A Father's Pilgrimmage

[Leothiel]

*From the journal of Thaelen Frosthawk, day 4 of pilgrimmage, writing in the evening*

It saddens me on what has become of our kingdom from the third war. Not only did the one we call "Prince" sold us out, but his dynasty disappeared with him. I have seen the results of the Sunwell's destruction and what the subsequent addiction has done. My first daughter died in its defense while all three of my sons have had some type of negative reaction to it. Two have transformed because of it and one of them nearly died. Now, the Sunwell has been redeemed and cleansed. Today, Leothiel caught up with us and we went around the kingdom. There is a great scar that runs from the plaguelands. It marks the route of the Scourge invasion. Even the soil is dead and has a fine line. In the lands surrounding Silvermoon, I found the same fel green crystals I saw in Netherstorm.

Leothiel told me that since the Sunwell's destruction, the Sin'dorei (As the elves of Quel'thalas call themselves) felt a void: Magic became a drug. Kael'thas intent was to bring back a new source of magic. Instead, the one called "Prince" betrayed Illidan and swore loyalty to the Burning Legion: The magic of Netherstorm was going to be used to re-energize the Sunwell and summon the master, Kil'jaeden. The Sin'dorei would also use any source to feed their desires. Some turned out fine even without feeding. Others did not fare so well. I had also seen some "wretched" who look more like corpses than elves. These ones have almost no mind left.

We saw the beauty of the land before heading south into what is now called The Ghostlands. These lands were corrupted by the Scourge. Windrunner Village stands empty while the undead from the former Lordaeron are helping out in Tranquilien. Afterwards, the three of us headed north to the library in Silvermoon. I saw some books documenting the effects of magic addicition and even read more about Kael'thas. Now I know why there are paladins in the elves.

In the evening, Thieldren said farewell to us. Now I have three days with Leothiel. He said that starting tomorrow, we are headed into Orgrimmar and Azshara. Horde and Highborne.

[Leothiel]

*Sunday afternoon, last day of Thaelen Frosthawk's pilgrimmage*

Thaelen broke down in tears at what he saw in the Caverns of Time: Leothiel's agony of being in the Well of Eternity, his painful transformation from it, immediately followed by his death. Even Leothiel had a tough time witnessing his own death and revival. The two walked out slowly. For Thaelen, this pilgrimmage was more than just seeing through the eyes of his two living sons: It was seeing the legacy of one he had called "Prince" in the past, and then the legacy of what magic had done to the world and how it affected his house.

Thaelen's thoughts went to the crimes in Netherstorm, magic addiction in the Sin'dorei, the healing of Quel'thalas, and the sundering of the elfin races. Some of the time was spent in the library of the Dire Maul. Thaelen learned more about his house's relationship with magic and how it cast light on Remtheras' and Leothiel's respective physical changes. The Caverns of Time was the last step of what turned into a painful pilgrimmage.

The pilgrimmage was not all that painful. Thaelen had come to appreciate Thieldren's Scourge affinity and how it is a weapon that can be used against the one who corrupted him: The Lich King. For Leothiel, any conversation that was not about the heritage of the Highborne was about Oneille. For Thaelen, he could tell his tale of the periods in which he thought his sons were lost and separated from family.

After the Caverns of Time, Leothiel opened a portal to Orgrimmar. Soon, they rode north into Ashenvale. When they were away from the Warsong Lumber Camp, they gave an embrace and a farewell. Thaelen dismounted from his hawkstrider and mounted his unicorn then rode west back in his Alliance glory. When he arrived in Astranaar, he wrote to Anaria to announce his impending arrival at the Stormwind docks. Then he rode off to Auberdine to catch the ship.

On the docks at Stormwind, Anaria and Vira were waiting for him. They were overjoyed. He could not wait to talk about his story. When he and Anaria kissed, she put his hand on her and quietly said "Fell this new life in me." The three of them walked home where their loyalties were unchanged.

[Leothiel]

*Thaelen's journal Late Sunday evening, a few hours after returning home. Sections of this are tear-stained*

At last, I have returned from my pilgrimmage. Today was the most emotionally taxing. I had seen the legacy of the last Sunstrider and the crimes committed in his name. I had seen how magic addiction turned fellow elf into either a shell of their formers selves or a corrupted parody. I had also heard how the Sunwell became corrupted and eventually redeemed. Nothing prepared me for today in the Caverns of Time.

Leothiel took me to this place, which is where the Keepers of Time have their base of operations. One of the keepers, disguised as an elf child, took us into a forest. Leothiel recognized this place as Mount Hyjal, which I read and heard tales about. Our dragonkin guide told me quietly "You are about to witness the transformation of your own son" except his lips did not move. Leo did not hear what he had said. He mounted up and rode through some bases. All of the troops involved stood still. Eventually, we arrived at a pass. We saw Oneille and her mother Asarelah. There were two more dragonkin i humanoid form, both of whom were standing still. "We will not be seen nor heard from anyone." As we arrived at the base of the large tree, we saw Leothiel without his wings. He had a large glowing green seed next to him. When he dove into the well to plant the seed, two dragons landed in front of us. One of whom retrieved him from the well. His body was lifeless. I could not bear to see him dead before my eyes. Oneille and Asarelah scrambled down to him in tears. It even broke me to see them that way.

The larger dragon stated that his time was not over and that his crime had been atoned for. She had Oneille and Asarelah stand back, then let out a frightening roar and breathed fire on Leothiel's body. He started to move and I noticed something: He had small wings that had grown while in the Well. His wings grew to double the size of what they were then. That also made me think about the felblood elves and it makes me wonder if the unborn child that Anaria is carrying right now will have those stumps in their back. Leo told me about his crime and why he committed it in the first place. Afterwards, we returned to Orgrimmar then to Ashenvale for a farewell.

Back in Stormwind, Anaria and Vira were happy to see me home. I told them about my tale and what has happened. Her last question was in regards to the upcoming wedding that still has no date set.

[Oneille]

The time spent with Leothiel on the beach was heaven sent. After a taxing day of dealing with errands and wedding arrangements for Foxx Sunstrike there was little time to breath. It was not until that evening when Leothiel showed up in formal dress alongside Animar the tauren death knight. There was to be a wedding...a union between Anwen and Foxx both worthy paladins and blood knights. The winged lion stood there arm extended ready to venture forth to the isle retreat where the wedding was to take place.

Upon taking a frostpath induced trail Leothiel, Animar, and Oneille traversed the length of the waters to the secluded isle. In the distance lay Quel'thalas, well a small portion of the mainland, jutting out from the larger continent. Leothiel reined his talbuk as Oneille dismissed her dreadsteed back to the nether. Among the setting sun and the peaceful seas there was to be a ceremony to bind two individuals in love and honor, for life. The certain scoundrel preparing for the life's bond was Foxx Sunstriker, battle master supreme. Though Foxx presented great strength on the battlefield he still was under the direction of the Nightwarder who arrived with consort in tow.

Beautiful women, handsome men, and tribe and families mixed as one as the bride came down the beach front to the alter. Her groom smiling, beaming, ready to leap at the chance to marry her, run off, and let the fun begin! He'd to wait. Anwen strode down the aisle with her foot man in tow. Such a lovely sight. At last the priestess Jemmali brought the congregation together to unite Foxx and Anwen. Vows said and tears shed the couple were wed. Oneille clapped and cheered as she watched between her friends and her love wishing the bride and groom well. Later the reception would take place in Dalaran.

Nightwarder Frosthawk began to rally the troops, battle soon. Oneille kissed him farewell as his mage portal took him to the frontline. Much time passed until he returned. Bloodied and victorious the lord of the war ward smiled to his betrothed. In an instant he was scurrying off to the beaches of Eversong. Leothiel and his love were happy. Arms wrapped tightly to Oneille's waist Leothiel caressed and kisses her fair skin till talk came of his father and the unfolding pilgrimmage.

Fire burning keeping them warm. Both bodies pressed together. Leothiel devulged how his father had seen the time spent in the caverns, the dragons bringing him back from the brink, and the woman he'd grown to love. In spite of all the tales and the journey the only difference is a father saw through his sons eyes. Leothiel seemed aloof but satisfied with the undertaking he went through for him and his father. Oneille turned her gaze to the sky admiring the stars of the evening. At the back of her mind she thought of one thing: family, life, love, and the future. She did not speak it but she did want to tell Leothiel the journey with his father may have ended but the journey of her and him was just beginning.

Before the wedding had taken place between Foxx and Anwen Oneille wrote in her journey:

"I hope father Thaelen makes it home all right. I am concerned about his journey and what he will feel...maybe what he needs is less of a sojourn and more of a glimpse into reality that his son has faced. I am not saying he should be forced into the dragon's maw just be shown life as we see it. Leothiel...I love him...oh goddess how I love that elf. I do hope my lord knows that with each passing day my heart grows fonder for him. I only hope he knows that his family is growing and in time will keep growing. For now I want to plan my own wedding and find a way to make the family greater than before."

[Leothiel]

*From the journal of Anaria Frosthawk, three days after Thaelen's return*

I am glad that my husband is back in one piece in body but he seems to be torn in spirit. He is happy for the new life that I am carrying and that Leothiel is marrying not too far off. He is saddened by what has become of Kael'thas, Quel'thalas and some of the history of the Frosthawk house. All of our sons have transformed. Vira has gained her color but I am not sure if she will be altered like her brothers. This also makes me more concerned about our unborn child. The Sunwell seemed to have kept magic under control before the Scourge invasion. Thaelen and I were in Ironforge at the time, but we felt what happened to the Sunwell when it was defiled and destroyed.

Thaelen has been keeping his spirits up despite the mental sundering. He sleeps with his hand on my belly, as if to guard our unborn child. I am glad to have him back home as the week he was gone felt like it was too long. I still have duties in the church and those will continue until the child is born. I do not know what to think of the future right now. I pray that the future of my present and future children and my upcoming grandchildren be bright. One of the seers claimed to have seen water and flame.

[Oneille]

In Leothiel's satchel rested two letters addressed to both of his parents. The first one being for Thaelen Frosthawk:

Dearest Father
I seem eager to call you that already "father." I am excited to see you and Anaria again as well as little Vira. My own parents Jeriden and Asarelah await the wedding as we all do. Lord and Lady Dawnbringer believe I have done well in choosing Leothiel as a husband. I grow nervous, anxious even for the day when no longer I wear the name Brightgrove but Frosthawk. More than anything I want to make Leothiel proud and happy as he soon-to-be wife. Your family has become my own since having met you all some time pass. Each of you have been nothing but caring and loving. I want to repay the favor and hopefully once I am part of the family I can return that in full. Your son Leothiel reminds me constantly how much I have missed in my life. I am not proud for choosing to become a warlock but I no longer wish to make demons my allies. Father Thaelen I am proud to know and be with your son and hopefully in the years to come I am able to give Anaria and you grandchildren! I send my love to you both.

Love
Oneille Brightgrove

The next letter was addressed to a one Anaria Frosthawk:

Dear Mother
Oh Anaria! I have nothing but the greatest tidings for you. Matron of a large family and household. All I can say is: I envy you. I want what you have, a family and a loving husband to care for. I have a great elf in my life and I want to do right by him. I see you and Thaelen only seeing myself with Leothiel. I want him safe, want him guarded, and I want him always. He's a scoundrel, a leader, and a valiant warrior. I am scared and nervous all at the same time...so much on my mind before our wedding. I also wanted to send my love to little Vira my future sister-in-law...and as for the little one still growing in you I send my love to them as well. Goddess and the Light watch over you all. I love you all deeply.

Love
Oneille Brightgrove

[Oneille]

She wrote the letter in regards to the bear, the creature that tried to make his way into trying to mate her. She shuddered at the thought...that creature wouldn't leave her be. At each turn of his words she refuted him over and over! She was a warlock and yet in panic couldn't use her own felfire to ward him off. Her brow furrowed as she thought about Leothiel the tears streaming down her cheek leaving hot streaks in their wake.

"Leothiel, I love you. I love you...I love you! I was a fool for not blasting that creature to the nether. I refuted over and over...I could have walked away but what if he tried to managle me? I need my lion...my winged lion I'm a broken winged dove right now... I belong to you, I told him I am engaged and still he wouldn't leave me be! Goddess please I need you Leothiel."

Oneille feared Leothiel would see this as insult to him. Choking back even more sobs she slowly cried herself to sleep...

Letter sent and fears mounting Oneille stared out from the dusty window. Amid the heavy morning crowds at the Ogrimmar markets little else caught the warlock's attention. Scared from her own home and own apartment she clamored closer to the window sill. A small hand wiped away small coats of dust forming on an already grimy window. Hidden and aloof was today's feelings as well as afraid and feeling weak. A powerful warlock should not feel these things.

Oneille sighed her breath stirring up the dust causing it to swirl about her. Down below in the even dustier streets busy denizens hustled, hawked, and privvied one another. "I'm such a fool. Such a damned fool." Her quiet whisper carried on the wind as a orc hunter joined his fellow tribe's man. Rhunahkor stood behind Oneille as she turned to face him. She frowned as he began to set out for Northrend. "I miss Leothiel, Rhunahkor."

The orc hunter nodded but could only pat her on the back, "Leothiel loves you sister he'd never have harm come to you."

Turning the orc called his pet and began to leave, "Rhuna, you're right but I am still so alone even now."

"Stay in Ogrimmar and don't leave the city until he returns or until other tribe men arrive."

"Why can't you say..." frowning Oneille huddled against the window.

"There are Alliance to kill sister." hearing that Oneille nodded.

"Lok'tar Ogar..." meekly replied the elven caster as she pressed her head to the dirty glass.
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Later on that morning Oneille roused from a forced sleep. The female elf yawned feeling the cramps of settling too close to discomfort. "I miss my bed but this pallet is better than none." Sighing the elf weakly stood grasping a dirty woolen shaw about her shoulders. The loaned shaw began to slip off her shoulders only to be pulled up and tightly to her face. As Oneille glanced out the window she noticed how the streets thrived with adventurers and warriors alike. "What time is it...?" Ears perking to noise downstairs the elf female peaked over the stairs and down below. Her crimson hair pooling about her face as she hung upside down. Moving strands of red locks aside she saw several goblins crowding close to the orc vendor their chattering going on about some bizzare island where they were slaves...

Leaning in closer Oneille heard them speak orcish and somewhat hurried. A voice from outside caught the goblins off guard and soon they were running out of the shop. At the top floor hidden from plain sight Oneille quirked a brow her head slinking back. Sitting on her haunches the blood elf soon thought to herself, "What was that about?"

[Leothiel]

(( From here on out, anything related to the wedding should be posted here: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3293 ))