BLOOD LEPRECHAUN by J Cae

A/N: And so, the Naga queen returns...it's only a couple days before she has to leave Canada and she's currently packing her things and getting mildly hooked to the 1966 Star Trek series (funny and lame as hell at the same time--I wonder how they did that, lol!). This is a short update, but an update nonetheless to let you know I am still alive though barely making it.

But if there was a single truth, a single light
A single thought, a singular touch of grace
Then following this single point, this single flame
The single haunted memory of your face

-Sting, "A Thousand Years"

PRE-CHAPTER ELEVEN: TRIED

(ASHENVALE, 12 DAYS AFTER TIANITHAN'S BIRTH)

Tyrande Whisperwind closed her eyes and turned away from the darkening twilight. The moon had yet to rise, and the stars had not begun to burn. But daylight was almost gone, leaving the air frigid and empty.

She never thought Illidan would return.

The last time they parted in Lordaeron, he made it as though it would be permanent. He saved her life and made peace with his brother. He atoned for his sins and left her with a bitter hollowness that could only be filled by her forgiveness.

Then, a few months later, she heard Furion cry in his dreams. He envisioned Frostmourne pierced his twin's body and twisted the demon soul as if it was his own. Tyrande sat through three evenings as her mate flailed and moaned in his delirium, sobbing and screaming his brother's name. All she could do was to pray to the Mother Moon that she might do something to ease Furion's pain. When the archdruid finally woke from his trance again, he seemed so fatigue and distraught as though a part of him had died with his brother. But he weakly gathered Tyrande into his arms and whispered that perhaps it was better that way and he need not grieve for his brother's corruption any longer.

Yet four long years past since then, Illidan returned, changed, matured. He came in peace with an infant in his arms--the offspring of Kael'thas and Sylvanas. He meant only to leave the child with Furion and be on his way, but Tyrande asked him--on a whim--to stay.

She felt silly.

How could it be that she had come to care when for the most of her life she had not even cast a thought his way while he was chained in the dark? He was a sinner, a betrayer who deserved no pity. Because of him, thousands of Night Elves had died. Because of him, many acres of her sacred home were blighted with demon power. She thought she no longer hated him. She thought she had forgiven him. But seeing him again brought much turmoil to her mind. She could not decipher what her feelings for him were now, for one whom she once loved and hated and believed to be dead.

She twisted her own words when she felt Furion's baffled eyes upon her. She reasoned that since Illidan was acquainted to the infant's mother and she had trusted the child into his hands. He must go with her to Priestess Keiry who had agreed to take Tianithan into hiding. Her mate was aghast at the idea and was about to protest when she reminded him that only Elune had the right to forbid her anything.

The last time she spoke so harshly to him, she made the grave mistake of setting of setting Illidan free. Would she only be repeating her error again?

She attempted to remedy her fault by reassuring her mate, "The journey to Keiry's lodging should take no more than three days. The groves are quiet and well-guarded by my sentinels. There is really no reason at all to fear for me."

"But I do not trust--" the archdruid frowned, waving a hand as if to dismiss the idea.

Illidan who was standing further behind Tyrande crossed his arms and leaned against the bark of a tree. The priestess was almost grateful he made no comment. Rather it was Furion's lack of faith in his brother that troubled her--or was it lack of faith in her? He spoke as though he was the one who was blind to his twin standing there listening. Tyrande had to silence him before hurtful things could slip from his lips to reopen the scar Illidan tried to heal. "Furion," she took his hands in hers, though she addressed him by his name and refused to use any terms of affection. "I understand your concern for me. But I trust Illidan. When was the last time he hurt me?"

"When he forsook honour and betrayed us to Azshara. When he took up the Skull of Gul'dan and plundered his way to darkness," Furion was swift in coming up with an answer, leaving her wide-eyed in surprise. She had not expected such acid in his tone. He sounded so bitter it was almost childish. There was truth in his words, though Furion had never understood Illidan's drive to acquire more power. He did not understand that everything his brother had done was to prove himself worthy of her affection.

Tyrande shot a glance back at the former demon hunter who shrugged, an impassive expression still etched in his face. It was as though his brother had somehow convinced him of his invisibility. She hated to argue with her mate, but she could not help but hope that she could change his perspective, "But do you trust me?"

"Tyrande, you know I do!" Furion seemed alarmed, and she wondered if she had shown anger or hurt in her tone.

"I trust Illidan," she repeated. "He has never led me to harm."

Illidan allowed himself to nod, "Brother, if anything happens to Tyrande while she travels across her own homeland, you may kill me. But likely I am not the only one to blame."

Grimly, Furion agreed. He ignored his brother's sarcasm and told his mate, "All right, my heart. But do not be long. Take the two teleportation scrolls in my sanctum."

"I won't be long," she assured him before turning into his study to find the scrolls. She heard him sigh. He must have expected something more from her, perhaps a hug or a gentle farewell. But pride would not allow her to do so. Not in Illidan's presence. She knew he could not see now, and he had probably already come to terms with her decision. But she remembered what the lesson was.

The guilt would never be lifted.

They teleported to Keiry's dwelling and delivered Tianithan safely though it was a mutual accord between Tyrande and Illidan that they should walk the rest of the way back to the Moon Glade. It would give them some time alone together, which they knew they would not likely have once they return to the overprotective Furion.

Even if she had to bear the brunt of the archdruid's disapproval afterwards.

The enchanted forest glowed far too beautifully in the light of the moon to be ignored anyway. Tyrande reached for Illidan's hand and guided him across the River Kisei.

Her frostsabre tiger led the way, searching for safe paths to cross the brook that ran through the heart of the forest. Though tamed by Elune's grace, moonlight glinting off the surface of the river did not reflect the traitorous depths of the water. The steed hopped over large boulders that paved a way to the other side.

The two night elves followed without a sound.

The hem of Tyrande's silver cleric robes trailed over the moon-blessed waters. She shivered slightly at the unexpected chill at her heels. Purple blossoms floated from the trees as gently as feathers, their moist petals resting upon the priestess's shoulders. She shrugged, and they fell from her, gently caressing her body. She almost wished Illidan could see. It was almost frightful to imagine what it was like to be blind. He must miss these breathtaking vistas so much.

But the tranquil expression on his face told her enough. Instead of seeing, he delighted in other senses. The scent of rich and fertile soil beneath their feet pleased him well enough, the fragrance from the flora and fauna that resided in this ancient forest. He seemed to be feeling completely at home.

Rather it was the silence between them that irked her.

She wondered if Illidan had anything to say to her--she certainly had a lot on her mind even though she could hardly find a way to put her thoughts into words. They remained wordless, until they completed halfway of their journey when they stopped to rest before dawn.

It could be but a day away before he had to be on his way again, roaming back into dark realms she would never know. She tried to pay no mind to her screaming emotions, that she both wanted and did not want him to leave. In a sense, she wished he had never returned so she would never have to survive another parting blow. Yet now that she knew he was alive and well, she could hardly bear the thought of never seeing him again.

"Tyrande."

She turned her head towards Illidan who now sat under a strong oak, his weathered features soothed by the serenity of the land around him. "This...this place feels like home."

She whispered, "It is your home."

"It is my home," he ran his fingers across the fertile forest dirt beneath him, "And yet I am not welcomed."

"I do not know what came over Furion," she breathed a sigh. "When we heard of your defeat at Icecrown, I was worried for you. He was too. 'That brother of mine,' he only said with much grief, 'I would not have to worry for him any longer'. He's rejoiced to see you again, but lately--"

"I understand," the demon hunter chuckled. It seemed that despite their reconciliation, the mutual jealousy between the brothers persisted. Well, how could it end when only one of them could lay claim to so fine a prize--Tyrande's affection?

"I prayed to Elune that you were alive after your defeat--and my prayers were answered," she went on, becoming emotional. "Oh, how I wish I could have words to express my gratitude. But I am so lacking--I do not know what to say."

He wanted to tell her it was not Elune's grace nor her prayers that brought him retained him in life, but something darker and much more unholy. But he did not. He could not bear to break her heart. Let her believe her goddess cared for one who had fallen so far such as he.

He was afraid of her inevitable questions. He was afraid she would turn away from him in horror and detestation if he told her the whole truth. He steered the conversation away, "Perhaps I have been fighting for too long. Tyrande, I grow tired of chaos and strife. But it seems as though I was born into suffering and dread."

His outburst clearly surprised her.

"Long have I fought your brother for your heart," he said and she held her breath. He knew how he unnerved her with his confessions--but he had to say it one more time. "But I will fight no more."

"Illidan..."

"Just endure me another moment, and then I shall bother you no longer," he pleaded gently, reading her mind. "I had been young and ignorant. There were times when I thought I was worthier of giving you happiness--it was foolish and selfish of me. Now that I see it does not matter. There is joy in my heart just to know you are well and you are content with the choice you've made."

It took her a few seconds to realize what he was telling her.

A smile touched upon his lips, "I learned this much--to love is to let go. I am willing to let go for your happiness. I am willing to never see you again, if that will please you. Just give me the word, and I will leave. I will swear on your own gracious name I will never return."

"Illidan..."

Suddenly, he found her clinging to him, her arms wrapped around his neck. He breathed in the first green of Eden as he fingered through her hair. He could not will his arms to move. He could not return her embrace.

"What do I do with you?" she muttered under her breath. "You...confuse me. You have changed."

"For someone given a second chance in life, I certainly have," he stopped there. He did not want her to know the years he had spent as an undead.

"It is ironic, do you not think?" she drew in a deep breath. "I had waited ten thousand years to finally be wedded to Furion. I just...if only you had told me that earlier...I would have..." words failed her. Too much guilt weighed down on her she could not bring herself to speak her mind. "I have given him my word, for those ten thousand years. You...understand?"

"Are you not happy with your decision?"

"Furion is always shy," she said softly. "He loves me, and I am certain of it. But he is also driven by other tasks. He is a responsible leader, devoted to his people. But...but when I weep for his presence, I weep alone. Ten thousand years, Illidan. I've waited for him. I still love him for who he is, but it was a long and lonely vigil."

He started to reply, but she interrupted him, "No. I curse my dissatisfaction. I am undeserving." She dislodged her arms from him, leaving Illidan once again in dissatisfaction though he dared not hope for more than he was already given.

A/N: I'm sorry I don't have time to write for quite a while having been bogged down by term papers and finals and now packing and moving, but in a week or so after I get all stuff all unpacked, I'll hopefully have more time to hang out online. I'm sorry I don't have time to thank you individually this time—this doesn't mean I don't appreciate your reviews and your patience. I do love you so much, but a girl's gonna do what she's gonna do. Another thing is, I don't mean to be snide or nasty with anyone on the latest update on my bio, and the majority of you are so nice to me and supportive of my work. I'm sick of some irresponsible anonymous critiques who leave meaningless reviews.

Again, thank you so much for waiting.