Reunions

[Leothiel]

An albino blood elf flies around manaforge B'naar. He is tasked with retrieving the personnel roster. He is relieved at what he saw on the ground from his faithful flyer. "No alliance here" he thought and landed. His frostbolts landed in some of the Sunfury soldier guarding until he found the parchment he was looking for. As soon as he scanned the roster, he found his own surname scratched off that had a note on it that read "Transferred to Mechanaar."

(To be continued...)

[Leothiel]

Conference in the Mechanaar

After Leothiel found the name of his brother who was transferred to Mechanaar, he feared the worst. Before his brothers left for Outland, he had only heard about Pathleon's genius rivaling his lust for power. Even some encounters in Outland showed Pathaleon as malevolent. He had business and had been hesitant to kill fellow Sin'dorei. Kael'thas' recent misconduct and subsequent scene in Silvermoon City turned Leothiel Frosthawk from a mere archivist and bookbinder into an adventurer.

The Mechanaar was very foreboding and revealing. "Why would forces closest to Kael'Thas ally with the Burning Legion?" he wondered. There was no time for more thought as Pathaleon's voice echoed "I've been waiting for you." The ensuing battle resulted with a dead Pathaleon. The place was clear and Leo opened a portal to Shattrath. "I will stay" he said as his fellow party member left.

Leothiel looked around in every unlocked box throughout the factory. He finally found some papers. He looked through them closely. There were two Frosthawks registered in the personnel roster: One deserter, the other sent to Quel'Thalas.

[Leothiel]

Revelation in Quel'Danas

Leothiel had postponed the inevitable. His trials in Azeroth, Outland, and Alterac Valley prepared him mentally, physically, and magically, but not for what was to happen on Quel'Danas. Leothiel got to work immediately breaking down defenses of the newly-resurrected Kael'thas and the unholy alliance with the Burning Legion. Afterwards, he was given a task to seek out Kalecgos. The higher-ranked Shattered Sun Offensive also gave myself and four other members of the Horde warrants to arrest Kael'thas.

Once the party set foot inside the Terrace, there was opposition at every turn. Leothiel recognized the mage in the first patrol his group had killed but did not have time to stop and look for some sort of identifier. As they progressed through Magister's Terrace, it was only them and Kael'thas in his resurrected and wretched glory.

Leothiel spoke up saying "We do not want to kill you. We have come to arrest you and bring you to trial for misconduct."

Kael'thas replied "I would sooner kill you and the savages you have brought in these hallowed halls."

"What is worse: The 'savages' I bring in here or the corruption you bring in that grim parody of a body? You are the one who has defiled Quel Danas in the name of what? Addiction to magic? More power? You have allied with those who have sought to destroy worlds and have brought about the Scourge that destroyed the Sunwell. Your army is dead. All that is left is you."

A tense silence settled on the throne room. Soon, Leothiel said "Arrest him." Kael'thas made clear by his actions that he would not be taken alive. A dead false king soon lay at their feet. Leothiel could not take any more as he opened up a portal and sent the rest of his party to Shattrath.

He soon found a small tear well up in his own eyes. As he slowly walked back to the entrance to look at the patrol he had killed earlier, the tears got heavier with each step. As he looked closer at the corpse of the fallen blood elf, he looked at the tag: "Lieutenant Remtheras Frosthawk." This was his oldest brother whom he had killed. Even Kael'thas' death from pride could not bring him peace.

Immediately after the revelation, Leothiel could hear the sounds of approaching feet. All he saw were a blood elf man and a draenei woman. They were looking for someone living. The blood elf approached the corpse and paused. Leothiel jumped out of the bushes and asked "Why does the body of my brother concern you?" The blood elf yelled "He is also my brother, Leothiel!"

"Thieldren?"

"Yes, it's me. And we have much to talk about. We haven't seen each other in six years. I see you have settled the score as told to you by a certain shaman."

"How did you know about it?"

The draenei woman stepped out "I am Asalah. I was the one who sent you that dream. I know more about you than you even think, but I'd rather have your own brother tell you. I now take my leave." Asalah the seer left.

Thieldren spoke up and started his story. "Being around Pathaleon said a lot about Kaelthas. When Remtheras got transferred to Mechanaar, I know he was beyond redemption. I was to have reported to Mechanaar with him. Instead, I deserted and went to Shattrath. A crime was being committed and an alliance with the ones who defiled our homeland are the reasons I left."

"When some Scryers and Aldors banded to form the Shattered Sun Offensive, I knew this was the time for me to redeem myself for the crimes I had been party to. I also kept in contact with the Scryers of Shattrath. They have been keeping a close watch on you ever since you first rode into Shattrath. I was disappointed to have heard about the Sin'dorei becoming members of the Horde but the Scryers told me some of your stories. None of them were legendary, but they made you a brother to be proud of. I have been rather busy and when I saw you riding off to here, I wanted to know if it was really you. The vindicator confirmed it. It's a shame I was not able to join you in bringing the traitor prince to justice."

Leothiel and Thieldren left and went to Sun's Reach Sanctum. They told stories but not after drinking to the memory of their late sister, who fell at the Sunwell during the Third War and their deceased brother, whom Leothiel had killed that day. Thieldren left to go back on duty leaving Leothiel to return to Outland.

[Leothiel]

(This is a reprint of what my brother wrote to me after my act of regicide)

My Dear Brother,

I am writing to you in great haste from Northrend. After you and killed off the traitor king Kael'thas, a raid went into the Sunwell to stop the demonic presence they were trying to bring into Azeroth. This is the third time the Burning Legion has failed. Now the Burning Legion is no longer a threat and it is time to deal with one of their own by-product and failure rolled into one: The Scourge. I also wanted to do it under the banner of Silvermoon. I returned to the city to be recognized and be repatriated as a Blood Elf and as a member of the Horde.

My next act was of pure subterfuge: To stow away on an Alliance ship to Northrend. I still have a horse and my eyes have not adopted the fel green color that separates Sin'dorei from Quel'dorei. This was a time for me to re-visit some old family and friends from youth. It was also a time for me to see what has happened to Stormwind.

Stormwind has changed considerably since its rebuild. Its king, His Majesty Varian Wrynn, has recently returned and has inherited a kingdom whose rule has been heavily diluted by corrupt nobles. They can station troops in Kalimdor, but nearby regions have to rely on citizen militias. There have been rumors of secessionist movements taking hold in some of the far-flung regions.

After a full day, I stowed away on a ship to the Borean Tundra. I ran under the cover of night to Warsong Hold to report for my new duty: A scout for the Horde. I am glad I had a hawkstrider waiting for me shedding away the last vestiges of the Alliance of my youth. I look foward to seeing you here, brother.

Thieldren Frosthawk

[Leothiel]

(Entry from the journal of Thieldren Frosthawk)

Agmar's Hammer, Dragonblight

It has been four days since my arrival in Northrend. I wrote to my brother about my arrival here. I hope he destroyed that letter. Northrend is a vast and peculiar place. No warmth can be found here even in the hottest of springs.

Upon my arrival, I was ordered to Dragonblight immediately to ready spellcasters at Agmar's Hammer for an eventual assault on Icecrown Citadel. Between drills, meals, and sleep; some tauren-like creatures who identify themselves as "Taunka" would regale me with their folk tales. Word has also reached me about the Titans, who are still mere myths.

The casters are strengthening by the day while artisans are working day and night preparing for an assault. I have been given an order to investigate a town in the east near the Grizzly Hills and work with the Forsaken allies on a project.

[Leothiel]

Call of the Champion

Since Thieldren's arrival in Northrend, it started in his dreams. "You are my champion" is what he would hear in a cold voice. Even his letter to his brother could not give him any solace. He was ready to ride out to Dragonblight on Jade, his hawkstrider. Even the thought of acceptance as a son of blood and a member of the Horde did not bring him solace. The sense of foreboding grew progessively heavier each stride Jade made after passing the Taunka village.

Immediately, the champion call went from dreams to waking reality. Thieldren pushed the cold voice out as he went to Agmar's Hammer to train the casters in combat. His focus on training offered some relief from the call. His patrols only made the call more clear, especially as he went north or east. Soon, a new list of orders came in: It was time to assault Naxxramas. He was to report to Venomspite with his trainees and join forces with the Forsaken for the assault.

As he rode farther east, the call "You are my champion" became stronger. The apothecaries at Venomspite were ready. The assault was on. The legions of Scourge were falling by the score as the Horde army made its way to the floating citadel.

The assault was moving forward until Thieldren noticed something: The apothecaries were staying behind. All the healers were soon dead. The air became plagued as Thieldren thought death would claim him.

Thildren woke up with a pallid, armored figure facing him. "You are the new champion of the Scourge." The figure dropped a sword in front of Thieldren. "Purge the Scourge of the weak." The armored figure took thieldren to an unarmed blood elf captive. "Kill him." Thieldren had the urge to kill but his will to resist diminished each time he heard a "Kill him."

As Thieldren plunged the blade into the captive's heart, he heard the "You are my champion" call again. There was no remorse or mercy. He went to another captive, a draenei captive. "Do you remember me? We have served together" she asked. "Our service in does not matter now, for I serve a greater power" he answered. The voice got stronger "Kill! Kill!" The draenei pleaded with him for mercy. "I shall show you mercy by extending your life." He then took his sword and went lightly into her skin carving out her flesh. That did not bring him satisfaction. He went to another part and started carving out more. Soon, her screams brought him satisfaction. "This is better than running my blade through your heart" is what he said before she died.

The armored figure came to Thieldren. "You have performed beyond expectations. Quick death is mercy. You not only killed one of your own but a friend, a seer with whom you served. You will become greater." Even the sight of a mutilated corpse in a blood-soaked Shattered Sun tabard was satisfaction. Only the first name of her identification badge was showing: "Asalah."

[Leothiel]

(First journal entry of Thieldren Frosthawk after being betrayed by the Lich King)

I am now free from the clutches of the Lich King. Being under his control and becoming Scourge even for a week brought a great insult to the memory of my own sister. All I can now hear are the screams of the innocents that I have killed and soldier I have tortured under his control. I thought those were behind me until I arrived in Thrallmar. One of Nazgrel's lieutenants had a letter for me. It is from my brother Leothiel. Evidently, he's too busy in Northrend to see me or confront me in person for what I have done as a member of the Scourge. Perhaps he is right.

(End of entry)

(Reprint of letter)

From:
Leothiel Frosthawk
Warsong Hold, Borean Tundra

To:
Thieldren Frosthawk
Thrallmar, Hellfire Peninsula

Dear Brother:

When word reached my ears that you were party to the massacring of civilians in New Avalon because you were under the influence of the Scourge, I thought about our sister at the Sunwell during the invasion. I don't see how anyone can join the Scourge willingly. Then again, I have seen how it happened. I have seen the cauldrons of plague near the Undercity. The very air of former Lordaeron is even Scourge. Even though you have massacred civilians, you also killed Scarlet Crusade soldiers. That was the only redeeming quality about your crimes. Those zealots need to die for they would kill anyone not loyal to them. They even captured and tortured a fellow follower of the Lady Nyx.

Now for the issue of work. You have been cut loose from your duties as a soldier. In the weeks before I killed the traitor prince, I had been tracking you and Remtheras through personnel records in Netherstorm. I am glad you deserted for a more just cause. I also thought your resignation from Shattered Sun Offensive ended your soldier days and made you a mercenary. I liked hearing your tale of infiltration. Did you give Elsharin a greeting from me? Put your strength to work in the rocks and get your hands bloodly again - with the carcasses of animals. I can also have my escrow company set up an agent to work with you on your new found spoils. It is time for you to truly work for yourself. As a soldier, you receive a guaranteed pay. As a mercenary, you work for yourself but with others. They will pay you for services.

I have brought you up to the followers of the Lady and they are holding a meeting next week. You are invited to attend. I have an appointment with my escrow agent that night so I won't be able to go.

Finally, I will tell you why you have not been able to find work in Outland: I wrote to Nazgrel not to assign you any work for Thrallmar until you get a recommendation from the Argent Dawn. I have written to Officer Garush of the Argent Dawn, who is stationed at the Bulwark east of the Undercity. Seek him out for work and keep working with them until you get the recommendation. Your final battle under the Lich King was on an Argent Dawn stronghold and I think you should pay them restitution in that manner as a test of your loyalty. We may meet in the future and I know you are ready to kill so I will end this message.

Your brother,
Leothiel

[Leothiel]

Deep in the bowels of Naxxramas, a group of The Lady's followers is preparing for their next battle in the dread citadel. A priestess by the name of Asarelah looks around. Leothiel's pet whelpling Azureus leaves his pack to spread his wings. Asarelah lets her whelpling out for the air, even though it is anything but fresh. Asarelah notices something about a skull-shaped recess in the wall. She walks up to it and notices a book that was covered in dust and cobwebs except for a "-hawk" in the ending. She wipes off more of the word. "Frosthawk" was showing. Asarelah deduced that it had a connection with the only "Frosthawk" in the band: Leothiel the mage. She hands him the book.

Leothiel dusts the rest of the book off. "Made by Leothiel Frosthawk" was written in small gold print on the back side. He thought under his breath "How did this get in here?" He opened the book and saw "Property of Thieldren Frosthawk" written on first flyleaf. He looked through it and recognized dates. "This is my brother's life before the Scourge. What else do you find." Asarelah pulled out two small metal tags and gave them to Leothiel. "Thieldren Frosthawk, Stone Guard" was on them. "I need to go to Outland after this."

After the sacking of the dread citadel, the mage used his hearthston to head back to Blade's Edge Mountains. He went to Thrallmar. Nazgrel said that Thieldren went west to Falcon Watch. He was also last seen heading west from there. He saw Thieldren picking up supplies in Cenarion Refuge. He went up to Thieldren and said behind him "Might I have a word or two with you?" Thieldren barely recognized the tone of the voice of that of his own brother. Thieldren turned around and asked "What would a mage of your power want to do out here?" Leothiel said "I am digging up the secrets of this world. I also have something of yours that a cute, hot priestess in my party found in the dread citadel." Leothiel pulled out the journal and the tags and placed them into Thieldren's hands.

Thieldren waited for another word to be spoken. Leothiel's looks sent him the message that the book would speak for both. Thieldren opened up the book and started reading aloud. "I wish to keep a record of my travels as a soldier. My brother Leothiel gave this as a gift before my departure for the service of Prince Kael'thas." Thieldren turned more pages and saw a passage that started with "Kael'thas has betrayed us." Thieldren fought back tears saying "Brother, I can't believe you would go out of your way to return something that was mine in a previous life. Please leave so I can think about this." "Brother... " "Leave me... NOW." Leothiel slowly left and wondered why.

The next day, Leothiel received a letter.

Dear Brother,

I have been a hero in the past. My memory of my life before the Scourge was vague. The return of my journal and identification tags is a reminder of what I have missed. I did not want anyone seeing me in tears, not even my own brother.

Now, my memory is returning slowly. Something also has been gnawing at me. We have had no formal burial or memorial for Islanna or Remtheras. Could you employ a Sin'dorei priest and we can meet somewhere for a private memorial?

Your brother,

Thieldren the Darkfallen

(( To be concluded... ))

[Leothiel]

(( This part of the story picks up after the events of "Tormenting Visions"))

Leothiel had a nearly sleepless night with Oneille occupying his thoughts. He drifted in and out of sleep and before he knew it, it was sunrise. Azureus had returned empty-handed the night before. "Could it have been intercepted?" he thought. He concluded that the message had been received but he did not know where. He could take Azureus to Haleh so she can scry his scale for his parent's whereabouts. He thought about that but he feared something: He and his brother were nearly anti-thetical to the Quel'dorei in their views on magic and their allegiances. He and Thieldren were sworn-in members of the Horde; their parents were Quel'dorei who constituted a tiny minority within the Alliance.

Leothiel was becoming accustomed to his new wings when he heard a knock on the door. He put his shirt an and answered: It was Thieldren. "Come on in, we've much to talk about." Thieldren entered with a look of puzzlement on his face. Thieldren spoke up "Three nights ago, I had this dream you died."

"Brother, I did die. I know I haven't written to you in almost a week. I have no defense or excuse." Thieldren replied saying "There is no need to apologize. You look like you have a long story to tell." Leothiel talked to Thieldren about the horrifying visions, crime, atonement, and redemption from those visions. He also talked about Oneille, a lovely redheaded Sin'dorei warlock who has captured his heart. "That explains why you look and sound like you've been up all night."

"Indeed. I also have two pieces of startling news. I was in the afterlife for a brief period. I saw Islanna and Remtheras. I asked her about our parents. They haven't made the final trip. That was when I was pulled back to my body." Thieldren gave a look of optimism and shock at the same time. "What is the other piece?"

Leothiel said "I think I told you about the two stumps in my back." Thieldren nodded. Leothiel took off his shirt, turned around and stretched out his wings. Thieldren was speechless for what seemed like hours. The silence was broken when a small blue dragonhawk with a parchment tied to it knocked on the window. Both brothers jumped. Leotheil opened the window and opened the message.

"Our Dear Son,

When and where shall we meet?

Your sister greets you."

They deliberated on when and where: The following Monday at noon on Quel'danas.

[Leothiel]

*From the journal of Thaelan Frosthawk, before leaving with his wife and young daughter for Quel'danas*

*tear stains pepper parts of the writing*

The third war has split many houses down the center, one of which is my own. I long to return to Silvermoon, but my affililation as well as that of my wife and daughter, will not allow it. I thought I have heard mere rumors about my youngest son and his prowess in the Horde. I don't know if I should be proud of him as a father or ashamed of him because of our respective loyalties. I have no idea on how his pet dragon found me but my sleep has been almost non-existent since I received the short communication. Leothiel only mentioned Thieldren. He did not make mention about Islanna or Remtheras.

Vira only knows about her siblings from what we have told her in stories and have seen in drawings and paintings. She was unborn when Anaria and I fled from Dalaran when the plague of undeath was spreading. She is young enough to know she has brothers, but she is not of age to truly appreciate them. She is not old enough to know the meaning of the wars that have been fought and why her brothers cannot be there for her. My mind is now wandering. I need rest before the trip to Quel'danas

==========

Leothiel dismounted next to the flight master in front of Silvermoon. His brother Thieldren was landing fresh from Ebon Hold. The two brothers greeted each other and Leo said "Don't fly yet: There is one more joining us."

"Who would that be?"

"The lady who has conquered my heart: Oneille Brightgrove." Oneille landed in Silvermoon and greeted her beloved with a kiss and Thieldren with a hug. Any amount of hope the two brothers had turned into apprehension as they quietly flew to Quel'danas. Oneille was excited, yet that excitement was dampened by the mood. There was complete silence as they landed on Quel'danas. There was a pause that seemed like hours until three figures landed: Those of Thaelan, Anaria, and Vira Frosthawk. There were no dry eyes between the six of them. Thaelan spoke up "Thieldren, Leo; meet your sister Vira. Your mother was carrying her when the plague started spreading." Vira was shy and seemed skittish around Thieldren. However, she embraced Leothiel like a very young girl would her father. Leothiel had an introduction: Oneille Brightgrove.

Thieldren spoke up "You are wondering where Islanna and Remtheras are." Thieldren led them to the gravesites of the fallen family members. Anaria, being a priestess, had a vial of holy water on her and poured it on the two graves. Islanna's spirit arrived and had a look of hope when she saw Vira. By contrast, Remtheras' spirit showed him as a felblood. "I see my murderer is standing before me. Yes, my youngest brother" and pointed to Leothiel. Vira was looking for a place to hide while Anaria broke into tears "You.. murdered.... Remtheras?" Leothiel's heart sunk very low. He desperately wanted to change the subject but found himself in a position he wanted. "It was in self-defense. We will tell our tales then I will account for our murdered brother."

The six of them walked to the inn where they would tell their tales over meals. Thaelan relayed about what happened to them since they escaped Dalaran. He talked about the struggle of Anaria being with child while they were heading to Ironforge first, then to Stormwind after Vira's birth. He even told the developments of the Horde from the side of the Alliance and the return of King Varian Wrynn. Thaelan found it painful talking about some of Leothiel's exploits on Alliance lands.

Thieldren was the next to tell his tale. The promise of endless power and magic only to be betrayed by the one whom he thought was a leader. Thaelan commented "I never knew that Kael'thas could be so desperate as to stoop to such levels." Thieldren talked about the very addiction and exposure to fel magic that nearly killed him and started transforming Remtheras. Thieldren felt ashamed to talk about his desertion from Kael'thas' forces and subsequent service to the Scryers. Thieldren's story was very long, especially on how he became part of the Horde after Kael'thas' final fall. He even held out his right hand and said "I've taken the blood oath of the Horde." It ended with why Thieldren lost his color and had a slight smell of death on him: His assimilation and defection from the Scourge.

Leothiel's story was next. He talked about his law apprenticeship and work as an archivist. He talked about his rage from Kael'thas' return and misconduct. He talked about his trials in Azeroth and his service to the Horde complete with scar in right hand from taking the blood oath. He even pulled out a knife he used to administer the Blood Oath of the Horde. Then came the story of what started out as a vision in Alterac Valley that led him to Magister's Terrace. He was in tears talking about the realization that he had killed not only his oldest brother, but his father's first born son. He went into detail on his journey in Northrend: battles against the Scourge, helping the Titans, nearly being taken over by Yogg-Saron, meeting Oneille. Leothiel's story ended with his crime against time and his atonement for it. He described how his shift from frost to arcane affected him physically and how he died and was revived. "Did you see what fel magic did to Remtheras? You will now see what pure magic in the Well of Eternity did to me." He took off his shirt, turned around then showed his wings in their glory. The surrounding bystanders came to a hush. Leothiel folded his wings and put his shirt back on.

"You are the first to survive." "What?" "Others in the Frosthawk house have had the symptoms you had. Some of them grew wings and died because of the exposure to arcane magic. You mentioned that Alexstrazsa revived you." "Yes she did." Thaelan had the look of unbelief. Thieldren spoke up "Father, it looks like you are overdue for a journey. Leo told the truth." "I know he did but.. that explains... why he lived. Oneille, it's time for your story."

Oneille was at a loss for words. She heard all these stories of family ties and transformations. When she arrived on meeting a certain mage, she could have talked well into the night.

After her tale, it was time for them to part ways. They did not want to separate. It was pushing close to sunset. The group gazed on Islanna's and Remtheras' graves for one last time. They made their tearful goodbyes. They knew they could not write to each other often. There were no dry eyes, even from Vira, on their departures. For once, Leothiel felt at rest about his own family. Thieldren felt even more proud to be a death knight but felt even more redeemed.