#Valestia Cloudbreaker

[vcloudbreaker]

Writing Challenge: How did your muse meet some of the people in their lives?

Original Prompt here: https://saephoraembersky-wra.tumblr.com/post/179339498313

When I first got tagged for this, I picked Lesti’s husband, Xaereth, for the first of three characters I figured I’d write this out for. (Post there still to come!) The list of other possibilities ended up consisting MOSTLY of Blood Knights. When I started considering which two were “most important” and “most developed Lesti” I got bad feels about it. Then Lesti decided to make it semi-relevant to current RP and grabbed the keyboard and this happened.

Lesti’s been around WRA for 5 years now, and in that time MANY of the Blood Knight characters on this realm have helped shaped her character. We didn’t always get along (might be fair to say I didn’t like some of you and you didn’t like me on an OOC level, ever) and things weren’t always great. Still, I want y’all to know that Lesti wouldn’t be who she is today without each and every one of you, and I want to thank everyone for all the awesome RP through the years. (even if lesti’s IC opinion still isn’t glowing)

Tagging every tumblr for everyone I can find, mentioned below -- feel free to do the prompt yourselves for the originally intended sensible amount of characters and tag some other folks. WRA isn’t a perfect home, but it’s home and all we’ve got is each other.

Tagged By: @adilynia (your tags are always awesome ilu)

Tagging for mentions and for the prompt: @housetyrellian for Arth and Jaira, @bloodhawkrising , @jaypyreanor , @zanpyreanor , @drimmari , @azkariel , @mourne , @solarine , @talaenwildthorn-blog , @shakesthesun , @inathia , @raynellalaria , @hylaudius , @analyse-bloodwing , @trollydruid , @sworntothesun , @valorandvictory , @seekingthedawn , @bamsilverheart , @denlandis @catraena-blazewing

He'd put her in bed.

Valestia stared through the curtains that separated their bedroom from the balcony and her husband's back. He'd removed his armor, at some point, but his clothes hung unfastened on his body, bedshirt ruffling in the early morning breeze. He stood arms behind his back, legs set apart; rigidity had long since settled into his shoulders.

She wanted nothing more than to go to him and ease it from him. It wasn't what she needed to do. She went silently, his cloak still gathered about her shoulders. It wouldn't buy her much time before his notice, but it would be enough.

Ladyqueen and Nana lay sprawled across the nursery floor, as was their wont. She stepped carefully between tiger and hound, passing them only because they were accustomed to her presence. Elendae’s nightgown wasn't fastened correctly, but she could hardly fault Xaereth for his valiant attempt. Smiling fondly, she reached in and lifted the toddler from her cradle, hoisting her up against her shoulder before making her way downstairs.

The girl was awake by the time they came to the kitchen and dining, and Lesti picked her way across the floor to set her in a chair with a few rolls of harvest spice apple-pumpkin fruit leather and a glass of sweetened goat's milk.

“Shh, darling,” she instructed gently, brushing aside soft curls to press a kiss to the child's brow.

That done, she turned her attention to the first part of her task. Unlimbered of her platemail armor, the currents of creation flowed unhindered through her veins.  Shards of clay and glass and bent scraps of metal floated free of the floor, churning like a slow cyclone overhead until they came to rest atop one of the tables. The tablecloth fluttered, wrapping snugly around them.

She stared several long moments at the heaping bundle ready to spill off one side of the table or another. The image of the precariously confined disaster was not lost on her. At least it was for the moment contained.

Candles next. She dug out every box she had of every shape. She needed as many, she imagined. They were piled haphazardly atop the table in front of Elendae in short order. She climbed up on top of it, after, letting Xaereth’s cloak slip to pool about her as she knelt there. She gathered up a candle, snapped her fingers to light it.

It was Xaereth, who had taught her to look at the Blood Knight Order as anything other than an abomination. It was through him she began to truly get to know them, one by one. Beginning with…

“Lilendae,” she whispered hoarsely, causing Elendae to look up in confusion. She was Xaereth’s student, taken under his wing when they were in Venris Cinderblood’s guard, together. They had grown so close he had adopted the young Adept. They had all been, terribly close, until she disappeared. It was a loss that still haunted them both.

“I pray...that somewhere...out there...the Light guides you home.”

She tipped the candle to one side, let the wax pool on the table, used it to anchor the candle upright. Another candle, next.

“Jidai.”

She had known him through Lilendae. They two had been... close. Fond of one another, if she recalled correctly. She remembered him as a cheerful, upbeat sort.

“I pray...that you have grown strong in the Light, and that you are happy, with someone. She would want that.”

“Justicar Centari.”

He was a friend of her mother’s. Prominent, by her telling, but as oft delinquent as inspiring. He was impossibly jovial and carefree in his connection to the Light.

“I pray one day you blind us all with true Radiance.”

“Justicar Sunfury.”

Her father’s best friend, before her father had turned on Venris Cinderblood. Exian Sunfury had a resoundingly intimidating reputation, but by the time she had met him, the jaded Champion had lost his fiery convictions and was little more than a lamentor of glories lost.

“I pray… you walk into a fate you can accept with a glad heart.”

“Vemair…”

She shook. This was the first.

Anger can only fuel a flame for so long.

But Drimmari Dra’zar had no idea how long her flames could burn.

Vemair had kidnapped her sister, Laryana, for Venris Cinderblood, twice, to bait her father into traps intended to kill him. She HATED the Knight-Master. She could still put a hole in his chest without a twinge of guilt.

“I pray...”

That the Light has more mercy than I will.

“I pray…”

One Order, one body, one mission, one heart.

Aeliana…

“I pray that hatred releases your heart- and that I might be free of hating you.”

It felt hollow. It tasted of ash. Still, at least it was said. She had to say it, if she couldn’t yet think or believe it. She at least had to say it.

“Aeliana.”

Aeliana Malevus. The name still wrenched her heart. She met the Knight Master when the other woman got between her and Lucius Bloodraven, during a gathering in the Hall. It was nearly a bloodbath. She still believed that only Aeliana’s love for every knight in the room had spared them a fate to sully the entire hall.

They were instant and fast friends. She was the first Valestia had called “Sister.” She might have loved her more than those born to her. Aeliana spoke with her on the Light late hours into the night, conspired with her to heal the Order of its festering wounds, introduced her to dancing…

Aeliana, like Lilendae, had disappeared. She had been speaking of a covert mission, at the time.

“I pray you’re well and happy, and that one day I’ll manage to live up to your example-- sister.”

“-Lucius.-”

She could not keep the weight from her voice. There was too long and conflicted a history between her and Lord Bloodraven. She met him when he called conference in the Hall of Blood. It was the first of several he would stage in his vain attempts to wrest control of the Order. They began at one another’s throats, climbing to a conflict that ended nearly in blood before their war grew cold and civil. Her cursed scrupulous nature had even see her free him from behind bars for a crime of which he was accused-- framed, she’d discovered. He had claimed to turn a new leaf, after that, but she watched him hurt those who loved him and abandon those who cast their hopes on him, one after the other.

“I pray you found a true path to redemption.”

She would not be holding her breath, for that. But Lucius Bloodraven had consequently brought many knights of the Hall into her life.

“Master Alah’zaram.”

Another zealot who had stood alongside her and Aeliana, during their initial conflict with Lucius. Few knights had inspired her so, before or since. He was unwavering in his convictions, determined in his leadership. He had helped her and others who joined the Order after the Sunwell’s rebirth to settle into the ranks and take heart in their differences. She owed him a great deal, however much she had to admit his uncompromising nature did not always do her favors, in example.

That nature had taken him from them, too.

“I pray you’ve found a brotherhood and purpose that does not disappoint you.”

Her mind spun, calling back the events of the previous year. She looked on the Knight Master’s example, and saw her own actions in new, ugly light.

“Arthamir,” she hissed quickly, soldiering on before she lost her nerve for more introspection.

It was the night the Hall had nearly massacred itself, five years ago, now. Arthamir was on the opposite side of the room, then. He was an officer, if not second in command, to Lucius Bloodraven. But Arthamir had a level head, too level to follow Lucius down his destructive spiral for long. He was always proactive in the community and in the Order, almost always present. It was a horrible to watch him dance the line between soldier and politician, especially as honest a man as he was-- as he could be, for a politician. She found him the most agreeable officer to deal with, when she had to, and mutual respect had grown between them as they both worked in their own ways for the good of the order. The Champion was now the only officer she would address by his right rank.

“I pray your life is both long and satisfied-- I doubt you can see such a fate for yourself. And I pray the Light keeps you safe. I don’t know what I’d do without your guidance, sometimes, old man.”

She gave the flame of the candle a long look before nestling it amongst the growing cluster in the center of the table.

“Aervin.”

Arthamir’s wife. They had met few times, over the years. Aervin kept largely to their family holdings, especially since she had started producing heirs to Arthamir’s house. It was just as well. They seldom got along. Aervin was one of the few knights Lesti had ACTUALLY come to blows with, over the years. Still…

“I hope your children lead long and -happy- lives, Lady Tyrellian. May the Light bless them and the lands their inherit.”

She smiled as she set the candle, then sighed as she plucked and lit the next.

“Jaira…”

Arthamir’s daughter, taken in much the same way Xaereth had taken in his Lilendae. She had probably first met her while hosting other knights for dinner in the Fairbreeze in. She got to know her as a student under her instruction. Jaira was a fine study and a fine knight, when she was not testing her limits.

“I pray your heart finds contentment in your service to your people and your family, Jaira.” She said it, and wished it, earnestly.

“Jadoth.”

She met him perhaps the same night she met Jaira. Learning of his constantly precarious position in the Order, and seeing how desperately he seemed to need it, she had made it her mission to help. He only needed someone to believe in him. She had believed that for a long time; and believed in him through all the wrongs committed against him, all the wrongs against their realm and their world that chipped away at his heart, and all the wrongs he had himself committed.

One mistake. She had made only ONE mistake, but it was enough to earn his ire, and at last she understood. She learned, as others would have to, for themselves, what others had tried for years to make her see. She could not help him. It didn't stop her from wishing, every time she saw him, that she could.

“I pray that one day, you learn to -truly- let the Light fill the endless vacuum in your heart.”

She couldn't think of one without the other.

“Jayir.”

Jay Pyreanor was at the time Jadoth’s best friend. Another of her students. A better study but too easily influenced to think of himself as an outsider and misbehave by his friend. Jayir had been ever-present but avoidant, and she feared she had never put enough effort into understanding him with Jadoth absorbing her focus.

“I pray the Light has given you confidence your gifts and abilities, and in yourself.”

“Zan.”

They were too alike, she and Rerservist Zandrae Pyreanor- Champion, when someone else needed him to be. He was uncle or cousin to Jayir- she distractedly wondered if she’d ever bothered to ask- and often in the orbit of observing or aiding in her lessons with the Initiates and Adepts.

He had a gentle hand with the students but was outspoken towards officers- like she was. He could spend hours patiently listening- like she could. He could flare in righteous indignation and charge blind and furious to the defense of others or his own convictions- like she could. He could condemn and spurn, when those convictions were set- like she could.

They had inevitably gone up and down a rollercoaster of good times and bad between them, their convictions and inclinations to take “mother bear” stands in the face of what they perceived to be injustice led them to sometimes crash headlong against one another like Alterac rams.

He was, she was sure, still offended on Jadoth’s behalf.

“I pray the Light grants us both more patience, wisdom, and understanding; with each other, those around us, and ourselves.”

She needed those things, probably more than he did, at the moment. She had constantly told herself as much, over the years, unless she was angry. A stubborn and purposeful misstep- that was when she most needed them.

She closed her eyes a few moments, let the perpetual storm pounding in her head wash over her, mind and soul. Now was as good a time as any.

“Dr-mari…”

Not Dra’zar. Not today.

He had wanted to HELP. She was coming off too many bad experiences with the other officers when they met. From the beginning, she had gotten off on the wrong foot with him.

He was patient, and not rebuffed. He learned her troubles and reasons, and she learned his. They were quickly friends. He was always available, when she needed him. She had on turn helped him save his child.

He had a soft spot for children. She looked over her shoulder at the once-more slumbering toddler. He had loved Elendae from the start-- not that there was anyone who seemed immune to the child’s contagious charms-- and the more she grew, the more she seemed to love him back.  It was a more potent rebuff of Valestia’s temper than any the rest.

The candle snapped. She gave a start. Even the soft click of the wax giving was loud in the still morning. Light, but she was still angry. She started to set the broken pieces aside for another, but the flame yet flickering caught her eye. She found herself instead rolling the wax between her hands, softening it between the warmth of Light-blessed palms until it melted enough to come back together, if imperfectly. She nestled it next to Jadoth’s before it could take anymore punishment.

“Mother Moon,” she breathed with solemn desperation. “Grant us your grace.”

She fought the compulsion to strategize in her next choice, but chose him to avoid thinking on it further.

“Azkariel.”

She stared through the flame on the candle she lit for him, at Drimmari’s beyond.

Forgive me for heaping his faults on your shoulders.

Azkariel was exactly what she thought she needed at the time she met him. Someone who didn't need to be taught to handle himself on the battlefield. A veteran of the Northern War. A solid set of shoulders on which to lay their missions during the war against the Legion. It was too bad he thought as much of himself.

Azkariel was, she learned, impatient and power hungry and resentful of others’ recognition. More and more she got the sense that he thought he could do her job better than she could. She would not give him the chance.

But you did. I was like that, once. I pray you have been better repaid for it than I have over the years.

“I pray that the Light teaches you humility and the value in SERVICE.”

It was not criticism. She let him poison her heart with his own resentment enough to know that he would never be happy until he could change.

“Caci…”

Azkariel’s “student”. Lover, it turned out. She had done her best to receive and instruct the girl as if she were there for the right reasons. She believed she had a good heart. She regretted letting her go, most of all.

“I pray you have found someone to make your talents shine.”

“Terrestre.”

He had found them in the wilds, during the Legion’s invasions. He had heard word of them in the vicinity, and was determined to make himself useful. He was not particularly personable, and she was sure in hindsight that he deserved more notice than she had given him.

“I pray your valiance found good application. Lights grace and safe travels, Blood Knight.”

“Mourne.”

She had known him only the five years she'd known most the Order, but it felt like she'd known the Champion all her life. She couldn't even recall the exact moment she'd first seen him- though she had the strangest image in her mind that he'd been wearing a pink gown.

He was almost immediately one of her best friends. It seemed like they went everywhere and did everything together. Others had assumed they were married more than once- to both their horror.

They had grown apart, during the Legion’s invasions. It was her fault. She knew that. She would mend it.

“I pray you and Zozha are blessed in your union.”

“Solarine...Talaen, Lacryma.”

She lit and nestled two candles, held a third.

They were close to Mourne. Like Mourne and like her, they were priests before they were Blood Knights-- Shadow priests. They were a loose sort of circle, they five, in her mind. They knew one another, as others did not. They sensed things, when others did not. They could call on one another, when they could call on no one else. She did not often know where they all were, anymore, but she had a strange sort of constant confidence in them.

“I pray we all maintain The Balance.”

“Julian.”

Lucius had pulled Champion Julian Sunrest into her life. She could hardly say she thought much of his conduct or views, but battle against the powers of the Void had forged their relationship, and there were few Champions of the Order Valestia respected more for living up to their rank on the field. He would always be brother to her, whether or not she was always happy with the fact. There was only…

“I pray the Light keeps you on the right side of The War.”

“Nightsorrow,”

She didn't know the Knightlord outside of a few interactions, but few in the Order had inspired more confidence in herself. Nightsorrow saw progress in her. He had -threatened- to promote her, more than once.

He had seen little of her, but she suspected he knew her. The easy-going officer had a keen way of making her practice intense introspection with the lightest comments. She knew that even if she never saw him again, she would have much to credit him with, throughout her life.

“I pray the Light long continues to work through you to inspire others.”

“Forgefury.”

Her voice didn't shake. It was, perhaps, the first time she could say as much. The first night she met the Knight Lord, he was threatening to roll heads, and she had put herself in his path. She still felt the chill of that moment sometimes, and knew well what force had passed her by.

It hadn't taken long, however, to understand him. Veteran of the order. Jaded by the fate of their people. A survivor, desperate not to see the Order’s successors inherit any weakness. She hoped she had convinced him of the tenacity in the newer knights’ own brand of strength.

“I pray the Light heals your scars.”

“Ina’thia.”

They were alike in ways she and Zandrae were not. Looking at Knight-Lord Ina’thia Dawnblade was like looking at a prophecy incarnate. The mirror image was to be anticipated and feared.

Ina’thia was scrupulous. She had known her from the start. They two were sometimes nearly friends, sharing meals and speaking for hours together- and sometimes nearly nemeses, standing on opposite sides of disagreements that threatened violence. They usually tried to avoid both.

The two danced around the middle when it came to interacting with each other, keeping as close to a curt working relationship as possible as often as possible.

I wish I could trust you.

…

But I -will not BE you.-

“I pray you find true happiness. Someday.”

“A’laria.”

They called her Champion, sometimes, captain others. Whatever her actual title, Valestia had always almost exclusively known Raynell A’laria as “champion” of Ina’thia’s cause. Wherever the Knight-Lord appeared, Raynell always seemed to be in close proximity, if not at her heels.

Unlike the careful dance between her and Ina’thia, Valestia and Raynell had always had a relationship of casual but open rancor. A’laria was disdainful of the newer rank and file knights, sometimes threatening, sometimes more than threatening.

There was no faith in that one- lost, broken, or otherwise. There was no grim protectiveness some of the older knights like Xaereth, Drimmari, and Hylaudius exhibited. There was only vengeance. Valestia couldn't say she minded that A’laria’s focus was usually on shadowing Ina’thia.

“I pray the Light touches your life and your heart.”

“Dorennen,”

Another of Ina'thia's Phoenix Guard, Hylaudius Dorennen had been a fixture -- almost literally-- at the door of the Hall, since Valestia had been there. Not like the slackers or the goofs, or those who were looking to be available for even the most trivial of matters, like herself. Dorennen had always been there, to act when it -mattered.-

On hand for anything from cats up trees to trauma healing, in was inevitable that Valestia found herself often interacting with the Knight Master. He was seldom pleasant or agreeable, but he was honest with his evaluations. He'd come to remind her of her own father, in his conduct and service to his people.

He was gone. Lost in the war against the Legion.

“I pray… we who succeed you see the value of the dedication those like you gave us all in your service.”

“Ana.”

Analyse Emberbloom was Ina'thia's knight on one hand, led astray by Bloodraven on the other. Somehow between the two and the trouble that brought her, she and Lesti had become fast friends, if briefly.

Ana had seemingly withdrawn from the Order and indeed the public after a personal tragedy. She was well enough perhaps last they spoke, but Valestia knew how easily knights found a brave face.

“I pray the Light gives you comfort, sister.”

“Ele’nath.”

Taneisha Ele’nath had started out taking an interest in Valestia’s healing instruction for her students. The sister knight had come to learn and assist by turns, and to work alongside her when actual need arose.

She'd asked Valestia to become her teacher, once upon a time.

She hadn't seen her, since Draenor. She hoped fervently that she was alright.

“I pray the Light continues to guide your heart and your healing hands.”

Ele’nath had been close, if briefly, to one of her students. Valestia swallowed a lump in her throat.

“Farstrider.”

Ratheras Farstrider, a.k.a. Cascade Lightstrider. Xaereth often told her she belittled the progress he’d made, towards the end, when she called him by his born and inconveniently unoriginal surname. She couldn't help it. She still heard herself scream his name in agitation every time she thought of him.

A grin came unbidden to lift the corners of her lips.

She and Mourne had taken some of the students to Tanaris for “social skills” training. Laughable to some of the officers, she was sure, but to her mind you couldn't make a real defender of the people out of someone who was not for all intents and purposes, one of them. They had met Farstrider there.

He was a bumbling, naked drunk who accosted her and Jaira, of all people. Mourne had sent them away, in a rare show of seriousness and his temper, to leave him to deal with the bum. She had not expected him to turn up with the elf at the Hall of Blood.

Ratheras Farstrider was a former Knight Master who had fallen into despondence after losing the squad under the command of his Champion teacher to the Champion’s overconfidence. Mourne had convinced him to try and redeem himself and resume his service as an initiate. He asked Lesti to let him participate in the students’ lessons.

She had quickly found pity and understanding for his predicament, and soon asked Mourne to give him to her as her student. Farstrider had taken it too quickly and too thoroughly to heart. He was brash, defiant, and often delinquent, but he was thoroughly hers.

He was the only reason she had survived the initial invasion of Draenor, and for several months afterwards. The horrible fate that had befallen him when they returned home- when they should have been safe- continued to haunt her.

“I-I…” tears slid slowly down her face. “I pray… I live up to the faith you placed in me, someday.”

“Sillienth…”

WHY did the name even come to mind? Valestia's pulse pounded in her ears, and it seemed as if she could see her blood coursing in her vision, behind her eyes. Her tears tried in the face of hot fury, fresh as the first day.

Traitor…

Sillienth Goldenmist was one of the first knights Valestia met, and a close friend of her adopted daughter, Naatsu. Both elves had treated her as their mother, and Valestia had loved them both as a mother might. But in the end, Sillienth had literally betrayed Thalassian, Horde forces to an Alliance ambush. There had been casualties. Xaereth was supposed to have been there. If Valestia hadn't…

She didn't even WANT to wish it, she wasn't ready to let it go, herself, yet.

“Light forgive you.” she choked out.

“Althrin,”

Althrin Santhil. She had not said the name, in some time. He was one of her first friends in the Order, and they had quickly worked together on several matters.

But then, his pursuit of Lucius Bloodraven's corrupt conduct, he'd been awarded the rank of Champion. She saw him change, immediately. She could still hear her own voice in her ears.

“This is what you wanted- all along! This is ALL it was about! I hope you enjoy the new company you keep, -Champion.-”

She did not think she had ever spoken to him again, after that. Her eyes strayed past Althrin's candle to Drimmari's.

I don't want this, again.

“I wish I had given you more time...patience. I pray the Light and your station lead you to great things in service to our people.”

“Nestarion,”

More of the same.

WHY do I DO this?

She had been convinced Nestarion Sunsworn was good for the Order, when they first met. She had been ready to jump to his aid, any time there was the slightest need- even if sometimes she'd been as much trouble as help to him.

He had disappointed her expectations. She didn't even remember how it had happened, now. She had not extended him the forgiveness he had extended her for her own mistakes. She didn't even remember if she'd had the decency to tell him she was angry. The cold shoulder was her go to, after all.

I'll do better than this.

Now, all she hoped was that wherever he was, he was safe.

“You went through...so much. I pray that you'll have more happiness and less hardship in the future, than you did, then.”

“Arai. Thyrus.”

The brothers Sunshield.  She had not known them well. Arai was secluding to Pandaria by the time she met him, and Thyrus…

He had managed, however brief their interactions, to impact her.

“I read your report. As far as I'm concerned, YOU'RE as MUCH to blame for this, as HE is! I'd roll your head, were it up to me.”

It had made her re-examine the matter that had been at hand, again and again, until she was satisfied it was resolved in an unsatisfactory but correct way; and it had made her that much more thorough in her considerations, over the years- however short sighted they might still be. At least she was never satisfied with them, easily, anymore.

“I pray the Light and your families serve and guide your noble hearts and strong hands well.

“Dawnsword.”

He was positively contagious. He didn't seem to hold anyone -save the Alliance, of late- in contempt. He was bright, faithful, unstoppable.

Like so many knights, she had met him before the Hall. She recalled she'd overheard him defending his faith to another knight. They had connected instantly, and spent many hours on free nights discussing the Order, the Light, and the world's troubles. He seemed to rely on her consul, at times. She was the one inspired by him.

“I pray you and those who succeed US, and those who come AFTER YOU, are continually brighter a Light for our people and those who come after.”

“Rilserath. Latheri.”

Rilserath had come to her after Draenor, robbed of his Master on another world in another dimension. He was a good and dedicated study, a fine combatant, and possessed of a compassionate heart. She could not have asked for better, at her side from that moment until after Argus. She wasn't sure she'd ever told him that he was her pride and joy of a student.  If she hadn't, it was because she credited his previous master with saving her any hard work.

Latheri was his student. He'd picked her up between the Isles and Argus, and the Initiate had been forged in Felfire and endless battle, on the Legion homeworld. She was already, Valestia suspected, more technically skilled than her teacher.

She had let the two of them have time, afterwards. In the face of the ever increasing conflict over the past couple months however - Light, had it only been THAT long?- she could not help but think it was well past time to recall them.

“May the Light preserve us, and guide us in its wisdom as we hold one another up, shoulder to shoulder.”

They were with her, but there were three she missed keenly.

“Bamerin.”

Prodigy. Bamerin was everything she had ever wanted in a student. She had taken that opportunity, she feared, to drive him too hard; and ultimately away to his own counsel.

"I pray the Light has taught you better than I managed to, Silverheart."

“Dwin'arnith.”

With the threat of the Legion looming, she had pushed them all too hard.

Denlandis Dwin'arnith was headstrong, from the start. He reminded her of Jaira, and herself. He took what he needed but accepted only his own judgement. He never understood her explanations, and she hadn't the patience then to make sure they were clear. She suspected she had let him go to his doom.

“I pray our mutual impatience did not leave you long-wounded-- and that ... you have found solace for your losses, at last.”

She-

“Would you like some privacy for this, love?’

Reflexively, started to gather the cloak up around her, in the split second before she realized the voice of course belonged to the garment's owner. Xaereth stood there when she turned her head, looking at her with understandable confusion.

Don't mind me, just setting up a shrine on top of the kitchen table.

She shook her head.

“I only had Catraena left.”

Dear, sweet Catraena. As Xaereth gathered up Elendae and settled into the chair behind her, Valestia settled back into her contemplation.  It was Catraena who had delivered Elendae. She was previously a priestess who, like her, had come to the Order to do -more-. Like her, she was too easily touched, too easily wounded. But Valestia loved the Order, and she was sure that in time Catraena would too.

Perhaps she would have, if in her frenzy to confront the demons Valestia had not turned her away at her first doubt. It galled her on one hand. On the other, she HAD been too great a liability to take on the field.

“Catraena. I only pray you FOUND someone with the patience to help you through your doubts. You deserved better than you thought of yourself."

She had dreams, prayers; not just for herself, but for all these knights. This was the why. This was what she needed to remember.

[xgcchocobo]

Updating my Warcraft RP Blog/Character Roll! All characters on Wyrmrest Accord/WrA! Pt 1. Horde

MAIN:

Valestia Cloudbreaker @vcloudbreaker

Sin'dorei Blood Knight born to Farstriders in the coastal wilds of Arathi. Currently living on Quel'danas with her husband @xcloudbreaker , daughter, and four tigers.

Her hobbies and interests include: the ocean, sailing, riding, swimming, archery, training, teaching priests and knights, religious discussions, monster slaying, hosting dinners and diners, cooking, and cliffdiving.

HORDE ALTS:

Elde'en Xanatos @anaralar

Sin'dorei noble Lady of House Xanatos, born to a lesser cousin of greater nobility in Suncrown Village, jack of all trades and ambassador to Suramar. Currently residing there with her husband @xanatosrising , niece @telendi , and son.

Her interests include: Pandaren Martial arts, meditation, religious discussions, officiating marriages, and her family.

Telen'di Xanatos @telendi

Sin'dorei Demonologist and fashion model born to disgraced lesser nobility in Fairbreeze Village, noble Lady of House Xanatos with diplomatic status in Suramar.

Currently residing there with her husband and aunt.

Her interests include: fashion, demons, wine, gourmet food, portals, parties, events, and admiring any and all other people.

Beriya Whispersong @gloamchild

Sin'dorei Farstrider born to a Farstrider father and priestess mother in Windrunner Village.

Currently residing in Silvermoon City with her husband.

Her interest include: freelance scouting, soldiering, her husband, archery, animals, and campfire socializing.

Shaedai Valethran @shaedai

Death Knight armory runeblade quartermaster. Former Farstrider born in Goldenmist Village.

Currently residing in Acherus.

Her interests include: the ocean, runeblades, flutes, and dolls.

Dolene Direbloom @dreadguard-dolene

Forsaken Dreadguard Death Knight, former Dark Ranger, Former Farstrider born in Windrunner Village.

Currently resides on the battlefield and visits Orgrimmar and Silvermoon.

Her interests include service to Sylvanas Windrunner: Warchief of the Horde, Dark Lady and Banshee Queen of the Forsaken, former Ranger-General of Quel'thalas.

Oriannae Valethran @oriannae

Sin'dorei Phaseblade, sister of Valestia Cloudbreaker, born in Zul'mashar atop Mazra'Alor.

Currently resides on the Battlefield with her lover @blackbinder .

Her interest include: the wilds and wildlife, knives, her lover, people watching, and Destiny.

[inathia]

🌺 Lesti

“The thing I like about her is also the thing that infuriated me the most: her faith. She is so steadfast in her faith to the Light that it’s nigh impossible to convince her of anything else otherwise. That strength of faith and — quite frankly, stubbornness — is what makes her an outstanding knight. Whether or not we agree on anything is another story entirely... but I know that I can always count on her to have the best interests of Quel’Thalas at heart.”

Ina wrinkles her nose. It feels weird to say such a thing aloud.

@valestia-cloudbreaker

[xcloudbreaker]

An Interview with Xaereth

1. What is your name?

“Xaereth Cloudbreaker.”

2. What is your real name?

“I just told you.”

3. Do you know why you were called that?

“I’m named for my grandfather.”

4. Are you single or taken?

“I’m married.”

5. Have any abilities or powers?

“A touch of arcane talent and some skill wielding the Light.”

6. Stop being a Mary Sue.

"A who?”

7. What’s your eye color?

"The same as everyone el- oh. Gold.”

8. How about your hair color?

“Silver, I’m told.”

9. Have you any family members?

“I’ve my wife Valestia, and my daughter Elendae for immediate family. There’s my step-parents on my wife’s side, I suppose, and as far as I’m aware, my own mother is still alive, somewhere- our relations are somewhat... strained. It seems that I have several step-siblings by her, though I’ve only had the displeasure of meeting one.” Xaereth pauses for a long moment, a frown tugging at his stony features, “I had an adopted daughter as well. She was lost to me during the Cataclysm.”

10. Oh? What about pets?

Xaereth grunts, “Ask my wife about it.”

11. That’s cool I guess, now tell me about something you don’t like.

“That’s a long list,” Xaereth growls, then sighs, “But I suppose if you want something specific, I’ll pick on the Blood Knight Order. I was a Blood Knight myself, transferred from the Farstriders just after its inception. There was plenty wrong with the way we went about things... I’ve my fair share of regrets from my tenure with the Order.” The former Blood Knight shakes his head, “Even so, we were strong. United. These days, factions and in-fighting rule the Order. Children that shouldn’t have even been considered as Initiates are being promoted to Masters, even Champions. There’s no pride in the tabard- the ‘Knights’ are more interested in drinking and screwing each other than they are serving our Kingdom. I-” Xaereth cuts off with a sour grunt, “Nevermind it.” 

12. Do you have any hobbies/activities you like doing?

“Sailing, first and foremost, but I also train daily, and I’ve a small workshop where I practice... less than masterful blacksmithing and engineering.”

13. Ever hurt anyone before?

Xaereth answers simply, “Yes.”

14. Ever… killed anyone before?

Again, “Yes.”

15. What kind of animal are you?

"I’m not.” 

16. Name your worst habits.

"I suppose I tend to brood over my problems, and I’m not much of one to share my burdens- my wife has to drag them out of me every time. That, and the fact that my worldview is somewhat... pessimistic. Those are probably the worst.”

17. Do you look up to anyone at all?

"Not anymore.”

19. Do you go to school?

"No, though I do regularly use my position within the Sunreavers to attend conferences and seminars on various topics.”

20. Do you ever want to marry and have kids one day?

"I’ve done both already.”

21. Do you have any fanboys or fangirls?

"I doubt it.”

22. What are you most afraid of?

"Most? I suppose that’s the future and legacy I leave to my daughter, once I’m gone. I fear that there’s not enough, or even nothing, I can do to ensure her life is free of the threats and bloodshed that so mar our time.��

23. What do you usually wear?

“Plate, generally. Whatever’s comfortable at home.”

24. Do you love someone?

“Of course I do.”

25. When was the last time you wet yourself?

“What the fel sort of question is that?”

26. Well, it’s not over yet!?

"It can be, if you’d prefer to go.”

27. What class of society you belong to?

“Upper middle.”

28. How many friends do you have?

“Not many, these days.”

29. What are your thoughts on pie?

“I’m not much a fan of sweets, but it’s fine.”

30. Favorite drink?

“Eversong red.”

31. What’s your favorite place?

“The sea, with no land in sight.”

32. Are you interested in someone?

“My marriage isn’t one of convenience.”

33. What’s your bra cup size or how big is your willy?

"That’s none of your business.”

34. Would you rather swim in the lake or the ocean?

”The ocean, hands down.”

35. What’s your type?

”I married her.“

36. Any fetishes?

"Everyone has them, whether they want to admit it or not. But again, mine are none of your business.”

37. Seme or uke? Top or Bottom? Dominant or Submissive?

"You really aren’t getting it, are you?”

38. Camping or indoors?

”Does sleeping on the deck of a ship at sea count?“

39. Are you wanting the interview to end?

”Quite.”

40. We’re all done! Now tag three people!

Tagging: @ivenya @telendi @gwynyfyr

Tagged by: @vcloudbreaker

[vcloudbreaker]

Details: Valestia

Full name:  Argent Confessor and Knight Valestia Miracle Valethran-Cloudbreaker of the Blood Knight Order, Emissary to the Ebon Blade and Cenarion Circle

Pronunciation: Vah-, Less-, Tee-ah

Nicknames: Lesti

Height: 5'5"

Age: 47? In there somewhere

Zodiac: Aquarius-Pisces Cusp

Languages:

Spoken and Written in order of fluency from most to least: Thalassian = Darnassian = Shath'yar > Common > Nazja > Draenei > Eredun > Orcish

Learning to Speak: Shalassian

Read/Written only: Dwarvish > Scourge/Language of the Dead > Shalassian

Physical Appearance:

Hair Color: Milk and Honey blonde

Eye color: Gold

Skin Color: milk and honey fair tone

Body type: Petite, Athletic, Curvy

Accent: One might have referred to it as between Highborne Darnassian and Thalassian before the arrival of the Nightborne. Her accent can now be most closely defined as Shalassian.

Dominant hand: right

Posture: Varies entirely by occasion. Lesti considers body language a...well, language.

Scars: one nearly circling her arm above the left elbow (manual break by a boot, resulting in splintered bone breaking skin), one in the center of her torso just below the sternum and to the side of her spine on her back (ghoulslicer sword), one small circular on the front and back of her right thigh (fencing rapier), one on the front and back of her left shoulder ("Darnassian houtou-tachi")

Tattoos:

- 2 on her forehead, a gold sun and silver moon, in enchanted inks, that only show and glow when she's casting the "sun's" or "moon's" Light, respectively.

- Many red spell circles from her palm and back of hand, in a straight line up the inside of her lower arms, outside of her upper arms, down her spine, the front and outside of her thighs, back of her shins, and top of her feet that only show and glow when she's casting shadow magic.

Most noticeable features: Gold eyes, tattoos when showing

Childhood

Place of birth: The Hinterlands coast hometown: the Eastern Kingdoms Eastern coast

Birth weight: above average

Manner of birth: Late, natural

First word(s): An'da

Siblings: Aelryk & Syredelle Valethran, Oriannae Valethran

Half Siblings: Laryana & Lerion Valethran, Lara Valethran

Parents: Vythos Valethran & Shaedai Silversun-Valethran

Stepmother: Aliria Valethran

Parental involvement: both parents were ever present and involved until Lesti's teens when the scourge rolled through, and the children traveled with her parents' Farstrider unit.

Adult Life

Occupation: Blood Knight, Argent Confessor, Emissary for both parties to one another, The Ebon Blade, and the Cenarion Circle.

Current residence: Quel'danas

Close friends: Xaereth Cloudbreaker, Elde'en Xanatos, Cirdath "Mourne" Sunblaze

Relationship status: married to Xaereth Cloudbreaker

Financial status: upper middle class/ lower upperclass cusp , well off

Driver's license: licensed to fly everywhere but Draenor and Zuldazar.

Criminal record: none

Vices: vigilantism, shadow magic, revenge - also lemon desserts and candy

Sex & Romance

Sexual orientation: hetero-demisexual?

Romantic orientation: demiromantic

Prefered emotional role: "...huh?"

Prefered sexual role: "I...what kind of role, now?"

(Would be horrified by the explanation and suggestion of roles in sex.)

Libido: very low/triggered almost exclusively by moments of emotional intimacy

Turn ons: husband, vanilla

Turn offs: not husband, dirty talk, variety

Love language: touch, Lesti is a very loving person in general, and the closeness of intimate touch is a very important method of setting romance apart from her other relationships.

Relationship Tendencies: attentive, protective, empathetic, smothering, intrusive, meddlesome--

Lesti has an observed tendency to unintentionally passive aggressively control her marraige. While willing to cede nearly any point of contention before her equally stubborn husband, she has a comparatively low grasp of control over her emotions. The despondance that results over the course of weeks to months after she's yielded a point tends to crack his otherwise impenetrable resolve and reverse the result.

On the flipside, she intentionally cracks that shell and pours herself out to support her love when he won't let anyone else into his confidence -- if only too insistently.

Misc

Hobbies to pass the time: sewing, free climbing, cliff diving, riding, training war beasts, fishing, cooking, renting dining halls to host eateries, playing guitar and woodwinds, sailing, archery...to name a few. Lesti is sometimes restless, but never bored.

Mental illness: PTSD, Machiavellianism (if you consider it one), borderline sadistic, borderline egotistical

Left or right brained: right

Fears: abandonment, not being good enough, loss

Self confidence level: through the roof 99.9% of the time

Vulnerabilities: self-confidence level through the roof 99.9% of the time.

Tagged by: @adilynia-kiden and @tythis-dielturas

Tagging: @mourne and @xanatosrising

[adilynia-kiden]

Similar: Three members of the same sex they find attractive. | Different: Three members of the opposite sex they find attractive.

“That list...light bless, it is long. I can find something attractive about nearly anyone. However, I will assume we are talking purely physical...which is no less lengthy, I’m afraid. Let’s begin...”

“Miss Fireseeker will always top this list, as she is both exquisite in looks and her exceptionally caring heart. Her patience knows no limits... and every time I look at her, I am struck with an absolute sense of envy.” @belillinafireseeker

“Has your tongue ever entirely lost its capability for words when someone looks at you? That... is exactly what happened the first time I met Miss Dun. Light bless....she’s breathtaking, and so exceptionally kind. Her arrival is almost always heralded by jingling bells...and I think I would give up chocolate if my hair would look like hers.” @sayaadoftheforest

“The incomparable, Valestia Cloudbreaker. I do not think the Light itself could have painted a more beautiful example of its graces. Fierce as the day is long, she somehow maintains this humility and grace that I envy. She is some of the most delightful company one can obtain.” @vcloudbreaker

“Lycan Maddox...might be one of the most attractive people I’ve ever come across. However, it is not simply because he is carved by the Titans themselves...though that is...very distracting. When he smiles...it takes hold of his whole face without a trace of dishonesty, and...it is quickly becoming one of my favorite things.... even if it tends to make an appearance when he’s making me blush... which is always.” @ly-canthos

“There are very few words I could use to... adequately convey my feelings on Lord Kiden... as he is...unique. If you can make your way past the dark hair and eyes the color of liquid sapphires...or the well trimmed figure he keeps...the soul beneath is...singular, and it is what truly sets him apart.” @teren-k

“I only know his name because I asked a guard in Stormwind when I was absent of my current orders. His Grace, Duke Ceciel James Ashmore, in only a chance passing made an impression. I have... never had the honor of his company, but he’s a formidable man with a stern expression that suits him.” @gildedhilt

((Thank you for the ask dear!!

[vcloudbreaker]

OOC: Finally

So after 8 or 9 years, I finally pegged down FCs for Lesti’s two full sisters-- Syredelle and Oriannae. They might actually get their own tumblrs, now.

The Sisters:

Valestia Valethran-Cloudbreaker (FC: Sarah Gadon)

Syredelle Valethran (FC: Roxanna Redfoot)

Oriannae Valethran (FC: Elsa Hosk)

BONUS - The Mother:

Shaedai Silversun-Valethran (FC: Charlize Theron) @shaedai

[vcloudbreaker]

Interview with Lesti

► Name ➔ "Valestia Valethran-Cloudbreaker."

► Are you single ➔ “No."

► Are you happy ➔  “Always."

► Are you angry? ➔  “Always.”

► Are your parents still married ➔ “ I don't know. Go try and ask two of the Blade just how that works.”  

NINE FACTS

► Birth Place ➔ “Somewhere South of Quel'thalas and near the coast.”

► Hair Color ➔ “I'd have to call it soft blonde. My mother always called it milk and honey. I thought that was over-romantic at the time but now I call my daughter's her 'caramel curls'."

► Eye Color ➔ “Green.”

► Birthday ➔ “February 22nd.”

► Mood ➔ “Happy, excitable, agitated. I'm told that's called 'manic.'”

► Gender ➔ “Female.”

► Summer or winter ➔ “ Winter. I miss Northrend."

► Morning or afternoon ➔ “Dawn and dusk.”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

► Are you in love ➔ “Always."

► Do you believe in love at first sight ➔ “Perhaps. It was our second meeting, for me. Some have that's 'close enough' to 'fairy tale'."

► Who ended your last relationship ➔ “I have no previous relationships to speak of.”

► Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔  “I am....cursed, I believe. Yes, yes I have.”

► Are you afraid of commitments ➔ “No.”

► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ "This is a love life question? Nightly, at least, in that situation anyway, yes."

► Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ “I imagine so."

► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ “Yes…”

SIX CHOICES

► Love or lust ➔ “Love.”

► Cats or Dogs ➔ “I prefer BIG cats. But BIG dogs are great too.”

► A few best friends or many regular friends ➔ “If I had to pick? The former. I have both."

► Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ "The latter most nights but I need to get some wind in my hair one way or another, from time to time."

► Day or night ➔ "Night."

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

► Been caught sneaking out ➔ "...it's complicated but in short yes."

► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ “I'm sure I must have as a child."

► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ “Always.”

► Wanted to disappear ➔ "Sure, haven't we all, at some point?"

FOUR PREFERENCES

► Smile or eyes ➔ “The smile."

► Shorter or Taller ➔ “Taller is better."

► Intelligence or Attraction ➔ “I'm confused. Are we back to love life questions? I don't need someone who's especially attractive or intelligent in any aspect of my life."

► Hook-up or Relationship ➔ “Relationship.”

FAMILY

► Do you and your family get along ➔ “We used to.”

► Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ “No. The Forsaken have messed up lives. The living have a purpose.”

► Have you ever ran away from home ➔ “Not in the way you're thinking, I think. I wandered quite a bit as a child. Still do, I suppose.”

► Have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ “of where?”

FRIENDS

► Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ “Light, no. Are you daft?”

► Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ “I consider myself close to them. I take care of being a "good" friend for my part and let them mind themselves.”

► Who is your best friend ➔ “Toss up between Mourne Sunblaze, Elde'en Xanatos, Xeltanis, and my husband, Xaereth.”

► Who knows everything about you ➔ “Even I don't know that. The Light, maybe.”

Tagged by: @adilynia

Tagging: @blackbinder

[xgcchocobo]

85. Has your character ever been led down the wrong path because of their anger?

A character led down the wrong path because of their anger would be my Druid, Gwynyfyr Ripley @gwynyfyr or my Death Knight, Dolene Direbloom @dreadguard-dolene .

Gwynyfyr is cursed Gilnean formerly captured, held, and experimented on by the Forsaken, later handed over to some rough treatment by some orcs before escaping, only to stumble into some (at the time) hostile Dark Iron Dwarves bound for a ring of law arena before being rescued by a warlock criminal.

The spite she's developed for the Horde's deeds and the Alliance's failure to protect her as a citizen has led her into an outlaw lifestyle and left her culpable if not guilty of the crimes of theft, assault, kidnapping, and murder.

Dolene is a former Farstrider slain during Arthas' march through Quel'thelas, AND a former Dark Ranger reinstituted into the Scourge as a Death Knight before being freed from Arthas' control and returned to her once and always leader, Sylvanas Windrunner.

This undead death machine is angry at just about everything and everyone, and is guilty of no shortage of violent atrocities, because of it.

"Didn't the World Tree burn nicely?" is something she's likely to say in casual conversation.

My main, Valestia Cloudbreaker @vcloudbreaker has done some very questionable things in the name of justice and retribution, but always goes quite willfully of her own volition and reverts to the straight and narrow in the next breath. You could call her worse or better for taking such actions purposefully and with good "intent."

[vcloudbreaker]

Kaldorei, Shal'dorei, Quel'dorei, Sin'dorei - All Lights, all Shadows, all peace and turmoil, all joys, and all griefs. I am all these things- all my kin- within myself.

Valestia Cloudbreaker - truths never spoken

[vcloudbreaker]

IC POST- Valestia Cloudbreaker: Her Little Sister

They slept.

The husband, his wife, their child, and the animals that lived with them lay dreaming in the eternal spring air that washed through the polish stone walls of their home. A feline tail flicked, whiskered cheeks fluttered and claws slipped from their sheaths with subconscious eagerness. The little girl slept with her hands splayed open over her head, caramel curls spread to either side of her face. Valestia Cloudbreaker lay draped across Xaereth's scarred chest, as she spent so many nights lulled to rest by the beat of his heart beneath her ear.

Like those many nights, her slumber was different than the rest of her family's. As she lay unawares, a deeper sense spread across the sheets, poured out onto the floor, and crawled up the walls into the lines of the wards she painstakingly laid and maintained. To the right eye, at the right angle, skittering waves of Light and Shadow danced and pulsed against one another through the house, watching, sensing. Like so many nights, they went undisturbed-- until the hour just before the sky would begin to lighten.

The wards shifted, became visible to the naked eye as Shadows drew together in pools and tendrils of Light surrounded them like a fisherman's net. Those pools coalesced into spheres that sprang open, baleful eyes staring into the dark as the Light sealed the arched doorways that might have allowed escape. Valestia woke with them, her own eyes black pits as the wards brought the child's nursery to her vision. She pulled herself through their flow, slipping like a sigh of the wind from one room to the next, her shadow tight to her feet as she came to stand before the crib.

"Where have you been?"

Golden hair brushed the tiled stonework of the floor, soft-soled boots pivoted without leaving its surface. She was more than a head taller than her sister, stately of build, if not of stance. Oriannae Valethran held herself with a cautious, ready air, always; as if she might slip away if one took the time to blink. Warm eyes, the deep golden hues she'd been born with, stared wild like those of one of the tigers that slumbered unawares through her visit.

"Where have you?" She returned lightly, her tone deeper and richer, like dripping honey. Everything about the youngest sister was more exaggerated than her mother's eldest. She was taller yes, and more lushly proportioned, more fine of features framed in a softer face on a more shapely head; and all crowned with loose curls that tumbled to her ankles like burnished gold beside Valestia’s milk and honey.

She was graced with beauty unlike any of her family had ever known, but cursed with a far-flung mind. Lucidity came to her and left again without rhyme or reason. Words she should have known eluded her more often than not. Mad, violent fits would take her and sometimes drive her to flight. Many were the hours they had spent searching for her when she was a child, and those had multiplied into days, weeks, and months as she grew older, until there was sometimes no sign of her from one season to the next. She would reappear disheveled and unkempt, and sometimes without even her clothes on her back.

“You knew where to find me,” Valestia answered slowly, soothingly, careful to keep herself as non-threatening as possible. Oriannae had Elendae in her arms, the sleepy child’s head curled to her breast, oblivious to her aunt’s unpredictable nature. “You look good, Ori.”

She did look remarkably put together. Her skin was clean, and there wasn't as much as a snarl in the floor-length curls that would usually have accumulated all manner of debris, by now.

“Are those new clothes?”

She had asked such questions of others before, in shallow conversation, but Ori carried nothing with her that the family did not provide, and something as simple as a change in garment was reason for pause. Oriannae glanced down at herself slowly, as if in a dream, then lifted the corners of her peachy, full lips in an effortlessly graceful smile.

“Yes,” she paused, and Valestia felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up as she so often did when those wild eyes fixed themselves on her. “I won’t hurt her.”

Oriannae was not the mind reader, between them, and it was sometimes difficult to endure the accuracy with which she read expression and posture, picking up minute details that would have thrown a magister’s unshakeable passivity. Valestia forced herself to smile and shrugged, diverting the topic.

“Where did you get them?”

Oriannae moved, and her sister moved towards her, panic ruling her in that moment of desperation to reach them before Elendae was carried away. But the child was brought to her, instead, deposited safely in her protective grasp before her aunt stepped back again. Knowing eyes gave her one last look of disappointment.

“He makes sure I take care of...things.”

Valestia frowned, tugging her fingers through Elendae’s soft ringlets absently.

“Who does?”

Oriannae was drifting away, moving to stand before the window. Long, delicate fingers traced the frame, teased one of the netted wards.

“I should have used the door,” she murmured in realization. “I’ll work on that.”

The wards fell away as Lesti came to her own sense of awareness, fading once more to dormant obscurity.

“Oriannae?”

“Ah,” the taller elf turned away from the open air, and the moonlight that now caught in her hair and framed her form. “My one does.”

“Your...one?” The choice of words had clearly failed Valestia’s sister again, but she didn’t like what they implied. A sinking feeling was settling in her stomach as she pressed the question.

“My...mate? My man?” Orianne smiled, shrugging as she tested the next word fondly. “My love?”

“What are you SAYING?” Valestia hissed in a panic, stepping closer herself, now. “Oriannae, what did I tell you about men?”

Her sister gave her a flat, unamused look and answered in kind.

“That they would want to have sex with me.”

“Did you-”

“Yes.”

Their father would have killed her, Valestia thought, dizzied by the revelation. She was supposed to take CARE of her youngest sister, and she had quietly done her best, for years, since the fall of Quel’thalas. She housed Oriannae out of the way in small forest cottages and supplied them with everything she might need, moving her from time to time in an effort to keep things interesting and engaging for her.

As time went on however, she had simply become impossible to contain, without locking her away, and these days it was all Valestia could do to pray she came home when she got hungry and her foraging skills failed her. She had TRIED to make sure her sister avoided strangers and especially avoided men, but she had clearly done so without success.

“Ori, we talked about this. You can't just sleep with somebody like that.”

“Why not?” the younger sister voiced the question pointedly but without rancor. “You have sex with your mate.”

“And I have a CHILD,” Valestia insisted, taking as much advantage as she could of Orianne’s rare lucidity to try and break though. She turned Elendae so the drowsy toddler and her sister could look one another in the face. “What are you going to do if there's a child?”

She saw the younger elf pause, saw the ghost of a frown begin to turn her lips. Then Ori stepped closer, reaching out to run her fingers through Elendae’s caramel tresses. The little girl reached out and grasped her hand, and both smiled. Oriannae turned her gaze back to Valestia, and answered with an uncharacteristic confidence.

“That is for he and I to think on.”

“Why don't you come home? We can talk more about this and-”

“No,” the younger interjected again. “I am staying with him.”

“STAYING?” Valestia flinched at her own raised voice. “Ori, you don't stay anywhere! Does he know where you are, right now?”

Oriannae knit her fine brow, gesturing back towards the bedroom.

“You don't tell him where you are, all the time,” she chided, gold eyes sharpening as Valestia flinched at the knowing statement.  “And he does not stay in one place, more than I do.”

“He doesn't?” the older sister pressed, shaking her head in disbelief. “What sort of man is he? A farstrider? A mercenary? An outlaw?”

Oriannae pursed her lips slowly, and answered reluctantly.

“He hunts them.”

“Them?” Valestia asked faintly, paling with trepidation.

“THEM.” Oriannae answered slowly, with emphasis.

“-ORIANNAE-, TELL ME YOU'RE -NOT- SLEEPING WITH AN -ILLIDARI?!”

Oriannae stuck a finger in her ear, squinting an eye as the house roused at the hollered outburst. Xaereth’s voice called from the other room, groggy but tight with urgency. Steel scraped from a sheath. Downstairs, the agitated whines and roars of the big cats rumbled off the walls.

“ORI, THEY'RE DANGEROUS!” the tirade continued. Elendae began to cry softly. “YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO- LIGHT!” A pause, then a horrified rasp. “You’re not sleeping with LERION are you?”

“NO,” Oriannae answered flatly just before Xaereth burst into the room, giving both sisters pause to stare at him and the naked steel in his hand.

“Oriannae. Lesti…?”

“Not our An’da’s son,” Oriannae filled the silence that stood between them. “His.”

“Who’s?”

“-Lesti?-”

Oriannae nodded at Xaereth.

“His friend's...Anda’s...son.” Oriannae was searching for words again as Valestia’s agitation caused the rest of the room’s to rise.

“What friend?!”

“I will go now.”

“NO!”

“Lesti?!”

She was out the window before Valestia could even think to raise the wards again.

(Tagging @xcloudbreaker and @blackbinder for mentions)

[vcloudbreaker]

Both hate and love are born of fear.

Her mother

[vcloudbreaker]

From the back of the Libram

Armeus Forgefury

I did not think a worse creature than Lucius could exist in the Order, at the time. In five short minutes, the “Knight Lord” reduced me to TERROR. I was never AFRAID of Lucius, not for a moment. That man I feared, as I have never feared anyone.

I was ready to die, then and there. I was so frightened for the Order, I was ready to throw my life away on his blade, to prevent that madness. Then Lucius...Lucius of all people, came to our rescue. 

They were still arguing the point, when the investigation arrested Lucius. So much happening, so quickly-- no more than half an hour from when Forgefury appeared to the arrest. I went from terror, to hope, to despair.

It was what I thought I had wanted. It was what I KNEW I would see done. But, I didn’t want it, anymore.

I spent every night of Lucius’ imprisonment outside his cell. Most of every day. I had been assigned part of the investigation. I THREW myself into it- not to condemn him anymore-- but to find the truth. I had to know beyond doubt that he deserved to be where I helped put him. Easier, if we had crossed blades. That was how it SHOULD have been.

What I would find, over the next few months, as a whirlwind of knights tugged me several different directions...those things have changed me forever.

[vcloudbreaker]

From the back of the Libram

We nearly bathed the Hall in blood, after you walked away from the argument that night. I don’t know if you ever realized how bad Aeliana and I were having it out, with Lucius. I think we nearly split the assembly in two.

We heard him plot and threaten to kill us both, in those days. We considered it, in turn. She infiltrated his ranks in guise of peace with intent to finish him.

I thought he had killed her, when she disappeared the first time.

When she came back, she took up an assassin’s blade and armor, once her lot, it seemed. She told me she was going to find a more familiar way to kill him.

I wonder if she succeeded, that time. I have not seen either of them, in many months. 

Just as well. I was a worse person, in either of their company. Maybe I am, still, for it. They certainly left marks on me, both.

[vcloudbreaker]

From the back of the Libram

I don’t remember becoming a Knight-Master. I didn’t realize it, until I was trying to think to tell you about it, just now.

It must have something to do with the block. That’s unsettling. Maybe it’s just as well that I’m taking a step back, for now.

[vcloudbreaker]

From the back of the Libram

I don’t know what I have next to tell you. I know it was during the purge of the Sunreavers in Dalaran. I know I didn’t handle it well.

I had Mourne put a block in because I was having fits from it, on Draenor. He’s the only one who can touch the Shadow I would let touch my mind. Needed someone to do it. Putting blocks on yourself doesn’t ever hold long.

I’ll have to remove it, before long, I’ve the means to do so. After we’re done with Draenor, though. It will have to wait that long, at least.