Author's notes:


Hey :) As I announced during the preview of the 19th chapter of "My home is where my heart lies", I'm going to post the 3rd chapter of "Last Christmas" first.
Here's the 3rd chapter, hope you'll like it :D

PS. It was translated from my Polish version of the text, at least to some extent.
. I'm sorry, it's shorter than I initially thought, but my free time is getting reduced to zero, slowly.

As always, thank you for everything, and see you next time :D

Changelog:
2021-02-23: A preview was posted.
2021-02-26: A whole chapter was posted.

Writing schedule (for the next 2 weeks):
- "My home is where my heart lies",
- "Family tree".

Of course, the schedule is flexible, if you want me to write something else, let me know in the comments :D

End of author's notes:


Illidan was not even given the opportunity to reach the vestibule of his house. Even though he heard the door opening's sound, after that, the silence fell onto the building. The only sounds that he could still hear were the cheerful crackling of the fire in the fireplace. Passing through one of many estate's corridors, someone bumped into him. Due to him not being prepared for the impact, he fell onto the wooden floor, pulling someone alongside him. Three soft whines could be heard a moment later, followed by the warm, feminine laughter. Without even looking at the newcomers, the demon hunter was more than sure that these were his children, his three beautiful daughters.

The raven-haired man allowed the laughter to fill the hallway, to surrounds him before fixing his golden eyes at the source of the pleasant sounds. As it was to be expected, his daughters were laying on top of him, smiling playfully. Out of them all, Shandis was in the worst possible position due to being first and carrying the others' weight. Shandis was a tall woman of intense dark-blue hair that reached halfway down her back. Her face was noble yet fierce. The same could be said about her eyes, at least to some extent. The cold, silver eyes of the general were nearly always narrowed, spectating, seeking weaknesses. However, currently, they were showing affection, happiness.

Directly on Shandis's back, Sammara could be spotted. The snowy-white-haired woman was Illidan's oldest daughter of his own blood. Her hair was not as long as her older sister. Still, it was long. Her facial features could be compared to the marble figures of the gods. Sammara's face was bright, so innocent, so noble, yet so fierce. The daughter could be an excellent analogy to the sea. Most of the time, she could be sweet, calm, caring, helpful, yet when the violence was needed, she would never back down, facing the obstacles on the frontline. Just like the sea, she could be an ally or an enemy. Sammara was so like her mother. Every single time the demon hunter looked at his 2nd oldest daughter, his heart was cut into small pieces.

Last but not least was Serathi. Opposite to Sammara, Serathi inherited more from Illidan. Her features were sharper, her hair thick and black as the night. Just like Sammara, the youngest of the three had shinny, golden eyes. They were the direct Illidan's heritage. So few of their people had the orbs of molten gold.

Each of them was already an adult, beautiful woman who took the peoples' breaths away. Even though there was a massive gap between them in terms of age, they got along great. To some extent, sometimes, it was challenging for the mage to distinguish them. All of them shared the same fierce, the same passion, desire to be the best.

Out of his current position, it would be difficult for Illidan to tell what his daughters decided to wear for tonight. After all, he was being squashed by them, laying on the polished wooden floor of his estate.

"My dear girls," Illidan started cooly. "Would you mind getting off me, releasing me from the burden which currently is your weight?" he asked, pretending that they were too heavy for him to carry.

"Why would we do that?" Sammara immediately asked with a playful smirk glued to her pretty face.

"Of curse, out of your innate kindness," the demon hunter replied.

"Nah," the youngest sister responded in an instant. "We're comfortable here," she added, showing her tongue. "Daddy, look, it's an excellent opportunity for paternal muscles of yours to show up, at last," Serathi giggled.

"Count me in," Sammara supported the youngest of them with a broad smile. "It is not like these couple of pounds would make any difference for you, father."

"But… it makes a difference for me," Shandis groaned. "Can you get off me? Not that I am chasing you away, but you are digging a little into my spine and ribs, and contrary to your assumptions, you are not so light," the oldest sister added.

"Hmmm… we can consider that," the raven-haired woman hummed. "However, it'll take time. Sammara and I have whole two weeks for that. At least, according to the regulation of every possible institution empowered to make laws. So pleasant waiting, grandma," she added, giggling.

"Splendid!" the dark-blue-haired woman commented sarcastically. "You know what, let's consider that these two weeks you are talking about passed already. On the second thought, though, do not bother. I am going to throw you off of me."

Within moments, the oldest sister did as she had told, throwing off the other two, who were still giggling. The very first thing Shandis did as soon as the matter was dealt with was to smooth out a dress crumpled by the fall. It was a rare occasion to see the oldest of the sisters to wear a dress. In most situations, the blue-haired woman would end up choosing something more casual, some shirt with tight trousers. However, today it was not the case. Illidan must admit that his daughter chose a rather unexpected from her clothing variant. Shandis wore a long, black beautiful ball dress. It must have been said, she was breathtaking. For the man, it was evident that she was waiting for someone. And, he had some clue about who was that very special person.

"Sorry, dad," Shandis uttered in a low, exhausted tone. "Let's get you up from that floor," she added, offering her delicate yet firm hand for the demon hunter. A small smile could be spotted on her face.

"Nothing happened," the mage assured his daughter, grabbing her hand and lifting himself up. "However, it seems that I need to take care of some pests," he added, picking up his other daughters by the collars.

Serathi and Sammara looked at him with the innocents mask, playing with their hands like a child that did something wrong. The previous Outland's master allowed himself to look sternly at them for a couple of moments longer before pulling them closer and giving them a hug. Based on the womens' reaction, they expected such a turn of events. They immediately smiled broadly, hugging back their father, clinging to his broad, strong chest.

"Welcome home, girls," the raven-haired man whispered a couple of moments later.

"It is good to have you back, father," Sammara said. "It has been a couple of rough years without you," she added, lowering her sight slightly, most likely replaying the past inside her mind.

"Yeah, if you've been here, none of these would have happened," Serathi followed the sister's train of thoughts. "But, hey, past is… well, in the past. There's no sense in delving into that madness again, isn't it?" the raven-haired woman added after a moment, trying to sound more cheerful.

"You are right, little sis," Shandis responded. "No matter what we would you, the past already happened, and we can not do anything with it. Let's just celebrate, for the Goddess's sake, it is Christmas, we should be fooling around, happy," the blue-haired woman scolded them lightly.

"Well, it seems that Shandis is the wisest of us," Sammara giggled. "Take a lead, sister. We will follow it," she added playfully toward the oldest sister.

"I hate you sometimes," the ranger general sighed, shaking her head. "I will go to the kitchen. Surely you will need some assistance, father," she said, referring to the demon hunter, hugging him tightly.

"There is no need of your help," the raven-haired mage refused, shaking his head. "I have almost everything prepared, so go to the living room and relax for a couple of moments. The supper will be served soon," he explained.

"As you wish," the blue-haired woman replied, shrugging.

The sisters looked upon themselves before proceeding their delve into the manor.

"Ah… before I forget. We will have guests tonight. Ysera and Alextrasza should arrive soonish," he added a moment later.

"I bet it's due to the situation between their flights," Serathi uttered. "Xeria told me the other day that the flights dislike the idea of these two being together," she explained when everyone looked at her. "You know, Xeria's dating Ysera's daughter and 2nd in command inside the green flight."

"It would explain a lot," Illidan hummed, creasing his jaw. "Girls, try to make them as comfortable as possible when they arrive. If your speculations, Serathi, are right, they are under constant pressure. Let's give them a bit of rest," the man ordered.

"Pfff," Serathi scoffed, then started to laugh. "It's so you dad to take care of others but refuse to take care of yourself," she added.

"She is right," Shandis and Sammara in union supported the youngest of sisters.

"I know, I know," the demon hunter replied with an exhausted voice. "I will try to take life easier than in the past."

"How about letting us help as a starter?" the white-haired woman asked.

"Fine," the raven-haired man gave up after a few moments of hesitation. "But, one condition is to be set."

"What condition?" the ranger general wanted to know.

"Keep Serathi out of the kitchen," the mage chuckled. "It is better to deal with her pouting than to blow up."

"Daddy!" the raven-haired woman rose her voice, offended.

"That is the condition I can work with," Shandis sounded a moment later. "Sammara, you and little sis go to the living room and make any necessary adjustments to the arrangements. I will go to the kitchen. And, you, father, you are going to greet the newcomers. I can already hear the sound of the doors opening," she distributed the chores.

"Fine," Illidan replied before proceeding toward the estate's entrance.

To some extent, the demon hunter was curious with whom he would be dealing with this time. Based on time, there was a high possibility that the dragonesses returned. However, if life had taught him anything at all, nothing should be taken for granted. If Ysera and Alextrasza had returned, he would have had to decide whether it would have been worth asking them to clarify the situation or not. As always, there were pros and cons of such a decision. Still, up to now, Illidan was used to this duality.

Soon enough, the smell of the lemongrass hit his nostrils, followed by the scent of the winter cream. The raven-haired man allowed himself to smile a little. After all, it was already evident for him who were the newcomers. And, the previous master of Outland held these people dear to his heart. Without an ounce of hesitation and, to be frank, thinking, he sped up.

After just a couple of moments, he reached the destination. In the middle of the spacious antechamber, two characters could be spotted. One of them was an adult, while the second one was a really young child. The adult woman was kneeling in front of the kid, helping her to take off her colourful thick jacket. The thick layer of the winter cream could be spotted on the child's cheeks. They were shining, reflecting the light that fell on them. The small girl had a white rabbit hat on.

The woman wore the long, thick coat of navy colour with the furry collar. The thick, grey silk scarf was discarded, laying a couple of feet away from her.

"Hey Merill, how are you today?" Illidan asked, approaching the newcomers.