New Year, New Life

[Oneille]

Oneille sat in the Silvermoon City Inn hands shaking with tears streaking down her face. As if by fate Lythanor found Oneille alone in Silvermoon, in the merchant's row this time, the name Bloodblade on his lips. This creature of destruction once again chose to harm that life resting in her womb. nn*Silvermoon City, early morning*nEarly morning near the Shepard's Gate Oneille hoped to catch morning vendors only to bump into a one Lythanor. She glared at him but made civial in conversation with him. In turn, what seemed respite turned deadly when out of the darkness that was his mind, the "other half" returned in full force. A frozen touch grasped Oneille's shoudlers which sent her reeling backwards. Green eyes gazed upon him sadness forming. Cold sensations pulsed down to the core of her lifeline to the child settled within her.nn"What have you done?" her eyes tearing now as she felt the same cold as from before but not like what it once was.nn"Making sure you feel pain, know of suffering...know it well. There is a way to stop this and you know what it is..." he smirked and brandished his axe the tip catching the morning sun, glinting. nn"Please don't so this...it's ..please I said to stop!" In a last effort to stop his crazed efforts the elven maiden balled her right fist and slugged the death knight square in the jaw. He stood dazed but not before watching Oneille run off into the distance. Ashamed and scared the elf maiden ran.nnIceot heard Oneille's silent plea for help from his hearthstone. His jounrney into the citadel exhausted him but nonetheless he ventured to Silvermoon City. Moments later the young blood knight arrived fully unaware of what would occur. Near the outside door of the Silvermoon City Inn lay a death knight worn from a mental break down from earlier as Oneille fled. The struggle between forces was in play. Iceot shrugged uncertain what to do. Frantically, the warlock told of how the death knight chose to taint her child. Iceot shook his head uneasily, "I can only do so much." nn"Please heal me as best you can. I know you can. Word has gone out to Swanthula she makes her way here now, till then try anything!" Iceot grumbled then nodded. A hand raised over Oneille's midsection a healing light cast.nnA groan, an evil laugh. Lythanor was waking. Shuddering, Oneille rumaged through her satchel locating the light orb-stone. In a swift gesture she casted out a ring of light holding Lythanor in place, "What was that?" Iceot peered at Oneille who showed him the glowing light orb-stone. nn"it's a blessed light of elune...it's light should be enough to keep him at bay. I'm going inside the inn stay put with him!" Iceot nodded dumbly but stayed as Oneille went away to safety to cal upon help, her touch greeting the minds of Partedhair and Swanthula. In merit of record time they arrived in the inn but not before Lythanor incapacitated Iceot and ran out to the plaguelands. Feeling insulted the paladin ran out after him to the very place where all death knights call home...the eastern plaguelands.nnSwanthula and Partedhair arrived moments after the two stalwarts left. The bone priestess glided in with her regal form coming before a frightened and confused Oneille. After a brief explanation the female elf sighed despite herself and wondered, "Is there now way to stop him or even stop the thing that posseses him?" Swanthula gazed down and taking a lithe hand reached into her bag producing a large vile. "Dis be helpin to stop dis." nnFrom the direction of the paladin and death knight both parted and swanthula made haste to the ruined plague town of Darrowshire. Here the death knight and his crazed riot met it's cease.nn*Back in Silvermoon City later morning* nOneille rested by the fountain her eyes still stinging with tears as she felt the weight of the earlier hours rest on her shoulders. Her child rested in her womb safe and secure. Realizing that with all the craziness it was time to step down from the library.nnThe director would understand she hoped for after all she was now choosing to become a full time parent with the arrival of her first child.nn"This is what I am doing good director,"nn"Well, I understand but see it from my own perspective..." the archives director stared at her hard, "we will be without a highly needed researcher such as you."nn"I know but I must do this...we can find till the summer." with much disdain the direction crumbled allowing the leave of absence.nn"Thank you sir." The director shooed Oneille away a sly smile playing at his lips.nn"Good luck dear woman, you'll need it.

[Oneille]

A female figure laid at her side atop the crimson sheets of the queensized bed. Oneille Frosthawk slept soundlessly from her return from the Bazaar. Evening was fast and coming, still the female elf rested. Little Azureous rested on the nearby chair his little snout buried deep in the plush seat. Feverish dreams plagued the maiden's mind as she groan and turned, "Mnn.." nnAzureous peaked his head from his sleep and stretched his neck. The small creature observed his mistress from afar sighing knowing all too well her pain. He resumed resting waiting for her to rouse. nnA black void swallowed Oneille sending her drifting between reality and beyond. At last when the rush stopped the image of a demi god appeared. Large wings engulfed his back. These wings glowed a dull white the same color as the male's skin. From the back he seemed a demon upon further observance, "Leothiel..." nnWith a start Oneille awoke in a cold sweat. Her breath rasped in her throat, a long winded exhale and inhale followed. The world felt topsy turvey. Like a lover in the throes of passion Oneille gripped the sheets balling them into her fists unable to fathom what was happening.nn"...I saw the form that could have been...Light help me..."

[Leothiel]

*Background*nnLeothiel knew the visit was long overdue. Right after his wedding with Oneille, they made a visit to Xi'ri asking for his blessing. The only thing that Xi'ri had to say was for Leothiel to "make peace with the Sunwell." To Leothiel, this was a death sentence as it has made him physicially ill and Xi'ri knew it. Perhaps it is right for him to demand something of me, he thought, but why does it have to be lethal?nnSince then, changes have happened: The Kingship war morphed into new forms and the gates of Icecrown Citadel had been breached. The prospect of making peace with the Sunwell remained in the back of his mind until a wandering in the bazaar of Silvermoon changed the outcome. It was a hilt of a sword with some jewels missing. The hilt also had an emanation of magic that Leothiel could detect. After he bought the hilt, he went to some knowledgable magi in Dalaran: It belonged to a sword called Quel'delar, also known as "The Sister Blade." After working as an assistant launderer and running some cloak-and-dagger operations with Silver Covenant agents tailing him, he finally earned the Sister Blade. The proximity Frostmourne infected the blade and required a cleansing in the Sunwell. The Sunwell was a painful ordeal for Leothiel but it had cleansed him and the Quel'delar absorbed some of the Sunwell's power: He had made peace with the Sunwell.nn*Sunday night*nnLeothiel and Oneille enjoyed a picnic on their land claim in Eversong. He has not heard back from the land claim office yet. They were imagining the view each morning and the sound each day of the rushing waters from the rapids. After the picnic, Leothiel said "We are long overdue in Shadowmoon Valley." Leothiel opened up a portal to Shattrath. From there, the couple called for their flyers and went east. The forest of Terokkar gave way to the fel volcanic land of Shadowmoon.nnThey landed some distance from Xi'ri and walked towards him. They knelt to the ground then Leothiel, who felt Xi'ri's light, spoke. "You know why we are here but I will speak of it. Some time ago, I had asked for your blessing and you said 'make peace with the Sunwell.'" Leothiel then unsheathed Quel'delar and planted it in the ground in front of the Naaru. "I have been cleansed by it and now wield its power." The light started conveying words to them both. The power of the Sunwell is the same power of which the naaru are made. Mageblood, your offspring will have your physical form and they will wield the power that you have now: The light will be in their blood. This power will not be without cost. The power of the naaru in your offspring are my blessing to you and your house. Leothiel resheathed Quel'delar and they both left.

[Oneille]

Oneille kissed Leothiel another time as her long crimson hair curtained about her face. Leothel let torrent a deep growl echoing through the room. The night before Leothiel felt uncertain of his battlefield prowess;however, his wife chose to take his mind away from the dregs of battle and into the heat of passion between lovers. nnOne could say the lioness knows how to sate the angry pride lord. Oneille pulled her stray hair from her face with lips twisted in a wry smile. She felt her husband caress her cheek followed by a kiss upon the lips. Each moment together reaffirmed the love between mates. nn"I felt the naruu speak to me about the death knight Lythanor," Leothiel nodded. "Xi'ri spoke of demons and the pit lord that resides in the Blood Furnance. Could there be a connection?" nn"I don't know." Leothiel slowly lifted himself from the bed his vestigal wings proudly on display. The naruu were correct Leothiel made peace and at the cost of paying respects to the house Frosthawk. nnMates stayed in each other's arms until Leothiel left for work. From the warm air and clear skies the future was looking bright.

[Leothiel]

Leothiel checked the post and found a letter from the Land Claims office. He opened it up wondering if the land for which he had applied would be his.nn"Dear Lord and Lady Frosthawk:nnThe land you seek to claim and occupy was previously occupied by a House he renounced their claim then went extinct. Head to the Land Claims office within seven days to finalize its new ownership to your House."nnLeothiel could not contain his excitement, reached for Oneille and embraced her. "The land on the North Elrendar rapids is ours." The dream of rising to the sound of rushing water each morning was starting to become an even greater reality.

[Oneille]

Two hands held the growing roundness of a protruding belly tenderly. Oneille was happy to hear that her mate and her would soon be moving to a new piece of land far from the cowded streets of Silvermoon City. She knew that in time her mate and her would cultivate a home for themselves and the growing family. nn"Soon little one we'll be home," with that Oneille smiled as she set back to work sewing for Leothiel.

[Leothiel]

The next morning, Leothiel and Oneille left for the Land Claims office. The only items they paid were the registration fee and the survey crew. The lack of a previous owner would allow more house on the land. Leothiel already had visions for the land: Main house, guest house, and stables. He could hear the sound of the rapids more clearly. He could imagine the sunsets in Eversong Woods. He also envisioned owning the building that he and Oneille were currently residing. Then a sharp voice pulled him out of his vision and back to reality. "How about some lunch?" was his question.nnOver lunch, they talked about what to do with the land. Leothiel outlined his plan and even made mention of purchasing the building in which they were currently living.

[Oneille]

As usual Oneille rejoiced in knowing her family was going on to better outlets in life. Before Leothiel left his mate kissed him deeply hands threading through his fine mane. The kiss was followed by Oneille placing his hands at her stomach letting him feel his child, "Before you leave my lord I want you to remember what you're fighting for and who."nnShe grinned wickedly, "Do not forget you are also my lion and I refuse to have you loose sight of that!" Growling she kissed him one last time before seeing him off to work. nnIn her heart she knew her mate capable but in her soul she hoped he never lost sight of what it was to be the mageblood he was.

[Leothiel]

*Immediately following our foray into the Plagueworks last night*nnA night of fighting in the Plague Works of Icecrown and one of its grand abominations took a toll on Leothiel. The fights against Festergut made Leothiel sick to his very stomach. He arrived home smelling like he took a swim in a sewer. Oneille could smell his arrival and their pet worg Kim would not go near him. Leothiel removed his plague-smelling robes, threw them in the laundry and then himself went for long hot bath. Oneille asked what had happened. Leothiel began "Tonight, we ascended deeper into Icecrown. The place we entered smelled worse than the Undercity and even wove its way into our armor. Then we saw the one named Festergut." Leothiel looked like he was going to vomit again at the mention of that name. "He had all of us spewing our past meals."nnOneille lit up some incense in hopes of clearing out the sewer smell from the apartment. It was working. Leothiel's vestments were soaking in some laundry water and the smell was coming out of them as well. Leothiel was very exhausted from the fights that night combined with heaving in the confrontation with Festergut. He crawled into bed, kissed Oneille and fell asleep immediately. Oneille's kiss could not wake him this time but she put his hand on her womb and soon fell asleep.nnSoon, Leothiel found himself swimming in the river on the land that he had acquired. The house complex was complete. After a few minutes, the sky turned red and the ground trembled. Soon, he saw a flaming dragon fly over the land then the waters from the ocean came up in a wave. Leothiel could not escape and woke up with not only him shaking, but Azureus shaking as well. Leothiel said I take it you saw the flaming dragon again. Azureus nodded. Leothiel whispered So did I. Leothiel slept very light that night. He was glad to have his homestead and was looking forward to groundbreaking that week and completion later in the year. The image of the flaming dragon and the large wave haunted pushed that and the thought of the abominations of Icecrown out of his mind. When he reached for Oneille, he also reached for her womb and quietly said Light protect you.

[Oneille]

*Memory of Oneille's Past*nIf you will imagine a little elf girl running through the glistening streets of Silvermoon City a small gray tabby striding at her feet. The duo skip and sprint along the bustling streets populated by high elf magisters, merchants, carpenters and vendors. This child and her pet are traversing the Bazaar looking for a mother figure lost in the sea of pointed ears and gossip.nn"Minn'da," cries a voice. A woman holding a large basket and ears perking smiles. A high elven beauty leans down and notices her child. Despite the busy crowds mother is able to pick out her daughter from the others. She smiles again sapphire eyes shining with love and warmth. nn"My little firebird!" Mother Pomene Oranus gently bent down to hug her young daughter. "I told you not wander too far from me...and where is Mouse?"nnThe child turned and grabbed a grooming tabby tightly by the ribs crushing the female in her clutches, "She's here!" Mouse growled under her breath determined to scratch but was instantly dropped.nn"Oneille Deanara Oranus you musn't treat your pet like that!" Pomene chided her daughter but soon warmed up. "I cannot stay mad at my little one. My firebird."nn"Minn'da!" Oneille gagged and tried to tear away from her mother only to have a hug encase her. nn"My little firebird. So firey and full of life. Speaking of life, ung! Your sibling is eager to get attention."nnPomene was close to full term with her third child. Husband and wife hoped for a son but a daughter would be welcome as well.nn"Icky...a baby! Is that why minn'da is fat?" Oneille poked her mother's womb only to have Pomene take her daughter's hand and kiss the palm.nn"Keep poking and you might wake them." Pomene giggled then took Oneille's hand. "Let us go home. We've much to do and it grows late."nnnThat was but a glimpse of my past the part of me that remembers good. My sister Lycanoia was born sometime later. I barely understood how fragile life was until both my mother, father, and younger brother Fauva died. Torn apart by grief and misunderstanding my life is a tapestry of faded memories folded into a dark corner.nnMother if only you could see me now I'm with child and I'm both elated and so scared. Each passing day I grow larger. My womb it swells. I only ever wanted a home and family. I have that and so much more. It's just I'm so confused most days like now...nnSilvermoon City - BazaarnOneille stood there at the fountain hands rested on her womb, "Someday soon little one you're going to be born and there are going to be many who will welcome you into this world. Never fear little one the Light will protect you and so will minn'da and ann'da lion." nnShe smiled up at the afternoon sun sighing happily. "My lion our little cub is growing and they know, they know."