A Father's Pilgrimmage

[Oneille]

Between talks of love, war, and insane matrons there was little left in Oneille's life that made much sense. As of now the young woman stared at her image in the vanity mirrior admiring her new hairstyle. The once lengthy and curled locks had become fussed and now the long bangs cut short. The new visage aptly gave her a lioness look...one she was proud of. Oneille looked down at her feet to see Kim snoozing while a young Roo played in the living room with a nanny.

"All right Kim stop sleeping you've got guard duty." ears perking up the ebony wolf yawned and stretched his lithe form. Kim knew the routine: mistress would leave, nanny and Roo would leave for the day, and Kim would stand guard till evening. Not that the wolf minded just he hated being away from his mistress for so long.

"My lady," Oneille diverted her attention from the vanity and began to slip away fom her chair. "My lady, I beg the intrusion but young Roo and I are departing now. Do you any instructions for me?"

"Oh, yes, Regallia please make sure that he gets a chance to swim today at the nearby pond like before he's an aquatic creature and needs that. And above all else I don't want him snacking on deviate delights..." Oneille walked over to Roo who pouted at her and whined, "I mean it Roo it's not funny when I come home to see you puffing between a pirate or ninja."

Roo sulked and hid behind the nanny matron, "Heavens Roo she is only being a good mother." The white haired Regallia scooped up the oracle and gingerly placed him on the ground. "My lady i shall take your ward and be gone now." Bowing the lady matron smiled sweetly to Roo has both wondered off to their day about Silvermoon and the pond near the city.

Oneille smiled as both left. Grabbing her silk cloak from a nearyby chair the elven woman gathered it and began to slip it about her back. Clasping the ties she tossed out her hair and sweetly smiled, "I hope Wiindy's words were true...course I also want to be suprised."

Stepping out into the afternoon sun Oneille walked among the denizens of the Bazaar where the bantor and talk sales and wars blazed about. Today Oneille was shopping for a gift to present to the patriarch of House Frosthawk. "That man deserves something special...but what does one give?"

Shrugging she merrily walked about till she realized how late the morning had become. Seeing that the inn was close by Oneille retreated for lunch. She hoped later in the evening she could catch up with her beloved lion.

[Leothiel]

*Friday*

Much had been on Leothiel's mind during the week: His new appointment to Nightwarder, his father's upcoming pilgrimmage, and Jeriden's blessing. In the morning, he read the cover letter in the packet from his father. In the afternoon, Azureus returned from delivering his note to Jeriden and Asarelah Dawnbringer. Azureus was very happy and excited. "I think you know too" was his comment to his familiar as he smiled, patted him and gave him a treat. The mage's mind was on Oneille throughout the day even in Ulduar. Leothiel was happy not just for Oneille but for not having his mind tormented by Yogg-Saron even in close proximity to the old god.

A large statue known as Kologarn blocked the path of Leothiel and his raid group that night. After that, he planned on absconding with Oneille for a picnic. However, a certain applicant to his ward took priority because of the interest of war with Kingship. After the interview and subsequent welcoming, Leothiel and Oneille left from the prying ears and went to a rock overlooking the coast of Duskwither. Leothiel and Oneille had two views: Each other and the coast. Then a change in mood happened: Leothiel knelt down before Oneille and asked her "Would you become Lady Frosthawk?" She hesitated. The she started blushing red and a tear of joy came streaming from her eye. "Yes!" was her answer. They embraced and kissed. Leothiel then had one thing to give her: A letter from his mother addressed directly to the upcoming bride. Leo pulled out some parchment and a quill then started to write:

My Dear Parents,

I have secured the blessing of Oneille's father for her hand in marriage and she has answered "Yes" to becoming Lady Frosthawk.

Your son,

Leothiel

He attached the letter to Azureus. The blue whelp was very happy and flew faster than he had ever seen. They newly-engaged couple exchanged an embrace and another kiss before retiring for the night: Leothiel to Dalaran and Oneille back to Silvermoon. Soon, he thought, We won't have to retire separately.

[Oneille]

((I am not sure what Leothiel's would intend to write but this will be my impression if you don't mind my take on it Leothiel.))

Oneille sat on her bed with a young Roo sleeping soundly as the afternoon drifted on. Eyes fixated on the letter from Leothiel's mother to her she could only smile at the kind words his mother wrote:

Dear Oneille

It has come to pass that my son Leothiel has grown to love and care for you. In what has been a long journey for us all I only pray that this letter sees you well. My son and my family are two of the greatest joys of my life. With you joining us that joy would grow. It pleases me that Leothiel has chosen well in his lifemate. I've seen my children enter this world then soon to leave it. What more as a soon to be mother again I pray that this child not bare witness to any strife. Leothiel loves you as do we all. And as your future mother-in-law I give my own blessing but know this: Love is not about conquering, it's about protecting. Child, love is a gift and as such must be safeguarded no matter the cost. There is no greater honor than to protect something worth fighting for. Leothiel views that in you. A love worth fighting for. I love all my children and know this Oneille, I will love you for even now I see you as a daughter. In my heart I pray you stand by Leothiel, for in the end it is about BOTH of you.

Vira sends her own greetings and I know my husband, regardless his own pride, welcomes you as a daughter.

Leothiel chose well and Oneille please guard him well.

Sincerely
Anaria Frosthawk
Matron of House Frosthawk

Oneille felt a blush creep about her visage. His mother seemed just as much the saint than she realized. Anaria was a woman blessed with a large family. She stands behind her husband and in her own pregnancy she seems to carry on head held high. Nimble hands slowly folded the letter away whereas it was soon tucked under the pillow for safekeeping. Sighing, Oneille looked down at Roo as the ward slept the day away.

"Lucky little guy sleeping the day away when there is much to do," grinning Oneille bent down kissing the small oracle upon the head. Outside the bedroom Kim scratched at a hidden menance situated deep in the fields of his ebony fur. Whining the wolf watchdog shook out his coat till the bedroom door opened with a one Oneille smirking in the direction of her pet.

"Fleas or dry skin?" giggling the elven warlock patted affectionately at her wolf as she passed by. "Kim I have some pressing matters to speak of...young Roo is going to be heading back to the steamy jungles of the Basin in Northrend. Looks as though his tribe knows he went missing. Seems I am loosing him but from what the orphanage tells me there is a chance he'll actually be in my permanent care."

Kim stood there whimpering. Though the young wolf became annoyed easily with Roo he'd grown to care for the ward as it he were of his own pack.

"Fret not little one...we'll have him home soon. But for now we've something greater to celebrate. As of this moment I am now the intended to a Lord Frosthawk which means much will change, including possibly letting go..." Kim perked up and soon he knew what she meant.

"Kim...long ago do you remember that faithful day I found you...saw you in the Black Rock Depths and was able to make you my own? Remember that day well for a new day is coming...soon the family will grow, just wait and see. For now though I need to let Roo sleep and then off to the market with him for a gift shopping for Lord Frosthawk. "

Slipping away from Kim Oneille ventured into the living room where she found the completed artpiece of her ward. Seeing the feet print, webbed lines, and even the small claw marks she realized just how blessed she was.

[Jeriden]

Jeriden and Asarelah sat and listened as Leothiel placed his bid in for Oneille's hand. Jeriden, as the woman's father now, listened carefully. He looked to Asarelah, the two exchanging a quick conversation entirely with nothing more than body language.

I trust him, dear. I have seen him fight in battle - you can hide many things with words but you can't hide your feelings in the thick of combat. Therefore... there is one duty I have to perform...

"Lord Frosthawk, I will confer to you the Blessing, Consent, and Joy of my House.... provisionally."

He smiled at the ambassador, issuing the same proclaimation he would have to any of his children (and indeed now he had many)

"Her heart; your legs. You break hers, I break yours."

The paladin knew that it was more for show than it was for sincerity... but he never could bear to watch any child weep.

((You have it, Leo - you can even have this post removed if you like or need to. ))

[Oneille]

Oneille's eyes opened slowly as she stirred knowing soon she'd have to see Leothiel's father off on the sojourn. Her fel tinged eyes gazed about her apartment looking between the wall and the doorway to the bedroom. Slowly she moved only to be stopped by the sudden embrace of strong arms. About her waist rested Leothiel's arms squeezing protectively. Watching him lie there without a care in the world and his eyes closed this made Oneille grin wickedly. There was still time before Leothiel was scheduled to leave. Growing adventurous Oneille gingerly turned about to face her lion with face inches from his. Hands finding the golden mane that adorned his head she threaded through his tresses, caressing his scalp and hands smoothing his cheek.

"Leothiel..." she whispered lips coming forth and planting a sweet kiss about his cheek, moving downward to fully elicit a passionate rouse. She heard the lion's deep growl as he began to come awake, but briefly.

Voice still hushed Oneille pulled her lips away. As stray locks fell before her she slowly pulled the hair behind her ears, "Leothiel...Nightwarder of War...I love you. Leothiel, Lord Frosthawk of Silvermoon...Anu belore delana." Smiling now she saw the deep green tinge of Leothiel's visage.

"My lioness...I..." before another word was spoken Oneille kissed him not wanting him to think but feel.

Lips finally prying from his she smirked. Her hands caressed his cheek as both lied there in the early morning hours, "Beloved, your campaigns are fruitful, each seige is a small victory...savor it. I do not like what the Blackmoon Tribe did to you...forcing you and father to appease a loa...such non sense. I'd gladly see myself on their blood alter than see my lord as their plaything."

"I do not relish being used in such a manner as well, " frowning Leothiel began to pull away. He gradually tried to pull upright but he stopped, for at his waist Oneille tugged and pulled with much force.

"No lion your mate demands you stay we've a few hours yet," growling playfully the warlock brought her lips to his kissing sensually, "You may be the king of the jungle but I am queen of this domain. My heart, your legs...remember it well..."

Leothiel blushed. As commanding as he was in the battlefield only the red-headed warlock could command his heart.

"My red-headed warlock I understand what Jeriden and Lah said, " Leothiel grinned sheepishly stroking a hand through Oneille's crimson mane.

"Father and mother only want us content. I do wish to see your father and mother at our wedding more than anything," Oneille nuzzled against the strong hand of her love. "We've a date to set. You seem intent on having Hallow's End as the time love why not something more heartfelt such as Winter Veil? But if my lord wishes it within the next month I shall comply...but I have passed word to father I'd wish to see us wed during Winter Veil."

Leothiel shook his head only to kiss his betrothed.

"Lord Leothiel Frosthawk and Lady Oneille Frosthawk of Silvermoon City. Sounds beautiful like music to my ears." Oneille kissed and embraced Leothiel once again as the first rays of dawn began to creep through the apartment window.

[Leothiel]

*Silvermoon City, before sunrise*

Leothiel and Oneille woke up while it was still dark. They had been on a campaign the night before shutting down the southern part of the Eastern Kingdoms. Afterwards they split from the group to a secluded spot for a swim then returned to her place. This time, they were headed down to the Blasted Lands to see Leothiel's father Thaelen on his pilgrimmage. Thieldren is going to be with him for the first three days as they go to the locations as he tells his story. Leothiel would join on the fourth day while the three of them explored Quel'thalas with Thieldren leaving the group while they younger brother showed the Horde and the legacy of the Highborne. Leothiel and Oneille saw Jeriden and Asarelah in Silvermoon. He instructed them to stay back in case Thaelen felt like he was being threatened. They took the portal to the Blasted Lands.

*Stormwind, at the same time*

Thaelen woke up and dressed hastily. Anaria and Vira were joining him despite his initial resistance in the previous week. He did not want his his wife with unborn child, or his living daughter harmed. The three of them made their way in the cover of dark to the mage tower in Stormwind. Elsharin would portal Anaria and Vira back to Stormwind when Thaelen and Thieldren were in Outland. They took flights to Nethergarde Keep. Thaelen, Anaria, and Vira rode ahead of Elsharin to the crossroads between Nethergarde and the Dark Portal. There, they saw not two, but three figures: Oneille was with them. After they exchanged greetings, Leothiel had another set of introductions. He made a motion and two more figures arrived: Those of Lord Vindicator Jeriden and Lady Asarelah Dawnbringer. They greeted each other. Elsharin arrived with the group and Anaria spoke up "She will open a portal to Stormwind when we part ways." They slowly made their way to the Dark Portal. They swapped stories and told jokes the whole way.

On the stairs of the Dark Portal, the mood went to somber. Vira motioned for a hug from Thieldren. He knelt down and embraced her. She then said to him "Watch over daddy." Thieldren said "He's under my protection and those who attempt to harm him will answer to me." Thieldren then turned to his mother and asked about her protection. She said that when she is at home some of the clergy will check on her and one member of the paladin order who lived next door would keep watch as well. "The dragonhawks are the last line of defense." Jeriden and Asarelah also talked with Leothiel's parents for some time. As the sun rose, it was time for the final farewells. Thaelen and Thieldren stepped through the portal to Outland. Soon the discussion turned to wedding plans. After some time, it was time for farewells. Leothiel opened up a portal to Silvermoon City while Elsharin portaled Anaria and Vira back to Stormwind.

Anaria saw Vira off to school. When Anaria showed up for church duty, she noticed that her workload had become considerably lighter. She also knew soon that she'd have to suspend her duties until some time after the child was born. New life, she started to pray, May the light protect you in these times. May you not be harmed by the next cataclysm.

[Oneille]

Oneille stretched out on her love seat in her living room. The quill pen tapping against her cheek as the last few lines of dictation began to flow. Admist the earlier drunken idiots calling from down in the street to having to deal with countless ideas for an upcoming wedding, her life seemed without end.

"When will these agendas cease..." head thrown back Oneille stared at the ceiling as the frustration began to cease. Yawning loudly Oneille looked out her window and admired the night time sky. The darkness seemed calming.

Oneille's mind wandered thinking to her love and then to his family. It was the image of Anaria swelling with pregancy that made Oneille ponder. There she was a brave priestess looking to birth soon and here her husband was, traversing the dark reaches of Outland leaving his love and children behind.

"That woman...she is owed. I wondered what life will be like married. Will my life be just as chaotic?" as the thoughts drifted through her mind Oneille put away the parchment and quill.

"Whatever may be I just hope Father Frosthawk will be all right..."

[Leothiel]

*From the journal of Thaelen Frosthawk*

*Pilgrimmage Day 1, writing in the evening*

Anaria and Vira sprung a surprise on me last week by declaring their intention to see Thieldren and I off to Outland. She also made clear they would see us no matter what I said. Anaria will not allow pregnancy to slow her down. She never did with our previous children and even arrived as a refugee in Ironforge with Vira unborn. The crossroads between Nethergarde and the Dark Portal brought even more suprises. Oneille was there to wish us off. She is a very sprited woman and Leothiel was right in asking for her father's blessing and her hand in marriage. She reminds me of my younger years. They also had another surprise: Oneille's parents, Jeriden and Asarelah Dawnbringer. These are my future in-laws. Everything hit me hard emotionally, both in happiness and apprehension. Leothiel will mark the first wedding of any of my children. Elsharin joined us after her apprehension cleared about seeing members of the Horde with us. After our final farewells, Thieldren and I stepped into Outland.

I put on my green contacts thinking this will be my world for the next week. The first thing we saw were demons ahead of us and the forces of the Horde and the Alliance were joined up against them. Why can't my younger son do this? Thieldren and I took Wind Riders to a town called Thrallmar. I was greeted with unusual looks from orcs, trolls, and some large hulking peoples with fur. Thieldren called them "tauren." One of the officers summoned us. What followed was a short conversation and a warning. As long as at least one of my sons was with me, the Horde guards will not attack me. I removed my contact lenses and put them in their box. Leothiel is very well-known among the Horde. Some of the tales I heard from the inn at Thrallmar had him as leader. Thieldren saw some of his fellow death knights. We had a long breakfast over tales of heroism and villainy. Then Thieldren started to tell his tale of his first arrival in Outland.

Kael'thas was looking for a way to cure magical addiction among the newly-named Blood Elves. He had been alienated by the old Alliance of the second and third wars. A naga named Vashj led him and his forces to Illidan Stormrage. Illidan was being held in a cage by his old warden Maiev. Thieldren was in the initial forces that freed Illidan Stormrage. I want to know who this Illidan is, but my son told me that Leo would know more. Illidan is a name I have heard but only in passing with "betray" in the sentence.

After Illidan was freed, he led an assault, combined with Kael'thas and Vashj's forces, to shut down the four portals tearing Draenor apart. As far a Thieldren is concerned, Outland could disappear for good. We rode west to Zangarmarsh. I was concerned about the water drowning us. Thieldren turned the water into sheets of ice before us so we would not have to take the roads. We arrived at one of the semi-defunct portals. To the west was space. It's hard to believe that magic could tear apart a world. We stayed at an inn at the troll village that night. Thieldren had to introduce me to these trolls. I am very uncomfortable around them given my memories of Quel'thalas. He said we are going to the Black Temple early in the morning.

[Oneille]

He glared at the scene before him. He kept staring at the couple before him. Still the tiny webbed-footed creature glared! His name is Roo and he is a oracle orhpan from Scholazar Basin, a jungle crater in the western part of Northernd. The young oracle hardly remembers how he came to be in Dalaran but after six months in the mage city he found a home. To him she is mother, care giver, and friend, as well as tribe. Even now in the midst of a slumber he witness his mother asleep but not alone.

Roo began to bend his legs, squatting then with a spring he jumped onto the bed. The small one landed with a soft thud causing little a stir from either figures. He saw nothing but too giant people sleeping side by side in his mother's bed. Taking the scent from the air Roo knew who mother was but the other smell, male, made his croak then hiss. Quietly the oracle climbed over the male intruder. Sitting on Leothiel's (is that what mother called this thing?) Roo angled his head observing the resting male his hands tightly situated about Oneille's waist as they slept.

"Who this be..." Roo croaked in a hushed voice as his webbed toes poked at the sleeping form. "Is he...monster try to eat mother?"

The smell of a male not recognized by the orphan sent him into a small fit, "Roo save momma!" Roo hissed his head fins alert and sharp but before he could try to bite at Leothiel the covers were pulled, sending the oracle tumbling over...shortly after he landed with a thud on the carpeted floor surrounding the bed.

Roo grumbled and spat as the male elf released his grasp of Oneille only to bring the covers further up his body. Oneille sighed then nestled under the sheets scooting her body closer to the warmth of Leothiel's. Roo could not believe he has a chance then blew it! He wanted to cry or even scream but what point would that serve?

"Roo show him whose boss..." Roo snuck out of the bedroom and followed the smell of Leothiel into the living room where his belongings lay, "Roo make mess of stuffs!" Snickering Roo began to drag at the large leather satchel holding Leothiel's items. Roo dragged the bag with his teeth straining against the pack's weight. Yellow eyes traveled the length of the path the oracle was taking. Azrureous studied the little creature and with a roar swooped down. Roo, with pack in mouth, stared up in awe only to drop the satchel as Azureous tried to attack. Roo cried out suprise jumping away in leaps and bounds.

"Stupid dragon thing! Go 'way!" Azureous stayed behind the child and began a chase between the living room hall, office, and bath chamber, only to end up in the kitchen where Roo made a dash for under the kitchen table. Azureous flew ahead and without warning, and not watching where he went, ran smack dab into the wall of the kitchen. The dragon whelping slide down the length of the falling with a thud on his back.

"Roo show you...stupid dragon thing!" giggling then cackling the young oracle walked off happy in his victory. "Roo said he show big man thing...I did!" As Roo turned about Azureous whined obviously he felt hurt. "Ohhh shhh...Roo not mean, Roo just teach lesson." Azureous lied there whining until the whimpers caught Kim's attention.

Kim the wolf guard came walking in a look of annoyance on his jowl. Growling he walked over to the whelping. Carefully the worg picked the whelp up by his scruff and carried him back into the living room. Roo growled but Kim growled louder his ears flat. Roo shrank back. Kim setted slowly into the living room finding a nearby pillow on the love seat and despositing the dragonkin on the soft pillow. Azureous shrilled a weak thank you as kim nudged him comfortably, as Azureous settled into rest Kim turned to Roo and sinister growl...but Roo instead stood in the hallway crying, "Mommy no care for Roo...mommy own pet no love me waaah!!!" Roo hollared and cried at the tops of his lungs until Kim walked over and ears down, a whine developing, reached the young oracle and licked his cheek.

"No puppy thing mena..NO ONE LOVE ROO!" before Roo could let out another outburst a sudden embrace gathered him up and a kiss landed upon his head.

"Roo, I love you." Oneille's eyes, though weary with sleep smiled at him. "Mother loves Roo and in time Roo will have a father who loves him just as much."

"Roo no believe...big man thing want ta hurt momma!"

"Roo no he doesn't, Leothiel is my love and in time he'll be your father. I want you to know he thinks of you always as does momma. We love you Roo." Another kiss to his tender forehead left Roo whimpering.

Leothiel smiled as he saw the adoptive son cuddle in his mother's arms, "He has right to feel this way, all the times I spend here and he hardly knows me."

"It is time we changed that my lord, Leothiel this is Roo, Roo this is Leothiel." Roo smelled at Leothiel and Leothiel patted the oracle gently on the head. For the rest of the night the family slept peacefully though for Roo he slept more soundly.

[Leothiel]

*Letter penned by Thieldren, Day 3 of pilgrimmage*

My Dear Brother,

I have never wanted to return to Netherstorm, now father knows why. He was amazed at the depravity of Kael'thas. The Black Temple is clear of Illidan, but the place is still haunted and has fel magics floating around it. The closer we were to the Temple, the louder we could hear the screams. The screams dissipated when we approached Xi'ri in front of Karabor. This is the first time father has ever encountered a naaru. I asked him to let me tell the story. We took a look inside. I practically relived the triumph over Magtheridon only to be chewed out by someone more malevolent. Seeing Kil'jaeden talking to Illidan planted a seed of doubt inside me. I wondered if it was a good idea to follow Kael'thas. The majority of the forces went to Northrend to confront the Arthas. Remtheras and I were ordered to conquer the remainder of Outland and look for ley lines.

The ley lines traced into Netherstorm. Remtheras was in charge of harnessing the magic while I was a lieutenant in subduing the draenei and their kin. We were at one of the manaforges when father saw the results of Kael'thas' legacy and magic addiction. I did not have to say anything. He recognized the blood crystals and the demons encased in them. He saw how the manaforges pulled the magic out of the air into the pipelines. I told him it was from siphoning the crystals that Remtheras may have staved off his addiction but the fel magics were transforming him. By that time, Kael'thas broke from Illidan and cut a deal with the Burning Legion. We were now allied with the forces that were looking to destroy the worlds. I cannot recount the number of times I had been party to taking slaves towards construction of the manaforges and pipelines. I nearly died when one of the pipelines ruptured and exposed me to a torrent of magic. I emerged with stumps in my back in the same location where your wings have grown.

After we flew around Netherstorm, I told him about Tempest Keep, the Exodar, and Shattrath. We went to Shattrath. This ended our second day. Today, we went to Quel'danas and saw the redeemed Sunwell. We want to meet you tomorrow in the morning to show what has become of Quel'thalas. I've more tears to shed.

Your Brother,
Thieldren Frosthawk