The Watchers
Chapter 4: What Could Have Been
A warm summer breeze winded through the stone temple's beautiful corridors like a lady dancing the exotic dance of courtship. It gently played at the beautiful wind chimes in the main prayer chamber where a young Maiev Shadowsong knelt on a satin pillow, deep in the world of meditation. Her silvery robes looked like silken moon strands woven together to gently hug her body. She kept her hair long, well taken care of and adorned with simple silver jewelry. She had come to this particular temple to expand her training in the word of Elune, hoping to out best Tyrnade Whisperwind for succession of High Priestess.
She had been at it for hours, her sandalwood incense long run out and her mind blurry as a cloudy night. She opened her tired eyes and sighed. She still could not hear the call of the Goddess as Tyrnade does. She pondered in thought, could the Goddess have a favorite much like the queen does? She shook the notion from her head, scoffing it off. If the Goddess had a favorite, then it would obviously be her, right?
Maiev laid back onto the cold stone floor, glancing up at the beautiful domed ceiling. It told a story of Elune and how her loving hands molded the world, creating the mountains and the sky. Then it went onto her making animals and plants, blessing them with a bit of herself in them. Then came the first Night Elf, a woman who's name was lost to time, but her beauty surpassed even that of the queen herself.
It went on to say that for years, the woman was content with her role, to protect the forests and watch over the animals. She was in constant contact with Elune and had many discussions with the Goddess. But as time grew on, Elune noticed that her Night Elf daughter grew distant and quiet. Elune had spent three days watching her to find out what was wrong with her daughter. The Night Elf was lonely, even surrounded by the love of her Goddess and all the animals. Elune waited until her daughter was asleep and planted a great Oak in the forest.
The Oak was discovered by the Night Elf, and from it's branches, came a male Night Elf. Elune was pleased to see her daughter happy again. She blessed them both with longevity and the ability to make many more children as they pleased. In honor of Elune, they built a small stone shrine and planted many trees to expand their forest home. It was many moons later when the first Kaldorei was born...
It was then, Elune would leave her children. She knew they would be sad, so with her hands she sculpted a mighty sphere in the sky so she could always watch over her precious Kaldorei.
And to this day, Oaks are celebrated. Elune is still in their lives and nobody ever questioned it. Why should they when she gave them everything they could ever ask for? Maiev closed her eyes and whispered a small prayer to Elune. Maiev sat up and stretched, getting to her feet. Dawn would soon come and that meant another good day's sleep. Elune would answer her one day, she knew it wouldn't be now or even tomorrow. Elune loved everyone and everything.
Maiev left the temple to stroll through the large forest. There were many things said about this forest, but one story held true. This was the forest where the first Night Elf male had been given to the world. Maiev closed her eyes as she listened to the sweet call of birds chirping and the rustle of animals as they made their way around. It felt like that she was the only one here in this beautiful thick forest. She was that Night Elf who's heart longed for companionship.
Her wanderings led her to a beautiful large Oak tree in a small clearing. It had Elune shrines and gifts placed around it. It was the oldest tree in the forest. Many believe that this is the tree that gave Azeroth the first male Night Elf. It's large branches spread outwards, touching the sky as if it were alive. It was a magnificent sight to behold. There were rumors surrounding the tree, many couples had come together under this tree just by touching it. Or it could grant what your heart desired.
Maiev blushed a little as she ran her hand over the crusty bark of the tree, and for a moment, she thought she heard someone's voice. She pulled her hand back, looking around to see if anyone else was there. Once she was sure there was no one else, she went back to touching the tree. It was so warm and very soft for being an Oak. She closed her eyes and whispered. "I am alone..."
"You are never alone..." Came the voice again, as soft as silk. Maiev's hands shook as she put both of them on the tree. "Little Shadowsong.." The voice seemed to wrap around her like a warm blanket, Maiev's mind going to another plain. Maiev opened her eyes and found herself standing with the tree and it was just them. The world around them was dark as night. Maiev blinked a couple times, thinking she finally gone insane. "Little Shadowsong, I know what you desire... Is not to better your peers... You desire what all women do..."
She she was about to answer, a beautiful shimmering pool of clear water appeared under her feet, but she did not fall in. She squeaked and grabbed the tree. "What is this!?"
"It is your heart, Maiev..." Spoke the voice. "It is as clear as any lake, and has many ripples. But now, it does not move. It longs for your mate, you long to be loved..."
And as Maiev peeked down, seeing things reflected back at her. Her parents, her brother, friends that have come and gone, things like that. But why would the tree show her something like her heart? It had nothing to do with who she choose as a mate! The voice chuckled as a leaf dropped from the tree's branches and gently landed in the center of her pool. Maiev watched as the leaf turned into a small sapling, then into a tree! It wasn't as big as the Oak but it was large.
"He searches for you too Maiev..." The voice whispered. She closed her eyes as the tree started to twist and change. Branches became muscular arms, trunk became a rippled body and it soon took the form of a male Night Elf. His hair was well kept and long, dark as a twilight sky. He was very well sculpted, robes flowed about him like a sign of royalty. His eyes were as gold as the morning sun and his skin the most beautiful color of Lavender she had ever seen.
The figure reached a hand out to Maiev, a smile spreading over his face. Maiev was hesitant at first but she reached out for his hand. Fingertips touched gently as a blush spread over her face. It was then she found herself pressed against the warm body of her future husband. Maiev could feel the tears wielding up in her eyes. It felt so right...
Illidan Stormrage had gone to help the other Priestesses find their lost sister. The storm had come up so fast and everyone feared the worse for Maiev. Illidan didn't know why he offered to help but something was pulling at him to do it. He growled as the ice cold rain slammed against his face. The sky lit up with lightning every so often but he and his Nightsaber pressed onwards. Eventually he came to the clearing to where he saw the robes of a priestess pinned under a particularly large branch. He scurried off his mount and went running over to the fallen woman.
He knew performing magic on her would do more harm then good, as he was just learning levitation. He rolled up the sleeves of his cloak and grabbed the branch and lifted it with all his might. Luckily, training with his brother had paid off and he was able to move it off of her. He gasped as he saw she was injured. Carefully, he picked her up into his arms, surprised at how light she was. He carried her back to his mount and back to the temple...
The Mage spent time with the sleeping priestess. He figured since he had extra time he should at least be there when she awoke. It was two days later when she opened her eyes. Maiev seemed surprised to see the man in her dreams looking down at her. She smiled a little. Illidan smiled too, his hand resting on top of hers. He couldn't explain it but he felt a slight attraction to this woman. "You should rest..."
Maiev squeezed his hand. "Will you be here when I awaken...?" He nodded as she started to drift off to sleep. Illidan frowned a little as he got up. He wasn't sure what made him say he would stay with a woman he barley knew. But he figured he would say anything to make her relaxed. He turned around to see another priestess standing in the doorway. Illidan smiled and the thoughts of the mystery woman seemed to disappear. Tyrnade would be his wife. It's what he wanted...
Maiev woke up cold and alone in the tiny bedroom. She sat up and looked around for her mystery man only to find heartbroken and sadness. It was all just a lie. He didn't exist and it had to be her mind playing tricks on her, just like Elune avoided her at all costs! Just like Elune only spoke to Tyrnade! Maiev quickly got out of bed, ignoring the pain in her chest as she got dressed and left the room. She had to get rid of these dark feelings with prayer before they did damage...
She stopped dead in her tracks. It was her dark haired elf from her dreams, and he was kissing Tyrnade, who he had pinned up against one of the temple walls! Maiev bit her lip as hard as she could before running off in the other direction! Why did Tyrnade take everything she ever wanted!? Why did that tawny little wench have to be so selfish! Maiev devoted herself to Elune, devoted everything she had to Night Elf society... Only to have the only hope she ever had of love slapped against her like a cold fish.
Maiev learned a harsh lesson... Elune was cruel... But Tyrnade was a bitch, and she'd make her pay.
~3~
Maiev awoke from her dream, rubbing her eyes. It had been the same dream she had since Illidan died. Cold sweat soaked through her night gown and dampened her hair. She remembered that night so vividly. Did she really love Illidan back then? Or was it the tree, she later found out through Malfurion trees could talk to certain people at will and it was that particular Oak that tried to get Illidan and Maiev together. At first, Maiev thought it was just Druid Bull dribbling through his mouth. She had plenty of time to think about it and realized he was right. Maiev threw the thin blanket off of her as she got out of bed. She reached for a night robe and tied it around herself and walked out of her bedroom.
She walked down the hall to Eolande's room to see the flicker of a candle on in his bedroom. She sighed and gently pushed open the door to see her beautiful baby boy asleep, Appolo sharing the same bed as he. Maiev had no issue with her son's choice in a partner nothing could be as crazy as her mating with a half demon. She smiled as she stared down at the boys. Eolande was curled tight against Appolo's back, holding him securely in the large bed.
"Take care of each other.." She whispered as she covered them both up. She pulled some dark bangs back from her son's head and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Don't hurt him like your father did me. I don't want to bury a son too." She admired them both for a moment before blowing out the candle and turning to walk out.
She slid the door closed and wrapped her arms around herself. She closed her eyes as tears drizzled down her face. "I'm so sorry Illidan..." She slid to the floor, bringing her knees up to her face and softly cried. She would never let anyone know it but she mourned Illidan's death everyday. Even though it was a mercy killing done by her hands, her heart longed for her love. She looked up to the ceiling of the elaborate palace and made a decision...
This life, as chaos as it could be, wasn't for her. She was meant to be free roaming. She felt a need, no, a want, to return to Black Temple. She stood up and turned her head to the door thinking about Eolande. Would he be fine without her for a while? He really wasn't her little baby anymore but he wasn't quite at a man's age yet. She would have to let him go eventually and she certainly couldn't ask him to leave Appolo's side. It would be dangerous for him to come with her anyhow.
Maybe... She could find a cure for Eolande's demon characteristics. Illidan may have been happy as one but she knew better to think that her son was happy looking like a Satyr with wings. It was decided then, she would leave now. All she had to do was find a magi who would open a portal to Shattrah City and she could begin her trek.
She walked away from Eolande's bedroom, her brisk walk, turning into a run. The excitement of returning to Shadowmoon Valley where her love life began and where her fondest memories were with Illidan awaited her...
