#irenthalas

[nahisummerhold]

DWC June 2026 - Day 7 - Horrify/Render

“That smells delicious,” Jes’champe said as he walked into his kitchen and smirked at Nahi who was in short shorts, a tank top and an apron with no shoes. He had gotten to play hero when her stove went out while she was cooking brunch for her and Irenthalas. While she was trying to figure out what was wrong Irenthalas had reached out to him to come and help figure out what was wrong. Which was clearly an attempt at matchmaking as the two men had known each other long enough for Iren to know that he didn’t know how to fix anything, that is what repairmen were for. 

The horrified look on her face as he stepped through a portal on her patio was amusing and he didn’t hide that fact in the least. Her step-father had explained why he was there but the look on her face turned into a scowl and turned it on Iren instead of him at least. As it was clear Nahi had been working hard on the dishes so he suggested that they just move everything to his estate. Her beautiful violet eyes rolled but she capitulated when Iren started picking up ingredients, and that it would be a shame to waste everything. 

She had been practical and agreed, even if she wasn’t happy about it, so they all ferried the brunch makings to his kitchen, and a pitcher of sangria had somehow ended up on his white shirt, the fact that she bumped into it as they came through the portal was a poorly veiled way of letting him know she was unhappy with him for interfering. The excuse that she must have tripped coming through the portal was a blatant lie, Nahi was too graceful to trip over nothing, plus she managed to move away just enough to get nothing on herself. 

Nahi looked at Jes’champe, she had mostly forgiven him for his interference, it wasn’t his fault Iren still hoped that the two of them would begin to see each other, felt it was the perfect mix as he cared for them both. She loved her step-father but they were going to have words when alone again, because she wasn’t looking to become involved with anyone, let alone Jes who she knew was not opposed to them deepening their connection. 

The bacon on the stove was rendering out, she had to start it again as it was what was on the stove when it went out, luckily nothing else was started when it happened. “Thank you, and tell your chef that I am grateful for the use of his kitchen.” Yes, she ignored the fact that it was Jes’s house, she was well aware that the kitchen was the chef’s domain and Jes was afraid to overstep as his chef was a treasure. Nahi spent a lot of time in the kitchen when she stayed, she adored the chef and he would teach her things he was working on. 

She thought to apologize to him for the sangria that she had absolutely spilled on him on person, but she really wasn’t sorry for it and, even though she hated lying, it had made her feel better. The new stove was an expense she hadn’t been ready for so maybe she would call Key and see if he could fix it, if anyone could it was him, and she knew he would not gouge her on the price. Was it childish to take her frustration out on him? Most definitely, but he could take it, he was a big boy. 

Moving behind her, he made a cup of coffee just the way she liked it, and set it next to the stove for her, then followed with a melon mimosa. “Do not worry about it, you know he likes you enough that he won’t mind you being here cooking.” Leaning against the counter far enough away from her so that he wouldn’t end up with more food on his clothes, intentionally or not. “You should come by and tell him yourself, or just stay over. We could order dinner later.” 

She already had tension in her shoulders and his suggestion made that worse. “I can call my massage therapist in, let you relax a bit after what happened.” They had known each other long enough that he knew the things that would convince her to stay. 

Then the other thing that would help was Iren and he decided to do so, “Yes Nahi, you should. If I had an extra room in the pool house I would roll out the red carpet, but as Jes already has, it is covered.” He smiled winningly at her, “We can make sticky caramel brownies later.” 

After HoT Fest Nahi had planned on taking a few days to just relax, but her mind wouldn’t settle, so she had gone up to the Tasty Pastry to work on Fire Fest plans, and her performance. This brunch with Iren was supposed to be her time to decompress and then the stove, nothing at all was coming together enough for her to find some peace. She on,y had to make it through Fire Fest, then she had nothing to do until the Gala, unless the sky fell again, which was possible. 

At the appearance of the coffee and mimosa next to her, she smiled up at Jes and offered a heartfelt smile, “Thanks.” He looked good, really good, the light blue shirt she had spilled the sangria on had been replaced by a black one, and he knew she liked how he looked in black. There wasn’t anything in his closet she didn’t like him in, the man had exceptional taste.

Her first instinct was to turn him down, even when Iren spoke, he was on her list for this whole situation, but one of the things Nahi loved about when Jes would ask her to go with him for an event, was getting to spend time on his estate. In trying to put distance between them, she had to admit she missed some of the benefits, the way he took care of her was one of them. 

“Sure, I can stay until tomorrow.”

Maybe one day of doing nothing wouldn’t hurt.

(@daily-writing-challenge )

(Mention of @keyalinvendel @jeschampe-vidroth ) (Divider by @uzmacchiato )

[jeschampe-vidroth]

As the Shal’dorei adjusted his tie, he looked at himself in the mirror, unsure if what he wore was right for a Sin’dorei memorial. Should he have chosen black? Was there some unspoken expectation of red and gold, or perhaps something more symbolic, rainbows or ritual adornments? Either could be true, given how his people’s allies handled such things.

He would have texted Iren, but his friend was in the depths of his mourning. Jes respected that. Grief deserved space. In their last exchange, when Irenthalas had invited him to his wife’s burial, Jes had asked how Nahilvi was. Iren had answered that he wasn’t sure. It was an odd response. If anyone would be able to leave someone guessing at her emotions, it was the Banshee.

Jes had his own secrets, important ones, the sort that could reshape how the Shal’dorei leadership of the pre-Legion era was remembered, but even so, he felt more open with his emotions than the lovely performer ever was. Nahilvi remained an enigma. No matter how long he watched her, listened to her, tried to read between the notes, she was never someone he could figure out. He might have texted her directly about Sin’dorei funerary customs, but she was likely overwhelmed already. And he did not know if Irenthalas had told her that he had been invited at all.

Reaching into his jacket sleeve, he tugged his shirt cuff down until the sapphire cufflink winked in the light, then repeated the motion on the other side. A deep blue suit, pristine white shirt, and grey tie would have to suffice.

Using the coordinates Iren had sent, Jes adjusted a portal near and stepped through. His polished black shoes landed quietly on a walkway of crushed shells. Ahead, people gathered along the path, and he fell in step behind a couple walking toward the house, yellow and red roses cradled in the woman’s arms. Ah. People brought flowers to these funerals. Too late now. Besides, he had known the deceased only through her husband’s fond recollections over long lunches.

Nahilvi’s violet gaze landed on him as she greeted others. Confusion crossed her features, followed swiftly by anger, quickly masked beneath a warm, welcoming smile, as she thanked the woman before him for the flowers and asked if she would lay upon the coffin.

Jes barely heard the exchange. His attention lingered on Nahi herself. There were shadows beneath her eyes. Charcoal grey was not her color, though the gold and red accents she wore made her look like the inside of a jeweler’s display case. He wondered if she had eaten. If she looked thinner. It was difficult to tell, and he was far too wise to comment on such things even if he knew.

When it was his turn, he caught the stubborn tilt of her chin, the one that always preceded frustration with something he had said or done. Irenthalas stepped forward, and Jes turned from the near glare Nahi fixed upon him to clasp the man’s hand.

“Thank you for coming, Viscount,” Iren said. He rarely used Jes’s rank, but today he kept things formal. When Iren looked back to Nahi, Jes saw a flash of understanding and she dipped her chin in a greeting, Nahi’s eyes found Jes’s silver gaze, and her smile warmed. Even drawn with grief and sleeplessness, he was pulled in by her. “Jes. Thank you for coming. I’m glad you’re here to support Iren.”

Nahilvi drew in a steadying breath as she set her focus on the people that arrived behind him. An older Sin’dorei man approached, accompanied by a younger woman whose pinched expression suggested she had swallowed something unpleasant. The woman stared daggers at Nahi. There was an expression on her face that made him  want to pull her free from whoever stood behind him. He would have, if she wanted that. But he knew she didn’t. 

“I’m glad to be here for you both,” he said. This was not a day for anything but quiet presence. Still, he would not let her believe for a moment that he did not care about her grief as well.

Iren guided him past Nahi, leaving her to greet the newcomers. Jes watched carefully. The normally loquacious beauty offered only a short, polite greeting before stepping aside to let them approach the plot as they wished. There was a resemblance between the older man and Nahi, subtle but unmistakable. Another man approached her, murmuring something low. She placed a calming hand on his arm. He rubbed one hand over the other, fingers pausing at the faint indentation where a ring had once been worn long enough to mark the flesh. He, too, shared Nahi’s features.

At last, Nahi moved to tuckher arm through Iren’s and murmured that it was time. The four moved to the grave’s edge. A blonde woman took Nahi’s free hand and squeezed gently.

There were not many in attendance. Most formed lines along either side of the coffin. Jes positioned himself behind Iren and Nahi, where he could watch, where he could protect, whether or not it was needed. His attention did not linger on the casket, instead he watched those who attended. 

Most of the mourners were openly moved. The final two arrivals were not. Years of navigating social arenas had sharpened Jes’s eye; he could tell immediately that they felt nothing for Nahilvi’s mother’s passing. The woman stared openly at Nahi and then the man  ahi had calmed. The older man surveyed the grounds when he could, appraising, or else his gaze rested on Nahi, cold and measuring.

When Nahi stepped forward to sing, all attention settled upon her. From the first note, Jes was lost. The song itself was beautiful, but it was the emotion threaded through it that captured him. He could not say what happened among the others; he could not tear his eyes from her. He had always enjoyed her performances, but this, this was different. This was a masterpiece of a song, sung with a voice filled with.

When the final note faded into the breeze, no one moved. Silence held, reverent and fragile, unwilling to intrude upon what she had given them. Jes did not fully return to himself until they reached the patio.

Iren spoke with a physician he had once worked alongside, who he had introduced Jes to. Nahi made polite conversation with those who approached her but she was not his focus. Jes lifted his drink and watched the oddly acting pair  over the rim of his glass. The man remained calm, eyes roaming the estate and gardens. The woman kept her attention fixed on the man Nahi had soothed earlier.

Without knowing who was who, Jes observed and prepared to act if it was needed. Eventually, the woman crossed the patio and confronted the man who was her focus. Their argument grew heated, voices rising. When Nahi’s name carried across the space, Jes’s attention shifted to her.

To her credit, she ignored it entirely, turning instead to speak with another guest before moving with them toward the buffet.

The older man intervened, diffusing the confrontation. The arguing pair departed shortly after. The man she had confronted stormed off around the manor house, which appeared far more neglected than Jes would have expected of a noble estate. There was a story there. Likely several.

As the gathering dispersed, Jes made his way home, wisps of curiosity weaving through his mind. There were pieces yet uncovered, threads that might, if followed, draw him closer to the delightful, elusive Banshee at the center of it all.

(Mentions of @nahisummerhold)

(Final piece of the Last Rites of Acenadalia. Nahi’s Story Hoovanil’s Story )

[nahisummerhold]

As Nahi crested the hill that held the narrow pathway down to the ocean-view house known as the Dowager’s House, she saw the group gathered at the doorway: her stepfather, the two nurses who lived there, her cousin Hamdil, and strangers, though one looked familiar.

Nahilvi never liked to meet people on uneven footing, but there she was in her running clothes and nothing she could do about it. She slowed to a walk, neatened her ponytail, and calmed her breathing. Hamdil noticed her first and gave an apologetic look. Irenthalas and the nurses were all talking to the men there and Nahi tried to puzzle out what had drawn this to her doorstep.

Hamdil turned to the men standing there. “Magister, this is Lady Nahilvi Summerhold.”

The use of her title told her exactly what type of issue she was looking at, at least. Drawing on every ounce of stage presence and authority, she stepped forward, placing herself just ahead of Irenthalas, not to diminish him, but to shield him.

One of the men at the front, wearing the red and gold livery of the city guard with the higher insignia of rank, stepped forward as though she were a threat. She addressed him first. “Captain, is there something wrong here?”

A man in a Magister’s robe spoke instead. “Ah, Miss Summerhold. I was hoping to see you.” He did not introduce himself, merely looked her over with a superior look at her attire. With his power worn like a mantle, he positioned himself above everyone in social power.

She had seen him before, though the name eluded her. Hamdil recognized that she was at. Slight disadvantage and helped immediately. “Magistrate Palecrown and his retinue.”

City guards to give him weight, to make his words carry more authority. She inclined her head only as far as courtesy required. “Magistrate. Would you care to come in for tea?” Making it clear that she was a respectful hostess,not a threat, the guards with him relaxed at her offer.

“No. We are here to inform you that you are to cease and desist any action concerning the Summerhold estate.” That explained Hamdil’s apology. This had to have come from his father.

Her polite smile remained, chin lifting slightly, a warning to those who knew her well. “On whose authority? I am Lord Mianos Summerhold’s daughter. My mother was Aecandalia ‘the Diva.’ These lands were left to her upon my father’s death, after they followed Prince Kael’thas to build a power meant to protect our people.” Everyone knew how that had ended. “I was appointed by the courts of Silvermoon as her guardian when her health failed.”

The full explanation was for the crowd, not the man. He knew exactly who she was. She placed him now, Hoovanil’s ally, a fixture at noble functions, including some of those in Suramar she performed at, but not too many of those, the Shal’dorei could be selective in their invitations.

“No one questions that you are your mother’s daughter. But with her death, you no longer have the right to make decisions for the property, including who resides here.”

Hamdil bristled. “She is Uncle Mianos’s only child. The estate belongs to her.”

Palecrown’s lip curled, that was exactly what he needed to make the exclamation to show why he was there. “Ah, but that is precisely the matter in question. There is testimony that her father is not who she claims.”

The words struck her square in the chest, old rumors, finally being given some place to be believed. Her uncle had whispered this her whole life. The thought that he would weaponize it shouldn’t have surprised her, her polite smile never waver, she refused to let them see her true feelings.

The guards shifted as Hamdil stepped forward, fists clenched. “That is utter bullshit. She is as much Mianos’s daughter as I am Hoovanil Summerhold’s son. You can leave this estate immediately.”

Guards moved to intercept him, the Magistrate never took his eyes off Nahi.

“Hamdil.” Her voice cut cleanly, measured, and he stilled. Even the guards hesitated. “Fighting would only cause more issues. Ultimately it will be settled in the courts.”

“I’m glad you’re being reasonable, Miss Nahilvi.” Palecrown said with another sneer.

“With a pending case, your authority extends only to serve the papers, Magistrate.” She made an assumption as she didn’t know exactly his power.

His scowl told her she was correct. “Your guests may not remove property from the estate.”

“How would you know what they brought and what was here ready? Do you have and estate ratified inventory filed with the courts?” she asked sweetly. Nahi had done one as Fio suggested when she had made her Uncle Hoovanil and his family leave. Mostly so she could note what they took with them. 

He did not have one, there had been no time to do anything of the sort. 

“I will make sure to provide such a copy to the courts,” she continued, turning her gaze deliberately toward the Captain, softening. “The nurses cared for my mother until her death recently. They will take their belongings and personal effects, but this is the only place they have lived for a year, they came here with us after Dalaran fell.” Playing on that sympathy card was not above her, the intention was to garner a favorable outcome for those she cared for.

The Captain’s expression shifted, but Palecrown took control back. “They may take their things, but I expect you to provide that the list.”

She was winning this polite battle, his support was fading making him look like a petty dictator lording over a family in mourning.

Irenthalas’s hand settled on her shoulder. She turned, genuine sadness in her eyes. “Pack some things, Iren. You can stay with me in the city.”

“Ah, yes,” Palecrown added smoothly. “The city residence you occupy was purchased while you managed the estate. It will be seized pending resolution as it is part of your mother’s property.”

That finally made foundation rock, stealing her breath for a moment. It made her feel truly shattered and she couldn’t hide it, even if it was a point scored for the Magistrate, yet she replied calmly, “I see, but yet again you have no ability to tell me what I can, or can not do in that time. I bought the house and everything in it.”

“Do you have records?”

“I do.” Nahi kept organized records, the legal machinations she had used to take care of her mother’s finances and the card of the estate had taught her that. 

His glare deepened. He shoved the papers he had been holding into her chest with just a hint of force, but she acted like it was more letting herself stumble back. The Captain caught her arm to steady her.

“Thank you, my lord,” she murmured, meeting his eyes, then letting her gaze fall away.” The Magistrate hadn’t been ready for her defense of his little show, she was too good of a performer to let him steal the spotlight.

The Magistrate’s eyes burned. “The court date is three weeks from today. File your counsel’s name and your documentation within one.” Then he turned and began to stride off.

The guard captain dipped his head to her before following, it looked like he wanted to say something but his duty overrode that.

Nahi stood watching them until they disappeared over the hill. Only then did she take Irenthalas’s hand and led him back into the house. She glanced down at the papers in her other hand, then tucked them into her bag. “They can’t make you leave immediately. We have until the eighteenth.” Her jaw tightened. “I don’t know what the court will decide, so it’s best we prepare for every outcome.”

Turning to Irenthalas, she took both his hands and gathered what warmth and certainty she could. “I know this has been your home since Dalaran, but until the court decides, perhaps it’s best you don’t stay here. You can come stay with me in the city, or we can find you an inn. Whatever you need.”

He squeezed her hands and looked around the room, nodding slowly. “A break may help. There are good memories here, and bad. I’ll pack a few things. Once we’re out, we can decide.”

“That’s a good plan.” Her smile held, but her nerves were on edge, “I need to speak to my solicitors today. Three weeks isn’t far off, and I need to know our best path forward.”

She stepped onto the deck overlooking the sea while he went to pack. Hamdil joined her, jaw tight, anger radiating from him. For a long moment he said nothing, then the words came sharp and furious. “They’re going to call you a bastard. That’s absurd. Father’s lost his mind.”

“He passes rumors,” she said quietly. “Rumors alone won’t convince the court. They may sway Palecrown, but he wouldn’t bring this without something to support it.” Her mind shifted fully into analysis. “I don’t know what they have. The midwife is still alive, I think. There were staff present when I was born. I can find them.”

“I’ll speak for you,” Hamdil said immediately. “I was there.”

She leaned into him, grateful for the arm he placed around her shoulders. “You were a child,” she said gently. “You wouldn’t have known.”

“This is bullshit, Nahi,” he snapped, turning to lean against the glass railing, ocean at his back. “You don’t even want this place, and you’ve still cared for it better than Father ever did. They have to see that.”

“The courts don’t always weigh care,” she replied. “If they’re impartial, they’ll follow the law. If they’re not, it becomes harder to prove what matters.”

He turned back to her, rage simmering. “Do you want me to talk to father?”

She placed a hand on his arm. “Only if you want to, and only if you can do it calmly.”

They both knew that would be difficult. His father had betrayed him deeply. She didn’t blame Hamdil for his anger.

“He’s betrothed now,” she added softly. “That gives him allies. Noble marriages create leverage.”

Her shoulders sagged, just slightly. “I’ll figure this out. I always do. I just need more information.”

Irenthalas came down the stairs with a case, the nurses following behind. The eldest woman spoke first. “We’ll come back for the rest later, Nahi. Less friction now is best.”

Nahi turned to them with a grateful smile. “Thank you. Reach out to Hamdil when you return, they didn’t ask him to leave.” Likely his father’s doing.

She turned to her cousin, apology in her eyes. “I’m sorry. That leaves you managing the house.”

He met her gaze and nodded. “I’ll keep things running. I’ll reach out if I have questions.”

For a heartbeat, anger flared, she wanted to snap, to tell him to call his father since this was his mess but she swallowed it. It wasn’t Hamdil’s fault. She wouldn’t lose control now.

She softened her expression into something genuine. “Of course. I’m always here for you.”

[nahisummerhold]

DWC August 2025 Day 4 - Languish

“She is not sure, Nahi,” Irenthalas said, shoulders slightly slumped.

Nahi looked at her stepfather. “So she’s getting worse. The decline is so gradual the new specialist can’t say how long until she loses everything? And she can’t heal her?”

He only gave her a knowing look, quiet, saying everything without words.

“I know,” Nahi muttered. “If she could be healed, you, or the dozen specialists before, would have done it.”

It had been nearly twenty years since her mother’s injury at Tempest Keep. Weeks in a coma, then the struggle of learning simple things again. Even back then, Nahi had known something was broken deep within her.

Iren patted Nahi’s shoulder. “She lasted longer than most expected.”

Was that a good thing, though? The thought came unbidden, and guilt followed quickly, not for herself, not even for her mother, but for Iren. He loved her to distraction. If Nahi hadn’t spent so many years helping her mother prepare for performances, hadn’t seen firsthand who Acenadalia truly kept company with, she might have believed he and her mother had been lovers, so fierce was his devotion.

“It’s just… frustrating,” Nahi said, voice tight, “to hear the same bad news again and again.”

“You’re studying medicine now. You know there are limits.”

“Yes, but we have magic! She isn’t a spellbreaker…” Her words caught, frustration burning out into a sigh. She already knew the answer. That didn’t make it easier to swallow.

Her feelings swung wildly when it came to her mother. The Diva had been difficult, often cruel and abusive, in her youth Nahi had wished her harm more than once. But not like this. Never like this. Perhaps that was why she felt so bound to care for her now, ironic that a woman who demanded attention her whole life had found herself with an illness that required it endlessly.

She stepped forward and embraced him, feeling the shudder in his chest, the crack in his composure.

“I don’t want her to go, Nahi,” he whispered.

How he could say that, after living this slow-motion nightmare for so long, was beyond her. Caring for someone with dementia was a trial of patience, and watching them fade piece by piece was its own torture.

“I know, Iren.” She couldn’t bring herself to lie and pretend she wanted the same. Instead, she just held him, offering what strength she could.

@daily-writing-challenge

[jeschampe-vidroth]

Viscount Jes’champe Vidroth sat on the veranda of his home with his house guest, Irenthalas Aerostar. The two men got along well, despite the awkwardness of their first meeting, a night that had not reflected Jes at his best. Somehow, being jealous and accusing a woman you knew of dating another man, who turned out to be her stepfather, cast one in a poor light. The older Sin’dorei had forgiven him that night. Jes was less certain Nahilvi ever had. That woman was as opaque to him as polished marble.

Jes and Iren had begun meeting socially afterward. At first, Jes had done so with purpose, trying to draw out information about Nahilvi. Iren, however, had only offered fragments, steering conversations away from his stepdaughter and toward safer ground. It was in these talks thatJes learned about Iren’s wife, Nahilvi’s mother, about her dementia and how deeply it had strained the family.

When the woman finally passed, Iren reached out. Jes attended the funeral to support his friend, a fact not relayed to his Banshee beforehand. He was spared her ire only because other family members arrived and behaved so appallingly that his presence went unnoticed.

A week later, Iren contacted him again, this time opening up about legal trouble within the family. It did not surprise Jes. What did was the depth of Iren’s concern for Nahilvi, how she seemed to be tunneling forward without pause, without space to grieve, as if driven by sheer momentum. Iren felt she needed time. Nahilvi was determined to handle the legal matters immediately, and the two had clashed.

Jes, privately, sided with her. He did not say so. Iren needed support, and she was clearly unable to give it to him just then.

When Iren admitted he was staying with Nahilvi and described her as relentless, tracking down paperwork, organizing assets, preparing for a legal fight while still trying to care for him, Jes offered him refuge at his estate. He believed it would help Iren. Possibly Nahilvi, too.

Iren agreed, though not without a heated exchange between him and his stepdaughter. He regretted it, but still believed distance was wise.

Jes set aside a wing of his home for the retired doctor. They spent time together, talking, and the more Iren spoke, the more Jes’s concern for Nahilvi grew. Where Iren had once been guarded, the weight of recent events loosened his restraint.

Jes listened calmly as Iren spoke of her family’s actions, of how she was determined to face it all alone. Inside, he seethed.

Even if his relationship with Nahilvi was transactional, he cared for her. More than that, he wanted it to become something else, something she rejected at every turn. Stubborn woman.

She was a person that cared deeply; that much was obvious. It showed in the way she spoke to donors at charity functions, in the flawless composure she always carried, it made her a perfect escort for him when attending social functions. He ensured she was prepared, clothes, jewelry, staff to care for her beauty needs, but she was no ornament. She was unmistakably herself. That, too, was a point of contention. He liked her uniqueness. She accused him of wanting her only because of it.

He refused to examine the truth: that he thought of her often, that he wanted her company beyond appearances, that he hated when she left the morning after. He wanted to take care of her, especially now. He could hire the finest attorneys. He could ruin her uncle with a flick of his wrist. He wanted her to grieve, properly, as Iren was grieving.

He also knew doing any of that would anger her.

She did not want his help. Not his money. Not his protection. Not even his presence beyond their single nights. She wanted her independence, her stubborn autonomy. He understood it, even if he despised it.

So when his comm unit chimed with the tone he had assigned to her, surprise, and relief, cut through him.

Nahilvi: Can I come see you?

Once, such messages had been common, usually requests to use his personal masseuse. As he began to grow closer, she withdrew. Frustrating. Still, this outreach pleased him.

The reason did not matter.

Jes’champe: My home is always open to you.

He moved toward the ingress portal to await her, and she was already stepping through, using the portal device keyed specifically to her. One look told him everything. Hollows beneath her eyes. Tension drawn tight across her face.

“My lovely Banshee,” he said, holding out his hand. “My home grows more lovely with your presence.” He kissed the back of her hand, lingering, searching her eyes.

“Viscount, you honor me with your praise, as always.” Usually she teased him, but this was stiff and formal, it felt brittle. 

He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and guided her across the lawn toward Iren, who waved eagerly. When Nahilvi saw him, her pace quickened. She slipped from Jes’s hold and embraced her stepfather tightly. Jes heard her soft apology, Iren brushing it off.

They settled at the tea service, his guests on a bench, Nahilvi leaned into Iren, feet tucked beneath her. Jes joined them, noting the fragility of the smile she granted him. “I will have my masseuse summoned,” he said. “And my chef will prepare your favorite for dinner.”

She started to protest, then stopped at the look on Iren’s face. “Thank you, Jes. That sounds lovely.” Her easy capitulation unsettled him.

He summoned a maid and arranged everything. “The guest house is being prepared, should you wish to rest before dinner.”

She dipped her head. “Thank you, Jes. That is very kind.” Then, with a sidelong look to Iren, she straightened, placing her feet on the tile, but still holding Iren’s hand. “The reason I came is that I’m inventorying my home. Most of the valuables are things you gave me. Would you be willing to sign a statement confirming they were gifts?”

The request made him want to growl how dare anyone question her about her belongings. “I can have my solicitor draft it,” he said. “Or I can verify everything personally.”

Relief softened her features. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure you would.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked quietly, confusion in his tone.

“Honestly? I’m not sure of much right now.” There was such a hint of fragility in the statement, but she lifted her head regaining her strength. “Thank you for helping.”

He wanted blood, her exhaustion made him want to solve this problem for her. It was a simple thing, just a blade in the dark, but for her he would make sure it would be painful. Getting to her uncle would be easy, he was a simple man with little control, but with these legal proceedings, she would come under suspicion.

Instead, he nodded. “Anything you need. If you wish,” he added, carefully, “you and Irenthalas are welcome to stay as long as you like.”

She did not bite back as she normally would have. Exhaustion dulled her edge, letting silence be her answer.

“Iren, would you escort her to the guest house?” Jes said. “I’ll handle the arrangements.”

They left.

Jes remained where he stood, hands clasped behind his back, posture immaculate. The silence pressed in once their footsteps faded.He exhaled. He pictured turning over the table, wanted to see utter destruction.

They were dismantling her life, piece by piece, itemized and accused. She should never have had to ask him to prove he gave her gifts. It could open her to scrutiny, explaining why he had filled her life with such opulence, what she gave in return.

He could end this. Tonight. Now.

And that was the problem for him. Nahilvi did not want a savior, didn’t need a hero, something she had told him more than once, she wanted to handle her life on her own, not depending on others.

Jes straightened, even if she refused his offer to always be on his arm when he wanted, he found that seeing her like this bothered him more than expected. He would help, quietly, legally, within her boundaries. And that was all he would do because if he crossed that final line, it would push her away.

That was the one outcome he could not tolerate.

(Mention of @nahilvi)

[nahisummerhold]

"Who do you feel as if you can be your truest, most authentic self around and why?"

A knock sounded at Nahi’s front door and she called out, “Come on in!” It probably wasn’t the most secure thing to do but hopefully it was who she was expecting and not Selithar or someone. Luckily for her it was not a love sick stalker, but her step-father, Irenthalas carrying a box. “You didn’t need to bring anything! I invited you here for lunch.” “You aced your first test in school, of course I brought something.” He sat the box on the counter and went around to hug Nahi and then stole a carrot from off her cutting board. “You better serve me something more than salads, even if those are spectacular when you make them too.” “I have no idea if I aced it, I only took it thursday and no classes yesterday.” She stilled the knife so there was no chance of her needing the stitching skills she learned when volunteering, no cutting her step-father’s fingers this afternoon.” I have some braised beef in the oven, of course I am feeding you right, who do you think I am? What did you bring me?” Irenthalas moved to a chair at her counter, “You will have to open the box and see, child.”

Nahi laughed and shook her head, “A little busy here you know.” She started cutting other vegetables for the salad, because who doesn’t like a good salad? “Nope, you have to open it,” he said with a grin, “and braised beef sounds perfect.” Looking around the room, “You have a crack on your wall.” 

Her nose wrinkled up, not in the cute way she sometimes did, but in distaste, “I need to fix a few of those.” Iren began to open his mouth and she shushed him, “I will learn how to do it, the structure is sound, this is just cosmetic.” Gold eyes looked back to her, a bit calculating but still holding warmth, “You are always so ‘all in’ Nahilvi, it is alright to take your time and not master everything in your life. That sets you up for failure.” “Failure teaches,” she said simply and moved to the refrigerator, opening the door, her voice becoming an echo. “I don't need to know and master everything, there is much I know little about, but when I am passionate about something, like I am in my new house, I want to put good energy into it.” 

Iren looked at her as she gathered things, a small frown becoming more prominent the longer she avoided looking at him. “Daughter,” he said softly and she stood with a bowl full of things she had been gathering, “are you seeing that new therapist yet?”

Standing in the middle of the kitchen as the chill box doors closed behind her she just looked at him for a moment trying to puzzle out how they got to this place, “Dr. Deh’lorei? Yes, we have had a few sessions already, why?”

“Because you need to talk this out with someone other than me.” He met her eyes as he said it, a gentle expression on his face.

“I am not sure how we got from point A to point B,” Nahi said softly. She might not exactly understand what he was trying to say, but she knew whatever it was he was saying, it wasn’t good. “I talk to you about everything.” At least she did now that she had come clean about her life, he was the one person she told everything to. 

Irenthalas got up and walked around to her, taking the bowl from her hands, setting it on the counter. “You need to learn to let other people help you, Nahi,” he looked into her eyes, not letting her look away. “It is not the house or anything in particular, but a pattern, I have seen it in my patients before. You grew up having to be an adult too early, now you struggle to let people help you.” Nahi looked at him, they were almost the same height so direct eye contact was easy and she took her time in replying. “You are not wrong, it is one of the things I struggle with, but telling a stranger about me is difficult.”

“Your therapist needs to not fit in the stranger category,” he said gently and placed his hands on her upper arms. “Talking to me can help with your healing too, but you need to tell him too, Nahi.”

She rolled her eyes a little, “I like talking to you more.”

(Thank you Anon. Mention of @xanelen )

[nahisummerhold]

In His Footsteps

Nahilvi to Irenthalas: Morning Iren. Are you free to come to the city today for lunch? 

Iren: It is not like I have a terribly busy social calendar, daughter. When and where would you like to meet?

While Nahi had been resting with the more injured people in the company she had made some decisions about her life. The first had been that she was, more than ever, dedicated to working with the company and learning more about medicine along those lines. Second was that Irenthalas deserved to know about her choice of career, he was a good man that had never done anything but love her, and she loved him in return. Having not been as open as she wanted to be with him at their dinner, due to Jes’champe crashing their father daughter night, she felt that it was time to let him know about the past six months. 

Nahi: Come anytime after eleven.

Then she sent him her address. 

Iren: One minute after eleven it is. I haven't been to the city much recently, that address is in the Bazaar District, right?

The time comment made her laugh, his good nature was one of the reasons she loved him so much. The fact he had never lost it after dealing with her mother felt like a miracle to her. 

Nahi: It is, see you then.

The first thing Nahi had done when she got home from Dornagal was to clean her house, even a few weeks of dust had been too much for her neat nature, now it was neat and she had restocked her kitchen with a plan for this meal. A quiche, fresh fruit, bread she baked that morning, orange honey butter, a tiramisu from Braedyn, iced hibiscus tea and champagne chilling for toasts, if it came to that. All in all, a good apology meal.

Nahi was dressed in a long flower patterned skirt, a peach colored blouse and hid her bruises behind an ivory scarf, hating it from the moment she put it on. It was only going to be worn until he was inside and she could let him see the bruising, just to keep them from have a worried conversation on her doorstep.

Taking the quiche out from where she had it chilling at five before the hour, adding some edible flowers on top, turning it until it would be displayed at its best. Adjusting a fork on her impeccably set table, and folding a napkin over again, perfecting the crease. The knock at the door made her jump from her busy work, she was worried about this meal and her nerves were still frayed in general so she was lucky to not knock everything off the table.

Opening the door, she smiled at Iren and stepped out to wrap her step-father in a hug, not giving him a moment before settling against his comforting strength. He held her to him, Nahi’s breathing began to tremble slightly so she pulled back and motioned him in. “Come in,” she said, her voice soft trying to not let it sound as scratchy as it felt, “welcome to my new house.”

Iren was instantly distracted by that, “Your house?”

“Yes, I bought it back in December,” she shut the door behind him and placed a hand on his elbow guiding him further in, not giving him time to get a good look at her. “Let me show you around.” 

He took in details as she led him from room to room, never focusing on her just observing her space. They made sme small talk but most of his interactions were, ‘hmm’ and nods while she talked about her new little pride and joy of a home. It was so unlike him to not be engaging that her bravado began to falter, by the time they made it down to the great room she felt like she was a child who was in trouble. 

“It is lovely, very suited to you but what happened to your throat?” The physician turned to look at her directly for the first time. 

It had been a long shot that he wouldn’t notice until she could get him settled in, but since he hadn’t asked yet she had been hopeful, “It is a long story. Would you like to sit?”  

Thank the Light for his innate polite nature, he would not deny her the courtesy now that she had asked, so he moved to the table and took a seat,but remained silent waiting for her answer. Pouring tea for them both, she sat down and unwound her scarf then laid it across the back of a chair, “I was attacked in the Undermines during the rebellion.” 

Iren leaned in, gentle fingers touching her collarbone and looking over the bruising, “Were you performing there? It doesn’t seem like the type of place that would suit you.”

“I was working, I signed on with a mercenary crew back around the time of the fall,” she wasn’t going to hold back the truth of all this, so best to just state it simply. 

He didn’t stop examining her and let a little Light flow to his fingers, instantly she felt a little of the tightness in her throat loosen and her breathing became easier, not  having noticed how swollen it must have become. She hadn’t taken any of her anti-inflammatory medication that morning, it dulled her senses and she wanted to be fully present with him. “A mercenary company, Nahi? Why would you do that?”

For the past six months she wouldn’t have given an answer with conviction, just a statement that sounded lame to her, it had taken time to honestly accept what she felt then, and knew with certainty now. “I wanted to do something more than I had been.” 

They had talked many times about how she felt like she was unfulfilled in her life, she performed, worked out and took care of the house and her mother, but she wanted something more to be inspired by than the music she loved. Going from attending to her mother at court, then playing her little boring noble games to her life with him had changed her, but she had never felt like she connected to anything more than her performing. 

“And you just decided being a mercenary was the answer?” His tone was clipped, he may have not lashed out at her and was letting her take her time with his, but she knew he wasn’t happy.

Nahi picked up her glass and took a long drink, then sat it down and wiped her thumb across the condensation, “Dinaine and I talked, she thought I was a good enough fighter to find a place with a mercenary company, she said I would be wasted in a normal military setting, but no reason I couldn’t find a way to fight in the battle that was coming.”

He snorted, a sound so unexpected from him that she drew back a little. “Your ancient, militaristic fighting trainer hears a war might be starting and she gets you involved knowing you needed a purpose. I am unsurprised that this idea started with her.” Iren had served as a healer aiding the military off and on for most of his considerable lifetime, but was never truly part of a fighting force and he had strong opinions on such things.

“She,” Nahi instantly wanted to defend Dina, but nothing he said was wrong, even if the tone was less than pleasant, “thought I had potential as a fighter, said I was a true protégé for her.” Not waiting for more of his opinion on her Lightforged friend, “I had no idea where I would find a group I would want to join like that, but I chatted with a man in my performance troupe who is in the company and he suggested I talk to his commander. The discussion went well, and the man decided to take a chance on hiring me.”

“Why wouldn’t he? Cannon fodder is cheap.” Iren was not usually unrelenting but it seemed he was not taking this well, though he just continued to heal her as they spoke. 

A small shake of her head made the muscles in her neck tighten, stopping before she undid the progress he was making on what was left of her injury. “The company is not like that,” he snorted again but she pressed on, “Commander Dal’shula is a retired Argent as are most of his company. He only takes jobs he thinks his people are suited for and protecting our own is always a company priority.” 

Pride flowed into her words as she said them, it must have been picked up by him because he finally looked into her eyes, it wasn’t an easy look instead it was filled with intensity. “And this Commander, who is all about protecting his own, took a woman with ten years of practice in fighting into his ranks, did you move immediately into his tent or did he save that for later?” 

It hurt, it hurt worse than anything her step-father had ever said to her, but he had every right to be angry with her. Ignoring the implication she just kept moving forward, “I was taken in as a non-combatant, once we went to Dornagal I was set tasks like running errands, doing dishes and learning how to clean and cleaning around the camp. It was humbling, never have I felt so completely out of place.” 

Frown lines tugged his brows down and he looked to her throat again, scooting his chair closer while guiding her chin up, “I see.” 

“Then there was an attack on a camp near ours and there was no thought to it, we responded to help them.” The details of that night were unnecessary, but he would appreciate the drive to help others. It might be a little manipulative to play into his nature, but she needed to get him past his suspicions to hear the truth in her decision. “I ended up helping the healers that night, I had enough knowledge from you to know how to stay out of the way and only do what was asked of me.” 

Iren was not dumb and he recognized he was being buttered up with the last statement and he offered her a bit of a smirk, “I see what you are doing.” 

With a loving smile she continued, that hurdle was passed, his defensive reaction was fading away as quickly as she expected, “I started going to them to see one of the therapists they have in the company, I would stick around after helping with little things, busy work that I could keep my mind off what we had talked about. A couple of weeks after that I asked the lead healer if she would be willing to be a mentor to me.”  

“I am surprised that was your choice, Daughter.” Iren said then leaned back to pick up his tea, “You learned from us the basics of caring for your mother, and would listen to me talk about my work, but that never seemed to really interest you.”

“It was what you taught me that allowed me to see worth in that path and after spending time organizing the tents and field kits it gave me a realization that I might be suited to that work.” This wasn’t flattering him really, it was more the truth of her ability to hold onto what he had taught her and use it in this new phase of her life. “Other things I found in myself while living with you help too, my organizational skills, my tendency to think before reacting, those were assets that she felt made me a good prospect for working with the healers.”

Blue eyes peered at her over his glass, “Those are things we looked for in the hospital too, I always preferred working with interns that had a cool head in emergencies over those that became lost in their heads. They all might be good healers, but not all thrive in high stress situations.” He took another drink and she could see questions in his eyes so she didn’t continue her tale. “You were home a couple of months back and you said you bought this place in December, but you didn’t tell me then, why?”

Nahi didn’t look away out of her desire to remain completely open to him, “At first I just couldn’t bear the thought of dealing with anything that had to do with mother. I still don’t really, but staying away from you only punishes myself. Then I felt guilty that I stayed away, not only for you but…”

One of the things she admired about him was that she could tell him something and he wouldn’t brush it off, “You know you can visit with her, it is more your feelings at play, she doesn’t remember much now.” 

There was a look in his eyes though, pain and regret both and she thought she knew where it came from, “Does she talk about me at all?”

A deep sigh escaped him and h.e shook his head, “No dear one.”

“It is like I was never there, right? Never in her life?” It was amazing the level of pain that went with that, she spent so much time trying to just get her mother to love her. Knowing that none of it had taken root enough to show a glimpse in her dementia, just tore at something deep within. 

“Yes, Aronouthia and I have talked about it a great deal, we both feel that she just didn’t have a capacity to love you like you deserved, deserve.” The correction was sweet, his way of telling her that there was nothing wrong with her. “And we both love you, you know she thinks of you as one of her own.”

Aronouthia was her mother’s day nurse and had been invaluable when the dementia had progressed, not only in caring for Acenadalia but in helping Nahi cope with what that meant for her. “I love you both too.” 

She didn’t want to talk about her mother more, so she moved to the last uncomfortable topic. It was raw enough that she drew her knees up to her chest, balanced on the seat of the dining room chair, and placing her chin on her knees, folding herself like one of her decorative napkins. “We reported back to Dornagal when the pathway to the Undermines opened, there were small jobs that the Commander felt we were suited for.” 

Iren sneered at the mention of Talon, clearly still having less than charitable thoughts about him, but he didn’t stop her, recognizing the body posture for the defense it was, you couldn’t be a healer in a hospital for as long as he had been and not recognize the signs of trauma. “A rebellion began and we sided with the rebels. I do not know what drove the company’s decision, but I was behind it completely. We set up a makeshift hospital and when the fighting began in earnest we were overrun with people wanting to get out of the fight and the injured.” 

Reaching out, she picked up her glass of jewel red tea and took a long drink, grimacing slightly at how the acidic nature of the drink stung her throat. “We all worked for hours, there is this black blood in the caverns of the aisle of Dorn, it creates madness in those it comes in contact with.” 

Iren grimaced but she didn’t stop, couldn’t stop, “Those with the affliction began closing on the hospital and the fighters were pulling back to defend it, we had a way to cleanse those that were locked in the madness, but in the chaos one broke through and attacked me.” 

The beautiful voice that she drew so many emotions from audiences with, was raw with all the talking and with the memory, “He was a Gilnean, one afflicted with their curse, and he grabbed me, began choking me, I was unconscious before I was rescued. I spent a week after that being treated by the healers and then came home Saturday.” 

It was an abrupt ending to the tale because there wasn’t much else to explain about it, a lot had gone on. “I came back with more than the bruising,” she didn’t mean the trauma this time though, “I came back knowing that I will remain with the company moving forward.”

“And they will be lucky to have you,” he said a bit huffily.

A warm smile blossomed and it transformed the pained expression she had into something beautiful. “The other decision is that I will be meeting with a school admittance counselor later this week. I am going to study to become a nurse. I could have done more that night to help if I had more training, so I am taking a step in that direction.”

“Daughter,” Irene’s voice softened and pride showed in his eyes, “I think that you would be successful in anything you set your mind to, because you are brilliant and more stubborn than anyone I know. To know that you have found an interest in medicine, makes me feel a little like you are following in my footsteps, even if that is not your reasons.” 

The need to swallow now was not from the pain, it was because she was overwhelmed with emotion, “If there was any man on Azeroth whose footsteps I would love to follow in, they would be yours.” 

(@talonoa for mention)

[nahisummerhold]

Nahi sat on her patio, a quilt wrapped around her long legs. She hadn’t been home except to pick up clean clothes in a week, and she missed its calming effect on her. As beautiful and serene as the Dowager’s house usually was, there was no peace there for her. Maybe in the future there would be, but she felt unsettled while she was there.

Swirling a glass of bourbon, the large ice cube clicking against the cut glass quietly, she laid her head back, just breathing and letting the sounds of the city in the background fill the space around her. All week her thoughts felt like they were bouncing around in her head, making her unable to pick one out to focus on.

Nahi had prepared the burial site beforehand, placing candles out for people to light, and she hung suncatchers in the trees that encircled the space. It looked beautiful in her opinion, warming the space around her mother’s casket where it stood ready for people to come and say goodbye.

Nahilvi had dressed in deep charcoal, with accents of red and gold throughout, honoring the blood of their people and the Light. She wasn’t a person with a strong religious connection but Irenthalas was, and if the imagery helped him, then she would honor his beliefs.

As people began to appear, she greeted them, ever the hostess, even at this time. The one other surprise, other than her family coming out, was Jes’champe. A frown had furrowed her brow, but then smoothed as she offered him the same pleasant smile that she had with the other attendees.

Irenthalas walked forward and welcomed him, explaining to Nahi that he had invited her occasional lover for his own support. Once she heard that, she understood. The two men had become friends since that first night that Jes had crashed Nahi and Iren’s dinner out.

Her smile warmed with Irenthalas’s explanation. She was glad the man was there to offer his support for Iren, as Tinnaire was for her. When her friend had arrived she had come to Nahi, offering a warm hug, then holding her hand when they settled around the casket. That may have been the only way Nahi hadn’t fallen apart.

Hoovanil and Banictusia appeared down the pathway much to her surprise. She had sent them a polite notice but assumed that they would have no interest in paying respects. Looking to Hamdil, she noticed the fire in his eyes and she didn’t blame him, afterall it wasn’t everyday that you had to see your  father and wife together after finding out they were lovers. 

The ceremony the priest prepared was lovely, just enough pomp and circumstance to highlight the woman laid before them. They had all lit candles and placed them on the tables around the grave as he spoke. A small procession of those who remembered Acenadalia and wanted to show their respects had left the space warmly lit. 

As the priest finished, Nahi squeezed Tinn’s hand, then moved to the space he had held. Closing her eyes, she began to sing. The piece was something her mother’s longtime pianist had written for the Diva. It had never been performed. Nahi had found it in a book of music when they were clearing out the house in Dalaran along with a number of others he had composed.

Her voice carried across the space, clean and powerful. She had been told that her voice was not as magical as her mother’s, but this was the best way to honor her in Nahi’s opinion. As she sang, a small breeze moved the pieces of glass around them, refractions making colors dance over those gathered. It made for a poetic scene worthy of her mother who loved being the center of attention.

After the services, people moved to the estate patio for a small buffet. Nahi had been careful with her invitations; there were just not many people who knew her mother survived the fall of Tempest Keep. Those that cared for her medically, her nurses and a couple of doctors, the family, and a couple of their friends.

It was a pleasant gathering, people exchanging stories or reflecting on Acenadalia’s life. Some had seen her perform before her injury, and they spoke of the majesty of her presence on stage. The family spoke of personal moments, and Nahi felt like the moment was a lovely send-off.

Jes had stayed close to Iren or her. During the service he had stood behind them, placing a hand on Iren’s shoulder at the same time Nahi had taken her step-father’s hand when he began to show signs of breaking down. She had looked back at the Shal’dorei with a small nod; she was glad he was there.

When they were gathered on the patio, he didn’t exactly loom, but being over a foot taller than everyone there made him stand out, as did his perfectly cut suit. She jokingly called him Mr. P for his presence, and it wasn’t something he could just turn off.

The only moment that things became awkward was when Banictusia decided to talk with Hamdil about their divorce. The woman had never been the most polite, but choosing the funeral as the right time to confront him surprised Nahi. Hoovanil had been the one to step in to handle the situation as Banictusia’s voice began to rise. Nahi caught a word or two of what she was upset about, catching her own name in there before her uncle managed to get her under control, after which Hamdil excused himself from the group.

If Nahi hadn’t been clinging to her control so tightly, she might have said something, but she was aware of how easily any strong emotion might tip her emotional balance. Instead, she turned her back on the situation and guided one of the nurses to the buffet because she hadn’t eaten yet.

It had been taxing, but she was glad it was over. That was the last of the tasks she had that were emotionally based. All she had to do now was handle the legal side of everything and her barristers assured her that it would all go smoothly.

Tuesday she would address all of that, tonight and Monday were for her to not deal with the fallout of her mother’s death for the first time in too many days. It was something she sorely needed.

(Mentions of Tinnaire @kharrisdawndancer , @hoovanil-summerhold and @cityofdusk ) (Hoovanil’s thoughts on the funeral <-<HERE>-> )