other. But I’ve never once heard a term of endearment, or seen them holding hands, or embrace, or anything of the sort. An infatuation perhaps?”
“Voren’thal, my love. Light of my life. My sun and stars.” Belo’vir looked at him squarely in the face. “If you believe it is merely an infatuation, my love you are as blind as you are old.”
“Hey!”
“You do not pay attention to the looks they give each other. The way they speak of one another. One does not need blatant terms of affection to be involved. Not to mention Rommath has always been a severely private person. I’ve only just recently learned of his pedigree after he confided in me in some frustrations he’s been having about the matter. I won’t recall his words as those are sworn to secrecy, I had promised him that. But it is not surprising if Rommath is the one that doesn’t want to bring attention to it.”
“Why would he not?”
“As I said, he is a private person. I’m sure you have seen he doesn’t particularly work well with others. Always a spitfire. He doesn’t want more eyes on him than there already are. So imagine how he would react if everyone knew about he and Prince Kael’s involvement together. The questions they’d ask! I’m sure there would be no shortage of rumors either, we all know how apprentices love to gossip.”
“This is true.” Voren’thal sighed. “I suppose perhaps I just never bothered to look that deeply into it… But I suppose Kael could do worse.”
“What is that supposed to mean? I would remind you, that is my protege you are speaking so lowly of.” Belo’vir stated, as over protective of the young pyromancer as ever.
“Yes, of course, my dear. I don’t mean it like that, just that I figured Kael would be doomed to an arranged marriage at the request of his father the King. Every day that passes I’m surprised it’s not announced.”
“Do you think Anasterian would do that to Kael?”
“It happened to him so I don’t see why he wouldn’t do it to his own son, especially if Kael never chooses a bride.”
“This is concerning. I have not taken this into consideration.” Belo’vir leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin and running his fingers through his beard as he did so. “This can only mean one thing…”
“Ah, no, is this one of your ploys again?” Voren’thal teased, only to be nudged by the other under the table which only made him chuckle.
“Oh shush you.” Belo’vir huffed at him. “I think if the two are cursed to pine for each other forever…Perhaps a little pushing wouldn’t hurt.”
“Belo’vir Salonar.” Voren’thal now raised both brows at him. “Are you suggesting playing matchmaker?”
“Perhaps I am, my spark of life. It would be an honor if I could have you by my side with this endeavor as well.” He held out his hand.
“I never would have guessed you to be one to play Peddlefeet. Would you trade your staff in for a bow and heart shaped arrow as well?”
“I’m serious!” Belo’vir exclaimed.
“Fine, fine. Only because I think their union could be something genuine and spectacular. Something for the history books, just like ours.” Voren’thal would agree, taking Belo’vir’s hand.
“How very romantic of you.” Belo’vir giggled once again. The two shook on their newfound purpose before once more sharing a kiss, this time more brief before returning to their picnic. Their conversation still remained about their apprentices and the antics they had gotten up to since the last time they had managed to have a thorough chat before it would delve to other topics through the course of the afternoon.
The day would end far too quickly for either of their liking. It seemed as if no sooner did Voren’thal arrive did he have to depart despite spending hours at Belo’vir’s estate. A stablehand had fetched the seer’s mount for him. His dearly beloved Grand Magister stood behind and waved at him as he left. This part always hurt the most but at least they would have their day together soon. He looked forward to it and it kept him going for the days to come until then.