Ileeya felt the hand brush against her cheek and stirred. Her eyes fluttered open to see Kirlothenin sitting there. Blinking, she looked around with confusion. Where were they? She sat up thinking the room looked familiar, but unsure where she had seen it before. "You're safe, Ileeya. We're in Darnassus." Kirlothenin's voice was soft as he smiled at her.

Slowly, the memories of her recent events came to her. She had been poisoned. Obviously they had gotten to her in time. Her mind went further back and she stiffened. "Papa." Her voice was a whisper as she recalled the sight of her father falling. Grief overcame her and she buried her face in her hands.

Kirlothenin reached out to remove her hands from her face, "He's okay. He's alive."

Ileeya looked at him in disbelief. "Father is...alive?"

The mage smiled and nodded his head. "Yes. Shandris and I reached him in time."

Ileeya was so happy, without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. "Thank you! Thank you!" Kirlothenin wrapped his own arms around her, relishing the moment, knowing it won't last. As soon as he felt her pull away, he dropped his arms. "I'm...sorry. I just-" She stopped herself, feeling awkward.

"It's okay." He gave her a smile and then stood up and walked to the other side of the room to give her space. Dormir had been sitting with Ileeya until he had been summoned by Stormrage. Tamlia had resumed her duty to take care of Ileeya without being asked by Tyrande. When Kirlothenin asked her if he could spend some time alone with Ileeya, she said she would step just outside the room. There were wards up to prevent teleportation in this part of the temple. But she didn't think that was necessary. She saw how the blood elf looked at Ileeya.

Subconsciously, Kirlothenin rubbed his side where the dagger had hit him as he watched Ileeya. When he had seen her disappear with Thorion, one thing had suddenly become crystal clear in his mind. He was in love with her. He had been for awhile now, but found it hard to admit to himself. He hadn't thought it possible for her to love him back, however. Not after what he had done. But the hug she just gave him filled him with a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could change her mind about him.

"What's with the grin? And stop staring at me." Ileeya was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

"I'm smiling because I'm glad you're alive." At her dubious look, he chuckled. "Victor Doyle is dead. Shandris has left to hunt down Thorion Nightblade. Your dad isn't going to go all bear form on me anymore. Life's good."

Ileeya couldn't help but smile, then realized he hadn't mentioned their daughter. "Where's Adorei?" She looked around the room, even though she had perused it earlier.

"Jelune and Firodren have her. They'll be here soon."

Ileeya stood up, feeling a little weak, but was able to support herself. She was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable and began to realize it was because of him. "I'd like to be alone."

Kirlothenin's smile faded a little. "I'm not going to hurt you, Ileeya."

She glanced at him, unsure if that was why she was feeling the way she was. "You couldn't anyway, not here in the temple." She had recalled this room as being the one she was in when Tyrande had tried to help her get her memory back. "Are you a prisoner of the sentinels?" She wondered how, in fact, they had come here.

Kirlothenin thought for a good long moment before speaking. "I don't know. And I don't care." At Ileeya's look of surprise, he stepped forward, but still kept himself at arms length, his voice grew softer. "I thought I had lost you, Ileeya. I can't go through that again. Even if it means I remain a prisoner for the rest of my life, I would stay by your side."

Ileeya automatically stepped back when he came forward. She was surprised at his words and had no idea how to respond. She swallowed and wrapped her arms around herself. She couldn't look at him as she tried to sort through her own thoughts and emotions. Everything was a jumble. "I- "

He put a finger up to her lips. "Shh. Don't say anything right now. Just know that I care about you. More than that... I'm in love with you, Ileeya Whitestar." He then turned and walked to the door. Before he opened it, he looked back at her. "I know I've asked much from you in the past, and it's crazy for me to ask this, but I must. Don't reject me right away. At least consider the possibility." He then walked out the door.

Ileeya had to sit down. She sat on the bed and just stared at a spot on the floor, hardly aware that Tamlia had come in a moment later and sat next to her. Finally, the priestess asked her, "Are you okay?"

Ileeya blinked and looked at her friend. "I'm...very confused."

Tamlia nodded her head. "I thought as much."

A realization came over Ileeya as she looked at the novice priestess. "You knew."

Tamlia shook her head. "I suspected. I did not know." She put her hand on Ileeya's. "Talk to me."

...

Dormir returned to Ileeya's room and was very happy to see she had finally woken up. He was even more happy to receive her big hug. He returned it and smiled down at his daughter then put on his best 'father' tone of voice. "You are officially not allowed to scare me like that anymore, Ileeya."

"And you are not allowed to scare me either!"

They sat down and Dormir became more serious. "What are your plans, now, Daughter?"

Ileeya sighed. "I don't know. I guess, I just keep going." She frowned as she thought about Adorei. "I'm concerned with raising Adorei, An'da. I don't know if I want her here in Darnassus. I mean, I wouldn't mind it so much if she were...well, like other kids." She didn't want her daughter's more unique parentage to be a stepping stone to her development. But she knew the more reserved and older of the night elven society will look down on Adorei because of her father.

"You can't help who she is." Dormir sat back with a sigh. "Remember our old house?" Ileeya nodded. They hadn't lived there for years. When Teldrassil was planted and magically grown by Fandral Staghelm and the druids of the Cenarion Circle, many kaldorei moved their residence from Moonglade, Ashenvale, and Darkshore to the new capital city of Darnassus. The Whitestar and Mooncaller families had joined in the great move. "I never sold it."

Ileeya raised an eyebrow. "Why?" In a way, she was glad to hear it. The only memories she had of her mother were in that old house.

Dormir shrugged. "I never got around to it. Maybe sentimental reasons held me back." He smiled. "The point is, it's still there in Moonglade not being used by anyone." There was a knock at the door and the elder druid stood up. "Maybe it's time that old house saw some use again." He opened the door and there stood Jelune with Adorei. Ileeya jumped up and took her daughter, very happy to see her again.

Jelune excused himself from the room. Tamlia was standing outside allowing for father and daughter to spend some time together. Ileeya smiled, glad her foster brother was getting along so well with her new friend. As usual, Adorei nudged and squirmed to indicate she was hungry. Ileeya put a light blanket over her shoulder and Adorei and allowed the baby to nurse. She frowned as she thought about Kirlothenin. Would he be able to see his daughter again if he is a prisoner? "Father? Do you know what's going to happen to Kirlothenin? Is he under arrest?"

"Funny you should ask." Dormir sat in a chair and sighed. "That's why Malfurion had summoned me. He and High Priestess Whisperwind were trying to decide what to do about him."

Ileeya looked at Dormir with confusion. "What are the options they're considering?"

"Well, there's the counts of offenses he's done against you. And one against Jelune. But they have also taken into account the fact that he's risked his life to save you, and that he had saved me from falling. Then, of course, there's the fact that he's a member of the Horde."

She adjusted her seated position to make herself more comfortable. "And?"

The elder druid looked at her for a moment and seemingly changed the subject. "Kirlothenin and I had a...chat while you were still recovering." Ileeya remained silent, but watched her father. "Has he...talked to you yet?"

Ileeya nodded. Dormir waited for her to say something and she determined that Kirlothenin may have told her father about his...feelings. "He-" she cleared her throat. "He, uh, said he, um cares about...me." For some reason, she couldn't look him in the eyes when she said this.

Dormir watched his daughter. He watched her facial expression and her body language. "He told me he loved you."

Ileeya looked down and pretended to adjust Adorei's position. "What did you say?"

"It doesn't matter my reaction right now. What matters is yours." He was still intently watching her.

Ileeya sighed. "I don't know. My only reaction is confusion, Father."

"Hm." He rubbed his bearded face. "You're going to have to figure it out, Ileeya. He's the father of your daughter. You'll be seeing him no matter how you feel."

Ileeya eyed him. "I thought you hated him. And didn't want him around us."

Dormir shrugged. "I still hate what he did to you. And if he hadn't taken you in the first place, you never would have come so near to death. But," he leaned forward, "he risked his life to save you. And he saved my life. That does tend to...alter one's view."

Ileeya adjusted her tunic and brought Adorei up to her shoulder, rubbing and patting her back. A light knock sounded at the door right before Tamlia opened it and looked inside. "More company," she announced before moving back to let Malfurion Stormrage enter.

If Ileeya felt intimidated by Broll Bearmantle, she was doubly so with the appearance of the first druid. She stood and gave him a nod of respect. Dormir, likewise stood and moved over to stand next to his daughter. Stormrage looked at the both of them and smiled. "Ileeya, and...Adorei?" He gave a look at the infant she held. Ileeya moved Adorei so that he could see her daughter. "May I?" He held out his hands in askance of holding the infant and Ileeya handed her to him.

Stormrage carefully took the infant and smiled, studying her face. "She's beautiful, Ileeya." After a minute of studying Adorei's features he handed her back to her mother. "I'm here in regards to that child's father." Ileeya glanced at her father then back at Malfurion. "I would like to hear of your adventures from your perspective."

Ileeya sat down again. This was going to take some time. She recounted to him much of her adventures from Darkshore to Booty Bay and her time in Dustwallow Marsh. She skimmed over parts she did not feel comfortable discussing and continued until her recent return to Darnassus.

Malfurion listened attentively and watched her as she spoke. When she was done, he commented, "You are a very strong elf, Ileeya."

Ileeya looked at him in surprise. "I don't think so. I can't seem to defend myself. I freeze with fear, I make wrong decisions..."

A low rumble of a laugh came from Stormrage. "You are a young druid. There are many things you can only learn from experience. Learning to control your fear will come over time. As for defending yourself, your way lies along the restorative path. You are not a fighter by nature. You are a healer." He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. "A wise person recognizes their weak points and accepts the help of others in those points."

He then removed his hand and stepped back. "I just have one question for you. I can understand capturing him so that he could not take your daughter from you. But why did you choose to live with him?"

Ileeya wasn't sure she could answer this question. "I'm...not sure. I suppose I could have given him to Lady Proudmoore to hold and then brought Adorei to visit him." She fell silent as she thought this over. "Perhaps it was his plea for the child in the first place. Maybe a part of me wanted him to be the father he seemed to want to be. But I didn't know if he would be a good father to Adorei."

"And now?"

She glanced at the archdruid. "Now...I believe him to be a dedicated father. He does seem to have her best interests at heart."

"Thank you, Ileeya, for talking to me about this. I've just come from talking with Kirlothenin as well." He glanced from father to daughter. "His official status right now is house arrest. He was not put into prison due to his heroic effort of rescuing you and your father. He's not allowed to leave the temple until he is fully recovered. Afterwards, he is expected to leave Darnassus. Tyrande and I have talked this over and we both agree that his presence in this city will cause only disruption and trouble."

Ileeya suddenly became concerned about Adorei. Would she be expected to give up her daughter to Kirlothenin? "So, he's going to be let go and return to Silvermoon City?"

"No. He'll still be under house arrest. He just won't be in Darnassus." At Ileeya's look of confusion, Malfurion gave a small smile. "Your father helped solve this issue by offering your old home in Moonglade for this purpose. There, you and Adorei can still live under the same roof as Kirlothenin if that is your wish. He will not wear a magic-prevention device unless he proves himself untrustworthy. In which case, more measures than that will be taken. He will be expected to remain at your home or a shop he will work in. A Moonglade warden will be assigned to stay with him should he need to travel elsewhere and permission must be given by either myself, Broll, or Rabine Saturna if he is to travel outside of Moonglade."

"His house arrest is for an indefinite period of time. He has done many crimes against you and at least one against Jelune Mooncaller. Although he has made up for it in part by his recent actions, we cannot automatically trust him. As time passes and he proves his trustworthiness, the restrictions will come off. This all, of course, depends upon your agreement to the deal."

"Has he agreed to this?"

"He has."

Ileeya recalled Kirlothenin's words earlier. 'Even if it means I remain a prisoner for the rest of my life, I would stay by your side.' She looked down at Adorei. It certainly seemed to be a good solution, quite similar to one she, herself, had come up with. Ileeya briefly wondered if that is why Malfurion had suggested it. However, there is now a difference. There was the issue of his feelings for her and her own...reluctance to accept them. Ileeya studied Adorei's face. She had the blue eyes of a high elf, as well as the more erect ears. But her skin was a light violet like her own. She had made a decision to raise this child to know both her heritages and take pride in both. She would need her father in her life. 'I would stay by your side.' The words came again inside her head. There was something comforting in those words, despite her own reticence. "I agree to the terms."

...

Just Over A Week Later...

Kirlothenin stepped out of the building and turned to the warden waiting there. "I need to go for a walk." The warden merely nodded his head and followed about ten feet away, giving the blood elf his space. The mage was obviously tense. They had moved into the house that was located just outside the town of Nighthaven in Moonglade seven days ago. There was some cleaning needed, but with diligence he, Ileeya, and Dormir got the job done. Dormir, it seems was going to live with them at least for the time being. His duty to the Emerald Dream was temporarily suspended so he could spend time with his new granddaughter.

Both Kirlothenin and Ileeya worked for a night elf druid named Malvor. Like Firodren, he trained others in the art of herbalism. Ileeya learned from him and also grew herbs to sell to various customers. Kirlothenin had a small corner of the store to sell his own alchemical supplies as well as train others who were new to the profession. With Moonglade being a neutral territory, they had customers from both the Horde and the Alliance.

He had no problem with the house. He had no problem with Dormir living there. He had no problem with his new job or location. In fact he would enjoy them all, if Ileeya wasn't avoiding him like the plague. Oh, she was civil. She talked to him as long as someone else was there. Otherwise, she found any excuse she could to not speak to him alone. Just a moment ago, when he had tried to speak to her, she claimed she had to go to learn from Loganaar, who had taken over her druidic training from Denatharion.

His walk took him from Malvor's shop to the outskirts of town. Once there, he decided to go check on Adorei. Dormir looked after her sometimes while the two of them worked. Other times they just brought Adorei with them to the shop. He stepped into the house while his warden shadow remained outside. Dormir was there rocking her cradle and made shushing motions to indicate the infant had just fallen asleep and not to make a sound. He pointed to the back door and they both stepped outside.

"What brings you home at this time?"

"I needed some space."

"Still avoiding you, I see."

Kirlothenin gave him a sidelong glance and nodded.

"I wonder if I should ask Jelune to come stay for a bit."

This seemed a bit out of the blue and Kirlothenin turned to him. "Why?"

Dormir in turn faced the blood elf. "Protection."

"That's my job now." Kirlothenin gave him a glare. The two of them had gotten along fine after Ileeya's rescue. So this questioning of his abilities was a bit of a surprise to him.

"Is it? Hm...I did seem to think you were a fighter, but now I'm not so sure."

"Just what are you getting at, old elf?"

"You have to fight for her, Kirlothenin."

"I did. I saved her life, remember?"

"I didn't say you had to fight for her life. You have to fight for her heart."

Kirlothenin gave him a hard stare as Dormir's words sunk in. "Why are you encouraging me in this regard?"

"I want my daughter to be happy. Right now, she isn't. She's fighting her own internal battle. Ileeya has at least some feelings for you, Kirlothenin, or else she would have turned you down right away. But she struggles with her knowledge of your past deeds and her own emotions regarding you."

Kirlothenin suddenly recalled the time he had studied Ileeya's face in Zoram'Gar Outpost. She was fine if it was a burst of adrenaline. But the more time she had to think about her fears, the more her fears took hold of her. Realization hit him at that moment. That was his mistake. He had given her too much time to think about her feelings. A smile came over his face as he began to form a plan. "I'll need your help."

Dormir nodded and the two discussed Kirlothenin's plan. At first, Dormir didn't like the plan, but as Kirlothenin explained it and went into more detail, the elder druid agreed with it.

...

Ileeya arrived at home to find that dinner had been cooked by her father or Kirlothenin, she wasn't sure which. The two were setting the table and she asked the blood elf where he went to that afternoon. "Oh, I just had some things to take care of. Dormir helped." With nothing to do until dinner was ready, Ileeya spent some time playing with Adorei. Dinner held some pleasant conversation about superficial stuff as usual.

After dinner, Dormir took Adorei claiming he wanted to go for a walk and figured the walk would help her sleep. When Ileeya suggested she walk with them, he declined, saying he wanted to walk alone for a bit. Before she could protest, he was out the door. Finding herself alone with Kirlothenin, she decided to go upstairs to her room. He can't bring up unwanted topics of conversation if she wasn't there.

To her surprise, he opened her door and walked in, shutting the door behind him. "Kirlothenin! I want to be alone."

His only response was to mutter some words and his water elemental appeared.

Ileeya froze as she saw the creature. Unwanted memories of the thing came to her. She gave the blood elf an uncertain look. "What's going on?"

His tone of voice was neutral. "What do you think is going on?" He moved towards her slowly.

She stepped back. "You're scaring me, Kirlothenin."

He paused. "Why? Don't you trust me?"

Her eyes darted between him and the water elemental. "Not when you act like this."

He waited a moment before saying, "Fair enough." He then pulled something out from behind him and she recognized the collar that Thorion had used on her. The lock had been broken by Shandris' warglaive. But a new one had been fixed onto it and she gave Kirlothenin a distrustful look. However, he didn't put it on her. To her surprise, he put it on himself, then handed her the key.

She had a baffled expression on her face, but he had one more thing to show her before he explained. Kirlothenin turned and opened the door. The tauren warden stood there. Normally, he didn't come into the house. Kirlothenin was finally ready to explain. "He's here on my request." He asked the warden, "Can you please tell her what I asked of you for tonight?"

The warden glanced at Ileeya. "I'm to stay here. You can call for me at anytime. If I hear anything wrong, I'm to come in and help you." He spoke matter-of-factly.

"Thank you, Grendon." He closed the door and turned to Ileeya. "I'm staying here. All night." At her protests, he raised his arms. "I can't hurt you. I don't have my magic, and you can easily defend yourself against me physically in your bear or cat form. Plus," He turned to the elemental and gave it his orders. "You are to protect Ileeya should I ever attack her. Oh, and if she attacks me, do nothing." He then turned back to her and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

Ileeya stared at him like he was crazy. "I don't want you here! Get out!" She was incensed at his audacity.

He shook his head. "I won't do that. Not until we talk."

She crossed her arms. "I'll just wait for Father to get back with Adorei."

Kirlothenin smiled. "Why do you think he went out?"

Ileeya was shocked. "You mean he's in on this?" At his nod she fumed and turned her back on him.

Two hours later, she still hadn't spoken, but her anger had fizzled out. She turned around to see him sitting on the floor with his back against the wall, waiting patiently. She sighed and closed her eyes. "Why?" He looked at her. "Why are you insisting on doing this?"

"We need to talk about this."

She raised a long eyebrow. "By going through all of this?" She waved her arm towards the elemental.

"It was necessary, yes." He stood up and stretched his back.

"Why was it necessary?"

"Because you haven't forgiven me. Because you still have your doubts. Because, as proved earlier, you don't trust me. And you don't trust yourself."

She blinked at this. "How is this going to help?" She meant to have more sarcasm in her voice, but it didn't come out that way.

He took a step forward. "It's to prove I'll go through whatever it takes to get you to realize how we feel about each other."

"I never said-"

"-That you have feelings for me? You do. You just won't acknowledge it." He took another step forward.

She was feeling confused again. Her heart beat hard in her chest and she refused to look at him. Did she really care about him? She shook her head. "I don't even know how I feel. How can you?"

"Because I know you, Ileeya. If you take too much time to think things through, you start to become confused and your fears start to take over. That's what's happening to you now. You fear that I haven't really changed, or that I will end up hurting you, or that your trust is misplaced in me. I don't blame you for that, Ileeya. I gave you plenty of reasons not to trust me. But in the meantime, you gave me more reasons to fall in love with you. And I tell you now, I am sorry for everything I've done to you. If I could take it back, I would. But I can't."

By this time, he was standing right in front of her. Ileeya felt unable to move, she was so unsure of herself right now. "You're too close. I can't think."

His hand reached up and caressed her cheek. His voice a whisper. "Don't think. Feel." He took her hand and held it flat against his chest. She could feel the fast-paced heartbeat underneath. He then placed her hand over her own heart. It was beating at the same pace as his own. She glanced up at his face. Kirlothenin leaned in, his lips just barely brushed hers. He pulled back just far enough so that his eyes could search hers. But he couldn't do that because her eyes were closed and she was shivering. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned in again, this time slowly deepening the kiss. There was a moment of stiff hesitation, then she seemed to melt into the kiss and her arms circled around him.

As much as he didn't want to end the kiss, he finally pulled back and looked deep into her eyes. "Now. Will you give me a chance?"

Ileeya slowly nodded her head. He wasn't asking her to admit love. The kiss made her realize that she did indeed care about him more than she realized. But she wasn't ready to admit love just yet. There was more that needed to be said and done. She sat down in a chair. "I guess we talk then." She indicated for him to sit in the other chair. Kirlothenin smiled broadly and sat down.

The End

Author's Note:

Yeah, the ending seems kinda abrupt. But it felt too drawn out if I had continued on with their taking walks and telling each other all about themselves and doing all the rest that would show Ileeya falling more in love. I didn't want to bring in any more dangerous situations as I felt they've been through enough...for now at least. ;) If people really like the characters, I *may* bring them back in a sequel later if I have time. For now, I have other story idea's to flesh out. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it was enjoyable even though I'm sure I've made a variety of mistakes. ~Similyn