Ileeya watched Adorei's face as she slept. It was amazing how the infant could sleep through just about anything, including the constant sound of Kristie's hammer hitting the chisel. They were on the back porch of Lord Grayson's home. The sculptress had been working for a long time, creating something for a client.

The druid was amazed at how Kristie could take a simple square block and turn it into a work of art. "Is that supposed to be a waterfall?" She couldn't see the whole thing as Kristie worked on it.

The woman nodded. "It's a place Adam took me to awhile back. We plan to go back there and camp after our wedding."

"Do you plan to continue working for your father after you're married? As I understand it, Adam is now rich."

Kristie looked at Ileeya. "Of course! I worked hard to get to this level of skill. Plenty of nobles have other jobs. Adam plans to continue working for SI:7." The human pulled the kerchief off her face and ruffed up her hair to get the dust particles out of it, then sat down next to Ileeya. "You seem ...settled." She smiled. "Have you found what makes you happy?"

"I have." She glanced out to watch some leaves sway in the bushes. "Helping others. The Hillsbrad refugees helped me realize that I want to heal those who need it, as well as help them grow things. I still love working with my herbs, though."

"Has that helped you figure out how you feel about Kirlothenin?"

Ileeya glanced at her. "Yes." She knew Kristie hoped to hear more, but Ileeya didn't want to elaborate. She was feeling dismayed that Kirlothenin wanted to see others before her. He didn't even want to see Adorei. Had his near escape from becoming a Wretched changed him? She felt a hand on hers and looked into Kristie's concerned face. She didn't want to voice her fears, so she quickly changed the subject. "How's Amy doing? Still having nightmares?"

Kristie nodded her head. "They'd diminished some since Dormir helped her learn how to control them. But she'll come to me in my room at night still." She glanced away. "I admit, it makes me feel better when she does."

The night elf peered at Kristie, picking up on what was left unsaid. "Your own nightmares have returned?"

A moment's hesitation and the sculptress nodded. "They are now a mix of my old nightmares and new ones that include Stavron being raised as an undead and Jerold's dying words." For some reason his words haunted her. What was he mumbling about, and what did he remember? She shook her head. "I know it's just a dream, but..." She shrugged.

"I'll have Dad come visit you," Ileeya said. "I'm sorry I haven't been trained in the Dream, yet. But I'll assist Dad if you want."

Kristie nodded and thanked her just as Adam came out onto the porch with a cut on his arm, the blood smeared. Kristie's eyes widened. "Is that what I think it is?"

Ileeya stood up to examine the cut as Adam answered. "Yes. I'll tell you about it later." After she healed his cut, Adam told Ileeya, "He wants to see you and Adorei now."

She didn't wait to be told twice. Ileeya quickly went upstairs to his room. She hadn't been alone with him since just after his fight in the ring. Her heart fluttered as she paused outside his room. Why was she nervous seeing him now? The druid dismissed the fear that he wanted to go away from her now. It was ridiculous. He had kept his promise to stay with her, why should she worry now? She shook her head and gave a quick knock on the door before opening it.

Kirlothenin stood alone at the window looking out. He turned his head and looked at her, giving her a sad smile. She immediately saw that he had a cut on his right arm in nearly the same spot that Adam did. Ileeya went to him, her eyebrows furrowed. What had happened? As she healed his arm, he took Adorei from her, setting her down on the bed between two pillows to keep her from rolling off.

"Sit down. There's something I need to tell you," he said.

Ileeya hoped he would explain what was going on with him as she took a chair next to the table. She noticed that tea had been made and a cup was waiting for her. She took it but didn't drink as she waited for him to explain.

Explain, he did. He told her what had happened in the room with the three forsaken and how he had come to be on the verge of turning into a Wretched. He then told about his dreams during his recovery and fear of hurting her and Adorei. After that, he told her about Ysuria putting in a block to keep him from tapping magic.

She was still taking all this in when he continued. "There is something rogues call a blood promise." She felt a little confused at this seeming change of subject. He must have seen her confusion and held up his arm that she had healed. "It's a binding promise that makes the pact-givers family." He took her hand and traced a pattern in her palm. "I made a blood promise with Adam." His fel green eyes searched her silver ones as she took this in.

"What ...was the promise?" She felt tense, but wasn't sure why.

"We made a pact to watch each other's back- to protect each other's family."

Ileeya felt relieved. "He agreed to that?"

"Yes. It seems he's learned to let go of grudges." Kirlothenin smiled now and Ileeya returned the smile, watching his mouth, but then she thought of something.

"How will you both be able to do that if we are each on different continents?"

"Well, it seems that fate has led us here for a reason." He hesitated before speaking again. "I like Moonglade and our jobs there, Ileeya. But your brother was right about something. I miss the hunt."

Ileeya's heart pounded. He was going to leave? Was he going back into the bounty hunter business? His hand reached up and cupped her face, forcing her to look at him. "Shaw has offered me a job. If I accept, I would be working for SI:7 with Adam and Maggie as my partners."

She wasn't sure what to think. Being on a team would be safer than being alone on a job. But he said 'if I accept'. Does that mean he hasn't decided, yet?

"I wanted to talk to you, first, Ileeya. I want you to be happy and if my accepting this job makes you unhappy, I will not take it."

Ileeya licked her lips as her heart swelled with love for him. He was concerned about her happiness. She felt her eyes water but ignored it as she gave him a smile. "As long as you are alive and love me, I am happy, Kir."

"Even if it means living in Stormwind?"

This made her stop. She had never considered living here. Ileeya searched her heart. "I ...would miss the forests of home. But as long as we can visit, I think I could be content here." She then frowned. "But what of our business? And I'm not done with my druid training."

His face seemed to light up. "We can visit anywhere, anytime. Just say the word and I'll create a portal to take you anywhere, Ileeya." Her heart skipped a beat as he continued. "Shaw insists that Baros could refurbish a building for our own shop facing the canals near Olivia's Pond so that you could still be near nature. And Adam says both his homes are open to us as we are family now."

"Both? He has more than one home?"

Kirlothenin nodded. "One in the city, and one in Elwynn Forest where other citizens rent out space on his land to farm and tend." He stopped and smiled. "Adam has already made a request of us in his official capacity as a noble." She raised an eyebrow. "It seems there are many homeless and poor citizens in Westfall trying their best to make their farms work. He thinks maybe we could volunteer our time and go out there to help them once or twice a week. You could help them with their farms, and I could help in my own way as well. There is danger of bandits, but we could handle them and an SI:7 agent will be with us to make sure things go smoothly." He looked out the window.

Ileeya blinked. This was exactly the opportunity she had been hoping for herself. And to have Kirlothenin by her side would make it just perfect! She stood up and placed a hand on his arm as she looked in his face. "You like this idea?" She tried to decipher his facial expression, then frowned as she realized he had put a mask up. "Kirlothenin Dawnwhisper, stop hiding yourself from me! If we're going to make this relationship work, we need to be honest with our feelings."

She reached up and caressed his face. "In everything there must be balance. I haven't been pulling my weight in our relationship and it's time I step up." Ileeya pushed down her irrational fears. "Kristie told me to find my happiness and I could sort out my feelings for you. She was right. My happiness is helping others...with you and Adorei by my side. You've made it clear that my happiness is important to you, and I appreciate that. Your happiness is just as important to me."

She paused and her thumb traced his lower lip. Her voice dropped to almost a whisper. "I like your smile. I liked seeing you relax and not get uptight when Adam started that mud fight." She heard him chuckle and was rewarded with the upturn of his mouth.

"You want me happy, Ileeya? Tell me what I want to hear. You know how I feel about you. I've had closure to my past and am ready to move forward. What about you?"

Ileeya smiled, feeling at peace with herself. "Adam isn't the only one who's learned to let go of a grudge, Kir." She looked deep into his eyes to show how much she meant her next words. "I love you, Kirlothenin Dawnwhisper. I love you and I want to be with you-"

She was cut off as he leaned in and captured her lips with his own, his arms reaching around and crushing her to him. The world melted away as her own arms wrapped around him and kissed him back. She could feel his passion match her own. Her heartbeat thudded against her chest and the kiss continued until they had to separate and catch their breaths.

His hand lightly traced down her arm, sending goosebumps in its wake. She noted that he was breathing hard and a part of her wanted to explore their passion further, but Adorei decided to wake up at that moment.

Reluctantly, she parted from him and picked their child up. Adorei was hungry and she opened her tunic to let her nurse. Kirlothenin came over, placing a hand on Adorei and the other hand on Ileeya's shoulder. His face became more serious. "I want us to be a real family, Ileeya- not just parents of the same child." The hand on her shoulder moved to her hair as he gently stroked it. "I want to marry you." His hand dropped as Ileeya felt her eyes moisten. "I know I may be unworthy of such a promise, but I must ask. Will you marry me?" She swallowed at this declaration of his desires to seal their relationship. But before she could respond, he put a finger to her lips. "Don't answer now. Just, think about it. I want you to be sure."

...

Two days before the wedding, Adam, Kristie, Kirlothenin, Ileeya, Amy, and Adorei were sitting in Adam's large city home, chatting about some last minute wedding preparations. Because of Adam's elevated status, their guest list had grown. They were obligated to invite some nobles and the royal family, though they doubted the King and Prince had time to attend. Kristie would have loved to see Prince Anduin again, however.

Elenor arrived, bringing a box and some parchments with her. After having Kristie and Adam step aside out of earshot of Amy, Elenor said, "This is from the orphanage. It's all the things salvaged from Amy's family." She smiled at them. "I thought it best to let you have a look at it first, just in case there was something in there that would be too hard on Amy to see."

Kirlothenin joined them as the contents of the box were emptied onto the table. There was some clothing, a doll, a stack of letters, some more knick-knacks, and a small portrait of Amy and her father standing in front of a fireplace. Amy looked to be about four years old. After discussing it, Kristie and Adam decided to wait to give the letters to Amy until her sixteenth birthday. She'll have matured by then, and it would be a special gift for her.

The rest looked to be okay and they called Amy over to see the items for herself. Among the clothing was a dress they assumed had been Amy's mother's. Amy wanted to try it on right away, even though it would be too big. Kristie went with her to help button it up in the back. As Amy pulled her brown hair aside to make it easier for Kristie to button the dress, the older female noticed something. "I didn't know you had a birthmark on the back of your neck."

"The triangle-shaped mark?" Amy shrugged her shoulders. "It's always been there."

They returned to the main room where Adam and Ileeya complimented Amy on her new dress. She saw the picture of her and her father, a soft smile on her face. "I remember when this was done. The man making the portrait was mad at us because we kept moving and laughing." The child then went over to Ileeya and Adorei to show them the picture.

Elenor held up the parchments to show Adam and Kristie. "Here's her birth certificate and the adoption parchments. We just need a quill to make it official."

"I'll get one," Kirlothenin went to a nearby side table and returned with a quill and inkwell.

Kristie looked over the parchment and signed her name at the bottom. Adam followed suit. Tears came to Kristie's eyes, and she knew she was being emotional, but didn't care. Amy was officially theirs. She was about to call Amy over to tell her the good news, when Adam stopped her. He pointed to the birth certificate. On it was Amy's parents names. Roland and Beatrice Masters. Kristie didn't understand why Adam had thought that important. Kirlothenin glanced at him in confusion as well. Then Adam said, "Roland Masters. His initials are R. M.."

Kirlothenin narrowed his eyes. "It must be a coincidence. Lots of people have those initials." The look on his face wasn't convincing.

Adam shook his head. "You're right. He's dead. It couldn't have been him."

"I don't understand," she said. "What's going on?"

Adam glanced at her. "Remember what I told you about the dagger that Shaw pulled from Lara's back?" Kristie nodded her head. "It had those initials on it."

She gasped as her eyes widened. "You don't suppose he could be alive? Was there a mistake?" Her heart wrenched at the thought of losing Amy.

"I doubt it. The military rarely make mistakes when it comes to dead soldiers. Just to be sure, I can ask Shaw to look into it." Adam looked at Kristie. "You said he died in Northrend?"

Kristie nodded her head. "Yes, just after King Varian returned and Lady Katrina was exposed to be Onyxia," she said. "He was part of the first troops to head north. And one of the first to be killed."

"Did they return the body?"

Kristie shrugged her shoulders. "If there's no body, then there's the possibility he's alive?"

"Or undead," Kirlothenin added with a frown.

Kristie had to sit down as a flood of thoughts came to her, the blood draining from her face. Adam knelt beside her, concern in his face. Kristie almost couldn't breath. "By the Light..." she whispered. "His last words." She swallowed as she quoted the words she remembered in her nightmares, "See white trees." She looked up at Adam and Kirlothenin. "What makes a tree white?"

"Snow," Elenor said behind her.

She nodded. "Snow... from Northrend." She glanced in the direction of Amy and the portrait the child held. "Look at the portrait. They are standing in front of a fireplace. 'Fire. Warmth. Laughter.' Amy said they were laughing." Kristie leaned into Adam's arm.

"If it was him, then it's no wonder he was obsessed," Kirlothenin said quietly.

Adam added, "But he didn't know why until the end."

"When he finally remembered," said Kristie.

"It all adds up, except for the arrow." The mage looked at Kristie. "Was he killed by an arrow?"

Kristie shrugged. "I don't know how he died." She watched the child put the portrait down and begin making faces at Adorei. "Amy has a triangular-shaped birthmark on the back of her neck. Now that I think about it, it does look a little like an arrowhead."

Elenor spoke up now. "I don't understand. Who are you talking about?"

"Jerold," Kristie said. "His final words."

Kirlothenin shook his head. "There's no way of knowing for sure. It is all speculation. He could have picked that dagger up from anywhere, not to mention we have no proof it was him who threw it at Lara. He had no reason to."

"Or, he could have been the one who killed Roland Masters and taken the dagger from him," Adam said, then shook his head. "Let's just leave it at speculation. Either way, I don't think we should tell Amy. Let her remember her father as he was... if it was him."

...

Kristie peeked out the window of the alcove within the Cathedral. She wore a white gown. Her hair was pulled into an updo with baby's breath mixed in. She was ready. Maggie and Ileeya stood near her with matching emerald green gowns. Kristie thought that the dress made Maggie's eyes even more vivid than they already were. Amy had a lighter green dress on, the sides of her hair pulled back with a barrette.

Ileeya had insisted on arranging the flowers and Kristie thought she had done a wonderful job. The food was catered by Adam's staff. They had done a wonderful job at the reception following Aron Boxley's funeral, and Kristie was sure the food would turn out great now.

The only thing that she wasn't too happy about was the high amount of security that both Shaw and Lord Grayson had insisted on. She could see soldiers line the perimeters of the wedding gazebo located just outside the cathedral. Shaw's agents were undercover. Some of them were actual guests, former teammates of Adam's.

A knock at the door, and Kristie turned her thoughts back to what was going on inside the room. Maggie answered the door and immediately curtsied as she backed up to let Prince Anduin Wrynn inside. Kristie curtsied as well, surprised that he had come. "Your Highness! I'm honored that you came."

Anduin stepped forward. He was wearing his formal attire for the wedding and Kristie thought that he was going melt hearts some day with those good looks of his. "Of course I came! How could I miss my own sister's wedding?"

Kristie and Maggie laughed at the joke. But Ileeya looked confused, so Kristie explained. "When Andy," she threw him an amused glance at the use of her nickname for him, "and I were stuck in Tanaris, I told him to pretend to be my brother so that the Horde members who found us wouldn't realize the truth of who he was."

At that moment, Baros, Kirlothenin, and Jelune entered the room. "It's time," Baros said. He stepped up to Kristie and the two regarded each other for a minute. She could see the tears mist in his eyes, though he didn't let them fall. "You sure you want to marry him? You can change your mind, you know. Stay at home, and be my little girl until you're old and gray?"

Kristie knew he wasn't completely serious. "He makes me happy, Daddy."

"Hrumph. I guess in that case, we had better get you out there." He offered his arm and Kristie took it. Ileeya took Kirlothenin's arm, and Maggie took Jelune's. Being the flower girl, Amy was going to walk down the aisle alone. That is, until an idea flashed in Kristie's head.

"Anduin," she said as she saw him begin to head out the door to find his seat. "Would you like to escort Amy down the aisle? Just walk with her to the end and then you can find your seat." Kristie saw Amy's face light up at the idea of walking with the prince.

Prince Anduin looked at Amy with a smile. He bowed gracefully towards her. "My lady, I would be honored." Amy giggled and took his arm.

The music played and Kristie followed everyone out. But as soon as they exited the building and stepped up to the aisle, the only one her eyes were on, was Adam. He had let his brown hair out of its usual ponytail and it framed his face. His light brown eyes locked on hers. She knew he considered her beautiful, but she could tell he was stunned at how she looked in her wedding dress. His mouth formed the word 'wow' and she smiled. Lord Grayson waited with an amused smile next to Adam.

When Kristie reached the end of the aisle, Adam took her hand, a grin beaming on his face and they faced each other. Lord Grayson gave the usual speech about marriage and love. Kristie will probably not recall what he said later. Her focus was on Adam. Time seemed to fast forward because before she knew it, she had said her vows and was kissing her new husband. They were then introduced to the guests as Lord and Lady Boxley.

Everyone cheered and they moved to the cathedral's courtyard where tents were set up for the reception. Dancing, eating, and general merriment ensued. Although Kristie was enjoying spending time with everyone, she was quickly tiring of it. She wanted to be alone with Adam. He picked up on this and suggested to her that they leave.

Kristie agreed and everyone threw flower petals at the couple. Before they left, Kristie tossed her bouquet, aiming for Maggie. "Oh no you don't!" she said as she dodged it. The SI:7 agent laughed as the bouquet landed at Ileeya's feet. Maggie smirked. "Fitting."

Kristie laughed and stole a quick glance at Mathias, whom she suspected had a relationship going with Maggie. The man had an amused grin on his face as he watched Maggie. Adam whispered in Kristie's ear. "Let's say goodbye to Amy and get out of here, Beautiful."

The two approached Amy who was going to stay with Ileeya and Kirlothenin while the couple were on their honeymoon. "We'll be back in a few days, Amy," Adam said. "And remember, obey your Aunt Ileeya and Uncle Kir. And you must make Kir play a game at least twice every day!" He leaned in conspiratorially towards her and whispered just loud enough to be heard by Kirlothenin, "The elf needs to learn how to have fun again!"

The mage smirked at Adam. "I assure you, I know how to have fun."

Ileeya nodded. "He's getting better, but I'm sure someone of Amy's caliber of fun can still teach him a thing or two." The child giggled and Kristie knew her new daughter would be in good hands. The couple left to her parent's home where she quickly changed into clothes more suitable for travel. The two then left on a pair of snowy white gryphons.

...

After Adam and Kristie left, Amy went to chat with Elenor, Baros, and Prince Anduin. Ileeya looked down at the bouquet she had picked up, aware of the human traditions. She felt Kirlothenin's hand on her arm and looked into his face.

"I guess this is as good a time as any, Kir, to answer your question to me." Since she had admitted her love for him, she felt herself becoming more and more happy and balanced. She agreed that they should make their family more official. His attention was fully on her, and he looked at her expectantly, a smile on his face. He had to know what her answer was going to be. Ileeya decided not to prolong the moment.

"I want us to be a family in every sense, Kir." She wasn't about to let him think there was any doubt left in her when it came to her love for him. "I love you. I want to make you happy by becoming your wife. And you'll make me happy as well by becoming my husband. Together, our lives will be complete." Kirlothenin kissed her gently, but not without his full passion.

"Let's get married next week," he said. "That should be enough time to prepare. Adam and Kristie, I'm sure, would want to be there."

Ileeya was surprised at how soon he wanted to do this. She thought about all they had gone through since meeting, and how their lives had been transformed. She knew she loved him, and if recent events were any indication of anything, they couldn't know what the future had in store for them. The sooner they began their lives together as a family, the better. But one week? "Make it two. I don't want to feel too rushed to prepare."

Two weeks later, Ileeya stood inside Adam's Elwynn estate near Westridge. It was nestled up against the mountains, and the land borders the river that flows between Westfall and Elwynn Forest. The house and its immediate surroundings were secluded, and private. While Ileeya would have preferred to get married in Moonglade, it had been decided that it would be safer to have it within this private estate. Despite this, Adam, Maggie, and Shaw had decided to bring in a few extra SI:7 agents to roam the grounds to make sure the ceremony was not rudely interrupted.

They had only invited their closest family and friends. Adam, Kristie, Amy, Adorei, Maggie, Shaw, Jelune, Tamlia, Dormir, Firodren, Mehlumis, Broll, Valeera, and Ysuria. Jaina Proudmoore had also been invited, but had been unable to make it. Broll officiated.

It was a modified Druidic wedding. Ileeya wore a forest green dress with some intricate brown embroidery. Her feet remained bare. She wore a wreath of flowers on her head and carried a bouquet. Kirlothenin wore a simple green tunic that matched his eyes. His slacks were a dark tan. His feet were bare as well. Just as in human marriages, the groom was not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony.

Those attending stood in a circle with two openings. Ileeya and Kirlothenin entered from opposite sides. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw him without his mage robe on. She had to admit the elf was very handsome. He probably knew it, but she didn't care. It wasn't his looks that she was in love with. She kept her eyes locked with his as they met in the middle of the circle where Broll waited.

After each of them said their vows of love and fidelity in front of everyone, Ileeya gave Broll some seeds she had picked out. Then Kir gave him seeds as well. The archdruid gave a short speech in Darnassian, then let the seeds drop to the ground. Quietly saying a spell, vines grew from the seeds and wrapped around the couple, entwining themselves together, thus representing the couple becoming one in spirit, while remaining individuals.

Kirlothenin touched her temple, creating a mind link. He spoke to her telepathically. "You're beautiful, Ileeya. Not only in the physical sense, but in the spirit as well. I must be the luckiest elf on Azeroth. I hurt you, yet you had mercy on me. You saved me from myself and somehow even fell in love with me. I don't deserve you. But I'm just selfish enough to claim your love and love you back with all my heart. You have my loyalty, my protection, my trust, and my love for as long as I live."

In that moment, she realized that he had opened an empathic link and she could literally feel his love for her. She didn't know how to respond, but she didn't need to. He could feel her response through their link. Kirlothenin leaned in and kissed her, letting his lips linger on her for a moment longer than necessary. The kiss released the vines, and the ceremony was over.

It took a moment for Ileeya to blink away the mist in her eyes and catch her breath. She was married to the elf who had abducted her, who had changed her life, who had made her become stronger to face the world. A touch on her shoulder reminded her there were guests to visit. She turned to see Kristie and Adorei. "It was a beautiful wedding, Ileeya." The woman handed Adorei to her. "Small, simple, and cozy."

Ileeya took her daughter. "Thank you. I'm glad you could be a part of it."

Adam handed each of them a glass and poured them some moonberry wine. He then held up his glass. "Here's to a bend in the road of our lives. We may not know what the future holds, but I do know this: If we stick together, we'll get through it."

The four raised their glasses to toast.

The End

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Song: Lean On Me
Songwriter: Bill Withers

Author's Note:
Thank you everyone for reading this story. I appreciate all of the comments. This should wrap everything up, well, except for the question of whether Jerold was Amy's father or not. I left that ambiguous on purpose and decided to let the readers decide for themselves on that subject. :)