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Chapter Text

“There are those in Northrend who can help you find your way. Go to them, Alleria. Find the temple with drakes circling its peak, that is where you will find those who can offer some guidance.”

At the bequest of Lady Jaina Proudmoore and with her support, Alleria Windrunner had done just that. The ranger had borrowed a ship from the High King’s Navy and sailed to the north, leaving behind any doubt or fear. She only prayed on this journey that the mage had spoken true and that she would find the answers which she sought.

As the coast of the frozen continent drew ever closer and a grand temple rose up in the distant sky, regret twinged in her heart. Thinking back to the lone paladin on the docks of Stormwind who had asked for an explanation for her departure, and yet she had no answer to give him. No idea when - or even if, she might return to him.

Though, surprisingly, the thought of never looking back upon her home and family did not trouble her.

She wanted some freedom, some peace, and quiet. An escape from the duties of war, from the responsibility of family. To just simply free herself from the confines of a loveless relationship with a man who cared more for his gods of light than he did for her.

“Lady Windrunner, we are nearing Valiance Keep!” The Captain called down from the helm of the ship, tugging the ranger from her thoughts.

In the distance just as he had proclaimed, the great keep came into sight. She could make out the figures of soldiers and workers shifting on the walkways. Then came the bits of distant conversation she could pick up on. It wasn’t entirely silent but it was peaceful, in its own right.

A roar echoed out overhead, shattering the quiet and it echoed out deep within her very bones. Alleria immediately notched an arrow and aimed her bow skyward. A massive dragon soared over the ship. Its scales were the brightest shade of crimson that she had ever seen. The set of horns atop the creatures head were adorned with the finest gold and gems. Glinting in the light that peeked down between the dark clouds hanging in the skies above.

Even from so high up, there was the briefest of moments where their eyes met. The intensity held in those golden irises startling the ranger, the grip on her bow loosened instantly. A near overwhelming sense of comfort swam through her veins.

“By the gods, hold your fire, Lady Windrunner...that’s the Life-binder!” One of the sailors exclaimed.

The great dragon circled overhead for several moments. Alleria was stuck, frozen. Gazing upon her, awe-struck at the display of such power and majesty. Never in her life had she seen a sight so magnificent, so breathtaking. So many years away from Azeroth, missing out on sights just like this one.

“They say its good luck to spot a red dragon, even better to see an Aspect. Wonder what kind of luck ya get if it’s the Red Aspect...”

Alleria paid their words no mind, so stuck on watching the great Aspect soar through the sky. However, with a final roar, the dragon veered back off towards Wyrmrest Temple. Fading into the distance and finally out of sight. The captain took one look at the expression on the ranger’s face and laughed aloud, adjusting the hat atop his head.

“Hah, you look just as awestruck as every other adventurer who has seen her for the first time.”

She raised an eyebrow at that. “Her?”

The old man smiled. “Surely you know of Queen Alexstrasza, Aspect of the Red Dragonflight? That was her flying over our heads just now, I have never seen her leave the temple grounds like this before...must be that something caught her eye.”

Alleria found her gaze wandering back to the temple in the distance, no longer able to see the great red dragon. With a sigh, she swung her bow back over her shoulder and turned out to face the walls of Valiance Keep once again.

The small fortress still sat upon the shores of Borean Tundra, still the most prominent Alliance foothold in Northrend even after the fall of the Lich King. It was very much bustling with life, always an active garrison with stationed guards. All of whom immediately recognized her as soon as she stepped off of the boat.

Her statue was outside the gates of Stormwind City, there likely wasn’t a soldier of the Alliance who hadn’t seen it at least once at this rate. They deemed her a hero, a symbol of hope. Just another item on the list of the things that she wished to run from. She knew from the excited looks on several of the guard’s faces that she would not be lingering here long.

As soon as she stepped off of the ship, she tugged her hood down over her face. Quickly moving through the port, ignoring the prattling from the nearby soldiers. All of who most certainly recognized her, by the emerald gleam of her armor alone no doubt, but she just continued on towards the stable master.

“Ah, afternoon, Lady Windrunner! Word was sent ahead that you were coming this way, I took the liberty of preparing a steed for you.” The young woman greeted, moving to the only saddled horse in the stable.

Alleria followed close behind, watching them lead the horse out to stand before her. The black mare whinnied at the sight of the ranger, settling as soon as she stroked her hand down its face.

“She’s a trustworthy mount, never failed in these frozen wastes. She’ll get ya from point a to point b without hassle.” The stable master said as she handed the reins out to Alleria.

Taking the leather in hand, Alleria mounted the horse and adjusted herself in the seat. “I appreciate the assistance. I will be certain to take good care of her.”

“I know you will, Lady Alleria! Safe journeys to you now.”

She waved goodbye and flicked the reins, pushing the mare forward along the path in a trot. Carefully swerving past the workers and guards as she continued to the main gates.

“Excuse me! Lady Windrunner? Wait, I have a letter for you!”

Tugging back on the leather strap, the ranger slowed the horse to a stop on the stone pathway. Swinging around, she found a courier running towards her - sure enough with a letter pressed firmly in his hand. Her expression hardened, eyes flashing as she waited for the young man to catch his breath.

“What is it?”

He held up the letter, still panting from his apparently long run. “From Stormwind, Lord Turalyon wanted this delivered to you as soon as possible.”

She took the folded envelope from his hand, glaring at the wax seal pressed into the paper. So elegant, so formal - so impersonal. So like the great High Exarch Turalyon, even with his own lover...or whatever they were now.

Just by simply touching the letter, she could feel the weight of whatever words he had penned for her. That sensation alone made her stuff the letter into her bags rather roughly, not even taking the time to consider reading it right now.

“You can tell Turalyon that I have received his letter and will read it as soon as I can. And that I am not to be contacted again while I am away.” She snapped, veering the horse around to face the gates once again.

Before the courier could even think of replying, Alleria sent the mare forward into a gallop. There was a gnawing rage creeping into her veins, frustration and guilt building to a point of rash emotion. But when she rode out into the plains of Borean Tundra, the icy air bit into her skin and sent a shudder rolling down the length of her spine. The winter chill immediately quelled the anger in her heart.

For now.

Pushed aside, she continued forward and did not stop on her journey. Not even for a moment of rest. Atop the horse, she rode through the fields and snow drifts of Borean Tundra, past the ruins of the Nerubian Fortresses that had long since been empty. The ranger had not been here for the campaign on Northrend against the ‘Lich King’ but she had heard the horror stories.

Hordes of undead-insect hybrids that served the man once known as Arthas Menethil, Crown Prince of Lordaeron. He had taken so much from so many, another evil on the list of those that she was not here to stop. Another regret, more guilt to weigh down on her heart.

It wasn’t until she heard a roaring sound out overhead that the horse slowed down to a steady trot, coming to stop at the edge of a cliff face. Alleria steadied the mount and gazed down into the pit below.

In the midst of the barren winter wastes of Dragonblight sat a little grove with green grass growing and various plants thriving. A tree stood tall at the center, the crimson leaves bringing her back to the memory of the dragon with scales of a similar hue.

Around its base, life thrived here despite the harshness of the world around them. Several red dragon whelplings fluttered and played around the plants, some chasing each other around the feet of several larger dragons. All of them looked peaceful.

“Mother said she was to be expecting your company, Lady Alleria. Glad to see you are here at long last.” A voice spoke up from somewhere behind her. The mare whinnied, shifting back and forth nervously.

She turned quickly and found herself face to face with a red dragon. He sat perched on a nearby rock, watching the ranger closely. But very clearly was no threat to her, so she chose not to reach for her bow. Choosing instead to stroke her hand down the horse’s mane.

“Mother?”

He let out a deep, gruff laugh. “Our Lady, Alexstrasza. I forgot you are not quite as familiar with the world as it is now.”

“No...it would seem I am not.”

Alleria turned back towards the grove then. Dread crept into her bones, more things and stories that she had missed out on. An entire world, her world, and yet she knew less about this place now than she did before she had left.

The dragon stepped down from his rock and came to rest alongside her. “Magnificent, isn’t it? They say that this grove was formed with but a single drop of Alexstrasza's blood. This is the power she holds. Because despite all the death, all the darkness that surrounds. Life...finds a way, just as she meant it to be."

She shut her eyes and breathed in deeply. Forcing the dread from her body, staring at the shrine to life itself did just that. This was a place of happiness, one of life and peace. Her negative emotions did not belong in its fields of green. She did not belong.

A voice echoed in her mind, the soul of the Fallen Naaru. “Burn it down. Let darkness wash through. Corrupt them for your own.”

Alleria clenched her hands into fists. She would not let the void have this grove or any other place in this world. “I...I am sorry, I think I may have made a mistake coming here.”

She turned to leave, guiding the horse around back towards the pathway towards Borean Tundra. The ranger knew she should not have come here, it was for the best that she just get on the ship back to Stormwind. Then she would be back home within a few days.

Go back to the life she did not want, go back to a man who cared nothing for her. To a war that would do nothing for her but take and take until there everything that she cared for was gone, leaving just the void in its place. To fill all which would be stolen from her grasp.

The life of Alleria Windrunner was not meant to be as peaceful as it was in this grove.

“Lady Alleria! Please, do not fear. Alexstrasza knows of your plight, she has been so very eager to meet you. If you would just spare but a moment to meet with her.” The dragon shifted around in the snow to watch her walk away.

Something about his words halted her departure. Like she suddenly remembered the real reason she had come to these frozen wastes. It was to learn how to control the shadows lingering just under the surface of her skin. This Life-Binder, Alexstrasza, whoever she truly was - she was Alleria's best shot at achieving that. To earn the serenity just like that of the grove before her.

She looked at the dragon, who spoke in turn. “Will you come along with me, Lady Windrunner?”

He knelt down before her, almost gesturing for her to climb onto his back. Carefully she dismounted from the mare, stroking a soothing hand down her mane. “What shall I do with her?”

“One of my siblings shall come and tend to her. You have a meeting with the Life-Binder and you should not delay.”

She left the horse where it was, moving to climb onto the dragon’s back. As he unfurled his wings, she wrapped one of her hands around a spike on his back and held on tight. Adrenaline pumping strong through her veins.

“Hang on, Lady Windrunner!”

With a great thrust of his wings, he forced himself into the sky. The world below fell away and as they soared higher and higher, Alleria actually laughed aloud. Hearing the sound coming from herself was strange, she hadn’t had a genuine reason to be happy in a very long time.

Let alone laugh? Fighting a demon war for nearly a millennium didn’t exactly give one a lot of reasons to laugh - if any at all. But here in the sky, soaring through the air made everything just feel so small.

“Amazing being up here, isn’t it?”

Alleria was pulled from her reverie and nodded, near breathless. “It is. I’ve never felt anything like this…”

He circled and glided, cutting through the cold air like it was nothing. From here, one could see it all. The rolling snow drifts and icy peaks, to the ever distant shadow of Icecrown Citadel. It was all visible from the sky. 

“We shall have to go on another flight sometime, but alas here we are!” 

The dragon hovered for a moment before moving to land on a spot about halfway up the temple. Coming to a stop, the ranger quickly dismounted and stared up at the structure in awe. Above still circled the drakes, she could hear the voices and the rustling of wings. 

With a grunt to catch her attention, he nodded towards the large entryway. “Lady Alexstrasza is just through there. You’ll know her chambers when you see them, good luck.”

Alleria shuddered as she passed the threshold into the temple. Immediately taken with the large stone engravings across the walls, depicting the five aspects together. Unified as guardians of Azeroth. A memorial to those among them that had fallen.

Two drakonid guards stood watch over another entryway ahead, covered by a set of fine red silk curtains. Likely to the chambers of the Life-Binder herself. When she approached them, she figured that the guards would stop her. But they allowed her to pass without an issue, only nodding in her direction as she approached. Her presence really had been expected and prepared for apparently.

Shrugging it off, Alleria pushed aside the curtains and stepped into the room. Her first thought was immediately just how odd it was to see such an ordinarily furnished bedroom awaiting, especially for the one they called “Queen of Dragons”.

“Lady...Alexstrasza?” She called out into the quiet of the room.

That was when her trained eyes caught sight of the something moving on the bed and she froze where she stood. It was the Life-Binder herself, lying on the mattress. She looked so small curled up as she was but it did not appear to bother her. The only sound to fill the room was that of her gentle breathing, she was asleep.

“Shit.” Alleria hissed under her breath.

A soft sigh came from Alexstrasza and she shifted on the bed, rousing from whatever slumber she was in. Seeming to sense her presence there. The ranger did not dare move a muscle. She would have turned to leave or simply looked away, but she was stuck staring at the Queen as she rose from the bed. Resisting the urge to lick her lips when she watched the defined muscles of Alexstrasza’s back shift and flex while she stretched.

Alleria, get a hold of yourself.

A flicker of gold crossed her vision suddenly and a low voice rose up to fill the silence. “Lady Alleria Windrunner. Is that you gawking from the doorway?”

Alleria immediately coughed, a blush creeping up onto her face. Her voice wavered as she spoke. “Sincerest apologies, your majesty. I had not intended to interrupt your rest, I can come back.”

Turning to face her now, the ranger found her breath immediately stolen from her lungs and had to remind herself to breathe. The Life-Binder stood before her, a thick woolen cloak hanging from her shoulders and sparse pieces of plate armor covering her torso. Her midriff exposed to the room, so plain in sight.

Alleria forced herself not to stare any longer, instead choosing to lift her gaze up to meet Alexstrasza’s. The tension seemed to just melt from her bones and muscles. There was only a warm smile spread across her expression and without meaning to, Alleria found herself smiling too. Until she remembered her manners and bowed before the Queen, keeping her gaze lowered to the floor. 

She opened her mouth to speak when Alexstrasza laughed. “There is no need for such formality, Alleria. I knew of your arrival, I simply misjudged how tired I truly was.”

Alexstrasza beckoned her closer as she moved to take a seat at the table. Seemed to be watching each step Alleria took towards her. Cautiously, the ranger removed her bow and propped it up against the table before she sat down across from the Life-Binder.

“I remember Lady Proudmoore's letter. She informed me that you would be coming here, have you come to seek my aid? Or healing perhaps?”

Alleria rubbed her hands together, suddenly filled with nervous energy. “No, no...Rather your guidance, and your wisdom. But yes, there is...something inside me that I cannot control, that hurts me beyond words. I fear that one day, it may be all that there is of me.”

A genuine sorrow appeared in the eyes of the Dragon Queen, her ears flattening against her head as she stared at Alleria. “It is the void then? The soul of the fallen Naaru?”

At those words, she tensed up. Unease crept back into her mind, along with the whispers of the void. Forcing her eyes shut, so hard she tried to choke down the darkness. They echoed cries of her error, that coming to seek the help of an aspect would lead nowhere good.

Suddenly fingers grazed against the back of her hand, the warmth of the Dragon Queen’s skin was a shock to Alleria’s system. Her body still aching with the winter chill of Northrend air, but with Alexstrasza’s touch on her, it was though all the frost melted from her veins.

“Are you cold, Lady Windrunner?”

She could only nod then the hand on hers fell away, all warmth fading with it. Alexstrasza rose from her chair to step around behind the ranger. The queen’s thick wool cloak was draped over her shoulders, blanketing her in immediate warmth. The comfort that it brought was indescribable, all the tension bled away into nothing but a calm tingling in her bones.

“Better?”

Alleria smiled, melting into the fabric. “Very much so. Thank you, Alexstrasza.”

Instead of returning to her seat, the Life-Binder stayed behind her. A hand coming up to rest upon the elf’s unarmored shoulder, squeezing gently. Allowing her reassuring touch to linger before she continued.

“You have nothing to fear here with me, Alleria. I will be happy to lend you my aid, to see if we cannot find a way to overcome your problem together. Or at the very least set you upon the right path to recovery.”

The show of unconditional support was something new to her, there was no pity in her voice or her actions. There was not a trace of fear for the void that lingered just under the surface of her skin. Alexstrasza was different, she was kinder and braver than anyone else Alleria had known.

Alleria forced herself to breathe, to hold back the wave of tears that threatened to spill forth. No, she would not break so easily, not on this day. Not at one woman’s show of basic decency and respect.

“For now though, you should sleep. I would imagine your journey has been long and you have not had a chance to rest. Come take my hand, I will show you to the guest room.” Alexstrasza stated, circling back around the chair to extend a hand out to the ranger.

She went still and stared down at her own hand. Hesitation returned and in the back of her mind, the voices called. “There will be nothing for you if you go down this road. Corrupt the Dragon Queen and take that which is rightfully yours.”

No, not today. Not while hope remains.

Hopeful, with no fear in her veins. Alleria took the Life-Binder’s hand.

It was the first step on a long road.

Chapter Text

Peace was an odd concept to Alleria Windrunner.

She had experienced one war after another, each one no different than the last. No, only their enemies ever changed. That was how it always was, how it would always be. Even with the evils of the Legion defeated, it would seem that their war was not at an end. Not yet.

At first, it was thought the new war would come bearing enemies made from former allies. On the thundering of the Horde’s drums of war, chaos echoed out as they laid siege to the innocents of Ashenvale. Slaughtering all who stood in their path. Marching unchecked through Darkshore before Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage himself was cut down by Sylvanas - her own sister.

Word of the attack had reached the denizens of Wyrmrest and more importantly, Alleria herself. Part of her was tempted to take up Thas'dorah and go to her sister, perhaps beat some sense into that head of hers. But it was Alexstrasza that quelled that fire before it could burn out of control.

"You will only do more harm than good in this state, Lady Alleria. Let the world sort itself out and then face your sister when you are of steady heart and calm mind...Sylvanas Windrunner is not the greatest threat we are to stand against. I sense the shadows closing in."

If the Queen of Dragons could see the coming end, why did no other? What sort of evil forces moved against Azeroth?

The Legion had once been that shadow, and a mighty foe. The war against them had required no less than absolute cooperation from both sides. And although some did not adhere to such rules of diplomacy - the end goal still resulted in the Legion’s fall.

But perhaps they were nothing compared to whatever was coming next. How it cried out the threat of a second Cataclysm which would shatter Azeroth as a whole. Bringing only extinction upon the races which deemed this world home. Something about this war, despite all of its glaring similarities to those she heard tell of from the past - this one felt different.

Yet for all her experience, every ounce of wisdom she had. It was different in a way that even she could not describe. Perhaps even a true end, last stand, final act. Whatever phrasing one would use, this would be the very end. The war to end all wars.

“All shall end. Except for you…”

"The stars call out your name, they beckon from the cold dark. Searching for the one they call, Alleria Windrunner. One day, you will answer them.”

“One day...you shall kill them ALL!”

The thundering shout startled her awake, her pulse sent racing as she shot up from the mattress. Within her very chest, she felt the fading echoes of the Old God’s voice and shuddered. Fear coiled deep through her bones, tensing her muscles before fading into a lingering numbness.

“Steady…” She murmured to herself, running a trembling hand down her face.

At the moment, she was unsure whether or not she had just heard the genuine whispers of an Old God or if it had simply been another nightmare come to torment her yet again. She was never sure about these things. One night after the next it was always another horror creeping into her mind.

She let out a weary sigh and lifted her head, staring into the darkness of the guest quarters. Moonlight streamed in from the open balcony, the chill of the Northrend night breezed past the scarlet curtains and settled deep into her veins. It felt as if no amount of furs covering her would change that, it was like she would never feel warmth again.

Just great.

“Gods above, if you will not let me sleep then just let me be warm at the very least.” She grit her teeth, rising from the bed. Canvassing the room for any sign of extra blankets, with no such luck to be had.

She passed by the small table in the corner of the room and stopped in her tracks. Folded neatly on the table was Alexstrasza’s cloak. The ranger had forgotten to return it earlier on.

“Tsk, better than nothing.” She grunted, reaching out for the item before fumbling her way back to bed.

Slipping back under the furs with the cloak, Alleria wrapped it around herself and shivered. The thick wool was quite warm, almost as if it was enchanted. The cold night had done nothing to change that and the ranger was ever grateful for it.

For the first time in a long while, she actually managed to drift off into sleep once again without trouble. Finding no more nightmares waiting to torment her, or Old Gods attempting to lull her away with their sickeningly sweet whispers. At least not tonight.

When she awoke again, the sun had long since replaced the moonlight pouring into the room. The rustle of wings and the chatter of dragons in the skies outside echoed from the exterior of the temple, letting her know that the denizens of Wyrmrest were awake for the day.  

She sat up from the mattress, slowly this time, still clutching onto the cloak of the Life-Binder. The heat held within the stitching of the fabric had not faded for even a moment. It was as if life itself flowed through the very thing.

“Fitting.” Alleria mused a soft smile crossed over her face. Her fingers curled tighter around the cloak.

Her mind wandered to her first meeting with the Queen of Dragons. Alexstrasza had been something else, otherworldly even. With a level of kindness that just simply was not matched by anyone that Alleria had ever met before. She was peace, she was hope - she was life itself personified. The ranger could not help but be drawn to her, some part of her at the very least.

Nuzzling into the cloak, she allowed herself to relish in the scent; a mix of the most fragrant flowers and smoky wood. She allowed it to wash over her, etching every detail into her memory. Heat rose up on her face and Alleria realized what she was doing. Here she was, lost in the thoughts about a woman she had only just met.

“Steady now, don’t get too lost.” She muttered under her breath.

With a grumble, the ranger rose up from the bed and moved to the table where her armor sat. Her fingers traced idly over the single shoulder piece she usually wore. It was time to get dressed and start another day, to see what secrets were held in this temple. But this was not the place for heavy armor or weapons.

She donned her usual leathers and chose to neglect the pieces of armor. In this place of peace, there would be no need for the garments of war. However she paused when she reached for her own cloak, she could wear it - but where would be the fun in that?

With a quick motion, she tugged the cloak that Alexstrasza had given her over her shoulders. Immediately relishing the returning warmth covering her exposed skin. Having it on brought forth an all too familiar comfort.

A sudden knock came from the doorway and the ranger whirled around. There stood a human man with dark hair and dressed in a heavy set of plate armor. His arms crossed respectfully in front of himself as he nodded her way in greeting.

“Morning, Lady Windrunner. I hope you slept well?”

She nodded, smiling back. “Well enough, it is quite...calming here.”

He smiled, stepping further in. “Indeed, being in the presence of the Aspects does that. Some dare even say the temple has an aura about it.”

Alleria turned to gaze out the balcony for a moment as the man continued, “We do not get many visitors anymore, none have good enough reason to travel this far north.

As if suddenly remembering his reason for coming to her, he shook his head. “You must forgive me, I am off focus. My name is Lord Afrasastrasz. I am the Commander of Temple Defenses. Her Majesty, Alexstrasza has requested your presence in her chambers.”

“Is there something amiss…?” She questioned, eyebrow raised as she turned to face him.

“Not at all, Lady Windrunner. She is simply eager to speak with you further, I was asked to escort you there.”

Alleria let out a laugh, turning back around to face Afrasastrasz. “We had best start off that way immediately then, should not keep the lady waiting.”

Together they walked from the room and he led her through the halls. It was a silent walk until he suddenly asked. “How does it feel to be back? You were gone for two decades, correct?”

She nodded. “Indeed I was, though in the twisting nether it was...nearly a millennia. It is a strange sensation, much has changed in my absence. I left to one world and came back to another that was completely different.”

“Many terrible things have happened to Azeroth in the twenty years since you were gone. But a piece of her heart is restored upon having you return.” He smiled at her, a warm genuine one. She had been missed, that was small comfort at the very least.

“I cannot imagine how hard it has been.” His voice was soft, his words, however, made her heart ache a bit.

She paused before she spoke. “Harder than I care to admit.”

Afrasastrasz just bowed his head, leading her around the corner of the hallway. “But that is why you are here, time with the Life-Binder will heal all wounds.”

Alleria grew silent at that and just nodded. She hoped that Alexstrasza would be able to help, at least in some regard. It had been harder than anyone could have imagined, to come back to a world and home that she scarcely recognized. To a family that had torn apart from years of wars that she had not been here to fight alongside them.

Lost in thought, her eyes caught a glimpse of the grand stone murals that she had first passed upon entering the temple. She paused mid-step to stare up at them, admiring the elegant carvings. The amount of time put into each detail and curve. They were the masterpieces of the Aspects.

“They tell our stories, of battles and triumphs…but also of great loss,” Afrasastrasz explained as he stopped next to her, running a hand along the stones. For a brief second, Alleria saw grief flash across his expression before it faded.

As they continued further down the hall, closer and closer to Alexstrasza’s chambers. He explained the battles they had to face in the last 20 years since her departure from Azeroth. She had been told of the Lich King and his armies, but not of the Great Cataclysm and the one they called Deathwing the Destroyer. Then onto the tale of the evil spirits of Pandaria and the corruption of the Orc Warrior, Garrosh Hellscream who had nearly brought the whole of a unified Draenor to bear against their world.

So much had happened. Battles that were fought and won without her on the field, so many things might have changed had Alleria simply been here. But she forced herself away from those thoughts, away from the very guilt which would eat her alive if she was not careful.

She shut her eyes, drew in a breath and just listened to Afrasastrasz’s words. Until one mural caught her attention and pulled her away from his stories.

“What of this one?” Alleria asked suddenly, interrupting the man in the middle of his story.

She cautiously approached and traced her hand over the mural. It depicted a single dragon with wings outstretched, lines faded from its form and reaching up towards what appeared to be a moon in the background. It was elegant and beautiful, Alleria could feel as power thrummed in the very stones themselves.

The commander stepped up next to her, his head bowed in respect. “This one...this one was our great loss. Three times we have lost Aspects, but this one. Was perhaps the most painful loss of them all.”

Silence passed between them and Alleria could feel the grief in his words, a recent loss it seemed too - if his reaction was anything to go by. Just another price of war.

He nudged at her arm and beckoned. “Come now, we must not keep the Queen waiting any longer.”

Alleria slowly stepped back from the wall, eyes never once looking away until they reached the doorway of Alexstrasza’s chambers. Afrasastrasz entered first and spoke as she stepped into the room behind him. “May I present, Lady Alleria. Just as you requested, Life-Binder.”

Her eyes quickly found the Queen’s as the woman rose from her chair to approach the pair. She smiled down at the Commander. “Thank you, Afrasastrasz. You may leave, I would like to speak with Lady Windrunner in private.”

With a bow, he turned and left the room without another word. Which left Alleria standing before Alexstrasza, gazing up upon her in awe. She had not realized it during their previous meeting but the Life-Binder stood nearly a head taller than Alleria herself. The ranger was lucky enough to find herself level with the Queen’s shoulders.

“I trust you were treated well on the walk over?” The question pulled her out of her head and back to focus.

Several silent moments passed, Alexstrasza raised an eyebrow and it was then that Alleria realized that an answer was required of her.

She cleared her throat and bowed her head. “Afrasastrasz proved to be very pleasant company, I was treated very kindly. Many thanks.”

The Queen smiled brightly down upon her, an immediate warmth crept into the ranger's bones. “Excellent, I do so love to hear such things. Would you care for some tea?”

She turned to walk back across the room and Alleria followed, replying. “Ah, yes, please. I do not remember the last time I simply got to sit and enjoy a cup.”

Alexstrasza was in the midst of preparing the tea when she stopped, turning to look back over her shoulder at Alleria. “I would imagine being away at war for many years does so tend to rid one of the little comforts such as this.”

“You have no idea.” The ranger murmured, tracing her finger along the designs of the table.

A little laugh came from Alexstrasza when she looked back at Alleria. “I had not noticed it before but, I am glad to see my cloak is getting some use here.”

Heat rose up to dust the high elf’s cheek in a light blush, instinctively tugging the wool further around her shoulders. “It is quite warm. A welcome relief in these frozen wastes, I am not certain how you stand it.”

The Life-Binder smiled. “Being a dragon has many perks, I have been told my unending warmth is one. And I should hope so, the fabric is enchanted to stay that way. But I gather you already figured that out by now.”

Alleria just hummed, finding her gaze turned to the open balcony. Watching as outside several dragons drifted by, the rustling of their wings was a comforting sound.

Following her gaze, Alexstrasza began to probe a little more. “How has it been? Being back to your own world?”

Alleria tensed. The question was so loaded even the second time around. There were so many feelings, so many answers to it. Yet every single answer held a pain, all carefully woven into a knot that she was not sure that she should even attempt to untie. It kept everything locked away just beneath the surface.

Perhaps it was better that it remain that way, far from everyone’s reach.

“Is it that terrible to be home?”

The statement took her off guard. “Pardon?”

Alexstrasza turned away for a moment before she continued. “You are good at masking your emotions, but…”

She tapped next to her own eye to accentuate her point. “Your eyes show all, Lady Alleria. They show flickers of something whenever you are asked questions such as this. Is it because the answers you have hold only pain?”

Gods damn it all, she was good. A little too good for comfort, but Alleria would allow her to continue - for now. She forced herself to take a deep breath and steady her nerves, Alexstrasza was only trying to help. This was a part of that process, unraveling that knot one thread at a time.

“If I am being truthful with you, my lady...then yes. Because it is like tearing open a freshly healed wound every single time I am asked.” She replied.

No more words were said, at least until Alexstrasza returned to the table with two mugs in hand. She slid one across the table for the ranger who immediately cupped the glass in between her hands, shuddering.

The Dragon Queen took a long lingering sip, her golden eyes not once parting from Alleria’s face. When she spoke next, her voice was soft and kind. Melting away any hesitation that had creeped itself into the ranger’s weary bones.

“What of your home then? Surely you have had the chance to visit Silvermoon City since your return. I hear it is thriving these days.”

The mere mention of her former home made her heart ache. Another thing the void had taken right from her very hands. She stared down into her mug and choked back the urge to sigh.

“I got to visit briefly, and for a moment I was at peace, being in a place I so fondly remember despite all that has changed about it.”

It had been healing to step back into the gates of Silvermoon. Even more to see familiar faces such as Lor’themar, despite the years and opposing factions that stood between them. He had been friendly enough, even with her abysmal attitude that day.

She frowned, trying to blink back the tears behind her eyes. She would not cry, not now. “But I was then banished just as suddenly. Entirely of my own doing.”

Alexstrasza only tilted her head curiously. “Care to say why?”

“The void, it nearly corrupted the Sunwell and would have created a breach into this world.” That was what she wanted to say, but she found her own tongue betraying her. It shot out the lie before she could stop herself.

“I am a prominent member of the Alliance High Command, my...sister is Warchief. Silvermoon is of Horde Territory. Is that explanation enough?” Alleria snapped back, a little harsher than she had meant.

There was an odd expression on Alexstrasza’s face for a moment, like she was staring directly into Alleria's mind. To see her thoughts for herself, it felt exposing and Alleria shifted in her seat. Until she suddenly cracked a sad smile.

“I see, a rather sensitive topic then. I will not poke at it anymore.”

Alleria was about to breathe a sigh of relief when the Queen quickly added. “Tell me about the war then. The one that had taken you from this world for two decades.”

From one difficult topic to another, to face one trauma after another. Digging up things that were probably better left buried. She could only frown.

However, it seemed that it was not an irony lost upon the Queen. “I know it must also be a rather sensitive subject, but you need only tell me what you want to.”

Alleria took a sip, drawing in a harsh breath as memories clawed at the farthest edges of her mind. So long had they been pushed back and locked away, but now like a ravenous beast, they were rattling the bars of the cage which kept them contained. Argus had been hell, and it had not been a war. Not to her.

“Well...I am not certain you can call getting relentlessly hunted by demons, fighting them tooth and nail everyday, a war. We killed many, we lost even more.”

Alexstrasza hummed. “I suppose that is correct. Not much of a war when it seems all odds stand against you. But still, here you are. How did you manage to pull through such a horror?”

She did not hesitate with her answer. “Hope. I gave my people hope, I led them through that hell. To a better future, that is how we survived and it is how we will continue to survive.”

Alexstrasza’s hand reached across the table, just as she had done the day before. Warm steel met her skin, fingers curving around her hand. For a moment, Alleria's breath caught in her throat and lifted her gaze to find the Dragon Queen just staring at her.

Those golden eyes softened and she murmured. “I did not ask about your people and their survival as grateful as I am that you all have fought on. I asked about you and you alone. How did Alleria Windrunner survive nearly a millennia on Argus?”

The next answer startled her even more, it sent dread creeping into her veins. But it came without hesitation and that was perhaps the most frightening thing of them all.

“She didn’t.”

The hand on hers squeezed, to remind Alleria that she was still here. “By that, you mean to say that a piece of you died on that world?”

Alleria took another drink, her hand trembled around the cup. Whatever corruption she had faced there, it had wiped away the last of what made her the Alleria Windrunner.

“I did die. The hero that these people look up to, that they build statues in honor of...she was left behind on those fel corrupted fields.”

Alleria felt like a prisoner in her own body, with the constant whispers of evil and a sensation that she was just not ever in control. Irrevocably changed by the touch of the void. People were afraid of her and they were right to be; even she was afraid of herself.

Alexstrasza stared on, watching her closely. “It is Void then, is it not? Is that what torments your heart and soul, commanding that you feel this way?”

How did she…

Alleria’s eyes narrowed and her voice quivered with a cold rage. “If you are toying with me or casting some foul spell, I will not be so quick to forgive. I do not enjoy being lied to.”

Her threat did nothing to faze the Queen. “I meant no such things, Lady Alleria. I am merely trying to help you as best as I am able, but I cannot unless you are willi-“

“Help me!?” She spat. 

The Life-Binder paused, calmly taking another sip of her tea as Alleria rose from her chair. Her voice rose with her.

“Do you seek to help me just like those who serve the Light have tried to help? They march around and preach of the corruption of my people and I, the need to purge and purify us of our evils.”

Alexstrasza said nothing and Alleria just kept going, everything that been building beneath the surface just poured out all at once. Anger, hate, frustration - it was a wave that threatened to drown her every sense and thought. Even now as she forced the words out, she felt a wave of guilt bubbling within her chest for shouting in front of the Queen.

But even she could not contain these toiling emotions any longer.

“Are you just as much of a coward as they are? Afraid of what they cannot control - cannot understand. My people and I had nowhere else to turn, the Void was our only salvation when we had no other choice. We sold ourselves to the darkness for a second chance at life.”

She slammed her fist down against the table, rattling their cups as a snarl tore its way out from her throat. In her eyes, flickers of that very same void rose up to dance through the arcane glowing. Burning so brightly with her rage.

“We had no other option. Everything we did, we did just to survive. Yet they deem us as evil beings, doomed only to fall to corruption. Our friends, our families, our-.”

“Even your lovers?”

Alexstrasza’s voice was not malicious or cruel as she finally spoke up. But those three words shook Alleria to her core. She meant the man she had left back on the docks of Stormwind, Turalyon. He loved her, but he was more afraid of the darkness lingering beneath the surface of her skin.

“Is it beyond repair?”

The ranger shuddered, forcing herself to look anywhere else but at the Dragon Queen. “I had been held captive by Legion Inquisitors for many years, he never came for me...when I finally freed myself, I expected to be safe with him. But no, he allowed his Naaru to imprison me and not to release me until I had sworn myself to the follow the path of the Light. By the time I was freed, there was nothing left in my heart for him. I feel no love for the man, not anymore.”

She reached into her pouch, tossing the letter stamped and sealed by Turalyon onto the table before Alexstrasza. Disgust laced across her expression, her voice low. “This is a poor fool’s attempt at fixing that which cannot be fixed, at reclaiming what he thinks is a prize that belongs to him and him alone.”

“Yet he still tries. Have you not told him that very same thing?” Alexstrasza hummed, picking up the letter. Turning it over in her hands curiously.

Alleria frowned. “Well...No. I have not told him this.”

“May I ask why?”

She glared daggers at the Queen, who just regarded her with an expression of pure curiosity. If Alleria had not known better, she would have figured that Alexstrasza was enjoying tormenting her so. But she could not even really claim to know the dragon and she knew better than to judge wrongly.

But her questions still hurt.

“I ask what you seem unable to ask yourself, I mean not to wound you. But I wish to help, this is how I do that.” Alexstrasza stated, sitting the letter back down onto the table. Still unopened.

There was no answer good enough, no answer she could even think of that would explain why. Alleria knew stringing along the poor man would do nothing but make everything so much worse. Yet here she was, persisting down that very path.

When she did not speak up, Alexstrasza pushed the letter from Turalyon back across the table. “Well, whatever the answer may be. You shall heal nothing by allowing the wound to fester, Alleria. Save him from thinking there is a chance, and save yourself from a loveless place.”

Her voice was still kind despite the ranger’s outburst of anger. But it was firm, the queen would not take arguments from her. This was the advice she offered and Alleria knew she was right, arguing with her would only delay the inevitable.

But that didn’t mean she had to like it.

Alleria stared at the paper, whatever was written was not going to be what she wanted to hear. She knew that all too well what was penned down for her. It would be too impersonal, too fearful, too chastising of her choices. Too Turalyon.

But the Dragon Queen was right. Better to tear open the wound than to let it fester and rot. Whatever he had to say to her, she would read it. Even if all there were waiting for her in that letter were harsh judgements and hollow words.

She grit her teeth and reached for the letter, holding it between her hands for a moment. It would inevitably hurt her - that much she knew for certain. There was no backing away from it now.

With a quick motion, Alleria snapped the wax seal and unfolded the paper. Inhaling sharply before she began to read it silently. Alexstrasza just watched on with a look of silent contemplation spread across her face.

Rage, far stronger than before, slowly knit it’s way across her expression after several quiet moments. Her glowing eyes flared with energy as each word seemed to pour more anger into her. The Life-Binder saw the grip she had on the letter tighten, deforming it between her hands.

Whatever Turalyon had written, it was hurting and badly. It showed in the quiver in her lips, the shaking of her hands and the flickers of darkness in the ranger’s eyes.

“Alleria?” Alexstrasza spoke softly, hoping to call her back to this moment.

She suddenly slammed the letter down on the table before she turned away. Her hands balling into tight fists. Alexstrasza looked to the letter and asked, “May I read?”

“If you so wish.” Alleria spat back, pacing back and forth in the center of the room.

Picking up the letter, Alexstrasza smoothed it out as best she could and began to read.

“Alleria,

I know you wished not to be contacted while you are away but I needed you to hear what I have to say to you. For I do not know when you shall return.

But you cannot run from this war. You have a duty to your people, to the Alliance which we both have served for millennia. Void corruption or not, you are still needed in this fight to come. Shirking your duties is not the way.

Running away from this will solve nothing, you must understand why. But I know you harbour much resentment regarding your imprisonment and the role I had to play in allowing it, but I only wish that one day you will see why I did what I did.

Just come home from those frozen wastes with the answers you need, and perhaps be ready to see the path of Light. Safe journeys to you.

Turalyon.”

Alexstrasza sat the letter down and looked up to find Alleria staring at her. An unreadable emotion spread across her face, flickering through her arcane eyes. There was anger definitely, but there was something else.

A deep, gnawing pain. Like she had just been stabbed, and Turalyon’s words had simply twisted the knife deeper into her gut.

“Do you see now?” Alleria stated, taking a step forward.

“I am...not certain what to think.”

That pulled a scoff from the ranger. Her eyes narrowed at the letter and she snapped. “There is no apology. He knows he hurt the trust I had for him, he knows I am in pain because of what he did. But I get nothing. ”

Her shoulders shook with her rage and her pain, Alexstrasza calmly rose from the table. She moved to stand before Alleria, looking down upon her. Their eyes met, arcane blue to gold and for a brief moment, it looked as though the tension in the high elf’s shoulders bled away.

Boldly, she reached a hand out to her, trying to get Alleria to allow the comfort. That perhaps just a touch would be enough to quell the rage pouring through her veins. They had gotten somewhere today, but in order to talk through it; she had to remain calm.

"Ease your storm, Alleria." Alexstrasza murmured, brushing her fingers against the ranger's cheek.

A single touch and it seemed Alleria was brought to heel before the Queen. The Life-Binder wiped a stray tear that had fallen from her eyes in her moment of rage, smiling as she felt Alleria melting into her hand. 

"He hurt you, betrayed you. Your heart still aches for that lost love, Alleria. It is a fresh wound, let it be exposed and allow it to heal."

The ranger shuddered, squeezing her eyes shut. "He won't ever be sorry for what he did..."

Alexstrasza shook her head. "Perhaps not, but what matters most is that you forgive him and forgive yourself - lest this drive you mad with guilt."

Alleria winced and she could just tell that the voices of the Void spoke to her. They whispered their lies and madness to the elf, even the warmth of the Dragon Queen was enough to stop the anger boiling forth once more.

She recoiled from Alexstrasza's touch as if it had burned her. She stepped back and shook her head. "You don't get it, no one ever does."

Her words trembled with her rage, but it was not directed at Alexstrasza. No, Alleria spoke to the Void itself and the Queen just listened.

Alleria growled. "Turalyon is the all mighty general, one with the light. He can do no wrong. I am nothing but a fallen hero, you corrupted me and now the world wishes I would be purged of this darkness."

"Alleria, stay with me now. Do not listen to their lies." She tried to reach for Alleria, in this state she was only a danger to everything and everyone.

But just like that, she fled from the room without another word. The only sign she was ever even there was the mug of tea left behind and Alexstrasza’s own cloak, pooled on the floor where she had stood just moments before.

A frown marred the Queen’s expression, her hand lowered to her side. There was a darkness lingering just beneath the surface of Alleria Windrunner’s skin, one that Alexstrasza only desired to quell as much as she could.

Some darkness is best kept where it is, locked away and untouched. Simply left to rattle at the bars like a beast in its cage, not unleashed all at once.

“Forgive me, Lady Windrunner.” She whispered into the silence of the room. Knowing that by now, Alleria would not hear her words.

Chapter Text

Be ready to see the path of the Light.

Those were the words that Turalyon had chosen to put in his letter to her. He wanted her to renounce the void and all it’s darkness so that they might walk in service of the Light together. For that was her duty to the Alliance, to him.

As she wandered through the frozen drifts of Dragonblight, Alleria could see herself doing anything but preparing. For what had the Light ever done for her besides bring chaos and torment?

It had not helped her on Argus, it had been absent when she was lost in the darkness and needed its guidance most of all. Nor did it come to her aid when she was shackled by demons, tortured to the very brink of insanity.

No, the Light had forsaken her a long, long time ago and there was no turning back to its good graces. She was simply just returning the favour now. Abandoning it just as carelessly as it had abandoned her.

But she knew all too well now what that meant. Her path would be cloaked in shadows, each step she took was seeded with the flickers of the Void. Life hanging on the very edge of oblivion.

Each day she woke was another that she wondered if she would live to see another. The thought of being on her last day did not scare her and that was perhaps the most terrifying realization of them all.

She had been walking through the snow, lost deep in her thoughts. But then with a particular hard step, a loud snap pulled Alleria from within her own head. She looked down to find her foot had pressed to a long forgotten bone, it broke clean in two.

Instinctively, her eyes followed the path of bone. Up over the remainder of what appeared to be a rib cage, to the fragmented shards of a neck. Before finally her eyes met the empty sockets of a dragon’s skull.

It had been here for awhile, evidently. But for such a creature to be brought down, only one of equal or greater strength could have taken its life. She stared at the claw marks that marred the surface of it’s bones before her gaze turned back towards Wyrmrest.

Killed by one of its own kind.

“How tragic...especially since you shall meet the same end. Clawed apart by those you once called allies, friends...family.

Alleria tugged her hood down over her face, side stepping around the skeleton. “They would never betray me, I know it in my heart.”

Dark laughter echoed in her skull, how it painfully pounded and hounded her like the drums of war. Enough to stop the ranger in her tracks.

“Foolish, ranger. By the time they are finished with you, you will be nothing but a broken corpse...”

She stumbled, her hands braced her shaking form against the skull. The voice continued with its foul torment. It would not be denied so easily.

“They will not mourn your loss, Alleria Windrunner. None will grieve. This world will forget you like it forgets a passing breeze.”

“You lie! I gave everything to save this world!” She snarled, baring her fangs. Hands clenched into fists.

“And what have you gotten in return? A statue to memorialize a DEAD hero. They call you a monster now. They did not want you back, you are not their hero anymore.”

Tears stung the back of her eyes and Alleria shook her head. She would not believe the whispers, not when she had resisted them for this long already. Every word they spoke was a lie, every single one.

“No, we are your only truth. We are your fate.”

There was a pause. Alleria’s ears swiveled as she heard a dragon roar in the distance. It had sounded closer than the others before, as if one flew her way at that very moment.

“...Accept the Void willingly and we will see you to victory, to slay all who would dare see the same fate befall you.”

Another roar.

“Corrupt the dragons of Wyrmrest. Corrupt their Queen. Or be free to rot away til you are nothing but bones just as this dragon did.”

“NO!” She shrieked, pushing off of the skull and taking off into a sprint towards the forests to the east. The whispers faded as the wind rushed past her ears, tears flowed freely down her face.

Through the howling wind and bitter frost, Alleria stumbled up the stone path that lead up the rocky ledge. The swell of emotions was too much, too strong to ignore any longer. Without the strength to keep it all locked away, to keep up the facade of the stoic hero - everything broke and seeped out.

She let her rage show truest of all. It burnt like wildfire in her veins, pushing her further into the dark thicket of trees. Even like this she had to keep herself away, out of sight and out of mind.

Further within the forest, she stopped and drove her fist into the trunk of the nearest tree. Pain shot through her fingers, halting her for a brief second. Her arcane eyes just stared at the reddening skin on her knuckles.

Alleria snarled. She would not let this pain stop her, not now. With the walls broken, this pain was fresh to her. Invigorated, fueled by it - she continued her assault.

When she threw her next punch, the void summoned forth to her hands; cloaking them in darkness. The energy was enough to splinter off a small fragment of the tree. She hissed at her own strength.

“Yes, yes! Show us your rage!” The Void’s whispers taunted, testing her resolve even now.

It would see, they would all see. Hit after hit against the tree only made the shadows surrounding her grow stronger. Each strike was followed by a curse from her lips. Not caring as her skin began to tear and blood seeped from her wounded hands.

Curse Quel’thalas, the land that even now despised her existence and kept her banished from their walls. Taking away the only home she had ever known.

Curse the Alliance, the faction that would crown her a hero and have statues built in her name, only to then treat her as a monster.

Curse Turalyon, the man who would toss her aside so callously for his Light. To ignore her own plights and not help when she had most need of him.

Curse the Legion, the army of foul beings who would take her away from everything she ever loved.

Curse herself, for being too weak to stand against any of it. For falling victim to the darkness and allowing it to seep into her very soul.

With a tortured cry, Alleria swung her last punch at the tree as hard as she could. Fist cloaked with void energies, her hand collided with the trunk of the tree. Bones cracked under the force and the wood splintered, shards scattered across the snow.

Another shout tore its way from her throat as she collapsed to her knees. Blood seeped freely from her hands, the flesh marred with cuts and splinters of wood. The shadows faded and left her with nothing but anguish.

Her lifeblood tainted the white snow, marring it with a deep crimson. Alleria sobbed, cradling her wounded hands to her chest.

She had failed her lands, her people, her family . So much might have changed had she simply played her part and stayed on Azeroth. To see her son grow up and get to be a part of the life that she had missed out on.

“You can go back. We can give you the power to save them all! You are weak, nothing...but with our strength. You will be a god.”

Through her cries, her anguish and her pain. Alleria Windrunner let go. She didn’t analyze in that moment whether she should, did not utter a single word in protest. She simply let herself go, right into the waiting arms of the Void.

Darkness cloaked her, hugged the edges of her vision and consumed slowly. She was near to passing out. But she would awake to a changed person, she would be a vessel for the lords of the Void. Azeroth would know ruin.

“That is it. Give your soul to us, Alleria! We will bring peace to your family, we can save them.”

Shadows came with their wicked promises, curling further and further around her. Tendrils of black and blue seeped across her skin, taking her inch by inch. She would belong to the void soon, she had made her choice.

But with a screech of terror in her head, the void retreated just as quickly as it had been summoned. Warmth filled her veins in the bitter cold and she felt arms as they wrapped around her. Amber light consumed her vision, filling her with peace.

A voice cut through the silence, softer and far kinder than that of the void’s. With such a power, it lulled her into a gentle rest and took away her pain.

“I have you, Ranger. Stay with me now."

When her eyes opened again, Alleria figured she would be standing amongst the ruins of some city and surrounded by the bodies of innocents. So worried that the Void truly had won her over in the end.

But the sight of that all too familiar stone mural crossed her vision, she realized that was back in Wyrmrest Temple. She had not anticipated waking up here, or to find herself being carried in the arms of the Life-Binder.

Weary, she blinked the weight away from her eyes and tried to move her hands. A white hot pain rose to meet her feeble attempts, it overwhelmed her senses and pulled a choked off noise from her throat. Loud enough that it pulled Alexstrasza’s attention to her.

“Do not try to move, Alleria. You are still too weak.”

The ranger tried to speak instead but found she had no strength to do even that, whatever darkness had taken hold of her had nearly sapped all the life and warmth from her body. All it left her with was a painful sort of exhaustion that lingered deep in her bones.

Everything shifted and the world around her spun, until she felt herself carefully placed upon soft sheets. The ranger shuddered and whined as the arms of the Dragon Queen faded from around her body, the cold of the void seeped back into her veins.

She opened her mouth to beg for that warmth to return, but heavy furs and fine silken sheets were draped over her form. Their weight chased the void back, freeing her once again from it’s hold. Alleria melted into the bed, glad to feel strength returning to her limbs.

Alexstrasza did not linger at her side however, instead moving about the room to gather various items. Fear gripped at Alleria’s abdomen when she could not follow the Queen’s movements with her blurred sight, her voice cracked as she called out into the room.

“A-Alexstrasza…?”

The bed shifted next to her a moment later and she turned her head to find golden eyes regarding her with concern. Fingers stroked against her jaw, thumb tracing circles across her chin. Her touch was soft, kind and with it came instant relief.

Alexstrasza shushed her. “I am with you, dear. Let me take care of those wounds.”

As she dipped the cloth into the basin of warm water, Alleria found her vision returning and she was forced to confront the damage she had wrought upon herself.

“Gods.” Was all she could rasp out.

Her knuckles were raw, torn apart and blood seeped from the wounds freely. The skin was marred with splinters of wood, once healthy, unmarred flesh was red and swollen now. In her anger, she had torn apart her knuckles against the bark of the tree.

A frown crossed over Alexstrasza’s face as she gently took ahold of Alleria’s hand. “It appears as though you may have broken this hand.”

With the utmost care and tenderness, the Queen dabbed at the ranger’s bloodied knuckles. Slowly she wiped the wounds clean and pulled out splinter’s as she went, careful not to be too rough.

The warmth of Alexstrasza’s touch eased the pain that pounded in her fingers, it was welcomed greatly. Like for the briefest second, she was a respite from the torment. A safe haven in the chaos.

The Queen’s expression softened as she sat the cloth back down and slowly began to wrap bandages around Alleria’s hands. “I...should apologize. I should have been more considerate of your feelings, I imagine most of what I inquired about was rather sensitive.”

All it took was one look at the expression of regret on Alexstrasza’s face for Alleria to decide that such a pretty face should never be marred by a frown. Here she was, the Queen of dragons, and she was apologizing for only trying to help.

“It is I who should apologize. I got too lost in the things I could not change, in my regrets. There is so much I think I might have changed here if I had simply been present. Everything came at once and I took it out on you. You have been nothing but kind to me since I-”

“You do not have a thing to be sorry for.” Alexstrasza interjected.

She tightened the edge of the bandage, tucking it safely underneath the rest of the hand wraps. The sharp pain was already fading from her hands and for that Alleria was immensely grateful.

The ranger exhaled sharply, lifting her head to meet the golden gaze of Alexstrasza. “It… has been everything, all at once. I spent nearly a millennium as someone’s prisoner on Argus. Whether it was the Legion or the Naaru. I was not needed to win their war.”

“And you are stuck thinking about how all that time could have been spent?”

Alleria nodded. “I could have stayed, with my sisters. Gods know they both have had to suffer so much, I’m...their sister I am supposed to protect them. If I had been here, fighting alongside them-.”

She stopped herself. Bit back speaking her regrets aloud, but there was a flicker of empathy in Alexstrasza’s eyes. Her voice low as she spoke. “Do not hold such pain in your heart, Lady Alleria. I only wish to help you.”

Gently the Queen brought the ranger’s hand to her lips. With a content hum, she pressed a soft kiss to the bandages wrapped around her hands. It was a small thing but she cherished the feeling of having Alleria’s grip tighten around her own in return.

“Every day I wish I had stayed here on Azeroth. So much wasted time, on a war that I wasn't even needed to win. When the Scourge invaded my home I could have been there. Just maybe... I could have saved Sylvanas. ”

Sitting upright, Alexstrasza shook her head. “The weight of the past, of what could have been - it is an overwhelming weight which will drag you beneath the waves of darkness, Alleria Windrunner. Like it nearly did today.”

She brought their hands down to rest in Alleria’s lap. Fingers still so closely entwined with her own. Without even thinking her thumb stroked back and forth atop the bandages, how she only hoped to comfort the ranger.

“For all your strength, all your bravery...one person, even the strongest of us, cannot change fate. Taking responsibility for such things will only drag you further down that dark path.”

Alleria hummed thoughtfully for a moment, her gaze lowered to stare at their joined hands. The wisdom of the Queen of Dragons was endless, yet something still nagged inside her chest. Not anger, not like earlier; this was whatever had been left.

She swallowed the feeling almost immediately. “How do I stop it? How do I walk a better path?”

“It is easier said than done. To overcome the weight of that guilt, to overcome everything...you must be willing to stand against it. It will require no less than that.”

She felt the tears as they rose up to sting the back of her eyes, a knot formed tighter and tighter in throat. Be strong, stand tall. A mantra she had repeated to herself so many times.

Alleria was exhausted, she was vulnerable and the Void knew it best. It’s whispers closed in once again, they came without warning - without remorse. That nagging emotion returned and she knew in that moment that it was no anger.

It was fear.

“Kill her. Corrupt her. Unmake her. Slaughter them all, bathe in their blood and raise the denizens of Wyrmrest as your army!”

The ranger let out a choked sob, retreating in on herself. But Alexstrasza was right there, all soft words and softer touch. But Alleria pulled her hands away, recoiled further from the Queen’s embrace.

“Whatever it says, do not listen. It wants only to take and take from you, do not let it.” She cooed to Alleria.

“Take the Life-Binder. Void corruption will suit her pretty face so well. Don’t you think so?”

The ranger clasped her hands to her chest, her voice broke. “It is wh-whispering. It wants...m-me to hurt y-you.”

“Do you want to hurt me, Lady Windrunner?”

Alleria shook her head. No, never, not in a thousand life times.

It seemed that Alexstrasza knew her answer too, she just simply trusted so openly. Perhaps so blindly as well. But when her hand brushed back across her cheek, the ranger could bring herself to think of little else. Stroking back to sift her fingers through her blonde hair, the touch had Alleria leaning into her hand. 

“Then you have nothing to fear. I am not afraid of the Void. It has no place here, it will not harm you.”

Finally that hand came to rest upon the back of her head and Alleria was pulled forward into soft skin and endless warmth. She just buried her face into the Queen's neck and in that moment, she was helpless to do anything but force herself closer. 

“You are stronger than you know. For now you must heal, then I will do all I can to show you down the right path.”

In that moment, she believed nothing more. The Void was not welcome here and fear would not abide in the light of Alexstrasza. Here she was safe, she would find the guidance and with time would heal.

Still, peace was an odd concept to Alleria Windrunner. Yet right then, she was thankful that she felt nothing more.

Chapter Text

Warmth came, persisted and not once did it leave her side. Even in the shadows of the night, Alleria found her dreams were no longer haunted. Ghosts that had once before cursed the evening’s rest were nowhere to be seen or heard. For once, she was freed of the agony and the torment.

On this night; for the first time in over a millennia - the ranger slept without a nightmare to cross her mind. No old gods and their tales of ending or the void’s whispers of impending doom.

Just a night of sleep, one single solitary night of peace.

When Alleria awoke, she was surprised to find that the familiar sensation of fear did not course through her veins as she had grown so accustomed to. Rather all that remained  was a foggy sort of exhaustion and the faint pain that still lingered in her knuckles.

“Alleria, I am glad to see you awake. How do you feel?”

She turned to face the one who had spoken, Alexstrasza sat at the small table across the room. Golden eyes regarded her with an expression of concern over the top of the mug she had brought up to her lips then.

“Like I’ve been trampled by a herd of several hundred kodo, everything...aches.”

Alexstrasza smiled, laughing softly. “Perhaps you should see the other one, you did quite a number on that tree. It is a wonder I did not pull even more splinters from your hands.”

The ranger couldn’t help but laugh with her. It was a welcome relief to laugh about something for once, it felt like she hadn’t simply had the chance to for ages. Even though the matter was a most serious one.

“It should take a look at my hands, it did not go down with getting in some damage of its own.” Alleria huffed, lifting her bandaged hands to the Queen of Dragons.

Alexstrasza grew quiet for a moment, her golden eyes cast downwards towards her feet. Almost as if she felt guilty for not having gotten to Alleria sooner, even to prevent such small amount of harm.

The Queen stated. “Let me take a look at the wounds, I may need to apply some more salve to ease your pain.”

She approached the bed with a few long strides, taking ahold of the bottle of health potion sitting on the nightstand. Her fingers found their way underneath Alleria’s chin and tilted her head up gently.

“Your skin is not looking quite as pale as it did last night, that is relieving. But resting is still key at this time, do you understand? Healing is still required for your injuries, and the void took much from you.”

Alleria nodded, she allowed the dragon Queen to turn her head from side to side as if she was inspecting her. It shot a spark of warmth right down the back of her neck, her body shuddered before she could stop herself.

That drew concern from Alexstrasza. “You are shaking. Are you alright? Are you perhaps feeling cold, or feverish?”

“No, no...I am alright. That just-.” the ranger stopped herself mid sentence, leaned more into the Queen’s touch as it moved from her chin to rest upon her cheek.

It had been a long while since someone had handled her as gently as Alexstrasza had, and for a moment, the pain in her knuckles seemed to bleed away. Nothing else mattered but the comfort of having that hand cradling her face.

“Does that feel alright?”

Alleria could only choke out a small ‘yes’ into the palm of the Life-Binder’s hand. The touch felt like wildfire on her skin, so insignificant and yet so powerful - very nearly overwhelming to her senses. Fighting a war for just shy a millennia did nothing to help the ranger in this regard.

She missed being touched.

Then just like that, the hand fell away. The ranger had to bite back the whimper that wanted to escape from her lips, to snatch that hand back and hold it to her skin. But that was a desire that she choked down, trying not to let her disappointment be so known.

If Alexstrasza noticed, she did not react to it. Her hands lowered instead to take one of Alleria’s hands in her own, slowly and carefully she worked to unravel the cloth bandages.

“Careful not to move your fingers. With such severe damage even the smallest movement could very well make it worse.”

A grin flashed across the ranger’s face. “I’ll be on my best behavior, promise. ”

That pulled yet another beautiful laugh from the Queen, it was such a soft and welcomed sound. Alleria found herself just staring after Alexstrasza even as she worked to spread a warm salve across the gashes on her knuckles.

The ranger hissed painfully as it made contact with her skin, nearly jerking her hand away. But the firm grasp of the Life-Binder’s hand held her in place so she could continue patching up the wounds.

“I said be careful, Lady Alleria.” Her voice was always so kind, but still stern enough that Alleria knew she was not playing games.

“That hurt! You could have warned me at the very least.” She snarked, frowning at the Dragon Queen.

Alexstrasza sighed and shook her head. Carefully, she slowly began to rebandage the hand. “I assumed you knew that these injuries were likely to still be sore. But I am sorry.”

She reached for the bedside table, to the bottle of healing potion that sat there. Alleria watched closely as she uncorked the vial and emptied it’s contents into a small metal goblet. Golden eyes moved from the task at hand to look upon the ranger.

“This should help soothe any aches, and take the pains away for a time. Here, drink.”

The Queen lifted up the goblet to her, but Alleria took one look at her bandaged hands and then back at her. “I...may require some assistance, to avoid making a mess.”

For a second, Alexstrasza said nothing. Until finally a small smile crept up onto her lips and she shuffled forward on the bed, close enough that Alleria could feel the warmth that radiated off of her in waves.

The ranger put a hand over top one of the Queen’s, together they tilted the goblet up and allowed her to drink of the healing potion. As soon as it touched her tongue, she felt warmth spreading through her bones and easing away the weight from her limbs.

“Easy now, that’s it. It should take a few moments for the potion to kick in but it is highly effective.” She purred, lowering the goblet from the ranger’s lips to sit it aside on the table once again.

Alleria allowed herself to lean back into the headboard, relaxing into the pillows that Alexstrasza tucked behind her back. She wanted to speak, to thank her for the unending kindness and most of all - apologize for her behavior.

But she found her moment to speak robbed from her as Lord Afrasastrasz brushed past the silk curtains. The Queen’s attention immediately turned to the man, a soft smile curled up on her lips.

“Afrasastrasz! It is good to see you, how can I help you?”

“You wished to be informed when your company arrived, they are here and await you at the peak of the temple.” He bowed his head, gesturing to the entryway.

She lit up at his response and rose from where she had sat on the bed next to the ranger. “Oh! Excellent, Alleria, pardon me for just a moment. I have some guests I must attend to and then I shall return.”

Before Alleria could get in another word, both Alexstrasza and Afrasastrasz had departed from the room. It left her alone with the sound of howling wind and the noises from the dragons of Wyrmrest.

She found herself feeling more and more restless as time passed, enough that she could not stand to sit in bed a moment more. Carefully, she freed herself from the confines of the sheets and rose to stand on unsteady feet.

“Easy, easy...one step at a time.”

With slow steps, Alleria managed to make her way across the room to the table that she had sat at with Alexstrasza during their first meeting. Her knees shook, but she held herself steady up against the strong oak.

“So frail, so weak...let us aid you.” The whispers of the Void returned but the ranger shook them away just as quickly as they had seeped into her mind.

She bared her teeth. “No, I don’t think so. Not again.”

The peace of Wyrmrest would prove stronger than any darkness that Alleria had crawling beneath her skin. Focused, she sought out and lingered on the gentle flapping of wings. How the dragons roared and spoke to each other, this was a home, a family.

One breath, her nails bit into the wood. Two, her muscles tensed to the point of pain. Three, she exhaled as a half-growl and let herself lean fully against the table. Even just the whispers were enough to drive her body into a state of tension and fear.

But they would not take her today. Darkness had no right to taint a place of peace and happiness. Alleria silently vowed in that moment that she would never allow the Void to nearly taint and destroy another home, not again.

There was a noise from somewhere behind her, the ranger was quick to gather herself. Any trace of struggle with the Void was wiped from her expression before she turned around.

“What are you doing out of bed? I did tell you that rest was important for you to regain your strength.” Alexstrasza spoke, brushing the curtain aside to step further in.

“Oh, my apologies. Sitting in bed was driving me a little crazy and restless, I needed to get up and stretch my legs.”

The Queen seemed to watch her and for a moment, Alleria was worried that she was able to see the pain behind her eyes. But if she did, she had no visible reaction to it.

“I see, well, I brought you a little gift. I hope that it might be enough to cheer you up.” Alexstrasza continued, lifting her hand to hold open the silk curtains.

Suddenly there was the sound of racing footsteps and two young half-elves raced past her. Alleria could recognize those dazzling smiles and fiery red hair anywhere, they belonged to her nephews, Giramar and Galadin.

“Aunt Alleria!!” They cried in unison, running across the room to her.

She wasted no time in moving to meet them halfway, her arms wrapped around each other of their waists and hoisted them up into a tight hug. Laughter came from three of them and Alleria found her heart swelling with joy, not even the pain in her hands mattered.

“Boys, it is so good to see you again! I have missed you both so much!” She exclaimed, pressing kisses to their cheeks.

Alexstrasza watched on from the doorway, watching Alleria hold her nephews without a problem. She was so strong and powerful, especially now. “Please, be careful, Alleria! You are still healing.”

“Nonsense! They might have grown, but I am still more than capable of holding them up like this.”

“I would say it’s the Windrunner blood in them, they grow almost as quickly as we did.” Another voice spoke up from the doorway.

The ranger spun back around with the boys still in her hold to find Vereesa standing alongside Alexstrasza. It had not been so long since she had seen her younger sister, but in this very moment she was a sight for sore eyes.

“Little Moon!”

Alleria carefully sat her nephews down and opened her arms as her sister stepped in to embrace her. They hugged each other tightly, smiling and laughing as the boys leaned back in to hug both.

“You look well sister, but - what happened to your hands?” Vereesa finally managed to ask as they all pulled away from the embrace.

The ranger paused for a moment and stared down at her bandaged knuckles, she was lost on how to really explain the situation. But Alexstrasza had her covered, interjecting. “She had an unfortunate mishap with a tree, last night.”

Vereesa raised an eyebrow and looked between the Queen and her sister. “I always knew you to be prone to fights, Alleria...but trees? Really?”

“What can I say? It looked at me funny.” Alleria joked, leading them over to the small table to sit.

Clearly she wished to avoid the idea of actually explaining to her sister what had happened, especially not with the boys around.

“Funny, that was not what Alexstrasza spoke of.”

So, the topic was going to get brought up regardless. Alleria looked to her nephews who were looking back at her, still hugged so close to her. She did not want to subject them to such thoughts, especially not of the Void and not at their age. They would learn that the world is a dark, cruel place far too soon. But she only wished to spare them from that fate for a few more months at least, with war approaching it would not be long.

“Vereesa-.”

“If you two wish for a moment to talk alone, I can watch over these two for you, Lady Vereesa.” Alexstrasza offered up suddenly, cutting her off. She smiled as the two young boys lit up at her words.

Both spoke at once, leaving a whole flurry of excited dialogue to sort through. “Oh, please mom! Please!! We’ll behave, swear it- Please, please!”

Vereesa let out a small laugh and waved towards Alexstrasza. “As long as her majesty does not mind, and you two swear to be on your best behavior, alright?”

Galadin and Giramar cheered, following the Queen from the room. They had not even left before they began bombarding her with question after question. Vereesa let out a sigh, turning back to her sister once they disappeared from view.

“Those two are a handful sometimes. I hope they do not give Lady Alexstrasza too much trouble. Though, she has had to deal with you so maybe she has become particularly adept at dealing with Windrunners.”

Alleria elbowed her sister playfully. “Hey now! I’m still the eldest, it is I who is supposed to be teasing you!”

Grinning, Vereesa leaned forward with her elbows on the table. “Funny, that is exactly what Giramar says to us when Galadin gets to teasing him. Jaina always tell him that age isn't an excuse, but she was nearly the youngest herself so."

“Ah yes...How is your wife, little moon?” Alleria shot back, her grin just as wide.

Vereesa just rolled her eyes. “Jaina is doing just fine. She asked about you though, told me that she was the one that suggested you come to this place. Something about the dragons being able to help you.”

There was something about her tone that had the ranger frowning. Certainly a bit of joking, but it was almost as if she did not believe in the dragons of Wyrmrest, nor did she approve of her wife's advice to come and seek them out for guidance. Not that Alleria could necessarily blame her, but still her curiosity got the better of her.

“And...you do not agree?”

Her sister frowned. “Well, when I am told this place is supposed to help you, only to then receive a letter stating that you have wounded yourself - you must forgive me if I am a bit skeptical.”

Alleria looked away, staring down into her lap at her bandaged hands. Vereesa reached over and put a hand on her leg, squeezing softly. “Alleria, it’s okay. You can talk to me, I hope you know that.”

“It was the Void, as it always is. It...it nearly took me yesterday, had Lady Alexstrasza not intervened - you and I might not have seen each other again.”

She placed a hand atop of her sister’s, shaking her head. The memory of kneeling in the snow, cold biting at every inch as the Void encircled her. It brought unpleasant shivers to her body.

“I am sorry, Alleria. But I am glad you were not alone.”

The ranger nodded, squeezing her hand. “I seem to already owe Alexstrasza a great deal in the short amount of time I have been here, I see why Jaina sent me here. For I doubt I would be able to fight such darkness alone.”

Vereesa made a motion with her hand, towards the door that Alexstrasza had exited from. “How is Lady Alexstrasza? I have not had the pleasure of making her acquaintance well enough before today.”

Alleria was helpless to stop the smile that curled up onto her lips. There were not many words in existence that could describe the Life-Binder, at least not well. She was beyond words more often than not, the way she treated every living thing with so much love and care.

“She is...amazing, Vereesa. Just being near her is so warm and healing, she treats everyone with such a kindness that I have not ever seen before. The amount of compassion that she has shown me, a complete stranger. I have never known such-”

She paused, realizing how overwhelmed and enthralled she sounded about the Queen. Vereesa was just giving her that knowing smile.

“I am glad you have found someone who treats you so kindly and who is so willing to help you, unlike some we know.”

Alleria sighed. “Please, do not mention him. I came here to get away from that mess all together.”

“I know, but after what he did? Alleria, you cannot seriously be considering still giving that bastard another chance!”

Releasing her hand, the ranger rose from her chair and snapped back. “I am not. But for all his error, for all the things he allowed to happen to me. Turalyon is still the father of my child.”

“Your son would never forgive him for allowing what happened to you, so why are you?”

For once, Alleria had no words. Not because she did not have an answer, as there were many that would explain the actions of the High Exarch. But rather, in this very moment she no longer felt the need to protect or justify his actions.

Turalyon had made a terrible mistake, one that would cost him his family. It was neither her obligation or her responsibility to protect him any longer. That much Vereesa had right.

“I suppose...it is why I came here as well, to find the courage and strength to free myself of a man who now only reviles me. Just maybe, I may find some modicum of peace in these halls and amongst the denizens of Wyrmrest.”

Vereesa opened her mouth to reply when suddenly the boys came rushing back into the room, bright smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes. Alleria turned to the doorway to see Alexstrasza, but she had her back turned and spoke in hushed whispers to another young elf at the entry.

“Lady Alexstrasza is so kind, mother! She allowed us to see so much of Wyrmrest and we even got to see a great dragon up close!!”

She knelt to Galadin and Giramar’s level, smiling right back at them. The joy on their expressions was never something she tired of seeing. “Oh, that is wonderful! I hope you two were on your best behavior?”

They nodded and Alexstrasza stepped into the room, her eyes finding Alleria’s to spare a quick glance before she spoke. “They were delight to entertain, Vereesa. So full of wonder and curiosity, you two shall always be welcome here in Wyrmrest.”

The Queen watched the family for a moment before withdrawing a letter, extending it out to Vereesa. “A missive from your wife came while I was with the boys, the messenger who delivered it says that something is about to happen and you are required to return.”

Alleria watched her sister open the letter, attempting to read it over her shoulder but was denied. Whatever it was, Vereesa’s expression drew blank.

“Jaina is calling us back to Stormwind, says that Dalaran is no longer safe..."

The ranger took one look at the pensive expression on her sister's face and frowned. "Did she say what was happening?”

Vereesa rubbed at her jaw, shaking her head. “Not much else, except that Anduin has accepted the offer of peace from our sister. That something far worse is coming on the horizon.”

Alexstrasza herself looked on, silently for a moment, this news - while entirely too vague, was dire indeed. Something that they would all have to prepare for in the days to come.

“Alleria, I do hate to leave so suddenly. But I promise I will write to you, then as soon as you are able...we shall see you in Stormwind, yes?” Vereesa asked. Her voice wavered towards the end.

“No, you will not.”

That was what she had wanted to say. Because in all honesty, it was perhaps the most honest thing to say. Alleria was not certain of her future and where it was to take her, but it felt as though Stormwind would be the last place she would choose to go willingly.

“It will depend on my recovery, but I shall tell you as soon as I am able, little moon.” Alleria replied as she pulled her younger sister into a hug with her nephews.

“Giramar, Galadin. You two behave for your mothers, do not give them a hard time. They only wish to see you both safe and happy, understood?” The ranger added, leaning down to press a kiss to their heads.

“Yes, Auntie Alleria! We will be.”

Behind them, Alexstrasza called forth magic to her hands. Creating a clear cut portal back to Stormwind, even from where she stood, Alleria could smell the salt water as clear as day. It was almost tempting to go through with them, but she had something to finish here and she would not go until she saw it through.

Vereesa took the hands of her sons and turned towards the portal that Alexstrasza had called forth. She smiled softly at the Queen, looking back towards Alleria.

“I apologize for the sudden departure, Lady Alexstrasza. But this is a matter that must be attended to. Promise me, you will take care of my sister.”

The Queen waved her off. “Fret not, Vereesa. I understand these dire circumstances and you have nothing to fear, there is nowhere safer on Azeroth for her to be.”

Alleria felt heat rise to her face at that, catching sight of her sister’s grin before she disappeared through the portal with Giramar and Galadin. A split second later, the portal closed and Alexstrasza turned to face her.

For a moment, she swore she saw a hint of sadness in the golden eyes of the Life-Binder before it vanished just as quickly as it had come. Something was bothering the great Aspect, try as she might to hide it from Alleria.

“Did something else happen, Alexstrasza?”

She said nothing more then, at least not right away. Alleria allowed herself to be guided to the bed first and made reacquainted with the soft sheets and warm furs. Then, and only then did the Queen finally speak.

“Death Knights have been seen around the temple, the guards said they lingered near the Ruby Dragonshrine and close to the sanctum itself. I fear something terrible is to come of it.”

She could sense the distress it was causing her. The flickers of emotion behind her eyes, the way she would sigh more and more. Sadness, or any other negative emotion of the sort did not suit Alexstrasza - she deserved far better than such terrible things.

“Is there anything I can do? Perhaps I can reach out to my people, see if a few might be spared to come stand guard over the sanctum for you.”

Alexstrasza shook her head, smiling at the ranger. “I will not ask such a thing, Alleria. For now it seems they are docile and mean my children no harm, but their lingering is cause for concern.”

“Together then. If they make a move, or anything of the sort, I will stand with you Alexstrasza.”

A soft chuckle fell from the Queen’s lips. “Not in this condition, you will not be. I implore you to please rest more. When you are back on your feet, I have something I would like to show you.”

“You have yourself a deal, Life-Binder. I look forward to it.” Alleria replied.

She settled down into the bed, shutting her eyes and forcing herself to relax. The Void had drained plenty of her life force in its attempt to claim her soul, rest would be the only thing that could help her now. Yet just when she thought Alexstrasza meant to leave, she felt warm skin against her face and nearly shuddered as a kiss was pressed to the crown of her skull. Leaving a lingering comfort that seeped deep into her muscles and helped exhaustion take hold.

Alleria fell back asleep to the sight of the Life-Binder standing over her, golden eyes were the last lights she was witness to and they would be her shield. No Void would haunt her, no old gods would torment her.

Peace was hers for now. But darkness was coming, and the world would have need of the strength of Alleria Windrunner once more in order to see them through.

Chapter Text

“Aim, breathe…Release!”

The arrow flew and stuck into the trunk of the fallen tree with a thud but, far off center and way off focus. She had been running through the same motions for hours now with no improvement, her injured hand still quaked.

A fool’s errand it would seem, especially with an injury this fresh to her body. She growled as she lowered the bow, staring at the arrow. What use was a ranger who couldn’t shoot straight?

Alleria growled as she lowered her bow and stared at the arrow. With an injury this fresh, she realized how foolish it was to even attempt this.

“A thousand curses upon this blasted hand.” She sneered, slowly shaking the throbbing ache from her wounded fingers.

It had been nearly two weeks since her incident with the tree. Her hand may have been broken but all her magic and the potions should have mended any such injury by now if they were present. But here she was, with a hand that could barely maintain its grip on anything without trembling. It was still far too weak and needed more time to rest.

Yet she was restless. Had she been forced to sit idle in that room a moment more for the sake of healing, she very well might have gone mad. For all of her strength and courage, Alleria hated few things more than the feeling of being confined. It had been that way since she was young, she was a wild soul and sometimes just wished to run.

The hatred for being confined, however, was another thing she could curse Turalyon and his precious Naaru for. How they claimed to stand for the Light, yet the atrocities they had allowed to pass upon her. There was no Light in their cruelty.

Notching another arrow, Alleria breathed through the pain. Harnessing the building anger to give her strength, “Come on, push through it.”

She stared upon her shaking hand, trying so desperately to get it to settle. One more time, just one more time and she could make the shot. This was to prove to herself that she still had strength to offer regardless of injury.

But, oh how she could just imagine the look of disapproval on the Life-Binder’s face if she could see her now. Alexstrasza had told her to rest, and admittedly, she was indeed correct - Alleria should have been allowing her hand the proper time to heal and grow strong once again. To go against her wishes felt like gross misconduct. Especially for all the kindness that she had offered, this training felt like a gross show of disregard for the Queen’s words. Even for one as tense and as mistrusting as Alleria, Alexstrasza had found her way past the ranger’s walls and made her feel at peace.

On top of that, Alexstrasza had provided her with a home, even opened up her entire family all for the sake of helping her. She supposed that when she eventually made her return to Stormwind a fully recovered woman, she would have something to thank Jaina Proudmoore a great deal for.

Focusing back on the arrow and not on her thoughts of the Dragon Queen, Alleria narrowed her eyes at the marred tree trunk. She would hit it this time, she was determined to.

3…2...1!

The arrow shot forth from her bow and in that instant, there was a flash of red that whipped through her line of sight. A burst of wind followed and Alleria jumped, startled by the sudden movement.

“I believe this belongs to you, does it not?”

She spun around to see Alexstrasza standing there, leaned up against one of the toppled pillars near to where she had chosen to train. Her eyes fell to the Queen’s hand and went wide. She held the very same arrow that she had just fired from her bow, twirled right between her fingers.

“You just...h-how?”

“I have my ways, Lady Windrunner. It would seem that you do as well.”

Alleria sheathed her bow. “I can explain, your majesty.”

“No need, my children were kind to let me know you had departed the temple grounds. But your hand will never heal correctly if you continue to strain it so.”

“I do apologize, Alexstrasza. Truly I do.” The ranger tried, bowing her head towards the Queen.

She shook her head, letting out a small chuckle. “Please, you need not apologize. I will not scold you as if you are some child, Alleria. Just, I only urge you to take better care of yourself.”

While she spoke, the Life-Binder weaved her hand around the arrow effortlessly. Her magic encompassed the metal tip and coiled down its length, making it glow with a greenish-gold hue. Alleria watched in awe as her magic sparked and suddenly the arrow turned into a beautiful red flower. A smile crossed Alexstrasza’s expression at the look of wonder that appeared on the elf’s face.

“My powers, though diminished from what they once were. Can still do a great deal of things.”

She approached, stopping when she was standing directly in front of the ranger. Her other hand came up, brushing along the underside of Alleria’s chin to tilt her head up.

Alleria shuddered at the contact, forcing herself not to lean further into the Queen’s touch. It felt like fire on her skin, her nerves alight with sensations that she had not felt in a great many years. At least not so gently.

“But like I said...I believe this belongs to you.” Alexstrasza spoke in the softest voice, her thumb brushing against the ranger’s jaw.

The Life-Binder reached up, tucking the flower behind her ear along with several strands of Alleria’s sunlight colored hair. Her palm lingered on her cheek, for far longer than what was deemed appropriate. Those fingertips idly traced along the tattoo over her eye and Alleria nearly whimpered aloud.

Break her. Corrupt her. Make her bend the knee to you and you alone.

As the voices echoed out within her mind, a dull ache rose to the surface with them. They had been silent for days and for one naive moment, she thought she might have rid herself of them for good. But now they had returned to her, and with them came the excruciating pain.

Alexstrasza seemed to sense her distress however, pressing the most gentle of kisses to her forehead. Still cradling Alleria’s face ever so delicately in her hands.

Weak, weak, WEAK! None will love the darkness, this Queen does not care about you. She wants you out of her temple. Tear out her heart!

The ranger tensed again but the Dragon Queen was by her side, offering gentle touch to comfort her. How easy it was to fall for their lies, but with Alexstrasza there - even their lies about her just couldn’t be true.

She will abandon you. She will betray you just as Turalyon did, darkness closes in and she will not be your salvation!!

“Do not listen to their deceptions, stay with me now, Alleria.”

Alexstrasza’s voice was firm, piercing the whispers of the Void and casting them away. No darkness could persist in her heart or her mind in this place. Not while she was under the protection of the Dragon Queen.

“You are worthy of this life, you are pure of heart and a true hero. Do not let the voices win, they spout their lies and false promises. They will bring you only ruin.” Alexstrasza warned, leaning back from the ranger.

She smiled then. “So long as I draw breath, I am still the guardian of this world and I will protect all life with my own if that is what it takes. That includes you. ”

They lingered in the cold, watching each other silently. Alleria realized then that they were close, entirely too close. She swallowed nervously, felt her pulse pounding harder and harder in her chest. Entirely too aware of the fact that the Life-Binder must have felt it as well, the way her smile slowly curled up onto her lips was too pointed towards that fact.

Yet still Alexstrasza stayed, both hands now gently cradling her jaw. Alleria swore she must have imagined feeling the Queen move even closer or seeing her slowly lick her lips. No, she was definitely imagining such things.

Her voice pulled the ranger’s mind back into focus. “It seems most appropriate now but, I do have a surprise for you. To take your mind off of things. Though, I must ask, what do you know of the Ruby Sanctum?”

Alleria frowned, shaking her head. “Very little, I’m afraid. I have heard it only by name, nothing more.”

“The sanctum is a hidden grove, the only entrance is tucked away beneath Wyrmrest itself. It is a most sacred place to my children and I. But I would like to take you there. You have earned my trust, and I can think of few more worthy than you to step foot inside. It is a place of love, of hope and of family.”

The Queen lowered her hand then and stepped back, “The choice, of course, is yours but, just maybe it will allow you the chance to relax and be at peace. Perhaps you may even meet the youngest of my clutch.”

Alleria’s fingers gently came up to toy with the petals of the flower still tucked behind her own ear. She felt a blush rise to dust her cheeks in warmth and she could just imagine the soft pink hue. Even more so when the Dragon Queen pressed a reverent kiss to the palm of her hand.

“I am not certain I am worthy of such an opportunity, Alexstrasza…”

She shook her head, taking the elf’s hands in her own. “Nonsense. You very much are, I will take you. Should you ask it of me, Lady Alleria.”

Alleria might have known next to nothing about the Sanctum but with how reverently Alexstrasza spoke of it told the ranger all she needed to know. That it truly was a sacred place, not just that but it was home.

“Well, I cannot refuse the offer of a Queen.”

The Life-Binder stared at her for a moment, “I do not offer as a Queen, I offer this as...a friend.”

Friend. Pathetic, you should gut her for even suggesting such a thing.

Alleria smiled despite the whispers. They would bring her only ruin, just as she had been told and so she ignored their voices. She, despite every fiber of her fighting against it, trusted Alexstrasza more than ever.

“Then I cannot refuse the offer for certain now.”

“Perfect, then give me a moment and I shall summon us a portal through to the sanctum.”

Green magic was called forth to Alexstrasza’s hands, growing brighter and brighter as she focused her spell in the air before her. Until finally a small gateway appeared and through it, Alleria could smell the fresh flowers and see the flickering images of a beautiful grove through the magic.

“After you, Lady Alleria.” A gentle hand on her hip guided her forward.

Hesitantly, the ranger stepped through the portal. As soon as she found herself standing among the soft grass and being encompassed by the crisp, sweet smelling breeze, she felt the tension bleed away from her bones.

Alleria Windrunner stood at the very heart of the Ruby Sanctum, a mortal granted the right by Alexstrasza herself. In this very moment, she felt nothing but the sensations that the Dragon Queen had said she would find here.

But in a moment, she felt it drained away.

A hand came up to rest upon her shoulder and immediately her body went rigid, drawn back taut like a wild cat about to pounce. That touch on her skin felt too much like the hands of the foul Legion Inquisitor, burning her flesh as it dragged her off to her cell. The grip too akin to that of the Light Forged paladins that restrained and dragged her off at Turalyon’s command.

“Isn’t it stunning, Alleria?” Alexstrasza’s voice against her ears was like a light in the darkness, quelling the wave of growing panic in an instant. Those lingering thoughts could not persist under the warmth and peace she radiated.

She looked back over her shoulder to find the Dragon Queen staring at her. It was just the Life-Binder standing there, not the horrors of the Legions or the betrayal on Argus. Golden eyes regarded her with such compassion and care, touching her soul with a power that stole away the darkness and left only life.

“Truly beautiful, your majesty. I am honored to have been permitted entrance.” Alleria finally managed, placing one of her hands over Alexstrasza’s.

“Oh, please. I told you not to fret over formalities, Alleria.”

The ranger opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off by the sound of excited growls and chattering. It seemed to draw the full focus of the Queen, but the smile that spread across her lips was warm. There was an excitement that made itself apparent in Alexstrasza’s stance.

“What is that noise?”

The giddy energy made its way into Alexstrasza’s voice. “That would be my children! Come Alleria, you must meet them. I have told them a great many tales about you.”

She extended her hand out to Alleria but made no move to grab at her hand, seeming to respect an unspoken barrier.

“I...would love to meet them.” The ranger slid her hand into Alexstrasza’s.

Gently, the Life-Binder guided her further and further into the sanctum. They strolled side by side through the thicket of trees, brushing through the grass and flowers to a far more secluded and sheltered section of the grove.

They stopped on the edge, right before they were set to emerge out into the clearing. The sounds from earlier were much clearer now, Alexstrasza’s children were just beyond their current position.

The Queen spoke, releasing the ranger’s hand from her hold. “Now, before I bring you further in. I only ask that you remain here a moment to speak with the young ones so that I might introduce you formally.”

Alleria bowed her head, trying not to miss the warmth of that hand holding onto her own. “Of course, as you say.”

Together they stepped out from behind the tree and out from the shelter of the forest into the clearing. Alleria’s eyes fell upon the sweetest sight, her swelled with adoration almost immediately and she was helpless to stop it. Clustered together before them was about a dozen or more tiny red dragon whelplings, some lazing in the grass. Others chased each other around the trees, looping around in circles in the air.

Alexstrasza walked forward to them and they all turned to face her. The Queen smiled, kneeling down into the grass as they swarmed her. How she tried to hug and embrace them all as best as she could in her mortal form.

The whelplings, while not so young anymore, were not quite at the age yet where the common tongue was in their vocabulary. Not even Alleria’s mother tongue of Thalassian was yet known to them. No, instead they spoke in draconic tongues to Alexstrasza. It was a language that she was clearly not versed in, but it was a warming sight.

She stood watch over them from the edge of the grove where the Dragon Queen had left her. To see this sight, this felt like the true honor. This was Alexstrasza’s family, her children and she trusted Alleria to be with them.

Mere children, offspring are perfect for corruption. Soldiers in your army of darkness. Corrupt them, make them slaughter in OUR NAME!

The void lords made themselves known to her once again, spitting out their despicable lies and attempting to sully the happiness she felt at this very moment. She curled her hand into a tight fist, teeth clenched.

“You have no place here, you despicable fiends. This sanctum is not yours, it will never be yours. Begone from this place, get out of my head.”

Hmph. You can have your wish, for now, little ranger. But even she will not be able to stand against what is to come.

Alleria, choosing to ignore those ominous words, looked back out over the clearing to find Alexstrasza watching her. It was as if Alexstrasza could sense the turmoil inside her mind. She knew and a look of sympathy crossed her expression.

However, she still chose to wave the elf over to where they all sat clustered on the grass, speaking in perfect common tongue. “Come, Alleria! They are not frightened, they know you are here now.”

The ranger approached slowly and sat cross-legged onto the ground next to Alexstrasza and her young. “They are absolutely precious, Alexstrasza. You are very lucky indeed.”

A flash of sorrow crossed the Queen’s expression but for a moment. “They are the last of my clutch, this world has taken much - but it has failed time and again to extinguish the flame of the Red Dragonflight.”

Alleria blushed when Alexstrasza brought her hand up to brush along her cheek. She felt as fingers toyed gently with the flower still tucked safely behind her ear. “A feeling that I am almost certain you understand…”

“You’re so brave.” The ranger had not realized she spoke those words aloud until the Life-Binder smiled, golden eyes seemed to glow with a new kind of life. She found herself unable to tear herself away from their light.

“Someone wishes for your attention.” Alexstrasza breathed out. For a moment, Alleria thought she spoke of herself.

It took the ranger a moment to clue in on what the Queen was saying. Her arcane eyes lowered to her stare at her lap to find one of the whelps had promptly made themselves cozy there, looking up at her with the brightest eyes.

Alleria reached down to touch them but suddenly stopped. She stared at her hand before looking to Alexstrasza with wide eyes. “What if it hurts the little one? I don’t know...”

Alexstrasza shook her head, smiling reassuringly. “It will not harm them, you worry for nothing.”

“But what if it does?”

“It won’t. I trust you, Alleria, so do they. Now you must learn to trust yourself, and trust in me too.”

The Dragon Queen brought one of her hands up to cover Alleria’s own, once more vanquishing the panic that had bubbled up in the ranger’s chest. It took every fiber of her being not to fight against it as her hand was guided towards the whelp.

“You won’t hurt the little one, Alleria. I am right here, I will not let anything happen. I will not abandon you.”

Suddenly her fingers grazed the top of the little dragon’s head, brushing against the smooth scales. A shuddering sigh of relief escaped her lips as she felt the whelp nuzzling further up into her touch.

The void had not harmed the child. Her touch had not harmed them.

Alleria was overcome with happiness at that moment, soft laughter rolled up off of her tongue and she carefully welcomed more of the whelplings into her embrace. Alexstrasza could only laugh with her.

“I didn’t hurt them...I didn’t.” She stammered, almost in disbelief.

“No, you did not. Just as I told you. There is not a scratch on them, you see? You only had to trust in yourself, just as I have. Completely.”

The Queen coiled an arm protectively around her shoulders, letting the ranger lean her full weight against her form. Her words soothed Alleria, and her embrace was something else altogether. So warm and familiar. Even the whelps that nuzzled further into Alleria made her heartache in adoration.

It was an overwhelming feeling. They treated her as if she was already a part of their family, despite having no personal connection with her. She was simply an outsider who had been invited in.

Kill-

“You are worthy of this, Alleria Windrunner. More than anyone I know, you may have only been with us a short time - but you are a part of this family.” Alexstrasza’s voice overpowered the void before it could even spit out even more lies.

Peace, hope, Family.

All things that she had been lacking for longer than she could remember. War had taken so much and left her with so very little. But in this place, she knew nothing but love. Alleria felt as though she could lay herself down in the grass and lose hours of her life, so surrounded by life so greatly nurtured.

The crimson leaves that fell from the tall, twisting trees around them reminded her of the forests of Quel’thalas. Oh, the pleasant memories she had of trapezing through the brush with her sisters and brother in tow. A better time, a happier time, one where the world was far kinder to them all.

She shut her eyes and for the first time in what felt like forever, Alleria Windrunner found herself smiling - a genuine smile.

“You see now? You already have gained their favor, you are a hero to these little ones.”

Alleria watched as the whelps moved from their embrace, returning to their games of chasing each other around the clearing and paying them no further mind. Her breath hitched as she felt Alexstrasza tug her closer, gently of course.

“You must have been telling them the right stories then.” She quipped back.

The Queen hummed. “Of all the stories I have woven for them, for every battle and every legendary hero that I have told them of - you remained their favorite.”

“No way, there are many great heroes.”

“Indeed, and you are one of them. Without question.”

They sat in silence, leaning up against each other. If she kept smiling this much, Alleria was certain that her face would begin to ache. But any price would have been worth paying for this joy, she had never known a happiness quite like this before.

“I never thanked you.” Alleria blurted as she came to the sudden realization.

Alexstrasza peered at her curiously. “Thanked me for what?”

The ranger sat up from where she had rest her head on the Queen’s shoulder. “For basically everything. You took me in, a complete stranger, and vowed to show me compassion and kindness. You listened as I struggled with my turmoils, you showed me the path I had to take to recover.”

“I still have a long way to go, a lot of pain left to shed. But you… you have given me the hope for a brighter future. You did it without thought of what you might get in return. Becoming close to you was simply a gift along the way. I have-”

She took Alexstrasza’s hand and took a moment to draw in a sharp breath. “I have never met anyone quite like you before.”

Silence. No words from the Life-Binder, no laughter or some gentle words. Only the soft sound of the wind rustling the leaves in the trees above their heads reached her ears. Alleria could look anywhere except for at Alexstrasza herself, only then realizing that she might have sounded far too overwhelmed.

“I’m-”

“Alleria.”

The way her name was whispered, there was such an ache to it. Such a desire. It caressed her just as gently as the breeze that curled by them, sending a shiver down her spine. A hand brushed against the underside of her chin, fingertips lingering against her skin.

Alleria breathed out harshly as she felt her head tilted upwards. Gold met blue, and oh, how they burned with such raw emotion.

“Forgive me, I…”

The closeness, the lingering touch on her chin. Alleria could scarcely think, let alone breathe when she was this near to the Life-Binder. She found herself overcome, heart pounding harder and harder with her own chest.

“Please.” She found herself whispering.

Alexstrasza regarded her with such love and care that she had never felt before. Untold promises burned bright in her eyes, I will not leave you . I will never forsake you.

The gentle brush of their lips sealed those promises. When the Queen claimed the softest kiss from the ranger, a broken whimper fell from Alleria’s lips. It was enough that Alexstrasza immediately pulled back, worried.

“Are you alright? I...overstepped didn’t I?” She murmured, brushing her thumb against Alleria’s lips.

Alleria could only shake her head, her words failed her in this very moment. But if she could speak, she would have told Alexstrasza just how far from overstepping it was. How badly she had missed such contact, how much she didn’t want her to stop.

Instead, her actions would have to do. She reached a hand up to thread through locks of fiery red hair, sighing dreamily as she pulled the Queen’s lips back to her own. Alexstrasza handled the ranger with such care. Her hands held and stroked but never grabbed, never once forced.

Whatever Alleria gave, the Life-Binder took willingly. So careful with the woman she held in her embrace.

Their lips parted just long enough for Alexstrasza to rasp out. “Yours lips...are the sweetest I have ever kissed.”

When their lips met again, Alleria thought she might die. Her heart ached, her body shook and shuddered in the Queen’s embrace. She was so addicted to the way their lips moved together, it had been far too long since such a touch had graced her skin. So long since she had been kissed like this.

She never wanted it to end.

“Lady Alexstrasza, I...apologize for the intrusion, I know you asked not to be interrupted while you are in the sanctum.”

“Gods, above you have got to be fucking kidding me.” Alleria sneered in her head, burying her face in Alexstrasza’s neck as Afrasastrasz strolled up to the pair of them. Of course something like this would happen to her, especially at this exact moment.

Alexstrasza seemed not to care that he had just witnessed their intimate moment, or that he had interrupted it. “Lord Afrasastrasz, that is quite alright. What is the urgent matter?”

“A letter of summons came for Lady Windrunner.”

Alleria finally looked up, lowering her hands away from the Queen’s body all together. Narrowing her eyes at the letter that the commander held in his hands. “Summons? From who?”

Afrasastrasz handed the scrolled up parchment over to the ranger. “King Anduin Wrynn, my lady.”

Oh no.

She stood and snatched it from his hands a little faster than she had meant to. Hastily breaking the wax seal and unraveling the paper. Her eyes seemed to frantically scan the words that had been penned for her, tension returned to her shoulders.

Alexstrasza rose then too, moving to stand at Alleria’s side. “What is it?”

“There is to be a meeting between the leaders of the Alliance. Anduin has accepted Sylvanas’ offer of peace, they are preparing for a final council in Pandaria within the coming weeks. He wants to go over whatever intel she has gave us…”

She lowered the scroll and looked up to Alexstrasza. “He does not mention the role I am to play, but my presence has been all but ordered.”

“You...are leaving then?” Her hand reaching up to brush strands of the ranger’s hair from her face.

Alleria’s heart nearly broke at the disappointment that managed to creep into Alexstrasza’s voice. She had so much to say to the Life-Binder, she wanted nothing more than to stay in this place with her forever. She wanted to kiss her again.

But Alleria Windrunner was honorbound above all else, if her King requested her presence then she knew she would go. Even when every fiber of her being screamed at her to stay.

The ranger looked to the whelplings that still chased each other around, how happy and carefree they were. Paying no heed to the three of them. Her gaze turned up to the Queen, and she bowed her head in sorrow.

“I am afraid so, your majesty. I cannot deny the Alliance, I am sworn to serve when they call upon me.” She reverted to her old formal habits, especially when in the presence of one of Alexstrasza’s commanders.

She tucked the parchment into her belt and turned to Afrasastrasz. He offered her a small smile, motioning towards the path that she and Alexstrasza had taken. “If you would follow me then, Lady Windrunner. The Alliance messenger is waiting in the temple to escort you back to King Wrynn.”

He started off and Alleria turned to follow, but paused mid step to find Alexstrasza watching her closely. Despite all she wanted to say to the Queen, she bit back her words. Only one thing would quell both of their unrest.

“I will return as soon I finish my business with the King, I promise, Alexstrasza.” Reaching up to graze her fingers against the petals of the flower tucked behind her ear.

The Life-Binder smiled wide. “I pray that the titan’s guide your path, Lady Alleria. And may you return with more stories to tell.”

With not a word more, Alleria took off after Afrasastrasz. As she disappeared through the thicket of trees and out of sight, Alexstrasza murmured to herself. “Please, may you return safely to me. My ranger.”

Far beneath the plains of Dragonblight, in the places tucked far away from the hope and warmth that Wyrmrest Temple shone upon the war torn land. In the corners of shadow that lingered long after Arthas’ demise, that was where the Death Knights of the Ebon Blade laid in wait.

The long forgotten Nerubian crypt housed about two dozen of their forces. Their commander knelt before a small campfire that burned with a bright blue flame, illuminating the walls in a sickly azure glow.

He sat awaiting the voice of his king, as he always did. The time had come for them to begin their strike, but not without first delivering their information.

Suddenly the fire seemed to glow even brighter, raging before the knight. He lifted his head to the flames and that was when the voice came forth.

“What is your report, Death Lord?”

“My lord, the final preparations have been made. We have attempted a peaceful approach with the Aspect, but she refused to offer up any information on the location of her kin’s remains.”

The Lich King hummed. “Just as we expected. The fool, we shall find a way regardless.”

“Indeed, we plan to strike two places at once, enough to draw their forces away from the Sanctum. It would provide us with the opening we need to attack.”

“Yes, you must strike when the Life-Binder is at her most vulnerable and unprepared, however with her new toy around that should prove to be an easy task.”

The Death Lord looked to his knights and then back at him. “We will not fail you, my King. The dragons will not be prepared for our assault, they will fall!”

Laughter erupted from the Lich King, echoing so greatly that it caused the flames to flicker. Had the knight been alive it might have chilled them to their very souls, but they could only laugh along with him.

“Then go forth my chosen knights, lay your trap. Find your moment and strike. Kill without discretion. Slaughter her young if you so choose, paint the ground of their Sanctum red with blood and show them that we will not be denied.”

The fire returned to an empty pit of embers and left the Death Knights alone in the darkness. The others rose to their feet behind the Deathlord, eagerly awaiting the command that would follow.

“On our King’s command, we prepare to march on Wyrmrest!”

Chapter Text

In the weeks since Alleria’s departure from the temple grounds, Alexstrasza had found that her kin had mellowed far more than usual. To simply just have the ranger around and wandering about Wyrmrest had seemed to breathe a whole new life into the dragons.

Yet with her gone to war, life returned to its usual dulled and quiet state.

Alleria’s curious mind and friendly manner had won over many of their hearts. Alexstrasza let out a wistful sigh, just thinking about her brought an aching warmth to the great Aspect’s heart. For she knew that the aura of the temple was not the only thing that Alleria Windrunner had changed.

The excited chatter of her children pulled Alexstrasza from her lingering thoughts about the ranger. “Mother! Mother! Come and see!”

Alexstrasza lowered her gaze from the sky to the bank of the small river where her whelps played amongst the reeds and shallow currents. Together they lept and chased circles around each other, all basking in the peace of their mother’s presence.

Her eyes shifted to that of the whelp that was looking back up at her. She leaned her head down, purring softly as she nudged them gently with her snout. “What is it, little one?

“The fish! They are so near to the surface.”

Alexstrasza watched with a smile as they leaped and splashed at the river several times. Little claws hoping to grab hold of one of the fish that swam through the water, just out of reach. They tried, ever determined - until they took a tumble over a smaller stone and fell over into the water.

The Queen knew that the stream itself was not too deep and posed no threat to her child, but still, she rose up from where she lay in the grass. Her talon reached out and plucked the whelpling from the water’s current.

“Come dry yourself off, my dear.” Alexstrasza laid herself back, unfurling one of her great wings to shelter her young as they gathered at her side. They were so eager to listen to her, to bask in her love and warmth.

But in her children’s moment of eagerness, there was a gentle lesson to be learned. She laid her head down in the grass alongside them and began to weave her lesson into a story.

“You must take care here, never disturb the balance of life so carelessly.”

“Why Mother?”

The Queen hummed and thought on the answer. It was important her children grew in a world that they knew was not one under their rule but rather it was one under their protection. She only wanted to see them uphold that belief with the most honor and dignity. Alexstrasza motioned with a claw towards the stream. It’s gentle current which still flowed on, entirely unbothered and uninterrupted by their presence.

“Well, this is as much nature’s home as it is our own. Life thrives in all parts of our sanctum, from the tiniest stream to the vast hills and plains. Life always finds a way. The creatures here provide us with an ever constant source of food, but we must never take without moderation.”

Alexstrasza laid her great head down in the grass alongside her children. Laughing with them as several of her whelps attempted to climb up onto her snout, playful chirps and growls escaping their tiny mouths. She had been so busy as of late and these moments with her offspring were always so precious.

Even as the young ones climbed and played all across her, she just smiled and continued. “Our duty is important. For us, as red dragons, it is our charge to safeguard every living being and to help it thrive to the fullest extent.”

Safeguard. Thrive.

Both were words that, without intention, brought her mind wandering back to thoughts of the ranger with the sunlight in her hair and oceans in her eyes. Alleria was the living, breathing example of how fiercely Alexstrasza had sworn herself to her own Flight’s sacred duty. It was what the Queen had done for her.

Kissing her, however, had come to be the Life-Binder’s only regret.

In her one moment of weakness, Alexstrasza had perhaps made things far more confusing for poor Alleria, who struggled with the choice of whether or not there was a chance to mend things with a certain paladin. Yet she had felt it when their lips met and that whimper fled from the ranger’s lips, there was well... something between them.

It was only natural that her thoughts turned back to their kiss. Even as a dragon, Alexstrasza swore she could still feel the sensation she had felt when Alleria whimpered into her mouth. Could feel just how perfectly her form melded into her very own.

Suddenly, the Dragon Queen found herself overcome with a sudden and fierce protective instinct.

“...and if anyone ever were to pose a threat to the living creatures we watch over, then it is our duty to shield all from harm. One day, that charge will fall to you, my darlings. But not for a great many years.”

Her whelps began to chatter amongst each other. Little chirps and growls of excitement as they slid off of her. Perhaps they were still a little too young to truly understand what their duty would ask of them, but that was a lesson for another day. For now, Alexstrasza would keep their world a bright and happy place.

“We will be heroes too! The greatest!”

Alexstrasza let out a playful snort, laughing as she finally looked back down towards them. “You most certainly will be, my dears. The greatest of heroes to protect Azeroth and all who live here.”

“Exactly like Lady Alleria, right mother?”

She could only smile wider. “Just like her yes.”

There was a pause before another of her children spoke, a hint of worry in the soft voice. “Where did she go? Did she not want to stay here?”

The Life-Binder shook her head as she lifted it from the grass. “No, no that is not it, my little one. Lady Alleria loved to be here and to see all of you, but she had to go away for some time. She’s off in the world now...being a hero.”

Alexstrasza felt the twinge of worry burrowed within her own heart. A gnawing worry for the ranger who was off fighting a war that was not hers to fight, out of duty and honor. She admired that about Alleria, but not when the combat came before her own personal health.

“Will she come back to visit?”

That question, she had not prepared for that.

The very same one that the dragon had run through her head in a cruel cycle almost a thousand times over. Yes, No, Yes. Over and over the possibilities of what could happen haunted her. Her heart demanded the answer be ‘Yes’, but her mind warned her ‘No’.

Alexstrasza just wanted Alleria Windrunner back, in every way. She wanted to trace the soft lines of the azure ink that curled their way down the ranger’s arm. She wanted to curl her fingers through the locks of sunlight and capture her lips over and over, to paint her skin with the love she had been without for so long.

So with her heart, the Life-Binder had to believe.

“She will. One day, but for now the world has asked its price of Lady Windrunner. Honorbound, she must answer that call and so she is fighting to build a better future for us all...”

They all are.

A new voice rose up to fill the break in her words. “Mother, my apologies for interrupting but I need to speak with you. It is urgent.”

Alexstrasza’s head swiveled around to find one of her older offspring standing a few feet off. The High elf smiled up at her, and she smiled back.

“Xerestrasza, I shall be with you in just a moment, my dear.”

Focusing all her attention back on her children, the Life-Binder leaned down and nuzzled into the whelplings. “I must go now, little ones. You behave and I shall be back to see you later, alright?”

With a rush of wind and the green spark of her magic, Alexstrasza shifted into her mortal form and walked to Xerestrasza. She reached out and took her daughter’s hand, how she squeezed it in gentle greeting.

“What news do you bring?” She asked as they strolled through the sanctum, amongst the scarlet trees and honeyed breeze.

“It is news...from Darkshore. Your scout returned just a short while ago. They bring news about the conflict, and about Lady Alleria. Just as you had asked.”

Alexstrasza felt both relieved and anxious in a single moment. Eager to finally hear about the ranger’s condition, but fearing for the worst. But at least she would know, and then she could act if such action was needed.

The Queen forced a brighter smile so as not to worry Xerestraza and released her daughter’s hand. “I appreciate you bringing their arrival to my attention as soon as possible. Make sure your siblings are tended to, then take a break. You work yourself too hard, my dear.”

“I am the Sanctum Guardian, mother. No disrespect to you, but I would not wish to be away from my post should something happen. I will not fail in the duty you entrusted to me.”

Alexstrasza laughed. “Yes, I taught you to honor your duty but not at personal cost. Besides, I am certain that your lovely consort would love to see more of you, wouldn’t she?”

Xerestrasza’s face flushed red and she averted her gaze from her mother. “Perhaps…”

“Then go to her, my dear. Worry not about me or the temple, spend time with your wife .” She urged, gently nudging her daughter towards the portal to exit the sanctum.

Blue eyes found hers once again, a sly smile curled up on the guardian’s face. “Then I shall. Just don’t spend too much time chasing after the thoughts of a Windrunner, mother. You’ll get stuck daydreaming.”

It was the Life-Binder’s turn to go red, she cleared her throat and shook her head as Xerestrasza disappeared through the portal that lead back out to the cold of Northrend.

“Oh, sweet child of mine.”

Alexstrasza let out a chuckle before she spun on her heel. With an incantation rolling off of her tongue with practiced ease, she summoned her own portal back into her very quarters. Her sudden appearance startled the young Kal’dorei courier who had been pacing across the floor.

“Y-your majesty!”

She watched them stumble over themselves for a moment before finally, they steadied out and brushed off their shoulders. Alexstrasza smiled at the woman and waved off their tension, gesturing towards the table.

“Please take a seat and forget such formalities here. I was told that you have a report to deliver?”

The elf shuffled over to the table. “Indeed, my lady. Everything that you asked for.”

As Alexstrasza sat down next to the courier, she began to rifle through her pack. Alexstrasza watched patiently while she thumbed through a bundle of letters, checking their seals for which one belonged to the Queen.

“Ah ha! Here it is.”

Carefully, she produced the folded bit of parchment from her pouch. Stamped on the middle of the fold was a dark red wax seal, marked with the crest of the Wyrmrest Accord. The Night Elf handed it over to her, bowing her head respectfully.

Alexstrasza used the sharp claw of her gauntlet to break the seal without pause. She unfolded the report and leaned back into her chair, leaning her chin against her hand. Her golden eyes skimmed over the words penned to her, before going wide.

This was no report, no simple brief summary of the battlefield. This missive, no this was something that Alexstrasza had not expected to receive at all.

Lady Alexstrasza,

While I appreciate your concern about our conflict with the N’zoth’s forces on Darkshore, I do not need couriers running amok on my battlefield. However, I am aware you are likely curious about the state of things, allow me to give you the report personally.

We have been locked in a stalemate for three weeks, neither side really quite gaining over the other. Both my forces and that of the Alliance have experienced heavy casualties. Supplies run low and only my Forsaken are capable of continuous combat. Such a plight of the living, the need for food and rest.

If you could spare any forces to help level the playing field, that would be greatly appreciated in the fights to come. N’zoth did not come to play games, this shall be our end if we do not stand against him and his forces.

I look forward to seeing the dragon’s fire rained down upon the enemy soon enough.

Regards,

Lady Sylvanas Windrunner, Warchief of the Horde

P.S - Your courier was also kind enough to inform me that you were asking after my eldest sister as well. While I am sure there is quite a tale to tell, it can wait for another time. Alleria is alive, breathing with only minimal injuries and is leading our offensive against the enemy this week. You have my word, she will be fine.

A heavy sigh of relief fell from the Life-Binder’s lips to hear that Alleria was alright. She sat the parchment back down onto the table before her, casting her gaze up towards the messenger.

“Did you get to see her?”

The courier nodded. “Yes, I did get the chance to meet her briefly.”

There was a moment of quiet between them, Alexstrasa raised her eyebrow waiting for her to go on. Suddenly the night elf clued back in and let out a laugh, “Sorry, sorry...she was alright. Rather battered and exhausted when I got to speak to her. Some soldiers were even telling me stories that she stayed awake all night just to carry injured soldiers off of the field.”

Alexstrasza felt a warmth flood into her chest. To think of Alleria pushing herself to the very limit just to help others, it both worried and elated the Dragon Queen. Yet she knew, deep within her heart, that this was what Alleria was meant for. To fight and protect the innocent, it was what she was raised to do.

She looked back to the night elf. “Thank you for this, courier. I needed to hear this good news, I need you to deliver an order to Afrasastrasz for me. Tell him that he is to send some of our defensive forces to Darkshore with supplies for the allies there and assist however possible. With all due haste as well.”

The elf shot up from her chair and bowed to the Life-Binder. “As you wish it, my lady. It will be done.”

She watched them race from the room and sighed when they disappeared from sight. Her eyes fell back down to the parchment, to the broken wax seal and her eyes fell shut. War had come, and the flights needed to be prepared to stand once more in defense of this world. Now that she was finally alone with her thoughts, Alexstrasza’s hand absentmindedly moved to her cloak. Rolling the delicate fabric between her fingers as she thought back to Alleria.

Dear, sweet Alleria who had known nothing but loss after loss in this world, just like Alexstrasza had. So if Alleria, despite all that she had suffered and continued to suffer with could stand against the Old God's, then so too could the Dragons of the Wyrmrest Accord. 

She brought the warmth of her cloak up to her face, burying herself in the fabric. How the Queen remembered all too clearly the way she had caught Alleria curled up under its warmth...

It had been the dead of night and Alexstrasza found herself wandering through the halls of Wyrmrest. Just listening to the low howl of Northrend winds outside. Had the Dragon Queen not been a being that radiated immense warmth, she might have felt the bitter chill of the evening.

Lost in thoughts, she nearly missed it. Brillant orange and yellow hues dancing against the wall ahead of her. A flickering of fire against the marbled stone walls, coming from within her library.

“Curious…”

With slow steps, Alexstrasza approached the entryway into the room. Her eyes immediately landing on the figure huddled in the armchair right next to the fire which had been stoked up to a small blaze.

“Hello?” She called out into the room.

No response. The Life-Binder approached the chair and leaned down to get a look at the one who had taken up residence in the soft cushions.

“Oh, my dear…”

It was Alleria Windrunner. Fast asleep.

The poor ranger was curled up in the chair, not even properly sitting. Her neck bent at an awkward angle, something Alexstrasza would have to remedy to avoid later pains. But most noticeable of all was how she was wrapped up in the Queen’s own cloak.

Her frame noticeably shook, the ranger’s expression twisting into one of grief. A small whimper fled between quivering lips, her knuckles going white around the fabric of Alexstrasza’s cloak. Nightmares were plaguing her.

Gently, the Life-Binder knelt down onto the rug before the chair. Her bare hands smoothed back over Alleria’s cheeks, thumbs traced slow circles against her skin.

“Come back to me now, ranger. Do not let the shadows of the night torment you so, come back to the warmth. I’ve got you.”

Alleria let out a choked sound, part way between a snarl and a sob. But Alexstrasza did not waver in the face of her distress. No, she continued to trace the softest patterns against her skin and croon the gentle words against her ear.

How she tried to pierce the darkness and reach out to the woman. To pull her back to the softness of a compassionate touch, to the warmth of the hearth blazing behind Alexstrasza. Bring her back to the magic fabric that shielded her from the world.

Finally, the ranger began to stir from the depths of sleep. Muscles tensed and shifted beneath the cloak but the Dragon Queen smoothed a hand down over shifting limbs, smiling softly.

“That’s it, Alleria. Open up your eyes now, see that your terrors were nothing but that. You are safe, and you are free.”

Azure eyes shot open suddenly, and before Alexstrasza could blink she felt the cold bite of steel at her throat. Her hands dropped from the ranger’s face and she kept herself completely still. There was something instinctively defensive about the way her eyes blazed, the light of the flames danced through the steel that was in her eyes.

"Ease your storm, Alleria. It is I, Alexstrasza. You know I wish not to hurt you."

Her voices, her soothing words. That was all it took for the glare in the ranger's gaze to soften. Alleria dropped the blade with a gasp, shrinking back into the chair. Further back from the Queen, as if she feared to hurt her.

“Oh gods, Lady A-alexstrasza, I am so sorry. Please forgive me, I-I did not mean...”

She stammered out her apologies in a hurried and frantic manner, but her words trailed out when the warmth of the Dragon Queen’s hands sought out her own. Alexstrasza interlocked their fingers and just smiled, even with the slight red mark a stark contrast against her neck.

“No, there is nothing to forgive. Nothing at all, focus on me. Focus all thoughts on me, breathe with me.”

Without thinking, without hesitation. Alleria pressed her forehead to Alexstrasza’s, seeking out her warmth and her peace as together they breathed. Even as the wind outside howled stronger, it was white noise in a dull background, all that mattered was this one close moment.

As her breathing calmed and the pounding within her chest slowed, Alleria murmured softly.

“They have only ever been on you.”

A knock echoed out from the doorway of her chambers, two quick taps against the marbled stone pillar that quickly pulled Alexstrasza from her thoughts. She looked up to find Nozdormu standing there at the doorway. There was a warm smile on her brother’s face, and she could barely contain her own when she saw him.

“Nozdormu, it is excellent to see you! Please, do come in.” Alexstrasza waved her brother inside, rising from her chair.

He stepped further into the room, bowing his head respectfully as his sister approached. “It is good to see you as well, dear sister. Especially in such high spirits.”

“Do you not see all? Or perhaps old age is finally catching up to you.” Alexstrasza teased as she hugged the Bronze Aspect and lead him back towards the table.

She took Sylvanas’ missive from the table and moving across the room to her shelf, tucking it between two leather-bound books. As she pushed them back into place, she paused and let out a laugh.

“I can feel your gaze on me, Nozdormu. You make your worry too obvious.” Alexstrasza spoke up, turning around then to face her sibling.

The Aspect hummed, gesturing towards the table. “You have been troubled. The others have seen it as well as myself, I thought I would come to try and remedy that.”

“Troubled? Whatever could you mean?”

Nozdormu smiled back, that all-knowing smile he usually had spread across his face when he already knew the answer to the question. “You’re stuck thinking on that mortal woman. I can see it in your face.”

Alexstrasza opened her mouth but shut it just as quickly. There was no use trying to cover knowledge that the Aspect clearly already had. With a sigh, she looked down at her hands clasped together in her lap.

“I am, and I am not certain that I want to stop thinking about her.”

“So, you have grown quite...close to her then?”

Close to her. That was perhaps the biggest understatement, but the Dragon Queen just nodded. Unable to force any more words from her throat, and luckily she did not have to for now.

“You are blaming yourself for something sister, what - well I was never able to figure out.”

Alexstrasza lowered her gaze. “I...kissed her, and I fear I may have only done her more harm than good.”

Nozdormu sat back in his chair. The expression on his face said all, he wanted her to continue speaking. To tell her what had happened and perhaps, just maybe, they might be able to talk her into some semblance of peace.

“She has another...lover. Except that, he hurt her and for all her reactions and harsh words - a part of me wondered if she wished to mend things with him.”

The Life-Binder shook her head. “I followed my heart, and I kissed her. I kissed a woman I’ve known for such a short time, and I allowed myself to be selfish. Not until after did I think how it might have affected her.”

“Do you not think that had she not wanted your advance, she would have simply said no? I know most mortals are quite familiar with that exact practice.”

Alleria had kissed back, she had made that desperate little whimper against the Queen’s lips. But perhaps not. What if that had been just one more thing that her head made up and wove together to make her feel less guilty. Alexstrasza shuddered at the thought, she had never wanted to be selfish.

Alexstrasza truly did not know, however. “Perhaps it is possible yes. But I care not to test this theory out.”

He rolled his eyes. “No good can come of running from the inevitable, my dear sister. Sometimes, you must take that blind leap of faith.”

“And risk everything I have worked to help ease from her shoulders? I could not do such a thing, or even think about taking that sort of risk.”

Nozdormu reached a hand across the table to touch hers. “You are allowed to love a mortal, dear sister. No dragon will stop you from having what your heart desires, especially not after the life you have had.”

“Take your happiness.” He stated with a gentle squeeze of her hand.

Alexstrazsa was about to speak, but he shook his head and ending the protest before she could even form it. “No matter when or how it happens, she always returns it. You worry all for nothing.”

“What are you talking about? You cannot just leave me with your cryptic messages, brother.”

Nozdormu smiled wider and rose from his chair. “You are overthinking, Alexstrasza. Lady Alleria would be an excellent fit for you, quite the pair. Wait until her return, and talk to her. ”

Suddenly he stopped at the doorway, his head turned back around to gaze upon her. There was a warmth in his eyes that Alexstrasza had not seen often, but something about it soothed her. Made her feel like that it would truly all be okay in the end.

“Ysera would adore her you know. How her presence seemed to brighten your very soul. We can all see the changes, we feel them in our own hearts. I know you allowed her an audience because you wanted to heal her…”

“...but perhaps she was not the only one who needed to heal.”

He vanished from sight without a single word more, leaving Alexstrasza alone again with her thoughts. Her heavy golden gaze turned out to stare upon the open expanse of Northrend sky viewable from her balcony. Something tugged at her heart, the feeling of that all too soothing presence at her side.

Her heart brimmed with a sense of determination and longing, Alexstrasza began to weep. Openly, with nothing of herself hidden away or left to peel back. Then and only then, did she find the courage within her own heart to admit her truth.

She had gone and fallen in love with Alleria Windrunner.

Chapter Text

Alexstrasza strode out onto the balcony attached to her quarters, right into the surprisingly lovely weather. Northrend was not known for its beautiful and clear days, nor was it a common sight to see the sun shining down upon them. The aspect would be the last one to complain though, it was a blessing well received.

She leaned against the railing, content to watch as above in the sky the youngest drakes from her clutch and from the Green Dragonflight soared around. They chased each other in circles, growling and diving wildly about. Several times nearly colliding with one and other.

“Be careful now, little ones! I do not wish to see your rough-housing end in injury!” She called out, laughing at the antics of the young drakes.

Their playing was paused only to meet her affectionate warning with ‘Yes, mother!’, ‘Sorry!’ before they kept right at it. But notably a little less rough on one and other.

It was heart-warming to see them playing. As if all the horrors of the world had melted away to offer them but a single moment of peace, and play. How much Alexstrasza yearned for fun and joy to be all that they would know, to grow up in a world free of fear.

She knew better. They all did after the losses that they had suffered. Orcs, Old Gods, even their corrupted kin sought to bring about their end. Loss after loss had left their once proud race down to nothing but a handful of scattered souls, and the few clutches of eggs who had survived the chaos.

The chattering of the youngsters drew that smile right back onto her lips, and her mind away from such dark thoughts. Their playing was a reminder to take each day as it was given, whether good or bad. Whether they were forced to fight, or were allowed to play and simply live. 

Fortunately for them all, today was one such day where they could pursue much more peaceful activities. To be amongst family and be surrounded by love and warmth, not in fear of war finding their shores today. They had only the gentle ocean breeze, warming light of the sun and clear skies that allowed the aspect to see as far as the horizon would allow.

“I am not intruding, am I, mother?” A voice spoke up from over her shoulder, pulling her mind away from such beauty.

Alexstrasza turned to find Xerestrasza standing at the entryway. The smile she wore was bright and as joyful as the gleam in her eyes. The aspect found herself easily smiling back, waving her daughter over.

“Your presence is never an intrusion, my child. It is always a joy to see you, how can I help you?” 

They embraced as her daughter stepped closer. Xerestrasza held on for a moment before leaning back from her mother, “Oh no, this is not a visit about myself...but a missive came for you. An urgent one.” 

Xerestrasza reached down to her belt and withdrew a scroll, holding it out to her. Alexstrasza immediately took notice of the wax seal which was adorned with the crest of the Wyrmrest Accord. The news was likely from the war front in Darkshore.

At least, she hoped so.

Gently, the aspect lifted the scroll from her daughter’s hand. Trying to quell the slight tremble of her own. “Did the messenger who passed this along say anything to you?”

“Not much actually. But they said it was from Afrasastrasz and for your eyes only, which is why I ran it up here as soon as it was delivered.” 

With her suspicions were confirmed, Alexstrasza broke the seal with a quick swipe of her claw and unfurled the piece of parchment quickly. She had to know what had occurred for better or for worse, who they had lost and who had been saved by her decision to intervene.

-

Your Majesty,

You must forgive me for this sudden letter, but I thought it best to send word ahead of what happened here before we returned home. 

The allied forces were stretched thin for their assault, but with our arrival, we were able to kill many of N’zoth’s forces and drive the remainder back into the sea. The battle was an absolute victory. We suffered minimal losses, unfortunately, our allies were not so lucky and are down to dwindling numbers.

Those who remain have evacuated all civilians that could be. Both Horde and Alliance are making a full retreat to their home capitals to regroup and to celebrate this victory while they have the chance. Our strike force is returning home immediately, but the leaders informed us that there will be a summit in Pandaria between all the nations of this world and hoped the Wyrmrest Accord  - and you - might make an appearance.

One final thing, as I know you are surely curious about it. Alleria Windrunner is safe. She was injured during the battle, but not severely. We thought she would return to Stormwind with her people, however, she has decided to return to the temple. So you will once again be graced with her presence.

We will safeguard her on the journey home.

Many blessings,

Afrasastrasz, Commander of Wyrmrest Temple Forces.

-

Alexstrasza placed a hand over her heart, tucking the parchment close to her chest as she shut her eyes. The deep sigh of relief that fled her lips was followed by a shudder, the tension in her muscles dissipated as her worry did.

Her dragons had survived the battle, and so had Alleria. More importantly - they were all returning to the temple at this very moment.

“Mother? Are you alright? Has something happened?” Xerestrasza asked, worried by her reaction.

The aspect shook her head, handing the parchment over to the guardian. “I am only relieved! It is news from the war front, and it is only good. They won the battle, and our forces are all coming home as we speak.”

Her daughter took it from her hand, scanning it over. “I can arrange a meeting between the flights on your behalf once they return, and we can all talk about this summit.”

“That is an excellent idea, but only once they return and have the chance to rest. Who knows how many chances there will be left for such a thing?”

Xerestrasza lowered the letter after a moment and flashed an all-knowing grin at Alexstrasza. “Alleria is among their numbers, I see.”

“She is…”

“Then perhaps it is finally time for you to start being honest with both her and yourself. Nothing can change if you do not speak your heart, instead of keeping it locked in a cage.”

Alexstrasza laughed. “Now you sound too much like Nozdormu does, my dear.”

Xerestrasza placed the parchment back into her mother’s hand. “He is quite wise, and like me, he only wishes for you to find happiness. We all have seen how Alleria makes you happier than you have been in a very long time.”

“All? What do you mean?”

“Oh, mother, even one without sight could see how far you have fallen. The joy that Alleria has brought you is tangible, and it is a joy we feel as well when she is around. She cares for us like no other.”

Alexstrasza sighed. “She has been through so much suffering in her lifetime, just as we have. I only wished to help her stand on her own two feet and find a balance, not... this. It surely is selfish of me.”

“Love is never something planned, and it comes when we least expect it - but it is never selfish so you get rid of that thought right now. You have helped her so much and she would even say so herself, but perhaps it is time to admit that she was not the only one who needed to heal.”

“Now you truly sound like Nozdormu.”

“Because it is true. You heal everyone you meet without thought of personal gain, and that is one of your finest qualities that you have shared with all of your children. But…”

Xerestrasza reached out to tenderly take her mother’s hand in her own. “You have been hurt too, mother. So many times and I won’t dare ask about the things that you have chosen not to share, but even you cannot force down the worst of memories.”

She paused, her hand squeezing just a little bit tighter. “Alleria cares for you, and you care for her far more than I have ever seen you care for any other. If anyone is deserving of that love, and that care, it would be you...”

“I...I shall try to remind myself of that. Despite my doubts, I know that you are right.” Alexstrasza finally admitted, shoulders sagging.

“Of course I am! When have you ever known me to be wrong?” Xerestrasza grinned wide.

Alexstrasza laughed then. “Oh, my dear, sweet Xerestrasza…I cherish you just as I cherish all of my children, but I only possess two hands with which to count and it would be nowhere near enough.”

The mock expression of hurt that crossed over her daughter’s face almost sent her into a fit of laughter. “Mother! Were you not just saying how wise I sounded?” 

“I said you sounded like Nozdormu. But what you call wisdom, my dear brother would call common sense.” Alexstrasza teased, tapping a finger against the end of Xerestrasza’s nose.

“But still something my siblings lack!” 

The aspect shook her head, lowering her hands and trying to stifle her amusement. “You would be wise not to let your brothers and sisters catch you saying such a thing, Xerestrasza.”

Both of them ended up lost in laughs for long enough that tears welled up in their eyes. Alexstrasza’s heart swelled, today seemed to be in their favor once more. Rare, beautiful weather and laughter with her family. It was almost too good to be true.

Then that is exactly what it became.

Their laughter was interrupted by roars and shouts echoing up the halls of Wyrmrest, closely followed by the pounding of feet against the stone floors. Xerestrasza whirled about to face the door, unsheathing her blades in immediate alarm. 

“Get behind me, mother.” 

Alexstrasza instead moved to her daughter’s side, her smile replaced by a neutral expression. The running grew louder and louder until two of the Queen’s drakonid guards sprinted into her quarters.

“Your majesty!” 

The aspect looked between them. “What is going on? What is with all of the sudden commotion?”

“We apologize for this interruption, but Death Knights have assaulted the Ruby Dragonshrine!”

“What? When? How many are there?” 

“Just now. There are about a dozen or more knights, but they have also risen the bones of those that lay buried in the snow surrounding the shrine. Including the frost wyrms who had been felled.”

The other drakonid looked back into the hallway, talons flexing around his blade, “Your eldest have gone and are mobilizing our defensive forces as fast as possible, but without those that we sent away…”

Alexstrasza brought a hand up to her face, “They are on their way back as we speak, but I am not certain how far out they are from the fighting.”

“What would you have us do then, your majesty?”

She paused. Her mind racing through a thousand different thoughts, formulating a thousand different plans. Anything that would buy them the time they needed until the others made it back to the temple. 

Focus, Alexstrasza. Your family is counting on you.

Xerestrasza placed a hand on her arm, forcing down the worst of her panic. Alexstrasza drew a deep breath and finally nodded to herself before she looked to her guards, “I need you two to go and gather all the younglings who are in or around the temple, get them down below and into the sanctums where they will be safe. Then you are to stay and guard the entrance.”

Her guards bowed. “Your will be done, Life-Binder.”

They fled from the room and could be heard shouting out orders a few moments later. Alexstrasza turned then to her daughter, taking her hand. “Xerestrasza, I need you to fly out to the west. Meet up with Afrasastrasz and Alleria, inform them what is happening here.”

“But mother, I should be here defending my brothers and sisters, our home! Defending you ! I am the Sanctum Guardian, such is my duty.”

Alexstrasza shook her head, reaching up to cup her daughter’s face. “No, my child. I know you want to be here, but you are the fastest flyer that I know. Deliver my message as quickly as you can, I will stay and see to it that the death knights do not get away with this atrocity.”

Xerestrasza reached up to place a hand over her mother’s. Her eyes closed for a brief moment, leaning into her palm. “I do not want to see you hurt, but I will do as you ask. I will fly faster than I ever have before.”

Alexstrasza heard more shouts coming up the hall. “We do not have long, I must go and join whatever defense your siblings have formed but…”

She kissed the crown of the guardian’s skull before stepping back. “Please be safe, Xerestrasza. Fly far, and know that I am always with you.”

“Thank you, mother. Be safe.”

With that they parted ways, Xerestrasza took off for the balcony and Alexstrasza started for the hallway. With a swipe of her hand, she brushed aside the crimson silk curtains draped over the entrance to her quarters and stepped out into the hall.

Outside her doorway, two bronze drakonid warriors were standing guard along with another of her eldest children. She did not even greet her son as she approached, now was not the time for such things. 

“Raelorasz, we need to gather every single dragon we can and defend the temple. Our attack force is making the return trip home, but we must buy them time.” She commanded as she brushed past her son and the guards.

He bowed, following after her. “Of course, mother. The others are already at the dragonshrine setting up a defensive line, but the death knights are putting up one hell of a fight. I have never seen such determination.”

For a moment, one single moment, the Life-Binder’s face hardened. “They brazenly have attacked our home, they burn our sacred places and dare to butcher my children. We shall see how their determination holds up when I come to put an end to this madness.”

Alleria had been whisked away from the battlefield almost immediately after they had managed to push the forces of N'zoth back into the sea, driving back the darkness that had begun to sweep across Azeroth - at least for now. 

With such a tremendous victory, it had brought about the time for celebration. To honor and praise those that had given their lives to the fight. But the ranger knew she could not, would not linger and so she left with the dragons that had come to aid in their final push.

The ruby drake that she rode upon soared alongside the others on the path back to Wyrmrest Temple. With the gentle breeze tugging at her hair, Alleria found her thoughts were far away from the victory that she had just helped to achieve. 

No, all she could think of was the spires of the temple. How they would rise in the distance to welcome her back to the first place to feel like home in forever. For a sense of family that she had been without for so long, even with her sisters still alive. 

Everything had changed, and yet Alleria just longed for the same. Everything that she had given up when she first left Azeroth.

But most of all, she longed for Alexstrasza. Longed for every part of her, so completely and hopelessly lost in the thoughts of her. Her warmth, the unending kindness, and those sweet guiding touches.

Even if she could only have that peace for a small moment, just to chase away the darkness.

Pain, sharp and pounding, split through her skull at the mere thought of darkness. Alleria grimaced and brought her hand up to rest against her skull, mindful of her wounded shoulder. 

Come now, child. Did you think we were finished with you?

It would seem that even now the taunts of the void knew not silence, nor knew the need for rest. Not since her mind had been left to wander amok, running rampant with both fear and anger. 

The battle had forced her back into old, dangerous habits, and dug up demons that not even Alexstrasza was aware of yet. Alleria had told her much, but even then there were still nightmares that lingered in the darkest corners of her mind.

For each champion that they had lost, the voice’s insistence grew evermore. With every inch of ground that they were forced to give up to the enemy in retreat, the voices became even darker. Days passed, and their temptations had gotten harder to resist, the power they offered her could have shifted the tide of battle and save so many.

Or risk them all, and Alleria knew what would happen then. She knew what darkness awaited her at the very end if she allowed the void to seep in and finally claim the prize it had long sought. Everything Alexstrasza had worked through, would be for nothing.

Let us in. We can change this world if you would but give us your soul.

She was shaken out of her reverie by a roar that sounded more panicked than anything else. Her eyes scanned the surrounding dragons to see if any of them had made it, but they seemed to be searching for the source just as she was.

Suddenly from the between the clouds ahead, a red dragon came flying from the opposite direction. Their wings flapped erratically against the ocean breeze, and they were moving at an incredible speed.

Lord Afrasastrasz came down to fly alongside Alleria, he looked over at her and back at the incoming dragon, “I see we have some company.”

Alleria nodded, shifting atop the drake she was riding, “That we do. Any idea what they are doing out this far from Wyrmrest? Do you think there is something wrong at the temple?”

“I get the sense that it is urgent, but...I cannot say for sure what it is. Let us stop and ask them.”

But before he could give the order to halt, the dragon coming towards them let out a shout. “AFRASASTRASZ!”

The commander went wide-eyed as they dove at him. He soared up to meet them and reached out with his talons to steady them amidst their panic. Alleria was too far away to hear what they were saying, but it was clear that it was not good.

She watched as with each word that left the other dragon’s maw, Afrasatrasz’s face turned to iron. His eyes visibly narrowed and he nodded to the other dragon before looking down at Alleria and the attack force.

When he spoke, each word quaked with barely contained rage, “Full retreat back to Wyrmrest, NOW! ”

Alleria’s heart dropped in her chest. Afrasastrasz and the messenger came down to fly alongside her as their attack force sped off, moving at a much faster pace than before. She looked back and forth between the two of them, sensing the growing tension that built in the air around them.

“What is it? Did something happen at the temple?” She called out over the rushing wind, trying to ignore the growing pit in her stomach.

“There has been an attack. Death knights are assaulting the Ruby Dragonshrine, and they have raised the dead left discarded in the snow from the times of the Lich King. Without us there, they are going to be overrun.”

Afrasastrasz looked over at Alleria, “Xerestrasza here was sent to deliver the warning to us, but I...I fear we will not be back in time.”

A sickly feeling swam through the ranger’s body at the news, her throat tightened and left her struggling to breathe normally. Her stomach churned knots and she shook her head in disbelief. Her fear becoming prevalent over all other sensations very quickly.

Alexstrasza was still there.

“What of the Life-Binder? Is she alright?”

“Alleria-.” Xerestrasza began.

The ranger, despite the shaking in her hands and the paling of her skin, narrowed her eyes at the guardian, “Tell me. Now.”

She relented under the elf’s gaze, “She is alright, but the last thing she said to me was that she planned on heading up the defense...I don’t think I have ever felt her anger before. Not like that, and I worry what it w-.”

Before Xerestrasza could even finish her sentence, Alleria urged her drake to fly even faster. The others called after her but to no avail. She sped far ahead of the attack ground in a matter of moments, desperate to reach the temple as quickly as possible.

Her knuckles went white as her fingers tightened around the spikes decorated across the drake’s shoulders. Even as the wind whipped by her head, it was nowhere near as loud as the sound of her pulse pounding in her ears.

Anger laced across her expression, and that very same anger seeped into every muscle and nerve of her being. 

“Those bastards! ``she shouted suddenly, nearly startling the poor drake beneath her.

If she had anything to say about it, this attack would end just as quickly as it had begun. Alleria would fight each death knight to the last if that was what it took. The Wyrmrest Accord had become like a second family to her, and that very same temple had become the home that she had to live without for so long.

So she was not about to allow that home to be defiled and brought to ruin by any sort of darkness. Alleria would not fail them, not after all that they had given her. 

“I’m coming, Alexstrasza...please. Just be okay.”

Out over the ocean, and further still that drake carried her without faltering. It wasn’t until they were passing over Valiance Keep that she began to smell the smoke, and see it rising in the distance. 

A roar echoed out behind her and Alleria looked back to see the attack force on her trail, still not able to keep up with the speeding drake. Except for Xerestrasza, who seemed to be pulling up closer and closer. They were so close now. Alleria could feel the adrenaline of the coming battle coursing through her veins. The skies ahead were free of any adversaries, nothing would block their path now.

At least not anything living. 

One moment the sky was clear, the next it was filled with dark gray smoke. Alleria tasted the putrid ash on her tongue, feel it clouding her lungs and choking off the air. It forced a series of deep, ragged coughs up from deep within her chest until her throat burned and her head spun.

“Fly down, b-below the smoke. As soon...as we break t-through, head straight for the dragonshrine!”

“Yes, Lady Windrunner. Hang on!” 

The drake tucked their wings in close and dove on a path straight down through the dark. Alleria forced her own eyes shut and tucked her face against their scales, trying not to inhale any more of the choking fumes.

A symphony of shrill, unholy howls reached her ears as the wind whipped past them. The sound invoked such a dark and terrible feeling deep within her very soul. It echoed with such power that the wound in her shoulder began to ache, and she felt as the blood in her veins seemed to run deathly cold.

Breaking through the smoke, Alleria gasped for fresh air and lifted her gaze to stare upon the massacre below. First, she saw the grand tree centered in the middle of the shrine, seemingly unscathed even whilst fires broke out across the once vibrant and healthy grove. Leaving it charred and dead.

Then the ranger spotted them, the creatures responsible for such hellish cries - Frost Wyrms. 

They were dragons brought back from death by dark and unnatural magic. Their bodies were nothing but rotting flesh and bones, decorated in a sheet of ice from being buried beneath the frozen wastes of Northrend for years.

They polluted the skies circling above the carnage, numbering far beyond that of the few defenders left standing against them. These things were monsters in every sense of the word. Alleria looked on in abject horror as, like a pack of rabid hounds, they swarmed a ruby scaled dragon and dragged it to the dirt in a flurry of frost and viscera.

“Get me in close, I have to help them on the ground!” She shouted to her drake over the madness that surrounded them.

He glided down lower at her command, soaring just above the fighting that raged on below. Time seemed to slow as he swerved past a raging inferno, forcing her to face the battle. Bodies littered the ground, mostly undead corpses to her relief. But there were both living mortal forms and dragons alike dotted across the dirt.

Through it all, Alleria caught sight of their real foe. The death knights. These foul black-armored knights glowing with unholy energies and wielding deadly runeblades, shambling along at their side were the risen undead - slow, and easy to kill, but easily able to swarm the defenders. 

A deep, thundering roar tore her focus away entirely. Her eyes upturned in an instant to witness a sight that had her heart leaping up into her throat.

“Alexstrasza.” She whispered.

One of the Ruby Defenders cried out as they were pinned down by a frost wyrm, and the great Red Aspect dove down through the chaos on the other side of the grove. She cut a blazing trail through their foes so she could shield her child from a surely fatal blow.

Alleria watched as the queen’s enormous maw snapped shut around the torso of the ghastly, undead wyrm with a deafening crack of bone. That ghastly howl fled from the fiend as blackened blood seeped from between her fangs, but the Life-Binder was unphased. She struck with such power, that wyrm never stood a chance.

In the next instant, with all of her strength, Alexstrasza dragged the cursed beast right out of the sky and disappeared through a cloud of fire and ash. Several frost wyrms gave chase, but a massive burst of flames and the accompanying cries signaled their demise.

Alleria caught the Aspect’s name right on the tip of her tongue and choked it back down. Even as the ache in her chest pleaded with her just to call out. She knew that her presence would serve only as a distraction and at this moment, Alexstrasza’s family needed her focused.

Besides, the ranger knew she would fare much better on the ground where she could thin their numbers even more so. Taking comfort that the rest of the Wyrmrest Offensive were mere minutes away from raining hellfire and fury down upon these bastards.

Just as she prepared to leap from her drake's back, a streak of red crossed through her peripheral. Something was moving, and it was moving fast.  Alleria whipped her head around just in time to watch as Xerestrasza slammed into the ground at the base of the tree, landing directly between an encroaching death knight and one of her siblings.

“Keristrasza! Get back to the tree, tend to your wounds!” The guardian cried out to her sister.

The death knight scoffed and dared to charge right for the dragon instead, unaffected by her sudden appearance. A choice which would prove to be a fatal one.

She lashed out with her claws, binding them tightly in her grasp even as they struggled against the inevitable. Her teeth then claimed the kill without pause, ripping through the heavy plate like it was nothing beneath her power.

“It is about damn time you got here, Xerestrasza!” Alleria cried out, leaping down to the ground below whilst her drake soared away to join the fighting above.

Xerestrasza tossed aside the mangled corpse and laughed. With a wave of her talon and a glimmer of magic, she was back in her mortal form with her swords withdrawn. Cutting down a ghoul just as the ranger landed on the ground at her side, “I was right on your ass the whole ride home, and I still landed first!”

Alleria scoffed, readying Thas’dorah and taking aim at another death knight, “You had an unfair advantage, Lady Xerestrasza! You and I both know that I am no dragon!”

“I hear only excuses, Alleria! Now come on, do you intend to talk these bastards to death or shall we cut them down to size?”

Xerestrasza charged into the fray alongside her siblings, swords raised and ready to carve through the attackers. Alleria opted for a more long-distance approach, climbing up onto the large roots at the base of the tree. 

With Thas’dorah at the ready, the ranger shouted out into the battle. “Fight, Defenders of Wyrmrest! Fight with all that you have, reinforcements will soon be upon us and these cowards will taste dragon’s fire!”

A symphony of cheers and roars echoed back at her words, harder the defenders fought. Every spell cast, blade swung and arrow shot hit their mark. With each blow, the death knight’s and their ghouls were forced back farther and farther away from the tree.

“Keristrasza, for titan’s sake...I told you to go back to the tree!! You’re hurt!” The ranger heard Xerestrasza yell from the front lines.

A laugh came tumbling forth from the lips of who Alleria only assumed was Keristrasza, “I think not, little sister! These bastards made their choice when they attacked our home, no wound will stop me from exacting justice.”

That seemed to appease Xerestrasza and her sister disappeared into the battle, off to help another defensive line. 

Minutes passed, so slowly, that each one felt like an eternity. The attack force had been almost right on her heels and they should have already been here. Without them, this battle might claim even more victims before one side finally overpowered the other.

“Xerestrasza! Where is Afrasastrasz!? Was he not right behind you with the others!?” Alleria shouted to the guardian currently locking blades with another knight.

“He should have been! But titan’s know where that fool is now!” She called back, sidestepping the death knight before plunging her blades into his back.

A roar from above answered their question.

When the ranger looked skyward, there was the horde of red dragons with Afrasastrasz at the head. Each one of them held unrestrained anger in their eyes, and it was reserved for the undead alone. The death knights saw them coming too but did not falter even in the face of almost certain death.

Their victory was so close at hand now.

When the dragons flew in low over the fight, it was a sight that stole the very breath from Alleria’s lungs. The dragons struck with everything they had. Fire rained down from the sky upon the death knights, searing through armor and lifeless flesh. Then what the flames did not scald and decimate, razor-sharp teeth and claws finished off.

The fury of the Red Dragonflight was absolute, and it was unforgiving.

Alleria reached back for another arrow, only to realize that she had emptied her quiver into the enemy. With a growl, she swung Thas’dorah over her shoulder and looked around. Injured defenders decorated the landscape, and would die without healing. If she could not save lives by fighting, she would save them by retrieving the defenders left in the dirt.

As the reinforcements cut through the undead, Alleria carried one defender after another back to the safety of the tree. Grateful to see many of them still alive and breathing despite being left on the battlefield for so long.

During her rescue efforts, the ranger spotted an elven woman laying on her side against the tree’s roots. She recognized the armor as belonging to Keristrasza, one of Xerestrasza’s sisters. She could not discern the state of her wounds from so far away, but the warrior was not moving and that was worry enough.

“Lady Keristrasza, if I recall your sister told you to retreat-”

The words died in her throat as she stopped at the guardian’s feet. Half a dozen arrows protruded from the woman’s chest, and there was a cut clean through her throat. Blood and ash stained her armor and the ground beneath her.

There would be no saving this warrior. 

“Forgive me, brave dragon. I am sorry we did not reach you sooner, may you walk among those you love,” She whispered before running back towards the entrance to the tree.

“Lady Windrunner!”

A drakonid rushed over to her just as she arrived, he was bleeding profusely from several deep wounds and he struggled to even breathe. But more like he had sprinted quite the distance just to reach her.

“Ease yourself, defender! What news do you bring?”

He tried to speak, but a ragged noise came instead and blood seeped forth from his maw. The drakonid swayed unsteadily on his feet and leaned his weakening form against the roots of the tree. Alleria quickly moved to his side, placing her palm in the center of his own.

“I am here, warrior. Now tell me, what happened…?”

“The sanctum...this attack was a ruse, a trick...more death knights have...s-stormed the Ruby Sanctum…I could not...find her majesty to t-tell her...” The drakonid rasped out, the light in his eyes faded more and more with each second.

Alleria started, “That would mean…”

“They are g-going for her children...s-save them… please. ”

She turned out to face the defenders, bracing the dying drakonid up. “Healer! We need a healer here, now!”

Another approached, taking the first in his arms and easing him down into the tree to shield him from further harm. 

Oh, such a pity...we would have loved to corrupt those little whelps. 

She shut down the prattling of the void and looked through the crowd, “Xerestrasza! Where is Xerestrasza!?”

The Guardian came immediately at her call, dashing through the battle to stop right at her side. She was fortunately still very much alive. Just a little more covered in soot and mud than before.

“Why have you called for me? What is it, Alleria?”

She pointed to the path leading up out of the Dragonshrine. “The death knights have not come for the shrine - they are here for the Ruby Sanctum. They have played us for fools, Xerestrasza!”

“What!? We must tell Alexstrasza immediately! Rally the guard, and everyone else to make haste to the sanctum once this area is secured!”

Alleria rushed over to retrieve a bundle of arrows from one of the quivers belonging to a fallen archer. She quickly checked over them before she looked back at Xerestrasza. “The drakonid tried to find Alexstrasza, but she is nowhere to be seen! I last saw her when I first arrived, but she was dragging frost wyrms right out of the sky.”

Xerestrasza growled but seemed to know what to do almost right away. She grabbed at the arm of one of the nearby defenders, shouting something in draconic to them and pointing to the skies. Their eyes widened, but then they nodded and took off for the others.

“They will spread the word, first to Afrasastrasz and then to Alexstrasza as soon as they can locate her. Now, there is no time to waste! My siblings need us!”

The dragon appeared before her not a split second later, eager to fly. Alleria moved to try and climb up on her back, but Xerestrasza suddenly scooped her up in a claw and shot up into the skies. 

“Sorry! But this is much faster!’ She called down to the ranger as she swerved around the columns of smoke.

Alleria watched the ground below speed by, looking back to see five other dragons falling into formation behind Xerestrasza. They followed her closely, chattering back and forth in draconic that the ranger could not understand.

The whole world lurched and spun, so quickly that for a moment Alleria feared she might become ill. She shut her eyes and hoped the dark would steal away nausea building up in her chest.

“Afraid of heights, are you?” The guardian teased.

“N-no! I love heights, but I hate this. Put me down! ”

Xerestrasza let out a laugh. “If you insist, Lady Windrunner!”

Everything dropped right as the words left her mouth. Alleria felt as they dove straight down, likely to where the entrance of the Ruby Sanctum was. A quiet prayer fled from the ranger’s lips even as they leveled out.

“Life-Binder preserve us...they have slaughtered the guards.” One of the other dragons spoke, in perfect common.

Alleria opened her eyes just in time to see the deformed bodies of the guardian drakonids, their limbs were severed and strewn about the room in front of the portal. With bloody footprints and splatters painted across the marble floors, tainting the once pristine stone.

“We land here. Alleria, get ready for a drop.”

With a slow descent, Xerestrasza opened her claws to allow Alleria to drop a few feet to the ground before landing behind her. The ranger easily landed on her own two feet, brushing herself off and casting a glare at the guardian back in her elf body. 

But if she saw Alleria’s glare, she paid the look no mind and continued forward. She pointed to the stairs. Bloody footprints traveled up the staircase, right into the portal. “Look! The death knights are already inside!”

Alleria readied Thas’dorah and looked to Xerestrasza. “What’s our plan?”

The guardian seemed to freeze for a moment, before looking back to the others. She pointed to one of them. “You - stay put right here, and the rest of you...including Lady Windrunner are with me. We have to stop them from killing the whelps and destroying the eggs, no matter the cost.”

As she turned to leave, the one that she had ordered to stay behind spoke up. “Sanctum Guardian, what would you have me do?”

The look on her face was empty and betrayed no emotion. But she did not stop her advance on the portal, still keeping her emotions locked away from the sight of her brothers and sisters. Alleria, however, heard the barely contained rage in her voice as it shook.

“Sound the alarm, now! Let us bring the fury of the Wyrmrest Accord down upon them.”

The crossing through the sanctum portal reminded Alleria far too much of the crossing she took through the Dark Portal all those years ago, and true in both cases - hell itself awaited them on the other side.

Alleria had only seen the interior of the Ruby Sanctum once, but she knew enough to know that it was not meant to look like this. Bodies littered the ground, the defenders of the sanctum who had never seen this attack coming. Fires consumed a few of the smaller trees on either side and through most of the underbrush.

“Those vile, horrid fiends . How dare they defile our home, and murder our kin!” Xerestrasza roared, storming forward with Alleria and the other defenders in tow.

The ranger ran in front of the guardian, placing a hand on her chest. “Remember our purpose, Xerestrasza. We protect the young ones first, and then we take care of those who remain.”

Taking a deep breath, Xerestrasza bowed her head and nodded. “You are right, forgive me...I forget myself, I am just…”

“You do not need to explain, I understand, but your brothers and sisters need you focused right now. Think only of them.” Alleria whispered, taking a careful step back.

Forward then they pressed on with weapons at the ready. With every step they took, they used the sounds of the fighting as a guide. Right up until the noise died away.

“Stay on alert, we are not alone here.”

Eventually, their path led them right into a small clearing. The bodies of several guards were littered across the ground, and in the middle stood seven death knights who faced them. Blood, still fresh, dripped down each one of their runeblades as they held them at the ready.

An eighth rose up behind the others, tearing his runeblade from the mangled bodies of one of the sanctum caretakers. His glowing blue eyes shifted, and through the dark sockets of his helmet, they landed upon Alleria.

“So I see the Life-Binder herself could not be bothered to make an appearance. No, instead she had to send her half-wit of a child, and her little... plaything to face down the enemy.”

He stepped up between his fellow knights, sneering. “We shall send you back to your queen in pieces.”

Alleria drew back an arrow, but Xerestrasza caught her arm and shook her head. “This fight is not yours. I need you to go and find the young ones, we will take care of these bastards and buy you some time.”

“But-.”

“No arguments, go Alleria. Save my siblings before it’s too late.”

The ranger looked back and forth between her and the encroaching death knights. The whelps were not with these knights, and that meant they were elsewhere in the sanctum - possibly in danger. That thought alone was enough for Alleria to lower her bow.

“Alright, I swear to you...I will keep them safe, or I shall die trying.”

With a final glance shared between them, Xerestrasza and her siblings stood tall against the other knights. Alleria took the chance to sprint straight for the treeline back in the direction that they had come from.

She stopped only at the first tree, sparing a glance backward to see the battle that started up. So badly did she wish to fight with them, but the children needed her and they had to be the priority.

Like a beast, Alleria moved through the burning landscape with such speed and grace. A blur of green against the dark, dreary sanctum. She dashed through the trees, leaped over the bodies of fallen defenders and death knights alike. Nothing would stop her from finding those whelps.

She looked every which way for them, pushing her legs harder than she ever had. Every fiber of her being fueled by desperation. Save them, save them from certain death. Those words repeated in her head over and over, it kept her going even when her muscles screamed for rest.

“Come on, where are you?” Alleria whispered into the air as she came to a stop, forcing air into her lungs. Her eyes darting over the surrounding forest.

A small cry echoed out, so quiet that if she had not been listening so carefully than she would have missed it entirely. But it sounded so close, and very much like one of the young whelps. Her ears swiveled to pinpoint the source before Alleria pushed off from the tree and took off after them.

“Hang on, little ones.”

As Alleria drew closer, laughter became more audible with each second. It was dark and cruel, giving away the positions of the death knights ahead. Her eyes narrowed and she dropped low to the ground, creeping forward through the brush. 

Then her eyes fell onto a tiny path, one she recognized almost immediately. It was the path that Alexstrasza had led her through on their way to meet her children.

This was where they had to be.

She was in the middle of making up a plan when there was yet another cry, this time sounding pained whereas the others held only the notes of fear. With all rational thought tossed aside, Alleria launched herself forward into the clearing with an arrow at the ready.

Just in time to see the whelps all nestled together in the center of the clearing, and one whelp who had been separated from the others. A death knight stalked towards them with their blade held high. Three others stood guard, they had been laughing at the sight until she had rushed in.

Now four sets of eyes fell upon her. The murderous gleam in each of their eyes was raw, visceral. Glowing with such an intensity that she could almost feel the desire to kill permeating the air around them. Yet they did not move, almost frozen in place. 

However, she was not nearly as frozen. Alleria readjusted Thas’dorah, aiming straight for the skull of the death knight closest to the whelp. Her fingers flexed on the bowstring as her eyes shifted back and forth between the four who stood against her. 

“You all are to drop your weapons and back away from the children, or I will put an arrow through each one of your skulls!” 

There was silence, then laughter. That sick, and taunting sort of laughter fell from each one of the death knights. Every moment they laughed, rage seeped further into her mind and forced her to choke it back down.

If she lost control now, so many more lives would be put at risk. The void could not have its prize today, no matter how tempting its power promised to be.

“There you are! The brave Alleria Windrunner, come to protect the Queen’s children. Commendable truly, but a hopeless endeavor all the same.” A voice spoke up from behind her.

Alleria whipped around to spot four more of the death knights emerging from the treeline, covered in blood. One among them stood out, his armor decorated far more than those at his side and she recognized him as the one who had spoken to both her and Xerestrasza before she had fled.

Which meant…

“You bastard . ” She sneered, realizing that she was now alone until the rest of the defenders stormed the sanctum.

He stepped forward, passing his mighty runeblade back and forth between his hands. “It is such a pity you did not get to see your allies die. The half-wit died so nicely, it is a shame I only got to end her once. But killing you should be even easier than they were.”

“Why are you doing this!?” 

“Because we tried a peaceful solution. All your precious aspect had to do was tell us where the remains of Kyranastraz were, but she refused...and thus-.”

The commander paused to gesture to the chaos around them. “This is what we had to do, we had no intention of harming her younglings...it was supposed to be a simple trade, their lives for the information we needed. But with so many of our brothers and sisters dead, revenge now is all but certain.”

Alleria’s fingers flexed around Thas’dorah’s string, her eyes darting back and forth between the two groups of death knights. “The Red Dragonflight did not deserve this. You came into their home, and you started murdering them! What the hell did you expect to happen? For them to throw a celebration and just hand over the information?”

He shrugged. “It matters not what we expected, what matters now is that the Life-Binder will lose both you and her children for what has happened here today. I wonder what glory shall be heaped upon me when the news spreads that it was I who slew the grand hero of the Alliance, Alleria Windrunner?”

“You will find only death, I promise you that, you vile fiend.”

“But so shall you, Lady Windrunner. There is only one of you and eight of us. Are you truly willing to stake your life on your talent with that bow?”

She lowered her bow slowly, still trying to watch both groups. It became even more of a challenge to track them as they began to circle her, the hunger for her blood clear in their eyes. 

“You will die today, nothing in this world can change that,” The commander leered at her, raising his blade to run her through, “The only question left to ask is: how would you like to die, hero? Slowly? Or perhaps we can see you beg for a quick death?”

She froze, for the first time in all her years. Any words that she tried to speak were caught in her throat, and Alleria had to force herself to breathe. She was a Windrunner, and with that name came a legacy of great, and powerful elves. Those who went on to command armies, win wars. It was a legacy of heroes.

Yet no amount of legacy could quell the fear that washed over her, and left her fingers trembling around Thas’dorah. 

That silence seemed to be answer enough for the death knights. The commander stepped forward and pointed to the group of whelps with his blade. “If you do not surrender, Alleria Windrunner. We will take a life, and it will not be your own - nor will it be a quick death.”

He was threatening the whelps, he was going to kill them. No, no, n-

“NO!” 

Her outburst brought all attention right back to her. Everything felt instinctive as she moved, casting Thas’dorah aside in the grass. “Just, enough... I will do as you ask, and surrender.”

The ranger reached back with shaking hands for her daggers before they too joined her bow on the ground. Disarmed now, she dropped to her knees and held her hands outstretched to her sides.

One of the death knights started walking right towards the whelps again, and she shouted in a panic. “I surrendered! Stop, just- for titan’s sake, do not harm them.”

Weak! WEAK! You should kneel before no one!

Pain shot through her head as the void roared to life, angered by her submission. Still, she fought them down, focusing instead on the approaching commander.

“If I had known how quickly you would, quite literally, fall to your knees at my feet...I might have tried to use the children as ransom sooner.”

He reached out with a gauntlet, the spiked claws digging into her chin as he tilted her head upwards. Their eyes met, and Alleria could almost feel the human’s smirk beneath his helmet.

“Don’t worry, I shall be sure to keep you alive long enough to see your precious queen one last time.”

Letting her go, the commander stepped back and shouted. “Restrain her now!”

Two knights rushed to Alleria’s side a moment later. They grabbed at her arms, binding her tightly in their various spells and own grips with an inhuman amount of strength. She was completely trapped now, and at their mercy.

KILL THEM.

TEAR THEM LIMB FROM LIMB, SHOW THESE DEATH KNIGHTS WHAT THE REAL FACE OF DEATH LOOKS LIKE.

The pain grew sharper, and Alleria let out a growl as it seemed to split down to the base of her skull. Inside, the void rattled at the bars of its cage like a wild beast. Desperate to be freed, but she could not...not with the children so near.

“You must truly care for these young ones, for you did surrender so beautifully if I must say. So beautifully in fact, that I am going to keep you alive, just so you may witness the cost of that mistake.”

He motioned to the whelps. “Kill them. Every last one.”

“NO! I DID WHAT YOU ASKED!” She screamed, fighting against the bindings that held her in place. 

Alleria felt the cold metal of the death knight’s armor burning into her arms and throat, she struggled to draw air into her lungs and even speak as their hold tightened. They had her locked up so tightly that she could never hope of pulling free.

She was helpless to fight back, watching as one knight marched over to the younglings and made a show of unsheathing his blade even as they cried out in fear. Cried out for their mother, for Alleria.

Alleria felt wrath consume her body completely as he brought the blade up over his head, and that was when the void struck. It fed off of the surge of pure darkness. Her shouts and pleas quickly darkened, akin more to the sounds of a wild beast than of an elf.

Kill...kill...kill…

The chanting of the void lords began, and with no willpower left to fight them off - Alleria let them in. 

Tear their bodies apart, give them TRUE death. Let your rage flow through you, let the darkness in.

“You cannot save them, Alleria. They will all die, starting with that one.” The human taunted and snapped his fingers. 

The death knight about to strike down the first whelpling looked back at Alleria, his grin spread from ear to ear. Laughter erupted from him when the ranger snarled at him before he looked back down to the whelp.

Then he swung.

NOW! 

Alleria saw red, and in an instant, void magic consumed her body and her mind. Shadows coiled and twisted around her form to the point that she was nothing more than a horrific void monster, vastly stronger than any spell they had to bind her. Quickly snapping her restraints and killing the two death knights who held her.

“What power is this!? Kill it now, NOW!”

Make them pay, make them bleed...MAKE THEM SUFFER!

That mantra repeated in her head, over and over. Even as she tore through the one death knight closest to the whelps, shattering his runeblade with a single blow and throwing his body across the clearing.

Yes, let your wrath flow through! Let it...CONSUME…

Each one stood against her defiantly, and one after another they fell to her wrath. With her bare hands, she ripped through their armor. With the void, she tore them apart from the inside. There was so much blood, so much viscera. 

This is for those you love. Protect them, no matter the cost! 

The void lords chanted and encouraged every violent act. The death knights screamed in terror and pain as she visited upon them the same bloody death they visited upon the Wyrmrest Accord.

Everything was oh, so loud. Noises pounded in her ears like the drums of war, droning on, and on, and on...

Then there was only silence.

Alexstrasza dashed into the sanctum after her royal guard and gasped. The Ruby Sanctum had turned into a warzone, bodies and ash and smoke everywhere. There was so much loss, simply for the greed of the death knights.

“Mother!”

Afrasastrasz rushed over to her, embracing his mother in a full hug. She held him in return and shook, still trying to let go of the anger that had consumed her. It was a welcome relief to see another one of her children were still alive.

“What happened here?”

“The death knights used the attack on the shrine as a diversion, apparently they wanted to get their hands on the younglings. Xerestrasza and several other defenders came straight here as soon as they found out.”

Alexstrasza looked out over the sanctum, watching as both healers and guards spread out in search of survivors. Her voice went quiet as she looked back at her son. 

“Casualties? Did they get…?

Afrasastrasz bowed his head. “The young ones are alive and safe. My men have found them in the clearing ahead. Everyone else who came in after the attack started perished in the fighting, save for Xerestrasza an-.”

The Life-Binder felt relief swim through her veins. Her eggs and the whelps were alright. She turned to rush towards the clearing, but her son’s hand was firm on her arm. Iron was his grip, and serious was his tone.

“Mother, there is...something else you must know.”

Alexstrasza stopped, her heart dropping just from the tone of his voice alone. “What is it?”

“Alleria was here too, she got to the children first...the death knights had them surrounded and-.” He stopped, running a hand down his face before he shook his head.

“What happened to her?”

His voice nearly broke. “She’s still in the clearing ahead, she snapped and after everything - Alleria let the void in, mother, so she could protect our family.”

In a split second, the aspect took off in a full sprint clear across the charred field with two of her royal guards struggling to keep up. The others shouted after her, but it was for naught, nothing would stop her.

She had to get to her children, to Alleria.

Maneuvering through the mess, Alexstrasza took the path directly ahead that led right through the trees. The very same one that she had lead Alleria through on her first trip into the Ruby Sanctum.

The stench of blood hit her as soon as she broke through the treeline. Her mouth fell open in shock, her eyes bared witness to perhaps the most horrifying scene she had ever witnessed in all her years.

Eight bodies lay strewn about the small grove, and not a single one of them was intact. It was like they had been torn apart by some feral beast. Blackened undead blood coated nearly everything in sight, save for a circle right in the middle where her whelps were nestled together.

Then Alexstrasza saw her, knelt in front of where her children sat. Alleria Windrunner, void cloaked and with such a distant gleam to her eye. Like every trace of the woman beneath was gone, leaving behind only an empty shell.

As soon as she stepped closer, her whelps squealed and cried in delight at the arrival of their mother. Alexstrasza brushed past Alleria, taking the moment to cry and cradle them all so close. They were safe and unharmed, that alone was a relief far greater than any other.

“Easy now, my darlings. Mother is here, I promise you...no one will ever harm you again.” She crooned in draconic.

Her guards entered the clearing, and Alexstrasza looked back over her shoulder to find Afrasastrasz with them. The man couldn’t tear his eyes off of Alleria, the guilt there was undeniable and it was a pang of guilt that she felt.

“My son, focus on me. I need you to take the young ones out of here, somewhere clean where my handmaidens can tend to them.”

He nodded and motioned to the two guards flanking him, they crossed the clearing at his command. Their eyes flickered to Alleria, but only for a moment before returning to focus on their queen. Between the two of them, they were able to gather all of the whelps into their arms. Save for one, the one that Afrasastrasz asked to carry. He cradled the young dragon close and smiled sadly.

“Take care of them for me, my son. I will take care of Alleria.” Alexstrasza whispered, brushing her hand down the tiny whelplings back.

“Anything for you, mother, just make sure that the lady is alright.”

Without another word shared or glance cast at Alleria, they took the queen’s children away to safety. Then with them far away from this mess, the Life-Binder drew in a breath and turned towards the woman still knelt in the grass.

Slowly, Alexstrasza moved and knelt in the grass before her. She ignored the blood that would inevitably stain her armor, it could be cleaned and made to shine again. Right now, all of her thoughts were on the ranger.

“You...you did not have to do this, Lady Windrunner. To put your very soul at risk.” 

Alexstrasza brought a hand up to rest on top of Alleria’s hand, her fingertips gliding through the veil of void magic that covered her palm. Where there was once a worry that the void would hurt her if she touched the ranger like this, now there was none.

“Perhaps if I had come here sooner, if I had not gotten so tangled up with those blasted frost wyrms that it stole me away from my family...I could have stopped this from happening.”

Her hand lowered from Alleria's lap then. “But I did not, and for that, I am sorry.”

No response. The ranger's eyes still held that thousand-yard stare, so empty - so lost. Like she had seen what she had done and had retreated somewhere deep within her mind.

 "But Alleria, I need you to hear me right now." 

Alexstrasza brought her hands up instead to gently cradle Alleria's face. She called magic forth to the tips of her fingers, encompassing them with a soft golden light that warmed the pale skin beneath her palms.

“I am here now, do you understand me? What you did for my family and I can never be repaid, but I swear to you...I will not abandon you to the cold, unforgiving dark. Not today, tomorrow - not in a thousand lifetimes.”

A strangled noise fled from the ranger’s lips, almost as if she was trying to speak. But the void had nearly sapped all of her strength, stealing away her power to reply. 

“Shh, that’s it. Come back to me now, the void can do nothing more to harm you. I will shield you, and we will end their hold over you. But first, you must come back to the world, Alleria.”

The Life-Binder nuzzled her head against Alleria’s gently, crooning as she moved her hands to run down the length of the elf's spine. “Come back to me, my heart.”

They sat like that for some time. Alexstrasza’s hands continued to glow, their warmth and their power sent shudders through the ranger. Her light cast away the shadows and the void plaguing Alleria, whilst her voice whispered every gentle encouragement and loving praise.

Come back now. 

Suddenly, Alleria jerked to life and in the same instant, the void energy disappeared from her skin. A gasp of pain fled her parted lips, her hands shot down to grab at her stomach. Which Alexstrasza realized now was bleeding profusely.

“Shh, I have you, hold still.” 

Blood seeped through a hole in the ranger’s armor, slowly spilling between her fingers. It appeared to be a lucky hit from a runeblade obtained during the brawl, and it did not look pleasant. Alleria let out a strangled cry, trembling as she struggled to both put pressure on the wound and cling to Alexstrasza.

One of the aspect’s hands came down to help pressed against the wound in her abdomen, her magic and warmth easing the pain. Alexstrasza managed a small smile, nuzzling into the messed locks of golden hair. 

“I-i’m so...s-sorry.” Alleria finally managed to choke out.

“Shh, you are okay now, my brave ranger. The battle is won, and you have given so much to save my children. You just rest now, I will not leave you.”

“P-promise?”

Alexstrasza smiled. “I told you, I would not abandon you to the dark.

Not in a thousand lifetimes.

Chapter Text

Give in, Alleria. You have been fighting for so long, let us ease your burden...your pain…

The Void still crooned with its wicked promises, even as everything turned into one blur of a memory. Alleria felt nothing, it was like her mind, body, and soul were empty. It was a sensation that settled deep within her bones and stole away the hope of every feeling anything ever again.

You did so beautifully...their bodies broke easily with our powers, her children are safe…

Alleria no longer had the control, no, she could only watch as the Void Lords set out to do what they had promised. They gave her the power to protect, and with it, she had butchered each Death Knight who had dared to come near the whelps of the Ruby Sanctum.

Such power, it had felt like a surge of raw, unending anger. Wrath had consumed her entirely, desperation made her an easy target for the whispered promises of greatness. In her hour of need, the Void had seduced her with a gift that she could not bear to turn away.

We gave you the strength to protect those you love...so why now do you continue to fight us?

She wanted to scream, to shout. It had been a ruse, a trick to claim what they so enjoyed to call their own. All she could remember was being covered in death. How it seeped deep between the layers of her skin, stained her very soul, and left an unholy chill to rise in her veins.

Alleria screamed and kicked viciously at the darkness that held her away from reality, that left her body as nothing but an empty shell. A prime target for the Void Lords.

Then came a blinding light, the warmth that stole away the hollow sensation of shadow. A warmth brought on by the Dragon Queen’s touch. Her very presence set the darkness to flee, her healing magics called the ranger back to present time, a present memory.

For all the cliches, Alexstrasza’s touch, and her gentle whispers truly had brought Alleria back from the very brink. There was no harshness to her words, only praise and worry. There was no judgment in her actions, only remorse. 

Seeing the aspect’s face made Alleria ecstatic, her heart warm within her chest. But her exhaustion and an apparent wound on her abdomen stole away the serenity and joy. Blood seeped between Alleria’s fingers and threatened to drag her to a very different end. A much more permanent one.

She spoke, but she did not hear her own words. Only Alexstrasza’s, moments before she collapsed into her arms.

“I told you, I would not abandon you to the dark.”

As Alleria would soon learn, Alexstrasza did not break that vow. Not even for a second.

The world came back into view, darkness fading into a soothing light. What was once a bitter, gnawing cold slowly became warmth. She could smell the most beautiful flowers and the sweetness in the air of the most delicious berries, soothing her.

Warmth encompassed her whole body, washing over her skin and seeping into her very bones. She shuddered as she felt something trailing down the length of her arm, and she turned her head to catch a glimpse. Even though her vision came in and out of focus - Alleria could make out the distinct shape of another person next to her. 

“Wh-where…” She choked out, leaning forward with a hand braced against her head. The sound of water splashing around her alerted her to the fact that she was in a bathtub.

A hand reached out to her, pressing back against her shoulder to ease her back against a solid surface. It was smooth, warmer still against her spine. Alleria couldn’t stop the groan that fled from between her lips, at least until it was with a startling moment of realization that the ranger figured out she was completely naked.

She scrambled to shield herself, and a voice so gentle, soft like the first rains of spring crooned to her, “Shh, don’t panic. You are alright, Alleria, you are safe here in Wyrmrest, I promise.”

One blink, two, and Alleria finally found her sight clearing. Golden color filled her vision, and she knew in her heart who was by her side. She felt only relief. The aspect was gently rubbing arms with a washcloth, clearing away the grime from the battle. 

“Al-alexstrasza…” She whispered breathlessly.

The Aspect smiled warmly, abandoning the cloth to reach for the ranger’s hand, “Indeed. I apologize for leaving you exposed like this, but we needed to get you into this bath. Which would not have been as pleasant in leather and chainmail.”

Alleria managed a small laugh, only to growl in pain. Alexstrasza frowned and squeezed her hand a little tighter, “Sorry, sorry, I shall try not to be so entertaining. I was able to heal your more serious wounds with ease. But you still need to recover from receiving them.”

The ranger nodded, sinking into the bathwater, “Thank you...for s-saving me.”

“You do not need to thank me for anything. You fought bravely. Though with the severity of your wounds, I figured you would have been out for a few days, it is a welcome surprise to see you awake so soon.”

Alleria looked around the bathroom as Alexstrasza took handfuls of water and let them wash down over the ranger’s arm. She looked to the aspect, and frowned, “How...how long have I been out?”

“Several hours now. We brought you up here, spent most of that time tending to your wounds first. We put you in the bath only a few minutes ago.”

Alexstrasza reached out a hand and gently brushed the hair from Alleria's face. Her fingers lingered on the ranger's cheek as she meant to pull away, stroking against the blue tattoo crossed over her eye.

“Wh-what about...the others? Xerestrasza…?”

The Aspect shook her head, “Do not worry for them, alright? I have tended to my eldest, and the youngest. Xerestrasza is okay, my whelplings are alive and so, so grateful for you. We all are, this battle could have been so much worse if not for your arrival.”

“But...you should be with your family, Alexstrasza. They need their queen, their mother. Let your healers deal with me.”

There was that smile, that bright damnable smile that set her heart aflutter. With it came such soft words, healing words that had her heart thundering in her chest, “You are family, my children have been taken care of now let me take care of you.” 

Alleria couldn't help herself then, especially with the aspect’s thumb brushing so tenderly against her cheek. It felt too nice, too soothing. She pressed her face into the warmth of her palm, letting out a heavy sigh as she nuzzled into the softness of the dragon queen's hand.

"The battle took much from you…I can see the exhaustion still so clearly. There is still a lot of damage that my magic has yet to mend."

"You are here now by my side, and it makes any injury worth it." Alleria purred, flashing a tired grin towards the aspect.

Something about her words changed something in the Life-Binder’s expression. When she spoke, her voice trembled with an emotion that the ranger couldn’t quite discern, but it was no less startling to hear.

“I c- we could have lost you today, Alleria. Do you understand that…?"

“I am okay though, Alexs-.” Alleria began, reaching up to hold the aspect’s wrist tenderly in her hands.

“But you almost weren’t okay. You fought this battle knowing that you had been stabbed. Alleria, you…” The aspect paused and drew back her hand, sucking in a deep breath before she continued, “You threw yourself in harm’s way for my family, my precious children…”

It was Alleria’s turn to comfort Alexstrasza. She lifted one hand out of the water, tracing her fingers down across the Life-Binder’s jaw, “I would have done it a thousand times over. Nothing was worth more to me than saving your children, and helping to defend your home.”

“I am supposed to be the one comforting you. After all that you went through for us.” She crooned, drawing in a deep breath to calm herself.

The ranger hummed thoughtfully, “You give so much to everyone all the time, your majesty. It is about time you are comforted in return.”

Alexstrasza opened her mouth as if she wanted to speak, but she closed it just as quickly. She pressed her face into Alleria’s palm, gracing her skin with the softest kiss.

“We...we should get you out of there, lest the water get cold and you surely freeze in this climate.” The Life-Binder whispered into her palm.

Alleria found herself grinning, “Now I doubt I’d freeze, I have you to keep me warm, don’t I?”

That had color as red as the aspect’s hair creeping up onto her cheeks, it was such a lovely shade on her too. Alleria couldn’t help but laugh a little at the embarrassment on her face.

Alexstrasza was the first to stand, clearing her throat as she moved across the room to fetch something. She peered back towards Alleria, “Do you think you will be able to stand on your own?”

“I think so, just let me…”

Carefully, Alleria eased herself up out of the water and braced herself against the edge of the tub. Her legs were shaky but still held strong despite her exhaustion and she fought back against the pain in her side. She was about to double over when Alexstrasza swooped in to support her. First, a towel to dry most of her skin and then she concerned herself with wrapping the robe tightly around Alleria's form and holding her upright.

“It would be best not to aggravate that injury further, just lean on me for support. You are going to stay here in my chambers with me.” She crooned, peering down at the ranger.

Alleria had not the strength to argue, just allowing Alexstrasza to guide her away from the tub and back into the vastness of her private quarters. Never before had a bed looked as warm and as inviting as the aspect's did in this very moment.

“There we go, nice and easy.” 

She was eased down onto the bed with such care. Never before had anyone ever treated her with as much tenderness and care as Alexstrasza had. Like she was so scared of hurting the ranger with a mere touch.

The aspect, once happy with how Alleria was settled on the bed, moved to pull away. Alleria felt her touch fading, felt her pulling away and without thinking her hand shot out and grabbed Alexstrasza’s arm.

“Alleria? Are you alright?”

“I…” Alleria released the Life-Binder’s arm and looked down at her lap, “Please, could you stay?”

Alexstrasza smiled warmly and settled back down onto the bed next to where Alleria sat, carefully she placed a hand upon her arm, “For you, I would do anything. All you have to do is ask it of me, Alleria.”

That was all it took, Alleria couldn’t take any more of this agony. Everything had been building itself into a tighter knot deep within her chest. All of the honeyed words, and those soft reverent touches. Her heart ached, yearning for the remarkable woman who was right here in front of her.

They had kissed. That day in the Ruby Sanctum had not parted from her thoughts for weeks, it was all she could think about. To feel once again how it felt to kiss the great aspect.

But what if that had been a fluke? Just heat of the moment sort of thing. That was what Alleria was most worried about.

She was Alleria Windrunner. She was the kind of hero that they told stories and sang great songs about. Yet right now, she felt as if she had become a shy youth once again, the sort of one who held hopeless crushes for those who would never dare to love her. She was just as scared then as she was in this moment of making a complete fool of herself.

Yet Alexstrasza was unlike anyone else that Alleria had ever encountered, so there was a very good reason to be nervous. She was a gentle soul with patience and love that knew no bounds, a being who truly only wished to see life go on and thrive. To see the people of Azeroth healed regardless of who they served. 

…And she was the only one who looked at her and saw something more than a fallen hero, or corruption to be purged. Even now as Alexstrasza just seemed to watch her, she was looking at Alleria like she was, well, just simply Alleria.

That alone made her want to try, to open her heart that she herself had walled off for more than a thousand years. To trust in the Life-Binder with the pain of the past. Argus had left its marks on her soul, Turalyon had left his own on her heart. But both were in the past, and Alleria owed it to herself to try.

“Alexstrasza, I...I have something I want to talk to you about. Well, confess really.”

The Life-Binder just nodded, and all of her attention was immediately focused onto Alleria, “You can tell me anything, and you can trust me with anything.”

Alleria nodded and tried to find ways to start. How to word everything she felt to the Life-Binder, but nothing seemed right or perfect to say at this moment. She could tear her hair out in frustration at it all. When did speaking one's heart become such a challenge? 

Or maybe that was just her. Her own mind, her thoughts, fears, and doubts which made it a challenge to let her heart have this.

"You must forgive me...it...will be a challenge to put my words into place. What I want, what I need to share with you - is difficult for me," Alleria began, toying idly with her own hands on her lap.

Alexstrasza smiled, "You have my complete patience, Alleria. Take your time."

She drew in a sharp breath, then a second. Until she worked out how to truly begin, "My heart has been broken. So many times, in so many ways...it is a wonder I have one left if I'm being honest. For the last thousand years or more of my life, all I have known is torment and darkness and war. But-."

Her hand reached for Alexstrasza's, feeling the Aspect's hand immediately squeeze down around hers. Her resolve only strengthened, and it seemed that in that moment - Alleria finally worked up the courage to say that which she had been wanting to say for so very long.

"Coming here to Wyrmrest was one of the best choices I have ever made. Not for anyone else, but for myself. For my heart, and my soul. You have spent months, upon months picking up my shattered pieces and allowing me to heal in a way that I have not had the chance to. From the moment I met you, I could never have guessed how much I'd come to respect you. To..."

Alleria lifted her head, having the courage to look the Life-Binder in the eyes as she murmured resolutely, "Love you. I...have found myself inexorably drawn to you, Alexstrasza. My heart has not felt this way about another for many, many years. Yet I fear as though I have gotten myself attached without meaning to."

Alexstrasza's eyes widened for a moment, “Oh? Is that so?”

Alleria sucked in a breath when a hand came to rest upon the robe covering her side and Alexstrasza shifted on the bed next to her, the warmth radiating out from the aspect’s body seeped into her very soul It felt as if she could never again feel cold, and it was a comfort that made speaking so much easier.

“You simply wished to show me the path to recovery, and it was my heart which deemed it more.”

Despite the warmth and comfort currently enveloping her, she couldn’t help but tense up. This was a mistake, she would never be accepted. Opening herself to be hurt would lead nowhere good, a lesson she should have learned with Turalyon. At least that was what her doubts were telling her.

Alexstrasza hummed thoughtfully, hand never once falling from Alleria's side. What was the dragon even thinking at this moment? Alleria could never tell, but she quickly looked away. Filled with the foolish fear that somehow if she looked her in the eye, it would push the aspect away.

“And...what would you say if I were to tell you it was not just simply your heart?”

What?

Alleria forced herself to look up then to meet the gaze of the Dragon Queen. Who peered down at her with an intensity burning bright in her eyes, a sea of sunlight and emotions that Alleria could not discern. But it still had the ranger’s heart beating so frantically that she was sure that Alexstrasza could hear it.

“Then…?”

Alexstrasza smiled so wide then, “My heart feels as yours does, yes.”

In her chest, Alleria felt her heart swell and all fear fled her body. She couldn't resist the Life-Binder's infectious smile, her own lips curled up as she tilted Alexstrasza's head down.

She had so much to speak, but right now, with her eyes focused on the queen. All she could think about was kissing her, eyes drawn to her lips almost immediately.

“If I have your permission, Alleria. I would... very much like to kiss you right now,” The Life-Binder crooned, letting out a shuddering breath.

“Gods, yes.”

Leaning down, Alexstrasza nearly kissed the ranger but instead she lingered, hesitated. Hovering just a hair's breadth apart, so close that if Alleria shifted just right, she could feel those lips grazing against her own.

The closeness, the lingering touch on her hip and her jaw. Alleria could scarcely think, let alone breathe when she was this near to the Life-Binder.

"Are you...certain?" Came the unsure question fleeing past Alexstrasza's lips.

It was all she could think about, kissing Alexstrasza. To feel those lips on her own. It was the only thought in her head, the only desire in her heart.

So Alleria nodded, "I have never been more certain of anything. Not in all my years, just...kiss me."

Alexstrasza closed the distance, treating her lips with the sweetest kiss. With such tenderness that Alleria's heart ached within her chest. It lasted for one moment, two. Then before she could process it, the aspect was retreating and that was the last thing Alleria wanted.

“Don’t.” 

That made Alexstrasza pause, and the ranger eagerly tugged her back in. Her voice dropping to a mere whisper against the queen’s lips, pleading, “Please, don’t go.”

Alexsteasza smiled against her lips, “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The Life-Binder kissed her again, so softly at first, and then with a swift increase of intensity that made Alleria cling to her as the only anchor in a dizzying world. But she wasn’t close enough, gods, all she wanted was to be closer.

Alleria, without fear, rose up onto her knees and clambered into Alexstrasza’s lap. Ignoring the burning ache that split through her side at her sudden movement. Against her lips, a deep purr rolled up from within the queen’s chest and her hands shifted down to grasp at the ranger’s hips.

Alexstrasza’s mouth parted Alleria’s trembling lips, sending wild tremors to burn through her veins and set shivers to run down the length of her spine with such a spark that she arched forward into the aspect. 

It was beautiful, breath-taking. Before Alleria knew it, she was kissing back with an intensity to rival Alexstrasza’s. Her hands tangled back into the fiery crimson locks of the dragon queen’s hair, holding her close.

This time, they would not be interrupted, except by their own need to draw breath. 

It was Alleria who was forced to part first, sucking in a shuddering breath as Alexstrasza ducked her head down just enough to grace kisses against her jaw. That deep purr was audible now while the aspect lowered her head to nuzzle into the slender curve of the ranger’s throat.

“You have...no idea how happy you have made me…” Alexstrasza murmured into her skin, her hands keeping perfectly still on the ranger’s waist.

Alleria, breathless, laughed when the dragon queen retreated from her neck just to stare at her, “I think that is supposed to be my line, after all these years...all that pain.”

Alexstrasza pressed her lips to the ranger’s forehead, whispering against her skin, “You have won my heart, Alleria Windrunner. All that pain? I promise that you will never have to feel it again, nor will you want for anything in this life."

Her kisses trailed downwards, tracing over the blue ink tattooed into Alleria’s cheek. With each tender kiss came another hushed, loving praise. 

“I have lived for a thousand lifetimes, and yet I have never loved like this before. So once more, I know regret…”

That made Alleria frown, worried that she had somehow upset the Life-Binder, “R-regret?”

Alexstrasza smiled despite that frown, holding Alleria’s gaze as she spoke, “Regret...that I did not find you sooner, my heart.”

This had to be a dream. Alleria could scarcely believe that this had happened, that Alexstrasza was holding her just like this. She was happy, truly happy for the first time in many years.

“I wish I had found you sooner too but please...gods, do not let this be a cruel dream,” The ranger drawled, shuddering as Alexstrasza’s hands slid up her back. 

“No, I can promise you that this is very real.” The aspect purred, stealing away another kiss.

Alleria just wanted to keep kissing those perfect lips. To be surrounded with the love and intimacy that she had been without for so long, now she ached for the queen’s arms to always be wrapped so tightly around her.

Her heart was alive, singing with joy, unlike anything that she had felt before. It was all so much for her, almost too much. It brought tears to her eyes, welling up there before she buried them into Alexstrasza’s neck, shaking in her arms.

“Shh, I’ve got you. It is alright, I promise you that this is no dream. My words are real, and my heart is true.” 

The ranger had so much she wanted to say and to share because for the first time she felt like she could open up the parts of herself that had been buried away for so long. With Alexstrasza, she could simply be Alleria.

But the pain from her recovering injuries became too hard to ignore, and the exhaustion creeping into her bones was draining her strength. No matter how deep she desired to bask in this new, exhilarating love - she needed to rest and recover.

Alexstrasza sensed it and gently eased Alleria off of her lap, hand pressed to where her stab wound had once marred her skin as she laid her down onto the bed. Healing magic flowed from between her fingertips and stole away the pain.

“Will...you stay?” Alleria asked as the aspect pulled away to cover her in the blankets.

A smile spread across Alexstrasza’s face and she nodded, “I wouldn’t dare think of going anywhere else, I will be right here when you wake.”

“No, I mean...will you come to bed? I just-”

She shut her mouth when she noticed Alexstrasza climbing into the bed on the other side. So carefully she slipped in under the blankets but still kept a distance between herself and Alleria.

“Am I allowed to come closer?” Alexstrasza asked.

Alleria grinned, shaking her head, “You just had me naked on your lap, kissing me and you still worry if you can touch me?”

For the second time since she had woken up, the Life-Binder went bright red. But she was laughing, and gods, it was the most beautiful sound that Alleria had ever had the pleasure of listening to. 

“It is good to see that your injuries have not dulled your sense of humor, but I do not wish to cross boundaries regardless…”

“Then get over here, and hold me, you silly dragon.”

Alexstrasza wasted no time in sliding closer, her body pressing firmly into Alleria’s side. Her strong arms curled themselves around her form, mindful of the areas once covered in wounds and those still bruised.

The warmth was a blessing, Alexstrasza’s touch even more so. Alleria sank into her, letting a yawn roll up from her throat before she could muffle it against the dragon’s shoulder.

“Sleep, my heart. When you wake to this world once more, I will be right here waiting.”

Exhaustion was hugging the edges of her visions, and so suddenly. But Alleria wanted to whisper those three little words that had been dying to flee from her lips. Words that now, were reserved for the queen of dragons.

“I love you, Alexstrasza.”

The Life-Binder hummed, nuzzling close enough to whisper to the elf, “And I love you, Alleria.”

Then for perhaps the first time in her lifetime, Alleria drifted off to sleep peacefully. No worries for the coming war weighed on her heart, no nightmares lurked in the dark that she was not prepared for. Nothing would come crawling from the shadows to plague her.

Not with dragon fire to light her way.

Chapter Text

Alleria awoke to warmth at her side, and a welcome weight pressed down on top of her. Above her the crimson silk sheets that decorated the wall over the bed welcomed her tired eyes back to the conscious realm, reminding her where she lay.

It wasn't until she felt a slow, gentle rumble echoing against her ear and felt the warmth of breath on her skin that it was confirmed.

Alexstrasza.

She blinked the sleep from her eyes to find Alexstrasza half on top of her, arms cradling her body. Alleria felt as her heart skipped several beats when she realized that the dragon queen was asleep, her face nuzzled into her hair. Purring like a content cat whilst she slept.

Gods help me, she is stunning.

Alleria wanted to touch her, craved to run her hands across those firm powerful muscles. Yet it only took her a moment to realize that she could now, they had crossed that bridge.

So without fear, she did. Her hands came up to rest upon Alexstrasza's shoulders. She felt the abundance of muscles beneath her palms, felt them tense and coil with the queen's breathing. It was such a soothing pattern.

Alleria pressed her face against the side of the Life-Binder's and hummed, inhaling the distinct scent of brimstone and life itself upon her skin. She smiled when Alexstrasza pressed closer in her sleep, the jewels dangling from her horns clinking together like gentle chimes in a soft summer breeze.

The ranger couldn't help but squeeze her eyes shut, silently wishing that sleep would reclaim her just like this. To drift off once again, safe and secured in the dragon's embrace.

But Alexstrasza began to move, slowly, one limb at a time. It would not be long before she woke. Alleria grumbled and tightened her hold, hoping it would still the rousing Aspect and lull them both back to sleep.

"Mmm...Alleria," A soft, sleepy voice drawled out against her ear. 

Hands came up to brush along her biceps, the warmth of the dragon queen’s touch seeped into her skin. It was a shock to her system to be touched, but it quickly enveloped her in an overwhelming sense of comfort. Alleria never wanted to leave her bed. 

“Good morning, my queen.” Alleria murmured, nuzzling into the soft expanse of the Aspect’s shoulder.

Alexstrasza let out of the most contented sound that Alleria had ever heard in all her years. She could feel the smile pressed into the curve of her neck until the Life-Binder lifted her head from where she had laid it upon Alleria’s shoulder, her smile was glowing.

“My, my, now this is a sight that I can get used to, Lady Windrunner.” 

Alleria smiled up at the dragon, running her hand down along the arm that Alexstrasza had braced against the bed, “Not often is it that you have a woman in your bed, my Queen?”

“No actually, nor one quite as beautiful as you are,” Alexstrasza crooned, leaning down to steal a soft kiss from the ranger.

Alleria threaded her fingers up through the Aspect’s hair, tightening into a gentle fist around locks of silken crimson. Her lips moved so tenderly with Alexstrasza’s own, she really would never tire of kissing the Life-Binder. 

Whatever she was doing, Alexstrasza enjoyed thoroughly. A deep purr rumbled up from her chest and melded into their kiss. Her hands finally found the soft skin of Alleria’s hip. As it dragged higher and higher, Alleria pulled away, shaking and shuddering hard. 

Time had not been kind to her. Time spent at war even less so. Oh, how cruel for it to be to make such an intimate and gentle touch too overwhelming to stand. Alleria felt tears burning behind her eyes and quickly reached out for Alexstrasza’s hand.

The Aspect looked at her with eyes wide with worry, her voice was gentle as she spoke, “Are you alright? I am not overstepping, am I?"

Alleria smiled, choking back the intensity and the tears welling up in her eyes, “It has just…been a very long time since anyone has touched me quite as gently as you do. It- it is overwhelming.”

“You...are unused to such touches then?” Alexstrasza asked, reaching up to tenderly brush loose strands of hair from Alleria’s eyes.

A nod was all the ranger could manage. The Life-Binder bowed her head, and retreated just a bit to give Alleria space, “I apologize, I did not mean to overstep-.”

Alleria followed after her, hands reaching out to cup her cheeks, "You have nothing to be sorry for, my queen. Your touch...it feels so nice, just-.”

The words caught in Alleria’s throat, rosy color flooded her cheeks and she quickly ducked her head back into the Queen’s neck. Ashamed of voicing her wants, and needs. 

“Just...what, my heart? Anything you ask of me, I shall give.” The Life-Binder crooned. 

“-don’t stop touching me, please. Be slow.”

Alexstrasza, carefully, slid a hand back up along the ranger’s side. Fingers curled and stroked at the soft plush fabric of the robe she wore. Her fingers took their time as they traveled up, eventually coming up to capture locks of sunlight colored hair. Allowing her hands to just brush through it so easily.

Alleria shook and shuddered with each soft touch, her heart melted at the reverence burning through Alexstrasza's eyes. Never had she felt so loved, so cared for. 

"Have I told you how beautiful you are?" Alexstrasza purred, curling a strand of Alleria’s hair around her finger.

A blush formed on the ranger's cheeks, "Y-you may have mentioned it."

The Aspect beamed, "Well allow me to mention it once more."

Gently, she pressed her lips to the crown of Alleria’s skull. With each kiss pressed down her face, Alexstrasza purred praises against her skin. 

"You are so strong, and...beautiful beyond words, my-.”

There was a sharp rapt against the stone at the archway into Alexstrasza’s chambers suddenly, cutting her off. The Aspect lifted her head and peered through the silk crimson curtains towards the entrance. Alleria fought back the urge to curse at the intrusion.

“Mother?” The familiar voice of Lord Afrasastrasz echoed out.

She quickly shuffled off of Alleria’s body to sit on the edge of the bed, “Come in, my son. What news do you bring?”

“Kalecgos is here, along with the other ambassadors. They await your presence in the council chambers as we speak,” He replied as he stepped through the silk drapes.

Alleria stifled a laugh into her hand at the evident contempt that slipped into Lord Afrasastrasz’s voice. Alexstrasza still smiled and looked back to the ranger before replying, “I shall be along to speak with them in a few minutes, but thank you for informing me.”

He nodded and made to leave when his eyes landed upon Alleria - awake and alive. Afrasastrasz bowed his head and crossed an arm over his chest in respect. 

“It is both a relief and joy to see you wide awake, Lady Alleria. I know I speak for not only myself but also for my brothers and sisters when I say just how grateful we are for your aid in that battle.”

Alleria pushed herself up from the bed, shifting to sit next to Alexstrasza. She wrapped the robe tighter around herself and managed a smile, “Nonsense, Afrasastrasz. The red Dragonflight needs not to thank me for anything. I would have never allowed your family to be slaughtered, no matter the personal cost.”

He smiled right back, standing to his full height, “Still, our losses would have been far greater if it was not for your aid.”

Afrasastrasz looked to the Life-Binder expectantly, “Will Lady Alleria be joining us for the council meeting?”

The Aspect placed a hand upon the ranger’s arm, pausing for a moment before she spoke, “Only if the lady feels as if she has the strength for such a meeting.”

Two sets of eyes landed on her then. Alleria looked down at her legs and took a breath. Slowly, while using Alexstrasza’s arm for support, she rose to stand on her own two feet. There was no pain as she moved, which was surprising, but it was not unwelcome.

Suddenly, she stumbled and Alexstrasza was quick to catch her. One strong arm capturing her waist even before the Aspect rose to stand at her side.

“You healed remarkably quick. Faster than I have seen any mortal who suffered the same wounds, my magic did much to speed that along…” Alexstrasza began.

Like the lash of a whip, the voices struck Alleria’s mind with such venom. As if trying to speak to the Queen herself, “We simply did more. We could not have our favorite little hero out of commission, now could we?”

Alleria hissed, bracing her weight against Alexstrasza as the all too familiar ache split through her skull. As it always did now, yet the pain persisted for a split second before life magics rushed through her and chased away the shadow.

The Life-Binder looked to her child, nodded towards the door, “Give us a moment, my son. Tell the others that Lady Windrunner and I shall be there shortly.”

With a flourish, he took his leave from the Queen’s chambers. The Life-Binder waited until he was out of sight to focus back on Alleria, one hand coming up to cradle the curve of her jaw.

“Shh, I have you. Do not listen to their incessant prattling.”

Alleria pressed her face into Alexstrasza’s palm, and let her eyes drift shut. Simply to soak in the warmth that radiated from the Dragon Queen in waves. 

“If you do not wish to leave this bed, I can talk with my people alone. You should be resting,” Alexstrasza crooned, brushing her thumb back and forth across Alleria’s cheek.

The ranger hummed, before opening her eyes to peer back at the Aspect, “I have the strength to stand. Besides, I would much rather be by your side...my heart.”

Alexstrasza smiled wider at the tender pet name, “oh, it is ‘my heart’ now, is it?”

Alleria traced a finger across her jaw, and murmured, “I can choose another one if you would rather, my lady, or none at all.” 

“No, I quite like it. Say it again, won’t you?” 

She laughed at that, pressing her face closer to Alexstrasza’s, “My heart.”

Against the corner of her lips, Alleria felt that familiar yet strange vibration as the Life-Binder began to purr. Affectionately tracing a path of kisses down her face, each one graced across her cheeks and jaw left her breathless.

They stayed like that for a time until Alexstrasza pulled away from Alleria, her golden eyes sparkled with an emotion that the ranger couldn’t quite read. Yet when she spoke, her voice was a soft gentle murmur.

“I have...a surprise gift for you. Something that I have planned for some time, I will share it with you and then we shall depart for the council chambers.”

Alleria tilted her head, “A surprise for me? You did not have to do that.”

Alexstrasza shifted back off of the bed, taking Alleria’s hand with a smile, “No, but I wanted to, and I want you to know that this gift is no trick or deception.”

That made Alleria raise an eyebrow, but she still allowed herself to be pulled along behind the Aspect. They crossed the room to where a large chest sat tucked away in the corner, two heavy iron locks held the lid shut.

Yet instead of producing a key, Alleria watched as Alexstrasza simply waved her hand over them with a flash of magic. Both locks flipped open and fell to the stone floor with a clatter.

The Life-Binder stepped back, nodding to the chest, “Open it.”

Cautious, but trusting the Aspect, Alleria let go of her hand and moved to kneel before the chest. She reached out and slid her hands over the solid decorated oak. Her fingers admired and traced the detailed work before slipping under the edge of the lid.

“Do I get a hint?” She asked, her hands going still on the chest as she looked back at Alexstrasza.

The Aspect just laughed, “Well...I will let you know that whether you choose to accept it, or not - nothing changes. But come now, just open it.”

So Alleria did.

Old iron hinges creaked as effortlessly, she pushed open the lid and let it fall back against the wall. Her eyes dragged over what rested within before a soft gasp fell from her lips a second later.

Inside was a set of brilliant crimson armor, trimmed with shining gold. Some of the pieces were hardened steel plates, and the rest of the armor was leather and chainmail. It looked just as her old set of armor had, but the usual green tones were traded for that signature Red Dragonflight color.

“A-alexstrasza…,” Alleria began, unsure of what to even say.

The Life-Binder placed a hand gently upon her shoulder and spoke, “I had my blacksmiths replicate your usual attire as best as they could while it was sent down for repairs, but this set, however - comes with an offer.”

Alleria looked back at the Aspect, “Offer?”

Alexstrasza knelt next to her, still a whole head taller. Her eyes wandered to the single pauldron, and her fingers reached out to trace over the lines of gold, “You can stay here, and become a part of the Wyrmrest Accord - officially.”

In her chest, Alleria felt her heart catch. She felt it resound so powerful in her throat as those words left Alexstrasza’s mouth. All she could do was stare down into the chest at the beautiful armor, words trapped on her tongue.

Yet her continued silence was enough to make the Aspect worried. Her hand found the ranger’s face, forcing their eyes to meet, “I do not extend this offer to make you a soldier, for that could not be farther from the truth.”

“Like - marriage then? I would…?” Alleria asked.

Alexstrasza’s laugh in response was simply divine, musical even, “No, you silly elf. That is for a later time. What I offer is simply an invitation to be a part of my family, and to extend my home to you for as long as you should want it.”

She paused, brushing away the stray tear that welled in the corner of Alleria’s eye, “I know how long you have been without a true home after so much has been taken from you. But never again shall you feel lost in this world, this I vow.”

Home.

The very thing that she had been without for so long, something that time had ripped away from her. Ever since Alleria had stepped foot back on Azeroth, it was something she found shattered - both in Quel’thalas and in Stormwind. Time, the world, and the people who loved her had moved on without her.

Yet here was Alexstrasza. Kind, selfless Alexstrasza who did not hesitate to open her home to Alleria. Offering up this temple to be the place where she could simply exist without fear of judgment, or shame.

This was a step on the road to recovery and Alexstrasza was freely giving it to her - without strings or terms. 

She was giving her a home, a place to belong.

Alleria could barely manage to speak, but she looked to Alexstrasza with wide eyes. She couldn’t believe it, but there was no denying the sound of the Queen’s voice or her words.

“Is that a yes then, my love?”

“Y-yes, god, I’m s-sorry...I- ”

Everything came rushing out of her at once. Alleria clasped a hand over her mouth, just barely in time to hold back the sob that fled her lips as the surge of emotions overwhelmed her. Tears hit the back of her eyes and burned. But she did not bother holding them back.

It was sadness, and joy, all rolled up into one. Alleria just allowed herself a moment to cry, to release the years and years of built-up and repressed emotions. This though was a beautiful thing.

The ranger fell forward in Alexstrasza’s arms, and let all of her pain and her joy flow out in steady sobs. Strong arms cradled her so gently. That deep, soothing lilt to the Queen’s voice hushed a stream of loving words to the ranger. Her smile curled up onto her lips.

When her sobbing became louder, Alexstrasza pressed her face against the side of Alleria's. She nuzzled so gently against her, “Shh, I have you now, Alleria. Let all the poison out or else it shall fester.”

Alexstrasza stayed right there, despite the prospect of a waiting council. They could spare to wait even longer, this outpouring of emotions from Alleria was far more important - vital even. No, the Aspect just held Alleria with all the strength of her promises. 

Never to forsake her, never to abandon, and that with her - Alleria would always be safe.

It took a few more minutes, and even more soothing words uttered by the Life-Binder to finally get Alleria calmed and breathing softly. The ranger pulled back, wiping the tears from her own eyes.

“W-what you have g-given me, Alexstrasza...my gratitude c-can not be put into enough words, but thank you.”

“Nonsense, you need not thank me for this. You are a part of this family now, and this temple is your home. Every heart needs one, and ours would be blessed for having you in it,” Alexstrasza purred, slowly releasing her hold on Alleria.

With a deep breath, Alleria peered back down at the chest. A slight smile curled up on her lips at the thought, “I suppose wearing the armor is mandatory?”

Alexstrasza shook her head, “It is a symbol of the offer. But I do know how you prefer your lovely green armor, so no, it is not required of you t-.”

She never got the chance to finish before Alleria spoke again, “No. I want to wear it. Here in the temple, and wherever I should go from this day on.”

The Aspect’s eyes were wide, almost as if she had not expected such a reply. Yet she bowed her head and waved a hand towards the armor.

“How about you try it on? It should be an exact fit, but I can have the blacksmiths make the correct adjustments as need be.”

The ranger nodded, reaching for the tie of the robe wrapped around her body, “I can do that, could you just-."

Alexstrasza knew right away what Alleria meant to say when she saw her hand shift to remove her robe. She stepped back quickly and gave the ranger space and privacy to change into some real clothing.

Gently, Alleria reached down into the chest and scooped up a clawed gauntlet. Inlaid in the protective red steel was the crest of the Wyrmrest Accord, displayed proudly. It filled her with such a beautiful sense of relief to stare upon that symbol and know that beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was finally home.

Without any hesitation, Alleria pressed a kiss to that crest before she rose to her feet. She began to take each piece of armor out of the chest, sitting it onto the Queen’s wardrobe to her right.

First, she rid herself of the plush robe, almost immediately missing it’s warmth when the bitter Northrend air came sweeping into the room. Ghosting across her skin.

Piece by piece, she dressed in the fine leathers, chainmail and heavier pieces of armor. Revealing in just how alike to her previous set it was, nothing felt out of place or uncomfortable. It was just a little more red than she was used to.

Alleria came to an all too familiar cloak, one that had been buried beneath all of the other pieces of armor. Fur curled around its neckline, and an aura of physical warmth could be felt as she curled her hands around it.

It was Alexstrasza’s. The very same cloak that the Life-Binder had given to her when she first arrived several months ago but altered just a bit for Alleria’s use. A bright red hood now hanging above the thick mane of fur.

“Alexstrasza?” She asked, turning around to face the Aspect.

Alexstrasza looked back at her, “Yes?”

“Are you...giving this to me?” Alleria held up the cloak.

The Life-Binder smiled and approached, taking the cloak in her hands, “Of course I am, naturally I had some alterations made for you. But you will make far more use out of its magical warming properties. I very well can’t have you freezing to death.”

“No, I suppose not. Could you...help me?”

Alleria stood completely still as Alexstrasza circled behind her. Strong hands draped the cloak across her shoulders, locking it into place on her breastplate with two circular clips. Both of which were adorned with dragons.

“There we go, much better now. Like a true ranger now,” The Life-Binder hummed, brushing down the cloak before stepping back around in front of her.

Standing there under the Queen’s gaze made Alleria shift nervously in the new armor. But there was no disapproval in her eyes. 

“Stunning as always,” Alexstrasza crooned.

Alleria rolled her eyes, “You will never get tired of reminding me of that will you?”

“Likely not. I know not how to hide my thoughts, or not speak my feelings. Especially not when...we are exploring something new-.”

She paused, reaching out to take Alleria’s hand in her own, “Together.”

Alleria nodded, squeezing the hand wrapped around her own, “You’re right. Together.”

Alexstrasza gestured to the doorway, “Would the lady be so kind as to accompany me?”

“Where you go, I go, my heart.”

Together, they strolled out of the Aspect’s chambers. Past the two red Drakonoid guards at the doorway who started walking along behind them as they headed through the halls. 

It was during that walk that Alleria noticed just how empty the temple was. No other souls wandered the halls like she had become so used to. No, only empty walkways and echoing footsteps were left to greet them.

“Where is everyone?”

Alexstrasza peered at her, “Many are tending to the grounds after the attack. But you needn’t worry about them right now.”

They stopped outside the council room, and Alexstrasza motioned to her two guards, “You two are to stay put here, no one else but our kin should be permitted entrance.”

Bowing, both Drakonoid moved to either side of the door and saluted to their Queen. Alexstrasza waved Alleria inside through the twin pillars on either side of the entrance. 

Stepping inside was something else. Across the walls on every side was a full detailed map of Azeroth, each continent labeled in extraordinary details. Whilst in the center of the room was a long, rectangular table. A few smaller maps scattered across the top of it.

Then her eyes fell onto the other four people gathered around the table, all of whom bowed before Alexstrasza. Lord Afrasastrasz approached the Aspect from one corner of the room where several more of his kin stood, and Alleria could hear them trading words for a time. Finally, he nodded and stepped away once again.

Alexstrasza smiled at her friends and then started off, “At ease, my friends. Alleria, I would like to introduce you to our Aspects and Ambassadors.”

She waved across the table towards them, “Kalecgos, Merithra, Nozdormu, and, Ebyssian. Leaders, respectively, of the Blue, Green, Bronze and Black Dragonflights.”

They bowed to her as well, all of them save for Kalecgos, who just stared at Alleria incredulously. Like he could not believe that she had been allowed to stand among them in this council.

He opened his mouth to speak when Alexstrasza quickly cut him off, “I am glad you could take the time to come to this meeting, I know there is still much work to be done after the assault but it is time that we had these talks. Lest we find it too late.”

Nozdormu was the first to speak, “What is it that you propose, sister?”

She paused as if judging the weight of her words upon her tongue. Then she replied, “It is time for the Wyrmrest Accord to step out of the shadows, and stop hiding away in this temple for the end of days. We must take up arms against the true evil that stands to bring our world to ruination, one final time.”

This time it was Kalecgos who spoke, and even Alleria could feel the tangible shift in energy in the room, “You want for us to stand against the Old God you mean? Does no one see that it would be folly? Going to war again would mean the extinction of the Accord!”

Merithra scowled at the man from the other end of the table, “Either way, we will perish, Kalec! You think N’zoth is going to spare anyone of our people when he is through with the Alliance and Horde?”

“So what? Our options are to either die? Or to fight a hopeless battle, and die? Death is no solution!”

Ebyssian snorted, the large Tauren stomped at the stone floors, “It is better to die fighting for what we love than living in service to N’zoth.”

The Black Empire will rise once more, and with it - my champion. One who will extinguish all hope.

For a moment as the voice echoed inside her head and muted all others. Alleria felt nauseated and was forced to lean forward against the table. Inhaling and exhaling sharply to try and rid herself of the pain.

Alexstrasza immediately took notice, reaching out for her, "Are you alright?"

Alleria swallowed dryly, nodding, "Head's just acting up."

From that the Life-Binder seemed to understand exactly what she meant. She brushed her hand against Alleria's forehead for a second, before turning her focus back onto Nozdormu.

"There are many paths laid out before us on the road to face N'zoth, we must play our strategies to perfection and work together."

"That is your plan? Teamwork? Did you forget N'zoth is the reason you lost Neltharion? Do you intend to get yourselves killed like Ysera?"

It went deathly silent as those words came out of his mouth. Merithra was angered first, but then Alexstrasza herself.

"You will watch your tongue when you speak of my sister, Kalecgos. You are not to ever speak ill of those we lost."

Kalecgos shook his head, motioning wildly, "You fail to see my point! N'zoth will drag us all into shadow, and those he can't corrupt with be butchered. We will be giving our lives for those who have only ever hurt our kind!"

Alexstrasza went to cut him off, but the Aspect just continued, "We will be betting the lives of all flights on this. Your clutch will die if we go to war now, you will be leaving them without a mother!"

The Life-Binder, for probably one of the first times that Alleria had ever heard, actually half-snarled, “They will die either way, but my soul would never know peace if I did not fight until my last breath for my children. For too long have I let them be ripped from me, but never again!”

She pointed a finger at Kalecgos then, “You would do best to remember the oath you swore as Aspect, and how it is our duty to protect Azeroth. We all have an obligation to safeguard this world.”

“Even if it comes at the cost of our entire race? Is that truly what you are telling me, Alexstrasza? You would see us perish, but the mortals go on?"

“Yes. Perhaps if you do not see the importance of saving this world, I should elect Tyrygosa to take up the mantle of Aspect.”

That seemed to shut down his arguments. Nozdormu looked between the two, and quickly replied, “Whatever comes of this, sister, the Bronze Dragonflight will stand with you.”

Merithra bowed her head, “As with the Green Dragonflight. It would be what mother wanted.”

Ebyssian’s approval for aid quickly followed afterward, which left only Kalecgos. All eyes in the room landed upon the man, and Alleria could see the growing anxiety on his face. 

“I-,” He began.

But this time before anyone else got the chance, Alleria was the one who cut in, “We all hurt for the losses that could have been prevented, our bones are weary from millennia of war. But we owe Azeroth this, to our dying breath if that's what it takes. Then, and only then, can we have peace.”

That seemed to soothe the unrest in the Aspect, for the most part at the very least. He bowed his head and muttered, “Then I see there is no alternative to our fate. If this course truly is the only other then the Blue Dragonflight stands with you.”

An all too familiar voice chimed in from the doorway, “Thank the Titans! I thought I would have to come over there, Kalecgos, and we would be here for a while if that was the case.”

Everyone peered back towards the voice. Alleria smiled wide when she saw who it was standing by the stone pillar.

“Xerestrasza!”

The Sanctum Guardian gave a wave of her hand, limping into the room. She was battered from the fight in the Ruby Sanctum, Alleria saw the bandage shielding her eye and the others across her right arm. But she looked otherwise much healthier than Alleria had feared.

Alexstrasza looked the most thrilled to see her, the Life-Binder rushed forward and gently captured her daughter in a hug. Careful not to hurt her. Xerestrasza quickly hugged back, both of them whispering back and forth in draconic.

It was healing to witness such a moment, less so when Kalecgos deemed it fit to interrupt it, “Will that be all you require of us, my Queen?”

Interrupted, Alexstrasza released her wounded daughter and motioned for the door, “No, but anything further does not pertain to you, Spellweaver or the others. You may all take your leave now.”

He did not take the physical exit, instead choosing to teleport out of the room with a wave of his hand. As the others said their goodbyes and left, Afrasastrasz let out a hearty laugh and teased as he turned towards the other table in the room, “Here, I thought he would never leave.”

“Now, now, my son. We love all of our kin equally - even the more infuriating ones,” Alexstrasza shot back, returning to Alleria’s side with a smile.

Afrasastrasz rolled his eyes and brought a large wooden case over to the table, laying it down directly in front of where Alexstrasza stood. Alleria peered at him, and then at Xerestrasza who had shuffled closer. Even the other eldest children looked back and forth between each other with a smile. Something was definitely up.

“What...what is going on here?”

The Life-Binder held up a hand, and waved her over, “Come to me, my heart.”

Alleria bowed her head and did just as she was told, stopping directly in front of Alexstrasza. Stopping herself from wringing her own hands nervously. The Dragon Queen purred, and captured the ranger’s chin in her hand, tilting her head up.

“You never have to look down when I speak to you, Alleria Windrunner.”

The ranger nodded, "Force of habit, I apologize."

"I have one last gift for you, my love, well...not truly a gift since it belongs to your family more than anyone."

From the case, she removed Alleria's bow - Thas'dorah. It was a legend in Quel'thalas, passed down through generations of Windrunners and now to land in her hands. Red metals replaced what had once been green, something to match with her current set of armor from the looks of it.

She continued with a hum, “When we found you, we found this lying shattered in the grass. One of the Knights had driven his blade through the old wood, ruining what it once was."

Yet she waved over it and the surface seemed to light up under her spell, "While you rested this last month, I have worked tirelessly to repair and rebuild Thas'dorah with portions of my energy."

Once shattered, and now - by the Life-Binder’s hands, Thas'dorah was rebuilt.

She laid the bow in Alleria’s hands with the utmost care, “I could not let the world’s greatest archer be without her signature weapon.”

Alleria clutched the weapon to her chest, and was reminded of the strength it gave to her. It thrummed with an all too familiar power, but a hint of something else. Another power that was so distinctly Alexstrasza that Alleria could feel the heat radiating off of the bow. Thas'dorah had truly become a symbol of how far she had come since she first stepped foot in this temple.

“You...have done so much for me today, Alexstrasza.”

The Life-Binder smiled, “You deserve these things. You deserve strength, a place to call home. But perhaps most important - you deserve a place to belong.”

For what was probably the thousandth time that day, Alleria allowed the Aspect to kiss her. Gentle hands brushed down her back with so much care and reverence. Like the dragon was handling something so delicate. It made Alleria's heart stutter in her chest, her care left the ranger's heart full of hope, and of love and joy.

Especially when she felt Xerestrasza sling an arm around her and welcome herself into the embrace, forcing them to part. Afrasastrasz followed suite, embracing them all.

"It's about time you two aired out those feelings, the tension was becoming too much for everyone," Xerestrasza teased.

Everyone was thrown into a fit of laughter, happy, carefree. The kind of laughter that even Alleria was not used to. But this was what she had yearned for since the moment she had returned to Azeroth.

This was, beyond a doubt, the place where she belonged.

“Welcome home, Alleria.”

Chapter Text

It had been nearly a month since that day in the council chambers. The Wyrmrest Accord had quickly set upon itself the task of rebuilding after the brazen attack on their home. Alleria was there for every second of it. Through the best and the worst of the passing days, she stood resolutely by Alexstrasza’s side. 

The worst of those days came during the first few days after the battle. When the Life-Binder had ordered that the bodies of her children who had perished during the fighting were to be buried around the shrine, the very one that they had sworn to defend. 

Alleria remembered standing silently alongside the Life-Binder, holding onto her hand so tightly. They watched as one by one, the Drakonid guards lowered each of the eight guardians into the ground to their final resting place. 

Before the burial was to be completed, the red dragons each took turns saying their final parting words to the fallen. Xerestrasza was among their numbers, despite her injuries. She held strong through each goodbye, at least she did until she reached the grave where her sister Keristrasza had been laid to rest. 

The poor Guardian was barely able to get out a single word before she collapsed into a fit of sobs and her wife, a small human woman, had to come to ease her back from the graves. Afrasastrasz approached to aid her in leading the wounded Xerestrasza away. 

Then came Alexstrasza’s time to speak.

Alleria would never forget the sound of the Aspect’s voice when it escaped from past parted lips. The way her voice trembled with barely contained anguish, and how she would squeeze the ranger’s hand just a fraction tighter with each pause. Her words were even harder to erase from one’s memory.

“Your sacrifice will not fade quietly into legend...We shall fill our halls with stories and songs in your honor. So rest easy, my treasured sons and daughters. Your battle is over, but I vow, this massacre will not go unanswered.”

It was a few days after that the Ruby Dragonshrine had begun to flourish, even more than it had the first time Alleria set eyes upon it. Wonderful flowers of the most stunning crimson sprouted up from the field, the charred grass healed over and the tree in the center had never looked healthier. Even a few of the local, more gentle fauna returned to the shrine’s warmth.

The gentle peace was quickly replaced with a busier sort as the Dragonflights began the lengthy process of calling home every dragon that could be located. Many of whom were scattered across Azeroth while others had been tucked away in the farthest reaches of Outland. Every day that passed brought more and more of them back home.

It was a wait to hear news from the Alliance and the Horde from that point on. The war to end all wars was coming now, brewing on the horizon as N’zoth began amassing his forces to stand against them. This battle would change everything, and they had to prepare themselves.

Alleria knew the depths of the fear that flooded through these dragons. For if such powerful beasts were afraid of the Old Gods, then surely everyone else must be as well. Yet they could not allow that fear and panic to run rampant in their hearts. If despair consumed them then they would never be able to remain focused, and evil would surely win. 

The ranger especially tried not to dwell on the impending end they faced. She had only just found her place among the dragons of Wyrmrest and the thought of losing them was far too much to bear. Even if she hadn’t grown accustomed to having this home and family. Old habits instead came crawling back quickly, especially her tendency to isolate herself from those around her - even Alexstrasza. 

But never for long, especially not when the Queen pushed the subject.

Every day since that fateful meeting was a struggle, but not just for Alleria. No, while she had to contend with the demons who came crawling out to poison her thoughts - Alexstrasza was still grieving for the loss of her children. 

During the nights, long after all the others had retired to rest, Alleria would wander the halls of Wyrmrest. Ever vigilant of any dangers, even though she knew in her heart that the Drakonid’s were more than capable of defending the temple.

When exhaustion demanded that she retire, Alleria would allow herself to return to the Life-Binder’s chambers. Alexstrasza was always awake and waiting for her every time without fail. No matter the hour, the ranger could return to find her either lounging in bed reading or at her table with a second cup of tea ready just for her.

And she would always ask one question, just a single one.

“May I hold you tonight, my love?”

Alleria let her, every time she asked. There would be no words shared, no stolen kisses. They would just lay tangled beneath the sheets, clinging to each other in the dead of night and fighting back their demons together. 

Dear Alexstrasza. Always the one to heal, never to be healed.

It was with that thought that Alleria shivered, hard enough that it startled her back to the moment. The sweet, honeyed breeze of the Ruby Sanctum drifted around her and invaded her senses. She stood atop a hill within the sanctum, while just at the bottom were the children of Alexstrasza gathered together. Even the eldest.

Some of them rested underneath the shade of the great trees reading, while others dueled and sparred. The young whelps chased each other among the forest and spun circles around the eldest. Others just simply watched over their brothers and sisters, much like Alleria was watching over them all.

Xerestrasza was amongst those below, nestled beneath one of the trees with her wife in her arms. Laughing along with the children as they played their wild games. Much of her wounds had recovered, though the Sanctum Guardian walked with a noticeable limp most days. 

Alleria became so entrenched in the happiness pouring off of the family that she almost missed the sudden weight that came to rest upon her shoulder. She turned her head to find one of the young red dragons perched on her shoulder. Their little claws hooked into the chainmail and plate as they tried to hold themselves steady.

The ranger brought a hand up to scratch beneath their chin, feeling herself naturally relax as that soft little purr fled their maw. She couldn’t help but laugh, “You are learning quickly little one. Soon you shall be soaring through the skies with your brothers and sisters. Your mother would be very proud.”

“I am always proud of my children.”

When the all too familiar sound of Alexstrasza’s voice reached their ears, Alleria spun around to face her. The whelp on her shoulder chattered on and chirped in excitement, leaping from her shoulder and gliding the short distance to land safely in their mother’s arms.

Alexstrasza cradled the whelp gently to her chest, but her eyes were focused on Alleria. Her smile was wide and so brilliant. So warming that Alleria couldn’t help but smile right back at her. 

The whelp chattered on in their Draconic tongue. Alexstrasza just hummed and listened along, crooning right back to them. It was such a mystifying language to Alleria’s ears, but as each syllable rolled off of the Life-Binder’s tongue - she quickly decided that there was no other who spoke it as beautifully as her.

Finally, they finished trading words and the young one pushed off from the Aspect. Their tiny wings flapping and carrying them down the hill from where Alleria stood to play with their siblings.

“One day you will have to teach me that,” Alleria spoke as Alexstrasza moved to stand at her side.

Alexstrasza peered down at Alleria, raising an eyebrow, “Teach you how to fly? I am sorry, dear, but you lack the wings. ”

Alleria rolled her eyes and let out a chuckle, “No, you silly dragon, I mean you must teach me how to speak Draconic.”

“I never took you for the linguist, my heart. But...it would be my honor.”

“Oh, please. I had my nose buried in books just as often as I had a training weapon in my hands in my youth.”

The Life-Binder beamed, using her height advantage to drape her arms over Alleria’s shoulders, “Gorgeous, courageous and a bookworm? You are a constant surprise, Lady Windrunner.”

“You love me for it,” Alleria teased. 

Alexstrasza tilted her head down. Waiting until their lips hovered but a hair’s breadth apart, “I love you for everything that you are.”

Their kiss was tender, and Alleria anchored her hands on the firm muscles of the Queen’s arms. Unable to stop herself from smiling into the kiss when the dragon, just as she always did, began to purr.

Alleria pulled back with a playful huff, “You dragons, and your purring. I swear.”

“You love me for that,” Alexstrasza fired back, grinning ear to ear.

“More than words can say.”

Together they stayed as such, simply allowing themselves to soak in the sounds of the gentle breeze and of the children playing nearby. Alexstrasza was content to curl her fingers through locks of silken hair, rubbing gently at Alleria's scalp.

It was perfect.

Alexstrasza let out a thoughtful hum suddenly, pulling back to brush her hands down the ranger’s face, “Would you do my family the honor of joining us at dinner this evening?”

Alleria frowned but leaned into the hands that moved to cradle her face, “Have I never eaten with your family before?”

“I am afraid not, you often eat alone long after any of us have.”

“Oh...I- I apologize, my heart. I meant no offense when I did not join for meals with your family.”

The Life-Binder smiled, “ Our family, Alleria. Remember this family is just as much yours now as it is my own. But we do not take offense to that, I am just worried for you.”

She paused to run her thumb along the line of Alleria’s jaw, the smile on her face grew sad. So much so that Alleria could feel that same worry rolling off of the Aspect in waves, and hear it in her voice, “You spend most of your waking hours on patrol instead...what is it that you are afraid of, my heart?”

Alleria hesitated. That old voice in the back of her head screaming at her not to bring forth those old feelings and thoughts, to just lie and be done with it. To just hide away the past and choke it all back down. But the longer she stared upon Alexstrasza’s face, the harder it became to even imagine doing such a thing.

“I fear with every waking morning that those foul death knights will return. That this time...I won’t be fast enough to stop them, and-.”

They will die sooner or later. Your failure is inevitable.

The Queen’s gentle voice hushed the voices that swelled up in the back of her mind. Her hands captured the locks of sunlight colored hair, curling her fingers through the curls to rub such soothing patterns against her skull, “My love, I am so sorry that you think such things. But my guards will never let that happen again. Surely you know we do not place such a burden upon you?”

For a moment, Alleria grew quiet. Her eyes cast down to stare upon the children that played below. They were alive and well, but Alexstrasza was right - none of them had expected her to come to their aid. As for the guards, well, they had not been prepared for such a sudden assault or the underhanded tactics used.

Alleria knew in her heart that Alexstrasza was right, they would never allow such a tragedy to happen ever again.

In her silence, the Aspect’s worry had grown. Her hands lowered to simply cradle the ranger’s face in between her palms, “You fought so hard and gave much to protect my family. They will do everything in their power to ensure that while you are with us, you will have nothing to fear.”

She brought a hand up to cover one of Alexstrasza’s, “When I am here, there is nothing to fear. I am simply so afraid of failing...that I will not be able to keep any of you safe.”

Alexstrasza let out a soft laugh, “Your bravery cannot be overstated, Alleria Windrunner. But we are dragons. I would be more concerned with those who would dare to face us a second time.”

Alleria couldn’t help but fall into laughter right along with her. The Aspect always knew just what to say to ease the turmoil that burned within her chest. She truly was a blessing to be near, to know - even to love.

“I take it that means you shall join us for dinner?” 

Right. She had asked a question.

The ranger nodded, “Yes, though if it were anyone’s honor - it would be mine.”

“Excellent, and worry not, it is not a formal meal. Simply a dinner with my children, there will be plenty to eat and I am sure even more to drink.”

Alleria smiled, “I look forward to it.”

They went quiet after that, but it was never the uncomfortable sort for them. They just held each other, allowing the breeze to dance around and the sounds from Alexstrasza’s children to wash over them. It was a moment of peace that they would not waste, especially not with what lingered on the horizon.

Afterward, the rest of the day was uneventful thankfully. Alleria made a conscious effort to spend those precious waking hours with Alexstrasza instead of looking out for danger. Though for a time, the Aspect disappeared to tend to something in the Sanctum - she did not stay away very long.

Evening came sooner than she had realized, or had prepared herself for.

They had been relaxing in her chambers, Alleria’s head rested upon Alexstrasza’s lap and half dozing off as the Aspect played with the ranger’s hair. The bleeding warmth radiating outwards from the dragon caused any lingering tension in her muscles to fade. 

“We should be on our way to dinner soon, my love,” Alexstrasza purred suddenly, leaning down to press a kiss to the side of Alleria’s head.

The ranger half growled and whined. She reached blindly for the Aspect’s hand that wasn’t playing with her hair and locked their fingers together, “Or we could stay right here.”

That damned, beautiful laugh rolled off of Alexstrasza’s tongue, “But the children would be so disappointed if we did not go, they have been looking forward to this all day.”

Alleria knew she would not be able to resist, no matter how much she wanted to. Even though the Life-Binder’s warmth was a blessing in the cold. Time spent with her new family was important.

“Shall I get changed then?” Alleria replied, finally opening her eyes to peer up at the Aspect.

“Into what? Your armor? Nonsense, my love, what you are wearing is perfect for dinner. We are not going to be seeing combat anytime soon.”

Alexstrasza pinched the deep red shirt covering Alleria’s chest and smiled, it was a loose fit but more comfortable than the heavy plate and chainmail she was so used to wearing. Besides, who would show up to dinner in full armor?

“Alright, alright. You have made your point,” Alleria grumbled, realizing that she was exactly the kind of person who would show up in full armor.

She rolled over out of the bed, smoothing down her ruffled clothing and somewhat messed hair. Alexstrasza rose from where she had been seated looking just as flawless as ever. 

The Aspect approached and brushed a strand of hair out of Alleria’s face, “Beautiful.”

“Later, you had better make up for the lovely nap I could be having right now,” Alleria teased, pushing up on her tiptoes to steal a kiss from the Queen.                          

There was a playful gleam in Alexstrasza’s eyes at her words, “I will make it up to you tenfold, that is a promise, my heart.”

With that promise, Alleria allowed the Life-Binder to guide her through the halls and to the grand dining room where they would be seated. Countless times had the ranger walked past this very same entryway, but not once had she been inside.

“Here we are, can you smell it? They went above and beyond for you tonight, this evening is for you.”

Alexstrasza placed a hand gently upon the small of the ranger’s back, easing her forward. As soon as she crossed the threshold into the dining room, Alleria found her eyes drawn immediately to the spread of food across the table. 

The Life-Binder had not been joking. There was far more food on the dining table than would have ever been in any simple family dinner in Windrunner spire. Plates of various cuts of meat, assortments of vegetables, sweets, loaves of bread, and so much more. There was such a variety that many dishes Alleria did not even recognize, but one thing was certain.

All of it smelled absolutely divine. 

“Right this way, my heart,” Alexstrasza encouraged, leading her right towards two high-back chairs that were positioned in the middle along one of the sides of the table.

These chairs were decorated with engravings of dragons, inlaid with the finest red gems. Seats that were without a doubt meant for the Queen, and her consort. The eyes of all her children were upon them both as Alexstrasza pulled one of those chairs back from the table for her. 

With a sharp intake of air, Alleria slid into her seat. Very much grateful that one of the dragons had the forethought to fill her wine glass. She brought the glass to her lips with a shaking hand, savoring the pleasant taste of the wine on her tongue.

She wasn’t quite sure why she felt so overwhelmed without warning, but the first sip soothed the worst of her nerves. The hand Alexstrasza put on her thigh briefly as she sat down eased away the rest.

“Already starting on the wine, Windrunner? Or are you still trying to cope with the fact I landed first?” A voice chimed up from across the table as Alleria sat her glass down.

There was Xerestrasza. Hand propped up under her chin, a grin spread across her face and with one hand she casually swirled the wine in her own glass. Her comment reminding the ranger of their encounter on the battlefield when the sanctum guardian appeared out of nowhere. 

“I said it then, and I will say it now - you had an unfair advantage! I am not a dragon!” Alleria retorted with a smile on her face.

“I’m still hearing excuses, Windrunner!”

The small human woman sitting next to her playfully elbowed Xerestrasza in the side and interjected, “Behave yourself, my love.”

Xerestrasza brought her hand up in a mock salute before she stole a quick kiss from her, “Yes ma’am!”

They shared a laugh when suddenly Alexstrasza stood up with her glass in hand. Her voice cutting over the scattered bits of conversations being had between her children, “Might I have everyone's attention for a moment?”

Any conversations quickly died away, and all of them looked to their mother. But even with every pair of eyes on her, Alexstrasza’s were on Alleria.

“We do this most nights, all of us gathered here as a family. But tonight I am overjoyed that my beloved Alleria has joined us. Each one of you has welcomed her into our family just as openly as I have, and for that, my pride knows no bounds.”

The Life-Binder held out her hand for Alleria, “It is true that tonight is for the fallen, but this night is also yours, my heart. We celebrate our brave, and bold heroes.”

Alleria took her hand without hesitation, moving to stand as those gathered around the table clapped and cheered. They truly had welcomed her so easily into their home, and she felt that now. That love and trust in her.

She wanted to speak, to say anything in gratitude to Alexstrasza’s words and this new family. But she found herself rendered speechless when the Aspect tilted her head up and kissed her. It was so simple, just a gentle brushing of those lips against her own. There was no fiery passion hidden beneath, or commanding pressure. Only a tenderness that left Alleria aching in a different sort of way.

Around the table, the others’ cheers only grew louder in response. But Alleria could have cared less. Especially as she brought her hand up to curl around the back of the Aspect’s neck. 

“Alright, alright! Not at the dinner table please!” Xerestrasza laughed, and everyone joined her. 

Alexstrasza pulled back with a grin, leaving Alleria yearning for more. But she behaved herself, even when the Aspect leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. 

“I’ll make it up to you later,” she whispered her promise against the ranger’s skin before pulling away.

Then she turned back to face her children, waving to the spread of food across the table, “Please, dig in, my children!”

As they both sat back down at the table, the others began to pile food onto their plates. Dishes were passed back and forth over each others heads, careful not to spill. Glasses were filled with various wines and spirits, then the revelry truly began.

Between bites of their food, they sang songs and told grand tales of their brothers and sisters. Alleria felt no shame in joining right along with them. This was just as Alexstrasza had promised to the fallen, that their deeds would never be forgotten.

Every bite of food was delicious, having been cooked to perfection. She couldn’t remember the last time that she had a meal as grand as this one, or when she been apart of such revelry. Perhaps long ago when she could still call Quel’thalas her home, where her sisters were all together.

But nothing since those days. Nothing quite like this. 

Yet thoughts of a life that had once been could not linger. Not when she was surrounded by these dragons, it was the farthest thought from her mind. Her heart swelled as the red dragons spoke and asked her about her many adventures, seemingly mindful enough to stay away from less pleasant topics. 

It was so refreshing to be able to laugh and joke with each other. Eventually, though, she felt tears sting the back of her eyes. Joyful tears most assuredly, but they were tears nonetheless. She rubbed at her face, pushing away the ache in her cheeks from smiling so much.

“Are you alright, my love?” 

She hadn’t seen Alexstrasza lean over, but the words she whispered against her ear brought all of her focus straight onto the Life-Binder. This otherworldly being, this dragon who had given her so much. Sometimes it was hard to believe that she was even real, that she had shared herself so easily with Alleria.

Alleria brought up a hand to rest upon her cheek, thumb brushing tenderly against her skin. Tears welled up in the corner of her eyes as she spoke, “I...I love you, Alexstrasza. I love you, and I love your family...I just, I love again . ”

Alexstrasza’s eyes widened momentarily, and then she leaned in to press her head against Alleria’s. Using her free hand to wrap around the one Alleria had cradling her face, locking their fingers together.

“And I love you - my children love you. Thank you...for breathing new life into our home, for being a part of our family.”

They lingered like that, faces pressed closer. Alleria forced herself to simply breathe, staring deep into the soft golden light of the Aspect’s eyes. Once she felt the tears held back enough that she would not burst into tears, she retreated. 

Alleria wiped at her eyes with her free hand and focused back on her meal. But refused to release Alexstrasza’s hand. Not that she minded in the slightest, reassuring the ranger with a gentle squeeze of her hand.

For the full course of dinner, and well into dessert, they stayed just like that. Fingers entwined beneath the table as they participated in the merriment. Constantly drawing comfort and affection from one and other. Alleria had never felt so at peace or felt so happy. 

Xerestrasza, quite noticeably, had perhaps had a bit too much to drink. She was constantly in a fit of laughter, leaning against her poor wife who admittedly had probably had just as much as the Guardian had.

“Hey, hey, Alleria! You know what I just realized?”

The ranger rolled her eyes, but focused on the dragon across the table, “What have you just realized, Xerestrasza?”

“You’re the shortest one here.”

Alleria’s face went blood red, and her eyes remained glued onto her plate, “Oh, come on now...I am at a disadvantage! I am not a dragon!”

Xerestrasza and her wife were laughing too much to reply, or even acknowledge her defense. Alexstrasza stifled a laugh into her free hand, and quickly added, “It is endearing, my heart. I would have you no other way.”

“Alleria must need climbing gear just to reach your head, mother!” Xerestrasza teased, falling back against her chair as her laughter shifted into full-blown cackling. Everyone else was quick to join in, even Alleria herself.

Sure enough, that quickly became the night’s running joke. Long after the first of the Aspect’s children retreated to their chambers, those who remained still made jabs. It was something that reminded her of how her sisters had once teased her for the same thing.

Alleria took another bite of the sweet cake on her plate when she heard Alexstrasza clear her throat. She turned her eyes to find the Life-Binder grinning and shaking her head, gesturing to the corner of her lips.

“You have a little something- wait…”

She released the hand that she had entwined with Alleria’s and used her thumb to wipe away the icing on the corner of her mouth. Still smiling even when her hand lingered against the ranger’s cheek for a moment, before returning to the table.

Alleria couldn’t stop the heat that rose to her cheeks. Especially when Alexstrasza leaned closer once more just to croon so sweetly into her ear.

“Would you like to retire for the evening?”

The ranger looked around the table then, noticing that the once energetic and loud dinner had simmered down quite a lot. Only a handful of Alexstrasza’s children remained, sharing peaceful conversations about things that could not quite be discerned and picking at the last bits of food on their plates.

Hours had passed and Alleria had not even realized it. Dinner was over now, and Alleria saw no reason to decline the Queen’s offer.

“Lead the way.”

Alexstrasza peered across the table to stare at Xerestrasza’s wife, “Will you be alright to get her back home?”

At some point, Alleria hadn’t seen when, but Xerestrasza had fallen asleep at the table. Leaning her full weight against her wife. The human just smiled and waved the Aspect off, “Oh, don’t worry about us. I will just have one of her brothers to help me drag her home.”

Alexstrasza bowed her head, “Of course, goodnight, dear.”

Together they both stood up and said their goodbyes to those who remained before Alexstrasza led her away from the table. Out into the hallway, they went, but instead of going back the way they came from the Life-Binder’s chambers, Alleria found herself pulled off in a different direction.

“I thought we were going back to your room?”

“Not quite, I have a surprise for you. Just trust me.”

In front of them, right in the middle of the hallway, Alexstrasza opened a portal. Through it, Alleria could see a part of what appeared to be the Ruby Sanctum. She could smell the fresh, vibrant scent of the life flowing from the other side and smiled with joy. 

Hand in hand, they walked through the portal and into the quiet of the Sanctum’s forest. The sky was dark, only the light of the moon and the twinkling stars to light their path forward. Alleria kept her hand firmly wrapped around the Aspect’s until they emerged from the trees.

Whatever section Alexstrasza had teleported them to was a peaceful, secluded enclave surrounded by trees and foliage. A small lake sat nestled in the center, and on one edge of the lake sat a large tree with leaves that hung down in a beautiful, sweeping canopy.

“What is this place?”

Alexstrasza smiled and slowly lead Alleria towards the tree, “It is a secret part of the Sanctum, somewhere I could be without being disturbed…where we can be alone together.”

With her other hand, the Aspect brushed aside the canopy of leaves and stepped underneath the sanctuary of the tree. Alleria felt her heart tighten in her chest when her eyes landed on the sight before her.

There was a large woolen blanket spread out on the grass. Along one side of the blanket were a few pillows, stacked next to a heavy fur covering and a small basket. All illuminated by a series of soft lights that hung from the branches above.

“Alexstrasza…what is all this?” Alleria asked as she released the Aspect’s hand and stopped in her tracks.

“I...wanted to do something special for you, my heart. To take you to a place where it is only you and I, where no one else can bother us.”

Alexstrasza moved to seat herself on the blanket, beckoning Alleria closer. For what was probably the first time since they had met, her voice sounded unsure. Timid even as she asked a very similar question to the one she had asked every night prior.

“May I touch you tonight, my love?”

Everything about this was comforting. The blankets, the soft colored lights, even that timid sound to the Life-Binder’s voice. Alexstrasza loved her, and in her heart, Alleria knew that she would never do anything to harm her.

So without fear or hesitation, Alleria moved across the grass and lowered herself down onto the blanket next to Alexstrasza. Resolute in her reply, “Yes.”

For a moment, they just sat there in silence. Watching each other, waiting, while a tension built in the air between them. Alleria could feel the familiar wanting ache in her chest and formed as a knot in her throat. It was the type of want that left her hands so lightly trembling, and breaths staggered and raspy.

If she felt such things, surely Alexstrasza felt it too. 

Alexstrasza shuffled closer, pressing against Alleria’s side. Still timid, she reached out a hand and gently brushed her fingertips down along her jaw. Those gold eyes darted back and forth between Alleria’s eyes and her lips. 

Yet she hesitated.

So Alleria took the leap and closed the distance. She kissed the Life-Binder just as she wanted to be kissed, soft and warm, the kind that would steal the breath from her lungs. Not trying to win a battle or rush this moment, but rather seeking out a deeper union. That closeness, until their breaths became as one.

Alexstrasza purred against her lips, and Alleria felt heat burn hot in her cheeks as the forked edge of the Aspect’s tongue teased her lips. For a moment, until the ranger worked up the courage to press deeper, determined and curious to chase down that fire that rushed through her veins.

She couldn’t recall moving, but eventually, she found herself seated firmly in Alexstrasza’s lap. Only then did their lips part, breaths ghosting across each other’s face.

“Gods, your lips truly are the sweetest I have ever kissed,” Alexstrasza murmured, dipping her head down to brush her nose against the curve of Alleria’s throat.

Whatever poor Alleria wanted to say, the touches that were gracing her skin robbed her of the ability to speak them. The Aspect’s fingertips stroked down along her arms, worshipping the toned lines of muscles and the bright blue ink that curled around her bicep. 

Alleria couldn’t help but shudder, her skin prickling pleasantly beneath the Aspect’s touch. Already feeling the twinge of oversensitivity nipping at her nerves and her mind.

“How does that feel?”

Alleria gasped, “Good, please- keep going.”

Alexstrasza hummed, her hands circling to her back. Her fingers slipped delicately under the edge of the loose red shirt Alleria wore to trace the firm, tensing muscles beneath her palms.

Delicious shivers curled up and down the length of her spine at the touches, causing Alleria to press forward in Alexstrasza's arms. It had been so very long since anyone had touched her quite so intimately, and had it feel like so much.

“How long has it been since someone touched you simply out of love, Alleria?” Alexstrasza crooned, stilling the movement of her hands on the ranger’s back.

Alleria pressed her face against the Life-Binder’s, “Too long. Far too long.”

As those words reached Alexstrasza’s ears, the hands she had pressed into Alleria’s back slowly began to guide her to grind firmly against her thigh. A soft, steady roll of her hips against her pulled a whimper from Alleria and she began to tremble against the Aspect. 

“Look at me, Alleria.”

So she did, pulling her head back just enough to stare into Alexstrasza’s eyes. Even while those hands kept her hips moving oh so slowly, leaving a pleasant ache coiling in the pit of her stomach.

“Nothing happens unless you wish for it. Just getting to be near you is a blessing enough, alright? If this is too much, you must tell me so.”

Alleria nodded, but Alexstrasza stilled her hands entirely, “I need to hear you say it.”

“I u-understand.”

The Life-Binder smiled so brightly, stealing a kiss from her, “Wonderful, my god, you are so wonderful.”

Alexstrasza eased Alleria up off of her lap then without warning, and with the utmost care laid her out on the blanket beneath them. She allowed herself to sink back into the softness of the cloth, and the plush pillows behind her back.

“Is this still alright, my heart?” 

Alleria brought her hands up to cradle Alexstrasza’s face, “It’s perfect, you are perfect.”

They laughed and Alexstrasza slowly stroked her hand up along Alleria’s side, her fingertips coming up to toy with the first string on her shirt. But she didn’t move further, just toyed with the strings.

“Touch me, Alexstrasza,” She pleaded.

“Whatever you desire. If it is within my power, I shall give it.”

Slowly, almost torturously so for Alleria, Alexstrasza removed each piece of clothing with the utmost care. Always stopping to whisper such loving praises and offer tender touches whenever she could. 

Alexstrasza felt different than any other. She touched Alleria differently too. The Queen of Dragons, ageless, powerful beyond compare and yet so overflowing with love. How a dragon could be filled with such tenderness, Alleria could scarcely believe, but she certainly was not complaining. 

She touched Alleria's body like she was handling a priceless work of art. She worshipped every inch of scarred skin that she exposed as if she was kneeling before the Titan's themselves. She held Alleria like she truly loved her, deeply and with every fiber of her being.

Down her chest, past the scars of a faded lifetime. Alexstrasza purred deep against the firm muscles of her belly, her strong arms wrapped around Alleria's midsection and just held her. Her lips traced each dip and curve of her stomach with one kiss after another. Her golden eyes never once falling from the ranger's face.

Alleria was certainly no stranger when it came to such depths of physical intimacy, and she certainly was not shy about her body. But with how Alexstrasza touched her, with such tenderness and worship. It brought all those anxious butterflies back.

“How do you do that?” Alleria blurted, without meaning to.

“How do I do what, Alleria?” 

Their eyes met, and the ranger swallowed the knot in her throat, “How do you love me so much…? I just- I need to know.”

Alexstrasza just smiled wider, pressing another kiss to Alleria’s stomach. Between each kiss, she whispered so sweetly, “Falling in love with you was easy, Alleria Windrunner. As easy as drawing breath.”

She slid lower still, pressing one kiss after another to the inside of Alleria’s thigh. Still crooning such sweet things, “You came to me to heal, and to walk a better path. But at the same time, you showed me just...how beautiful life can be.”

“I-.”

“Shh, you don’t need to say anything. Just let me take care of you,” Alexstrasza murmured, lifting one of the ranger’s thighs onto her shoulder.

Alleria wanted to say something, anything really, but she should have been used to being made speechless by Alexstrasza at this rate. For any sort of thought processes promptly ceased when the warmth of the Aspect’s mouth pressed against her, forked tongue lapping slowly at her entrance.

She tried to remain quiet, but despite her best efforts - that first fleeting whimper still escaped from between her lips. Alexstrasza paused for the briefest moment, crooning such gentle encouragements.

“Do not hold back, my heart. No one can hear us here, just let go for me.”

Her tongue lapped slow, steady circles against Alleria’s clit. Around and around, lulling the ranger closer to the edge. Alleria felt warm, so warm - almost too warm, and at that moment she was vastly grateful for the Sanctum’s chilled evening air. But without restraints, Alleria allowed her moans and soft gasps to permeate the air around them.

Alexstrasza’s hand sought out hers when the shaking in her thighs became too much, and Alleria took the offered hand gratefully, locking their fingers together. The ranger found those eyes locked on her and saw only love and adoration shining back up at her. 

Unabashedly now, Alleria cried out her name as one particularly broad stroke of her tongue pressed to her clit. Her hips canted upwards off of the blanket, and her free hand shot out to take hold of one of the grand horns atop the Life-Binder’s head. 

It had been so very long since she had last felt pleasure, and yet no one had never made her feel like this. No one had ever touched or  loved her quite like this. Out of all the souls in this world, Alexstrasza loved her more than any other. 

She came then, one hand gripped onto Alexstrasza’s horn and the other squeezing her lover’s fingers so tight. The beautiful sensation of her Queen smiling against her only drew out the overwhelming feeling of pleasure, and love so much more. Her lover’s name weighted on her tongue as she cried out.

As Alleria came down from that blissful high, she didn’t even realize that Alexstrasza had moved until the Aspect had drawn the heavy furs overtop of her. She easily sank back into her arms, allowing herself to be engulfed in the warmth provided by the Life-Binder.

“Was that alright, my heart?” Alexstrasza crooned against her head as one of her hands brushed through the locks of sunlight colored hair.

Alleria’s voice was but a murmur, and she finally opened her eyes to peer at the Life-Binder, “I-it was perfect. You are...perfect.”

“I believe that is what I say, getting to witness you like that. I have desired you for so long, I longed to hear those sounds - you are perfection,” Alexstrasza uttered such lovely praises, kissing every inch of Alleria’s face.

“Mmm, now you’re just flattering me.”

Alexstrasza let out a laugh most musical, tracing her fingers across the scars on Alleria’s collarbone, “It is not as if you do not deserve to be flattered. I hope you do not mind terribly if I continue to do so every night.”

“No, I don’t think I shall mind that at all.”

“Good,” the Aspect muttered resolutely.

It was a beautiful feeling, being touched with as much reverence as Alexstrasza held towards her. Her heart fluttered in her chest when the dragon queen nuzzled into her jaw, peppering soft kisses across her skin.

They laid there in silence, listening to the sound of the swaying branches. Alexstrasza content to just trace the scars she could see, following the path her fingers took with her eyes and her lips. Alleria sighed dreamily, lifting her hands to curl through the red silken strands of the Aspect’s hair.

“You have been a blessing in my life, Alexstrasza. I hope you know just how happy you have made me.”

Alexstrasza paused briefly, looking up at Alleria, “If it is even half as happy as you have made me, I shall ensure I do more of it. What brings me endless joy is to see just how much you have grown in our time together.”

“How could I not with how much love you shower on me? How easily you welcomed me into your home...you have healed wounds that I long thought would spell my doom. You have led me down a better path,” Alleria admitted, pulling herself closer to the Aspect.

Under the light of the Sanctum’s moon, Alexstrasza locked their fingers together once more. Her voice dropping to a gentle whisper, “Wherever that path leads you, Alleria Windrunner - know that you will never walk it alone.”

Alleria grinned suddenly, any prior hesitation or nerves gone as she rolled over to straddle the Life-Binder's lap, “Well that is a comfort to hear - now though, I intend to enjoy your company. And if I am recalling correctly, I believe it is my turn to take care of you.”