Chaudew: Hello, this is the second installment in this WoW short story trilogy, "Light's Twilight." This story introduces the second main character in the trilogy, Lilth Fin'dorei. Please review, or PM, what you like and/or dislike. Thank you.
Note: Will be updating about once a day, with five chapters totaling over forty pages.
Disclaimer: Warcraft/WoW (World of Warcraft) belongs to Blizzard Entertainment and any other company involved. Characters, places, objects, spells/abilities, etc. that are not of my creation are theirs.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Love and Honor
"…Lilth…Lilth honey. Come on dear, let's go," a motherly voice sounded across the beautifully designed earthen home full of exquisite bookcases, a curved stairway along the wall, and the floor shining with curled golden leafs patterns. A mixture of elfish modification and assimilation with nature.
"No!" the resistant twelve year-old shouted out loud.
Frustration begins to swell on Lilth's mother's cheeks. Instead of yelling back, Anastrisa has another idea to win this argument.
"Lilth, I heard from the last messenger yesterday that Dr. Windchester is bringing along her son here to Silvermoon City. You don't want him to be alone, do you?"
A ping sensation resonates in Lilth's head. The one word that she has come to hate more than anything is that word that is too cruel of a fate, "alone." Feeling more reluctant to leave the house, Lilth joins her mother by the doorway.
Looking outside real quick, Lilth follows behind her mother as the two make their way across Dawning Lane to Falconwing Square. Lilth knew that today was the day when Dr. Windchester, a mage from Lordaeron, would come to experience one of the important Quel'dorei festivals, the Sundro' dolorei, though her mother hasn't told her why yet the doctor was coming to see her as well.
Walking in their best dresses, Anastrisa in royal blue with a white sash full of medals and Lilth in pink with a circular pattern of lined roses embedded, the sunny day greets them with a gentle breeze. Loving the breeze gently plucking at her shining long red hair, Anastrisa's watery blue eyes begin to wonder and look at her daughter. Relieved to see her daughter's own red hair is perfectly combed, but she soon notices Lilth's violet eyes looking down at the ground as they walk.
Reaching to the square, one of Anastrisa's coworkers comes up to greet them in her teal dress with another white sash with medals on it.
"Anastrisa, hi, the scouts have confirmed our guests of honor are in Eversong Forest. They should be here shortly," said the woman. The breeze cools off a bit of the anxiety on her face, yet the wind did little to cool her off with her thick black hair.
"Driana, are all of the magistrates out of session yet?"
"Yes, I just spoke to Mariel, and he will be the only one joining us in greeting with the guests."
A sigh floods Anastrisa's face. She was hoping for more people to come welcome her guest who she requested several months ago. Many high elves don't normally find interest or reason to be with humans, especially King Anasterian, though Anastrisa was thankful for the king's approval for her guest's visit.
Driana kneels down and her smile and blue eyes begin to meet with Lilth's face and says, "Have you heard about the boy coming here? Would you like to come with your mother and I to greet him?"
Lilth remains silent, only to stand behind her mother.
"What do you think Lilth dear?" her mother asked.
In tone of silence, Lilth runs off to a nearby table covered in white runecloth.
Sighing once more, Anastrisa is too embarrassed to look at Driana.
"Raising a child that quick must be difficult. I don't know how human mothers deal with it, but I had about ten years in dealing with my daughter at that stage to mature correctly," the soothing voice Driana used to try to calm her friend.
"I just don't understand why her. She physically matures much faster than any of us and is unable to use arcane magic."
"One of the tomes you researched mentions these symptoms with those born with violet eyes, isn't that right?"
Looking at Driana, a tear hangs on Anastrisa's cheek.
"Yes. I couldn't bear to watch Lilth be picked on by everyone, so I started making that legislation. It was because of you, I was able to pass the law of equal treatment with citizens that lack affinity to arcane magic from discrimination, but I fear Lilth still won't find happiness here with the kind of society we live in."
The two mothers left to greet their guests at the main gate to Falconwing Square…
…Picking up a slice of imported Dalaran sharp off the silver serving plate, Lilth secludes herself away from the small crowd nearby who are nearly ready for the start of the festival by the inn and the water fountain. The noises, the cheers of excitement, the cheers of acceptance, such sounds Lilth hears every day, yet a hallow sensation in her heart haunts her, for everybody else are happy, except herself. Thinking about her horrible memories, an insulting voice interrupts Lilth's thoughts.
"Hey, she crawled out of her cave. I thought you'd curled in a ball and died, cuz you can't use arcane magic. Come on, let's duel and see who wins?" said the voice of an obnoxious, golden-haired, well tailored boy as he walks up to her, along with a couple of his friends.
Viridiel, the one bully Lilth could not disinterest with her art of silence and cold-shoulders. Painful memories begin to flood her mind, painful memories of taunts, curses, insults, and rejection into society plagues on the hollow sensation in her heart like a string being plucked too hard on a harp.
Realizing that her face had shown signs of fright and despair to her tormentor, Lilth gives another cold-shoulder and starts to walk away. A hand touches her shoulder, and with a yank, Lilth was right back at staring into Viridiel's unpleasant face.
"Hey, I was talking to you, you freak. Can't you say anything or are you retarded as well?"
What could she say? Something like "leave me alone" or "please stop it"? Like he'd listen to her pleas. If Lilth learned anything from observing him, it's his temperament is what usually gets him into trouble with adults nearby, or a quick shove and a mumble or two of dissatisfaction. The latter seems more likely this time around.
But tired of the same routine, Lilth decides on trying another approach. Slapping his hand off her shoulder, Lilth runs behind the table, keeping her distance. Just as the bully commanded his friends to surround her, a hand touches Viridiel's shoulder.
"That's not very admirable for a growing boy. Definitely losses the cuteness appeal," came the words from a young adult. Her violet dress is prominent as her blue eyes and silky golden hair makes the dress stand out.
"Like I care about that. Besides, why do you even care about her? She's nothing, an insignificant fool who has no future. She can't bring honor, but shame," Viridiel replied, casting off the young woman's hand in disgust.
Lilth thought for a moment, why did this woman, Anastasia, the daughter of Driana Suntreader, always comes to her rescue from Viridiel and others like him? Anastasia is no friend of hers, they never really spoken to each other to begin with, so then why…is it out of pity?
Choosing her words cunningly, Anastasia counters by saying, "Shouldn't every Quel'dorei care about their own kin? Merely existing doesn't bring shame. Just wait and you'll see, Lilth will be a great contribution to our kingdom."
"Tsh, whatever, come on guys, I'm bored with these two."
The three boys left, heading back into the small crowd who had finished all the preparations for the festival by now. The noises continued to get louder and merrier as people from that small crowd grew in excitement over the pre-festival activities.
Grabbing another slice of Dalaran sharp off the serving plate, Lilth quickly hides underneath the table, protected and concealed by the white runecloth fabric draping down to the ground. Underneath the table, Lilth makes sure to not bump her head against the sapphire crystal that's keeping the table stable and afloat.
What another horrible day it's been already Lilth thought to herself. Being outside her house was bad enough, but getting another round of teasing and painful insults for the fifth day in a row this week is too much.
"Will there be no end to my accursed fate?" Lilth thought out loud to herself, only to have the taken one bite out of the sharp already.
Anastasia pulls up part of the drapery cloth and sticks her head inside.
"Hey, how do you feel?"
Horrible Lilth thought only to herself.
Seeing Lilth staring back at her, Anastasia asks another question. "Um, so, would you like to accompany me to see our mothers' guests of honor? I bet it'd be fun, what do you say?"
Looking away, Lilth continues to nibble on her sharp.
"Lilth?"
"Go away. You have no reason to keep on protecting me. I'm just a useless fool who has no future."
"Lilth, that's not…"
"…But it is! Just, just leave me alone," tears start to pour out of Lilth's violet eyes.
Seeing the tears roll down her face, Anastasia leaves her be for now…
…At the gates of Falconwing Square, Anastrisa and Driana await patiently for the good doctor and her entourage. The last scout said they'd be here soon, but how soon is "soon," Anastrisa wonders. The anxiety to make the occasion perfect is quite stressful for one day. A soft kiss touches the back of her neck. Feeling embarrassed in public, yet happy to know he's here, she turns around to greet her husband.
"Stop it Mariel, our guests will be here soon," she giggles.
"Ah, but seeing you relaxed and happy will warm any heart my love," Mariel says romantically. In his orange robe with his own white sash and assortment of earned medals, his gentle smile, his loving blue eyes, and his rather youthful baritone voice sooths and washes away some of Anastrisa's worries.
The lovey-dovey moment soon broke up when the two heard a couple of clicks on the ground, coming from the boots of the Ranger-General.
"They're almost here," said the commanding ranger, wearing blue and sturdy leather armor. Her bow is slung to her back with ammo in excess. The blue hood covers up much of the ranger's hair, leaving the serious and dutiful face and blue eyes visible.
"Oh, Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner," began the words Anastrisa thought to this unexpected surprise. She moves away from Mariel and causally walks towards Sylvanas. "You honor us with your presence."
"I was only requested by King Anasterian to make sure the festival on this side of town went smoothly and to keep an eye on our 'guests.'"
"Oh," the look of shock and a bit of pain rose on Anastrisa's cheeks. "You needn't worry about Dr. Windchester and her escorts. I can assure you on that."
"Good."
Triumphant sounds from bugle horns echo from the nearby watch tower. Everybody looks out from the gate to see the emerging heads of human knights and elfin escorts straight ahead. Soon after, the head and body of a brunette woman, robed in sapphire and violet appears, with a boy last to be seen, wearing what appears to Anastrisa to be a white dress shirt with a blue vest and brown linen dress pants.
Pride and curiosity fills Anastrisa's heart, while anxiety and fear fills in her stomach. The moment to perform as hostess is nigh. With a grateful and prideful smile, Anastrisa walks down the steps of the main gate to the dusty road.
The elfin escorts, clad in leather or mail, form a line on the sides of the road and gesture a salute of welcome, raising one arm out and extending it parallel to their chest, while straightening their backs with prideful postures. The human paladin leading his men mimics the elfin escorts' gesture with the extension of his arm, but takes a small bow while holding his arm parallel. The paladin's men follow suit as well.
This couldn't have gone any better, Anastrisa thought. It was like a dream come true, the cultural gestures of respect between high elves and humans were done perfectly. Hopefully now this proves to weary high elves that humans are not all treacherous and sinister. There are good humans, just as there are bad elves.
The paladin addressed as "captain" by the woman in the sapphire and violet robe moves to the side and kneels before the mage. Stepping forward to meet her hostess, the mage walks honor-bound towards Anastrisa.
"Dr. Natalie Windchester, it is an honor for you to have come all the way up here to the magical city of Silvermoon City, the pride gem of the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas. I am Anastrisa Fin'dorei, one of the civil servants who help create and enforce laws passed by the council of magistrates," excitement was taking over control of the formal tone Anastrisa had once started to use.
"It is my pleasure to have been invited Lady Fin'dorei to one of your most cherished festivals and I gladly offer my assistance for your cause of concern," the soft spoken voice came from Dr. Windchester, a contrast to her confident grayish-blue eyes.
Sensing the simple fear of the good doctor had of wanting to show respectable manners without fail, Anastrisa threw out the formality routine and decided to be more causal with her guest, easing the encounter. Causally taking a hand and grasping it between both of hers, Anastrisa reassuringly says, "Please, Anastrisa is fine, if I can call you Natalie, what do you say?"
Shocked, yet relieved at the same time, Natalie nods in approval. After introductions to Driana, another civil servant, Mariel, magistrate of the inner circle of political affairs, and Sylvanas, responsible for the safety of all in Quel'Thalas, Natalie introduces the captain, Gregory "silver lion" Brundmoore, the Silver Wall squad, and one more to introduce.
"…And this is my only son, Lucian," Natalie cherished her sons name out loud while looking at him.
Looking at the tall high elf hostess, the eleven year-old mustered up the courage to say, "Um, pleasure to meet you ma'am." Feeling embarrassed, he looks at the medals on the white sash.
Smiling, Anastrisa kneels down to Lucian's height, taking off her sash and looking at it.
"Which one of these medals are you fond of Lucian?"
Pointing at the medal shaped in the form of a white light shining off of a golden shield, Anastrisa unbuttons it and gently places it on her hand, presenting it to him. In awe, Lucian accepts the gift, while at the same time Anastrisa reassures his mother it's quite alright for him to have it.
"What does it mean?" Lucian asks.
"The light shining symbolizes the goodness in the heart of the person to do what is morally right, even if it is inconvenient, and the shield symbolizes the nature of the person of having the will to protect those less fortunate than him or herself from harm. It is presented to those who excel in caring for others, whether it's someone as a civil servant or as a warrior," Anastrisa explained.
Standing back up, Anastrisa offers another greeting gift to Natalie, and likewise, a gift for the hostess as well. Everybody seemed happy with the outcome. A dream come true indeed. Anastrisa is very well pleased with the outcome of the initial welcome, but some festivity and important matters need to be addressed soon. Not forgetting her hostess duties, Anastrisa has her guests come in and enjoy the festival that's about to begin.
Arriving at the water fountain in the square, the hostess gathers the small crowd's attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present the reputable doctor and mage from Lordaeron, Dr. Natalie Windchester."
An applause sound across the modesty sized square.
"Without further delay, let the Sundro' dolorei begin!"
Fireworks rocket up above the capital. Blues, reds, greens, and an assortment of other colors decorate the setting sun. The timing of the fireworks the other crowd set off on the other side of town to start couldn't have been predicted more perfectly. Now if only life was as perfect as this festival Anastrisa ponders.
For a while, everybody sat down at each of the tables, enjoying the festive foods and drinks. Two robed elves take center stage in an open area near the crowd. One elf was dressed in a frosty blue robe with red hair down his back and down his front shoulders, while the other elf was dressed in a fiery crimson robe with her golden hair pulled up. Both mages salute each other with respect before pulling out their wands. Standing across from each other, both mages discharge small pellet-size frost and fireball spells, only for the opposing spells to neutralize the other and disappear in a cloudy white "poof." The number of pellets per second grew in speed and size, and again, the opposing spells disappear in a poof. After a few minutes of building the excitement, the frost and fire mage formed normal size spells of their attribute and created a booming poof when the two hit each other. Thereafter, the spells became more pellet-like and less rapid until the performance had ended. Applause from the crowd sound for the noble mages.
"I see the fluctuate use of arcane magic, is that suppose to represent the control over the addiction arcane users have in Quel'doreian society?" Natalie looks to and asked Anastrisa.
"Yes, indeed your right, because we developed an addiction to arcane, many of us spend about an hour everyday in meditation to overcome it. Though civil servants and other government agents receive the limited supply of Sunwell rings that eliminates the addiction, the moonwells connected to the Sunwell also help the general populace in easing their craving for more arcane."
Anastrisa motions her husband to show his ring along with hers to their guests the golden rings with an orange gem embedded into it.
"There is a harsh punishment for anybody who would steal a Sunwell ring from a government servant or agent, but back to the meaning behind this performance, it reminds us that we can control our cravings and it is seen as disgusting when a high elf starts siphoning from a mana source, particularly living creatures. This festival is an important social gathering to remind the populace."
Anastasia walks past the merry and cheering crowd indulging on their food and drinks, and joins the hostess and her guests by one of the white tables near the inn.
"Mother, Madam Anastrisa, I'm having troubles convincing Lilth to come out and have some fun with everybody."
A sadden face can be seen on Anastrisa's face, briefly, but enough for Natalie to notice her hostess's motherly concern that had prompted her to contact Dr. Windchester about the child.
"I'll go speak with her," Anastrisa answered.
"Wait, may I have a word with her? It's usually harder for children to speak more openly to people they normally see on a daily basis," Natalie offered.
"By all…huh?"
A swarm of citizens encircle the small group at their table. Each of them fired off questions to Natalie about life in Lordaeron, the type of magic used in the human lands, political news, and the doctor's dual specialties, the well-known rights activist and the lesser known pediatrician. Compelled to answer the pro-multicultural citizens' requests, Natalie takes the time to answer each and every question. Anastrisa, Mariel, Sylvanas, and the Suntreaders tried to maintain order, but to little avail to the curious crowd. Checking up on her son, Natalie realizes his spot's empty. Looking around to see where Lucian is in the crowd, out of the corner of her eye, Natalie spots her boy chasing a flying blue eel to the other side of the square…
…What was the point in existing? Nothing good has ever come out of anything she did, despite opening up to the few people whom all betrayed her trust. Nobody loves her. Her parents just tolerate her, that's all. With streaks of tears silently rolling down her cheeks, Lilth hopes for some kind of relief from the pain that's been tormenting her since leaving her house, no, since the day she was capable of remembering her horrible past.
Flying past through the drapery wall, the eel whirls around the bewildered Lilth and soon flies out from underneath the table from the opposite end it had come in. Soon after, a young hand pulls up the drapery and pops his head in, trying to find that mysterious creature. Seeing the tears falling off the girl's eyes like a waterfall, the boy gazes for a few moments in wonder.
"Don't look at me," came Lilth's sobbing plea.
"Uh, um, sorry, I didn't mean to," the boy looks away quickly before looking right back at her saying, "I…hi, I'm Lucian. I just arrived here a little bit ago from Lordaeron. What's your name?"
"Lilth." Why was she even bothering speaking to this human boy? It wouldn't be surprising to her if the boy would make fun of her too. Nobody ever understood her, knew her story, knew her pains and struggles…nobody…
"…that's a pretty name, what does it mean?"
"Huh?" She was surprised at this development. Why did he want to know that…? "…It means, 'faithful light,' a stupid meaning, right?"
"Not really, I think it's cool."
Looking dumbfounded at him, she continues to be in shock at this weird boy. Maybe the human aspect of him might be playing a part in his weirdness, but somehow Lilth doubts that. What does he want?
"May I seat with you? It's kind of uncomfortable kneeling on the ground."
"S, sure." What in the world is she thinking as she prods her mind with questions. Why is she letting him get this close, she doesn't even know…
"…What was that blue eel called?"
"Huh? Oh, it's called a mana wyrm. Many of them within the city are domestic and don't bite people, but the ones in the wild are dangerous."
For some strange reason, answering these silly questions had stopped her from crying. To her amazement, she was "happy" to be getting this friendly attention. Not "happy-go-lucky" happy, but enough to be enjoying the boy's presence.
"That would be cool to have as a pet…" Lucian's voice trails off, his grayish-blue eyes suddenly look down to the ground.
There's no predicting this boy, why was he sad all of sudden? Lilth, for the first time that she could remember, felt sorry for the boy. She has never done that with anybody before.
"What's wrong?" The awkward face of sincere concern surprised the depressed girl.
"Oh, my dog, Mr. Wiggles, he died last week."
"I, I'm sorry, may I ask what happened?"
"A drunken dwarf hunter left a bar in Stormwind, while my family was visiting old friends and relatives, and the guy thought everybody were monsters and started shooting left and right. Some were hurt, but my dog was the only one who died. I wanted to resurrect him so badly, but only paladins are the ones able to do that and patrol around the city to deal with this sort of thing. By the time a paladin did arrive, mom and dad told me…told me Mr. Wiggles was gone too long to be saved," a tear falls onto his cheek.
"Oh," was all Lilth could say. She had heard that this soft and fluffy creature was…what was that human phrase, 'a boy's best friend'?
Wiping away that droplet of tear off his face, Lucian looks at the sapphire crystal that's keeping the table afloat and separating the two children. An inspirational look on his face started to shine.
"I don't want anybody to die, and that's why I'm going to ask my parents soon to send me into military school to be trained as a Paladin. Once I become one, I can save lives. I want to be the Shield that saves people. I don't mind the risks it involves."
Lilth had also heard about the strong and virtuous Paladins. Who hasn't? To have that kind of future must be rough, but at least he has a future. What future would Lilth have she wondered, awed struck by Lucian's sudden resolve in preserving life.
"Can High elves be paladins too?" Lucian asked another curious question.
"I, I don't think so. A lot of us use arcane magic. I can't use arcane though, leaving me worthless to everybody here."
One more act of surprise caught Lilth's attention as Lucian, sitting across from her, moved and sat next to her side. She found it rather comforting, as if she wanted his sympathy.
"You're not worthless."
"But I…"
"You're not," his hand, gently yet firmly, grabs one of hers, giving a reassuring gesture. "I was once told by a Paladin to believe in a brighter future, enduring the pains and struggles, and find the right kind of people to belong to."
Believe in a brighter future? Is that even possible? What would she have to trade for to find a way out and touch a future that she would be loved in? Perhaps she is capable in grabbing hold of a future that she wants, a future where she's loved and happy.
"Hey Lucian," Lilth looks over to him, meeting his attentive gaze.
"Yes?"
"Thank you," a sweet little smile forms across her lips.
Some noises nearby gets louder and louder as it heads towards the two underneath the table. A woman's hand lifts up the drapery cloth and sticks her head in.
"Mother?" A surprise look on Lilth's face shows.
"There you two are. I was worried about what happened to you and Lucian when we got swarmed by the crowd," relief filled in Anastrisa's voice. "Come on out you two. I want you to meet Dr. Windchester Lilth."
Emerging from the reticent cover of the table, Lilth notices her father, Lady Windrunner, Anastasia and her mother, and Lucian's mother. Noticing that she's the center of attention, feelings of nervousness plagues her. If only she could escape, she would.
"Lilth dear," came her father. "We've wanted to have you meet Dr. Windchester for some time now…"
"…and we'll discuss the matter once we arrive back home," Anastrisa finishes her husband's sentence.
Looking at Lucian and Natalie, Anastrisa concludes, "Since it's starting to get dark, why don't you and Lucian spend the night at our home while we discuss the matter with Lilth."
"Thank you, but where would the captain and his men sleep?" Natalie wondered.
Overhearing the sounds of laughter and seeing afar the human knights and the local guards having a good time in sharing heroic tales, Anastrisa reassuringly says, "I think when they're ready, the inn near them can accommodate them for free."
As everybody heads back onto Dawning Lane, Lilth falls a bit behind and walks with Lucian. Soon the two were playing tag all the way back to her house.
