3-20

Three days later, Bossia and Bassario went to Marlis's office to announce their intention to leave. Marlis looked at them both and then lowered the finger that had been hovering an inch above the table.

"This isn't an easy decision," he said. "I've heard many people say they want to leave here, but it's another matter when someone actually tells me."

"We won't change our minds," Bossia said.

"I can see that. Let me be honest then; you're mercenaries, and I can't restrict where you go. But if I had the power, I'd order you to stay."

He looked at Bossia as he finished speaking. She remembered what Marlis had told her alone before the battle of the Zora Hive. He was clearly disappointed with the current developments. This didn't make Bossia feel guilty, but she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Mercenaries could leave Silithus at any time, as long as they weren't on a mission or in trouble, but no one would do so alone—it was too dangerous. They had to seek Marlis's help.

"There are two ways," Marlis said. "First, you can find enough people to form a group of at least ten, though this is just my suggestion. Second, I can issue a permit for you to leave with the next military withdrawal. The latter can ensure your safety, and I'll definitely give you this opportunity, but it will be at least four months before the next withdrawal."

Bossia was surprised at how quickly Marlis set aside his disappointment to provide them with options. Perhaps it was due to his work habits, or maybe it was his way of showing appreciation and concern for them. He got straight to the point so quickly that she didn't know how to respond.

"We'll discuss it," Bassario said to Marlis.

"Talk it over. Ultimately, it's your decision. If you don't want to use the first method or can't find enough people, let me know before the withdrawal begins."

"Thanks," Bassario said, patting Bossia, who was lost in thought, on the back as they prepared to leave the office.

"Wait," Marlis said. "There's actually a third option, though it might not align with your plans for the future. The operations against the Zora Hive have been successful, which is why we're reducing the garrison. This has led to another development. High-ranking officials will be inspecting, and they want me to recommend outstanding and upright mercenaries for positions in the military. I can't guarantee the reliability of this, but since it's the first time, they shouldn't treat my recommendations poorly. They're trying to convey that the fight against the Qiraji transcends race and faction. I haven't announced this yet... honestly, I don't plan to until I see results. You two are the first to hear about it among the mercenaries."

"You want to recommend us?" Bassario asked.

"Of course, that was my plan all along."

"You said earlier that if you could, you'd order us to stay. Isn't this contradictory?"

"No, it's quite different. Serving in the military offers a more stable path than leaving as nameless mercenaries... unless you prefer the dangerous, tumultuous life of a mercenary after leaving Silithus." Marlis smiled unexpectedly. "Don't young couples hope for a stable life? By Night Elf standards, I'm not young, but I've had to consider such things. Make the right decision while you can. This goes beyond my duty, so once you leave this room, forget you heard it from me."

After leaving the office, Bossia walked slightly behind Bassario, head down and silent.

"What are you thinking?" Bassario asked, stopping.

"He's been too good to us. I wish there was a way to thank him."

"Don't worry about it."

"You're too nonchalant."

"What can I do? I've known him for so long. He never liked mercenaries treating him like a superior. Besides, how many risks has he asked us to take?"

"We were paid for those."

"Just focus on our decision. What do you think?"

"I..." Bossia paused, touching her lips. "If we have to wait... I'm not in a hurry."

"Then we'll wait. There's time."

"Yeah."

In fact, Bassario misunderstood Bossia's meaning again. Finding enough trustworthy mercenaries to travel with was almost impossible—trustworthiness was crucial, and Bossia had heard of companions killing each other for commissions. Waiting for four months wasn't that hard, but willingness to wait and the ability to wait were different. As for Marlis's third option, it wasn't even a consideration for her.

Four months of waiting weren't too difficult. Bossia knew they were in a "honeymoon period," even as Silithus's relentless sands embedded themselves in their skin daily, trying to create friction and discontent. Considering life after leaving Silithus, they still needed to undertake many tasks to earn commissions. The challenges and dangers they faced would, under a calm mindset—primarily Bossia's—create a unique chemistry in their relationship, turning obstacles into a source of special enjoyment. If these only brought fatigue and anxiety, their peaceful time back at the fortress would become even more precious.

When other female mercenaries asked Bossia, "How's Bassario?" she knew what they meant but never answered directly. Partly out of embarrassment, but mostly because she cherished her relationship with Bassario too much to share her feelings with others. The Light didn't particularly emphasize chastity; Bossia remembered Benedictus teaching her not to indulge the body from a moral standpoint. The teachings were vague, never specific about what to do or not to do. "Abandoning bodily restraint degrades the soul," she recalled an awkward phrase. If she had to judge by it, Benedictus had no reason to criticize her actions. The warmth and elevation she felt during their intimate moments were the opposite of degradation. It was a kind of forgiveness for the damage caused by Silithus's harsh environment, a merging of individual consciousness into a shared life. She sometimes imagined slipping into his skin, embracing herself through his hands. The only thing that unsettled Bossia was why she sought leniency from the Light's teachings only in this matter. She eventually tried not to overthink it.

They did talk about the future. Wandering aimlessly after leaving Silithus would be reckless. Bossia was sure they wouldn't entirely follow her route from Stormwind. She emphasized how much she hated Un'Goro Crater, insisting they wouldn't stay there long, and briefly mentioned Tanaris without discussing other places. Starting from Theramore, they'd be too close to her past. She'd seen the calmest seas and the most modest sunrises there, and had grown closest to a family during her travels—

—It would be different if I went with you again.

Bossia didn't plan to risk returning to Theramore, but that promise made it hard to suppress imagining staying in the blue-and-white port with Bassario. She even dreamed about it. Continuously thinking this way was frustrating and even dangerous, so she kept telling herself: There must be a safer, more suitable place in Azeroth for us. We'll find it. There must be. Soon, she realized the most important part of this mental struggle: I want to stay in one place with him. To settle down, not endlessly wander. To stay. To settle. Be stable... with him.

This crucial realization made her anxious because everything was uncertain until they successfully left Silithus. Unknowingly, even joining the regular army became slightly appealing. It was perhaps the most contradictory and chaotic four months of her life: the things that comforted her also worried her, while the harsh realities balanced her confusion. Ultimately, it was four months she didn't want to lose. Every time she looked at Bassario, she was sure of that.

In the period following those four months, several groups would leave Silithus. The inspection and recommendation Marlis mentioned were delayed until after this, leaving Bossia and Bassario with the second option—as expected. Marlis issued them permits, and they could choose which group to follow.

They planned to leave with the first group, but Bassario received a last-minute mission. The fortress's soldiers had to eliminate a Twilight's Hammer cult hideout, and only Bassario had scouted it. Facing Marlis's final request, Bossia couldn't refuse, as she had wanted to repay the commander. She wanted to go along, but Bassario asked her to stay at the fortress. "Get our things ready, so we can leave immediately when I return." Bossia agreed, preparing to wait as calmly as possible.

Before Bassario returned, she heard news just arriving at the fortress: Archbishop Benedictus was critically ill. Some said he had the plague.