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elenariseventide · 2 years

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When Penance is to Burn

The ever dreary atmosphere of the estate at Ravenhill had been shrouded deeper into darkness having mostly fallen to ruins after the current generation of Duskhollows sought refuge to the north in Quel’Danas. It had been by decree of the Raven Lord himself that the household be emptied and relocated to the far sunnier island that set as home for the other half of their Houses. There had been the occasional guard dispatched to the spanning estate to inspect the damages though it had been at least two years since anyone truly inhabited the home. Far be it time since the two elder noble Houses of Silvermoon conjoined their families and soon after the Horde’s aid in Argus had come to an end did the Lord and Lady resign themselves to a retirement of sorts. Their daughter had been born and despite the occasional call to action that Cineas took in his own regard, the two found themselves… domesticated and settled.

However, this did not stop the missives from arriving, calling for their numbers, gold, and power to stand against whatever enemy loomed over Azeroth at any given moment. More often than not, they were ignored. It was only with the news of the fallen Banshee queen did Elenaris find herself somewhat intrigued but also disappointed. Although, it had been the defeat of N’zoth that had garnered the Duskhollow’s attention the most from their little piece of paradise on the Isle. The whispers which once guided them, haunted them in the best and worst of ways had become still and quiet. They had delivered the souls needed to procure their child’s life and as Maevyn had been born, their connection fell distant like a far off memory floating in the cosmos.

While this offered the darkened pair some peace they had not ever expected to feel since their devotion had been offered to the shadows and yet at the same time, they felt lost without it.

It had been months since Ravenhill had seen life when they decided to return to the estate and while they knew there had been damages to the manor itself, the Duskhollows were unprepared for the sight beholden to them upon their arrival. The gates were barely hanging to their hinges, the gardens that led to the grand entrance were littered with flowers crisp with lifeliness and the colorless hue of death becoming the petals scattered about the paths. There were parts of the towers which crumbled and what they were to see upon opening the doors of the manor was what broke her heart the most having seen its effect on Cineas. It was at this moment she had realized making the decision to leave their daughter behind in Quel’Danas had been the proper one. A slender and delicate hand raised to rest upon her husband’s arm, offering a nod in silent reassurance that they would restore his home, their home.

They had stood just a step outside large doors to peer inside, unknowing to what truly awaited their entry inside. A feeling had overwhelmed Elenaris as the neverending darkness loomed within the near empty walls of the estate and perhaps years ago she would have had the consciousness to foresee what was to come, the wherewithal to allow her perception to be greater than her comfort in normality.

But as time passed them by, they had not prepared for the darkness to consume them in the way in which it took hold of Cineas Duskhollow the instant his being crossed the threshold. It was as if the universe and void beyond converged all on him all at once, attacking not only his body but his mind and rendering him powerless. In a flash of black feathers and purple mists, Elenaris found herself bound behind an invisible barrier which she attacked with all her force in attempts to get to him. No matter her efforts, she could not break through and thus fell helpless to watch the horror before her. The shadows swirled around him, contorting his body in unfathomable ways causing the release of painful screams to echo into the desolate mansion. She wouldn’t simply sit and watch as he suffered, as he was tortured to death but as Elenaris lifted her hands to once again slam on the barrier, they would not move. Her entire being was frozen in place, only able to lift her head to catch the sight of Cineas’ pale amethyst hues locking onto hers before widening as the sound of his screams were cut off by the undeniable sound of breaking bones. The soft glow of his eyes faded, his lids not having the chance to fall to allow him a peaceful gaze upon his face while his crumpled body slumped to the ground.

Her breath caught in her chest as she felt a piece of her fade away, unable to believe what had transpired before her and as his body hit the floor, so did hers as the barrier gave way. The pale blonde Sin’dorei scrambled for her soulmate’s lifeless body, hands shakily moving over him unsure of which thought to follow as thousands raced through her mind. The silence had become deafening, those that had traveled with them from the Isle standing huddled just outside the doorway just watching…waiting, for what? Who was to say. Each and every one of them felt the pain and horror as a guttural scream ripped through that silence as Elenaris fell over Cineas, not only a sadness but an anger overcoming her entire being.

It had returned for them, allowing them just a brief view of what life without the Void would or could be like had they chosen a different path. However, the Void gave them life within their daughter and they asked for much in return. Despite their every effort to appease them, it would seem the shadows made their own rules. As her knuckles bore white with the tightened grip to the cloth of his shirt, she heard a soft voice beckoning her. It was familiar in tone, soothing in melody and with the choice to acknowledge this voice, Elenaris lifted her lids and standing there had been Maevyn, their little raven haired child beaming in all her glory with eyes like her father’s.

“Mama, you were crying…” The soft voice cooed, a tiny hand caressing her mother’s face but Elenaris had noticed that not all was right with her daughter either. “I had a bad dream too, mama… something’s wrong with papa.”

[ @cineas-duskhollow ]

#inspired #the lady and the raven #Duskhollows #eventide

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elenariseventide · 5 years

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The journey had been long and hard on the troops as they moved through the mountainous terrain to reach Lordaeron. The warchief, Sylvanas Windrunner, had called for the aid of the entire Horde and whether he approved of her or not, he still was a part of the Horde. He was lord of his home and had civilians that represented his banner. Those that were loyal to him and his name. The days in which they were stationed there were long though he managed to send a raven with his letters to Elenaris and his young daughter, Maevyn, daily. They were the fire that stoked his icy heart and his one, continuous tether to this living world. When the word had been given for the respective forces to return to this cities, their homes, and their families Cineas had ordered Ebonheart to inform the men and women that they were to pack up so that they could make their way to Ravenhill come first light. He found himself slightly shocked to notice that he was traveling back home with nearly half the soldiers that he had reported with. Those missing had either become casualties or fled the battle whether it was the former or the latter would only be determined once the battle fields were able to be combed over after the blight settled and no one entirely knew when that would be.

The ominous tower that stood atop Ravenhill could be seen on the winding mountain that it sat atop just outside of Quel’thalas. Being outside of the city allowed it to experience all of the seasons that the Ghostlands could provide. “Let us make haste,” he stated with a nod to the armored man at his side and spurred his horse onwards. The steed was tired and grunted uncomfortably but Cineas knew that there was only a small bit further before the horse could rest for some time. The large, wooden doors that stood within the wall of Ravenhill creaked loudly as they were opened by the doors winding gears and the caravan of troops had slowed as their hooves echoed along the cobblestone road. “Ebonheart,” Cineas directed as he now placed his attention towards the death knight at his side. “Inform the troops that they may go home to their families and loved ones. We will require no work for a weeks time for those that fought under this banner and every household, regardless of if man or women returned today, will receive a bounty of food on behalf of my household.” It was rare that Cineas ever did anything that did not benefit him personally and while one could argue that this did benefit, those that fought brought honor to him and his name and it would not soon be forgotten.

Without giving the death knight time to respond to him, Cineas spurred his horse ahead of the group so that he could make his way towards the castle that sat at the top of the hill where he knew that Elenaris had been alerted to his return. The few remaining soldiers that were among their personal guard stood at full attention as he crossed through the smaller wall that defended the castle and he dismounted the steed in the courtyard as he glanced around to take note of Cindel. His armor made a heavy clunking noise as he came into contact with the stones beneath him and he bowed his head to his wife’s attendant. “My wife?” He questioned however without a moment passing, his eyes flitted upwards to take note of the elegant woman who he called his home standing atop the stairs that led into the castle itself.

The nights alone had proven to be difficult and lonely when Cineas had left to heed the call of their Warchief. It was no secret Elenaris disapproved of most of the Horde’s actions and the Horde itself but Sylvanas Windrunner was a leader she could stand behind and her assault against the Alliance was one the dark priestess reveled in. It was odd, being left behind during such a time when she would typically be out lending her own hand in what was going on in the world but not this time. No, firstly she had to recover from her near release to the void plane following a rigorous child birth but even more importantly, she had to stay behind to be with her daughter. Little Maevyn was born with the lightest dusting of black hair, long raven locks were sure to follow.

She had been a bit of a fussy child, but now as she rested in her mother’s arms to greet the Lord of the house, her father, home, she was soundly quiet. “Welcome home, Lord Duskhollow. We’ve been eagerly awaiting your return,” Elenaris spoke in a low tone as she often did, her voice cooing down the stairs before she began to slowly descend toward him.

The ascent up the stairs was taken two at a time to hastily close the distance between the two of them. He had gone too long without the embrace of his wife and the feeling of his daughter in his arms. Now it seemed as though his only desire was to be back in their company without parting again. He knew that with the battle ending was only the beginning and that this war had only just begun. He feared for the status and safety of his family now. Ravenhill was not far from Lordaeron and in the back of his mind he knew that his family would need to strongly consider relocation.

“Lady Duskhollow,” he greeted with the faintest of smirks and a fluid bow of his body. Upon rising to his full height, he closed the distance between the two of them and removed one of the sturdy, leather gloves from his fingertips. His fingers delicately ran along the forehead of his sleeping child and they lightly tousled with her dark strands of her. “I trust our heir has been in good health in my absence as yours seems to be returning as well.” His hand moved from the child's head to affectionately cup the jawline of his wife.

Little Maevyn cooed softly as his hand met her delicate skin but she did not stir awake. Elenaris watched the affectionate encounter with a light smile before looking up to her husband and leaning into his hand once it came to her own face. “I am doing better and she’s been perfect. Missing her father, of course, as have I… it’s nice to have you home once again, my dear,” she leaned forward to press her lips softly against his own for a brief kiss despite how she yearned for more than the subtle gesture.

As she pulled away, her cradled arms lifted slightly toward him as she raised a brow. “It has been some time since you have held her,” it was only then with the slight movement that the small babe shifted in her swaddled nature and her eyes fluttered open to reveal the faint glowing hue behind her previously closed lids. “Seems she knows that you are home.”

Elenaris had been correct that it had been sometime since he held his daughter in his arms. It was as if Cineas would not let her go prior to his departure but war had no ties to family no matter how new the addition. He smiled, fully, as his arms extended and he took the baby from her grasp to admire the faintly glowing eyes of his child. No longer did the elves pass along their emerald colored eyes and part of him swelled at that. The connection to the fel at the result of his ancestors made him cringe outwardly. It spat on everything his connection with the void was to him. Though with the purification of the Sunwell and the Sin’dorei of the now not needing the sustenance from fel any longer, there was an overall sense of relief. “She seems to be powerful already,” Cineas jested as he nodded towards the top of the staircase and the large, wooden doors that were still held open by the guards. “Let us get inside and out of this chill.”

He hadn’t waited much longer for her to agree before he began his ascent up the stairs of the castle and into the place he had called home for all of his life. The halls were ever familiar, dimly lit by candles and, in some places, lanterns and he turned to face the blonde woman as the doors closed behind their entourage. “Mother? Has she been docile as of late, I hope.” He suggested and spun swiftly at the sound of the elderly woman’s voice coming from the dining room. “That’s no way to refer to the one who gave you life, Cineas. I’ve been more than helpful to Lady...Duskhollow since your departure to the war.”

Elenaris plucked the smallest bit of fabric from her gown between her fingertips to lift up her hem just slightly as she nodded in silent agreement to him before following in behind his steps to return just inside the door where some symbol of warmth greeted them. As they came to a rest, her palms smoothed out any wrinkles the action might have caused while she gave a soft sigh. Her brow rose at the request of Cineas’ mother and before she could reply, Synida arrived just as expected.

“Mm...yes, quite,” Elenaris said in addition to the elder woman’s words but quickly moved from the topic. “We heard news of the Warchief’s actions against Loraderon… is it true? Has the Undercity been completely purged?” The tone of her voice would be hard to decipher, it teetered on the edge of relief and concern and knowing her, she had a lue of reasons behind either emotion in regards to Sylvanas, the Forsaken, and their home.

Cineas held his daughter firmly within his arms as he rocked her gently, cooing in a calming manner as his mother and wife exchanged a few words. Elenaris’ question had caught him off guard momentarily and he froze as his eyes slowly moved upwards towards the woman. He had never been afraid at completely expressing himself and his thoughts to her but the news of the battle was something that left a lump in his throat. He was never entirely sure how he felt about the blight and he’d preferred if it wasn’t used all together. He sighed slowly before answering. “Yes, Lady Windrunner flooded the city with blight that would harm bot the living and the undead.” His gaze had dropped from her as his attention reverted back to the child.

“We had the upper hand on the Alliance until the arrival of Lady Proudmoore and we were pushed back. When the retreat had been declared, the blight was unleashed. The city will be uninhabitable for some time moving forward.” He smiled at little Maevyn after he finished speaking and gently ran his finger tips over her darkened hair. “I had wanted to have this discussion after we all had time to settle, but I think it best that we depart Ravenhill depending on the actions of the Alliance moving forward.”

Elenaris’ gaze fell to Maevyn with a soft sigh, her jaws giving away the tense feelings that his story had brought. She had heard rumors, even the faintest sounds of war from the distance, but she had no idea their warchief had gone to such lengths just to secure this victory. It was in that moment that Elenaris began to feel she could have more of a connection with and support the Dark Lady a little more than she had before.

Her lips twitch just slightly into a grin but it quickly moved disappeared at this final words. She flicked up gaze up to him in surprise and while she did miss her family’s manor, she had made a home here at Ravenhill that was just a deep as her roots in Quel’Danas. “You want to leave Ravenhill? Completely abandon it?” Elenaris asked as her eyes hesitantly looked to Synida and then back to Cineas. “We cannot just leave your home to rot and eventually fall to the Alliance… But Quel’Danas has been upheld if it must be done. If you think it will be unsafe for us, for her, then I think we should.”

Cineas inhaled rather deeply as he motioned for the entourage to follow him into the dining hall as he took as seat at the head of the table and he cradled his daughter in his arms. He bounded slightly, rocking her back into a slumber as a slight smile tugged on his features as he watched her with great admiration. “I do not want to leave it,” Cineas replied rather quickly as he glanced between his golden haired wife and his elderly mother. “The Duskhollow’s have occupied this land for generations and those that tend to it have lived here for just as long. However, I am not a stupid man nor am I green in the ways of war. When the Alliance come, and they will come, we are in a direct path to Quel’thalas.” He breathed as he gestured for one of the servants to bring him wine. It had been far too long since he had some of the Eventide stock at his disposal.

“I am looking into some rather…” He paused as he nodded at the servant and quickly grabbed the chalice to take a sip of the liquid. “Interesting magics with our newly acquired allies: the Shal’dorei.” He knew that Elenaris might have been disapproving of such alliances but they were elves and allies to the Horde after all and they were left with little choice. “However, to ensure the safety of our family, I would prefer that we move to safer conditions. You have not fully regained your strength, my love, and mother, simple magic drains your energy to the point of fragility and while I can feel the power within little Maevyn, she’s just a child. We must preserve this bloodline over this home.”

Elenaris followed behind him gladly, glancing over to Synida as they walked toward the dining room and eventually would take their seats. She looked down to Maevyn in his arms and smiled. It was a sight she had always thought would never be hers, a child of her own bloodline and that of a man worthy to make such a wonderful being with. When Cineas mention the Nigthborne elves, she raised a brow curiously as expected. “The Shal’dorei? What use of their magic do you have need for?”

When he had asked for a glass of wine, she too waved to the servant to request her own, despite the possible glare that she might receive from her husband. She then looked to Synida once more curious of what her thoughts were on leaving Ravenhill, the home she had known for years beyond her own. “If Quel’Danas is the safest place for our family then it is a decision that is not hard to make. We can leave a small force here to look after the estate and see that it is taken care of in our absence. If and when things settled in the surrounding areas, we can return.”

Elenaris asking for a glass of wine had brought a slight arching to his brow as he had been so adjusted to Elenaris avoiding the sweet liquid but he immediately began to smirk slightly at the image of her taking a sip from the wine. “I need their use of cloaking.” Cineas replied to her as he moved to take another long, indulgent sip of the wine. “Their city in Suramar was protected, yes, by a large barrier but they are rather skilled in cloaking magic that I feel could be effective in hiding Ravenhill from plain sight.” His gaze slowly transitioned between his wife and his mother before he flickered down to his daughter and gently rocked her as she made a content sound. “I do not want to involve the Council in Silvermoon as I do not trust those outside of this room, save for a few, to ensure our safety.”

With that, the door to the dining hall opened quickly and Ebonheart was revealed in the fullness of his plate armor as he bowed his head before taking his stance next to the door. “We must not instill fear into those that call this place home. I’ve already instructed Ebonheart to inform the townspeople that we will be providing them with feasts for the remainder of the week and something special for the families that lost someone within the battle. We can begin moving them slowly after that point, yes?”

“We have been living our lives here without the aid of the Council for enough time now and even longer before I came here. I see no reason to involve them, either.” Elenaris looked down to Maevyn in his arms and her gaze seemed to linger there up until the sound of the door and Ebonheart’s heavy steps pulled her attention away. She gave him a quick nod before glancing back to her husband. “I will send Cindel to give word to the stewards at the Manor to see that everything is in order for the household to full move and take residence,”

Yet again, Elenaris flicked her gaze to Synida, somewhat surprised that she had not yet spoke up on the matter. But then, a thought came to her, another reminder that there was a war waging between factions. It had been one that lingered for years but now it was coming to a peak and she was at home. “Will you be returning to the front? ...Where ever that may be now?” She asked as she looked back once more to Cineas.

Cineas had gestured for Cindel to come to his aside after she had glanced up from her hushed conversation with the death knight at the door. When the woman had approached him, he handed the baby to her and indicated that she bring the child back to Elenaris and requested that one of the servants in the room bring him something to eat. His food intake had been limited to things that wouldn’t spoil such as salted meats. He had taken a rather large sip of his wine and reached for the jug to refill it when his mother’s voice had grabbed his attention rather quickly. “This home has been in our family for generations, Cineas, and it stirs my heart with disdain to see that you are so quick to surrender this home.” Her green eyes had trained on her son for an extended moment before her wrinkled fingers reached forward to grab the jeweled chalice that held her wine. “At least unchain your brother to give him some sort of fighting chance with this war,” she added with a bit of a heavy sigh before finishing the remainder of the red liquid. Cineas seemed to be slightly betrayed by his mother’s words though he ignored her momentarily as his gaze returned to do the blonde woman who he called his wife. “It appears that forces of the Horde are searching for additional allies throughout Azeroth. I have received word that Lady Windrunner’s champion seeks aid from the Zandalari trolls and Etrigg has sought aid from the orcs on Draenor.” He rolled his eyes somewhat upon those that the Horde seemed to be wanting to ally with and then shook his head. “The forces of the Duskhollow and Eventide are going to remain with us until I am requested for them otherwise.”

As Cindel was beckoned, Elenaris looked over to the couple that stood a distance away which caused the briefest of grins to form on her lips. Once Maevyn had been returned to her arms, she began rocking slightly in a soothing manner as she listened to not only Synida but to Cineas as well. She fought the urge to roll her eyes at the mention of the other Duskhollow ‘Lord’ but her husband’s quick follow up made it easier to distract her attention from the statement. “Trolls and Orcs… that is just what we need,” She said with obvious distaste though at this point, if the Horde was making these choices she knew it was Windrunner calling the shots and somehow that made it slightly and easier pill to swallow.

Once the food had been brought to Cineas, she nodded to Cindel so that she may take her leave and carefully reached to the table for a sip of her own wine before she seemed taken back by her husband’s final words. “You expect to be called once more?”

After Elenaris had dismissed Cindel, Cineas had waited a moment and nodded to Ebonheart to dismiss him as well. He seemed to distract himself with the wine in his cup until a plate was placed before him and then two more followed after it. The larger plate contained a few slices of some sort of roast and vegetables and the smaller plates had one of assorted fruits and a loaf of bread. He hadn't wasted a moment before greedily digging in and carefully swallowing the large mouthful and washing it down with a glass of wine. “We need the Orcs and the Trolls. Who ever has a larger amount of bodies to throw at the other side will win this war. Both factions of beasts prove essential.” He murmured as he reached for one of the grapes and quickly popped it into his mouth.

He dismissed his mother with a few quick words and after the sound of her cane hitting the stone floor had disappeared, he rose from his seat and moved to kneel before the chair of his wife. His hand gently moved to up her cheek and he smiled in an almost eerie manner. “Between the Eventide forces and my own, I expect us to be utilized again in this war. Which is why I'm placing the utmost importance on getting you and our daughter far from here.”

Elenaris had been distracted with the awaiting for Cineas’ response to even care to see Ebonheart leave. She glanced between him and Synida briefly but her gaze found his and locked on as he stood and made his place now kneeling before her. The feeling of his hand upon her cheek was welcomed, it was a feeling she had longed for each night when he was away. She reveled in the touch for a moment before deciding to respond and she knew he was not going to like what she had to say. “I will see that she and our household are well secure and protected, but once that is done and you are called back to aid in the moments where we strike the Alliance down, I am coming with you,” Her words were stern , as always, it was simply how the Lady was. A woman of her own, an independent and strong mind, but that small traditional and respectful portion of her still managed to weave through as her tone ered on the side of caution when standing up to Cineas.

He chuckled quietly at her response. Elenaris was back to being bold and oh how he had missed her though he had more than understood the toll that childbirth had taken on his wife. His hand dropped from her cheek after his thumb gave an affectionate graze to her bottom lip. “My love,” he replied softly as he rose from his knees to take the seat next to her idly, his elbow resting on the table to prop his head up. “Perhaps there were once days of the brave and beautiful Elenaris Eventide leading her soldiers into battle. Inspiring morale at the chance for a random peasant to catch a strand of her golden locks for luck. But you have a child now, an obligation to her, to yourself and to this house. Battle is no place for you.” His jawline tightened as he finished speaking as his gaze narrowed at her slightly. They had always been a formidable pair but he, too, felt odd in a way standing up to her. “Plus, I anticipate that you will be quite entertained with my plans for the Eventide Estate.”

There was a moment of silence between his words and when she finally responded. Her features slowly drained of her enthusiasm regarding the current conversation. “Your plans for the Eventide Estate,” She repeated him before taking a slow breath and tilting her head slightly. “Am I to be expected to stay at home overseeing decor changes and projects, continue knitting for hours within the day and be a typical housewife?” Elenaris had always wanted a family but she never anticipated being put into this situation. Her own jaw clenched as she stared over at him expectedly. “Yes I am a mother, but I am anything but that day to day Lady sitting back in a rocking chair while the rest of the world is off fighting a fight I should be a part of.” Her arms tightened around the young one that she cradled, glancing down at her as she continued to sleep soundly. She somewhat felt guilty for wanting to leave her but there was a burning inside her that yearned for more. “Your heir will be safe there with or without me but this is something I need to do before… retiring completely.”

“And what of our heir should the both of us perish side by side in a cliche story trope on the battlefield?” Cineas asked rather quickly as he reached for her glass of wine and quickly took a large gulp of it. “Who then will raise our child? My aging mother? Your disobedient sister?” He ranted slightly but he only seemed to calm himself when he had taken another sip of the wine. Battle had tired his senses and he was far from his normal self that exude control in almost every situation. He rose from the chair with her glass in hand and slowly paced over to the fireplace as his dull eyes gazed into the flames for a lingering moment. The heat felt warm against his skin but when the fire crackled more to life it gave a slight stinging to his eyes and nose. He stepped back slowly before tossing the remaining red liquid into the flames causing them to flare higher and brighter than before. “Very well,” Cineas replied finally as he turned around and folded his arms loosely over his chest. “If we are summoned to war once more, I will permit you to come with me so long as Ebonheart is by your side.”

With the tense and rather rash gesture, Elenaris barely flinched but inside the outburst startled her slightly as she had become a rather calmed woman in her state of caring for their child while he was away. She watched from her stationary position and once he had finished his little rant, she rose to her feet, baby still cradled in her arms comfortably. “Cindel will care for Maevyn until she is of age to assume her rightful place as head of our conjoined Houses, that was always the plan of action should we ever meet demise before the opportune time and that is why we named Cindel and gave her lands.” Her words were reassuring but flat as she stated them simply without expecting any push back and with that, she grinned to herself as he looked to her from across the room and then nodded to her elder mother-in-law. “I suppose I have some preparations to make, then…” She said with a bit of pride in herself that she had won out in her aspirations.

#Eventide #Duskhollow #MaevynDuskhollow #BFA

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