Life Lessons

You never truly forget your first love...

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*Zin-Azshari, long before the Sundering*

A thrill of excitement ran through Kerriel Spellfury as she examined her reflection in the mirror hung in the foyer of the Moonwhisper estate. She'd spent hours obsessing with Malandrae over the perfect dress to wear, the perfect arrangement of her long silver hair, and the perfect makeup to accentuate her features. The beautiful young elf staring back at her with silver eyes in the mirror was exactly what she wanted to be, who she wanted to be for the night.

Beyond the foyer, the murmur of many voices could be heard, the celebration already started. As Kerriel moved further into the interior of the lavish estate, Malandrae's voice cut through the noise of the revelers, her greeting exuberant as it always was, "Kerriel! Kerriel! You've finally arrived! Oh my heavens, you look gorgeous!"

As Kerriel was embraced by her lifelong friend, she smiled to herself, knowing that no matter how nicely she dressed herself, Malandrae would always be more beautiful. The youngest Moonwhisper scion was always the focus of attention, always the one getting love letters from suitors. It didn't bother Kerriel one bit however, because Malandrae was happy and her friend's happiness was like an aura that touched all around her. As they separated, Kerriel's reply was warm, "Not as gorgeous as you, Mal. I just hope that I'm presentable enough beside you!"

"Oh don't be silly, you look amazing. Oh! I totally forgot to tell you! My brother came home early from his trip visiting our outer holdings. He's already arrived for mother's party!," Malandrae said with a smile.

Kerriel felt her face flush deep purple at this, her crush on the eldest Moonwhisper brother a well known secret between them. Before she could respond, Malandrae grabbed her hand, pulling her through the crowd of Highborne elves towards a bar stocked with the most expensive wine that members of Azshara's court could get their hands on. Everywhere Kerriel looked, there was expensive jewelry, fine clothing, and false smiles as games of politics played out even during Viala Moonwhisper's birthday celebration.

After making their way through the crowd with a few murmured greetings, Malandrae parked Kerriel firmly near the bar, gesturing for her to stay put while she went to get them a drink. Kerriel found herself eyeing the crowd with a bit of shyness; although her own family was ranked highly amongst the city's nobility, she was young enough yet that she'd not fully begun to play the political games that were going on all around her. She knew enough not to dare interfere though, and contented herself with watching the gathering while she waited for her friend.

A voice made her turn as her name was spoken aloud, "Kerriel! Malandrae said she'd invited you. I'm so glad you decided to come."

Kerriel's eyes drank in the sight of the speaker, a thrill going up her spine as Ketheran Moonwhisper stepped closer to her, two drinks in his hands. He wore something that resembled a white toga, his powerfully muscled form barely contained within the wrapped cloth. His movements were the very definition of restrained power, and his long, deep blue hair crowed his head and flowed down his back like a mane. As he stepped closer, his smile became all of her world, his deep purple skin and bright amber eyes accentuating the expression. Kerriel was enchanted, completely oblivious to the world for a moment, even to the somewhat envious glares that were shot her way by a few of the other party-goers. Her mouth opened and closed and finally she managed to squeak out a response, "K-ketheran! It's so nice to see you again. You've been gone so long on your journey! Mal and I totally cannot wait to hear about your adventures."

His smile widened, and he leaned forward, handing her one of the wine glasses he was holding. As she reached out to take it, their fingertips touched briefly, sending a thrilling spark through her body. His voice was deep and inviting as he replied, "It is particularly good to see you again I must say. I can honestly say I've missed much since I've been gone. That dress is absolutely lovely on you, Kerriel."

She nearly squeaked in response, the wineglass coming up to her lips as a means to quell her nervousness. His smile never faltered as he brought his own wineglass up, his gaze holding hers in a moment that would electrify her thoughts for days to come.

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

*On the grounds of Moonwhisper Estate, weeks later*

 Kerriel laughed as water rained down on her head, her own hands lashing out and sending magic through the water, causing a small wave to crash down over Malandrae. Her friend laughed hysterically, quickly diving under the water and away from Kerriel. In the distance, their other friends laughed and played within the large bathing pools on House Moonwhisper's expansive grounds.

Malandrae smirked, giving Kerriel a wink before darting away from her through the water and towards their other friends, the embodiment of mischief itself as she moved. Kerriel laughed again, turning around to move into the more shallow side of the pools where a beautiful waterfall rained down in the moonlight. As she turned, she nearly collided with the solid form of Ketheran, who had apparently joined his younger sister and her friends unannounced.

His arms reached out to catch her so as to avoid knocking her over, and for a moment, Kerriel was staring up into his eyes, held in his strong grip, her heart racing in her chest. As he stared down at her, she felt a thrill run through her again as her body reacted before her mind could catch up. Her eyes closed and her head titled back and upwards, her lips meeting his, the gesture returned. It was the most blissful thing that had ever happened to her, the kiss better than she could have even dreamed. She held it, held herself against his half-naked body in the pools, letting it echo endlessly through her, the world around her forgotten as her mind reveled with joy.

He feels the same way!

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*On a balcony of House Spellfury's spire, early dawn. Many months later.*

She'd stayed up late, thinking and experimenting with her magic as she typically did. Her parents had long since retired for the coming day, and she stood on her balcony, her luxurious bedchambers through a pair of curtained double doors behind her. As she stared at the glimmering light of the coming dawn, she heard a noise along the balcony's edge and smiled.

As he always did, Ketheran climbed up to the balcony by means of vines that grew up the spire's side. He grinned as he saw Kerriel, the emotion infectious. She ran to him, wrapping her arms around him, her skirts swirling around their legs as he embraced her. They kissed passionately, their romance a secret held between them for all the time since that day in the pools. After the kiss ended, she leaned her head against his chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat. His arm wrapped around her, holding her as they watched the sunrise together, her hands running across the chiseled muscles of his stomach.

"Ketheran?" she said softly.

"Yes, my Moonlight," he responded quietly.

"I love you," she said, the words almost a soft breath coming from her. It was the first time she'd ever admitted it aloud, but she'd known all along.

"I love you as well, Kerriel Spellfury, now and forever," he replied.

She smiled, wrapping her arms around him again and holding him tight, her heart light and filled with joy as the day's first sunlight crept across the balcony. As the sunlight grew, she felt him shift and she squeaked with amusement as he swept her off her feet and lifted her up. She smiled up at him, her arms wrapped around his neck now as their lips met in a sweet kiss. He grinned at her, the look in his eyes now filled with a more primal urge, a hunger that she felt mirrored in her own soul. She nodded at him softly and winked, and he turned, carrying her from the balcony and towards the open double doors leading into the bedchambers beyond.


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*Three years later, in the forests surrounding House Spellfury's grounds. Full Daytime.*

She trembled, her heart racing in her chest and anxiety clawing at her. The sound of a twig snapping caused her to whirl around, and she exhaled sharply as she saw Ketheran approaching. He'd made the noise on purpose she knew; he would ordinarily have been utterly silent. As he drew nearer, she found her hands clasped together tightly, her long manicured nails almost gouging the palms of her hands.

"Kerriel, I got your message. What's wrong beloved?" Ketheran said in a soft voice. Just his tone and concern set her at east somewhat. Surely he would understand? Surely he would help her?

"K-Ketheran...I-I have something I have to tell you..." Kerriel began slowly, the words choking in her throat. "I-it's not...it's not good. I-I don't know what to do but I have to tell you and I'm so sorry and-"

He silenced her by stepping closer and embracing her, his hands running through her long silver hair, "Shhhh, it's okay Kerri. Just tell me what happened. Whatever it is, we will face it together."

A sob escaped her as she buried her face in his chest, "I'm just afraid you will hate me when I tell you."

"You know I could never do that, my Moonlight," he said softly. "Just tell me."

She took a deep breath, finally summoning the courage to look up at him, her voice still weak, "I...I'm with child, Ketheran. Your child."

His eyes widened for a minute, but he didn't frown or back away, "Are you certain?"

"As certain as the sun will set and a new night will begin. Please...please don't hate me," she begged.

Ketheran sighed and then embraced her, his voice soothing, "I could never hate you, my Moonlight. This will complicate matters as our relationship has not been approved, but we will find a way to work around this."

Relief flowed through Kerriel, and she sighed softly, wrapping her arms around him. He hadn't rejected her. She would survive whatever was to come with him by her side. "I love you so much, Ketheran."

He didn't reply, instead holding her tightly and squeezing her, his hands running through her hair again to soothe her. Around them, the sounds of the forest continued on, oblivious to the drama unfolding.

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

*Seven months later, within Azshara's Court.*

Her head was bowed in shame as she walked the length of the long chamber. Around her there were murmurs from the crowds of elves, much of the noble families of the court having turned out to watch the proceedings. As she passed them, Kerriel could hear their words, even softly spoken.

"Slut."
"Whore of the court, isn't she?"
"Can you imagine? What a little tramp she is."
"It's really unthinkable. I would disavow her if she was my daughter."

The words hurt, but not as much as what had already been done. As she reached the end of the chamber, she looked up at the raised platform where the Magister sat, the elf staring down at her darkly. Her pleas to the Queen had fallen on deaf ears, and her case had been shunted aside and given to a lower ranking Court official to handle. He brought a gavel down, the sound stilling the murmurs that had continued throughout the chamber.

"Kerriel Spellfury, you are brought before this court on charges of slander against a valued member of the Queen's Court. Your foul accusations leveled at an heir of House Moonwhisper have been heard by many and are an insult not only to their line but to the Light of Lights herself. You are to be given one last chance to make amends for your words, before I judge you for your many other offenses. How do you plead?" the Magister asked.

Kerriel's head came up, her silver hair falling around her face as she stared up at him. On either side of him were her accusers, most of House Moonwhisper having turned out for the event. Prominent amongst them was Ketheran and his parents. Her own parents stood off to the side, their gazes not meeting hers as she looked at them pleadingly. She'd been abandoned by all she loved, all perhaps except Malandrae who had refused to come to the proceedings. She cleared her throat, her voice sounding hollow, "Ketheran Moonwhisper is the father of the child I bear. I will not recant my statements."

The crowd of watching nobles broke into loud whispers, rumor and shock passing through them. The presiding Magister had to slam his gavel many times to silence them. When all sound had faded, he glared down at her. Her hands came to  rest on her distended, pregnant belly, her eyes meeting his as he pronounced his judgment, "As you continue to speak lies about the heir of one of the Queen's most trusted allies, your punishment must be severe indeed. For false accusations against House Moonwhisper, you are to be banished from this city as soon as the child is born. You and your heirs shall no longer bask in Her light, and will travel far from this place so as not to insult her with your countenance again. For your transgressions of laying with a commoner, which it has been determined you have done based on Ketheran Moonwhisper's testimony, you are stripped of your rank and titles. Go now and prepare for your exile, and let your downfall be a lesson to all of those who would think to challenge the order of Her Court."

As Kerriel turned and walked away, the murmurs rose up again, the names raining down on her foul and unjust. She held her head high though, not looking at any of them as she walked slowly from that place, as regally as she could in her pregnant state. They were beneath her now, they were the past. Her heart had already been torn out by the betrayal of her beloved, and no punishment could ever compare to the painful lesson she'd just learned.

Two months later she would give birth, with Malandrae Moonwhisper the only one brave enough to stand by her side. A month after that she would walk through the gates of Zin-Azshari for the last time, her newborn baby Elisandrae in her arms, never to step foot in that city again.

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*Current Day, Stormwind.*

Biara shook her head, the memories fading and a frown crossing her features. She sat on one of the new benches within the area of Stormwind where a memorial had been built for the fallen King. Across from where she sat, some distance away, members of the archaeological group she'd joined talked with one another. She watched them for a time, too far away to hear them, her eyes lingering on a tall, masked elf amongst them. He said something and a few of the others laughed, their smiles bringing a half-smile to her own lips for a brief moment.

She rose, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. She watched them for a moment longer, whispering words of magic and slowly fading into the comfort of invisibility, free to walk alone with her thoughts.

Despite all she'd been through, all she'd learned about love, her heart had never died that day in Zin-Azshari. It still beat on, year after year, century after painful century. No matter what she did to make it be still.

Perhaps she was a fool, or maybe it was part of being alive that the harshest lessons never fully touch what is deep within us. Whatever the case, she knew only that her heart would lead her into trouble again, and it was almost thrilling to think that there was nothing she could do to stop it; that there was one little piece of her that was still the young girl of old.

The Keystone

Magical warning glyphs flickered in the air above control stations composed of fel iron and dark magic. Throughout the open space that made up the command bridge of the Legion vessel Bloodspiller there was the stench of acrid smoke that was unrelated to the magic that powered the weapon of war. Demons scrambled to and fro, smaller creatures arguing in foul voices over malfunctioning, fel-infused devices. The entire scene had an air of controlled chaos about it that displeased the Eredar who stood watching it all.

Helnaa was responsible for all of the Bloodspiller. A powerful Eredar in her own right, she'd been honored for her many eons of service to the Legion and for the many innocent souls she'd claimed. Her red skin glistened here and there with bright green fel magic that seeped from her very soul, her burning green eyes almost like flames as a vicious scowl passed over her features. She turned to one of her subordinate felguards, her tone dripping with malice, "Report."

"We've taken heavy damage near our engines and near the nodes that help power our defenses and weapons, Commander," the demon growled. "We have yet to account for all of the damage."

"How did this happen? We opened a portal at random and moved with speed once through it!" Helnaa growled. Her subordinate knew better than to answer the hypothetical question; it was one they were all asking anyway. The second the Bloodspiller had exited through its portal something had gone awry. As if they'd been expected, two massive blasts of arcane energy had struck the exterior of the vessel with pinpoint accuracy, damaging them so heavily that they were forced to land to make repairs. Clearly an ambush, the fact that the vessel was not now under attack by an assault force made little sense. Helnaa had even sent out half of the vessel's compliment of the Legion's finest shock troops to scour the area around their landing site clear of life.

And yet there was nothing. It was all quiet. Too quiet.

"I want the patrols doubled outside. Tell our warlocks to keep watch with the felbats. We need to make repairs and move as quickly as possible," Helnaa growled again. "For every hour we're delayed, I'll flay the skin from one of our engineers until we're airborne again."

Before the felguard could respond, another demon approached, this one a succubus under Helnaa's command. She bowed low, her voice sultry, "My Lady, several of the patrols have not reported in."

"What?! On which side of the vessel? Near the forest?" Helnaa demanded.

"N-no, my Lady," the succubus stuttered. "Inside the Bloodspiller..."

Helnaa's fel-flame eyes widened and she rushed over to the nearest display screen. She spoke a few words of magic and the images it displayed shifted, showing the interior of the Bloodspiller and the patrol routes that she'd assigned. Several of them had stopped, and as Helnaa traced their routes, a pattern emerged. "Demon's blood...the engineering sections..."

Without another word Helnaa turned and dashed out of the control room, her sword already coming free of its sheath. Behind her, demons scurried about, continuing to work on repairing the wounded vessel. Clearly the commander was off to deal with whatever the issue was personally....

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

The two demons were bent over a damaged section of pipes that ran into the Bloodspiller's main engines. Struck by an arcane explosion that had pierced the hull in just the right location, the entire area was a mess and needed to be fixed quickly. As one of the hideous little creatures leaned in closer, he gestured to his companion for a wrench. His face still pressed near the section of the engines he was repairing, he frowned as a wrench was not placed in his clawed hand. With a growl, he turned towards his companion, a curse on his lips. His eyes widened as he came face to face with the pale purple countenance of a night elf, her long silver hair sparkling with magic. She grinned at him once and then an explosion of arcane light rocked the room and he saw no more.

Biara stepped over the fallen demons, her prize in sight. A series of pipes ran into a large fel-infused engine that purred with the infernos of evil magic that powered it. Connected to the entire contraption was a command console, fel-green glyphs glowing over its surfaces. Beyond that, another series of smaller pipes connected to the rear of the rectangular chamber, a clear glass covering protecting a runed green stone that was the heart of the control section. A green stone that was designed to allow the vessel to open portals through the nether, so that the Legion could move its troops quickly.

Biara grinned, moving quickly towards the glass case. Around its base there were a number of wards, and she began to expertly counterspell them one by one, her brows knitted in concentration as she worked. Time was limited, and she had to move fast.

She sensed rather than heard the attack before it reached her, her battle instincts saving her at the last moment as she hurled herself backwards. The Eredar's flaming sword cut a swath through the air where she'd been standing, the large creature looming over her with a growl. The first attack was followed up by a second swing, Helnaa's rage palpable as she assaulted the Highborne.

"You will suffer for all eternity for your audacity, little elf!" she yelled, her sword swinging wildly.

Biara managed to avoid a few more blows, her hands coming up and flinging a spell at the raging demon. The sword arced slightly, deflecting the magic down and into the deck plates of the vessel, Helnaa grinning as she forced Biara back towards the engines with her weapon. "You think to fight me with your magic? I'm made of magic. I am magic, pathetic Highborne. You will learn your place soon enough."

"I don't think so," Biara growled. She hurled another spell, this time not at the demon but instead at the floor near where she stood. The arcane explosion hurled fragments of molten decking all around and forced Helnaa to stumble back. With flicks of her wrists Biara continued the attack, more explosions rocking the vessel's interior and making it impossible for the demon to deflect the magic.

Helnaa howled in rage as she was struck by several pieces of shrapnel, her eyes flaming with magic. In an instant she burst into flames and disappeared, reappearing behind Biara. The Highborne was ready for this trick, her form shimmering as she Blinked across the room and avoided being impaled. Unfortunately for Biara, she was not prepared for Helnaa to be as quick as she was, and the demoness disappeared a second time, reappearing in a burst of flames next to Biara.

Biara desperately hurled herself to the side, the flaming sword's tip scoring a shallow wound on her arm and tearing her clothing open as she narrowly avoided death. She cried out, her free hand coming up to tear away her burning sleeve as she stumbled away from Helnaa. The Eredar continued her advance, grinning now as she blurred and disappeared again, reappearing behind Biara and slamming the Highborne in the back with a cloven hoof.

Biara tumbled forwards, the demon playing with her now as it slapped her with the flat of the sword, the burning weapon singing the fabric on her hip and spinning her as she crashed to the decking. She tried to rise, but Helnaa burst into flames again, reappearing near her and delivering a solid kick to Biara's side. The Highborne fell, gasping for breath as Helnaa continued to kick her over and over again, enjoying the other's discomfort.

"I will make you pay for every moment of my time you've wasted, wretch!" Helnaa growled, delivering more kicks and a few powerful blows with the flat of the sword. Biara was barely conscious now, looking up at the demoness with blood trailing from her nose and mouth. Helnaa merely grinned, kicking her again, "Nothing to say now, have you? We'll fix that soon enough."

She brought her sword up, intent on striking the elf in the head and rendering her unconscious for transport to the prison section of the Bloodspiller. As she brought the weapon up, there was a faint hint of ozone in the air about her. She never felt the arcane blast as it struck her in the back and hurled her across the room. The Eredar slammed into the bulkhead, her sword tumbling from her hands as she crumpled in a heap.

Through blurred vision Biara peered up, seeing a figure walking towards her. Her eyes widened as Malandrae Moonwhisper knelt down next to her, reaching out to wipe away the blood from her mouth. Malandrae's own nose was bleeding, the light purple blood glistening in the light of the fel magic around them, and Biara knew it was not from any wound inflicted on her, but instead from her own internal wounds come to life in this hellish place.

"Oh Kerriel..." Malandrae murmured, holding her friend in her arms. "I'm so sorry. I-I read your journal...your notes. I-I didn't know...I should have a-asked....Oh Eli...they killed Eli. Oh my heavens I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."

Biara felt a stab of sorrow run through her, tears welling up in her eyes as Malandrae held her close, the two weeping together in the middle of one of the Legion's weapons of war. For a long time, she couldn't speak, the emotions too raw in her heart to force any words out. She just held Malandrae, the two friends saying nothing and supporting each other merely with their presence. After a time, Biara was able to choke a few words out, "Shhh, hush Malandrae. It's not your fault. It was never your fault. I never blamed you for any of it."

"I should have been there, Ker-...Biara. I should have been there with you when the Legion came, t-the first time," Malandrae said. "I-I...I can't remember it all, but I know I did something wrong. I should have left with you. It's all gone so wrong. I'm so sorry."

Out of the corner of her eye, Biara saw the Eredar begin to stir, the creature rising to her knees and reaching for her sword. She met Malandrae's gaze, seeing within her eyes the confusion that came with the mental damage that Malandrae had suffered after watching the Legion destroy her home and everything she loved. The cyan-haired Highborne had never recovered, would never recover, thanks to her own subconscious repressing those memories. But sometimes you had to remember, had to face your demons if you were to survive. With agony in her voice, Biara whispered back, "No, Mal. I'm sorry. I should never have let you come here. And I'm sorry for what has to happen now. I will love you forever, even if you hate me when this is over."

With that, Biara reached up and spoke a few simple words of magic, her counterspell touching Malandrae's mind and releasing the arcane wards her own subconscious had built around her memories. The ditzy Highborne rocked back on her heels, her eyes glazing over as a flood of memories rushed through her. A shadow loomed over them, the enraged Eredar having reached them at last. Her sword burst into flames, the blade screaming down towards Malandrae's head, the weapon too fast to avoid.

In the last instant, Biara saw Malandrae's eyes dilate. Her head tilted at an odd angle, and the flaming sword slammed into an invisible barrier of magic that sprang into existence around Malandrae. Unsteadily she rose, her movements almost catlike now as she met Helnaa's fel-flame gaze. When she spoke, it sent a shiver up Biara's spine, the voice one she remembered well from thousands of years before. It was Malandrae, whole and well, speaking as she used to do when she was angry.

"You think your magic a match of mine?" Malandrae purred, her voice dripping with malice. "Your 'legion' was hurled screaming back into the nether thanks to the actions of our people, and you think you alone will challenge me? Here and now?"

Helnaa's eyes widened, her sword lashing out again and again, and slamming into that same barrier. It shimmered around Malandrae, arcane energies building now. Malandrae's hands came down at her sides, arcane energies building there. From her place on the floor, Biara watched with eyes wide as her friend reclaimed her birthright at long last. When Malandrae spoke next, Biara felt chilled to the bone. "House Moonwhisper sends its regards to your master. Let him know that we're coming for him, and all of his little pets."

Malandrae released her spell, and it screamed through the air into Helnaa. The Eredar brought her sword up, but the blade shattered as arcane energies torn through it and the creature behind it. In an instant she was cut to pieces, her soul sent screaming back into the nether to answer to her masters for her failure.

For a moment, the room was filled with utter silence. Malandrae stood over Biara, swaying in place. When she finally looked down at her, their eyes met and Malandrae's next words made Biara's heart ache, "Kerriel, I forgive you. I will always love you as well. We both know you had to do it, even if it hurts. Even if these memories hurt forever, they can't possibly hurt more than your loss. Friends forever."

"Friends forever, Mal," Biara whispered back.

Malandrae reached down, her hand extended to Biara and Biara clasped it, allowing the other to help her up. She was bruised all over and bleeding profusely from the wound on her arm, but she had a task to complete before she was done. She stumbled over to the glass case, finishing the task of removing the wards and scooping up the vessel's keystone.

As she turned, she saw Malandrae standing there, staring blankly at nothing. With a sigh of sorrow, Biara whispered another spell, removing her counterspell from her friend. Deep within Malandrae's mind, her subconcious rose up again to protect itself, blocking off the horrible memories of Zin-azshari's fall with a barrier of arcane energy that the Highborne would never see through. Malandrae's nose began to bleed profusely, but she sighed and her shoulders slumped, as if a weight had been removed from her.

Biara reached out and clasped her hand again, holding it tightly and guiding her confused friend towards the room's door. Before she left, she paused, a foul grin crossing her features as she turned and uttered a few words of magic. Arcane runes appeared across the Bloodspiller's engines, magic beginning to creep across it slowly, the spell beginning to pop and sputter as it met the fel magic there and interacted.

Hand in hand, the two Highborne walked from the chamber as the hull began to crackle with building magic.

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

Captain Richard Benson of Stormwind's guard looked out across the hills of Westfall, watching through a spyglass as the legion vessel sat on the grassy field. He and his men had seen it virtually crash-land about an hour before, and demons had poured out of it, but they seemed to be guarding it rather than attacking anything. The entire thing was odd, but he couldn't get his small scout squad any closer than they were due to the dangerous creatures roaming around it.

As he watched, he frowned, seeing something odd happening along the ship's side. A portal appeared there, two night elves in long dresses appearing beside the vessel. They were holding hands, and walking with confidence right towards the demonic patrols. At this distance, they were like tiny little dolls, but even from where he watched he could sense the magic about the two. Each of them brought their free hand up as demons approached, magic flashing from their fingertips and cutting the creatures down with ease.

Demons fell screaming around them. Others rose up into the air only to have spells slash into them. The entire time, the two elves walked hand in hand away from the legion ship, as if looking for flowers to pick in a field. Captain Benson blinked in surprise a moment later as the vessel behind them exploded, sending fragments of fel-infused wreckage all around. The two elves continued walking, the blastwave making their skirts ruffle aound their ankles and their hair whip about their faces, the silver and cyan colors almost mixing together from the fierce winds.

Demons fled in all directions after the destruction, but the Captain kept his spyglass trained on the two elves until they began to shimmer and suddenly faded from sight, gone elsewhere with magic. He set his spyglass down, shaking his head in shock at the developments, already mentally preparing his report. It seemed someone had taken care of the Legion's assault force here without their need for intervention.

He just wished he knew their names so he could thank them.

Ancient Enemies

*Ashenvale, minor Legion incursion point*

The portal tore a hole in space, fel magics flickering around its exterior circumference as it disgorged the Eredar sorcerer that had opened it. The creature, known as Kornaar, stepped across the charred ground that his magic had devastated and took in his surroundings. He was standing in a small clearing within the mighty forests of Ashenvale, the scene almost disgustingly serene if not for the damage the fel powers unleashed in the region had caused. Kornaar was no fool, and had sent many demons ahead of him prior to his arrival to secure the area. There would be no living thing within a quarter mile of his location, giving him ample time to complete his objective.

He tilted his head, his fel-flame eyes closing as he used other senses to feel out his surroundings. A faint pulse of magic immediately drew his attention, and he began walking eastward away from where his portal had opened. The source of the magic was less than one hundred feet ahead of him, its siren call having caught his attention from another point on Azeroth as the Legion made its advances across all the lands. It had almost been calling his name, the magic within it almost as strong as a summoning spell.

It was a power he'd not felt in many thousands of years; ancient magic employed by those who were once known as the Highborne. His eyes scanned over the surroundings, noting a few broken bits of stone beneath the fallen leaves of the forest. With a grin he knelt down, brushing away centuries of brush and undergrowth to expose the source of the magic. Before him was a perfect stone carving of a rose, the petals glowing slightly with the power that pulsed within. Used by the Highborne as a communication network, he'd long ago figured out the inner workings of such devices and stolen their power. They had also been useful in rooting out those elves who had not so willingly followed their Queen's orders during the Legion's first invasion into Azeroth.

He had not felt one of the artifacts activated in thousands of years. It was curious as to why this one would be active now, particularly when the Legion was rampaging across Azeroth. Perhaps it had activated as a result of the latent magic within it and the sudden influx of demonic energy, but regardless of the reason, it would be his to claim and use to root out even more elves in the present day and age.

As he reached out and was about to touch the object, he heard a shuffling sound in the forest behind him. He rose quickly, whirling towards the source of the sound in alarm; there should be no living thing anywhere near this location! His minions had failed him!

A night elf gracefully slipped from the edge of the forest, her long silver hair almost sparkling in the dim moonlight, her beauty marred only by a scar beneath her right eye. She walked with confidence into the clearing, her gait that of a person taking their time. When she was fully in the clearing she stopped, her hands held out at her sides and her gaze meeting Kornaar's. Her long purple robes fluttered slightly in the breeze passing through the forest, magical sigils flickering on the fabric. For a long moment, demon and Highborne simply stared at one another, no sound passing between them.

"You've come a long way to die, elf!" Kornaar growled finally, unable to remain quiet any longer. "Your soul will be a sweet prize in addition to the artifact."

Biara Spellfury smiled, the wicked look exposing her fangs. When she replied, her tone was filled with malice that set even the demon on edge, her words chilling, "I'm glad you heard the call of my trap. Let us begin then."

Kornaar opened his mouth to respond, but Biara was faster, her hands coming up and magics crackling across her fingertips. The earth around Kornaar exploded as arcane energies were unleashed upon him. Being an Eredar, he was not exactly unprepared although the suddenness of the assault left him reeling and the shockwave of the blast caused him to stumble. Biara immediately followed up with a second attack, her magic coming from her not in chants, but in a dirge that sung of deadly power. Another explosion rocked the ground, and Kornaar found himself struggling to retain his defensive wards.

The demon acted swiftly, his own magic coming to bear and a bolt of felflame hurtling across the space between him and the Highborne. Biara's magic met it mid-way, arcane missiles slamming into felfire and causing a massive explosion that charred the clearing clean of vegetation between them, leaving both staggering and blinking their eyes from the brightness.

Biara's face was set in grim concentration, her magic coming to her hands again. She began another spell, singing the words in the way she used to cast magic long ago, empowering her spell with energies only a Highborne would know how to conjure. Kornaar realized he had finally met a foe that might be actually dangerous enough to kill him, and he resolved to end the fight quickly. He spoke a word of power, his body appearing to burn to ash in mid stride before Biara's startled gaze.

Instantly he reappeared across the clearing, his trick having put him behind Biara. Realizing that he'd moved, she whirled around, but Kornaar was faster, one of his powerful arms coming up and backhanding her across the face, setting her flying away from him. He growled in delight as she was hurtled away, blinking once as some strange magical energy flickered across her body before she hit the ground. He stalked her across the clearing, watching in amusement as she attempted to back away from him from her position on the ground.

"For thousands of years your kind has had the chance to learn enough about our power and this is the best you can do? This is your great struggle?" Kornaar grinned as he leaned over the cowering Highborne. He drew a dagger from his belt, bending down to stare her in the face as he spoke the last words she would ever hear, "How pathetic you are. Maybe when I tear your soul from your body it will be of more use than your current form, elf. Weakness is to be punished."

With that he jammed his dagger down, the magic in it thirsty to drink in the soul of the elf that was foolish enough to challenge him. The blade plunged down into her belly, and then through her belly and into the ground beneath her. For a moment in time, the elf looked up at him, a smiling playing across her lips as she faded away into nothingness, the illusion having been snapped by the blade now buried in the ground.

Kornaar jerked upright as white hot pain crashed through his back, a spellblade plunging out of his chest and sparkling with magic. He felt the bearer haul him upright with the force of the blade, the real Biara having allowed her invisibility spell to fade. She leaned close to him, whispering in his ear as she twisted the knife, magic flooding into his body, "There will most certainly be punishment meted out this day."

Kornaar attempted to summon felflames, intent on killing the treacherous creature that had tricked him. Flames burned in his hands and he growled, prepared to burn them both. Unfortunately he was dealing with someone who had learned of the demons for countless centuries, and who did know what she was doing. A massive blast of arcane energy slammed into his lower body, burning away his legs and hurtling him across the clearing. The force of his landing snapped one of his arms and arcane missiles burned through the second arm, leaving him as a charred torso with the life quickly seeping from it.

Kornaar coughed, fel-tainted blood on his lips as a shadow loomed over him, Biara looking down at him with cold malice in her eyes. Her own lip was bloodied, the deep purple blood a counterpoint to the glow of her eyes. He sneered up at her even as he felt his life fading, his voice weak now, "You cannot stop us. We are the Legion. W-we cannot die. I will return, and when I do, I'll kill you and everyone you've ever loved."

"You've already done that, demon scum. You've taken my Eli from me, and now we're going to talk about your Master for a time," Biara said coldly.

Kornaar laughed, spitting more blood and coughing. He was choking on his own fluids, his demonic essence at its weakest point now, "I hope she suffered in agony, bitch...even now I fade...when next we meet, I'll....rip out....your heart...."

Biara spoke a word and a small portal opened beside her, a staff landing in her outstretched palm. It crackled with magic as she brought it up over her head. Kornaar merely smirked, his voice almost a whisper, "Goodbye, Highborne..."

Biara twisted her hands, and the end of the staff popped open, a dagger-like tip protruding from it. She plunged it down into the demon's chest, magic crackling and howling around him as it found his heart. His eyes widened and an unearthly howl came from his mouth as a crystal on top of the staff began to glow with fel magic. Biara's gaze remained firmly locked on his, her voice filled with hatred as she spoke the last words he would hear, "You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"

Power flared brighter and the demon's soul was sucked from his fading form, entrapped in the crystal on the tip of Biara's staff. The magic within it was very commonplace amongst the Sin'dorei; it was the type they frequently had used to trap demonic essences for later siphoning. It was the simplest of spells for Biara after her long years spent disguised in Quel'Thalas, and Kornaar didn't have a chance as the crystal sealed him within its green embrace permanently.

The body before Biara instantly burst into ash, the magics of the demon fading from the clearing completely. For a moment, all was still and quiet, ashes raining down around Biara like falling snow. She brought the staff before her, gazing into the crystal and seeing dimly the outline of Kornaar, screaming silently within it. She smiled wickedly, walking across the clearing and scooping up the stone rose artifact she had left in the clearing for just this purpose.

Into the lifeless clearing she whispered, her words a promise carried for centuries, "Soon Eli, soon. It will just be a little while longer before all of those responsible for what happened to you pay for what they've done, and then you can rest in peace. And so can I."

She spoke a word of magic and a portal tore open in the space before her. As she stepped through it, her mind was already planning the next stages of her plan. It was time to find someone to help her question a demon in the most unpleasant of ways. She grinned as several names came to mind, disappearing a moment later and leaving the devastated clearing to its silence once more.

The Bloodline

                The forest was darker than any she’d ever seen, the sounds emanating from it somewhat sinister and far less comforting than they’d otherwise normally be. The Twilight Grove in Duskwood was creepy to just about anyone, but to the silver-haired druidess that ventured through the darkened woods the dangers were magnified by her knowledge of the forest and the way it should be responding to her presence. The bushes ruffled, animals made unnatural noises, and a gloom seemed to hug the land that not even the enormous tree deeper within the wooded area could entirely erase.

                Saveenah Starfeather had come to see what there was to see here. No longer restrained by her father’s strict hand, she had set off on an adventure of discovery. Even as a child the petite druidess had enjoyed exploring her home in the wooded places and ancient Highborne ruins of Feralas, but now that she’d grown and finally found some measure of freedom the entire world was open to satisfy her curiosity.

                Despite this, something didn’t sit right with Saveenah, and she paused frequently as she wandered through the shadowed wooded areas, often stopping to listen for long, silent periods of time. It was not just the forest, it was something else that was bothering her, and a smirk played whimsically across Saveenah’s lips as she considered in disbelief what she had come to realize; someone was trying to follow her, a druidess, through the forest and thought they were being exceptionally clever about it.

                With this realization in mind, it was not hard for Saveenah to prepare a little trap. Quickly scrambling through a jumble of tumbled Highborne ruins, her form shimmered and changed, turning into a cat and darting forward into the heavier underbrush ahead. As soon as she was concealed within the thick branches and leaves, she turned and doubled back, climbing a tree with her cat claws and taking a position in a high branch that overlooked a clearing just beyond the thicket she’d entered. Her form shimmered again, and she watched in her night elven form as a figure emerged from the bushes, clearly having been following her.

                Tight leather armor hugged the muscular, tanned form of a Sin’dorei as he passed within view. Short cropped blonde hair capped his head, and a brace of daggers rode at his hip. Saveenah admired him for a moment from behind; he was a beautiful specimen of a male Sin’dorei and it was not until her gaze had lingered on him a moment longer that she realized he was familiar to her. She breathed a sigh of relief, jumping from the branch and landing softly behind him.

                As expected, even this slight movement and sound caused him to whirl around, a dagger in each hand and his fel-green eyes meeting hers. For a moment tension crackled between them and then the figure relaxed slightly, breathing out and saying her name at the same time, “Saveenah…”

                “Braeth’el!” Saveenah said warmly. “Of all of the people who would be stalking me through a forest, you would have been the last that I’d have guessed it would be. This must be extremely important for you to have come all of this way just to locate me.”

                Braeth’el nodded, a smile playing across his face briefly as he sheathed his weapons. He spread his hands wide in a gesture of peace as he replied, “It is very important. It has to do with your sister and events that have transpired recently at her home. I need you to come with me and answer some questions. Maybe even talk to her about things. I’m…I’m at a loss right now. Things have spun out of control and I need to put the pieces back together quickly for Kyliska’s sake and for the sake of those under my charge. You may be a key piece of that.”

                Saveenah felt her pulse begin to race at Braeth’el’s words. Her sister, Kyliska Sunfire, was her other half. Like night and day, one looked like and lived the life of a Sin’dorei while the other more resembled their father and lived amongst the Kaldorei. Separated at birth, they’d only just learned of each other and only even more recently reconnected. Saveenah knew that Kyliska lived in a world of politics and magic and wonder the likes of which she could not fully comprehend. She also realized how dangerous such a world could be. How could she not? She’d spent her entire childhood amongst the ruins of Highborne who should have known better.

                With only a second of hesitation, Saveenah nodded, stepping towards Braeth’el, “I will come with you. I wouldn’t want Kyli to be in any sort of trouble. You have a way to get back home I’m guessing?”

                Braeth’el nodded, his voice more confident now, “I have a portal spell on a scroll here. We’ll head back now and discuss matters. After you’ve answered a few questions I’ll take you to Kyliska and maybe you can help me once you understand the full extent of the situa-“

                Braeth’el’s sentence was cut off as an arrow sliced through the air. An expert assassin and spy, Braeth’el sensed the attack coming a fraction of a second beforehand. He flipped backwards and away from Saveenah, the projectile flashing between them and embedding itself in the ground, the butt of the arrow quivering. Saveenah gasped, falling back as a second figure dashed into the clearing, hunting spear held in one hand as he ran to meet Braeth’el in combat, the Sin’dorei already back on his feet with daggers in hand.

                The second figure paused only for a brief instant, giving Saveenah just enough of a glimpse of him to understand who else had been predictably stalking her through the forest. Deep blue hair cropped close to the Kaldorei’s head and a familiar, concerned expression met Saveenah’s gaze as Andissiel Moonblade charged towards Braeth’el. Clad in form fitting chain mail armor that hugged his muscles, Andissiel towered over Braeth’el as he reached him. Saveenah heard his voice call out once to her before they began to battle in earnest, “Saveenah! Run!”

                Saveenah’s scowl betrayed the thunderous anger roiling through her as the two powerful men began to do battle over her. Both of them had been trailing her in secret; Braeth’el for his own purposes and Andissiel because he was always watching her due to either his own desires or her father’s endless meddling. That they should both have met at the same time and place showed just how little freedom she actually had in the end.

                Daggers flew outward and were deflected with a deft parry of the spear’s length. The spear tip flashed forward only to be deflected by yet another dagger. Andissiel jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding being stabbed by Braeth’el’s weapon. Seeing an opportunity, Andissiel dropped his spear, grabbing Braeth’el’s wrist and forcing the dagger to drop from his hand. Braeth’el followed up by punching Andissiel in the side, drawing another dagger with his free hand and forcing Andissiel to grapple him in order to avoid being stabbed.

                The two men grunted and struggled, muscles bulging on their arms as they each sought to overpower one another. What Braeth’el lacked in size and height on Andissiel he more than made up for with cunning, forcing the larger Kaldorei to continuously regain his grip with carefully prepared moves. In another time, in a less serious setting, Saveenah might have even enjoyed watching the two men fight one another for her. The fact that they were fighting over possession of her for whatever plot each had in mind diminished such thoughts however, and her voice rang out over their grunting, “Stop it! ENOUGH!”

                Braeth’el grunted, his voice coming out in a gasp as he replied, “Y-you need to come with me. Kyliska…needs you…”

                Andissiel’s voice was equally restrained when he replied, “Y-your father said…can’t let you go back to Quel’Thalas…have to take you home.”

                Tears ran down Saveenah’s face now as two good men did battle for absolutely no sensible purpose before her eyes. She shook her head, her voice nearly hysterical now, “N-no! NO! Leave me ALONE! I’m not going with either of you! I want to walk my own path! I want to leave!”

                Even as her voice rang out, a tingling scent of ozone filled the air before a second later an explosion of arcane energy erupted between Saveenah and the combatants. She was hurled backwards, and Andissiel and Braeth’el were hurled in the opposite direction, separated from one another for a moment as they landed in the leaves of the forest floor.

                Saveenah blinked once in shock, her vision dancing with blinding light for a moment before her eyes came into focus. Before her stood a night elf with long, flowing silver hair, her pose almost regal as she glared down at the two men in the leaves. Her hands settled on her hips, her elegant gown flowing around her ankles and her voice commanding as she spoke, “Saveenah will go with neither of you, and you will not lay a hand on her. Remain where you are lest you force me to hurt you.”

                Braeth’el’s eyes widened for a moment and his voice was a whisper as he replied, “Biara…”

                The figure standing over Saveenah turned towards her, magical barriers flickering into existence around her as she turned her back on the two fallen elves. Her face bore a slight resemblance to Saveenah’s own, except for the scar that marred her right cheek. She reached down, extending a hand to the fallen druidess, her voice soft, “If you wish to leave, Saveenah, I will help you. If you wish to know more, both about what Braeth’el wanted and about who you are, then I will also help you with that. The choice however, is and always will be yours. I will leave if you wish, with or without you.”

                Saveenah paused for a moment, her eyes traveling between the two men, both Kaldorei and Sin’dorei, that had been fighting over her. Her gaze returned to the Highborne standing over her, to her face. Although she didn’t know why Braeth’el had called her ‘Biara’ since Biara was a Sin’dorei, something about her smile was familiar, something in her eyes called to the druidess. Slowly she reached out, taking the elf’s hand, “Take me away from them. I’ll not be someone’s trophy.”

                Biara grasped her hand tightly and smiled, dipping her head once before speaking a word of magic. The clearing was again blasted with blinding magic, and when the light faded, only Braeth’el and Andissiel remained. The two warily rose, backing away from one another, neither taking their eyes off the other until they were far enough away to avoid further attacks. As one they turned and dashed away, their individual missions having failed.

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

                Saveenah’s eyes opened and she gasped in wonder as she found herself within a magical sanctuary the likes of which she’d never imagined. It was as if all of the ruins of the Highborne she’d explored as a child had been pieced back together with magic and made whole once more. Marble walls with delicate carvings of stone leaves and trees surrounded her, the circular chamber where they had reappeared containing a glowing swirl of arcane energy at its heart that was held in place by glowing wards on the floor.

                Beside Saveenah, Biara stirred, turning to smile at the druidess and gesturing towards a nearby stone bench within the chamber. The dazed druidess followed, both of the elves settling down on the seat as Biara turned to face Saveenah. A thousand questions roiled through Saveenah’s mind, but the most pressing of them burst forth first, “You’re really Biara? Like Magistrix Biara Dayfire?”

                Biara nodded and smiled slowly, “I am. I…would like to apologize, Saveenah. I have been deceiving you and your sister Kyliska for some time. Actually, mostly Kyliska. I didn’t really know of your existence until Kyliska herself discovered it. Sassariel was very intelligent and very wise to hide what she’d done from the citizens of Quel’Thalas. None would have understood, although I do. I very much do.”

                Saveenah sucked in a deep breath, taking a few moments to process this. She instantly realized why Braeth’el had been trying to coerce her into going to Quel’Thalas. Not only was Kyliska likely upset, but they probably thought Saveenah knew something about it, given that she was living amongst the Kaldorei. A viewpoint that Biara had probably further reinforced with her sudden appearance unfortunately. She nodded at Biara, mentally cataloging the information and accepting it at face value for the time being, “Why? Why were you disguised as a Sin’dorei? And what are you going to do with me now?”

                Biara tilted her head and smiled, “Do with you? Nothing at all. In fact, if you wish to leave at any time, merely say the word and I will use magic to send you wherever you would like to go. If you wish never to see me again, I will respect your wishes. I am not here to ‘do’ anything to you but tell you the truth; something that I’ve been trying to do more of lately. There is something I would like to tell you though, if you will hear me out. Words I need to say.”

                Saveenah nodded and then folded her arms across her chest, hugging herself, “You didn’t answer my question. Why were you disguised as a Sin’dorei? Answer that, and maybe I will listen to the rest of what you have to say.”

                Biara considered this for a moment, the smile fading from her face as she replied slowly, “I was there to watch over your mother and Kyliska. I wanted to be close to them, to guide them and aid them in time of need. I did this because I am a distant relative of their bloodline. Of your bloodline.”

                Saveenah nodded a second time, remaining silent for many long minutes as she processed this information. It made sense to her in a way; if Biara really was related to her mother, Sassariel Spellfury and to her sibling, then there would have been no other way for the Highborne to get close to them except to use a disguise. While it was deceitful, it was not necessarily evil and she might have had good intentions. The fact that she was telling Saveenah any of this made her trust the other’s words, if only a little. “I see. And what was it that you wished to tell me then?”

                Biara sighed and looked away from her a moment, her gaze going over the strange magical energies dancing in the center of what must have been a portal room. When she spoke, her voice had some strange emotion in it, “All of your life, you grew up without knowing your mother, without a mother to raise you. What I wanted to say was, that had I known of you, had I known that you even existed, I would have been there for you. I would have moved the seas and mountains if need be for you. Everything that you have suffered alone, I blame myself for, because I was not careful enough to ensure that Sassariel was not keeping secrets from me. You’ve been deprived of your birthright, of knowledge of your family, and of the loving care of a mother, all because I was careless. I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry, and that in the future, no matter what, you will have at least one family member looking over you that you can call on for aid.”

                Saveenah’s eyes opened wide in shock, and she felt a little stab of sorrow in her heart for the other elf. In the words were a depth of timeless sadness that she couldn’t fully place or understand. Instinctively she reached out, placing her hand on Biara’s arm to comfort her, her voice soft, “You have done nothing to me, and I hold you blameless. I am not your daughter, and you’ve no reason to take on such a responsibility in your own mind. Feel free of guilt, Biara, because my life has been fairly blessed and I do not mourn any piece of it.”

                Biara turned and met her gaze, a soft smile on her face and an expression that looked to be one of relief. She patted Saveenah’s hand once as she spoke, “Thank you, Saveenah. You don’t know what that means to me to hear you say that. I…have had a very long time to think about these things and regret is always the hardest thing to let go of.”

                Just then, another elf appeared in the doorway to the portal chamber, the elf wearing a silken nightgown and leaning heavily on the stone portal. Beautiful cyan hair cascaded down her back and a bright smile lit her face even though it was obviously painful and tiring for her to walk, as if she’d been injured. She gazed into the room until she spotted Biara, the words she said next sending a chill up Saveenah’s spine the likes of which she’d never felt before, “Kerriel! I’m up and walking! Although…I totally don’t know how long I’ll be able to stay this way. Still, it’s a super great improvement, right?”

                Besides Saveenah, Biara’s voice whispered out softly, “Malandrae…you need to rest more my friend. Your physical wounds are not even completely healed yet. Let me take you back to bed.” She paused, turning to look at Saveenah, “I am sorry Saveenah, but my friend Malandrae was gravely wounded recently and I’ve been caring for her. I need to return her to her bed before we continue our conversation.”

                Saveenah’s heart raced in her chest as she stared up at Biara. She breathed in deeply, calming herself and swallowing a lump in her throat as she nodded at Biara, keeping her emotions buried inside her, “It is alright, Biara. You’ve already done so much for me. Do you want to send me on my way for now and then come and see me after you’ve been able to see to her? I don’t want you to worry about the two of us at the same time.”

                Biara smiled at Saveenah, her tone grateful as she replied, “That…that is kind of you, Saveenah. I appreciate it. Mal’s wounds….they were bad. Both inside and out. She means the world to me and I need to make sure she gets better. Where would you like to go? I’ll come and find you and we can talk more in the future.”

                Saveenah smiled, “Back to Feralas please. Maybe to one of the ruins? That way no one knows where I am for a while.”

                “As you wish, Saveenah. Step through the portal and it will take you to any destination you picture in your mind. We’ll talk again soon, I promise. And I will answer any questions you may have,” Biara replied.

                Saveenah stepped forward, giving Biara a brief hug before turning and striding into the portal, the whole time her heart was racing in her chest. As the magic flared around her and took her away to a private place that only she knew of in Feralas, her mind continued to race on and on. The name that Malandrae had called Biara. The name that had crashed over her like a thousand howling gnomish sirens breaking the silence in her mind. A name that she had heard only once, in a vision shared between her and Kyliska given to them both by their mother Sassariel Spellfury.

                A vision showing the founding of their line, all the way back to the beginning. A vision that began with an outcast Highborne who was thrown from Azshara’s court for her indiscretions. An elf that had lived countless centuries before Saveenah had ever been born.

                Kerriel Spellfury, matron of her bloodline.