An Unwelcome Face

Saveenah sat sipping the last of her tea at a small table that was set outside. The patio where the cafe had set its tables bordered one of Stormwind's famed canals, and Saveenah smiled as she enjoyed the view, making a few more delicate marks on the drawing of the scene she had made in the small journal laid out on the table before her. She bit the end of her quill, looking at the drawing thoughtfully and studying it to ensure that it truly captured the scene she was taking in.

After a moment, she nodded to herself, her hand coming down and expertly placing a few additional marks on the page, neatening the image up as her other hand brought the teacup up for another sip. Just as she finished her latest edits to her art, a shadow fell across her table and she looked up, a mixture of surprise, annoyance, and a half-smile playing across her lips in a moment.

Andissiel Moonblade stood over her, smiling down at her, his shadow blocking some of the good sunlight she had been using to critically examine her work. He had a large canvas sack in his hands, and was dressed in his usual mixture of studded leather and chain armor that always made her crinkle her nose at the noise it made. She did pause for a moment to admire it though; for all its lack of stealth (which he completely didn't realize!) it certainly hugged his muscular form tightly, showing off a physique that would make any mighty warrior proud.

"Saveenah! I've been seeking you in the city for a few hours now," Andissiel said warmly, nodding at her. "May I sit with you for a time?"

Saveenah sighed slightly and nodded, "Yes Andissiel, you may as well make yourself comfortable. I was just about finished with my drawing anyway."

The Kaldorei hunter nodded, shifting out of Saveenah's sunlight and taking a chair from a nearby table, dragging it over to her tiny table and sitting in it backwards. He plopped the canvas sack down on the ground beside him, his unstrung bow scraping against the metal legs of the chair and setting Saveenah's nerves off. She took a deep breath, calming herself and pasting a smile on her face.

Andissiel tilted his head forward, leaning over to study Saveenah's drawing and nodding in appreciation, "You do very good work! You've really captured the beauty of the canals, Savvy. Each time I see what you can do you seem to have improved."

Saveenah found herself actually pleased by this comment and nodded, relaxing slightly with a smile that was a bit more genuine now, "Thank you. I've been trying to make a record of any new places I visit or people I meet. As you can imagine, I've seen very few people in the wilds of Feralas. Coming here has been almost overwhelming."

Andissiel nodded, his gaze going from Saveenah's artwork and slowly crawling up her body until it met her eyes, "Yes, everyone's been quite worried about you. After you ran off with your sister, well...no one knew what had become of you and you've not been home in some time."

Saveenah's smiled faded, a frown replacing it. Andissiel had said 'everyone' but the druidess knew full well that he meant her father. Being a close contact and coworker with her father (whatever it was they did!), Andissiel was obviously there to check in on her. Her voice was a bit distant when she replied, with a less friendly tone, "I sent my father a letter informing him that I was going to visit Stormwind before I returned home. He hardly needs to worry as I'm in the middle of a populous, well-defended city that is the heart of the Alliance. I do not need him checking in on me either in person, or through you."

Andissiel frowned, obviously aware that he'd made a misstep. Seeking to correct the situation, his hands came up in a placating fashion and he plastered a smile over his face, "Oh no, it's not like that at all, Savvy! I just happened to be traveling to Stormwind and I'd recently spoken with your father, so I thought I'd come to visit. We all know how capable you are."

Saveenah tilted her head, studying the Kaldorei for a moment as if seeking a lie in his words. Seeing only a smile reflected back at her, she shook her head and sighed, "Good! At some point my father needs to understand that I'm grown up now and do not need him constantly watching over me."

Andissiel grinned, his eyes roaming over the druidess again as he nodded his agreement, "You certainly are. No one doubts that, Savvy. I really just wanted to say hello, let you know I was in the city, and offer to help out a bit, if you don't mind that is. I've brought a few supplies with me and things from home that I thought you might appreciate; you ran off rather quickly from what I heard."

Saveenah nodded, slowly closing her journal and tucking it back into a pouch along with its quill, "Well...yes, I did! My sister was very upset and she had to leave and I didn't want her to run into trouble."

Andissiel nodded, "It is good that you sought to look after her. You are kind-hearted, Savvy. Your sister has been known for mischief and not everyone would have been so thoughtful. You're really an inspiration."

Saveenah ignored the compliments, studying Andissiel with a keen gaze, "What do you know of Kyliska? Did my father tell you...?"

Andissiel grinned slyly, obviously remembering something that he chose not to share with Saveenah at the moment, instead taking advantage of her verbal opening to dodge the question, "Of course. And it's alright; you need not worry that your secret will be revealed to random strangers. I have sworn an oath to your father that it will remain between us. Consider me as a part of the family in regards to keeping such secrets."

"Alright then," Saveenah said, letting the matter drop. "You said you'd brought things for me? What did you bring?"

Andissiel nodded, bending down to pick up the canvas sack he'd been carrying. He set it on the table, careful to avoid spilling Saveenah's remaining tea as he opened the drawstrings, "Yes, I put together a number of items I thought you might miss while you were here. Some clothes, a few personal items, utensils in the event you decide to stay here for longer than you wish to stay in an inn. Your father also gave me some coin to give you so you won't have to worry over expenses."

Saveenah nodded, leaning forward and digging through the sack, mentally cataloging the items that Andissiel had selected. She pulled out a few items of clothing, holding them up to see what he'd brought of her rather minimal wardrobe. She paused for a moment, one eyebrow perched as she noted he'd brought one of her very worn, threadbare, and downright skimpy dresses as one of the selections. She held the garment up, peering past it at him, "Isn't it a bit cooler here for this type of thing?"

Andissiel grinned, eyeing the dress and quite obviously considering how it would look on her, "Well, in the summer it gets fairly warm and you're extraordinarily beautiful in that one, so I thought you might appreciate having it."

Saveenah felt a blush coming to her cheeks, the deep purple color adorable on her lighter skin, "Well...thank you I suppose!" She quickly stuffed the dress back into the sack, rooting through it and finishing her review of the items he'd brought. The last item within the sack was a bulging coin purse, with a hefty enough weight to tell her that her father had spared no expense to ensure she had coin to survive with.

As she shifted the coins, she also noted a small bit of paper at the bottom of the sack. Reaching in, she picked it up, noting that it was a ticket for passage on one of the ships that regularly departed from Stormwind. Peering at it closely, she saw it was for a vessel due to depart within a week's time back to Darnassus. She felt a stab of irritation pass through her as she realized it was her father again seeking to get her to return home. In a bit of a mood now, she shoved the items back into the sack and yanked the drawstrings closed tightly. She shook her head, trying to banish the thought that Andissiel had come simply to deliver that ticket specifically, "I appreciate you bringing me these items. I'll take them back to my room. I'm sure you have a ton of things to get done since you came here for some purpose, so I don't want to take up your time."

With that, she rose from the table, leaving her tea unfinished. Andissiel rose behind her, his hand coming to pick up the sack from the table, "Oh, sure! Here, I'll help you carry this back to your room before I depart."

Saveenah whirled, jabbing a finger into his armored chest and snatching the canvas bundle from his hands, "I am capable of carrying it myself, thank-you-very-much! I do not need to be coddled or have people checking on me constantly. I can and will take care of myself! Make sure the next time you see my father you tell him that. Good day, Andissiel. I will see you again soon I'm sure."

Andissiel blinked and nodded, his hands held out palm outwards as the petite druidess chewed him out, his voice placating, "Sure, Savvy. Whatever you say!"

Saveenah huffed once and then spun around, walking away with the canvas sack slung over her shoulder. Andissiel smiled, watching the sway of her hips as she walked away, contemplating the feisty personality of the druidess and the way it was not entirely unpleasant to receive a tongue-lashing from her. He sighed once, watching until she had moved out of sight around a corner leading to one of Stormwind's busier avenues.

He shook his head, the smile still on his face as he collected himself and headed the other way. Feh'menthar's daughters were both interesting in their own way, but no one had ever intrigued him as much as Saveenah. One day she would come to appreciate his presence and assistance, he was sure of it. Until then, he'd be sure she was safe and report back to Feh'menthar about the status of his daughter's travels.

One Last Favor

Saveenah tossed and turned in her sleep, her dreams invaded by creeping images of darkness and danger. Unrecognizable faces and sounds assaulted her senses as she felt something spinning quickly out of control. In the darkness of the early morning, she awoke with a start, shooting upright in bed and gasping loudly.

"Savvy..?" Kyliska asked sleepily beside her. "Is something wrong?"

Saveenah panted, the darkness of her dreams pounding at the inside of her skull, something within her screaming at her that it was not a dream, that something was wrong. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes and reaching out around herself, feeling the natural world and, oddly enough, the great amounts of magic that were within Kyslika's home that were also a part of her birthright.

A moment later her eyes snapped open.

"Something is very very wrong. We need to go. Now!" Saveenah shouted, leaping from the bed.

Behind her Kyliska gasped, tumbling out of her side of the giant bed and snatching her sword up from the nightstand beside her. Both elves dashed from the room clad in only their underthings, not even bothering to light a candle as both of them could see fairly decently in the dark. With Saveenah leading, they dashed into the corridor beyond, turning towards the nearest staircase and dashing up the stairs.

Kyliska had a thousand questions in her mind as her sister lead the way into Biara's portion of the tower. The druidess paused for a moment, as if attempting to reach out and sense something. She grimaced and then darted forward again, rounding a corner and skidding to a halt as two of Biara's apprentices straightened and glared at the mostly naked Kaldorei that had suddenly run up to them. They were guarding a pair of double doors that Kyliska knew lead to Biara's conjury beyond, and they stepped in front of it, blocking the path.

"Halt! You will not pass into Lady Dayfire's conjury! Remain where you are so we can summon the guards!" one of them shouted.

Saveenah shook her head, shouting at them, "Hurry! You have to move out of the way before it's too late! Move!"

"Get out of the way you idiots!" Kyliska barked behind her sister.

The two apprentices frowned, shifting their glares to Kyliska now. "We take our orders from Lady Dayfire and-"

"Oh for Elune's sake!" Saveenah cried. Her form shimmered and where she had been standing before was now a huge silver bear. The two apprentices gaped at it, mouths hanging open as it charged at them at full speed.

*********************************************

Within the conjury things had gone downhill swiftly. Biara was in a near panic, all of her magic concentrated on an attempt to close a gaping portal that was shimmering in the middle of the room. Around her, apprentices screamed and cried out as vines, plants, and even leafy creatures lunged from the portal and attempted to impale them, the vines clinging to the edges of the magical opening and preventing her from closing it.

Biara's concentration was momentarily interrupted as the double doors to her conjury burst inward and were ripped from the hinges, the sound of a roaring bear echoing through the room and the unconscious forms of two of her very unlucky apprentices sliding a short distance into the room to lay unmoving on the floor.

A moment later Saveenah ran into the room in her underwear, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the plants assaulting everyone within the chamber. Kyliska followed after her, smirking at the fallen apprentices, a sword in her hand even though she too was in her undergarments.

"You need to get out of here now!" Biara shouted, still directing the flow of magic. "Two of my idiot apprentices opened a portal to the Everbloom in this chamber! It's all I can do to stop it from ripping open further! Get out and get help!"

Behind the Magistrix a vine lashed out, impaling one of the Sin'dorei apprentices that had been aiding her. The Magistrix grew pale as the strain of holding more of the magic was transferred to her, and she fell silent as she struggled.

Saveenah shook her head, stepping forward defiantly, her hands coming up and her voice humming a beautiful, wordless tune as she brought her power to focus. Instantly several of the vines that had been lashing out within the room fell still and slid to the floor, the apprentices they had been attempting to slay breathing a sigh of relief as they turned to aid Biara in her spell.

More vines lashed out, emerging from the portal and attempting to strike Saveenah, as if the plants somehow sensed what she was doing. She idly stepped aside, the thrashing tendrils becoming calm as they neared her and still. Leaves rained down around the portal's edges as she focused her energies in an attempt to aid the Magistrix.

The portal bubbled forward again, a form emerging from it that looked like a cross between a humanoid and a plant. The creature paused, gaining its bearings and instantly affixing an amber-glowing gaze upon the druidess. The Botani hissed, bringing its branch-hands up and directing its power at Saveenah.

Instantly a hundred vines shot from the portal and hurtled towards the druidess. It was all Kyliska could do to curse and leap aside as they enshrouded her sister in a writhing mass of thorn-covered plant life. Cursing again, Kyliska jumped back to her feet and hovered around the edges of the mass of vines, hesitant to chop at them lest she hit her sister.

From within, Saveenah's humming could be heard again, and the vines became more frenzied as they slowly parted. They surrounded her now, no longer attempting to strangle her but instead lifting her up and supporting her. Saveenah glared at the Botani, her silver eyes glinting as the vines around her bloomed with a thousand flowers, surrounding her head in a heart-shaped halo of beautiful blooms. In that moment, it was clear who was the true master of the natural powers unleashed within the room.

The Botani hissed again, pointing at her and sending a thousand little thorny shards hurtling towards the druidess, intent on impaling her as a podling might. A mighty gust of wind whirled around Saveenah, leaves torn free creating a tempest in front of her. Nearby Biara grit her teeth as she continued to try to regain control over the portal, her dress fluttering in the gale as natural energies collided in the center of the room.

The shards were picked up by the wind and dashed against the ceiling and floor, harmlessly bouncing and coming to rest. The vines supporting Saveenah gently lowered her to the floor, and she walked barefoot towards the Botani, her silver hair whipping in the wind of her spell. Nearby, one of the windows shattered and more than a dozen birds hurtled into the room, flapping and cawing in the air above the druidess, distracting the Botani and making it take a few hesitant steps back as Saveenah walked towards it with confidence.

In that moment, Kyliska struck, having used the distraction of the battle with her sister and the sudden appearance of the birds to mask her movements. Her sword came down hard, her warcry echoing through the room as she clove the Botani in half. Its dead, vine-covered form slid to the floor and instantly many of the plants within the room became still.

Saveenah sighed, her hands coming up above her and one of the smaller birds in the room alighting on her shoulder as she focused on the portal, encouraging the vines to be still. Her efforts gave Biara the upper hand, and instantly the glowing opening became smaller. As it was compressed, Biara's control over it grew, and it rapidly began to shrink further until it collapsed in on itself.

In the silence that filled the room, Saveenah began to hum again, natural energies flowing from her. Glowing green leaves rained down upon the fallen, and slowly they began to groan and stir as their immediately wounds began to knit closed. It would take more attention for those who had been struck by the vines to recover, but they would live at least.

As Saveenah's hands came down, one of the apprentices pointed at her, his voice harsh, "What is a Kaldorei doing in here?!"

Kyliska lurched towards the Sin'dorei, her hand coming out to jab a finger into his chest, "You shut the fel up! That's my-"

"Contact with the Cenarion Circle," Biara cut in smoothly, placing a hand on Kyliska's shoulder and squeezing it gently in warning. "It was lucky that Kyliska was able to reach her so swiftly, or we all would have been in grave danger of being defeated within our very own estate."

The apprentice frowned but seemed to accept the answer, several others gathering around Biara. One of them in the back of the group shouted, "Why is she naked?"

Biara rolled her eyes, beginning to shoo the apprentices towards the door with some not-so-gentle shoves, "Oh, you know, druids right? They are so silly with their communing with the forest and all that. Why don't the rest of you get to the infirmary and have Kyliska's Blood Knights check you for wounds. Yes, that's it...all of you go now."

One of the apprentices paused in the doorway, stubbornly refusing to leave, "What are you going to do with her?! We can't have a Kaldorei in the middle of Eversong!"

Biara glared, her friendly expression giving way for a moment to the anger lingering underneath, "I'm going to send her back home. I would suggest that you instead consider what I'm going to do to you and the others who foolishly opened that portal without my permission or guidance. Consider that, for a time."

The apprentice blanched and quickly scurried from the room. Biara paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to compose herself before turning towards the others, "Well...I believe thanks are in order, Druidess. You have rendered us a great service this day, and I find myself in your debt now."

Saveenah smiled and shook her head, "It is my duty to keep the natural balance of the world intact. Those...things...do not belong here in your forest and would damage the harmony of Eversong. I'm glad I was able to help in time."

Biara nodded and smiled, "As am I. Unfortunately it appears that your stay here may need to come to an end, lest my apprentices and others become suspicious. I can send you wherever you'd like to go...once you are dressed of course."

Saveenah nodded, "I understand, and I'd like to thank you for letting me stay as long as you have! I will certainly be staying in touch with my sister, so this will not be our last meeting."

Biara paused and surveyed the room, seeing the destruction and the disaster that the druidess had averted with her timely aid. She nodded, "I believe that is the truth. Again, thank you. Come and find me when you are ready, and I shall prepare a portal for you."

As Biara left, Kyliska turned towards her sister, "Do you really have to go? It seems like I just found you and now we'll be apart again."

Saveenah leaned over and gave her sister a hug, carefully avoiding the sap-covered sword still in her hand, "I will never be apart from you again, Kyli. For as long as we both have Mother's necklaces, we will be able to reach one another. My door will always be open for you, and I hope one day that you and I can walk the forests together for a time as I've visited you here. I would like that."

Kyliska smiled, dropping her sword with a clatter as she hugged her sister back, "You know I will come to visit. And you're right, we'll never be apart now. I'm so glad that I found you, Savvy. I love you."

"And I love you, Kyli!" Saveenah said happily, letting her sister go and wiping a tear from her eye. "We will have our entire lives to get to know one another better, I promise you that!"

Kyliska nodded and smiled, "We will! Now let's get you dressed before you head off, yes? I think you've already attracted enough attention if you know what I mean."

Saveenah laughed and nodded, "Yes, you are right. I do not think they wear so little in Stormwind. That is where I wish to go. I will see the city for myself, and learn more about the peoples of this world."

Kyliska hugged her sister again and smiled, "Good! Father will be worried about you, but I think you're making the right choice in exploring the world first. He's kept you there for too long. Go and find who you are, and know I'll be here to support you."

Saveenah nodded, "I will...handle Father. I know that he will be displeased but you are right; it is time to spread my wings. I will return home when the time is right and speak with him. Come, let us get started before we annoy your adopted sister. I have already stretched her hospitality enough I fear!"

Together, hand in hand, the two sisters walked out of the destroyed conjury room and back towards Kyliska's quarters. Although they would soon be apart physically due to the world and its worries, they would never truly be separated again, no matter what.

A Sister's Healing Touch

((This story was co-written with Kyliska and represents a joint project!))

Saveenah yawned, her eyes opening slowly as she awakened, her view taking in the vastness of Kyliska’s personal bedroom and once again roaming over the magnificence that was the ‘palace’ her sister called home. Sleepily, the druidess rolled over in the luxurious bed, the soft down mattress beneath her like nothing she’d ever slept on before. She pushed the silken sheets and blankets off, feeling the magically cooled air of the room and shivering slightly, enjoying the sudden change in temperature.

Kyliska herself was nowhere to be seen, Saveenah’s twin having risen earlier and headed out to attend to some business. She’d left the druidess slumbering peacefully on what was probably the nicest bed that she’d ever slept in. The two twins had shared the bed on the evening immediately following their trip back to Quel’Thalas, and Saveenah had stayed for several days, roaming the sealed off private quarters and upper tower rooms that Biara and Kyliska had reserved for their own personal use.

Everything had been amazing to the druidess! The entire structure was magnificent, and was exactly what she pictured the halls of the ancestors to have looked like before they were ruins in Feralas. Kyliska lived a wonderful life fit for a queen, and Saveenah found herself thoroughly enjoying the experience. That was not to say that Kyliska’s twin was envious however; each of them lived in their own special worlds, and Saveenah often found herself missing the open spaces and wildness of her forest home. She would stay for only a few days longer before departing to return back to Feralas, but she was intent on making the experience count!

She rose from the bed, her bare feet feeling the icy coldness of the marble floor of Kyliska’s room. Saveenah smiled, rising from the bed and walking to a nearby window, drawing the curtains aside and basking in the sunlight that poured in through the opening, her smile as bright as the reflected light. A moment later she turned her head as she heard the doors to Kyliska’s room opening. In the doorway stood a small figure, Biara’s young daughter Astariel standing there and staring.

“You’re a funny color!” Astariel said, happily pointing at the druidess. “And what are you wearing? You don’t have any gold or red on at all!”

Saveenah smiled, nodding at the child, “I know! I’m quite out of place aren’t I? My name is Saveenah, what is yours, child?”

Astariel smiled, walking into the room and gesturing with her hands as she spoke, “I’m Astariel! I live here!”

Saveenah laughed and walked towards the child, bending down to sit on the floor before her so she was on the same level as the young Sin’dorei, “Well it is very nice to meet you, Astariel! I am Kyliska’s sister!”

Astariel giggled and clapped her hands together, “That means you’re my Aunt Saveenah! Yay!” She reached over and hugged the startled druidess, still speaking in a happy tone, “How come I’ve never seen you before?”

Saveenah smiled, her tone warm, “Because I live in a forest far from here, so it is hard to visit! I’m glad that I have been able to for a short time though!”

Astariel looked at her with wide eyes, “Ohhhh, what do you do in the forest?”

Saveenah smiled, “I’m a druidess! I tend to the plants and animals and keep the forest healthy and happy.”

“Can you show me how you do it? I like magic!” Astariel said happily.

Saveenah smiled and reached into a small pouch she carried. She pulled out a small clump of tangled vines with a seed in the center, and held it in her palms. She closed her eyes, sighing softly and the small seed in her hand stirred, slowly growing upwards, tiny leaves beginning to sprout from it and a small flower appearing. Astariel stared with wide eyes, her mouth hanging open in shock as the tiny plant bloomed.

“That is amazing! Can I have it to keep?!” the child said happily.

Saveenah smiled and nodded, reaching out with one hand to take the child’s hand in hers, holding it palm upwards and placing the tiny plant there, “Of course. Make sure you find a good place to plant it. One day it will produce delicious fruit for you to enjoy if you help it get big enough! Find a place with lots of sun and good dirt, okay?”

Astariel squealed in delight, “Oh I will I will! Thank you so much Aunt Saveenah! I’m going to go plant this right now!”

Saveenah smiled, watching as the small child scampered away, holding the plant carefully, her happy calls for her mother echoing through the corridors beyond. As the druidess looked up, she saw Kyliska standing in the doorway, smiling at her and clearly having witnessed the scene.

“I see you met my niece.” Kyliska started. “She is adorable, isn’t she?” Kyliska came into the room and sat down by her sister. “How are you enjoying yourself Savvy? I do hope that you are having a good time. I have loved having you here!”

Saveenah smiled, “Yes it’s been amazing here. I do miss my home of course, and all of the animals and plants. But I’ve also enjoyed seeing your forests here. This is what I was meant to do; find new forests, new wilderness to explore and to help where I can.”

She paused, tilting her head as she studied her sister in the morning light, “Your niece is adorable! I didn’t know that your adopted sister had children. Come to think of it, I never even asked if you did. I’ve seen your mate, and he is...well, you are very lucky I would say! Are you going to have a family soon do you think?”

Kyliska’s happy face changed and a look of sadness replaced it. She stared off into the distance as if lost in thought, and then spoke softly. “Sister, I do not think I am able to have children sadly. It is a long story, but I was once pregnant, with a different lover. We were very much in love, and at first I did not know if I even wanted to have a child. My lifestyle does not really offer a safe environment for a child.” She paused and took a deep breath and began again. “Then I did come to accept the growing life inside of me. I was happy about it. But then something terrible happened. Biara’s mother had cultists rip the baby from my womb with magic. I almost died in the process. But ever since then I have this scar on my stomach and I have this empty feeling inside of me.”

She stood up and walked towards her window to look outside, not wanting to look at her sister, for fear that she might start to cry. “I do not think of it all the time, but in quiet moments or when I am sun bathing and I look down at my scar, it all comes rushing back. That life that I had inside me, that life which never got to actually live. It was taken from me, and I can never have it again. It was ironic, that just as I was accepting of having a child, it was taken from me.”

Saveenah rose, walking up behind her sister and placing a hand on her shoulder, “Oh Kyli, do not be sad, for that is the way of nature sometimes. Life is precious, and sometimes it is regrettably short, but it is never a waste. Your child gave you something, even in the short time he or she was with you. The child gave you hope for the future, and a touch of happiness. I am...startled to hear about Lady Biara’s mother though! Why would anyone do such a thing to you, or to an innocent child?! I hope that she has been brought to justice for this crime!”

Kyliska put her hand over her sister’s and turned to face her. “It was just unfair, and I miss that baby that I never got to raise everyday. Thank-you for your kind words. I suppose I could adopt a baby if I feel like I want one, but it is different than having my own grow inside of me.” A few tears fell down her face and she quickly wiped them away. “And Biara’s mother, that is a whole other story. She hates many people, she is a wraith, I think, I’m not even sure, but she is taken care of for the time being. She did this to me personally because of our mother actually. She knew that our mother was a traitor to our people and she did not care for that. So I guess I had to pay for her sins, with my unborn child.”

“But let us talk about other more happy things! I do not even know if Braeth’el would want children, and I’m just so happy with him, and having met you and all! I’m content, even without a child.”

Saveenah reached out to hug her sister, holding her tightly for a moment. After a moment she held her at arm’s length, studying her face closely, “Kyli, it doesn’t have to be the end of everything just because you lost your first. Your body is an amazing thing and it can rebound from such troubles! Also, I can help you if you’d like! I’m very skilled at healing things connected to nature, such as wounds, poisons, and even fertility. If you want, I can see if I can help you! I would definitely do that for you!”

Kyliska’s face began to brighten. She started to smile. “You…...can do that? I always just thought I could never bear children ever again, I never even thought it was possible to heal that. If you think you can help me I would be in your debt forever!”

Saveenah smiled and nodded, gently taking her sister’s hand and leading her over to the bed, “All things in nature can be healed, except the natural aging process. We are all a part of nature and a part of that cycle. You’re young though, and your body is healthy and whole. For our father’s people, we are only barely adults now, while for our mother’s perhaps we would be somewhat older, but certainly not beyond childbearing!”

She gently placed her hands on Kyliska’s shoulders, encouraging her to lay down on the bed, “Um, I’m going to need you to take your pants off for this, or at least pull them down so I can see the scar!”

Kyliska laughed and laid down onto the bed and removed her pants with ease. “Oh Savvy, you should know that I am not afraid of wearing little clothes. I am not ashamed of my body, even my scar. It just makes me sad sometimes.”

Saveenah nodded, smiling, “I also enjoy being free with what I’m wearing. I understand the humans are very sensitive about this, and didn’t know if it was the same here within these palaces!”

She paused, standing over her half-naked sister, clicking her tongue in thought, “Hmmm, that is a fairly large scar. Were you also stabbed with a weapon, or was it just magic?”

“Yes, it was a magical dagger. I’m not sure of what kind of magic, but it was very painful, and as I mentioned I almost died. Oddly enough Seluna saved me, she wanted me to live knowing my child was gone.”

Saveenah bit her lip, bending down to examine the scar and clicking her tongue again, “Okay, that’s not a problem! I just wanted to know if there was physical and magical damage. It’s important that we heal the womb too if you want to carry safely!”

With that she leaned up again, her hands coming out and hovering over Kyliska’s bare belly. She closed her eyes, humming a sweet song to herself under her breath, natural energies flowing through her and around her. Above Kyliska’s belly a green glow began to appear, twinkles of healing energy dancing in the air and falling all around her like leaves falling from branches. A soothing, relaxing feeling flowed through the Sin’dorei as her sister worked, the silver-haired druidess frowning in concentration as she found the work more difficult than she expected.

Panting with exertion, Saveenah’s hand came down, pressed hard against Kyliska’s belly. A stinging pain wracked the Sin’dorei for a moment as her sister seemed to strain, her hand coming up as if tearing something from her flesh. A blackness flowed from her skin, hovering in the air for a moment, a curse placed years ago by the wound almost howling into existence and then shattering as more green magic flowed over it, extinguishing its power forever.

Saveenah gasped with the effort, her hand coming down again and pressing more gently against her sister, a sigh escaping her as healing energy flowed into her belly and womb. The scar on her flesh began to knit tighter and tighter, fading slowly under the druidess’s gentle touch, until it faded away completely along with the last hint of magic. Saveenah sighed in relief, slumping forward and leaning heavily on the bed, “T-that was very difficult..s-she hated you very much…”

Kyliska looked at her sister with pure joy and love in her eyes. “Savvy…..did you…..am I…...healed?” She spoke softly breathing a little heavily, trying to calm down. “Yes she did hate me very much, but you are amazing for what you just did. That was interesting to watch you do that. I hope you are ok……” Kyliska leaned towards Saveenah and kissed her forehead.

Saveenah climbed onto the bed next to her sister, her frayed pants coming up to her mid thigh as she wrapped her arms around Kyliska. She smiled at her, taking her hand and guiding it down to the Sin’dorei’s belly, encouraging her fingers to explore the completely healed, smooth flesh. “I’m okay, don’t worry! I heal wounds like this frequently, although never curses that bad. That was like something one of the ancestors would have placed on their things!”

A noise in the doorway made both elves look up, and Braeth’el stood there, his arms folded across his chest as he leaned against the doorframe, taking in the sight of his half-naked lover and her rather scantily clad sister holding one another on the bed, both of their hands pressed against Kyliska’s bare midsection, “Um...should I come back at another time?” He smirked as he spoke.

Kyliska looked towards Braeth’el and smiled slyly “Oh hello love. My sister here was just helping me with something. She was healing my scar. It was really amazing actually.” She beckoned him to come near the bed. “Come and see!”

Braeth’el grinned, strolling casually across the room to stand at the foot of the bed, looking down at Kyliska’s bare stomach as the two elves removed their hands, studying her tanned and now unscarred flesh closely and nodding in appreciation, “She did a wonderful job. I didn’t know it was possible to heal a wound like that.”

For her part, Saveenah said nothing, merely staring with awe at Braeth’el’s bulging arms, which were clearly showcased by his short sleeved vest he was wearing. After a moment she managed to close her mouth and shook her head, smiling, “Oh yes, I’ve been doing this sort of thing for years! It was difficult though, she was badly cursed by a dark weapon. I’m glad I could help though.”

Braeth’el nodded, his eyes still roaming over Kyliska’s body before he looked up at Kyliska, “I’m glad too. She was already beautiful and you’ve made her even more so, if that was possible.”

Kyliska blushed furiously. For some reason, no matter how many times he complimented her, it still made her blush. “Oh Brae, that is so sweet! But Savvy healed more than just my scar. She made it possible for me to bear children again. I was infertile from what Seluna did to me. Savvy has given me the chance to have a family if we so choose to that is.” She studied his face, still unsure if he even would want a family with her. It was a topic that they never discussed.

Braeth’el leaned forward, his hand caressing Kyliska’s face as he stared into her eyes, “I told you I’ve wanted to settle down. This is wonderful news and also an unexpected gift to both of us. When the time is right, we will have that family I promise you that.”

Beside him, Saveenah clasped her hands together and pressed them against her cheek, a light , “Awwwwwwww!” escaping her as Braeth’el spoke.

Kyliska laughed and stood up so she could kiss Braeth’el. “I am so glad you feel the same way! I am just so grateful to Savvy here for making that possible for us.” She then turned to Saveenah and hugged her tightly. “I am in your debt sister. You have made me so happy in doing this! I just hope I can find a way to repay you for your kindness!”

Saveenah squealed as she was hugged, wrapping her arms around her sister for a moment also, “You don’t owe me anything silly! This is the kind of work I do in the forest. I’m just glad I was here to help with this. I never thought I’d be able to help you like this.”

Saveenah smiled as Braeth’el came up behind Kyliska, wrapping his arms around her and then sweeping her from the bed and into his arms, laughing at the two, “I’m glad too. Like I said, this was an unexpected gift.” He stared into Kyliska’s eyes with a hint of passion on his face, and then nodded at Saveenah and smiled.

The druidess grinned, slowly inching off the bed, sensing that her work there was done. She stood near the bed, sounding happy, “Well, I will let you two enjoy the day then! I want to explore just a bit more before I have to go back to father!”

Kyliska tore her gaze away from Braeth’el for a moment to look to Saveenah. “Thank-you again sister! Please feel free to explore the Estate, there are safe places where no one will find you, I made sure of that. Even in the nearby woods are very private. And if you do go back to Father, please be careful, he might be upset with you and me both, I just want you safe!” Kyliska started to giggle as Braeth’el began to kiss her neck.

Saveenah smiled happily, waving a hand at her sister, “Oh don’t worry! I know how to handle father! He will just assume I’ve been on one of my trips into the forest and that is why I didn’t return after you left. If he’s even there anymore!”

With that she cast one last glance at the ruggedly handsome Braeth’el as he tossed her sister onto the bed and then spun on her bare feet and quickly made her way to the door, a smile on her face. She was happy she was able to help her sister with her love life, and helping people was more than just her work it was her passion. As Kyliska’s giggling echoed from the room behind her Saveenah slipped out of the door, closing it quietly behind her, a smile on her face.

There was much yet to explore and only a little time left to do so! But first, she was going to go find herself some breakfast!

The Bonds of Family

((This story was co-written with Kyliska over a number of days and represents a joint effort!))

Kyliska looked around nervously. She wore her battle armor and had her sword with her just in case she would need it. Going into enemy territory was always a concern, even though the Horde was not technically at war with the Alliance. She was still nervous, but not being in Alliance territory, she had done that many times and that usually gave her a thrill. This time was different. She was about to meet her biological father and see her twin sister again.

She had met Saveenah one time briefly. This time would be different. They would have time to talk and get to know one another. Kyli was not nervous as much to meet her sister it was her father that caused her worry. She was not sure what he would have to say to her. What could he really? He had an affair with her mother, then took her twin sister and left them. She never saw him again. Up until recently she never even knew her true heritage.

Kyliska sighed as she thought about Braeth'el and how worried he was about her going to meet her father and sister. She promised she would contact him to let him know she was safe. It was a tricky situation to say the least. Kyli wanted answers. That was the main reason she wanted to do this. After that she didn't care if she ever saw her father again. She could finally voice some of her mixed emotions she felt towards her mother at her father. After finding out her true heritage and that her mother was a traitor to their people, Kyli was infuriated.

As she made her way through the woods of Feralas, she came upon a small cottage. Smoke was coming out of the chimney. Someone was home. This was where she was told to meet them. Now her nerves were about to overtake her. She took a deep breath and walked towards the cottage.

As Kyliska approached the cottage, a short night elf bounded out of the front door, a broad smile on her face as she paused a few feet from the approaching blood knight. Saveenah practically bounced in place she was so joyful, and she shifted her weight from one foot to the other anxiously. Dressed in a tattered, homespun dress that had seen better days and with flowers woven into her hair, she attempted to dip down into what she likely thought was a courtly and proper curtsey before the other elf.

“Kyliska! Welcome to our home! I’m so happy that you’ve come to visit! I’ve set everything up so you will be comfy while we all chat!” Saveenah said happily. She rose from her curtsey and gestured grandly towards the humble cottage as if inviting Kyliska into a palace.

Kyliska smiled sweetly at the elf. She had an innocence about her and clearly meant her no harm. Even though Kyli was really only meeting her for the first time she felt a strange connection to her. "Hello Saveenah, it is truly an honor to meet you. I have been waiting for this day for a long time. I am looking forward to getting to know my twin sister!"

Saveenah smiled happily and nodded, guiding Kyliska into the little cottage. Within, there was a single table with a wooden bench on one side and several cut and polished logs that made up additional seats. The table had been set with fine golden dishes and utensils, the expensive looking items out of place in the rustic log cabin. Saveenah gestured to the nicest bench near the table, indicating her sister should sit.

“I have too! You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to really get to talk to you! Father always said that it would be unwise and unsafe to go and find you, but I have always dreamed,” Saveenah said happily. She walked around the table, sinking down into her own seat, the scent of something delicious cooking wafting through the air of the cottage.

“I’ve tried to make everything to suit you! Father said you were a powerful and mighty Lady with her own House just like the ancestors! I hope you like everything!” she beamed happily.

Kyliska sat down and looked around. The house was obviously much smaller than what she was used to but it was nice and well kept. "Oh everything is just fine do not worry. It is true that I am a Lady but I am not as formal as most. I like your house it is adorable!"

Kyliska was starting to relax a bit. She felt there was no immediate threat so she decided to remove her very spiky and dangerous pauldrons and set them on the floor next to her so she could be more comfortable.

Saveenah blushed visibly at the compliment to her house, looking shyly away from her sister for a moment before returning her gaze to her, “I’m so glad you’re happy with everything! I tried my best but Father gave me little advanced notice! I’m also not sure exactly where he is! He said he would return shortly but that was a few hours ago. You must excuse him; he’s often very busy with his work and comes and goes often. I’m sure he knows how important this is though and he’ll be here soon!”

Saveenah trailed off for a moment, seemingly unhappy that their father had not been present to greet her sister. She slipped from her chair, walking to the pot over the hearth and stirring it while talking over her shoulder, “Either way, I’m really happy you are here! I’ve never even met a Lady before! There are none of them out here in the wilds as you can imagine! Well, none living anyway. There’s plenty of ancestor ghosts and statues of ancient ladies within the forests I suppose.”

Kyliska smiled. "Well like I said I'm not a typical Lady as it were so please just be yourself. And that does smell amazing! What are you making?' She paused and before her sister could answer she began again. " You said Father was supposed to be here hours ago? Do you know what his job is? I have much I wish to discuss with him..."

Saveenah smiled, seeming to become more at ease at her sister’s assurances. She held a ladle up from the pot, taking a taste and nodding, “It’s a soup I’m making! I learned it from a Sentinel and it’s been passed down through generations of our people. I hope you like it; it’s one of my favorites.”

She paused, moving away from the pot and returning to the table, taking her seat again, “As for Father, he doesn’t really give me many details about what he does. I used to imagine that he worked for the Sentinels, although they don’t allow men in their ranks which I found out later. He’s always away on business though and doesn’t like to talk much about it. I don’t know if he is sensitive about the Sentinels after his wife left but maybe that is it? He’s usually back within a few days, although sometimes it is weeks.”

Saveenah sighed, looking out the door, “I do wish he would hurry back though. It’s rude to keep you waiting here when you wanted to meet him. Even so, we can make the best of this time together!”

Kyliska looked worried but tried to keep her smile carefree. "Yes our Father has many secrets I am sure. But I will confront him with my concerns when he arrives." She looked to her sister and began again. "I cannot believe we are twins and barely know each other. We seem so different even though I'm sure we have many similarities!"

Saveenah smiled and nodded at Kyliska, “Well, we can change that first part easily enough! I’d love to tell you about everything here! The forests, the ruins around them...everything here has been my life so far. I know every inch of this land and have been everywhere here. There are so many interesting and beautiful places! I’d love to show you some of them after you’ve spoken with Father!”

She paused, studying Kyliska, “Also, please don’t be too harsh with him. I know that you must have a ton of questions, but he’s always been kind to me and looked after me here. He...means well I’m sure, even if he is often busy with his own tasks. I’m sure if you give him a chance he will explain anything you need to know about. At least, I hope he will! You deserve to have your questions answered. And maybe...after you do...maybe you could tell me more about Mother? I...never met her.”

Kyliska tried not to laugh at her sisters statement. "He has a lot of explaining to do. Just think about it Saveenah, he kept us apart for our whole lives! He will give me some lies about how he was protecting us I'm sure but he never tried. He never tried to have us meet in secret. I did not even know of your existence or my true heritage until recently!" Now she was fuming. "I have a lot of hatred for him as well as our mother, the only difference is I cannot confront our mother and ask her why she decided to betray her people. Why she would risk everything, her life was given for it. And what does she have to show for it? Nothing." Kyli was trying to hold back tears and took a few deep breaths.

"I am sorry. I have a lot of pent up emotions about my past. I know you grew up without our mother and for that I am sorry. I did grow up with her and someone who I thought was my father." She paused. "He was indeed a father to me, he thought I was his as well. I just do not know why my true father, OUR father did not ever try to see me."

Saveenah looked horrified at her sister’s words, a hand coming to her mouth and trembling as her ears wilted, “O-oh Kyli, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you! Oh heavens this is terrible.”

She rose from her seat, walking shakily over to the hearth and snagging a pot that had been set in the embers. She picked it up carefully, carrying it back to the table and pouring some into a cup on each side of the table, “Here, this is an herbal tea that I’ve been making for years, it should help to soothe your...our...nerves a bit. I didn’t know how hard this was for you! I have asked so many of the same questions over the years. I’ve doubted, wondering if my mother ever truly cared for me as my father did. Wondering if I would ever see anything more of her than this necklace she left for me.”

Saveenah paused, returning to her seat and sipping her cup, the gaze of her silver eyes distant for a moment, “I have found that if you hold onto hate and negativity like this, it eats at you. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way from seeing the tormented souls of our ancestors in the ruins all around. It is perhaps good that you came before father returned, because letting this out now will allow you to talk to him with a clear head and ask those things you most need to know.”

Kyliska slowly took the tea and sipped it. She seemed to calm down slightly. "The tea helps thank you. I am sorry for reacting like that. I tend to let my emotions get the better of me. Ever since mother was murdered I carried around a lot of hate. Actually it was after the scourge invaded and my father, I mean Kelthias died. Then watching mother die it ignited such hatred in me."

Kyliska took another long sip of tea seeming lost in thought. "She also gave me a necklace Saveenah. Through that necklace is how I learned of my true heritage, and of you. I am surprised and actually pleased that you have one as well. That shows that she did care for you. I am still unsure why our parents did not try to have us meet...."

Saveenah shrugged, shifting in her chair and bringing her knees to her chest, “I’m not sure! Father never really wanted me leaving this area honestly. I think he has been afraid of what would happen if I went off and tried to find you, or perhaps afraid of what people would think if they found out? I’m not sure! I’ve never been treated poorly when I’ve met travelers in this area, as rare as that has been.”

Saveenah giggled and then pointed towards an orb that glowed merrily in the middle of the table. It looked like a candle covered by a globe but it was hard to tell from just the external appearance, “By the way, I know you won’t believe this, but you’re actually understanding me speaking Darnassian! Father thought of everything for this meeting and there is a spell here to help with that. It’s how I understand your language, although if you ask me it sounds a lot like how the ancestors spoke anyway so it’s not really all that different, and neither are we, either from each other or from the rest of our two peoples!”

Kyliska laughed not even realizing that she could understand her sister perfectly. "That is pretty amazing! I did not even think of that! I guess our Father is good for something eh?"

Kyliska calmed down and just looked at Saveenah with pure wonder and love in her eyes. "Savvy, may I call you Savvy? I am so glad we have met and I do hope that we will stay in touch after in speak with Father. I feel a closeness to you that I have never felt before. It must be because we shared a womb. You are my blood. We shall always love one another."

Saveenah smiled broadly at this, the look a beautiful reflection of Kyliska’s own features, “I have wanted to see you for many years. I’d always imagined what it would be like. After Father told me that you were a Lady I was afraid that perhaps you wouldn’t be as happy to meet me and see this place. It is...simple I know for someone of your position but it is what I have. I’m glad to hear you say these things though. It proves to me that Father was wrong with his fears.”

She shook her head and then took another sip of tea, “I’m beginning to think he was wrong about many things. These lands are not the end of existence. I know that the world was hurt by something he called the Cataclysm. I want to see more, to help more, but he insists I stay here.”

Kyliska gasped. "You have never left this place? I cannot even begin to understand that! There is SO much in this world that you must see!" She paused, "And I suppose Father has not kept tabs on me or else he would know more about me." She stopped and then smirked slyly. "Or maybe that is exactly why he never wanted us to meet!" She started to laugh uncontrollably.

"I was an avid fighter against the Alliance for a very long time. But please know that I would NEVER hurt you." She looked down. "I also can be quite brutal when I fight so now I can see why he might have wanted to keep us apart. But he would have to know I would never hurt you!"

Saveenah gave her sister a keen look and shrugged, “The animals in the wild fight each other every day. Fighting, even brutally, is not against our nature so long as it is done for cause or for survival. It is those who kill and enslave for no reason other than the pleasure of it, such as ogres, that are the true evil I’d say.”

She paused for a moment, a thoughtful look crossing her face, “Am I a member of the Alliance? Are you a member of this Horde? We are not what others believe us to be I guess. I don’t see as much importance in these factions as I do the actions we take to mend the world and help others. That is what I spend my time here doing; repairing the damage that this Cataclysm has done to these lands, but I know there is so much more beyond this as you’ve said.”

"I would assume you were a member of the Alliance but since Father has kept you secluded I do not know. Yes those factions were at war for quite some time. And I am glad to see that even in nature animals fight. Maybe it is not such a problem that I do that then!"

Saveenah smiled and nodded at her sister, “It would be silly to try and fight against your nature. Although Father would not appreciate knowing this, I have slipped into the ruins nearby from time to time to fight with the ogres there. I don’t care for ogres. They hurt the forest around them and kill animals for now reason.”

She paused for a time, contemplating her sister with a keen eye. Finally she leaned forward, her voice eager now, “Can you...maybe tell me what it’s like to be a Lady? And about the forests around your home and what everything looks like?”

Kyliska smiled at her sister, also leaning forward, keenly understanding that Saveenah had been trapped in one place for far too long, and that her imagination needed freedom. When she spoke, it was almost in a whisper, her words descriptive and enticing to the druidess, “Oh yes, I can tell you all about that! Let me tell you about how many nice places there are to sunbathe…”

With Saveenah smiling broadly, Kyliska launched into a long description of the forests around Sunfire Estate and her happy memories spent there. The topic changed as time passed, moving on to Braeth’el, her loves, her hopes, her dreams, and the time spent with their mother. Saveenah sat with her knees pressed against her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs, her eyes wide and joyful as she soaked up the tales of faraway lands like a sponge, tears forming in her eyes as Kyliska described their mother.

The two sisters spoke for many hours, both losing track of time as they were lost in the moment of discovering each other and sharing their joys, hopes, dreams, sorrows, and ambitions. As time passed, each came to understand that the other was a counterpart, a missing half that they had never knew they needed.

In the depths of the night, the two elves spoke until exhaustion claimed them, Saveenah moving to a fur rug by the hearth and speaking until she fell asleep, and Kyliska eventually slumping over on the table, cradling her heads in her arms as she slept with a smile on her face, feeling utterly at peace for a time.

****************************************************

Kyliska was startled awake by the sounds of eggs sizzling on a pan, the scent of cooking breakfast a tantalizing treat that brought her to full consciousness. She slowly stirred, lifting her head from her arms, peering around the small cottage’s interior in confusion for a moment, having forgotten where she had been when she fell asleep.

As her eyes came into focus, her gaze fell upon a tall Kaldorei who was stooped over the hearth, busily attending to the task of making the breakfast that had lured her into wakefulness. Of Saveenah there was no sign, and Kyliska assumed that she either had gone into the small room she saw at the rear of the cottage or had already arisen and left.

The elf by the hearth, sensing her movement, paused and turned, his bright amber eyes afixed on her fel green ones. In that moment, Kyliska felt her heart skip a beat as she realized just who it was she was staring at. Feh’menthar had come home at last.

“Greetings, my daughter,” he said kindly, still working on the breakfast. “I trust you slept well. I apologize for being late to our reunion, but I had business to attend to and thought it would be best if you and Saveenah had some time to get to know one another before I interrupted. I have made you some breakfast, and perhaps now you and I can talk as I suspect you have wanted to for some time.”

Kyliska looked at her Father with her mouth slightly agape. For the first time in a long time she could not find the words she was looking for. This was indeed a moment she was waiting for. She shook her head slightly and nodded. "Yes there are many things I wish to speak to you about."

Feh’menthar nodded, taking some eggs from the pan and putting them on a plate before setting it before his daughter at the table. He sat across from her, studying her for a moment, “You look so much like your mother. It amazes me honestly. I will attempt to answer any questions you have, Kyliska. It is the least I can do to satisfy your curiosity.”

Kyliska's face turned slowly into a scowl and she stared hard at him. "Do not mention my mother. I am still coming to grips with all of this. Do you even care that she is no longer with us? Did you stay in contact with her? Did you ever try to see me?" She started to ramble questions at Feh'menthar.

A look of annoyance passed over the Kaldorei’s face for a moment as he gave his daughter a hard look. When he spoke, his tone was gruff, “Of course I care that she is no longer with us. Do you believe that you and your sister were perhaps an accident or some plan that I devised to torment you for years? You were born of a love that I shared with Sassariel that I cannot even describe to you. I have missed her for all these many years since her passing, and I had ways of keeping in touch with her.”

He paused for a moment, sighing and shaking his head, “I wish I could have come to see you, but I think you understand why that was not possible. While you were living the life you were lucky enough to be placed in, contact with me or any hint of my existence would have put you at risk. It would have ripped the life you’d become accustomed to away from you.”

“After...what happened to Quel’Thalas, times were very difficult. Your mother’s people were devastated, and although I knew you lived, I dared not come to those ravaged lands as the political turmoil claimed them. I begged your mother to let me take her away, take you both away from there, but this cottage is all I had to offer and I knew it would be little consolation for all that had been lost,” he said slowly. “Also consider that at that time, you believed that your true father had passed...how could I have inflicted such turmoil on you when you were going through that? It would not have been right.”

Kyliska stated at her Father not sure if she should believe everything he was saying to her. Yes it did seem to make some sense but still. She was brought back years at the mention of Kelthias and all that had happened.

"But you still kept my sister away. I know times were rough and our factions were at war, but you found a way to meet with mother to fall in love with her. Why could you still not meet with her to see me. Weren't you curious about me at all? Fel I did not even know about you until recently. I did not even know I had a twin. How do you think that makes me feel?" She paused. "I think I had a right to know, sooner than when I found out. Kelthias was my true father and always will be, but I still should have known...."

Feh’menthar shook his head, “Think about what you are saying, Kyli. How much less risk is there for me alone to enter enemy territory? And when I met your mother, it was long before the wars of today clouded things. I was...am, something of an oddity amongst my people. I travel, I explore, I press against the unknown. That doesn’t give me the right to put the lives and wellbeing of my daughters at risk though. You were safe where you were, happy. It was not for me to take that from you through carelessness.”

He sighed, looking away for a moment and then rising, fetching himself a mug of coffee using water that was boiling by the fire. He returned to his chair, his gaze fixed on his daughter, “Just because I did not come does not mean I did not care for you or think about you. Your mother kept me up to date on how your life was going. I do regret that I had to keep you from your sister, but imagine the danger to her if she had gone to see you. You’ve met her. She is curious, joyful, playful. The dangers wouldn’t deter her or be something she’d consider. I had to do what was necessary to keep both of you safe.”

"But if I had known sooner of her existence I could have come to see her maybe, I do not know. I just feel like you and Mother didn't try hard enough. I am not saying I did not have a good life, because I did and I loved Kelthias with all of my heart. Did he even know I was not his?" She asked not sure if she was asking herself or Feh'menthar. "I just feel so out of sorts. It was such a huge shock to find out the truth of my heritage. Everything that I thought I knew was a lie. I have to lie to everyone because who knows what they would do if they found out. You and mother were selfish with that. You should have taken us both right when we were born." Kyliska's anger began to turn to sadness as she tried to hold back her tears.

Feh’menthar sighed, “It would not have been possible, Kyliska. It was only recently that any Highborne were allowed back in Darnassus. Imagine then, what would happen if I had brought a Quel’dorei baby back to our lands? The penalty for meddling with the arcane was and still is death. Some have been excused as of late, and things are changing now, but then? You’d have been put to death and I and your mother along with you. It was for the best.”

He paused, studying his daughter, “Things are different now though. While you have fought with the Horde, none here would know of that. We have an opportunity to start anew, to learn of each other anew and perhaps to enjoy what was taken from us by these circumstances. Think on this for a time, my daughter. Understand that your life will be longer than your peers, and that here you will find others to share it with. It is one of the reasons why I wanted you to come here. You can learn about us, about your sister, and perhaps find something to cherish here.”

Kyliska stated in disbelief at Feh'menthar. "Are you serious? You wish for me to stay here....with you?" She started to laugh. "I would not fit in here anymore than you would fit in Quel'thalas. You are insane if you think otherwise."

She stood up and went to the door and opened it and started outside. "My place is not here nor would it ever be. I have a good life, one that you made sure I would have. I think I need some air."

Feh’menthar rose, following his daughter out into the peaceful forest beyond, looking at her sternly as she paused. His tone was more scolding now as he addressed Kyliska, “You cannot know how well you would enjoy this life if you don’t even give it a chance. Your sister has been very happy here, and remains a happy and carefree young woman. In contrast, I know from what your mother had told me and from what I’ve heard of Quel’Thalas that your life has been anything but.”

He paused, looking out into the forest beyond, his voice softening, “Look at how beautiful it is here, how peaceful. Here you do not need to worry that you will be attacked, you do not need to fight for your life constantly. There is a peace here that is worth holding onto, if you let it into your heart. Ever since your mother’s passing I have worried over you constantly, worried that something would happen to you as well. In a place like this, those fears fade. At least consider staying for a time; your sister deserves the chance to get to know you as well.”

Kyliska began to pace back and forth and tried not to let herself get too angry. "And I was actually starting to feel sorry for you before. You just want me to stay here. After not seeing me my entire life, now you want to start anew as if nothing has happened?" She stopped and got close to Feh'menthar her rage starting to get the better of her.

“You claim to know of my life. That you have been watching me yet you did not try to meet me. I do not want to hear of your concerns for my safety I would not be any more safe  here and you know that I am an enemy here. And my sister wants nothing more than to Leave this place. She wants to see the world!"

Feh’menthar frowned, folding his arms across his chest and staring down at his daughter, “I do what I must to keep you and your sister safe. While you are an enemy as a Sin’dorei, here that would matter little as these lands are remote and few travelers ever come. In time, you could learn the things your sister knows, and would be accepted. I believe this to be the safest course for you in my heart.”

He shook his head, “As for Saveenah, she knows my wishes in this and respects them as I am her father. She will remain here where she is safe and happy. As my daughter, you too should learn to respect my words and the actions I have taken to ensure your life has been a happy one. I would not have agreed to meet with you or given you this advice if I did not feel it would benefit you. I care about you; you are one of two precious gifts that my beloved Sassariel gave to me in life.”

Kyliska almost spat at her Father. "I am no daughter of yours. If you truly cared you would have come to see me no matter what the danger. I will never listen to you. I have a family at home. An adopted sister that loves me and a man that loves me. I am the Lady Sunfire and I have a life to lead in Quel'thalas. How dare you think I would give all of that up for you, a man who claims to love me when in reality is just trying to control me!"

Kyliska's face was getting redder the more she thought of what he really wanted. To keep her isolated here away from everyone she loved and cared about, away from her responsibilities. She then realized that she had never checked in with Braeth'el, he must be worried sick about her.

"I do not have time for this. I need to go. I will be in touch with Saveenah."

Feh’menthar’s frown deepened and he reached out, grabbing Kyliska by the arm and spinning her around as she tried to leave, “Do not walk away from me like that, we are not through talking yet! You will spend some time here thinking this over, learning about your true heritage. You are not just a Sin’dorei, and you must come to terms with that. I cannot permit you to throw away everything that makes you who you are so callously!”

As Kyliska opened her mouth to respond, a flash of silver appeared from nowhere, a large sabercat landing between the two and snarling. Feh’menthar’s mouth opened in shock as he released Kyliska, falling back and away from her, “Saveenah!”

The cat snarled one more time before it shimmered and shifted, rising up to take the form of Kyliska’s sister standing defiantly between the two. Her voice was stern as she spoke, her finger jabbing at her father, “Enough! I have heard you two speaking out here, and my sister does not wish to stay! You will not force her to remain here against her wishes! She has her own place and does not need to stay within the forest!”

Saveenah took a step back, reaching out to clasp Kyliska’s hand in her own, her gaze locked on her father. As her fingers entwined with Kyliska’s, a strange warmth grew at the necklace clasped at her throat. She blinked in surprise as the world began to spin around her, hearing Kyliska’s cry out as a spell placed many years ago upon Saveenah’s necklace activated at the touch.

The view of the cottage and forest beyond faded in an instant, replaced with a small, luxuriously furnished chamber in an estate far away both in distance and in time. Seated before the two gasping sisters was Sassariel, her face serene as she rose slowly from a chair, the vision of her so real the two felt that they could reach out and touch her.

“My beautiful, beloved daughters,” Sassariel’s image stated. “Long have I prepared for the day when you two would be reunited. Long have I dreamed that our family could be whole. If you are seeing this, then know that the spells I have placed on your necklaces have been activated at last by your contact with one another.”

The image paused, looking at them as if it could actually see them, despite the fact that Sassariel was long dead, “When I look upon you, I see hope and love. I see the bonds of family that passion has wrought for myself and your father. Together, you are blood and family, a strength for one another through any trial. For my entire life, I regretted that we had to separate you for your own safety, but know that you will never be apart again after having found one another.”

“I ask you to set aside the differences that your different lives may have caused you to develop, and to remember always the bond of blood between you. You are both my heart and soul, and though I regretted your separation, I would have repeated the course of my life again in a heartbeat.”

The image paused, smiling at the two and bringing a hand up, more visions swirling in a ball of magic above her palm, “Know that passion is the driving force of our line. Love and devotion, adoration and a driving need for one another have seen us through endless trials through time. Look now upon those who came before you, and know that the fires that drive you both are your very birthright.”

The swirling magic paused, and Kyliska gasped aloud when she saw what the image had to show her. There an ancient Kaldorei labored, panting heavily as she prepared to give birth. The view of the elf was not what made her gasp though, for the elf was holding a friend’s hand with a white knuckled grip as she lay on a divan. The friend leaned forward, clearly visible in the image for a brief moment.

It was Malandrae Moonwhisper.

Kyliska shook her head in denial as the vision of Sassariel spoke, her voice kind, “Kerriel Spellfury, a noble in ancient Azshara’s court and the start of our line. Caught in a tryst with a member of House Moonwhisper, she was cast from the court before the fall of the Highborne long ago. Her passion was her undoing, but also the birth of her family and of our blood.”

Before either elf could react, the vision shifted again, this time showing a group of four elves standing on the shores of some great sea, tears in their eyes as they hugged one another. Two were dressed in the manner of mages, wearing spell components and other items used in spellcasting while the others were dressed in more rustic clothing. As the elves broke apart from their tearful farewell, Sassariel’s voice spoke again, “Dedric and Almariel Spellfury, two who refused to give up the practice of magic and were banished from Kaldorei lands with the other Highborne. Their passion for their craft more powerful than their desire to remain as druids with the other Kaldorei. Perhaps their lives were difficult, but the burning fires within them kept them moving forward.”

A third vision appeared, showing two Quel’dorei meeting secretly in a garden, both of them looking over their shoulders as they rushed towards one another, holding each other and kissing passionately. Sassariel’s voice spoke again softly, “Mestarion Spellfury of House Spellfury and his beloved Lelariel Silverblade of House Silverblade. Two lovers doomed by their passion as their Houses warred with one another, refusing to let each other go even though it would mean the fall of all they knew. They would survive this, their burning love the seed for a renewed House Spellfury and the future of our line.”

The visions swirled, again and again showing Kyliska and Saveenah their ancestors and the stories of love, desire, betrayal, and above all passion that had made them what they were and lead them to that moment in time. As the final vision played out, the two sisters saw Sassariel herself and Feh’menthar kissing in the moonlight beneath the boughs of the trees of Eversong, their love plain to see in their eyes.

“Sassariel Spellfury and Feh’menthar Starfeather,” the image said softly, “Two who loved one another despite it all.” The vision paused, the magic fading as Sassariel looked at her daughters, “Never forget that love has made you what you are. Passion has driven you forward. Believe in yourselves, allow your love to flourish, and above all follow your passions, for though they may lead you into danger, they will always see you through it all. Know that I will always love you, my daughters, and that my thoughts will be with you always. Together you are stronger, and you will find that it will be impossible to separate you both for as long as you possess your necklaces.”

With that, the vision faded away, leaving the two stunned elves standing in the forest, holding hands before Feh’menthar, with no time having passed at all. Saveenah turned to look at Kyliska, tears streaming down her face as she whispered, “Mother….”

Kyliska held on to Saveenah's hands tightly tears also streaming down her face. All of the memories made Kyli's head hurt. Her heart hurt just like it had when her Mother had died in front of her. Seeing her again was both a blessing and a curse. She missed her so much. And to find out that their bloodline was always fueled by passion made Kyli feel a little better. It comforted her to know that how she acted was not against her nature at all. It was literally in her blood to be like that!

"Savvy...that was amazing to see. And to know that we will always be connected now brings so much joy to my heart." She turned to look into her sisters eyes and brought a hand up to her face. A look of pure love on her face as she spoke. "No matter what you are my blood, I will always love you. Mother wanted us to be together and we shall honor that wish!"

Saveenah nodded, reaching over to hug her sister tightly, crying lightly as she did so, “I will never let you go, Kyli. I’m so glad I finally got to see her, even if just for a moment.”

As the two hugged, Feh’menthar cleared his throat, stepping towards them, “I do not know what sorcery has just occurred, but I think it is clear now why you need to stay here Kyliska. Do not throw your sister’s love away.”

Kyliska looked to him. "Oh I will not throw away her love, ever. She is more than my sister she is my twin. Now we will always be able to keep in touch with one another." She returned the hug and then spoke again. "I must contact Braeth'el, he must be so worried about me. We will speak again soon sister, I promise!"

She turned to Feh'menthar and spoke to him. "I would like to say this has been pleasant but it has not. I wish to see my sister again but I do not want to see you. I just need to go back home now."

As Kyliska turned towards Feh’menthar, she saw out of the corner of her eye that there was yet another Kaldorei nearby. This one was very obviously a sentinel and had carefully hidden herself in the bushes nearby, but not so carefully that Kyliska did not spot her eventually.

Feh’menthar had not come alone. Even as Kyliska realized this, he reached out, grabbing her arm again, “No, Kyliska. I cannot let you go yet. You must stay for at least a few days and hear me out. You owe me this much at least as your father.”

“Father!” Saveenah cried out angrily, “Release my sister! This is madness!”

"Let go of me! I am NOT staying! I have heard enough!" She yelled at her Father. She pulled her arm away with force surprising herself as her rage was starting to rise again. Was he going to try to keep her here against her own will and use brute force to do so? "I am no daughter of yours and you cannot force me to stay here against my will. We are done here."

She turned towards the sentinel ready to take her out if need be. Then she suddenly realized that her sword was inside the cottage. It did not matter she would strangle the Kaldorei if she had to. She gave her sister a smile and turned to leave once more, waiting for an attack.

As Kyliska turned, she heard the sound of movement in the bushes around the cottage. Feh’menthar had clearly planned for the eventuality and there were several sentinels beginning to emerge from the foliage. She could see three from her vantage point, all with looks of concern on their faces as they trotted towards the group. It was clear that her violent rejection of Feh’menthar had alerted them and caused them to show themselves. Feh’menthar spoke sternly to his daughter’s back as she tried to walk away, “Kyliska, I do not wish to use force to keep you here, but it is for your own good that you remain! I cannot let you walk blindly back into danger and reject your heritage! You will remain here with myself and your sister and you will learn the ways of our people before you make a decision to leave!”

"The Fel I will!" She screamed as she began to run.

“Kyliska! KYLISKA!” Feh’menthar yelled, shoving Saveenah aside to dash after her. Saveenah tumbled into the grass, her mouth open in shock as her father ran after the fleeing Kyliska.

In a panic, Saveenah’s form shimmered and she turned into a cat, flipping onto her paws and dashing after the fleeing Kyliska as she ran blindly away from the cottage and towards ruins nearby, quickly putting distance between herself and her father and his sentinels.

************************************

As Kyliska ran, she passed through overgrown arches and moved from the lush forest to vine-covered marble ruins. Stones flashed past her as she ran onward, the sounds of her pursuers fading as she lost herself in the Highborne ruins. She brought her hand up, trying to call for Biara only to notice that the gemstone on her bracelet was dull and unresponsive; it was clear some magic was interfering with it.

Lost and afraid, she stumbled to a halt in the middle of an overgrown marble plaza, panting for breath as she tried to regain her bearings. As she came to a halt, she heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching from the ruins around her, and her eyes opened wide in shock as a number of ogres emerged from deeper within the ruins.

“Oh, wat we got here?” one of them rumbled. “Skinny knife-ears looks good to eat!” The other ogres began to laugh as they approached her, clubs in hand.

A look of fear crossed over Kyli's face for a minute and then she smirked at the ogres approaching her. "Oh hello there! I'm a little lost could you show me the way out? I do not want to waste any more time here than I need to it’s quite smelly if you ask me!"

The ogres growled, circling the elf and moving in towards her. As she was preparing to defend herself, it dawned on Kyliska that she still did not have her sword and had just made a rather large group of ogres angry. They grinned at her as they saw her reach back for a weapon that was not there, closing in on her.

In that moment, Saveenah appeared, her cat-body interposing itself between Kyliska and the ogres. She swatted the nearest one, her claws raking its leg and causing it to howl as it fell over backwards, bleeding on the marble floor. The other ogres fell back in fright for a moment, warily eyeing the large cat that padded back and forth in front of Kyliska, still growling at them.

In that moment Kyliska realized she could sense Saveenah’s presence with more than just her eyes. She knew where her sister was, just as she knew her sister had come to these ruins before and hunted the ogres here. It was as if her sister’s emotions were pouring across a link between them, shared thanks to their mother’s magic. She smirked as she felt Saveenah’s rage building, a pounding in her chest equal to anything Kyliska would feel on the battlefield. It was a feral anger directed at beasts that would harm her family, her blood, and Kyliska realized she was just like her twin at heart.

Unfortunately, the ruins were infested with the creatures, and though Saveenah had kept them at bay initially, more began to pour from the recesses of the marble structures. Kyliska felt a thrill of concern coming to her from Saveenah, and then her sister turned and darted at her. In a moment Saveenah’s form had shifted from a hunting cat to that of a stag, and she leapt forward towards Kyliska.

Not fully understanding their link yet, but somehow knowing, Kyliska reached out and grabbed Saveenah’s antlers, swinging her body around and wrapping her arms around the bucking body of the stag, an ogre’s club narrowly missing her as the two darted through the crowd of enemies and further into the rubble. They picked up speed, Kyliska feeling almost a euphoria passing over her from the thrill of the danger they were in, marble columns flashing past in a blur that would result in death with just a single mis-step.

Behind them, ogres dashed after them, howling in anger just like Kyliska’s father had. It made her laugh, and she felt the thrill in Saveenah as well through the link. They darted around one more corner and lurched to the right as they avoided another ogre ambush, Saveenah leaping high over a wall.

And off the edge of a cliff that plunged hundreds of feet down into a raging river far below.

Kyliska howled as the two fell, feeling her sister’s form shifting around her as she plunged towards certain death. She closed her eyes, feeling the wind whip past her and blow her hair and cloak out behind her as she fell, only to gasp a moment later as sharp talons bit into the armored leather straps on her shoulders. In shock Kyliska looked up, only to see Saveenah in bird form desperately flapping to slow her descent.

It was just enough, and as they hit the surface of the water together, Kyliska felt only a mild impact instead of the bone-shattering plunge into blackness that she expected. Raging water flowed around her, and the weight of her armor dragged her towards the bottom. In the blackness she flailed, feeling something...some sort of dolphin?...pushing against her from below, propelling her from the depths.

A moment later Kyliska’s head broke through the surface of the water and she took in a great gasp of air as her sister propelled her towards one of the banks. She reached out, snagging a branch that hung low in the water, managing to get a strong enough grip to pull herself up and out of the raging current behind her.

In a panic Kyliska turned, her hand reaching out and down into the water, her grip meeting Saveenah’s own as she tugged and pulled her exhausted sister up out of the water’s flow, dragging her to safety on the bank. Saveenah collapsed next to her, both elves panting and sputtering from their near death, the cries of ogres far in the distance and far above them, no longer a threat.

For a moment, the two simply laid on the ground, happy to be alive and feeling the after-effects of the near drowning and their escape from their enemies. Dully Kyliska felt warmth against her wrist as her bracelet flared to life, the spells that had kept it suppressed finally far enough away that Biara could find her.

A moment later a hole was torn in time and space as a portal opened beside the two half-drowned elves, Biara stepping from the portal in a rage, magic already on her fingertips and Braeth’el hot on her heels. Biara paused, staring down at the night elf that lay beside Kyliska, her deadly magics prepared to blast the creature to ash.

"No!!!!" Kyliska screamed as she jumped to cover Saveenah's body with her own. "Biara this is my twin Saveenah, please do not hurt her! She saved my life she does not mean us any harm I promise you!"

She was panting, trying to catch her breath. Her heart was racing hoping that Biara heard her in time. She closed her eyes bracing herself for the magic that was about to be released towards her.

Biara gasped and with a look that was something between extreme concentration and a half-dazed look that Kyliska amusingly thought to herself probably was the face she made when having sex, the Magistrix yanked her hands downward, arcane energies sparkling in the air all around her and gradually fading as she dismissed the energies back into the natural leylines around them. She panted for a moment, obviously exhausted from the effort of diverting the spell, looking at Kyliska carefully, “Are you hurt?! What the fel happened?!”

"I am fine sister. I see Brae is with you and must have told you why I am here. Feh'menthar wanted me to stay here and I tried to flee, and then ogres chased us and Savvy saved me!" Kyliska was rambling trying to update her sister as much as she ld.could.

Biara nodded curtly, eyeing the night elf as she rose to her feet. Saveenah stood behind Kyliska, looking timidly at the other Sin’dorei. Biara moved around Kyliska and her fel green eyes met Saveenah’s silver ones. The Magistrix spoke slowly, not sure if the other could understand her, “You...have my thanks. When I could not reach Kyliska with magic...I don’t know what I would do if she were lost.”

Behind her, Braeth’el stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Kyliska, kissing her once and also looking at Saveenah, studying her closely, “You have done us all a great service, druidess. You have my thanks as well.”

Saveenah blushed a deep purple as she was thanked, fully understanding what was being said to her thanks to the necklace she wore. She looked away nervously, taking comfort in the forest around them, “I would never let anything happen to Kyli! You don’t have to thank me! I’m sure she would have been fine even without me because she’s a mighty fighter and Lady, but I’m glad I could help!”

Biara nodded, turning away from Saveenah and looking at Kyliska, “Sister, let’s get out of here. I don’t want to be so close to Kaldorei lands. We can discuss everything that’s happened back home where it is safe.”

Braeth’el nodded, releasing Kyliska and stepping towards the portal, “I agree. This is no place to talk. I suspect that beyond Kaldorei there are other creatures lurking in the forests and ruins here, like those ogres you mentioned. Let’s go home.”

Kyliska nodded to Biara and took Braeth'els hand in her own and squeezed it tightly. 'I am so sorry to worry you both." She started and then looked to Saveenah. "I would love it if you could come back with us, even for a short while. You must get away from Feh'menthar. He is very angry with both of us and I would be worried for your safety."

Biara cut in, looking annoyed, “Absolutely not! We can’t bring a Kaldorei druidess to Quel’Thalas! Kyli, don’t be crazy, it would be a massive risk!”

Behind her, Saveenah looked both hopeful and anxious at the same time. Kyliska could tell she would adore seeing how a ‘Lady’ lived, but at the same time was nervous about Biara’s reaction. She hugged herself, watching the exchange quietly.

Kyliska took a step closer to Biara. "Sister I know how you feel and if this was anyone else I would fully agree. But she is my twin sister. It would only be for a few days and I will be with her every second to make sure nothing goes wrong. Sunfire Estate is secluded in the woods. It will be alright for a few days."

Biara paused, considering the matter for a moment, eyeing the night elf skeptically and glancing at Braeth’el. She shook her head, her tone more calm, “I’m sorry, Kyli. I just don’t think it is a good idea. She doesn’t belong in Quel’Thalas. I’m sure she’ll be safe...here…” She trailed off, looking at the forest around them and shrugging.

Kyliska spoke, her tone more stern now. "Biara I did not want to pull rank but I will. You have made me the Lady Sunfire and I demand that Saveenah come with us, if she wants to that is." She turned to look at Saveenah. "Would that interest you Savvy?"

Saveenah looked like the happiest person ever seen in that moment, clapping her hands together and nodding, “I would love to see your home! I’ve dreamed about it! It would be amazing!”

Biara rolled her eyes, shaking her head and sighing, “No good will come of this, but I suppose we owe her given that she has aided you. She’s also part Quel’dorei, so...I guess it is acceptable. Just keep her presence hidden, and do not allow her anywhere that she might be seen and identified as part of our house, and for the love of the Sunwell do not tell the Felo’melorns!” With that Biara turned and headed towards her glowing portal, passing through it and out of the forest without another word.

Kyliska laughed. "I’m sorry Savvy my other sister can be a little dramatic at times!" She then turned to Braeth'el and smiled sweetly. "Love, I do hope you are ok with this as well? We will keep her safe I assure you."

Braeth’el eyed the rather pretty looking druidess over and shrugged, “If it makes you happy it’s fine. As your sister said though, let’s not let anyone know about this alright? I suggest we keep it quiet, and the visit to no longer than a week, hmm?”

"Of course! I just want to show Savvy how we live. She has only known these woods and I think it would be good to get her away from Father. I do not feel like it is safe here for her anymore." She turned to Saveenah and took her hand. "Come sister let me show you how I live since you were so kind to show me your home."

Saveenah smiled happily, squeezing her sister’s hand as together they walked towards the portal, Braeth’el trailing along behind them and smirking as they practically skipped through the portal and were whisked away to Quel’Thalas.

“This...is going to be an interesting week,” Braeth’el said to the empty woods around him. He smiled and sighed, stepping into the portal and following the elves that had just departed.