war-hawg

[war-hawg]

Madness

Had it been days, weeks or months?  The priest could not tell.  Calethar had fallen into the depths of despair ever since he had left Silvermoon.  Aellynne had not come for him, for them.  Why?  It is not as if he was hard to find.  She had mentioned taking the children to the Faire, so he did.  And they waited....and waited to no avail.

  She had abandoned them.  She refused to try and change her life like she promised.  Calethar could not fault her, really.  He could not rid himself of the voice no matter how hard he had tried.  She deserved better but still, it was saddening that she did not even try to find them.  He grabbed his head as his thoughts swam.  Thoughts of what could have been, should have been.  The content and happy life.  But no, that had all been taken from him just as the voice said.  Because he was a coward.  Or was she the one that was ultimately afraid?  Afraid of what he would have become.

  Either way, there was no turning back now.  The voice had all but consumed him.  The Calethar some people had come to know was long gone.  His clothes lay in tatters around his frail body, dirt smudged over his face and every piece of exposed skin.  Not long ago, he would have cared.  Aellynne had given him reason to.  Now, all he cared about was hiding.  The voice told him to.  Told him this was his lot in life and nothing could be done to change it. 

  The priest could not even recall what had happened to the children.  Had he left them at the Faire, sent them back to the city or....worse?  Surprisingly the thought of him forcing the life out of those who were innocent no longer bothered him.  Calethar did not care about anything or anyone.  That one becaon of light that had saved him had burnt out.  Were it not for the voice forcing his every thought and movement he would have leapt off the cliff outside the cave he now called home. 

  His life was meant to be filled with torment until the mercy of old age finally took him.  The voice would see to that.  The voice would see to it that he not only lived but any that tried to even come near him would be dealt with swiftly.  Blood would be shed and Calethar did not care.  No one cared for him anyway.  No one ever did.  Not those he tried to help in the Farstriders and certainly not his one true love who abandoned him.

[war-hawg]

Lack of Trust

Calethar sighed in disappointment as he watched Aellynne leave, again.  That disappointment soon turned to frustration as he crumpled the note in his hand and tossed it into the forge.  She did not trust him.  That was the only logical explanation he could come up with as to why she would choose not to share whatever important information she had.  A few short weeks ago she would not bother with a cryptic letter.  No, she would have woke him in the middle of the night to tell him of her worries and concerns, no matter how big they may be.  Something had changed and it had begun to eat at the priest.

  Was it the weight she carried having more responsibility with a new family?  Distancing herself, getting caught up in her duties again.  It seemed to fit.  She seemed to care more for her battalion and others than she did for him or the children in his eyes.  Calethar recalled how she spoke of wanting a second chance to be a mother, to right all the wrongs she felt she had done for her own two children.  Even his harsh words on the matter did not sway her.  All she could think of was others facing danger while she sat still.  Selfish. 

  There were plenty of others willing to lay down their lives in her place.  Many that stood in a long line to help the battalion and yet, she would not let them.  Would she even miss him or the children if they were gone for a few days?  In his mind, no.  She would be too busy with Farstrider business, secret letters and who knew what else to even realise they were out of the city.  That saddened Calethar but he knew he could not change her mind and the way she thought she owed everyone but herself.  He did not want to change her, he just wanted her to more a part of this new family than she had been. 

  So it was with a heavy heart that he packed a few days worth of clothing for himself and the two young children.  Perhaps his plan would back fire and he would be left on his own.  He still had faith and trust in her though, even if she did not have it for him.  He was confident she would notice and be able to find them.  She had to.  He could not do it alone. 

  Without even a note or a worry over her words of caution, the priest led the children out of the city, through the ruins or Lordaeron and onto the Zeppelin.  Aerethiel was full of questions as always but Calethar could not bring himself to answer many of them.  That did not deter her though and he did manage a smile or two on their trip.  Where they were going he would not say or even hint at until after they arrived.

[war-hawg]

Nightmare or Reality

Calethar was unsure what time it was when he was finally able to join Aellynne in their bed.  The combination of worry over her and the hectic evening with the children had worn him out.  The challenges of being a parent were proving to be difficult but it was well worth it to see the smiles on those little faces, the joy that now came to their lives.  Without word or even the energy to kiss her on the cheek, the priests eyes closed and he was asleep within a minute.

  The day had been routine.  Wake long before dawn and sit with Aerethiel to soothe her nightmares, then go prepare breakfast for the three of them while Aellynne tended to Aedan.  After breakfast and the dishes would be story time.  Usually Aellynne helped with much of it but she had other obligations.  Calethar did not say anything at the time but he did not want her to go.  Part of him wanted to remain respectful of her previous duties while the other half of him wanted to be selfish.  It had only been a few weeks after all and she was already itching to return to duty. 

  The priest sighed after closing the door behind her.  The ever curious Aerethiel standing right behind him, "Why you so sad?"  He shook his head after scooping the girl up into his arms.  "I am not sad.  Just...disappointed."  Aerethiel stared at him awkwardly as if she doubted his words and threw her arms around his neck, burying her head against his shoulder.  "Good daddy's don't let moomy's go.  Make her stay, for us?"  

  A few hours later the door opened and Calethar quickly rose to his feet, a finger to his lips.  "Shh Aedan just fell asleep.  How was your day?"  Aellynne smiled as she covered the few steps between him and the door, her arms sliding around him.  "More planned dealings with the Amani."  The priest started to protest, the dealings with the Farstriders and Amani of late only ended badly.  Aellynne kissed him quickly and washed away whatever words were on his tongue.  "What is for dinner?  It smells wonderful."  His eyes narrowed with a quick shake of his head.  How could she be worrying about that?  He forced a smile,  "Aerethiel and I prepared a roast.  She is quite a quick learner."

  A tiny head poked up from behind the couch with a smile and a wave.  "Daddy is a good teacher."  Calethar made his way to the kitchen, Aerethiel in tow.  Aellynne went to the other room to change out of her armor.  How he hated that armor.  It was always a sign of trouble and her putting herself in danger.  He wanted to see it destroyed but no, he was too nice.  "You gonna tell her?"  The priest blinked, "Tell who, what?"  Aerethiel scrambled to get onto a stool, "Mommy.  Make her stop leaving us.  She loves fighting more than us."  A little sniffle and a single tear rolled down her cheek.  Calethar sighed, "I will speak to her."

  Aellynne came into the kitchen and glanced between the two, "Is she alright?"  They nodded in unison, "Of course.  She just misses you is all.  All of us do.  It pains us when you have to leave."  She made her way to the stool and gave the girl a hug.  "Unfinished business.  Soon enough it will be over and I will never have to leave any of you again."  Calethar muttered something that sounded like, "If you do not get yourself killed first."  Aellynne spun on him, blinking her eyes.  "What did you say?"  Aerethiel smiled as innocently as possible from behind her, trying to encourage Calethar. 

  "It is nothing that we have not discussed before and will no doubt discuss again in the future."  Aellynne reached out to place a hand on his shoulder but he shrugged it off and glared at her.  "You talk of not wanting to disappoint, of wanting to make up for the time you lost with Anna.  You are doing exactly what you swore you would not do.  I might as well have taken in them in by myself."  She was far too shocked to respond, even when he shoved her backward.  The counter the only thing that kept her from falling over.  A cackle arose from Aerethiel.  One far too familiar t the priest.  He hovered near to Aellynne who was struggling to stand up.  "Calethar, what..."  He rose a fist above her head...

  The priest sat up quickly, his heart racing and breath coming fast.  Aellynne turned and opened one eye, her hand reaching out to touch him, "Dreams again, my love?"  He turned away quickly, unable to bring himself to face her.  He was turning into his father but he could not tell her of it.  She had far too much on her mind.  She moved to put an arm around him but he shrugged it off and stood.  Aerethiel was calling.  Calethar turned with sadness in his eyes, "I am sorry, Aellynne."  She lay there with a confused look on her face, "Sorry for what?  Come back to bed."  "Sorry for what I have become."  He let those words hang in the air as he left the room.

[war-hawg]

Adoption

Hand in hand Calethar and Aellynne left their room at the Farstrider's lodge for the last time.  The room they had shared held many memories that they would carry with them for some time.  But they had to move on.  Today was the day the orphaned pair they had both come to care for would be coming home with them. 

  There was little said between the couple as they made their way across the city.  They were both nervous and no amount of talking or sweet words would calm them.  Calethar could only guess what was going through Aellynne's head.  She hid it well behind her smile.  His own smile, while returned, hid many thoughts as well.  The priest truly loved her, admired her even more for the sacrifices she was willing to make for them to be a family.

  Sacrifices.  Aellynne told me of her desire to finally take herself off the front lines and spend more time with me, with us.  While I was overjoyed by that fact it gave me pause as well.  Putting herself in harms way, fighting for not only our people but those of her battalion and been her life for the past few years.  Was it fair to ever ask her to give that up, even with so willing a replacement as Kierrynn?  Aellynne said it was something she wanted as well but I still can not help but think it was my own weakness that caused her to change her mind.  How can one who does not have his own mind to himself take care of children for days on end by himself, after all. 

  She gave up much for us.  I will not let her regret that choice.  I will rid myself of this....curse and make it up to her.  She deserves that and more.  This is more than just a sacrifice for her, even if she will not admit it.  Aellynne has been given something not many of us ever get, a second chance.  I know she will not fail, but will I?

  Before he realized where they were the huge double doors opened and in they went.  Most of the halls of the orphanage were empty at this hour.  The smell of freshly prepared breakfast wafted from the kitchen.  The sound of non stop chatter and clanging dishes lead the couple to the dining room.  Aerethiel jumped out of her seat as soon as she saw who had made everyone stop and point.  The girl ran over and nearly tackled Calethar as she came to hug his leg.  Aellynne shook her head with a wide smile as she looked on. 

  "W-where you been?  I-I missed you."  The girl buried her face against his leg and her body shook for a moment.  Calethar reached down and lifted her into his arms, "I, we, have been busy preparing your new room.  We could only work as fast as they could deliver your bed."  Aerethiel rubbed her eyes, the half formed tears smearing across her face, "I-I thought you forgetted about me.  Left me like mommy did."  Aellynne stepped over and stroked the child's hair gently, "We could never forget about you."  She seemed to want to say more but was either hesitant or was caught off guard by the bundled boy being handed to her.

  Aedan was asleep as Aellynne took him into her arms.  She smiled down at him but kept her voice low so as not to wake him, "Are you ready to go home with us, Aerethiel?"  The child looked up at the woman while she chewed her lip, then looked to Calethar, "You gonna be there too, right?"  He nodded quickly, "Of course.  You see, Aellynne and I are very much in love and will one day soon be married.  You and Aedan will be a part of our family.  The four of us will be together for a very long time."  Aedan stirred, yawned and turned just enough in his bundle of blankets to get closer to Aellynne.

  "Will you three meet me at the door?  I have to see the head mistress for a moment and then we can go," the priest asked as he leaned in to kiss Aellynne on the cheek.  She held out her hand which Aerethiel quickly took,  "We will see you soon."  Calethar moved quickly down the hall to the offices while Aellynne lead the children toward the door.  "Are you my new mommy now?"  Aellynne smiled nervously down at the girl, "I would like to be, yes."  Aerethiel seemed happy by that answer, there was a new bounce to her step as they made the door.  "Good.  You and d-daddy are nice together."

  Caelthar set an over filled pouch on the desk and rose with a bow, "Consider it a donation.  It is the least we can do for all the hard work and care you put into this place."  The head mistress smiled with a bow of her head, "As if you have not done enough for us Mister Lerathien.  Will we still be seeing you and your fiance around?"  He nodded, "Of course.  Just because we have decided to care for two of the children on our own does not mean we will soon forget about this place.  There is special meaning here, you know."  She rose to her feet slowly, steadying herself against the desk, "Yes, so I have noticed.  Not all of it is a good memory, though."  Calethar seemed shocked and almost horrified at the revelation.  "I may be old but I am no fool.  Some things can not be erased without the proper rituals, blessings if you will.  The past will come back to haunt you, it always does."  The priest started to say something but was cut short by the humming sound in the air.  Again, in this place, there was a brilliant flash of white light.  When it faded the head mistress was again in her chair with a smile. 

  Calethar was not quite sure what just happened but he had little time to worry about it now.  Aellynne and the children needed him, they needed to get home and enjoy their new lives.  He bowed low and left to meet his new family.  Family...I could get used to that.

[war-hawg]

Internal Conflict

As soon as the priest turned away from her his shoulders slumped and his mood changed.  The fear and anxiety of the pending change in their lives as well as the memory of the voice returning gave Calethar a lot to think about.  He walked through the crowds quietly talking to himself, hands wringing nearly raw in front of him. 

  "Of course the children coming home with us is a good idea.  Just look at the way it calms her.  She is a natural.  Though I still do not see how she thinks I can do this.  I have no experience, I have no knowledge."  Calethar glanced over his shoulder out of habit, hoping to see her.  The crowd had filled the square, she was no where to be seen.  You know why you fear it, boy.  He froze where he stood, the fear of hearing that voice showing plainly on his face.  The priest glanced around in a near panic hoping those words had come from someone else in the crowd, a passing conversation perhaps.

  The distinct cackle told him he was not mistaken.  I warned you years ago this was not for you.  You fear this, not out of worry you have no experience.  It is instinct after all.  No, no my pathetic excuse for an offspring.  You fear it because you know that you will become what I was to you.  Calethar shook his head, "No!  I will not.  You were weak willed, you did not have a strong companion by your side, I do."  A few Elves gave him an odd look but most ignored his ranting to himself.  You will bring them all pain and misery beyond comprehension.  You will fail them, they will cower before you in fear.  Just as you and your mother did.  The priest paused near the wall of a building, both hands coming to rest upon the wall.  "There is love here.  You had no love for us, for anyone."  Just as the voice started to speak again, Calethar slammed his forehead into the wall.  His vision blurred, tiny spots of light danced before his eyes.  He had nearly blacked out from the force of the blow and still the laughter mocked him.

  The voice remained silent for a while after the priest recovered enough to move on with his shopping.  He rubbed his forehead and felt the egg sized knot that was already formed.  At least there was no blood, he thought.  In a way the voice might be right, the priest thought.  I have always feared becoming him but no, that is not right.  Aellynne will not allow that to happen.  She would stand by me no matter what.  She would see this...this torment defeated at all costs.  He tapped his chin thoughtfully after entering a small shop.  Fear of the unknown is it?  Yes, yes that had to be it.  Aellynne had been the one and only woman h e had ever allowed himself to care for, to love.  It was just anxiety over the pending marriage.  It had to be.

  With a sigh the priest waved a hand over his forehead, the small flash of light that followed reduced that knot to a mere red spot.  Satisfied he set himself to browsing the wares that were on display.  There were pots and pans of every size and shape imaginable.  Plain, heavy dishes lined shelves along the far wall.  A glass case stood in front of the shopkeeper.  In that case was the finer sets.  Painted with such artistry it is a wonder anyone would ever eat off of them.  You had best get something that will not hurt when it is used to strike someone, boy.  Some of those can be an unforgiving weapon.  Calethar's hand started to shake and he closed his eyes tight in an attempt to push out the voice.  Nothing seemed to work until his thoughts turned to her.  That smile of hers, the compassion and love behind those eyes.  That seemed enough for the moment.  With out another echo in his mind the priest set out to buy a couple of full sets of dishes, paid and hurried off to find her.  He had to see that smile soon or the voice might overwhelm him.

[war-hawg]

Furniture Shopping

It turned out to be a long and restless night.  The excitement of bringing the children home in the next day or two had kept both Calethar and Aellynne awake.  Instead of sleep they found themselves in each others arms talking about what all they would need to purchase come morning.  It turned out to be quite a long list but it would all be needed if they wanted to make this place feel like home.

  Before the first rays of the sun could peek through the bedroom window they were up, dressed and ready to go.  Aellynne reached down and took Calethar's hand just inside the door.  She gave it a squeeze, smiled and kisses his cheek.  "Are you ready?  I am both scared and excited.  I never thought I would see a day like this again.  The priest squeezed her hand in response before reaching out toward the door handle.  "I am as ready as I will ever be.  It is a frightening thought for many reasons but it is something we need to do.  For ourselves and for them."  Calethar motioned toward the door, for the moment pushing back his fears so she would not worry, "Shall we?" 

  Their first stop was one of the vendor carts just down the street.  They could not resist the smell of fresh pastry and both were quite hungry.  The couple had tried to turn in early the night before in hopes that their time shared in intimate moments would help them sleep better.  In that moment of single mindedness they had forgotten about dinner.  Calethar looked to her as she tried to hide a yawn behind her hand.  Aellynne smiled apologetically to the bakers son who manned the cart, "Tea and whatever he is having will be fine, thank you."  The priest set a few coins on the cart in exchange for the tea and two apple filled pastries. 

  Aellynne had found a quite place to sit and was already awaiting him there by the time Calethar had turned around with hands full.  He smiled and shook his head.  "Am I that tired that I did not realize you had moved away?"  She smiled back at him with tired eyes, "We are both tired, my love.  I just wanted to sit."  He handed over the cup of hot tea before taking a seat beside her.  She took the cup with a grateful nod and took a sip before she spoke in a teasing tone, "Forgive me?"  Calethar brought his own cup to his lips, narrowing his eyes in confusion over the rim.  "Forgive you?"  She smiled and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.  "Forgive me for teasing you when you have had so little sleep."  The priest smiled and made every effort to sound serious, "I do not know.  That was quite mean."  He shook his head and they shared a laugh.  Laughter was good for them both.  They each had their own reasons to be nervous about what was soon to come.  Their closeness and laughter seemed to make it all disappear, for the moment at least.

  After breakfast they made their way over to the bazaar.  Even thought it was still early the entire square was already busy with activity.  Some shopkeepers were still setting up.  Apprentices running to and fro with arms full.  Very few of the people out this early were here to purchase anything.  They passed by the steps of the inn to see a couple of drunkars sleeping off the previous night.  Calethar shook his head in disappointment.  Was I really that bad not so long ago?  What if I can not handle the change and the voice returns again?  I will certainly go back to this or worse.   Aellynne had stopped and the distracted priest had nearly walked right through her.  "Is something on your mind, Calethar?"  He shook his head with an apologetic smile, "No more so than there was last night."  She gave him a knowing look.  One that told him she knew otherwise but Aellynne did not press the issue.  "I believe this is the shop that Anna suggested."  Calethar breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped through the door together.

  They stood in the shop for hours looking over various dressers, beds and chairs.  Aellynne had wanted something practical and easy to use, functional.  Something that would serve its purpose without the worry of it falling apart due to the way children tended to play.  Calethar though had gravitated toward the more elegant designs.  The big, gaudy pieces that had intricate designs carved into them.  The sort that took months to finish.  They had both discussed their opinions on the matter and neither seemed to want to budge. "Children to not quite understand the finer things in life.  When they get older, perhaps, we can get them these."  Calethar smiled, "Perhaps but it was you that said they deserve the best that we can provide.  They have seen too much hardship in their short lives.  Remember?"  Aellynne sighed, matching his smile with one of her own.  "I did say that but we should not spoil them too much."   With the encouragement of the shopkeeper they settled on two sets of furniture for the children.  One would go to the apartment here in the city, the more durable and plain looking set.  The other would be sent by boat to their home along the coast. 

  After the furniture shopping it was nearly noon.  The couple stood hand in hand in the middle of the bazaar which had grown to be quite busy.  They could hardly hear themselves think.  "I said, what else do we need?"  Aellynne gave him an odd look, one that told him she had been lost in thought.  "We will need a new set of dishes, two sets, they will need some toys, clothes, bedding..."  Calethar pressed a finger to her lips.  "One thing at a time.  How about I go pick out the dishes, I promise I will not over do it.  While you go pick out what toys they might need.  You have more experience with that than I do."  He pressed a bulging pouch of coins into her hand followed by a quick kiss.  "I will see you by the fountain in an hour.  Make sure you use all the coin, they deserve it."  She seemed to want to dispute the idea but held back when she saw the smile that Calethar had on his face.  He was happy, excited almost and she could not bring herself to ruin it.

[war-hawg]

The Voice Returns

Despite his need for her to be close, Aellynne had to go out again.  He knew how guilty she felt over the loss of one of the Farstriders.  She had to avenge that loss or risk falling back into her own darkness and despair.  Calethar busied himself with what he did best when he needed a distraction, he went to the Spire of the Sun and lost himself in his work. 

  Some time later that evening he heard the voices come through the stone.  Most of it he did not pay attention to.  The priest did not desire to have to repeat the events of the night before and the best way to deal with that was ignoring any calls for him.  But all that changed when he heard, "The Commander has gone missing."  His heart skipped a beat.  The only Commander he knew was Aellynne.  Calethar asked for clarification but his question fell upon deaf ears.  Either they were too busy fighting or his willingness to stand up for himself had caused him to fall out of favor with the Farstriders. 

  There was nothing left to do but sit and wait.  He had to hope they spoke of someone else or that she was missing but unharmed.  The priest paced up and down the walkway that led from the Spire down to the Court of The Sun.  Your unwillingness to strike him down cost you.  I told you that you could not have her.  The cackling in his mind boomed as if a thunder cloud floated above him.  Calethar's hands went immediately to the sides of his head, a feeble attempt to squeeze the voice out of his ears.  "I destroyed you!  You are not real."  One passer by stopped to ask if he was alright.  The priest snapped at him, "Yes, I am fine.  Stop looking at me like that."  The other Elf scampered up the walk way quickly, unwilling to risk his wrath. 

  Calethar shook his head and blinked as he took in his surroundings, unsure how he ended up where he was.  He was inside the Farstrider Lodge.  The Captain and the others stood around the room discussing something.  Aellynne stood before him and repeated her question, "Are you alright?"  She was battered, bruised and her skin was a bright pink.  He knew she had suffered burns and been healed but it did not register.  "Of course,"  was the only response the priest could offer.   The thoughts of that voice returning, the fear welling up inside him could not let him focus on Aellynne.  "We found the missing girl.  She is recovering thanks to the other healers who were willing to come."  He stared blankly at the wall across the room, "That is good.  I hope they were treated better than I was." 

  Aellynne gave him a look of concern as she stepped to his side.  Even with the weariness in her body she still put him first.  Why was he being such a failure?  Why could he not push aside the words the voice spoke to him?  He knew why, the voice was right.  He was a coward for staying behind.  He had nearly lost her for that cowardice.  I should have just ended him....

  "They were treated better than you were the night before.  Praised and appreciated."  Calethar narrowed his eyes but did not look to her.  "Of course they were.  They are not weak and easily pushed around.  They are not disrespected at every turn like me.  If you will excuse me, I need to go for a walk before I say something I will regret." He was easily replaced, they did not need him.  In his mind he thought they were all better off without him.  And seeing other healers standing at the ready seemed to confirm that.  Aellynne reached out to touch his arm, hoping to stop him.  "Wait."  He shook his head and looked to her with sadness and defeat in his eyes.  "I have to.  I will meet you in our room soon."  The look on her face was not so much one of disappointment but one of concern.  Though to his mind, the Priest thought it was complete disappointment.  He could not face her right now.

  Calethar left the lodge and wandered the streets of the city until the stars above started to fade.  He crept into their room as quietly as possible, hoping not to disturb her.  Aellynne slept soundly, her injuries were much more than she led on.  Sleep was the only thing that kept the pain away.  He hovered over her offering a silent prayer.  One of forgiveness and quick healing.  His glowing hands moved over her body.  She stirred as the light moved through her but did not wake.  Satisfied that he was able to do something good for her he kissed her quickly and crawled into bed without changing clothes. 

  When she woke he pretended to sleep.  Those few moments she stayed in the room that morning was the only time he closed his eyes.  That voice, even though it had not come back since, would keep him up for days.

[war-hawg]

Night And Day

The day had started out fine, wonderfully in fact.  Calethar had saw to securing an apartment in the city, one that would hold their new family.  It had taken some negotiation but in the end the place would be ready by the end of the week, fully furnished and cleaned.  It was not the best the city could offer but it would have to do until they could have a home built close to Silvermoon.  The priest would have preferred to just whisk the children away to their home near the coast but Aellynne's reasoning reminded him of the disservice such a thing would be for the two children. 

  She had suggested that in order to learn of the Sindorei the children had to remain close when possible.  They needed to take in the culture, the architecture, the knowledge that could be passed down within the walls of the city.  Something the engaged couple could not do on their own, in seclusion.  Calethar still could not believe how far they had come.  From a simple hello to nearly a complete family.  He had spoken of be thankful each day and he meant it.

  He made his way toward the Hall of Records and entered with a bow and a smile.  The priest waited patiently off to the side as the clerks busied themselves with a handful of other patrons.  He glanced up at the shelves that lined the room.  From floor to ceiling they were stuffed with pristine books, scrolls and maps.  Not so much as a spec of dust settled on any of them, such was the power of the magic the city had.  With hands clasped behind his back Calethar perused the shelves.  Somewhere in here is that past I left behind.  Somewhere in here HE still lives.

  He frowned at the reminder.  It had been months since he had vanquished that demon, why did it have to come to mind now.  "Sir...sir?"  A small framed female with golden rimmed glasses asked in a squeaky voice.  Calethar cracked a smile, pushing those thoughts away.  "Forgive me, I was lost in thought."  She motioned toward a nearby desk, "Come have a seat.  What can I help you with?"  The priest sat down and as he considered what to ask for first, his leg began for shake nervously.  "Adoption papers, a name registry form and those needed to verify a marriage."  The woman shuffled through various papers, smiling apologetically for the time it took.  "Here we are.  You will need these signed by the headmistress.  For the name registry the couple adopting will need to each sign here and...here."

  Calethar nodded as he took the stack of papers.  "Being that you are a priest I am sure you know how to fill out that last set."  Calethar gave her a curious look, "How did you know?"  She nudged the glasses up her nose and snorted out a laugh.  "You brought me back from near death a year ago.  I had an accident in my personal laboratory.  Fire, poisonous fumes.  Does any of that ring a bell?"  He shook his head, "I have seen thousands of wounded people come and go, their faces are all a blur to me."  He rose from his chair and she did too, extending a hand across the table.  "You are a hard one to forget.  The handsome stranger who could not even smile."  Calethar took her hand and flashed a smile, "Now you have seen the smile."

  He sat outside the Farstriders Lodge, busying himself with what he could fill out of the paperwork.  Time had been lost to him and when he finally paid attention to the toll of the clock tower he sighed.  The mission!  He cursed at himself as he stuffed the papers into a satchel. grabbing the stone and sending out word to Aellynne in one swift motion.  "Farstrider's Retreat.  We have trouble."  That was all he needed to hear.  He unhitched his horse and rode as fast as possible out toward Eversong and the Retreat, ignoring the nagging feeling that something did not feel right about his going out there.  From somewhere in the back of his mind a faint cackle could be heard.  One, that if he listened to at the time, would have frozen him in his tracks.  Some demons do not stay buried for long.

[war-hawg]

Hallow's End

Looking down at himself, Calethar thought he looked quite odd in the old engineering overalls Aellynne had insisted he wear.  She wore them too but they seemed a more natural fit on her than on him.  He always preferred the finer clothes.  They were the only thing he had come to enjoy from his past life, clinging to them as he did was a daily reminder of the mistakes he did not intend to make.  Most certainly not now than the two were going to be married.  Keeping her safe and not allowing himself to return to the past were promises the priest intended to not fail at.

  So it was that the engaged couple stood at the doors to the orphanage, arm in arm.  They had dressed this way not to join in the costumed portion of the Hallow's End celebration but to be sure if they got messy carving pumpkins it would not be much harm.  Calethar looked to her as he reached for the door handle.  He still could hardly believe it to be true, she was going to be his wife.  Just a few short months ago he was content living a life of solitude, fighting his personal demons alone.  And now, standing beside him with an adoring smile was the woman who had pulled him out of that.  Not a moment went by that he did not want to share Aellynne's company, even if it mean in the face of danger.

  The door opened to the noise and laughter of the children.  The couple tried to make it inside without much fan fare but as soon as they were seen 20 children came running, nearly tackling them to the ground under a sea of hugging arms.  Calethar smiled through it all, the love the children had for them touched him more than he let on.  He feared that admitting he was starting to consider what it would be to have one of his own would cause Aellynne to regret her choice.  She could no longer have children and he had accepted it.  But the more he came to the orphanage the more he thought on it. 

  Aellynne took him by the hand as she was being pulled this way and that by every little hand that could grab hold.  There was so much to see and do.  They would see to it all, the children deserved the attention.  The first stop was the huge sitting area.  It had been rearranged for a story telling session for the night.  Chairs formed a semi circle near to the fireplace.  The walls had been covered in decorations.  From pumpkins to ghosts, skeletons to ogres.  The children had been given a chance to distract themselves with creativity and they did not disappoint.  It took well over an hour to get to all of them and hear the stories the children had made up behind each piece.  "No innocence lost here,"  Calethar mentioned under his breath before they were lead away into the kitchen.

  This room had been rearranged some as well.  Two long banquet tables had been moved into the center, replacing the preparation tables that had been there since it had opened.  The tables were covered with a paper table cloth, numerous pumpkins and utensils had been neatly laid out.  The children paired up with one adult and went about carving something of their own doing into each pumpkin.  Calethar watched as Aellynne took two boys and set about turning their pumpkin into and oddly smiling human face.  While they were hard at work she explained why she had chosen that design and how it tied into the history of Hallow's End.  The priest scanned the room to see which of the children he could help.  He spotted a lone girl with dark hair standing off to the side, thumb in her mouth looking sad.  She could not have been older than four by his estimate. 

  Calethar was hesitant.  He was not sure what to say or do.  He considered asking Aellynne but she seemed far too busy and enjoying herself too much to be bothered.  He approached the girl and knelt down in front of her.  "Would you like to join in the fun?"  The girl shook her head and turned away.  "Come on, it will be fun.  You can pick what you want on it."  The priest held out his hand expectantly.  Her little voice cracked and he knew she was crying, "I miss my mommy."  Calethar frowned,  "I miss mine too.  But that does not mean we can not have some fun together.  What is your name?  Mine is Calethar."  She wiped her face with her sleeve and turned to him with puffy, red eyes.  "A-Aerethiel.  You don't have a mommy either?"  He shook his head, "That is a very pretty name.  And no, I do not have my mother anymore."  He flexed his hand and held it out to her again, "Come help me and we can talk all about your mother if you want."  Her little hand pressed against his palm after a few moments of hesitation.  She seemed to have found comfort in the fact that he understood her loss. 

  "What would you like to make," Calethar asked curiously as he helped the girl up onto a stool.  Aerethiel chewed her lip as she thought about it.  "A big scary orc!  To keep the mean men away."  He nodded but inwardly he was frowning.  What mean men could she be referring to.  The two set about drawing as best an orc face as two limited artists could.  "Where should we start?"  She pointed toward the top.  "There, silly.  Mommy always said to start there so we can take the icky stuff out."  Calethar took the knife and with a nod began to cut a rounded portion out of the top.  He pulled it off with the help of the stem, "What now?"  The girl giggled at him as she scrambled up onto the table.  She reached in and grabbed a handful of the stringy seeds, "Now we get messy!"  He laughed and went about helping her, the overalls certainly came in handy as the two made a huge mess.  Aerethiel even more so with a few seeds sticking to her hair.  The two did not even notice when Aellynne approached from behind, so into their task were they.  "Are you two having fun?"  Calethar and the girl smiled at each other as they turned.  "Lots of fun!"  Aellynne smiled as Calethar winked in her direction.  He wanted to tell her of Aerethiel's plight but did not want to ruin the girls moment of happiness.  It could wait.

  Soon it was time to change.  The children ran off to get into costume while Calethar and Aellynne went to change out of the overalls.  He met her at the end of the hall, arms out stretched.  She nearly tripped over the length of the dress she had changed into as she came to him.  They shared a quiet embrace for a moment until the children started to run by.  Aellynne whispered against his ear, "You are a natural with children, you know."  Calethar wanted to dispute her claim, he was just using what he had learned as a healer and had applied it toward helping a child.  It was nothing unique to him.  But his words were caught in his throat as a group of children ran by and pointed at them, laughing all the way.  One of them yelled, "Eww kissing!"  The couple shared a laugh then made their way toward the chairs.

  They sat next to each other, children piled onto chairs and the floor to be as close as possible to the pair who had brought them so much joy in so short a time.  Aellynne beamed as the infant was brought to her.  She took him in her arms and went right to playing with him.  To Calethar the boy seemed to be just what she needed.  Though they had spoken of waiting until the troubles had passed.  In his mind the priest thought the idea of her being able to care for another child, a son no less, would do wonders for her overcoming those issues that still bothered her.  Calethar was brought out of his thoughts by a little dark haired girl crawling into his lap.  It was Aerethiel.  She was dressed in a bright blue dress with purple wings attached.  Calethar asked teasingly as she found just the right spot to sit, "Are you a fairy or a mean dragon?"  She bopped him on the arm with her little gold wand, "A fairy, silly!  Girls don't make good dragons.  Mommy used to play with me as fairies all the time."  He nodded as her little legs started swinging, occasionally hitting his leg.  "Your mother sounds like she was fun."  Aerethiel glanced over at Aellynne and pointed, "Too bad my brother never got to play with her."  The priest blinked as he looked back and forth between infant and the small girl.  "That, that is your brother?"  She nodded while fidgeting in his lap, "Maybe he has a new mommy now.  He won't stop crying unless she comes."  He put his arms around the girl as the first story of the night began, "Perhaps, we shall see."

  It was some time later, long after Aerethiel had fallen asleep on his lap, that he was finally able to take her up to her bed.  Calethar tucked her in and gave her a kiss on the forehead.  He turned and in the doorway stood Aellynne.  "See what I mean?  You have the instincts to do what is right."  The priest stepped over and took her hands in his own, "I learned by observing you with the boy and with Meghan.  She is a very sad child, I feel bad for her.  The sadness in her eyes affects me more than I had realized it would."  She squeezed his hand, "You care for her, of course it bothers you.  Just as it bothers me when I hear the baby crying when we come here."  Calethar nodded,  "We should talk more on that, soon.  For now though, we should take a walk through the orchard.  It is late, all the children are in bed.  Perhaps we can finish what we started the last time we were out there."  Aellynne turned as red as she had ever been but that smile was unmistakable.  No answer was needed as they made their way downstairs.

[war-hawg]

The Perfect Surprise

Calethar paced back and forth along the platform that over looked the training grounds in Farstrider's Square.  Kierrynn and the Archmagister both suggested to him that every risk was worth taking, though caution was needed at times.  That did not put his mind at ease but it did tell the priest that what he had planned was worth it.  He continued his pacing, occasionally shooting a glance toward the Lodge just across from the training ground.  Aellynne had still not returned.  His hand fumbled with something tucked away into his pocket as he muttered to himself, "Meetings."

  A voice from behind managed to stop Calethar in his tracks.  He turned with his usual smile though on the inside he was not happy about the distraction.  The young woman in the revealing dress smiled back, "Something on your mind?"  The priest shook his head, "Nothing that I care to share with a stranger.  I am just nervous about a few things I must do."  She sauntered closer, he did not even notice the way she stood before him or the seductive tone in her voice.  "I can help you relax.  Care to get away with me?"  Calethar brought a hand up and ran it through his hair.  "Thank you but no.  Accusations abound about me when I find myself alone with a woman other than the one I love.  We do not need any more of that."  The young woman stuck her lower lip out in a pouty fashion.  "Why would anyone say that?"  Calethar shrugged as his eyes shifted toward the lodge again.  He smiled as he turned back toward the young woman, "If you will excuse me I have some things to take care of."  She winked at him and moved to kiss him on the cheek but he hurried past.  She stomped her foot in a huff, "Another time, handsome."

  Calethar made his way down the steps but paused at the curious scene near the lodge.  Aellynne was sitting down in her armor, a robed man just across from her.  She never let her guard down like this....  The priest approached and nodded to the pair, "Good evening to you both."  Aellynne smiled up at him.  "This man has no memory, he is lost.  Can you help him?"  After a few minutes of conversation he agreed to help but the procedure could be risky, he would have to look into the mans mind to try and find out why his memory had been lost. 

  Inside the lodge, the couple directed the man to sit.  Calethar took a deep breath and set himself to his work.  Placing his fingers on the mans temples he began to chant, his thoughts prodding into the clouded mind.  Vile and disturbing images of torture, sacrifice and worse assaulted Calethar's mind.  He stumbled backward and mouthed a single word over and over, "Chittering."  Aellynne quickly saw the man to a room.  She had many questions, though the answer was clear.  It would do no good for the man to hear what was most likely going on in his mind, not yet.  She came back downstairs within a moment, "Are you alright?  Tell me, what did you see?"  The priest leaned against Aellynne, her arm wrapping around him for support as he told her what he could.  "Cultists...that sounds like a scarab to me."  He nodded in agreement, "It is beyond what I can do.  Shall we send word to the Magisters?" 

  It did not take long to pen a note and see that it was delivered.  Calethar had nearly forgotten about what he meant to do tonight.  "Do you remember how you spoke of what I saw for our future?  What is it you see?"  Aellynne did not hesitate in her response as he held her close.  "Would you prefer I showed you instead of told you?"  The priest gave her a curious look, "If that is what you wish."  "Wait here, I will summon you shortly."  The wait was not long but it seemed like hours to the nervous priest.  He felt the familiar tug of the summoning spell and was soon whisked away.

  The scene that played out before him was awe inspiring.  He stood on a small dock facing the west.  The sun was just now setting over the small bay that was before him.  Not a ship was in sight but it was clear small boats could come and go if needed.  Calethar turned to see what was behind him, "What do you think?"  Aellynne was standing by his side Thorian not far behind.  "It is quite the view."  His eyes shifted over her shoulder.  A plot of tilled land surrounded by trees, a plow left in the middle of the field.  There was a building at the edge of the field, the tell tale sign of straw told him it was a stable.  "Where are we?"  She moved close and pressed her lips against his, "Home."

  The priest blinked repeatedly, unsure if he heard her correctly., "Home?"  She nodded with a nervous smile, "Yes, home.  Our home.  There is plenty of land here.  A stable for my companions to live in, fields so that we can teach the orphans how to grow crops.  A small but cozy house just for you and I."  Calethar was at a loss for words.  He had intended to see that a proper home was built for them to share but her surprise had caught him off guard.  Home to him had meant horrific things at one time.  He smiled and kissed her longingly, "This is ours, truly?  This is your gift...I am at a loss for words.  This is, this is special.  An amazing surprise, thank you my love."  The two shared an embrace on those docks until the pink evening sky gave way to the stars above.  "Come, let me show you."

  They walked around the property for a while, hand in hand.  Aellynne pointing out the other field for farming, what they could do with it all, how isolated and quiet it was.  The house was the last stop.  She led Calethar down a few short steps that soon opened up into a decent sized room.  A bed was centered against one wall, fireplace off to the side.  Tables and chairs lined opposite the bed.  Dusty shelves lined the room.  "This perfect.  Not too small and not too big, I like it."  Aellynne seemed relieved as she took a seat in front of the fire.  "I was worried you would not like it."  He smiled over at her as he sat beside her, "How could I not?  It is something I have always wanted and who better to share it with than you?"  They talked for a while as the fire crackled and popped.  This would prove to be an escape from the worries and troubles of the city when they needed it.  The couple knew they could not stay here for too long, not while the world was still in peril.  But it was a pleasant thought to know when they wanted to, they had peace and quiet.

  Clothes were left in a pile by the fireplace after they finally decided to turn in for the night.  Neither would get any sleep until the sun began to rise but there was no complaint.  They would sleep in and enjoy their new home until the following evening, at least.  Even if they were called upon it would fall on deaf ears.  It did not cross Calethar's mind that he had forgotten his gift to her until they had both nearly drifted off to sleep in each others arms.  He hoped it was still in the pocket that it was tucked into.  If it fell out it would ruin her surprise.  One that he meant to give her the next day.

[war-hawg]

Planning For The Future

Calethar found himself wandering the city aimlessly as he considered the conversations with Aellynne over the past few nights.  She had questioned him each of those nights regarding how he felt now that she had revealed what had happened in Northrend.  His words to her were the same but he was more than happy to reassure her that she did the right thing.  Aellynne had saved countless lives with her choice, in his opinion.  And while the one innocent life that was lost pained everyone that knew, it was a small sacrifice.  The priest smiled to himself, drawing an odd look from one of the city guards he had passed.  We will make up for it one day.

  He paused at the top of the steps to the Hall of Respite to look over his shoulder.  Calethar sighed, he half expected to see Aellynne not far away.  He had actually hoped she was there but she was away in the Firelands again.  The hunt for her elusive prey had kept her away more than he liked the past few afternoons.  He had joined her in the hunt twice but it seemed to the priest she had a desire to be alone today.  He would just have to accept it and busy himself with other things.  There are alawys the evenings to enjoy each others company.

  Calethar stepped through the thin, silken blue curtains and looked around.  This hall had not been as busy since the Sunwell was restored.  The pillows that lined the floor were left unused, even the lounge chairs that were strategically placed about the vast room did not look as if they had been disturbed lately.  He shook his head then grinned from ear to ear as a couple stumbled in from the outside hoping to make use of the space.  The priest waved to them over his head and made his way into the tiny workshop built off to the side. 

  The shopkeeper greeted him by name, "Calethar, have you come sell more of those gems your family was so famous for?"  Calethar shook his head, "I have come to browse actually.  I need inspiration for a new piece."  Gelanthis clapped his hands, rubbing them together in a way that a Goblin does when he sense profit is to be had.  "Come, have a look.  Anything you want we can make happen for you."  The priest browsed slowly, his mind wandering again to the conversation Aellynne and he had.

  "What do you see for our future,"  Aellynne had asked him as they shared an embrace.  Calethar already knew the answer but he did not want to seem as if his thoughts were rushed.  He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, "I think I speak for us both when I say that I would like to become an official member of your family in the future.  Anna and Meghan have accepted me, we are happy, we want to be together.  I see no reason why that should not come to be."  Aellynne smiled and hugged him tight.  "I have thought that since I saw you and Meghan sleeping after the meeting.  You are a part of our family in my eyes."  Calethar nodded and flashed his smile, "When the time is right, yes?" 

  He shook his head, "I am sorry.  None of these are even remotely close to inspiring.  It is not your craftsmanship, Gelanthis.  They are as fine as ever but they are not her, not us."  The shopkeeper gave Calethar a curious look, "Her?  Do I detect a wedding in your future?  Surely that is not going to happen to the self proclaimed bachelor for life."  The priest did not answer as he moved over to the work bench.  "Do you mind if I use this area?  I would like to see what I can come up with."  Gelanthis sighed dramatically, "Not even going to entertain me with a response?  Fine.  Use it at your leisure.  Just be sure to.."  The rest of his response was cut off as a stuffed pouch hit the man in the chest.  "There is your compensation."  Gelanthis beamed as he opened the pouch, the quality of the stones would be enough to retire on if he had wanted. 

  Calethar busied himself for hours with parchment and coal pencil.  Drawing, crumpling pages and drawing again until a design was finally acceptable to his eyes.  It would take some time to get together all that was needed to complete it and he would have to deflect the questions as to what he was up to when Aellynne returned to the city but it would be well worth it in the end.  The priest already knew what the outcome would be, they had said it without actually saying it.  The surprise of it though and the way her eyes lit up when he gave her even the smallest of gifts is what made him want to keep this a secret for as long as he could.  It is a risk, as is anything in life, but it is one I want take with you Aellynne.

[war-hawg]

Extended Family

Calethar had been touched by the words Anna had spoken to him.  He barely knew her and yet, she saw him as a father figure already.  Something she had been missing for a while now and was in need of.  He had every intention of trying to be that for her in time, her revelation would make things easier for him now.  The priest wanted nothing more than to be accepted as a part of Aellynne's family.  To him it seemed inevitable if things between them continued as they have been.  This must all be a dream.  I am not sure if I am worthy of all of this.

Anna had asked him to come upstairs and visit with Aellynne, Meghan and herself.  Calethar was hesitant at first.  He knew that his company was wanted but he could not push away the thought of not quite being a part of them just yet.  That smile Anna had given, the trust she placed in him had been enough to get him moving.  And the look on Aellynne's face when the both of the entered the room was more than enough to show him that he had made the right choice.

Aellynne had been sitting in the chair with Meghan in her lap.  It was a sight that reminded him of the night at the orphanage with the small boy.  She was hesitant to bring him home and rightfully so.  But still, Calethar thought it would be the best therapy for her.  Instead, perhaps, he could encourage her to spend more time with Meghan and Anna.  That might be enough to help her feel needed again, to help her realize she was not as guilty as she thought.

While Anna busied herself with removing enough armor to take Meghan from her mother, Calethar had moved to the bed and sat on the edge nearest to Aellynne.  "How was the meeting?"  The priest shook his head, "I am not sure that is the place for me.  They seem far too overzealous about blood shed.  Aside from Anna and her husband, that is.  I want no part of that.  I mend wounds, I do not give them."

Aellynne leaned forward and kissed his cheek, her hand coming to rest on his knee.  "There are plenty of other ways you can find to be useful.  Do not worry yourself about it."  Meghan was attempting to mimic her grandmothers actions.  Her little hands reaching out, arms moving up and down just as quickly as they could.  Calethar watched her until she became distracted with a strand of hair that had fallen from behind Aellynne's ear.  "Do you want to hold her?  She seems curious about you."  He glanced over his shoulder toward Anna who gave him an encouraging smile.  That smile runs in the family.  How can I resist?

Calethar took a deep breath and nodded.  "I would like to try, yes.  Though I am worried I may be too rough or hurt her."  The two women spoke nearly in unison as Aellynne placed Meghan on his lap and guided his hands into a better position.  "Nonsense, you will be fine."  Aellynne and Anna looked to each other and smiled, passing along something silently that the priest could not understand. 

He adjusted Meghan on his knee so she could face him and just stared at her.  Her little green eyes stared right back with a curiosity of one far older.  So enthralled was he with Meghan that he did not hear or even notice with the two women left the room. 

They stared at each other for some time in the silence of the room.  Meghan was the first to move.  A tiny fist went into her mouth as she continued to study the priest.   Suddenly and without notice she leaned toward him, the small fingers of her other hand catching the material of his shirt.  Calethar tried not to move too quickly.  He did not want to scare her or worse, drop her.  He caught her well enough and held her against him.  She glanced up as her eyes began to close, giving a small yawn and almost what sounded like a sigh of contentment. 

The priest had no idea what to do now.  He feared that if he moved she would start to cry but his head was beginning to throb as it had earlier in the day.  He needed to lie down, even if for just a moment.  Calethar tried to scoot up the bed as slowly as possible while clutching the baby against his chest.  He spoke in a whisper as his head hit the pillow, "I will try not to roll over onto you or squeeze you too tight."  Meghan crawled up his chest almost as if in response.  Her head finding a spot to rest between his shoulder and neck.  When he was certain she was comfortable the priest allowed himself to drift off to sleep with Meghan.  So this is what it is like.

[war-hawg]

A Moment of Confusion

Change.  It is inevitable, or so the priest thought he had come to understand over the past few months.  Calethar had changed much over that time and all for the better.  That is what he had been told, at least.  Now, in the darkness of the small room that he and Aellynne shared, he questioned it.  He had hardly given much thought to what Harlo and her companion and been discussing earlier.  Aellynne and Calethar had been asked to take on a patrol of Eversong.  Something he had been wanting to do with her, to show his value.  Only he had acted as disinterested. 

Calethar had been lying there for several hours in deep thought while an exhausted Aellynne slept peacefully beside him.  He could not bring himself to wake her, to question her about the meaning behind her words the night before.  I do not want to bring change to us and what we have.  Those words left him more confused than he had ever been.  The priest watched Aellynne in silence for another hour. 

He knew that she would be waking soon.  Another days worth of patrols were scheduled.  Another day that he would be in the city, safe and sound.  While she was out risking her life for others.  Calethar slipped out of bed as quietly as possible, got dressed in the darkness and moved to the small desk in the corner.  There was no need for even a candle to be lit.  He could find the quill and paper easy enough.  A flick of his finger lit the pen enough to write without waking her.  The priest then began to write, occasionally looking over his shoulder as he did so.

Change is good, it has made me into the person she loves.  I have seen the changes she has made too and they are for the best.  She has finally been able to trust again, to allow herself to show weakness and rely on another for support.  All of those are good things.  None of it explains her desire to suddenly stop bringing change into our lives.  I can understand her concerns over the boy but there will be others we can look after when the time is right.  But no, her words suggested she would prefer things stay as they are now.  No additions, no subtractions, no changes at all.  No moving forward, no room for growth.

That talk of time away from her duties to others seems all for naught, now.  She sees no need to bring change.  By her own words we will be stuck in a perpetual loop.  Our time together staying as it has been, which has been little these past two weeks.  I do not look forward to more time spent apart.  In fact, I dread it.  It is increasingly difficult not to follow after her when she has to be called away.  But again, she does not wish things to change so I must push those thoughts away and just accept it.  I would not want to risk what we have because of my own selfish desires for minor changes.  

Calethar read over the journal entry again and again.  When he was satisfied it had gotten all of it out that he could not bring himself to discuss with her, he opened a drawer and slipped in inside.  She was not one to go through others things, it was safe there.  Aellynne began to stir, it was almost time.  The priest quickly moved toward the bed, adjusted the blankets around her and leaned down to kiss her cheek softly.  She smiled but did not open her eyes.  That gesture was always comforting to her.  He then slipped back into bed and pretended to sleep.  He knew if she realized he had been awake it would only be cause for worry.  She did not need that.  He felt Aellynne wake and start to stir but for some reason she did not prepare herself to leave.  Instead she wrapped her arms around him after a kiss and the two fell back asleep together. 

He left their small room shortly after she did that afternoon and went to wander the city.  Calethar had wanted to ask others how they felt about change but he feared it would only give them cause for worry.  And he did not need anyone else to worry over either of them.  They both worried enough as it is.  Instead he walked and replayed her words over and over in his mind.  Change needed to continue to come for them both if they were to ever find that happiness that they both desired, even if it was slow change.  Convincing her of that would be the hard part and Calethar was unsure if he were capable of such a thing.  I will just have to accept things as they are. It is better than to risk ruining what we have. 

[war-hawg]

The Orphanage

The bath took longer than expected but neither of them seemed to mind.  It was time well spent and the relaxation helped them both prepare for the night ahead.  Not long after, the couple left walking arm in arm toward Calethar's old family manor.  Aellynne always commented on the stars and when he was able to take his eyes off of her in that dress, the priest stole a glance at the sky above.  The stars were certainly shining brightly on them both tonight.

The laughter and child like screams of joy met their ears as they came upon the gates.  "I take it they like your gifts,"  Calethar said as he moved to kiss her on the cheek.  Aellynne blushed, he could see it even standing under the glow of the lamp post that illuminated the gates.  "They could be happy over what you gave them, Calethar."  He shook his head.  Whatever response he was about to give was cut short by a call from the other side of the gates.  Shouts rang out that the couple had arrived.  A wave of nervousness washed over the priest and he almost reverted to clasping his hands behind his back.  A reassuring squeeze came to his hand from Aellynne that drew a smile.  She was there for him, he could make it through the night.

They were escorted through the gates and the cobblestone path toward the manor.  The sight of the children chasing puppies, kittens and baby bunnies caught both of their eyes.  Silently they looked to one another and smiled.  Aellynne's gift had been well received.  She still had a love for children and a desire to help them even though she could not have more of her own.  That thought was not lost on Calethar as he stood beside her, arm around her waist.  To him, she almost seemed to miss being a mother.  In fact, she had almost said those exact words a few nights past.  He was glad to see a joy brought to her smile, she needed more to smile about than just him.

After the tour was over the two elves found themselves alone in a small orchard in the back corner of the property.  Calethar had been silent since they left the new chapel.  It had been designed well and turned out much larger than expected.  Aellynne knew why he was silent.  He had told her about the horrors of the workshop, how it had come down around him and what he planned to turn it into.  She could sense his mood change in the chapel, and often whispered words of encouragement in his ear.  Even though they had only spent ten minutes in the place it seemed like hours to him.  His mood was the reason she had lead him over to the spot they now stood.  They had time until the speeches were to be given.

"Did something happen in there?"  Aellynne searched his eyes as she spoke further, "Was it the voice?  Tell me and I will help you."  Calethar bit down on his lower lip and shook his head.  "No voices, thankfully.  It is just...the finality of it all.  I would have never thought I would see a day where this chapter in my life was finally closed."  She wrapped her arms around him and he brought his head to rest against her shoulder.  They stood there in that embrace for a few moments before he looked up her and kissed her. 

The two nearly got lost in that moment out in the orchard.  The passion they had for one another had taken hold of them and were it not for someone clearing their throat from behind they may have finished what was just started.  Aellynne fixed her hair while Calethar smoothed out his shirt, both of them fixing the younger elf with an apologetic smile.  "So sorry to interrupt but they are ready for you.  If you and your wife would kindly follow me."  They looked to each other and nearly laughed, it was not the first time they had been mistaken for being married tonight and would no doubt not be the last.  Neither of them had the heart to correct him, though.  Instead they quietly walked behind him, arm in arm.

The speeches were long and dull as always.  They spoke of the dedication of the workmen and the generosity of Calethar and his many donations.  One of the last speeches was directed toward Aellynne and how it was her that had inspired all this.  There would forever hang a plaque in their honor in the entry hall.  They had even spoken of hiring at artist to paint the couple so that it might hang above the fireplace as a reminder of who made this possible.  Aellynne was never comfortable at such functions and the singling her out for all to hear only made her fidget under the table even as a bright blushed came to her cheeks.  The priest slipped his hand under the table and took her hand with a smile.  That seemed to calm her enough to make it through the last of it. 

Then it came time for the children to show their appreciation.  The paraded through the gathering, dressed in the finest clothes money could buy.  Calethar had seen to that.  It was yet another inspiration from Aellynne.  Perhaps he had gone to far but the way they smiled, the joy on their faces told him it was the best night of their young lives.  One by one they stopped by the head of the table and said their thanks.  Many of them giving the pair hugs.  Aellynne seemed genuinely touched by the gesture.  The priest though, felt awkward.  He had never been given or received hugs often as a child and he was slow to understand the proper response.  He hugged Aellynne often but that was different.  He loved her.  It would not dawn on him for some time that children gave unconditional love.

One of the three infants who was being pushed in a wooden stroller near the end of the precession started to cry.  Aellynne nearly jumped out of her seat to see what she could do.  A younger priestess had picked the infant up, it could not have been but two weeks old, and tried her best to calm it down.  Wordlessly Aellynne reached out and took the baby into her arms.  "I'm sorry.  I don't have children of my own.  Caring for one so young is new to me."  The young priestess bowed her head and stood as if embarrassed that she had the baby taken from her.  Calethar flashed a smile in her direction as Aellynne took her seat again, baby in her arms.  "It is quite alright.  There is no time like now to learn."

Calethar watched Aellynne with great curiosity as she showered the baby with attention.  That is all the child had wanted.  She cooed, sang softly and even let it gum her knuckle.  To the priest it looked as if she missed it.  And she did.  They had spoken of it more than once.  It only just clicked in his mind now after seeing her with one so young.  He had seen her with Meghan but that only lasted a few minutes.  Seeing her here now with this one, saddened him for her.  She had yet to tell him what happened, why she could not have another child of her own but he could guess.

She spent nearly an hour with the child, only once considering letting another hold it.  Though Aellynne had tried to get Calethar to hold it, he had refused.  She was happy in this moment he knew.  He was not going to let his own curiosity ruin it, there would be other times.  When it came time for the children to go to bed it was Aellynne that took the now sleeping infant upstairs  to place it into its bed.  

They walked back to the lodge in silence.  Not because they had nothing to say but because they had much weighing on their own minds.  Calethar could not read what was going through her mind but he knew she would share it later, just as he would with her.  His thoughts were constantly on the way Aellynne had seemed to bond with the child almost instantly.  For an hour tonight, the void in her heart that he could never fill had been filled.  He wanted to give that to her just as he wanted to give her everything she desired and yet, he was powerless to do so in this case. 

As they reached the lodge the priest gave her hand a squeeze and smiled as if he was up to something.  Oh yes, he was up to something.  An idea came to him that just might work.  Aellynne caught that look and was about to ask but was met with a tender, loving kiss that wiped whatever question she had from her mind. At least for now.

[war-hawg]

Cleaning Up

Convincing her to join him at the opening of the orphanage had been easy.  Not that Calethar doubted she would want to go but the timing of it was not ideal.  Aellynne would be exhausted he knew but he had declined to attend the event without her.  When he explained that, it came as a pleasant surprise when the priest was told they would wait until the couple could come.  She did play just as important a role in the orphanage being built as Calethar did.  It was her inspiration and he was always quick to let those in charge know it.

So it was settled.  As soon as she returned he would help her get ready and together they would go see just how much of an affect they had on the lives of innocent children.   Calethar paced up and down the hallway nervously.  He had never been the center of such attention before and he was more than a bit nervous at the thought of having all eyes on him when the speeches were given.  The priest stopped to check in on the room.  His eyes quickly scanned the bed where the dress was laid out along with a new pair of shoes that better matched it than what Aellynne was known for wearing.  He would make no apologies for it.  She was an  even more stunning beauty when out of her armor.  To him, faults and scars, she was perfect.

The sound of boots on the stairs snapped the priest out of his thoughts and he moved into the hallway to see if it might be her.  Indeed, it was.  Aellynne had reached the top of the stairs and smiled.  Even thought she looked tired the smile that Calethar returned made that exhaustion soon disappear.  He swept her into his arms and greeted her with a fiery kiss.  The priest pulled away slowly and grinned from ear to ear.  "Welcome home, my love.  Would you like some help getting cleaned up?"

Aellynne might have blushed at the thought but the ash and soot that covered her nearly from head to toe hid that.  She nodded and took his hand, "I would not mind your help with that but we may end up arriving too late.  The children need their..."  Calethar sook his head, gave her hand a squeeze and led her toward an already drawn bath.  "One hour is not going to hurt.  Besides, your gift to them will have them awake for days."  The priest held the door open and before it had clicked shut she was already out of most of her armor.  Another bath could not hurt.

[war-hawg]

A New Gift

Calethar shook his head as he watched Aellynne head toward the bank by herself.  Did I have any regrets?  None at all.  I do not understand why she would need to ask such a thing.  Having a regret about her is just not possible.  The events of the night before, after they had returned from the party, had only confirmed that his relationship with Aellynne was the perfect situation.  They were a lot alike, had both suffered terrible losses and had scars on the inside that may never heal.  But when together it felt as if all of that was gone.  She had spoken of coming to depend on him and she already knew how much he depended on her.  No regrets at all, not about that.  I only regret not meeting you before now.

  The priest was all smiles as he made his way back toward the lodge, nodding and offering words of encouragement to those he passed.  Most of his words would fall on deaf ears or even get a rude response in return but he did not mind.  He had finally met someone and fallen in love and he was not about to hide it after all these years of never knowing it. 

  Calethar took the steps two at a time only pausing once he reached her door.  That room had gone unused for at least a month and would soon be used by someone else.  Aellynne had brought up the idea but the priest had been thinking on it for some time, even hinting at it from time to time.  It was official now.  Come morning the remaining few items of Aellynne's things would be moved over into the small room they would now share together.  To some it might seem they had moved a little fast to get t where they were now.  To the couple it could not have been more slow.

  Sitting in the dim light Calethar contemplated how best to give her the gift he had bought earlier in the day.  Should I leave it wrapped?  Should I lay it out for her to see when she walks in?  Should I make her wait until morning?  Of course he would not be so mean.  Aellynne was able to get him to reveal that he had gotten her something else to go along with the necklace she now wore.  Although she was not accustomed to being treated like this, she welcomed it with a smile that let him know how much she appreciated it.  To finally be treated like a lady.  That was one thing Calethar had always been taught by his mother.  It was the one thing he would not forget.

  He unwrapped the package and held it up in front of him.  Satisfied that she would like it, he moved to lay the dress on the bed.  Calethar spread it out and smoothed out what wrinkles there might have been from being left folded up all day.  He gave it one last look and smiled.  She did say she enjoyed my reaction to the one she wore the other night.  The priest sat down in the chair that now replaced the cot that she had once slept on and he waited.  Eyes glued to the door until he heard the click and saw her smiling face.

[war-hawg]

Time Apart

Calethar paced back and forth across the courtyard nervously.  Aellynne had only just been called away but he had come to care for her, no love her, so much that the thought of even the smallest amount of danger worried him.  She had tried to ease those fears by reminding him that he would soon be by her side out there in the middle of it all.  That did not make the distance that was now between them any easier.  He was not there now to watch over her, to keep her safe and her mind at ease. 

  The priest stopped his pacing as an idea came to him.  Quickly he went up to the small room and collected the satchel that lay underneath the table beside the bed.  He clutched the stone that she had given him tightly in his hand.  "I know you only just left my side but I thought I would remind you that I love and wish you luck out there."  Calethar did not expect a response, he knew the fighting had already begun.  But he had promised her that she would hear his voice throughout the evening and he intended to keep to his word.  When a response did come through it only lifted his spirits even more than they had been that day.

  Calethar walked through the city, his goal the gates that opened into Eversong.  He had something to write and the city was far too busy to be able to concentrate.  Inside he did not want to leave, the issue with the mysterious box still weighing on his mind.  The priest had witnessed the cultists behavior more than once and he did not want to put himself in harms way.  Aellynne had spoken words of encouragement to him earlier in the afternoon and he was determined to not let her down. 

  There was much that played through the priests mind, so much in fact that he did not even notice as he passed through the gates.  The conversation from earlier played through his mind.  The look in her eyes as she spoke of a place she wanted to take him.  A place where even in the darkest hour, had now been reborn.  A beacon of hope for the future.  Whether she meant to take him there to show him that it was he that could lead a new life or another reason, Calethar intended to use it to help her as well.  The past had not been easy for Aellynne to deal with but if she could see the way the past treated this place only to see it grow and blossom into something even better than it was before, perhaps it could help her see what her life would be like. 

  Calethar settled down upon on a rock that sat on a high hill over looking the city to the north.  It had been a long time since he had enjoyed such a view.  He set the satchel down beside him and removed a few items.  He began to write something but his mind wandered to other things the two had discussed.  Aellynne had asked him to go with her to observe cultist activity.  The priest with the least experience, instead of others she trusted with her life.  He smiled at the thought of having so much of her trust.  Of course he had agreed without any hesitation.  Calethar crumpled up that bit of parchment and tossed it over the edge, into the water below.  He took up the pen and started again.  This time the words flowed freely onto the paper.

  It had been an hour or two perhaps since he had heard from her and now that his writing was out of the way the priest took up the stone and called out to her.  "Is everything going well?  You are still uninjured, I hope."  Her response was quick this time, her voice had a hint of relief behind it.  "I am doing fine. How are things there?"

He smiled to himself, though it was meant for her.  "Uneventful, thankfully."  Aellynne's voice was calm, relaxed even as the two spoke.  "I am glad to hear it, though it might be a boring evening for you."  He shook his head as if she were standing there beside him to see.  "It gives me time to write more for you."  Calethar could picture her smile.  "I can't wait to read it."

"What is it that you write about?"  The question seemed genuinely curious though something in his mind gave him a moments pause, he had never told anyone about it before.  "Lately it has been more poems but there are some journals too"   When she was able to respond her words confused the priest a bit.  "Kierrynn believes that poetry can be dangerous, as it has unlimited potential to inspire another."   Had his choice to reveal that to her been found unacceptable?  "I do not see how inspiring the one you love could be a bad thing."

"It is if you are a fire mage without a lot of self-control, is my guess."  It all made sense now, Kierrynn had meant that about the Archmagister and the priest breathed a sigh of relief.  "You make a good point.  I believe we are safe in that regard."  The tone in Aellynne's voice changed slightly  "I have far more self-discipline, but I can see how it might make it harder to refrain from certain things."  Calethar asked curiously, "Oh?  What things are you referring to?"  The response that followed only confused him further.  "Well, those sort of things it is best to be wise about."  His answer was cryptic, unsure of what she meant.  "We are both wise enough to  know when the timing is right.  But, should it come up there is time to discuss it."

  The priest was exhausted for an unknown reason.  He quickly picked up his things and headed back to the room at the lodge.  Once there he fell into bed and was asleep within moments.  Later into the night he woke to an arm around him, holding him in an embrace.  Aellynne had returned and even though he was disappointed she had not woke him up, he was happy to see her peacefully sleeping.  With a light touch he lifted her arm from off of him and moved to his satchel.  From it he pulled two neatly folded pages and moved across the room to place them on the top layer of her pack.  Calethar had intended to wait up and give them to her.  He wanted to see her response to them but he had been far more tired than he had realized.  There was a stirring that came from the bed.  Aellynne had only rolled onto her side.  Good, he thought.  She is still sleeping.  With a few quick steps he was back into bed, this time with his arm around her.  He pulled her against him and soon joined her in a night of peaceful sleep. 

  For you I would climb

The highest mountain peak

Swim the deepest ocean

Your love I do seek.

For you I would cross

The rivers most wide

Walk the hottest desert sand

To have you by my side.

For you are the one

Who makes me whole

You have captured my heart

And touched my soul.

For you are the one

That stepped out of my dreams

Gave me new hope

Showed me what love means.

For you alone

Are my reason to live

For the compassion you show

And the care that you give.

You came into my life

And made me complete

Each time I see you

My heart skips a beat.

For you define beauty

In both body and mind

Your soft, gentle face

Is the best I can find.

For you are the one

Sent from the heavens above

The one I have needed

For whom I do love.