Post by Shari'Adune Forestsong on Nov 2, 2010 1:30:40 GMT -5
All the way from Thunder Bluff, her heart had pounded loudly in her ears. So loudly in fact it had managed to muffle out the sound of her talbuk's hoof-beats upon the dry, hard roads of the Barrens. The dust they kicked up was soon lost when they hit the lush roads of North Western Kalimdor.
It had taken her hours to arrive to the city of Darnassus. Having to take rarely used back roads, stealth around Astranaar continuing on to her beloved Darkshore where she had to take a boat to Teldrassil. Yet there was nothing that could deter her right now, not distance, not time, not the angry sentinels that tried to harm her as she made for the boat. Nothing. The pull was as strong as a salmon who had to get back upstream.
It was the Day of the Dead.
It was the day the one whom she had been betrothed to since birth and carefully raised to be perfect for, may be granted a moment to visit the living. To visit her.
Carefully, she had made her way back to the secluded pond in the great city. She had hoped no one would happen by her. Surely no one would think twice to raise a weapon to a member of the Horde sitting nestled within their dear city. She had sat on the other side of a large log that was partially in the water. If anyone did come, hopefully they wouldn't see her. And no one did. For three hours she sat there doggedly clinging to the hope that he would appear to her.
But he never came.
Under the cover of night her face wet with tears, the small tauren stole her way out, the massive walls of the city falling behind her as she galloped through the woods. She didn't dare stay on the main road for fear of being caught.
There was one place left she wanted to try. Maybe he didn't come to her in Darnassus because he was waiting for her at the site of their home. She veered North and clambered her way along Wellspring Lake. Her hooves skipped and skidded in the mud and wet moss. She would fall to her knees with a soft grunt, mane falling into her eyes...and then get up and keep going. Her blue eyes were rolling wildly in her skull, fearful of not only Kaldorei attack, but attack from any number of natural beasts of the area such as the large spiders or the bog lurkers.
Panting heavily she pulled herself up over a small hill. The clouds in the sky parted then long enough to allow the moonlight to shine down upon the small clearing before her. To a strangers eye it would look like little more then a spot in the woods, the scars of the past long since healed. To her however, it was where her modest little hut once stood wrapped carefully in the roots of the trees adorned with fragrant moss and wildflowers. It was where her life had begun with the man she loved.
Peering up into the sky, Shari praised the moon goddess Elune, thanked Her for opening the sky and shining down upon this spot.
Picking herself up, Shari'Adune walked carefully toward the center of the clearing. Once there, her knees gave out from under her and she collapsed in an exhausted heap her scarred hands grasping desperately at the forest floor pulling it toward her like it was a blanket. The rich smell of moss and earth filled her senses and she sighed happily. She was home.
Reaching into her sack she pulled out a Spirit Candle she had purchased earlier, and its base. Setting it up she placed it on a flat rock and carefully lit it. They said it would help draw spirits of the departed. This was not all however. Also from her pack she brought fourth a bouquet of orange marigolds and laid them near the candle.
The candle flickered with an eerie magical purple light. She didn't even feel any heat. Perking her ears to and fro she looked around the immediate area half expecting to see someone there. However there was no one. Her ears drooped.
Plucking one of the marigolds from the bunch she held it against her heart as she got comfortable. Her breathing began to slow as she slipped into the natural ebb and flow of the forest. It swayed in her heart and mind like a boat on the ocean. Rising and falling gently, the rhythm natural and relaxing. Soon, the curtain of night swung open wide... the crickets began to sing, bats chirped and the orchestra of the nighttime wood picked up its tempo.
Hands resting upon her knees she kept her muzzle raised upward, nostrils flared wide to take in the most amount of breath possible. Her chest rose and fell slowly, soon she was perfectly one with nature around her.
It seemed like she was there for hours. The candle continued to burn as freshly as if it had just been lit, casting its lavender light over the forest floor extending its glowing fingers in a circular radius which reached out a good five feet.
As she waited, she tried her best to keep her heart open, and to keep his handsome face in her minds eye. There was a strain in the back of her throat as she wordlessly screamed his name over and over much like the day she called for him so desperately when their home was burning and she heard the screams of their daughter within.
But nothing happened.
The forest offered its silent support but it did little to console her. Bowing her head she began to weep pitifully.
"Why do you not come this year? Is it because you do not recognize me? Is it because you are dreadfully ashamed and disappointed in me? Oh please come see me. I need you more now then ever. So much has happened, I feel so terribly alone. I try to stay positive and keep my faith in Elune, but it's....so....hard....I am...so...alone..." The last words teetered out in choked sobs as her hands curled into desperate fists.
The air stilled.
And then...
She heard a familiar deep purring. Holding her breath her eyes opened wide and she didn't move. Afraid the slightest movement would make it all go away.
The large head of a deep midnight blue panther then was pressed under her left arm into her lap. It coiled its well muscled, five foot long body around her contentedly. The warmth of it made her shiver and her breath whooshed out as she cried out his name. "Krae'sharel!"
The panther smiled, lifting his head to bunt under her chin and jaw with a languid ease before fixing his warm amber eyes upon hers as he pulled himself into a sitting position before her.
No words came then, Shari sobbed throwing her arms around the animal's neck tightly burying her face against the side. She inhaled deeply taking in the heady scent that was her mate. A mixture of the forest soil and his own personal musk that was imprinted into her mind forever their first night together.
He patiently allowed her to cling to him for a time mumbling her incoherent words and squeaks with his head resting over her shoulder.
Did you truly think I would not come dear love?
His deep voice then resonated within her mind. It was like a balm to all her wounds and soon the crying stopped. As she pulled back sniffling she nodded meekly her eyes fixing on the charm dangling around his neck.
Your body may have changed, but your soul still shines with the same light. That can never be taken from you. That can never be changed or altered. That is the one constant that will remain forever and ever, as my love for you will.
Shaking her head she leaned back swiping at her eyes with trembling hands. Krae'sharel laid a large paw in her lap and she looked up briefly into his warm glowing eyes. She saw his love for her there shining just as fiercely as it had in life when he had vowed she would be his mate for all time.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Shan'do. For...everything." she squeaked the words, each dripping heavily with the memories of all she had gone through over the many years since his passing.
As am I, Dalah'surfal.
She blinked looking at him.
I am sorry I have not been able to be there to protect you from all the pain you have had to endure. But it has made you stronger. Wiser. Better prepared to deal with what is coming....
Confusion touched her features and then uneasy understanding. "The shaking ground..."
The panther nodded gravely. There is a great evil churning. Soon all you once knew will be turned upside down. It will take strength to survive. You must survive.
"I can't do it alone! Please, why can't I just be with you?" her eyes pleaded as she gripped his shoulders.
Krae'sharel growled softly and clicked his teeth sharply making her sit back quickly back straight. Your family will need you. You are not now, nor have you ever been alone. If ever you should doubt my words, search your heart. You'll know they are true.
"As you say." her head hung dejectedly.
Dalah'surfal, do not be afraid to love again. You are mine, and when your time comes, we will be together again. But until then, don't be afraid to live your life.
"I tried. But his love for me was not strong enough and he found another." she reached out and began to gently pet the side of his neck.
He was not meant for you. You hold such pain and bitterness in your heart, Shari'Adune. You must release that in order to be free. In order to set them free.
Tears began to flow down her cheeks again, "But she was my sister! How could she have done that? Taken him away from me like that?"
His voice remained gentle and calm, She still is your sister. He was not meant for you. Don't allow this Tauren to tarnish the love for your own kind, for your sister. Elune's lessons come in all shapes and forms. You know this.
"I do. I have been so foolish and petty." her eyes shone with understanding.
That's my good girl.
The panther's ears twitched and he sighed deeply. I must go now.
"No! No please don't leave me!" she cried wrapping her arms tightly around his neck again as if for dear life.
In an instant she was being held by strong Kaldorei arms that were the color of a dusky night sky. They kept her close, trying to still her trembling body. Her head was being pressed against a smooth, broad chest. "My Dalah'surfal. It pains me to have to go now." Krae said softly, "I am sorry for making you cry. O fulo osa..." He caressed her mane with his hand as he gently kissed her cheek tasting her salty tears. "Look after Jewel'rhea'nae." He pulled back and held her by her shoulders, crooking a finger and pressing it under her chin to make her look into his eyes.
"Promise me you will be strong. Swear it."
Shari nodded meekly her eyes washing over his handsome face. It seemed like forever since she had seen it last.
"That's my good girl...O fulo osa Dalah'surfal..."
"I love you too... So much..." she squeaked.
Then as her eyes filled up with tears, his image blurred up and he slowly disappeared his eyes never leaving hers.
"Krae'sharel...Krae'sharel..." Shari whimpered softly as an early morning chill pulled her abruptly from sleep. She sat up quickly looking around. There was no sign anyone else had been there. The Spirit Candle was out.
With a shudder the little tauren rubbed at her arms and sucked in a deep breath of the morning air. Despite the sadness lurking in her heart like the fog lingering over the lake she felt the warmth of Krae'sharel's lips on her cheek. It filled her with a comfort and hope she had not felt in some time.
She packed up the candle, but left the flowers. Rolling her shoulders she turned toward home and whistled sharply calling fourth her silver talbuk. The road before her would be a long one, filled with unknown twists and turns, but no matter what she faced, she would not be alone.
A smile touched her lips.
It had taken her hours to arrive to the city of Darnassus. Having to take rarely used back roads, stealth around Astranaar continuing on to her beloved Darkshore where she had to take a boat to Teldrassil. Yet there was nothing that could deter her right now, not distance, not time, not the angry sentinels that tried to harm her as she made for the boat. Nothing. The pull was as strong as a salmon who had to get back upstream.
It was the Day of the Dead.
It was the day the one whom she had been betrothed to since birth and carefully raised to be perfect for, may be granted a moment to visit the living. To visit her.
Carefully, she had made her way back to the secluded pond in the great city. She had hoped no one would happen by her. Surely no one would think twice to raise a weapon to a member of the Horde sitting nestled within their dear city. She had sat on the other side of a large log that was partially in the water. If anyone did come, hopefully they wouldn't see her. And no one did. For three hours she sat there doggedly clinging to the hope that he would appear to her.
But he never came.
Under the cover of night her face wet with tears, the small tauren stole her way out, the massive walls of the city falling behind her as she galloped through the woods. She didn't dare stay on the main road for fear of being caught.
There was one place left she wanted to try. Maybe he didn't come to her in Darnassus because he was waiting for her at the site of their home. She veered North and clambered her way along Wellspring Lake. Her hooves skipped and skidded in the mud and wet moss. She would fall to her knees with a soft grunt, mane falling into her eyes...and then get up and keep going. Her blue eyes were rolling wildly in her skull, fearful of not only Kaldorei attack, but attack from any number of natural beasts of the area such as the large spiders or the bog lurkers.
Panting heavily she pulled herself up over a small hill. The clouds in the sky parted then long enough to allow the moonlight to shine down upon the small clearing before her. To a strangers eye it would look like little more then a spot in the woods, the scars of the past long since healed. To her however, it was where her modest little hut once stood wrapped carefully in the roots of the trees adorned with fragrant moss and wildflowers. It was where her life had begun with the man she loved.
Peering up into the sky, Shari praised the moon goddess Elune, thanked Her for opening the sky and shining down upon this spot.
Picking herself up, Shari'Adune walked carefully toward the center of the clearing. Once there, her knees gave out from under her and she collapsed in an exhausted heap her scarred hands grasping desperately at the forest floor pulling it toward her like it was a blanket. The rich smell of moss and earth filled her senses and she sighed happily. She was home.
Reaching into her sack she pulled out a Spirit Candle she had purchased earlier, and its base. Setting it up she placed it on a flat rock and carefully lit it. They said it would help draw spirits of the departed. This was not all however. Also from her pack she brought fourth a bouquet of orange marigolds and laid them near the candle.
The candle flickered with an eerie magical purple light. She didn't even feel any heat. Perking her ears to and fro she looked around the immediate area half expecting to see someone there. However there was no one. Her ears drooped.
Plucking one of the marigolds from the bunch she held it against her heart as she got comfortable. Her breathing began to slow as she slipped into the natural ebb and flow of the forest. It swayed in her heart and mind like a boat on the ocean. Rising and falling gently, the rhythm natural and relaxing. Soon, the curtain of night swung open wide... the crickets began to sing, bats chirped and the orchestra of the nighttime wood picked up its tempo.
Hands resting upon her knees she kept her muzzle raised upward, nostrils flared wide to take in the most amount of breath possible. Her chest rose and fell slowly, soon she was perfectly one with nature around her.
It seemed like she was there for hours. The candle continued to burn as freshly as if it had just been lit, casting its lavender light over the forest floor extending its glowing fingers in a circular radius which reached out a good five feet.
As she waited, she tried her best to keep her heart open, and to keep his handsome face in her minds eye. There was a strain in the back of her throat as she wordlessly screamed his name over and over much like the day she called for him so desperately when their home was burning and she heard the screams of their daughter within.
But nothing happened.
The forest offered its silent support but it did little to console her. Bowing her head she began to weep pitifully.
"Why do you not come this year? Is it because you do not recognize me? Is it because you are dreadfully ashamed and disappointed in me? Oh please come see me. I need you more now then ever. So much has happened, I feel so terribly alone. I try to stay positive and keep my faith in Elune, but it's....so....hard....I am...so...alone..." The last words teetered out in choked sobs as her hands curled into desperate fists.
The air stilled.
And then...
She heard a familiar deep purring. Holding her breath her eyes opened wide and she didn't move. Afraid the slightest movement would make it all go away.
The large head of a deep midnight blue panther then was pressed under her left arm into her lap. It coiled its well muscled, five foot long body around her contentedly. The warmth of it made her shiver and her breath whooshed out as she cried out his name. "Krae'sharel!"
The panther smiled, lifting his head to bunt under her chin and jaw with a languid ease before fixing his warm amber eyes upon hers as he pulled himself into a sitting position before her.
No words came then, Shari sobbed throwing her arms around the animal's neck tightly burying her face against the side. She inhaled deeply taking in the heady scent that was her mate. A mixture of the forest soil and his own personal musk that was imprinted into her mind forever their first night together.
He patiently allowed her to cling to him for a time mumbling her incoherent words and squeaks with his head resting over her shoulder.
Did you truly think I would not come dear love?
His deep voice then resonated within her mind. It was like a balm to all her wounds and soon the crying stopped. As she pulled back sniffling she nodded meekly her eyes fixing on the charm dangling around his neck.
Your body may have changed, but your soul still shines with the same light. That can never be taken from you. That can never be changed or altered. That is the one constant that will remain forever and ever, as my love for you will.
Shaking her head she leaned back swiping at her eyes with trembling hands. Krae'sharel laid a large paw in her lap and she looked up briefly into his warm glowing eyes. She saw his love for her there shining just as fiercely as it had in life when he had vowed she would be his mate for all time.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Shan'do. For...everything." she squeaked the words, each dripping heavily with the memories of all she had gone through over the many years since his passing.
As am I, Dalah'surfal.
She blinked looking at him.
I am sorry I have not been able to be there to protect you from all the pain you have had to endure. But it has made you stronger. Wiser. Better prepared to deal with what is coming....
Confusion touched her features and then uneasy understanding. "The shaking ground..."
The panther nodded gravely. There is a great evil churning. Soon all you once knew will be turned upside down. It will take strength to survive. You must survive.
"I can't do it alone! Please, why can't I just be with you?" her eyes pleaded as she gripped his shoulders.
Krae'sharel growled softly and clicked his teeth sharply making her sit back quickly back straight. Your family will need you. You are not now, nor have you ever been alone. If ever you should doubt my words, search your heart. You'll know they are true.
"As you say." her head hung dejectedly.
Dalah'surfal, do not be afraid to love again. You are mine, and when your time comes, we will be together again. But until then, don't be afraid to live your life.
"I tried. But his love for me was not strong enough and he found another." she reached out and began to gently pet the side of his neck.
He was not meant for you. You hold such pain and bitterness in your heart, Shari'Adune. You must release that in order to be free. In order to set them free.
Tears began to flow down her cheeks again, "But she was my sister! How could she have done that? Taken him away from me like that?"
His voice remained gentle and calm, She still is your sister. He was not meant for you. Don't allow this Tauren to tarnish the love for your own kind, for your sister. Elune's lessons come in all shapes and forms. You know this.
"I do. I have been so foolish and petty." her eyes shone with understanding.
That's my good girl.
The panther's ears twitched and he sighed deeply. I must go now.
"No! No please don't leave me!" she cried wrapping her arms tightly around his neck again as if for dear life.
In an instant she was being held by strong Kaldorei arms that were the color of a dusky night sky. They kept her close, trying to still her trembling body. Her head was being pressed against a smooth, broad chest. "My Dalah'surfal. It pains me to have to go now." Krae said softly, "I am sorry for making you cry. O fulo osa..." He caressed her mane with his hand as he gently kissed her cheek tasting her salty tears. "Look after Jewel'rhea'nae." He pulled back and held her by her shoulders, crooking a finger and pressing it under her chin to make her look into his eyes.
"Promise me you will be strong. Swear it."
Shari nodded meekly her eyes washing over his handsome face. It seemed like forever since she had seen it last.
"That's my good girl...O fulo osa Dalah'surfal..."
"I love you too... So much..." she squeaked.
Then as her eyes filled up with tears, his image blurred up and he slowly disappeared his eyes never leaving hers.
"Krae'sharel...Krae'sharel..." Shari whimpered softly as an early morning chill pulled her abruptly from sleep. She sat up quickly looking around. There was no sign anyone else had been there. The Spirit Candle was out.
With a shudder the little tauren rubbed at her arms and sucked in a deep breath of the morning air. Despite the sadness lurking in her heart like the fog lingering over the lake she felt the warmth of Krae'sharel's lips on her cheek. It filled her with a comfort and hope she had not felt in some time.
She packed up the candle, but left the flowers. Rolling her shoulders she turned toward home and whistled sharply calling fourth her silver talbuk. The road before her would be a long one, filled with unknown twists and turns, but no matter what she faced, she would not be alone.
A smile touched her lips.
Founded April 26, 2005