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She snuck into the compound, almost late for the sudden meeting Zelanis called for all the residents of the School of Shadow. She stayed to the back of the gathering, feeling distanced from her fellow students due to her earned freedoms that they lacked. She knew it caused some dissention in the ranks, but in a way, she was just following the Master's orders.
She saw, out of the corner of her eye, Fiera elbow Alcor in the ribs as the raven haired rogue spied her from the other side of the room. She fought the urge to vanish from sight and sprint away, back through town and into Eversong, where she had left Ter'thelas, deep in thought at one of her favorite spots to meditate. His company, even with his inner turmoil and hot/cold affections was certainly more appealing than being picked apart by her 'favorite' tormentors. Instead, she focused her gaze on the fair-haired Head of the School as he delivered his speech, trying unsuccessfully to ignore her fellow trainees as they made their way to her.
"Any idea what this meeting is about, Shadow?" Fiera hissed under her breath, just loud enough for her two companions to hear, a sly smirk on her face.
"I bet it's to enforce the new rules that have been rumored that the Instructors've been working on." Alcor gave Shadow a withering look. "Like always reporting one's comings and goings."
She bristled under their attentions but refused to take the bait. She stood up straighter and struggled to keep her face empty, not wanting to give them anymore ammunition to use against her.
Fiera eyed Shadow with a cold, appraising eye, noticing the petite elf's unconscious gestures. Her smirk deepened maliciously as she watched Shadow circle her right wrist with the thumb and index finger of her left hand and twist the circle back and forth, as if ensuring that her wrists were bare. Fiera uttered lowly, watching Shadow repeat the move on her other wrist, "Shouldn't you still be resting after your ordeal with the ogres in Arathi?" Shadow blanched, but her gaze never wavered. "We wouldn't want our prized pupil to fall behind in her lessons, now would we, Alcor?"
Alcor, ever the follower, added his own two copper. "Never, though I'm sure I could get used to it." His eyes met Fiera's over Shadow's head in a conspiring manner. He continued venomously, "It's not every day that that the great and powerful Shadow spends more time on her back than her--"
"Is there something back there you'd like to share with the entire school, Alcor?"
Zelanis interrupted his announcements and the entire room swung their heads to the back of the room. Shadow blushed crimson to match her silken locks and Fiera pressed her back to the wall, not wanting to be punished along with Alcor. Alcor blinked stupidly, unable to save his own ***. Shadow sighed inwardly and spoke up, her voice quiet, yet clear. "They were just inquiring about my recovery, Master Zelanis. Forgive us for the interruption." She waved a hand apologetically, signaling him to continue. His eyebrows rose a fraction of an inch as if to inquire further, but she gave the slightest shake of her head, their code for letting the matter drop until a more convenient time presented itself.
Alcor and Fiera studied Shadow closely as Zelanis rambled on about duty and obligatory tasks. She took two small steps forward, putting her rivals behind her in a precarious position. She just saved them from being reprimanded later. Would they dare to stab her in the back by putting her own word on the line in front of the whole school? Was it a careless move on her part? Or would Lady Luck smile on her again after her unfortunate episode at Boulderfist Hall? Shadow shook her hair off her face and lifted her chin defiantly as she merged in with the rest of the students as they came forward to...do what, she didn't know. She was distracted by what was going on in her immediate vicinity than by what Zelanis was actually saying.
Instructor Cel handed over a fine quill, a small bottle of blue ink, and a sheaf of fine parchment with the Silvermoon Emblem on the top, next to the one for the School of Shadow. Shadow leaned closer and whispered, "What's all this for? An unexpected exam?"
Cel gave a small frown and Shadow shrugged helplessly, as if to excuse her ignorance. "Letters, we are all to write letters to Grandfather Winter."
Shadow gave the female Instructor a blank look. "Surely he's not serious, is he?" Her fel green eyes darted over to Zelanis as he strolled around as the students plopped down wherever they felt like to complete his current assignment.
"On the contrary, Shadow, he feels that with all the chaos in the world right now, the Alliance assaulting us, the sudden influx of the Deathknights, the recent Zombie attacks, and the call to fight Arthas in Northrend; there couldn't be a better time than now to cling to tradition, if only a youthful one." She gave the young elf a wan smile, thrusting the supplies at her. "Indulge him, just this once, Shadow."
The fair skinned rogue arched an eyebrow suspiciously before grasping said objects and retreated to the female sleeping quarters upstairs for a little privacy, as most students were content to remain on the main floor, chattering and gossiping and laughing about what they were recording.
A letter to Grandfather Winter, she mused thoughtfully, a soft look on her face. How quaint. She remembered writing letters to him in Momma's cottage with her older brother as their mother sorted the dried herbs that hung from the rafters in the kitchen. She smiled gently, recalling how one year, she copied what Dathell wrote and how he tousled her hair affectionately when he caught her cheating. Tears sprang to her eyes as she again felt the acute pain of being abandoned by him all those years ago.
She made her way to the window and looked out to the dark street of the City, watching its citizens hasten though the narrow passage. The sun was setting, her breath made a brief fog on the pane of glass as she stared, transfixed as the sun dipped below the horizon. She tilted her head back, blinking rapidly to evaporate the excess moisture, her thick lashes fluttering faintly. "Oh Dath," she murmured, her voice hoarse, "Where are you? When will you and Rusty ever come home?"
Turning, determined not to get swept back into dark thoughts she had no desire to dwell on, she approached the secretarie, laid out her items with deliberate care before resigning herself to the task with a sad sigh, her quill scratching the parchment deliciously in her fine script.
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Grandfather Winter,
I feel foolish writing to you after so many years have passed without any belief in your existance, but things are changing in my life, so why not turn over a new leaf and start believing in the magic of the unknown again? Ah, who are we kidding, I'm much to practical to go that far, so forgive me that little white lie.
Shadow paused as she took the feather and caressed a light path from the base of her right ear, down across her jaw and then swished the tip back and forth below her bottom lip briskly, her mouth pursed together in a pout as she mused thoughtfully before continuing.
I'm not sure what I want myself, so let me begin by asking you to be generous to those few who've so recently touched my life in their own ways. Please.
For my fellow trainees at the School of Shadow, Fiera and Alcor, a lesson they’d not soon forget. Allow me the time to put my plan into motion, and I’m sure the first part will be achieved.
For Master Zelanis, who, as you know, has been like a father to me, to continue his support and dedication for all of us students and instructors. He’s one of the few that gives rogues a good name. Don’t let him change. Also, perhaps you can plant the seed in his mind, that we all know about him and Darlia, and that they should just tie the knot already.
For my first friend, Elton, whom I always seem to walk away from having understood both him and life and mortality a little better, as well as myself, get his some nice fur-lined attire for his personal MO to make Arthas pay up in Northrend. I realize he won’t feel the warmth the clothes would provide, but I’d feel better knowing that he’s better preserved. Also, could you do something about his one eye that tends to fall out of the socket so very frequently? I may have grown accustomed to it, but my stomach still clenches when I see it. He’s also mentioned how lonely he can sometimes get. Perhaps, if there’s any lonely Forsaken females that would be suited for him… A little nudge is all that would be needed, I’m sure.
For the Lieutenant Narica, some privacy and time to spend with her new husband. From what she’s hinted at, he’s been out of touch for awhile, and that’s not what a marriage should be about. She deserves to be happy after all she’s gone though. It also goes without saying that I wish this more because she’s given me a second chance to prove myself and my abilities to her and I do not want to let her down again, for there is still much to learn from her, if she is still willing to guide me.
For Task-Master, er, um, our new Commandant, Lady Aerybeth Duskfalcon, one of the few people in my guild that took an interest in me and my progress, grant her the courage, strength, and wisdom to lead <The Grey Wolves> to greatness.
For my guildmate, Maleva, a nice new robe. She was a great asset as we were slaughtering Syndicates in Arathi recently, as well as being generous when she volunteered to donate some wool cloth to me when I ran out of bandages when I was playing nurse to Ter’thelas when he got injured a couple of months ago. She seems to be a little on the scatter-brained side, so if you can help her focus her efforts a little bit more, I’m sure she’d be a very valuable partner when I seek out missions from our allies within the Horde.
For Peredhel, Ter’thelas’s former best friend...the chance to amend his, er, um, her wrongs. I do not agree with what happened between the two of them, nor do I know all the facts. But what I do know disturbs me and while I am not entirely sure what to make of things, I do know that Peredhel does feel guilt for her actions and seeks to make reparations. Whether that is possible, I do not know. I still don’t trust her, but perhaps, in time, could be given a second chance. I’m not entirely sure about that yet.
For my dear friend, Atê, the only person who noticed me when I was invisible, and therefore, will always have my loyalty, despite how often she infuriates me when we discuss certain matters, if you can arrange it, deserves a special someone in her life. She and I have discussed what traits he would need, if it would help you out at all. He should be strong-willed, able to put her in her place when she gets reckless, which I fear can be attributed to the human blood that flows though her veins. He must also be sensitive, shower her with affection and presents and be sincere about his feelings for her. She’s been hurt too many times lately and doesn’t deserve to be treated like that. I know she means well, even if our opinions often differ immensely. He must also not be afraid to get his hands dirty nor afraid of a female who’s willing to fight by his side. Or, at the very least, guard his back. He must be intelligent, and though she appears frivolous and vapid, she does possess a quick wit and a keen mind. Oh, and she also demands that he must, above all, be attractive. But, considering we’re talking about the Sin’dorei here, that should not pose much of a problem.
And finally, for my dearest Ter’thelas, I’d like some time to spend alone with him without feeling like there’s a storm cloud hovering over our heads. I realize he’s got a lot going on, both with his past and dealing with moving on from all sorts of recent turmoil, but I’d like to help him though it. Alas, I am unable to do so unless he chooses to let me in, which, I suppose, is the root of the issue. I do try and encourage him to unburden his heart and mind, but I also realize I cannot force him (or anyone for that matter) to do what they are not ready for. He needs to let go of the past, to fully embrace the present, and to look forward to the future. Please, help him to see this. Grant me the patience and courage to see this though to the end, whatever end that might be.
Do you know what, while we’re on the subject, would it be too much to ask for a little clarity? He has such an, oh, how do I say it, curious effect on me. Sometimes, when we’re together, enjoying each other’s company, reason leaves me and… Well, I’d just like things to make sense. And not be so overcome with… You know. I’d just like some answers. I don’t have much experience to go on here, so any direction would be immensely appreciated.
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Shadow sighed and rolled her head about on her shoulders, feeling the muscles in her wrist grow numb. This was the most effort she’d used since her ambush a few weeks ago. The bruises were almost completely healed, but she still felt the manacles weighing down on her. She closed her eyes and shuddered, shaking the memory off her shoulders and out of her mind before her mind wandered back to her other losses.
Perhaps more than answers with Ter’thelas, I’d like to know something definite about what happened to Dathell, my brother. I know he’s still out there somewhere, I feel it in my heart. But, with each passing day, it gets more difficult to keep that small flame of hope alive that he’s still out there, searching for me. He has to know I still exist, right? That I haven’t left to join our parents in the spirit world?
Shadow frowned as she re-read her lengthy letter. It read more like a journal entry, so much insight on why she wanted what she wanted for her friends, as well as the specifics as to what she wanted for them, too. She turned her head, surprised she was still alone in the militant sleeping quarters and pushed herself back from the desk and folded her letter in thirds. She tucked it inside her leather bound journal, determined not to send it, before hiding it back in the loose board that served as the sill. If Grandfather Winter was as magical as the children claimed, he’d be able to read what she wrote from her heart and mind, if he so chose.
With a smirk, she picked up the near empty vial of ink and quill and darted back down the stairs to turn in her supplies. She was thoroughly drained. It was time to turn in early for her evening reverie.
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***A FEW WEEKS LATER***
It was just before midnight when she returned to the dark street she called home. There was a blissful glow on her face that showed in the darkness, almost illuminating her way up the hill from the familiar Silvermoon City Inn, where she was always relocated to when she activated the little white and blue hearthstone she always kept on her person. In a daze, she passed the ever-present drunk, curled up in a doze around his bottles outside the lavish saloon, oblivious to Keyanomir and his attentions on his succubus, Nimrida. Shadow silently entered the Headquarters and made her way to her sleeping mat. She looked to the sill where her compendium was lodged and fought the desire to remove it from it's hiding place and reread her letter to Grandfather Winter.
She had met the orc disguised as the holiday-spirit-made-tangible and was unimpressed. However, having gotten her secret wish, an entire evening to spend with her beloved, and an undisturbed one at that, she was of the mind that perhaps there was more to this myth than she willing to admit a month ago.
She flushed hotly. She could still feel his arms around her waist, his scent lingered on her when she inhaled deeply, which she did just then, mingled with the salt of the sea that seemed to suit him more than any special cologne, his lips pressed to hers as she clung to his strong shoulders. She shook her head violently. There was no way she could have a restful sleep if she dwelled on what transpired after they exchanged gifts.
She brought her new dagger and examined it in the dimness and smiled indulgently as it flashed in the moonlight. Others might not it find it romantic, being bestowed a new weapon to look forward to using once she trained a little harder, but she was charmed. It was a practical gift, one which showed that he did listen to her, knew her favored fighting style, as well as seeking to comfort her. She was not willing to admit out loud that she harbored insecurities when it came to the requests she accepted, more ogres to fight, but with this new shiv, she'd be able feel more confident, defeat her fear once and for all. They openly discussed the desire to guard each other's back's in battle, not wanting to see the other hurt, but each knew that it was impossible currently--his duty had him stationed in Northrend, hers a little more to the south on the Eastern Continent, the Horde village of Hammerfall.
She stifled a small sigh, placing the stiletto back in its sheath and securing it in her locker. She changed into the light linen clothes she wore to bed, making a mental note to send her gown to the cleaners in the morning before stowing it in Elana's care. She crept over to her mat and settled herself down for the night. She looked up and smiled softly, her eyes catching the star that twinkled the brightest in the inky blanket above. Thank you, she breathed, lulled by the even inhalations of her classmates, thank you for everything. She closed her eyes and saw his face, smiling fondly down at her as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. A deep, resonating warmth spread through her core and outwards as she rolled over to her side, her head on her clasped hands, her elbow on her arm as she drifted off, images of sugared kisses dancing in her head.
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