New Year, New Life

[Oneille]

Refreshing waters cannot hide the darker truths. Oneille drew her shaw closer about her body. Regardless the sweetness of married life there are truths calming waters won't veil. A female mage sat happy and content elsewhere in the world knowing her swoons for Leothiel met with the lioness's distain. The shaw's knitting stretched as hands gripped it tighter. nn"Even after all this time, his reputation still proceeds him. I swore my life to him, my love, my everything. Does nothing matter?" Oneille's green eyes scanned the vast property of the homeland. By the end of the month a new Frosthawk would be born. nnA deep chill caught in Oneille's throat constricting her breathing, till it let go leaving her wheezing. Dark shadows crawled across the front lawn of the homestead. She watched in wild fear. The darkness crept closer until...No sooner than seeing the ebony mass Oneille clamored inside slamming the door shut, a bolt tightly shoved into place. The pregnant elf stood feet away from the door while the dark thing clung to the door. A hiss faint but commanding called from behind the safety of the home's boundary, "GO AWAY!" Fear rising and pulse racing Oneille screamed out to the phantoms. nnStill the shadows permeated, still the echo of a hiss called, "No! I won't let you take me! That nightmare you gave will not come true!" A loud bang at the windows. The wall shook. Oneille ambled back to the living room hands clutching about her womb. "No, please, not now, not now!"nnnA thousand pledges to stop the pain to end the due course of the pact. Oneille Brightgrove Frosthawk drew her hands up about her face tears falling. The price you pay for maintaining life outside the Twisting Nether is a cruel one. When Oneille became a warlock it was without a hefty price. She sold her life to the dark reaches of the Legion far greater than most elven warlocks. In return for the power came her soul, her being, and moreover ...her everything. By the end of this pregnancy, by the end of summer, what she wrought would take her back. No matter the reasoning, Oneille could not escape the inevitable.nnA dark whipser stung her ears seducing her logic, "When strikes the end of this time, this season...your soul your life will be ours there is no reason." nnA ghastly gasp filled the air the shadows retreated, the bell told for Oneille and the time was nigh.

[Leothiel]

*Just outside of Stormwind*nnThaelen started a fire near Vira. "Imagine the sparks of flame forming in your hand." Vira imagined the energies of the fire. Her concentration was broken by the sound of a cry from Athaniar, who was now about six months old. Anaria picked up the infant and held him while Thaelan continued with Vira's lesson on magic. Vira focused on the fire then closed her eyes. She imagined the fire on her hands not burning them. She felt her hands warming up to the point where they were on fire but she felt no heat at first. When she let go the fireball went somewhere. She opened her eyes noticing the picnic basket was on fire and not the dummy on the crude earth mound.nnAnaria had a look of shock on her face. Vira spoke up "An'da.. I .. I did not mean.." Thaelen broke into laughter as he gave Vira a hug saying "It's tradition for one of our possessions to be set ablaze from learning how to cast fireballs." The Frosthawks returned home after a picnic in Elwynn even though the basket was all but destroyed. On the doorstep, they found something blue sleeping. Vira thought Azureus? The little blue thing awoke and went to her. Thaelen pulled the letters from the blue whelp. As soon as they were inside, Thaelen read the letters.nnThaelen's look went from savoring the moment that Vira cast her first fireball to a look of concern. When Anaria had put Athaniar to nap, she read the letters. They agreed they had to go to Quel'thalas in August. They had received news that their son Leothiel with his wife Oneille have moved out of Silvermoon into a homestead. It was also a matter of time before the next Frosthawk would be born.nnIn bed, Anaria asked "What did Leothiel mean by 'something dire?'" Thaelen answered "It may have to do with some of the dreams you've been having."nnVira was still reliving the moment of casting a fireball in her sleep when she found herself standing next to a pit of lava. She dipped one of her fingers in it like it was water. Soon, she went for a swim in it. She emerged on a rock in the middle of the lava pit. Soon, she started form life forms with the lava. The life forms grew progressively bigger but they were under her thrall. After that, she started forming from the lava a great fire formed. She heard a phrase that started as a whisper but was repeated slightly louder each time. When the creature of fire had fully formed, it shouted "BY FIRE BE PURAGED" before sending his weapon on her. Vira woke up from a scream. She was not swimming in a pit of lava making creatures of fire and lava: She was sleeping in her bed with moonlight staring her in the face. She heard a couple of taps on her bedroom door followed by a whimpering sound. It was Azureus, who was also scared. Vira asked "Did you have the dream too?" Azureus nodded. Vira said "I am scared too. I wish my brother were here." Azureus spent the rest of the night on the windowsill in Vira's room. She stayed awake the rest of the night unable to sleep or comprehend her nightmare.

[Leothiel]

Leothiel went to his vault in the bank. He was glad that the recent move gave him more room in his study for his collection of swords. He hastily wrapped the collection in scrap cloth then stuffed them into a trunk. When he arrived at home, something felt a bit unusual. Oneille was visibly scared and felt cold to the touch. Leothiel looked her in the eyes. She could barely speak. What would scare someone enough to where they just shut down? Leothiel reached for her hand and gave it a kiss. Oneille had something to say.nnLater on, Azureus returned with a reply from Stormwind: Leothiel's family will head up to Quel'thalas in August.

[Leothiel]

*From the journal of Leothiel Frosthawk*nnMuch plagues my mind right now. We are settling in while Oneille is days away from giving birth to the elfling. We both hope it's a son. My most immediate concerns are finding a midwife, closing on the apartment building in Silvermoon City, and preparation for my parents and younger siblings for a two-week stay. Although I look forward to seeing my baby brother for the first time, I will have the unpleasant but needed task of convincing them to return to Quel'thalas. Recently, Thieldren brought over a cradle as a gift. Oneille and I are very appreciative of this. When the apartment building sale closes, I will have to scout for a crew to maintain it. Thieldren's Outland construction experience will come in handy.nn====nnLeothiel finished his entry, wrote a note, then attached it to Azureus. "Take this to Asarelah. I think she would like to see this place."

[Asarelah]

Asarelah looked up as the Chali dropped a note on the pile of petitions being worked.nn"Just in, Mistress, and pardon the drool on it. Azureus didn't want to give it up. I think he thought it was a whelpling treat !!" Chaliyphah chuckled.nn"Ah, from Leo is it ?" Asarelah questioned, picking up the dog eared parchment. "Lets see what he has to say!"nn

Mother,nnThe arrival of our first born is imminent, and it would give us great pleasure if you would honor with an extended visit, in time for the birthing. Come at your leisure, but please hurry !!nnLeothiel

nnSmiling to herself, she looked up at Chali. “Send word to the stables to ready my swiftest mount, and pack my bags for a one week stay. I go to the new Frosthawk estate post haste!”

[Leothiel]

After Leothiel and Onielle were done with their morning swim and dressed a bit, they heard the ethereal whinny of Asarelah's steed. Not too far behind was her servant Chaliyphah with the baggage. The couple greeted them both, with Leothiel greeting the druid in taurahe. Asarelah and Oneille were excited to see each other. It was hard to tell who was more excited: Oneille who is due to give birth any day now or Asarelah who is about to become a grandmother for the first time.nnThe four went into the main house. Leothiel offered Asarelah either a spare room or the guest house. ((Lah, make your choice here )) The parlor had a perch in the middle with ashes on a plate beneath it. Leothiel said something and a phoenix flew out of a nearby brazier. Leothiel smiled and said "I see Al'ar has had his breakfast."nnAsarelah spent the rest of the morning becoming acquainted with the homestead. The rapids emitted a relaxing tone to the point where the water seduced her. She could not believe the pets in the house. Leothiel remarked with a chuckle "Azureus and Kim are the closest to children right now. Soon, that will change when the elfling arrives." Asarelah wondered what it would be. "We are hoping for a son." Asarelah also looked in the study to see papers on the main desk, a bench for cutting gems, and a collection of swords on the wall.nnIn the stables, Asarelah's celestial steed was harnessed. Chaliyphah wondered about her kodo. Leothiel spoke up "I designed this more with dragonhawks in mind. We are looking to raise some next year as well as grow our own food."nn((Note to Asarelah: You may put some of your own lines in here if you like ))

[Asarelah]

Asarelah walked in to the Frosthawk estate guest house, without even a “good day” to Chaliyphah, who was reading something no doubt borrowed from Leothiel’s library. Startled, Chali looked up from her study, laying it aside.nnLah wasted no time coming directly to the point. “Chali, send for Rah at once, and tell Blight to dispatch his hunter. Something dark is gnawing at Onei, and she won’t tell me what it is, but I can feel it….”nn“Feel what, Mistress?” Chali replied, already moving toward the window to shift in to her swiftest flight form to fetch the Hunters.nnAsarelah shook her head, fear evident on her face. “I don’t know. But there is something…. And it’s here!!”nnChali took wing but continued to hover just outside the window, listening intently and looking hopeful that the Oracle would shed more light on the matter before she flew to sound the alarm.nn“No matter how I wheedled, I could not pry any information what so ever from her lips. Further, her mind is closed to me, and I could not “see” past her trivial surface thoughts. Regardless, get Rah and Blight’s man here fast as you can. See if Lèoness or Tasera can be rounded up also…. Tell them to set watch on the estate perimeters, and place their best traps. What ever is tormenting my daughter won’t get past us !!”nn(( Leo, Onei, what direction do you want to go with this?? This can be changed, to overlook the darkness hovering on Onei.... Please let me know. ))

[Oneille]

Oneille sat in the living room the family pets surrounding her as she let her book hang from her lingering hand. Reading sometimes brought Oneille's thoughts into perspective. Not now. Kim yawned, stretching his ebony body in the dim glow of A'lar's light. The small worg pup peddled himself over to his reclining mistress. A wet black nose pressed to her hand the wrist unclenched its hold of the book. It dropped. A small gasp escaped Oneille's lips. nnHer emerald eyes looked down to Kim. She studied him with intensity, her gaze scaring him off. To the elf maiden, time stood still. Each passing moment a lifetime. Oneille eased from the chair careful to lift her round form up. The first tear lingered then the sob, a dry heave from the chest. No, the sob became a wail carried through the house. Azureous rushed to his lady's side. The whelping clack at her. No response. Only tears of frustration, pain, denial. The dragonkin nudged his snout at the base of Oneille's neck as she stood sobbing.nnKim and A'lar peered to their mistress wild confusion creeping to their faces. A'lar squawked when a shadow ripped through the silence slithering towards the ground. Kim barked madly as Azureous hissed a retreat. nn"No..." Oneille choked back tears. nnBefore her hovered the one creature, the one monster, the one abomination responsible for the inevitable. This phantom born of the Nether slithered into the realm of Azeroth hoping to find souls to feed upon. Warlocks often make pacts with the Nether with ambitions that the decrees grant them untold power. Most know of the Dreadlords, the Felguards, the imps, and the succubi, though some might not know of the Vesperantus. Vespers dwell as bottom feeder on the demon food chain. Mist-like wraiths circling the Twisting Nether searching for energy to dine upon, these Vespers have no purpose other than to act as pawns to the mightier demon's wants. nnOnce in a great while the Vesperantus gets free. Those wise enough to slip through unchecked leylines will seek those souls weak enough to feed from. A Vesper is weak in the Nether yet in Azeroth it thrives. Souls, even the weakest, grant it awesome power. Vespers are bottom feeders because should they be given great energy they'd become unruly. Trystynna a female vesper escaped her shroud of the Nether. No longer caged she ran loose. It was the female farmgirl Lystaad Stedman she saw and gave life to. nnThe human's soul was strong, Trystynna wanted power, thus Arrsinoe was born. Arrsinoe a human warlock born as Lystaad Stedman hailed from Westfall. A young woman praying for redemption of life outside her hell on earth. That night in the barn Trystynna killed the DeBauge family gracing Lystaad with untold power at the cost of something else...Lystaad declined to kill anyone else. Trystynna hissed. Lystaad gathered the fel energies bestowed upon her by the wraith and sent the most powerful aspects of the demon elsewhere. nn"I won't let you have your way demon, begone!" In that moment Lystaad sent the demon parting. The Vesperantus dispersed into slithers, smaller aspects of Lystaad. Lystaad created new entities: Zheyfer, Oneille, and Yueh. How? With as much energy from the hate Lystaad had the ability to create new souls from the greedy Vesper was child's play. nnArrsinoe became the knew Lystaad. In time, Trystynna would seek the broken halves...the most important piece was Oneille. nnDarkness gathered in the room. Each heartbeat the shadow of Trystynna gathered and wailed. Phantom hands glided across Oneille's face and womb. Fresh tears streaked down the maiden's cheek as a cold finger caressed her face while fondling her womb as well, "For all the pain the farm girl gave me...us...why?" nn"Leave me alone, please."nn"I've searched long and hard for you yet you've garnered a babe...tis true. I cannot take back my broken self until that creature is born!" A ghostly hissed filled the room.nnOneille felt the unholy grip of a hand about her neck, the scene of Lythanor flashed through her mind. Months before the death knight held her at death's embrace and now...nn"After your whelp is born you're coming back little warlock. No more hiding no more games! Back to the felfires!" nnShe gasped as the grip about her neck tightened. So much hatred burned in the words lifting in the air. Oneille groaned as the kick of her child brought her focus back. "You may have me vesper but I'm but one piece to the puzzle. You're missing the mage, druid, and that other warlock! Truly you've failed."nnOneille fell flat to her back only to brace herself too late. At her side the warlock maiden groaned and sighed. Trytynna howled in fury. Grasping it's coils the shadow wraith wailed into the night, "You belong to me! All of you!" nnThe hush silenced the room. The Lady Frosthawk sat there sweating a devilish look about her face, "I have no more fear. I have seen death and I embrace her. Do not worry little one I will see you but at summer's end my life is forfeit. "

[Leothiel]

Leothiel could feel the magical darkness each night in bed. It had become ritual to sleep with his hand on Oneille's womb as a symbol of protecting the unborn elfling. The shadows started to torment him. He knew this was no old god: These were creatures of the nether doing the taunting. Soon, he fell asleep.nnHe found himself in Netherstorm during construction of a manaforge. He looked at his skin: It was not the white skin, he was two shades darker with a fel green tint. He felt his back. There were stumps on his back. Am I.. Am I Remtheras? he thought. He saw a fel green crystal with in imprisoned demon then siphoned the energy from it. After that, he felt a jolt in time. The fel green tint on the skin was even more prominent as well as the stumps on his back. Someone came up to him: He recognized it was Thieldren. They started to converse.nnThieldren spoke up "What has happened to you, brother?"nnLeothiel, in the body of Remtheras, replied "Filling the magical hole of our people. This... is.. the real magic, the power the SIn'dorei were meant to be."nnThieldren was feeling betrayed by the comment. "I do not recognize you as a my own brother any more. Stop this!"nnLeothiel laughed, removed the Frosthawk family signet ring from his hand, and tossed it into a nearby forge. "There is family: The Sin'dorei led by our prince Kael'thas."nnThieldren was horrified. Leothiel siphoned more energy and let loose a fel bolt on his brother and laughed. "KAEL'THAS WILL BRING US TO GLORY!"nnLeothiel woke up in a cold sweat disturbed. He could feel the mysterious shadow emanating around Oneille. She woke up wondering. "I have not seen you wake up like this in months. What happened?" Leothiel quietly replied "The shadows that are trying to claim you have been taunting me. I also had a dream where I was my brother Remtheras who was consumed by fel energies."nnLeothiel could not sleep as not only did he fear that the nether would come to collect his wife from the world of the living, but also wondering if their unborn elfling would be claimed by the nether. Then he thought Xi'ri.

[Leothiel]

Leothiel came straight awake before even a sound was heard. He could feel Oneille’s first contraction before she could utter any cry, as he was so in tuned to her and concerned with her welfare.nn“Is it time, my lioness?” he softly asked, leaning over her in their marriage bed. He brushed hair from her sleep filled eyes, waiting, watching as she gritted her teeth and tried to answer.nn“Yessssss, I think soooo…” was her stumbling response through clenched teeth, as she grasped his arm, her nails digging in deeply against the pain of the violent contraction rippling across her belly. It was apparent that her labor was upon her; sharply painful and immediate. “Ohhhh,” seeped through her sealed lips, and the pain filled hiss coming from deep in her throat left no doubt that his son would arrive soon.nn“Let me get your mother, my darling. I shall hurry!” And with that, Leothiel sprang from the bed, threw on a dressing gown, and raced to the front door to fetch the Oracle from the guest house. He flung open the door at the same instant as Thayrah was about to pound on it - the troublesome Orc nearly falling in to his arms as the solid surface she had been about to hit was suddenly thrown open.nn“Rah, your timing is superb; it’s time, go get Mother!” Leothiel was saying, as Thayrah all but screamed, “The perimeter alarms are all going off! Secure the house!”nnBoth alarms registered on the other’s mind. Thayrah saluted, turned and ran, calling back out over her shoulder “The Oracle is already on alert, I shall send her - and with her Master Blightwind to hold the house! I go to track what has breeched the perimeter!”nn“I didn’t know Blightwind was here, but am glad to hear it. Tell them to hurry!” Leothiel managed to shout out just before Thayrah vanished from sight. With that he shut the door and rushed back to his laboring wife’s bedside – calling out for the household staff to make ready for the child and to do what ever Asarelah’s Consort ordered when he arrived.