What wasn’t visible to the Admiral’s eye was the history that simmered between the two spirits at the docks. It felt like years ago that Lee had made her acquaintance, when she’d sprouted up in the ranks of the Ashvane like a weed. She commanded attention for her beauty, naturally, but moreso in her ruthlessness. She was utilized far more than the brutes of men that the Company employed to pummel down those who couldn’t deliver; no, her methods were much crueler, worming into their ribcage and striking at the heart. When she left, she’d bring with her their possessions, both material and otherwise. Her vexation was so famous, it was the first conclusion one would point to, upon seeing men wandering the port streets without aim.
Despite this, there was no wondering as to how she had earned Lee’s affections. She enthralled him, if only for the fact that he knew she could dismantle him easily — yet she didn’t. She let him be. She let him know her, at least what she bothered to show. He was powerless to deny the pleasure he received from being the envy of other men and women, simply by being in her company.
It had never been affirmed verbally, but public exposure solidified the conclusion of their partnership. Vic didn’t mind the idea of being his, for he turned cheek when she slept in other beds, and she liked having someone near who listened well, but kept quiet. He was an expert at minding his business. Together, they were able to exist as two separate entities rather than one; such often dealt the killing blow to her relationships, when the other started to blend into her own being, or attempted to suck her into theirs.
They’d been together more than a year by the time she left town. There was not much sadness in the separation — after all, they’d been a loveless coupling. But there was a mutual respect, one that bound them as friends, or at the least, coworkers. His affections had never quite died. If she called for him, he would come. He knew it just as well as she did.
Here they were in Stormwind. With the Azerite trade dwindling, Lee was pressed for cash, which strained his ability to be her errand boy. Fortunately, they were always able to come up with something when they put their heads together.
Victoria passed for her mother’s kin well enough to walk about Orgrimmar freely. It hadn’t taken much poking around the city, including the outside of it, to realize that Alliance ships were leaving the area with more than they’d arrived with.
“Gold?” Lee was initially unconvinced. “How are ye sure?”
“Saw it myself.” Vic hummed, shielding her joint from the winter winds which lashed about their forms. The breeze coming off the water at the Stormwind Harbor was especially chilled. “Must be some agreement, hm? I imagine that the boy king’s men weren’t particularly thrilled about helping the enemy. Peace doesn’t line pockets.”
Lee set his jaw, glancing over to the merchant ship that Vic had pointed out. “Don’ look military.”
“Probably isn’t. That would be too obvious.” She lowered her joint, laying her snake-like gaze upon him, eyes narrowed. “Fifty split, Mainsworth. I would estimate an amount much higher than a few months wages.”
He tilted his head from side to side, bare arms crossing against the wind. He didn’t seem to mind the fact that he was dressed poorly for the shift in weather. “Wot do you need me fer.”
“Backup.” She responded plainly enough. “A man guards the hold, I’d prefer him out of the way. I haven’t seen any other crew, but there could be. Not to mention that ships around here have guns.”
“Unused, I’d bet.” He’d hum. “They’s all settlin in fer winter. Sittin’ ducks.”
It was then that the Admiral arrived, cutting their conversation short — though, an unspoken arrangement had already been reached. Whilst they headed off, she noticed that Alexa made for the ship in question, though elected not to mention such to her company.
