Dreams of the Heart

[Lilam]

Chapter One: The Color Of A Shattered Heart

No one knew who had left the human infant on the rim of the moonwell. That night in the town of Dolanaar had been like the others before it; tranquil and serene as only the hush of sleep drifted on the gentle, night breezes. The babe neither wailed nor cried, but rather cooed and babbled contently, bathed in the soft, diaphanous light from the moon overhead, the luminous orb filling the infant's fixated eyes.

A large, bright star winked mirthfully in the ink-colored sky off to the babe's right, as if attempting to draw attention from the intense beauty of the pale, dignified moon. The child's gaze was snatched from the moon in a quick jerk of the head, reaching out with chubby hands futilely grasping air. The sudden movement made the child rock onto her side, still trying to clasp the brilliant light in her hands.

The child managed to teeter on the edge of the moonwell before falling into the glowing water. Hearing a splash, two sentinels on the night patrol went to investigate. They approached the moonwell cautiously, peering past the rippling surface of the water. A small, dark shadow floundered around helplessly, sinking quickly to the bottom of the pool. Thinking it to be a small animal, one of the night elves reached in and pulled the drowning creature out, her mouth forming into the shape of an O as she realized it was a human infant.

Her partner gasped sharply, looking around for a parent. Nothing stirred in the shadowy surroundings. Suddenly, her partner began tapping her shoulder fervently. Turning, she looked at what her companion was gesturing to. The tiny female infant squirmed uncomfortably in the elf's outstretched arms, water from the moonwell falling from the infant as gleaming, tear-shaped droplets. The child paused in her distressed wriggling to gaze ponderingly at the night elf for a moment.

The child's human eyes glowed dazzlingly, just as their own, as a cloud passed by the moon overhead. The two women looked to each other, as the babe's eyes once again rested on the radiant sphere above as the night sky cleared, her two tiny hands determinedly stretched out attempting to seize it, as the moon appeared to be so close, yet so very distant, slipping from her grasp only to leave it's warm presence on fingertips, spurring her to try again...

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Trisana awoke to warm sunlight gently caressing her cheek, the thin veil of light showering over her as if she were naught but a plaything of angels. She remained in bed a moment longer, relishing the first tranquil moments of awareness. Hardly taking a moment to sit up and yawn, the girl leap out of bed as a tangle of long, lanky limbs, pausing briefly to pull back the thin sheets and smoothing them down. Shedding her nightgown, Trisana danced her way to her wardrobe, throwing open the large doors in excited glee.

She was unable to stop the smile that spread readily across her youthful face, drawing out a gown that had been hidden in the corner of the wardrobe. The color of a flawless blue sky, the gown was trimmed in white tresses with delicate, ornate patterns stitched into bust of the light, silken material. Trisana merely gazed down upon the dress for a long moment, drinking in the sight of the garment she had longed to wear for many seasons, wanting the moment to be etched into her mind to be revisited in years to come. The gown was for a special occasion, one that only happened once in a young elf's life.

The formal event, a rite of passage of sorts held in the grandiose elven capitol of Darnassus, encouraged night elf children, once they became of age, to decide and proclaim their chosen way of life, either choosing to continue in the family's tradition, or choosing to forage a new path for the generations to follow. While Trisana was not of elven descent by blood, her adopted parents were, and was thusly allowed to participate in the celebration.

Kysis and Nahlia Moonpride were loving, nurturing parents, respected and well-liked druids within the small village of Dolanaar, caring for their adopted daughter as if she were their own. Her heart fluttered in anticipation as she hugged the gown to herself before slipping it on. She would make her parents proud, she promised to herself, buttoning the dress with nimble fingers. The day to make all of Darnassus remember the name of Moonpride was here, and she was not about to let it pass by unprepared or without dignity.

Her impossibly white tresses, tinted with just a hint of iridescent cerulean, were brushed tenderly, pulled back behind her oddly pointed ears with a smooth, azure ribbon. Satiny slippers were placed on her feet, topping off the elegant ensemble with a silver chain dr.aped delicately around her slender neckline. Holding her breath, Trisana timidly approached the full length mirror in the tidy corner of her room. The air that she had encased inside her lungs escaped as a astonished squeak of mirth.

Her glowing, pupil less eyes widened dramatically at her reflection, staring back at the unfamiliar yet strangely beautiful girl upon its reflective surface. Trisana's face flushed in an awkward embarrassment, reddening her normally rosy hued complexion, as she curtsied experimentally before the mirror. "Trisana, we are to be off soon," a sweet, feminine voice gently urged from behind the shut bedroom door.

"Just a moment!" The girl flashed a charming smile at her reflection. Perfect lift of the lips, just the right amount of visible teeth. She was ready. Trisana pranced towards the door, swirling about in graceful twirls. The airy dance made her dizzy, so when the ground suddenly rushed to meet her, there was no warning nor cry of surprise.

Frowning with just the slightest pout of her lip, she thought to herself, Okay, I don't believe I'll be doing that in Darnassus... Picking herself up, she set her chin determinedly, smoothing the wrinkles from her dress. Then, in a triumphant, un-ladylike march, she swung open the door, as if daring the world to throw its worst at her feet. And, as if answering this defiant challenge, the world did just that.

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[Lilam]

Mussing over her daughter fondly and bringing her in for a tight embrace, Nahlia Moonpride did her best to blink back the joyous tears that threatened to surge forth. "Do not fret, Trisana, you will do just fine. Be sure to speak clearly and project your voice. Stand straight, do not slouch. And most important, smile and be proud. After this moment, you will depart on a new journey in your life. Greet it with welcome arms and it shall do so to you in return," the petite woman advised softly, adjusting Trisana's necklace with a sniffle.

Taking her mother's teary-eyed advice, a warm smile graced Trisana's features as she replied with unswerving confidence, "I will mother, I promise." With a trembling lower lip, the proud and emotional woman embraced her slightly embarrassed daughter once more before relinquishing her to her father. The towering, dignified man offered her a gentle smile, creating creases in the corners of his eyes.

"Whatever path you choose, know that we will be proud and support your decision, just as we did your sister. Where as she has already began her druid training here in Darnassus, your time has come to begin training of your own. I know you will make us both just as happy as your sister has. Elune herself could not have blessed me with daughters I could be prouder of."

With that said, he leaned forward to lightly plant a kiss on the top of her forehead, whispering just as he began to pull away. "Choose from the heart, Trisana. For only your heart knows the desires of your soul. The mind may deceive you and become torn with indecision, but the heart will always guide you to the one and only true path. Remember this." The radiant girl firmly nodded once, his words buzzing in her ears as her lithe form swelled up, her face beaming from the implication of his fond words.

The Temple of the Moon was packed with a multitude of elven families crowding near the gaping entranceway, all exchanging a few last words before the ceremony began. As the multicolored mass began to shift as faces and bodies turned to face the breathtaking statue of Elune, the elven youth began their ascent to the very top level of the Temple, forming single lines on either side upon the twisting ramps.

Kysis gave his daughter a small push, sending her off as he pulled his wife close, watching her head begin to follow the other youth. Trisana, focused intently on her walk as she tried to mimic the elegant, womanly stride of her mother was almost sent spiraling into the damp grass underfoot as a hand darted out from the crowd and grasped her wrist in a vice grip. Her gaze rose sharply to meet a familiar, scowling face.

"Do not embarrass us, Trisana, I am warning you," Ellisah, her adopted sister and biological daughter to her adopted parents hissed close to her face. "It is only by the grace of Elune that you were even allowed to participate in this ceremony. And it will only be by the grace of Elune that will refrain me from destroying every pleasant moment and every whimsical dream of yours if you so happen to humiliate my family any more than your presence has. Just get this over with so I can return to being as far away from you as possible."

Before Trisana could even stammer a hurt-filled replied, Ellisah spun away from her darkly, rushing to greet her parents whom had missed the entire encounter. Trisana continued on her way up the ramp, mentally shaking her sister's callous words from her mind. There was little time to do anything else but smile in spite, as the ceremony began with the arrival of the High Priestess Tyrande, and the Archdruid Fandral Staghelm.

The pair entered together, with Fandral slightly leading the way, causing the congregation to fall into a respectful hush. As the pair approached the softly babbling moonwell, they split, Tyrande to the left and the Archdruid to the right. They both came to a stop near the beginning slopes of ramps on their respective sides, facing the patiently waiting sea of faces before them.

"We will begin the ceremony now. May Elune bless this day and guide our children to honor and prosperity," the High Priestess declared in a soft, stately manner. The Archdruid added to this in his customary imposing and commanding tone. "The name of the child, the name of their parents, and their chosen course of apprenticeship shall be stated clearly and articulately for all to hear and praise." With a nod from Tyrande at the first child by her side, the ceremony began.

[Lilam]

The first elven youth, a shy, soft spoken male made his way to the moonwell, clicking his heals together as he stood before his kin. In a surprisingly deep, treble voice, the boy proclaimed, "I am Satares Willowdawn, son of Yannus and Desria Willowdawn. I choose the path of the hunter. This is my destiny. My future starts now." A harmonious cheer echoed off the Temple walls as the mob recited, in unison, "May the light of Elune illuminate your path," the child bowing stiffly in response.

Staghelm motioned for the next youth to step forward, and so the ceremony continued on in this fashion until Trisana finally stood at the Archdruid's side. The man eyed her for a long moment, peering down his aquiline nose at her, before nodding curtly, indicating that it was her turn.

Trisana wisely decided to disregard the scrutinizing look Staghelm had given her, keeping her head held high and a smile on her face. With each landing of her foot, her heart beat a little faster, her insides doing incredible, jittery acrobatics. But Trisana managed to maintain her poise and composure, her sister's words briefly flittering through her mind, only to be replaced by those of her father. ...the heart will always guide you to the one and only true path...

And with those words spurring her forward, making each step she took confident and sure, there was no doubt to cloud her mind as to her decision as she solidly planted her feet in front of the moonwell. The few seconds of silence seemed to linger in the air weightlessly as Trisana scanned the faces of the crowd, coming to rest upon the encouraging expressions of her parents and a piercing glower from Ellisah. Straightening herself up, raising to her full height, Trisana inhaled long and deep. This was it; the first step towards the beginning page of this new chapter in her life.

"I am Trisana Moonpride, daughter of Kysis and Nahlia Moonpride," she began, the words flowing distinct and clear from her mouth with a practiced ease. Holding her parent's gaze, the next phrase burst from the well of her heart, ringing across the Temple as it spilled from her eager lips.

"I choose the path of the druid. This is my destiny. My future--"

"...Is impossible!"

These words seemed to strike Trisana as if they were corporeal, burning her ears and causing the back of her eyes to sting. There was no cheering, no blessing. Nothing but a lifeless, stifling silence as hundreds of pairs of eyes bore into the girl before the moonwell, ravishing the pure sanctity of her exposed and vulnerable soul. As her tightened heart began to submerge itself in an empty, frigid abyss, Trisana's gaze fell upon the Archdruid who had been the one to interrupt her proclamation and crush the fragile, glass case which had encompassed her hopeful dream.

"It's a shame your parents, as you call them, failed to tell you this," Staghelm began, his words seeping into Trisana's ears like a corrosive poison to her brain, "but you cannot become a druid. You are not of Kaldorei descent, despite your appearance, and you cannot enter the Emerald Dream so long as human blood runs through your veins. You can never attain the druidic powers you seek. This is a fact of nature, a law which cannot be broken. I would advise you to try again and this time, choose something more fitting for your...heritage."

The agony of every syllable that left his mouth severed every thread of confidence and pride she had been fervently clasping onto. As soon as those strings were cruelly snapped, the world before Trisana became nothing more than a blurry medley of nauseating colors as her eyes began to brim with burning tears. She could not do what the Archdruid suggested. Trisana could not think of a time in her sixteen years of life where she did not envision herself as becoming a druidess, providing longevity to the Moonpride name as a family of respected druids.

And now, to find out she could not become what she had dreamed of for so long...it was too much. Only one distinct thought raced through Trisana's muddled and devastated mind, and so she obeyed it. She ran. Trisana shoved her way through the sea of people, bursting out of the Temple just as violent sobs tore through her slight frame. Just above her weeping, she could hear her parents calling to her, chasing after her.

Trisana did not stop, the ribbon from her hair sliding off, letting her hair stream behind her in a wild dance about her head. She ran as fast as her trembling legs would carry her, all the way to the entrance of the city where she finally collapsed along the side of the road, dampening the grass with saline teardrops.

And she prayed, praying with all of her heart and soul that the moment would pass and everything to work itself out for the best. Not only was her beseeching left unheeded, but she would pray yet again to relive that moment over and over again for eternity, if only she could have avoided the next series of events that would haunt her for all her days to come...

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((Coming Soon – Chapter Two: A Betrayal Amongst Sisters

Ellisah had warned Trisana, and now, only the intervention of Elune herself can save Trisana from her sister's wrath. However, Ellisah's plans backfire, leaving only death and sorrow in the wake of her betrayal...))

[Laron]

8O wow! that was written very well. Please continue.

[Lilam]

Chapter Two: A Betrayal Amongst Sisters

With a wave of the High Priestess's hand, the ceremony continued, leaving Tyrande in charge as Staghelm strode out of the Temple without a word. Ellisah was on his heels, flagging him down and shouting at his sinewy back.

"Archdruid Staghelm! Seeing as my parents have already taken their leave, let me be the first to apologize for Trisana's ignorance. I have tried telling my parents on more than one occasion that that girl had no place among us, but--"

Fandral silenced her apologetic babbling with by raising a hand as he turned to face her. His hawkish eyes bore into her chillingly, making the druidess shudder internally.

"As I mentioned before, it astounds me that no one bothered to tell that child that she cannot study the druidic arts. It makes me wonder just what sort of dribble all of you have been feeding her, not to mention how much of this dribble might compromise the confidentiality of our ways. I want you to find out exactly how much she knows and whether her knowledge is a potential threat or not," the Archruid commanded, leaving Ellisah with little to say in response except, "Yes, Archdruid," and chase after her parents.

I warned that girl!, Ellisah thought, fuming internally with an unrestrained rage, Now the Archdruid is lumping me in with this...this travesty, and is under the impression that my parents or myself have divulged secrets of our craft to that human! Trisana will pay dearly. Only...how? Because of my parents and their foolishly naive beliefs, they will not stand idly by and allow me to harm Trisana, much less murder her in cold blood with my own hands...

A nefarious smile broke across Ellisah's face like a dark, sinister fire. No...not by my own hands... A plan of shady intentions began to form in the deep recesses of her mind, spreading acidic corruption as the plan formed, taking a life of its own. As if possessed, the druidess made a mad dash through the city, her destination being Cenarion Enclave.

As expected, the Enclave was deserted, the commotion of the ceremony drawing in passersby and requiring the combined efforts of the Sentinels to keep things civil and calm. There was a low hum of magic and a soft growl as Ellisah cast a spell upon herself, craftily transforming herself into a violet colored feline. Using the innate stealth abilities of her new body, the druidess crept amongst the shadows, surreptitiously entering Arch-Druid Staghelm's quarters.

It only took her a moment to retrieve what she had came for, stalking out of the room with a tan piece of parchment held delicately within her jowls. As soon as Ellisah could see the entrance of the city looming before her, she once again regained her elven form, tucking the scroll within the folds of her robe. Donning an expression of false concern, Ellisah raced toward the entrance, spotting her parents trying to console Trisana and attempt to coax her onto the two nightsaber mounts that shuffled about nearby.

Kysis heard his daughter's approach, briefly leaving Trisana to be comforted by his wife as he rose to intercept Ellisah, his face crestfallen and full of guilt. "Ellisah, you're here. We're trying to take Trisana home but...she will not speak to us. I cannot help but take the responsibility for all of this...we should have told her, but I did not think..."

Ellisah shook her head, interrupting him. "It is not your fault, so do not blame yourself. Right now Trisana needs your comfort, not your guilt." The sly druidess eyed the pack in her father's hand. It was Trisana's, as he had been holding it for her during the ceremony. "Here. Let me hold Trisana's bag while you lift her onto the mount. I'm sure once she's home, it will prove to dry her tears and illicit her into conversation."

Kysis placed a strong hand onto his daughter's shoulder, the creases in his face beginning to disappear as he gave her a small smile. "Yes, going home will be best for Trisana. I will go get her ready." The druid handed Ellisah the pack, turning from her to walk back to Trisana and Nahlia. While the two druids helped the weeping child onto Kysis' mount, Ellisah quickly ripped open the pack, stuffing the scroll into the bottom and burying it under the other contents inside.

The pack was shut just as Kysis came back, relieving his daughter of the bag. "We're off. Please relay our apologies to the Arch-Druid." And with that, he mounted the nightsaber in which Trisana was waiting, and rode off with Nahlia riding close behind. Ellisah watched them disappear along the horizon, staring out into the desolate road for a long time. She wanted to give them a head start.

It was all she could do to keep her face contorted with shock and concern as she burst into the Arch-Druid's quarters. This time he was there, looking up sharply at her unannounced entrance. Before he could get out his acerbic reprimand, Ellisah exclaimed, "Arch-Druid Staghelm! I..I don't know how to say this, but Trisana has stolen an important document concerning the Emerald Dream."

"It appears she snuck in here when she ran out of the Temple and took it out of spite. I saw her stash the parchment in her pack, but my parents would not listen to me. I believe that only your word will get through to them to see that she needs to be properly punished. Stealing from the Cenarion Enclave is a serious matter which deserves more than a slap on the wrist. Even in her humiliated state this is unacceptable behavior."

[Lilam]

Fandral's thick brows furrowed together at the news. "If what you have told me is true, then this cannot be overlooked. The Sentinels will apprehend her and she will be dealt with accordingly. The secrets of the Emerald Dream are just that. Secrets. An outsider is not permitted to obtain such knowledge. I will give the order to the Sentinels to pursue the thief. Go inform the rest of the Enclave of these developments."

The Arch-Druid swiftly exited the room, brushing by the druidess in a aggravated huff. Ellisah grinned in his wake. She was not done yet. It wasn't enough to sate her dark hunger for vengeance. She scaled downwards from the large tree structure, and slipped into a deeper, lesser visited underground division of the Enclave.

"What do you want, Druid?", a steely voice growled from the murky, dimly lit cave. Ellisah wasn't fazed, but searched the shadows with untrusting eyes, attempting to locate the speaker.

"The Arch-Druid sent me. He requests your skills and cooperation." There was a somewhat scoffing inflection in the jeer that followed. "And why, pray tell, should I give a damn about what that uptight, pompous prick 'requests'? He can shove his 'requests' into the deepest, darkest part of his nether regions for all I care."

The druidess was listening intently, finally locating the vicinity of the hidden speaker. "You will be compensated for your troubles. Or shall he shove that into his nether regions as well?" There was a short pause before a dark figure melded from the shadows, two glowing eyes full of unmasked avarice. "Since there are requests being made, I request that I be paid half up front," the man said, circling around her with an obvious suspicion.

Ellisah fished around within the pockets of her robes, drawing out a small, leather coin purse. The gold coins within tinkled melodically as the pouch sailed through the air and into the rogue's outstretched hands.

"There. That should suffice. Now, head to Dolanaar. In the last house closest to the woods, there is a human girl. She may have some elven features, but she is indeed human. The disgustingly short ears are a dead giveaway. She knows too much for her own good. The Arch-Druid wants her gone. We'll leave the method up to you. Retrieve the scroll and do with Trisana what you will. Return the scroll to the Cenarion Circle, never speaking of this again and you shall be rewarded. Agreed?"

The response was barely above a whisper, muffled by the rogue's bandana. "Agreed. Shall we seal the deal with blood?" There was a hint of humor in his voice. "The only blood I want to see is that human girl's staining your blades. I'd advise that you hurry before the Sentinels beat you to it." After a stern glare at the rogue, Ellisah left the caverns, leaving the man to his own devices.

"Now just what was that all about, Anishar?" A tall man dressed in hunting attire stepped out from the shadows, an imposing, burly boar peeking out from behind him. The rogue, Anishar Shadewhisper, turned to his companion, shaking the bag of gold in front of the hunter's face. "It seems that dame thought I was with these Cenarion Enclave rogues. Gave us an interesting job, she did. Find some piece of paper and kill some human."

Falerian Bloodwing smiled at him wickedly, with a knowing tap of his finger against his temples. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Anishar nodded, placing a good-natured hand on the hunter's shoulders, mindful of the boar snuffling the ground beside him. "If you're thinking of killing the girl and taking the scroll for ourselves, then yes. Selling the scroll back to those Cenarion Circle chumps will be worth a lot more than just bringing it back as 'Your Majesty' Staghelm wants. However, if you're thinking that I'm going to clean up that pile your porcine friend there just unloaded, then you're mistaken."

Falerian chuckled, running a hand through his aquamarine hair. "I was always a Malfurion man myself. Let's go with that first idea. I suppose a little killing and a ransom to top it off could be more providential than being on poop duty. Shall we get a move on? Seeing as how those Sentinel's aren't tame-able and I'm not looking for a catfight, it's best we get to Dolanaar before they do."

"No need to worry about our overzealous Sisters," the rogue replied, leading Falerian out of the cave. "We won't let the ladies leave empty-handed. That wouldn't be very gentlemanly like. Let's be sure to leave them a body or two to take back. And fighting with cats never was your forte. Seems pigs better fit your personality." The duo chortled in unison, mounting their waiting nightsabers and riding swift and hard, their wicked laughter distorted and lost to the rush of wind tearing at the depraved grins on their faces.

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[Lilam]

The ride back home seemed much longer than Trisana had ever remembered. Time felt as if it had slowed, just enough to make each heartbroken moment just that more excruciating. Even if she had heard the attempt at conversation from her parents over the storm of turmoil within her mind, the reply would have been little more than a strangled sob.

When they arrived at the house, Trisana was already buried so deep beneath the sorrow and humiliation that permeated through her soul, she only vaguely realized that she was being lifted from the mount and was set upon the ground. At that moment, her vision refocused, staring into the misty eyes of her father. He knelt on one knee before her, peering into her face pleadingly.

"Trisana...I'm sorry...", his voice, thick with overpowering emotions, trailed off as Trisana's lips moved, but the sound that followed was hardly more than a whisper. Kysis placed his hands on her shoulders, letting her know that he was there and listening. "Why?" For some reason, the girl's simple question tore into her father's heart, and produced a fresh stream of tears from Trisana's eyes.

"Why, father? Why can't I be a druid? I know I'm not...like you, mother and Ellisah. But I can train! I can feel nature, Father, I know I can! What about all those lessons you taught me about nature, and the stories you used to tell about the first Druids? You told me to choose from the heart, and I did! So why does my heart keep sending tears to my eyes? Why did the Arch-Druid say those hurtful things? Why? I need to know why!"

Her lower lip began to tremble noticeably, ending her almost hysterical outburst. Nahlia stood nearby, watching, silent tears cascading down her own cheeks. Kysis was speechless. His daughter's word rang true, as he had given her many lessons concerning nature and balance, as well as telling her inspiring stories of the druids from the past. And now, watching his youngest daughter desperately fighting back the tears that poured from the broken capillaries of her heart, he could see his folly and cursed himself to an eternity in Darkness.

However, before he could open his mouth to try and express the guilt that burdened his heart and soul, a familiar voice cut through the air, interrupting him. "Kysis! Nahlia!" The voice came from an elf, adorned in gleaming plate armor, the sharp clanking of metal against metal filling the air as he rode up to the trio upon his fierce looking mount, leaping from his saddle with a loud clash and squeaking of heavy armor.

Kysis rose, letting his hands linger on Trisana's shoulders. "Lanrith, old friend, what is wrong? I thought you were attending the ceremony. Is it over so soon?", the druid asked, eyeing the man with befuddlement at his rapid and anxious approach. The warrior didn't reply at first, hastily glancing back behind him as if he were being followed.

"Kysis, listen, we must act quickly! There are mounted Sentinels headed for our village, and they are coming to this very spot! They want Trisana." Lanrith's eyes darted to the girl, who stood, motionless, her face frozen in a mixture of shock and fright. Kysis was in the man's face and shaking the warrior's shoulders in a flash, growling in a deep whisper, "What?! Why?! What has she done? Why do they want Trisana?!"

The armored man shook his head briefly, pulling from the panicking man's grip. "I do not know, all I do know is that they are coming for her and will take her away. I happened to pass by the Arch-Druid as he gave the order. It doesn't sound good, Kysis. You must think and act quickly. If I can help in anyway, I will."

[Lilam]

The druid tried to piece together rational thoughts from within his muddled and frantic mind, his eyes meeting those of his wife. As their gaze locked, lingering for what seemed like an eternity, Kysis and his wife knew what had to be done. Nahlia wiped at the tears from her face, catching Trisana's pack which Kysis tossed over to her with one solid, determined nod.

He then turned back to Lanrith, grasping Trisana's hand as he said, quickly, "I cannot thank you enough for what you have already done for us, Lanrith. But I need to ask one more thing of you. Please, take Trisana to the boat that docks at Darkshore. There is someone in Feralas that can take care of her until the Arch-Druid's wrath has passed and is forgotten."

"I will guard her with my life. Now hurry and get her ready, the Sentinel's were almost on my heels on my way here. Make haste!" The warrior mounted his feline steed as Kysis ran for the house, half-dragging, half-pulling a trembling Trisana behind him. They tore into the house, Kysis leading his daughter up the flight of stairs and into his and Nahlia's bedroom.

Once there, the druid wretched open the wardrobe against the wall, still clasping onto Trisana's hand as if he would never let go. Reaching in, he retrieved an object from the far corner, lifting it out of the wardrobe and briefly releasing Trisana's hand to present it to her.

"This is my father's staff. I have long since hid this away so that I could one day pass it along to my own children. Ellisah would not take it, preferring to wield daggers over staves. So I want you to take it, and make this your own. My father was a powerful druid and just as his spirit watches over me, with this staff, he shall watch over you as well. I still have faith in your heart, Trisana, although you may not. The Arch-Druid may be wise, but even he cannot tell you what lies in your heart. I meant those words I said to you. Let your heart guide your way and may the light of Elune illuminate your path."

Trisana could not force any sound from her restricting throat, so with shaking hands she took the staff from her father instead, blinking down at it as she tried to squeeze air into her tightening lungs. The staff was carved from a rich, mahogany colored wood, sanded down to a smooth, glistening finish. The weapon was warm and inviting to the touch, humming with a latent energy as if it had a life of its own.

A heavy, iridescent orb of deep emerald was fashioned into the claw-like tip, clutching the orb into place as the radiant greens within the sphere swirled and spun in a mesmerizing dance. Trisana's gaze was torn from the staff as her father began pulling her once again, down the stairs and out the front door. Nahlia was waiting by Lanrith's mount, opening her arms wide for Trisana.

The mother and daughter embraced tightly, an anguished sob escaping Nahlia's tightly pursed lips despite her attempts to muffle it. "Trisana, my sweet, little Trisana...", was all the druidess could mutter as she buried her face into the child's hair. Trisana wanted to comfort her, but again, she could not find her voice nor did any words seem to express what she wanted to say. So she hugged her mother tighter until she couldn't breath, the sound of her own heart pounding in ears overpowering her mother's weeping.

Without warning, she was torn from her mother's arms and lifted onto the mount, placed behind Lanrith who handed her her pack and a long, hooded cloak. Silently, Trisana slipped both on, looking back down at her parents from within the large hood that covered most of her face. Their expressions burned themselves into her mind, although she knew her own face was probably a mirror of theirs. Suddenly, the reins were snapped and the nightsaber took off into a full canter, Trisana gripping onto Lanrith's midsection for dear life.

"Go to Feralas, Trisana! Find the one called Lariel!" Unable to take a last look back, these were the last words she heard her father say before the sound of rushing wind filled her ears. She welcomed the noise as it masked her loud, frightened sobs, fiercely holding tight to both Lanrith and the staff within her hand, her father's last words to her echoing over and over in her mind. ...Find the one called Lariel...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~

[Lilam]

Anishar paused to wipe his daggers off, staining the once green blades of grass crimson. The boar by Falerian's side sniffed the reddened spot curiously, then lifted its large head and snorted loudly.

"Well they weren't very helpful. I thought druids were supposed to be peace-loving and all non-violent like. That old wench nearly took my whole jaw off with that paw swipe of hers. I told you cats and I don't get along very well. Too bad I had to put her down, but then again, Petunia is the jealous type and wouldn't have let me keep her any way," the hunter said, shouldering his rifle onto his back.

The rogue stood, replacing his blades in their sheaths as the pair began to walk towards their mounts. "Nah, druids are pretty tough. You wouldn't think a man could fight so well wearing a dress, but that don't matter anymore. The lovely couple are pushing up peacebloom now. See, we even, did our share for good ol' Earthmother. I hear druids make the best fertilizer...wait, who's Petunia?"

Falerian grinned, jerking his head towards the pet by his feet. One of Anishar's eyebrows rose to a confused height. "You named your boar Petunia?"

The hunter nodded, reached down to pat the boar's leathery, thick head. "Yup, why? Is something wrong with the name Petunia?"

"That has to be the most idiotic name you could have chosen for a boar. Why not something fiercer, like Stonetusk, or Hogger? Why didn't you just name her Princess and buy her a tiara?"

"Hogger...sounds familiar. Wasn't he that famous guy who everyone talks about? Last name of Jenkins or something? And in any case, Petunia was my mother's name."

"No it wasn't. I grew up next door to you and said hi to your mother everyday, you dolt."

Falerian chuckled, stopping to untie his mount from the branch of a tree as Anishar did the same. "Well if it was her name, wouldn't you have felt bad for calling it idiotic?"

The rogue sighed, shaking his head at his companion. "Keep on and the boar's name is going to be Dinner when I stick her on a spit and roast her with an apple lodged in her mouth and more than likely, you'll have an apple in yours too so you don't let any more stupid names slip out of that big mouth of yours. 'Petunia' can at least track the girl down, right?"

"Sure, just look at her now. She's already got the scent!", the hunter stated confidently, gesturing to the boar.

"She's eating the grass."

The hunter took a closer look at his pet, and sure enough, the animal was consuming tufts of green grass. "I suppose I might want to feed her sometime soon. Geez, what a pig. In any case, I can track the girl. I am a skilled master at my profession, you know. And I don't eat grass. Petunia must have learned it from you."

Anishar snorted rudely, hauling himself up onto his mount. "Skilled master, huh? This coming from a guy who named his boar, 'Petunia'..."

Climbing onto his own mount, Falerian pulled up beside the rogue, grinning goofily into his face. "Sounds like betting words to me. Both Petunia and I will show you what's what. And if we find this Trisana girl, you have to rub Petunia's tired hooves and polish her tusks. Deal?"

Under his bandana, Anishar smiled back, tightening his grip on the reins as he heard the sound of a large group of mounts coming up the road. "Deal. And if I find her, you have to change Petunia's name to Anisharisgreat. Now let's go. And bring your vegetarian pig with you." With a sharp snap of the reins, both men were off, slipping past the squadron of Sentinel's that had just arrived, not prepared for the horrific scene that awaited them inside the house.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~

[Lilam]

Trisana barely had time to drudge up painful memories from earlier as the pair swept through Darnassus, the city nothing more than a blur. She was blinded by a bright, red light, then, the sound of crashing waves bombarded her as the light dissipated. Peering around Lanrith's broad frame, she could see the ship pulling in as they approached.

Her ears were once again bombarded, only this time, it was a different sound, one that sent icy chills along her spine and caused her heart to miss a beat. Angry shouts pealing through the air, yelling for someone to stop. Trisana twisted in the saddle to look behind her. Immediately she realized it was a mistake to do so, and regretted it. Sentinel's seemed to pour from the portal connecting to Darnassus, all headed for Lanrith and Trisana with weapons visible and waving in the air.

The warrior had turned to look too, and only spurred his mount faster until they finally reached the docks. With a flying leap, he dismounted, turning quickly to help Trisana down. Reaching into his breastplate, the man produce a rolled up piece of parchment and shoved it into the girl's hands.

"This is a map. It will help you find your way to Feralas, as I know you have never ventured past Darnassus. Use this and make your way there and stay hidden. Your parents or myself will try to get word to you there soon. Do not dally in Auberdine, for the Sentinels will be on your heels. Keep your hood on and hide your face at all times. This is all I can do for you, child. May Elune protect you and keep you from harm. Now go!"

Lanrith spun from the girl, drawing a shimmering, two-handed broadsword from its sheath. Trisana hesitated, frightened and unsure, but all in all, she did not want Lanrith to get hurt because of her. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but was cut off. Seeing that Trisana was still standing there, the warrior turned back around and roughly shoved the open-mouthed girl onto the boat just as it began to move away from the docks.

Caught by surprise, Trisana stumbled backwards and fell hard, landing on her backside. She quickly picked herself up, rushing to the railing of the departing ship. The Sentinels had surrounded Lanrith, yelling for him to stand down and let them pass. The warrior did not budge, merely readjusting his grip on his sword.

Although Trisana could not tear her gaze from the courageous man, her hands flew up to cover her mouth and muffle her horrified screams as Lanrith, the man she barely knew and who had risked himself to help her, was swarmed by the woman warriors, and lost among a sea of falling blades.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Coming Soon – Chapter 3: A Journey For Two

With the Sentinels and the rogue and hunter duo, Anishar and Falerian, hot on her trail, Trisana sets off on her journey to Feralas to find Lariel, a friend of her father's. But for the naive and frightened Trisana, the journey will not be easy. Luckily, a quirky, young gnome is willing to help Trisana. However, "help" might not be the right word for it...

[Lilam]

Chapter Three: A Journey For Two

Trisana watched as Rut'Theran Village faded from sight, leaving her feeling very cold and alone. She had never been on a boat before, and the oscillating waves began to make her stomach quiver uneasily as her breakfast tried to force its way back up. The girl fought back, conquering her nausea as she wiped at her damp cheeks, sniffling pitifully.

"Now what be all dis weepin' a'bowt?" Trisana jumped in surprise, not noticing the bearded dwarf that had came to stand next to her. Apparently he had been in the lower deck during her and Lanrith's daring race for the boat. The girl sniffed again, biting down on her lower lip to keep it from trembling. Waiting patiently for her answer, the kindly dwarf fished into his pockets, producing a clean, grey handkerchief and presenting it to her.

Trisana took it gratefully without hesitation, dabbing the delicate piece of cloth at the corner of her eyes. "There ya' are lass, d'un ya' be feelin' bettah now?" The girl nodded, staring down at the handkerchief in her hand. "It's...it's all my fault..." Trisana clutched the handkerchief close to her, willing herself not to burst into fresh tears.

The ruddy faced dwarf tugged at his salt and pepper beard absentmindedly. "D'un ya' know that pritty liddle cryin' elves make tha' sky sad?" He gestured to the sky overhead, Trisana following his gaze. Indeed the sky was beginning to fill with black, ominous clouds. "'ow a'bowt a smile then, lass?", the dwarf requested, patting her hand. The girl forced a small smile to her lips, and in that moment, the sun managed to peek from behind the suppressive clouds, drenching the boat in a silky, golden veil briefly before disappearing just as quickly.

The dwarf smiled wider with a soft chuckle rippling through his stocky frame. "Ay, now that's what I be callin' a smile! A smile full 'o sunshine that was! Ol' Hammerfist knows a smilin' champion when 'e see one!" The murky, fog filled coast of Darkshore suddenly broke across the horizon, approaching swiftly and steadily. Trisana was mesmerized for a moment, but quickly remembering Lanrith's words, turned her gaze back to the dwarf. "I have to go." She held out the handkerchief, attempting to hand it to him. The dwarf merely shook his head, pushing the cloth back into her hands.

"Why d'un ya' keep it, lass. If ya' look down neah tha' bottom, you'll see mah name. Me bonny wife made it fer me, bu' I nevah use tha' thing. It might com in 'andy one day." Trisana blinked twice at the man, then nodded, stuffing it into the pocket of her gown. Just then, the boat pulled into port, slowing to a gentle stop at the docks.

"Thank you," Trisana said with a small smile, waving to the dwarf as she sprinted off the boat and down the docks. The man waved back, letting his hand fall to stroke his beard thoughtfully as he watched her swift departure.

The girl pulled her hood down lower over her face, being sure not to make eye contact with the Sentinel's that stalked the docks with heavy, measured steps. The small town of Auberdine was quaint in a quiet and peaceful sort of way, reminding Trisana vaguely of her own village. But she had little time to stand in wide-eyed awe, heading for the wooded area so that she would not be easily spotted.

[Lilam]

She used her staff as a walking stick, traveling deep into the woods until she found a relatively sunny spot with not a soul in sight. Glancing about once more to make certain she was alone, Trisana plopped herself onto the ground, retrieving the map that she had stashed into her pack. She studied it carefully, using a finger to trace the quickest path to Feralas.

On the map, the journey seemed so short, but in her mind, she knew it would be a long time before she was even close to reaching her destination. She sighed wearily at the thought, bowing her head to let her hair cascade around her and escape the confinement of the hood. A large shadow suddenly appeared across her map, startling her. Wisely, she chose not to look up at first, trying to keep her face hidden at all costs.

"Uh, excuse me, but you could please step to the side? You're blocking my light." Heavy, ragged breathing was her reply, Trisana apprehensively lifted her gaze from the map and up into the face of the owner of the shadow. Hot, rancid breath was blasted into her face, causing her to choke and gag in disgust. A low, menacing growl from the bear in front of her followed suit. Even in the terrified paralysis of her mind, she could not believe what she was seeing.

She had barely escaped from the Sentinels and just managed to make it to Darkshore...only to be mauled and eaten by a hungry bear. It might have been humorous to her had it not been so horribly sad. Her lungs began to expand, drawing in the needed amount of breath for the blood-curdling scream she was preparing to unleash. In the very least, she wanted her body found and brought back to her parents.

The bear raised his paw, preparing to strike her with a crushing blow to head. The scream working its way from Trisana's lungs was abruptly caught in her throat as, out of no where, something lashed out across the bear's face, causing it to roar in outrage, shaking it's furry head and taking a few steps back. The girl's mouth hung agape as she took a closer look at the weapon that had just saved her life.

It was a fishing pole. And what was even more surprising was the person holding the pole. A small, green-eyed gnome peered into her hood for a moment before turning to face the enraged bear once more. The little female had a head full of strawberry-auburn hair that just reached her shoulders, a shield strapped to her back and a sword sheathed at her side. Trisana didn't know which was more worthy of her wide eyed gaze, the bear or the gnome wielding the fishing pole.

"Ha, you thought you could snack on people on my watch, sneaky bear? Now don't go trying to use your bear magic on me! I came prepared!" With this declaration, the gnome reached into her pockets...and produced a spoon and a fork. Trisana boggled at the young gnome, her mind beginning to fill with dread once more. Is this gnome going to fight...or eat supper?!, was Trisana's frantic yet bewildered thought, gaping even harder at the tiny woman.

The gnome set down the fishing pole, stabbing the fork into the ground behind her with prongs facing upward. Then, grinning crazily, the gnome turned back to the bear, spoon held poised and ready for the inevitable attack that was to follow and saying jeeringly under her breath, "En guard."

[Lilam]

With a fearsome, earsplitting roar that could turn even the most intrepid warrior into a simpering, mewling infant, the bear charged forward, lumbering towards the ridiculously calm and composed gnome. Trisana's grip on her staff tightened until her knuckles faded white. The gnome was clearly deranged, her brain possibly addled by the toxic radiation from the fallen gnome city, as she had heard stories about.

The girl was positive the small warrior would be tossed about like a rag doll, and that she would be the next victim to the animal's mindless butchery. And least now, with staff in hand, she could muster some amount of dignity to die with. And while Trisana mentally began preparing for a gruesome death, the gnome suddenly lifted the metal spoon high into the air, as if anticipating striking out with the pitiful, makeshift weapon.

With the next series of events, Trisana began to lose feeling in her jaw muscles as her mouth continued to hang open, fearing that it might not ever be able to shut or work properly again. A blinding ray of sunlight reflected from the spoon as the gnome raised it into the air, beaming directly into the crazed eyes of the furious beast.

Blinded, the bear careened headfirst into the spoon-wielding gnome, slamming into her and knocking her to the side. Off balance and unable to see, the large animal stutter stepped, tripping over it's own paws and landing heavily to the ground with a pain-filled grunt. Trisana blinked at the scene, her eyes darting between the two motionless bodies lying like fallen statues upon the ground.

Hesitantly, with a wary eye on the bear, the girl finally was able to muster the strength and courage to move, creeping towards the fallen warrior. As she got close, peering down at the still, diminutive figure, a squeal of surprise sprung from her lips as the gnome suddenly shot her hand into the air, miraculously still clasping the spoon.

"I'm okay! That was all part of the plan. See, if you play dead, the bears want to play too...and that's when you get 'em!"

The gnome sprang up, rushing over to the bear without apprehension or second-thought. Trisana held out her hand, opening her mouth to protest, but the gnome was already talking once again. "He is slain, just as I had planned in my ingenuitous...ingenerous...ingen...my smarty stragdety!," the gnome exclaimed, poking at the massive, furry beast with the tip of her shoe.

Trisana was confused. How did the bear die? She didn't even lay a hand...nor spoon upon it... Her confusion was cleared as the gnome suddenly heaved herself against the corpse, rolling the body onto it's side. The end of a silver handled fork was protruding from the chest, lodged deep within the creature's silenced heart. The gnome nodded at the sight as if it had been expecting that turn of event.

"Yup, just as I thought. Bears are deathly allergic to silver. That explains why they don't wear jewelry. That was one of my best bear slaying forks too..."

The warrior plopped herself onto the ground, removing her backpack and opening it with a satisfied grin. "Good thing Mum packed me extras!"

[Teelia]

((Well done, and I think I saw you this weekend! ))

[Lilam]

Intrigued, and overall grateful, Trisana crouched down next to the gnome, unable to keep silent any longer. "Why...exactly...did you decide to fight a bear with a spoon?" The gnome boggled at her as if she had sprouted three heads.

"It's not just a spoon, silly moony elf lady. It's a magicy spoon. You see, you need a magicy spoon to fight bear magic. They're sneaky ones, they are! You have to stay on your toes or those sneaky snake bears will nibble 'em right off when they think you're not looking! And the fork is made of silver. Bears are allergic to silver, as you can see. Draws 'em in like a magnet!"

As the gnome stuffed the spoon into her pack, Trisana noticed a butter knife. Unable to resist her curiosity, Trisana inquired, "What's that?" She indicated to the knife.

It was the gnome's turn to look at Trisana crazily, responding in disbelief, "What do you mean? It's a butter knife! I use it to knife my butter and put it on toast. Then, I dip the toast in milk, but only when Mum's not looking, because she doesn't like when I do that."

The gnome shook her head at the girl's ignorance, closing the pack and rising to her feet. "Oh...I knew that! I was just...but the spoon and the fork...umm, so what is your name?" Trisana couldn't discern if she was more confused or curious. The bright-eyed gnome straightened herself, flashing deep, gnomish dimples as she smiled broadly.

"My name is Lilam Firesparks! I'm going to be a famous warrior one day and everyone will know my name! So what's your name and why are you wearing that hood cape on your head? Are you a sneaky, under covers spy?"

Trisana could not help but smile back at Lilam. "My name is Trisana. And no, I'm not a spy. I'm...sort of hiding." Lilam's face turned quizzical, cocking her head to the side.

"Hiding? Like that seek and hide game? Well, you're going to need a better disguise then that. Pretend to be a tree!" The gnome demonstrated, standing perfectly still in a straight-armed pose.

"No, not a game," Trisana said quietly, her former melancholic frame of mind rushing back as a bracing, chilly torrent. "They want to take me away and punish me for some reason I don't know. Now I have to travel to Feralas and hope that I arrive there safely..."

Lilam's hand shot into the air, interrupting Trisana. "And I will help! This is why warriors are warriors! We are supposed to help good people and protect them from bad people. Even though I'm not famous yet, I'm very good at warrioring! So can I go, can I go, can I gooooo?!"

[Lilam]

Trisana was incredulous, stammering in apparent shock and inflating hope. "Youyou would help me without even knowing who I am or why I'm hiding?"

Lilam's head bobbed up and down twice. "Of course! Us warriors can tell who the good people are. It's like a seventh sense or something and takes much training to learn, but I always know. So let's go!" The gnome took a few marching steps forward, then abruptly stopped, scratching the back of her head. "Uhh...where is this Feralas place?"

Trisana hid a smile, turning to pick her map from the ground and point at the destination to show Lilam. "It's here. And thank you for saving me from that bear. I owe you my life."

The gnome peered at the map, scrutinizing it for a moment before looking back up at Trisana. "You're very, very welcome. You don't owe me anything, for I am a warrior and saving people from those sneaky bears is what we do. And I'm going to call you Trissy! I like that better than Trisana."

The girl fell in step alongside the fast-talking gnome, testing out the nickname with a low whisper, "Trissy..." She then smiled down at Lilam, feeling more at ease and less depressed the longer she was in the gnome's presence. "It's not the nickname I would have chosen, but it'll do. You are a very strange and brave person, Lilam."

Lilam nodded in agreement, adding, "And don't forget bear-slayer. That's most important." Unexpectedly, the young warrior drew her sword, pointing it at the path ahead of them as she struck a pose which she deemed as heroic. "Now, on to Fairylas!"

"...It's Feralas."

There was a pause and a drooping of Lilam's sword. "Right, isn't that what I said?"

Trisana giggled, unsure of where the it came from, but enjoying the sensation nonetheless. "Lilam, I have a feeling that you're nothing but trouble."

Lilam smirked, beginning to head for Ashenvale at a leisurely, upbeat pace. "Trouble is my middle name! Well, I don't have a middle name...but if I did, then it'd be trouble! But I'll do my best to steer us clear of trouble, I promise!" The gnome crossed her heart to add conviction to her statement. Trisana merely smiled wider and shook her head. Now why do I find that hard to believe...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~

[Lilam]

Staghelm's trembling fist slammed onto the desk heavily as he shot up from his seat, sending papers floating in a light dance and eliciting a collective shudder from the cringing Sentinels. "Care to explain just how all of you failed to retrieve one feeble, adolescent thief which really should have required only one Sentinel in the first place? This is a mockery; an illogical farce in which I find myself not amused in the slightest. Explain yourselves and be quick about it!"

The Arch-Druid's flashing eyes cut into each of them deeply, adding flecks of salt into the lacerations that his caustic words had already created. Stealing a secret glance at her sisters, one Sentinel stepped forward, clearing her throat to mask the nervousness in her voice.

"When we arrived at the girl's home, she was already gone. Apparently a warrior by the name of Lanrith Stoneblade, warned the family and then decided to help her escape and thwart our efforts to retrieve her. We were unable to catch up, although our sisters in the city spotted them running thru and attempted to stop them, but alas, the girl was pushed onto the boat as it was departing and managed to get away."

However, we were able to subdue and capture her accomplice, Lanrith, who is now within our custody. We have already sent word to our sisters in Darkshore to be on the look out for the girl and to spread word as far and fast as they can. Soon, she will have no where to run and we will track her down and bring her back. We shall not disappoint you again."

Fandral merely nodded curtly, resettling in his seat. "Let us hope so. I want that document back before she takes it upon herself to share the information it contains with the world. What of her parents? Are they in custody as well?" There was a brief, uncomfortable pause before the woman spoke up again.

"The child's parents..." Her voice trailed off into nothingness as a hunched, shuffling figure entered the room unannounced. "I will continue from here," Ellisah stated with a husky voice, tear stains clearly present on her pale cheeks. She managed to straighten herself under the Arch-Druid's penetrating gaze, drawing in a shaky breath before she began.

"From what I have gathered, right before the Sentinels arrived at my parent's house a rogue and an accomplice were seen fleeing the area after...after trying to get information from them...and receiving nothing. The pair overheard about the scroll and Trisana and are undoubtedly after both. And my parents...merely got in the way."

"They...they weren't prepared for a fight, they weren't expecting one. It was just suppose to be the Sentinels coming to take Trisana away. How were they supposed to know? Why didn't they just tell them where Trisana was going? Why--"

Staghelm stopped her traumatized, slightly disbelieving rambling with the clearing of his throat. "This is an unexpected and tragic turn of events. Moonpride is a name that I am quite familiar with and have great respect for. However, the task at hand still remains. Trisana must be found and retrieved. We shall mourn our loss when this situation has been resolved and put behind us."

Ellisah's lower lip quivered, but she nodded, struggling to maintain composure and an air of decorum that being in the Arch-Druid's presence mandated.

"Please, Arch-Druid, I beg of you, let me lead the search for Trisana. In lieu of my parents absence, I take full responsibility for this whole thing and will do everything within my powers to rectify it. With Cenarius as my witness, I vow that I will bring back the stolen document and ensure that Trisana receives a fitting punishment for her transgressions against Cenarion Circle."

Her words seeped out of her mouth darkly, filling the air with a poisonous promise. Staghelm's piercing eyes roamed her face for a long moment, watching the flames of passion burn fervently in her eyes. Finally, he gave the slightest of nods, replying coolly "Fine, I leave the situation in your hands as of now. However, I am inclined to be somewhat curious as to why you would readily undertake this assignment knowing that it is one of your kin that you are pursuing."

Ellisah's face darkened, her eyes flaring brilliantly in new, intense flames of hatred and abhorrence. "She is no kin of mine" she spat viciously, the word 'kin' barely able to be forced past her lips. Without another word, she left after a shallow bow to Fandral, her hands trailing to her side to find the leather hilt of her dagger, grasping it distractedly with a white knuckled grip. It was time to pay a visit to Lanrith.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~

[Lilam]

((Well done, and I think I saw you this weekend! ))

((Thank you! Look forward to seeing you around TN some more! :D ))