Family Politics

Biara took a deep breath to steady herself, closing her eyes and mentally forcing herself to relax. She exhaled slowly, looking down at herself to ensure that everything was in order. She wore a fine dress fit for meeting someone of high station or perhaps even to an assembly of the Magistrate. The gold and red gown trailed down to the floor, golden sandals peeking from beneath the hem. Her arms were bedecked with golden jewelry featuring green gemstones, and she'd had her hair and nails artfully attended to for an extra touch.

Looking more confident than she felt, Biara stepped forward, pushing aside the silken, opaque curtains that separated her from the meeting room beyond and stepping into the richly appointed conference area. The Silvermoon City Inn had excellent taste in decor, and she felt the surroundings put her slightly more at ease despite the lump that threatened to form in her throat. The meeting had been planned well in advance, as soon as Braeth'el had come to her with news of the person with whom she would meet. As she moved into the room, she paused, staring in shock at the person waiting for her.

She was the same height as Biara, and her eyes held the same glint of intelligence in their fel green gaze. The red locks of her hair cascaded down her back, looking so much like Biara's that the two would look almost identical if Biara's hair was not up and held in place by golden combs. Instead of bright blue arcane sigils on her right cheek, the other elf had fel green markings; the symbols as protective as those Biara wore herself although designed to ward off demonic entities rather than arcane magics.

Biara found herself lost in thought for a moment as she stared at Telatha Dayfire, her gaze completely ignoring the rather anxious looking Braeth'el standing off to the side of the room. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, ruby lips unable to let pass the many thoughts tumbling in her mind, her plans for this moment unraveling. Finally she managed to squeak out in a less than dignified voice the greeting she'd meant to give, "G-greetings...sister. This day has been too long in coming." 

Telatha gazed back at Biara, her own look more stern and much less welcoming. She folded her arms across her chest, her battle robes shifting in place and a glitter of fel light accompanying the motion as she gave the other a hard stare. She'd seen Biara many times in scryings, and was not surprised by her appearance, "It is a day that I could have lived my full life without encountering. I am here by Braeth'el's request only."

Biara sucked in a gasp at this, biting her lip for a moment and then nodding her head. She gestured towards the conference table in the center of the room and its comfortable silken cushions as she spoke, "Very well. I shall not deign to believe this is a happy meeting on your part then. Will you at least sit though and speak with me? It would mean much if we could talk for a time."

Telatha shook her head, her voice still hard, "I would prefer to stand, thank you. This is not one of your social calls wherein you attempt to coddle me with sweet words or gain favor. We are at odds, and we shall always be at odds, sister."

Biara nodded again, accepting the other's decision before beginning again, "And I wish that were not so. I understand that you feel some degree of anger towards me; Braeth'el already warned me of this. I only wish to at least make a peace offering, as I believe that family should be united together. We both carry the blood of our father in our veins, and it would be shameful for us to not at least come to terms with one another, for the sake of his memory if nothing else."

Telatha nearly hissed in anger, striding towards Biara so she was inches from her, "In his memory?! What have you done to honor his memory except bring destruction on the House that he founded? How dare you come to me and pretend that we can simply unite with one another after all you have done to the Dayfire name. You brought nothing but ruin to his legacy, destruction to the home that the Dayfires have claimed for millennia, and now you speak of bonding with me? What have you done that has been useful to anyone but yourself, Biara?"

Biara reeled as if struck, and she dimly noted Braeth'el stepping forward towards the two just in case there was actual striking to be done. After a moment to steady herself, she shook her head, keeping her anger in check, "I am sorry that you feel that way. We all make mistakes, Telatha, even a Magistrix. I have done much to correct those wrongs and those who followed my father are now part of an even more powerful House that will survive for eons to come. Our enemies have fallen, and we have supported Quel'Thalas."

Telatha scoffed at this, her eyes narrowed, "Supported Quel'Thalas? How many have died as a result of your actions, sister? How many Sin'dorei now lay in their graves, cold and forgotten because of your 'mistakes'? I will not allow you to influence me, or those in my care. I do not care what apologies you make or excuses you manufacture. You are no better than Selun'athiel, and you shame our father's name."

Biara let the words sink in for a moment, her emotions a roiling pit of anger, guilt, shame, and shock. That the other would speak to her in such a way was surprising, but she'd known the meeting would be a difficult one. There was such a thing as pushing too far though, and she felt herself straightening, her back arched as she gave her half-sister an imperious stare, "I did not apologize for my mistakes, Telatha Dayfire. I said I was sorry you feel that way. I have done what I have had to do for the good of Quel'Thalas. I have made many sacrifices, fought in many battles. Not all of my efforts were successful, no, but we are still alive and more prosperous than ever before."

It was Telatha's turn to reel as if struck, Biara's tone setting her off. She bristled, jabbing an angry finger in her half-sister's direction, "Sacrifices? What sacrifices have you made other than the lives of those foolish enough to follow you? You are a facade made up of lies. A void of soul hidden behind a lovely mask. It is no wonder you have never had a suitor."

If Telatha had meant to upset Biara, then she had found the right key to unlock the pool of rage stirring within her. When Biara responded this time, her voice was an almost venomous hiss, "You know nothing of the outside world. Braeth'el has told me the circumstances of your survival. I'm sure it is very easy to judge my actions from the comfort of your secluded island where none know you exist and none threaten to slay you on a regular basis. Do you even know what lies beneath the marks on my face that you copy so glibly with your own spells? Scars, Telatha. Have you ever tasted a blade's kiss? Have you ever felt poison course through your veins? Or survived the blast of a spell that slays those standing around you only through luck or hastily applied wards? No. You've stayed free and happy on your island, away from threats, away from politics and those who would tear you down."

Telatha fell silent at this, seething but also considering the words. It was true that she had little experience with the world, but having the person who had failed and smeared the family name in the mud speak in such a fashion was an insult she could barely swallow. She shook her head furiously, her hands waving on either side as she gestured, "Enough! I said I do not wish to hear your excuses. I'm oh so sorry that your life has been so difficult. If you stopped to consider, you might realize that half of those difficulties were of your own doing! I don't know why I even agreed to meet with you. I knew nothing but perfumed lies would come from your mouth. It is a waste of my time."

She whirled, turning to go, only pausing when Braeth'el placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her, his voice consoling, "Telatha. I think it would be fair if the two of you at least tried to work your differences out here. I know you've only just returned, and you and I have much to discuss, but I'd like my niece and my employer to at least have some mutual accord."

Telatha blinked at this, her eyes wide as she stared at Braeth'el, "You're my...but how...I don't..."

"Your mother is alive, Telatha. She was seeking you in Draenor and will be returning within a day's time. We have much to discuss and I think that burying your differences with Biara would be a good start towards that," he said softly.

Telatha blinked, tears in her eyes as she stood there, trying to process all of the information that had just been handed to her at one time. She turned, gazing at Biara for a moment before shaking her head, "N-no. I have a family and friends. True friends that support me. I do not need her or her disastrous plans to live my life. I will respect her position within House Sunfire, but House Dayfire belongs to me."

Biara glared at her half-sister, her voice laced with irritation now, "Actually, it doesn't. That is my family name and its properties belong to me as part of House Sunfire. Your island is my property under the laws of Quel'Thalas. You are illegitimate and have no claims. I had not meant to press this issue, as I believe you a capable steward of those lands, but it is the truth of the matter. I have already had the properties registered properly with the Magistrate. I'd done so to keep them in holding for you, but if that is your attitude then know that you will live there by my consent."

Telatha gasped, her eyes wide, "You little bitch!"

"You've told me several times that the things I've faced are not hardships and that my mistakes were easily avoidable," Biara responded sourly. "Now you feel a taste of politics and what it can do to you. Be glad that I do respect our father's memory and that I will not be evicting you or your people from the isle. In fact, I have already made arrangements to have portals permanently established to that location...from House Sunfire holdings. This will ensure that you have all of the supplies you need, which Braeth'el has told me is a necessity as the area is in dire straits."

"You won't get away with this!" Telatha shouted, "I will find a way to remove your influence from my holdings as quickly as possible. I'll...I'll go to your sister if I have to! I will not have you holding this over my head and-"

"My sister will do nothing to stay my hand," Biara commented dryly. "And you'll do no such thing as I will instruct the guards not to allow you access to her if need be. I am not holding anything over your head. I'm helping you, and if you were not so thick headed as to see that then you would enjoy the help and the reunification of our House. In fact, I could even see you legally adopted so that you had actual title to the properties. That is, if you can get over your tirade..."

"Fuck you!" Telatha raged. She broke Braeth'el's grip from her arm and stormed away in a huff, looking so much like an angry, fel version of Biara herself that it almost made Biara smile. She would have if not for the sorrow in her heart.

After Telatha had stormed out of the room Braeth'el shot her a withering stare, his voice sour, "Nice, Biara. Real nice. And here I'd hoped that maybe you'd changed a bit. I thought maybe you'd have softened up what with having your daughter back and things being okay. I can see that you will never change though, will you? You'll always need to be in control. Always need the power. It is what consumes you, and what causes the problems you face. Telatha was right about that, you know."

Biara sighed, emotions crashing through her. When she responded, her voice was low, "I know, Braeth'el. I know. I'm...I'm sorry. It was just the way she was speaking to me..."

"Tel'athar's daughters have his fire," Braeth'el said with a consoling smile. "Perhaps you two will never get along, who knows. I will try to calm her down though. Although she cannot see it, I know that your claiming the island and resupplying it will ultimately be a good thing for the people living there. I will try to get her to see reason."

"Thank you, Braeth'el," Biara said, feeling raw inside. "I did not want to upset her, quite the opposite."

"I know, Biara. Sometimes you just go about things the wrong way though. Maybe there is a lesson here for both of you, hmm?" Braeth'el said with a sigh. "Anyway, I'd best go after her before she sets something on fire in her rage. Try and consider if perhaps there are ways you can mend this. I will speak to your sister of the matter as well. She may have some thoughts about it."

Biara nodded, another sigh escaping her. She said nothing as Braeth'el turned and left the room, leaving her alone in the conference area. Tears filled her eyes after he was gone, the weight of Telatha's words hanging on her heart. What her half-sister had accused her of had all been true of course, but she didn't understand the circumstances. Didn't know the dire straits of the House after Tel'athar's death. It was easy to judge from a distance, comfortably out of danger. It was much more difficult to make such decisions when the weight of many lives hung around your neck like an anchor.

Still in tears, Biara turned, fleeing the room and the city itself, magic flaring on her fingertips as she took herself away to seclusion, to a place where she could sit and think for a time. Life was hard sometimes, especially when politics and family clashed. 

Covert Coven

The orc paused as he neared the ramshackle hut, his hunched form shuffling forward and a thick cowl covering his features. Adorned in tattered, shabby robes, he wore a number of wands and other magical items at his belt, a grimoire tucked into place in a small square pouch there. The orc’s hidden face turned this way and that, his gaze sweeping across the desolate, shadowed little pocket of Shadowmoon Valley that was Gul’var.

Seeing no one nearby paying him any heed, the orc shuffled forward again, pushing aside the ratty hide that hung over the entrance of the hut and making his way inside, allowing the hide to fall back into place and obscuring the interior of the hut from prying eyes.

Within, two orcs looked up, both of them having seemed to be working on projects laid out on benches before him. The newcomer was not fooled though, and saw the tinge of fel magics on their fingertips as they regarded him. His voice came out gruffly, the rough sound of something imprisoned within a throat that had to be forced out word by bitter word. What he uttered was a word that was not only alien to orcs in general, but completely foreign to the world of Draenor.

“Belore.”

The other two orcs relaxed for a moment, seeming to sigh and nod, both of them releasing the fel magics at their fingertips. Although the newcomer could not see their features beneath the illusions and the hanging cowls, he knew exactly what he’d find. To emphasize the point, he pushed back his hood, spells falling away to reveal the strikingly beautiful features of a female Sin’dorei.

Telatha grinned at the two ‘orcs’, once again appreciating the magic that had concealed her coven members Laerille and Bellemasra for so long. Magic that she herself had used to integrate herself deep within the Shadow Council coven at Gul’var. Magic that forced the spirit of an enslaved felguard to speak through the front of the cowl, echoing her words and making it sound as if she were an old male orc.

“I have seen to the final preparations. This is it. This is the last piece of our plan,” Telatha said quietly. Around them a glimmer of fel magic glowed, the spell containing the bound souls of lesser demons and preventing her words from carrying through the flimsy side of the hut. Although there were many powerful warlocks within Gul’var, most were focused on the latest events unfolding across Draenor and what had happened within Tanaan. Very few were paying mind to the daily routine of the smaller enclave of Gul’var.

“Lady Dayfire, are you sure you want to go through with this?” Laerille’s voice echoed from her cowl, temporarily undisguised. “What we are about to do…it’s one of the most dangerous things we’ve ever done. If we miscalculated, if we fail… The consequences will be dire.”

Within the overly-large, magically enhanced costume Telatha sighed, the breath flowing out of her as her coven member expressed the exact same fears that had been running through her mind over and over. But what choice did they have? There were events going on beyond any of them, and if they could help in their little way, then they had to do what they could.

Things had not been easy for the three coven members since passing through the Dark Portal. Immediately engulfed by battle and witness to the horrific magic empowering the portal’s energies, they’d managed to stay near enough to the Horde forces to evacuate from danger for a time. It was in Frostfire that their concerns first started to grow though, as they discovered traces of Fel magic and members of the Shadow Council that were very similar to what had originally engulfed Azeroth in the first place. In this second, mirror world, the threat to home seemed all the more dangerous as it was at its full power. Who better to face that then a small coven of warlocks who were trained in such magic and, better yet, knew how to avoid corruption? Telatha had seen it as her duty to aid the Horde forces that had risked all by coming to Draenor.

“I know, Laerille, believe me I know,” Telatha said heavily. “We cannot allow these threats to go unchecked though. While we are only three in number here and can do little about the rising of this Fel horde, we can do what is within our reach right here. The plan stays, and if we fall, then let us fall in such a way that no one will forget that we at least tried.”

“We will not fail, Lady Dayfire,” Bellemasra’s voice echoed from within her own cowl. “The coven united!”

Telatha smiled and nodded, replying in unison with Laerille, “The coven united.”

With that she donned her cowl once more, the spells falling back into place. In a gruff, older male orc voice she spoke to her two coven members, “It begins within the hour, let us proceed.”

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

Telatha and her small coven had been preparing for this moment for months now. After tracking down leads to the Shadow Council’s activities in Frostfire, they’d discovered portals leading to other areas of Draenor. They’d made a dangerous, covert trip across the continent, dodged various enemies including Alliance patrols, and made their way to Gul’var. It had taken many months of careful planning and work, of struggling and hardship, and they’d been out of contact with the rest of the Horde for most of that time.

Telatha knew that others would worry over her, but she could do little to help that at the moment. The work she was doing was too vital, too important to set aside for the moment to reach out to others for aid. If she faltered now, if their group failed, there would be devastation the likes of which she cared not to think about.

As the three made their way through the twisted, gnarled trees of Gul’var and around the ramshackle huts that the other warlocks made use of, they kept to themselves, looking as if they were moving with purpose. Their disguises had held up for all this time, and the three had readily discovered that if they moved together as a group and looked like they were going about important business, they were generally ignored or left alone.

As they moved, they passed deeper within Gul’var, heading towards a clearing amongst the huts and trees that had been prepared for a ritual. It was an activity that Telatha’s group had been keeping track of for some time now with growing alarm. There, atop the scorched flat stone outcropping, the twisted arms of a large portal had been constructed. The construct was relatively new, and whispers and rumor from the other warlocks within the camp had indicated it was to be used to summon a new wave of forces both from the nether and from Tanaan. They would slam into the Alliance positions further into Shadowmoon, forcing them to pull back and relieving pressure on Tanaan’s own forces. Many would die, Alliance and Horde both, if they were not stopped.

As the three paused, Telatha looked up at the large portal stones in the distance with a lump in her throat. The thought of fel orcs pouring through it was of concern, but worse was what was to come with it. As she watched from beneath her cowl, she saw one of the leaders of the coven moving slowly, carrying in his hands a cursed staff with a glowing green fel crystal on it. Even from this distance the power of the artifact could be felt, and she knew without a shadow of a doubt that the rumors were true; the coven would summon dozens, and then hundreds of infernals and other large demons through the portal using that foci, overrunning this part of Draenor in a matter of weeks. It was up to them to stop it.

Telatha gestured very subtly with her hands, and Laerille and Bellemasra split off from her, each heading towards opposite sides of the cleared space. What they were about to do was surely suicide, but there was no other way to stop the Shadow Council forces at Gul’var. She swallowed a lump in her throat and then steeled herself; this was her purpose, her ultimate reason for being after all. Stopping the use of Fel magic, controlling its flow and power, and preventing corruption were the reasons why she had become a warlock in the first place. It was why she was not a mage as her half-sister was. She was the only one who could stop this.

Resolutely she stepped into the clearing, her actions unusual enough to cause several of the warlocks there to pause and study her. She did not belong there, and her ruse was nearly up. She paused halfway towards the great portal, watching as the leader of the coven, the one with the foci, turned to glare at her, barking in orcish and demanding a reason for her interruption of the great work.

Along the edge of the clearing, Telatha could see the two members of her coven moving swiftly, heading towards a series of magical circles that had been carved into the rough stone. Along the edges of the cleared space many lesser demons had been summon to empower the portal’s energies, their life energy forfeit for the power of the orcs that commanded them. As one would expect, many of these demons were displeased with this arrangement, and had, when approached, considered alternate employment options.

Telatha stood stone still, grinning as her coven members poured several spell components that they’d stolen onto sections of each circle. The magical components, including a mixture of silver and an acid, ate into both the stones and the magics that had bound the demons, the work unnoticed as another question was barked at Telatha.

Once Laerille and Bellemasra were more than halfway done, Telatha pushed back her cowl, her illusion faltering once and for all, her fel green eyes glaring at the orcs as they gasped in surprise. She held up a crumpled parchment before her, the document inscribed with the horrific sigils of the demonic language and bedecked with specs of blood all over it from the numerous pacts she’d made in the past few weeks. Her voice, her real voice, growled out the syllables on the parchment, the words flaring into flames as she spoke them and magic consuming the Pact document in a flash of light.

For a moment, no one moved and nothing happened, the orcs beginning to scramble towards her, several already chanting the words of spells. They were, unfortunately for them, far too late. Released from their weakened circles, enraged at their use as a simple fuel source and now in a Pact with Telatha, the demons along the edges of the clearing roared and charged at the orcs. Instantly bolts of fel magic flew and claws lashed out as the orcish warlocks attempted to quell the tide of demonic fury that rained down upon them. In the center of the maelstrom Telatha stood, her arms raised up high and her body shaking as she struggled to control a Pact with so many lethal creatures. She had only a few moments to direct them before they were free as she well knew, but they would accomplish her objectives while the Pact remained.

In the center of the clearing orc warlocks began to die by the ones and twos, and then in greater numbers. In the middle of the battle the leader of the group, the one with the foci, spat out orders even as he brought the staff up, felfire flaring from it and burning away dozens of demonic attackers. So focused was he on the task that he paid no heed to the now-unveiled Laerille and Bellemasra, both of whom had completed their tasks and who had quickly moved into strategic locations along the perimeter of the circular cleared space. As they came into position, both of them raised their hands, the fel wards on their bodies glowing in unison with those on Telatha’s body, fel magics linking them all together.

Telatha sighed, releasing the Pact and letting the horde of angry demons run free, knowing that they would do some damage to the surrounding countryside but that most of it would be to the orcs of Gul’var and that it was far better than what could have happened. There was just one last task to complete, one last thing although it would be the most dangerous. She spoke words of demonic, even as her sister-coven members did, fel power arcing to each of them and connecting them in a triangle that neatly divided the cleared space, its center around the orc wielding the foci.

“The coven united,” Telatha, Laerille, and Bellemasra all intoned in unison, power surging through them. 

Flames roared down from the heavens, Bellemasra’s empowered hellfire spell burning everything in the center of the circle, her energies enhanced by those of her coven members. Telatha fed magic into her, and the elf seemed to burst into flames herself as the ground erupted in explosions. Orcs and demons died in screaming flames, the fighting abruptly cut off as the demons remaining outside of the triangle of death chose to withdraw, knowing they would find easier victims further within the encampment. Within the circle, the warlocks burned, their spells having been used to fend off the attacking and loosed demons, their wards useless against the combined might of Telatha’s coven.

After several minutes, the three elves sighed, releasing hellish power and letting their magic die down. Each of them walked towards the center of the clearing, studying what remained there for any sign of a threat. They were greeted with the sight of charred ruin, most of the orcs having been burned to blackened skeletons by the time the spell was ended. There was one though who had not been burned, one whose power had been just enough to keep him alive, although he lay as if dead amongst the others. As he lay moaning, Telatha stood over him, reaching down to snatch the cursed staff from his hands, fel energies flaring in it for a moment.

“You should never have tried to bring devastation to our world,” Telatha intoned at him. “We have dealt with your kind well enough once before, and this time will be no different. Learn now the fate of those who believe that their power gives them the right to conquer, enslave, and destroy others.”

As Laerille and Bellemasra moved behind Telatha, she brought the foci staff up, turning its energies on the portal beyond. Instead of empowering it, she focused instead on the stones holding it in place. Fel energies crackled from the staff, burning her wrist with their power and making her cry out as a crackling line of lightning struck the rocks, blasting them apart and setting the portal to detonating. 

Secondary explosions rocked the clearing, sending shockwaves of wind past them and ruffling the tattered robes of their disguises. As the explosions began to grow, Telatha looked down at the dying orc at her feet, her eyes blazing with fel power and the marks on her cheek glowing bright green, “So ends your plans, warlock. We have done our part in this war.”

With that she brought the end of the staff down hard on the stone ground, the crystal of the head shattering into a thousand pieces. Fel energy began to build up and whine around the shattered artifact, and Telatha casually dropped the broken staff on the orc before her. She turned, her friends and coven members following as they walked away, explosions rocking the clearing behind them and sending bright green flames into the sky as they moved. As they passed through the demon-devastated encampment, a lone orc’s voice rose up in a scream right before the most powerful explosion of all rocked the ground enough to almost make them fall.

When the noise had died down, Telatha grinned at her friends, nodding at each of them in approval, “Good work, Ladies. I do believe it’s far past time we returned home. By now they’ve probably sent several search parties and rescue teams out looking for us.”

The other two Sin’dorei grinned and nodded, Laerille ripping open a demonic gateway with a spell before them. They moved with confidence, with the air of those who had done a great deed. Above all else, with the experience of heroes who not only had not needed saving, but had done what needed to be done all the while knowing no one would know or thank them for it.

Blood of the Father

The bath was almost scalding hot, steam rising from the water in waves as Biara eased herself into it with a contented purr of relief. There was nothing like relaxing after a long day of study, and she would soon be even more relaxed if the expensive wine waiting for her by the edge of the huge bathing pool was chilled to her satisfaction.

She sighed again, leaning back and letting the bubbles that covered the surface of the water flow around her, the gentle sound of water spilling into the bath in a constant flow a soothing balm for her weary mind. Teaching her daughter the magical arts was difficult but rewarding, and she could already tell that the young Sin'dorei would be a powerful magistrix in her own right once she came of age. For the first time in a very long time, Biara felt satisfied with her life.

A male voice suddenly spoke as a figure slipped into the room through a window. Biara had a brief glimpse of a nude male body sliding into her bath with her before the blonde haired elf spoke, "Lady Sunfire, I apologize for intruding on your private time, but we absolutely must talk about-"

She rose from the water like a sea monster erupting from the ocean, water cascading off her naked body as one of her hands brought up a deadly wand and pointed it across the length of the bathing pool, her arm steady. Her eyes betrayed shock as she realized just who it was that had joined her in her bath without her invitation.

Braeth'el grinned at her, his eyes roaming over her naked body for a moment, admiring the way the falling beads of water glittered as they passed across the glowing blue wards that started between Biara's naked breasts and trailed their way down to her left hip. They matched perfectly the hue of the wards on the right side of her face and were complemented almost artistically by a matching pair on the magistrix's right hip. After a moment, he tore his gaze from the rather angry Sin'dorei's body and up to her arm, appraising her weapon, "You bring a wand into your bath? Talk about wanting to get completely clean."

Biara gestured at the elf with her weapon, "You would be surprised how often intruders attempt to bathe with me. Stand up slowly, right now. I want to make sure you are unarmed."

Braeth'el's grin widened and he rose from the water, his own body as nude as Biara's. One of her eyebrows rose a bit and she gestured with her wand, indicating he should turn around. He did so, his hands held up in surrender as he allowed the Magistrix to study his rock hard, naked body and of course to check him for weapons. When he finished his turn, he looked at her, noting a slight blush on her face as he spoke, "Satisfied?"

Biara sighed, "Hardly. But it is clear you are not here to assassinate me. Sit. I do not wish to be freezing cold while I decide what to do with you, Braeth'el."

Braeth'el did as he was told, watching as Biara slid into her end of the pool, his gaze never leaving hers now. Somewhere beneath the bubble-covered water she still held the wand and a faint glimmer of magic glowed from her now active defensive wards as the light reached the surface. "Lady Sunfire, as you can imagine, the fact that I am here unarmed and have placed myself in your power shows that I mean you no ill will and wish only to speak with you."

Biara sighed and shook her head, "My sister is the Lady Sunfire now. Given our situation, I am just Biara. Biara Dayfire, daughter of Tel'athar. I suspect that, were he here, he would not wish me to slaughter you out of hand. But state your purpose quickly."

Braeth'el's smile faded and he nodded, his tone soft, "I am glad to hear you speak as you have, Biara. I had heard that things have changed here over the past year. Rumors abound that you have retired, that your sister now rules this House, and that you have given up magic. I see that the last is not true, and the fact that you mention your father's name now is important, because I'm here to fulfill my oaths to him, whether or not either of us like it. I have to tell you something that you may find difficult to handle, but it is vital that I do so now."

Biara nodded and turned slightly in the bath, taking up her wineglass and sipping the wine before speaking, "Things have changed here, Braeth'el. The Biara of a year ago would have killed you out of hand. I have learned that there are far more important things in life than those which I grasped at after my father's death. Speak your peace."

"Biara...you have a half-sister. Her name is Telatha Dayfire," Braeth'el said quietly. "She is younger than you, and was hidden away from your mother's notice in secret long ago. After our...falling out, I discovered her existence and have been working for her ever since."

Biara rocked back in the bath, her fel green eyes widening in shock. With a shaking hand, she set the wineglass down, staring hard at the other elf, "You speak the truth? But why....you say she is a half-sister, which means...My father...."

"Your father was a good, honest Quel'dorei who did the best he could for our nation. He acted with honor and integrity, even when he made mistakes. He was not flawless, Biara, just as you are not flawless, but he was a good leader and one I was proud to follow," Braeth'el said.

"My mother would have had the child killed," Biara murmured. "There is no way she would have tolerated such a stain on her honor. She never knew, did she?"

"No. She never had any hint of it. Nor did I."

Biara considered her former spymaster's words, nodding slowly, "You would not have come here, and put yourself in my power, only to spread a falsehood like this, and one that can be easily verified with magic no less. In addition, a bastard child could not threaten my inheritance or position, so you are not seeking to replace me with her as the ruler of what is left of House Dayfire's estate. You have another purpose."

Braeth'el smiled, "You were always intelligent, Biara. No one ever questioned that at least. Telatha is like your father in many ways. She is honorable, noble, but young and impulsive. I am sure that even here, in your isolated comfort, you have heard of the invasion occurring at the Dark Portal. When she heard of this, she rushed there with her retainers, who are few in number indeed given that they were hidden away for all these years. I could not convince her otherwise, and she spoke of her duty to Quel'Thalas and her father's name."

Braeth'el leaned forward, his voice laced with concern, "I fear for her life, Biara. Although she is powerful with the fel arts, she is inexperienced and this threat...it is one that could destroy our world entirely. And so I have come to you, unarmed and in truce, in the hopes that you would hear my words and consider the legacy that you wish to leave for your own daughter, and to consider what your father's own legacy really means."

Biara's mind raced as she tried to sort out everything that Braeth'el had just told her. Her voice was soft when she responded, her thoughts distant, "What do you wish of me?"

Braeth'el grinned and shook his head, "Come now, Biara, really? I have contacts within Silvermoon. I could have approached any number of noble houses, any number of Magisters to transport materials or supplies there. I could have dealt with pompous incompetence, or inexperienced fighters who would only add to the body count that will occur as I try to keep Telatha safe. Instead, I have come to you even if I risk my life in doing so, because you are experienced. You are not a scholar, not a recluse to sit in your tower and ponder the nature of magics. Maybe that is what you wanted to be, or should have been, but it isn't. You are a fighter, a war leader, a battle-mage. If anyone can find her, if anyone can bring her home safely, it is you. I need you, and if it costs me my life to keep one of Tel'athar's children safe, then so be it. That was the oath I swore."

Biara remained silent for a moment, her gaze staring out into the distance out the window, viewing the beauty of Quel'Thalas all around the tower that she inhabited. When she spoke, her voice was soft, "Braeth'el, a year ago I would not have understood what you've said. I wouldn't have been able to understand what a person would do to protect their child, their legacy. As I said earlier, things have changed here. I understand now the value of family, of my own flesh and blood. All my life I have cared for my sister, Kyliska. We have fought wars together, bled and cried together. If another exists who shares my blood, who is also my sister, then know that I will find her and bring her home. I owe this to my father's memory, and to the Dayfire name."

Braeth'el nodded, his head bowing, "Then my purpose here is complete. I will accept the consequences of my actions."

He rose from the water again, his hands spread out and his voice amused, "I never thought I'd die in your bathing pool, but I could think of worse places to go."

He closed his eyes, hearing Biara as she rose from the water, hearing the flow of it as she approached him. To his surprise he didn't feel the tip of a wand pressing against his chest, but instead felt something cold pressed into his hand. He opened his eyes to see Biara's wineglass in his hand, the amused and naked Magistrix inches from him.

"You are pardoned Braeth'el. I thought once that you had betrayed me, but a traitor and enemy doesn't walk willingly to their death in order to protect one of my blood. But know this; I have my own daughter to consider in all of these matters. I will go and find my sister, but while I am gone nothing can befall Astariel," Biara intoned.

"I swear that she is under my protection, as all of Tel'athar's heirs must be," Braeth'el said, his eyes never leaving Biara's.

"Then we have an accord," Biara said. She pressed a hand against his chest, her manicured nails sparkling with magic. "Sit and relax. I will begin preparations at once. I have heard of plans to go through the portal within a day's time, and I will ensure that I am there to find Telatha and bring her back."

Braeth'el allowed himself to be pushed back down into the water, enjoying the bath and the sight of Biara as she walked away. He grinned, sipping his wine as he noted that she intentionally swayed her hips as she headed towards the exit, only grabbing a towel as she left the room. Alone with a fine glass of wine and a soothing bath, he sighed, enjoying it for just a moment.

"That went far better than I could have hoped for. Let us just hope that our battle-mage can find Telatha before she gets hurt though."

Like No One Is Watching

Braeth'el was annoyed. Actually, 'annoyed' didn't entirely cover the full array of emotions adequately. Angry. Worried. Tense. Stressed out. All of these things combined perhaps. It wasn't even worth classifying in his mind and really just felt like a lead weight pressing down on him. In his line of work he was used to dangerous and stressful situations, but it was rare that he became emotionally invested in the situation enough to actually feel it pressing down on him. Perhaps it was the fact that he was something of a free agent now, a situation that was uncomfortable and unusual for him.

Regardless of the why behind his feelings, he had to deal with the situation that was causing them immediately. He scowled as he stood before the large, golden double doors, taking a deep breath and smoothing out his features before pushing them open.

As soon as the barrier had been removed, a wave of sound hit him. The sounds of voices in conversation, the laughter and revelry of people enjoying themselves, the sounds of hands clapping in time with music, and of course the beautiful music itself floating through the hall all around him. He paused in the entryway, absorbing it all in an instant as his training and instincts had taught him to do, assessing the moment and planning two steps ahead.

It was, of course, a party. One of the usual galas thrown in Silvermoon by the noble houses. This one was a masquerade and seemed to be a bit overboard in terms of the decorations, number of musicians, and guest list. The hall was somewhat cramped with all of the Sin'dorei it contained, and Braeth'el's immediate assessment was that the gala had been thrown by a lesser known noble house seeking to increase its reputation and prestige. As was often the case, events like this could propel those lower down the social chain to soaring heights if the event was successful or they gained the ear of the right people.

All of this passed through the trained spy's mind in a moment, setting his body in motion almost without thought. As if he were born to it, he slipped amongst the party-goers, his carefully tailored golden and red doublet with its matching golden mask making him blend into the crowd and disappear in a moment. Trained from birth in the craft of spying, Braeth'el had attended events identical to this one more times than he cared to remember. They were excellent places to gather intelligence, meet contacts, or even plot an assassination if such were required, and he'd been trained long ago to mingle with the mighty who attended such events.

His current concern was not to gather intelligence however, nor to plan assassinations, it was instead to find one Telatha Dayfire that had decided it would be an excellent idea to slip from her quarters in the inn without notifying her guards or any other member of her House where she was going. That she would do something so dangerous without even consulting him was infuriating, but the anger was something that he found strangely pushed to the side and replaced with actual concern for her well being. Her naivety was jaw-dropping to his experienced mind, and he had already prepared a lengthy speech for her once he located her.

Even as the thought crossed his mind, his eyes caught the sight of faintly glowing fel runes amongst a mass of party-goers standing at the edge of the hall's dance floor. Braeth'el smoothly moved through the crowd, navigating towards where he had spotted them. His hand darted between people, slyly grabbing an arm and gently pulling his target towards him. He spun the Sin'dorei he'd grabbed around and then blinked in surprise as he met her gaze.

A giggle came from behind a red mask as Bellemasra's lips curled into a smirk. She looked down, nodding at the fact that he was holding her hand, "Can I help you with something, Mister Braeth'el?"

Braeth'el sighed, rolling his eyes and releasing his grip on Telatha's coven-member. Of course she'd bring her 'friends' with her. The fact that he hadn't even checked their quarters showed just how unused to Telatha's nature he was; his former employer didn't have a gaggle of girlfriends that she'd go places with nor would she have invited them out for a clandestine party even if she had. Telatha on the other hand not only trusted those who served her House, but actively encouraged their friendship and camaraderie. 

Bellemasra's eyebrow shot up in question as Braeth'el sighed again. He shook his head, keeping his voice low and his tone pleasant so as not to disturb the warlock, "I imagine she is here with you then?"

Bellemasra nodded at him and gave him a knowing wink before subtly tilting her head towards the dance floor behind them, "Naturally, Mister Braeth'el."

Braeth'el gave Bellemasra a polite nod of thanks before moving past her and heading deeper into the crowd. Just beyond where she stood was the edge of the dance floor, and beyond that point Sin'dorei were paired together, twirling and moving in time with the music as their bodies flowed across the dance floor. He paused at the edge of that boundary, preparing himself to cut in but wanting to at least have a destination in mind before he did.

He was rewarded for his patience a moment later as the crowd thinned slightly, the music picking up in pace as a dance began wherein Sin'dorei would rapidly change partners. Amongst the glimmering gold and red and swirling dresses he caught the glimpse of a deep purple gown, its owner twirling as her partner passed her off to the elf beside him in exchange for a golden haired beauty in a red dress. As Braeth'el peered into the moving crowd, he caught sight of Telatha's markings glowing fel green beneath a purple hawkstrider mask that covered the upper half of her face.

For a moment he watched her, admiring the way she was able to move amongst the dancers, her steps perfectly aligned with this partner or that as the dancers changed partners rapidly. With a half-smile on his face, he plunged into the midst of the crowd, his hands reaching out to catch those of a dark-haired Sin'dorei as he began to move towards his target.

He passed off his partner to another elf, taking up a second Sin'dorei and twirling her around as he made his way deeper into the crowd. This one peered at him from behind a silver mask, her eyes devouring him as he moved with her. Braeth'el smirked, offering her a wink before he passed her off again, turning to reach for his next partner, his hands moving out to take hers in his.

And then Telatha was in his arms, her eyes wide with shock as she realized just who had caught her. Braeth'el gave himself a moment to congratulate himself not only on surprising her, but on successfully catching her just as the wild changing of partners came to a close and another song was struck up by the musicians.

"Braeth'el," Telatha whispered as he pulled her close to begin the next dance. Her voice was low enough so that only he could hear it, and he admitted that she at least had some small amount of sense to her.

He twirled her around once, grudgingly admitting to himself that her dress was gorgeous as her skirts fanned out around her before bringing her close to him again. His voice was also low, whispered almost directly into her ear as the two came together once more, the sound not even reaching the other couples dancing around them, "Lady Dayfire...this is extremely dangerous and you know it. If someone were to discover you before you've made allies..."

He didn't get to finish as the dance required him to twirl her again, but he didn't have to; the message was clear and he could see disappointment on her face as it sunk in. A part of him regretted that he was making what would otherwise be an enjoyable dance less fun for her, but she needed to understand the danger she was in.

To his surprise, as she came in close against him again, she pressed her other hand into his, her voice firm but not angry, "Firstly, if we're to be dancing, you will call me Tela or Telatha at the least. I came here to enjoy myself; not to bring my worries with me."

She pressed against him and he managed to surprise her again by leading her into the next steps of the dance, his perfect movements ingrained into him after years of practice. That she matched him step for step made a bit of amusement creep over his features as she began to lecture him.

"Secondly, I am aware of the dangers," Telatha continued, her voice low as she whispered into his ear. "I am not a child, but my naming-day was not so long ago. I wish to truly live, to enjoy what little I have been given. I understand my responsibilities, but I have the right to live as much as any other. Is that too much to ask? Is it too much to desire to at least enjoy this moment? Perhaps doom will fall upon us tomorrow, and if it does I will face it bravely, but tonight I just wish to dance."

Braeth'el said nothing for a moment, twirling her again as the other dancers around him were doing, contemplating her words. As she drew near again, both of her hands pressed against his, he looked down at her and met her gaze. Her eyes were like deep pools of fel green magic, a sense of longing in them for something, for approval or at least forgiveness for taking a moment for herself.

In that instant as Braeth'el stared into her eyes, a thought came to him that he had never considered before.

Perhaps that is the difference between her and her half-sister. Does Biara Sunfire actually enjoy her life, or is it all a chore? If you can't enjoy life, what value would you place in the lives of others? Did she do this out of recklessness, or because she actually enjoys the little things she can have?

His mind made up, Braeth'el nodded at Telatha, drawing her close to him again as the music played on. With a devious smile on his face, he twirled her again, and this time when she returned to him, instead of bring her close, he caught her in his arms and dipped her low, supporting her slight weight as he leaned over her. The surprise on her face was priceless, and he couldn't help but pull her up and send her into another twirl, the moves perfectly choreographed to the timing of the music.

A moment later it was his turn to be surprised as Telatha laughed and returned to him, moving her body close against his and then jumping lightly up, forcing him to catch her and twirl her in the air before dipping her down again. As he lowered her down, their eyes met again, and this time there was a look of gratitude on her face as he held her, their bodies inches apart. He could feel her heart pounding in her chest as he held her close, and smiled as he realized how happy that moment had made her.

It would not be until later that he realized his own heart had been beating heavily itself.

When he brought her back up and against him again, he realized to his horror that the dancers around them were not only staring at them, but a few were applauding the rather difficult moves the two had just displayed. Beside him Telatha had begun to blush a bright pink, the color traveling all the way up to her eartips.

Way to be subtle there, Braeth'el. Oh don't worry, I'm sure no one will notice the two people in the center of the dance floor being applauded...   

With that he shook his head, looking down at Telatha and seeing the smile on her face. Perhaps it didn't matter in the end, because she'd had her moment. Maybe tomorrow the news of this would get out and all of their foes would fall upon them like wolves, but for tonight, it didn't matter.

With a sigh, more at himself than at the situation, Braeth'el gently lead Telatha from the dance floor and towards the tables full of food, the blushing noble happily trailing along behind him eager to get out of the spotlight. Food and wine and perhaps a bit more dancing, and then he'd take her and her coven-members back to the inn and that would be that.

It would not be until hours later that the group from House Dayfire returned to their suites at the inn, their echoing laughter as sweet as the wine they'd tasted that night.

Journal Entry- September Twelfth, Evening

"I have given much thought to our current state of affairs and the situation at hand. Although we have met with some success in establishing a presence in the city, and we have managed to procure at least some of the much needed spell components and other supplies that Dawnslight Isle requires, I still feel like we are in a precarious position.

Before we are able to open portals to other areas of Quel'Thalas to fully secure our supply lines I must at least attain a non-aggression pact with one or more Houses. This will ensure that we have a suitable location for such a portal, and also reduce the risk that any of my people will come under attack from our rivals. This has always been my objective, and I will continue to seek out House Felo'melorn nobles in order to achieve these ends. It appears that we may have some room to negotiate with the local covens of warlocks within the city as well, although I will approach this with a wary eye indeed, for those who practice my arts are generally not the type to be reliable in their promises or deeds.

This brings me to another consideration, and one that has long bothered me; the Horde. In order to ensure that House Dayfire prospers, I must make a show of force to assist those who are our allies. Beyond the fact that this will encourage other Sin'dorei to stand behind the Dayfire banner once more, it is vital that in our weakened state we reach out to others wherein our strengths can be combined.

I fear this very much, more than I can even say in words. Why do I fear it? Because of my half-sister, Biara. I have had years to study her, to come to understand what she did and why she did it. What else was I to do with my idle time on Dawnslight Isle? It is a beautiful place, but let us not pretend that it was not a prison until the portals were opened once more. And so I watched her, watched as she rose to power and the methods she employed to do so.

Can I blame her for what she did? Not entirely. I understand that she had to make a show of force, much like I do. I understand that she had to be aggressive to inspire others to fight beside her. It is my understanding of her methods that brings me the most fear, for I know how her story came to an end, with the utter destruction of everything that our House stood for.

And yet, force is needed. The Horde will not support me if I do not support the Horde. And this cannot apply just to the Sin'dorei, but all of those who have struggled under the yoke of oppression and lived on the edge of devastation. I fear that I must carefully walk a path similar to my half-sister's, and that is what I dread the most, that I might become like her and her bloody-handed sister Kyliska.

There is one advantage I have that she did not, although she and others would consider it a weakness; I have no armies to throw at my enemies. Power comes in several forms. It comes in wealth, which my father was thoughtful enough to see to. It comes in strength of arms, of which my pitiful one hundred souls would not hold a candle to the mighty armies of the world. It comes in magic, of which we have sufficient supply to defend ourselves at the least. Finally, it comes in allies.

I feel that it is in this last part that my half-sister faltered the worst, for she did not understand the value of the lives in her care. We must fight, of that there is no question, but we must conserve as well. It is only when those whom we command can trust in us that they retain their loyalty. If House Dayfire falls again, it will not be because my mistakes have lead to betrayal from within, but because our foes have pressed down on us so hard that all of Quel'Thalas must cry out at the injustice.

As for the Alliance and the Horde....well, we must support the Horde and gather what strength we may. This does not have to come at the cost of all of those who rely upon me to make wise decisions however. I will drench my hands in as much blood as my half-sister and Blood Knight Sunfire, but it will not be at the cost of all of my retainers and allies. I will also be sure to take care with how I apply force, for there is a saying that is very pertinent to these thoughts:

Strike at the child, and the hand of the mother and father shall be set against you for all of time. Strike down the mother and father before the child, and you have raised the next generation of foes to stand against you.

I will remember this when planning my battles. Innocents will perish, as they did when my half-sister lead this House, but it must be minimized to the extent possible, and we must make their military fear to do battle with us with our strategies rather than our terror. This is the only way to truly succeed.

May the Light guide me to the wisdom needed to lead this House in these endeavors, and may the sun always illuminate my path, lest I walk into the darkness beyond. I pray that I can find the way."
~Felmancer Telatha Dayfire, Scion of House Dayfire

Judged

The thick, heavy curtains were pushed aside with some difficulty as Telatha passed beneath the foreboding golden arch that marked the end of the corridor and the beginning of the chambers beyond. As she passed through the opening, she held the curtain back so that Bellemasra and Laerille could pass through with somewhat less difficulty than she had. As the two moved past the opening and the curtain fell back into place, the light dimmed to the point that it was almost difficult to see, with only a dim fel glow from crystals floating across what appeared to be a large chamber illuminating the space.

This deep within the Sanctum of Silvermoon it was to be expected that it would be somewhat dark and dim, as the warlocks who performed their research and magic within the city preferred to have their privacy, and their spells were hardly ones that would promote a light-hearted, brightly lit environment. Even so, the dimness was a bit much for Telatha, and she found herself squinting to see the vague outlines of whoever was there to meet her.

"You were told to come alone," a voice boomed out, echoing through the chamber.

Telatha considered this for a moment before responding, pondering the summons that had brought her to this place. She'd received a letter demanding her immediate attendance at the Sanctum from some of the higher ranking warlocks within the city. Naturally none of them had actually signed the document, although the wording of the letter and its tone implied that at least one or two of those who had summoned her were members of the Magistrate. Although she could not ignore such a summons, she had hardly been inclined to trust other warlocks simply on their word alone, especially on an unsigned document.

"Given that I was not told who was summoning me, I am hardly beholden to follow a series of instructions that are randomly provided to me," Telatha said, her voice firm but not hostile.

Silence met her words, but it was not a calm, peaceful silence. She could sense malefic beings moving in the darkness, shifting in position as if to study her. That there were demons within the chamber was beyond a doubt, and Telatha shivered once as she came to realize just how dangerous this place was. Across the chamber a pair of fel green eyes glowed, as if their owner had lifted his head and his cowl had fallen back. They burned into her, and Telatha found herself planting her hands on her hips and lifting her chin up, as if defying them to judge her.

"You are not the first who has entered the city with the use of Fel magics, nor will you be the last," the voice responded, sounding a bit hostile. "It is for us to decide if you pose a threat or a boon to our kind here. Your failure to follow the most basic of instructions has already put you at a disadvantage when we consider your...future position."

The threat lingered in the air, and Telatha stared at the glowing pair of eyes that she could see, feeling defiant, "I am Felmancer Telatha Dayfire, Scion of House Dayfire and one who serves my people. Judge me as you will, threaten what you like, I will continue on my course until my last breath. Test me and see for yourself whether or not I am worthy to be here. You will find that I am not lacking in the powers that we call upon."

Laughter rang out, this time from another part of the chamber. Additional eyes glowed in the darkness, first one pair, then three, then five, until Telatha felt she was surrounded by peering eyes on forms she could barely make out. The voice spoke again, its tone mocking now, "Your titles and your blood mean nothing to us. You either threaten this city with your power or you do not. It is this which we will determine 'Scion'."

Telatha shifted in position as she felt fel magic building within the room. Demonic laughter echoed in the darkness, and she felt her defensive wards flare up as a tendril of power reached out, as if probing her defenses. The voice boomed out again, sounding somewhat bitter, "You do indeed have power, young Felmancer. Power enough to be of use to us, if your defiant nature can be...corrected. You will learn soon enough to fall in line if you wish to be successful in this city."

Telatha glared at the pair of eyes, shaking her head, "I will plot my own course in this life. I sincerely doubt your generous nature when it comes to those in my care. I have learned long ago that others who ply our craft are those with whom we should be most wary. I will work beside you, I will aid those of you who require it, but I will not bend knee to any within this city. Am I clear?"

The fel magic in the room thickened, and Telatha felt it pressing in around her, until she was almost encased in energy pressing in from all directions against her wards. She cried out as they nearly failed, focusing as much of her energies as possible in maintaining the barrier between her and the evil magic. Forced into immobility by her battle, she could only glare at the eyes across the darkness as they turned to look at her companions.

"You there, step forward," the voice said. To illustrate his point, a glowing orb of fel energy began to hover in front of Bellemasra, who stepped forward to stand beside the struggling Telatha.

"What would you say if we offered you all of her power and position, provided that you agreed to serve this coven at our beck and call? Think carefully, girl, for your future could be glorious depending on your decision," the voice said in a tone that bespoke certain destruction for Telatha.

Bellemasra didn't even hesitate, shaking her head and speaking firmly, "Absolutely not. Lady Dayfire is the Scion of our House, and I will not forsake her. Beyond that, she is my friend and I will stand beside her against you if there need be violence between us."

The voice growled, sending the fel orb spinning over to Laerille as it spoke, "You then. Step forward and claim all of the power of this so-called 'Scion' and become one of us. Our powers are vast and the rewards will be beyond your wildest dreams."

Laerille's tone was hostile as she glared at the glowing eyes in the darkness, "I stand beside Lady Dayfire, and should harm come to her know that harm will come to you before this day ends."

Cackling, vile laughter met the response, and Telatha gasped as she felt the magic pressing in around her increase, her wards beginning to fail. Just as she believed she would be crushed by the power, Laerille moved beside her, her hand reaching out and her fingers interlocking with Telatha's. Instantly the runes on Laerille's face and arm began to burn with fel magic as she fed energy into Telatha's wards, and the pressure lessened.

A second later Bellemasra stepped forward, grasping Telatha's other hand and interlocking their fingers, feeding her own magic into the mix. The runes on all three Sin'dorei glowed brightly, nearly banishing the darkness around them as Telatha's magic was empowered.

With her eyes glowing so brightly that her pupils were no longer visible, Telatha smiled impishly and barked out a word in demonic. A felhunter appeared from the nether, sucking away the spell that was crushing her and shredding it into nothing. A cold, fel-tainted wind blew in the chamber, setting the dresses and capes of the three Sin'dorei to shifting as they stood hand in hand, facing the darkness.

Telatha opened her mouth to speak, and Laerille and Bellemasra spoke in unison with her, the words echoing, "The coven united."

Silence descended on the room as the spells pressing Telatha failed. The sense of demonic energies vanished an instant later, as did the fel lights that glowed fitfully in the darkness. Fires flared up in the chandeliers and the roomed was bathed in light, revealing a circular stone chamber that was devoid of anything but a singular, robed figure whose glowing eyes stared out of his cowl.

His voice was no longer full of menace, and instead had a tone that almost indicated he'd conceded a point, "Well done....Lady Dayfire. It is clear that you are neither tainted, nor weak. You are neither rash, nor timid. You do not stand alone, but do not use the force of your following to press your agenda unless pressed yourself. You will do...for now. See to it that you do not disrupt the order of the city."

Telatha opened her mouth to reply but felfires suddenly roared up around the warlock in front of them, consuming him instantly and leaving behind only a pile of sulfur as he was transported away by his magic. Telatha closed her mouth, turning to nod at her two coven members as they released their grip on her hand and all three let their magic fade.

After a moment, Telatha shrugged, turning to leave the chamber, her voice light, "Well, that could have gone worse I guess! Maybe this will help us gain some ground in the city. At the very least we won't have to worry about them sending demons to destroy us. Probably to spy on us, but not to destroy us."

As they walked away, Laerille looked back at the empty chamber behind them, smiling sweetly as she replied, "I agree, Lady Dayfire. It would be shame to have to destroy their summoned minions for no reason."

Bellemasra nodded and then her face crinkled up in distaste, "Can we get back to the inn now? I fear we all need a bath. I hate the stink of sulfur on my clothes."

Telatha laughed, nodding as she lead the way back to daylight and the relative safety of the streets of Silvermoon. Time would tell how their connection to the covens within the city would develop, and whether or not it would be a blessing or a curse.