After the Wedding

[Leothiel]

*Saturday*nnThe attorney and the investigator met up in the church where Anaria and Vira were sanctuaried. Vira went with a friend and her family to Ironforge to have an early celebration of Winter's Veil and to play in the snow. Soon, Anaria, the invesigator, and the attorney were portaled to Dalaran. Leothiel, Oneille, and Thieldren were already waiting at a table in a quiet spot of the Legedermain Lounge.nnAfter the greetings, Leothiel decided to get down to business. "We have correspondence with our father. As I recall, you have only half the story." Leothiel and Thieldren gave their letters to the investigator, where he put them in a box. Thieldren spoke up saying "Father is loyal to the elves, but I question if he would spy against King Varian. His recent travels have been a bit.. colorful as of late." The investigator wondered about those travels. Leothiel explained about how he found out his parents were alive followed by the reunion in Quel'danas, Thaelen's pilgrimmage in Outland and Horde lands, and his wedding in Quel'thalas.nnLeothiel then spoke up. "What evidence is there that father has been feeding us tactical information of the Alliance's movements? I have scouts and other sources for that. Is he really as you say it... 'innocent until proven guilty'?" The investigator, who himself was an SI:7 agent, stood dumbstruck. He hesitated before he finally spoke. "There has been a blue dragon flying in and out of Stormwind and we thought one of the guards killed it. Your father's and sister's outspokenness gave him away as a possible Horde spy. We took greater note when we noticed a blue dragon flying in and out of Stormwind. Now that dragon has been killed." Leothiel called for Azureus. "Are you talking about Azureus, my dragon whelp? What was killed was my father's dragonhawk, who is also his familiar. Dragons have scale memories. I expect to see a date of the proceedings and I will have Azureus observe then report back to me. I will scry his scale to see what transpired. If he winds up dead because of this, I will assume that you have something to hide."nnAfter that, the attorney and investigator left with the evidence in hand. Leothiel, Oneille, Thieldren, and Anaria caught up on family events trying to keep their minds off of Thaelen's arrest. Oneille was growing visibly excited. Anaria took a good look at her and said "Daughter, you have something exiciting and I am not going to hold you back." Oneille said "Not only is your next child due soon, but I am carrying your first grandchild." Anaria's reaction made her the most excited since seeing Leothiel and Oneille wed. The lighter mood lasted for some time before they parted ways.nnBack in Stormwind, Vira returned to the church happy although it was sobering. "We saw Greatfather Winter. I told him I want father back." Anaria stooped, gave her a hug and whispered in her ear "He will be back."

[Oneille]

Oneille lay in bed staring over her mother's note again. Each quill stroke and line of dictation brought a wider grin upon the elf maiden's visage. Monday morning already began with it's normal routine of watching her husband awake early, cuddle with him, then send him off to his duties. A elven man of his stature was always on the go. Hands folded over her stomach Oneille smiled and sighed dreamily. A Winter's Veil gift come true: a family, a child, an heir. Leothiel kept his hand always at her waist feeling her midsection affirming his progeny. nnThe visit with Anaria left the warlock content and at ease. Good to know Anaria saw her and knew she'd become a grandmother. Lah on the other end was grateful her daughter and become blessed. Eagerly, Oneille readied for work and rushed to make her way to the archives. It was the happiest time of the year, and that happiness she'd enjoy and love namely with both husband and tribe.

[Leothiel]

*Sunday night*nnLeothiel had spent that weekend thinking about two things: His father's arrest on charges of spying and upcoming hearing date on that, which would be in four days' time. What consumed his mind even more who Oneille was in his life. She went from a friend to a close friend, to a lover, wife, and now she is becoming the matron of his house. His dreams were now involving their unborn and unconceived children.nn*Sunday night, the journal of Anaria Frosthawk*nnThursday is the day where Thaelen will finally be brought up on the charges against him. Yesterday, Thieldren, Leothiel, and Oneille submitted any correspondence with him to our law practitioner and the SI:7 investigator. My husband is not a spy: he only desires to see the Quel'dorei be re-united with the Homeland once again. His only "crime" was seeing the world through the eyes of his estranged sons. He saw the ravages of magic addiction and the place the Sin'dorei have carved in the Horde. Even Leothiel, who is in a very sensitive position, stayed quiet in regards to Horde movements. The only other "crime," which I have also committed was going to Quel'thalas for one week seeing the Homeland once again.nnAlthough the prospect of my husband being tried for his supposed treason nips at my spirit, Oneille's news took my mind off of it. She is now carrying the first Quel'thalas Frosthawk since Leothiel. They were star-crossed lovers at their wedding. Now they are becoming the Lord and Lady they were meant to be. Thaelen will be happy to hear that he will be a grandfather.nnMy own child is due any day. Thaelen hopes for a son. After raising three sons, I want a daughter. He just may receive his wish. I have felt magic surges through my body, especially when Leothiel and Oneille were near. I am now echoing Vira's statement: I want Thaelen back for Winter's Veil.

[Oneille]

From the journal of a one Oneille Frosthawk:nn"I am someone's wife and for my husband I bare now his legacy. He has fears, hesitations, concerns. What he feels is different than most. Leothiel's mind is awash in what the future holds. His own father sits in bounds being considered a spy...against the very city he lives in. What son wouldn't throw his full effort into freeing their father? Leothiel and I both know his father's innocence yet no voices in the human capital will hear them. My own mother-law, gods, I hope she is well. Herself almost ready to birth the next Frosthawk of Thaelen. My heart and prayers go to her and little Vira, little sister. nnMy love, my lion, my winged mage how I love you! You worry so much and believe that the children we shall have will carry magical symptoms not uncommon to those of your house. You forget we've been through worse yet with all the happenings as of late I see the concern. Words of love and encouragement often fall on deaf ears when the mind is focused elsewhere. Not that Leothiel is that way, but his focus is his father and his family. I do pray that Thaelen is able to seek the justice he deserves and comes home! I want nothing more than for father to know...know of what great news we have for him."nn*Silvermoon City, Frosthawk home*nOneille scrawled the last few sentences quickly as she could. The letter in hand she placed the item on her husband's desk hoping that soon it would find it's way to Thaelen:nnDearest Father ThaelennIt saddens many eyes to see you there, there in a place you've no right to be! I know that Leothiel diligently works to bring you home, give you freedom, and set right justice. Gods only know that we all want you home! Above all else know this: your son and I humbly wish to tell you that I am with child! Yes! I carry the first of Leotheil's line. I also carry the first Frosthawk to be born in the homeland since Leothiel some thirty-seven years ago. I am hoping soon you'll be able to come forth and be the one to congratulate us...grandfather Thaelen. Aye, I do hope I may give birth to a son. I want to give my husband heirs...but then again I also hope our families may live in peace after this bump in the road we're facing. I do love you Father Thaelen. May the light watch over you, come home soon.nnLovenOneille Frosthawk

[Leothiel]

*Silvermoon*nOneille's letter was ready to go the night before. Leothiel also wrote not only to his family on the Stormwind side, but had a statement for the attorney, and a letter of gratitude towards his mother's church for their sanctuary. Finally, he gave them to Azureus with a set of instructions. "You are to deliver these to mother. Watch the proceedings, but stay out of sight: I will scry your scale when you return. Also, you are to stay until they have a reply ready for you to bring back to me." Azureus flew off with his cargo of letters in tow.nn*Stormwind*nThe attorney arrived at the church to see Anaria. "I have talked with the representatives of SI:7. Even their investigators admit that their case against him is thin now that you have supplied the evidence. There is something I will need to tell you as soon as the proceedings are over." Anaria had a smile on her face but also wondered why he was tight-lipped.

[Oneille]

Oneille flipped her red crimson tresses as the locks became trapped under the collar of her robe. A wave of cascading red fluttered behind her as the gently elven hands sought the silver brush lying on the counter. With grace and ease the brush threaded through the long hair till the hair shone with silken radiance. She smiled brightly at her own image. The reflection of an elf maiden smiled in return as she sat up from the vanity.nnOneille Frosthawk walked from her bedchamber to the living room hands held at her waist, rubbing serenely at the still non present bump that will soon develop. The warlock reached the kitchen searching cupboards for a cup. After successful locating, the mistress of the house set to work making tea. nnAs the kettle sat the elf maiden gazed at her surroundings dreaming of both the future and the upcoming trial for her father in law. Thoughts of Leothiel and his family reeled through her mind. It seemed never a dull moment in the Frosthawk house. Tea ready and Oneille drank deep of the soothing green thistle. Leothiel, his wings, his blood, his familiar, and his family this was her life now. Through all this craziness Oneille most happily enjoyed having a family and creating a family all her own.

[Leothiel]

*Late afternoon Wendesday*nnAzureus flew over the skies of Elwynn knowing his life was in danger. His master gave him a task: Deliver the package of letters, witness the proceedings to take place the next morning, then wait for a reply from Thaelen, Anaria, and Vira to send back to Silvermoon. Elwynn soon became Stormwind and it was a matter of looking for the church where Anaria and Vira were sanctuaried. Azureus tapped on a window: Anaria's acolyte Sarah Dawnbright recognized the whelp and let him in. He would not let go of the letters in his jaw. Sarah looked for Anaria, who was making arrangements to officiate over a wedding that weekend.nn"Anaria, your son has something for you." Anaria went to the room where Azureus was who then gave her the letters. She saw one from Leothiel.nnDear Mother,nnI pray father is set free. Do not put the results of the hearing in writing: I have instructed Azureus to watch the proceedings and I will scry his scale for what transpires. Since you and father are without a familiar, I am going to let Azureus stay with you until your next letter: We would like to hear from you. Oneille wants to see father free as well. We, including Thieldren, want to see his name and the name of our house cleared in Stormwind. Give Vira a hug from all of us. We want to be there for her as well but we are unable to.nnYour son,nnLeothielnnAnaria then noticed a letter addressed to Thaelen: It was in Oneille's handwriting. Soon, Vira walked up. Anaria gave her a hug. "This is from your brothers and Oneille."nnThat night, Anaria hardly slept. All that was on her mind was Thaelen's freedom. Vira had difficulty getting sleep as well, missing her father and knowing her brothers cannot be there for her. Azureus was on the window sill sleeping soundly and gracefully as he always does. When Vira was asleep, what little dream she had was of loneliness. Her father could not come for her. Then she called out for her brothers. She awoke and found that Leothiel's azure whelpling was resting with her. She realized that Leothiel was there with her through the dragonling because of their connection. She rested easier with that realization.nn*Thursday*nnThe judge presiding over the case made his verdict: "We hereby drop all charges against Thaelen Frosthawk and he is to be released immediately." Anaria could not contain her excitement with that news. Not only would she and Vira be reunited with Thaelen again but they would not have to sleep in sanctuary. Vira missed school that day to see her father set free. Soon, Azureus flew down to greet Thaelen.nnAs soon as they arrived home, Anaria gave Thalen the letter from Oneille. Tears filled his eyes and there was silence. After a pause, he spoke up "And our house will survive in the Homeland." While Anaria and Vira were away, some of the acolytes cleaned the Frosthawk house while their paladin neighbor watched over it. Now excitement filled it as they were finally preparing for Winter's Veil.nn*From the journal of Thaelen Frosthawk*nnToday was my day of freedom. I have been captured over some hearsay information. There is great paranoia as to who are spies. I had beatings for the first few days of my captivity. I remained silent, which intensified them. My case was based on flimsy evidence with some lies spouted by the midwife watching over us. She thought we were communicating too closely with Horde. I don't know whom to trust even within the ranks of the Silvermoon expatriates. Though Leothiel is an enemy of Stormwind, he is my son and I am proud of his accomplishments. This business makes me want to head back to the Homeland for good. nnNot only was my freedom a time for joy, but I found out that I am going to be a grandfather. Leothiel and Oneille are continuing our line back in the Homeland. Vira received her Winter's Veil wish: My freedom. That made me think of Islanna when she was very young: Always looking for me. Azureus is spending tonight with us. Anaria, Vira, and I have been drafting a letter to our son and daughter-in-law. We are also packing a letter to Thieldren. I look forward to having Anaria with me in bed. I miss her dearly. I miss having my hand over her womb protecting our next child, who is due any day now.

[Leothiel]

*Friday*nnBefore sunrise, Thaelen affixed the letters to Azureus and sent the blue whelpling on his way. He arrived in Silvermoon early that evening and gave Leothiel a nuzzle. He saw the letter addressed to him and Oneille and one addressed to Thieldren. He sent the one to Thieldren immediately. He opened up the letter and started reading. The first part was in his father's handwriting.nn"Dear Son Leothiel and Daughter Oneille,nnVira's Winter's Veil wish has been granted: My freedom. My bruises from the interrogation are healing. I miss Anaria and Vira. I also miss protecting my own family. I am glad for the sanctuary at her church and neighbors for watching over our house. The house was cleaned up in our absence. Vira longed for me during my captivity. That reminded me of Islanna when she was Vira's age. I am glad to be back and happy once again. Not only am I glad that in a matter of days, I will be a father again; I look forward to being grandfather of the first Frosthawk born in Quel'thalas since Leothiel.nnYour father,nnThaelen"nnThe next part of the letter was in Anaria's handwriting.nn"Dear Son and Daughter,nnThank you for sending Azureus to us. We are without a family messenger as you have seen and known. I am glad that Thaelen is free and elated about the new lives in two places. I share his view of the Children of the Highborne being reunited as one people again. Something has been on his mind since his return but I have not been able to have him speak about it. Our house in Stormwind is reunited and I cannot be happier.nnYour mother,nnAnaria"nnThe last part of the letter was in different handwriting.nn"Brother,nnI miss you and Oneille. All I asked for Winter's Veil was for father to be back. When can I see you again? Are you coming to Stormwind?"nnLeothiel's heart sank as he read on: He wondered when a child can be told he or she can't see family because of loyalties. He could feel some of his sister's sadness in her writing. He was glad that she had been using the journal he made for her.nnAfter he read the letters, he went to Azureus and asked "What news do you bring?" Azureus flew into Leothiel's arms and he took the dragon whelp to the scrying bowl to see the proceedings.nnThe proceeding seemed long, yet it was also short. He found more about the politics of Stormwind that he ever wanted to know. There were spies everywhere but a shortage of arrests. Thaelen's travels and communications had placated him. Leothiel was shocked at the informant who practically sold him out: Their midwife. Thaelen was on to the midwife. The day after he dismissed her was when he was arrested. She had inflated the claims to sound like he was a Horde sympathizer and seeing Azureus fly in and out with communications.nnWhile Azureus was flying out of the courtroom back to the Frosthawks' house, there were murmurings about SI:7's inability to ferret out spies and some grumblings about King Varian's war against the Horde. At that point, Azureus' scale quit playing those memories. He wondered how much danger his father was truly in even as a free elf.

[Oneille]

*Sunday night, the beaches of Eversong*nShe walked slowly onto the white sandy beaches of the Eversong woods draped in only a wool shawl. Before her sprawled the vast oceans of Azeroth, whose sapphire waves crashed against the coastline. Several years ago the elven woman remembered playing here but these memories faded, left to wither as have many other dreams. A soft sigh escaped her lips. In the darkness the world felt distant, alien and surreal. Nighttime was bliss. Every nerve end sparked as the cold night air caught her naked body off guard. Shivering but only a moment the female elf eased to the waterfront. Fel tinged eyes surveyed the area. This was home and this was heaven. nnEach step closer to the water she felt the pain of the battle, the hell fury of life, and the sleep of exhaustion...these anxieties melted, shoved aside. The shock was too great and gasping out Oneille dived into the darkened blue abyss. As quickly as she dove under, the elven maiden re emerged her crimson mane breaking the surface. Both hands urged the water away sleeking back the red locks. Oneille Frosthawk, a slender elf who calmly brought herself to a nearby sandbank, swam about till she rested on her side eyes looking to the moon. Once long ago her ancestors chose to worship the moon now the sun holds prominence. nnOneille hummed to herself her thoughts drifting to her family. The release of Thaelen had left much time for praise and joyous celebration. Oneille peered through her wet tresses and nodded to the moon before diving below the water, "May the Light bless us this season, bless my lion and my new family. Thank you"

[Oneille]

Oneille neatly folded the blanket soothing the wrinkles as she admired the fabric and texture. As the days came closer to the arrival of Anaria's delivery Oneille wanted to send the Stormwind Frosthawks a gift. The intended gift was a baby blanket she found in her own trunk wondering of who in her family had it. She shrugged and took a sheet of brown packaging paper folding it about the blanket. There, done!nnOneille smiled brightly. She kept waiting for the news of the next Frosthawk's arrival. Oneille became saddened knowing she would not see the child be born but she was happy that she could send with Azureous. Least she hoped. She walked down the hallway to Leothiel's office and smiled sheepishly at him, "Love, is there any way that Azureous could send this to Anaria and Thaelen?"