Azurani and Donatheol
Their Story
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Azurani
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Azurani Moonsong was a Night Elf from the City of Astranaar in Ashenvale, in the land of Kalimidor. Her family had moved to Astranaar from Teldrassil when she was a young child. Besides being beautiful, she had an exquisite singing voice. She was also training to become a priestess.
One day, while on her way to Reynewood Retreat, a place high up in the wilderness of Night Song Woods, to the East of Astranaar, ...
...Azurani was attacked by savage beasts, more than she could kill without help. Although she had a healing ability, it was limited and she knew she was not going to be able to heal herself and kill all of the beasts at the same time. It was going to be a losing battle for her, and there was no one nearby to rez her. But she could not give in and let them kill her. She kept fighting. For a split second, she thought how sad her parents were going to be when she did not return home to them. She was nearly dead when, all of a sudden, a huge golden cat appeared at her side, snarling and biting and tearing at the savage beasts with his teeth and long claws, and arrows started raining down from the sky.
Donatheol
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Donatheol Doreel was a Blood Elf, a Sin'dorei, from Silvermoon City in Eversong Woods in the land of the Eastern Kingdoms, far across the sea from Kalimidor. His bow and his pet served him well. He went out regularly to hunt food for his people. It was well known in his land that he was a great hunter and adventurer. He was also known to be compassionate and kind. Although he could have had any of the women of Eversong Woods as his wife, he was single. He just had not found his "soulmate", and he was not willing to just settle for anyone short of that one woman. He knew it would not be fair to her or to himself.
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One day, Donatheol decided to make the long journey to the Kingdoms of Kalimidor to see what lay in those lands far away. He especially wanted to see the wilderness of the Nightsong Woods in Ashenvale. He had heard it was a beautiful place. Little did he know that trip would change his life forever.
Donatheol knew that Ashenvale was the home of the Night Elves and that they were the enemies of his people, the Blood Elves, (although long, long ago, they had been one people), and it would be a perilous journey traveling through their lands. He would have to be very careful. No doubt, the Night Elves there would kill him if any of them got close enough to him. Still, Donatheol had an urge to go see it and explore that land, so Donatheol packed a small rumsack and called his pet to his side, and headed across the sea to Orgimmar. From Orgimmar he would make his way across the Barrens and then head up through the Stonetalon Mountains and into Ashenvale.
It was a long journey, and Donatheol enjoyed every step of the way. The weather was perfect, warm enough, not yet cold at night, with clear skies and sunshine during the days, and soft cool breezes and clear starry skies at night. He enjoyed camping every night in a glade, hunting with his pet for what food they needed for their meals, and he enjoyed sitting beside the campfire every night. Later, after the fire burned down and it got really dark all around him, he would lay on his blanket on the ground, look up at the stars, and begin thinking. Although Donatheol was not really lonely, on dark, starry nights when he was out in the wild, certain thoughts never failed to come into his mind, "When will I meet the woman of my dreams?" "Will I ever find her?"
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After many days of traveling, Donatheol finally reached the entrance to Ashenvale. Standing at the cave entrance, exiting from the high tall Stonetalon Mountains at the Talondeep Path, Donatheol looked down the hill and all around and saw the beauty of the Nightsong Forest below. He saw trees of purple and green leaves in a dense forest, and green meadows. He could hear birds singing and could see butterflies and bees flying from flower to flower. It smelled good too. It had a peaceful feel and Donatheol felt the calmness of the place. He closed his eyes for a minute and took a deep breath, drawing into himself the splendor of the place. He knew he would remember this view in his mind for a long, long time, and he would never forget the sweet smell of the land.
Donatheol knew he would have to be careful from this point forward, as this was the land of the Night Elves, and they could be anywhere. They were good as blending into their surroundings, just as the Blood Elves did.
Donatheol picked his way carefully down the mountainside and walked into the meadow below. He headed north, carefully working his way up to the main road. When he finally got to the main road, all he could see were tall mountains in front of him. He could not see any way up into the tall peaks on the other side of the road; there were no apparent paths up. He knew he had to find a path quickly as it was not safe to stay on the road too long. He was not very far west of the City of Astranaar and, with this being the main road through the forest, no doubt Night Elves would be passing this way before much time passed. So, he turned east on the road, looking for a path up.
After some distance, he came upon a road that headed north. Donatheol decided to take it and see if he could find a path up from there. Only a short ways along the road, he discovered a path and climbed up it. That was when he heard the growling and fighting noises, and that was when he saw a young woman fighting for her life. He didn't give it a second thought, but immediately put an arrow to his bow and sent his pet in to help her fend off the savage beasts that were doing their best to kill her. His quick thinking saved her life, and that act changed both their lives forever.
The Meeting
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After the last creature was dead, Donatheol turned to the beautiful female night elf at his side and began to bandage her wounds. He saw that her clothing was torn and she had bites on her arms and legs from which she was bleeding. Donatheol signed to her, "Are you okay now?" She said, "Yes, I am fine now. You saved my life. Thank you." They both just stood there, looking at each other.
It was strange that neither of them was afraid of the other. Azurani accepted Donatheol’s help and did not shy away from him. It never occurred to her to do that. All her life, she had heard of the Blood Elves, but she had never seen one before that moment. She had been told that they were bloodthirsty, ruthless and cunning, and that they would kill her on sight if she ever came across one. But here, standing before her, was one, bandaging her and smiling kindly down at her. She saw that he was a tall man, with black hair and deeply tanned skin. He had a kind looking face with stunning green eyes. He seemed gentle and kind, and he must be since he had just saved her life. She was intrigued with him, and she could not stop looking at him. Something drew her to him; a force she had never felt before. She felt like she was sinking into the pools of his green eyes. She wanted to feel his skin.
Donatheol thought the young woman was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He simply could not take his eyes off her. She was tall, only a little shorter than he was, and slender. Her arms and legs were long and her hands were soft and gentle. But it was her hair and beautiful eyes that drew him to her, like a moth to a flame. He could not have looked away for the world. From a distance her eyes looked white, but up close he could see they were really a rainbow of colours. He had never seen eyes like hers before. Her hair was long and silky. It was the whitest blonde colour he had ever seen. He longed to reach out and touch it. The markings on her face ran from her forehead down to her cheeks, in rivers of violet and pink, truly quite beautiful and unique. She had a shimmer about her, almost a halo around her, when she moved. He was drawn to her like no other.
In that instance, everything just clicked for both of them. That was the moment when Azurani and Donatheol fell in love with each other, and they both knew that they belonged together.
Donatheol, still holding Azurani's hand and looking into her eyes, said, "Hello, I am Donatheol", and she said simply "Azurani".
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Donatheol knew that Azurani was the mate he had been waiting so long for. He did not care that she was a Night Elf. If she would accept him and his love, he knew he would be the happiest man on the earth and he would defend her and their love against all who opposed them, to his last breath.
Azurani too knew that she would go with Donatheol wherever he asked her to go, and that she would remain at his side for the rest of her days, regardless of what her family and friends said to her. She knew that Donatheol was her soulmate and he was going to be her "life".
Azurani could see that Donatheol was healthy, gentle and kind, and it was obvious that he was adventurous and strong. After all, he was a long ways from his home lands. She knew he was a good hunter too, because his arrows never missed any of those savage beasts that had been trying to kill her just a few minutes before and he looked well fed, as did his pet. His pet's coat was glossy and healthy, and he looked content. Azurani was sure that Donatheol's pet would not look that way or be with Donatheol if Donatheol was not kind to him and did not provide him with good food to eat every day.
Azurani wanted to invite Donatheol to return with her to her parent's home, but she knew it would not be safe for him in the City of Astranaar or, for that matter, to travel anywhere openly in Ashenvale. She knew that many of the Night Elves who lived there would not see him for the good man that she knew he was. Rather, they would only see him as a Blood Elf and they would do their best to kill him. She would not risk losing him that way.
Azurani had been on her way to Raynewood Retreat to remain for a 10-day time period, for soul searching and mediation. While there, she wanted to make a proper decision about her training as a priestess. She had known it was really not her calling, but it had been the best thing in her life before she met Donatheol. But now that she had met Donatheol, her plans had changed.
Azurani's parents and friends knew that she had gone to Raynewood Retreat to meditate and make a decision, and they would not contact her during those 10-days. The Sisters of Raynewood Retreat would not miss her if she did not show up at Raynewood Retreat either, as they had not known that she had intended to visit them. No priestess needed an invitation or reservation to visit Raynewood Retreat. The Sisters there opened their doors to all priestess' who showed up and always had room for one more. Their retreat was out of the way, high up on the mountain, and everyone knew that many priestesses' went there to mediate and find peace, and make decisions.
So Azurani knew that she had 10-days to spend with Donatheol, 10 days in which to get to know him and for him to get to know her too, time enough for them to make plans for their future together, before she would need to return to her parent’s home in the City of Astranaar to tell them her decision.
The Beauty of the Land, and A Time Together
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Azurani and Donatheol decided to wander around the lands of Ashenvale together and see where their feet took them. They started off and, as they walked, they talked. They told each other about their lives prior to meeting each other, about their families and their homes. They talked about what they hoped for the future and about the foreseeable problems with them remaining together, although neither ever considered separating. They talked about how glad they were that they had found each other. It was no time before they started making plans for their journey to Silvermoon City.
Donatheol knew that it was going to be hard for Azurani to go with him to his homeland and that his people would find it hard to accept her at first, but he knew that they would eventually do so because they trusted him and because she had a way about her. He would just have to keep her safe until they arrived in Silvermoon City and took up their life together there. He was confident that his people would accept her with time.
Just as Azurani knew, Donatheol also knew that he could not remain in the lands of the Night Elves. They both knew it would not be safe for either of them to remain there together. Although Azurani was certain that her parents would accept Donatheol and love him, they both knew that her people as a whole would not accept him. They just were not ready to do that… yet…
So, Azurani and Donateol only had a few days before they would need to leave Ashenvale. They had to plan their journey.
Over the next few days, Azurani and Donatheol traveled carefully around Ashenvale, enjoying each other's company and they looked at the beauty of the land. They were careful not to be seen by others. It was not to hide their love, but rather to remain safe from harm that they kept out of sight.
Every day, they walked through the land, across the meadows, through the valleys between the mountains, and sometimes they climbed up to the peaks to get a better view of the land. They smelled flowers and swam in streams. They talked and they enjoyed each other's company. They killed what they needed for each day's meals and every night they would sit around the campfire coals and look up at the sky, and make plans for their trip. They were committed to each other and they were planning their future together.
Eventually, Azurani and Donatheol arrived at The Zoram Strand on the seashore, far to the west of Astrannar. It was beautiful there. The turquoise water rolled gently into the shore and the cool breeze blew across the sand to them. They went for long swims and they fished. They talked a lot too. Every evening, together, they watched the moon rise over the sea and enjoyed the serenity of the place. They were at peace with the world.
Finally, it was two days before Azurani's parents expected her to be back home. Azurani did not want to leave Donatheol, but she did not want to worry her parents, and she did not want them to go looking for her. She had to go back home to talk to them, to tell them of her decision, and she needed to pack a few things for their journey. Azurani preferred not to travel to Donatheol's homeland with nothing, but she would if it became necessary for her to do so.
It was finally time for Azurani to return home to her parents. Donatheol did not want to let her go back to Astrannar by herself; he was worried about her safety, but he knew she was right when she said she had to go alone. They both knew it would not be safe for him to accompany her. He was confident that she was truthful when she told him she loved him and that she would return to him. So, after one last beautiful night together on the seashore of The Zoran Strand and a good sleep, after a quick bite to eat, when the sun was just above the trees, Azurani headed home alone.
For four days, while she was gone, Donatheol fished and lay around The Zoran Strand. He did not want to stray far because he did not want to be caught unaware by Night Elves who were out hunting, and he did not want to leave the haven where Azurani knew to find him. It was mid-afternoon, when the sun was still high in the sky that Azurani walked out of the shadows of the trees into Donatheol's campsite. She knew there would be no turning back for her.
Azurani’s Parents
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When Azurani arrived at her home in Astranaar, her mother, Verandi, met her at the door and hugged her. Verandi knew when she looked at Azurani that something had changed in her while she had been away, something good, and she hoped it was a mate rather than a life of seclusion in the monastery that gave Azurani that glow.
Verandi knew that Azurani had gone to Raynewood Retreat to be alone there to think and to make her final decision about what to do with her life. Verandi and Germda, Azurani's father, had talked to her endlessly about what a life she would lead if she chose to fully commit her life to the priesthood. They knew that Azurani was a loving and giving person, and a great healer, but they knew dedicating her life to the monastery and the priesthood was not her calling. They hoped she would decide not to follow that strict path.
They knew that the priesthood was not Azurani’s calling but rather a way to hide herself away in a life of servitude because she had not been able to find her soulmate among her people. They knew she had been given many opportunities for a bonding, but Azurani had not been willing to settle for someone who loved her, but who she did not love back with the same passionate depth. That kind of bonding would not be enough for her.
They knew what Azurani really wanted was a soulmate to share her life with and the ability to help others was just part of her nature. She could do that as a wife and mother. It wasn't necessary for Azurani to devote her life to the priesthood to be helpful. Verandi knew that Azurani had a lot of empathy towards others but she really was not cut out for the strict life at the monastery.
They had hoped that her older sisters, Aisse and Yshira, who were far away in Northrend, would have been able to come back home to talk to Azurani about this, but her sisters had not been able to come back and talk to her. Verandi and Germda, alone, had not been able to convince her to remain at home longer. But now, Verandi had a glimmer of hope…
"Mother, where is father? Is he not home today?" Azurani asked her mother as she hugged her.
Verandi replied, "Your father went to Darnassas to trade skins, but should be home tomorrow."
Azurani wanted to see her father, but she knew it would be easier to tell her mother about Donatheol first, and then start packing before her father returned home and made a fuss.
Verandi knew something was on Azurani's mind, so she held her daughter's hands and hugged her and said, "Daughter, tell me what is your news…"
Azurani loved and trusted her mother, so she pulled her mother into the sitting couches and began to tell her about her trip and all about Donatheol and their plans for a life together far away.
At first, Verandi was apprehensive and afraid that Azurani would be hurt, maybe even killed if she went with Donathoel, but then she realized that Azurani would be lost to her even further if she was to commit herself entirely to the ways of the priesthood. That was a strict life. Besides, she knew that Azurani would never be happy living that life. Verandi could see the glow on Azurani as she talked about Donatheol. Verandi knew that Azurani had made the right decision. So Verandi hugged Azurani and smiled at her, and said, "Let me help you pack".
Azurani loved her mother even more for those words. She knew it would now be a lot easier for her when she told her father.
So, that night, Verandi helped her daughter Azurani pack what she could carry in her gunnysack, things that she would need to take with her for her long journey with Donatheol.
Verandi went to her room and looked in the special box that she had kept safe for so many years. She took out the necklace that had been her mother's, which she had been given on the day she had bonded with Azurani's father, Germda.
Verandi went to Azurani and told her, "I had planned to place this around your neck myself at the right time, on the day when you would bond with your mate, but take this now and ask his mother to place it around your neck for me. This is all I can do." And she placed the necklace in Azurani's hands.
Azurani looked down at the necklace. It was beautiful! Azurani had never seen it before. She knew what an honour this was, and how precious this was. Holding it in her hands, she looked at her mother and tears began running down her face. Of course, her mother was also looking at her with teary eyes. They both cried and hugged each other, and cried some more. Azurani promised her mother that she would keep the necklace safe and that she would do as her mother asked. She was confident that Donatheol's mother and father would accept her because of what Donatheol had told her about them. She was just sorry that her mother and father would not be standing beside her when she stood with Donatheol and his parents to confirm their commitment and make their bond.
The next day, Germda returned home to see the happy, smiling faces of his wife and lovely daughter. He too could see a glow on Azurani and he knew something wonderful had happened to her while she was away. He hugged them both and turned to Azurani and said, "Tell me what wonderful thing has happened to you, my daughter", and he smiled tenderly at Azurani, as he took her hands.
At first, Azurani was a little afraid to tell her father what she needed to tell him. She knew it would no doubt bring him sadness. Even if he accepted the fact that she would be bonding with her soulmate, it would bring him sorrow to hear that Donatheol was a Blood Elf. But she loved Donatheol and she was going to go to him very soon. She loved her father and did not want to hurt him, but she wanted him to know about Donatheol and her decision to go and live with him. Besides, Azurani had her mother's support. Her mother would help comfort her father.
So, Azurani and her mother drew her father into the lounge and they all sat down together and Azurani told her father all about Donatheol and what she was going to do.
When her story was at an end, Azurani waited for her father to say something, but he only looked at her, saying nothing at all. She could see that there were a few tears in his eyes, but it was love that she saw there too. She knew her father loved her and wanted the best life for her.
And Germda knew that Azurani was going to have a wonderful life with Donatheol. Germa just hugged her and then told her that he was very proud of her and that he would miss her. Then he blessed her and told her to tell Donatheol that he was very happy that they had found each other. In his heart he knew they were meant for each other, and that they were soulmates. He said he was very sorry that he and her mother would not have an opportunity to meet Donatheol but, under the circumstances, it was best this way. They too knew that it was not safe for Donatheol to venture into Astranaar; nor would it be safe for them to travel to Donatheol's camp. That would only draw attention to him and they knew that would no doubt not be a safe thing. So, he asked Azurani to just let Donatheol know that he and her mother gave them their blessings and best wishes because they knew this was the right path for Azurani. Then he hugged Azurani again and smiled kindly at her.
That night, before going to bed, Azurani's parents had a great meal together, her mother making several of Azurani's favourite foods so they could enjoy them together. They relaxed with each other and enjoyed their meal. They all knew it would be a long time before they would be able to do so again. Then Verandi carefully packed the leftovers and put them in Azurani's gunnysack, so that she could take them with her to share with Donatheol before they started out on their journey together.
The next morning, Azurani ate a light breakfast with her parents. Then, as the sun was just starting to shoot it's golden rays across the land through the beautiful trees, they hugged and kissed each other and waved farewell, and Azurani started her trek back towards The Zoran Strand and to her new life with Donatheol.
A Reunion and The Journey to Silvermoon City
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The sun was high in the sky and it had turned rather warm. Donatheol had just decided to go for a swim when he felt a presence. Turning around, he saw Azurani coming through the trees towards him, with a smile on her face. His heart leaped! He was so glad to see her! Although he had known in his heart that she would come back to him, when she had left him five days before, he had to admit that he had been a little afraid that she might not return due to pressure from her family. He knew that they would most likely not want her to go away with him, since he was a Blood Elf. But, here she was. He could hardly wait to hear how her parents had reacted when she told them about him, and what they had said when she told them she was going to go away with him to Silvermoon City to live with him for good.
Donatheol could not remember ever being happier. He loved Azurani and he knew that she was the only one for him. He knew that they were going to have a very happy life together, for all the obstacles they would have to overcome.
Silvermoon City was a long way off and it was going to take a while to get there. Donatheol was glad of that because that would give him and Azurani a lot of time to talk to each other about their future together.
The Journey
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The distance from Ashenvale to Eversong Woods was long and perilous in many places, but Azurani and Donatheol enjoyed every step of the way. Although Donatheol was eager to get back to Silvermoon City and introduce Azurani to his family and friends, he was in no rush. They stopped when they were tired and they went on when they were ready. They hunted and they fished and they took several side trips to see the surrounding country as they traveled. Azurani had never been outside of Ashenvale before, except to visit Darnassas, and she was anxious to see what lay beyond the gate of the Stonetalon Path. Donatheol had traveled that way to get to Ashenvale and he was delighted to show Azurani some of the beautiful places he had discovered on his way. So the side trips to see valleys that he knew they would not see again anytime soon were pleasant for him to see again as well. They came across streams that were teaming with fish, and they ate their fill of the fresh catches they made that day.
The weather held sunny and bright, warm days, as they traveled and, although the nights were cool, it did not rain while they were journeying. So, they were dry and never cold as they traveled. Every night, they made a campfire to sit near before falling asleep. It was a peaceful time.
Of course, there were giant hairy spiders and flying harpies to contend with here and there, as well as giant lizards the size of houses in some of the valleys. But, between them and Donatheol's pet, they were no contest. They did their best not to attract any wild beasts that they did not plan to eat, but they were not always successful, so there were times when they would have to fight and kill the wild creatures that attacked them.
For all the things they saw and did on the journey to Silvermoon City, the days flew by and, before they knew it, they had arrived at the outskirts of Eversong Woods. Azurani felt safe with Donatheol, but she wasn't about to take any chances. She stayed right by his side. She wasn't sure what Donatheol had in mind to get her safely into Silvermoon City or what they would do so that she would be able to move around the City and Eversong Woods unguarded without becoming a target and killed. But she didn't worry about it. She knew he had something in mind or he would not have brought her there.
Donatheol did have something in mind. His good friends, Lord Saltheril and his lovely wife Elisara Sunstrider had a beautiful home at Salteril’s Haven. It was in the country, well outside the great City of Silvermoon. Donatheol decided to take Azurani there before going on into the City. They would have a chance to rest up a little before their final steps to the City only a few miles away, and Donatheol would be able to get news from them of what had transpired around Eversong Woods while he had been away. Donatheol was certain that his friends would like Azurani and accept her. He was looking forward to showing her off to his friends.
Early one evening, just before meal time, as they were approaching his friends’ home, Donatheol saw Elisara gathering flowers in the garden and he called out to her. Elisara looked up and saw Donatheol… and there was the most stunningly beautiful woman with him. She cried out to her husband, "Saltheril, come out and meet your friend Donatheol. He is come with the most beautiful surprise!"
A Life Together and Beginning a Family
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They had been so pleased when Donatheol's family and friends had accepted Azurani into their fold, as Donatheol's mate. And, then when the people of Silvermoon City also accepted her, they were ecstatic with joy. Azurani had a way about her that caused everyone who came into contact with her to smile and to immediately like her. She was so easy to like. In truth, the Night Elves did not look so different from the Blood Elves. Had it not been for the beautiful tattoos on Azurani's face and the happy look that could always be seen there when one looked upon her, she could have easily passed for a Blood Elf.
A few years passed and they were very happy living in Silvermoon City, near Donathol's parents. There was so much to do in the City and they were so in love. Donatheol encouraged Azurani to continue her training with the priestesses of Silvermoon City. Donatheol saw that she had a gift of healing and he did not want her to throw it away. So, Azurani approached the great priestesses of Silvermoon City and asked to be allowed to train with them, and they agreed to train her. Azurani was happy with that. They were not as rigid in practice as the priestesses were in Azurani's homeland. So, Azurani was able to continue her healing training and that was a good thing.
Finally, Azurani and Donatheol decided they wanted to start a family and they were very happy when each of their daughters was born, rejoicing for weeks after the birth of each girl.
They were quite surprised when their first-born turned out to be twins. That was certainly unexpected. The first had a head full of white hair, silken and soft, and they named her Dyy. The next had a head full of raven black hair, as dark as the night, that shimmered blue black in twilight, and they called her Meenah. The twins grew up in a loving home, loving each other. They never cared who was the older. In fact, they seldom thought about it. They were close and that was what mattered to them. In truth, it was Dyy who was one minute older than Meenah. Having different colour hair, few realized that they were born twins.
Then Laara was born. They knew she was destined for greatness right from birth. With her golden red hair, she had a will of her own that could seldom be denied. She was always an independent child, able to "take care of herself". Laara was the one who dreamed of visiting foreign lands.
Then Veld came into their lives. With her golden blonde hair at birth, which gradually changed colour into a beautiful russet red as she grew up, everyone thought she would have a fiery temper much like her sister, but Veld was not like Laara. Veld was even tempered and was actually quite shy. She was really a sweet little thing, always smelling the flowers.
The Girls Growing Up
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Azurani and Donatheol loved their daughters and taught them to love one another. They encouraged each of them to become educated and interested in the outside world, and to be proud of their countrymen. They challenged and encouraged them to venture out into the new lands and become profitable, self-sufficient, independent, loving, caring women.
Dyy dreamed of having a flying carpet some day, after hearing that the great tailors in Dalaran could make them. And, being a cloth wearer, she knew becoming a tailor was the ticket to success and riches for her. One day she hoped to be able to make "mooncloth or shadowcloth" as she knew that was always an item in demand. Along with the ability to make clothes for herself (as well as some other useful things, such as bags), she decided enchanting would be a profitable profession, especially at the higher levels, so she went to the great enchanter trainers and asked them to teach her. She was a bright student and she learned fast.
Meenah always hated the waste of the animals' skins that she saw, so she became a skinner. She also learned to work with the leather she obtained. She learned to make a lot of her own clothes, as well as some for others. She found that she could sell a fair amount of them on the Auction House too and that pleased her, as she liked the money in her pocket. She had picked a good trade. Besides skinning and leatherworking, she became a great lock picker and she practiced pick pocketing, a skill perfect for her stealth ability as a rogue.
Laara liked the "cool" shades and other items made by her friend, Kaanas, who was the Captain of the Guard. He was a great miner/engineer, and Laara admired his work. So she decided to follow in his footsteps with those two professions.
Veld couldn't decide what to do when it came to trade skills. Originally, she thought, since she was a cloth wearer like her sister, Dyy, tailoring and enchanting would be the proper professions for her, and she took them up. However, after only a short time, she found she was not content with either tailoring or enchanting. She had thought she could learn to love them, but that was not the case. Her true love was gems. She longed to become a jewel crafter. However, to become a great jewel crafter, it was going to be expensive, and money was not something she had a great deal of. She thought about it and realized that she had also loved to pick flowers. Surely there was something she could do with that. So, she traveled to the herbalist trainers to ask. She found out that there was a lot of money to be had from simply picking flowers. And, if she added that to Alchemy, she would be able to get paid for both picking plants and making potions. That didn't seem too hard and it did sound profitable. So, that was what she did.
The family was thriving and everyone was happy and well. Azurani and Donatheol were even more in love with each other than they had been when they bonded all those years before.
Their four beautiful daughters were close in age; only a couple of years separated Laara from Meenah and Dyy, and Neecee was only two years younger than Laara. They were healthy and happy girls, full of joy, intelligent, well behaved, and they had learned to be respectful and helpful.
But, years before, there had been a tragedy in their lives.
The Family Grows
*************************************
One day, not long after Veld had been weaned and was finally starting to talk, Azurani and Donatheol found out that they were once more going to become parents, and it was on a beautiful late spring day of the following year that their fifth daughter was born. The birds were singing in the trees where the new green leaves were just springing to life, while bees and butterflies were buzzing around from flower to flower in the meadows. The sun was spreading her golden rays of light across the land. She had a full head of blond hair, much like her sister Dyy, only more golden in colour and her eyes were green like those of her sisters.
She was a good baby, seldom crying, always happy, always with a giggle in her throat and a smile on her face. She seldom caused a fuss. She was a real blessing to their family. Azurani and Donatheol thought their world was now complete, having each other and their five beautiful daughters. What more could they ask for?
Adventure to the
Country
******************************************
The baby was barely two years old and still not talking, other than saying her name, which she had picked up from her sisters who were constantly saying it to her as they played with her and sang to her while they danced around the house with her in their arms. Donatheol came home and told Azurani that they had been invited, as usual, to their friends' home for a visit and to stay for their annual party, and he was thinking they should accept the invitation and take the girls with them this time. They had been invited many times to go out to Salteril's Haven to visit, and Azurani and Donatheol had gone there may times, but they had never taken their young daughters out into the countryside with them.
Up until now, Azurani and Donatheol had been hesitant about taking the girls with them, but this time, after talking it over, they came to the conclusion that the girls were perhaps now old enough for a trip as short a distance away as this one was, and they would all enjoy the countryside.
Of course, it would be a somewhat dangerous journey, as the lands were known to contain many wild animals wandering around, as well as the occasional enemy passing through it, but the roads were patrolled and the wild animals were kept under control. Besides, Donatheol was good with his bow and his pet would be helpful in guarding their family and, if need be, Azurani's skill as a healer would be helpful should any of them become injured on their journey, so Azurani and Donatheol decided to take the girls and go out to the country for the weekend.
To get to Salteril's Haven, they would leave through the Sheppard Gate and travel along the road to the West, passing over the Dead Scar, and then head North. It was a day trip, not being that far from Silvermoon City. It would be far enough to give the girls a chance to experience the country though, and they would all enjoy staying at Salteril's Haven for a few days.
Donatheol had heard that a small group of Amani Trolls had moved into Tor'Watha, and set up their camp on the eastern edge of Eversong Woods between the sea and the banks of Lake Elrendar, but their numbers were small. Had they the need to travel that way to get to Salteril's Haven, they would not have taken their daughters with them, but since they were traveling the other direction and Tor'Watha was a long way from Salteril's Haven, Azurani and Donatheol dismissed them. What they did not know was the horrid, cruel Amani Troll "Chiefton Zul'Marosh" had left his home in Zeb'Seba, near Zul'Amon, in the Ghostlands, headed north and made his new home in Zeb'Watha, in Eversong Woods, very near to Tor'Watha.
Lord Saltheril and Elisara Sunstrider were having their annual party and Azurani and Donatheol looked forward to it every year. Saltheril and Elisara had a beautiful home at Salteril's Haven. It was nestled on the edge of the mountain. It was warm and sure to be safe there. Azurani and Donatheol had fond memories of visits there. Azurani and Donatheol decided that this trip would give them an opportunity to introduce the girls to the beautiful rolling green hills of the country side with the tall trees full of red and orange leaves and, perhaps, would allow them some time to teach them all to fish in the river nearby. They would all enjoy the birds singing and feeling the soft breezes blowing through the trees. Azurani and Donatheol were looking forward to the trip and the visit.
Azurani and Donatheol packed for the journey and dressed their beautiful daughters in fine skins and newly tailored robes, made for them by Donatheol and Azurani, for their first trip outside the City of Silvermoon. They traveled through the day and arrived safely at Salteril's Haven in the early evening, without nary a fight on the road. They had seen wild animals at a distance, but none had come near enough to cause them any harm. the girls were thrilled by their adventure, and they were all tired when they arrived at the home of their friends.
Azurani and Donatheol brought food with them to share: a bottle of "Suntouched Special Reserve" that Azurani had purchased from the Vintage Wine Merchant in Silvermoon City (she knew it was a favourite of Lord Satheril), a carton of "Springpaw Appetizers" that Donatheol had picked up on his last hunting trip to Farstrider Retreat, and a "Bundle of Fireworks" that he had obtained from the traveling merchant outside Fairbreeze Village.
That first night at Salteril's Haven, the girls were so tired. They fell asleep with little complaint. Once the girls were safely in bed and sound asleep, everyone sat around and talked, outside on the patio near the Chalet, sharing the food, wine and fireworks that Donatheol and Azurani had brought with them. Everyone had an enjoyable time and the party lasted into the night. Finally, it was very late, the moon had risen long before, and everyone was ready for bed. The party was over and everyone went to sleep. Azurani and Donatheol looked in on their girls and found them all sleeping soundly. Azurani and Donatheol went to their room to bed, to sleep until the sun came up. All seemed well, but that was when it happened…
Tragedy and
Heartache
*******************************************
Meenah awoke just before the sun came up. She could feel the cool breeze blowing in through the window near her bed. At first, she was surprised to see the window open. She did not remember it being open the night before when she was getting into bed, but perhaps someone opened it in the night to let in some night air for them. She didn’t give it another thought. She could hear the birds singing outside and occasionally hear the roar of a nearby lion, but she felt safe in her warm bed in the home of her parent’s friends. She could not hear the lions roaring back home in Silvermoon City. She couldn't wait to tell her friends about the lions. Her father had seen some, way in the distance, and pointed them out to her just yesterday on their journey. To her, they looked like beautiful creatures, but she knew they were very dangerous. Nevertheless, she loved the way they looked. She was glad she could here them roaring again. She smiled.
After some time, Meenah realized that she did not hear her baby sister’s usual early morning giggles, so she got up and tip-toed over to her sister’s crib, only to find the crib empty. Meenah was at first puzzled, but then decided that her mother must have come into the room during the night and taken her youngest sister into her parent’s room, to be with her mother and father during the night, to allow the older girls to sleep later. For sure, the baby's giggles early in the mornings did not allow the girls a chance to sleep late very often.
It wasn’t until the sun was high in the sky, when her other sisters, Dyy, Laara and Veld, woke up, that Meenah and her sisters went out to find their parents and their baby sister. That was when it was discovered that the baby was missing.
“Mother, is the baby still sleeping?” Meenah asked her mother as she gave her a good morning hug.
Azurani hugged her back and said, “What do you mean Meenah? Is she not with you and the girls?”
The sisters all started to cry, and it took a few minutes for Azurani and Donatheol to calm them enough to find out what happened and start searching for their youngest child. Where could she be? What had become of her? She was so quiet. They could not hear her. Usually, everyone could hear her giggling.
Azurani and Donatheol, and all their friends and the guards, searched high and low for the baby, throughout the whole house and outside all around the grounds. They could not find the baby or any clues to where she might be. The only things that came to light was the open bedroom window, in the room where the girls' slept, a bit of trampled grass underneath the windowsill outside it, and foot prints leading towards the woods. No one had seen any strangers around and no one had heard anything in the night.
All they could do was assume that their youngest daughter had been kidnapped, but by whom? and why? It didn't matter; they wanted to find her. So, Donatheol hugged his wife, picked up his bow and long sword, and called his pet to him, and went out to search for his lost daughter.
Where is She?
*************************************
While Azurani and her friend, Elisara Sunstrider comforted the girls, who would not stop crying for their lost sister, Donatheol and the raid party of all their friends and most of the guards who were at Salteril’s Haven, searched high and low, over meadow and field, mountain and wooded area for the baby or for clues that would lead to finding her, but the search was fruitless.
Eventually, Donatheol took the raid party and went to Zeb’Watha on the other side of Eversong Woods to search there for his lost daughter. With no real evidence outside his “gut feeling”, Donatheol was convinced that the Amani Trolls had kidnapped her. They were never up to any good.
Searching and questioning all the trolls in Zeb’Watha brought no results and, after finding no clues, Donatheol killed everyone in that camp.
He then took the raid party further south, down into the Ghostlands, to Zeb’Sora. There, once again, he searched and questioned all the trolls about his youngest daughter's whereabouts. Again, the result was the same, each and every troll denied knowing anything about her, or they just laughed in his face. After searching that camp and not finding his baby daughter or any clues as to her whereabouts from anyone there, he again killed all of them and then moved on to the next camp, Zeb'Nowa.
Again, the same thing happened, no clues. So, after killing everyone in the place, Donatheol decided he and the raid party should go into Zul’Amon itself to see if they could find his lost child there.
Outside Zul’Amon
After torturing many, and killing many more, in Zul'Amon, while trying to get information about his daughter’s whereabouts, Dnatheol finally killed all the bosses in that place. Then, after searching every Amani Trolls encampment throughout the lands and finding no evidence of his youngest daughter whatsoever, Donatheol knew it was time to return to his wife and children. So the raid party headed back to Eversong Woods.
Although no evidence was found among the Trolls, Donatheol was convinced that the Amani Trolls had kidnapped his daughter and the one who had done so had taken her far away, far beyond his reach. He did not believe she was dead.
So, Donatheol arrived back at Salteril's Haven empty-handed. And, after resting only one day, he took Azurani and their daughters back to Silvermoon City.
************************************************
Never a hair or shred of evidence as to their baby's whereabouts was ever found, but Azurani and Donatheol knew they would never stop searching for their lost daughter; however, they doubted they would ever find her.
Both Azurani and Donatheol were heartbroken, but they knew they had their four daughters to look after, care for, and raise. They had to put their sorrow aside, at least outwardly. It was not good for their young daughters to be forever immersed in that sorrow. So, Azurani and Donatheol had a long talk and decided they would just simply stop talking about their youngest child. Not only would it be better for their other daughters, but it would also force them all to try to overcome their sorrow over losing her. That was not to say they would ever stop looking for her. They would never stop doing that. And, Azurani and Donatheol did continue to search for their lost child, but nothing ever lead them to her.
Dreams
*************************************
When the girls were still young, they thought about their baby sister often, recalling the times when they played with her and danced around with her in their arms, and of the times they sang to her. They dreamed about her often too, but when they would try to tell their mother or father about their dreams, their parents discouraged them from doing so, always distracting them into other avenues of thought. So, eventually, each of the girls came to think that they were all dreaming about some “make-believe” friend that perhaps they had once talked about together, not realizing that it was really their lost sister they were all dreaming about.
For a long time, they all dreamed about her often, but as time went by, they dreamed of her less and less. However, over the years, from time-to-time, all four sisters had dreams about her. Since each of them thought the dreams were of an “imaginary” friend, and they were growing up and it was considered silly to mention “make-believe” friends at that age, none of them mentioned their dreams to anyone.
Many years passed and time nearly erased the memory of that tragic day. And, because no one has mentioned her name or told of that tragic story in years, few now recall or even know that Meenah and her sisters have another sister… one who was kidnapped, long ago.
More Dreams
*************************************
Twenty-five years went by. Their sister’s name had not been spoken out loud, or that tragic story retold, and their dreams had receded into the past. None of the girls had dreamed about her for quite some time, over five years.
Then, overnight it was, that each of the sisters began to once again dream about their “imaginary” friend. At first the dreams were flighty, barely memorable. Then, over time, the dreams became more frequent and more vivid. The sisters were having dreams about places they had never been to, seeing things and peoples they had never met. They saw seas of turquoise waters and fishes and animals and other things that they had never thought of before. They saw homes on an island, and small green people. None of them knew what to make of these dreams.
Finally, one day, Meenah said to Dyy, “Sister, I’ve been having some odd dreams lately”, and Dyy just starred at her twin and said, “So have I.” And they sat down to discuss their dreams.
