Disclaimer: I still down own Blizzard or Warcraft or anything.
So sad and yet so excited to see the last chapter of this story. I've never actually finished one before, and while I'm sure I could stretch this into novel length, sometimes it's better to just be done with it.
That novel bit might still be an option during the summer while I have more time. Who knows?
Redemption: Epilogue
*****
-Several decades later-
Under the tutelage of his brother, Illidan grew into a respectable druid in his own right, aiding the battles against the Lich King, but when peace fell on Azeroth once more, he finally could serve his people as he wished -- with warm drinks and savory meals. He'd traveled all over, moving his little café from place to place before finally finding a lovely, secluded cluster of trees in Ferelas. Nature blessed his tiny shop and gave him wood with which to fashion a table and a couple chairs, encouraging visitors to sit and listen to his tales of different worlds and the beauty of the earth.
Aila had heard of his shop. She truly intended to visit but always felt like she would be an uninvited guest. That is, until he wrote her that letter.
She nearly trembled as she opened it, heart beating out of her chest. Some of the words came across looking a bit mangled, and he apologized for his blindness. Then she read the rest of the letter and nearly fell to the floor.
He wanted to see her, to thank her for all she had done for him, for being the catalyst to his personal redemption and allowing him to see without eyes and find his true path in life. She had brought him to his knees and now he wanted to lift her up, and to see her again in such a new way.
His language flowed so beautifully that her heart clenched. Why hadn't she gone to see him before?
Lyssa happily braided a fluffy white flower into Aila's hair.
*****
She never really liked Ferelas before, always preferring open plains to the dense jungle. But now the place held her in awe of its beauty. Lush ferns and tall trees lined the path until she came upon a gap. Maybe this was the entrance.
Tree branches had knotted together rather curiously over the smiling night elf and his cooking fire. His ears twitched at the sound of footsteps. He stood and bowed.
"May I help you?"
He had certainly changed since she first met him, but there was no denying that voice. Or the blindfold over his eyes.
"Illidan?"
His jaw dropped slightly as he caught her scent and focused. Nature's spirits -- and those of the elements --- danced around her, and as she smiled, he knew he had never seen anything so beautiful.
He walked towards her, reaching out and touching her shoulder. The scar was still there. His hand trailed upwards to her ear, half of which was still missing. He brushed the flower, leaning in to smell it, smiling.
He could see that she still carried scars inside of her from her experiences in Outland, but with time those would fade.
And then his hands found hers, rubbing small circles on them with his thumbs as he tried to organize his thoughts.
"I really should thank you for saving my life," she began, but his laugh silenced her.
"You saved mine, too, you know," he nearly whispered, pulling her into his warm embrace. After several long minutes, they parted. Illidan toyed with Aila's hair.
"Colors are still difficult. Nature sees things in such richer, deeper tones than we can imagine. But I can see your red just fine." His hand cupped her chin and he ran his thumb over her lips.
It sent chills down her spine like she had never felt before, and she knew he could see what that simple touch did to her with his strange connection to Nature's eyes. She wetted her lips as he tilted her face upwards, eyes fluttering shut as he brushed his lips to hers.
And he pulled back, smiling, as he returned to the fire.
"Would you like something to drink?"
Aila sat down at the little table.
"The one that's kind of spicy, with the cinnamon and herbs. The tauren like it. How much is that one?"
"It's on the house," he laughed. He rummaged through small boxes and bags, pulling out the herbs and the cinnamon sticks, tossing them into a kettle and hanging it on a hook above the fire. "You don't mind if this one takes a bit longer to brew, do you?" He reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear. She leaned into his touch.
"I have all the time in the world."
