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On the snow-white sheet countless form fields were ornamented with her handwritten personal details, and a dashed line at the bottom was crowned by her signature. At the top, a double-underlined title, written in gloomy black letters revealed the mournful nature of the document: Passing Request. The very same one she had filled out almost a year ago, the one she thought she had lost when she rushed mindlessly to ReLife at Shandris" call to see Illidan for the first time in two thousand years, pulling her out of the lethargy that was consuming her. She stared at the filled-in lines as white as the paper itself, not daring to face Jarod. 

He knew all along... She wanted to avoid this at all cost! She hoped he would never know what madness she tried to commit in her desperation! How long had he been silent in the face of his torturing knowledge, to spare her the shame of explaining? How did that petition come to him?! There were so many questions in her mind, but she could not find the words.

"Shandris found it on the ground the day Illidan returned. She thought it to be simple trash, but when she wanted to throw it out, she saw your name on it. Ever since then I kept it in my drawer." Jarod began his depressing tale. "When she came home and told me what she had asked you to do, I didn't want to hear about it at first. We've all suffered enough from that man, especially you. I didn't want him anywhere near you again. Then Shandris showed me this... Needless to say, I felt like I'd been shot. I knew you were unwell for a while back then, I could feel it, I could see it, but I thought you had it under control... that I had it under control... I never dreamed you'd do... that. That's what finally convinced me to let you become Illidan's probation officer. Which turned out to be a good decision, because at least he lets me know when you're in trouble, unlike you.

Until then, Maiev had been listening to her brother's narration silently, still ashamed over all the pain her lost Passing Request caused for him, but at the last sentence, she forgot herself for a moment. The fierce beating of her heart may have been masked by flesh and bone, but not the joy she felt over the meaning of what her younger brother's words had carried, leaving her unexpected felicity on open display, however, the younger Shadowsong remained oblivious to her otherwise questionable reaction.

"He contacted me via Shandris" phone last night to come over and look after you if you don't call me today." Jarod gave an unsatisfactory answer, glaring at his sister.

"Oh..." Maiev looked at her own device doubtfully, but seeing the time, her confusion only rose. "It's barely past noon." She hauled her brother up for his obvious hastiness, but he nodded toward the broken mirror, quickly ending his sister's disapproval of his perceived overreach. 

"Well, the circumstances vindicate me." Jarod turned to the drooping-eared woman, "And now, if you'd just let me in on what's going on, I'd really appreciate it."

Maiev sighed as she rubbed her face worriedly, trying to review everything that had happened over the past few weeks and decide where to begin her story without exposing her brother to unnecessary vexation. The latter felt like an impossible task, for wherever she began her tale in her mind, it inevitably went from worrying to despairing little by little. Tired of waiting, Jarod finally made the first move.

"Let's play question and answer. I ask the questions, you answer. It's easier for everyone." 

"Do you take me for a child?", Maiev was indignant at the suggestion, but seeing the telling look in her brother's eyes, she decided not to press the issue, realising that she would not want to hear the obviously unflattering but honest answer at that moment. Instead, she nodded yielding.

"What happened to the mirror?" The night elf cut right to the chase, much to the woman's annoyance. Finally, she took a deep breath and let out the answer in one go.

"I got into a fight with Illidan and I lost my head."

"I see." The younger Shadowsong considered the answer. "I'm glad you're all right." He caressed her arm, but Maiev would be lying if she were to say she had the same optimistic outlook as her brother. She would have preferred to be on the receiving end and was deeply offended by Jarod's lack of concern for Illidan's well-being, but she had to admit that since he didn't share her tender feelings for the demon hunter, she could hardly blame him for his reaction. "And why did you hit the ceiling?" He asked the next question without hesitation, seemingly fully embracing the mantra of striking while the iron was hot, in other words, while his sister was exceptionally willing to answer.

"How kind of you to assume that I started the argument."

"Am I mistaken?"

"No..." Maiev grumbled irritably, and once again she had to acknowledge her brother's exceptional talent for reading people, but admitting the reason for the quarrel was proving to be all the more difficult. She averted her gaze unkindly, and Jarod had to accept that it was unlikely to get it out of her, even with a pair of pincers. He nodded understandingly. 

"A private matter, I see." 

"Could you not say that as if we'd done something dirty?!"

"I would never have thought of such a thing!" retorted Jarod. He knew how sensitive his sister was to anyone who dared to suggest that her relationship with Illidan was not merely a working one, though it was clearer than ever that a friendship was blossoming between them for some time. If only because Maiev no longer served as the man's probation officer, yet they still spent a considerable amount of their free time together. At least as far as Jarod could tell, but he generously "overlooked" the contradiction between her actions and her claims. He knew it would only scare her away from cultivating her relationship with the demon hunter. Though he still had his reservations, he had to admit that Maiev's mood had been well-affected by Illidan, at least so far. That’s why he was unusually curious as to what had gone so unhappily wrong between them, though it was not hard to imagine that the man had inadvertently brought up some sensitive subject from the past, serving as a reason for Maiev's outburst.

"Jarod..." The elder Shadowsong spoke unexpectedly, her voice weak and fragile as if she secretly hoped her brother wouldn't hear her words. "There's something I want to talk about... But... but not now." She pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms tightly around them, hiding her face behind her knees, and Jarod suspected she was on the verge of tears. He saw it best not to question her any further, instead, he stroked her back gently.

"All right. You know where to find me. I'll be waiting for you." He said, and seeing that she nodded, but had no intention of climbing out of her shelter, he decided to leave. "If there's anything that..."

"Is he mad at me?" said Maiev suddenly, interrupting her brother.

"Who?" asked Jarod without thinking, but he immediately realised who she meant. "No, I don't think so. At least I didn't hear it in his voice. It sounded more... despondent. But it's hard to tell over the phone."

"I see." Maiev sighed, still hunched over. She didn't let go of her legs even when the front door closed behind Jarod. She didn't want him to see her tear-soaked face if he thought of coming back...

Jarod slammed the door of his car with ambiguous feelings. On the one hand, he was relieved to find his sister safe and sound, but on the other hand, he wondered what she wanted to talk about with him. Once again, he had to admit that he knew too little about Maiev's life to even guess at the difficulties she might face. Worried, he fished out his phone from his jeans and dialled a number he had recently added. He didn't have to wait long, as the person he was looking for soon answered.

"I just left her place. She's fine, just feeling a bit down about what happened."

"That's all. I thought you might want to know." Jarod cut the conversation short, and presumably the other party had no stomach for further chit-chat either because he hung up the phone. A deep, anxious sigh escaped his chest as he leaned on the steering wheel. "Elune, please guide my sister!"

The flat trapped in darkness was lit only by the moonlight streaming in through the wide windows, somewhat illuminating the deserted room. The lack of furniture made the bare walls look even more dismal. Instead of carpet, the floor was covered with a dust and plaster stained sheet to protect the parquet. Illidan stared at the display of his phone as the details of his disconnected call disappeared, replaced by the bright smile of Maiev on his wallpaper. He took one last, bitter look at the image, then locked the screen, and, shoving the device back into the pocket of his old, torn trousers, reached for his paint roller once more. Tyrande's ominous warning words echoed like ghosts in the empty apartment... 

In stark contrast to the dazzling whiteness of the marble bathtub, a mixture of water and paint ran like a deep blue torrent from the paint roller as two firm hands held it under the lukewarm stream and carefully squeezed it. Little by little, the narrow river lost its colour, until only the clear tap water remained, disappearing into the endless depths of the drain. Illidan wiped the tub clean once more with a cloth to make sure the dye would not leave a trace in the brand new bathtub, but his hand paused as his mind's eye caught a glimpse of a fleeting vision so dear to him. The steam rose like a wall of dawn mist from the hot, pouring water, through which Maiev's smile gleamed across as she rested her head on the edge of the tub, inviting him with grace to join her for a bath. Illidan mused on the fantasy, his heart aching with unfulfilled longing, but eventually turned off the tap, irrevocably erasing the image of his acute desire. The sudden silence was broken only by the quiet drips from the still wet paint roller and the man's deep sigh. Not even so long ago it had appeared within reach, but just like the mirror in Maiev's room, his dream of one day being so intimately close to her seemed to have been shattered into a million pieces. Though the shrapnel wounds in his back healed in no time, the hole left by the events in his chest continued to bleed stubbornly, staining his initial enthusiasm for the fruits of his labour. What was the point of owning a nice new apartment if he couldn't share it with the one he wished the most? After all, how could he now hope she would ever say yes and move in with him, let alone choose him as her mate? Neither the injured wing nor the open wounds hurt as much as the realization that, despite his belief, he didn't bear Maiev's trust... He already knew from experience that she often looked at the bottom of the glass when something was bothering her, and the number of bottles in the bin suggested that this time she was even less able than usual to cope with her difficulties but instead of sharing it with him, she shut him out again. That push told him everything he needed but never wanted to know about their status.Through the curtainless window, the dawn's waking light shone freely, illuminating the freshly painted wall. Illidan looked through from the doorway across the tidy little room covered with sheets - a perfect shelter for a night elf like his chosen lady. The other rooms in the spacious apartment were in similar condition, waiting to receive their furnishings and new occupants once the renovations were complete, yet Illidan's expression remained bitter. What was the goal of his painstaking work? What was the point? If Tyrande was right and it was all an act... If? Hah... He chuckled ruefully. He already thought about that, didn't he? He had suspected from the beginning that their relationship was just a charade, a tawdry banquet to feed his soul's desire for attachment. Yet he played along and in the end, he was the one who got justly played."You are not just a job to me, Illidan." He believed Maiev's words without question. It was more convenient for him to rock himself into the false assumption that she was, despite her actions and well-known distaste for demons, genuinely becoming attached to him. But in the solitude of his newly purchased apartment, accompanied only by the reticent noises of his labour he was forced to listen to the voices he tried ever so hard to silence around him and see how unlikely that scenario truly was, especially in the now proven absence of her trust. And he once foolishly thought she sees of him as her equal... The wall between them appeared to have been teared down bit by bit, however, it became obvious that it was nothing but smoke and mirror, and Maiev had no intention of letting him into her heart. And without mutual trust, there was no life to come worthy of all the energy Illidan had invested into their future home. Still, the man steadfastly went about his business, grabbing a broom with a soul in turmoil to sweep up the dust and debris. Once again, he proved to be too weak to give up hope as he desperately clung to the deceitful sense of being loved.

When he had finished, he glanced at his phone screen and leaned the broom against the wall. He took off his old, now paint-stained leather pants and, after a quick shower, the entrance door closed behind him. He was about to take one more chance... There was only one way he knew to end the tide of torturing doubt that had been plaguing his soul, stirred up by Tyrande’s words: by going straight to Hyjal.

The brilliant gift of the departing summer was split into a million colours on the plants’ leaves still damp with morning dew, covering the tiny park in a diamond play of light. At the middle, beneath the solitary towering tree, Illidan Stormrage stood just as lonely, shivering with harsh, cold thoughts despite the warming sun, his gloomy gaze fixed on the canopy.Roughly a year had passed since he had first set eyes on the little grove as he and his brother fell on the other's shoulder, embracing the lost love they believed they could never rekindle, opening at last their weary hearts to the peace they had long coveted after a millennia of strife. But this time the memory he recalled was not about the joyful reunion, instead a small, almost forgotten detail preoccupied the demon hunter's mind. One of the things he was determined to find an answer to. The noise of nearing footsteps pulled him back from his tormented thoughts, right into the verdant park."Brother." He quickly turned to the approaching druid, greeting him. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me on such a short notice. Or should I say, you knew I would be looking for you soon, making yourself available in advance, I presume?" A troubled sigh escaped Malfurion's lungs upon hearing his words, confirming the younger Stormrage's assumption, flashing a wry grin as he recognized his petty victory.Wrestling with his turbulent emotions, the druid stepped to Illidan's side and raised his eyes to the seemingly golden canopy basking in the sun's gilding light. It was only the other day that Tyrande had confessed to him in a voice trembling with worry how she had summoned the demon hunter to meet her and what ominous secret he had shared with her. How she had expressed her concern and how Illidan stormed away, awaking commotion in her soul, fearing that, despite her benevolence, she had provoked the man to do something heady. Her dread seemed justified as the phone rang the next day, the man's name appearing on the display."My darling told me what happened." He admitted. His sombre voice was lost in the chill of the wind that carried it far away."Oh, I'm made of glass it seems." the demon hunter snarled, his bitterness seeping into his every word like poison."Illidan, I sympathize with your pain, therefore you’ll keep in mind that I am not your enemy. I have come merely to offer support in these difficult times, as I should have done on so many occasions before." He put a comforting hand on his shoulder, but the younger brother looked back at him as if about to bite. "Let's stop talking in circles. You're the last person I need to pity me. What I desire are answers!"What do you mean? What do you want to know?" the druid frowned questioningly."Everything! Everything you have kept from me about Maiev Shadowsong!"

The small park cloaked itself in a mournful melancholy as Malfurion recalled a sad, almost forgotten story that all concerned would have liked to sweep under the carpet, banished from their mind forever. His words dug up and brought back to the surface how Maiev had led him and Tyrande by the nose, how she had organised an assassination on the Highborne, how she had captured and tried to kill him, and how Jarod had driven her away, sparing her life. As events took darker and darker turns, Illidan's face grew darker and darker and twisted with disbelief. "What had brought you to do that, Maiev?" he shook his head wearily."As you know, she has never been the most stable person on Kalimdor, having a tenacious predisposition to see things in black and white and judge accordingly. The thin line on which her sanity had previously been balanced seemed to have slipped from under her feet after all the torture and horror she had endured, and in her madness, she believed that only she could exact justice. Though I think it's important to note that Jarod insists to this day that his sister committed these unforgivable atrocities under the influence of an external corruption. The fact that she hasn't attempted to do anything similar again, and has steadfastly sided with us in every conflict onwards, supports his theory." The druid sighed. He did not dare mention the vague thought still lurking in his mind that she might be merely masking her mania, and ever since he had been keeping an eye on Maiev, he himself had come to believe less and less that it was even possible to pretend for so long, but he could not wonder much about her supposed or real insanity. "What torture?" the question burst from Illidan's chest, and his startled expression caught Malfurion off guard. "I asked you something, brother!" The demon hunter hissed impatiently."You didn’t...? She explained us that while she was imprisoned in the Warden's Cage..."I've never laid a finger on her!" The man exclaimed, his voice cracking from rage. "I never...! I never..." he gasped, rummaging through his mind about those times, looking for the slightest possibility that he had remembered wrongly, that he had forgotten something and was indeed at fault, and that Maiev had reason to accuse him of such a contemptible thing. No doubt he would have done so if he had had the chance, but time proved short to avenge his grievances, and he perished first at the hands of the Warden at the top of the Black Temple. But his memory did not deceive him, and he was deeply shocked to learn what a monster he had been made out to be by the woman with whom he had not long ago sought to link his life. Malfurion stood sympathetically by his brother, watching his struggle with anger and despair. "I should have known that none of it was true. Maybe I did, but I felt responsible, and guilt drowned out the warning voice of my better judgment. Forgive me for believing these feeble accusations, which I should have never even considered accepting anything as but a frame-up as your brother." Malfurion admitted his mistake, but his words meant little to Illidan, who buried his face in his palms as he tried to process what he had heard and form his rambling thoughts into something understandable, coherent."Where do I go from here?" the demon hunter finally sighed. The lack of Maiev's trust and the agony of his own falter formed a choking lump in his throat. Not even his brother's gentle touch could ease his suffering. In vain did Malfurion turn to him with understanding, he, who had never known what it was like to be an outcast, to live in the absolute absence of love, could not understand what Illidan felt now that the bond so precious, the first that had meant anything to him and brought happiness to his life since 12,000 years ago seemed to be to snap."If you allow me... I wish to share my own views on the subject. During the Third War, Maiev would have let Tyrande perish in order to pursue you. What's more, she lied about my beloved's well-being, putting her in even greater danger. If Kael'thas had not revealed the truth, she might indeed have been lost forever. "Aye, I recall that day..."Maiev escaped prosecution at the time, but when she returned to Darnassus, it was probably clear to her that she would have to answer for her actions. She seemed to have put all her eggs in one basket, and counted well, for she was able to lead me and Tyrande astray by acting on our guilty consciences with her vile lies, condoning her earlier treachery. Nor forget that you were dead; she had reason to think that you could no longer be harmed by her accusing words. Everything she did was to save her own skin. As for the present... When she called to tell me you were back, I have to admit I was initially reluctant for us to meet. It was Maiev who pestered me and cursed me over the phone until I finally thought things over and came to my senses. Since then I have been trying to find out what possessed her to be so insistent about our meeting, when there was apparently nothing to be gained from it for her. But I must confess that neither this good deed nor your unbounded confidence in Maiev allayed my initial fears, despite her own promise that no harm would come to you. I made it my duty to keep an eye on that woman. Whenever I can, I would visit her after her dance class to have a word or two. I'm sure she believes I merely try to get news about you. And it's true from a certain point of view, it's my concern for you that regularly pushes me into her way. But in my opinion, my suspicions were unfounded. It seems to me that whatever the intentions behind her actions, they are not nefarious. Not any more. Though I had been mistaken about her, I consider of importance to present her case fairly, if only to be considerate of you and your feelings."Illidan raised his gaze to the druid, as his whole being clung to the tiny glimmer of hope hidden in the man's words."Thank you for telling me." he squeezed his twin's hand. "If you think..." Malfurion began. His voice felt like a pleasant warming breeze in the crisp autumn air. "Come and stay with us for a few days, until things calm down a bit and you can get your thoughts in order." "I'm moved by your generous offer, brother, but once again I must decline. Though I have already accepted your happiness with Tyrande, I have no need to be surrounded by your dalliance. Mai... I've heard just how insufferable you two can be." Illidan denied the proposal, trying to squeeze some lighthearted remark into his bitter reply, and his twin had to admit that despite his good intentions he was being inconsiderate."You are right, it was a rash offer on my part. How about the two of us, then? Just like the old days? My dear can count on the hospitality of the Sisterhood for a few days, I'm sure. And you can count on mine. Though humble, I assure you, my residence is more comfortable than my old hut on the outskirts of Suramar. While you're considering, there's an excellent bakery nearby. I'll treat you with a blueberry pie, that was your favourite, wasn't it?" The older Stormrage suggested. His obvious effort to bridge the gap between him and his grief-stricken brother brought a slight smile to the demon hunter's face at last. "Aye. That sounds better."

Maestra's Post, the only shopping centre in Astranaar. While the outside of the building bore the traces of the once prominent Night Elf architecture, the inside could not have been more devoid of the customs and traits of the old days. Just as the stores of the various prestigious brands were intermingled, so were the customers. There was no shortage of merry laughter and conversation. A group of children watched in amazement as the fountain not far from the food court splashed up high again and again, and each time they excitedly showed the phenomenon to their parents, crouching next to them tired and for the millionth time, tried to match their child's enthusiasm, even though they were bored to tears.Lysende glared at her mobile in annoyance. There was still at least half an hour until her friend would finally get there, but her phone was already almost completely drained from playing games and chatting with Kaelor. This was not how she had planned her day, not at all. She had discussed a mother-daughter day with Shandris, but she had been called away by duty at the last possible minute, leaving her child with two pre-paid movie tickets. She managed to ask Ismi, one of her friends, to join her on an ad-hoc basis, however, the draenei could only promise to be there a little before the film started, granting plenty of time for Lysende to wander around in the mall alone and cast longing glances at the spoony couples passing by. What she wouldn't have given to be able to be immersed in the shop windows with Kaelor by her side, admiring the decorations raised in honour of the upcoming Hallow's End. But it couldn't be helped... The druid apprentice would surely remain in Feathermoon City until the end of the year, more eager than ever to study nature and its magic. Though she knew in her heart that her beloved was doing everything for her sake, she wouldn't have minded if he hadn't done it from so far away. How many times she wished he had found a teacher nearer! The journey there took practically half a day... Unfortunately, this was due to the disastrous organisation of public transport on the route. Although one only had to transfer from one train to another once, the time to do was so short that it was almost certain that if someone was a frequent traveller they would miss their connection at least once or twice a week, and the next train would usually only leave an hour and a half later. Albeit Lysende herself had only been there a few times as a child when their parents took them with her brother on holiday at the nearby area, the experience of the mind-numbing wait was still fresh in her memory. No family with luggage and little kids could change trains in such a short time! No wonder Kaelor could only visit her after Winter Veil, for the last days of the year. And that was heartbreakingly far away...The distance between them did nothing to diminish her burning love for the young man, instead further crystallized her feelings for him in her mind, and with them, the soul-crushing pain of his absence. The long hours of video calls were in vain as they had no way of faithfully replicating the warmth that emanated from Kaelor's presence, and perhaps that was what hurt her the most. 25 more minutes... Time ticked away slowly, trying even the most steely minded, and Lysende decided it would be wiser to save the battery for emergencies, as her parents had so often persuaded her to do so. Something of their now and then rigorous upbringing was beginning to stick, although it sometimes seemed to be dwarfed by the influence of her aunt, despite the fact that she had seen the latter rather infrequently as of late. Much less often than she would have preferred. It appeared to be a recurring element in her young life.Nearby, a clothes shop advertised their supposedly astonishing discount in huge letters. Although she was slowly coming round to Maiev's belief that it was nothing but a marketing ploy, she decided to spend a little of her spare time looking at the goods. In the end she didn't regret it as the spectacle of the trendy new clothes soon put her in a better mood. With twinkling eyes, she admired a cute fabric winter coat with faux fur trimming the sleeves and a row of tassels hanging from the hood. The price was also surprisingly customer-friendly, so after a quick size check she hurried to the fitting room. Her mother wouldn't scold her for spending her pocket money on a jacket, would she? To her delight, the piece fit her like a glove. She didn't even think twice, eagerly joined the queue in front of the till and tried to get her wallet out before it was her turn. She soon found the tiny animal patterned purse and was about to pay, when suddenly the smile faded from her face. From behind the counter, a pair of eyes she knew so well looked back at her, freezing the blood in her veins."Za'zul..." she stuttered startled as she recognised her former lover in the seller, and there was no doubt that the other had not failed to notice his customer's identity either. Lysende waited holding her breath... no, dreading what the other would say, but instead of answering, the troll pragmatically grabbed the coat from her hand, read the barcode, removed the theft tag, and without comment, placed the good in a bag and took the money from the still terrified night elf."Thank you for shopping with us!" He handed the receipt to the trembling girl, who, feeling the thin paper between her fingers, was about to betake herself to her heels but the boy's words stopped her. "Wait outside. I'll be there in 5 minutes."

Never had five minutes seemed so interminably long. Lysende waited tensely not far from the shop entrance, her petite hand clutching the ears of the bag. Her fingers whitened from the great exertion, and she tried to make herself appear as small as she could. Why was she complying with his request? Why is he here? She never wanted to see him again. Why did she have to run into him, and why did it had to happen just now, when she had no one to protect her? No Maiev, no Illidan, no Kaelor... She watched in horror as the number on the display of her phone changed, gripping the device convulsively for some support from its hard plastic cover, all the while suggesting the clock, as if by some miracle time would then pass faster. Only two minutes left... One minute... If Za'zul doesn't show up, she'll leave. Yes, she was a good girl, she waited for him patiently, he didn't come, it wasn't her fault, she couldn't be blamed!"Lysende. " She felt a hand on her trembling shoulder, and despite its tenderness, it was as if a knife had been stabbed into her flesh. "Don't touch me!" her soul screamed silently as she turned to the troll with a wan smile on her face and obediently greeted him."Yo." the man returned the gesture, but it was obvious he didn't want to waste his time on useless courtesy. "I just wanted to say Imma sorry about what happund. I really thought ya're just playin" "ard to get. So ya get it." "Of course I do. It's okay." She stammered in her embarrassement. "I don't want to be here..."Ya know me, darlin', Imma not a monster! I've had a bit of a rough time, ya know? Work, relatives... And your relatives! Ya could have been more understanding!"I'm sorry..." "I have to vomit."It's kind of sad that ya brought that out of me. I did luv ya, I did respect ya, ya know."Yeah, I know, I know..."Ya can't treat a man like that, if ya know what I mean. You betta think "bout that. O" ya'll end up as a spinster!" The boy laughed. "Yes..." "Somebody, help me, I can't take it anymore!"Okay, that's all I wanted to say. Was nice to see ya! Heya!"Bye..."Za'zul soon blended back into the crowd, leaving behind a battered, shivering little bird... Why couldn't she stand up for herself? How many times had she imagined that if she were to see him, how she would defend herself, how she would not let him trample her and her self-esteem in the mud again, as he did during their relationship, yet... Now that she found herself face to face, her strong voice remained silent, and she simply let the troll take control over their conversation and by extension, over her. It was nothing more than a matter of him easing his conscience. And she acted like a trained dog to assist him... Her face flushed with humiliation as tears streamed down her face, slowly blurring the image of the gleaming shopping centre, leaving her alone with the unescapable gnawing sorrow slowly eating away her tattered soul.

The setting sun painted the sky blood-red, and its last rays glimmered disquietingly on the petals of the wilting flowers before scattering in the air as a fugitive ran over them. In front of her reddened eyes, the features of the reinforced concrete monster of the station soon emerged, giving the desperate girl another boost, and struggling to catch her breath, she picked her weak legs even faster. Inside, the light of the cheap LED lamp shined questioningly on the coins in the trembling teenager's hands as she tried to squeeze the most important words to her out of her constricted throat:"One ticket to Feathermoon City, please."

As the lord of the daytime retired to its bed, the cool, brash winds took heart and barreled down the endless grassy wasteland. Effortlessly, it snuggled up to the lonely train dashing into the night and tugged at the high-voltage wires. But not caring a whit for the feckless endeavour of some meek breeze, the locomotive moved on gaily into the inky distance. Snow-white neon light emanated from its windows, illuminating the narrow part beside the rails, gleaming like a scudding golden bridge in the sleepy darkness, and occasionally, when it passed a river or a lake, the light of the lamps would shimmer like a shower of diamonds on the surface. Inside sat individuals of all ages, genders and races, most minding their own business. They were absorbed in their remaining work, feverishly revising papers or typing away on their laptop keyboards. They only looked up from their grey world when the conductor asked for their passes. One of the orcs grumbled that he'd been riding the line every night for the last six years, it was really unnecessary to check him in every day, but his reasoning failed to impress the phlegmatic human ticket inspector. Sure, he already knew the passenger well, but superficial acquaintance was no substitute for a valid pass, nor did it absolve him of his duty. He wouldn't have minded it though, nor if by some incredible stroke of luck he had won the lottery and retired early. True, he'd never bought a single ticket in his life, so the odds were slim to none indeed, but that didn't prevent him from hoping. That was free, now, wasn't it? After checking the pass, he moved on, bored. With similar enthusiasm he opened the next cabin but stopped all of the sudden. Inside sat only one passenger, a young elf struggling with her tears. She apparently did not notice the newcomer until he cleared his throat gently."Oh, sorry." The sniffing Lysende wiped her face and quickly scooped out her ticket, then handed it to the man, forcing a smile on her jaded face. "Here it is..."Thank you." He glanced at the small piece of paper and gave it back to her. "Uhm... I'm sorry I held you up! Good evening!" she blushed, one eye searching her bag for a tissue, but respectfully waited for the inspector to leave.The man gave her another nod and left her alone. He shook his head ruefully as he stepped up to the next cabin full of passengers, his thoughts still revolving around the young night elf. She was too polite. Even when apparently more important things were troubling her, she was behaving with decorum. Such will always be found by those who would abuse the kindness of blessed souls. There is nothing to be done, it was the way of life. He took a deep sigh, and with the exhaled breath he blew the adolescent's face and problems out of his thoughts as he entered the door with a loud voice."Tickets please!"The sound of footsteps outside died away, and Lysende turned exhausted back to the window. She tried to look at the landscape passing by to find some peace in it for her stirred soul in vain, the harsh light of the lamp only allowed her to see her own weary reflection. Downhearted, she leaned back on the tattered leather upholstered seat, and with that motion she sank back into her own grief. For a while she had been telling herself that yes, she was doing the right thing, that she absolutely needed to see Kaelor, but as time passed, her arguments of false self-justification slowly evaporated, leaving the little teenager to herself. Despite desperately clinging into strawman arguments, the Big Bad Wolf of Reality blew away the feeble excuses she tried to surround herself with, and there she was, naked and shaking, fearing the unavoidable consequences of her actions. What will her parents say? How could she have thought of such nonsense as to go off into the night without a word?! And Kaelor? Her clever, thoughtful Kaelor surely will be terribly disappointed in her... She hasn't even told him she's coming...She took out her phone and looked at the screen. The battery was down yet another percent. It was about time to let her parents know what she had done and where she was before they worried themselves to death. And Kaelor... "Kaelor..." Lysende whispered the boy's name as she thought of her beloved, tears welling from her eyes once more. Her dreams of an overflowing joyous reunion were slowly suffocated by the realisation that he would probably be far from thrilled by her unexpectedly bursting in on him in the middle of the night. How could she have expected it to be otherwise? With trembling hands, she slipped the device back into her pocket. She wasn't ready to admit to him what a foolish and immature thing she had done. Leaning her head against the seatback, she tried to imagine again what she was going to say in the phone. The imaginary dialogue grew longer and longer, as did the pauses between each sentence. Eventually the daydreaming was interrupted as the tired Lysende was lulled to sleep by the soft rumble and thump of the train, finally bringing some peace to the exhausted girl's shivering soul.

There was silence. A suspicious, unnatural silence. Something was wrong. Even the shaking had stopped. Suddenly, Lysende was alerted to a loud noise as someone pulled open the cabin door and the inspector stepped through."End of the line, please leave the train!" he shouted, and ignoring the girl rubbing her eyes, he moved on. He had better things to do than to get children off the train. It was his last ride of the day, he wanted to hang up his hat on the rack and get into his well-deserved soft and fluffy bed.Lysende tried to gather her thoughts, confused. Where is she, what happened...? She got on the train. She wanted to get to Feathermoon City. And this is the final destination? Then she must get off to... At this point, her drowsiness suddenly faded as the realisation filled with icy horror ran down her spine. She'd been at the terminus for who knows how long. But she should have transferred to the connection! With a callow heart pounding with panic, she grabbed her belongings and hurried to the door. The crisp night air outside was biting into her skin, she wasn't prepared to be out this late. Panting, she tried to find any indication of where to start, where to find the connection, but every display she could see was unrelentingly blank, letting passengers know that there would be no more trains leaving that platform for the foreseeable future. The whole station was silent and deserted. Only Lysende's increasing heartbeat echoed in her chest as she slowly recognized the horror of her situation: she had missed the connection. She was stuck. Alone, in an unknown station, in the middle of the night. Her breath escaped from between her lips like white vapour as her throat tightened. What should she do now?!The train station building proved to be surprisingly imposing from the inside. Its exaggeratedly high arches adorned with frescoes and the huge hall made it comparable to a royal palace. Even the two incongruous public telephones stood with a kind of otherworldly dignity. The place was undoubtedly built at a time when luxury was the primary consideration in architecture instead of energy efficiency. Due to its size, it was impossible to heat the building well, so it wasn’t much warmer inside than outside. Lysende walked trembling across the marble floor, her every step echoing uncertainly in the empty hall."Excuse me," she stepped unsteadily to the cash register. On the other side sat a gnome lady, her bushy pink hair tied up in a funny high bun, looking rather grumpy that she had to interrupt her gossip with her colleague for a moment to do some work and serve the night elf for once."Yes?"I... I think I missed my connection... When... when's the next train due to Feathermoon City?"Upon hearing the question sheer annoyance sat on the lady's face. Instead of answering it, she pointed insouciantly behind the girl, to the place she had just come from. Lysende turned round humble-mouthed. A huge display on the wall showed all the trains set to depart in the next few hours, unlike the ones outside. Lysende blushed at her inattention and turned back with her eyes downcast."As you could see, the next train is about to leave in four hours. Do you have a ticket?" "Yes..." she stammered."Then take a seat in the waiting room." the gnome said grimly, then by outright ignoring the dumbfounded adolescent, she turned back to listen to how one of their colleagues had been screwed by their boss and when she turned out to be pregnant, how the man had fired the naive woman.Paralysed by the cold response, Lysende giddily tried to make her way to the waiting room a few metres away but stopped as soon as she peered in. Inside sat at least a dozen men, most of them looking just as trustworthy as Za'zul's friends. She closed the door frightened. There was no way she was going in there... She looked around pleadingly, searching for somewhere safe to hide until she pulls herself together and figures out what to do, but the vast hall provided no such a place. It was a choice between the company of the gentlemen inside and the judging glances of the odious cashiers. As much as she had no stomach for their group, she opted for the latter and settled down under the huge display. There, perhaps she was sufficiently in sight to be left unoffended. She stared in front of her, orphaned, like a helpless little bird, while the biting cold of the room sank its icy fangs deeper and deeper into her frail body, to slowly touch with the grief that was tearing at her soul. What should she do now? The answer, so obvious, was slow to emerge from the recesses of her mind. She must alert her parents. She took out her phone with a deep sigh, expecting the display to show a myriad of missed calls, but no matter how hard she tried to unlock it, it remained black. In the meantime, its battery had run out."No..." the small but all the more desperate word slipped out from between her frozen lips. Her last hope that she could at least have a word with her parents about her situation and maybe they could give her some reassuring advice dissipated. What little composure she had left gave out as her mouth fell open, and fat, hot tears welled up in her eyes. Her tribulation was followed with interest by the two inquisitive cashiers, without the slightest spark of willingness to help, until at last she ran weeping to the front door and was swallowed up by the night."She must be another little cunt on drugs." the gnome shook her head disapprovingly."Not everybody should be let to breed." her colleague agreed.

Outside, a sheltering blanket of the benign darkness fell over the shivering shoulders of the distraught girl, hiding her from prying eyes. One of the public lights was burnt out near the station. That's where Lysende found a temporary shelter. The faint hustle and bustle of the nightlife kindly took in her despairing sobs, giving life to a mournful, melancholic melody. She sang into her ballad all her pain, her humiliation, the agony of Kaelor's absence and her helplessness while the midnight listened and listened as she drowned in sorrow, alone, with a ticket for a missed train...Then the crying slowly went silent. The tears dried up, leaving a slightly clearer head behind. Only then did Lysende realise how cold she was. Her frozen hands were still trembling as she clutched the bag Za'zul had given her, with the newly purchased coat inside. At last, a little relieved of her paralysis, she took out the cloth and put it on. The thick fabric protected her body from the freezing cold that reigned like a tyrant. As her chilled limbs finally thawed a little, the numbing fog lifted from her mind and she took in her surroundings with a more calm mind, trying to think through her situation."The police!" The possibility sprung into her mind. Of course! And if her memory serves her right, she had seen a few payphones inside! She can go back and dial the toll-free emergency number! She can wait at the police station for her mother to come and get her. She's a police officer's kid, she'd have a good place there. Relieved at the realisation, she pulled herself together, wiped her eyes and faced the grandiose building of the station with renewed vigour.Inside, the two spiteful employees watched in surprise as the reinvigorated little girl made a now braver march towards the phone booths. Lysende lifted one of the handsets but stopped. It might be wiser to call her parents first. Let them calm down. This time, luck was finally on her side, her purse was full of change. She took another deep breath as she pondered on the most important thing she had to tell, but a new thought entered her mind. Her eyes widened at the idea, and with a pounding heart, she dropped the coins into the machine and dialled.

The minutes ticked by ever so slowly. The huge, blue display stood unchanged, singly broadcasting the myriad of trains that would depart only a few hours later. Lysende, still reluctant to step into the waiting room, pulled her coat tighter around herself while she sat on the floor, expecting. Adrenaline and the few words she managed to exchange with Kaelor kept sleep at bay. She felt so foolish as she tried to stumble through the details of her situation. But much to her relief, the boy assured her straight off he would come for her. His given promise, like a casted shield, warded any anxious and self-deprecating thoughts off from the adolescent. "We’re gonna spend the night alone... at his place!" Her eyes suddenly lit up, sparkling. She hadn't considered that before! The excitement filling her bit by bit came as a strange but welcome surprise to her. Not so long ago, she believed she'd never be able to let any man touch her again, and now... She hid her shy smile behind the collar of her coat. In her imagination she was already in the boy's room, to lay her head down to sleep in his strong, protective arms. The warming fantasy almost intoxicated her, and she drank up every drop with greed, increasing her elation.Muffled engine noise filtered inside from the unfriendly and unfamiliar street, echoing within the silent hall. Lysende eagerly glanced towards the doorway, and Elune soon answered her prayers as Kaelor stepped through the door. She jumped a bit as he looked around searching for her, and just as he caught sight of her, he started in her direction with quick steps. She almost didn’t recognise her beloved! He had left his wardrobe reminiscent of his Shan'do behind with Moonglade. In place of a simple robe, he was wearing a floor-length raven coat following the Stormwind fashion. He turned its fine fur collar up rakishly. The slim cut at the waist further accentuated his broad back and tall stature. From his shiny, pitch-black patent leather shoes the fresco on the ceiling smiled back pristinely. His often pulled back hair now cascaded carelessly over his shoulders, lending him a bohemian musician look.Instead of a pious druid apprentice, a dream-like prince had come to her rescue! Lysende - still tipsy from her stirring fantasies - lifted her gleaming eyes with amorous awe to the man standing before her. Millions of dark purple poppies blossomed on her cheeks as with a desiring heart she longed to hear Kaelor's deep, rousing voice and feel his gentle touch on her body, making her forget all the horror and humiliation that Za'zul's foul words had brought upon her."Kaelor!" she drew her sweet lips into a charming smile. But the initial joy and optimism soon faded and got replaced by something else that nestled itself into her stomach."Lysende." The Night Elf sighed like someone who's more frustrated than happy to see the other. His tone was silky, yet somehow empty and moderate. It painfully lacked the compliant kindness with which he otherwise addressed his beloved. His countenance fell as if a thousand problems were eating away his soul. Until then, she had only seen him like that when she first opened up to him while passing time at their favourite grove and told him of that dreadful night in Za'zul's car. That day, she drew strength from the boy's quavering cry filled with suppressed rage, his sad gaze entwining her wounded form like invisible arms, lifting her up. It gave her hope once again that she too can have worth, that it wasn't her fault what had happened to her. But now there was no hint of such a thing... "Come, let's not waste time." The druid ushered the teenager towards the exit without further comment, to her even greater disappointment. She, too, wanted to get to a warm and safe place as soon as possible, but more than that, she wished to be in her beloved's embrace. But the rapidly shrinking image of Kaelor suggested he had no such plans in mind. It couldn't be helped. Lysende left behind her dreams of a loving greeting and followed the Night Elf, moping. Perhaps at his apartment...An orange light flashed outside in the parking lot as Kaelor deactivated the alarm and pocketed the keys. Its merry rattle sounded unbearably out of tune with the mood. Lysende looked at the man's car in amazement. It wasn’t a new model, but it wasn’t as shabby as the wreckage Za'zul always boasted about either. She severely lacked knowledge about automobiles, but as far as she could tell, it was a typical manager's vehicle. "Sedan', as her mother called it. She sometimes forgot that although they were both only children by Night Elf standards, human-conformist society already viewed the young man as an adult, and he had worked as an engineer before becoming a druid apprentice. It shouldn't have come as a surprise to her that he had a driving licence. A mirror image reflected in the bodywork's polish, and she couldn't stand the unripe, irresponsible girl she was facing."Get in." Kaelor opened the door for her. "It's getting late. We're looking for a hotel to stay."Here? Not going to your apartment?"I believe you're tired enough already. I doubt you'd want to drive another hour and a half to my place." The boy walked over to the other side and got into the driver's seat. Lysende - one more of her dreams crushed - complied without a word. 

The windowed eyes of the small, unremarkable town remained closed as the lone car drove through the melancholic streets. With no sight worth of her attention, Lysende sensed the unsettling silence even more crawling under her skin and with it the unspoken tension that kept growing inside the passenger compartment by every passing second. Little by little, it swarmed up on her back, almost being able to lick her neck as she was running out of air. Kaelor hadn't said a word to her since they'd left. She hoped in vain that he would show her mercy and give her at least one look of encouragement, but he fixated his secretive gaze on the road. He appeared to know very well where their journey would take them. Although it was snug inside, Lysende pulled the coat tighter over her trembling body, hiding her shivering soul. Reality was often disappointing compared to fiction. But this was almost too cold to endure for the likes of her, raised on the promise of a perfect romance with the One. That comforting, safe space where she could hide from her indignity was about to break down. She had so much to say, to cry out for help, to pour her heart out to Kaelor... But the sound died in her throat. Before she could give life to the thoughts that slowly consumed her, a nightmarish fear that was growing in her gut choked them to death. Could it be that the reason behind Kaelor's quietness is...? Did he lose interest in her? Did he realise he doesn't want to put up with the foolish behaviour of a silly kid? Oh Elune, no...! She wouldn't be able to bear that... Not now when she desperately yearned for his love! So she continued listening to the mechanical purring of the engine as the mocking silence between them told her everything gloatingly. And the straight concrete river just went on and on, as if they would never reach that nearby place, and with it the sadness kept building up in that tiny, fragile chest, already full of sorrow...

The motion-sensing sliding door opened well in advance, giving way to the adolescents.The receptionist - a middle-aged, dyed blonde woman - looked unusually lively at the new arrivals considering the time, but her initial enthusiasm evaporated in a blink of an eye as she inspected her prospective guests."Oh, I beg your pardon, but we are NOT that kind of hotel." She cleared her throat pompously, and pretending to be just by chance, placed her hand next to the framed certificate on the counter happily announcing the classification of the accommodation. It displayed four stars with pride, as if they were responsible for the success of the place, not the other way round. Or, at least initially..."And we're not that kind of guests." Kaelor stayed calm as he pulled out his black leather wallet, ignoring altogether the woman's scowl and Lysende's disappointed expression. How could he have foreseen the wounds his honest words would inflict on her soul? He didn't waste time to rent a room, and soon he and the girl were looking for the entrance of their casual lodgings. The first one on the fourth floor, right next to the lift. Kaelor touched the small white plastic card to the reader. Its sharp sound cut through the silence of the corridor, indicating that it had received the signal. The door was open.Inside, the lights were quickly turned on, and the suite soon bathed in that distinctive orange glow that Lysende always called "hotel yellow". A dirty colour, almost that of the night sky in big cities, distorted by light pollution and smog. Cruelly suiting to the airless atmosphere, or so she thought. A shame, because otherwise it appeared to be a cute and cosy place. A large brown wardrobe, a lacquered TV stand with a monitor and phone on it. Floor-to-ceiling windows with lace curtains and two beds that stood like a definitive answer to a question no one asked.The druid apprentice closed the door behind them. The lock’s loud clicking noise signalled that the tongue had slipped back into its place, and with it, the Night Elf heaved a sigh of relief. At last, Lysende was safe. His hand, resting on the handle still tingled. At least it was no longer shaking uncontrollably like when he was gripping the wheel as he had shot through the night to reach his beloved as soon as possible. He considered it to be a minor miracle he had got there without accident. He was almost sure he'd gotten one speeding ticket minimum, but at the time, he couldn't have cared less. That was a later problem. All that mattered then was Lysende's safety. He glanced at her. She was standing in the middle of the room, confused, as if she had been raised in a stable and now couldn't find her place among the fancy furniture. "Choose a bed and take a rest." He waved to her and turned back towards the entrance. She shouldn't see how much the last few hours had affected him, how much they took out of him. He had to put on a brave face, just like he had to after he lost his father. Then he needed to become a support to his widowed mother, and he vowed to be a support to Lysende for as long as she needed him, too.Another sigh seceded from his lungs. He wearily rubbed his temples as he tried to write an imaginary list of his agenda and decide what to do next on that already chaotic night. The sound of a soft weeping interrupted his hectic train of thoughts. He looked with deep compassion at Lysende, who was wiping her diamond tears with her delicate hands. She had held herself together until that moment, even though she must have been terrified to be alone in that empty station! The boy ran to her side and gently guided her to one of the beds. She let herself be led as obediently as a newborn lamb that hasn’t heard about the existence of wolves. But if anyone, she sure knew about them...Kaelor glanced around the room in a hurry for a handkerchief. Of course he realised that it was not part of the hotel's usual facilities, and he was not mistaken. He felt in his coat's pockets, but he had no luck this time either. Inside he found nothing but some lint. At last, he brought a piece of toilet paper from the bathroom to soak up the tears of the crying girl."This is all I could find." he handed her the occasional handkerchief. Lysende stopped sobbing for a moment as she raised her gaze at the boy. Tears were welling in her eyes, but he still saw her indescribably beautiful. He had to turn his head to recall in his mind what he had learned from his new Shan'do about how to soothe the soul, but Lysende's resuming cry broke his concentration. Startled, he looked back at the girl burying her face in her hands. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, please forgive me! I know, I was stupid to come here without saying a word! I'm so sorry, please, please forgive me!" Her tears rained down as all the sorrow tearing on her heartstrings blended into her hiccuping voice.Kaelor stood stunned over the wailing Lysende. It hadn't even occurred to him to wonder why she travelled there in the first place, nor he had the time to be angry with her."Please, calm down Moonshine." he crouched down in front of her to level their eyes. He recalled that this would help establish a connection and inspire confidence for the helping side."I can't! I just... I can't!" The tears she had been suppressing continued to flow as if they would never dry up. Her voice was hoarse and weak, like all her strength had been washed away by crying. "Because I don't want to lose you as I love you so, so much it scares me! But you certainly hate me now! Because I came here without telling you in advance..." A cavalcade of emotions ran through the young druid's heart as Lysende's agonising confession tore it into pieces and lifted to the high skies all at once. He knew he should say something, but couldn't find the right words. Denying her fears wouldn't have been enough to free her from her doubts and ensure her of his feelings. Uncertain, he reached for her hands to gently pull them away from covering her face. Upon seeing that she made no protest, he clasped them. Lysende stopped crying for a moment and raised her anguished eyes to him. Kaelor, sensing that he had finally got to her, flashed an encouraging smile. The gesture was meant for himself just as much as for his beloved. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't get furious for a flash when I woke up to you calling me from a public booth at a godforsaken station. I may have even cursed once or twice. But it's all right now. What matters is that you're here with me, safe and sound. Do you hear me?" The teenager didn't say a thing. She sniffed a few times and nodded timidly. "Good. But speaking of which... Why did you set off like that?" He knew her better than to assume she travelled that far without a solid reason. He promised to visit her as soon as he could and she showed no sight of displeasure with his given date. At least not to the extent to let him believe she would hop on a train headfirst."I... I've.." Lysende was about to start, but stopped, and hung her head, flushed with tears. Her two charming pigtails got loose throughout the night and her tangled hair drooped on her shoulders."I promise that whatever you may say, whatever clumsy reason you may give, I won't get mad." He squeezed her hands again to assure her, and the timid lassie nodded. Yet, for a brief moment, it seemed she would not speak, but at the end, her tongue loosened."I've met with Za'zul." the words left her lips. The blood drained from Kaelor’s face. Through his mind, a cluster of increasingly horrible possibilities flashed."He didn't...?"He just wanted to talk." She pulled a hand away to wipe her eyes with her sleeve, but to no avail. As soon as she soaked up a drop, the next one was already there, ready to run down on her pale purple skin. Her expression contorted again from the tears she had been holding back ever since that encounter. "I didn't..."  "You don't have to elaborate if you don't want to."It wasn’t my fault... I didn’t ask for it! I didn’t! I never...!" Lysende wept bitterly, deep cutting agony distorted her voice. It didn’t take Kaelor long to figure out what the worthless troll had said to his precious violet. His world shattered seeing her so broken. Between the cracks, his unbridled fury began to rise to the surface. His clenched fingers dug into his palms until they tore at the skin. If they hadn’t been in a hotel room, he probably wouldn’t have held back to wreak havoc. His building rage got tamed when something soft and fragrant fell across his chest. He looked down in surprise to find the sobbing Lysende in his arms, begging for shelter without words."Moonshine!"Please... hold me." She whispered with a weary voice, burrowing her face into Kaelor’s winter coat. Her tears had dried, soaked up by the black fabric, leaving only behind the reddened eyes as a reminder. The boy pulled the frail body to him, giving all his devotion into it. They sat like that for a long time on the floor, silently entwined in serene harmony. Lysende listened in joy to her lover’s fierce heartbeat and its million and one confessions, driving away her sorrow. Soon the sniffling died off. Only their budding love remained to fill the tiny room. When at last they parted, their rapturous gazes met, and at once they began to laugh at each other’s flushed faces. As if the horrors of the past hours had never happened. "If you don’t mind..." Kaelor said. "I’d like to take my coat off now. It’s getting hot here." He put the radiant girl back on the bed and walked to the rack. As he unbuttoned his apparel, a loud exclaim hit his ears."What are you wearing?" snorted Lysende, pointing to the boy’s clothes. He glanced down puzzled, then seeing the object of the girl’s ridicule, he too chuckled."I was asleep when you called. I didn’t have time to get dressed, ok?" He hung up his coat, revealing his sleeping suit in all its glory."By Elune! Pajama Prince himself came to my rescue! How lucky I am!" The adolescent was falling about the place laughing, wheezing and slapping her tights like a seal. The druid leaned against the wall, lost in her amorous glee, making a silent vow to never let her have another dark moment in her life.  The hot water burst from the showerhead with a loud splash, dampening Kaelor’s hair. He needed that bath badly. Not just to wash after getting all sweaty for staying too long in his coat, but to clear his thoughts. The anger from before reared its ugly head anew in his soul. He knew these were ill-suited feelings for a druid apprentice, and Malfurion had warned him against giving way to his hot-headed tendencies, but at times like this, he thought it impossible to control his temper. He had given up everything to support Lysende come to terms with her trauma! And what happened? In his absence, that vile bastard had found her and once again hurt his heart’s dearest desire! And it’s going to stay that way! They can always run into each other by accident, or he could go looking for her, and there’s nothing he can do! His mind danced on the edge of despair as he pressed his forehead against the tiled wall. Its icy touch felt calming against his heated skin. It came handy to help him think clearly and not be blinded by hatred mixed with fear. What should he do? Leave his studies behind once more and try to find a job in Astranaar? That would be letting Lysende down as well! He needed the knowledge he could only get from his new Shan’do! And she was still in school, bound to her education, and her parents were unlikely to agree to her moving in with him. An insoluble dilemma...He sighed in sorrow, not knowing what to do. Suddenly he heard some noise, as if someone were in the bathroom beside him. The next moment, the shower curtain got pulled away, but before Kaelor could turn to see what’s happening, something silky and warm snuggled up against him, wrapping their arms around him. He never knew the feeling, the heat before, but he had no trouble guessing where it was coming from. "Lysende!" He whispered, his voice husky with excitement as he touched the pale hands. She nuzzled against him from behind, setting his whole body aflame."I’m ready." She murmured, just as yearningly. He freed himself from her embrace and turned around. Before him stood the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, revealing every inch of hers. Droplets of glistening water rolled down her skin, and he longed to drink them all up. Yet when his lips opened to speak, he backed out."You would regret it. It’s too soon."I won’t." She ran her graceful hand down his chest, Kaelor shuddered with desire under her touch, yet held himself. "Still, I fear you would."As long as it’s you, I will never." She said. Her voice was firm and confident.The girl’s eyes were fixated on him. She knew what she wanted, always had. For a moment there was silence, only the splash of water echoing in the tiny bathroom. And then it was over. The walls came down as Kaelor grabbed her waist with fierce, burning love and pulled her to his lips in a passion-fuelled kiss. She returned it just as fiercely, giving way to her overheated desires. She placed her lover’s hand on her bottom and he gently stroked her shape with circular movements, carefully exploring every bit of her body. Lysende’s sultry breath against his skin and her lustful moans further aroused the young man. He picked her up and pinned her to the wall as she wrapped her legs around him. Kiss followed kiss, saliva, sweat and water mixed as their bodies became one.

The tiny apartment's ebony mouth opened wide to swallow the demon hunter wearily shambling through it. Perhaps a byeffect of their so called  "brothers’ day", but his memory kept failing him. He couldn't recall the last time his body had felt so heavy. "We agreed on eating a pie, not painting the town red!" He growled, the same exhaustion pervaded his voice that tingled in every bit of him. He never dreamed Malfurion knew how to have real fun, let alone dance the night away! In their younger years, the elder Stormrage had invariably abstained from the Suramar revels he liked to attend, instead remained in his miserable little hut listening to the crickets chirping and the wind rustling. Back then he failed to understand his brother's quasi absurd behaviour, and that day he came no nearer to see the beauty in his beloved noiselessness. The fervent music of the wailing instruments, the immense quantities of strong alcohol and the merry singing of the middle-aged men at the inn kept the tormenting thoughts concerning the future from his mind, at least for the time. But at home, in the tiny apartment, it was quiet. The kind of eerie, breathless silence known only to those whose hearts were strangled by the garrote of uncertainty. Between the four walls, the events of the preceding few days haunted as ghosts: the bottles in the trash, the violent quarrel, the lies from the past... Like a rag doll, he collapsed on the old creaking bed. In the cacophony of self-mocking and doubting inner voices, its gloating noise blended in as effortlessly as if it had always belonged there. A knock echoed from upstairs. Each thump sent a shock-wave through Illidan's hangover-ridden head. He wasn't usually upset by the neighbour's unruly dog, but the side effect of the night's binge was testing his patience. Another rattle. The animal was probably playing with a large marrowbone on the kitchen floor again. The demon hunter growled and pushed the pillow in his face to muffle the commotion. And then he felt it. Suddenly, the familiar, beloved scent emitting from the cushion hit his nostrils and made his heart clench. "Maiev!" He sat up and looked around in the room as if he could catch a glimpse of her. But if she had been there, he would have already noticed her, and he knew it. Pangs of love had a terrible tendency to beguile their sufferers with unfounded hopes. Of course, there was no sign of the Night Elf. Everything was as he left it, except for one thing: the blue mug with the little moon was moping forlornly on the dish rack. Now it was certain: Maiev had been there! Why? And when? It had been days since he had visited the rented property he could call home for only another few short weeks. They must have evaded each other! Not caring if what he was about to do was a good idea, he took out his mobile and dialled. He would have more than enough time to regret his rash action later."Pick up the phone, Maiev, pick it up!" he grouched impatiently. "Hello?" someone on the other end finally interjected. Maiev's restrained voice flooded the man's soul with emotion, detaining the words inside his chest. "Illidan? Hallo? Can you hear me? Damn, a pocket call...?" he heard her fuming, and quickly recovered from his musings."Aye, I hear you. You were looking for me." He said. His mouth ran dry, his heart pounded uncontrollably in his throat as he waited for the reply. "Yes." The answer came after a moment of hesitation. Then there was another silence. "You weren't home."Well, I am now. Come over." "After I've finished my work... Half an hour." She said, and Illidan could swear he detected a slight reluctance in her voice. Why? Or is it just paranoia, and he's merely hearing things that are not actually there? Upstairs, the bone fell on the floor again with a loud crash, and he was close to punching a hole in the ceiling with a well-directed spell, killing the beast in his rage."Then it's settled. See you soon." He massaged his temples. The line disconnected, leaving only the mournful silence with him as a companion.Thirty minutes. That was all the time he had left to sort out the chaos that had been reigning in his mind for days. He climbed out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom door. Perhaps a shower would help to ease his hangover.The torrent of water hissed and whistled in ecstasy as its hot jet branched into a million streams, running down on Illidan's tense body. The accumulated steam could be cut with a knife. Only the faint pulsing light of the fel tattoos on the man's swelling muscles filtered through the barrier of mist. "What's going on, Maiev?" He leaned on the wall with his hand. His brother's clear reasoning about the woman's past misdeeds had infused some spirit into him, yet Maiev's raspy voice cracking with madness and the clinking of the broken mirror's shards still rang in his ears. And the smell... that horrible, nauseant smell of the leftover cheap booze rotting in the bin... The countless bottles usually mean one thing: She had trouble solving her difficulties. What happened? Ever since Lysende's kidnapping she hadn’t even looked at a shot glass! He tried to recall the last few weeks as thoroughly as he could to analyse every word, every moment, to understand what had led to that tragic quarrel, but to no avail. It all made no sense! Until then, the woman had shown no sign of having any personal difficulties... Right? Could it be that he was so engrossed in his own plans that he had missed the storm clouds gathering on the horizon? He would have liked to think that he would have noticed if his beloved's soul had been consumed by grief. Then perhaps those bottles meant something else this time? No, surely it had something to do with that. After all, she got angry after he discovered them. But what was the meaning? It was an excessive amount for Maiev to consume alone, unless her goal was indeed to get the same head-splitting reward he achieved by his own performance last night. Had someone been there, drinking with her? Is that what she was struggling to hide? Although the idea of the Night Elf having a guest greatly exasperated him, her trying to cover it was unsound. She had no reason to assume it would anger the demon hunter. And who could it be? The first answer that sprung to his mind wasn't to his liking. At all. But he quickly shooed off the possibility of a lover. He knew Maiev's daily routine and habits by heart. Apart from him, she only kept in touch with her brother and his family. At least, that's what she let him think until now...? "I don't know what kind of game that lunatic woman is playing with you, but believe me, she could never return your feelings!" Tyrande's voice echoed from somewhere behind the veil of mist, far away, from where the tormenting memories of the past haunted. The man gritted his teeth and heatedly pressed his demonic horns against the tiled wall like a struggling ram, as if that were the only means to send the unwanted guest back to the other side where it belonged. He refused to accept even the slightest possibility that the priestess might be right and Maiev was indeed up to something! Sly, dangerous and beautiful, no doubt, but she couldn't fake the vibes they had between them! There's no way she can lead him by the nose! But... what if...? No. Before the question could fully form in his head, he put an end to it. Having decided, he turned off the tap and reached for a towel. He's going to take the sting out of the mystery and ask her directly what happened that day. That way he will know for sure if he bears her trust or not. Even though he trembled with fear that he did not even in Sargeras" presence from hearing the answer, he had to know! He would turn a blind eye to her false accusations as well, just get things straight...!He quickly dried up most of the water from his body and got dressed. Stray droplets dripping from his freshly washed hair soaked the thin V-neck, revealing his purple-tinged skin and toned torso underneath. Illidan cast an annoyed glance at the drenched T-shirt and stepped out into the living room. However, to his surprise, he wasn't greeted by an empty room. Someone was already standing in the middle, inspecting the furnishings. She hid her body from the chill under a hare-white twill coat, her turquoise hair rested in a single neat braid on her shoulder."Tyrande?!" the demon hunter asked perplexed. "Forgive me for letting myself in. The door was open." The High Priestess offered an excuse. Her voice rang as silky as a spring breeze playing amid the branches of a canopy in bloom."I see." Illidan averted his gaze. Her presence tore wide more wounds than he could stand without his face betraying his feelings. For so long he had loved her whole being, that even now, as his heart belonged to another, it still trembled for a fleeting moment at the beautiful tinkling words. Yet the feeling of anger remained surprisingly absent. She had lost too much of her importance in his life for his emotions to take an extreme form towards her. "It's a cosy place. " Tyrande glanced back at the furniture. She unquestionably felt self-conscious in his presence. The memory of their last meeting still smouldered in her mind. She had reason to fear his wrath, for she was more than aware of her role in the series of events that had led to them standing in the middle of the modest sublet. Although guided by benevolence, she should have been more tactful sharing her worries about Maiev."Thank you, but I'm sure you didn't come to admire my interior decorating skills. So tell me, what brings you here?" the demon hunter folded his arms over his chest. He could have thought of a better time for her to pay him a visit. "I'm expecting someone." And with it, a tough conversation, too.The priestess's experienced eyes surveyed him for a bit, then nodded."Other matters brought me to town, but Furion, hearing about my plan, asked me to deliver you this." She said, taking something out of her bag and handing it over to the man. "What's this?" he looked at the item, which turned out to be a hand-painted box the size of his palm."Herbs. Make a tea from it, it will ease the symptoms of a hangover." She explained. A shrill crackling sounded from the floor above. Tyrande turned her gaze in alarm as Illidan got to his head and growled something under his breath about the prospects of the damned dog's execution. When silence finally returned, the priestess spoke again with an apologetic smile on her face. "Perhaps you should try it now."I'm afraid." the demon hunter attempted to massage the clanging of the metal feeding bowl out from his aching head, with little success. He stepped to the kitchen counter and turned on the electric kettle that usually only collected dust. He had no intention of using magic to boil water himself in that state, or he would risk actually making a hot dog out of the beast above. "I suppose my brother told you everything."Whether or not it was everything," She began to which her interlocutor made a grimace that could have been best described as "of course he did, what else did I expect?', but she continued regardless. "that I don't know. But it was more than enough to convince me to comply with my beloved's request and... and to come and offer my support."Spare me your pity, Tyrande." he snorted as he fumbled with the tea leaves."It's not pity, Illidan! It's the family's way of expressing its care for its members. And you... you're family to us."Illidan turned to her in shock, her words seemed so unbelievable. But her two beautiful, sparkling eyes radiated the same sincerity he had thought synonymous with Tyrande all his life. Her message began to slowly trickle into his heart, permeating his whole body, breaking down step by step all the mental anguish that thousands of years of rejection had inflicted on him. He did not notice when he averted his gaze from the High Priestess, nor when she stepped closer to him. Her gentle touch almost scorched, burning to the ground the seemingly unyielding balk that had hitherto held the torment of exclusion and love deprivation unbearable for the mortal mind, lest it crumble under their weight. Like a helpless child, he groped in the darkness for what he should do, what he should say. The realisation finally hit him... For millennia, buried alive in a lightless prison, he lived only for his hate, gradually forgetting how to deal with his other emotions. His affection for his family and Maiev, his happiness, his anxiety and fear, were all so alien, he couldn't place them. Maybe Tyrande sensed his loss when she put her arms around him, maybe it was just her love language that he had never known before... For the first time since forever, Illidan thought of her as he always had when they were children: as his sister. He lowered his head and arms and let the priestess guide his spirit as it wavered towards reconciliation. "Tell me, Tyrande." He spoke after a long silence. "To believe in someone... Is that a weakness or a strength?" Tyrande stared at him, horrified. What have they done to this poor soul that the answer is not obvious to him?! Her throat tightened as she was touched for the first time by remorse. She feared her voice would crack, yet she wanted to respond more than anything. But before she could, the door opened, and Maiev stepped in."Hi, I..." She said, but she stopped as soon as she caught sight of the two. Tyrande witnessed some unfamiliar flash in her eyes, but then in a moment it was gone, replaced by a very familiar icy stare."Oh. It seems I’m interrupting." She drawled. She stood there in the doorway as upright and authoritative as if she were about to go to holy war. Yet, her dignity seemed more like an act than genuine grace."Not at all!" Illidan freed himself from the other's embrace, his voice filled to the brim with the devotion that had once been the priestess's due. She might have smiled at her friend's sincere adoration of Maiev, but she could not escape the disturbing memory of her earlier glare. "Tyrande was about to leave."Yes, then see you..." The Night Elf remembered and started towards the exit, keeping her eyes on the other woman."No need to bother." Maiev smiled haughtily, "I just wanted to know how your back is, but I can see you're in excellent hands." The undisguised cynical tone was no doubt directed at the priestess. "Aye, the wound is healed, but there are other things I want to discuss with you."Well, that makes you the only one." laughed the former warden. "What do you mean?"Are you sitting on your ears? There's nothing worth to discuss. I only cared about one thing, and now that I already know it, I'm out of here." "Maiev, please, Illidan just wants to talk!" Tyrande suddenly interjected, but she quickly regretted her rashness. "Well, well, what have we here? A woman, who despite being an old bag, still can't keep her nose out of other people's affairs!" The Night Elf maligned, her hatred now burning unconcealed in her eyes. She snorted mockingly and turned on her heel. "Wait," Illidan tried to grab her wrist, but she was quicker and pulled her hand away. "Don't you dare touch me!" She hissed. Her words were imbued with the aching voice of her poisoned soul and her infinite resentment. In the last few days, since she began to suspect that Illidan was having an affair, she had begged Elune for one thing only: for it not to be Tyrande. But Mother Moon had not only refused to answer her prayers, she had ignominiously stabbed her in the back by leading her there that day to witness their physical and spiritual bliss. Illidan's hair was still wet after only the devil knows what they were doing... She didn't want to think about it. She didn't want to think or feel at all. Her strength to leave with her self-respect intact before unwittingly revealing her immense pain was rapidly diminishing. "Then calm down and let's talk!" The demon hunter snarled at her, but she felt like a wounded animal, just trying to escape the trap of the cursed apartment. "There's nothing to talk about!" She tried to leave again, but Illidan stepped past her in one swift movement and closed the door. "You're going to open it right now!" she glared at him, but he stood her gaze."After you have heard me out!" "Illidan!" Tyrande couldn't stay silent any longer. "Let her go!"Open the damn door!" Maiev yelled."No!" The man got to his throbbing head, but he wouldn't budge."For the last time...!"I said, no! If you try to Blink out, I'll go after you, and I don't care if I have to drag you back here screaming!"You wouldn’t dare, Betrayer!" She cried in fury, but almost immediately regretted it. She went too far by calling him by that cursed name. Shock crept across Illidan's face, and then suddenly the anger was gone. Something much worse took its place."So be it." The demon hunter smirked. "At most, you'll add it to the long list of tortures you've suffered from my hand. What's one or two more...?" He said mockingly, and Maiev's blood ran cold. The last time she had felt so threatened was when the Broken Akama in her cell talked about what his master had planned for the warden. And now that master stood facing her with a contemptuous grin spreading on his face, his sightless eyes fixated on her. Time and space split in her mind as she found herself once again on the barren land of Shadowmoon Valley, feeling the sulphurous air of the fractured world on her skin. She knew exactly what he meant. She should have foreseen that what she had done in Darnassus would come back to haunt her. Why hadn't she thought to clear the situation herself before Illidan could find it out from Malfurion or Tyrande? Damned Tyrande! The High Priestess stood with an unshaken expression beside the demon hunter, standing Maiev's murderous gaze."Now, don't look so mad. It wasn't Tyrande who told me." Illidan turned her thoughts back and seemed to take some twisted pleasure in her finally paying attention to him."This is not the right time to discuss that!" She tried to break free of the tight situation, but to no avail. The Betrayer smelled blood."Not the right time?! So tell me, my poor victim, when would be a suitable occasion for you then? Before or after I find out about the rest of your filthy lies? Oh, I can't wait to hear what else you did to pass the time when you weren't taking care of my lifeless body!" Maiev stayed silent. Then and there she understood how stillborn her dreams about their relationship truly were from the beginning. Their past would always stand between them... And she can blame no one but herself."What’s the matter, little warden? Cat got your tongue?"Illidan." Tyrande touched the demon hunter's shoulder gently. "Let her go." She pleaded, and her words had their purpose, for though reluctantly, the man opened the door. It was over. Oh, how the tables have turned for Maiev. Until then, she wanted to leave so desperately. Now, she wanted to stay and talk things over, but she knew it was no use. Illidan was already enraged. She could say whatever she wanted to, it would be useless either way. She averted her gaze as the priestess led him away. To the victor go the spoils... The gesture tore a piece out of her heart, but she had to stay strong. It was time to retreat... She took one last look at her lost beloved and prepared to leave. Perhaps another time, when Tyrande is not in the way, they could mend things, so at least she could keep their friendship..."Maiev." the man called after her unexpectedly. His voice was much calmer than before. A spark of hope flickered in Maiev's soul as she turned back, that maybe he was open to discussion after all, but she was soon to be disappointed. He didn't look at her, instead stared at a distant corner of the floor, as if considering whether to speak. "Put the key on the table." He said at last.As if the ground had opened up beneath her, the blood drained from Maiev's face, and it was only by her presence of mind that she did not collapse. Anything he could have said, anything he could have thrown at her head, he could have punched her, it would have hurt less than what he asked... No, ordered her to do. That key was her most treasured possession. A symbol of Illidan's trust with all her hopes in it, and now, no doubt, Tyrande would have it instead.For a moment, Maiev thought to throw her self-respect aside and resort to begging, but it was too late. Like a half-dead man, she trudged to the table. She dug the small piece of metal out of her pocket, but could not find the strength in her soul to let it go, desperately clutching it, waiting for some miracle as she pleaded with fate."Put it on the table." Repeated Illidan callously. "Come on Maiev. Don't make a scene." She ordered herself as she placed the key. It clattered painfully on the lacquered surface, its sound rupturing her heart. Fighting back her tears, she turned on her heel and hurried out of the apartment, to preserve at least some semblance of dignity. Shaking, she tumbled out into the street, and kept running and running. She wanted to get away, as far as possible, to a place where Illidan's magical sight could no longer follow her. Eventually, the last of her strength left her, and she fell to her knees, shattered. She pressed her hand to her throat to stifle the grief that was welling up, but she could no longer hold back all the pain and tears, and with them came the harrowing bawling.The weather was beautiful outside. Children were kicking their cartoon patterned rubber balls at the playground, while on the bench mothers chatted and exchanged parenting tips. At a nearby tram stop, a couple were saying goodbye, exchanging lovely words. Coming out of the pharmacy across the street, two elderly gentlemen greeted each other, apparently old acquaintances, delighted at the unexpected meeting. Neither of them took any notice of the sobbing woman on the roadside. Then, gradually, the wailing turned into a hysterical laughter as Maiev slowly straightened up. Her life lay in shambles, but the world had not collapsed. It went on as if nothing had happened... This was the truest cruelty. 

Tyrande's worried eyes were constantly searching Illidan's empty gaze. He stood soundlessly by the table, staring at the small piece of metal on it. So that was the truth... For Maiev, he was still just the Betrayer. A cursed existence, a monstrosity not even worthy of a lousy explanation... let alone her trust. Tyrande was right. She would never return his feelings. He was only kidding himself."You know..." He said suddenly. " I asked the owner to let me copy a key for Maiev, but he forbade it. I had one made anyway." He mused on the bittersweet memories as he picked the item up. "This key should never have existed." He murmured, then clenched his fingers. The metal flashed greenishly and then turned to ash. After that, the demon hunter went silent. He collapsed limply on the sofa, burying his face in his hands.Tyrande walked quietly to the kitchen counter and resumed making the tea he had left half-finished. The sound of boiling water in the silent room howled like a desperate cry of a bleeding heart. 

The last rays of the setting autumn sun glistened playfully on Jarod's hoary mane, breaking into a million vibrant colours on its almost opalesque surface. As lovely as the scenery that it made was, it stood as a stark contrast to the air. Shandris watched her beloved with a concerned gaze as he paced up and down in the living room, glancing over and over at the clock. The Night Elf's troubled soul was accurately reflected in his furrowed brows and gloomy eyes, his thoughts revolving around his sister with no end. True to her earlier promise, Maiev had called the night before to meet with him, unintentionally bringing unease upon the poor man's head. Too vivid in his memory was the broken form of Maiev, hiding her sorrowful face behind her drawn-up legs. Even in their childhood, it was rare to see her cry. She wasn't that kind of woman. Not in the least. As a young man, he looked up to her strength and determination. To him, she appeared like an unshakable pillar that could hold anything, even the burden of the entire world! He couldn't quite recall when he began to realise that Maiev was just as fallible as anyone else, only she kept her weaknesses hidden beneath her armour, locked away so that no one, not even herself could see them. But repressed pain is a vile pest. It can consume one from within, unnoticed, until they collapse under the confined misery's accumulated weight. This was especially true for his sister. And the fact that Maiev came to him "willingly" to open up, frightened Jarod more than he had ever imagined. He did not dare to wonder how much trouble she might be in...Five more minutes until the appointment... three more... The second hand seemed to make fun of him by ticking as slowly as possible.The bell rang at last. Jarod and Shandris exchanged a meaningful look, then he hurried to the entrance. He almost tore the door open as a direct projection of his own anxiety. But the worst didn't come. No thunder and lightning, no world's end. His nostrils weren't hit by the stench of alcohol, nor did he see a broken mess of a sister. Maiev stood on the other side just fine, adjusting something in her shoulder bag, presumably trying to slip a folder in with the rest of her belongings. Hearing the click of the lock, she looked at her sibling. She raised an eyebrow upon seeing his distraught expression."What's with the gloomy look on your face, little brother?" She asked. Although there was a clear note of sadness in her voice, her posture was straight and relaxed. Jarod almost recoiled, so unexpected was the woman's composed, calm appearance. Perhaps because this time it also seemed strangely genuine, not just part of her usual acting. Since there was no meaningful response from the stupefied man, Maiev quickly drew the only logical conclusion. "I see. So it's just you being you. Keep up the good work!" She patted her brother on the shoulder as she walked past him into the apartment. Having finally managed to pick his chin up from the floor, Jarod followed her to the living room, where by then she had made herself comfortable in the armchair. Shandris looked just as surprised as her husband had been a minute ago to see Maiev crossing her legs and heaving seated her hand leisurely on the armrest. "Can I get you anything? A cup of tea, perhaps?" She asked.The former warden murmured her assent, and Jarod thanked his wife for her gesture before she excused herself and hurried off to the kitchen, leaving the Shadowsong siblings alone. The man sat down on the sofa opposite to his sister and took a long look at her. Her gaze was searching the bookshelf, not that she could find anything of interest among the volumes gathering dust. After all, nothing has changed there since she took that poison green book with herself. Her face bore no trace of the desperate, sickly morbidity he had seen on her the other day, and this was somewhat reassuring. Perhaps she had settled his differences with Illidan and solved whatever was her issue."You look better, sister." He leaned forward."Do I?" She turned to him, surprised."Well, yes. I assume you sorted things out..." Jarod tried to carry on the conversation, but at his innocent observation, Maiev screamed with laughter. Yet, among the bittersweet tones rang something consoling, and there was no trace of dissonance. "Sorted...? Not at all! My whole world came crashing down!" She shook her head, a sad but calm smile spreading across her face. "I've lost every battle I've fought in the last two weeks, without exception." She said with gentleness."Then how come?" The younger brother asked, baffled. He had difficulty putting together the pieces of the puzzle that the older Shadowsong's words had suggested."I finally hit rock bottom, and for the first time in a while, I feel solid ground under my feet." Maiev mused over the state of her life as she turned towards the window. The parting sunlight's beams painting the sky blood-red shone sweetly on her narrow face. Her expression felt so warm, almost as if she were telling about an evening at the cinema instead of her grief. "I was so sick of falling... Did you know you can only look upward from the depths of the pit? It sounds suffocating, but in reality, it's somewhat... liberating." She murmured with ominous tranquillity and then it finally hit Jarod: what he had feared, that he had been too late to help came true. They were already past the last possible minute. Maiev Shadowsong resigned herself to the inevitable and waited for the approaching storm in silence. A storm that may take his sister from him for good. A silent, nefarious one that whispers her things no one should hear, and this time she may act upon them for real, as she no longer feels she has anything left to lose...!"The tea." Shandris entered, interrupting the conversation. She put one cup on the table in front of Maiev, who nodded and thanked her for the drink, then handed the other to her husband. "Thank you, dear." Jarod touched his beloved's arm, unconsciously seeking a putout for his fears. The bond between them, woven by millennia of events, transmitted his voiceless plea for help to the woman, who, sensing her darling, smiled encouragingly at him and was about to leave when her sister-in-law called after her."I'd like you to stay..." To the other's questioning look, she quickly served an answer as well. "Isn't it easier to hear the details first-hand than to make my poor brother tell everything all over again?" Her words oozed with cynicism, yet it was more soothing for Jarod than anything she had said that day. It sounded more like the Maiev he knew. The one that would never concede herself to fate, not without a fight! Whatever may come, she will see it happen on her own accord.He motioned for Shandris to take a seat, and the woman soon settled down on the sofa next to him. When his sister saw they were both listening, she took a deep breath. Her jaw slightly moved, as if savouring the words that were about to leave her lips. For a moment Jarod feared maybe it was a mistake to let Shandris stay, that Maiev might change her mind and clam up, but before he could speak up, the woman cut him short."I think... I have addiction issues..." She said finally, her eyes downcast as she clasped her arms around herself. Jarod stared at her, astonished, hardly believing his ears. Not because he didn't know about his sister's alcohol problems, but because both he and Shandris knew exactly how significant it was that Maiev had recognised her own illness. As if a huge boulder had fallen from his heart, tears of joy welled up imperceptibly in his silver eyes as he and his wife exchanged a hopeful look. Despite saying she lost her battles, it appeared to him she just turned the tide of war. "I'm so ashamed.. I'm sorry, little brother." "No, don't be!" Jarod rushed to her side. He gently pulled away Maiev's hands from her arms and squeezed them with encouraging strength. "What matters is that you now see you have an issue. It will be easier from now on. You are not alone, we are with you," he said, boundless pride booming in his voice. "He's right, we'll stand by your side!" Shandris stood up and knelt down beside her husband. "You knew, didn't you?" asked Maiev. She huddled up on the sofa, humbled. Her eyes were shut closed, like a condemned on the dock awaiting her death sentence. She reminded Jarod of a broken winged owl. It was tearing his heart apart to see his sister so vulnerable and penitent, but to him, it was clear he had to honour her courage by also telling the truth, even if it would hurt her pride even more. "We suspected as much, yes." Maiev pursed her lips into a bitter smile and shook her head. "I don't know why it took me so long to realise... or to accept, to put it better." She said. "I knew, I could feel it was wrong, but somehow in my mind... I could always justify why it was all right to drink... Why I needed it. I always said it was just a temporary solution, only until I sort out my issues. Then I'd stop. And that was true for a while, but... there was always another problem and with it came the terrible shame, the secretiveness... And then I couldn't hide it any longer, and they threatened me with dismissal from my job." "Don't worry about it, I'll talk to Nabitha. I'm certain I could..." Shandris offered her help, but her sister-in-law waved dismissively."No. It's my fault. I have only myself to blame. It falls on my shoulders to fix it."I'm sure you will see it done, sister."Naturally." Maiev allowed herself one smirk before her face turned grim again. "The worst is... that I had begun to look for ways to rationalize me getting fired. Me! How did I end up like this?!"Don't beat yourself up!"Let me speak, Jarod! I must face my shortcomings, or I'll keep repeating my mistakes. I know too well I would... It was always like that... When I was about to cross it, I just moved the boundary further only to come close to violating it again. I... I reassured myself that I wasn't hurting anyone beside me, so it's fine... But last time I hurt someone dear to my heart... And that was the last straw! That's where I draw the line, for real. It was an eye-opener." Jarod listened to his sister's words with loving devotion. It was a strange twist of fate that he looked up to his sister the most at the lowest point of her life. "So, brother...If you still have the number of that psyche-logistics or how it's called..."I know a wonderful specialist. If you allow me, I'll give you his number." Shandris interjected again, and Maiev nodded with gratitude."Thank you... sister." She took her sister-in-law's hand in her own and straightened up as she smiled gratefully at her family. Shandris glanced with caution in Jarod's direction, her heart overflowing with happiness at the radiant image of her beloved as he stared at Maiev with awe. She couldn't recall the last time she had seen her husband so relieved. He suddenly looked so much younger. She knew well that more than one night fear and anguish had kept dream away from him, wondering what would become of Maiev when he would be gone. They had only 64 more years to live..."But Jarod..." Maiev turned to the man, her face radiating with seriousness. "I want to clean up my act once and for all, and as part of that, I have to address another issue."I'm listening." "Remember when you returned to Darnassus?"Maiev, I’ve said so many times that..." Jarod tried to object, but the woman silenced him."No, little brother! I know you hate this subject and believe me, I would prefer to sweep it under the carpet forever, too. I didn't bring it up for the love of it, but there are a few things I must make clear, once and for all. So, you're going to listen to me, like it or not!" The younger Shadowsong tried to persuade his sister to see if he could change her mind, but Maiev was adamant. Given up, he sat back down. He exhaled irritably as he rested his forehead on his hand and motioned for her to continue."Thank you. I know you have stood by me all this time, that you wanted to believe that everything that happened was for reasons beyond my control. That's why it hurts so much to disappoint you... There was no corruption, no outside force. I'm solely responsible for my actions." Maiev confessed the truth and put her hand on her brother's shoulder. "And now I ask the both of you to pay close attention to what I'm about to say. There was no torture to make me lose my mind." Under her palm, Jarod's shoulders shook as he raised his head, in his eyes shone the delusive light of disbelief. "Admittedly, my accommodation wasn't a 5-star hotel, but Illidan himself never inflicted any suffering on me. I want you to commit this to your memory." A clattering sound came from one of the rooms, and three pairs of eyes turned in that direction at once. Their gazes settled on Lysende's door, and Maiev frowned, shot Jarod a glare. "Is my niece at home...?"She's grounded for running off without a word to meet her boyfriend, but... Before you arrived, I sent her to Kur'talos" room to prevent her from eavesdropping. I don't know when or how she changed rooms!" the Night Elf apologized, but to no avail. His feeble excuses did not impress his sister. "These were not meant for her ears..." she grumbled as her brother blushed from ear to ear in shame. "Whatever... Let's get this over with, too... Come out, Lysende, we already know you're there." She exclaimed, as the door opened and a frightened face, eerily similar to her father's, emerged from behind the doorjamb. "Sorry, auntie, I was just..." "You outsmarted my brother. If I still had a unit, I'd have had you enlisted right now," she said with undisguised pride."Thank you...!"But I don't lead the Watchers nor the Wardens anymore, so you'll have to settle for a clout." Maiev caught Lysende's arm with one swift move before she could jump away and pulled the wailing kid to the armchair to give a smack on her head."Well, pumpkin, you deserved it." Shandris said without pity. Even though her sister-in-law's lesson wasn't exactly in line with the spirit of the age, she hoped her "harsh" method may reach her daughter and catch her eavesdropping less. Preferably not because she gets more skillful, but because she stops doing it, however, she had her doubts about it. Meanwhile, Lysende's ordeal was far from over. Maiev twisted her wrist to take a better look at something."What is this?" She asked with pretended rigidity, then held the hand up to her niece's eyes. A delicate white gold ring glistened on her finger, its butterfly-shaped socket was adorned with a small aquamarine stone."A Promise Ring." Lysende answered loftily."So, an engagement ring." Maiev raised an eyebrow, unamused, but the huffy teenager corrected her."No, that's two different things, auntie! It was given to me by Kaelor, symbolizing that when I come of age, we will marry abiding by the laws of the country, but we are already mates for life according to ancient Kaldorei tradition." The lass officiously explained the meaning of her new jewel. Shandris gazed at her second-born with a tender smile. She saw herself in her daughter, the young, longing orphan girl, casting amorous glances at the unabashedly older, handsome Commander of the Kaldorei Resistance. But the said man wasn't sharing her idealistic opinion on his younger one's rash decision. His scowl contrasted sharp with his sister's, who laughed unstoppably at her niece's naïve plans on the couch, almost as if the previous gloomy conversation never took place.  "You'll change your mind so many times, pumpkin..." Jarod tried to make her daughter see reason, but she only began to insist that she was indeed Kaelor's mate, which only made her aunt howl even louder. "You'll see, Father, when you walk me down the aisle in my handmade wedding dress!" Lysende pulled up her nose, then turned to Maiev with sparkling eyes. "So... who is this mysterious someone dear to your heart?" She blurted out the matter that no doubt had been on her mind for minutes, nagging her. The innocent question sodden with youthful sentimentalism made Maiev's laughter caught in her throat as the air froze in an instant.Jarod tried to hush the foolish child, having a good hunch about the identity of the man in question. After all, he saw the broken mirror with his own eyes, thanks so a certain phone call. The event lined up perfectly with her sister's account and sudden change of heart. But despite his best efforts, Lysende failed to catch her father's signals."It must be Illidan, it has to be! I saw you two on our trip, being all so lovey-dovey and..."Lysende!" Jarod yelled her babbling daughter's name, having had enough."Let her be." Maiev intervened out of the blue. She raised her tired gaze at her niece. "As for your observing ability, you no doubt take after your father..." The woman breathed. She looked worn out by the eternal battle she fought against the girl's speculations about her feelings toward the demon hunter. Perhaps giving her a clean victory could serve as her ultimate present to her, making up for all those years when she disregarded the child's wishes, chasing her own interest instead. And in some sense, she was right as Lysende's eyes opened wide, a joyful scream blurting out of her chest. It echoed untamed between the walls. Some might have mistaken it for her winning the lottery, and for her, it was comparable."I knew it, I knew it!" She jumped up and down happily, dancing through the living room in her exhilaration. The poor neighbours under them got their firsthand experience of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake."I fear I have to somewhat spoil your cheerfulness." Maiev snorted, some of her bitterness slipping through, which brought an abrupt end to Lysende's celebration. "He has someone." Jarod felt as if something bit him, but no matter how hard he tried to shake it off, it refused to release him, entrapping him in a lockjaw. All of a sudden her sister asking after Illidan on that day took on a new meaning. A sorrowful, gut-wrenching one. In that fight, not just Maiev's mirror got broken. However, he had no time to wonder what might have gone down between them."What?!" Lysende cried, forgetting about herself as her disbelief made way to her mouth before she realised, but seeing her aunt's expressionless face, she immediately regretted her tactless behaviour. "Oh, I'm sorry, I just..."Don't be." Maiev quickly forestalled her apology. "Remember what I said to you in that park? I should have stuck to that. I have only myself to blame. Now, don't sour the atmosphere any longer. How about telling me of your little adventure to your boyfriend instead, huh?" She changed the topic with ease that only comes with thousands of years of deflecting. No one in the room believed she genuinely wanted to hear the story, but none dared to speak up. Lysende turned to her parents for guidance on whether to speak or to keep quiet, preserving the spreading silence, but the two adults were just as clueless as she was. "I'd rather not." The lassie rubbed her fingers ruefully."Why?"You just told me that your love is unrequited and..." She sniffled, struggling with her own conflicting emotions over her blooming love life, hearing Maiev admitting her affection towards Illidan and the compassion she felt for her, when the woman patted her on the head gently as she always did when she wanted to calm her. Lysende raised her eyes to see her aunt smiling, and she opened her lips in awe. Never in her life she thought a doleful smile could ever be so beautiful."Don't get worked up about it, it was never meant to be anyway. And especially, don't feel guilty for being happy when good fortune finds you. There will never be a time when someone isn't facing hardships or isn’t lamenting over something around you. While I appreciate your empathy, it would be foolish to sacrifice your right to be merry just so you offend no one." She encouraged Lysende until she began her story at last. Inside the walls emerged the memories of the decorated shops of the mall, Za'zul's tasteless apology, the rattling of the train, the terrifying stillness of the station, Kaelor's long black coat with his pyjamas hidden underneath... Eventually, the tale came to a bashful end outside their hotel room, her keeping what had happened in the bathroom that day to herself. Maiev listened to the story in silence, only humming now and then a word or two to show that she was paying attention, but her thoughts were clearly elsewhere. Perhaps on a pleasant, chilly summer night, under the starry sky...After the long and exhausting story, the Shadowsong family chatted a little more about this and that. Shandris complained a bit about the low budget and even lower morale of the police, Jarod about unnecessary meetings that could have been a simple e-mail, and Lysende got carried away again with her lighthearted babbling, easing the tension until it slowly turned into a heartwarming evening.Finally, it was time to say goodbye. Jarod walked his sister to the door with light steps. "Thank you for listening." Maiev said as she put on her coat and slung her bag over her shoulder. "It meant a lot to me."I thank you for telling us what you’re going through. I know it took courage and I’m proud of you. You did well!" He cupped the woman’s face, and gently stroked her neck, then settled his fingers on her shoulder. "I’ll always stand by your side." He touched his forehead to hers, making her smile at the promise she knew he would only be able to upkeep for a few short decades. "I know, little brother. I know."The lamp’s light shining from the hallway slowly faded as it disappeared behind the closing front door with Jarod’s face, leaving only the silence and darkness of the stairwell behind. It was as if the cover of a family photo album had just closed, preserving the happy moments between its pages. From the apartment, Lysende’s always cheerful chatter and her sister-in-law’s singing could be heard. Maiev sighed, then turned her back on the door and headed for the stairs. She did well, indeed. But was it good enough? Only time would tell. She hoped that one day, if they open that album of their memories to look back on this afternoon, they would recall only the good parts. That Jarod could remember her without feeling ashamed of her.Soon her shrinking figure disappeared behind the stairs. The sound of her footsteps echoed lonely in the stairwell for a while longer.

The sun peeped from behind the grey rain clouds. However, its light was pale and haggard. Stormy weather was approaching. The leaves of the trees lost their emerald green colour overnight and turned rusty red. The rising winds lured them into dance, and the weaker ones yielded to the temptation, leaping to their last waltz with the breeze. Malfurion Stormrage paused in his walk as he watched the masses of the dragged away leaves, pondering. If only the worries on his mind were just as light to be caught by the wings of the wind... But alas, that wasn't the case. Instead, they cowered on his shoulders hardened by millennia of calamities, waiting for the druid to reach his destination. And so he continued on, along the path he had become accustomed to taking every weekend for the past few months. From the opposite way, young ladies hurried past him one after the other. Some were greeting the Archdruid, others were immersed in their phones. Soon the tiny dance studio appeared before his eyes, and in front of it, to his surprise, stood the very person he was seeking, seemingly expecting him."I hoped you'd come looking for me, Shan'do." she said, leaning against the wall, her hands loosely clasped in front of her chest. Her entire posture emitted an almost overwhelming composed calmness."Maiev..." Malfurion nodded to greet the woman as she walked past him, adding to the man's surprise."Let's not waste time. We have a lot to discuss..."

Chapter 48: Shan'do

An unfriendly greyness fell over the landscape. The wind grew stronger, beguiling the drying grass like a deceitful lover, and taking with itself the leaves that had already gone astray like a marauder. Their moaning rustle echoed in the scenery as an ominous harbinger of the approaching storm. Tyrande's silver eyes gleaming with the light of a thousand diamonds glanced heavy-laden at the night-black clouds gathering on the horizon, pausing for a moment in her arduous work, lowering her hoe. A gust caught into the pile of raked leaves, catching a few of it on the wings of the wind, and with them the High Priestess" troubled thoughts, carrying them far away. Back to the place where they'd always end up ever since she'd left Illidan's apartment.Maiev Shadowsong... determined to the end, ruthless, obsessed... If she ever had any virtues, the millennia of hatred that heated her from within had burned them all away, or melted and forged them into a twisted monstrosity. How could Illidan be seduced by such a woman? One who had served for ten thousand years as his dreaded warden, and then chased him until she had killed him with her own hands? What trick did she use? Or would her childhood friend truly be so starved for love that in his desperation he would take such a wretched woman's attention merely addressed towards him due to her work with both hands?The wind picked up again, and Tyrande tightened her grip on the hoe's handle. No. Illidan may have always been a lost soul, but not one who would ever throw away his self-respect for crumbs! No, there was a reason why an attraction towards Maiev had flared in his heart. Even Furion said that his brother always spoke of her in superlatives, and on the day they met, her brother-in-law's belief that there was more than the once mutual hatred between them seemed rock solid. Illidan was not someone who could be easily misled. Either Maiev had further perfected her manipulation skills since the Highborne murders, or she had indeed given her friend reason to see more behind her actions... Like on that day, during the Kaldorei Festival...?Her hands, which had been hoeing around the roots of one of the wider trees, stopped. But if so, what had happened that day at Illidan's apartment? The former warden's behaviour did not fit at all with the picture the demon hunter had painted about their relationship. Now that she came to think of it, he himself seemed surprised as well, even lost, as if he didn't know what to make of what had happened, just like her despite all the pondering. And Maiev's gaze, indelibly etched into her memory, has never left her. Million of lights glinting on a knife and a vocal cords tearing scream entwined into a single meaningful glance, driving the soul of the seasoned Tyrande into a wintery frost. At that moment she had felt impure, and she couldn't untangle her intricate web of thoughts as to why. Only the sensation remained and it has ached ever since, like the sting of a wasp, akin to the cruel words of a forgotten queen..."Tyrande!" A gentle autumn breeze brought the heart-warming voice of her sweetheart from afar. The priestess turned towards the newcomer with enthusiasm, but her sudden joy faded in an instant as she saw Maiev striding gracefully on her husband's side.Her long, silver hair fluttered free in the rising wind, and her eyes, like tongues of flame rising from the deepest depths of the earth, blazed with the fervour of one who is determined to achieve her goals, whatever they may be. Tyrande's spectacular dismay brought a barely visible but all the more insidious grin to her thin lips."What's wrong, little high priestess? Are you frightened that I might tattle to your oh so "precious" cuckolded husband?" Oh, that would be delicious! How much she would like to see their marriage falling apart, inhaling the smell of the rising ash from the charred wreckage. She could finally get back at Tyrande for everything she'd wrongfully taken from her! The intoxicating taste of the thought danced on her tongue, but in the end, she kept her poisonous words to herself. The ruins would undoubtedly bury Illidan's happiness beneath them as well, and that was a price she was not willing to pay even for a vengeance she had so long cherished. "Ah, I see you're hoeing around in your own garden for a change. How admirable!" She remarked with a sneer, and at the sight of her rival's dumb expression, she grinned again. "Rest assured, I'm taking your shameful secret to my grave, you wench! But that doesn't mean I won't stick one last pin in there!" She thought satisfied, and with that, she went straight into the house, leaving the still puzzled priestess to tend her garden. It was for the better if it was just her and the Archdruid talking anyway.Malfurion exchanged a quick, meaningful glance with his wife, then followed the night elf. Inside, a soft twilight dominated the neat living room where the druid escorted his unexpected guest. He offered her food and drink, but she accepted only the latter."What are you up to, Warden?" The druid wondered to himself while he watched Maiev warily as she took a seat on the poison green sofa, and then, once she was comfortable, she gave him a serene look with a faint smile on her lips. "Perhaps..." A thought took shape in his mind. Perhaps she wants to mend things with Illidan and came to him for assistance? However, considering how unwilling she was to even give a minute of her life to hear out his brother based on Tyrande's words, that was unlikely. But she was still here, and for a reason that was almost certainly related to her bad blood with the demon hunter. Her late behaviour didn't make sense... Like the cacophony of feelings at the dawn of love.When it came to irrational actions he wasn't spotless either. He couldn't quite explain to himself why he had decided to visit the dance school that day. Perhaps it was habit, perhaps it was his concern for his brother, perhaps it was both. He didn't think he would find the night elf there, much less that she would want to talk to him as well. As to about what, she refused to say during their short but quiet journey. In silence they made their way to the little tidy house surrounded by thuya, only the chirping of a few parting birds providing some music. And now, Maiev was sitting there with her back straight, her long loose hair falling untidily on her bare shoulders, waiting patiently like a hunter while stalking her prey from cover."I understand you wish to speak with me."It seemed to me that the desire was mutual, Shan'do." She said. Her voice sounded unusually calm, with an airy lightness to it. As if she had shed all the burdens of her soul and soared free into the scorching sun."Please, cut the honorific." Malfurion poured some water for them. He had seen her true colours before, and those colours barely valued him more than dirt. Or a worm in the dirt. In his mind her calling him a "master" was nothing but blatant sarcasm. "As you wish." Maiev agreed, and then, almost as if lost for a moment in the tangled maze of the past, she smiled. "There was a time when I truly respected you, Malfurion. I believed with all my being that you wanted and served the good of our people as much as I did. Unfortunately, I was wrong." She raised her gaze to the man, a bleak light shone on her eyelashes. "It appears I have often served but my own sense of justice."And now, Warden? What brings you here?" He asked. His cautious question made his interlocutor laugh out loud. It was steely, like the clash of swords, filling the room."The same sense of justice. I know I'm a bit late to tell you the truth, but I feel it's only right that you should hear it from the liar's mouth..." Maiev took a deep breath and looked the druid straight in the eye. "Essentially, everything I said about your brother after I returned from Outland was a lie, and everything that wasn't, was a grotesque distortion of reality to serve my own interests."Do you know what shame and pain Tyrande and I felt when you told your story, woman?!" Malfurion bellowed, but she didn't flinch. "That was my intention." Maiev confessed her lies as calmly as if she had been telling about what she had eaten for breakfast. "After all, I doubt my two pretty eyes would have been enough to grant me permission to recruit new members for the Watchers after I had left Tyrande to her fate. As you might recall, I wasn't exactly fond of your brother, and by then you'd already made me detest you as much as I did your mate, so I reckon you can understand that I didn't shy away from justifying the means to an end.Malfurion was choked by the outrageously honest words and cut up rough. Back then, he could not describe the agony he was in while Maiev, after returning seemingly broken and tortured, told him about the unspeakable, shameful deeds his brother had done to her in great length... He couldn't believe his ears, but she just went on and on as if her suffering had never ended, and subsequently neither did his. Meanwhile, the former warden remained seated peacefully on the couch with a faint smile on her face, like a painting, angering the druid even further. If that was what she wanted, she had achieved her goal.  "Your damned lies kept me from visiting my brother...!"I'm not here to beg for forgiveness as, to put it bluntly, I have no need of yours. I've cleared things up, so if you don't mind, I'll move on to the other matter that brought me here today." She straightened up, but instead of speaking, her eyes lingered on the older Stormrage. "If my memory serves me right, I didn't only add a few fibs to my list of sins at that time." she finally said.Malfurion's eyebrows rose all the way up, forming a series of deep furrows on his brow. "What do you mean?"You do know well, Archdruid. I saw on your face the day I brought your brother to you that you did remember when you had enjoyed my... "hospitality'. So let's not beat around the bush. Too long has the iron hand of justice been delayed merely because you had more use of me alive than imprisoned or dead. But enough is enough, no more excuses! I accept responsibility and face the consequences of my actions. I demand a trial for my attempt on your life, Malfurion Stormrage."The druid did not know how to answer such request. He stared in shock at the unpredictable night elf staring back at him, and he found himself trembling. "Have you lost your mind?! Do you realize what you are asking, Maiev? The crime you have committed is treason, and the penalty for it would be death! Do you understand?"  "Naturally." "Then why...?"I have already told you. I must repent. So the guilty party can finally be punished for what she did. If it means capital punishment, then so be it." "Maiev..."Since I have sinned against you, it is your right to judge me. I know you'll be just." She smiled, this time without the slightest hint of mockery. "Don't worry, I've already closed my pending cases, I'm ready to accept my fate." "Are you quite sure of that? Can't you think of a single loose end?" A stern, disciplining voice rang out in the room, breaking the melancholic mood. Tyrande's gaze lightened accusingly as it pierced Maiev's, forcing her to turn away. "I see you make a hobby out of getting tangled in other people's... affairs." She talked back, offended, but her feeble attempt both failed to change the topic or to insult the woman."Answer the question, Maiev!"Who do you think you are, priestess, ordering me about! Do I need to remind you that you are no longer the leader of our people? Most of all not mine!"I could only guess what's going on in that crazy head of yours, Maiev, but remember two things..." The high priestess stepped closer, her authority and gaze would have brought even Pitlords to their knees. "First, you're not getting anywhere with me with your childish scoffing and provocations. Second, if you've come here to escape your troubles by persuading my husband to euthanise you, you better give up now, because none of us will ever help you!" Malfurion’s eyes widened at his wife's implication, while a murderous rage came upon Maiev, possessing her very soul. Her nostrils flared, her veins bulged as she clenched her hands into fists. If looks could kill, Tyrande would have been lying dead on the ground, to her greatest delight. She had fought the battle of her life with herself to stay somewhat calm, and not to blurt out accusing words, doing more harm to the one dearest to her heart."I'm not running away! Unlike you, I don't back out at a crucial moment because of some nonsense like "renewal'!"Then what has prevented you from honouring Illidan's request? Because from my point of view, it seemed like, as you put it, you backed out."Tyrande's words hit a sore point, paralysing Maiev's sharp tongue. By the time she realised that it was taking her too long to reply, it was too late. She had exposed her weakness, and she had no doubt that the others had noticed it too. She was bested in battle, again. If she had not uttered a thousand curses to herself, she had uttered none. If only the high priestess were to hate Maiev as much as she hated her! Then losing to her over and over again through all of her life would have been less humiliating... Malfurion was but a foolish puppet wrapped around his wife's finger, thus the ultimate decision in her case was hers, unfortunately for the night elf, and Tyrande had made her position clear."Then, if I understand correctly, your wife has the final word, and we are done." She turned to Malfurion, ignoring Tyrande. There was no immediate reply, so she bade farewell and headed for the door. "As a matter of fact, no, Maiev. We are not done yet. So if you'd be so kind as to come back..." The man seemingly lost in his thought suddenly called after her."I can hear you fine from here." Replied the woman from the doorway."Ah, I see. My dear, would you mind leaving us alone for a few moments?" he turned to his wife, to the astonishment of the two women. Tyrande looked at her beloved in disbelief, but he reassured her with a gentle touch.The priestess nodded silently and complied with her husband's request. She exchanged one last sharp look with Maiev, and then the door closed softly behind her. "You know Maiev... Considering my age and my deep affinity with nature, I believe it's rather hard to ruffle my feathers. Still, you deliberately tried today, and I must admit, you were ever so close succeeding." He stroked his long beard appreciatively. "Who knows, if it weren't for my beloved, I might have complied with your wish. Please, accept my congratulations, you almost had me fooled again to make the same mistake I did twelve thousand years ago." Maiev eyed the druid, a curious gloom all over her face. Even though she didn't know where Malfurion's train of thoughts was leading them along the bumpy and overly chatty path, his words had piqued her interest."You said it well, you certainly have more use alive than dead. I still think that way, although I feel we don't see eye to eye on that matter at the moment. You are a born survivor, Maiev, yet you wish to walk the path of self-destruction." Before she could intervene, Malfurion raised his hand apologetically and corrected himself. "Pardon, you seek repentance. Well, if that's the case, allow me to honour your resolution by atoning first. Illidan believed in you, and I, as unfortunate as it is, had destroyed that trust, even though you have earned it through the hard work you've done for us ever since his return. In the end, it is my rashness that has brought you here today, is it not? I just don't understand why you've come to me for forgiveness when in truth, you're yearning for my brother's. Isn't that what this is about, Maiev? You don't have to answer... Instead, tell me, what can I do to heal the wounds that have been opened?"A mocking curve formed on Maiev's lips as she prepared to talk back and let the good druid know that she's grateful but she'll be just fine without his hypocritical pity, but her voice left her. Her face winced as her mind still resisted, yet, her heart had already leapt after the golden thread being woven in the storm that could lead her out of the swamp of sorrow. Unable to decide, she stood there, speechless, listening inwardly, uncertain of what she should say or do. Longing for guidance, she touched her side imperceptibly, as if looking for something there, perhaps for something she usually carried with her in her pocket, but to no avail. Her dancing dress was plain, having no room for mementoes.Her heart sank. It was a mess... Everything was a huge, ugly mess... All the thoughts, all the feelings, all the stupid plans she had that brought her there today... What was going through her mind? What was she even trying to achieve? It seemed so clear then... But now? What was she even trying to accomplish now? The confusion, like a wave, rose up and crashed down on her, pushing her under as she struggled to rise to the surface, only to be pushed back again by the next wave. How should she reach out her hand? She never learned how to... And now she was afraid og drowning in her own sea of hopelessness. To miss her very last chance to reconcile with Illidan... the thought mortified her. "What makes you think he could trust me?" she asked at last in a dry, hoarse voice, just barely shying away from sounding desperate. "As far as you know, I could have fooled him as well."Then you wouldn't have come here today to ask for help."Maiev wanted to deny it, but she couldn't. Malfurion was right. She just wanted to be saved... She knew her beloved would always be out of her reach, but if at least they could go back to how things were... That would be a life worth living... She wanted to be saved for that promise! But it was useless now... She had always despised magic. It's just fitting that it was her who broke the spell between them... She turned her back on the druid and pressed the handle to leave. She was a hypocrite after all and so would remain one till her last breath. "Give my regards to my brother." She heard the druid's calming voice. She spun around, staring at the man, but he merely nodded assuringly. Imbecile! Can't he see...!"Would he listen to me if I wanted to talk to him?" The woman asked abruptly."I'm sure he would."Maiev lingered for a minute, then stepped through the door. "Thank you... Shan'do." 

A sudden gust broke the icy silence of the chilly autumn night, bringing the smell of rain. A discarded gum wrapper drifted aimlessly along the dusty pavement's edge, only to be lost into the darkness. Regardless of the heater’s tremendous effort, the atmosphere inside remained shivery and despondent. Instead of lamps, the flickering light of the television illuminated the room, giving the once cosy apartment an otherworldly feel. Illidan's sightless eyes were glued callously to the screen, a controller in his hands tortured as he was smashing the buttons relentlessly, without logic or rhythm. The mighty beast he was fighting finally fell to the ground accompanied by dramatic music, and with one last bestial howl, yielded its soul, bringing a faint, smile-like expression to the demon hunter's grim face. But the slight improvement in his spirits didn't last long. The adrenaline and triumph vanished in a blink of an eye. His stomach twitched and the name he forlornly yearned to cry out for so many times over the past few days danced on the tip of his tongue again. "Maiev..." His mind whispered involuntarily. "Maiev..." Always that damn name! Why can't he get her out of his head?! Why can't her memory leave him alone, to just let him sink into his own sea of grief? He endured enough already in his life without yet another rejection and betrayal! But this scar was so fresh and infected, it ached deep in his chest, in his mind, in his soul. Even his ironclad discipline failed him. Did she find a way to put a curse on him?! No, he weaved that curse himself by giving in to his longing for companionship. An unjust punishment, like every other was. Something began to build up in his chest. Something he knew way too well... Not even the bloody video game could distract him anymore...The controller clattered loudly on the floor as Illidan rose from the couch to turn off the console. With a mechanical wail, the big round button clicked and the room went dark. Only the soft tapping of rain broke the silence. He was just as lonely as when his loved ones buried him alive for ten thousand years, leaving him alone with all his grievances, losses and anger, to be consumed by anguish and bitterness. His throat tightened, his muscles almost aching with the bitter grimace. Through the veil of darkness, the figure of that cursed woman loomed, with the warm smile on her face that he once thought promised him happiness. But it was a lie, like everything else! Her dishonest smile, her deceptive words, her insincere kindness! Everything was fake! And why? She couldn't even be bothered to let him know why! But he didn't have to be mulling over the answer... All those considerate, honeyed lies, those sweet, shared moments made him forget about how much she despised him, and he, like a fool fell for it, flattering himself that he too, could deserve affection. But it was nothing but a deliberate trap! Maiev Shadowsong knew no kindness, only hatred! And so did he!The shadow did not waver, opening her arms for Illidan as alluringly and acceptingly as Maiev had that night at the Kaldorei Festival, inviting him to a heart-stopping dance to make good on those promises, plunging another knife into his gushing wound. Outside, the night breeze brought the sound of thunder. "A lie... Another lie!" the demon hunter clenched his fist, his nostrils flaring as his muscles tensed. "Damn it, DAMN IT!" With a single move, he overturned the coffee table, all the stuff on it crashing loudly to the floor. But the sorrowfully lying table did not satisfy his desire to destroy. He wanted more! To tear that false grin off of Maiev's face, to erase her meaningless words, the false warmth she made him feel! To break, to break everything! Until there's nothing left but him and his hatred! To hurt her just as much as her betrayal hurt him!His eyes searched frantically around the room, trying to find a way to vent his anger, his chest rising up and down, sharply inhaling and exhaling. And the name, that damned name was still on his mind, the figure of Maiev in every shape and pattern! His head started aching as his rage accumulated. The illusion gave him one last downhearted glance, then vanished into the dark. Illidan's breathing slowly calmed as his gaze settled on the carefully made bed. He barely comprehended as he ambled over to it, touching the perfectly smooth blanket with his hand. He had barely used the furniture since he had started living there. He lay down on it limp and tormented, clutching the pillow to his chest. The hardest challenge in life is to let go of hope.The raindrops tapped relentlessly on the window as his mind slowly drifted away...

The pale light of the White Lady shone on the gentle ripples, illuminating the pitch-black canvas of the night. Maiev floated motionless on the surface of the endless sea, her snow-white dress and hair rippling in loving harmony with the tiny waves. On her chest, her hands rested clasped as if she were praying to Elune, her face serene. But her eyes, though open, did not look at him... Her body was cold, colour has left her skin, air her lungs... She drowned. He drowned her...

Gasping for air, Illidan sat up on the bed, turning his head frenetically around to see where he was. Unearthly lightning filtered in through the window, then after an eerie silence, rumbling shook the room. Outside, the soothing rain was long gone and a stormy downpour took its place. The demon hunter rubbed his cheek, clearing his mind. What a terrible dream he had! With another lightning tearing through the darkness Maiev's lifeless body flashed before him, his hands still on her neck after the terrible deed, feeling the slowly fading warmth of her skin beneath his fingers... His stomach churned.How long was he out? Maybe an hour or two? His phone had been lying on the floor since his angry outburst against the poor table. He got off of the bed and picked up the phone, then turned the battered furniture back on its legs. He was surprised to find that he had been unconscious for less than half an hour. It was barely after 8 p.m. Suddenly knocking struck his ears. Commonly accepted visiting hours were over, who would think of disturbing him at such a late hour? Perhaps he upset the downstairs neighbour with his table flip? No, the old bull would have come earlier, he wouldn't have waited for him to have a nap. Still haunted by the dreadful dream, he flipped the light's switch instead of another furnishing and staggered to the door to open it, but as soon as he took a glance at his uninvited guest's aura standing outside, he got riveted to the ground. The glowing and vibrating energy has drawn an overly familiar shape. What should he do? They knocked again, the sound brought out the air from his lungs he didn't realise he was holding back as he finally turned the key in the lock. He took another deep breath as he gripped the handle, trying to force order on his mind, unsuccessfully. The door slowly opened, revealing Maiev shaking outside, wet to the skin like she hadn't come from the street, but had taken a dip in a pool... Illidan, tormented by his renewed guilt, stared horrified at the this time very much alive woman. She looked so incredibly vulnerable and petite in her soaked cloth. Her wet hair stuck to her shoulders and forehead, droplets from her dancing dress dripping in a disharmonious rhythm to the ground around her. She clutched something tightly at her chest, probably to protect it from the rain. She tried to force a smile on her lips slowly turning blue from the cold, but it turned out more of an abashed smirk than anything else."Uhm..." She raised her gaze to his. She was obviously consciously forcing eye contact, it felt so unnatural. "Sorry for just popping up uninvited, I know it's your day off, but I hoped... I mean... Can we talk?"Oh, now you want to talk..." Illidan grumbled the first thought that crossed his mind, his frustration still working in his chest, but quickly regretted it. Maiev nodded resignedly, pretty much having expected the cold response, but before she could turn around and leave the man grabbed her arm and dragged her into the apartment. "I... thank you." She muttered as the demon hunter closed the door behind them. "What happened?" He pointed toward her with his head, no doubt wondering about her dishevelled appearance. Maiev turned towards the window, the rain pouring down on it like an impenetrable membrane. Illidan followed her gaze, then looked at her again. "I assume you've heard about umbrellas."I didn't come here to...!" Maiev snapped at him, but quickly bit her tongue and changed her tone. "I was in a hurry... I forgot it." The demon hunter did not fail to notice her almost cowed demeanour, a comical contrast with her usual defiant personality. The message was clear and was addressed to him directly. He took a clean towel from the bathroom and handed it to her."Dry yourself, then you may speak. And depending on what you're about to say, I might listen."Maiev took the towel, whispering a soft thank you, and wrapped it around herself with one hand, not letting go of the thing she's been holding even for a minute. Now that her chattering lessened, she sat down at her regular place in the apartment, on the sofa. "Won't you join?" She offered Illidan a seat, but his unamused expression was a clear sign that he had no intention of accepting it. He was satisfied with where he stood. "I see." Maiev pulled the towel tighter around herself, seeking shelter from his coldness. An involuntary action she knew well would not yield any fruit, but the body must obey a shivering heart. She furrowed her brow, as if she were feverishly searching her mind for the phrases of the text she had so carefully rehearsed, but couldn’t find them anywhere.Illidan watched her dispassionately, his expression but a complete contrast to the excruciatingly pounding heart in his chest. He wanted to scream at her to start already, to say what she wished to and stop torturing him. Only Elune may know where he found the strength to calm his soul's raging sea that would have undoubtedly drowned the hesitating woman.   "I... I owe you some explanations. And an apology." She looked at him questioningly, waiting for permission to continue. Illidan folded his arms across his chest, then nodded. "I paid a visit to Shan'do today. Not that I had anything else to confess, since he already knew everything from you, but I felt I owed it to you to let him hear the truth from me."Maiev tried again to maintain eye contact, no doubt to make her words sound more sincere. Illidan pursed his lips in disgust. She had barely opened her mouth and was already trying to manipulate him! Has she no shame?! Just the assumption hurt more than he wanted to admit."I am truly sorry. I have... I have no excuse." "That's what you truly think? Or are you just trying to achieve another goal of yours at any cost?" he asked coldly. There was lightning outside again.Maiev pulled the towel tighter around herself. The water dripping off her hair soaked the fabric, yet it was not why she was shivering. Oh, how she longed to make the other understand her feelings! To make him feel, without words, how much she wanted to make amends for the past so that Illidan could finally live for the future! Perhaps she can never be a part of that life, but at least she would make one last attempt to heal the wounds she had inflicted with her acts. Then maybe, one day she can forgive herself, too and live with her head held high!"My visit serves but one goal, Illidan." She raised her gaze to him, her voice radiated tenderness coming from the bottom of her heart. "To repent for all the iniquity I committed against you. No more, no less. Until now, I have always put the blame on you for our past... Making you alone try to find an answer how to make amends... When in truth, I'm just as responsible for all the tragedies we caused, I see that clearly. That's why I want to at least make an effort... to atone... But if fate decides that you do not find me worthy of your forgiveness and we part ways here and now, then I will resign myself to the unchangeable." Illidan thoroughly inspected her. His gaze, reflecting his inner turmoil, was thorny and distrustful. Such doubting look was even more painful to Maiev than her unrequited love, and worst of all, she had only herself to blame. Finally, the demon hunter averted his dreadful stare and walked toward one end of the room, as if debating whether to give credence to her words or not. After a few steps, he stopped. His whole posture wavered and he shook his head in his vexation. He took another step, and only then turned around and started walking in the other direction. Maiev was waiting in silence as the man paced up and down the room. There was nothing for her to do. Illidan finally stopped at the kitchen counter, with his back to his former warden. He leaned with both hands on the furniture as if his legs could not support the weight of his body and exhaled irritably."Can you at least give me an explanation of what had happened on that day in your apartment?Now it was Maiev's turn to sigh. She cast down her gaze, her wet hair falling forward in clumps, hiding her dithering face. Her knees peeked out from under the garish red towel, but she could barely process the sight around her, instead her heart was fighting to find the words to guide her through the darkness her actions had cast on their relationship."I... I had issues with..." She murmured unintelligibly. Her hopes that admitting her addiction a second time would be easier went up in smoke, as the words got caught up in her throat. "I've been drinking... I mean... Damn it! I... I'm an alcoholic." She was cracking her fingers nervously. The demon hunter didn't even flinch. Had he suspected it all along, too, and her feeble attempt to make herself appear just a little better and not so pathetically below the Hight Priestess was futile? Either way, it was pointless to ponder on the matter. Tyrande would soon make him forget what had been said that night anyway. "I have been struggling with it from time to time over the centuries, but this time it seems control slipped through my fingers but I was too ashamed to admit it. Especially... in front of you... The thought of you despising me for my weakness... mortified me." She whispered. A flickering light lit up in her soul as she could finally feel the fiery eyes on her skin. "Do you think of me as someone so shallow?" growled Illidan with unvarnished disappointment. "That I would have turned my back on you?!" "Fear, sorrow, rage... All can cloud one's judgement and out of all people you know best that I tend to be guilty of such. I have judged myself by my own standards and found myself unworthy of compassion, pre-eminently yours." Maiev gazed off into the distance, in her ears and heart the sound of cast-off, yet still present shackles of foretime echoed. "For most of my life, I have felt worthless. A failed priestess who could point to guarding you for ten thousand years as her only achievement. It was a cruel twist of fate that still you were the only one who understood and pitied me, long before I realised how much I had made my entire existence dependent on you. After your demise... I... I descended to do terrible things that you also recently found out about. And with me losing my way, you've been proven right. I was nothing without you. Then... I was given a second chance. Though I didn't think it to be at the time." She paused for a moment. It was a surreal experience to recall her feelings from those times, as if a living and breathing distorting mirror she had created was held up to her face. "After you returned among the living... Oh, I remember how much I hated that everyone around me gradually began to trust you! One person after another... Khadgar, Velen... And in the end... I found myself placing my faith in you as well. I hated it! Just as much as I hated you, and I was as determined to fight it with all of my might as I was to fight the Legion."The words slowly swelled into a river and besieged the dam of Illidan's uncertain soul. Each new sentence created a painful crack in the wall, weakening its resistance. The urge to believe her claims was tantalisingly seductive. As much as he detested himself for his feebleness, he couldn't withstand the need to hear more. With a heart thundering with a fool's hope, he stepped closer to the night elf lost in her tale."And then... you went to Argus, and I was left to my own hatred in a world that was changing faster than I could keep up with it. When I finally found a new purpose in my beloved comrades, I suffered another loss, as many of them met their end during the Fourth War, and later, after the Kaldorei Civil War, the Wardens were disbanded for good. Of those who are still alive, most want to forget their previous life and ignore me. I tried to live for my family, to make myself useful there, but as life would have it, Jarod announced that he and Shandris were going to have a child, following that damn law reducing their remaining time to just a blink of an eye, to a mere 75 years. My life lost its meaning again." Maiev took another break, wincing. She glanced at Illidan standing a few steps away, listening. "I couldn't take it anymore, I wanted to run away... The landscape, the society, the borders, the laws, the technology... all passed me by, pushing me in the same direction." She stopped again. She never wanted to talk about this to anyone. Even to Jarod, who asked her in vain where she had disappeared to for so many years, she refused to answer. But this might have been her last chance to share it with Illidan. There's no reason to keep it from him. She might even be relieved if he knew... The play had reached its happy ending for him, the extras can leave the stage. Lifting her gaze at last to the demon hunter, she smiled ruefully. "Your brother's and Tyrande's skills are commended by the fact that the magical runes around your former cell, though weakened when the High Priestess freed you, can still sustain those who happen to come across the place, even for years."What did you say?!" Illidan raised his voice for the first time since she had begun her tale, taking a startled step towards her. Despite his question, he suspected what terrible truth the former Warden was about to reveal to him, and shuddered."Seventy years. An evanescent time compared to your punishment." She got momentarily lost in the despairing memory. In her nostrils she could smell the musty stench of the damp air, on her skin the chill of the icy stone floor that penetrated her body, and in her mind the hopelessness that consumed her soul. Yet she could not withhold a sorrowful chuckle. "I once called you crazy, yet I'm the one who can find comfort in that miserable place drowning in self-loathing."Illidan could no longer look her in the eye, he turned his gaze with an expression Maiev through her own lens could only describe as disgust. Well, who could blame him? She detested herself just as much."When I came to my senses, my nephew, Kur'talos was all grown up and Lysende was celebrating her second birthday. I tried to be part of the family somehow, Elune knows how much I prayed to her, to guide me, to find my place, my call around them, but... The best I could do was no more than an out-of-touch, drunkard aunt earning her living from a questionable job. If it weren't for Jarod's blessed heart, I would have been chased away a long time ago... You were buried alive, so that your judges didn’t have to see you. To let them wallow like pigs in their own hypocritical mercy and so they could forget you without remorse. I have become invisible and redundant, like a piece of obsolete technology in front of my beloveds" very eyes. Oh... Forgive me. I didn't mean to belittle your grievance." Maiev apologized quickly, then took out the thing she had been clutching into until that moment. A crumpled piece of paper. She unfolded it and put it on her knees to smooth it out as much as possible. "Have you heard about The Passing?"I've read about it."Maiev nodded and offered the paper to the man. Illidan reluctantly walked over to her and took it. The colour drained from his face in an instant as he took in the meaning of the grim black letters at the top of the page, the filled-in fields, and his beloved's signature at the bottom. Next to it, the date...! He knew but a few, this being one of them... The day he had returned to Azeroth! The realization crushed his chest, entrapping the air inside. The dizzying sensation almost brought the mighty demon hunter to his knees, gasping heavily. If he happened to arrive just one day later...!"Why...?" He blurted out the question that begged for so many answers at that moment."I could not bear to exist without purpose. I was ready to throw my life away, and if it weren't for you, returning unexpectedly, I have no doubt I'd have gone through with it. You saved my life that day, Illidan. You made me believe that I, too can give a new aim to my life, I don't have to yield myself to superfluity! You made me free from the shackles that had dragged me down for so long, and set me free to soar! When my self-respect wavered... After my arm got injured... When you stood on my side in the hospital... over and over again! Elevating me to new hights, to new possibilities!" Something began to stir in the apartment. The previously shivery, freezing room slowly began to warm up once again, the lamp's light flickering encouragingly, gently caressing Maiev's trembling body struggling with doubt and pent-up emotions. Two hearts, beating fiercely for each other, waited impatiently for the last word, so that their enchanting melody could open the door to the garden of happiness at last.  "You are not just a duty, an enemy, or a job for me, Illidan..." She raised her veiled eyes to him, taking a deep breath between words to somehow hold back her tears. "But my most beloved friend, whose loss I was so afraid of... And still I am... I'm so, so afraid! I'm terrified!" Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to continue. "And not because I would be nothing without you! But because I see you as the gift that you are, I want you to be part of my life, with all of your worth! I'm so sorry about what happened that day in my apartment, I didn't mean to...! I'm going to rehab, trying to get my life back together... If... If you could ever forgive me..." The pauses grew longer as Maiev's voice kept failing her, her whole body shaking with the grief building in her chest. "And if you find any merit in my company... Then... it would mean..." Her throat tightened, it was painful to speak. "It would mean a lot to me... if you could... support me... on this journey... I..." The damp towel fell to the floor as Maiev was pulled from the couch, and an indescribable heat enveloped her whole being. Illidan held her, embracing her with all her faults and ugliness, releasing all the tears and cries she had been holding back. Her legs gave way, unable to support the weight of the grief that was finally bursting to the surface. The demon hunter, sensing her powerlessness, slowly lowered her to the ground and gently took her in his arms. He lifted her chin and gently kissed away a tear rolling down on her cheek."You have my answer." He whispered in her ear as he pulled her to him again as she buried her face in his chest, sobbing. His heart might belong to Tyrande, but she would be content to have just a tiny piece of it. Small and insignificant as it is, it means the world to her!Maiev sobbed for a long time, Illidan suffered through every painful gasp with her, lost in the roles of who was whose support. It no longer mattered, nor whether believing in Maiev was a weakness or a strength. He decided to trust her, whatever that meant for them. The farce was over, and their past welcomed the conclusion with a storm of applause.Then the tears slowly dried up, and Maiev rested her head on the demon hunter's shoulder as he gently stroked her back, one or the other tightening their embrace from time to time, finding comfort in the friction of their bodies. Both of them were broken, beyond repair. The edges were sharp, they cut into the flesh, but maybe that's why the pieces were fitting so well. They made a beautiful whole.  Maiev's breathing became slower and calmer under Illidan's caressing hand as her worries and mind slowly drifted away."Are you asleep?" He asked tenderly, and when no answer came, he carefully lifted the woman and laid her on his bed. "Sweet dreams, my Crescent Moon, sweet dreams."

"Yes, yes... Everything seems to be in order. The paint is intact on the walls, the furniture is in good condition, and all the electrical equipment is working. Excellent, Stormrage, in all honesty, excellent!" Like a merchant who has struck a bargain, the old gnome nodded under his spectacles, stroking his well-groomed, grizzled beard. "I have to admit, I had my doubts about you at the beginning. Your kind of debauched looking characters are usually bad news for the owners! Lucky for us, your girlfriend convinced me that I wouldn't have a problem with you!"  

Illidan listened calmly to the old man's rambling, unperturbed, but as soon as the subject turned to Maiev, he licked his lips. Girlfriend... He savoured the word with satisfaction, liking the sound of it. He had no intention of correcting the owner that the woman he had seen at his side that day, who had so vehemently insisted on letting him rent the flat, was merely his probation officer. After all, if all goes well, the gnome would soon be right.  

For now, he must be patient, a task as delicate as the conquest of Maiev cannot be rushed. Of course, he'd be lying if he'd say he said it hadn't crossed his mind to make it clear to her that night what he would like to get in return for his support, but he dismissed the idea right away. Such a cheap victory would bring him no pleasure, and would not give him the very thing he most desired: For Maiev to accept his burning feelings into her heart, and willingly choose him as her mate for life.

Maiev's love will be for him to take either way and deservedly so, there is no need to taint his inevitable triumph with dirty tricks. 

In the meantime, he will wait patiently, smoothing her path to recovery from the sidelines, never being far when she needs him. He will be her support, to whom she will run in her need, and he will forge a shelter for her from his storming love. He'll kiss away as many tears from her cheeks as it takes, he'll hold her trembling, ragged body all night long, he’ll calm her sobbing voice whenever she asks him to. But for now, she needs space and time to recover, and that will require some strategic adjustments on his part as well. A minor setback, nothing more. 

"Then the key, if you would kindly." The gnome stood on tiptoe, holding out his hand toward the demon hunter, and after the man handed over what he had asked for, he quickly slipped the metal object into the pocket of his green-red plaid vest. "You didn't make a copy for the woman, did you?" he eyed Illidan distrustfully, to which he flashed a toothy smile. 

"I can assure you that this is still the only key to the apartment." The vacuum cleaner and the disposable dust bag took care of the residue of the other one, and the silversmith he hired was already working on the piece that would be given to Maiev when the moment arrives.

"Would you like to have a moment alone?" The gnome looked at him questioningly, snapping the demon hunter out of his pondering.

"Come again?" 

"Would you like a few more minutes to say goodbye to the apartment? Sometimes tenants ask for it, so I thought I'd offer."

Sentimentality was never one of Illidan's traits. Yet, for a moment, he considered taking the opportunity as he gazed through his first, now empty dwelling in an unfathomably long time. In his mind's eye, Maiev was still there, sitting on the sofa, quietly sipping her tea, brushing her teeth in front of the bathroom mirror, sleeping in his bed in her slightly baggy canary yellow pyjamas. It was all such a dear memory to his heart. But a memory is just that: a memory. And he still had a lot to do. With that, he took the last thing in the apartment that now belonged to him - a small blue cup with a crescent moon on it -, said goodbye to his former landlord and set off for his new home.

The trees of Astranaar shed their tired summer clothes one by one, covering the city in a vortex of colours. The sun, as if embarrassed by the sight of the countless naked trunks, more and more often hid behind the thickening clouds, and shyly poked its golden head out only for a few hours. The unruly breeze-lads found a new toy in the duff. One-upping each other, they competed to see how far each of them could carry a pile, at other times they took into dance the worn-out leaf clothes in small eddies.

From a small newsagent's booth, an ageing orc watched the crowd rolling on the street. The same old same old every accursed day... The same faces tired from work, the same young eyes bleary from school, the same mouths agape with disappointment... Here a Vulpera mother loudly tries to discipline her half-dozen children, there goes that fussy Blood Elf woman who leaves behind a fragrance cloud of perfume every day just by walking past the stall.

Yet bright spots emerged from time to time in the grey everyday life. A small group of friends in the café across the street were loudly enjoying themselves. Four colourful haired Night Elf women were giggling at a table. Or rather one of them was wheezing from laughter, while the other two were borderline flirtatiously teasing each other. With them sat a Pandaren, seemingly deep in thought as she was munching on her sweet pastry, scribbling something on a piece of paper between bites while listening to the last elf's musing about some food she ate in a foreign country a long time ago. At a different table took seat a Blood Elf with flaming red hair, light-skinned even for her race, showing all the symptoms of exhaustion. That, and the wet patches on her clothes told the orc the story of a mother fleeing from her unbridled children to the café to drink tea alone. 

"What's the point of having children if you can't handle them?" the old orc shook his head in disapproval, turning away from the boisterous company and the lonely woman. "Oh, here he comes again." He grumbled to himself as the strange figure who had been wandering nearby for hours appeared from the intersection. At first, he thought the grim-looking stranger was lost, thus the circling around the block, but after half an hour his initial assumption began to falter. In that time, even an illiterate Tauren could have found what he was looking for. All this and the fact that the man glanced at his phone regularly, but ignored the house numbers completely. Maybe he was waiting for someone? Then he could have done that at the café. But who knows? Maybe they wouldn’t even let him in. With that troublemaker look of his! The stylish white V-neck T-shirt, black leather trousers and the designer rings on his fingers hardly did anything to hide his obvious deformities or made him more attractive to the average person. Ancestors be merciful to whomever that freak was looking for, he certainly wouldn't have been in their shoes, but out of sheer morbid curiosity he still followed the man around whenever he appeared on the street. At least he would not be bored...

Meanwhile, the exhausted mother somehow got over to the loud company's table and the banter between the two elven women escalated into an unexpected proposal.  

The digital sheet of paper languished blank, its swan-white colour waiting in vain for diligent fingers to embellish it with lacquered black letters, the keys rested silently on the keyboard. Although she had to finish a report before the end of the work hours, Maiev's thoughts once again returned to that evening in Illidan's apartment. As she rested her head on her hands, she felt her skin heat up under her fingers as she recalled the warmth of the demon hunter's touch on her body, the long, intimate embrace, the tender kiss on her cheek that had escalated so many times in her imagination, but in reality remained only a painfully searing memory. 

It could not have been otherwise... Despite the fact that in her reading they had reconciled, Illidan remained heartbreakingly distant. Not only had she not got back her coveted and deeply missed key, but not once had the man invited her over to his place in the three weeks that had passed since. The former was understandable, of course. It would have been embarrassing if she had just walked in while he was having a fling with his brother's wife... To tell the truth, Maiev didn't really want to see the frightened couple trying to cover themselves up either, but she missed everything else. There were no late-night chats, no homely tea drinking or watching movies together. A few times after work, they went to that old beat-up fast-food joint, but the demon hunter usually had to leave early for his security guard job. And despite her best efforts to sweet-talk him to join her for some activity on his days off, he always turned her down, citing bogus excuses. It was not difficult to guess that he had met Tyrande instead. It was understandable, after all, the night shift essentially limited the occasions when they could meet, so it would not have been surprising if he had devoted his little free time to the priestess instead. Still... The fact that she was so much relegated to the background tortured her heart like a sore thorn, and Illidan's apparent joyous mood was but a meagre consolidation. Well... It couldn't be helped. She could never compete with his love for Tyrande. And so she was left with longing and bittersweet memories of better days... And the therapy, of course, how could she forget?!

Her first session with her therapist was booked for that day, which she was looking forward to like a squirrel to a forest fire, no doubt contributing to her even grumpier mood than usual. She wouldn't have admitted it to anyone for all the world, but a fearful nervousness gripped her stomach whenever she thought of the afternoon meeting. The idea of revealing to a complete stranger the secrets of her soul that she was often afraid to admit even to herself did not sound appealing to her in the least, and if she had not sworn to her loved ones to seek professional help to solve her problems, she would have been exceptionally unashamed to flee. How could washing her dirty linen in public help her to heal?! She grimaced and straightened on her swivel chair to get on with the work. Unfortunately, self-pity, even when it has a life of its own as in her case, does not write the report for her... It could at least pay rent if it’s going to live in her head all the time!

"Maiev, are you alright?" Talasin, one of her colleagues, touched her shoulder. The Night Elf started working in the office soon after her, but apart from being the focus of Nabitha's unwanted interest at first thanks to his daredevil looks - and of course, she had to listen to the details of her boss" love quest - Maiev didn't pay much mind to him. Except for the one or two occasions when he randomly decided to arride her with his almost overly friendly gesture. Like that day. She pushed his hand off from her shoulder tellingly with a finger then honoured his attention with a cynical smile.

The Night Elf either didn't read the situation or, like Nabitha, pretended not to be bothered by her spectacular indifference, for instead of backing off, he smiled childishly at her and held out his clenched fist.

"What?" Maiev asked back, not understanding what he meant by the request.

"Come on, just poke it! I won't bite." Talasin assured her and brought his hand closer. Maiev eyed the innocently grinning man, and, since she found nothing threatening at first glance in the request, complied. As she touched her co-worker's hand, he turned it over and opened it, revealing a wrapped candy resting on his palm. Maiev blinked baffled at him.

"Just take it. It's yours. Have a nice day!" He said goodbye as the woman took the candy and moved on, presumably looking for another unsuspecting victim to sweeten their day. Maiev sat in her seat with the strawberry-flavoured treat in hand, staring after the man, completely puzzled.

"Isn't he cute?" peered Nabitha over the monitor, her eyes sparkling. Maiev seemed to have been wrong to assume that her boss had given up on him after his first refusal. Although, come to think of it, she'd been besieging that mysterious tattooed bad boy in one of her usual places for nearly a year, so she should have known that Nabitha isn't the kind of person who gives up easily. Plus, Talasin was definitely the Blood Elf's type with his tattooed arms, countless ear piercings and long, moss-green hair worn in small braids ending in a pigtail. Everything was given for the average person to mistake him for a musician who enjoyed the company of his groupies all too often, except for his temperament. For behind the fierce exterior hid a truly pious spirit, and it was perhaps why Nabitha let him off the hook that easily. 

"If you say so." She left it to the woman.

"If you think those biceps aren't like the hottest, panty-wetting things in the world then I'm curious to know what triggers your dirty side." Nabitha chuckled as if unable to believe that not everyone has a fetish for criminals. Her question caused the object of her own fascination to flash through Maiev's mind. She sighed and glanced at the digital clock. For four and a half minutes she didn't think of Illidan. Almost a new personal best... 

"Forgive me, but I'd like to finish this report in a timely manner. I have an appointment..." She made a clumsy attempt to cool Nabitha's spirits and distract her from her own question but foolishly left the fact out of account that if she's talking vaguely it will only add fuel to the fire.

"You got a date?!" Her boss clapped her hands together in glee, and the next moment, with a loud chair-squeaking noise, she was already sitting down beside her, eagerly awaiting details of Maiev's non-existent partner for the night. "I'm all ears!"

"Nabitha..." The Night Elf began, massaging her temple frustrated. "With all due respect... Go and visit an ear specialist." She cut the conversation short, but to her surprise, it was the second time that day that someone had touched her shoulder.

"If you need help, just ask. I'm right here on the other side, you know." Nabitha smiled at her, this time without the airheaded pretence. Her tone radiated an almost motherly kindness. "Don't think I haven't noticed your efforts. I am proud of you!" She pulled her chair back to her side and waved before she disappeared behind her monitor again, sporting her usual chick grin.

Maiev, still clueless, just sat there, blinking. Did everyone lost their mind that day?! Though it was certainly nice to hear Nabitha acknowledging the improvement in her condition. Would Illidan notice it too...? She glanced at the clock with furrowed brows. A minute and a half. It wasn't a new negative record just yet, but it was close... It was amid groans of annoyance that she finally got to work.

The sky had turned red by the time Maiev stepped out of the office door into the crowded street. Her lips curled downwards more than usual, as if she had bitten into a particularly sour lemon. An analogy she felt was remarkably apt given where she was headed. Annoyed, she fished out her phone to check the previously searched and saved route again. Fortunately - or unfortunately, it was a matter of opinion - it was only a ten-minute walk to the psychologist's office. Memorizing the name of the street, she was about to put the device away when someone touched her shoulder for the third time that day. Three more times than she would have liked. 

"What now?!" She turned around, expecting another colleague, but instead, she was greeted by a familiar broad chest. 

"I've received warmer welcomes from you, Maiev. But then again, worse as well." Illidan grinned at her charmingly, completely embarrassing the astonished woman. The unexpected encounter left her without a chance to strengthen her mental defences, leaving her flustered expression exposed. Only with great difficulty could she avoid blushing which undoubtedly would have lead to an awkward conversation to try to explain her darkened cheeks caused by his presence. 

"Ah... Sorry, just... What are you doing here? "She tried to squeeze a few sane sentences out of her chest to regain control of her posture.

"I had some business around here. There's a bookstore with a cafe nearby that goaded my curiosity and wished to visit it for a while now. I was on my way there to check it out before work when I saw you walk out on that door. A welcome surprise."

"Pretty much." Although she strongly disputed the "surprise" part, she indeed welcomed that Illidan came her way, and she hastily said a brief prayer to Elune for her good fortune.

"While we're on the subject, now that we've met, you wouldn't mind a surprise invitation to join me, would you?"

Maiev's heart leapt into her throat, then immediately sank back down to her stomach. She gets the chance to spend time with Illidan on the very day she has to go to therapy... So much for her luck. She was nauseous with nervousness, and now she was in a particularly bad mood. Life was unfair, especially when it came to her. To hide her disappointment, she glanced at the time on her phone.

"I appreciate it, but I'm afraid I can't do that." She sighed. "I have an appointment."

"Oh." Illidan frowned, the hint of frustration in his voice offered Maiev some comfort. Her friend seemingly really wanted to spend time with her, and that was enough for her. 

"Perhaps next time?" She smiled bittersweetly at Illidan, hoping that this time he would accept her indirect proposal and not decline it as he had been doing lately.

"By all means." He replied, lost in thought. "Where are you going anyway?"

Why, oh why did he have to ask that?! She could have been happily done without explaining to Illidan that she was on her way to her first therapy session, reminding them both of her unacceptable behaviour that damaged their relationship beyond repair, forcing her to have to settle for a few minutes in a rundown fast-food restaurant with him. Her initial enthusiasm quickly evaporated as her face took on that familiar lemon-eating grin, causing her conversation partner to chuckle.

"If I had to guess by that look, it would be a dentist. Or a blind date."

"You're enough of a blind rendezvous for me already, I'd like to avoid getting more." Maiev growled under her breath, eliciting another chortle from the demon hunter.

"Well, I'm truly honoured. But I've failed to notice an answer to my question." Unfortunately for Maiev, the man seemed to be relentless, and would continue to besiege her until he gets the information he was after. What would she have given for him to besiege her for something else, and not waste his efforts on irrelevant matters! Oh well... She had two choices. Either she could tell the truth, or she could deflect the question vigorously. Lying was out of the question, she didn't want to strain their broken relationship any more.

"I believe I've mentioned it... So... Uhm.. I'm going to therapy."

"Ah. I see. You didn't tell me you were already attending."