The Joining

                The midday sun shone down brightly, its rays illuminating the courtyard. An errant breeze gusted through the warm summer air, setting the red and gold banners that had been placed around the courtyard fluttering and displaying their emblems. The breeze also stirred the clothes and robes of those present at the gathering, elegant silken garments stirring as their wearers stared intently at the dais that had been placed at one end of the courtyard or as they fanned themselves with decorative, jeweled hand fans.

                The focus of the gathering’s attention was on the figures standing atop the dais, the Sin’dorei there dressed even more elegantly and formally for the momentous occasion. Behind them and further beyond the dais rose the gleaming spire that had been a part of the Felo’melorn family for countless generations. The gate to the magnificent structure had been thrown open, allowing those in the newly constructed courtyard to see within. A matching gate now stood beside the first, bright ribbons crossing its opening and blocking access to the cleared space beyond.

                Kyliska Sunfire smiled, her face radiant as she stepped forward before the others. Dressed in a gorgeous red gown embroidered with golden threadwork, she looked nothing like her regular, plate-armored self that many had seen upon the battlefield. With her bleached blonde, nearly white hair held back by a golden tiara, she brought a carefully manicured hand up, waving at the crowd gathered before the platform. Those watching below offered polite applause as she smiled down on them.

                Standing beside Kyliska, Selenthiel Felo’melorn also smiled at those below, her own gown stunning and fit to match that of the Sunfire scion. With red and golden fabrics layered upon one another, it seemed as if she glided across the marble surface of the dais as she took her place beside Kyliska, her own hand coming up and waving down at those in the gathered crowd.

                Standing somewhat behind and to the left of Kyliska, Biara Dayfire smiled as well, watching the two nobles as they waved at the cheering crowd. With her flame red locks held up by golden pins and her wards glittering lightly in the sun, there was a certain air of relief and happiness in her eyes. She glanced across the dais, offering a smile and a polite nod to those who stood opposite from her.

                Tyavel saw the smile, offering only a slight nod of her head in acknowledgement as she returned her gaze to the two nobles before her. Wearing an enchanted, sea blue dress, she stood out amongst the others in a way that, to her, obviously showed her superiority. Magic practically radiated from the fabric of her clothing, her jewelry, and the ceremonial staff she held in her hand as she watched the proceedings. Every now and then she would shoot a disapproving glare at her brother Andithiel, who stood at her side.

                For his part, Andithiel did everything in his power to ignore the proceedings. Dressed in the bare minimum required for such a momentous court occasion, his hand rested constantly on the ceremonial sword his sister had insisted he wear at his belt. He frequently alternated between sighing, rolling his eyes, or glaring at Kyliska’s back as the ceremony began and the two nobles began to address the crowd below.

                “Brothers and sisters of Quel’Thalas,” Kyliska began, her voice booming out across the marble space before her. “Citizens of our proud nation; I welcome you to a momentous occasion. To a new dawning for Quel’Thalas and for those Sin’dorei whose lives are pledged in service to our great realm.”

                The crowd cheered, and Kyliska’s smile beamed down at them as she waited for it to die down a bit before continuing, “For many years, strife has divided our peoples. The fall of our realm brought a darkness here that we each had to face in our own way. Houses rose and fell, nobles bickered bitterly about what the right course was and how we would survive. We made mistakes, wrong turns, and narrowly avoided disaster many times along the way. But we survived! We triumphed before all of the odds stacked against us! We rose up to the challenge and we live and breathe today in a realm that is secure and slowly seeing a rebirth of its greatness!”

                The crowd cheered loudly, applause ringing out. Behind the group, Biara smiled, admiring the way her sister had expertly spoken the speech that she had written for her, grinning a few times as Kyliska allowed the passion she felt for the topic to seep into her voice; her sister was an excellent orator when she had the proper motivation and encouragement!

                As the crowd settled again, Kyliska continued, this time speaking from her heart, her fist raised high in the air above her, “No longer will we stand divided! No longer will we face our enemies alone, for today, here and now, you will see that the differences of the past can be set aside and that those who truly envision a brighter future tomorrow can stand side by side, united as one! Today two Houses are joined together; not by arranged marriage, not by political intrigue, but by the common goal of making a better, safer future for Quel’Thalas. Today House Sunfire and House Felo’melorn join together, each becoming a stronger part of the whole as we face the challenges of tomorrow!”

                The crowd roared again, and this time Kyliska turned and smiled at Selenthiel, gesturing for her to speak her part. The Sin’dorei priestess dipped her head, a smile crossing her own face as she waited for the crowd to grow still again, “As Kyliska has said, today we begin a new chapter, a new future for both houses. Today, as we unite our forces under one banner, we create the tools needed to heal the Sin’dorei and to make them stronger. As Lady Sunfire is the sword and shield which we will take up to defend our people, so too are those of House Felo’melorn the battlements and armor which shelter our people from the darkness beyond. Together we are stronger. Together we are the hand that heals and the hand that strikes down those who oppose the Sin’dorei. Today we join in common purpose, and seal a pact between two bloodlines who will become as one forever more.”

                The crowd cheered loudly and Kyliska smiled at Selenthiel before gesturing behind her. From behind the dais Braeth’el marched forward, his rugged form clad in a ceremonial red and gold jacket that did little to detract from just how powerful he was. With deliberate, ceremonial steps he approached the two nobles, bearing before him a flat golden tablet and two rune-tipped wands. The blank golden face of the tablet glimmered in the light, the surface having been polished to an elegant shine. Braeth’el smiled as he bowed before the two nobles, extending the tablet before him and offering the wands to the two.

                Kyliska took up her wand first, its tip inscribed with the rune of House Sunfire and created by Tyavel for the event. As soon as she did, Selenthiel took up her own wand, its tip inscribed with the rune of House Felo’melorn and created by Biara. Kyliska smiled and nodded at Selenthiel, her voice carrying back out over the crowd, “Today we join as one! Today, House Sunfire grows tenfold!”

                She plunged her wand forward, the tip sparking against the tablet as magic flared from it. Selenthiel followed suit a moment later, the magic joining with that already present from Kyliska’s wand and creating a bright flare of power. Together the wands burned an emblem into the tablet, the symbol of House Sunfire being slightly modified to represent the inclusion of the Felo’melorn family into the line. As the magic flared and then faded, Braeth’el held the tablet up before him even as guards behind him unfurled two twin banners from the entrances of the gates behind them. The emblems depicted were of two spires with a fiery sun between them, two burning, crossed swords covering the center of the emblem, joining House Sunfire and House Felo’melorn together forever more as one.

                The crowd went wild once the banners were unfurled and fluttered in the breeze behind them. As the cheering intensified, Kyliska gestured and a battalion of Sin’dorei soldiers marched forth from one of the courtyard’s side entrances. The pounding of their armored boots echoed loudly through the courtyard, and the crowd continued to cheer and yell as Kyliska smiled. She held up her hand, and one of the leading soldiers blew a note on a trumpet, bringing the soldiers to a halt. Kyliska nodded at Selenthiel, gesturing towards the men, “Lady Sunfire, I present to you the First Sunfire Battalion; your personal guard.”

                Selenthiel offered Kyliska a polite courtesy and then brought her own hand up. Behind the group, and number of well-dressed Sin’dorei craftsmen appeared, carrying with them a pair of ceremonial scissors made of pure gold. Selenthiel walked forward, stepping down from the dais and taking up the scissors in her hands. With a flourish she cut the ribbons that had been across the second gateway, allowing access to the space beyond, “Lady Sunfire, I present to you the groundbreaking for the second of House Sunfire’s spires, where you will live in comfort within the city of Silvermoon itself.”

                Kyliska offered Selenthiel a courtesy of her own before bringing her hands up to address the crowd before them. It took many minutes for the yelling and cheering to subside enough for her to speak, and when she did her voice echoed powerfully across the silence, “From this day forth, let it be known that Selenthiel, Tyavel, and Andithiel Felo’melorn are now of House Sunfire. The pact is sealed! Come and join us in celebration my friends!”

                The crowd roared and Kyliska offered them a playful wink before slipping from the dais, she and Selenthiel walking past the cut ribbons and into the open space beyond where a party would be held that evening. The next day the groundbreaking for House Sunfire’s second spire would begin in earnest, and the consolidation of the two families would continue for months to come. It was a joyous moment that even Tyavel enjoyed, knowing that her family had secured the best route to more power and prestige in the days to come. If anyone noticed that Andithiel had slunk off to sulk after the ceremony was over, no one mentioned it, the wine, music, and dancing driving such concerns away until the dawn of the next day.

A Link to the Past

                The door to the storage room was stuck fast with rust, dust, and the age of time. The guard standing in front of Biara shot her an apologetic smile as he jingled the key in the lock, forcing it slowly so as not to snap the implement before finally getting it to turn. Once the portal was unlocked, he strained against the wooden barrier for a moment before managing to free it from where it had stuck in the doorframe, yanking it open and exposing the dusty storage room beyond.

                “This is where we found the chest, my Lady,” the guard said, pointing into the room. “You can see it there standing beside that stack of barrels. We’ve checked most of the other items in the room and they’re just old weapons, covered pieces of furniture, or military supplies long since forgotten and likely not of any use anymore.”

                “Thank you. I’d like some time to examine the chest alone if you wouldn’t mind,” Biara said to the guard.

                “Of course, Lady Dayfire. If you need anything I’ll be at the post up the hall,” the guard replied before bowing deeply and leaving the room.

                Biara waited for the guard to depart before walking slowly into the musty storage chamber. The room had been sealed off for some time, and it was clear that it had once been used to store a variety of older items that House Dawnsea had intended to save but had no real use for. There were a few areas of Sunfire Estate that had yet to be cleared out, and this particular chamber had been discovered during one such effort. Unlike many of the others however, this one had an item in it that was of particular interest, and Biara had been called to come and examine it.

                The chest stood just where the guard had indicated it would be, and Biara found herself approaching it with a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Slowly she sank down to her knees before it, leaning forward to examine the object. Made of some imported, highly polished wood with golden metal brackets along each corner and a golden lock, it had accumulated decades of dust as a result of being shut away for so long. Biara found herself reaching out to touch it, her hand running across the wood and gold and wiping the dust away from a plate upon the front of it above the magical lock-ward. There, inscribed in the gold, were the two letters S.D.

                “Selun’athiel Dawnslight,” Biara whispered softly, her mother’s name coming to her lips unbidden.

                Carefully, Biara reached out with her other hand and placed it upon the chest as well. Her fel green eyes slipped closed as she focused on the object, checking for any latent magics within it before uttering the words to a spell. There was a brief flash of light on her fingertips and then a click as the chest opened, her spell having breached the primitive locking spell that had kept it closed. Taking a deep breath, Biara opened her eyes and pushed the lid of the chest upwards, revealing the container’s contents.

                It was, to put it mildly, anticlimactic. Biara was greeted with the sight of folded, bundled clothes, a neatly tied stack of papers with some additional letters and envelopes that were piled atop the stack, and what appeared to be a small jewelry box that likely contained jewelry her mother had not liked enough to keep in her own chambers. Biara shook her head and sighed; clearly she had been called from her work for something that the guards could likely have handled, but even so it had been wise for them to call her and she was not angry with them. With Selun’athiel, one never knew what she’d hidden amongst her things and it was never wise to risk being struck by an errant spell if one could help it.

                Biara leaned forward, gathering up some of the bundled clothing and removing it from the chest. As she did so, she noted that they appeared to be long out of style and were likely quite old. They were also rather fancy, as if clothing one would wear to a prestigious event or major formal gathering. Biara grinned at this, the thought of her mother enjoying anything other than magic and destruction at odds with her last memories of the elf.

                Setting the clothing aside, Biara picked up the stack of tied papers, intent on reaching the jewelry box at the bottom of the chest. As she did so, several letters fell free from the top of the pile, landing on the stone floor beside her and opening. Biara set the stack of papers she was holding down and glanced at those that had fallen, her eyes wide. Gently so as not to damage the old parchment, she reached down, picking up the first that had fallen and examining it.

                It was a beautifully made invitation, the words inked in gold and done in beautiful calligraphy, the corners of the invitation having a golden trim with an artistic design depicting entwined roses. Biara read the words aloud, the weight of passing time heavy in the room.

               
                You are cordially invited to attend a most blessed union bringing together two Houses in a time of love and peace. House Silverdawn extends its invitation to the Lord Tel’athar Dayfire and Lady Selun’athiel Dayfire on the third Sunday of the midsummer festival to witness the joining of the Lady Lirathel Dawnslight and Lord Lethas Silverdawn in the sacred bond of marriage.

                The festivities will begin at the second hour of noon on this day, with the ceremony occurring at the setting of the sun. Please join us in our celebration on the Isle of Quel’Danas, and let us share with you our love and joy.

               
                Biara finished reading the document and set it down, the names meaning little to her other than the fact that House Dawnslight was her mother’s original family before she wed. Clearly this was a wedding for some distant relative on her mother’s side that had happened many years before. Biara set the invitation down, seeing that it had directions to the party attached to it on a second, equally well made card.

There was a third piece of parchment sandwiched between them however that made one of Biara’s eyebrows shoot up. She reached down and gently picked it up, unfolding it with care and exposing what appeared to be a blank page. Biara smiled, her senses detecting an old and fading, latent spell hidden on the paper. It was one that she was familiar with, her mother having taught her about such things at a very young age. She breathed a word of magic, and the page lit up brightly as the spell was exposed, words flaring into existence in bright blue arcane letters before her. She began to read, her curiosity piqued.

Dear Aunt Seluna,

                I can’t believe it’s finally happening! He’s finally asked for my hand and we’re to be married! All of my hopes and dreams have come true, and it is in part because of all that you have done for me. I know that Father and some of the others think we are too young and should wait, but I know in my heart that this is right and I can’t thank you enough for speaking with him about the matter.

                Lethas and I have reserved a place of honor for you at the ceremony. You’re to be in the very front row, befitting your great role in my life and as a thank you for everything. I wanted to include this letter to say these things to you personally in the event that we’re too busy at the ceremony. As you can see, I’ve also been practicing the magic spells that you have taught me. Although I will likely never be as talented as you are or as we both hope your daughter will become, it means the world to me that you have taken the time to show me even this little bit of the art. Please let me know if you see anything that I can improve with my spells, as I am eager to learn more!

                We have begun our preparations for the ceremony already, and I think you will be impressed with our first dance and also with the gown that I have selected. I took your advice on the design and made use of the tailor that you had recommended and I am thrilled with the results. I can’t wait to see Lethas’s face when he sees me in it!

                Anyway, I do not wish to use up too much of your time as I know you are very busy with your own affairs, but I had to include this letter with the invitation. Again, thank you for everything you have done. You have helped my dreams to come true and my heart to soar. I will see you at our ceremony and, of course, continue to write. Be well, Aunt Seluna!

With love,

Lira

                
               Biara set the letter down gently, stunned by what she had read. Obviously Selun’athiel Dayfire had not always been the twisted, dark creature that she’d become after she was touched by Scourge magic, but to see this other side of her and to recall that she had once been a living, breathing person who had feelings and relationships was like being doused with cold water. Memories of her mother flowed through Biara’s mind, and she felt tears in her eyes as she recalled what had been and what had come later when her mother fell to darkness.

                Wiping at her eyes, Biara looked down at the letter again before turning to look through the piles of paper that had been in the chest. Try as she might, she could find no other correspondence from a Lirathel within the paperwork, and no further clues about this distant relative were provided when she re-read the letter. The thought that the girl had adored Selun’athiel and had even been grateful for things that she’d done gave Biara pause and made her wish to know more. Unfortunately, decades of time had passed between the joyous penning of this letter and the current day, and it was likely that the darkness that had befallen Quel’Thalas had washed all away with it.

                Biara shook her head, looking into the chest and finding the jewelry box that she’d originally been seeking. Gently she opened it, finding within it not jewelry as she’d expected, but an orb. Eyes wide, she held it up before her, breathing magic into it and watching as it began to glow. Within the murky depths images appeared, fuzzy at first as the latent spells re-ignited but growing clearer. They were images of a grand ceremony and of elves dancing and enjoying their time together as the sun sank over Quel’Danas. Biara saw within the images many glimpses of her mother and father together, some of them captured poses of groups of nobles long since dead smiling and looking up as if to peer out of the orb. But throughout it all, and featured amongst all of the many images were those of a red-haired beauty in a gleaming gold and white dress, a fine young noble at her side as she waved or smiled happily at the crowd. Image after image of her appeared, and Biara knew beyond a doubt that she stared at a ghost from the past, the young Quel’dorei having the same coloring and hair color as her mother’s own.

                She stared at one of the images, the elf’s young face burned into her mind, her smiled framed by flowing red locks and bright blue eyes shining with joy staring out of the orb from a time long since forgotten. Here was one of Biara’s blood. A cousin she’d never even really known, swept away in the events of the past.

                Biara sighed and set the orb down gently in its box. She closed the lid and gathered it and the invitation with its attached letter up, holding them close. Although she was likely to find nothing more than ruins or a lonely grave long since abandoned, Biara found herself filled with an insatiable curiosity to discover what had befallen the young noble and her new marriage. Had they survived the Scourge invasion? Did they live now with House Silverdawn, wherever that family resided, or perhaps with House Dawnslight? Did this elf still live, and could she speak more about the past that would uncover more of Selun’athiel’s life than perhaps Biara herself knew?

                Regardless of what had happened, there would be some clues available, and Biara decided she would follow up on it. Two Houses did not have young heirs marry without leaving some record behind in Silvermoon’s archives, and it was amongst the old legal documents that Biara would find clues as to where the couple went next, and whether or not they still lived perhaps. With a smile, she hurried from the storage room, quite literally carrying the past in a bundle in her arms.

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.