An Unpleasant Task

[Leothiel]

*Thursday evening, Stormwind around sunset*nnVira was showing signs of fatigue. The unusual heat and humidity combined with dusk practices of casting were taking their toll. "One more spell and you may go in" said Thaelen. Vira's hands glowed red with flame. After a couple of seconds a ball of fire struck the ash pit in the Frosthawk's back yard. Thaelen gave her a hug and whispered to her "Well done. Head in." She ran in. Thaelen stayed out while looking in the dusk sky. He noticed something fluttering. It was heading towards him. Azureus? he thought. The dragon dropped right in front of him and tried to make a bow. Thaelen picked up the whelpling and the letter he was carrying. He rushed inside with the dragon whelp and the letter in tow. Anaria was inside taking a break from her mothering with the 7-month-old Athaniar now asleep. Thaelen showed the unopened letter. Anaria took it from his hand, opened it and read out loud.nn"Our Dear Father and MothernnThis morning; Haeldrin Remtheras Frosthawk, our son, was born. There is so much surrounding this birth that I would rather tell you in person. Soon, the homestead will be ready for your arrival. This trip will be about more than pulling away from the August heat of Stormwind: There are some dire things we need to discuss. Send your reply with Azureus when we should meet you.nnLeothiel, Oneille, Haeldrin"nnAt first they were jubilant. Afterwards, they started to read between the lines. They were wondering what matters were so dire. The elder Frosthawks retired upstairs. Vira was already passed out asleep on her own bed even before Thaelen came in from the outside. Azureus was on a windowsill above her bed. Anaria moved Athaniar to a cradle next to the elder Frosthawk bed. When Thaelen and Anaria were in bed, she asked "Do you think you pushed Vira too hard tonight?"nnThaelen answered with "Probably. That's how skill is developed. I would like for her to be able to protect herself. In a few years, we are going to have boys knocking on the door looking for her." They both enjoyed a chuckle. Thaelen put his arm around Anaria's waist then they both tried to sleep on that humid night.nn*Frosthawk Homestead, Eversong Woods*nnThe day was long. For Leothiel, it was a spiritual experience holding his firstborn child: A son. Oneille was recovering but knew her days of life were numbered. That night, shadows plagued their dreams. Leothiel dreamed of teaching Haeldrin how to cast, ride, fly, and even fight with weapon and bare-handed. He knew that would not be for at least a few years away.

[Leothiel]

*Saturday*nnThe Frosthawk house in Stormwind was busy with preparations. They have been prepared at nearly a moment's notice to be ready to head to Quel'thalas. They sent the message with Azureus that they will portal into Silvermoon on Wednesday morning.nnBack in Eversong, Blightwind and Asarelah were finishing up their stay on the homestead. The battle with the dreadlord kept them on edge. Although they had banished the creature back to the Nether, his return is inevitable.nnLeothiel found himself not just busy in his new role as a father, but also a house master. He knew that domestic work would have to be hired. The recent purchase of the apartment building in Silvermoon gave a boost in income that was constant and would more than finance the help.nnThat evening, Leothiel wondered when they would introduce Haeldrin to the deceased members of the family.

[Leothiel]

The Frosthawk homestead was quiet, save for the sounds of the river and the cries of the newest addition of the family. Leothiel and Oneille had business to take care of around Silvermoon and make an introduction to some deceased family members. The first place was the law office where he apprenticed years before. The attorney still remembers Leothiel. They spent some time talking. Afterwards, it was down to business. They spent the whole morning drafting the will preparing it for submission. Oneille's days were numbered. The demon that appeared on their homestead last week would eventually come to claim her, even with an army. Haeldrin was protected but his magical future would be in doubt.nnAfter lunch; Leothiel and Oneille, with Haeldrin in tow, stopped at the archives where Oneille once worked. The women were thrilled to see her once again. They were even more thrilled to see the child. After the time at the archives, they left for Quel'danas. They made sure they had Holy Water. The three arrived at the graves, where Leothiel poured out the water. "Islanna, Remtheras: We would like to introduce you to Haeldrin Remtheras Frosthawk." Behind Islanna's spirit, there was the sound of a child who was about Vira's age. Islanna told the child's spirit "This is your cousin." Leothiel had a puzzled look on his face. Islanna spoke up. "I was carrying him when I was killed in combat by the Scourge."

[Leothiel]

The whirl of nether brought the Stormwind Frosthawks into the heart of Silvermoon City. Before they could re-orient themselves, they heard a male voice greet them with "Bal'a dash, ann'da and minn'da." The whole extended family of Thaelen and Anaria were there for the mid-morning arrival. Leothiel had hired someone to handle their luggage while the group looked around the city. Thaelen and Anaria were still in high spirits. Vira had grown some since the year before. Leothiel, Oneille, and Thieldren were able to see the infant Athaniar, who was now about seven months old. Thaelen and Anaria were able to pick up and hold their first grandchild, now almost one week old. Anaria was almost in tears having children and grandchildren of the same age.nnThe lunch was spent catching up. There was talk about the happenings of Stormwind. While Anaria was giving matronly advice to Oneille on being a mother, Thaelen was talking about Vira's magical prowess. Leothiel and Thieldren laughed in amusement after Thaelen talked about the time Vira set the picnic basket on fire.nnAfter the lunch, it was time to head to the homestead. Thaelen and Anaria, along with the infant Atahnair took the guest house while Vira took a guest room in the main house. Soon, the weather was becoming very warm as the August heat and humidity of Stormwind made its way to Eversong.

[Leothiel]

The sound the brook was disrupted by the sound of a wolf and a horn. There are no wolves in Eversong Leothiel thought. He was right: The wolf was a mount for a Horde messenger from Orgrimmar. "Throm'ka, Lord Frosthawk." Leothiel saluted and greeted with "Throm'ka, messenger." The messenger did not say a word but handed Leothiel a scroll: He was to head to Grommash Hold as soon as possible. "Messenger, would you like to use my portal to inform the adjutant that I am on my way?" Leothiel opened the portal to let the messenger through. Leothiel put on his war garb, dismissed himself from the extended family apologetically. Before Leothiel could cast the teleport, Thieldren asked him "What's this about?" "I am not sure. If somone from Grommash Hold is summoning me, it has to be dire." With those last words, Leothiel teleported into Orgrimmar.nnOnce inside Orgrimmar, he set Azureus loose with instructions to fly around Grommash Hold to listen in the whisperings as well as to see plans. The elfin mage and the whelpling went their separate ways to the same place. Leothiel dismounted from Cloud then went inside. He saw the Lieutenant who summoned him, saluted, then said "Throm'ka." The orc soldier took a good look at him and said "I heard you are harboring Alliance scum." Leothiel tried to hide his indignation then said "Neither you nor anyone will talk about my extended family in that manner. My reason for for their visit none of your concern. I do assure you they are not spies and will not be used as spies by anyone." The visit to Grommash Hold lasted for an hour. When Leothiel left, he called for Azureus. The blue whelpling looked disturbed. His next place was Winterspring.nnIn Winterspring, Leothiel went to see Haleh. He made it to the blue matron without any difficulty or block by the guards. On top of Mazthoril, they began to talk. Even Haleh's tone became rather disturbing. She asked Leothiel "What do you know about Netheralku?" Leothiel replied "He was the Earthwarder before he became twisted." Haleh spoke up "Beneath Wyrmrest Temple, there is a prophecy held by a wyrm that has also became twisted. I see you have something else on your mind."nn"Yes matron. It's my wife. Last week, she gave birth. During the birth, a dreadlord came to my homestead to claim her. I had a paladin and two rangers help fight him off to banish him to the nether."nn"Mageblood, you have merely delayed the inevitable. Oneille's soul is already the property of the nether. On their next assault, they can overwhelm even the best wards. The wards on your homestead will also attract someone who is more desirable."nnWith that said, Leothiel bade farwell to the matron then made his way home. The house was filled with crying, although it was not from the infants.

[Leothiel]

*After Leothiel's departure for his summons*nnLeothiel's summons came as a surprise to everyone, including Oneille. Leothiel packed Azureus with him. The rest of the Frosthawks, except for Vira, went to the study. Oneille first let a tear then told what was happening. "When I went from an arcanist to a warlock, I gave up my soul. On the moment Haeldrin was born, a dreadlord had come to claim me. Eventually, I will be claimed by the nether. My days in this plane are numbered." What followed the statement was silence. Thaelen was in disbelief. Anaria asked "May I 'see' into you as to what happened?" Oneille nodded. Anaria casted her Mind Vision on Oneille. Anaria spent some time looking for the right memories. First was the intiation rituals. Afterwards, it was various demons being bound. Finally, it was a prediction that came in a half-dream, half-awake state. End of this season... Anaria thought. The onset of Autumn would be when Oneille's soul would be claimed.nnAnaria's concern grew greater. She went to the room where Haeldrin and Athaniar were sleeping. She casted Mind Vision on Haeldrin. She could sense the arcane and fel energies that inhabited him. Anaria snapped out of the Mind Vision asking "What kind of protection does Haeldrin have?" Oneille answered "Naaru." Anaria knew that the child was protected, but her own daughter-in-law would be claimed in a matter of weeks.nnLunch was a very quiet and hushed affair. Afterwards, Vira was in the parlor looking at Al'ar with great fascination. Thaelen casted a fire spell, much to the phoenix hatchling's relief. Vira's hand started to glow red with fire, which also fed the bird of fire. Leothiel returned. There were still tears, but Leothiel had a look of dread. He quietly gathered everyone. "We are going to be under surveillance."

[Leothiel]

The extended household was shaken by the news. They did not know when the demon would return to claim Oneille's soul. After a couple of hours, the silence was broken. Leothiel had a very unpleasant task: To convince his family to return to Quel'thalas to good. It took discussion but the lines were clearly drawn: Thaelen and Anaria were established in Stormwind.nnLater that evening, Leothiel locked himself in the study to scry Azureus' scales. What he saw were plans. He saw a fortified Orgrimmar. He plans for a fortress in Ashenvale. How will I communicate this? he thought. He went to bed disturbed.nnIn the morning, Leothiel and Thaelen woke up early to the sound of the alarms. Outside of the wardstone perimeter were sentry totems. Thaelen was about to cast when Leothiel stopped him. "How about if we leave that to our youngest mage?" Thaelen laughed and agreed.nnAfter breakfast, Vira went outside with Leothiel. He pointed to the sentry totems. She still remembered her casting but at first had difficulty aiming. After a few tries, she finally set one of the totems on fire. A second cast burned it and dispelled its magic. They went to another totem. She focused as her hands glowed red with fire then creating a ball aimed at the totem. Soon, that totem was no more. Afterwards, all of the totems were destroyed. Leothiel stooped and gave his sister a hug "Keep practicing. You will have opportunities to perfect your casting and even impress your friends back in Stormwind." Thaelen rushed outside and was impressed. Leothiel went to resetting the wardstones to counter future sentry totems. When he returned inside, he wrote a note and attached it to Azureus.nnAzureus flew over the dusty smoke-ridden skies of Orgrimmar. He landed in Grommash Hold with a letter. Azureus dropped it in front of the Lieutenant who summoned Leothiel the day before. He opened up the note and read it.nn"Keep those sentry totems coming: My sister needs spellcasting practice."

[Leothiel]

*Sunday*nnThe island of Quel'danas was quiet but still recovering. The Shattered Sun presence was low. There were no demons, felblood, or wretched being fought. Instead, there was a sense of peace surrounding the Sin'dorei's most sacred ground: The Sunwell. The Frosthawk clan made their way to the graveyard. Vira poured out holy water first on Islanna's grave, second on Remtheras' grave. Islanna's spirit showed up, with Remtheras close behind. Anaria presented the 7-months old Athaniar. Afterwards, Oneille presented Haeldrin. Thaelen said "Our first grandchild." Islanna called someone over. It was the spirit of a boy who was about Vira's age. "I was pregnant with him when I was killed protecting the Sunwell." Islanna told her tale of heartbreak that contributed to her death. Islanna and Remtheras turned to Oneille. After a pause, Islanna spoke up "Sister, you will soon be with us in body, but not in soul. We will miss you." That alone brought tears to both Anaria and Oneille.nnAfter visiting the graves, the clan slowly made their way to the Sunwell.

[Leothiel]

The sentry totems have not been around for the past few days. One morning, the wardstones were detecting three intruders who were staying away from the property lines. Leothiel did what he could to observe one from a distance using a spyglass. They were sent by Orgrimmar he thought. He had been trying to convince his parents to return to Quel'thalas. He already knew where they stood and the surveillance from Orgrimmar was not helping any. He called for someone.nnAnaria decided to use her priestly powers on one of the agents. In almost no time, she had their identities. Leothiel and Thaelen went outside at first to look like they are enjoying some conversation until the elder Frosthawk polymorphed one of them and called him by name. "How do you know who I am?" the agent spoke.nnLeothiel spoke up saying "My mother is a priestess and can read minds like a book. We know who all three of you are as well as who sent you. You are to leave now."nnThe leader of the group said "We are under orders from Orgrimmar to watch over." Leothiel started to become angry and asked "What would happen if I were to bring this up in say... at the embassy?" He saw a hint of fear in the orcish leader. There was a tense silence. The other two orcs watching over the homestead came out. Leothiel said "Leave now. You tell your commanders I will not be placed under watch." The three orcs motioned like they were going to leave.nnLeothiel returned inside, wrote a note and sent two copies with Azureus: One to Silvermoon and one to Orgrimmar. After Azureus left, there was a roar. Alliance? he thought? It was Mykos. "Ishnu alla, Lorekeeper." Mykos spoke up "Bal'a dash, Lord. I've come to see my sister's line continued." Thaelen and Anaria were puzzled by that remark. Leothiel spoke up "Let Mykos tell her tale first."nnMykos told her tale that started with her heartbreak then about the Moonfalcon house in the aftermath of the sundering. Thaelen, Anaria, and Vira were realizing the kal'dorei in front of them knew their ancestor who was among the banished from Kalimdor.

[Leothiel]

Early in the morning, two rangers showed up at Leothiel's homestead. "Lord Frosthawk, we come to you with orders from Orgrimmar and Silvermoon. May we talk privately?" Leothiel welcomed them inside and took them to the study. Leothiel closed the doors. "Welcome, rangers. What can I do for you?" They gave the written orders. The order from Orgrimmar was to have a ranger spy on the Frosthawk homestead. The order from Silvermoon was to give Orgrimmar the reports. One of the rangers spoke up "We know your family are not spies for the Alliance. Grommash Hold is not convinced. They were not happy when your daughter..." "sister" Leothiel interreupted, "sorry .. 'sister' destroyed the sentry totems. They consulted us after you and your father drove the rogues away." Leothiel looked at the orders closely and started laughing then spoke up. "Give Orgrimmar what they want: Information. You know very well that my parents are not here to spy on us. I also know you're not up to the task. Just tell them anything within the lines of 'everything is normal.'" The rangers breathed a sigh of relief that turned into laughter. One of them motioned to speak. "That is taken care of. The arcanists have been noticing the ley lines have been growing stronger around your homestead. That also happened right before the dreadlord came to claim your wife."nnLeothiel thought for a moment. "When he returns, I will not have the protection I had. All I can do is retune the wardstones to at least hold the fiend off." The rangers pledged their help when the time came. This left Leothiel thinking How will I be able to "kill" the banished demon for good? The rangers took their leave.