She turned, to left, to the same spot that she had been seeing her mother in the last months. Her mother accepted her, accepted him, she had seen the beauty of their relation, looking beyond the color of their skin or the shape of their ears. Alteria saw Galvane worthy for her daughter's love and she could only appreciate that her daughter had indeed grown to make such an important decision of her life.
Finally seeing her mother in the distance, sitting on a bench by a tree. They had been seeing each other in these last months, last three months exactly, every three days, her mother would visit her. As indeed her home was a good hour away from the inn that she and Galvane had been residing. And the events that led her to separate a bit for her family still lingered, but with her mother, the hurt that resulted of their separation seems to disappear.
Nilsha approached her and sat down by her side once again, to start once more a nice conversation to the one that birthed her. "Hello mother. I'm glad to see you again." She started as a smile emerged from her lips. And indeed she was glad, their conversations together were helpful not only for their bond, but also giving advice to her daughter about the life of being a mate or a wife.
She hugged her daughter, always loving the warmth of her embrace. Smiling as she pulled away. "Once again, we'll take our time to discuss some mother and daughter convenience, isn't that right Nilsha?" Alteria babbled, her lips curling to a smile as excitement once again filled her to spend time with her daughter. Her eyes shifted, Nilsha though happy, wasn't as excited as if hiding something from her.
Adjusting a strand of hair over her ear Nilsha started. "Umm, actually mother I'm here for a slightly bit more...intimate discussion." She said, her cheeks slightly flashed a shade of red as she mentioned her situation. Indeed Nilsha had indeed need advice, especially when she had 'found' out about her condition just days ago. She had kept it a secret to everyone of course, none must know the delicacy of her situation. It is something she had thought about since her eventually start of the relationship between her and the human man, having to experience the shades of racism that her people had thrown at her, this 'situation' that she is in now, if ever anyone would found out would give them more reasons to throw more shades at her, or worse, disown her as a fellow Kal'dorei. Her mother had said that her father would love her still and he still does love her, but he wanted none of the man she is with now.
The mention of intimacy made the older Kal'dorei raise her brow. It seems her daughter had been indeed intimate with the fellow human. And thus no amount of convincing would ever separate her now from her mate. But nonetheless she is glad to hear as such that her daughter trusts her enough to ask such advice. "Alright Nilsha, it seems that you have finally have made intimate with that human. I ask why as such you need my advice?" She asks, Her motherly tone had not left her.
Nilsha flustered, her voice quivered. "I'm just...how often does father become intimate with you? Not as of now..." She stammered, having to feel the heat on her cheeks. "I mean, as of, back when you were young. When you were just newly mated individuals." She asked, her eyes looking over to hers.
Putting a finger unto her lip, Alteria wondered. When they were young, they were indeed intimate, very intimate indeed to the standards of their kind, even there was a time when he and she had been intimate once every week. But now that they had grown older, the intimacy had waned down and her daughter is somewhat indeed experiencing the frequency of intimacy. "When I was your age Nilsha, your father and I were quite intimate, there were even some I remember that we became intimacy once every passing of the week." She says. And she expected Nilsha to be surprised on how frequent she would be intimate with her father, but all she found is a passive face.
"I see that you aren't that surprised?" Alteria inquired, noticing her daughter's expression.
She shook her head. "I mean...I know that it is frequent in our standards mother but compared to ours...it paled." She finally says. Nilsha's tone was without pride however, of course. "My mate is so insatiable, he keeps on asking me to make love, sometimes it wears me out. I'm just asking for advice mother on what should I do? These moments of love making are beautiful to me, but yet I was not expecting for it to be so frequent."
Alteria listened. She's not ignorant to the difference of biology between long lived races and short lived ones. Humans tend to live so fast compared to them, that everything they do is so frequent compared to them. And she had indeed read that sexual intercourse is a physical need for them not just for reproduction, or else the hormones in them will build up and they would become sexually frustrated, leading to mood swings, and sometimes anger. While to them, sex is just akin to reproduction, something that is optional in their lives, something that is not needed for love.
"Well, Nilsha, this is one of the effects of marrying someone of mortal race. Intercourse for them is something that is physically needed or else they would become frustrated, they have high libido compared to ours, while us elves have all the time in the world for such things, some would go for centuries without having to experience sexual intercourse." She explained, her daughter's expression becoming soft. Holding her chin, making her look up to face her. "If you are somewhat tired, just tell him gently that you are tired during these events and gently decline him. Because from what I have judged in the past months of him, he is trusting and would not do anything to hurt you. But do not also decline him of his urges when he needs it." She says.
"Well it's just that-"
"I trust that you already knew this." Her mother cuts off. "You may have come here for other reason I see?" She asked.
It is a reason that I could never reveal to you at this our mother. "None, I just want to know and get some advice mother. I'm still trying to adjust my new life as a mate." She lied, and she wasn't a liar in any means, but for now, she has to, for the sake of her not knowing. If anyone finds out about my condition at this hour, I will be disowned by everyone that I knew in my home.
Few days earlier
Nilsha woke up, her forehead covered in sweat as she rose up from the bed as a bile in her throat started to travel. Pulling herself to the nearest bathroom, she had let out the food inside her stomach. Her eyes watered as it hit her hard. It had been three days of this symptom, and it affected her, and even at this moment, at the after noon where the sun's searing heat bore down upon outside it still came, the symptoms. It wasn't a disease or of the common cold she knew that now. It was something much more...intimate.
Galvane already left hours ago in the barracks to resume more of his work and she was left alone to ponder. It is a blessing in disguise that Galvane's not here at this type of hour. Indeed it was, when he arrives at night the symptoms have already passed on for the day and would leave her only in hunger. Morning sickness, and a wave of hunger, all of the symptoms that I cannot deny.
Nilsha Moonlit of the Kal'dorei is pregnant. And it is without a doubt as her hand lifted a rune stone of her Goddess Elune, it is a glowing stone that glows either light blue or bright amber to signify pregnancy, the light blue to signify a boy or bright amber to signify a girl. Oh blessed Elune, let I be saved under your mercy, let I not be shunned because of my unplanned children. She prayed in her mind, indeed it was unplanned. She thought her Elven heritage was enough to prevent pregnancy, despite the frequency of them making love, yet she had forgotten that humans were much fertile creatures compared to them.
Her eyes were shaking as the rune stone finally revealed its answers. "My Goddess Elune what is this?" She told herself as the rune stone glowed dark amber. She had seen the rune stone used on pregnant Kal'dorei's and came up with both colors of light blue and bright amber, but never had she seen the rune stone glowing to a dark amber.
Shifting her thoughts to something else she hugged her knees as she kept herself on the bed. Usually at this hour she is somewhere, particularly at the church of Elune where she would meet with her sister or some priestess that is willing enough to have a conversation with her, without having to be questioned and sermonized about her relationship to Galvane. Yet still she wondered why they still choose to remain here in Darnassus, against the face of discrimination, when they can freely leave the place to rebuild the restaurant back in Stormwind where they can finally and hopefully settle down peacefully. But yet for some reason they unanimously agreed to stay, with Galvane and his reason's that he has now a mission to protect the village, the village that never wanted him here because of something that he was born as, and her telling that she wanted to somehow rebuild the relationship with her parents.
Her mother was a progress. Their relationship was mended and it became fruitful, with all their smaller talks. And she believes that her mother would help her with her 'condition' if ever anyone would find out about the pregnancy.
She looked down unto her still flat stomach. Nilsha was still dumb founded that she was pregnant. Her affairs with Galvane in private took root in her womb, and bloomed. And now she is a future mother of Half-Elven children. The thought of it sent chills down her spine. Nilsha, for all her denials and disagreements on how her people view the mortal races, knew the risks on giving birth to a half elven child. Humans were much softer in their views of half breeds, but they still shun those who were half breeds, and the Kal'dorei...no, there is no forgiveness in them, they disown everyone that does not have the pure blood of the Kal'dorei, be it men, women or children. And the thought if it struck her back to reality. How easy she had accepted Galvane as a mate, and she had indeed thought about such discrimination for their children, but she had just brushed it off, but now that it is here, it frightens her as a tinge of regret crept upon her.
No, no, I don't regret it...I love Galvane so much is just that I'm not sure I am ready for this... She told herself as she crouched up on the bed, clutching her still flat stomach.
Present time
Galvane panted, as his eyes scanned over the area that were filled with corpses of the Twilight Cultists. It's becoming dangerous in the forest vale. Shadowmourne was drenched in blood, so does the other men. He feel blessed that none of his men had died during these small skirmishes, it's always some injury that would be needed a bit of time to heal, but nothing fatal to warrant death. The Light didn't abandon him this time, he thought. His skills as a warrior didn't fade he noticed despite how many months of inactivity and never had to fight for some time. He wished that he would never had have to fight again, but it seems fate has something in store for him. Because for him, this skirmishes that he had along with his men are just a breeze before the storm, a disaster that is to come.
"What are your orders sir?" His train of thought was finally disturbed. He looked back to see the "young" elf. The neophyte is a good soldier, he sees. He fights like what he expects from new recruits, fighting like there is something to prove.
Looking at the piles of corpses that were lifted to the cart, Galvane's eyes narrowed. "Burn the bodies, make sure none of the villagers see anything." Galvane replied as he sheathes his enchanted axe. Glowing once more, Shadowmourne spoke to him telepathically Keeping secrets of violence from the innocents usually lead to body counter, Master Galvane, most of the time innocent people would be the ones piling up. I insist that you warn the village! This threat is not something to be trifled with simple coverups by burning the bodies to ash! Like you felt in your stomach master, this is a calm before the storm.
Galvane ignored his warning. "I'll do what I have to do. The village is safe regardless and the Ebon Blade will be kept at bay...for now." He says. It is your decision Master, but I insist. Even if indeed that you will turn into a Death Knight, a servant of the Ebon Blade, what else master? The woman will still be beside you, you will age very slowly like her and spend all of her years with you and even she can become a High Priestess when you become a High Lord.
The thought of Nilsha being even near The Ebon Blade made his skin crawl. And the fact that the enchanted blade suggested it so casually angered him. His anger would have burned the surrounding area but he won't let his men that accompanied him think he is insane that he has a talking weapon. "Don't ever suggest such horrid things to me ever again Shadowmourne...Nilsha would never have so suffer in being near that waste of an organization."
That waste of an organization delivered what you had wanted, Master Galvane. The sword replied. Indeed he was right, Galvane one time demanded that Ebon Blade that he was to be handed down Shadowmourne, instead of any other death knights that were ready to take the mantle of burden. And now that the Lich King is dead, his business on needing Shadowmourne is done, but now he's its master and it's sentient, and the Ebon Blade is out there to get him and turn him in dead and raised.
An hour later in the garrison...
Galvane went up unto the back of the barracks, and already the captain was waiting on him with a lot of papers. It's been months since he agreed to lead the garrison and it has been more than half a year since he arrived at Darnassus because of the event of Stormwind that caused a riot, an explosion and causing the restaurant to burn down. He had not attempt to leave since he needs a debt to pay to the Ebon Blade. And the captain had been sending letters, letters of recommendation, letters that praised Galvane's work and crediting Galvane and the Ebon Blade for sending Galvane in Darnassus to help, to the point that he recommended that some of their death knights should be recruited as an Alliance soldiers.
He sent it all to the highest possible commanders and leaders in the vale. But it seemed their efforts were starting to show that it is for naught as they have little to nothing at all of their feedback as they themselves were busy with their own wars as the cultists weren't only prevalent in this village but it was spread all across the Ashenvale forest, with each garrison having to face their threats.
Galvane walked up to him, they were both quiet as if they were paralyzed with each others presence. Galvane was walking back n' forth as he waited for the captain to speak up, as his back was turned to him. His brows narrowing when the captain finally turned to him, his eyes was narrowed also. "This is getting dangerous." The elven captain said, putting a piece of paper that had held in his hand on the table. Everyone has the same problem with what we are facing, the same. Numerous cultists running around, they have reports of fire elementals that burned hectares of forests.
"Have you sent letters? Recommendations? Anything that helps me?" Galvane asked out of the blue. His hands closed to a fist, still pacing around in the room back 'n forth, anticipating his answers. He really wanted to know if there is progress, if there is progress to what he has been doing, this effort on trying to build reputation so that the Ebon Blade can be recognized for its good works and Light forbid, put them in the fold of the Alliance.
Turning and facing Galvane, the captain narrowed his eyes. "None, there were no feedback on anything, because everyone is busy Galvane, this threat is not just on this village but the others as well, the other garrisons are facing threats like the ones we've faced." The captain admitted.
Galvane shook his head, in disbelief. He wanted to be angry that his work is starting to become for naught all this months, but he hardly could blame the captain. If he wants work that would put him to a recognized position that would be enough for the Ebon Blade, this is the best thing he could do for now. He could only ponder how much time he has left before the Ebon Blade come knocking on his doors, while Nilsha watches the whole event unfolded.
"I'm a dead man here..." He told, looking at the captain, his eyes full of worry. "I'm a dead, dead, dead man here..." Galvane was just repeating his words as the problems now stacked up against him. There was no escape. Sooner or later, the Ebon Blade comes for him and takes him away, away from his own life into a new brand of undeath and raise him to be the death knight they always sought out from those who could possibly wield Shadowmourne.
The captain's eyes narrowed unto the human, somewhat annoyed that despite everything that is happening surrounding the village, the surrounding dangers that the villagers might face or encounter, even to his mate because of these unfolding events, the only thing that he is thinking about is his own safety and security. Approaching him, he made his presence known to the human as his voice was thick with animosity towards him. "For once in your life Galvane, stop thinking about yourself. I know that you are human, and somewhat selfishness is in your nature as that stupid pink skinned warrior." Galvane was used to insults or underhand comments from the captain, but this is indeed the first time that he had used such language, and someone reality strike him back that he was still the lone human in this xenophobic land.
"Me being selfish?!" Galvane's grunted, his voice raised as it filled with anger. With all his problems adding up, he was ready to explode in anger and put all the blame on someone, it's irrational and dangerous, but he doesn't care. "I stayed in this place because you wanted some help from this 'pinked skinned' warrior, and now you are standing there accusing me of being selfish?! I could have left here with here and get back to Stormwind!" Galvane, for all his anger managed to contain it.
The captain was unfettered. Only managing to scrim a mocking smile of Galvane's words. "And what? Then the Ebon Blade drag you out, kill you in front of her and then what?"
Galvane approached him, as if willing to make this to a physical confrontation but a soft stopped in his tracks before a tapping noise came in. Both eyes were on the end of the barracks to see Nilsha. The captain had met and conversed with her many times over the month and began to knew her and even befriend with her, but he had hidden all the things that he and Galvane had been doing on their works in fighting the cultists. It is of their agreement that nothing in the barracks goes out, to not only protect the villagers from panicking on cultists threat, but to help protect the human man from his own problems also, particularly concerning her.
Peaking over the two men, Nilsha smiled, her eyes focusing on the captain. "Good afternoon Captain, is it alright now if I am able to take my husband with me?" She joked, lightly chuckling.
With a nod, he edged on. "It is fine Moonlit. You can take your husband with you." He said, but he stared at Galvane, narrowing his brow, approaching him that they butted shoulders and whispered. "Like I said Galvane, stop being selfish, you because you'll learn to blame everyone but yourself, you could even blame her in the future if you do not learn, probably asking why she hadn't loved you enough instead of manning up and taking responsibility." He then continued to walk past him, Nilsha not even noticing the tension between them in the room.
Galvane briefly looked back at him, narrowing his brows further as his hands clenched into fists as his anger started to rise up inside of him. Only for him to be softened up when Nilsha softly took his hand, asking him now to come home with her. Softening his expression, there was a little bit on the words of the captain.
Few Minutes later in the inn...
Shadowmourne kept on glowing, ever since she had shown her face in the barracks, the weapon sensed the presence of new life within her, two lives for her situation. It is something truth be told for his master to be overjoyed with, his quests on impregnating the she elf to make her his has been completed, but the setbacks that had occurred earlier such as the Ebon Blade and their deals made the situation also horrifying for the master and his wife in what is supposed to be a joyous momentous for them, because of his link to the Ebon Blade, and now the Death Knights know that there would be two more persons in this world that belonged to his blood.
And closer and closer the Death Knight's presence approached. He was not expecting them to come at this hour, but they might have come to conclude that Galvane would once again try to break with their deal so that he may move on with her and start a new life, and the Death Knights make sure that he wouldn't be able to do such thing.
The weapon sensed his mate's happiness, though happy, Shadowmourne felt the need of secrecy from her, meaning she had wanted to hid her pregnancy. "Master, your lover has a great gift for you, one that would give you great joy truly. But I must remain silent on this matter since she remains and wishes for silence for it." The human warrior heard the weapon.
"She's a gift to me. Light knows." The warrior said as he opened the door and went inside the room. Alone and quiet once again, never having to hear the whispers of others. The inn that they had resided on truly is a sanctuary for the unlikely couple.
Nilsha lightly puts her hand on his back, making him look down on her and she leaned on and kissed his lips affectionately. "How was your day?" She asked, pulling away as she placed a bag on the table, containing some food for them to eat.
Shadowmourne sensed something in the midst of the distance. Far far away, like anger. It seemed that the Ebon Blade had indeed knew now about Nilsha's condition. The pact that Galvane made with the Ebon Blade made the Ebon Blade capable on 'sensing' his blood, and where he would be at any hour in the world. And now with new blood, the same blood from Galvane bloomed inside of his mate, they are coming to 'secure' their pact, making sure that Galvane wouldn't run away as the weapon also felt a shift on power, like a portal being opened.
"It was a bit hard on the barracks, but we managed it." The human laughed.
The weapon wondered again, even he was surprised how his master is so casual after had just enduring a small skirmish against cultists. To just like and deceive his mate in order not to be found out. He had once again experienced what is like going life and death in the battle field yet it eerily does not affect him, like as if he never had fought in the first place. His master is strange, and is a master of deceit, on hiding his emotions and to pretend that everything is just going to be normal, that he notes.
Feeling the change of aura, Shadowmourne glowed bright red again, since he was placed somewhere in the corner of the room, his master would be undisturbed in just conversing with his wife. But the dangers are inevitable, yet his master is oblivious that the Death Knights are coming for him. "Master, if you could hear me, know that I must warn of you the dangers that is coming for you. The Death Knights are coming for you and you will be exposed to your mate of your deceit!" The weapon telepathically warned, but as expected, Galvane was unresponsive to him, he was too busy conversing.
The weapon felt the shift of aura in the entire vicinity of the inn, sensing the disturbance that the owner of the inn felt the shock when Death Knight's were on his steps. Having no power as he was forced to step aside as the Death Knights rumbled their feet on the march to their door.
Nilsha's smile faded just as she heard the rumble of feet outside the door. Her head, snapped at the door, when it was forcibly opened as three intimidating figures emerged, all were of stature, as they were taller than her but at leas half a head. She looked t Galvane for an explanation, or the assurance of protection, but even he recoiled, his eyes filled with fear. Watching the events unfolded before her as the figures revealed themselves, they were Death Knights she knew that already, but what she didn't know about was they were prominent figures. Darion Mograine, Thassarian, and Koltira Deathweaver, all strong commanders of the Death Knights.
Her eyes filled with horror as Galvane stood there frozen, his fists curled tightly. "Galvane what is this?! Who are they?!" She yelled to her lover, but she received no response. But instead Darion looked at her, his glowing blue eyes pierced her flesh like a hot poker through ice.
"It seems you are ready to move on Galvane...move on from us...from the deal..." The tallest of the Death Knights said, It was Galvane's old friend in the Ebon Blade, Darion.
Swallowing the saliva inside his mouth, Galvane contemplated, his head turning the slightest towards his weapon, Shadowmourne at the corner, but Darion noticed even his smallest movement as he aggressively puts himself in front of Galvane, holding his arm out. Causing the man to recoil and stop as he sighed in defeat, his eyes were surrendered and force to concede and listen to the Death Knight.
"Galvane!?" Nilsha shouted, her eyes started to water when she saw the surrender in his eyes. She had so many questions to everything now, even back at the start when she had met him. Who is Galvane? Who are the people that he had meet that they were so dangerous enough that it hunted him to their sanctuary, and she had to be in the midst of it.
She watched the the Death Knight pace around the room for a moment, and during that it was complete silence, the people outside seemed to be oblivious of the event that is unfolding inside the room. The silence grow, as the Death Knight stared at her, her eyes were covered in fear, fearing that she maybe harmed, and she would fail to protect the little ones inside of her. With pleading eyes, she looked up at the figure, and for the first time, she did not feel protected with Galvane. With pleading eyes she bends both of her knee to the floor. "Please...do not hurt me.." She croaked, her hands clutching her stomach tightly.
Her motherly affection did not come unnoticed as Darion looked back to Galvane, the human warrior's eyes now where narrowed, as if he was no longer afraid to these Death Knights. Putting up his hand, and assured Galvane he wasn't here to murder. No, he wanted an explanation. "I'm here Galvane to ask if you are moving on once again from the deal..."
Galvane clenched his teeth, as he exploded. "Moving on from the deal?! What do you think I'm doing in these last months?! I am risking my lives, back in the battlefield, to have your names-" He puts up the icon of the Ebon Blade, as he approached him and puts it on his face. "recognized by these people and have them be fond of you!"
For all the rage that the human released, the fellow Human Death Knight could only raise his brow as he looked at the warrior, then eerily shifting his gaze to the frightened Kal'dorei in the corner of the room. Unaware that the Death Knight's ability to sense 'life' of the same blood brought her secret from the blue. Smiling, Darion shifted back to the enraged warrior raising his brow, unaware also that Galvane knows nothing. "But then why are you already ready to be a father to the children inside of her?"
It all went cold for both of them as Galvane suddenly looked towards Nilsha, hearing, now KNOWING. His eyes were confused, unable to receive the information that he had from the death knight. His breathing became more frequent as fear seemingly took root inside of him, afraid that Death Knights threaten him and Nilsha and not only that his children that is of inside of her. Curling his fists, looking at Shadowmourne for a moment, out of reach from his hands. He was ready to pounce until he heard her desperate voice.
"How do you know that?!" Nilsha yelled, clutching her stomach as tears now streamed from her eyes. She was deeply petrified when the Death Knight revealed her secret to him, she can't lie out of this knowing that it might just be his and her life on the line. "How?! How did you know that I am with child?!" She pulled herself up from the ground, and leaned against a wall, her hands never leaving her vulnerable stomach. Yet all she hear from the Death Knight is silence. "Answer me damn it!"
"Your husband should know why..."
Nilsha's head snapped at her mate. Wanting to know the truth, wanting to know the answers on what is going on that left her at this state, pleading and yelling at these death knights. "Galvane...what is this man talking about..." Her voice returned to a soften state, not because she felt safe but rather, she felt betrayed, as if she couldn't have the breath to know that Galvane hid such an important piece of information about his life, that would forever changed hers.
The man tried to open his mouth for a reply, yet he could only stutter as he watched her soft, pleading eyes. He wanted to tell a lie that everything is going to be alright, but everything is against all odds as the three death knights in front of him stared him down, in front of her. "I-I don't know anyth-"
Darion cuts him off. His voice finally annoyed that Galvane would pretend to be innocent again. "Oh please, you should shut up Galvane and tell her the truth about everything, to tell her the truth that we hold you in our deal back then at Icecrown, that you'll hold Shadowmourne to get that spot to fight the Lich King and exact your revenge, but at the cost that in the end, you'll pay us one way, or another. " Darion left a strong emphasis in the last word, as his brows narrowed further. His icy cold voice echoing with threats. "And don't be surprised that if you don't pay your debt during our agreed deadline, that I'll be finding you here once again, and drag and kill you in front of your heavily pregnant wife." Smirking, Darion turned around and gestured for his two lieutenants to leave. "I won't say, she would be widowed and her children be fatherless, because I would just be raising you as an another Death Knight like me, being a leader like me." And with his final words, he walked towards the door, with a portal already waiting for all of them.
They left the two alone, dazed and confused as Nilsha looked at her mate with disbelief, her eyes filled with tears, her heart shattered while feeling the overwhelming sense of betrayal.
"Ga-Galvane..." She started, her hands were shaking. "How could you..."
Hey guys, its been some time since I last upload, because I had to make a one shot for a friend of mine, too quite a while before starting this chapter, but here I am, this won't go unfinished. Don't worry :) please leave a review.