“You are most kind, Sir.” Izzi smiled at the Forsaken man who was showing her around. “This city is fascinating! I’ve never seen anything like it!” She looked around at the green canals, the carved stonework, the maze of bridges, and the slow parade of all the people as they made their way around conducting their business.
He grinned at her, amazed at his luck. A pretty girl hanging on his arm, smiling at him, enjoying his company.
“Oooo! What’s that?” Izzi pointed over at the entrance to the Apothecarium.
Belloq was wise enough to realize she did not really want to see what lay down that corridor, lest she lose her desire to be with a Forsaken man. “Oh, nothing interesting. Just some storage rooms. Come, let me buy you some food.” He gently led her to the innkeeper. Izzi looked around as they walked, amazed by all the sites. Belloq smiled at her. “My dear, you are lovely.” His eyes roamed over her form as she craned her neck to see more of the city.
“Oh, thank you, Sir. You are very sweet.” She turned to him and smiled, her eyes twinkling. She had carefully chosen this dress for sightseeing, knowing it would be easy to find an escort if she highlighted her best features. It was low-cut, and gaped open just a smidge when she bowed low, or leaned forward. Not much, just enough to raise interest. She had worked with the tailor for hours, to get it exactly right.
“Please, call me Belloq. You have not used my name once since I introduced myself.” His brow furrowed, but the twinkle in his eye told Izzi he was teasing her.
“My apologies.” Izzi bowed low before him. “You are very sweet, Belloq.” She let her tongue linger over the sounds of his voice, stretching it out: Belllll – ock, leaving her lower lip slightly pouty as she closed her mouth.
They made their way back to the canals, and Izzi nibbled her morel that Belloq had given her to try. It looked dry, but was chewy, with a smokey sort of flavor. She enjoyed the taste, and she was hungry, but knew that nibbling was the way to eat in front of a man. Belloq stopped in front of a man selling his wares. Several pieces of jewelry caught Izzi’s eye and her face lit up. “Ooo! Pretty!” She moved forward for a closer look, Belloq right behind her. Her fingers danced over each piece, making appraisals and assessments in the blink of an eye. She stopped over a Malachite pendant. Picking it up, she held it up to her neck, letting the green gem dangle down. Turning to Belloq, she tilted her head and asked, “How does it look?”
His eyes on the gem sparkling on her skin, he smiled broadly. “It’s beautiful on you, Izzi. Would you like it?”
Izzi’s face held surprise, her mouth forming “Oh….” And she let the gem drop just a bit lower. Belloq paid the vendor, and took the necklace from her, his fingers brushing against her skin. “Turn around and I’ll put it on you.” She turned as instructed, lifting up her hair, showing off her long, graceful neck. Belloq’s fingers trembled as he fumbled with the clasp, and Izzi waited patiently. “There,” he said finally, and Izzi turned to face him, her hair still held up in her hands. The green gem nestled in the valley of her breasts, glinting even in the dim light of Undercity.
“You are beautiful,” he said to her, his voice turning husky.
“Oh, Belloq! You really are too kind! How can I ever thank you?” Izzi placed her hands on his chest, and leaned forward, kissing him lightly on the cheek. She took his arm again. “Let’s keep exploring! I love it here!” Belloq showed her the Rogue Quarter, and the Magic Quarter, and then down the corridor to the War Quarter. He introduced her to the various Battlemasters, then pointed out Lady Sylvanas Windrunner. Izzi had heard all about this great leader from her mother, and was delighted to actually see her.
As they headed back to the elevators, Belloq turned to Izzi, his face distressed. “What’s wrong, Belloq?” Izzi placed her hand on his bony chest, and moved closer to him, biting her lip.
“I am terribly sorry, my dear. But I must return to my work. I deeply regret that I must leave you now.” His voice was deep and husky, nearly trembling with emotion.
Izzi pouted slightly. “I understand, Belloq. We all have work that needs to be done.”
He reached out and stroked her cheek. “I hope I will see you again.”
“Oh, yes!” She said, her face brightening. “I would like that very much!”
He stepped onto the elevator slowly, not wanting to leave. Izzi stood, smiling, and waved just before the door closed. Then she skipped off to find the robe vendor they had passed earlier.
