Pink Rose [1]

"Your Pink Rose"

Quest Objective: Complete. 

~ Wyrmrest Temple ~

"You're going to adore it here, my little murloc!" Alexstrasza's excitement echoed across the frostbitten stone. She led the way up the many steps of the temple with her arm linked with mine, "It's been so long since I've had a whelp in my care—oh! We will have a delightful time together. I wish Ysera could join in on our fun, she's always sleeping these days."

I made a deal, Andy. It's not the kind you make in Halfhill market...

Alexstrasza's humanoid form towered over every object in sight. The tips of her ears brushed the ceiling as we continued to ascend the many tedious steps put in place for the mortals and the wingless. From every window, valleys of ivory stretched for miles, void of humanity. Suitable for the end of the world.

The dragon queen cupped my chin. "Do not be alarmed if freckles appear on your skin, my little whelp. The power of the Sunwell is stronger this far north. I notice it with some adventurers that visit; they'll receive the most beautiful sun kisses from the energy that the Sunwell emits. They always implore barbers to remove them! I think they look lovely."

We stopped at a draconic portal device. One of the few accommodations made for those who weren't dragons (and myself). Golden rings circled a glowing orb with a hum.

One of the Wyrmrest guards stationed at the device sneered at my presence. I had met that face many times today. The residents of Wyrmrest Temple did not approve of my presence. They found it disrespectful with my mother and all.

It's not that bad—it's for you! For us. And that guard we met in Orgrimmar. It shouldn't take long. I'll just be away for a little while...

"Any word from your mother?" Alexstrasza asked hopefully. She pouted at my expression. "I miss Zelda—Selma, too, of course. My poor girls. It's so lonely up here without the twins. Kalec hardly visits...I do hope Wrathion comes to his senses and joins us for the next S.E.L.F.I.E. family photo. Winter Veil is nearly upon us!"

She sighed as her golden nails skimmed the top of the teleportation device. Energy burst out and clasped onto our forms. We reappeared on one of the higher tiers of the neverending temple. The farther up we traveled, the more fervently cold nipped at skin beneath the toughest of fabrics.

I'm sorry. I don't want to go. I like us. It makes me happy...

Alexstrasza stepped out onto the terrace. The misty horizon loomed, stretching as far as an adept eye could see. Somewhere the sun was buried beneath the black and white landscape. Compared to the lifeless landscape before us, Alexstrasza was a beacon of warmth and color. Pink skin, red hair. Just like mine.

Dragons soared around the tower like arrows towards a target. The flap of wings thundered across the land. Alexstrasza let go of my hand as she admired her many children. She climbed up on the railing, and the gorgeous elven woman vanished.

Pink scales blazed and took the place of the outcasted sun. Wings unfurled like rose petals. The horns upon her head stretched and spikes sprouted like thorns.

The queen of dragons stood tall and proud in her true form.

I know it'll be hard for you to leave Stormwind again. That might be a good thing, it's dangerous up there—no, no! It's not too bad, it's just...not a lot of people are happy with my mother. It might be for the best if we speak through letters until I know what situation awaits me...

The sky didn't alter with altitude from the perch of Alexstrasza's back. Gray permeated gray. Cold collided with colder. Alexstrasza roared in delight as her massive form was noticed and growls welcomed her home.

The dragon queen landed on the highest tier of the temple and shook out her mane. The golden ornaments that decorated her form tinkled. She angled her torso so I could dismount. Soft rays of pink filled the air as her humanoid form returned.

Alexstrasza took my hands gingerly in hers. "Don't worry about your friends, darling. They'll be alright. I will remain true to my word. Do not think for a single moment you owe me more. Our family has been separated for so long...time is the best gift you could bestow upon me, little one."

A diplomat called out to Alexstrasza. She gave my fingers one final affectionate squeeze and turned away.

I looked out upon the top of the world. It wasn't worth all the songs and sayings. A bitter breeze pushed at my hair. The cold invaded my coat with one whisper of the wind. My eyes stung from the sheer intensity of temperature.

I stood there, so small and insignificant before the land void of all heat and color. It was a hand-drawn sketch, unfinished. A realm of black and white.

When we see each other again, we'll continue right where we left off. I will always be your pink rose.

I wondered how far away the nearest dandelion was. 

ANDUIN WRYNN AND EONA STRIDER WILL RETURN. 

~ * ~

Everyone:

Nozdormu:

Khadgar:

Illidan Stormrage:

Jaina Proudmoore: 

Sylvanas Windrunner:

Wrathion:

Anduin Wrynn:

Genn Greymane:

Eona Strider: Alright, where do I sign up for the nearest psychiatrist's office?

Author: hehehehehe...hehehehe....hi?

Kalec: YOU!

Khadgar: You abandoned us Author :c

Author: Wha? No! Just, you know, college, disease, tears....so many tears. But I'm back now!

Everyone: 

Author: Okay fine, I'll make you a deal. A Khadgar Christmas special, and some refiguring of the sequel so there's more content that we want. I'll remove the first two epochs as canon works and start the story where things heat up.

Wrathion: You think that makes up for the pain and suffering that the world has endured? 

Author: Yes? :3

Everyone:

Author: I gotta lotta work to do. Full warning: I have 30 pages of academic writing due December 12thish so we don't have an actual chapter release day schedule yet. But content will be released because I'm stressed and writing this makes me happy. So help we'll all ignore my problems together c: love, fortune and glory to you, Awesome Adventurers!!