Wedding Bells Ring for Leothiel and Oneille

[Oneille]

Roo stuck his tongue out as both Leothiel and Oneille embraced lips locked for what seemed an eternity. Leothiel broke away his gaze shifting away from Oneille's green eyes to watch little Roo who razed at him. The oracle tugged at the pant's leg of his adopted father semi-whining as he wanted attention. There was a promise of spending time with Roo and the little child eagerly shifted about.

"Mmm, Leothiel I believe it's time for you and Roo to spend the morning together as promised," Oneille bent down to kiss her son about his head. He seemed to shy way but accepted his mother's affection.

"We'll be fine besides gives me a chance to get to know him," Leothiel knelt down patting Roo on his head.

Roo stuck his tongue out only to have Leothiel smirk at the little oracle's actions.

"Roo tends to be a handful as it were just know he loves to walk about the marketplace, as well as going out to the nearby pond to swim," Oneille settled her papers into her satchel as work time drew close.

"Swimming at the pond?" Leothiel quirked a brow.

"Love, he's an oracle they are water beings to swim there would be nice...least you can take him to the safer beaches?" Roo watched both adults speak of swimming and his fins went up in delight!

"Roo swim now! Roo make big man go swim too!" Leothiel heard this and crossed his arms. There came a smirk across Leothiel's face as the little oracle smirked back.

"All right boys I am off to work, Roo behave and Leothiel take care love. I'll be done by early afternoon. We can meet up for lunch, but I am off to work. Have fun my boys." Oneille rushed out the heavy doors, the slam resounding through the apartment. Roo and Leothiel glanced between themselves.

At first the two males spent the morning strolling causally into the Bazaar. Roo walked at Leothiel's feet occasionally pointing to a store or vendor in the area he'd like to visit. Nodding at the request Leothiel walked into a merchant often visited by Regallia and Roo during their strolls. it was a small curiosity store that sold magic goods and wares. Here Roo spent his time picking up books and scrolls about whatever magic knowledge he could find.

"Roo what is it you seek?" Leothiel wondered as his ward fled off down a small row of bookshelves. Drawing closer Leothiel found Roo admiring something not quite what he expected to find in the store. The magic store sold mainly elven items of magic and the arcane but at the furthest corner of the store was a voodoo charm.

"Roo not tell mommy but me like this thingy. It shiny and make me want to have it." Roo sighed as a child does and stood back on his hind quarters hypnotized by what he saw.

"Hmm, that is Amani and highly illegal to even think of owning," Leothiel crossed his arms and backed away from the object. The thoughts of being presented to the Loa like before caused grimace, "Roo, come, we're leaving."

Roo stayed entranced by the Amani artifact, "Roo, come." Leothiel knelt down beside the young creature shaking him lightly, "Roo don't make me repeat myself."

"What big man say...Roo was only looking at shiny!" Roo whined as Leothiel pointed to door and motioned him to follow.

Behind the counter stood a smirking Blood Elf with part of his left ear torn off waving at father and son as they departed, "I never want to come to this dive again."

A small cackle escaped the lips of the Sin;dorei from the shop as Roo ran ahead of Leothiel. The rest of the morning spent in the Bazaar went on in a rush. Leothiel and his "son" sat by the fountain in the Bazaar with Leo teaching Roo a few key phrases in Thalassian. Roo tried his best but faltered feeling embarrassed when he could not properly repeat Leo's tongue.

*Noon time*

Oneille tied her hair back as she hurried down the hall of the library satchel flailing behind her. Several moments later the Sin'dorei woman stepped into the Court of the Son smiling at the two figures approaching her. Little Roo hopped ahead of Leothiel and jumped into his mother's arms.

"Roo!" exclaimed Oneille as she hugged her son closely. She kissed him on his cheek and peered up to met Leothiel's gaze.

"Are you aware that magic shop his nanny and him visit sells voodoo charms?" Leothiel said his voice growing in concern.

"No. I knew he visited a shop with magic goodies never had I realized it was selling those." Oneille glared at Roo who shied away from her gaze.

"Best he stopped going," Leothiel said as he walked over to Oneille.

Leothiel's consort nodded as she leaned forward pressing her lips to his kissing deeply. Roo stuck his tongue out at both adults like from the morning. Oneille felt a blush creep over her face.

"Time to head back to the apartment I ordered in dinner. I am exhausted from researching for nobles," putting Roo down Oneille took Leothiel's hand and walked at his side.

Today was a short day but was a good day nonethless.

[Leothiel]

Leothiel headed back to Dalaran after the day with Roo. He did not teleport back. He wanted time to think during a ride through the plaguelands. He wanted time to think while his hippogryph Autumn was ferrying him from the Howling Fjord to home. He thought about how magic affected his body and what one of the healers said Stay away from strong doses of magic. He then realized a key to becoming resistant to poisons. Poisons are deadly in big doses but one becomes numb when exposed to small doses over time. He wanted to make a pilgrimmage to the Sunwell in person as it was not only holy ground to elfkind, but it was especially significant to him. Why should I not be allowed to visit the ground where Islanna fell?

When Leothiel arrived back home in Dalaran, he pulled out two sheets of parchment. One of them was a commitment to find arcane-infused crystals and siphon them to be exposed to the magic. The other he titled "War Thesis" and wrote an outline. After some time, his mind wandered.

He thought about his family arriving on Sunday. He thought about Azureus' recent nightmare. He thought about the war with the Kingship. When his thoughts turned to the wedding, he reached into the pocket of his shirt and felt an envelope. He pulled it out and opened it. In it were some locks of Oneille's hair. My bride, you never left me or my heart.

That night, Leothiel slept very uneasily. His decision about siphoning arcane-infused crystals caused great conflict in his thoughts, which in turn showed up in his dreams. He had envisioned himself at war with himself. When he woke up, he realized that it was not an Old God vision.

[Oneille]

He was happy, no he was glad to be back in her arms again. There came no words only a deep embrace lasting for sometime. Oneille tenderly kissed and caressed her groom. Leothiel returned from his lengthy day of ambassador duties and war responsibilities. His bride-to-be held him tightly arms gripping his shoulders as though he'd disappear at a moment's glance. Blushing at him then smiling the red maned lioness kissed Leothiel sensually. He never complain at this. Lips pressed to his she devoured his taste missing his savory delight. Both lover's pulled away Oneille grinning playfully.

"Come my lord bed awaits," a person might wonder many things about these two younglings, but each time they've been together it's always in each others arms. Sleep claims one then the other. By the time morning arises they are steadfast held protectfully in their embraces.

Leothiel and his consort Oneille blissfully sleep the night knowing soon both hearts will never have to wonder alone ever again.

[Leothiel]

Leothiel woke up with Oneille still in his arms. In one week, we will no longer have to rest alone he thought. He realized that it was one week until the wedding. His bachelor party had been postponed from since another act outbid his brother at the World's End Tavern that night. He also realized that his family would arrive from Stormwind the next day right in the heart of Silvermoon.

After Leothiel dressed, he and Oneille talked for some time. Oneille is thrilled about seeing Leothiel's family again and is looking forward to seeing young Vira again. All she knows is that her future sister-in-law (sister to her) will have more color. Leo said nothing to his parents about Roo, Oneille's adopted oracle son.

=====

*From the Journal of Thaelen Frosthawk*

Tomorrow, we leave for Quel'thalas. I think Vira will be a bit young to appreciate her Homeland. Anaria is more curious than ever to see the Homeland but she has been becoming visibly apprehensive. She had seen what magic has done to two of our sons. She fears what it can do to our unborn child. We felt the Sunwell when it was defiled, and felt it when it was redeemed. I sense the Sin'dorei have taken a dark path, which my sons have walked. Our concern is Anaria told me that she sense that my spirit was torn in two when I returned from my pilgrimmage with my sons. I hated to admit this even in private, but she is right.

*space*

Anaria has been concerned with the arrangements and the packing for one week in the Homeland. I expressed to her about my spirit being torn in two. I wanted to change the subject from there. Will the Quel'dorei and the Sin'dorei be united again? If a father's spirit is sundered from a war that tore his house in two, how can a nation recover? It is time I quite dwelling on my spirit and start thinking about our Thalassian heritage and the future of my house.

=====

Leothiel made his way to the temple in Silvermoon City. He had some questions about magic exposure. Word spread from Dalaran what had happened to him when he transformed into a mageblood elf and when he was weakened by the powers in proximity of the Sunwell. "Is there a way I can gain resistance to pure magic without it weakening me?" One of the priests was very familiar with the magic addiction and had seen felblood and wretched transformations. "There are several things possible but they are painful and potentially lethal" he started. "Your first proposal, siphoning arcane-infused crystals, is only a first step only to leave you wanting more as you gain resistance. Moonwell water is another good source but it's nothing more than diluted Well of Eternity water. And Eternity is too strong for you." Leothiel was somewhat discouraged by this news.

The priest continued to talk about the transformations he witnessed. "Your transformation parodied that of felblood. Many died becoming felbloods and the rest were corrupted beyond all reason. You still have your mind. I have a question and I will give you one week to mull it over: Do you truly want to be a shell of who you are? Magic addiction does that. Go ahead and siphon arcane energy: You will only be thirsty for more when your tolerances are up." With that said, the priest left and motioned for Leothiel to leave. He left without saying a word.

I am not nor do I want to be a Wretched he thought. He then felt in his pocket the envelope that contained some strands of Oneille's red hair.

[Oneille]

Oneille head pounded as the effects of a drunken stupor wore off. Several hours prior the elf found herself dancing and drinking the night away at her bachelorette party. There came a deep groan from behind a downy pillow. The after effect of too much ale and beer took its toll. Food, drink, and merriment that was the agenda. Several male strippers appeared and drunken activities ensued.

She blushed at the thoughts of her half naked dancing, the men that roused her, and the sinking sense of how much she consumed. "Such night are meant to be fun but I feel so foolish...I mean I had fun..."

Heaving a deep sigh the elven warlock groggily threw the pillow to the other side of the bed getting up. Her legs felt as lead and the world swam in a haze. A small rapping sound caught her attention. "Mistress Brightgrove, tis Regallia." The elder matron called from the outside of Oneille's bedroom door.

"Oh Goddess I overslept!" Oneille came rushing from her bed clamoring for the door only to see that the elder matron had seen Roo off to school.

"Fret none my lady the child is at school. He was with me the night you were gone for your party as it were." Regallia moved aside as Oneille, tightening her robe, walked down to the hall to the kitchen. Sleeping soundly under the large table was Kim. The black worg shifted in his sleep when two women entered.

"In my youth, my lady, I too was wild but seeing as though the time has passed best to focus on the future." Oneille smelled what seemed a strong pot of coffee.

"Black just as I like it!" savoring the aroma Oneille poured a coup for herself and the elder. The two spoke of the wild night, shameless dancing, and drunken dares.

"And I thought I had my moments of insanity! A Tauren...danced naked. Goodness!" The crone shook her head taking her cup and Oneille's to refill them. After returning to the table the lady Regallia noted the time, "Were not the House of Frosthawk to come in this day?"

"Yes, the family arrives this evening. I'm looking forward to see them again. I am eager to see everyone!" smiling Oneille sipped her coffee.

*Silvermoon City Library and Archives*

Late afternoon came and most of the staff in the archives office had left for the day. Only the researchers and catalogers stayed to the late hours. These few kept to their dealings privately. Oneille studied the Thalassian document before her. It read in gibberish as though a child wrote it. Apparently a rich merchant found an old parchment in his home believing it held secret to a great fortune. That was a week ago! The page was scryered and reviewed but nothing makes sense. Later research finds the old home belonged to a widow who went insane before he ended up writing these odd little papers.

"Oneille Oranus?" a voice called.

Oneille quirked a brow and looked up to find an elderly Sin'dorei staring back at her, "I beg your pardon...I don't go by that name anymore."

"Oneille Deanara Oranus," he said this time more firmly, "the name Menous and Pomene gave you upon your birth. I can see that the works of Shoulsen Brightgrove inspired you. He always was a desperate poet..."

"Just who are you?" at this point Oneille's annoyance came into effect. "My name is Oneille Brightgrove now. I chose to protect whatever dignity my family had left with a name change."

The elder elf scoffed then walked to the corner of Oneille's desk, "So in turn you disgrace them by naming yourself after a poet?"

"Never! I love them I did it to protect themselves and me! My sister chose to drag us through the mud...I wanted to save our skins."

"And with that you butchered your family name."

"I don't even know who the hell you are yet you come waltzing into my library insulting me and my family!" Oneille got from her seat scooting the chair back in anger. "I have little patience for those who are wary."

As she moves towards him the elderly elf smirked, "Excuse me for being bigoted but you're in quite the shock, you might be loosing your rights to Roo."

Oneille dropped her jaw as her ears picked up on his cruel words. The male introduced himself as Reylian Illsiliuen a highborne elder who long ago served at the beginning of Silvermoon's creation now a warder for war efforts in regards to Dalaran. He came to learn that an ambassador for the oracle tribe in the Basin came to Dalaran relaying that Roo was a missing son of a mystic. Oneille sat in utter silence as he spoke of how the real family of Roo wanted him home.

"Roo's true family awaits him in the jungle of the Basin. Who are you to deny him that right?" mused the elder.

"I'm his mother now that is that!" Oneille swallowed her pride as she knew he was right to let Roo know of this.

"Admit it my lady your parentage to this child is at it's end. You've a wedding I hear coming up you're focus needs to be on that not...this orphanage," placing a legal parchment on her desk Reylian bowed and walked off.

Oneille watched him staring daggers, "I do not need this...not now." Sighing at the events unfolding the archivist forgot the time, "Oh gods...it's late and I promised I would meet the family this evening!"

Grabbing the legal paperwork and her satchel Oneille made her way to the city outskirts. As if on cue waiting atop livery hawkstriders were the Frosthawk family. Each face as Oneille remembered! Little Vira waved ecstatically at her future sister-in-law. Smiling brightly Oneille hurried to the family as they were escorted by guard provided by Oneille, "Bal'a dash!"

Hugs, warm welcomes, and a few jokes broke the ice as the Frosthawks entered the city. As agreed Thaelen would research the family estate, "Ah then you're more than welcome to use the archives. I can pull a few strings and see you get the help you need. It's not uncommon for me to..." She noticed Thaelen lost in thought.

"Father Frosthawk?" Thaelen turned to look at Oneille.

"Oh, right! The archives thank you, yes!" he held back a yawn only to be countered by young Vira's loud roar of sleep.

"Ann'da, Onei talked to you!" Oneille watched the little girl giggle her now color filled cheeks blushing as she tugged at Anaria's dress.

Anaria herself was swelling and round with child, "Mother Frosthawk how much longer till the birth?"

Anaria blushed but rubbed her protruding belly, "Hmm not too much longer though...but still it's some ways away. I am happy to know that Leothiel is marrying a good woman. You've been nothing but light in these dark times for him."

Oneille blushed a red she never knew existed, "I want him safe and protected. I want his heart safe and his soul taken care of."

Anaria sent Vira ahead with her father only to stop Oneille, "I sense there is something on your mind, what is it?"

Oneille bite her lower lip, "I worry about him, about what he goes through and about our future."

"Dear such are the common woes of any woman for her mate. These formalities come and go. Worry not you'll know where you stand with him. Now, concern yourself with what you have here and now." Anaria hugged her daughter-in-law and kissed her cheek. A few moment's silence and a smile later Oneille walked back into the city with her family.

Family, something that Oneille was gaining and loosing all at once.

[Leothiel]

Leothiel met up with Oneille at her apartment at about sunset. After they greeted with a kiss, Leothiel noticed something and spoke up "I see something is troubling you. May I ask as to what it is?" Oneille brought up the visit about Roo's inevitable return to Sholazar. As Oneille spoke, Leothiel felt a pang of regret going through him. The clock was ticking and he had a gift for Roo that he was going to present on the wedding night. It looks like I will have to give it to him as a going-away present. Leothiel told Oneille about the gift package for her foster son. "I will give him the package when it is time for him to return to Sholazar. It is my wish he delves deeper into his curiosity of the element of Frost."

Leothiel and Oneille walked slowly to the Livery, first talking about Roo, then the discussion went into the future of the family that Oneille was only six days from marrying into. Soon, they saw a well-dressed death knight riding towards them. He dismounted and greeted Leothiel loudly "Brother!" The two brothers embraced like they were being reunited after decades of being apart. Thieldren turned his attention to Oneille and greeted her like she was a sister.

The three of them walked slowly towards the Livery conversing. Oneille could feel the energy between the two brothers. Leothiel had never seen his brother happier or more enthusiastic. Soon, they saw three figures: Those of Thaelen, who seemed a bit down from his usual spirit; Anaria, who was almost to full term with child; and Vira, currently the youngest Frosthawk child. The six exchanged greetings. Leothiel, Oneille, and Thieldren noticed that Vira has gained her color since they last saw her. She was not as skittish around Thieldren either. The six talked until they arrived at the Wayfarer's Rest Inn. After the elder Frosthawks were checked in, everyone joined for a meal afterwards.

=====

*Journal of Anaria Frosthawk, before turning in for the evening*

I am glad to be back in the Homeland. Last night, my husband voiced his spirit's sundering after his pilgrimmage. Now we have two sons, only one of whom can carry the line. The one who can carry the line is the one who is getting married on the last day of Hallow's End. Leothiel has picked a good elfmaiden. Even their story of meeting parallels when Thaelen followed me one night after I stood him up. The three rings are safe with us and will be presented privately after the ceremony.

[Oneille]

Vira stared wildly at the blue skinned creature before her, tilting her head blinking. The sapphire blue eyes peered at Roo the oracle from the Sholazar Basin who had been announced as the adopted, soon to be return, son of Oneille. Roo frowned at Vira as he stared back at her. Both children examined one another for ages until Vira closed in on Roo. Not one to back down from curious intentions Roo smirked and lap his large tongue over Vira's face.

"Hey!" Vira squealed in surprise as she rubbed her cheek. "I'm a elf girl not a piece of candy!"

"Roo didn't know!" Roo grumbled as he began to stare back again.

All the while Oneille sat at her kitchen table with Regallia watching the children play.

"Tis good Mistress Frosthawk let us have the girl today, though why not she come as well?" Regallia sipped her coffee as she caught Vira poking at Roo's head fin.

Oneille gave a wry smile as she finished her cup and offered a another to her help,"She is at full term yes but her place is with Thaelen today. I've taken the day off to be with Vira and Roo. My assistants can help Thaelen."

Roo cashed after Vira down the hall as Kim yawned impassive at both as there came a loud crash from the living room. Kim whined as he walked into the living room noticing the children standing innocently as a vase lay shattered. A loud bark and several scoldings later, Vira and Roo strolled away with Regallia laughing and chasing one another with Regallia in tow. Oneille waved at her son and little Vira.

Regallia took Vira and Roo to the Bazaar where a local troupe performed that morning retelling the adventures of the Headless Horseman! Several young children were Orc, Tauren, Troll, and Elf listening to elven minstrels and actors give a presentation of grand proportion.

"And they say the Headless Horseman shall forever roam Azeroth looking for a new head. From the looks of this crowd there are many heads he can choose from! Muwhaha!" in a puff of white smoke the male minstrel vanished only to be replaced by a volley of pumpkin fiends arising from the smoke.

"Oh!" Vira was awestruck never had she seen such a spectacle.

"Roo like strange thing! Yay for strange thing!" Vira giggled at her friend as the creatures slowly backed from the crowd. In the end the minstrels and actors jumped forth dressed in their most casual attire. Each cackling as the young children clapped and applauded. Vira and Roo mingled with the other children no one paying mind to Roo being oracle and Vira being High Elf. The mood was cheerful and fun!

Regallia decided she would take the children to the sweets shop in the Bazaar, here she bought them Harvest caramel apples and a large bag of goodies. Satisfied with her purchases she gathered the children outside and walked them to the fountain.

"Regallia that was fun! I've never seen such a show, who were they?" Vira asked through a mouthful of apple.

Roo devoured the caramel apple in no time licking his lips and wagging his tail as the treat bag became his to attack next. The nanny grabbed the little Roo and placed him in her lap, "Enough child. Yes Vira the actors perform every so often in the square, since Hallow's End is here the actors are doing the Headless Horseman."

Vira stared wide eyed at Regallia, "Headless Horseman?"

"Yes, I will tell you." there sat Vira glued and in awe as Regallia spun the tale of the Horseman and the tale of Hallow's End. In the mean time Roo layed in her lap groaning from too many sweets. Roo soon fell fast asleep leaving the audience to one.

"And he now seeks a new head?" Vira blushed at the thought of a headless man taking her own.

"Dear child he would never take your head, not with your brother Leothiel about to douse him," Regallia picked up the sleeping Roo and wearily she stood. "Come child tis time for us to head back to Oneille's."

=========

Oneille presented the children with fruit, cheeze, honey, and fresh bread as an alternative to the eating more sweets. "Regallia spoiled you and now you're going to sit and enjoy a wholesome lunch." Roo poked at the apple slices as Vira helped herself to the honey and spiced Mulgore bread.

"We had so much fun though! We saw actors, watched a show, and even saw other kids!" Vira ate happily as Kim endlessly lurked the kitchen table for scraps. Oneille shooed the worg away as she listened to the child speak.

"I am happy that you had fun little sister but now I believe it's time you and Roo took a small nap for the afternoon." Oneille stood from her chair and took away teh empty plates.

"Ahh it's not fair I'm not tired," Vira pouted as Roo fell dead asleep in his pear slices now.

"Hmph, little lady I disagree come now." Vira saulked as Oneille gathered Roo from his dish cleaning his face and taking Vira's hand. Down the hallway to her room she brought the children in and tucked them to bed. "It will only be for a few hours so don't worry."

"No! I don't .." there came a loud yawn, eyes drooped, and Vira made contact with sleep.

"Don't worry little warrior I'll make sure to keep that in mind." Oneille bent down kissed both children on the head and walked out.

Oneille closed the door and walked down the hallway hands at her waist. She felt a dreamy sigh escape her lips, "I hope someday soon I can be just as lucky with a child as Anaria."

[Leothiel]

After Thaelen and Anaria dropped their daughter off to spend the day with Oneille, they headed towards Sunfury Spire and the archives that it contained. Anaria walked more slowly trying to absorb the new Silvermoon. It had changed in the ten years since she was last there. The two were escorted by some research assistants. Thaelen got to work looking up information on his own house. Anaria went to the priest order to see some old friends.

At the priest order, Anaria started talking about family and quietly emphasized the new life within her. Soon, the talk of family devolved into something else when one of the priests asked "You are here for a wedding for one of your sons. What is your son's name?" When she answered "Leothiel," the room fell silent. One of them offered her a drink and said "He was in here last week from magic sickness." "Magic sickness?" Anaria replied. "Yes. Magic sickness." The priest explained what magic had done to the night elves and what it is doing to the blood elves. After some time, ne of the priests pulled out a book and presented it to her. Anaria looked through it. When she saw a sketch of a Felblood, she looked at it for a moment. She noticed the wings were similar to that of what Leothiel had. She turned to the next page and saw a drawing of a wretched. She pushed the book away and thought under her breath So this is what has happened to two of my sons. She then thought about Vira and the stumps in her back. Anaria also grew fearful of what would become of the unborn child.

At the same time, Thaelen and the research assistants were searching for records of the Frosthawk house. His findings were many, but he was unable to find traces of the family wealth. After some time, a very pale Anaria showed up fearful and nearly in tears. "Thaelen, there is something I need to tell you in private." Thaelen excused himself and the two of them went to a quiet spot where Anaria had revealed the nature of how wild and lethal magic has been. Thaelen did not know what kind of look to put on his face. In fact, he did not know what to say. "I think Leothiel should tell us."

Late in the afternoon, they met up with Oneille and Vira. Vira talked well into the evening about her day in Silvermoon and the story of the Headless Horseman. She also talked about all of the green, blue, and furry kids she saw in the Bazaar. This lifted Anaria's spirits. "Tomorrow will belong to us. We are going to the countryside and see the land of Quel'thalas. Vira, it's time you learned who you are."

[Oneille]

Loving arms gathered about a confused Roo. The little oracle child cried hard as Oneille earlier explained the situation. There came nothing but tears between mother and son. As of Wednesday the little creature would find himself back home in the green jungles of the basin never to be seen from again. Leothiel had a package due to give him, time was against all three. Roo sniffled and tried to be brave but could only whimper and stay craddled in Oneille's arms. Oneille took Roo walking him about cooing softly. An hour after the oracle fell fast asleep, mother and son sat in the living room worn from crying. There on the living room sofa sat Oneille eyes closed as her arms braced her ward protectively.

Regallia came into the apartment in the late evening to discover the pair sleeping, "By the Light she must have told the lad."

The elder elf gingerly raised the arms of Oneille taking Roo from her grasp. Roo stirred only to calm and cuddle at the embrace of Regallia. "Hmm?" THe only person to awaken was Oneille.

"Mistress, you've been asleep for most the afternoon." Regallia helped the elfmaiden to her feet. Carefully the two walked little Roo to Oneille's bedroom to lay him down, while they sought the comfort of the kitchen. A tea was brewed and Oneille groaned.

"I should have fought for him, I didn't instead I decided to let someone walk off with him." there came a heavy sigh.

"You might take it that way," Regallia started, "but from my experience this is part of life. You loose him, yes, yet in the end you're gaining more from the marriage. A new family, new siblings, and a chance to create your own family which I'd look after in a heart beat."

A faint smile played over Oneille's lips, "That is true...I'm just wanting to start life with Leothiel and never look back."

"Never look back?" Regallia quirked a brow.

"A few years ago I ...I...went from practicing fire magic to learning the dark arts of the warlocks. No one treats me the same. All that I see is the people who called me monster and cast down upon me. I see the orc hunter who ensalved me and tried to barter me to those other orcs. I see the troll rogue who ridiculed me...and above all else I see the elves of my family disowning my sister, Cobriana. Seems little in my life ever came easy."

Oneille heaved herself away from the Regallia. The truth was: Oneille never told about her life in slavery, ridicule, or pain these secrets lay locked away.

============================

After a small nap and strong cup of coffee Oneille set to work writing a letter to her beloved.

Dearest Winged Lion
I've spent a lifetime searching for my other half, that part of me that completes me such as you have. My life is one of confusion and dire straights. In the life I have lived I was born to Menous and Pomene Oranus two highbornes changed by the fel energies we've learned to siphon. My siblings are Cobriana, Lycaonia, and my brother Fauva (now deceased). I changed my name to Brightgrove to save my own hide. There was a poet I once read about named Shoulsen Brightgrove. He inspired me with his name. I became Oneille Deanara Brightgrove.

I sought the warlocks of Felwood and the Shadow Council after the sundering in Silvermoon City. They taught me things about demons, I became impressed. It was the Warsong Clan of the Ashenvale that brought me to life and the Horde. Captured and left to my fate at orcs I prayed I survived. Apparently a familiar face bought my freedom. A elf like me with eyes glowing in fel energy spoke the words and instantly I began my sojourn to redemption. The Horde they needed able bodied warlocks in the field. Ambassadors and officials gave me a second chance, I trained at Sunstrider and when done training left to serve in Outland.

The battles lasted for what seemed an age in Hellfire yet in the end I made the inevitable move to Northrend with other troops. My knowledge and prowess of research granted me privy. Soon the Warsong Clan demanded I research for them and the Horde. When I received that wedding invite from my sister some time ago I realized just how much I was needed. I left Northrend and the Warsong behind. I came home late to the wedding but found the Sin'dorei needing me. I accepted the invitation and now I am bound to the archives for life.

When Hallow's End comes I want you to know Leothiel I am not perfect by any means. You're the greatest thing ever to happen to me, I've been slave, chattle, monster, and many other evils. How did I become blessed? I've gasined a new family with the Frosthawks and you my lion, you're the greatest blessing of all. I'd die for you and I mean that.

My lord I'm forever yours and after this weekend we'll never be alone again.

Love
Your Lioness

Oneille yawned at her desk, the letter finished but waiting. The letter lay rested in her hands and smiling the elfmaiden began to wait for the arrival of her love.

[Leothiel]

*Tuesday evening's entry from the Anaria Frosthawk's journal*

Vira woke up very talkative this morning. Yesterday, she had a fun day in Silvermoon with Regallia, Oneille, and Roo. While Thaelen was busy looking through archives, I was talking with some old friends from before we left for Dalaran. That saddened my day seeing what Kael'thas has done to the people he had sworn to save. Instead, he enthralled them and corrupted those who followed him the closest. Corruption and murder claimed our eldest son and nearly killed our middle son. Our youngest dealt with some of the effects and has been physically changed because of it. I am fearful for the unborn child inside me. I wondered how our land is now.

The Scourge left a deep scar in the land that is barely showing signs of life and it runs through the heart of our city splitting it in two. We made our way to the west side of Silvermoon. The guards in Falconwing told us to stay on the causeway. We saw mutations of elves as well as malfunctioning arcane guardians. We made our way to Sunstrider Isle. I saw some green crystals in there that had some faces in them. Thaelen told me they were demon-infused and were siphoned. The fel energies is what is giving the Sin'dorei their greenish glow from the eyes. Overdoses from this caused physical transformations identical to what I had seen in one of the books the priests showed me yesterday. We moved to Dath'remar's monument. We laid flowers with notes attached saying 'may the highborne be one race again.'

Afterwards, we explored more of the lands. We went to the pond where Thaelen followed me after I had accepted a date from him but never showed up and nearly relived it. We rode on hawkstrider back around Quel'thalas. The south lands, now known as the Ghostlands are too dangerous for us to be off the road. Even though Zul'jin is dead, Amani bands still ply the southeast. By sunset, we had arrived on Quel'danas and visited the graves of Islanna and Remtheras. Remtheras' corruption still shows after death. His spirit needs to be cleansed and we will need Leothiel with us for that.

Tomorrow, Thaelen will be back in the archives and Thieldren will visit us in the morning. He can get a message to Leothiel that he has a task at hand.