Author's notes:


2021-07-13: Hey, I would like to share a short preview of yet another chapter. I think it is possible for me to spare enough time to finish this piece by the end of the current week. However, I would not want to promise anything, cause my working hours are currently a bit hectic. I need to learn a lot to be proficient in my new job; so, my free time is severely reduced by that. I would like to apologise for any possible delays from the start.

2021-07-18: A small update was made. The chapter should be released fully tomorrow. Please, let me know what do you think.

2021-07-19: Hey, the chapter has been finally released as a whole. It took more time than I initially anticipated. However, I feel like it was worth waiting. Please, tell me what do you think. Maybe... you have some suggestions. As always, the comment section is for you.

Note: I did not even try to mimic the childrens' way of speaking. I have no idea how children speak in English. I hope you will forgive me for that small misstep.

As always, I would like to thank you for everything. See you soon :)

Changelog:
[2021-07-13]: A preview was released.
[2021-07-18]: A small update.
[2021-07-19]: The chapter has been fully released.

Schedule for the nearest future:
1. (1 chapter) Something new (I'm thinking about writing something about Sylvanas).
2. My home is where my heart lies (a long, possibly 10k + words chapter).
3 ? (not really sure as of now)
4. Prisoner of Your Eyes (next chapter).
5. Black Diamond (2 next chapters)/(possibly finishing the story).
6. The rise of the Blood Moons' servants (2 next chapters).
7. Alone (2 next chapters)/(possibly rewrite).
8. My home is where my heart lies (a long, possibly 10k + words chapter).

Bonuses' section:
A new story taking place in the Warhammer 40k universe.
A story regarding KaiKali (aka Akali x Kai'sa) (Will you look past my mistakes?).
Sometimes it's just better not to know (possibly rewrite).
Kiss the rain (more than likely rewrite).
Whispers in the Dark (extending beyond 2 chapters story).
Story of one lost soul (translation of 2 of my old texts - previously written in polish).
Story of one lost soul: The war call: rewrite.

*bonuses will be worked on when I don't feel like writing the chapters pointed out in the schedule :D

** It is possible for me to change the schedule a little. So stay tuned for the upcoming information.


Vote poll:
Service:
strawpoll
Hash: a46eksrpp

Or you can visit my profile page, the poll is attached there as well.


End of author's notes.


"How was your time in kindergarten recently, Merill?" Illidan asked another question.

In a blink of an eye, the older woman turned around. A long, slightly curved blade pointed out at Outland's previous master seemed to be an extension of the woman's arm. Her slender fingers kept a firm hold of the sword. It was evident that Veressa Windrunner did not lose her killer instinct. Still, a moment later, the blade was lowered, and the woman threw herself into her husband's arms.

It took a couple of moments for Merill to recognise the man calling her compared to her mother. However, in the end, she did recognise her father in Illidan. The realisation was announced with a burst of happy laughter. The small child ran toward the dark-haired man, wrapping her tiny arms around Illidan's massive leg.

With an open chuckle, the demon hunter lifted her up, pulling her closer before planting a kiss on her forehead. Merill's surprisingly long – for her age – hair was put into a ponytail. Some light was being reflected on her silver strands.

A quiet not so subtle cough informed Illidan that his partner was getting impatient. After all, Veressa also wanted a piece of her husband's attention. Being fully aware of that, the demon hunters' lord put their daughter down.

"Go, take off your boots, Merill," he whispered directly into her ear.

"Ok, daddy," the small girl replied, smiling.

The Windrunner took full advantage out of the presented situation nearly instantly. She jumped slightly, wrapping her arms around her partner's neck, sealing his lips with a quick yet passionate kiss. The moment did not last long, though. After what seemed like a fraction of a second, a loud cough could be heard once again. The dark-haired man allowed himself to smirk. The Deja vu effect was ridiculous.

Even without turning back, both of them knew that Tyrande must have entered the estate. And… based on the not so subtle interruption, she was expecting and quite frankly waiting for her moment of intimacy with Illidan.

Tyrande Whisperwind was possibly the most beautiful woman currently existing. A tall, feminine avatar of Elune was everything that once could ask for. A fearless leader of Night Elves was always surrounded by the aura of sheer intimidation. Her long steel coloured coat was already unbuttoned, revealing the dark-as-night dress hidden underneath.

"Mum!" Merill enthusiastically exclaimed at Tyrande's sight.

"Hi darling," Tyrande greeted the child, kneeling next to her. "How are you doing today? Hmm… excited to finally meet your sisters?" she started asking questions, trying to mimic the child's voice.

"I can't take these shoes off," the little girl complained, pointing out at her feet with her small finger. "These shoelaces got entangled; I can't deal with them," she added, pouting. "Will you help me, Mum?"

"I'll help you, sweety," Veressa said immediately.

"Why can't mum help me, mummy?" Merill asked, pouting once again and folding her arms on her tiny chest.

"Because mum wants to greet your father just as you and I did earlier," the ranger explained cooly. "Your mum will play with you soon enough; give her a moment or two just to speak with dad. Is that alright?" she asked, hugging the child.

"Fine," the girl replied, flashing a broad smile. "Help me with these, mummy," she quickly returned to the initial topic, pointing out at the shoelaces.

"But, of course, honey," the silver-haired woman said, reaching out toward her daughter's boots. "Look closely; you can deal with these, just like that, Merill," the general continued to talk to the child, trying to teach her something.

"Busy day?" Illidan asked Tyrande whilst still watching his second partner entertaining one of his daughters.

"You could say," the aqua-haired priestess responded with a heavy, exhausted sigh. "It's getting more and more tiresome to manage our race. I'd appreciate it if you back me up with that," she added.

"Are you sure about that?" Illidan asked, wrapping his muscular arms around the woman's waist. "Many of our brethren still did not forgive me; I do not think they will ever do so," he added, his voice merely a whisper. "However, if you really need my help… I will be there, no matter what our brothers and sister would think," he promised.

"Thank you," Tyrande whispered back, slowly turning around. "However, let's not talk about the work on holidays, shall we?" she uttered whilst enveloping her arms around her partner's neck. "I've missed you," she added, kissing him far more ferociously than Veressa. Partially it might have been caused by the height difference. Tyrande was taller than the high elf woman; still, she could not match Illidan in terms of height.

"I have missed you too, Tyrande," the previous master of Outland whispered back straight into the priestess's ear. "Let's not keep the rest waiting," he added. "Oh… just a small heads-up; Alextrasza and Ysera will be celebrating with us these holidays," the man uttered as soon as he remembered.

"Hmmm… I believe that I know the reason why; however, it doesn't matter. I'm happy to have them here with us," the Night Elves leader replied cooly.

"Splendid, let's go then," the dark-haired demon hunter exclaimed. "Merill, do you want to piggy bag?"

"Yes!" the excited child uttered loudly. "Piggy bag, piggy bag!" she started to chant, running around her father's massive figure.

"Come here, then," Illidan said. "Here we go, up and up," he continued speaking whilst picking the daughter from the ground.

She was so light. It would not have been an understatement if he had said that she weighted pretty much nothing. The demons hunters' leader ensured at least twice that his little girl was holding him tight before proceeding. The corner of his eye spotted the quiet exchange between his partners. Based on the hand slightly covering these two faces, the discussion was not to be heard by Merill. He reacted accordingly, immediately. He started walking back toward the kitchen. After all, it was a good opportunity for Merill to be introduced to her sisters. Truth be told, Illidan hoped that the small girl would not panic; she was usually a quiet, little shy creature.

A couple of moments later, Outland's master entered the kitchen. As expected, Shandis was moving around the kitchen; a white apron was put onto her elegant dress. Moreover, for the dark-haired man, one glance over the place was enough to make an opinion. His oldest daughter was running the show in his temporary absence perfectly. Everything was in order; the dishes he had not finished earlier were being dealt with. But, unfortunately, Merill acted exactly as he had expected. As soon as she had spotted Shandis, the tiny girl glued herself onto Illidan's back.

"Shandis," the raven-haired demon hunter called his oldest child. "As I can see, you are overdoing yourself; good job," he made a comment.

"Not so well, father," the dark-blue-haired woman replied. "I am just trying to fill your shoes, I guess," she allowed herself to add whilst wiping out the sweat from her brow. "Who is this little girl?" she asked immediately after spotting Merill.

"It is your youngest sister – Merill," Illidan responded. "She is a bit shy, unfortunately. However, I feel like it is just a matter of time before she gets used to all of you," he explained, taking the silver-haired girl into his arms. "Merill, there is nothing scary here. It is only your oldest sister – Shandis," the man tried to convince the child who was desperately trying to hide her face in the man's shirt.

"Daddy, I'm scared!" the silver-haired girl protested loudly, pouting. "Where are mummies?" she asked just a couple of moments away from crying.

"It is ok, Merill," the demon hunter cooed. "I will take you to your mummies. But, firstly, I need to have a word with your sister. Is it ok with you?" he asked, smoothing the girl's hair.

"Ok…," Merill slowly responded. "Please, hurry up, daddy!" she demanded, slightly turning around her little head.

"Hi," Shandis whispered, weaving her right hand slightly dirted with flour. "I am Shandis; nice to meet you, Merill," she introduced herself briefly. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, sister."

"Daddy? Who is this scary lady?" the girl asked, pointing out at Shandis.

"She is your sister," Illidan simply replied. "Shandis is not as scary as she looks. And… for you, I believe she will be one of the sweetest people you will meet," he added cooly. "Shall we come closer?"

"No… no," the tiny girl protested. "She is scary! I want to go to mummies!" she demanded.

"Alright," the master of Outland nodded. "I will take her to Tyrande and Vereesa, then will help you with the last preparations," he uttered toward the dark-blue-haired woman.

"Alright," the sentinels general acknowledged. "You do not have to hurry, father. I think I have everything under control," she added, flashing a small smile.

"I assume you would be more than glad to welcome Lynore Windstryke here. Or… am I mistaken?" Illidan asked, flashing a mischievous smirk.

"I… I… do not… father!" the blue-haired elf stuttered, blushing heavily.

"Oh," Illidan chuckled. "Based on your reaction, I was 100% right," he added. "Do not forget to introduce her to me. I have a couple of things to discuss with her. And… I should know a little bit about the woman who stole the heart of one of my daughters," the master of Outland flashed his signature smirk.

"I… I… fine," Shandis sighed heavily. "She will talk to you as soon as she arrives," she promised.

"That is my girl," the dark-haired man burst into laughter. "Do not worry; it will be a casual talk."

"I hope so," the sentinels general whispered back.

"Daddy!" Merill reminded the man about her existence. "I want to go to the mummies!" she cried out.

"Alright, darling," Illidan replied as calmly as he could. "We are going to search your mummies. Till then," the man uttered toward his oldest daughter.

"Till then, father," she replied instantly.

Without anything more to add, the demon hunter left the kitchen. His youngest daughter was still being held close to his broad chest. Still, something changed. Merill started to wriggle; she began to be grumpy, moody. It meant one thing, he needed to find one of her mothers as quickly as possible. Otherwise, she would soon start crying. And… it was one of the sounds that could easily break his heart in two.

Thankfully, it did not take him long to find them. Even from a distance, he could clearly hear the conversation between Tyrande and Vereesa. This time, they were talking openly. That meant that the more troublesome topic had been already covered.

The dark-haired man allowed himself to speed up a little bit. After all, he probably did not have much time left before his daughter would inevitably start crying. Nevertheless, the living room was reached soon enough. One glance was sparred to look around. Partially he wanted to see what his other daughters decided to prepare; partially, he tried to locate one of his partners.

A heavy sigh was allowed to escape his throat as soon as he managed to locate them. They were standing next to a large sofa, committed into a conversation. But, unfortunately, before he could reach his wives, a loud gasp could be heard, followed by giggling.

"Who's she?" Serathi asked, coming closer. "Why is she so adorable?" she continued asking questions.

"Mummy! I'm scared!" Merill immediately cried out loud.

Vereesa's reaction was immediate. She excused herself out of the conversation, then ran toward her little daughter.

"Good job, Serathi; good job," the master of Outland sighed. "She is your little sister; however, she is shy, and your outgoing approach is making her scared," the man explained.

"Sorry," the dark-haired woman apologised, eyeing the small child. "Hi, my name is Serathi, and I'm your sister," she introduced herself. However, her efforts were fruitless cause the silver-haired girl clang to her mother. "Congratulations, mother; why haven't you told us before?" she asked Vereesa.

"There was too much chaos after the Legion's invasion," the rangers general responded. "We all have lost people we held dear. I don't know; I guess there hasn't been a good time to announce it to you," she added.

"Merill, I'll take care of her," Tyrande whispered into Vereesa's ear. "Come, sweety, let's find something for you to play with. What do you say?"

The silver-haired child did not respond to that; however, she extended her tiny arms toward Tyrande as if trying to reach her. The aqua-haired woman did not waste any time. She picked the small child, pulling her close to her chest and giving a heartwarming hug.

Maybe a moment or so passed, and Tyrande was gone. The high priestess left the living room, heading toward the right-wing of the estate. After her departure, the silence fell upon the remaining people.

"I'm sorry, I should have been wiser," Serathi uttered after a couple of moments of pause.

"You did not know," Illidan replied. "Still, sometimes it is better to keep silent than to utter the question," he added.

"Mother, what about Galadin and Giramar?" the demon huntress asked.

Before her words filled the room, the rangers general froze in time. She was not breathing, not moving. Powerful magic was being evidently noticeable here.

"I will answer your question," the dark-haired demon hunter said, sighing heavily. "They had been killed during the third Burning Legion's invasion. They had died when we were fighting over Broken Shores, trying to breach the Tomb of Sargeras. So we did not notice that a decently-sized contingent led by the dread lord was set to attack Dalaran. When we found out, it was already too late. Dozens of civilians and guards had been slaughtered, houses burnt into the ground. And… the worst part for me was to see Vereesa weeping over the half-burnt, half-eaten bodies of her children. It has taken me days to bring her back from a really dark place. It has taken months to convince her that her death will not change a thing. She wanted to commit suicide; her last will was to be reunited with her husband and her children. It had taken a lot of effort to restore her hope. Your youngest sister – Merill – is most likely the only reason why I could convince her not to commit suicide. She is her everything; even though she loves me, loves Tyrande and all of you, Merill will always be special in her eyes. She is a sign of a new beginning for Veressa, a new hope. And… Serathi, I would appreciate you never ever asking this question again. Or… at least, not asking Veressa about it. She has been through a lot of it already. Please, do not cause her more pain," the master of Outland explained in detail, using the saddest tone he could muster.

"I… I understand," the dark-haired demon huntress uttered in response. "I'm sorry."

In a blink of an eye, everything returned to normality. The rangers general was taken out of the wrapping spell.

"So what? Are we going to celebrate the holidays, or are we waiting for someone, hmm?" Veressa asked, emitting the excitement.

"Kor'vas should be here in a couple of minutes," Serathi responded. "It's not in her style to be late."

"Alextrasza and Ysera should also return soon," Sammara reminded everyone. "I believe it would be the safest option to wait a couple of moments more. After all, we have holidays. So the time is not a problem now."

"Oh…," Illidan chuckled. "I am more than sure that we are also waiting for someone else. Do you not think, Sammara?"

"I… I… do not know what are you talking about, father," the confused white-haired woman mumbled.

"Oh, Alleria Windrunner confirmed that she will be celebrating Christmas with us," the Outland's master uttered, flashing his signature smirk. "I do also believe she holds you really dear, my daughter."

"Fine, you are right," the paladin sighed heavily in response. "Alleria will be here tonight as my partner. I really hoped you have forgotten about us dating. But, as I can see, nothing can be hidden from you, father."

"Sammara, I like to be well informed," Illidan responded, chuckling. "Throughout my life, it has saved me numerous times. And… you know the saying, old habits die hard."

"I guess," the white-haired night elf uttered, shrugging.

"Wait…? Sammara, you've been seeing my sister?" Veressa asked a couple of moments after the realisation had stricken her.

"And… now, the fun part begins," Serathi started to giggle.