Chapter Fourteen

Zovaal


I was walking with Anduin – he seemed a lot more protective at the moment; and that only reinforced my theory about what was happening. I wouldn't know for sure until we got out of here, but… at this point, I was almost positive of what was happening.

Inas noticed the unusual occurrence, but chose not to say anythin.

We reached the bridge and Thrall spoke, "Hold. I hear something stirring..."

I groaned as Helya came up from the River of Souls – she was large enough that we were only as tall as her palm; not counting fingers… or her cheek.

Helya was light green with styled cropped black hair and glowing light blue eyes. She had barnacles on her skin and wore copper-gold armors. Her ears were long and webbed – like a siren or a fish might have. She yelled, "Your wretched souls will feed the coming darkness!"

I waved, "Hi, Helya – long time…"

She glared at me, "Faerine Silverlight – why are you here?"

"I er… I'm saving my husband?" I motioned to Anduin, "And my name is Atarah Stormlight now… the uh… the thing in Helheim… we're cool right? I mean – I didn't mean to get involved with that…" Anduin – to his everlasting credit – didn't show anything other than a protective stance at my words about him being my husband.

She sighed and looked pissy, "I'm not allowed to confront you – the Jailer has noticed your presence after your little stunt in killing his people. He believes you are an Eternal One – like him."

"Oh – well I am… nice of him to notice… are you going to throw us into the River of Souls yet? You're supposed to…" I coughed awkwardly. She gave a malicious smile, "Well – if you invite me, how can I say no?"

A rush of water tossed us all back and we landed hard in the river of souls. I gasped out in pain as I landed hard on Anduin. Jaina cried out, "What is this madness?"

Thrall grunted as he called back, "This sound… it's unbearable."

Anduin helped me to my feet and pulled me along – the souls in the river affecting me more than I had anticipated, "Keep moving!"

Inas picked me up and threw me over his shoulder when it became apparent that I was unable to withstand the river of souls. My head was splitting with pain, my nose dripped with blood and my lips were open in a silent scream.

Anduins' face was contorted in pain as he glanced at me. We got out of the river and I had to suck in air like it was going out of style – my chest was tight and I felt like I had really been drowning despite the river not having water.

"There – on the precipice above! Is that…" Thrall sounded horrified.

Jaina growled, "The Jailer."

Anduin sounded worried, "He has Baine!"

The Jailer was tall enough that we would only stand as tall as his ankle – if that since he was 53 feet tall. His skin was a greyish blue with black swirling markings on the visible areas along his chest and arms. He had a hole in the center of his chest with grey metal connected to it. He was dripping with chains and spiky armor.

The jailor – unfortunately – had a smooth and deep voice; it was uncaring as he sneered at Baine and said, "Pitiful mortal – I find your spirit… unworthy…" and he dropped the Tauren man. My group lurched forward toward Baine Bloodhoof.

Baine was 10 and a third foot tall with a pale brown fur, white belly, and black horns. He had a piercing in his nose. His clothing was reminiscent of a white feathered eagle.

Anduin had instantly begun attempting to heal the High Chieftain and shook his head in horror as he continued to try, "His wounds are mending, but his spirit remains weakened. I've never seen anything like it."

"I believe I have; in a place very far from here…" Thrall sighed and motioned to Inas, "Come – help me find the weapon that made this wound."

Inas looked at me and I inclined my head, "Go – we need that weapon to heal Baine… and I need to rest a moment. I can't… Jaina will keep us hidden; Andy will keep Baine alive until you return… I just need rest. The River of Souls drained me more than I thought it might."

Inas nodded and took off with Thrall.

Anduin spoke softly, "Iris – are you okay?"

Jaina looked at him, "You call her that?"

I took a shuddered breath, "I'll live, Andy; and Jaina – family or lovers; past and present."

"Is there anyone in Thedas that calls you that?" She asked critically – she was protecting Anduin; I knew that… so I answered truthfully.

"Just one – and he was furious to find out I was betrothed. I hadn't told him beforehand because this betrothal won't work out; I can't… be Queen of… people who hated me for so long, Lord Admiral."

Anduin flinched, "I'll break the betrothal, Tara – but if your mates are too blind to see the good that is in front of them… if they can't see how lucky they are to have your affections… I'll be waiting for you; as I have for the last 4 years."

I gave him a weak smile as Jaina frowned, "You shouldn't wait for someone that…"

"I already pointed that out to him, Jaina – but he's as stubborn as his father about this matter. He says he loves me…" I sighed.

Jainas' eyes went wide – Wrynn men were notorious for their stubborn pursuit of the one they fell in love with. Varian and Tiffin – Anduins' parents – disliked each other at first, but Varian… when he fell in love with her and she was killed, the ones that did so went into hiding and I was sure they were still hiding now. Jaina coughed, "Anduin…?"

The King gave me a small smile, "I do love her, Aunt Jaina; I'm hers. I refuse to take anyone else as my wife. I don't care what the older version of me in that alternate future was thinking when he married that other woman – he only did so because Iris didn't exist there."

Inas' voice cut in, "Good to know – you may want to knock some sense into that Alistair kid if you really want to see her happy though."

I flushed, "I already tested him, Inas – Alistair just isn't interested. Hawke helped me try to make him jealous and… he didn't even care. Hawke was so sure that those things would work too but… his reactions were just neutral. So – one mate shows no interest. Cullen will be tortured by mages by the next time I see him so me having magic – big rejection status there. I won't be allowed to have my mates, Inas – the universe just hates me."

Anduin frowned, "I'll be here – as I said."

Thrall set a blade down next to Baines' body, and said, "When I break the blade, be prepared for whatever comes, Inas – it won't be pretty."

Thrall smashed the blade, and he wasn't the only one 'effected' by it; neither he nor I could do anything more than hold our head. This settled it – I was never coming to the Maw again…

I lied – I'd come if Inas needed me… but under my own will? No, I would still come if Inas mentioned a particularly hard foe… but beyond that? I'd come to save the trapped souls… my resolve was weak. I hated this place – could I go home now? And by home, I meant, could I go back to Alistair?

I did notice the Jailer watching us – but he didn't seem to mind allowing this little 'annoyance' in order to discover weaknesses in my party. I shot him an evil smirk and he lifted one eyebrow but nothing more showed on his face.

I heard Baine speak, "Anduin? I had thought my end had come..."

Thrall scoffed, "Very nearly did – Inas and Tara are the only reason you still stand now."

I flushed, "I sat here like a useless glass doll, Thrall – it was all Inas."

Inas snorted, "Not so, little sister – without you, this may have taken a lot longer. We found Jaina easily and she had Thrall – but we didn't have to dominate any shades for Anduins' location or the location of our exit…"

"Jaina knew where Andy was – and the exit is sort of obvious; an obelisk of ancient stone upon a high ridge – the jailers' people don't pay it any mind because it's dormant."

Baine spoke, "I've seen this Obelisk – and you both have my gratitude."

Baine was one of my donors, though he didn't like me much before – the guilty smile on his face showed that he was one of the people that believed the rumors, but with Thrall vouching for me, he was a bit more willing to allow me to stick around and keep me 'fed'.

Jaina sighed, "I wish we had more time for you to recover, but we need to move."

"Understood – this way," Baine pointed behind him. I inclined my head – he was right.

I said, "Jaina – I need to keep my strength; you need to shield us from view as we move forward; but the floating metal eye-like things can see through it so we'll need to wait until their 'backs' are turned to us or they're far enough away…"

She nodded at once and used her mass invisibility – a top-tier mage spell that I had yet to learn; I could make myself invisible for about 5 minutes or someone individually, but not a group and not sustained.

Anduin looked pained at the sight of so many souls pouring from the sky once we reached the top of the hill, "So many souls pouring into the Maw. The dead of Azeroth... Draenor... Thedas… worlds beyond our imagination; all damned to this place."

I coughed, "The dead of Thedas… they believe in the Maker and heaven so… don't contradict them if you want alliances. They'll label you a blasphemer heretic and say no."

He nodded softly, "That is good to know…"

It crossed my mind then that Andraste would likely have been taken to Bastion – and Kyrian were made to forget their former lives so she likely didn't recall by now. I wouldn't be able to recognize her – I'd never seen her in person either and everyone knew that eye-witness accounts could change so… for all I knew she was an ugly brunette and not a lovely blonde.

Not that it mattered – Kyrian all had versions of blue for skin and hair.

Thrall shook his head, "Despite all Sylvanas has done; I never thought she would be part of something like this."

"She didn't exactly feel she had a choice – the Jailer has manipulated her into believing she was always just a tool for others to use. She doesn't realize that the Jailer was the reason for Arthas being the way he was; The Helm of Domination and Frostmourn were basically made by the Jailer through his imprisoned Runecarver – and the Runecarver was stripped of his memories. That is also how they plan to turn Andy into another Arthas – by corrupting his fathers' sword and forging a new helm with similar effects. Arthas was forced to act as he did with those two things – he was free in death until Uther Lightbringer fucked up. He couldn't… he threw Arthas directly into the Maw; denying him his rightful afterlife. That was a catalyst action that started all of… this. It wasn't what made it so that all souls come here, but it helped to start things. The Jailer has had a long time to play his games – Sylvanas truly believes she had no choice for her whole life. That's why… she never forces Anduin to become their weapon; she keeps trying to turn him into believing in their cause. This is what allows us to save Andy before it would be too late if I weren't here and saving Andy from the start. I warn you that you will need to stay in Oribos or come to Thedas with me; if you go back to Stormwind, then they'll just capture you again."

Anduin sighed, "She never had a choice?"

"No – Arthas killed her, but recall whom she was before that. Believe me, she still has humanity and somewhat clings to it. She sees herself in you, Anduin – the hopeful and… that's why she tries to convenience you but not Jaina, Thrall or Baine. Promise me that you will stay in Oribos or come with me to Thedas…"

"I'll stay in Oribos; traveling with you is tempting – too tempting – but while you aren't sure about me… while you pursue your mates… it would be too painful."

I nodded. Jaina called out, "Look! On the platform ahead! That must be the Waystone! We need to reach it before the Jailer takes notice."

I saw the sigil appear on Inas' hand the closer we got. The stone began to glow softly. Anduin gave me a look, "You said it was Dormant… yet it seems to be reacting to our presence."

I shook my head and pointed to Inas, "It's reacting to him… and me a little bit. My sigil isn't glowing nearly as much as his is. Look, Zovaal – the Jailer – is going to be pissed when that thing starts to activate. Our only chance is to keep them at bay long enough for the Waystone to fully charge. Every second counts here… so I need just bit more blood from someone so I can go super-sized."

Jaina held out her wrist, "You took from Darion and Anduin – it's either me or Thrall right now. Take from me."

I nodded – likely best to use a woman at the moment since we couldn't… clean up here. I took what I needed and nodded to Inas, "Do it."

He began activating the Waystone. The Jailers Voice was projected all through the Maw, "A relic of the First Ones... responding to a mortal? Impossible… Mawsworn – take them!"

We fought – and when Zovaal showed up, I focused on becoming what I had been. All fighting ceased with the Jailer raising one hand.

"Dear Sister – how long it has been since I've seen you." He said, suddenly impassive.

I inclined my head, "Brother – do I know you? Tsk – I know the Eternal Ones are a 'family' but I don't know you personally. You dared to take what was mine, Zovaal. Azeroth and these people are mine. I will fight you."

"… You may take two – but this is my realm Sister. It responds to me." he began using the shadow chains. I gave a wicked smile, "Then I choose the one you need, Brother. Anduin is such a lovely prize – why don't you show him, dear?"

Anduin – as I had told him to do last night – summoned a light dome around him and Inas and the Waystone; and surprised me when it encased me too – with my 35 foot height, that was impressive. Zovaal look furious at the trick, "I will get him back, Sister."

"You can try, Zovaal – but you will die for it. Let's go, Inas, Anduin."

We shot through the Waystone – leaving Jaina, Baine and Thrall behind. I landed in Oribos still as an Eternal One – stunning the Guards. I shimmered and went back to normal, collapsing in Anduins' arms.


I woke still in Anduins' arms – he was sitting, so I didn't feel too bad. I looked around and noticed three other beings with us. The Attendants – floating beings… one wore blue robes and copper metals, one wore white robes and copper metals, and the third white and silver. I knew on sight that the blue one was Kah-Delen, the white and copper was Kah-Sher, and the white and silver one was Tal-Inara. The Kah people were Overseers. Tal-Inara was the Honored Voice.

I croaked out, "Honored Voice…"

Tal-Inara – and the other two – swiveled to look at me so fast that I swear their heads spun on their bodies. Tal-Inara spoke, "You are an Eternal One – I heard what was told of you on your arrival."

"So I'm told – though before going to the Maw, I had no proof of that. How long was I out?"

"3 days; we had to bring in a bit of Anima to aid in your restoration. You have been deprived of Anima for a long time it seems."

I coughed, "The drought… is unnatural… one of the Eternal Ones is aiding Zovaal."

All three froze. I noticed Bolvar entering the room and I clammed up – I wasn't sure just how influential the helm was on him. Tal-Inara knelt beside me, "Who?"

"Denathrius… is hording all the Anima… in the Menagerie in Revendreth. Denathrius has been corrupted by the very sins Revendreth swore to punish. He wishes to rule all the Shadowlands and free the Jailer from his bonds by channeling massive amounts of anima into the Maw."

Tal-Inara hummed, "We will aid your brother in uncovering this – with her voice have I spoken."

"Blessed be her Voice," I sighed. Anduin repeated after me – as did Kah-Sher and Kah-Delen. I knew they couldn't do anything without proof – I was just a mortal at the moment.

I coughed again – my throat was so dry, "I need to return to my people in Thedas. How about you give me a good-bye kiss, Anduin?"

He chuckled, "How could I turn that down? I have already sent word to cancel our Betrothal. Bolvar delivered it for me to the High Exarch."

Bolvar – now close enough to hear us said, "Then I am here at a good time – the High Exarch has done as asked, Anduin. Lord Malfurion isn't too happy… nor is Lord Theron or most of the racial leaders… supposedly; many people were looking forward to your wedding."

I snorted and got my kiss from Anduin before casting my teleport – yeah, it was cowardly to leave Anduin to deal with that but… I was just too exhausted.

I landed in a tent… right beside Alistair. It was night time. He shouted in surprise – causing Sten to poke his head in. Seeing me, Sten just wandered back out. I heard his voice telling others that it was just me.

Alistair flushed, "T-Tara…"

I shook my head, "No… I… need sleep…" and I passed out. Apparently I was still too weak.


When I woke, I realized that Anduin hadn't even confronted me for calling him my husband to Helya. I was still in Alistairs' tent – in his arms, no less. He coughed when he noticed I was awake, "We er… thought it best not to move you. We'll reach the Tower tomorrow – we made good time; 4 days to this point."

I held my head, "I-I… need… blood…"

He jumped, "I'll get Aedan."

He popped his head out of the tent and said, "Aedan – she needs blood."

At the rate I was going, I would need a familiar; already I had taken from almost everyone in the group. Alistair, Sten, Morrigan and Lyna were the only ones I hadn't after this. Shit.

Aedan came into the tent as Alistair moved aside and left the tent. Aedan knelt beside me, "Tara… take from me." he held his wrist out. I hesitated but bit into him.

I pulled away after my usual amount – but… of course it wasn't enough; just like last time I would need more.

I cursed and ripped my amulet from my neck. Inas' voice came through, "Iris – what's… when did you wake up?"

Aedan was looking at me in confusion as I replied, "Last night – I have a bit of a problem Inas… I need you to find a mage and… bring Anduin."

"Can't you collect him?" Inas' voice sounded confused. I snorted, "Remember what happened last time I went Eternal? And consider that I went that way a second time in our escape from the Maw…"

"…Shit – I'll collect him at once… Pelagos – you can make portals, right?"

I heard another voice – familiar to me – from the background, "Only with the blessing of the Hands or the Paragons… why?"

"An Eternal One is dying…" Inas didn't have to say any more than that, Pelagos said, "We can ask Vesiphone or Eridia – they are close by. The Paragon of Purity will surely assent."

The connection was cut off and I trudged out of the tent holding my head.

Aedan finally spoke, "What did Inas mean when he said 'an Eternal One is dying'?"

"I… am considered an Eternal one – I have a form that is humanoid and more than 35 feet in height… but using that form on insufficient blood reserves… starts to kill me. I was out cold for three days after my second use. I only took a normal amount from you, Aedan – but I need more. Anduin is currently residing in Oribos so that the Banshee Queen and the Jailer can't get him; he's restored his blood from when I last took from him after my first bout of going Eternal."

"That explains why you are so pale," Leliana frowned, "There is no color in your lips or cheeks…"

Soon enough – after I gave a whole report of what happened in the Maw – Anduin, Inas and Pelagos arrived with the warming of my necklace being used as a beacon. Pelagos was 7'2 with light blue skin and Dark Blue hair… his eyes were a very pretty shade of sky blue too. Of course, as an Aspirant and not an ascended, he had no wings. He wore white and gold colored clothing, as most Kyrian did.

Anduin moved forward the moment he spotted me – his hand was glowing gold as he ran it over me, "Iris – what happened?"

"Didn't Inas tell you?" I asked petulantly. He shook his head, "No – he only said it was an emergency and we had to come at once."

"I went Eternal in that escape, Anduin – I hadn't taken quite enough blood to sustain the length of time I was in that form…"

Anduin looked worried and pressed his wrist to my lips. "Then drink, please…" it spoke to just how much he loved me that he didn't care that we were in front of other people…

I bit – feeling better at once. Anduin didn't pull his wrist away at once – keeping his wrist firmly placed against my lips for a time. When I forced myself away I gave him a confused look, "Why…?"

"I was waiting for the color to return to your cheeks – Iris… you were pale. I've never seen you so pale…"

It was Daylen who picked up on it, "You used to call her Fae… she said only people who were family or lovers got to call her Iris… but she also said…"

"I can also feed on sex, Daylen – though it's vastly different. When I feed on sex, it just replenishes my energy – so I could go days or weeks without sleep so long as I get sex." I flushed.

Anduin snorted, "You weren't feeding on me, Iris; not the first two times, at least. I felt you feed on it the third, but not…"

I sighed, "That and… well… he was sweet."

Inas looked confused, "I've never known you to be swayed by sweet words, Iris – what did you tell her Anduin?"

Anduin got a small smirk, "I told her that I loved her – and that I've known for 2 years that she is the only queen I want; I'll just adopt an heir if she never comes to me. I already broke the betrothal, but…"

Inas cursed, "The Wrynn Curse – inability to love more than one person ever. Your dad was a mess when your mom died… I think the guild is still in hiding in Westfall."

I looked away, "Can you see why I went more than once with him, Inas?"

"When he puts it that way… I'd take him to bed," Inas grumbled. I laughed – Inas knew how to make me feel so much better. Anduin quipped back, "If I were going to bed a man, it would be Wration – you are just not my type, Inas."

I giggled harder, "I could see it – you both have the best Bromance ever."

Anduin brushed my hair from my face, "You need to take a Familiar if this is going to keep happening, Iris."

I pouted, "Yeah – and who do you suggest?"

Anduin snorted, "I don't mind becoming your familiar, Iris – I practically already hold that title without the bond in place; I may as well."

I sighed, "Anduin… there's something else you need to know… but that is a discussion for private…"

He lifted an eyebrow, "You could always cast a cone of silence, Iris…"

"Not with Leliana here – she's a former spy and is adept at reading lips," I deadpanned.

Leliana flushed. "So cast a sight shield too," Inas suggested.

I shrugged and did so – just him, Inas and me.

I sighed, "I went through all that trouble to have you break the engagement only for the Light to interfere – your faith is quite strong, Anduin; I guess the Light thought you deserved a reward."

Inas coughed as he choked, "Don't even say it! You have got to be joking."

Anduin tilted his head – thinking – before realizing, "You're saying… I'm your mate now?"

I sighed and nodded feeling both happy and weary about the whole thing, "That's exactly what I am saying, Anduin – in the ways of the Dragons, you and I are married."

He had such a sappy look on his face, "I didn't know that was possible."

I dispelled the shields, "Yeah it is – when higher powers like the light interfere. Otherwise you'd have needed to be a Dragon. What's done is done."

Sten spoke, "You speak as though this 'Light' has sentience; like the sun or something?"

"Not like the sun – not exactly. Th Light is also known as Holy Light or Holy Light of Creation. It is an endless, shimmering sea of energy situated outside the barriers of reality – those who serve it – priests – are usually hailed for doing good works through their lives. Though there are Shadow Priests too. The priests of the Light heal and restore in times of peace, and protect in times of war. Paladins are the Martial Branch of the Church of Light and seek to be an example of the Light's teachings as well as enforce its laws; they protect the weak, bring justice to the unjust, and kill evil spawn. But the general census is that Light strives to be good in all actions while the Void is said to be 'evil'… even those that use the Void as their main weapon – Void Elves – say that the Void is a hungering expanse; neither good nor evil. Due to its very nature, however, the Light has sentience – as does the Void."

Inas sighed, "Yeah – I worship Elune as the goddess of Night Elves and the Moon, but that doesn't mean I don't believe in the Light or the Void. It's rather hard to ignore Elune when my entire race was gifted with a piece of her magic as a racial trait – Shadowmeld allows us to turn invisible once in a while if the need arises. There are many religions on Azeroth, Draenor, the Outlands, and such – but no one is bold enough to claim that any of the others that they don't follow is untrue because we know they are true."

"And Archmage Khadgar believes that Elune is one of the 'Light Lords' as I've taken to calling them – since the Void and the Light are direct opposites, then it stands to reason if there are Void Lords then there is something similar in the Light. I can't see why else the Light would intervene except for the fact that Anduins' faith was so strong that he was able to use his abilities in the Maw – a realm of eternal damnation with no previous known escape – and that Anduin only wanted one thing for himself in his life… so the Light granted the only wish he made as a reward for his faith. No – I am not telling you what that wish was."

I could tell Leliana had already – correctly – guessed… as had many of the others. Alistair, Lyna and Sten were clueless.

Anduin placed a hand on my arm, "My faith in the light never once wavered in the Maw – not after your words of the Light being with me even there. I do love you, Iris – that will never change and you know it."

"I do know it; Wrynn men are notorious for only loving one woman in their lives. Your father had your mother, Llane had Taria, Barathen had Varia, and Landan had… ah… well – my point stands."

"I love how you just casually mention my family line up to my Great-Great-Grandfather Landan," Anduin laughed.

I shrugged, "Not my fault that I am old enough to have known them all when they were each in diapers Anduin."

Alistair coughed, "If we can move back on topic… The King is right; if this is going to keep happening, you do need a Familiar. The benefits alone far outweigh the risks – which… is something we all discussed while you were gone. Any of us Wardens are willing to accept the risk of being your Familiar, Commander – even me."

I snorted, "What did I tell you – I don't take blood from Innocents."

"You took blood from me," Anduin grinned. I snorted, "I was positive you weren't an innocent by then – after all, I was the one who put a stop to that."

"Fair point," Anduin sniggered. Alistair frowned, "Right – well… likely I won't er… you know… until after the Blight… but I'm still willing to be your familiar."

I felt a throb in my chest – he had as good as admitted he wouldn't be with me. Inas scoffed, "Yeah – that promises she won't take from you; I can't believe she calls you her mate…"

I let out a growl, "Inas!"

"What?" He smirked. I snapped, "I already tested him – he does not want that and even as good as admitted it just now. You know my process – this was uncalled for."

Alistair stilled, "M-me?"

"Wait a minuteAlistair is one of the two mates you mentioned?" Aedan asked.

Daylen shook his head, "But why would you think he doesn't want you – the man was frothing when you were with Hawke."

Alistair was red, "I-I…"

I shook my head, "No he wasn't. Hawke and I were only together to make Alistair show his intent; he never showed any jealousy, didn't speak up about me being with Hawke, and he hasn't mentioned it… not to mention that when I would sit in Hawkes' lap, Alistair only looked at us when we were talking to him – and there was only a look in his eyes that seemed to wonder how Hawke could hold my weight; at least, that's how I interpreted that look. He didn't do any of the things Hawke said he would if he were jealous. Besides – I have magic and he's Templar trained; plus he's got a birthright that means we can't get married anyway. My other mate is… a Templar that will see mages in a very bad light; and since I have Magic… Elune – I wonder what I did to get mates that don't want me. I mean… I expected it; I've only ever been married twice and neither one was really for love. Kayn and I were just casual and exclusive and said 'let's get married' one day and we did."

Alistair looked like someone had hit him with something hard. Lyna sniggered as Sereda said, "I sodding told you, Topsider – I told you that pretending not to care would be a bad idea!"

Morrigan was smirking – but she usually did when…wait…

Anduin spoke, "Pretend not to care? By the Light – don't tell me you're one of the honorable ones that was going to put your feelings aside for her happiness?"

I snorted, "Hey pot, meet kettle."

Inas laughed, "That is rather rich, Anduin – didn't you tell her the exact same thing – that you would step aside for her mates?"

Anduin smirked, "Yeah – I'm just marveling that she has two mates like that is all."

"Three – my other mate is the same way from what I know of him," I grumbled. If no one picked up on the fact that Anduin was my mate from these words, then it was their own damn fault.

Alistair coughed, "I-I mean… I did… find myself… wondering what things… could be like between us…"

Did… he said did. I guess that ship had sailed, huh? I shook my head, "Inas – does that answer your questions?"

"Did… so you don't want her now?" Anduin frowned. Alistair jerked, "What? How did you get…? I mean, I do… but she said she had mates… and she wouldn't say who… I just thought…"

I sighed, "He's the jealous type, guys – just drop it. If I were to have a mate, he wouldn't want me – so let's say I was married to Anduin… all chances of me being with Alistair go up in smoke. Please drop it."

Alistair was frowning but didn't contradict me. Anduin snorted, "Did you see that in a vision? We both know that I was 'supposed to be' with someone else in a timeline where you didn't exist – yet here I am; in love with you. So if that knowledge of him being jealous is from the same way you knew about the 'future Queen of Stormwind' then it likely does not apply to him in this timeline. You are using outdated knowledge when you don't have visions, Iris."

I took a deep breath, "Then drop it and let him figure that out for himself. If he chooses to pursue something then that's up to him; but knowing I have not one but three mates?"

"Three – I thought you had two," Alistair looked sucker-punched. I snorted, "I did – I recently gained a third. Good news though – Elune says three is all that I will have."

Alistair was flushed, but said nothing more. I groaned, "We've wasted enough time – let us be on our way. Take Pelagos back to Bastion and get things sorted with the Kyrian."

Pelagos jumped, "An Eternal One knows who I am?"

I chuckled, "Pelagos – former female, Kleia is your soulbind and Inas had to help save you the first time he met you. You're a good man, Pelagos; keep loyal to Kyrestia and things will be okay."

Pelagos flushed, "You… you know…"

"What you were does not matter – you earned your fate in Bastion as a Kyrian; you were selfless in life and worked to serve others. You are Pelagos now – and Pelagos is a fine man with a bright future ahead of him."

He looked serene; as though I had told him that Kyrestia the Firstborn – leader of the Kyrian – had personally chosen him. Inas chuckled, "Oh – I have one more question before I go back to Bastion…"

"Hmm?" I asked.

"Your sons – what are their names?"

"… Why do you need to know?" I asked softly.

"Well I mean… they're my nephews, Iris; I want to get to know them; and now they're Anduins' sons by law too. Family is family – and Anduin has precious little of that…" Inas was playing me but… damn it, he knew me too well for it to not work.

"Asthan and Alstus Roserest – owners of The Stoppered Flask and the Menagerie in Dalaran," I sighed.

"… You mean to tell me… that the real reason you shop at those two places for your alchemical and mount needs… is because you were supporting your kids?" Inas asked.

I nodded with a pout. Anduin laughed, "By the Light – the most famous Blood Elves in Dalaran. Though I suppose it makes sense, Inas – Iris is an Alchemist and a Beast Tamer; she has no need to go to those shops when she has her own. And she also advocated for their Neutrality when they showed an interest back in my grandfathers' time; that's why they hold the same status as Valeera Sanguinar. If you think about it closely, she's done a lot for those two 'seemingly random' boys. She had to have some connection to them at that point."

Inas groaned, "Yeah – I can't believe I didn't see it before, though."

"They look like their grandmother on their fathers' side – tall, red-headed, blue eyed… they look nothing like me. That was a good thing – no one connected us, so they lived a relatively safe life; they didn't get hurt to strike at me, they didn't get cast off because of me. I'd prefer you don't tell them – they think their mother abandoned them; that's what their father told them. They're safer this way."

Anduin rubbed at my back, "We'll be discreet about it – but Lor'themar is looking to name an heir anyway – and since you keep declining…"

"I'm already Queen of the Illidari – no need to add anything onto that."

"Alright Anduin – let's get back to the Shadowlands; I'll have someone bring the Roserest boys to Oribos for a meeting since you can't go back to Azeroth yet." The three departed and I was left looking at my group in silence.