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.

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*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.

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*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.