Lycandria's Journal

As early morning arrives, Ly rests in her chair near her father's bedside. A dim light fills the room, as if she'd clearly been up and down all night with worry after everything that had transpired with his heart attack. Her hand dangles near the sheets, slumping in what looks like a rather uncomfortable position, unless one was completely exhausted.

Malik finally stirs lightly from his sleep, groaning a bit as he opens his eyes to see the state of his daughter. She was a mess, a heap of her normal self. He knew she wasn't coping well. He reaches for her fingers in an attempt to wake her.

Ly slowly rolls her head and stirs herself. Suddenly her eyes shoot open and she becomes rather attentive and worried, looking him over. "I'm... I'm here." She sits up straighter and leans in a bit closer. "How are you... How did you sleep?" She asks, rubbing her face.

Malik reaches up to remove the mess of hair out of her face. "I'm feeling better, sweetheart... Really, I feel quite fine after what that priest must have done." He pauses and smiles at her with a touch of angst. "But you sweetheart... You look like a wreck. You should have gotten your rest."

Ly shakes her head, clearly stubborn but tired. "No... No, I didn't want to leave your side... I couldn't sleep much anyway. My mind just wouldn't stop racing... I just-" She's cut off by him.

"Shh... It's okay, sweetheart." He calmly hushes her, then carefully scoots over to give her room on the bed with him. "Come, you need to lay down. I know you need to." He persists.

Ly lightly nods and nearly falls into bed next to him, snuggling close and closing her eyes with a deep sigh. She finally responds. "When I got that call... I felt so scared." She pauses to gather her words. "I didn't know how bad it was, but all I could think about was the first time I thought I'd lost you." She begins to sob into his shoulder.

Malik wraps his arm around her tenderly and kisses her forehead. "I know, sweetheart... I know." He closes his eyes and holds her close. "But, I'm still here... I'm still here." He reassures her, rubbing her back in a comforting manner.

Ly sobs for a while, enjoying the comfort of her father and remembering what the priest had told her. It was slowly eating away at her quietly; an inevitable truth.

Malik continues to comfort her, working to improve her spirits. "You know... I have to say this is the best I've felt in the last few weeks." He pauses to smile and look down at her. "That's a good sign, right?"

Ly cringles slightly, knowing a very different truth. Finding it difficult to look up at him, her tears return.

Malik looks more worried. "What is it? What did she tell you?"

Ly simply shakes her head and closes her eyes, sniffling. "She did... what she could, but..." She pauses since the words seem too hard to get out.

Malik simply nods in realization of where she was leading. He continues to rub her back and hold her close. "How long?"

Ly finally gathers herself a bit, sighing. "At best... a week." She sniffs and wipes at her face, trying to remember to enjoy what time there was left.

Malik nods and sighs lightly. "I see... But you know, they aren't always right about those things. I've been known to pull through before." He lightly hints at last time, where he came back to her after several months.

Ly briefly chuckles amidst her tears and soggy face. She loved how he could still make her laugh even in such a dark moment. "I'm afraid this isn't like before, daddy."

Malik softly nods and runs his fingers through her hair in a soothing fashion. "I know... but it won't keep me from trying." He replies.

Ly nods into his chest and sighs again, enjoying the comfort her father provided her. It was something she'd started to grow accustomed to, and the thought of losing that was unsettling. It was too soon, as they'd only had the past few years to really know each other.

The long-awaited trip back to Dalaran went better than I expected, even if at first, I would have rather done anything else. I wouldn’t have made it without father there, when all I could focus on was everything we’d lost. The facilities, mother’s research, her belongings, all of father’s men, not to mention thinking I’d lost him as well.

The fear of revisiting everything was gripping, choking me until I felt that same numbness all over again. I thought it was crazy when father said we needed to come back, that I needed to face myself and that fear. I didn’t want to feel the pain again, but underneath it all somehow, I knew he was right. I was crippled. I wasn’t free. I wasn’t myself anymore.

I felt myself trembling inside once we began our decent into our old hallways. Father took my hand and helped lead me on, as if he knew I was about to run. I could feel his love for me in his grip and as he rubbed my shoulder, telling me that it would all be okay. It was still a comfort I was getting used to after growing up without anything like that at the manor.

We finally rounded the corner to the sparring rings and the first thing I notice is the spot where my father had lay bleeding out. The place generally seemed to be cleared out or rather looted, but nothing could really pry my eyes from the blood spot that stained the floor.

I finally had to look away and close my eyes, and I could tell my trembling was no longer just internal. Father held me close and ran his fingers through my hair at the back of my head, as I struggled to fight my tears and emotions. I sobbed for a bit until my nerves slowly calmed, feeling the embrace of his arms and presence.

Moments later, I sniff and pull back from him, wiping my eyes and collecting myself. A certain calmness came over me, filling a void that was previously a consuming fear. Father then told me that what happened months ago wasn’t my fault, as he’d uttered before in our conversations. It was still a guilt I was trying to overcome, and I suspect he wanted to bring me here to change that for good.

I glance once again at the blood stain on the floor, remembering how it felt walking into the madness of that day. I then close my eyes once more and remind myself that his life didn’t end that day as well. If not for father’s emergency plan with his men, he could have died. But the important fact is, he didn’t. He’s alive. He came back. He’s here with me now.

When I felt ready, we both moved on towards the deeper rooms of the facility. I knew the one room he’d want to see was mother’s lab, but I didn’t think he’d be ready for it. After all, when I came back to find out who was responsible for the coup, they’d destroyed everything of hers, limiting my connection and knowledge of her. They were merciless and thorough, but I made sure they all paid for it with their lives.

The door creaks open and nearly falls of its’ hinges in the process, adding to the already evident vibe of destruction I had being there again. We walk in and everything was covered in ash and dust from the fires they set to everything in sight. When I glanced over at father, I could see the disbelief set in. He most of all knew just what was lost, as he circled around the room looking from floor to ceiling.

I search for my own place to sit at her desk, wiping the ash from the stool and dropping on it, watching father take everything in. I must admit, he seemed to be processing everything better than I’d expected, but that was before I knew why.

Suddenly father was digging behind mother’s old closet, pulling panels and stones out into the middle of the room. I grew interested and stood up to meet him where he crouched. I couldn’t believe what he found at first, but it made sense as he explained.

He wasn’t always the main preserver between them back in their starting days. It was in fact mother who would always back everything up, safely hidden and tucked away. He learned this from her, given her upbringing at the manor and knowing what they were capable of. She also carefully planted everything for me to find in due time.

Not everything she ever wrote was preserved, but copies of all her journals and what she deemed as her most important alchemic research catalogue was kept safe in this spot, just in case something like this were to happen. My goodness she was such a smart woman. I hope to be half the woman she was, and I’ve already out-lived her. I felt like crying again, especially already believing everything of hers was lost forever.

Father let out a sigh of relief as he found everything and pulled it out, saying something about how she was ‘still making an impact from the grave’. A tear rolls down my cheek as he looks back at me, smiling softly amid all the ash around us. He was right about her, and it was hitting the dead center of my heart. She was still here, saving us both.

Father pulls out a bag he’d brought and put all of mother’s things inside to bring back with us. He then found another stool of his own and sat with me, rubbing my shoulder and pulling me into a side hug. I lean on his shoulder and close my eyes, thanking the light for this turn of events. I wasn’t expecting this at all.

I sit up from him and look into his eyes with a soft, yet happy smile. He then told me what had seemed to be on his mind ever since he came back to me, observing how the tragedy of this coup had changed me and was holding me back. I’ll try to remember it word for word here, at least as best as I can. I want to be able to come back to this when I need it most.

“You know, the moment she came to me and told me she was pregnant, I was in the shower here down the hallway. She hopped in and told me everything, how she found out I had to be the father after seeing what Fahrad really was. She didn’t want to tell me until she knew for sure whose you were.”

“She didn’t know what to do, and she was scared for your life. Given what she’d told me of Fahrad and the reach the manor had, I feared for you as well. The Night Blades organization was still in its’ mere infancy, and she knew we couldn’t keep you completely safe.”

“In the months to come, she began to conjure plans that would keep Fahrad convinced you were his. If he ever knew different, he would have surely had you killed… We both couldn’t bear the thought of letting that happen, and were prepared to do whatever was necessary.”

“When she told me she had to die, I was beside myself. In order to secure the plan, she had to die giving birth to what would be ‘the spawn of a dragonkin’, even though you were truly ours. She’d tell me any time Fahrad had doubts about you, the fact that she died when you were born is what he’d rely upon in the end.”

“We both fought about it for weeks, and the mere thought of losing her tore me apart… I loved her deeply, more than I could ever put forth the words… but I knew she was right. Knowing your family better than I ever would, she insisted it was the only way.”

“Then, being the amazing woman that she was, she started to prepare everything for you. The things you would find out there in the mountains near the manor, the things left in what was Lordareon at the time, and the things she’d left behind here in Dalaran, once you found me. Her love and preparation for you was truly boundless.”

“When our final day together came, it was one of the hardest thing I’d ever had to do… It was her last chance to visit me in Dalaran before you were born days later back at the manor. She reminded me to trust in our plan, and that she’d left everything in place for you to find me when the time came. We both knew if I tried to come for you at all, it would jeopardize everything. Giving that up… giving you up, was indeed the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

“The only way I got through it was to remember what I was building here would be yours someday. I wanted the best for you when that day arrived. I wanted you to inherit what your mother and I had started. Even though before you found me and you’d started something of your own, I knew what I’d helped build over the years of your life would fit in seamlessly with your passion and spirit, that these facilities would carry out your dreams.”

“I’m saying all of this to you now because ever since tragedy struck this place months ago, you’ve been only a shell of yourself. That first day you came to me, there was this fire about you that fought for what you believed in. You wouldn’t be denied or turned back. You were passionate, my daughter.”

“It breaks my heart to see you struggling now, but I’ve never stopped believing in you, even before your lungs took their first air. You are the very heart of our love, sweetheart. You are Lycandria Marilyn Ravenholdt. Your mother’s name resonates within yours, and her presence shines within your spirit. Everything we did, we did because we love you and believe in you… and we always will.”

“I feel that you’ve been afraid to come back here and for good reason, but I know this isn’t the end for you… for both of us. I brought you back here to face the past, so that we may move into the future we prepared for you. The path that we started is the same one we both believed you would see come to pass. If anything was clear before, it was your drive to change the world around you for the better. Your mother and I also wanted the same.”

“Now, I may not be the man I was before, but when I see you and your potential to be happy, for your dreams to come to back to light, I feel restored once again. I promise you, I’m going to do my part to help bring this operation back up to speed, with all my connections around Azeroth and what I’ve learned over the years, however, we’re still going to need the heartbeat that drives us all. We need your passion, your vision, your love, and your leadership. You’re my daughter Lycandria, and I know you can do this again… This is not the end; our future starts now.”

I remember sitting there, absorbing everything he said to me. Tears were streaming down my face, realizing just how right he was about me and who I’d become. I needed to hear it, hear everything. It was truly amazing hearing and knowing just how much they loved me, even when I didn’t know them. My mother paid for my future with her life, and I couldn’t just let that go in vain. Father was right, and I knew it was time to start again.

As we both left mother’s lab and back into the open area with the sparring rings, I looked back at that same spot father had nearly bled out, only this time it occurred to me in a different light. Yes, a part of my heart died that day, but it has since been restored by father’s return. I will always carry the pain of that day with me, but until now it had always been such a burden.

I glanced at father for a moment and told him there was something I needed to do, walking over and kneeling at the stain of his blood on the stone. I then pulled back my glove and took out my mother’s dagger I’d recovered long ago, slicing a small sliver from my hand.

In her casual brown shirt, blue jeans and boots, Lycandria quietly makes her way through the training yard of SI:7. She glances left and right at some of the trainees working on drills, scanning subtly for Thelman's face. Ly knew he worked more in intelligence, but she didn't want to miss him.

After reaching the headquarters with him nowhere to be found inside, she sighs and concludes he must be out on a scouting mission. She smiles at a few familiar faces she knew back from her days of service in her late teens and early twenties, passing through hallways and rooms until she got to the locker room.

She browses both sides of the room until she finds the locker with the label bearing Thelman's name. She smiles softly and reaches into her pocket, pulling out a folded note and stuffs it through the small slots at the top. She smiles even brighter as she hears it settle to the bottom, thinking about the moment he'd read what she wrote.

Dear Thelman, I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed our time together the other night, and I hope you enjoyed it as well. I know work and things might be hectic and busy, but I'd really love to spend more time with you and get to know you better.

I will be heading over to the orphanage today to help with things they might need, and to read and play with the children. I just feel like it's something I want to do, since I'm taking a break from the war front anyways.

I hope this note finds you well, and you return safely. I have a good feeling about this, and I'm really excited to see you again. Look for me at six bells past in the afternoon, just outside the training yard in Old Town. I will hopefully be there waiting.

Sincerely and thinking a lot about you, Ly

Finally, she's gone... It was time for my bath, overdue in fact. I mean... Janyice has always been nice to me, and I can tell she really likes the way I look, but I feel awkward about everything and I'm not sure what to do about it.

Three times now... three times she's kissed me, or was it four?... My goodness, now I'm losing count... I must admit her lips are nice, something between soft and rugged. They have a nice taste, and I can always feel the confidence in them as they meet mine. It's almost enchanting, but I still feel... confused by it.

I feel bad about Maralina. I can't imagine being married and then your lover just seemingly falls off the face of your world. Even with the men I've had to carry on from, I've never been to that point of saying 'I do'. Certainly doesn't mean I didn't want that, and lately with Doran I... I think I'm happy we didn't, even though I fear a part of me still loves him dearly... That much scares me.

Finally, the water is done and at the level and warmth I like it. I need something to clear my head from all this... but even as a sank deep, relaxing in the refreshing water... she's still there. My mind is dancing, flirting even with the thought of kissing her back. What am I even saying? Get a hold of yourself Ly!... Then again, something feels exciting about it.

Reach for the soap, lather up and wash my hair. It had been way too long since I'd taken care of myself. I hope I wasn't a bother for the girls, Visera and Janyice both... though I think they just seemed happy to see me alive. I should have never allowed myself back through those dark doors I’d locked away so tightly, worked so hard to bury forever. It still scares me to think it even happened, and I need a better game plan moving forward. I can’t let them see that side of me.

Dunk my head under to rinse the soap away, running my fingers through my hair underwater. Finally back up and sweeping my hair back, pressing and wringing it some. A bit more time in here would do me some good I thought, rest my muscles and ease my mind, right?... wrong.

There she is again, that kiss just as real as if I can still feel it on my lips right now... What is this I'm feeling, and why is it still here?... What is happening to me?

It's gone... Everything is gone. Everything I gave myself to... Everything I tried to be... Everything I cared about... Everyone I cared about. It still feels like some kind of nightmare, beckoning for me to just wake. Somehow I know I never will... and the worse part... The gripping, the tormenting... the suffocating truth... it's all my fault.

You see in an effort to help our organizations grow, I'd decided it was time for us to be less secretive and shady, as with the old Night Blades days. It was a new era for me and father after all... but I never imagined it would have backfired like this... That father had so many people that wanted to kill him out of fear of what he might or might not have done... Didn't matter that I knew he was a good man, for people are rash and act on things they don't understand.

I still remember the sound... the sight... the tension. I don't think it will ever leave me, no matter how hard I try... I'm broken, shattered... devastated.

It was like any other normal return to home base, but something was in the air... I could feel it wasn't good. My heart sank as I finally walked in and saw father on the floor of the sparring arena, broken and bloodied. The fear... the numbness... the disbelief as I raced over to try and save him. There was no doubt something was amiss... Later, I learned it was a coup, finding more bodies as I made my escape.

As father struggled for his final moments, I felt helpless and lost. I didn't want to accept what I knew was coming. It wasn't fair... We'd been robbed of so much time already... Blood was thick around him, and it was clear it wouldn't be much longer.

I can still hear his voice... his whisper as he begged for me to run, to get out before they realized I was there. His... his last time of telling me he'd always love and watch over me... and that no matter what, he would always be proud of me.

I seriously doubt he'd say that if he saw the woman I am now... That thing I'd been running from since I left the manor... That thing I'd been proving to the world I'm not... That thing that pulls me into the darkness... That thing I swore I'd never succumb to again... The monster they made me into... The killer inside... The rage, the hate... The heartless, cold, and sinister assassin... The bitch that's going to make them all pay.

Downfall - Lacuna Coil

(Lycandria’s Temporary Theme, in light of losing her father and the organization. (original theme here))

Let the light get into the room So I can see your face You don’t need to hurry You can stay here some more As I just want to talk (to talk) I know it sounds so strange (strange) I feel it’s hard to give a sense to everything

When I’m down It’s hard to walk away ‘Cause nothing seems to change The sun will never heal the rain

Life goes on and I bury another day (I feel so empty now) As grief and rage and fear rise up at once (Alone in the maze where I’m lost) Keep holding my hand I promise I won’t shed a tear (Look at me) But please never let me go I don’t know what else to do (It’s hurting so much inside)

When I’m down It’s hard to walk away 'Cause nothing seems to change The sun will never heal the rain

When I’m down It’s hard to see your face While all things seem to fade The sun will never heal the rain

Here we go again I can’t take it anymore Another drink alone Until my life gets numb We used to be so close Now we are so far apart I wish I could let go But you are forever gone

When I’m down It’s hard to walk away 'Cause nothing seems to change The sun will never heal the rain

(( The following took place on Father's Day Sunday, June 19th. Work has had me crazy busy and pinned down for the most part, but I have several updates soon to come for those who enjoy following Lycandria's story. A big thank you to all of you! :) ))

It had only been three days since returning from Draenor, celebrating with those we trained to keep our garrison in the valley. Velen's Hope Garrison... I really like it, what they renamed it anyway. It's close to their hearts after losing such a great leader early on, and yet... their people endured with our help... I'm still quite proud of them, and I won't forget them anytime soon.

Now back at our Embassy in Stormwind, our long paid for headquarters down Cut-Throat Alley, I sit in the main room just... overwhelmed by how much we'd moved back in all the rush. We needed a bigger place with all of our growth. We needed work as well, and I felt the North towards the Wildhammers would likely be our best shot... especially after all that damn warlock did... I hope those children I'm sponsoring are still doing alright... I should go see them.

The afternoon of a Father's Day, and here I am shuffling through boxes instead of enjoying the day like most others are... but how could I? My father didn't even seem human before I knew the truth... if I should even call him that. Maybe he's not worthy and never was... Fahrad, and all the hell he put me through in my youth... Maybe the best way for me to handle today was to do anything to get my mind off it... Maybe that's why I'm here alone.

One box after the other, I was getting tired and needed a short break. As I get up to find a glass of cold water, I hear a few light footsteps just outside the door. Finally after a moderate knock, I move to the door cautiously. It couldn't be anything too serious being in Stormwind, I thought. Never can be too careful however, keeping my hand near my dagger's hilt.

I creek the door open and find someone I didn't expect... My mother's old friend, Shade. Coming all the way from Dalaran? On a Father's Day? I surely would have thought he'd have plans with family perhaps. I was a bit shocked really, but welcomed him in and of course pardoned the mess.

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"Yes, come on in... I will warn you it's a bit cluttered from the move back." I mention.

He holds up a hand. "Don't worry about it... I came to see how everything was moving along." He says, walking in and closing the door behind him.

I nod as he faces me. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to see you here... No Father's Day plans? And just how did you get free from everything in Dalaran?"

"Oh, I can come and go if I really need to, I just usually don't unless it's something important. I've always tried to keep a low profile over the years." He answers.

I quirk my eyebrow, sitting down on one of the crates. "Important?... What do you mean?"

He pauses for a moment with a small smile, clearly trying to find the most suitable words. "Well... with where everything is today, I felt like now was just... the right time to let you know the truth." He states calmly.

"What truth?" I ask quickly, quite interested and confused.

He takes a moment to find a good seat on a crate across from me, giving me a caring look I'd never seen from him before. He extends his hands to mine as I take them cautiously. "I haven't been completely honest with you about your mother... She wasn't just a great woman and business partner, she was... Well, we fell in love with each other."

I nod slowly as thoughts race in my mind.

He pauses for a moment before continuing. "I still remember the first day I saw her... she was simply beautiful. Never seen her before, but could tell she was special... even though there was this certain pain in her eyes... She intrigued me, and sold me when she smiled my way." He pauses again. "Didn't know at that time just how talented she was, let alone she was of Ravenholdt blood... Kinda felt out of my league, and yet... something about her was pursuing this... freedom. It drew me in."

I smile at him as he talks about her. "I wish I could have known her..."

He nods and smiles, lightly squeezing my fingers. "I believe in a way, she still knows you somehow... and would be very proud of the woman you've become... but that's not entirely why I'm here."

I look down as he squeezes my fingers, then back up in wonder. "Oh?"

He nods and continues. "You see, when we met I learned of her distrust and the problems she faced at the manor... I guess she felt like she could confide in me in ways she'd never done before with anyone else... It was risky for her to do so, with all the pressure Fahrad put on her... but she needed some kind of outlet and we just... grew on each other."

I nod and continue to listen, trying my best to imagine what those days might have been like.

"She told me Jorach wanted Fahrad and her to be together, and by the time we met, they'd already been trying for children... As you might imagine, Marilyn didn't feel loved by him and it's certainly not what she wanted." He pauses. "Eventually her visits to Dalaran became more frequent, almost at any chance she could get and still avoid raising suspicion, and that's when we decided to go into business together... It was something for her to look forward to, if or when the day came where she felt confident enough to leave the manor."

I nod and smile a bit, remembering how it felt to finally have the courage to pursue my own path. Looking back, I regret nothing.

He looks up at me for a moment and smiles in return. "Of course as our relationship grew... we became more intimate with each other." He pauses and looks away in thought. "We really granted each other a lot comfort, something she hadn't had much of with her situation... She was a very passionate and loving soul, and she deserved to be treated in kind."

I glance over at him curiously, as thoughts continue to swirl in my head. Was I really so much like my mother in that regard?

"Months go by, back and forth between the manor and Dalaran... and she finally becomes pregnant, not knowing which of us was really the father." He adds.

My eyes turn down sharply as my heart rate starts to climb. I felt like I knew what he was about to say, but I didn't want to get ahead of myself.

He glances back to me, probably noticing my sudden change. "You okay?"

I give him a quick look and simply nod, followed by a soft reply before staring at our hands. "Yeah..."

He continues after a brief pause. "Nearing the end of her term, she'd discovered just what Fahrad was while eavesdropping one evening... and that left only one possible answer..."

After a long pause, I look up at him as tears begin to fill my eyes. I shake my head lightly as overwhelming emotions sweep over me, squeezing his hands as my voice breaks. "So that means... you mean, you're my..."

He nods and holds back emotion of his own, preparing to embrace me.

I lean forward and fall into his arms, my head resting on his shoulder and my eyes squeezed shut. I eventually shake from just how hard I was crying. So much emotion so fast, as if words I'd been waiting to hear my whole life.

He embraces me warm and tight, letting me know he'd hold me for as long as I needed. His gentle fingers run through my hair at the back of my head, comforting me. "Shh...shh, it's okay, I'm here." He slowly nods, kissing the top of my head.

I remain cradled in his arms for a few good minutes before pulling away and looking up at him with my red, wet face. I manage a weak smile as I wipe my face and sniffle, clearing my throat. I was now curious for answers to new questions I had. "But how... and why did you give me up?"

He looks down and sighs lightly. "Your mother... She knew the only way to truly protect you was to make sure Fahrad believed you were his... I was only just starting the blades in Dalaran, and wouldn't have had the resources to keep you safe from what he had at his disposal there at the manor... She convinced me he could never know the truth about you, and so the safest place for you was the manor... I guess she felt that Jorach would make sure you were taken care of, after..." He pauses and looks back to me. "After your mother died."

I sniffle and quirk an eyebrow curiously. "You mean... she knew she was going to die?"

He lightly nods and pauses to find the right words. "Since she'd already been with Fahrad, and now knew the truth about him... She had to protect you from any possible chance that you'd been... corrupted." He sighs and looks away. "Your mother was the most gifted alchemist I believe I'll ever know... She worked endlessly to find something that would work to protect you, but in the end I suppose she always knew it would end with her life..." He manages a smile looking back at me, rubbing my hands. "She loved you, and was willing to do whatever it took to protect you."

I nod lightly as another tear falls down my cheek, smiling through a soft sob at his words.

He catches my tear, wiping it from my cheek. "For several months... I'd been wondering how I was going to tell you everything."

"How did you do it for all these years, knowing that I was your daughter?... And why not tell me when I left the manor when I was eighteen?" I wonder.

He sighs briefly. "I was never really all that far away... I always kept a close eye on you from a safe distance over the years." He smiles at a thought. "I know you were probably too little to remember, but I saw you for the first time when I posed as a passing merchant who'd gotten lost in the mountains... Didn't manage to stay long for directions, but there you were... coming down the stairs, looking for your grandfather." He pauses and smiles. "You even looked at me as you passed by, shy and innocent as you were back then... You had no idea who I was."

I smile and chuckle weakly, sniffling.

"You were a beautiful little girl... Reminded me so much of your mother, and still do to this day." He adds with a loving smile. "As far as why I didn't find you when you left... I suppose it was a bit tricky trying to track you down, even for me. I knew you were trying to lose your tail, with the manor trying to find you and bring you back in... Then as the years went by, I'd noticed you were so driven like your mother, bound to create something special and dear to your heart... and I just didn't want to get in the way of that."

I slowly nod and smile, enjoying all the clarity the moment was bringing.

He pauses and sighs, looking to me reassuringly. "I know everything you endured growing up wasn't meant for anyone... but somehow Marilyn always knew you'd need your grandfather in your life." He pauses again. "I so badly wanted to keep you safe with me, but your mother and I knew it had to be this way."

I nod lightly as I wrap my arms around his neck, embracing him in another warm hug.

He returns the hug, closing his eyes and sighing lightly in relief. He was likely taking in the moment as much as I was.

I hold back my tears once again, gasping lightly still in a bit of shock. "I almost still can't believe it... All those years thinking Fahrad was my father, and finding out the truth about him that dark day... I had so many questions about who I was, a void that left me empty and searching for answers, but now..." I pull back and smile weakly at him. "For the first time, everything finally makes sense... It's clearer now, and it just..." I trail off.

He smiles lovingly and brushes the hair away from my eyes. "And from now on, I'm going to be here for you as I always should have been... The father you've always deserved." He finishes with a kiss to my forehead, holding me close once more.

I enjoy the warmth of his arms for a good while longer, still trying to wrap my head around everything.

He finally speaks up once again. "You know, for all these years I'd built the blades up in Dalaran, hoping one day that I'd be able to leave something special for you... and now that you've made your own path, I realize I couldn't be more proud and happy for you." He smiles down at me with my head still on his shoulder. "You have the same strength your mother had, and I know she'd be just as proud of you as I am." He pauses. "Just promise me you will never lose that fire, my daughter... Always be true to yourself and your heart."

I pull back with a light sniffle, smiling happily at him as he calls me his daughter. "I promise, daddy... I promise." I say as a happy tear falls down my cheek.

He smiles in return, hearing those words for the first time from me. After a moment, he adds. "And lastly my dear... Happy Father's Day."

*** WARNING: NSFW, Nudity, Sexual Content, Sexual References (mostly romantic) ***

Lycandria walks out of the bathroom with wet hair and a towel wrapped around her. Once she spots Doran waiting in her room, she smiles. "Hey."

"Hey... feel a little better?" He asks smiling.

She lightly nods. "I always feel better when you come stay with me... and I suppose you wanted that drink." She smirks, pulling her towel up to dry her hair a bit more, which might be showing a lot of her lower body.

"Yes please..." He mutters, gazing at her.

"I have some ready on the table." She adds.

He takes a moment before nodding, then walks over to the table.

She walks over to meet him and smiles, kissing him gently. "Pick a glass and get comfortable."

He returns the kiss and grabs a glass, then sits down on the bed near the foot.

She lets her towel slip to her side, leaning down to drink from the other glass. She then sets it back down on the table.

He just simply sits back to enjoy the view.

She looks around at her drawers. "Now, question is should I even bother putting on a nightgown... or are you going to take it off anyways?" She smirks at him.

"You do what you want... I can exercise restraint if you want to look nice..." He smiles.

She gives him a look and sets her towel on her desk, slowly walking over to the table for her glass. She then sits next to him in the nude. "It's nice just being naked sometimes... and all clean."

"You're thinking more like a druid already..." He grins, taking a long sip from his drink.

She nods lightly. "I guess I was a bit grumpy tonight... but I just don't like what Alex has been doing." She finishes, sipping from her glass.

"It's definitely been a bit... odd, that's for sure... Especially what you were talking about down in Lakeshire." He adds.

She glances at him, still in a bit of armor. "You should undress, I wanna lay on you." She smiles as she rubs the back of his neck.

He snickers. "That usually doesn't lead to very productive conversations..."

"It's better than armor poking me in... areas." She clarifies innocently.

"Ah, that's true..." He blushes a little, removing everything but his shorts, simply for the sake of maintaining higher brain functions. "Better?"

She smiles and sets her glass down, leaning on him and kissing his shoulder a few times, before bringing her right hand up to scratch at his chest. "Much, yes... and, you and I are plenty productive." She smirks and kisses his chin quickly.

He slips an arm around her, with his fingers tracing lightly along her hip. "I'm gonna weigh in just once on this dragoon operation... Handen bit. He seems like a bloke who just doesn't know what he wants... or what he'd do with what he wants once he got it." He pauses. "Probably just fell into old habits... Kinda feel that twinge every now and again when I'm at a meeting."

She lightly nods. "I just didn't like how I didn't seem to exist, or that it didn't occur to him to clear it with me first. I told him I was glad he wanted to help... but in the future, I need to know where everyone is."

"Probably going to think you're just mad at him." He adds.

She absently rubs through his chest hair in a soothing gesture for herself, and likely him too. "I tried to be nice a few times already. At tea, in Lakeshire... and at that meeting." She pauses. "I guess I'm just worrying about it too much, but I feel like I'm responsible to keep everyone going and safe."

"John told me something once that the old man, Sir Eugene had told him... back when they did their underground circuit in the capitol." He starts.

She looks up at him, attentively.

He continues. "It was his job to get John back in fighting shape between rounds, no matter what kind of licking he took. Not that that happened too often because let's face it... the guy's crazy. But..."

She lightly chuckles, rubbing him.

"It was John's responsibility to keep himself out of trouble out there... it was a two way street. Neither of them were responsible for everything that happened." He nods, looking at her. "It'd overwhelm someone... What made it work was they were a team. So I mean, you want to keep everyone safe, take care of them... I do too, I turn into a godsdamn giant bear, but we can't do it all, nor should we."

She lightly nods, looking at him with a loving smile. She kisses him and closes her eyes, resting her forehead on his.

He returns the kiss, keeping it going for a few long moments. His gaze remains on her for when she finally opens her eyes again.

She slowly opens her eyes and smiles, using her thumb on the side of his face gently. "I love how we can sit here and talk, and naked to boot... It's relaxing."

"I think it's the pants... keeps everything together." He grins.

She smirks at him and reaches down at his crotch playfully, lightly squeezing.

"But anyway... last thin--yaaaah! Woman I was thinking!" He exclaims.

She lightly giggles. "Hey, you were asking for it."

"Off your rocker you are... just sitting here, minding my own business... hard as a rock, TRYING to have a conversation." He smirks slyly.

She gently runs her hand over his pants. "I can see that..."

He sighs. "Don't even know what I was going to say... was going to be good though."

"Was it as good as this?" She says, bringing his hand to one of her breasts, leaving it. She then kisses his cheek and smiles a bit . "But really, go ahead... Probably something about John and bears." She continues, draping her legs over his knee, and kissing the back of his hand affectionately.

He eventually caresses her breast slowly, with his fingers. "No... forgot... and it's all your fault." He snorts, giving a sarcastic grunt.

"I can probably live with that... I think... maybe..." She gives him a tender, sensual kiss, with their lips lightly popping as they separate. "Was it something like having to learn to let go of things I can't control or keep up with?" She asks, rubbing at his chest with a sincere look. She then closes her eyes to enjoy him caressing her breast.

He smiles a bit. "Something to that effect, but you know you can always rely on me if you need to vent... get a load off."

She looks deeply in his eyes and nods, speaking softly. "I know, it makes me feel good too... I hope you know I'm here for you the same. If you have anything at all, I wanna know... and you're safe with me." She pauses and looks at his glass. "You want more? There was a lot of crazy tonight."

He nods. "Yes, please... because it also requires you to walk towards the table... and if you then walked backwards back, that would be fantastic." He grins mischievously.

She smiles and lightly chuckles, kissing him. "As you wish, baby."

He returns the kiss and watches. "I'm easy to please."

She takes his glass and slowly stands, making sure he gets a good view of her. She then sways her hips erotically as she walks over to the table, bending down to pour more brandy into his glass, taking her time at that. She peeks back at him and smirks.

He suppresses a groan. "You tease so good..."

She slowly turns on her heel, with his glass raised near her cleavage. She then walks back over to him and smirks, straddling his lap facing him. She raises the glass between them and takes a small sip before handing it over. "Here you are." She whispers, moving a lock of his red hair behind his ear, placing her arms on his shoulders.

He takes a long sip from his glass. "Well hello there... fancy meeting you here."

She smiles happily and giggles. "I hope that was everything you thought it'd be... I guess I'm just feeling extra giddy and sexy tonight, and I know how much you like my ass." She adds, resting her forehead on his and closing her eyes. Their noses touch as they sway slowly together.

"I happen to like every inch of you, Ly... I'm an equal opportunity enjoyer of the female form." He smiles and nose nuzzles her, pulling her closer and hugging her to his chest.

She quirks her eyebrow a bit and smiles. "Oh is that right?"

"Mmmhmmm..." He smiles at her.

She kisses him tenderly and warm, her lips lingering for a moment as she searches for his hand. "I think I have just the job for this 'equal opportunity enjoyer' in front of me..." She smiles, seemingly enjoying their banter. She then takes his hand and slips it between her thighs, allowing his fingers to flow freely over her folds, which are obviously quite moist. "I seem to have something going on down here, and was wondering if you could help me figure it out..." She smirks a bit. "Sound like something you can handle?"

"I've got all the tools and experience I need to rise to the occasion.. I even come with a one hundred percent satisfaction guarantee..." He grins at her wickedly.

She smirks, biting her lip a bit. "That's what I like to hear." She whispers, before planting a deep kiss on his lips.

As Lycandria exits the main hall at the Ravenholdt League garrison, she pauses for a moment, looking around suspiciously. She keeps her hands loose to her sides, near her dagger handles. She then glances at a passing guard. "Keep your eyes open... Something seems off."

John Dempsy suddenly slides from the roof of the main hall, dusting himself off. "Well that was kinda fun."

She smirks to herself after hearing his voice. "I had a feeling someone was there." She turns around and smiles at him.

"If you heard the hook on the tower, then good on ya'... otherwise your paranoia was a coincidence." He smiles.

"Not adjusting to the move?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Adjustin' just fine... glad to have Yishy moved back home." He replies.

She nods. "Sorry, just being around the manor for so long... it kinda stays with you. Just glad I didn't have to break an arm or stab anyone." She smirks slyly at him. "I'm glad to hear things are going well at least."

"See, now I was thinking the same thing. You'd be funny with a messed up directin' arm." He smiles.

She lightly chuckles and shakes her head. "But really, how are the rest of them? Can't be too happy about the nobles still."

He shakes his head a bit. "Nah, nah... They're right angry with the right to be... Guess I've gotten too jaded to the whole process. Had to put up with it as long as I could remember."

She lightly nods. "It's hard to keep fighting for a side when they like to pull things like this as well... It's not even about them, it's about protecting this world and ours... The people." She pauses. "And honestly, if it wasn't for the structure of government, they would be nothing. A fact some of them don't realize... Who the real backbone is." She glances away. "Gold, property, power... It all means nothing if you can't protect it."

"Dunno, you can always buy the ability to protect your stuff with money." He counters.

"Loyalty still only goes so far, especially once they get the taste of how they can cheat another. Eventually, you run out of takers and gain a reputation... Much like my family has." She trails off for a moment, then continues. "When I was younger, everything seemed in a different light."

"Yeah?" He wonders.

She nods. "I slowly had to watch how what felt like doing the right thing got twisted into something else entirely. It's almost as if we felt endorsed by the Alliance to keep the dissolution of the kingdom of Alterac at bay... The Syndicate as they came to be called... but it slowly evolved into something else... Something I couldn't be a part of anymore." She sighs and thinks for a moment. "Where things like that in Gilneas?"

He considers for a moment. "Not sure what'cha mean."

"Just, unrest... I heard there was a lot of tension behind the wall." She adds.

"When'abouts?" He wonders even more.

She sighs a little. "I only know what Electra has kinda eluded to... Something about a civil war between the rebels who disagreed with the wall, and the nobles who endorsed it... Fight over land and owners."

"Well, a lot of these rebels were also nobles... The title 'country noble' wasn't a compliment in Greymane City... Were always looked down on by the upper crust because they weren't all at the castle a courtin' all the time." He explains.

She slowly nods.

He continues. "The wall wasn't about it's necessity, so much as its geography... though, it's true that Crowley wanted us to stick things through with the Alliance. The biggest thing that brought folk to him was that the wall cut about a quarter of our total territory off, and left it danglin' north of the wall."

She nods again. "I see... that would certainly raise a few hairs. Where people left behind?"

"Dor'd be the better guy to ask about that... His family lived in a small village to the north, near the sea. From what I remember, you had this steady influx of folk comin' in with just the stuff they could haul with them. Not a lot of money... but then they had to be provided for, when most of them were abandoning the farmland that needed to be worked to feed 'em in the first place." He pauses for a moment. "Some of them tried to stick it out and make the best of it... Most of 'em died to the Scourge... Rest of 'em wound up near Baron Silverlane's keep and his land... You know how that turned out."

She lightly nods. "That's despicable... Sounds like fear was the driving motivator."

"For putting up the wall ya' mean?" He asks.

She nods again and pauses. "Care to walk with me?" She raises an eyebrow at him.

"Sure..." He eventually nods.

She nods back and heads off towards the barracks.

---------------------------------------------------------------

He follows and continues his thought. "I mean a lotta' people wanna blame the King, and he's gotta own up to a lot... but there was more goin' on."

She stops at the front of the barracks and glances at all the extra refugees. She then looks back at John when he stops next to her. "As you can see, we have picked up a fair amount of new refugees to train." She nods at him.

"With any luck, they'll slow to a trickle now that the big conflicts are over." He adds.

She sighs a bit with a small nod. "Our goal is to get as many ready as possible before we leave."

He answers with a simple nod.

"There are more out back, and at Alex's outpost nearby." She continues and then waves him to follow once more.

As they walk towards through back gate of the garrison, a clank rings on the stone pathway behind her, revealing some kind of red horn emblem on a necklace chain.

He kneels down to pick it up. "Huh."

She somewhat frantically checks her pockets, feeling a hole in one of her pouches. Her eyes grow wider as she realizes which one. She swallows hard when he picks it up, seeing a symbol he might recognize from not too long ago.

"What's this about?" He questions her.

She looks at him and considers her words for a moment. "Just... let me explain, but not here." She glances around cautiously.

He frowns slightly. "Should keep walkin' then."

She nods at him sternly, then turns around and lets out a slow sigh, forcing one foot in front of the other.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

As they arrive at her favorite overlook, she stares out at the ocean for a good while. "I suppose you are wondering how I came across that..."

"Get on with it." He responds a bit short.

She glances at him for a moment. "And I suppose you remember our trouble with a certain warlock."

He groans and rubs his face, giving her a look.

"When we chased him down to his lair and took him down for good... I found this in his notes and evidence upstairs... I don't think I need to explain who that means is back." She lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. "I've been wondering how to progress from here for weeks... I haven't told anyone..." She trails off before glancing back out at the ocean. "All I know is, when I find her John... I'm going to kill her." She states calmly and cold. "And I need you to promise me you won't tell anyone."

"Why didn't you just lie to me then, if this was so important?" He wonders, frustrated.

"Well, technically I've already been hiding this from everyone... and I didn't plan for you to find out either, but fate I suppose had other ideas... I didn't want anyone talking me out of it." She closes her eyes and sighs deeply, feeling a bit ashamed. "She took him away from us, John... I won't let her get away again."

He looks at her. "I get that... I get it fine. Rip her apart the first moment I'd ever see her. But this?... Ly, this is the source of all your damn trouble... You make the deliberate choice to lie to, and pull away from the people who love you. You make decisions for them without their knowledge."

She sighs deeply again and looks down, lightly mumbling. "I know John... I'm sorry." She pauses in thought for a good while. "I feel like a lot of people see me for who I am now, and I feel blessed because of that... but I still have a dark past I can't seem to escape... The manor likes to stay with me wherever I go." She glances at him. "I really do try to fight it, I just..." She trails off and looks away to wipe a tear. "I suppose the monster I used to be has never really left at all, John... All I've been able to think about since I saw that, is spilling her blood because of what she took from me..."

"There ain't take-backs when it comes to certain courses we follow through on, Ly... They don't go away. All we can do is do our best to be better." He pauses. "You're desperate for control..."

"I've never really felt like I've had control of my life... I had to grow up living without choices." She responds.

"But you can see you're overcompensating, right?" He counters. "With this whole 'total control of information' thing, you're chokin' people out of your life... Out of big decisions that affect everyone."

She lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. "I guess it's because I don't want the others in the line-of-fire for my battles."

A long pause proceeds before he responds. "Pretend our spots were switched, and I was keepin' everything from you... and I was plannin' on doing this all by myself." He presents. "I am deciding that you do not belong. You do not get a say. You don't even 'know'."

She looks down and pauses for a moment, then nods lightly.

"And then I die." He continues.

"And I wouldn't know why... and I wouldn't have been able to protect you." She answers, wiping her face. She then glances at him. "I really sorry John."

After a brief moment, he sets a hand on her shoulder and hugs her tightly.

She grasps his arms around her, and does her best to hold her emotions back. "I should have told you... but I guess I just panicked." She pauses. "I just want her to pay... She has to John. All the nights after, when I couldn't sleep... I couldn't breathe... I-I..." She covers her mouth and closes her eyes, as tears slip from her eyes.

"Ly, it's gonna be okay." He comforts her. "You aren't alone anymore. You got friends... Loyal friends, people who love ya'... and they're strong. Can protect, and want to protect you as much as you do them."

She wipes her face and takes a few deep breaths, speaking weakly. "So did he, John." She sniffs and wipes her face again, gathering herself.

He bristles slightly. "I know it's a sore point but... Ly, he did this alone. He didn't give anyone a choice."

"I know... He left me a note before he left to exchange himself for me." She pauses. "He gave her what she wanted, so I could be free... He didn't want me to suffer for his past."

"And that's where you're getting this idea." He adds.

"I don't mean to... I just want her gone." She nods lightly and sighs. A long pause follows, before she glances at him. "So... What will you do, now that you know?"

"Very strongly encourage you to have us do this thing together.. like with the warlock. Don't see how it's any different." He responds.

She shakes her head. "Too many people, and we won't be able to get close enough with how much she loves portals... Seems to be a pattern, and I should have known before with this warlock... In all honesty, I think she sent him here."

"Aww c'mon... Corpse face was always doin' the teleportin' away thing. We can deal with it." He replies.

She sighs. "I suppose we will see, but first we need to find the bitch... and I have a few ideas on how to get it done... We will find out what she has around her, and go from there."

"So what are you going to do?" He asks.

"I have a contact from Dalaran that can get me anything I need to know." She responds. "If someone knows anything, he's the guy. Same guy that gave us intel about our warlock in fact... and I wouldn't be surprised if he already knew."

He nods. "So what 'bout your crew?"

She glances at him. "Honestly, if I can keep them here to train the refugees with what time we have left, it would be best... If things get too big, I'll do what is necessary."

"Will you be telling them?" He wonders.

"Not unless it's needed. They will lose focus on what we need to get done here." She replies.

He pressures her further. "Do you sincerely believe that?"

She sighs lightly and stares out at the ocean. "I just gave the league a grand task to the finish line here on Draenor... The last thing we need is to delay what these refugees need, since we won't have forever... If we need everyone to bring her down, then I'll let them know. But in all honesty John, if you plan to come with me through this... I don't care how many are in my way... It's not about killing them all at once, that's never how I learned to operate."

"You gotta tell them Ly..." He remains poised.

She sighs and looks at him. "I need you to trust me."

"So do they." He counters. "Dor didn't grow up like me... He's never had to lie or keep secrets to live from day to day. He will see it as a wall, to keep him out... A sign of mistrust."

She bends down and picks a blade of grass, then slowly stands up and twists it between her fingers. "If we do this right John... no one has to know. I've already had the feeling he won't understand... but I suppose there are things I'd rather not discuss either."

He sighs and shakes his head, nearly throwing his hands up.

She looks around uncomfortably, as they both stand silently for a few moments. "I suppose I'll let you keep that emblem and let you decide what you want to do, but I don't even need to say what I'm going to do for you to know anyway... So the choice is yours." She says a bit colder in tone.

He sighs and hands the necklace back over. "Ly, I'm gonna help you... but Celestials as my witness, it ain't right how you're choosin' to do it."

She takes the necklace and stares at it for a moment. She then mumbles lightly. "I know John... but it has to be this way... She 'will' die." She claims as she turns and walks away, then pauses for a moment. "And John... Keep your blades sharp."

As the last few guests leave the Dancing Dragon tea shop, Lycandria and Electra stand on the outer ledge, watching the vibrant Darnassian nightlife.

Electra exhales, staring out from the shop.

"At least I almost look worgen already, right?" Lycandria approaches and smirks at Electra, commenting on her newly finished leather armor set.

Electra seems lost in thought, but manages to look at Lycandria after moment, confused. "Hm? The shoulder pads do look worgen enough to me." She nods.

Lycandria glances over at her. "Something's got your mind heavy..."

"It's a pile up of different things." Electra responds.

"Derniv?" Lycandria wonders.

"No... something else." Electra replies.

Lycandria nods. "Well, I know we haven't been as close in a while, but I still think of you as an older sister."

"I do not want to talk about it right now... My apologies." Electra calmly responds.

"That's okay, just when you're ready." Lycandria replies in a comforting manner.

Electra looks at her and nods. "I've never been good at being a part of a family."

Lycandria sighs lightly and nods in return. "Neither have I."

"To be honest, I am best as a loner." Electra adds.

Lycandria considers her words for a moment. "That's why the league works, I think. We are here as needed, and free to pursue our own endeavors as well... so long as we all serve a common code."

"I suppose so." Electra nods and pauses. "You don't have to worry about Istera. She is alright, even though she is used to people distrusting her."

Lycandria turns to her. "I know... I trust her more than she probably thinks. Alex is just..." She sighs deeply. "He worries me."

"Why exactly?" Electra wonders.

Lycandria starts. "Some of his ideas on experiments... and how he seems to forget the general chain of command at times." She pauses for a moment. "About ten days ago, I would have told you I thought Alynore was his new commander."

Electra gestures with her hand. "Istera's ideas can be... a little crazy and eccentric, but they are for goods things, not evil. Istera told me he handed her what ingredients he had."

Lycandria nods and resumes. "I was glad he wanted to help with their operation that night... but he didn't even ask me."

"What happened?" Electra asks.

"Something about attacks in the cathedral square, light users and such... They had a lead and went to follow it, and he wanted to help... Which I was all for, but he acted like he didn't need to know if it was okay with me." Lycandria responds.

"They attacked light users?" Electra asks surprised.

Lycandria shrugs. "I don't know much about it... Sounded like a bunch of rowdy recruits with something to prove."

"Possibly light slayers. I heard a few forsaken who were light slayers. Istera... is a shadow slayer. She killed a few light slayer forsaken." Electra nods.

"Either way. not really our problem..." Lycandria pauses and sighs. "Just things with Alex lately have had me... kinda on edge."

"Is it because he had a crush on you?" Electra glances at her.

Lycandria shakes her head. "It might be a small part of it, but not on my end."

Electra quirks an eyebrow. "Do you think he is mentally unstable?"

"I don't really know... He seems to get angry and anxious alot, especially when people confront him or try to help." Lycandria replies.

"It sounds like mental instability." Electra adds.

Lycandria glances at her and continues. "A few weeks ago, I had to pull him aside here... He was starting to yell at everyone."

"I was there... Over some idiotic thing of settling down and living a boring life." Electra reminds her and shakes her head.

Lycandria nods. "I personally wouldn't mind that to a degree, but it's the way he acts that hurts him most... At first I thought he might be a decent guy... but now I see a lot of paranoia and impulsiveness."

"I do know it's unhealthy to worry about everyone..." Electra pauses. "Are you wanting to remove him?"

Lycandria shakes her head. "No, no nothing like that... at least I don't aim to. I'm very patient and all about giving people the chances they need, but I also won't let him drag everyone down if things get bad."

Electra thinks for a moment. "Maybe Istera can help him out."

Lycandria nods in agreement. "I was hoping them working together might be good for him."

"It might be." Electra nods.

Lycandria continues. "Give him something stable and enjoyable to work with... A working partner."

Electra agrees and pauses in thought, before shaking her head. "Anyway if I was in your situation, I'd want to just turn into a worgen to get rid of all the stress of fearing of turning into one for the rest of my life."

"I don't exactly fear it... I just feel estranged by what exactly it is that I am." Lycandria clarifies. "I feel human, but I'm also a potential ticking time bomb for the curse... Really just the uncertainty is what bothers me."

"Well... you would take a druidic form. It's just that the scythe of Elune mutated their appearance, to look more humanoid." Electra continues. "Your mind should stay intact if you do turn, and with that worry out, you'll have a great physical advantage over your human form."

Lycandria turns and looks at Electra. "I will fight to be human for as long as I can... and maybe they'll find a way to suppress it."

Electra shrugs. "You'd have to ask them about it."

"I have a feeling that's what they're trying to do at this point." Lycandria nods. "The cure they gave me the night that stopped the transformation was in itself a miracle."

Electra continues. "I would say embrace it. I dislike calling it a curse."

"It's probably not so much a curse... but I do like who I am." Lycandria replies. "I've thought about it both ways, trust me... With this much time, I've gone over it several times."

Electra nods. "Hm, I see... Not many people can say the same thing."

Lycandria turns to her. "I don't know of anyone else like me. That's why I feel so... estranged."

"Everyone is unique in their own way... I am worried of the things I've done and the things I'll do." Electra trails off.

"I'm not much different in that regard. I've done a lot of unforgivable things... I've just never told anyone." Lycandria pauses for a moment. "It's never who I was... just what I was in the middle of."

Electra sighs. "Me neither..." She trails off in thought, then looks over at her. "When you were being trained to be an assassin? I know."

"There's... more to it also. Things they asked of me... and the fear of what would happen if I didn't, was worse than doing it... I was young and angry." Lycandria adds.

"You're speaking about the boy who backstabbed you?" Electra wonders.

Lycandria shakes her head and lightly sighs.

Electra lightly nods and thinks for a moment. "My husband was the same way in the past. He hides his pain with a mask, but I know he is still hurt... You both had a similar life." She pauses to sigh. "I sense his pain sometimes, but enough of that."

Lycandria nods. "I'm too afraid to even tell Doran, some of the things I did in my teens." She pauses in thought. "Looking back at it now and how I was... I don't even remember feeling human."

"You don't have to tell him." Electra nods, then raises an eyebrow. "You are in a relationship with him?"

Lycandria looks at her and slowly nods. "I thought everyone knew for sure by now... Didn't think we were doing that good of a job hiding it."

"I try to stay out of both of yours' business... and I am away a lot. I suspected it, but was unsure." Electra pauses. "As for how you didn't feel human, that is understandable."

"That part worries me too... If something happens and I transform... Don't know who I'll be getting." Lycandria sighs.

"A hairier version of yourself." Electra answers shortly.

Lycandria smirks a bit.

Electra smirks back. "Hah, I'm not wrong."

"You know what I meant..." Lycandria continues. "Just don't ever want to become the monster I was in my teens..."

"You won't." Electra assures her.

Lycandria resumes. "I remember the boys in the ring were terrified of the things I'd done out on missions." She trails off.

"I taught you the tools of meditation and relaxation, but it's up to you to use them to calm yourself down." Electra reminds her and nods. "Did you enjoy killing?"

"Back then, I didn't really enjoy anything. I just felt... numb, and lost." Lycandria starts. "I just remember feeling disappointed with my life, and trapped... and the only way I could cope was to just stop caring and become the puppet they wanted me to be... So many times, I felt like I was going to go insane."

Electra nods. "You were suppressing your emotions, but you aren't psychotic... Remember that you're free now, that's the difference between the past and the present."

Lycandria slowly nods. "Everyday I get up and see the things we are doing in the league... I know I did the right thing to get away, and I'm not looking back... Not when I have all of you."

"What about your grandfather?" Electra questions.

Lycandria sighs and looks down. "A part of me still loves him... and I know he does too, but I fear the manor has him so wrapped up with the younger generations there now... he can't really flex his power like he used to." She pauses to look at her. "I fear for him a lot, and he told me to go and not look back... I have to believe some part of him is happy for me, even if he can't show it." She trails off.

Electra puts a hand on Lycandria's shoulder. "Can he escape from there?"

"I don't think he would even if I tried to help... He would go down with that ship." Lycandria replies.

"That doesn't make sense." Electra ponders.

Lycandria continues. "I think he let me go for mother's sake... I guess he felt he owed her that much."

Electra nods. "It is a possibility."

Lycandria pauses and looks out at the streets of Darnassus. She then glances back at Electra. "I should probably get back... but I like the new set." She says in reference to her armor.

"It looks nice." Electra nods and agrees. "You should get some sleep."

"I thought I'd give it some flair with all that's going on." Lycandria smiles. "The fur and the red for the blood... Maybe it will serve a lucky purpose, like a ward." She smirks.

Electra smirks in return. "Unless it's enchanted some how, ha."

"And who says I'm not embracing it, at least to some degree." Lycandria adds and smiles. "I'll see you around the garrison whenever. Keep your blades sharp, Electra."

After Lycandria returns back to the garrison from the Inkwell at Zul'Gurub, she changes into her nightgown and checks the main hall for the reports that were waiting for her. A large couple of stacks are combined in her hands loosely, as she looks to make her way towards the sorting desk in her room.

As she crosses the entryway of the main hall, Doran comes walking up. She looks at him with a small, tired smile and softly speaks. "Hey."

He returns the smile. "Hey Ly... Burning the midnight oil?"

She sighs deeply and nods. "Just trying to keep up." She responds, setting a stack on the table when a few pages slip out, floating about to the floor.

"Here, lemme get those." He says quickly, stooping and collecting the fallen papers.

She sighs with great stress. "Sorry..."

"Bloody right you're sorry... Gonna throw out my back lifting such heavy burdens." He grins playfully.

She slightly smiles a bit, but fading back quickly. She looks down and pauses for a moment, then looks back up at him. "You mind carrying them for me to my desk?" She asks, grabbing her other stack.

"Not a bit." He smiles and gathers up the rest, following her.

---------------------------------------------------------------

They both arrive to her room, setting the papers on the side of her desk. She then sits down in her chair. "Thank you... I'm supposed to have these out by noon tomorrow."

"Think you can make it?" He wonders.

"I hope so... Might be up till... I don't even know." She sighs and closes her eyes. "It was so nice... Curlaina was doing such a good job with everything." She rubs at her face. "I hope things at the Inn are better."

"Yeah... We've leveled off and are pretty much back on course." He answers.

She slowly nods, lifting her head from her hands. "That's good." After a moment, she reaches her hand back, searching for his.

He finds her hand and squeezes reassuringly. "How 'bout you? Know things were feelin' a little rough down there... at the gathering."

She pulls his hand closer to her, bringing him to the left side of her chair. She then leans her head on his stomach, wrapping her left arm around the back of his waist. She closes her eyes and stays silent for a while.

He reaches over with his free hand and starts to gently stroke her hair in a reassuring, soothing gesture. "Quiet's good..." He adds.

She lightly nods against him, as her cheek moves along his shirt. She sighs deeply before quietly muttering. "I'll be okay... just, still hurts sometimes... I'm happy for her and all..." She trails off.

"And that's okay... We all hurt, it's the hurtin' alone that's bad for folk." He responds.

"I'm glad Amelia still has her little girl at least." She adds, leaning off of him and looking up. She then slowly stands and looks at him sweetly.

"Yeah she's a pretty little thing... Made a little basket crib out of vines so Amelia could just take a nap out in the grass for a bit." He smiles at her.

"I bet she is ready to get out again herself." She responds, slipping her arms around him into a warm hug. She then closes her eyes and lays her head on his shoulder.

He embraces her gently. "Still gonna be a while I think... She's still got the nightmares... She ain't sure of herself yet, though physically she's pretty much healed."

She nods, listening to him.

"You gonna be okay?" He asks a bit worried.

She pulls back and slowly nods. Her eyes mixed with pain and stress. "I just need to get this stuff out of the way... Maybe I'll feel better." She pauses in thought. "Still need to find time to train up and stay in shape... for this trip up north."

"You seem in pretty good shape to me." He adds with a slightly mischievous smile.

She smiles back a bit warmer. "Well, that's different... It was a very good night though." She says softly, tracing a finger along the collar of his shirt and fiddling with the hem for a moment. She then looks up at him with a calm smile, but a small glint in her eye looks conflicted.

"It was... I'd like to come back sometime." He responds.

"Well, my door is always open... and you know where to find me." She says softly, gently caressing his right cheek with her left hand.

He chuckles lightly. "Oh you're going to regret that..." He mirrors her gesture, gently stroking her face with his thumb. "You'll think some burglar's slipping in at two bells."

She smiles endearingly with a small chuckle. She then hesitates for a moment, then slowly moves towards his lips with hers, tilting her head.

He leans forward and kisses her gently on the lips. His hands move to her back.

She closes her eyes and enjoys the warmth of his lips. Her hands move down to his chest, lightly rubbing.

His fingers trace along the small of her back, pulling her a little closer through the kiss.

She nuzzles her nose against his cheek, then across the tip of his nose as the kiss finally breaks. She still has her eyes closed, speaking softly. "Sorry, I... should get on this paperwork." She slowly opens her eyes looking at him.

He loosens his grip on her after the kiss. "It's... it's important. Ain't right of me to be distracting ya' from what needs doing. But... maybe sometime when all this is caught up proper..." He trails off.

She slowly nods, looking at the work ahead of her and sighing lightly. "Going to be a long night..." She mutters, continuing to rub his chest and resting her forehead on his lips, tucking her head into him.

He gives her an affectionate peck on the forehead and squeezes her hand. "Mornin' always comes... You'll get there. G'night Ly... I'll make something good for ya' for breakfast."

She lightly nods, looking back up with a weak smile, as a tear runs down her cheek. "Sounds good." She says soft and sweet. "Have a good night Doran."

Late at night, Doran enters the great hall at the Ravenholdt League garrison, noticing Lycandria in her nightgown, who's looking through some of her notes on a small table. He slowly approaches with a moderate smile. "Hey there."

She looks over after hearing his footsteps, standing and smiling a bit, then speaking with a soft tone. "Hey..." She clears her throat. "Everything at the Inn going alright, after the... passing?"

"As good as any of us can manage... How are you?" He asks in return.

She slowly nods, responding with a slight twinge of her face. "I'm alright... still trying to accept what happened in... the Hinterlands."  She says sitting down gently, looking reflective.

"You want to talk to me about... them?" He offers.

She looks over at him with a slight nod, but still seemingly a bit unsure. "That house was... I-I knew those dwarves, back in my youth... I used to visit them some." She moves a bit of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. She then smiles with a small chuckle in remembrance. "He was, such a scoundrel... rowdy and liked to scrap, and his wife was very sweet and caring... They had a few little ones back then."

After a silent moment, she looks down and swallows hard. "He was... the one that found me in the mountains... the first time I ever met a Wildhammer." She shakes her head a bit, sighing. "He invited me to come see them at Aerie Peak, and he had this amazing gryphon, very graceful and large... I really thought it was something."

He smiles at her. "They're pretty amazing animals to be sure."

She looks up momentarily and smiles back at him. "The view from the sky was just gorgeous... I felt like I was flying off into another world... and away from the manor.

"Flying is a lot of fun... have to admit." He adds.

"It's very, free..." She pauses again with a change in her expression. "But, he said he had noticed me months before this... and he was always wondering why I was alone out there all the time... I told him I just needed my own place to go to sometimes... I didn't want to tell him what was really going on..."

Her eyes light up a bit. "So he offered and I hopped on, and we made our way to the keep... I still remember the first time I saw that statue, and the keep itself burrowed into the mountains... They were so good with them, the gryphons. I think that was also the night I had my first drink of Alterac Brandy... They had it mulled."

She sighs deeply. "I just remember for the first time in my life, feeling like I was around people that cared to have fun and be themselves... I knew it wouldn't last, and there would be hell to pay going back home... but it was worth every second." She pauses, looking up at him. "After that night, I got to see them more often. Grandfather didn't know where I was off to, but he already knew I had a habit of disappearing into the mountains... I mean, they did teach me how to hide well, right?" She smirks slightly at him.

He smiles a bit in return, then asks. "Were you ever afraid of getting them involved?"

"I felt like they knew it was something deep... and so they never asked me, just took me in. I didn't want to get anyone involved with what was going on if I didn't have to." She pauses. "I now had this outlet... and I didn't want to ruin it." She finishes rubbing at her face a bit, then sighing.

"So you never thought you might've been followed one night and have someone report back on you?" He considers further.

She looks at him. "I was typically very careful about things... and eventually someone spotted me, but it was near the time I was ready to leave the manor anyways."

There is a decent pause, as they look between each other and the table. She finally speaks again. "The other night... just seeing the destruction of the area and that house... It hit me hard. The one that came and found me that day, and now him and his family are just..." She sighs, closing her eyes and looking down and away. Her voice starts to break some. "I keep... hoping the children were... at the keep." She nods, wiping a tear. "Maybe they were safe."

"Hard to move a group like his through the Hinterlands without patrols spotting them... I bet they got word out quick and moved the people that needed moving." He tries to assure her.

She slowly nods, looking at him briefly before wiping a tear on her sleeve. "I hope... I've really grown attached to them... And I... They didn't deserve any of this."

"Not a lot of people caught up in a war do..." He adds calmly.

She shakes her head and sniffs. "I just... I don't understand why good people have to die like this... and these rampaging, murderous, assholes get to carry on." She seems to be more upset and angry. "I swear Doran... We will end him so fast... I-I..." She falls silent and holds her head, sobbing and shaking a bit. Tears roll from her nose, hidden behind her hands as she props her elbows on the table. She forces out. "I loved them... I-I... loved them Doran. They took, me in."

He stands up and goes to her, hugging her comfortingly. "I know..." He says softly.

She grabs his arm and leans back into him, closing her eyes and trying to calm herself. She then sniffles and wipes her face, slowly pacing her breathing. "I'm sorry Doran... I know I probably seem really weak. I just never got to talk about things growing up... It was always a bad thing."

He holds her gently to him. "We all have our moments of weakness, Ly. What determines whether we're strong or not is how we move beyond those moments."

She slowly nods. "It's taken me several years just to accept hearing it... but a part of me has always believed." She looks up at him, smiling weakly.

She pauses for a moment in thought, then wipes her face and sighs. "I think, I'm going to start sending some of my pay to those children... I really feel like they must have been away when the attack happened. I just want to make sure someone is looking out for them... I can't be there for them, but I want them to have what they need to be taken care of."

He smiles warmly, still holding her firmly. "That would be very kind of you."

"It's the least I can do... I can't bring them back, but I can make sure their children make their way into Azeroth... Maybe fly a grand gryphon someday." She smiles a bit. "The boy looked a lot like his daddy."

After a moment, she stands up in front of him; a smile piercing through her slightly red face. "I just want everyone to find some peace for Winter's Veil."

"That'd be nice. We're all long due for some..." He quietly adds.

She gently hugs him, hooking her chin on his right shoulder behind his neck. She then brings her arms around his waist warmly, closing her eyes.

He slips his arms around her and holds her comfortingly, giving her something to relax against.

She holds for a while, before sliding back to look at him with a soft smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you here for me all the time."

"Eat bad food? Have one less person who sometimes smells like fish?" He adds, playful and warm.

She lightly chuckles joyfully. "And you can always seem to make me smile, even when things are tough all over."

He nods at her, smiling. "I try my best... You've got a lot of catching up to do in the smile department, given how things were growing up... Just keep trying to help people."

She nods at his words, smiling brightly. She then gently brings up her left hand to rub his chest, starring for a brief moment in hesitation before looking back up at him. Her eyes seem to show she is conflicted and holding something back. She looks down. "Doran, I..."

"...Yeah?" He wonders, looking down at her.

She looks back up at him with her eyes gleaming and watery, hiding a bit of pain in them. "I don't know... what to do anymore. I don't know what we are... and I... I just want to." She looks back down again and sighs. "I'm scared... I'm really scared..."

He pulls her closer. "Lycandria, don't be scared. I'm not going anywhere. I'm always going to be here. You'll always be able to rely on me... I never stopped caring."

She slowly nods, looking up at him.

He continues. "I know you've come from a world where being wary kept you alive, and being alone kept weaknesses from being exploited, and helped project strength... but you've always got one place where you can just... breathe, relax, be you... and not have to worry about any of that."

She slowly nods again, as water fills her eyes. Her voice struggles to mouth out a weak. "Thank you." She then reaches her hand to gently caress the side of his face affectionately. Her pulse can be felt racing from her wrist, as she looks at him speaking softly. "Doran?"

He smiles reassuringly and responds softly, holding her hand. "Yeah?"

After some brief hesitation, she finally gives in to her impulse. She slowly leans in and presses her warm lips against his, closing her eyes and losing herself in the moment. She then gently guides his face to her, stroking her thumb through his beard.

He is a little surprised, but returns the kiss deeply, caressing her cheek and sliding his fingers through her hair.

She relishes the kiss, holding it for a while longer before finally pulling away with her eyes still closed, resting her nose on his. She speaks soft and low. "Sorry... I just..." She then finally looks into his eyes, wanting and longing with a hint of fear. "I wanted to."

He slips his arms around her, pulling her even closer. "Nothing to be sorry for... it was good."

She slowly nods, moving a strand of hair from his face, smiling somewhat warmly. She then leans forward and kisses him again, this time with a bit more vigor and life. Both of her hands come to his face, unleashing a bit of hidden desire.

He kisses her back, meeting her enthusiasm with his own. His hands instinctively pulling her closer still, as a shiver runs up and down his back. He pulls back just long enough to whisper. "There's that fire..." He then dives back in, matching her intensity.

She presses her nose and lips to his passionately, hardly pausing for air. After a few more moments, she finally halts with their foreheads touching, lightly panting as her eyes slowly open looking into his. "Stay with me... tonight." She says softly.

He slides his hands down her back, tracing his fingers along the fabric of her dress. As always his face is kind, but the look they exchange speaks of their inner intensity. "I will..."

She pulls back and nods, kissing him tenderly before smiling rather happily. She then slips her hand into his and closes her notebook on the table behind her with the other hand.

He squeezes her hand and smiles. "That's an awfully pretty dress... I've gotta say."

*Trigger Warning: Regarding Infants*

Coming to the pond just outside the Dwarven District of Stormwind, Lycandria spots Curlaina at the requested spot from her note. As Curlaina sits relaxing and watching the waterfall, Lycandria quietly sits down next to her and removes her hood.

Curlaina looks over at Lycandria, and her eyes widen a little. "Good evening, Miss Ravenholdt."

"Evening Curlaina. How are you doing?" Lycandria asks softly.

"I'm doing okay... I hope you and the league are okay." Curlaina responds.

Lycandria nods. "We are getting back on our feet again, and I have you to thank for a lot of that... Doran tells me I wouldn't be alive if not for your efforts."

Curlaina shrugs and smiles slightly. "I'm sure Doran could have done everything I did."

Lycandria shakes her head lightly. "He does what he can, but he talks very highly of you... and I know it's because he can see you are very good at what you do... I still remember the day we met and I saw the same."

Curlaina shrugs again. "Thank you."

"Also, I assume Timory has been with you?" Lycandria asks.

"Yes, ma'am. She said she didn't want me wandering off on my own." Curlaina replies.

Lycandria nods. "I'm glad you two have a special bond, and I've watched your friendship grow."

Curlaina smiles slightly and nods.

Lycandria pauses for a moment in thought, choosing her words carefully. "If you are able to, I just want to know what happened that made you want to leave. You can be completely honest with me, and I won't hold you back if you don't want to come back to the league. I just really care about what's going on with my members."

Curlaina turns her head slightly and glances at Lycandria, taking a breath and letting it out slowly. "I just don't think I fit in there, ma'am. You are all experienced explorers and fighters and... and I just didn't feel that I fit in."

Lycandria listens attentively, looking at Curlaina and nodding. "Well, I probably should have given you more credit on your skills a long time ago. With Amelia being taken, it really put alot of stress on me not wanting to lose someone else. I knew from the moment we met that you were very capable..."

Curlaina shakes her head slightly. "That's not really it, ma'am."

Lycandria looks over to Curlaina.

"They were always talking about fighting and dying and arguing with each other... and I don't want to do any of those things." Curlaina adds.

Lycandria slowly nods. "I need to get a better handle on them about that too. It's not something I really wanted honestly... Also, it's important to know that we aren't all like that, and for me personally I understand why it's not an ideal environment for you."

Curlaina frowns a little and shrugs. "Maybe it's just who they are. They live exciting lives and that's how they talk about it."

Lycandria sighs for a moment, pausing in thought and looking at the water. "I left the manor for the very same reasons, being tired of all the yelling, stress, and fighting all the time. I knew there had to be more to life than that... It's meeting people like you that really allows me to understand what's most important again." She then turns back to Curlaina. "About the sparring, I never really intended for that to be anything close to a priority for you... And I feel that with the skill you already had, plus spending time with Timory has gotten you enough experience with a blade."

Curlaina glances at Lycandria, and then looks back at the water. "Seemed more like everyone wanted me to spar with someone."

Lycandria nods in understanding, sighing lightly. "The main reason I came to the cathedral square that day wasn't to find another skilled fighter... We needed someone skilled in things we could't perform or understand... In fact, I was coming across my reports a few weeks back, before the attack of course, and I was about to move a lot of you into the official league ranks."

Curlaina nods slowly. " I suspected as much, ma'am... but I think... I think you might be better with someone that has more experience exploring and adventuring."

Lycandria slowly nods to Curlaina. "It's your choice ultimately to do what you want, and I want you to know I'll respect that... I hate to see you go, but I know you are going to be a good addition anywhere you go. I know you will do wonderful."

Curlaina nods slowly. "Thank you, Miss Ravenholdt."

Lycandria returns the nod, and smiles weakly. "But, I want you to remember you will always have a place with us at the league if you want it."

"Thank you, ma'am." Curlaina responds.

Lycandria sighs and looks out at the water. "I'm sure I will stay in contact with you regardless, and I know Timory will still be there for you too."

Curlaina nods.

Lycandria looks back over at Curlaina. "Lastly, I will always be at your side and come to your call when needed. You are a wonderful woman, and you are going to do great things."

Curlaina turns and looks at Lycandria. "Thank you, Miss Ravenholdt."

After a brief pause, Lycandria asks. "Is there anything else you need?"

Curlaina shakes her head slightly. "I don't think so, ma'am. I just need to figure things out for myself now, I think."

Lycandria nods and leans over to hug Curlaina gently. "Take care of yourself, and if things start to get bad with whoever is trying to find you, I'll be there in a heartbeat. I'll stay in touch through Timory if that makes things easier."

"Yes, ma'am." Curlaina nods.

Lycandria slowly stands and looks at the waterfall for a moment, taking in the soothing sound. "And as always Curlaina..."

Curlaina looks up at Lycandria.

Lycandria turns, looking at Curlaina with a smile. "Keep your blades sharp."

Curlaina smiles and nods. "You, too, ma'am."

Lycandria puts her hood back on and makes her way through Stormwind, heading back through the portal to the garrison on Draenor.

--------------------------------------------------------------

After a few hours, Lycandria arrives back at the Ravenholdt League garrison. She heads for the Inn to check on Amelia, Doran, and the status of the newborns. Arriving upstairs, she gently knocks on the door.

Doran sighs and takes a breath. "What."

"It's me, safe to come in?" Lycandria asks.

Whole quietly focuses all of her attention on her babies, cooing sweetly to them and gently washing her tongue over the frail male.

Doran glances at Whole for a moment, then rises and goes to the door. He opens the door, looking down at Lycandria. "Gotta talk to you."

Lycandria nods. "Out here?"

Doran nods. "Yes."

Lycandria nods again and steps back into the hall with Doran. She walks over to the table and sets her hand down, looking at Doran in the chair.

Doran finally mutters. "He's dying..."

Lycandria frowns looking down at the table, slowly nodding. "I was afraid you'd say that..." She pauses briefly, looking back up at Doran. "How is she holding up?"

"Not good... Desperate to save him, but there's nothing to be done. Still has the holes in his heart... the disfigured lung. Mind's all... hazy." Doran trails off.

Lycandria slowly nods, sighing lightly. "At least he will know he was loved."

"Was hoping for him to have at least that, instead of passing alone... cold and thinkin' nobody cared about him." Doran responds.

"He certainly won't be soon forgotten." Lycandria looks down at her gloves, squeezing her hand as the leather creaks. "He will pay for all of this, Doran. I promise." She gives Doran a serious and determined look.

Doran nods. "When we find this guy Ly... don't have a soul in my way that you don't want dead... Not gonna be in a good place."

Lycandria nods back at Doran. "Two entirely innocent lives never had much of a chance, and those deeds will not go unpunished." She says, looking down and rubbing at her stomach. "We will move on, and the league will be stronger together."

Doran looks up at Lycandria, then stands and hugs her gently in place.

Lycandria sinks into Doran's arms and closes her eyes. "At least not all was lost..." She says softly, rubbing through Doran's furry mane in a comforting manner.

Doran sighs and relaxes a bit against Lycandria. "Girl's doing real, real good yeah... Couldn't ask for better."

Lycandria nods on his shoulder. "I just got back from Stormwind... Me and Curlaina finally got to talk."

Doran looks down at Lycandria. "You found her? Fel's going on?"

"I don't think she was ready for all this, and so I had to let her go. I know she is going to be a great addition wherever she goes, and I hated to let her walk away... but what can you do?" Lycandria pauses and sighs lightly. "I hope she finds what she is looking for in the end... She's a good woman with alot of potential."

"Tell her she picked the worst fuck all time to do something like this?" Doran asks abruptly.

Lycandria sighs. "I didn't want to push her away anymore than she likely already felt. I just told her she was always welcome back here, and that was about it." She says, continuing to lean on Doran quite comfortably.

Doran looks down at Lycandria after a few moments. "Ly... we gotta get back in there."

Lycandria nods, raising her head from him to look in his eyes. "Okay. I need to go change and settle in for bed... Just let me know if anything comes up." She looks back at the door to Whole's room. "I want her to have as much time as she can with him, before it's too late."

Doran nods at Lycandria, before heading back into the room with Whole and the babies.

Whole is staring at the tiny male baby, eyes wide and muzzle open in a silent scream. Her face locked in a horrified grief ridden expression, and her chest isn't moving as if she's sucked in her breath and holding it, waiting for something to happen.

Doran uses his tether to check on the little one, no longer seeing that light in his eyes or feeling his warmth.

Lycandria pokes her head in the door to check on them before leaving. She glances at Whole on the bed and frowns. "I'll give her some time..."

Doran breathes out raggedly as his lip twitches. He grips the bedposts tightly, with a low whine escaping him.