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.