Betrayal

Kyliska was livid. She stormed about the training yard at Sunfire Estate. Not a soul was brave enough to get within any distance of her. She would switch from screaming obscenities to beating up one of the training dummies, to taking a few gulps from the wine bottles she had brought outside with her. She had not been having a good few weeks, and this just was the icing on the cake. That her supposed allies and friends decided to surprise her with leaving her House, and forming a new one. Embarassing her in front of so many other nobles, it was such a betrayal and just wrong.

Kyliska spit on the ground in disgust. She replayed the scene over and over in her mind. She thought she handled herself graciously enough, there was not more that she could have done in front of so many witnesses. She had to hold her composure, even though she was burning up inside and just wanted to beat the living shit out of Tyavel Spellblaze. Kyli knew that she along with her brother were most likely the masterminds behind the whole plan, but then Selenthiel did not say a word. She might have also had a crucial role to play, Kyli was too mad to even try to speak to her about it. She thought she was her friend, her close friend. True Kyli herself kept secrets from Sel, but she thought she might have at least given her some notice as to what was going to happen. Or tried to stop it even!

Kyliska collapsed on the ground and took a deep drink from another wine bottle and then she felt a presence at her side. She looked lazily to see Braeth'el sitting beside her. "Brae, how could I have been so stupid? I should have seen this coming..." she started.

Braeth'el put a reassuring arm around her shoulders and held her close to him. "Kyli, there was no way that you could have known that the Spellblazes were going to leave like that, how could you?"

Kyliska looked down and her cheeks turned red. "Well I forgot to mention that I told Andithiel about Biara....."

Braeth'el's expression turned into a frown and he pulled away slightly from Kyliska. "You did what?"

"Before you go scolding me like some child, of course I know that was a bad decision. At the time I thought I could trust him. He was apart of our House and also it kinda just spilled out." she said. "It was when we were going to rescue Morgaath. It had just happened and I was not in my right state of mind. I was foolish to think I could trust Andi, I thought there was some part of the Andi that I had fallen in love with, the part I knew I could trust. Apparently he used my moment of weakness against me."

Tears began to fall down Kyliska's face. Her anger turned to sadness. Braeth'el's face softened. "Oh Kyli. I know what Biara did to you, to us, to everyone was a shock. I know you have not been yourself because of it. I don't blame you for trusting Andi with that secret, even though I do not agree with what you did, I understand it. He is a fool, and good riddance to him and his family if they would abandon our pact over this. It was not like we knew what Biara had done, what secrets she was keeping from us. We were not colluding with her for Light's sake!"

Kyliska hugged Braeth'el tightly. "I know my love. The Spellblaze's took my moment of grief and turned it against me. Instead of us all coming together as one united front, they decided to throw it in my face, in front of so many people. I was made to look the fool all the while Tyavel and Andi were laughing at my stupidity. It's not right. And to make it worse, Sel just stood there and said nothing. Not only did I lose Biara, but I also lost Sel."

Braeth'el squeezed Kyliska even tighter and stroked her hair to soothe her. "They should have spoken to you in private instead of humiliating you publicly, I agree about that. But maybe this is a good thing. We can stay in the Estate and try to distance ourselves from Silvermoon for a while, hmm? Let you rest and heal."

Kyliska stood up suddenly. "And let them win? I don't think so! I need to find a way to retaliate! Tyavel thinks I'm not fit to be a leader well I must find a way to prove her wrong! No one humiliates Kyliska Sunblade and gets away with it! Biara already did that and I still have to make her pay for her sins. Don't think I forgot about that, I want her dead for what she did to me. Tyavel, I obviously do not want dead but I want her to feel as I felt this night."

Braeth'el stood slowly and eyed Kyliska cautiously. "Kyli, do you think that is wise? Maybe we should just let the dust settle a bit. Just relax and take some time to think things through..."

"Brae, if I were you I would either help me or stay out of my way. Maybe I will call on Melsana and see if she has any suggestions on how to help. She has been a great friend as of late. She is refreshing to be around. She tells me like it is, she never beats around the bush. I like that brutal honesty. Sometimes that is exactly what I need." she paused. "I know you are just trying to help my love, but I need to do something. I feel like all I have been doing is sitting idly by and letting things just happen to me. I let Biara deceive me for my entire life, I let the Spellblaze's betray me. I cannot just stand by any longer. I will not drink myself into a stupor, I will take action!"

With that Kyliska gave Braeth'el a quick but passionate kiss and ran inside the Estate to find Melsana. Braeth'el was left standing there with his mouth open. He did not think this was a good idea, but if it kept Kyliska's mind busy maybe it was for the best that he did not interfere. He would watch from a distance to make sure she didn't make a terrible mistake of course, but he was curious to see where her plan might take her.

The Fall of Felo'melorn

This was written by Biara

*House Felo’melorn garrison, Frostfire Ridge. Midnight.*

The portal flashed brightly, the magic in it swirling with a fel green light as a form emerged from the glow and materialized within the chamber that sat at the heart of the tower in Felo’melorn garrison. The Sin’dorei who had just appeared shook off the effects of the teleportation spell, looking around cautiously before beginning to walk towards the door leading out of the tower.

“Going somewhere, Denissia?” a voice stated coldly behind the Sin’dorei.

Denissia gasped in surprise, spinning in place on her feet to take in the form of Tyavel emerging from the shadows off to one side of the portal room. The Magistrix had a cold, angry expression on her face, her arms crossed as she stood, awaiting an explanation. Denissia gasped, guilt written plainly across her face even as she scrambled to throw the other off, “I’m sorry, Magistrix Felo’melorn, I’m not sure exactly what you mean…”

“Don’t give me that,” Tyavel snapped, striding stiffly towards the warlock, a cold anger stirring in her eyes. “I am quite aware of your recent activities. Did you think you would come to and from a military installation controlled by our House without my knowledge? Hardly.”

Denissia swallowed a lump in her throat, shaking her head, “I-it’s not like that. I was just…the things I’m working on are not subjects that others in the House ought to be involved in.” 

“Do not patronize me, Denissia,” Tyavel responded, turning to look at the portal in the center of the room. “I am aware that you have modified the destination of this portal, and that you were meeting orcs somewhere within Frostfire. Do you think I’m blind, or a fool?” She turned to stare at the other Sin’dorei, her voice menacing now, “More precisely, I know what kind of orcs you were meeting with and what type of magic they practice with. For how long have you been in league with the Shadow Council?”

Denissia gasped, her eyes wide, “N-no! I’m not in league with them! Please, Magistrix Felo’melorn, you have to believe me! I was simply using them to access more powerful spells. Just think on it for a moment, we have here the opportunity to study the birth of the fel arts, to learn the most powerful of 

their spells. How could we pass up such a chance?”

Tyavel’s response was spat out a moment later, “By controlling ourselves. We are not Wretched to suckle on every bit of magic that comes our way. You will be made to pay for working and aiding enemies of this fortification. Why, as soon as my sister Selenthiel awakens I shall bring the matter to her attention and we will see exactly what will become of you. I suspect she will, at the very least, want to cleanse your-“

Tyavel’s words were cut off as the tower was rocked by a massive blast, the entire structure shaking from the impact. Eyes wide, Tyavel’s hands came out before her, an image hovering over one of her outstretched palms appearing after a whispered word. She gasped, staring at the image in horror,

“You stupid little girl…I was not the only one tracking your movements it seems. You’ve brought down an entire battalion of the Iron Horde upon us. You’ve doomed us all!”

Denissia stared at the image in horror, backing away slowly as another blast rocked the tower, the sound of distant cannon-fire echoing through the night quickly followed by screams and the blowing of war-horns to call House Felo’melorn’s military forces to readiness. High above them, the sound of iron shredding through timbers with a loud crack could be heard, and the structure rumbled again, the cracking intensifying as some of the support beams above them gave way.

Denissia hurled herself to the ground, rocks and wood plummeting down upon her and Tyavel as the tower partially gave way from the force of the blast. Dust filled the air, choking her as she crawled across the rubble strewn ground. After a moment, she was finally able to see clearly again, dragging herself to her feet to find herself mostly uninjured. She turned and gasped again, seeing that the Magistrix had not fared as well.

Tyavel lay beneath a splintered beam, her eyes closed as the force of the impact had temporarily rendered her unconscious. Blood trickled from her mouth, and it was not clear if she was merely pinned or actually crushed by the heavy wood. Above her, the ruined top of the spirit lodge burned, flames roaring from the explosion that had taken the structure.

Denissia dusted herself off, smirking down at the unconscious Magistrix, “Well…it seems this has worked out to my advantage after all, provided of course I make it out of here alive. I am sorry, Magistrix Felo’melorn, but it appears the same cannot be said for you. It was a pleasure to work with you, but I fear our time is done. Farewell!” With that, she turned and stumbled out of the burning structure, heading into the chaos that had suddenly consumed the garrison’s central courtyard beyond.

A few moments after she had gone, a cough escaped Tyavel, her eyes fluttering open and looking around dully. Pain wracked her body, and she knew she had been badly injured. After a moment of studying her surroundings and realizing with rising panic that she could not get free, she saw the flames above her slowly beginning to consume the tower. Terrified now, she looked towards the center of the chamber, a painful gasp escaping her as she realized the blast had destroyed the anchors that had been stabilizing the portals in the room. They were all trapped in the doomed garrison now, at the mercy of the massive Iron Horde assault she had seen in her scrying spell.

A cold fury passed over her face, and Tyavel vowed silently she would not die alone, nor without having her vengeance. In excruciating pain, she managed to slide one of her hands in front of her face, her palm held up in front of her. In a whisper, she spoke words into a meager spell that had formed atop her hand, her voice strained with pain, “Magistrix Dayfire….please hear my words. I beseech you for aid…”

***********************************************

Biara’s head snapped around as the spell appeared beside her, Tyavel’s words whispered into the air. She had been working in her laboratory, and opened tomes sat strewn across the table in front of her alongside alchemy experiments that were in progress. The whisper of Tyavel’s magic echoed through the room a moment longer, the message repeating two times before fading, the spell dying out.

Biara’s hands came up, powerful magic flickering in the air around her as she reached out, attempting to contact Tyavel with her own spells. Try as she might, she could not re-establish the link nor regain magical communication with the other Magistrix. Worry began to gnaw at her, for Tyavel was not one to call for aid lightly, nor would Biara have ordinarily been her first choice unless it was a dire military emergency and they were calling upon House Sunfire to fulfill its part of their alliance. In a hurry, Biara let her magic fade and then began a new spell, tendrils of her power stretching across space and time, bending it all to her will to form an oval of space in front of her that showed her House Felo’melorn’s garrison from the air. She looked down upon it, a ragged gasp escaping her as she realized what was happening.

A moment later Biara had let the spell expire, her high heels pounding on the stones of her laboratory as she dashed out of the room, her experiments utterly forgotten as she shouted for the guards, for Braeth’el, and for her sister.

****************************************************

Selenthiel cried out as one of her men was impaled by a thrown spear, the Sin’dorei falling back amongst the other defenders, her Light having little effect on such a deadly wound. She brought her hands up, straining to keep her magic flowing as more and more of her men were wounded, arrows and spears flying over the wall towards them as the Iron Horde assaulted the exterior of the fortification.

Awakened by surprise in the middle of the night to the sound of screams and explosions from artillery landing on their positions, Selenthiel had dashed from her temporary quarters in the garrison and rushed to the wall. As soon as she had arrived at its top she knew they were in trouble, for an endless sea of Iron Horde orcs lay beyond, their forms disappearing into the horizon and their siege weapons already being put into position, a few firing ragged cannon-fire over the wall to strike structures further within the compound.

Light flowed through her, her presence an inspiration to those around her as they valiantly began to return fire, arrows flying down into the advancing orcs with precision that only elven rangers could muster. Dozens and then hundreds of orcs fell in the first barrage, but still they kept coming, siege towers being pushed forward amongst them so that they could take the wall by storm. That so many of them had approached the garrison in the night was astounding to Selenthiel, but she had little time to consider the reasons why as they continued their attack.

The first wave of attackers began to falter under the barrage of elven archery, and Selenthiel’s heart rose as she began to hope that they might hold the enemy from the walls completely. She reached out to touch one of the soldiers beside her, Light flowing into him and staunching the flow of blood from an arrow wound. He sighed in relief, nodding his thanks and retrieving his bow as the soldiers around them continued to fire down on the enemy.

In the distance, a bright red light flared, drawing Selenthiel’s gaze across the length of the battlefield. There, along a ridge top in the distance, a metallic orb had been pushed into position, the object beginning to spin and spitting out flames as it rotated. In horror Selenthiel watched it, her gaze locked on the object as it was released from its moorings, the siege weapon rolling swiftly across the battlefield and crushing anyone too clumsy to get out of its path.

The Iron Star gained momentum, its metallic exterior deflecting arrows as it hurtled towards the garrison, the weapon impacting the walls just to the east of Selenthiel’s position. Instantly it detonated, the massive blast so huge that it hurled all of the defenders on the wall to their knees, debris raining down upon them and the screams of the dying crying out over the roar of flames.

Smoke filled the air, and Selenthiel found herself coughing as she forced herself back to her feet. 

Once her vision had cleared enough for her to see again, horror grew within her. The Iron Star had not only killed many of the defenders on the part of the wall it had struck, but it had utterly decimated the fortification, leaving a gaping hole in the defenses that even now Iron Horde orcs had begun to pour through. Already the ladders leading up to the walls upon which Selenthiel stood were cut off, and it was clear that they would have to not only defend the wall from the ongoing attack waves beyond, but now hold the interior of the wall from the invaders.

And all of this with only a fraction of the garrison’s remaining defenders. Selenthiel shook her head, tears on her cheeks as she realized how many had already fallen and how many more would fall before it was over. Her voice was a whisper on the wind as she steeled herself to fight on, “Light protect us and save us.”

****************************************

Andithiel had been summoned to the garrison’s command center when the attack began. Already irritated by the fact that he had been summoned to the garrison to speak with his sister Tyavel, his mood was foul as he realized he would be forced to deal with the impending threat against the base since his sister was absent from central command.

“Lord Felo’melorn! Iron Horde orcs are moving siege towers up beyond the wall. They’ve got three cannons in position on a ridge over to the south,” one of Andithiel’s captains stated, pointing to a map.

“Aye Lord, they’ve already begun pelting our positions with artillery,” a second captain joined in.

“Unless we can form a sortie beyond the wall we’ll be slowly ground down beneath their attack. I would recommend we clear the base of the walls first with reinforcements here and here.”

Andithiel studied the map that his captains were pointing towards, nodding at them, his voice grim,

“We will deal with these pests. Prepare the men to deploy as you’ve advised, and someone fetch my bow. Also send a runner to see if you can locate my sister, Tyavel. The Magistrix is nowhere to be found and this is supposed to be her task to handle.”

“Yes, my Lord!” the two captains barked in unison, bowing towards Andithiel. A moment later elves had scattered, heading out towards their duties, orders echoing through the stone building. A Sin’dorei approached Andithiel, his bow in hand and a full quiver alongside it. Andithiel took the weapon and nodded his thanks, arming himself and wishing he had thought to bring his hunting cat with him; he hadn’t planned on engaging in battle or even needing weapons when he’d arrived a few hours earlier via the portal.

He turned, heading towards the entrance to the command center even as a few elves stumbled in through the opening, their clothing covered with soot and a few looking wounded. Andithiel noted one amongst them and approached her, his tone demanding, “Denissia! Where is my sister? Have you seen the Magistrix?”

Denissia blinked, soot staining her face as she shook her head, “No, Lord Felo’melorn. I’ve not seen her at all this evening. I was crossing the courtyard when the attack began. Several of us thought to seek shelter here as this structure is reinforced.”

“Yes, it is. Very well then, stay here and I will go out and rout these creatures from our base,” Andithiel instructed her. Without another word or look in her direction, he strode out into the courtyard.

The scene that met his eyes was utter chaos. Craters littered the open space between the garrison’s buildings, several of the structures on fire from the artillery barrage and the spirit lodge looking partially collapsed. Sin’dorei military forces had begun to gather in the open space, many cheering at him and offering him salutes as he strung his bow, preparing himself for battle. He nodded at the men, his eyes narrowed as he began to decide where to send each unit.

Just as he had begun to open his mouth to speak, the blast from the Iron Star crushed the wall beyond the burning spirit lodge, hurling him and all of his men to the ground form the force of the impact. Stones and bits of wood landed all around them, the cries of the dying echoing out as he coughed and peered through the smoke.

Forms emerged from the flames and ash, orcs pouring through the newly made breach in the wall. In the distance along the wall’s edge, Andithiel saw a flash of Light and knew that at least one of his sisters still lived. He picked himself up off of the ground in a hurry, his voice echoing out to his men, “Hold them back! Retake the breach! For Quel’Thalas! For House Felo’melorn!”

A roar rose up around him as the Sin’dorei with him responded to his commands, elves dashing forward towards the orcs. Andithiel brought his bow up, arrow after arrow leaving his weapon, his skilled eyes sighting down each shaft and taking a foe with each pull. Blades clashed together, and the sounds of warcries rose up over the crackle of flames as Sin’dorei met orc in bloody hand to hand fighting. More orcs lurched out of the smoke, joining in the conflict and creating a mass of writhing combatants, the flow of battle moving first towards the breach and then back away from it as more orcs joined the combat.

No matter how many Andithiel cut down with his arrows, more sprang up to take their place. Sin’dorei bodies began to litter the courtyard as they were forcibly pushed back away from the breach, artillery continuing to rain down on the combat and sending shattered and dead Sin’dorei flying into the air. The surprise attack, the artillery, and the ferocity of the assault had all conspired against Andithiel’s men, and slowly they began to break, individual groups becoming cut off and dying in a hundred little heroic last stands that no one would remember.

Eyes wide with horror, Andithiel knew that unless they fell back to a more defensible position, they were all going to fall in the courtyard. But if he withdrew, it would leave his sister Selenthiel and those with her on the wall cut off from relief and allow more orcs into the compound. It was a difficult decision, only made when another round of artillery landed amongst Andithiel’s men and cut another dozen down.

Heart heavy, his voice rang out over the raging battle, “Fall back to the command center! Hold the doors! We’ll pin them in the narrow opening! Those who can’t get there fall back to the mines!”

As his men started to obey, Andithiel continued to fire his bow, only praying that their defeat would not become a complete rout, his mood black.

***************************************

House Sunfire’s war room was filled with elves, Kyliska having summoned her best captains to attend the emergency meeting. All of them leaned over a magically illuminated table surface, a vision of what was occurring at House Felo’melorn’s garrison dancing across the surface. Beside Kyliska stood Braeth’el, his gaze grim as he watched the images that Biara was conjuring for all to see.

After a moment, Biara’s chanting fell silent, the vision on the table surface stabilized so that she could speak to the others. Her voice was full of worry as she pointed at the image, “As you can all see, after receiving Magistrix Felo’melorn’s distress call, I immediately found that this was occurring at their garrison. Without immediate relief the entire fortification will fall, and even if we intervene we do not have sufficient forces to do anything but get their remaining men out of there. For some reason, the Iron Horde has launched a full scale assault on this position, almost as if they were attempting to remove some dire threat or had more than one purpose for their assault.”

Kyliska grimaced, staring down at the image as her sister spoke. She looked up at Biara, shaking her head, “There are thousands of orcs there. They aren’t going to last very long. We have to get there right now!”

Biara nodded, “I agree, Kyli. While you were gathering your captains I have been studying the image. I think that our best hope is to relieve them long enough to withdraw to portals and get their men to safety. If you see here in the image, it appears their spirit lodge was destroyed during the initial assault. I know that is where Magistrix Felo’melorn had conjured and anchored her portals, as unstable as they are in that land. Without that structure intact, there is nowhere for them to flee and I suspect their remaining magi are extremely busy attempting to repel the assault and don’t realize the danger.”

Biara paused for a minute, a manicured nail pointing at the image, “I propose that we open a portal to the exterior of the Iron Horde’s positions. We can assault the rear of their artillery and then take several of their siege towers and relieve what Sin’dorei remain on the wall. Kyli, if you do that, I can then open a second portal and slip into the middle of the Felo’melorn garrison. I will try to provide them with magical support to get a portal opened. We can evacuate them to our own fortifications and then back to Quel’Thalas.”

Braeth’el leaned forward, his voice concerned, “Your plan is sound, Biara. If we do this as you suggest, we will need to get in and out quickly. If we get bogged down in our assault…they’ll turn on us as well and they vastly outnumber even our forces.”

“Braeth’el’s right,” Kyliska agreed. “Also I don’t know if I like the idea of you going into the middle of…that…alone. You should be beside us, sister!”

Biara nodded, “I know I should, but if there is a chance that any of the Felo’melorns are alive in the midst of this we need to take that chance to get them out. I will have my apprentices create and maintain a stable portal where your forces will launch their assault. Your men can withdraw as soon as you’ve relieved the Sin’dorei on the walls, and with luck I will have withdrawn those within the central compound and saved as many as I can with a secondary portal.”

Kyliska nodded, worry on her face, “Just be careful Biara. Things have been so good, I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you now.”

Biara grinned at Kyliska, shaking her head, “It’s the Iron Horde. They don’t even have any adequate spellcasters. I will burn them alive if they challenge me. You must take care as well. Remember, you are the Lady Sunfire now and cannot risk yourself as you once did.”

Kyliska smirked and leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Biara, “I’ll try to remember! I will have my captains assemble the strike force. We’ll be ready within ten minutes; your plan of creating a rapid assault group was very wise now that we see what can happen on Draenor.”

Biara nodded, hugging her sister back before separating, “Sometimes I regret being right about things, Kyli. I’ll be ready in ten minutes. Let us hope the Felo’melorns can hold out that long.”

With that, Kyliska turned, her voice rising as she began to bark orders. Captains snapped to attention and then jumped to obey, armored and armed Sin’dorei scattering as they headed for the courtyard of Sunfire Estate where Biara would open the portals to begin the assault.

Biara lingered by the map for a moment, studying it and finalizing her plans in her mind. A Sin’dorei stirred behind her, clearing his throat to capture her attention. She turned, an eyebrow raised in question as she took in the form of a Blood Knight standing behind her, his long blonde hair neatly held in place by the black and red helm atop his head, “Yes? Sir…I’m sorry, I do not know all of Kyliska’s knights.”

“Evindar Everstrike,” the knight replied, a hand coming to his heart in salute. “You may not recall, Magistrix Dayfire, but it was myself and my companion Myriel who healed your wounds suffered earlier this week. Master at Arms Braeth’el instructed me to see to your well-being and ensure that your wounds properly healed.”

“Ah yes, thank you for that,” Biara replied, tilting her head. “Was there something you needed, Sir Everstrike?”

“Actually yes. I am simply notifying you that I will be coming with you through your portal,” the blood knight replied.

“What? I fear that will not be possible,” Biara replied, somewhat surprised.

“Lady Dayfire, I have been ordered to attend to your well-being. Your wound is not yet healed and you are about to proceed into a dangerous battle which may result in additional harm to your person,” Evindar said, his voice steady. “I have sworn oaths to this House and to my order. I will see those oaths fulfilled. I am coming with you.”

“You understand that this will be extremely dangerous and that we will be heading into the middle of a battle that we may not emerge from, correct?” Biara said, sounding amused now.

“I am, Lady Dayfire. I will fight by your side as I have sworn to do and no further harm will come to you,” Evindar replied stoically.

Biara smiled at him, dipping her head, “Very well then, Sir Everstrike, you may accompany me. Be in the courtyard in five minutes so that we can proceed, and be prepared for battle.”

“I am always prepared for battle, Lady Dayfire. I shall meet you as the assigned time,” Evindar stated calmly. He saluted her again, turning and marching sharply from the room, leaving Biara distracted with amusement for a moment. She shook her head, looking back at the map.

“I only hope we’re in time…” she whispered to no one.

*******************************************

Selenthiel cried out as a mace struck the shield of holy Light around her, the weapon held back by only a hair’s width from her flesh. The orc in front of her growled, bringing his weapon up again and then howling as a Sin’dorei blade slid into his gut, his blood spraying as he fell backwards and off the wall.

Chaos surrounded the priestess, orcs and Sin’dorei locked in deadly hand to hand combat as enemies scrambled up the ladders that lead to the top of the wall. Beyond the wall, siege towers had been pushed into position, more orcs pouring across their boarding ramps and slamming into the lightly armored Sin’dorei that held the top of the structure.

Arrows flew through the air, orcs screaming and falling from the wall as Selenthiel’s rangers attempted to stem the flow of enemies onto the wall’s top. Selenthiel’s hands came up, a protective barrier of Light surrounding her men as shrapnel impacted it from a nearby cannon, the Iron Horde so callous that their shots struck their own attackers in the backs. Only through Selenthiel’s intervention had her men not fallen to the same fate.

She was like a beacon of hope to her allies, and like a target to her foes, the flashing Light on her hands drawing their attacks even as the magic healed those around her and fortified them for further battle. Sin’dorei dove in front of her, sometimes literally using their bodies as shields to keep her from harm, their blood on her hands as if she had spilled it herself.

Never had Selenthiel seen such brutality or bloodshed. The battle raged on, thousands of combatants involved all across the garrison. Selenthiel could see the central courtyard had been completely overrun, additional buildings now on fire as the Iron Horde pressed in, setting more of them alight and attempting to burn everything to the ground. Sin’dorei forces fell back towards the central compound, arrows lashing out from the command center to take any orcs foolish enough to approach it.

Selenthiel tore her gaze away from the scene below, concentration knitting her brow as she healed yet more of the elves with her, keeping them up as dozens of fresh attackers rushed the wall from a nearby siege tower, throwing victory into question for a tense few moments as her rangers responded, cutting many of them down but also losing many of their own numbers, their bodies tumbling from the wall to fall into the chaos below. Flames crackled up the side of the wall as a flame-throwing weapon detonated in the courtyard below, an arrow protruding from the tanks that held its propellant.

Selenthiel took a deep breath, calming herself and attempting to bring her emotions in check as she called out to the Light, molding the energies as she willed it, using it to aid her men and to dazzle and blind her foes. It came to her, a powerful tool in the hands of a Sin’dorei that wielded it as a magi might hurl fire. Orcs howled, falling back from her holy form even as her rangers surged forward, renewed hope filling them.

Selenthiel looked out into the distance as the immediate threat faded, her heart sinking and hope fading as she saw another of the Iron Stars being prepared for use, this time the object aimed right at her. She swallowed a lump in her throat, fear rising within her.

And then, curiously, a flash of bright blue light blinked into existence on the distant horizon behind the siege engines.

*************************************

Kyliska surged out of the portal, her blade already cutting into an orc seconds after she had blinked the teleportation spell out of her eyes, his blood splattering her armor and hair. She grinned, her sword coming down on a second stunned siege engineer, blood knights pouring from the portal behind her, roaring battle cries on their lips.

Kyliska howled in delight, her blade dancing in front of her, her fury and rage allowed free reign for a moment. Orcs scattered before her, crushed under her greaves or pierced by her weapon, the entire flank of the Iron Horde assault beginning to fold as more and more of her men charged through the portal. Triumphant, indestructible, Kyliska’s shout echoed above the battle in pure joy, “For Quel’Thalas! For the Horde! KILL THEM ALL!”

Kyliska didn’t pause, her momentum unchecked as she dashed forward, cutting down more and more of the engineers at the rear of the line. An orc surged up before her, a lit explosive in his hand. With a grin she swung her sword, the weapon shearing off the orc’s arm and sending it flying up into the air. The gore-spewing limb tumbled end over end as the orc fell before her, and Kyliska casually turned her sword and swatted the limb with the flat of the blade, as if playing a game with a ball. It tumbled end over end, flying towards a group of cannons sitting nearby, falling between them, the explosive still clutched in its severed fingers detonating a moment later.

An earth-shattering explosion rocked the battlefield as three cannons detonated all at once, chunks of red hot metal and bits of dead orcs peppering the enemy forces, black smoke rising up and the crackle of flames drowning out the screams of those who were dying from their wounds.

For a moment Kyliska paused, sword gripped in two hands as she looked down from a rise on the orc forces below her. Many looked up at her, seeing a gore-covered Sin’dorei, her cape fluttering in the raging winds of the howling flames the illuminated her back, her blonde hair waving in the breezes around her face, a smile of delight on her face as she stared down at them, her feet set to charge again.

On the ridge behind her, dozens and then hundreds of blood knights took up position, Braeth’el slipping beside Kyliska as they looked down on the orcs below and took in the sight of the burning Felo’melorn garrison in the distance. Kyliska brought her sword up high, blood dripping from it as she howled, “For House Felo’melorn! For House Sunfire! DEATH TO THE IRON HORDE!”

With that she dashed down the rise, sword raised high, hundreds of war cries rising up behind her as her knights followed suit, the orcs before her breaking in terror as they were taken from the rear, the blood-raging knight already cutting some of them down before the rest of her men even reach the enemy’s lines.

They surged forward, Kyliska veering off her original course and slamming into a half-dozen orcs that attempted to block her path, her eyes affixed on a new objective. Orcs circled her even as she cut three down, attempting to stab her in the back only to find themselves facing the lithe and deadly form of Braeth’el fighting beside her. He dashed through their midst, daggers flashing as he slit one’s throat and gutted a second, both weapons plunging into the heart of a third. Kyliska laughed, the concept of having someone fighting at her side like this one she had not dreamed of, bloodlust, delight, and rage all making her heart pound in her chest as she cut another orc down.

Those before the charging Sin’dorei fell back, crushed beneath the advance of House Sunfire, Kyliska dashing ahead and reaching the object she’d sought; the prepped Iron Star. With a grin she dashed around the side if it, her sword coming out and slamming into a mooring on the left of the mounting that held it in place. The deadly, spinning siege weapon tipped sideways as its frame was damaged, the rolling ball of the weapon making contact with the ground and mis-aligning itself, hurtling off of its carriage and right into the middle of the Iron Horde advance, away from its intended target of Felo’melorn garrison.

Orcs were crushed by the massive metal weight as it rolled over them, flames spewing from it and burning enemies alive. It made it halfway down the slope of the hill before it collided with a siege tower that was being pushed forward, the weapon slamming into the tower and detonating.

In the center of the battlefield, a light so bright that it could not be looked upon flared up, metal, wood and dead Iron Horde orcs flying through the air, a massive crater torn out of the ground from the deadly blast. Kyliska waved her sword in the air, laughing merrily as the orange glow of the flames illuminated her features, her howling taken up by the men with her. She dashed around the wrecked siege engine’s carriage and plunged further down the slope, heading towards Felo’melorn garrison and a piece of the wall where she saw flashes of Light atop the barricade. She knew just who that might be, and that it was time to relieve her friend and ally.

Behind her, hundreds of knights charged, carving through the entire right flank of the Iron Horde’s assault.

**********************************************

“We can’t hold them back much longer, Lord Felo’melorn!” a guard shouted through the packed command center. Beyond, the structure was rocked as more blasts echoed across the courtyard, the sounds of screaming and clash of blades coming through the opening of the structure.

“Hold the line dammit! We can’t let them get through the door!” Andithiel shouted. He was leaning over a map table, his fist coming down to slam into the wooden surface as he glared at the men around him, “Are you feeble humans or Sin’dorei? We need to hold this compound at all costs! There is nowhere left to fall back to!”

The men around him saluted, grim looks on their faces as they scurried about to issue orders. Other Sin’dorei in the room, mostly civilians, huddled together in fear, many staring at him as if in accusation, at least that is how he perceived it. As if it were his fault that the Iron Horde had launched a surprise assault. He slammed his fist into the table again, taking a ragged breath and running his hands through his hair, trying to think.

A bright blue light suddenly flared to life in the room, causing Andithiel to turn and blink in surprise. As the light faded, a portal stabilized and held, two figures pushing through it. To Andithiel’s surprise, Biara Dayfire appeared, accompanied by a blonde blood knight he’d never seen before.

“Lord Felo’melorn! What is the status of your defenses?” Biara snapped, eyes instantly focusing on him.

“Biara Dayfire…? What are you doing here-“ Andithiel began.

Biara cut him off, striding towards him, “Lord Felo’melorn, we need to get your people out of here. I need to know the status of security around this structure so I can determine where it is best to keep the portal open.”

“Oh, how very thoughtful of you,” Andithiel snapped, shaking his head, his voice sarcastic and sounding tired, “Did your lovely sister come with you too? Should I have wine and tarts put out? I don’t have time for this; I’ve got to see to my men. Two of you aren’t going to make a difference here.”

Biara’s eyes widened in fury and she lurched towards Andithiel, her hands coming out and pushing him backwards by his chest. He looked at her in shock as she raged towards him, the fact that he was much taller than her having not an iota of impact as she shouted up into his face, “Get ahold of yourself right this minute! Your people are dying out there! This is no time for your pouting or childish moods! I want a status report right now. I’m going to save your people even if you don’t like it, so deal with it.”

Andithiel reeled back in surprise, not expecting the Magistrix to lay her hands on him, her words sinking in rather quickly. Sheepishly, he replied, his tone low, “We’re trapped in this building. They’ve breached the walls. The last I saw Selenthiel she was fighting on the outer wall. Whether she still lives I do not know.”

Biara nodded, her voice low, “Relief is coming to your sister. What of Tyavel? I received a distress call from her. Where is she?”

Andithiel shook his head, gesturing towards Denissia in the crowd of onlookers, “I’ve seen no sign of her, nor has Denissia. She may have been by the spirit lodge when the assault began but I do not know.”

Biara’s eyes darted into the crowd, locking with Denissia’s and taking the other by surprise. In that moment, something passed across Denissia’s face and she averted her gaze. Biara’s hands clenched into fists and she pushed her way through the crowd, leaving a perplexed Andithiel behind as she approached the warlock, "Where is she?”

Denissia blinked in surprise, her gaze returning to Biara, “I-I don’t know. I mean…I’m sure she was in the lodge. That is where she does all of her work…”

Biara snarled, darting forward and grabbing the warlock by the arm. Her hand lashed out, backhanding the other Sin’dorei across the face. Denissia’s head rocked to the side as Biara struck her a second time, and then a third, “Where. Is. She. I can taste the taint of fel magic on you from here. You’ve been using demonic gateways this day. You stink of it. What befell the Magistrix?! If you were involved, so help me you will wish you had never been born.”

“N-no, I d-don’t…” Denissia began.

Biara actually hissed, a hand coming up and grabbing Denissia by the throat, pinning her to the wall of the command center, her razor sharp nails digging into Denissia’s neck and her faces inches from the warlock. In her free hand, flames began to dance along her fingertips, “If you don’t tell me where she is right this instant, I will burn you to cinders, you traitorous little bitch.”

Denissia swallowed hard, her voice coming out in s squeak, “S-she was in the spirit lodge. Part of it collapsed o-on her. She was trapped there. C-can’t get to her now.”

Biara shoved Denissia away, pushing the warlock to the floor, “The fel I can’t. I will deal with you later.”

She turned, striding back to a shocked Andithiel, “Your sister is in the spirit lodge. I’m going to get her. The rest of these people here can be evacuated through this portal to House Sunfire’s garrison. We’ll get them back to Quel’Thalas from there. You will accompany me with your men.”

Andithiel’s lip curled into a sneer and he opened his mouth to speak, before he could reply Biara turned from him, pointing to his men, “You and you. Get me ten or fifteen soldiers right now. We’re getting Magistrix Felo’melorn. We’ll leave the Lord here to have his fit in private.”

With that she turned, striding towards the entrance to the command center, elves hopping to obey her, Evindar a silent armored figure behind her. As she neared the entrance, she could see fighters engaged in melee in the opening. Her hands came up, flames arcing outwards and cutting down the orcs that were assaulting the structure. She pushed forward, Sin’dorei trailing behind her as she emerged from the command center.

The courtyard beyond was a nightmare, flames and debris everywhere. The corpses of many orcs and fallen defenders littered the ground, and the battle raged on. Blessedly, for some reason the artillery had suddenly fallen silent and the Sin’dorei emerging behind Biara realized they would be able to push forward again.

Biara ran into the thick of the combat, flames already lashing out and spells on her lips as she cut down orcs left and right. Beside her, Evindar charged into battle, his shield deflecting orcish swords as his sword cut down one foe after another. Additional Sin’dorei charged into the melee, Andithiel following with a sullen look on his face.

“I’m glad you decided to join us, Lord Felo’melorn,” Biara said merrily, spells slashing into the orcs in front of them. Andithiel merely grunted at her, his bow coming up as he cut down more orcs. In the distance, a horn sounded and more Iron Horde pushed towards them, the surge suddenly engulfing them and sweeping Andithiel’s men backwards from the force of the combat. Lord Felo’melorn fell back with his men, fighting in a compact group that was slowly pushed back towards the command center.

Biara cleared a space around herself, her raging flames cutting down so many orcs that they diverted around her to avoid her. To Biara’s surprise, Evindar stayed with her the entire time, his presence always a comfort at her back as she advanced. Halfway to the burning spirit lodge she paused, four orcs coming from amongst the foes and circling her. She watched them warily, for each of them was unarmored and carried ceremonial daggers; she had finally found the Iron Horde’s spellcasters.

The orcs moved around her in a clockwise direction, their hands held in front of them. Biara felt Evindar place his back against hers, the two spinning in time as they were circled. Biara studied them, realizing that she was about to face a deadly spellduel. Deep within her, she let her control of her magic go, power surging up through her and almost sighing with relief as the pent up energies were finally given outlet.

In front of her an orc began to chant, a second one to her right gesturing while one behind her began his own spell. Biara pointed, counterspelling the orc in front of her while her right hand flicked out, a ball of flames slamming into the orc that had begun to gesture. Behind her she felt Evindar stir, his shield lashing out and cracking the orc behind her across the face, utterly ruining his spell. The fourth orc lifted a wand, pointing it at her and firing the weapon. Bolts of ice flew between them, powerful runes of warding flickering around Biara’s body as they absorbed the magic.

She grinned at the surprised orc, speaking in his own language as she brought her hands up, “For all your power, your magics are as nothing to me. I am a Magistrix. I am a Sin’dorei. I am magic.”

Biara’s hands came up above her head, power flaring to life above her. The very sky above their little cut off corner of the battle glowed red as flames descended from the heavens. The two orcs in front of Biara had time only to cry out as a ball of flames fell from the sky, blasting the ground in a furious explosion that snuffed them out of existence in a heartbeat. Biara whirled, her hands coming up to her lips as she breathed across the palm of her hand, a deadly dragon’s breath spell spewing from her lips and engulfing a third spellcaster just as he was about to let fly with his own spell. Beside her, Evindar ran the fourth of the orcs through with his blade, his greaves coming up to kick the dead orc from the weapon.

For a moment, Evindar turned to see Biara staring at him, a raging inferno of flames serving as a backdrop for her fiery red hair as she met his gaze, the hem of her dress fluttering in the wind of the flames. She locked gazes with him, her voice steady, “The way to the spirit lodge is beyond these flames and fraught with danger. I can ward myself, and possibly you, but you need not come further. I can retrieve the Magistrix.”

Evindar stepped forward, shaking his head, “I swore an oath. I am coming.”

Biara nodded, looking somewhat grateful at this before reaching out and placing a hand on his chest. Instantly he felt cool magic flowing over him, bathing him in her power. Her voice was low as she spoke, barely heard in the crackle of flames, “These wards will protect you only for a short time. We must hurry through the fires. Move swiftly, knight, lest we fall like the others.”

With that, she turned and plunged into the fires, which seemed to bend around her. Evindar plunged into the wall of the inferno behind her, his eyes locked on her flame red hair as they moved through a world of crackling fire, the heat not touching him as the wards she’d placed on him kept him protected. Ahead, he could make out the form of the spirit lodge, most of the top of the structure blackened by fires, but the opening still standing. “There! Lady Dayfire, there it is!”

She moved towards the opening, when suddenly an orc lunged through the fire towards her. She saw the threat at the last possible moment, her hands coming up to cast a spell a second too late. The orc’s shield slammed into her, sending her reeling. Instantly Evindar was there, Biara falling against his chest and steadying herself on his breastplate, her eyes closed as she awaited the orc’s blade to fall.

Instead, the weapon clashed against the shield that Evindar had placed over Biara, his arm encircling her in steel. She looked up at him in awe, watching his golden hair waving in the wind of the fires all around him, his black blood knight armor shining in the glow of the flames, his muscular arm bringing his sword down atop the orc’s skull and shattering it.

As his foe fell away from them, Biara stared up into his eyes from within the protective circle of his grasp, her arms wrapped around his chest and her mouth half opened. He looked down, meeting her gaze, “Are you well, Lady Dayfire?”

She blinked once, shaking off the dazed feeling she had from the concussion with the shield, or perhaps from her sudden enjoyable encounter with his broad chest? She blinked once, biting her lip and nodding, “Yes, I’m uh…fine, thank you, Sir Everstrike.”

“Good. Let us get out of the flames then, yes? I can feel warmth again and think the wards are failing,” he said calmly. He released her, ensuring she was steady on her feet and offering her a hand over the fallen orc before the two headed into the spirit lodge.

Biara managed to tear her gaze away from the image of Sin’dorei perfection that had just saved her life and peered into the smoke filled interior of the spirit lodge. In the dimness, she saw a shape on the ground and gasped, “There! Magistrix Felo’melorn!”

She hurried inside, Evindar following after her, the two kneeling beside Tyavel. Evindar reached down, whispering a prayer to the Light, healing energies flowing into the wounded Magistrix. Tyavel sighed, not regaining consciousness but clearly breathing. Evindar nodded at Biara, “She’s hurt badly, but she will live. We need to get her out of here at once.”

Biara nodded, rising beside him, her hands coming up and tearing a hole in space, forming a portal back to the command lodge. She turned, watching in admiration as Evindar grasped the likely extremely heavy support beam that had fallen on Tyavel and heaved upwards, his shoulders straining as he lifted the object up and hurled it away from her. Almost tenderly he turned, gently scooping Tyavel up in his arms, lifting her up and carrying her to the portal before passing through it.

Biara sighed, nodding to herself and followed suit, the two returning to the interior of the command center even as Andithiel’s forces fell back to that point a second time, the orcs in the courtyard beyond beginning to overwhelm them again. Within the reinforced structure, Biara began getting the remaining desperate defenders out of the garrison, the Sin’dorei passing through her stabilized portal and to the safety of their ally’s holdings.

**********************************************

Kyliska’s sword came down, cutting down an orc. She pushed past her fallen foe, her hand reaching up to grab the ankle of another orc and pulling him from the ladder above her. Behind and below her, her men pushed forward, climbing the steps within the siege tower as they captured it level by level. Above her, Iron Horde orcs shouted as they clashed with Selenthiel’s rangers on the floor above.

Kyliska shouted, her warcry echoing in the enclosed space as Light flared within her. Golden wings sprouted from her back, made of pure Light, the energy filling her and empowering her blows. Orcs fell all around her, their weapons deflected by her sword, her Light slashing into them as she rushed the last set of steps. An orc above her turned, his weapon coming up and catching hers, his arm reaching out to grab her wrist in an attempt to twist the limb.

Kyliska grunted, the pain of her arm being twisted only fueling her bloodlust. She lurched forward, her forehead colliding with the orc’s nose, his blood spattering her face and his grip loosening as she jerked her arm back. Her blade came up and then down again, this time with no resistance until it struck the orc’s skull. As he fell away, a smoke-filled starry sky shown through the opening above her, and Kyliska dashed up the last set of steps, taking the top of the siege engine where it met the wall against House Felo’melorn’s garrison.

Atop the wall, elven rangers spotted Kyliska and let out a ragged cheer, less than a dozen of them remaining from the initial force that had been present when the battle started. Amongst them, a soot-stained and haggard looking Selenthiel stepped forward.

Braeth’el emerged from the siege tower behind Kyliska and he bent to wipe his blades clean on the body of a fallen orc before sheathing them. Kyliska smiled, holding a hand to her heart and saluting Selenthiel, “Sel! I’m so glad you’re okay! We’re going to get you out of here!”

Selenthiel smiled, relief on her face as she leaned forward to hug Kyliska, “Light bless you Kyli. Your House has saved us. I just saw your sister in the courtyard below. She and others were destroying our foes. I cannot thank you enough.”

“There is no need for that, it is what allies do!” Kyliska said happily, flicking orc blood from the tip of her sword. “Now let’s get you down from here and through the portal before the entire Iron Horde descends on us!”

Selenthiel smiled and nodded, “You do not have to ask me twice.”

Kyliska sheathed her sword and offered her hand to Selenthiel as if to help her across the gap to the top of the siege tower. In that moment, Braeth’el lurched forward, his eyes taking in the sight of something that sent a spear of terror through him. His arms wrapped around Kyliska just as a cannon on the top of a nearby siege tower was fired in their direction, the Iron Horde having realized that their siege engine had been captured. The cannonball flew through the air, slamming into the tower just below the top floor, the weapon exploding beneath them.

Kyliska’s last sight of Selenthiel was as she became ever more distant; Kyliska, Braeth’el, and the wreckage of the siege tower fell away from the side of the wall, Selenthiel’s mouth opened in horror as she watched her would-be rescuers fall to the snowy ground far below.

The air rushed out of Kyliska’s mouth in a burst as she collided with something, her vision black as a lance of pain shot through her leg, the bone having snapped in the fall. She coughed, blood trickling from her mouth as she rolled over onto her back, her vision spinning crazily for a moment from the sudden pain.

A sound beside her made her stir, and she turned her head to see Braeth’el lying beside her in a snowy field of flaming debris. He had kept his body around her the entire time, and she had fallen atop him with her plate armored body. Blood covered him, trickling from his mouth and from a cut above his head. The spikes on her armor had pierced his shoulder, and he looked a mess. He turned towards her, coughing up blood, his hand coming out to grasp hers tightly. In the distance, they could see Iron Horde orcs cheering and beginning to advance on their position.

“K-kyli…” Braeth’el coughed, blood coming from his mouth again. “S-sorry, but I don’t think it’s good.”

Kyliska gasped, ignoring her own pain and rolling, grimacing from the shrieking agony in her broken leg, “Braeth’el! No, it’ll be okay! Just hold tight, we’ll get a healer! You’ll be alright!”

He squeezed her hand, his head shaking slightly, “Ribs are broken… pierced things. I-I’m sorry, Kyli. S-sorry I never g-got…”

His voice trailed off and Kyliska forced herself to her knees, crying out in pain, “Braeth’el! Stay with me! I love you! You can’t leave me here alone!”

His eyes blinked and he locked on her face, “Sorry I never got to tell you….that I love you. W-wish I had said it sooner…”

A strangled cry escaped Kyliska and she grasped his hand in both of hers, “Oh don’t say that baby, there’s so much time for you to say it again. You’re going to be okay, I swear it. Just stay with me Braeth’el. Please! I need you!”

He smiled at her, his mouth opening and closing, no words escaping him now, a tremble going through him as he began to fade from consciousness. In a panic, Kyliska dragged herself closer to him, her voice desperate, “Braeth’el! No! Oh Light no! Please no!”

Kyliska began to pray, her eyes closing, reaching out to the Light with all of her being. Unlike all of the times before when she had done it, she did so now out of urgency, out of love, and she could feel the power respond to her. A warm glow filled her, flowing outwards through her fingertips. She pressed her hands against Braeth’el’s chest, Light pouring from her, from her soul and into him.

On the battlefield a brilliant luminescence formed around the fallen blood knight, golden wings fluttering behind her as she used all of her love to power her healing spells. Iron Horde orcs that had been advancing paused, squinting as the Light cut through the darkness of the night. Even as they did so, an even greater shaft of pure Light slanted down upon the two fallen Sin’dorei as Selenthiel raised her hands above her on the shattered wall, her power flowing down and into Kyliska.

Light flared brightly, and Braeth’el sighed, his breathing becoming steady and easy as the worst of his wounds began to knit back together. Atop the wall, Selenthiel stepped forward into mid-air, her own spells allowing her to gently glide down, descending next to the two wounded elves, her own Light forming glowing wings at her back for a moment. Above, her rangers set ropes and repelled down the side of the ruined fortification, surrounding Kyliska and Braeth’el and protecting them as the two Light users continued the healing.

Eyes clenched tightly closed in desperate prayer, Kyliska was startled when a hand came up and caressed her face. Her eyes opened and she saw Braeth’el looking up at her, a smile on his face. A gasp of joy escaped her, and she leaned down, kissing him, her own pain thrust into the back of her mind.

“Looks like it was you looking after me this time, Kyli,” Braeth’el said, his voice weary. Kyliska merely laughed, kissing him one more time before she fell beside him, laying in the snow.

Selenthiel looked down on her, a tired look on her face, “That was well done, Kyliska. I knew you had the power of the Light within you. We will speak more of this once we’re somewhere safe. Can you walk?”

“No, my leg is broken, Sel,” Kyliska said. “You’re going to have to have your men drag me off the field I fear.”

Selenthiel smiled, shaking her head, “Nonsense…” She reached out, her power bathing Kyliska and easing the wound she’d suffered. As the pain fled, Selenthiel nodded, “You’ll need to rest it for a time, but you and Braeth’el should be able to hobble off the field. Come, let’s get moving before the Iron Horde has time to regroup.”

Kyliska nodded, taking the hand of one of Selenthiel’s rangers, watching as they gently helped Braeth’el up, supporting him between two of them. “Thanks, Sel. My sister has left a portal in place. We can fall back there and regroup. I only wish we could have saved more of your men.”

Selenthiel nodded sadly, tears in her eyes as she glanced back at the burning garrison, “It was not your fault, and I’m grateful that you have managed to save any. I will never forget what you’ve done for us here, Kyliska. You and your sister…you have my gratitude.”

Kyliska nodded, “It is what friends do for one another. Let’s get you to safety.”

With that, the group slowly began to move, more of Kyliska’s blood knights joining them as they withdrew. The Iron Horde kept a wary distance from them as it began to regroup, wanting no part of any additional battle with the force that had just shattered their flank. In a short time, the inviting glow of Biara’s portals was there to greet them, and then they were whisked away to safety at last.

********************************************

In House Sunfire’s courtyard, portals flared to life as tired and weary Sin’dorei were returned to Azeroth from their perilous fight on Draenor. Although the battle had been won, there was no joyous celebration amongst the victors as they slowly dispersed into the estate or were taken to the infirmary.

Too many Sin’dorei had fallen, too many of House Felo’melorn had paid the ultimate sacrifice for their kingdom. The heirs of both House Sunfire and House Felo’melorn were wounded, tired, and their hearts were heavy as they left the field, for each of them knew that the future was uncertain now, and that everything had changed in the heart of the vicious battle. Only hope remained, hope for the future, and for friendships forged anew in war.

A sea of change

(This was written by Andithiel)

Andithiel stood before the waters edge of the beach and gazed into the calm waters below only to find his reflecting staring back at him. His polished armor gleamed back at him from the smooth surface of the water causing him to squint as he began to lose himself into thought. His thoughts drifted toward the one whom he loved , the one who has really only captured his heart more so then his sisters...Kyliska. The past few months had been hard for him as he deliberately pushed himself away from her in a sort of test for her to see how far she would allow him to do so. Never before had these feelings of jealousy surfaced in him before over another man with her and he clearly saw this 'friend' as a threat.

Andithiel shifted his weight and turned his attention away from his reflection in the water over to Sunsail Anchorage. The harbor was teeming with activity in preparation for a ceremony involving House Felo'melorn's newest addition to its rapidly growing fleet of sea vessels and of course Andithiel's presence was required . Off into the horizon of the sea he could easily make out two ships anchored just outside the harbor, in which he presumed were the Bloodvalor and the Firestrike. Like everything else, Selenthiel no doubt had requested their presence in order to make a much bolder statement to rival House's and to the allies of her own. Andithiel smiled to himself for a moment , realizing that this little 'show of power' could possibly impress Kyliska but the thought quickly died out with the sound of approaching footsteps. Andithiel turned toward the oncoming footsteps and discovered his elder sister Ty'avel. "Bal'a dash , brother. " she said with a smile. Before she could say anything else he sighed and offered a disapproving scowl, "Ah, back from the pursuit of world dominance I see. Things must be going ..'according to plan' that they would allow you to grace us with your presence I presume, sister?" He began to walk towards Sunsail Anchorage but stopped as she gently rested her hand upon his shoulder. "I will make this short as I know you have little to no desire to speak with me right now.." Andithiel snorted back before she could continue, "..right NOW?" he shrugged her off and continued on, now agitated over the thoughts of his sister Ty'avel.

Sunsail Anchorage was within a few hundred feet distance before a Sin'Dorei male wearing garments bearing the crest of House Felo'melorn stopped him. "Commander Felo'melorn! Your participating in the ceremony is requested by your sister Selenthiel and is about to begin. The Dawnrose is on approach to the harbor and will be docking any moment. " Andithiel nodded and gestured him away. "So she chose a name already...interesting." he said aloud to himself. Looking toward the harbor he now saw the Bloodvalor and Firestrike escorting the Dawnrose into harbor, the sails from all three ships grew larger as they slowly approached . Each ship was close enough for him to make out the House crest of Felo'melorn as it was adorned on the sides of the ships . He quickened his pace in attempt to make the ceremony on time.

Upon arrival , Andithiel quickly navigated through the crowd of spectators , workers and guards towards the end of the stone pier on which the ship was to be docked. His eyes scanned the harbor in hopes to locate Selenthiel but with no such luck did he see her and continued towards the pier . He located the section of the harbor as to where the newly recruited sailors for the Dawnrose were patiently sitting and awaiting for the ceremony to begin and once again made his way through onlookers and stealthy sat down off to the side just in time to see the Dawnrose dock.

Andithiel focused on the newly constructed ship as the workers aboard threw docking ropes to the harbor men. The design of the ship was basic to any Sin'Dorei sea vessel as was the coloring... in fact the only thing that would set this ship a part from any other would be the fresh coat of paint that adorned the outer hull. The mast of the ship was extended up for anticipation of immediate departure and Andithiel knew that he would soon be asked to board the vessel and take it out to sea for it's final inspection. As the last rope was secured , the gangplank from the harbor was extended out finally uniting the ship and harbor and out stepped Selenthiel .

The Magistrix of House Felo'Melorn gracefully disembarked from the Dawnrose, smiling as she walked. A sense of pride overcame Andithiel has he observed her , she glowed with her own aura of determination and he was proud to know she was of his blood. He watched as she disembarked the ship , signaling the crew of the Dawnrose to stand in formation as they awaited the Commander to board and prepare for the final preparation of the ceremony. Selenthiel walked up to him and smiled, placing both hands upon his shoulder greeting him, "Commander Felo'melorn. It is with great honor that you are here with us today. " She allowed her arms to return to her side and turned to the crowd of spectators and smiled. "Today , is a great day for House Felo'melorn and more importantly, for Quel'Thalas! Today we have yet again proven that ..." her words trailed off as Andithiel focused his attention towards the Dawnrose. As Commander, he was by right allowed to 'forfeit' the speech of the Magistrix for this event should he desire. As his sister continued to preach what sounded to him like a 'manifest destiny' of their people and her House, he slowly began his approach to embark the ship.

Boarding the Dawnrose revealed nothing out of the ordinary. The ship had been commissioned for construction shortly after his sister rose to power as Magistrix from Ty'avel prior. It was a vision of Selenthiel's to invest more of the House's resources into a more 'mobile fleet' for many reasons...one of them being a display of power to the other Houses, another being to show House Felo'melorn's commitment to the defense of Quel'Thalas in which both Andithiel approved. His hands grazed the smooth surface of the ship, carefully inspecting the wooden surface for any imperfections in the wood. Satisfied with the area of inspection he turned to the crew who had already been proactive in forming into positions.

Andithiel turned and faced them taking a few steps to position himself in front of them. "Crew of the Dawnrose. I will skip the formalities as most of you are aware I am not keen of them. You all know what is expected of you and that each one of you will hold the integrity and honor of House Felo'melorn aboard this vessel. Never forget that loyalty comes first to the House! " as he pointed over to the banner bearing the crest of the House. The sound of clapping was heard from the pier of the harbor, signaling him it was time. "Today will consist of the simple task of navigating the Dawnrose off the coast of Sunstrider Isle where we will rendezvous with the Firestrike and Bloodvalor . From there, we will engage in a mock battle between the three in order to test your preparedness of battle." Andithiel nodded to the crew and looked over to his sister back on the pier in return, nodding back at him signaling him he could now fully depart. He turned his attention back to the crew, "Crew of the Dawnrose, prepare for departure!" With his words, the crew saluted their commander and dispersed into their roles as they prepared the ship for sail.

30 minutes later...

Standing at the bow of the ship, Andithiel watched as the crew worked to ensure the ship sailed smoothly along the coastline while others prepared the mock cannons fore battle. The sound of water all around him soothed his mind and he turned to take a glimpse of the ocean horizon before him. The sun still hung high in the sky and the waters reflected back at him, much like before but this time without the calm shoreline waters. Off into the distance the spire of Falthrien Academy began to appear, revealing they were almost to their desire location but before he could order the crew to adjust course, a ship off into the distance caught his eye. He continued to observe the ship from afar, attempting to make any detail out of the ship that may give him an idea of just who the ship belonged to. "Helmsman! " Andithiel shouted as he looked back over his shoulder. "Adjust your heading towards the vessel off of our port side and inform the Firestrike and Bloodvalor we will be delayed in our arrival. " Grabbing a spyglass that had been attached to the bow of the ship for exploration purposes, Andithiel turned and walked toward the upper deck of the ship in hope to get a better view. He placed the spyglass over his right eye and focused it toward the vessel revealing a ship of Sin'Dorei design. "Commander , have you identified the ship? " asked helmsman. Andithiel shook his head, "No but it is clearly one of Quel'Thalas's." The helmsman nodded and looked off into the distance. "Perhaps it is a patrol?" he asked with uncertainty. "Perhaps ...but this area was cleared of any ship traffic for our exercise by the Magistrate . There should be no sea vessel within these waters. " Andithiel continued to look through the spyglass in hopes of a sign as to whom the ship belonged to. A moment of silence passed and Andithiel calmly set the spyglass down beside the helmsman. "I want you to dock with that ship. " he said as he watched a confused expression form upon the helmsman's face. "Commander? Is something wrong? " Andithiel folded his arms and closed his eyes and thought to himself "By the sun I hope not." Andithiel looked down at his side and grabbed his bow, "The ship looks adrift and I see no signs of crew aboard. With this area sanctioned off from normal ship traffic, it falls to us to investigate if there is indeed something amiss. " The helmsman looked at him and nodded and Andithiel turned to walk away , "I will board the ship myself since the Dawnrose is not equipped with an arsenal of weapons for the crew yet." he said over his shoulder. The vessel bearing the banner of House Sunfire swayed in the wind as the Dawnrose docked with it.

Andithiel grew somewhat nervous over the discovery of whom the ship belonged to. The two Houses had had cooler then normal relations recently but were neither considered each other an enemy...yet. Andithiel fixated on the ship belonging to Biara Sunfire, sister of his love Kyliska. As the crew prepared to place the gangplank between the two ships, he continued to observe the fine detail of the House Sunfire ship. The ship was larger then the Dawnrose, it's hull being slightly larger and wider , leading Andithiel to believe it was built for hauling supplies to and from but observing it closer, the ship was well equipped with offensive capabilities as well. Two loud clicks were heard as the gangplank was secured between the two vessels. "Commander, should we notify Magistrix Selenthiel of this?" asked one of the crewmen before Andithiel could cross. "She will be notified after we have completed our investigation and will make the necessary arrangements to notify the Magistrate and House Sunfire. " Andithiel said calmly as he began to cross over to the other vessel.

Boarding the House Sunfire ship, Andithiel immediately drew his bow in anticipating of danger. He took a quick look around the deck and found no signs of struggle as the crew of the Dawnrose watched in silence from their vessel. Confirming the deck was clear of danger, Andithiel moved to the cabin leading to the lower levels of the ship below but before he could open the door, a loud noise in the form of a 'thud' was heard from below following what Andithiel heard as a mans scream. A chill went up his spine and he flung the door open and made haste down the stairs to the lower levels of the ship. Opening the door revealed a small staircase leading to what appeared to be a small section of the ship that held small cabins, presumably for the crew. Magical crystals attached to the wooden wall made way for light as Andithiel made his way further into the ship. Past the small cabins the hall opened up revealing a large double door that was adorned with red and green crystals in which Andithiel presumed it was a room meant for the nobility of House Sunfire. Upon closer observation of the doors, he had noticed that they were not fully closed and the faint trickle of light escape them from inside. Moving in closer he made out more sounds as if someone was moving around inside. Andithiel's heart was beating fast as he prepared to enter the room , his grip tightened over his bow and swung the doors open to reveal decorated room with a large bed in the middle and just as fast and Andithiel entered , so did his eyes fixate on Kyliska and Tiandril, whom had both been startled from him bursting into the room.

Andithiel's mouth dropped open in shock as his beloved lay before him with another man . Kyliska and Tiandril both shared a look of horror and quickly reacted by grabbing the bed sheets to cover their naked bodies. Andithiel continued to stare in silence at the two, attempting to overcome his shock. Kyliska quickly grabbed a green silken robe that lay on the edge of the bed and put it on, " M..My love! What in the name of the Sun are you doing here?!" Andithiel's shocked expression quickly changed as he scowled at her words. " I could easily ask you the same question...Kyliska." he said as he watched Tiandril rise from the bed to grab a robe and place it over him which angered him further. Kyliska's forced a fake smile and opened her mouth to say something but Andithiel quickly interjected , "There is nothing you can say right now that will account for what you have done." Andithiel quickly turned his back towards Kyliska and started out of the room , leaving before she could say anything. He continued through the small corridor and past the small cabins leading up to upper deck of the ship as Kyliska followed in pursuit. "Andi! Please wait...give me a chance to explain! " she hollered as she stumbled up the stairs after him. Reaching the top deck of the ship, Andithiel stopped for a brief moment and turned back to Kyliska, whom had tears running down her rose-colored cheeks. Deep inside him he wanted to run to her and hold her tight, forgiving her for what she had done for he truly loved her that much that he just could not see himself with anyone else ...but what was their love if she was to set it aside for any 'friend'? "Andi...please, I am so sorry for what I have done , I am sure you feel..." Andithiel interjected her once again, " FEEL? Clearly you know nothing of feelings Kyliska otherwise we would not be standing here as we are! " Andithiel sighed and looked down to his bow and shook his head. Kyliska approached him cautiously and attempted to grab both of his hands with hers but Andithiel pulled away and a tear rolled down his right cheek. As the two stood in silence, Andithiel pushed his right hand into a small pouch that was attached to his belt and pulled out a diamond ring. He watched Kyliska's facial expression change from sadness to complete shock and set it on the wooden deck between the two. "I...had planned to ask for your hand in marriage by the end of this year , but now.." his voice trailed off into silence. The sounds of the ocean could be heard as silence filled the air around them both.

Andithiel and Kyliska stood before one another, both unsure as to what to say next. The silence continued on for a few minutes before the sounds of footsteps behind Kyliska were heard as Tiandril appeared from below deck. "You !" Andithiel shouted and pointed his finger at him. " You are nothing more then a honor less coward!" Andithiel slipped past Kyliska, unknowingly kicking the diamond ring he had placed between them away from where he had set it as he approached Tiandril. Tiandril's expression grew pale as Andithiel approached and raised his fist into the air but was stopped as Kyliska grabbed onto him from behind, "Andi, please! Stop this!" she screamed. Kyliska's strength was equal to his own if not more during a fight...but he could hold his own against her in a fight if he must. Having Kyliska hold him back was the only thing that prevented Andithiel from introducing his fist to Tiandril. Andithiel roared with rage and pushed Kyliska off of him as he lunged for Tiandril but was quick to miss him as he moved quickly off the side in the direction of the edge of the deck only to lose his footing and fall into the waters below. Andithiel caught his footing, ignoring the fact that Tiandril now was calling for help from the water below . He turned around to see Kyliska glaring angrily at him but quickly shrugged if off. "Andithiel! Stop this!" she screamed as she quickly walked over to the edge of the ship and threw down a rope ladder. Andithiel's rage continued to grow as he watched his once beloved 'choose' to go to Tiandril versus not to, " You are right...I will stop this." Andithiel turned to face the Dawnrose , who's crew had been a spectator through out the commotion. He quickly boarded as Kyliska attempted to retrieve Tiandril from the water below behind him. "Withdraw the gangplank! " Andithiel shouted. The crew of the Dawnrose quickly regained their composure from watching the drama unfold aboard the Sunfire ship and withdrew the gangplank . Andithiel walked to the upper level without the slightest look back to Kyliska. "Helmsman, bring us about...I want to put some distance between us and them. Make sure the Dawnrose's portside is facing the Sunfire ship as well..." he stated to the helmsman before walking down to the lower level of the upper deck to where newly fabricated cannons of the Dawnrose were.

Andithiel's hand was guided by rage over the smooth metal surface of one of the port side cannons , noting that the cannon was already loaded. The vision of seeing Kyliska in bed with another man ran through his mind over and over, blinding him to his own reserved attitude. His heart had been broken for the first time and he could not cope with the pain deep inside. He had truly loved Kyliska for who she was and what she represented but...it was all a lie and it had had to end. Placing his other hand on the aiming mechanism of the cannon, he slowly aimed it towards the Sunfire ship that was already far enough in order to fire upon. "Commander! " the helmsman of the Dawnrose yelled, "You are not planning on firing on a vessel of House Sunfire are you?! The consequences of this will be..." Andithiel froze for a moment as the helmsman's words were true. Firing on one of House Sunfire's ships would indeed cost House Felo'melorn much since neither House were at war with one another ...and then there was the Magistrate of Silvermoon whom would be quick to condemn such actions but Andithiel did not care. " House Sunfire is supposedly an ally of our's but you have seen for your own eyes that one of them is a clear traitor to House Felo'melorn and to Quel'thalas! If one who is betrothed to another is quick to dismiss feelings such as love for one another, then what else can they possibly do if love means nothing to them? " Andithiel shouted as he attempted to even convince himself about the action he was about to take. The crew of the Dawnrose responded with silence as was to be expected, none would dare rise up against the Commander of the armed loyal forces of House Felo'melorn. Andithiel aimed the cannon and the Sunfire ship and quietly whispered to himself "May she forgive me...." as he pressed the metal trigger of the cannon as a massive payload from the cannon flew towards Kyliska's vessel.

The force of the cannon blew Andithiel back a few inches but continued to hold onto the cannon. Andithiel could see Kyliska and Tiandril aboard the upper deck duck to the floor as the payload struck the mast of the their ship. The sound of the wooden mast being struck could be heard from afar if not to Falthrien Academy itself. Wooden pieces of the ship flew into the air from the impact and caused it to rock off to its side from the sheer force . The sound of cracking wood from the mast was heard as it began to topple over onto the deck below to where Kyliska and Tiandril were and Andithiel watched in his own horror of what he had done he could see Kyliska push Tiandril back into water in attempt to keep him from harm but caused herself to slip and fall onto the deck as a large chuck of wooden mast came toppling over her, pinning her. Andithiel could not see nor hear anything else from the ship and his rage began to settle..but at what cost? He continued to observe the now crippled Sunfire ship in hopes to see Kyliska screaming at him from afar but alas, he did not. Kyliska was no where to be seen as the deck of the ship had become littered with broken wooden debris making it hard to see if she was able to escape or not. "Helmsman...order an apprentice to notify both of my sisters as to what has gone on here. Also inform the Bloodvalor and Firestrike to return to harbor for I have no doubt in my mind that Kyliska's sister, Biara , will not take kind of this at all and we will need all available units and guards prepared for what is possibly to come. " he said turning his back to the cannon.

Andithiel looked over his shoulder once more, " You did this Kyliska. You have tainted my heart with something far worse then anything imaginable then you can imagine." Andithiel walked below deck as the Dawnrose sailed toward Sunsail Anchorage.

A sense of betrayal

(This was written by Selenthiel)

Selenthiel fiddled with her hair as she sat on the edge of her bed, the golden threads in her lavish bed sheets caught the sun as it entered the room from the eastern side of the room. It was in there mere hours of the early morning and House Felo'melorn's servents were already preparing for an important guest. Selenthiel signed, taking in the last moments of here serene morning. In her right hand , she held a opened letter addressed to her from her sister Ty'avel. She raised the letter and once again quickly skimmed over the importance of what it said ;

"My dearest sister,

As you open this letter, I have no doubt that suspicions race through your mind with what motives I may have as to why I would temporary set aside my powers as Magistrix of the House.  For whatever reason or purpose you believe, I must assure you that I have the best of interest for the House, for Quel'thalas and more importantly, for the Horde. For this very reason, my stay within Pandaria has been extended longer then I had anticipated and never before has my presence been so important, it was then I knew I must appoint a successor to our House should I not return.
For reasons already known to you, appointing you was the only way to ensure House Felo'melorn would continue on without the threat of being absorbed by the other Houses, politically or forcefully.  As you will come to find out soon enough, being a leader is more then just being cunning or tactful, influence and power will also come into play. Therefore, in my absence, you must maintain House Felo'melorn's alliegiance to the Blackhearts Alliance. My work here, along with Denissia at my side, will prove to be valuable to Garrosh and the goals he has set in motion. If our work is a success, we will no longer have to worry about the other House's ever....again.

Your loving sister,Ty'avel
"
Selenthiel's hand tightened around the letter, immediately causing the letter to burst into flames as she focused her holy power . Releasing her grasp of what remained of the letter fell to the floor, she arose from her bed and prepared to head to the main entry hall of the spire. "And so you shall have a true leader dear sister...", Selenthiel said softly to herself as she opened her door leading to the hallway. Closing the door behind her, two House guards offered a gentle nod in her presence. "Guardsman,  I need one of you to deliver a simple message to House Sunfire and House Dawnsea. Tell them, effective immediately House Felo'melorn withdraws it participation within the Blackhearts Alliance.  Also, get a courier over to House Sunhaven requesting an audience with Lady Alleriel...I have new alliances that must be negotiated..."

Selenthiel slowly turned in direction toward the main entry hall as a devious grin formed upon her face.

Jealousy

(This story was written by Andithiel)

Andithiel casually walked through the lower halls of Felo’melorn Spire ultimately leading to the Grand Hall. In his left hand he carried a small bouquet of roses in which had been prepared by one of the House botanist earlier that day. House Felo’melorn had many new faces inside its walls these days with the recent changes in its political structure.  The old alliances of House Sunfire and House Dawnsea were abolished at the demand of Selenthiel once she arose as Magistrix of the House. For reasons still unknown to himself, his sister had convinced him this was the right course…even if it meant causing more strain between himself and Kyliska. He had not had the time to visit his love once Selenthiel began to reform the House as she continued to utilize his skill in training new guardsmen and archers for the spire, even after he had heard that Kyliska had returned to Silvermoon recently from her expedition to Pandaria. He glanced down to his left hand and smiled, certainly she would appreciate the flowers let alone be surprised to see him.

Before leaving the Grand Hall, his sister Selenthiel caught his eye as she stood with a small group of Sin’Dorei  wearing red and golden tabards , each one containing the shape of a golden firehawk on the front. “Sunreavers?” he asked himself and almost stopped in curiosity but knew that politics would most certainly be involved and decided to leave it to his sister and continued to walk toward the main entrance of the spire. He walked with haste past the group, which gave little to no recognition of his presence. He passed through the main entrance that lead to the out courtyard, revealing 4 hawkstriders, each one accompanied with 2 guards that  wore tabards that resembled the same from earlier before. His curiosity grew more but continued on towards the military district of Silvermoon.

Walking past the many of street vendors and their gawking servants and commoners, he made his way to Farstrider Square knowing he would find Kyliska training. Rounding the corner on the street revealed the training grounds and a multitude of Sin’Dorei trainees…both Blood Knight and Farstrider recruits, practicing their skill on the training dummies located throughout the grounds. He scoured the training grounds to where there was the most activity , presuming his love would already be hard at practice. Finding Kyliska among the crowd of recruits would not be hard at all , as in the past he had always noticed a crowd of them would congregate around her in observation , watching her moves in hope to help themselves with possibly introducing some new attacks that they could apply themselves and of course, Kyliska always gladly offered  her help . This time however, there was no such crowd.  His eyes continued to scan the grounds for her, presuming she had already departed  he prepared to turn back and make his way towards House Sunfire but came across a man and a woman talking  behind a training dummy. He took a few steps closer in their direction and immediately could make out Kyliska . Her blonde hair was somewhat messy and her face was flushed, presumably from her training but her posture said something else. Kyliska’s face was filled with emotion but what he was not sure. Andithiel started to walk up thinking the man may have been bothering her but quickly stopped dead in his pace as he watched the man pull Kyliska in for a hug. Andithiel’s heart stopped.

He continued to watch in shock as the brief hug was interrupted as Kyliska slowly pushed him away. Never before had he had to worry about other men with her. He had always known Kyliska was a fierce woman, she lived by the moment and most of all, she lived by her sword. His head began to race with questions, possibilities and of course…jealousy. Andithiel could feel his left grip tighten around the stem of the bouquet of roses he had intended to give to her as he continued to watch the two talk. 

“I do not understand…who is this man and what gives him the right to lean into you in such a way?” he asked himself aloud.

Andithiel began to grow even more frustrated as his questions turned into presumptions of his own accord and looked away from the two and closed his eyes. Within moments he could feel his self control returning and slowly looked in the direction of where Kyliska and this stranger stood only to see the two walk off into the distance, leaving Andithiel with a blank expression on his face. “I see why now sister on why you refrain from getting involved into relationships with nobles from other Houses.” He said to himself as he shook his head with displeased expression. He turned around to see Felo’melorn Spire off into the distance and departed.