A Memory Once A Lifetime Ago
"Do you really have to go Papa?"
If it wasn't for the the smallness of his daughter's angelic voice that made her father turn to look down at her then it was most certainly the tones of love, adoration and fear that did. His face broke into a soft, loving smile as he dropped to his knees with his arms outstretched towards her. The soft and healthy green grass cushioned his descent as Aretha hurled herself into her father's embrace and hugged him hard as if nothing would dare tear them apart.
"Yes, my daughter, I'm afraid so," he said softly, he was always honest with his wife and children knowing it would help them prepare for whatever came after, regardless whether it foretold good or evil. "You have to be strong now for you mother, you hear me, sweetheart?" he spoke reassuringly as they hugged for life itself. By the light, he mused, she had his strength for all the grip she was using. Part of him wanted to stay and see it through with his family, the other felt the call to duty and knew it was expected of him to take to arms as a warrior. He pulled away gently and smiled back at her, fixing the stray strands of her auburn hair in a gentle caress. She pouted before fixing the errant black lock on his forehead. He chuckled softly, "No matter where I am, my heart is always with you all,"
"Theodred darling, it is almost time," his wife reminded him gently, their two sons flanking both her sides with proud but worried expressions. Theodred looked up at his beautiful wife, remembering the day he had met her as if it were yesterday. She wore the same curious caring expression she had worn then. Gloria was a priest of the light, always nurturing and caring for those less fortunate. He had been severely injured in the battle against the forces of the New Horde and it was she who had tended to them. He was very glad to have wooed her so and the look he sent her now spoke of his devout love to her and his family.
He looked back to find Aretha fiddling with the straps to his shoulder-guards as if trying to tighten them further before she suddenly ran back in the house. He blinked, somewhat surprised by this and he could tell Gloria was about to call her back. Before she could do so, Aretha had returned with something in her hands with a happy knowing smile gracing her dainty features and presented something in her hands for him to see.
"Take it with you, daddy! It'll give you luck!" she beamed, pressing the small jade figurine into his large hand with her tiny one. He peered at it and nodded before hesitating. He then reached to the back of his neck and released the clip where the necklace he always wore. It was a gift from Gloria and he would be sore to lose it. He fastened it round his daughter's neck and looked at her, holding the pendant in gloved fingers as he spoke, "Your mother gave me this as a testament to her love. Since I could not bear to lose such a gift, I am entrusting you Aretha to look after it in my stead. Keep it with you always. Think you can do that for me?"
Aretha nodded before hugging him once again scared of what might or could happen. It seemed like no more games could be played, an end to fun and no cares in the world. Gloria could only watch him with her daughter, smiling with pride. She had chosen a good man in Theodred, he loved his family and friends and was always helpful in whatever way possible. It was her turn to be tightly embraced and she hugged and kissed her husband with all the vigour she had before blessing him.
"I shall pray for you, my love. I shall pray to the light that you come home safe and sound," she said holding his hands close to her heart but it was not long before a call for him to come was heard. He glanced to his comrade and nodded, gesturing for a little more time. He kissed Gloria and it was such a kiss to be remembered and that alone would help him to keep his humanity whilst away in Northrend. He looked at Bertie and Andrew, "Look after your mother and sister, my sons. You're the men of the house now, their safety lies with you," he breathed and they took no shame in hugging him back, one to either side of him. Theodred smiled before saying his final goodbyes and swung himself into the saddle of his waiting black destrier. The stallion shifted and snickered beneath him and Theodred pulled on the reins slightly in an effort to try and calm the spirited but loyal beast. He looked at his family for one last time, smiling with as much reassurance as he could muster before he nudged the horse's belly with his heels and the destrier started forth, turning for the other man.
Gloria watched as her husband left for the fleet that Arthas was taking with him to Northrend in his bid to find and kill Mal'ganis. She had heard rumours about what had happened at Stratholme and her heart she wept. Not just for the unfortunate souls who lived there but more for the sister she knew to be living there in the time Arthas had slain them all. At first, she had wanted Theodred to remain behind saying that Arthas's fight wasn't his and it wasn't just. That would have been most selfish of her to keep him from what was his duty. The light had left Arthas, she knew that much. However, she had understood his sense of duty when she had married him and knew it wouldn't have been of much use in convincing him otherwise.
"When will he be coming back, mama?" Andrew asked also gazing in the direction his father had left.
"Soon, I hope. Come, it is almost luncheon," she said needing a distraction from her worried mind. They nodded and Aretha held her mother's hand as they walked back to their homestead all the while praying her husband would survive and come back to them.