Forbidden
The soft rippling of the water of the Canals helped to dull my senses, allowing my mind to drift to thought. I lost myself in the water’s surface, watching the gently cresting waves as the breeze winded through the lively streets of Stormwind. Cool stone beneath me, I sat on the wall by the water, my legs dangling down, barely able to graze the surface.
The joyful laughter of a child echoed in the distance, causing my mind to return to the moment. I glanced up to the street across the canal, smiling softly as a young boy — no older than five, dashed along the cobblestone road.
“Catch me, papa!” The child called out, squealing with delight as his father ran behind. Easily catching up to the child’s small strides, the man grasped the boy, scooping him up in his arms to tickle his stomach. The boy squirmed, overcome by a fit of giggles until his father stopped, lifting the child up to sit atop his shoulders.
It was such an honest exchange. A tender moment… one that I almost felt like I was intruding on by watching. But nevertheless, thoughts of my own father entered my mind. I remembered all the tickle fights, the games of hide and seek. I remembered all the stories and lessons he taught to help me become a better man — a better person.
“Look mama! I can see all the way to Old Town!” The child shouted, pointing excitedly to the red rooftops in the distance. A woman who was trailing behind caught up to the pair, smiling softly to her husband and son as a hand reached around her husband’s waist.
My gaze fell back to the water, my heart sinking slightly at thoughts of the life I never had. I should be thankful I had such a loving father, but a part of me will always be missing that other half. The feeling of a ‘whole’ family.
“Darrow, we gotta get moving. If we’re not back in Darkshire before nightfall, Ebonlocke will have our hides,” one of my fellow watchers called out to me. I glanced up from my spot to see three of my brothers waiting patiently for me to join them. Nodding silently, I rose to my feet. I had a different family now. A family of brothers and sisters in arms. But part of me will always long for something I could never have. Something that was never meant for me.
My gaze fell back to the family a few moments longer, watching as the three walked off into the distance. A soft, sad smile upon my lips, I turned back toward my fellow watchers. Burying all thoughts of what could have been, I walked with quickened pace to join them, preparing myself for the journey back to Duskwood.
