If my father was ever angry, he would never hide it. It always shows on his face. That way, you know something is wrong, and/or he's really upset. Like right now. His green eyes seemed darker than usual, and never let me out of sight. He stared down at me…hard. And by the looks of it, this wasn't going to go too well.
I can't believe they would do that…
I couldn't move, my heart was still pounding out of my chest. The room was so silent I don't doubt that the others heard it too. It seemed as though his gaze held me in place.
J-just keep your head up. Don't show him you're afraid. That's what he wants…..Really? Who am I kidding? He's going to kill me…I know it.
I cleared my throat and spoke.
"What's going on here?" I noticed my voice was a little shaky, but I kept my composure.
"I think you know damn well better than anyone else in this room, Viridiel." Father said after a moment of heavy silence. The words struck me and I gulped down my courage. He continued to stare at me heavily. I don't even remember him blinking…
"Dear, take it easy-"
"Quiet woman!" His voice rose and every one, including me, jumped a little. "I believe I can handle this. It's about time our son had a…a stern talking to. The boy's too soft, but I guess it's to be expected from the amount of time he's spent with you."
You can tell she was offended by the way her brows furrowed, but she didn't say a word. No one speaks out against him. It was silent for another moment, and then he sighed.
"This…this Anadis character. He has corrupted you."
"I am not corrupt."
"You will not speak unless I tell you!" He yelled, and I was hushed immediately. "I am very disappointed in you…What is this all of a sudden? It, it sickens me."
He furrowed his eyebrows and I continued to listen.
"It sickens me how you talked with him, worked with him, fought along side him, how you let him touch you. It's all disgusting. Never in my life did I expect my own son to befriend an enemy. What has become of you? Did we not raise you well? Did we not give you what you wanted and needed? Is that it? Do you want to disgrace the Dawnblade name?"
I held my tongue.
"Answer me boy!"
"N-no sir!" I felt myself beginning to tear up, but I had to hold it back. I couldn't cry in front of him. It would just make things worse.
"So why do you do it anyway?! You know better! I should tear your hide right now for this disgrace!"
"I don't care!" I shouted. The room went really quiet, and my father had stared me down as if I had gone mad. He stood up from the table and was slowly making his way toward me.
What the hell did I just say…
"Excuse me?" He narrowed his eyes. My fists clenched.
"I-I don't care. He did seem so bad…I'm tired of you trying to change me. Saying man up and all that bull."
What am I saying…
What am I saying…
What am I saying…
What am I saying…
"Why can't you just accept me for who I am? I like to cook, yes I noticed I look a little… feminine, I may not be very manly, yes…I enjoyed that kiss. Am I into women? I'm not so sure anymore… Father I just want you to-"
SMACK!
He quickly backhanded me across my cheek sending me to the cold floor. I was starting to tear up now. I felt so…weak. What was I thinking? I never spoke out of line like that before. I don't know what came over me. I held my cheek. It was warm from the hit, and it stung a little. No, I won't show weakness.
"I don't even know if you belong in this family anymore." He said through clenched teeth.
I couldn't stand it anymore. A faint glow of yellow engulfed my hands as I chanted a spell under my breath. The faint glow soon grew into bright flames. Malanior and my mother's face were completely in shock. No one in this family has dared go against my father like this. Not unless they were sparring. I rose to my feet and attempted to swing at his face, my green eyes glowing bright with fury.
"What is this nonsense? You choose to go against me?" He caught both of my arms before I could touch him. I expected I wouldn't be able to touch him, but it was worth a try. Something inside me just…snapped. I needed to stand up for myself since no one else was helping me.
"You don't know what power you trifle with Viridiel." He growled as he squeezed my left arm tight. I winced at his strong grip.
"You need to be taught a lesson. How dare you try to fight me! Me!" Suddenly my left arm started to feel warm, and then it got hotter, and hotter. And then I realized, whether he did or not, what he was doing.
"Anador don't do this!" She shouted, tears raining from her eyes. I don't think he heard her though. Malanior still stood there, stunned, fear in his eyes. Father had cast Immolate. It was like all the muscles in my body were tensing and I released a piercing scream as the flames burned and licked at my skin. It was agonizing.
I…I won't beg. I can't!
The smell of burning flesh filled my nostrils while I tried to escape his hold. His eyes were focused on me, piercing with disappointment. I cried out and screamed. This was really painful, and I soon fell to my knees. He still didn't let go. The flames had crept all the way up my arm, and was spreading to my back and chest slowly. Painfully slow.
"Do you wish to continue to disgrace the Dawnblade name?" He asked. I didn't say anything.
"Answer me!" The flames got hotter and I cried out, attempting to pull away again.
"N-no! No sir! I don't!" I yelled.
"Who is it that you serve Viridiel?"
"The Horde! I serve the Horde!"
"Who is the enemy? Who must we fight?"
"Alliance…" I muttered.
"Who?" He shouted.
"Alliance! The Alliance is the enemy!"
"That's right boy!" He said almost cheerfully, and released my arm. The flames began to die out and left my arm smoking. I fell to the ground in a ball, eyes wide with fear and red with tears, shaking, cringing, afraid. The flames affected my entire left arm, a little up my neck, spread to my shoulder blade and a little more, my left pectoral, and a partially down my side. I couldn't move my body.
"And let that mark be a reminder…You'll thank me someday. As for Mariel, may the Sun watch over him, you will explain to his parents what happened to him." The was all he said before stepping over me and walking out the front door, slamming it behind him. They didn't move for a while. She broke out in more tears and rushed over to me.
"Oh dear…Viridiel, I'm so sorry." She sobbed. He reached to try and touch me, for healing maybe, but I cringed even more.
"Don't… touch me." I panted out.
"Viridiel…" She said softly, but I could hear the sadness in her voice.
"Just, leave me. Please." I said in a low voice. She stayed by my side a little longer before turning away. Soon I heard Malanior's footsteps distancing themselves further away from me. They didn't even bother to help me…They're too afraid of him. I could understand that, but I stepped up to him. Why couldn't they take the chance? I thought…I thought maybe my own brother could at least say or do something. But no, I was on my own.
One day…
I'll defeat him one day. I'll stand up to him. I'll be stronger.
The next morning was gray, a bit of a cold day in June. The sun had decided not to grace Eversong Woods with it's light, and there was a slight drizzle. I looked out of my window almost mindlessly. I was being held in my room for the day, except to go visit Mariel's parents. And I was to leave soon.
The Sun rest his soul.
I was too ashamed to even look at anyone. I was ashamed and angry. As for my journal, well, I don't know what became of it. I just know that I won't see it again.
I should have never went to the Ghostlands that day.
I thought, remembering the day I was kidnapped by the night elves. Maybe I wouldn't be in this mess. Or at least, it would be one less thing to worry about.
"Viridiel!" My father called out from the front of the house I assume. I sighed deeply and left my room. He sat at the kitchen table with his arms crossed while mother was cooking. She dared not even look up. Malanior was probably out somewhere. Father observed me through narrowed eyes, and then his gaze shifted to my arm. It still felt as if it was pulsating, and it still hurt. The burned flesh had become slightly wrinkled with a mix of a pink and red tone. A giant flaw that was easily seen…I hated it. It was a hideous scar that would remain forever. I was wearing a short sleeve white shirt and some ordinary, black pants today.
"Look at me." He commanded, and my eyes met with his in silence. "Before we leave I need to explain some things to you. One: You will not leave this house unless I or your mother send you out to gather some things or for some other reason. Two: You shall not have contact with any of your other friends. Three: If I give you something to do you will do it without question. Same goes for your mother if she has something for you to do." Mother sat the spice bread and milk carefully in front of my father. "And Four: If I ever see you with this Anadis boy I will not hesitate to kill him, and you will never leave this house. Am I understood?" He asked before taking a gulp of milk.
"Yes sir, understood."
"Viridiel would you like something to eat?" She asked. I noticed her voice was a little shaky and low.
"I'm not hungry." The reply was somewhat cold, and I didn't look at her.
"Eat, you'll need it for later." He said flatly. I really didn't want to eat. And what did he mean by that? As I sat down at the table she placed a plate in front of me.
"Thank you." I said in a low voice before eating my food. By the time I cleaned my plate father was ready to leave and I followed behind him out the door. While he rode atop his black and red hawkstrider I was walking as we made our way to Silvermoon where Mariel's parents live. It felt like such a long walk, and things seem to move slow. Not many people were out and about today.
Hm, I wonder if it'll rain more…
I thought to myself as we continued to walk in silence. Not many people were bustling around the city either. I guess they didn't want to be caught in rain. It seemed a little quiet save for a few conversations here and there between the other elves and some other people of different races. We continued to look for Mariel's folks. His father is an expert in engineering while his mother sells the supplies. They actually own a little shop. We passed through Murder Row, into the Court of the Sun, and made a right into the Farstriders' Square. There we found their shop. Father dismounted as I walked in and he soon followed.
"Well look who it is." Coria greeted us with a smile and wave. "Tharama! The Dawnblades are here!"
I tried my hardest to calm myself, but it was very difficult. I thought my heart was going to burst. It sure felt like it. I straightened my face and posture. Tharama was coming down the steps of the shop. They were both around the same age as my parents, but Mariel's parents looked a tad bit older. Coria was a small woman with tan skin and black hair. Tharama still held muscle to him and looked as healthy as ever. He was a little paler than his wife and had long, dark brown hair that was combed back. He was also a little taller than my father was. He was wearing a worn, off white V-neck sleeveless shirt and some brown shorts. He bore black oil splotches on his clothes and skin. Coria looked to be neatly cleaned, her black hair curled and her robe looking nice.
"Dawnblade!" He shouted heartedly and met my father in a firm handshake.
"Haha Suntreader, good to see you old friend. How's the business?"
"A little slow today, but good. And you? How's the family?" He said, letting go of my father's hand.
"Hanging in there." He chuckled. Tharama looked at me and went quiet for a moment.
"That's quite a scar you got there kid."
"Heh, yeah. It is." I replied sheepishly. He continued to look at me.
"If you're looking for Mariel he's not here. Haven't seen him for a few days. That boy is always getting into damn trouble. He'll learn his lesson one day. Honestly Viri, I don't understand how you ever made friends with that boy."
Coria was shuffling through some supplies.
Father inconspicuously nudged at my back and I instantly knew what he meant.
"U-um Mr. Suntreader sir, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Mariel."
"Jeez what has he done now." Coria said.
"Well, spit it out." Tharama said and crossed his muscled arms. I was hesitant for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"Mariel won't be coming home…" I said grimly. The room fell quiet.
"What, do you mean?" He asked a little concerned. I was trying not to tear up.
"Mariel is…he's dead." Coria held a hand to her mouth and gasped. Father stood in the doorway facing the outside.
"A few nights ago, he started talking about going to the Plaugelands."
"The Plaguelands?! Why the hell would he want to go to the Plaguelands?! Did you at least try to talk him out of it? What in the hell were you two doing in the Plaguelands?" He yelled angrily.
"I-I tried to talk him out of it! I thought he was crazy for even bringing it up. I didn't want to go but, he ended up convincing me." I held my burned arm as it started to throb again. "We traveled there and looked around. I kept saying we should turn back but he wanted to keep going. And…and I wasn't just going to leave him there. So I followed him. We found an abandoned home to stay in for the night. When I woke up he wasn't there anymore. As afraid as I was I went looking for him and…that's when I saw the last of him. He was being dragged away by the scourge. I tried to save him even though I knew I didn't stand a chance, but he told me to run. I-I can't tell you how sorry I am…If there's anything I can do to-"
"No…Thank you." He sighed. Coria was shedding a few tears in the corner. He walked over to her and tried to sooth her by pulling her into an embrace. "That will be all. Good-bye." His brows furrowed slightly. I think he was trying to hold back tears.
"I really am sorry…" I said in a low voice before turning away. I left the shop not waiting for my father. I just walked away not caring what direction I was going in. I just wanted to get away. When we got back home Mother wasn't there but she had left a note saying that she was going to the Undercity to meet with someone. I assume Malanior was still out.
"Go put on your armor and grab your staff. We're about to duel."
Duel? He really is trying to kill me. How am I suppose to beat him?
My eyes went wide for a moment.
"I don't like repeating myself."
"Yes sir." I said rushing to my room and putting on the best armor I had. It needed a few repairs but it was going to have to do for now. I slipped on my robe and such and rushed outside to where he was waiting for me. It was still drizzling. He stood stern and ready to battle.
"You look like you need some training and a little more muscle on those bones. You'll be training non stop while I'm here. I will make you stronger boy. Shall we start?"
"B-but my arm. I can barely hold my staff."
"You'll learn to use your right hand. Now ready yourself. I won't go easy on you." He warned. I put my staff in my right hand and cast Fire Specialization on myself to increase the damage of my fire spell. He had cast Demonic Knowledge. Without any form of warning he had cast, "Bane of Agony!" He called out. There was a wracking pain all throughout my body and it was hard to move.
C-come on Viri, get it together!
I was attempting to fight the pain, to endure it. Once the pain started to recede I strapped my staff to my back and raised my weak left arm while muttering under my breath. Flames danced around my hands and I aimed at him. A ray of fire raced to him and reached his side. But it didn't seem to have much of an effect. Then I began casting fire bolt after fire bolt.
"Is that the best you got?" He called to me. My spells seemed to barely have any effect on him. He soon spoke quickly in this demonic language and it felt as if I was burning on the inside. I cried out in agony. I saw a shadow bolt coming in my direction and I quickly cast blink. Before I knew it I was a few yards behind him. Still feeling the pain, I cast another fire bolt aiming for his neck.
"Argh." He growled with clenched teeth. "Not bad. I felt that one." He chanted again. A green, purple, and blackish aura appeared around him. He was summoning something. I was curious as to what it was. From the demonic portal came a succubus. She winked at me and cracked her whip. I gulped down hard…
I lay face down on the ground panting. I couldn't find my strength, and I felt as though I was nearing my limit. I was covered in bruises and scratches….and dirt. We had trained for what felt like hours. It even started to rain hard, so I was drenched and my clothes were sticking to little frame. I struggled to move but it was too painful, I needed to rest.
"It's almost like you wanted your ass handed to you. You need to improve, and you will. We'll continue early tomorrow morning, so be ready and fix your armor." He said leaning over me. I muffled a response.
"You say something?" I turned my head slightly, the rain beating down on my face.
"Yes…yes sir."
"Good." He turned and walked away, but before he entered the house he turned to me and said, "I'm doing this for your own good…" And with that he left me out in the rain.
Whatcha think? Too dramatic? You like it? Glad I got it finished. I'm thinking of starting another story on here, but idk of what yet. I only have one story on here :I. Anywho, thanks for waiting on me :). I know this took a while to get up. Enjoy~...Viridiel's dad is a butt muffin =.=