Caileigh · Aisling · Cannon

Caileigh opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. Silence from outside her window told her it was still night. Shadows danced across the walls of the small cottage as clouds passed over the bright moon. Tilting her head back, she strained to see through the thin curtains over the window above the bed. The bare tree limbs stretched across her line of vision and she sighed, settling her head against the soft pillow once more.

The woolen blanket draped across her body had fallen away from her chest. As she tugged it to her chin, she heard a small squeak and the quick flap of tiny wings. Smiling, she clicked her tongue and a young whelpling made her way to the pillow. As the whelpling settled against her, she closed her eyes and willed sleep to return. As always, faces passed through her mind as she tried to clear her thoughts. Eyes glowing through a tattered bandanna, dark hair falling across a simple face, a warm smile flitting across a young face... they swirled together behind her closed eyelids and she prayed for sleep to take her before the hurt returned...

Caileigh tossed her head back and laughed as the horse trotted across the cobblestone streets of Stormwind. Excitement made her jittery and her horse responded by skipping a trot and whinnying softly. Caileigh patted his neck and smiled as they passed over the bridge leading to the Park. She straightened the bodice of her dress and brushed a strand of hair behind her ears. The soft autumn breeze caressed her face and the soft smell of her herbal soap tickled her nose. Midnight could not have arrived soon enough!

Turning the corner, she raised her eyes to the tavern ahead. She recognized him immediately and shivered with anticipation. As she drew closer, she realized he was not alone. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized the young elf beside him. Drawing the reins in tightly, Caileigh halted. She couldn't be...is she...she is. Mind racing, Caileigh squinted to peer at the huntress. As she struggled to compose herself, she saw the pale hand resting upon his arm. Without a second glance, Caileigh nudged her horse and turned back toward the Park's entrance. She knew she was being irrational but at that moment, all she wanted was an escape...

Sighing, Caileigh nuzzled the warm flesh of the whelpling. The faces continued to swirl around her head but two faces were always colliding into each other, melding into a single distorted shape until she forced them to separate.

"They are different...they are not alike..." she murmured softly, her voice thick as she finally surrendered to sleep.

Now that summer was quickly giving way to autumn, persistent gusts of wind were causing leaves to begin their slow descent to the hardening ground. The worn paths of Elwynn Forest were covered with a myriad of reds, browns, and gold. The leaves swirled around the legs of Caileigh’s palomino as the horse delicately trotted toward Stormwind City. Caileigh tightened the cloak around her thin frame, peering into the evening’s darkening sky. She fidgeted in the saddle, excitement flushing her fair cheeks. Stubborn wisps of hair tickled her nose with every breath of wind but she paid no mind. After a long and unforgiving summer in Hellfire Peninsula, she was finally home.

Her horse snorted softly as they arrived at the city’s gates. Caileigh offered a polite nod to the Guards in greeting as they passed. Already, her mind was racing with visions of a lopsided grin, a faded bandanna, and eyes in which she could lose herself. Summer had been trying but the worst part was being away from him. Her heart swelled as she approached the inn, memories washing across her like a wave lapping at the waiting shore. She paid for a room and hurried up the stairs, tugging her hair free from the band of cloth that tied the unruly strands at the base of her neck. Caileigh found her small room with ease, not bothering to close the door before moving to the window. She nudged the wooden shutters open as she leaned across the ledge, closing her eyes to take in the sounds and smells of Stormwind City. After a moment, her eyes fluttered open at the sound of a familiar voice below.

“Are you crazy? Forty silver for one spool of thread?” The voice was soft yet strong. “I guess we all need to earn a living somehow.” Caileigh smiled, covering her mouth with a hand to stifle a laugh. A soft snicker escaped and the young girl below looked up. The surprise on her face quickly faded into an excited grin. The golden-haired girl, a priestess named Sarille, waved her hands wildly as she bounced onto the balls of her slippered feet. Caileigh returned the grin, motioning her up before turning away from the window. She quickly threw her cloak to the bed and was unlacing her soft, woolen boots when Sarille bounded into the room. The girl stopped, blushing as she dropped into a hasty but graceful bow.

“Oh, that’s nonsense!” Caileigh exclaimed as she embraced her friend. She met Sarille two years ago in Northshire while trying to find a quiet place to relax. The priestess, only seventeen years old at the time, was shy and timid but the two became fast friends. Unfortunately, Sarille was often overwhelmed and looked to Caileigh as a mentor in life. Sarille had just stopped calling her “Miss Caileigh” before she entered the Portal. Now, months later, the priestess had grown stronger in her powers than Caileigh yet she still looked to the mage with nothing short of reverence.

The girls parted and Sarille settled onto the edge of the lumpy bed. Caileigh began to unfasten the buttons of her robe, stepping out of it and kicking it aside. Standing in her petticoat and a thin undershirt, she eyed Sarille. Her face had matured, her dark eyes more alert and searching than before. Quiet in nature, very little slipped past Sarille. She quirked an eyebrow at Caileigh.

“You’ve been gone for quite a while,” she stated. Caileigh nodded, shrugging apologetically. Opening her mouth to explain, she was cut short by Sarille’s hand in the air. “No need to explain. I’m just relieved to see you in one piece.” Caileigh laughed as she bent to rummage through her small saddlebag. Pulling a new robe over her arm, she straightened and sighed.

“I’m in one piece, but that place…” Caileigh wrinkled her nose and Sarille clicked her tongue sympathetically. After all, she had been to the Outlands as well. Stepping into the new robe, Caileigh lifted her hair from her neck and turned her back to Sarille. As the priestess began top lace up the ties of the robe, Caileigh smiled. “My training is not complete yet, but I’m finally feeling confident in my magic once again.”

She moved to the tall mirror on the wall near the door, studying her reflection. The new robe fit her well with red and gold silk hugging her hips before falling into soft pleats. The deep maroon, paired with the fiery strands of hair framing her face, made her fair skin glow. Another excited flush colored her cheeks as she thought about Auric’s reaction upon seeing her. A soft giggle from the bed snapped her from her reverie.

“He has missed you,” Sarille smiled innocently. Caileigh felt her cheeks darken as she spun to face Sarille. Despite her embarrassment, she was glad to hear that. She sometimes worried about being apart from Auric so often. Sarille continued. “Every time I see him, he mentions you and gets this goofy look upon his face.” Caileigh grinned and brushed her hair over her shoulder. “Yes, just like that!” Sarille exclaimed. Caileigh stuck out her tongue and the friends erupted into laughter. She flopped onto the bed next to Sarille and twisted a stubborn strand of hair between her fingers.

“In fact,” Sarille said, “I heard he’s going to Midnight Madness in the Park tonight.” Caileigh stood and hurried to the window. Craning her neck, she peered at the tower clock in the distance.

“That’s a few hours from now,” she murmured thoughtfully. “Plenty of time to restock my reagents and find something to eat.” She turned to face her friend, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “Don’t tell him I’m coming. I want to surprise him!” Sarille nodded, clapping her hands excitedly. A gust of wind brought Caileigh’s attention to the creaking shutters behind her. As she leaned across the window sill to close them, she closed her eyes and let the breeze caress her face. She could hardly wait to see him…

She couldn't breathe.

Wait...yes, she could. It was just the pressure in her head smothering her. She rubbed her eyes as she slowly sat up and surveyed her surroundings. Several weeks had passed since she had passed through the Portal, but it felt like years. She had engaged in training and serving the Alliance one more, fighting to defend Honor Hold from the invasion of corrupted orcs. Unfortunately, she had neither the stamina nor the spirit to continue. Instead, she rented a room at the inn and spent her days sitting by the fire, watching people pass in front of her. A plain robe hung over her thin frame, her hair pulled away from her face in a loose knot.

As her feet touched the floor, she shivered. What a dreadful place, these Outlands. All of the Caliph's army was deeply involved, many growing very powerful quickly. Caileigh sighed, glancing to the dusty tomes on the table across the room. She had much work to be done but it was a feat to even get out of bed most days. She told herself it would pass, yet here she was, plagued by the same nightmares. There was just something about this place, something ominous that chilled her deeply. Since she had arrived, her dreams returned with a vengeance. Her mother's voice haunted her every thought; her brother's eyes were everywhere she looked. Every man that passed wore her father's face. Something pulled at her, tugging at the fibers of her mind, but she fell back onto the bed, covering her head with the pillow.

She couldn't breathe.

She rested her head against Jennea's shoulder, tears now streaming freely down her cheeks. Her arms tightened around the familiar woman as she wept silently, her chest heaving. Jennea stroked Caileigh's hair, her own eyes filling with tears. She knew this time would come, but she had hoped that it could somehow be avoided.

"I'm sorry you're hurting, love. I wish it didn't have to hurt, but sometimes life does," Jennea sighed. Her heart ached for the young woman, a woman usually so strong and reserved. "Would you like me to come with you? I'm getting old...I could use a getaway."

Caileigh pulled away, quickly wiping at her cheeks. "Jennea, you cannot leave Stormwind. The Archmage needs you." She smiled softly and hugged the only person in her life to always be there for her. "Besides, I've seen some of the younger mages around and...well, they need your guidance more than I do." She laughed weakly, hoping to inspire a smile from Jennea. Instead, she felt the woman's shoulders rock with sobs as she cried. For a brief second, Caileigh considered staying in Stormwind with Jennea. Perhaps she wasn't meant to leave...

"You have to, Cail," Jennea said sternly, as if reading her thoughts. "You've put it off for too long. If you wait any longer, you may..." Jennea took a shaky breath and stopped. They both knew what would happen; the words did not have to be spoken. Jennea pulled away once more, taking the young mage's face between her hands. "It's time for you to take care of yourself for once. You're not the little girl hiding in the basement anymore. You're a strong woman, an even stronger mage. Despite your strength, however, this can no longer be ignored." She pressed her lips to Caileigh's forehead softly and sighed. "Just forget about him." She voice was a mere whisper as she said this, her heart aching as she felt Caileigh stiffen and pull away.

"I know I should...but I can't, and I won't. He made me happy. Why should I forget that? I will move on, but I shall never forget." Caileigh turned away, her eyes moving to the window. It was still early and Stormwind was only beginning to awaken. So many of her days were spent here in this city, in this Tower. She watched as the city's residents began their daily rituals and she felt her heart tightening with a sense of longing. She quickly shook her head and turned back towards Jennea. When had she gotten so old? Caileigh thought to herself. The woman's dark hair was slowly being taken over by silver strands, her once-smooth face now lined with age and experience. Her hands shook slightly when she reached for books from the many shelves of the Mage Tower, but Caileigh did not doubt their strength.

"I still have to stop in Loch Modan before I leave," Caileigh sighed. Jennea nodded and reached into a pouch at her hip. She stepped forward and pressed something hard into Caileigh's hand.

"You said you weren't taking any, but I want you to please carry this with you. Use it when you're ready to return. Despite what you think, you do have a home and family here. Blood means nothing. I am your family." Jennea wrapped her into a final embrace, kissing her temple before releasing. "Please be safe, Cail. I've sent word to the Blasted Lands about your arrival, and the mages at Nethergarde know where to direct you. Do you have the vial?" Caileigh nodded and pulled the small vial from her bag, the emerald green contents shimmering in the light. "Excellent. Now, the day has begun and you've quite a journey ahead of you. Let us not waste time. Just remember, Caileigh...take care of yourself first." Jennea turned away, not wanting Caileigh to see the fresh wave of tears. She heard the young mage hoist her bag onto her shoulder and move towards the portal, softly clicking her tongue at the sprite darter following her. Jennea looked over her shoulder, catching only a glimpse of fiery hair as Caileigh left.

She leaned against the sun-warmed boulder, closing her eyes as a cool breeze swept through the hills of Elwynn. The nearby waterfall planted a fine mist upon her exposed skin. A week had past since her encounter with the powerful dragonkin called Ysondre, and Caileigh was finally well enough to leave Darnassus. The priestess caring for her implored her to rest, and that was exactly what she was doing.

She had not ventured into these foothills for over three years but, somehow, her feet still knew where to take her. She pulled her knees to her chest, curling her toes so that they pressed against the rock's smooth surface. She could see Northshire in the distance and she smiled affectionately. Darnassus was lovely, but her heart was still attached to Elwynn. Loomey, her kitten companion, wrapped herself around Caileigh's bare legs as Caileigh idly stroked the soft fur. Clouds were slowly forging a path across the sky, a sure sign of rain, but Caileigh didn't care. For now, she was content simply sitting there, gazing down at the inhabitants of Northshire and losing herself to the memories that filled her every dream...

She dismounted quickly, moving to stand behind Ethias. Her hand reached for her staff instinctively as she surveyed her surroundings. Other members of the Caliphate milled around her, tension filling the air despite the light chatter. Ethias motioned her over with a soft nod of his head and she stepped forward quickly. Caileigh's eyes strained to catch a glimpse of the beast in the distance as she followed Ethias to the ramp. He suddenly held his hand in front of her, an indication for her to stop. Startled, she looked up at the tall night elf but his eyes were not on her. She slowly turned her head, following his gaze to the east, and felt her heart catch in her chest. Her eyes widened as they focused on their prey, a small gasp escaping her lips.

Caileigh felt Ethias gently squeeze her arm, his large hand encircling her wrist before swiftly shifting into a feline and prowling towards the other druids. The air was cool, a soft breeze rolling across the Hinterlands and ruffling the stubborn tendrils of hair that fell across Caileigh's face. Setting her pack on the ground beside her, she inhaled deeply. She closed her eyes briefly, centering herself as the excitement rose around her. A sudden hush swept across the Caliphate as the dragon turned towards the crowd. She stepped back reflexively, the beast's looming figure casting a shadow across the grass. Glancing to the warriors, she reached for her wand, pulling it from the cloth holster at her hip. Her brow furrowed in concentration, Caileigh began to summon a frostbolt, the cold seeping through her gloves before she launched it at the dragon. She watched with satisfaction as it struck him, encasing him in a layer of ice and slowing his movements.

The air was soon filled with the sounds of the beast's howls, reverberating through Caileigh and knocking her back. She hit the soft grass with a groan, quickly springing to her feet as she fires her wand in the beast's direction. Ignoring the dull pain in her chest, Caileigh launched one bolt of ice after another in the dragon's direction. The dragon suddenly turned towards her and she paused, her gaze meeting the beast's eyes in the distance. Her hands wavered, her heart racing, as a cloud of green fumes spewed forth from his mouth. Caileigh quickly shielded herself with a barrier of ice, but it was too late. The fumes engulfed her, and she fell to the ground, coughing as they entered her lungs. She rolled over, pulling herself on her knees. Around her, others were sputtering on the noxious gasses, weapons strewn across the blanket of grass. Her eyelids fluttered closed, trying to block out the screams of the beast. Her vision was blurry when she opened her eyes, the once dull pain in her chest now searing. Her hands reached for her bag, just inches from her fingertips. The fumes finally overwhelmed her, her mind clouding as she slipped into oblivion...

Caileigh opened her eyes slowly, allowing them to focus on her room before moving her head. Her fingers slowly wrapped around her wand and flicked her wrist lightly, bathing the room in a soft glow. Everything was in order...her robes were hanging neatly, her staff propped against the wall by the door, her kitten sleeping at her feet. The silence, however, was unnerving. With one hand gripping her wand and the other pushing her fiery hair, tussled from sleep, from her face, Caileigh slowly swung her legs from beneath the covers. The cold floor met her feet, and she frowned. The fire that was usually burning in the front room warmed the entire cabin. Karronde never lets the fire die unless...

As the thought hit her, Caileigh quietly slid off the bed and made her way to the door. Her slender frame, draped in an old sleeping gown, melded into the familiar shadows. She flicked her wrist again, extinguishing the light. Her blue eyes darkened as she paused by the doorway, her free hand grasping her staff. Her fingers settled into the worn grooves, her back straightening reflexively. Taking a deep breath to steady her racing heart, she peered around the wall into the cold and dark front room.

She knew before she saw his body on the floor. She stiffened suddenly, a small gasp escaping her lips. She dropped her wand, a soft light trailing behind it as it fell to her feet. Her staff fell back against the wall, her shaking hands no longer capable of gripping the weapon. She slowly inched forward, her eyes never leaving his still body. After what seemed like an eternity, she made her way across the dark room. His white hair was fanned around his head, his eyes closed. For a brief moment, she felt the urge to laugh hysterically. He's not dead!, she thought. Just sleeping! It wasn't until her hand pressed against his that it was certain. Karronde, her guardian and savior, was dead.

She wasn't too sure how long she sat there holding Karronde's hand. Sunlight began trickling into the cabin slowly, almost as if it was hesitating. Caileigh watched a single ray of light bravely crawl towards them. She looked down at her hand, wrapped around his, and realized the coldness from his body had crept into her own. Shivering, she gently laid his hand across his chest and inched backwards until her back was pressed against a wall. Her heart jumped, as if that movement had reminded it to resume beating. It was then that she began to cry. She was truly alone.


A week Later...


Caileigh quickly rolled the last robe into a tight fold and pushed it into her pack. Stepping back, she surveyed her surroundings. Her room, once warm and inviting, was empty. The front room was clean, floors swept, the mantle empty. All of Karronde's little gadgets that once covered the table were gone, packed up and sent to Ironforge. She looked down, half-expecting to see her kitten wrapping himself around her legs in a plea for attention. Instead, she saw her pale feet, bare and slighty dirtied from the cleaning. Her lower lip quivered slightly as she thought of her furry companion, now making a new home with the little girl in Goldshire. Caileigh took a deep breath to steady herself and closed her pack. It was time to leave.

She hoisted her pack onto her shoulders, grimacing slightly under the weight, and quickly made her way to the door without looking back. She grabbed her staff, positioning it under her bag on her back, and stepped into the warm summer air. Softly pulling the cabin door closed behind her, Caileigh looked to the mound of dirt to the north of the cabin. The flowers she had laid this morning were already starting to brown under the sun. She frowned slightly, then shook her head. This is it, Cail. You've said your goodbyes. Start walking...That's it, good girl. One foot in front of the other. Just...keep...walking... Without even a glance at the cabin, Caileigh turned onto the road and pulled out a worn map.

She was to head to Stormwind, and it was there that she was to meet a close friend of Karronde's to resume her training. Her chest tightened as she thought of training with Karronde. He taught her everything, was the first to realize her abilities as a young mage. Now that she had reached her early twenties, she was to undergo the most vigorous and trying of all training...without Karronde. Pushing the nervousness aside, she smiled softly as the wind ruffled her long hair. She stopped, gathering her unruly locks into a ponytail at the nape of her neck. She laughed to herself, remembering how Karronde had loved to tease her about her hair.

Such fiery hair for a mild-mannered girl! He'd wink, his weathered face crinkling into a smile. And a Frost Mage at that! She'd laugh and shake her head, which only made Karronde chuckle more. Her hair, she remembered, was the same color as her mother's. Her face became serious once more, her eyes staring thoughtfully at the road ahead of her as she walked. Images of her mother danced through her head. She took a deep breath in a vain attempt to remember her mother's scent, a warm mixture of honey and earth. Her mother was always outside, barefoot, digging her feet into the lush brown dirt outside their home as she worked. Caileigh would sit at her feet and look up, watching her mother's auburn hair float around her face as she hummed an old Elwynn tune. Caileigh smiled sadly, realizing she couldn't remember the melody anymore. Moving to the side of the road, Caileigh sat down and stretched her legs out in front of her. She had been walking for some time, and her legs were beginning to tire. Reaching into her pack, she extracted a vial. She raised the vial to her lips and drank the emerald-colored elixir. Carefully tucking the vial into a pocket of her pouch, she stood up and looked around. She was almost to Goldshire.

As she began walking once more, Caileigh tried to pull the memories of her mother back. Instead, she thought of her father. Oh, how she missed him and his strong hands, eager smile, hair the color of chocolate. He'd come home every evening with a new tale, a new joke. She remembered waiting anxiously for him at the door, her ears straining to hear the familiar sound of his whistle. She'd pounce on him, burying her face in his neck and giggling as he squeezed her. Caileigh's heart ached as she remembered the look of adoration he gave her mother, placing a soft kiss on the side of her neck. Miss me, Emmaly? he'd tease. More than you'll know, she'd smile. The moment was usually interrupted by the sound of her little brother stumbling into the room in a way only a 3 year old can. Her little brother...of all of her family, she thought of him the most. Lost in memories, she lowered her head slightly and continued walking.

"Oomph!"

Faltering back, Caileigh quickly looked up. Oblivious to her surroundings, she had walked into something....well, someone. She reached down and gripped her wand, her eyes darkening as she instinctively prepared for an attack. Her grip lessened as she stared into familiar eyes, but her expression remained dark.

"Trandias. How nice to run into you," she said sarcastically. The man in front of her smiled, his eyes running down her body. She shifted uncomfortably and gave him an impatient sigh. "I apologize for walking into you. Now, if you don't mind..." She moved to the side and began to walk away.

"Caileigh. Stop, where are you going?" The sound of Trandias' voice sent chills down her spine. Frowning, she stopped and spun around.

"As if I would tell you," she replied, her eyes flashing. Her temper flared as he gave her a sly grin.

"Ya know, Caileigh, whether you like it or not...we have this bond. You can't run away from it," the warlock sneered. He stepped closer, his green eyes challenging her. For the first time, she noticed the jagged scar that ran along his jawline. His once strong face was now pale and worn, his jet-black hair falling limply to his shoulders. She turned again, her back stiff.

"We have nothing, Trandias. The past is over. We have nothing but a coincidence. Now, I must be on my way." She began to quicken her pace, aware of his stare.

"Well, then, give my regards to Karronde. Oh, wait..." His voice trailed off sarcastically, edged with bitter laughter. Caileigh's hand gripped her wand once more as she stopped, her anger vibrating through her fingers to the tip of the wand. Tiny sparks swirled from the tip, her fingers twitching. She felt Trandias move closer to her, his presence like a cold gust of air. Tears of anger welled in her eyes as she stared ahead, unable to move.

"It is..." Trandias paused, "...Most unfortunate, of course. And you finding him... Tsk Tsk..." he hissed into her ear. "A great mage like that... you'd think he could have prevented it." Something about the way he spoke alarmed her. She spun around, her wand now in front of her, the sudden movement knocking Trandias back. A small smirk crept across his thin lips as he nodded, slowly regaining his balance.

"You," she spit her words as if they were venomous. "You dare to speak his name?" Her chest heaved and her hands shook, but the wand remained steady. The sly grin on his face fueled her anger, much to his evident pleasure. Caileigh raised her arm, the wand now pulsating, and began to channel her energy. Despite his confidence, she saw Trandias' eyes widen slightly, his hand dipping into his own robe.

"Caileigh. No."

The voice boomed from behind her. Trandias' hand dropped from his robe as he slowly backed away. Caileigh gasped softly and dropped her wand, staring at her hands in surprise. She slowly turned to face the voice, her chin quivering in shame.

Jennea smiled softly, her eyes stern but warm. She stooped down to pick up the wand and gently pressed it into Caileigh's hand.

"Come. There is not time for this." The mage's voice was soft, familiar. Caileigh nodded, her head numb. She glanced back, but Trandias was gone. "He knows defeat when he sees it. Now let us go." Jennea motioned ahead of her. "There are more pressing matters."

Caileigh tucked the wand away and followed her trainer. Jennea moved with a quiet grace, her robes brushing against the ground with a soft swish. Caileigh remembered her first encounter with Jennea, so many years ago. Jennea's hair had greyed slightly since then but her face remained ageless. Caileigh questioned not Jennea's interruption but accepted it with sweet relief.

They walked in silence until they reached the gates of Stormwind. It was then that Jennea turned to Caileigh, her eyes peering at the girl's face. "I know you are sad, my dear Caileigh. We are all saddened by Karronde's passing. The mage community has lost a great force. However, I think we have just gained another." She smiled softly and nodded her head at Caileigh. "You are young but you have powers beyond your years. It is now time to learn to control those powers, to use them as Karronde did to better the world." Jennea smiled, a flash of sadness moving across her eyes. "Now come, the Archmage would like to speak with you before you rest."

Caileigh swallowed nervously and took a deep breath. She followed Jennea towards the Mage Quarter, her head lowered as she passed the citizens of Stormwind. They moved past the inn that was to become Caileigh's new home while in the city. As they neared the Mage Tower, Caileigh looked up. She smiled slightly, remembering the first time she had laid eyes on the tower. To this day, its greatness never ceased to amaze her. As they started up the winding ramp, Caileigh felt a single tear roll down her cheek. This is really it, Cail. There is no turning back now.