Author's Note:
Thanks to everyone for the views on the first chapter! To angelacm, ColossalWizard, and Firedragon99: thank you for the follows and the favorites :) Thanks to ColossalWizard and Empress Nightshade for the concrit reviews; they were very helpful. Also, shan'do is roughly translated as honored teacher, in Darnassian.
Lastly, thanks to my wonderful beta, Arenoptara.
The aromatic smell of rich spices and sweet fruit filled the kitchen, as Eliana stood in front of the counter, absentmindedly smothering her slice of spiced bread with moonberry jam. The early evening rays of the moon, as pale as the very tips of a moonpetal lily, drifted into the room through the open window, but she barely even noticed the presence of Elune, that was normally so comforting to her.
Her father, Ardrias Starhelm, stood just behind her, observing her blank mental state. When the amount of jam on her bread threatened to overtake the slice, he stepped up and took the spreading knife from out of his daughter's hand, and set it on the wooden countertop.
He looked down at her, his light olive-hued eyebrows furrowed, and shook his head slightly. "Eliana, what is troubling you this morning?" he asked, his tone warm and soothing.
Her father's voice had always reminded her of a rumbling bear; it was deep and could be intimidating, but more often than not, it made her think back to her childhood and all the times he'd comforted her when she was afraid. This moment, though the fear was in a different context, was no different.
Eliana glanced up at her father, strands of her snowy hair glittering in the brilliant light of the moon. She belatedly realized that she no longer held the spreading knife in her hand, and set her bread down on the counter. "Oh, it's nothing, Father. I am not troubled."
"No? Then why is your bread practically drowning in jam?"
"Is it?" At that, she looked back down at her meager breakfast and shrugged. "Oh, I suppose it is. Well, I do like moonberry jam."
"Not that much. Come now, tell me what is bothering you," he insisted gently.
A deep sigh left Eliana's lips, and she picked up the knife again, subsequently scraping off a few layers of jam from her breakfast. "Cytheas, he...he asked me to attend the Festival of the Moon with him last night."
"And? You always attend the Festival together. Ever since you were little, if I recall correctly."
"Yes, but...this is different. He asked me to attend with him."
Understanding dawned on Ardrias' angular face, and he arched an elongated eyebrow. "So the boy finally found the nerve to start courting you, hmm?"
Eliana whirled around to face her father, the spreading knife forgotten yet again as it clanged to the floor, and incredulously asked, "You knew how he felt?"
"Well, of course. He has never made it a secret how he felt about you."
"I have never known his intentions until last night!"
"That is because you have remained blissfully blind for the past few decades, my dear. Cytheas has always harbored feelings for you," Ardrias explained, his tone condescending in the way that fathers often were, when teaching their children a lesson.
Her silver, pupilless eyes turned downwards and slowly, she turned away from her father to hide the emotions flitting across her face. She felt so many things in that one moment: anger at being left out of the loop, and subsequently caught unaware when her friend admitted his feelings; confusion at how she really had never noticed all these years; and frustration at the fact that he'd even told her. If he hadn't, they might've been able to remain close friends forever.
Her heart raced in her chest and she tightened her grip on the edge of the kitchen counter. This newfound knowledge of her friend's emotions changed the entire dynamic of their friendship. She gazed out the window in thought, admiring the birds whilst they sang their enthusiastic nightly greetings, wishing she could also be so carefree.
Ardrias studied his daughter and after a few moments, laid a hand on her shoulder. "Cytheas has always been there for you, Eliana. He is not a bad male to claim as a mate. Why do you doubt him?"
Softly, Eliana replied, "It is not that I doubt him, Father. I just...I had never considered him in that light."
"Then whom do you consider in that light?"
Eliana hesitated to confide in her father. Ardrias hoped to become a druid, one of very few in their race who wished so, and he studied under the demigod Cenarius-because of that, he knew Malfurion Stormrage very closely. Though he was rather fond of Malfurion, his opinion of the other druid's twin was...well, it was not positive. Her father had never made his opinion of the darker-haired male a secret.
Instead of admitting his name, she shook her head in denial. "No one, Father."
"Well, I suggest that you give Cytheas a chance, then. At least attend the festival with him. It does not mean that you have to be permanently bonded for life right away."
"Yes, I suppose you have a point..." Eliana agreed.
Not a second after she spoke the words, a knock echoed through the room and they both turned towards the front door. Ardrias, eyebrows furrowed again, for who could be at their door so early in the day? Eliana brushed past her father and said in reassurance, "That would be Cytheas himself. He told me he would stop by to take me to the Temple. I am to give him an answer about the festival as well."
She hesitated in front of the door, her hand poised over the handle. Though she'd strode over to it confidently, now that Cytheas was actually on the other side, she knew she couldn't avoid giving him an answer any longer.
Ardrias drifted into the rounded main room and took a seat at their wooden table, sipping a mug of mint tea that he'd made earlier. "Well then, do not keep him waiting, daughter."
With a resigned sigh, she pulled the door open and the pungent scent of moss, as well as the sharp smell of pine cones, drifted into the room. Cytheas stood on the other side, his navy eyebrows raising comically high on his face when he saw that Eliana had responded to the announcement of his arrival.
"Eliana! I am...shocked. I thought I would have to come and wake you myself."
"Mmm, very amusing, Cytheas. I was actually prepared for your arrival today. Would you mind waiting a moment?" she asked.
"Take your time," her friend reassured, and she raced up the cylindrical stairs to her room as he leaned against the doorframe. Spotting Ardrias at the table, he nodded respectfully and greeted, "Good morning, Ardrias."
A knowing smile lifted at the corners of Eliana's father's lips and he raised his mug in response. "Good morning, Cytheas. So, the Festival of the Moon, hm?"
Cytheas groaned and quietly replied, "She told you then, did she? Yes, I asked her last night."
Ardrias chuckled. "My daughter is-was-rather oblivious to your feelings. We spoke just now concerning that."
"Frankly, I was afraid to even ask her. I know she has had her eye set on Illidan for some time. I thought she would turn me down immediately, but surprisingly, she did not," he replied.
At that, Ardrias' amiable smile turned into a discontented frown. "Illidan Stormrage? Malfurion's twin?"
Cytheas hummed an affirmative sound and Ardrias continued on. "I...do not approve of that, in the slightest. Illidan is brash, ill-tempered, and he does not have a personality I believe would fit Eliana's. They are very different. Besides, both the twins have had their sights set on Tyrande Whisperwind for...forever, honestly."
"Well, that is who she speaks of often," Cytheas admitted grudgingly.
"No, no that will not do. I have convinced her to at least give you a chance. Illidan...no…" Ardrias muttered under his breath. His words trailed off as he rose from the table, and drifted into the kitchen with his mug in hand.
Eliana finally came back down the stairs then, her silver novice robes draped over her slender body, accentuating her every curve. Cytheas swallowed roughly; he could swear the Sisterhood made them so tight on purpose, in order to inspire Elune's male followers to stay true to the goddess-or at least, her disciples.
She hopped off the final step and ambled over to Cytheas, a reticent smile upon her face. "I am ready."
Ardrias ambled into the living room, Eliana's slice of jam-smothered spiced bread in his hand. He handed it to his daughter, his face still scrunched up in concern at Cytheas' information about his daughter's infatuation with Illidan.
"Have a good day, daughter. I will be home late. I meet with Cenarius today."
Eliana took her breakfast out of his hand and nodded, as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed her father lightly on the cheek. "Very well, Father. I will see you tonight!"
Cytheas turned and nodded a goodbye to Ardrias, stepping off of the porch and onto the forest's plushy, moss covered floor. Il'hadras saw them approaching and rose, shaking the unrest from her massive body, causing her fur to ripple in waves. Eliana trailed after her friend towards his mount, her gaze focused on the back of his head. The royal blue strands of his hair swayed with his every step and caught the moonlight, turning a soft, silver streaked cobalt. By far, it was one of the most multi-faceted shades of hair that she'd seen, streaked with undercurrents of midnight tones and lighter, pale blue strands. Though she had never noticed before, she supposed that one could call the shade beautiful.
He had yet to mention anything about last night and she wasn't about to be the first to bring it up. Though she'd told her father that she'd give Cytheas a chance, in reality, she wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to see him as a potential mate. For most of their lives, he'd acted as an older brother to her, a protector in a platonic sort of way. Her father was correct though- she couldn't determine how she truly felt about him without actually trying.
When they sidled up to Il'hadras, Cytheas climbed atop her first and reached out his hand to Eliana, like he had the day before. She shoved the slice of bread into her mouth and grasped his hand, pulling herself up and settling in the saddle. When she wrapped her arms around his waist again, they took off for the Main Square.
They rode in silence for some time and Eliana closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of the wind in her hair and the comforting motion of Il'hadras beneath her. Too soon, in her opinion, the massive walls that surrounded the city loomed up ahead and it was then that Cytheas finally spoke. "So...have you thought about my invitation to the Festival at all?"
Eliana's shoulders fell slightly at his mention of the event and she quietly exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She had hoped he wouldn't ask until later in the day. Quietly, she replied, "I have, yes. I spoke with my father about it this morning."
"He did mention that when I spoke to him before we left. And...did you...will we…" Cytheas trailed off, his uncertainty causing him to jumble his words. They came to an abrupt stop and he lifted his leg over Il'hadras' head, hopping off from the saddle. Turning back to face Eliana, he placed his hands on his hips and looked down at the ground, his forehead creased as he sat there, deep in thought.
"Cyth?" she inquired.
"It is harder than I thought it would be, for me to be direct with you." He paused before glancing up and locking eyes with her, and continued speaking, his words escaping him in a rush. "Will we be attending together?"
Eliana's cheeks darkened and she broke eye contact, running her fingers through Il'hadras' fur to buy some time, instead of answering immediately. When it felt like minutes had passed and she still had not answered, Cytheas sighed and walked up to her, resting his hands on the saddle's pommel. Hesitantly, he reached out and placed one hand on Eliana's knee, causing her to tense.
"Eli, I...I know it is difficult for you...to think of me in that way, when we have been friends for so many years."
At that, she finally raised her eyes to meet Cytheas'. His expression was open, hopeful. She could see the plea in his eyes and it nearly broke her heart that she couldn't return his affections so easily.
He continued on to say, "All I ask, is that you give me a chance. If you wish for me to act as only your friend at the festival, rather than a male who is courting you, then I can do that-especially if it will make you more comfortable with the idea."
"That would not be fair to you, Cytheas," she mumbled.
"I do not care if it is fair or not. If that is what will help you and get you to agree, then I will do it."
A reluctant smile teased at the edges of Eliana's lips and she teased, "Are you bribing me, now?"
Relieved that he could still at least get some humor out of her, Cytheas laughed. "If that is what it takes, then yes. I am not afraid to admit that."
Timidly, Eliana placed her hand on top of Cytheas' "I...I will go with you, Cytheas. It will take time for me, to try to see you in a different light than I am used to but...I promise that I will try."
The second the words left her lips, Cytheas broke into an elated grin and on impulse, he lifted her hand and placed a quick kiss upon the back of it, jumping back onto the saddle afterwards. Due to his newfound positive outlook on life, they made great time to the Temple and he dropped her off with a cheerful wave, before he took off for Black Rook Hold.
Eliana waved back languidly as he rode away, her thoughts racing. She had been excited for the festival but now, she found that she was just...apprehensive. What if she couldn't return Cytheas' feelings? Would their friendship fall apart? They'd been so close for nearly their whole lives. Deep down, she didn't think that she could feel the same way about him, that he felt about her. She didn't want to lose him though, and if that meant trying to reciprocate his affections, then she could at least give him that.
With a sigh, she lifted her skirts and climbed the steps to the Temple.
Later that night.
"He what?" Tyrande exclaimed.
"He asked me to attend the Festival of the Moon with him, next week," Eliana explained in a low voice, as they stood in the rotunda that formed the entrance to the Temple.
It was towards the middle of their day, and the 'morning' prayer session had just ended. Night Elves were nocturnal creatures by nature, and so their 'day' began once the sun started to sink below the high mountain peaks, and continued until just before it rose once more. So, the middle of the day was really, the middle of the night. The full moon rested at its apex in the midnight sky, surrounded by glittering stars. While the warmth of the sun was comforting, Eliana much preferred the beauty of the dark.
The morning prayer, involving both novices and ordained priestesses alike, took upwards of three to four hours. Afterwards, the novices were free to do as they wished for the remainder of the day. At this particular moment, for the two females, it meant gossiping.
"Well, it is about time. Honestly, I am surprised that he actually took the first step," Tyrande said.
"Mmm, so was I," Eliana replied softly.
Tyrande lowered her eyebrows in confusion and tilted her head slightly. "Why is it, that I sense that you are not...ecstatic about it?"
"It is not that I am not happy. My father said much the same thing this morning when I informed him, as well."
"From your tone, Eliana, it does not seem that you are truly happy."
Eliana sighed and gazed out at the landscape from between the massive columns that ran along the outer edge of the Temple. Without looking back at Tyrande, she said, "I am worried that I will not be able to return his affections and as a result, lose his friendship forever."
Tyrande studied her friend's face then, as she faced away from her. The younger female's eyes were narrowed as she stared off into the distance, her alabaster eyebrows low on her forehead. Gently, Tyrande laid a hand on Eliana's arm, and the other female turned back to face her once again.
"I am sure that if you did not try at all, it could result in losing his friendship either way," she surmised.
Eliana's silver eyes dropped to the ground and she nodded reluctantly, before speaking. "I think so, as well. Which is why I agreed to attend with him."
"You agreed!"
"Yes, I did. This morning," she mumbled.
"Oh! Well, it will be enjoyable! Everyone loves the Festival, and even if he is courting you, he is still your friend, first and foremost. You have always attended together in the past, yes? Think of it that way and perhaps there will be less pressure?"
"Perhaps. What about you, Tyrande? You are close with Malfurion, yes?"
At the mention of Malfurion Stormrage, Tyrande's cheeks darkened and now she gazed out upon the forest that surrounded Suramar. "Yes, Malfurion and Illidan both. We...grew up together."
"Ah yes, that does sound familiar…" Eliana trailed off. Of course Tyrande would be close with Illidan as well. The twins rarely went anywhere without the other.
"I have also been thinking of my affections and where they will be...with whom I would fit best."
Eliana smiled lightly and nudged Tyrande with her shoulder. "Well, which of the two makes your heart race more?" Though the younger female spoke teasingly, deep down, she wished for Tyrande to say Malfurion.
"I...I do not know yet. I know that I need to choose a mate soon, however."
"What is the hurry?"
"No hurry, really. It is just...It is simply time for me to make a decision. We have known each other since we were children. I can tell that both of them have been thinking the same thoughts as I."
"I see...it seems that we both have a lot to think about," Eliana whispered.
"Indeed. I have other obligations to attend to now, though. I shall see you tomorrow?" Tyrande asked.
She nodded and Tyrande descended the marble steps. Eliana watched her go, until the cobalt-haired female disappeared into the crowd that milled around the Main Square. As she kept her gaze trained on the throng below, she spotted a flash of downy white fur, striped with black. Though that was a common color for Frostsabers, it immediately made her think of Il'hadras and she stepped up to the edge of the Temple floor, scanning the crowd again.
To her surprise, Il'hadras stepped out of the mass of elves, her master seated atop her. He smiled when he saw Eliana perched on the precipice and she hesitantly returned the gesture.
What is he doing here so early?
Quickly, she turned and raced down the steps, hopping off the last and coming to a stop in front of Cytheas. She voiced her thought to him and he gestured over his shoulder.
"You are finished with your morning prayer, yes? I came to help you train for the day."
Eliana shook her head disapprovingly. "You have responsibilities, Cyth. You cannot just leave Black Rook because you wished to see me."
"Actually, I offered to deliver something to Suramar Hold, and Lord Ravencrest said there was no point in me returning to the hold a second time, so...I decided to take the opportunity. Besides, you need the training. You are nowhere near as adept as Tyrande."
"Thank you, for that vote of confidence."
"It was only the truth," he teased, as he mounted Il'hadras again.
He nodded up at the Temple and after he turned to face the Square, said, "Go and change into your training clothes. I'll meet you across the Square at Suramar Hold."
Two hours later.
Suramar Hold was smaller than Black Rook, but only slightly less intimidating. Built into the base of a colossal, long-dead tree, its facade was barren of any decorations or color. It towered above the buildings that surrounded it and stood out all the more due to its spartan appearance.
As Eliana approached the main entrance, flanked by two stoic city guards, she hunched her shoulders in an attempt to appear complaisant-not that it took much, at her height and build. She nodded at the guards as she stepped through the open doorway, and they barely reacted to her presence. Cytheas stood in front of the only piece of furniture in the otherwise empty anteroom, speaking to another guard who was posted at the desk. When the soles of her leather boots echoed on the wooden flooring, he glanced up at her and smiled in approval at her attire. She'd grabbed the first thing she'd found in her wardrobe, which was just a simple pair of onyx leather leggings, and a matching jerkin.
"I was worried that you would just come in your novice robes," he commented.
"Well, you did tell me to change," she rebutted.
"I know, but how often do you listen to me?" Cytheas nodded a goodbye to the guard, as he drifted past the desk and gestured for Eliana to follow him.
He pushed open the iron gate that separated the anteroom from the hallway, and hung a left once they were in the dark corridor. Eliana glanced to her right and saw a smaller room farther down, with two more guards posted on either side of that gate.
"What is that way?" she asked Cytheas.
He glanced over his shoulder at her before facing forward again. "The holding cells. Didn't think you wanted to go that direction."
Eliana shuddered as she followed Cytheas out into the training grounds. Under her breath, she muttered, "No, I would rather not."
Her friend chuckled at her innocence. For the ripe age of two thousand, five hundred and eighty five, there were moments where her youth made an unexpected appearance and it amused Cytheas to no end.
Their boots trudged through the clearing, kicking aside copious amounts of fallen leaves, and their dry rustling filled the air. Cytheas came to a stop next to a weapons rack that sat along the outer perimeter of the grounds and pointed to the various options.
"Choose one," he commanded.
"What are we focusing on today?"
"Whatever you wish. You are more skilled in close-combat than ranged weaponry, so perhaps we should focus on your archery today," he suggested.
"Archery it is, then," Eliana replied, as she lifted a simple wooden bow from the rack. She hoisted an arrow-filled quiver over her shoulder and they wandered over to the targets that rested on the other side of the space.
Cytheas hung back a bit and Eliana tossed the bow and quiver to the ground, so that she could stretch beforehand. Raising her arms above her head, she tilted from side to side and then rotated her neck a few times, to loosen up her muscles. When she lifted her legs and began to pull on her foot to stretch her hamstrings, Cytheas called out, "We are not running, Eliana. Just begin."
"Could you be any more impatient? Alright, alright," she mumbled, as she bent down and picked up the bow. She pulled the quiver strap up and over her head so that it laid across her body, and reached over her shoulder for the first arrow.
When she nocked it and pulled the bowstring back, Cytheas tsked at her and quickly strode over, coming up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and placed his hand over the one she had pulled the string with.
"Did you even aim, Eli? Make sure the vane is pointed in the right direction, before you nock the arrow-like this," he said, his mouth just above her ear as he demonstrated which way the arrow was supposed to face.
Eliana tensed at the feel of Cytheas' warmth enveloping her, and he dropped his arms quickly when he felt her posture change. As he moved away again, he quietly said, "Try again."
Shaking the stiffness from her posture by shuffling her legs, she turned the arrow so that the fletching faced upwards and set the shaft on the arrow rest. After nocking it to the bowstring, she raised the bow again and drew the string back, resting her index finger against the corner of her mouth.
Cytheas made a disgruntled sound again and she froze in that position, mumbling, "Now what?"
"Your arm," he said in a disapproving tone, and approached her again. His hand lightly rested on her elbow, which was currently angled upwards. He pressed gently down, tilting her arm until it rested parallel to the arrow shaft.
"Remember to always keep it level," he instructed as he stepped back, almost directly behind her now.
"Can I release now?" she asked.
"Almost. Make sure that your thumb is relaxed and that your anchor is solid. As you aim, keep your posture firm. It is common for many to focus on aiming over their form," he called out.
"Alright…"
"When you are ready, take a deep breath and simulate the sensation of expanding your chest when you let go of the bowstring."
Eliana took a deep breath, letting it settle in her lungs. When her chest expanded to the point just before a full breath, she let go of the bowstring and stretched her arm back, so that her spine was arched. The arrow flew through the air, arcing beautifully until it struck the target, two rings below the center.
She exhaled loudly, frustration causing her arm to drop heavily. "Why did I miss?"
"Because we cannot all be master archers overnight, Eli. You held your breath which affected your form. You focused on that, rather than aiming. You probably moved the point of the arrow lower when you let go."
"Ugh!"
"Practice makes perfect. Again. Watch your form this time."
Three hours later.
"This is absurd! I cannot hit the damn target!" Eliana exclaimed.
"Because you are focusing on the release more than your form! You need to ensure that your form stays balanced, otherwise it will affect the trajectory of the arrow."
"I do not think this weapon is for me."
"Eliana, do not give up simply because you do not immediately take to it. These things take time. Do you think Tyrande became adept at it in one day? Of course not."
"She is a natural with the bow, and you know it."
"Well you are a natural at swordsmanship-to each their own. Would you rather focus on that for the next couple of hours?"
"Yes," she muttered, annoyed that she'd been defeated by her own lack of aptitude.
"Alright. Place the bow back on the rack and I will grab the blades."
Begrudgingly, she ambled back over to the weapons rack and placed the wooden bow down, tossing the quiver onto the forest floor beside it. Her upper arms ached from pulling the string back so many times and her fingers felt raw. How she had forgotten to grab a finger guard was beyond her.
Cytheas walked over to her, with two short, curved blades in hand. Tucked into the crook of his elbow, were two sets of leather gloves. He turned his body, indicating with his chin that she was to take them from him and they wandered out into the middle of the clearing.
"I thought we were practicing with two each?" Eliana asked, as she pulled the smaller pair of gloves on.
"No, you are. I will parry with a longsword," he said, as he laid the blades down onto the grass on either side of her. After taking his pair of gloves from her, he turned and headed towards the weapon rack.
She nodded and bent down, picking up the blades by the leather-wrapped handles. She tested the weight of each in her palm, satisfied at their lightness. The advantage of shorter swords was that they were no where near as hefty as a longsword, allowing her to strike faster and more frequently. She didn't have much muscle and most definitely did not have the stamina required to wield a longsword. However, Cytheas did, and it was his preferred weapon of choice when on patrol.
Eliana twirled the blade in her right hand, as she watched Cytheas return to her. He got into position, bringing his left foot forward slightly and his right back, resting his weight on the ball of his right foot. His arms mirrored his stance, and he held the handle of his sword with his right hand, bracing it with his left. She giggled at the serious, stony expression he wore, and he narrowed his eyes in annoyance at her lightheartedness.
"Be serious, Eliana. These are real weapons."
With a smile still teasing at the corners of her lips, she said, "Of course, of course."
She shifted into her unique stance, which differed from the standard position that her fellow priestesses used. In fact, it closely resembled a crouch. Her back was low, and the muscles of her thighs and calves carried nearly all of her weight. Instead of resting on the ball of one foot, she was balanced nearly on the tips of her toes, forcing her center of gravity forward.
Cytheas had mocked her position at first, claiming that it simply made her look constipated. However, when she'd bested him in three out of four training matches, he ceased his jesting.
He raised his eyebrows in an invitation for her to attack first and she shook her head. "You cannot get me with that again, Cyth. I know better now. You come to me first," she taunted.
Without warning, he shot forward, using his right foot to push his weight ahead. As he ran towards her, his arms went up above his head to bring the blade down, straight towards her skull. Thanks to her stance, she was able to dive out of the way rapidly and ran her curved blade along his as it came down. When her blade nearly reached the hilt guard on his weapon, she pulled upwards. Had he been less trained, it would have disarmed him.
However, he simply shifted his weight, pulling his sword up and out of her scimitar's curve and about-faced, sword still firmly grasped in his hands.
"Hmm," she hummed.
"Cannot disarm me that easily, Eli dearest."
"Apparently not."
They circled around each other, their feet switching to a new position every time the other shifted theirs. Swordplay was a dance, and that was probably why Eliana enjoyed it more than archery. There was a refined technique to archery yes, but she simply did not have the patience to perfect something that didn't come easily to her. But swords...swordplay had always been different, for Eliana had always loved to dance.
After a few more unsuccessful attempts at striking her, Cytheas jumped back and lowered the point of his sword to the ground.
"What is the matter, Cyth? Finished already?" Eliana taunted again.
Cytheas wiped the sweat from his brow with his arm and laughed. "Only when we are not practicing archery are you this confident, Eliana. Why can you not apply this same passion to the bow?"
"Because the bow is boring, that is why," she countered.
A masculine voice from behind her, piped up then. "I am inclined to believe that the Priestesses of the Sisterhood who are proficient huntresses, would beg to differ."
Eliana whirled around at the sudden interruption, spotting a leafy, green mane that could only belong to one male. He stood beside Tyrande, who was resting her arms on the top portion of the wooden fence that surrounded the grounds.
A smile spread across Eliana's face then and she wandered over to the fence, sparring match forgotten. "Malfurion! Are you well?"
"Indeed, I am. Tyrande and I were passing by and she wanted to stop and observe for a bit. You are incredibly skilled with your blades, I have to say," he praised.
"Thank you, what a compliment!" Eliana replied.
Cytheas caught up then and sidled up to Eliana. "It is only because she had one of the best as her shan'do," her friend teased.
"Oh please," Eliana said, rolling her eyes.
"Though, Tyrande, perhaps she would benefit from practicing with you concerning her archery skills. No matter what I do, she just cannot get it down," Cytheas continued on to say.
"Unfortunately, he is correct. I have no patience for archery," Eliana agreed.
Tyrande laughed briefly and said, "Of course. Whenever you wish to practice, I shall help you, Eliana."
Malfurion glanced over his shoulder back at the Square, and Tyrande turned as well, to follow his gaze. "What is it, Mal?"
"Oh, nothing, Illidan and I were going to head into the forest to see Cenarius and he is late. I suppose I should not be surprised," Malfurion replied, amusement coloring his words.
"No, probably not," Tyrande chuckled.
At the mention of Illidan, Eliana's eyes lit up and she asked, "Illidan is meeting you? I did not realize he shared your interest in the demigod's realm, Malfurion."
"Well...I am not sure if I could say that he does. He seems fascinated when my shan'do demonstrates but…" the green-haired male trailed off.
Tyrande piped up then and finished for him. "But Illidan does not have the patience to sit in one place, for the amount of time that those demonstrations require."
At that, Malfurion's twin's voice drifted over to them from the edge of the Square. "Well now, that is rather rude, is it not? I have plenty of patience."
Illidan Stormrage wandered out of the crowd, his ebony ponytail swinging behind him, as he trailed over to join his twin and Tyrande. Though his words had seemed harsh, he had apparently spoken in jest, for his face was adorned with a slight smile.
Malfurion laughed heartily and shook his head, causing his great verdant mane to ruffle. "No one here believes that, Illidan."
"No, I suppose if I were to speak honestly, I do not either," the darker-haired male replied.
Tyrande gestured towards Eliana and Cytheas then, on the other side of the fence. "You remember Eliana and Cytheas, Illidan? Eliana and I are fellow initiates at the Temple. Cytheas is under Lord Ravencrest out at Black Rook Hold."
"I do. Eliana and I have met once before. Though-" Illidan turned to face Cytheas. "-I do not believe we have met?"
"It is a pleasure, Illidan Stormrage. I am Cytheas Nightfeather, a close friend of Eliana's. We grew up together, much like you and Malfurion did with Tyrande."
"I see. It is nice to make your acquaintance," Illidan said, before his rare, amber eyes turned back to Eliana.
"It has been a while since we met, Eliana. I hope you have been well," the onyx-haired male continued quietly.
With Illidan's appearance, Eliana turned shy and politely, she replied, "It has been some time, indeed. I have been busy, with my initiation into the Sisterhood. But I have been well, yes. And you?"
"Busy is also the perfect description of my life as of late," Illidan agreed.
Malfurion pushed off of the wooden barricade then, and took a few steps back. "Come, brother. Cenarius expected us some time ago. It was very nice to see you, Eliana!" he called out jovially, as he turned and headed towards the Square's exit.
Illidan rolled his eyes at Malfurion's excitement to see the demigod, and nodded to the two inside the training grounds. Tyrande waved, and the two of them trailed after Malfurion.
Eliana watched them retreat, observing Illidan and Tyrande as they spoke, and Cytheas in turn, studied her.
It was impossible to deny that whenever the object of her infatuation was mentioned, or in this case appeared, she became distracted. Though she had said that she would attend the festival with Cytheas, her actions made it blatantly obvious as to who she had her sights set on.
He couldn't help but wonder if perhaps it really was a lost cause after all.
A/N: Hooray, Illidan and Malfurion made an appearance! On a side note, as a writer, it's incredibly helpful to hear what one is doing right, wrong, what people enjoyed, what people hated, etc. I would really appreciate any reviews on this story as it's my first time writing for the Warcraft fandom :) Many thanks to any that do leave a note!