New Year, New Life

[Leothiel]

*New Years Eve, Silvermoon City*nnLeothiel rested in the early evening as his mind played through the events of the past year. It started with his time with the Mag'har and reunion of Thrall with Greatmother Geyah right before her death. After that, it was forays into the dread citadel of Naxxramas. He had also broken family tradition even more by assuming a leadership role in guiding troops. Afterwards, it was his magical re-attunement from frost to arcane that attacked his body and took him some time to recover. Even the Sunwell could not offer solace.nnSoon, his thoughts raced to Ulduar. When he first penetrated the halls of that titan vault, a voice spoke and took root in his mind, often pushing the thresholds of instanity. He was also captured and rescued for his involvement in actions against the Alliance. Eventually, an elf maiden took on a burden that he thought was unnecessary. He pursued her and she helped him. It was an incident and atonement for another crime that physically altered his body where he died and was revived. Those few minutes of death changed his life forever.nnHis thoughts went to his parents, whom he found out were still alive in Stormwind and with a daughter born in the end stages of the Third War. They finally reunited. At the same time, Leothiel and Oneille's love for each other grew and they married. Soon, the memories started to become fragmented and randomized. War with the Kingship, being caught up in scandalous behavior, his father being falsely accused of spying, and finally ending on the two new members of the Frosthawk house who were yet to be born: His younger sibling who was due in a matter of days, and his child due to be born in the summer.nnLeothiel snapped out when a hand touched his chest: It was Oneille. They left their apartment and went to celebrate the new year in the bazaar of Silvermoon. When they returned home, the thought that crossed Leothiel's mind was Happy new year, and new life to the House.nn*Same time, in Stormwind*nnThaelen, Anaria, and Vira were ready to celebrate the evening as a family. It was a low-key affair with some friends. They even poured the Silvermoon wine, which was a gift from Leothiel, as their toast. Everyone looked forward to that year. The Frosthawks of Stormwind were reunited with Thieldren and Leothiel, but had also seen an expansion with someone named Oneille Brightgrove marrying into the family. Anaria was days away from giving birth to her next child and looking forward to it. Thaelen and Vira were looking forward to that birth as well. Thaelen and Anaria also knew of another expansion happening in the family in Silvermoon: Their first grandchild to be born to Leothiel and Oneille, and the first Frosthawk born in Quel'thalas since Leothiel. At the stroke of midnight, Thaelen raised his glass and shouted "Here's to a new year and to new life!"

[Oneille]

His nerves were shot and all Oneille could do was grasp her arms about his waist, lying her head on his chest. This night was full of his heavy breathing and her worried visage. His mind worked over the events of the last few days. A lioness sighed in the comfort of the feline den. The white lion growled his displeasure before rudy red lips crept to him kissing sensual. He pulled away starkly still frustrated. Oneille shied away. Heavy burden rested upon his shoulders. The mighty white lion would gladly take the forces of the Alliance till his dying breath.nnIt's that dying breath that a certain lioness fears. Silent and stalwart the male elf kept his gaze focused elsewhere. Oneille stroked her hand over Leothiel's chest. Each silent moment seemed an agonizing tick in her ears. She couldn't stand it, "Leothiel what troubles you troubles me, I can't read your mind when it's not here with me. You're far away from me now. You can tell me anything but your heart and mind are closed, I won't question you. I just need you here and now."nnOneille perched herself upon her elbow the white lion watching her moves, "I am here for you both." At once Oneille blushed when his hand rested at her womb.nn"I know, I know just that right now I need my lion greatly." Leothiel gave her a puzzled look. She didn't care how perplexed she left her mate, right now all she cared for was him and their future. nnOneille took his mouth, lips presed to his kissing deeply savoring him. Leothiel blushed his ears lowering as his mate found another way to keep him focused.

[Leothiel]

Normally, the sweet kisses entice Leothiel but something even greater was bubbling to the surface. He knew he could not hide it from Oneille forever so he spoke up quietly. "Our forces had a very disappointing night." He talked about the embarrassing losses in the fields of battle to which he had been deployed. Normally, he did not take losses personally or this closely, but the night left a mark on him and he did not want to take that to bed.

[Lythanor]

*Later on in the night* nn"You shall know of suffering warlock...you shall learn of LIFE!", cackled Lythanor madly as he cornered a vulnerable Oneille in a back alley of Murder Row.nn*Oneille, blade drawn and shivering clutches herself* "You death-spawn...you abomination...you will suffer the wrath of my felfire!" *Oneille launches a felbolt that is harmlessly absorbed by the deathknight's magic shield and gasps in horror as a deathgate forms on the wall behind her.*nn"Suffering is life Oneille...you shall understand...", Lythanor jibbed madly as he approached the portal.nn*Oneille tries to back up out of fear and falls backwards through the twisted deathgate* "Leothiel!!", screamed Oneille as she was swallowed by the darkness. *All that followed was the mad cackling of Lythanor as the portal closed behind him.*nn*Meanwhile, in Outland*nn"Time for my trial" sighed Leothiel as prepared to enter the Mechinaar. *All of a sudden the cry of Oneille rings through Leothiel's hearthstone, "Leothiel!!! Save me from the deathknight, he's gone mad!!!"* "What? Oneille!?" Leothiel's eyes flash red as he teleports to Oneille's immediate location!nn*Leothiel finds himself upon the top of a zigguraut floating above Zul'drak, the heavy stench of death and decay all around him, there he spots Lythanor, axe drawn, approaching his wife.* "Lythanor!!" bellowed Leothiel at the top of his lungs, disgusted by the situation.nn"I see you've come to the ceremony..." Lythanor uttered to the angry bloodmage. nn"Ceremony?" questioned Leothiel. nn"Yes...she must be feel alive...she must suffer..." mumbled the insane deathknight as he paced around her. nn"Suffer? Like the kind the Lich King delivers?" Continued the bloodmage, trying to get a straight answer. nn"No...not like that...I seek to impart a gift..." *At that moment Lythanor turned to Oneille and started channeling a sinister nercomantic spell, only to be blocked by Leothiel* "Why do you stop me!?" Lythanor flickered madly, searching for logic. nn"What gift!?" questioned Leothiel one last time, rage boiling.nn*Lythanor's fire blue eyes grow dull and cold as he monotonously talks about suffering and life, and how she must accept his gift to experience true life through suffering, Leothiel, tired of hearing this, steps between the two drawing his blade* "Despite the laws you have broken I don't want to do this."nn*Lythanor's eyes snap back to a sickly blue life, clutching his head and screaming in agony. He jumps backwards pulling the axe off his back cackling madly.* "SUFFERING IS LIFE! IF YOU CAN NOT UNDERSTAND IT THEN I WILL END YOUR SUFFERING!!" Spat the crazed deathknight as he rushed for the mage!

[Leothiel]

Leothiel arrived in time before Lythanor could start his ritual: He stood between the death knight and Oneille, forbidding the ritual. Leothiel nearly fell in battle against the death knight until Mia intervened. Leothiel and Oneille escaped. That night and throughout the next day, she felt a cold that chilled her to the bone even when they rested together. Leothiel was concerned not only about possible corruption of her body but also of their unborn child. "We should see Xi'ri." The next day, they went to Outland.nn*The next day*nnLeothiel and Oneille flew from Shattrath. From there, it became Terokkar forest. When they were out of Terokkar, they entered the fel volcanic land of Shadowmoon Valley. The couple were to make a visit to Xi'ri. Leothiel's mind was shielded against old gods because of this. He still had a debt to "make peace with the Sunwell." They landed in front of the Black Temple complex and walked slowly but boldly to the naaru.nnThey felt the power of his light go through them and made their requests. Soon the light spoke to their minds. It is not the time to bless your child. That will come later. As for the cleansing of your friend, he must seek me on his own. The piercing naaru light turned to Leothiel. Make your peace with the Sunwell, mageblood. Leothiel was disheartened. He wanted to visit the Sunwell. Evidently, Xi'ri knew about his interactions with magic despite being a practitioner. Leothiel was also looking for an excuse.nnAfter the visit with Xi'ri, Leothiel and Oneille left for the medicinal waters of Maraudon and to stoke the fires of passion for that night when they returned to Silvermoon.

[Leothiel]

*Stormwind*nnAnaria could feel it: Magical surges were still intermittent but becoming more intense. Could this be the time? she wondered. Over the course of the day, the magic surges were starting to weaken her body. She could also feel her next child being affected by the surges. In the evening, she and Thaelen went to the church to visit the healers. It was there where she had collapsed from an intense surge. Even the healers were puzzled on why the surges were happening. Thaelen also relayed to them that Anaria has surges when she was pregnant with Leothiel but never to this intensity.

[Oneille]

Oneille sat at the edge of the bed her mind obviously reeling from recent events. Mother Lah was captured the night before. The priestess had a knack for getting into trouble. That was not the point. A heavy sigh fell upon Oneille's ears, Leothiel stirred. The mighty lion was awakening. She took the moment to admire his pale features and strong jaw. The elfin maiden lifted herself from the bedside and walked towards the bath chamber looking over recent cuts from the other night's encounter. She shook her head, "I feel less a lady now and more some beggar."nnOneille quietly set to work drawing a bath for herself the warm waters comforting her. She stared up to the ceiling mind spacing out becoming lost to thoughts. A terrifying image broke through the joyful slience in her mind. At once, Oneille's now shut eyes snapped open. Ears alert and eyes darting back and forth the elfin maiden searched for signs of a phantom intruder. There came only a shiver. Cold. A chill that ran down her spine. At once Oneille grabbed her robe and slinked from the tub. Water splashed here and there wetting the floor. Unnerved and restless she glanced back a shadow of mist fading out of sight.nnAll the talk of the death knight and the want of vessels made Oneille tighten in fear. Her hands tightly gripped the robe about her as her wet figure stood in the doorway still waiting for a spector to show. A cold sensation hit her gut as she turned to face the bedroom and a still slumbering Leothiel . Oneille hastened to her mate's side and cuddled her wet form to his her mind racing. Leothiel awoke at once seeing his wife nestled at his side wet and shaking. nnShe said nothing only laid there hiding her face at his side, taking in his scent and warmth. "Oneille?" She gazed up and trembled.nn"I saw something dark a spector glaring at me in the bath chamber. I was frightened. I ran to you unsure. Leothiel...Grethem when he spoke in that strange tongue the other night...he might have set something loose."nnLeothiel only listened trying to focus on her rambling. Oneille wrapped her arms at his waist and cooed, "Between the druid's tome and the death knight something dark and sinister is brewing. What if this is in connection to what mother Lah found?" nnOneille bit at her lower lip, "I just want to stop these chills and protect the tribe from whatever perils lie ahead."nnHer ears lowered as she bit her lower lip, "I would rather focus on our family and especially the Frosthawks of Stormwind." Leothiel agreed.

[Leothiel]

*Stormwind*nnIt was a long night. Thaelen spent the night in the church where Anaria was being treated. She seemed stable. He could not sleep as he was concerned about not only the health of his wife, but the child in her who was about to be born.nn*Monday*nnThe magic surges were intermittent but intense and were accompanied by warning pains a mother about to give birth. Thaelen and Anaria's daughter, Vira, had difficulty sleeping the night before and could not be in school from that emergency. Late that night, Anaria was feeling the first signs of death. One of the healers run up to her then went to the other doctors. "We need to induce birth fast. Not only will she be lost soon, but her child who's about to be born will be lost." The healers went to work quickly. Right after the stroke of midnight, Anaria gave birth to a boy. The nurses focused their attention while the healers went to stabilize the mother. Thaelen was nearly in tears when he felt a small hand on his shoulder. It was Vira. "Will mother die?" she queried. Thaelen replied "We will all die. I pray this is not your mother's time," and embraced Vira.nn*Tuesday morning*nnThaelen woke up with another hand on his shoulder. "Lord Frosthawk, Anaria is still alive. When she gave birth, she calmed down. See your new son." This brought a smile to Thaelen's face but he insisted on seeing Anaria first. She was just asleep as the healer had described. He touched her hand and she stirred. She recognized its touch. "Thaelen? Is that you?" He put her hand to his face and replied "Yes." Anaria replied "I feel like I just gave birth to another son." Thaelen asked "How about if we bring him in for you?" The healer called for the nurse who was tending over their newly born son and asked "Of what name do you assign the child?" It was Thaelen's turn to name the child. "I hereby give our son, the sixth child of Thaelen and Anaria Frosthawk, the name of Athaniar Leothiel. The first after my grandfather, the second after our last Frosthawk who was born in Quel'thalas." Later in the day, a priest arrived to bless the new child. When Thieldren held the baby for the first time, he felt down the back to feel for two small stumps. Definitely a Frosthawk. Late in the evening, Thaelen returned home to write a message and send it off to Thieldren, Leothiel, and Oneille.nn"Our Dear Sons and Daughter,nnRight after the stroke of midnight, your brother Athaniar Leothiel Frosthawk was born. Mother fell violently ill from magic surges and both were nearly lost. It will be some time before she will move around again. We want you to meet your new brother. Vira is happy to be an older sister and sends you her greetings as well.nnYour father,nnThaelen"nnHe summoned his hawk Ghost and sent the message with him. "Do not antagonize Leothiel's dragon whelp" was his last instruction before sending off the message.nn(( This letter will not arrive until early Wednesday morning ))

[Oneille]

Oneille smiled as she watched from the balcony an image of white coming into view. The hawk known as Ghost fly onto the balcony railing perching gazing at Oneille. The elf maiden noticed a note attached to him. Eyes lighting up she began to gingerly remove the parchment where the people address were Leothiel, Thieldren, and herself. There was much excitement to be had. The letter wrote of the birth of the newest Frosthawk and how mother was doing now. Running back to the office, Oneille swung the door open and rushed to Leothiel. nn"Love, word from father!" At once Leothiel perked up and set aside his work and came to his wife's side. he read for himself the details both happy but saddened. Oneille kept herself engrossed about Anaria birthing a son and how the new big sister was doing. nnThere was a heavy sigh from the lips of Leothiel. Oneille stopped in her thought and took his cheek caressing him and smiling. His minds was elsewhere dwelling on whatever came to pass.nn"Even the greatest of warriors find their battles without end. Not always are all soldiers ready to answer the call either." Leothiel strayed away his hands grasping the letter and reading it intensely. Oneille stood there sighing heavily herself. nnElsewhere the whelping Azureous heard the cry of the hawk from the balcony. The azure creature growled some annoyance but not before Kim sprinted forth and found his master and mistress. The worg pup barked for action only to have Azureous clack a response. nn"Seems our two pets are eager for attention." Leothiel's voice was somber his mind still distant. Oneille rested a hand over his and kissed his open palm. nn"You're still my husband and always will be the greatest elfin man I know. Words can't make things better but we've a new sibling to celebrate and let us do that. Yes?" Leothiel nodded but not before his mouth became enraptured by his wife's lips. He stood quiet then embraced her.nn"Hmm." he smirked.nn"Hmm? Is that all my kisses are? I jest my lord but I must say let us write home aye? I want us focusing on this grand news else I find other ways to make you feel less stressed?"nnLeothiel smiled again and the couple embraced. Oneille knew she had much to look forward too when summer came. A new sibling to see and so much more.

[Leothiel]

*Stormwind*nnAnaria was recovering from her brush with death. On Thursday, she was able to hold her newborn child for the first time. Thaelan also had a task he dreaded: Talking with Vira about new life. On Friday, Anaria was able to return home with the three-day old Athaniar, the newest Frosthawk. That evening, the family hawk, Ghost, arrived home with a message in tow.nn"Dear Father, Dear Mother,nnWe rejoiced at the news of the birth of Athaniar. We hope that mother is recovering to the fullest. We are expecting our own new life some time in the summer. We would like to see our new brother. We have been busy making assaults against the Lich King's forces in Icecrown. Much glory is to be gained but the world is at stake. *A sentence here is scribbled out*nnWith Love,nnLeothiel and Oneille"