Chapter Text
15 Months Later
“You fumble about like a child lost in the shadows, my arrow.”
“Fuck you,” Alleria responded calmly. She would’ve rolled her eyes for good measure, but they were closed behind the silky black fabric covering them.
Her ears perked up as she tried to locate exactly where Xal’atath’s voice had come from. It wasn’t too difficult, as Alleria could also sense the entity through the binding. Xal’atath, for some odd reason, did not consider that cheating, even if the entire point of their little exercise was for Alleria to ‘find the threat and neutralize it’. Said ‘threat’ was none other than Xal’atath herself.
Except, it didn’t matter how many times Alleria had tried to strike at her. The entity would disappear and reappear somewhere else. Alleria knew that there was more to her lover’s cryptic instructions. There was always more with Xal’atath, in every sense. But she had grown increasingly frustrated trying to figure out what the entity actually wanted her to do.
“Less sweet promises, more focus on the task at hand,” Xal’atath drawled, the smirk in her voice more than evident.
Alleria scrunched up her nose in irritation and one of the tentacles coming out of her back wriggled unhappily, mirroring her thoughts on the matter. The void elf had much better control over them now. They felt like an extension of her. She had spent countless hours practicing in the safety of Xal’atath’s homely floating rock. Alleria would drag the entity’s armchair away from its usual spot at her desk and take it outside of the tower, so Xal’atath could sit in it with a tome in hand and simply watch her try to master her abilities. From time to time, she would even offer her advice or wisdom. But she mostly just observed Alleria’s progress silently.
Her void still vehemently disliked Xal’atath’s presence. But it no longer held any delusions about being capable of convincing Alleria to hurt her – its annoyance remained a quiet, dull feeling at the back of her mind. One that was more than easy to disregard.
“You could just admit to wanting to put a blindfold on me. I’m not opposed. We don’t have to go through all this trouble,” Alleria retorted dryly, waiting for Xal’atath to speak up so she could try to ambush her.
The void elf felt the sweet caress of Xal’atath’s velvety voice next to her ear but a second later. “I desperately wanted to put a blindfold on you.”
The low whisper sent a pleasant shiver down her spine, but did not shake her enough to distract her. Alleria made an indignant noise and used the opportunity to command one of her tentacles to strike at the woman, but she only ended up giving her own shoulder a resounding slap.
The void elf groaned. Xal’atath would not give her any hints, so she didn’t bother to ask. Alleria knew that if she told the entity she wanted to put this particular lesson on hold, she wouldn’t mind. While in the past that notion would’ve made Alleria feel inadequate at best, Xal’atath’s patient approach to helping her better understand her powers was grounding. Taking a step back and thinking didn’t feel like a personal failure anymore. Not when it came to studying the Void. Continuing whatever this was on a day when Alleria’s head was clearer seemed like the better option.
Some of the tension in the void elf’s shoulders eased and she concentrated on her connection with Xal’atath. She could tell the entity was floating close by to her right and extended one of her tentacles towards her slowly. Alleria had expected to grasp at nothing once again, but her eyebrows furrowed in surprise when she found the solid form of Xal’atath’s body, unmoving and waiting.
Alleria tentatively slid the tentacle around the entity’s midsection and started drawing her in. Xal’atath didn’t make an attempt at escaping and let herself be pulled in. Not long after, Alleria felt a finger hook under the blindfold to tug it off, freeing the void elf from the perpetual darkness she’d been subjected to for the past hour or so.
It wasn’t that jarring of a contrast to finally open her eyes – the skies above were just as black, purple and blue as ever. The same graveyard of rock and rubble that she had gotten so used to seeing.
When Alleria’s eyes fell on Xal’atath’s face, she was met with an unimpressed expression. The entity was hovering in front of her, arms resting leisurely on the tentacle that was still hugging her frame. “Fascinating,” Xal’atath said, in a tone that told Alleria she found the situation anything but. “You have managed to successfully find the solution to your task purely by accident.”
“I have?” Alleria asked in surprise, bringing Xal’atath as close as possible. Unfortunately, the large chunk of flesh between them prevented their bodies from coming together.
“Yes. But I imagine the lesson is entirely lost on you,” the entity drawled, raising a brow at Alleria. “Perhaps things are still salvageable.”
Alleria knew that if she put her mind to it, she could probably figure it out. Or, at the very least, figure it out partially. Her plans were much more insidious, however. The tentacle holding Xal’atath in place was more than convenient, allowing Alleria the opportunity to cup the entity’s face with both of her hands and run her thumbs along the scars on her cheeks.
“I believe they are,” she began, feigning seriousness and nodding sagely. “You could simply tell me what the lesson is,” the void elf suggested, her expression turning sheepish.
Xal’atath’s captivating eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded Alleria. “We both know you are more than capable of uncovering that mystery, my arrow.” With a tilt of her head, she leaned into Alleria’s gentle touch, despite trying to look properly vexed.
“I am. But I prefer the sound of your voice, rather than the sound of my own,” the ranger said smoothly, willing the tentacle to set Xal’atath down carefully and untangle itself from her. She realized the woman hadn’t been floating – she had been held up solely by the appendage.
As it began retracting, the entity caressed it, making Alleria give her a pointed look. A shudder passed through her – it was far from the first time Xal’atath had done that, but it always carried the same effect. The reaction elicited a pleased smirk – she wouldn’t allow Alleria to be the only insufferable one in that moment.
Alleria huffed out a breath, leaning down with the intention of pressing her lips against Xal’atath’s and wiping the smug expression off her face. But the entity lifted a hand and placed a finger over Alleria’s lips, just before they could reach hers. “Business first, then pleasure,” she purred, eyes twinkling. As the void elf’s hands fell away from her face and snaked around her waist to pull her closer, Xal’atath spoke up again. “What is the lesson?”
Xal’atath was going to make her think about it. Fine.
“So, the lesson is that all of my victims will be very willing to be caught,” Alleria said dryly, giving Xal’atath a look she hoped conveyed just how little she wanted to be mulling over this. Kissing Xal’atath seemed like a much better way to spend her time.
“Mmm, just this one,” the entity chuckled deeply, flashing her a grin. Alleria hated how infectious it was, because she wanted to remain annoyed. But she couldn’t – not with how Xal’s eyes were gleaming at her, expectant and playful.
The void elf gave in, turning pensive. Every time she’d struck at Xal’atath, the entity had vanished and avoided her attacks. But the one time Alleria had not used aggression had been the one time where the woman had allowed herself to be caught. Was this a lesson in patience?
“In a way,” Xal’atath spoke, pulling Alleria out of her thoughts. Her hand had moved to rest on the void elf’s shoulder. Clearly, she’d been listening in on Alleria’s musings. “While patience is a vital piece of this puzzle, it is not the main focus.”
Having Xal’atath guide her through the process was welcome.
Then, it had to be about force. Alleria hadn’t forgotten the conversation they’d had when she had first asked the entity for help. About wielding her void in a way that made it feel like it was free, when Alleria was the one truly in control. Like a companion, rather than a simple tool of wanton violence. Her time spent with the entity had taught her much about the Void, about all that it could do – how it could transform, mend, soothe and create. Not just destroy.
“Is this about letting my void off its leash?” Alleria asked slowly, focusing her attention back on Xal’atath. The entity had been observing her patiently, a smile tugging at her lips. Like she was proud. Alleria had to remind herself not to puff her chest up.
“See? That was not so hard now, was it?” Xal’atath drawled teasingly.
“I’ll have you know that it was very hard,” deadpanned the ranger, schooling her expression into seriousness.
Xal’atath laughed and Alleria’s heart skipped a few beats.
“Your power grows, my arrow. You must learn how to adapt to it,” began the entity, holding Alleria’s gaze. “That cage you imagine within the confines of your mind will soon be insufficient. It is time to direct, rather than contain. Convincing your void that it wants what you want is the key. You must show it that the hand you have wrapped around its throat is not a shackle, but a guide,” Xal’atath continued. Judging by her explanation, that had been the reason why she had waited for Alleria to try and entice her to give in, rather than resorting to aggression. “Once it believes you are equals chasing after the same goal, as opposed to thinking of you as an enemy it needs to conquer and bend to its will, that is when you will become one with it.”
Her lover was right, that much was certain. How Alleria would achieve that state of being was a completely different matter altogether. While the leash had loosened more and more with each of Xal’atath’s lessons, it was no secret that completely letting go of it made Alleria feel uneasy. And she knew how to. Every time she unleashed her powers, she could feel it – the desire to allow for that snap, for that true release.
But Alleria never went through with it. She could admit to being apprehensive. To not wanting to bite off more than she thought she could chew. To being cautious.
“There is nothing to fear, Alleria,” Xal’atath whispered, cupping the void elf’s face with her hands. “I will watch over you. Though, I doubt you will need my assistance,” she smiled a little, running her thumb over Alleria’s cheek soothingly. “I have already witnessed you masterfully coaxing your void into doing your bidding, rather than yanking at its chain. You are stronger than you think.”
“Say that a few more times and I might actually believe it,” the void elf huffed, leaning into Xal’atath’s touch. The problem with Xal’atath offering her reassurance was that it always seemed to work effortlessly.
“I can be very persuasive,” the entity smirked briefly, before her expression shifted into something more neutral. “When we next have the time, you could try. I will be by your side,” she promised.
“I’m willing to,” Alleria nodded slowly. She could feel how happy her response had made the entity. Once, it might’ve made her suspicious. Now? Alleria knew exactly why Xal’atath was so elated. It was the knowledge that Alleria was no longer raging against who she was. Against what she was. She was accepting herself. Basking in the powers that coursed through her very being.
Xal’atath had always seen Alleria’s stubborn resistance to embracing the Void as self-sabotage. Alleria was starting to agree with that perspective. She had spent too long worrying about how everyone else would see her and how dangerous she could be to her friends and family.
Alleria thought differently now. No matter how sinister the Void appeared to those who did not care to understand it, the ranger knew better. Her void had saved lives. It had saved her family. It had saved her home.
And Alleria would wield it to save their world, too.
Xal’atath pulled Alleria down to kiss her, promptly interrupting her inner musings. It was a tender, chaste press of lips that the void elf found herself immediately getting lost in. Until it wasn’t.
She felt Xal’atath smirk against her and the scrape of fangs at her bottom lip. Alleria whined pitifully into the entity’s mouth, before drawing back with a displeased expression. “You know we don’t have time for this. We have to go to Silvermoon.”
“Yes,” Xal’atath grinned widely, making a show of licking her lips. “I know.” Instead of taking mercy upon Alleria and the important tasks they both had to attend to, the entity kissed her again, this time with a lot more fervor.
Alleria’s hold on Xal’atath’s waist tightened. She took charge, feeling the hands on her face slide down to rest against her chest, no longer interested in guiding her. Xal’atath’s body grew warmer and warmer with each lap of Alleria’s tongue against her own, and she felt the entity lean heavily on her.
Quite pleased with herself and the occasional needy noises she would coax out of Xal’atath, Alleria figured that no one would care if they were a little late. Her lover’s hands were balled into fists and clutching at Alleria’s shirt as if the void elf was the last thing tethering her to the floating piece of rock they had found themselves upon.
She groaned quietly.
Just as Alleria was in the process of considering picking up the entity and taking her back inside the sanctum to have her way with her, Xal’atath broke the kiss. She let her forehead rest against Alleria’s, both of them slightly out of breath. “We should make our way to Silvermoon,” the entity suggested with a hum.
“We should make our way to Silvermoon,“ Alleria echoed incredulously, making an attempt at glaring at Xal’atath. “I hate everything you stand for,” she said dramatically, but kept holding onto the woman.
A melodic, lighthearted laugh bubbled out of those soft, enticing lips and Alleria’s chest swelled. Her expression softened and she placed a loving peck to Xal’s cheek, before nuzzling her face into the entity’s for a fraction.
They parted, both wearing matching smiles.
The two headed back into the sanctum, with Alleria quickly changing into warmer clothes. Winter was in full swing in Quel’Thalas. It was the day before Winter’s Veil, too. A thick coating of snow covered the entirety of Eversong and Quel’Danas and the winds were as cutting and as biting as they could be. Xal’atath’s home was cold, too. But it was a pleasant and soothing kind of cold. The kind that made the scorching rays of the morning sun less scorching and the dry heat of a summer day less suffocating.
The sanctum had become Alleria’s home, too. She shared a house with Vereesa in Silvermoon, but only in theory. Most of her time was spent here, in the safety of Xal’atath’s private space. Throughout the past two years, Alleria had moved most of her personal belongings to the sanctum, together with a tub that now sat against the wall close to Xal’atath’s personal library. Alleria couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. It looked ridiculous and out of place. Especially because it was very large, as per Xal’atath’s request.
Alleria had not even thought to complain. Not when most of her baths usually ended in sweet bliss at Xal’atath’s eager hands.
The void elf threw on her winter coat and a warm pair of boots. She picked up her bow and holstered it at her back with practiced ease. Normally, Alleria would’ve just left it at the sanctum, but she knew she wouldn’t be back for a few days. Xal’atath had told her she would need to go visit the Domanaar and Alleria was going to stay back in Silvermoon to celebrate Winter’s Veil with her family.
Well, most of her family.
The thought made her frown slightly. Dragging Xal to a family gathering like that would’ve been a hard task without the entity being otherwise preoccupied with important matters, anyway. But Alleria couldn’t help but hope that one day her lover would agree to it. While Vereesa wouldn’t be overjoyed to have her there and would likely have made the experience miserable without even trying, Sylvanas and Arator would’ve been as happy to have Xal’atath there as Alleria would’ve been.
No doubt sensing Alleria’s inner moping, Xal’atath came up from behind the void elf and wrapped her arms around her waist. Alleria spun around so she could face her and her frown fell away almost instantly. Xal’atath reached up, threading her fingers through the fluffy material at the collar of the void elf’s coat, before pulling at it a few times to fix it up, the movement making Alleria lean down towards her. Whether that had been needed or Xal’atath was looking for an excuse to drag Alleria closer, even if briefly, the void elf wasn’t sure.
“Come. They are waiting for us,” Xal’atath said, releasing her hold on Alleria’s coat and stepping back from her.
Alleria had thought that, with time, leaving each other’s embrace would’ve become less of a disgruntling concept. But she had been dead wrong – sometimes, it felt like it was harder to part from Xal’atath than it had been at the beginning of their relationship. Alleria didn’t even need the binding to know that the entity was of the same mind.
Xal’atath’s hand lifted to summon a void rift up for them, the familiar thrum of her magic vibrating pleasantly in Alleria’s ears, causing them to perk up. She followed the entity through it, emerging on the other side to snow-covered streets and the morning bustle of Silvermoon City.
A proud smile graced the void elf’s lips as she took in the view. Silvermoon had not only been renovated, it had been rebuilt from the ground up after the Void Lord’s attack more than two years ago. Its streets were wider, its spires rose higher and almost every building was a beautiful vision of gold, white and red. The bridge leading to Quel’Danas had been rebuilt, too. It was grander, sturdier and more magnificent than it had been.
Alleria had never seen her city so alive, even during the times before she had originally left to roam the world beyond. If only Lirath could’ve seen it.
Her heart seized at the thought of her late brother and her smile settled into a more somber expression. Alleria glanced at Xal’atath, who was levitating next to her and observing her quietly. While Xal’atath rarely pried into her mind these days, Alleria knew she couldn’t help herself when the void elf was in distress or unhappy. Xal’atath was always ready to know and soothe her pain.
This pain, however, had no remedy. The entity was aware of it. So, instead of offering Alleria pointless words of comfort, she slipped her hand into the ranger’s gently and gave it a squeeze, before letting go. It was only momentary, but it was more than enough.
They came to a stop before Sunfury Spire. It had been raised so far up into the clouds that when Alleria looked up at it, she had to squint. It was more private that way, Lor’themar had announced with a grin. There was a transportation orb that led to the top of the spire, but Xal’atath thought it below them to use it and usually flew them up with her magic.
The entity had been preparing to do just that, but she was interrupted by a voice that came from behind them.
“Mother.” Arator’s bright smile came into view as he came to a stop between them. He turned to Xal’atath, watching her for a moment. “Xal’atath,” he greeted her warmly. Alleria didn’t miss the way Xal’atath had stiffened at her son’s pause, knowing that he had probably been debating on whether to call her mother, too. Arator had decided to take mercy on her this time, it appeared. “Would it be too much trouble to ask for a lift?” he grinned, nodding up to the skies. “The orbs make me nauseous.”
Xal’atath seemed happy to oblige him, casting her levitation spell on all three of them and taking off slowly. Alleria still didn’t know how to control it herself – didn’t even know if it was a possibility – but she thought it might be time to ask sooner rather than later.
“This is great!” Arator exclaimed, laughing a little and gazing in the direction of the Sunwell. Alleria followed suit and smiled to herself. The higher they went, the more beautiful the view was. The void singularity – because that’s what Xal’atath had informed her the thing above actually was, instead of a mere portal – loomed dormant above Quel’Danas, still and imposing.
Alleria felt a wave of mirth pass through Xal at Arator’s childlike wonder and looked at her. The entity was not looking at her son, but there was the ghost of a smile tugging at her lips. It was quickly schooled into perfect neutrality as they ascended to the top of Sunfury Spire and landed on the platform leading into it.
The seating arrangements had been shifted around a bit – instead of Xal’atath sitting next to Sylvanas, she had made herself comfortable in the space between Arator and Alleria, at the void elf’s suggestion. No one had complained, so the change had been seamless.
The war table in the middle of the room was much fancier, fashioned out of dark wood, with Silvermoon’s crest carved beautifully into the middle of it. It was currently covered by a large map of Harandar and a way smaller one of the parts of the Rift of Aln that some had been unfortunate enough to explore. The armchairs were also much more comfortable, their soft padding getting a sigh of relief out of Alleria every time she sat down after a long day out in the field.
Alleria noted that everyone else was already present and looking at them expectantly. They weren’t that late, she thought, lifting her hand to scratch at the hairs on the back of her neck. Arator and Xal’atath made their way to their seats, with the void elf dragging her feet behind them.
No comments were made on their untimely arrival, as they were greeted by curt nods and a few smiles. Those welcoming expressions were mostly targeted at Alleria and Arator, but recently, they’d been sent Xal’atath’s way, too.
Vereesa, on the other hand, was quite consistent in her disgruntlement and stared at the entity with a healthy dose of disdain. Xal’atath, being Xal’atath, only gave her a smug smirk in response. Alleria could tell she was doing it to piss Vereesa off. It worked like a charm.
Alleria had mostly given up on getting her little sister to relent and be somewhat civil with her lover, because it was a lost cause. Xal’atath didn’t seem to pay her any mind anyway, which was a relief. Having them trade jabs would’ve made those council meetings both more entertaining and more horrifying.
Once they had all taken their seats, Lor’themar and Xal’atath immediately began discussing their next course of action. Usually, Alleria would only half-listen to what was being said, but this was too important to ignore. She sat up straighter in her chair and focused on the information being shared and on the final steps of a plan that had been in the making for more than a year.
Despite Alleria’s good intentions and desire to listen, at some point, words of undreamt gods, Alndust, troops and strategy began to bleed together. The void elf was rarely one to offer input – she believed most people in that room were far better thinkers than her. She was there to lend her power and protect. To follow the orders of those best suited to give them.
“When will you return?” Lor’themar’s question had no doubt been directed at Xal’atath and Alleria looked between the two as they regarded each other.
“The day before the assault on the Rift. I shall be there to assist you with the creature,” Xal’atath informed council, her eyes focused on the Regent-Lord. “Not that you are incapable of dealing with it on your own,” she added with a smirk that would’ve been a lot less genuine mirth and a lot more condescension a couple of years ago. “Making sure that the Rift is stable after we dispose of it will be crucial.”
“There’s a chance that killing it might cause trouble?” Jaina chimed in, causing Xal’atath’s gaze to shift to her.
“Yes,” the entity responded curtly, but didn’t elaborate any further.
Alleria recognized the look on her face, however. Xal’atath was keeping something from them. She fought the urge to sigh and leaned further back into her chair instead, resigned to the fact that Xal’atath wouldn’t reveal her secrets until the time for it came.
“We trust you have that handled, then,” Lor’themar said, nodding slowly. “Any questions?” he addressed the rest of the council. He was met with silence and a few head shakes. “Good. Safe travels, Xal’atath,” he turned back to the entity for a moment, before rising from his chair.
Xal’atath hummed neutrally, without saying anything. The rest of the council started leaving their seats as well, headed for the platform that held the transportation orb. Everyone but Xal’atath, Arator and Alleria trickled out of the spire quickly.
Once they were alone, Arator turned to Xal’atath with a smile. “See you soon?” he asked, holding her gaze.
Alleria knew what he meant – this wasn’t about Xal’atath leaving on business, this was about their routine. She watched the entity nod slowly.
“Yes. You may see me the day before we go to the Rift. I will come fetch you,” Xal’atath responded, voice a smidge less reserved than it had been while she’d been talking to the council.
“Actually,” Arator began, wearing a sheepish expression. “I’m thinking of asking Umbric to bring me to the Voidstorm. With your permission, I’d like to explore.”
Alleria and Xal’atath shared a look, eyebrows raised. “The Voidstorm is a harsh place for wielders of the Light, child. While I doubt anyone would outright attack you, there is still a risk,” the entity explained, tilting her head at him curiously.
Arator seemed to think for a moment, before looking between Alleria and Xal’atath with a cheeky smile. “I want to learn more about the Void. About…” he trailed off, trying to find the words. “About your people,” he nodded towards both of them. “Umbric will accompany me and I won’t wander around for long,” the paladin tried to reassure them. “It will be a… measured risk,” he finished with a grin.
Alleria turned her head towards Xal’atath very slowly. “A measured risk,” she muttered in disbelief. Her unwavering stare became more of a glare, as she saw a smirk grow on the entity’s face and she gave the void elf an innocent shrug.
“Well, if it is a measured risk, then who am I to deny you?” Xal’atath told him, but kept her gaze on Alleria. “You may roam the Voidstorm as you see fit.”
Knowing Xal’atath, she would likely have someone secretly watching over Arator, just in case. Him being in any actual danger was highly unlikely, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Alleria couldn’t help herself and reached out to Xal’atath for a second.
A measured risk. He talks like you now. Unbelievable.
Alleria didn’t receive a response, but she could feel how giddy the accusation made Xal’atath. It didn’t last long, though, as Arator grinned even wider and nodded happily. “Thank you, mother.”
Xal’atath’s smug expression fell away and her eyes shifted to him. Alleria fought the urge to snort and won, for once. She felt the entity’s giddiness devolve into uncertainty and confusion, as it always did when Arator called her that. Her son didn’t do it often, but when he did, Xal’atath’s reaction was always the same.
But it wasn’t all that she felt. Beneath the uncertainty and confusion, there was a spark of warmth. One that Xal’atath herself didn’t understand. Thankfully, the entity appeared less and less inclined to instantly smother it.
“I’ll take the orb,” Arator announced, giving Alleria a quick hug as he passed by them, and headed to the platform.
It wasn’t long before Alleria and Xal’atath found themselves alone in the spire and the void elf stepped closer, hands shoved into the pockets of her coat. “Nullaeus is probably waiting for you already,” she said, catching the entity’s gaze. The problem that Xal’atath and Nullaeus had been dealing with – one that had been going for more than two years now – continued to be a mystery to the void elf. Not by choice, of course.
“Yes. And he can wait a little longer,” Xal’atath declared, eyes glinting playfully. She stood next to Alleria, hooking her arm around the ranger’s. “Come,” she said, pulling the void elf through a rift swiftly.
They stepped out on the shoreline beyond Silvermoon’s walls and Alleria smiled faintly. Xal’atath had transported them close to where the new ‘Windrunner bench’ was situated. The entity never joined them during family gatherings, even if Sylvanas and Arator had made sure there would be a seat for her, too. Still, Xal’atath and Alleria often found themselves sharing the space between or after council meetings.
Alleria glanced up, realizing that it had started snowing. It wasn’t heavy. It was but a gentle, slow descent of icy flakes against her face. The sting of cold was far from unbearable, though Alleria figured both her cheeks and the tips of her ears were probably starting to turn red.
Xal’atath’s arm was still snaked around hers and the entity shifted closer. Alleria felt Xal’atath rest her head against her upper arm and peered down at her lover. The woman’s dark purple locks were adorned with snowflakes. There was no warmth coming from Xal’atath’s body at the time, so they just remained in her hair without melting.
Xal’atath turned to look up at her and give her a relaxed smile – one that was very rare and one that Alleria always branded into her mind and kept close to her heart. She couldn’t help but think about how beautiful Xal’atath looked – pressed against her, snow in her hair, and a tender expression across her features. Alleria considered moving and just pulling Xal into her arms, but decided on simply leaning down to place a quick peck to her cheek.
They both looked back towards the seemingly endless expanse of the Great Sea, with Xal’atath returning to using Alleria’s arm as her personal pillow. The void elf knew their moment of peace wouldn’t last too long. Xal’atath may have been willing to be somewhat delayed, but she would have to leave soon.
Alleria lost track of the time they’d spent standing there together.
Suddenly, a strange noise caught her attention and her ears twitched, trying to focus on it and identify it. It was not footsteps. So, it had to be wildlife. With all the void that was still spread all over the shore, animals usually avoided that part of the forest.
With great reluctance, she untangled herself from Xal’atath, who gave her a questioning look, but didn’t say anything. The ranger stalked towards the tree line, eyes darting around the area. She had vaguely pinpointed where the noise had come from, but she made sure to check the entire perimeter.
Alleria wouldn’t have to wonder for long what the noise had been, because the culprit sprang out from one of the bushes mere steps away from her, making her stop dead in her tracks and stare. She could tell Xal’atath had followed behind her, levitating. She had paused behind Alleria, watching over the void elf’s shoulder.
Before them was a lynx cub, completely surrendered to the Void – its eyes were like a starry night sky and its fur was a distinct deep purple. If Alleria had to guess, it was no more than a couple of months old. Teeth bared, it growled at them. Alleria frowned slightly. The creature was clearly scared out of its mind and beyond confused.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” she said, as softly as she could, and took a tentative step towards it.
The cub immediately took two steps back, eyes locking onto Alleria’s. It hissed at her with all the menace a baby lynx could pull off.
“It could be hungry,” mumbled the void elf, mostly to herself. She doubted that was the only problem the creature was facing, but it was probably the most pertinent one.
Xal’atath pushed past her smoothly, floating closer to the cub. It didn’t seem as willing to be aggressive towards her. “You are correct. All it knows is the hunger of the Void,” Xal’atath said evenly, bending down to take a better look at it. “It likely had the misfortune of being turned during the incursion. Or, it came into contact with the Void shortly after it and that was the cause of its transformation.”
Alleria’s frown deepened.
The void elf watched with interest as Xal’atath raised her hand towards the cub, her magic flowing out of her fingertips and into its body. At first, it didn’t seem to affect its demeanor much – it didn’t get any calmer or any more agitated. The color of its fur began shifting into a darker blue. Its eyes remained the same shining galaxies. Alleria took the time to really look at the cub and gauged that it was probably a female, judging by the shape of its face and body.
“You have been unshackled, little one,” Xal’atath said, retracting her hand and tilting her head at the lynx slightly. “Your mind is your own once more.”
It sat back on its hind legs and mirrored the motion, looking up at the entity curiously. They both blinked at each other, once, and Alleria had to lift her hand over her mouth to hide her grin. It was endearing.
Xal’atath must’ve caught the swell of emotion in her, because she turned to Alleria, raising an eyebrow at her in question. The void elf only shook her head and tried to keep her expression neutral. “Don’t mind me,” she said, clearing her throat. “It’s nothing.”
It was far from nothing – it was the overwhelming feeling of Alleria’s love for the insufferable woman in front of her threatening to suffocate her in the most beautiful of ways.
The entity didn’t push and shifted her attention back to the cub. “Off you go now,” she told it, whirling around and making her way back to the void elf. She landed next to Alleria, no longer seeing a benefit in keeping her levitation spell up.
Alleria didn’t move, however, and instead watched the cub trod diligently after Xal’atath, stopping only when the entity did. This time, the void elf couldn’t hold back her smile. “I think she likes you,” she told Xal’atath softly, making her lover gaze down upon the creature again.
As if to prove Alleria’s point, the cub nudged Xal’atath’s leg with its forehead, before sitting back down and staring up at her as if she were the most captivating thing in the universe. The void elf was in agreement with the cub there, naturally.
Xal’atath’s brows rose as she regarded the creature. “There is nothing else I can give you,” she told it evenly. But past her neutral expression, Alleria could see the gleam in her eye. The amusement.
“I don’t think she wants you to give her anything, Xal,” Alleria chuckled, scratching the back of her neck. “I assume she doesn’t need sustenance the way regular lynx cubs do,” she mumbled, suddenly curious.
“No, she does not,” Xal’atath confirmed her suspicions. “She can only feed on the Void.”
“Will she grow bigger if she does?” Alleria wondered out loud, catching Xal’atath’s eyes. The void elf was aware of her own form increasing in size – or, at least, the tentacles on her back – with every extra bit of the Void she dared to wield.
“An unlikely possibility. The cub is stunted and she shall forever remain as she is. Unless someone or something purposefully infuses her with a significant amount of the Void, that is. I suspect she does not know how to feed on her own,” the entity explained, averting her eyes from Alleria’s and locking them onto the lynx.
The cub chasing after Xal’atath because she could feed her wasn’t that difficult of a concept to grasp. Yet, Alleria felt like that was not the reason for her behavior. The void elf had never been fond of keeping pets – it hadn’t felt right. But she was more than capable of telling when an animal had taken genuine interest in someone.
And the cub? She was positively enamored with Xal’atath.
“I think she’s less interested in your magic and more interested in you, Xal,” Alleria declared, watching the entity with a faint smile. Then, because she couldn’t help herself, she added dryly, “Another soldier for your ever-growing army of the Void.”
Xal’atath paused for a moment, as if considering that ridiculous statement. Then, she gave Alleria a satisfied smirk, telling her that she had considered it, and bent down to pick up the lynx cub. On instinct – because this was still a wild animal, despite being very small and seemingly harmless – the void elf tensed up a bit.
The tension quickly dissipated, once Alleria saw the creature happily let Xal’atath lift her into the air, bringing her to her eye level. Her back legs dangled helplessly under her and her front paws were stretched out towards the entity’s face. Despite her infusion with the Void, her fur looked soft with the woman’s slender fingers threaded through it. The cub was about as twice as big as a regular house cat, but that didn’t seem to be an issue for Xal’atath, as she leaned closer to her.
“So, you wish to join my ranks, hmm?” she drawled dramatically, staring into the cub’s eyes. The creature opened her mouth, letting out a sound that Alleria couldn’t quite identify – lynxes didn’t meow. It was more of a creak than anything else. She looked far from unhappy.
“You should name her. But make sure it’s something really on the nose,” Alleria suggested with a snort, crossing her arms in front of her chest as she observed the exchange.
“Mmm,” Xal’atath hummed gently, head tilting to the side. “I shall call you Midnight, then.”
“Midnight,” Alleria repeated with a slow nod. “It suits her,” she added, taking a step closer to Xal’atath, eyes trained on the cub. She seemed beyond content to be waved around by her lover.
The entity brought Midnight closer, the creature settling comfortably into the crook of her arm and against Xal’atath’s chest. It was, by all means, both a hilarious and heartwarming sight. Alleria caught Xal’s gaze. She felt herself be pulled in, as if by some unseen force, the soft glow of mesmerizing amethyst making her heart flutter in her ribcage.
Alleria’s lips found Xal’atath’s, and the void elf let her hand rest over the entity’s cheek tenderly. She was careful not to press her body against Xal’atath’s too closely, as she was very much aware of the lynx cub between them. She felt Xal smile into the kiss and her pulse quickened further.
It wasn’t long before a rumbling, low growl interrupted the moment, and Alleria pulled back slightly, giving Midnight an unimpressed look. “I was here first,” she said dryly, waving a finger at the cub. She swiped at her, clearly offended by the scolding gesture. Alleria let her grab at her with her paw and nibble at her hand. There was no intent to hurt, but the void elf still felt the mild sting of baby lynx claws digging into her skin and grimaced slightly.
Xal’atath chuckled deeply, pushing the lynx’ paws away from Alleria’s hand. The void elf noticed Xal’atath was still looking at her lips hungrily and wondered if kissing her again was worth the possibility of sharp claws at her jaw.
It really was, but she decided she would patiently wait for Xal to set the lynx back down.
“She doesn’t seem to like me half as much as she likes you,” Alleria said, looking at the couple of angry red lines across the top of her hand. There was no blood, which was further proof of the cub not actually having tried to hurt her. She had only been guarding her territory.
Alleria scowled at the creature, but there was no actual disdain behind it. “So, she’s all yours now, is that it?” she asked Midnight dramatically, giving her a tired look. The cub almost looked smug for a moment and Alleria had to hold back her laughter.
“I am sure Midnight will learn how to share,” drawled Xal’atath, smirking. There was something intense behind those beautiful eclipses, regardless of the playfulness dancing in them. Alleria’s breath hitched before the words had left Xal’atath’s mouth. “I am yours, after all.”
Alleria swallowed thickly, holding the entity’s gaze. Every time Xal’atath spoke the words, it felt like her very soul was catching fire. It evoked a sensation so profound, down to every speckle of stardust in her body. She knew it was the same for Xal’atath when Alleria was the one professing the very same. The entity’s entire being shuddered upon hearing Alleria tell her she was hers.
The snow beneath the void elf’s boots crunched as she shifted her weight. “I should head to Sylvanas’ place. I promised her I would help her and Jaina with decorating,” she said quietly, kicking at the ground. Xal’atath didn’t say anything, undoubtedly feeling Alleria wrestle with the question she was about to pose. “Would you—would you consider joining us next year?” she asked softly, meeting her lover’s eyes.
“I have already considered it, my arrow,” Xal’atath responded smoothly, running her hand over Midnight’s dark fur. “I shall join you,” she told Alleria confidently. It sounded an awful lot like a promise.
In spite of that confidence, the void elf could sense an uncertainty beneath it. This was the first time Xal’atath had agreed to be part of anything that could even remotely be seen as a family gathering. They both knew the reasons for Xal’atath rejecting previous invitations, too. It was either a case of the entity wanting to spare Alleria the headache of having to manage Vereesa’s mood or Xal’atath being busy with important business and away from Azeroth.
“That means a lot to me, Xal,” Alleria muttered, not trusting herself to add more to her statement without getting emotional. While Xal’atath hadn’t appeared to be bothered by it, it had been torture for the void elf to not be able to have her there for a single occasion or holiday, whether because of potential tensions with her sister or duty.
“I know,” Xal’atath offered softly, still holding her gaze. There was a smile playing on her lips. It stretched into a mischievous grin. “It will also bring me great pleasure to antagonize your sister.”
Alleria couldn’t help but let out a laugh at that. “I don’t doubt it. She deserves it, too,” the void elf chuckled, matching Xal’s grin. She gave the lynx in the entity’s arms a pointed look. “Fuck off, I want to hold your insufferable owner one more time before she leaves,” she told the creature, feigning a grim expression.
She knew she would miss Xal’atath, even if the entity would only be gone for less than a week or so.
While Midnight didn’t seem like she was keen on following that order, Xal’atath set the lynx down herself and stepped into Alleria’s embrace. The void elf rested her chin on Xal’atath’s head and wrapped her arms around her, sighing in content. This time, Xal’atath was warm against her.
They stood there, under the slow snowfall, holding onto each other as if they were going to be apart for years, rather than mere days. Alleria shifted, burying her face into Xal’atath’s hair, the snowflakes in it melting at the contact and stinging her cheeks briefly.
“How unbecoming of me,” Xal’atath whispered, the sound further muffled by the fluff of Alleria’s coat. “To find it harder and harder to leave your arms when the world demands it.” The fondness her silky voice carried caused Alleria’s grip on her to tighten a fraction.
“Then take me with you next time,” Alleria tried, pulling back a bit to look into Xal’atath’s eyes. “The worst that could happen is that I do something stupid and reckless and completely ruin your perfect plans,” she said smartly, shrugging. “Seems like a fair price to pay.”
Xal’atath gave her an unimpressed look that told Alleria that what she was suggesting was less of a possibility and more of a certainty, but it was laced with amusement, too. “Yes. That is well within your capabilities, my arrow,” she drawled. The entity averted her eyes for a moment, before locking eyes with Alleria again. “I… I can take you with me. The next time I am called away.”
“What?” Alleria’s eyes widened in disbelief. Was Xal’atath finally going to tell her what the hell she had been up to for the past two years?
“There is much you should be made aware of. I simply did not want to make you worry before I had all the details. So, yes, if you wish to join me on my next journey to the Domanaar’s world, you are welcome to,” Xal’atath offered, the evenness of her tone telling Alleria this was a serious matter. Xal was putting trust in her.
“I do want to. Badly,” Alleria admitted with an urgency that probably sounded more like desperation. She reached for Xal’atath’s hands, taking them in hers. “Just tell me what you need of me.”
“I shall tell you everything when the time comes. For now, let us focus on the Rift and the threat lurking inside it,” the entity said, turning pensive. There was that distant look in those amethyst half-moons again. A wedge that the void elf hoped would one day cease to exist.
Alleria rarely relied on the binding when it came to reading Xal’atath these days. Whether it was because the woman was more willing to be open with her or that she had learned what every little shift in expression and tone meant, the void elf wasn’t sure. But she could feel it then – something was bothering the entity. Rather, Alleria suspected, many things were bothering her. The Rift, whatever was going on with the Domanaar and who knew what else.
Alleria wanted to share that burden. To tell Xal’atath she didn’t have to carry it all alone. The void elf could feel it, too. With each passing year, the air grew heavier with the inevitability of what was coming. Azeroth would begin awakening and all hell would break lose. Alleria couldn’t even imagine the stress of Xal’atath trying to cover every possible base, iron out every wrinkle in every plan and scheme she had at the back of her brilliant mind.
There was an exhaustion in her lover’s eyes that Alleria was more than aware of. But she knew Xal’atath wouldn’t speak of it. Not then, at least.
So, Alleria offered what comfort she could. Surprisingly, it seemed to do wonders for making Xal’atath feel better. The way she sought Alleria’s touch, freely and without reservation, made the ranger’s chest swell.
Alleria was much the same way – Xal’atath’s presence brought safety and love, even if the entity would never call it that. Because it was more. Something deeper than love; something far beyond Alleria’s mortal comprehension.
Xal’atath felt like home. A notion that had been so frightening to Alleria that she had refused to think on it at first. The void elf wasn’t one for home. She ran and roamed the Great Dark and never remained in one place for too long. Alleria had thought that would always be the case. That staying and stopping would always be terrifying concepts to her. They still were, in a way.
But when she lay in bed with Xal’atath on the nights that they were allowed that comfort, with the entity pressed against her tightly, both of them tucked away into her sanctum and away from everyone and everything, Alleria couldn’t help but think about how great home felt.
It wasn’t just Xal’atath. It was her family, too. Arator. Her sisters. Her friends. Always close, but never suffocating her.
The idea that she was loved and wanted stopped the breath in her lungs. It both exhilarated and scared her.
Alleria couldn’t fully bask in it. Not yet. Not until their world was safe. Not until her family was safe.
But after? Peace and happiness did not seem like such distant prospects anymore.
She could see Xal’atath dragging her around the cosmos, showing her places she couldn’t have imagined existed. Vibrant worlds full of mystery and danger. Of knowledge. She knew the entity was just like her in that regard – she would not want to settle.
Alleria thought about the idea of taking Arator with them on some of those journeys. She couldn’t stop herself from smiling a little.
That smile soon faltered. It was a beautiful fantasy to have. Whether it would turn into a reality or not, she couldn‘t know.
Her attention returned to Xal’atath. She was looking at Alleria, expression tender but otherwise unusually unreadable. There was a spark of something at the apex of their connection, but it was gone too quickly for the void elf to manage to catch and understand. Alleria didn’t have to wonder if she had heard her thoughts. The ranger was sure she had.
Did Xal’atath’s desires and dreams take a shape similar to her own? Was she also incapable of envisioning a future without Alleria in it and by her side? She felt foolish enough to hope.
The entity wasn’t going to comment on it. It was possible that Xal’atath didn’t even know the answer herself. Alleria was more than content with waiting for her lover to figure that out on her own time.
“It is time for me to go,” announced Xal’atath, but didn’t step away from Alleria. Her hand slid along the void elf’s jaw and pulled her in, kissing her slowly and deeply. It didn’t last nearly as long as Alleria had wanted it to. “Try not to miss me too much, my arrow,” she smirked against the void elf’s lips.
“As if you don’t miss me just as much,” Alleria accused her with a scoff, finally finding the strength to get out of Xal’atath’s personal space. It was fucking torture.
The entity didn’t deny it, only let her smirk grow wider. She peered down at Midnight, who seemed happy to finally have her attention again. “Come then, Midnight,” she cooed at her, causing the lynx to immediately perk up. “We have work to do.”
With that, a rift appeared before the entity. She gave Alleria one last smile over her shoulder, before disappearing into it with Midnight in tow.
Alleria didn’t leave straight away – she stood on the shoreline, alone, with her eyes closed, and enjoyed the feeling of the biting winter winds. The cold felt a lot like soft, delicate hands resting gently on her face.