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.

An Unwelcome Face

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Last Favor

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

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

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

A moment later her eyes snapped open.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Sister's Healing Touch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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