Cavalina stirred, awaking with a start and glancing around the barroom that was now doubling as a barracks for the refugees from Silvermoon. All around, elves of every description available were huddled close together, many shivering in panic at the nightmares that assaulted their minds while they slept. Social ranking and class meant little right now, Silvermoon was aflame and from the faint light streaming in from the windows, dawn had not quite arrived. Turning to the side, Cavalina saw that the bedroll beside Hir was empty, undisturbed, Amythyst had either risen early or, more likely, never come to bed at all. Rising swiftly, quietly, Cavalina picked Hir way through the crowed barroom and exited the tavern, stepping out into Fairbreeze Village’s main square.

Cavalina’s eyes scanned the surroundings while Shi pulled the shawl tighter around Hir body, shivering slightly in the early morning breeze. Shi spotted Amythyst standing exactly where Shi had met her when Cavalina arrived the day before. It had taken weeks to travel from Dalaran back to Quel’thalas, the roads unsafe for travel and magical means unavailable. Amythyst was the only one of Hir family Cavalina could confirm was still alive, word as to whether or not Lyshara and Hir children had arrived safely in the south was unavailable and the messengers to Jasinai’s monastery either did not arrive or were slaughter on their return. Even little Lissarris was unaccounted for but rumors circulated that she had escaped with a group of nobles protected by a contingent of Spellbreakers after the first waves.

Cavalina sighed, walking softly over to where Amythyst stood to join in Hir sister’s silent vigil on the hilltop. The sisters looked to the north, toward Silvermoon, the glorious capital of Quel’thalas still burning as it had been since the gates fell and the undead Scourge poured through the streets. Cavalina had not been there, and the guilt of that fact hung around Hir neck like a lead chain. Shi hadn’t been there: to see that Hir family escaped; to see that Hir daughters were safe; to protect Hir beloved. As far as Shi knew all the family Cavalina had in the world stood beside Hir as Hir whole life burned away, the old ways floating to the sky like the ashes rising from Silvermoon’s ruins.

“They’re not coming,” Amythyst uttered, though the sound was barely a whisper it pierced through the silence like a thunderclap. Cavalina turned to look at Amythyst, the redheaded elf whispering once more, “They promised… but they’re not coming.” Amythyst’s head turned, her eyes shimmering through barely held back tears that threatened to roll down her already streaked cheeks. Cavalina parted Hir lips to reply but stopped as Amythyst shook her and continued, “I… I made them promise we’d meet here, I wouldn’t go until they promised… but…” Amythyst’s shoulders began to shudder, as her chest convulsed, the daughter of House Dawnwalker’s wall of resolve finally cracking. Amythyst fell forward against Cavalina, sobbing into her sister’s chest. Cavalina wrapped Hir arms around Amythyst and stared out toward Silvermoon, Hir rueful frown reflecting everything that needed to be said.

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Cavalina & Amythyst Dawnwalker shortly after the fall of Silvermoon to the Scourge.

Blood Elves © Blizzard
Art © Narcotic-Sprinkles
Amythyst Dawnwalker belongs to Amythystness
Cavalina belongs to Me.