**Araatris:** Yami reaches for his mother, exclaiming, “Min’da? Are you okay?” Behind them, the portal slips quietly shut as Lassa squirms down with a smile.

**Rhoelyn:** “I’m just a little dizzy. Let me sit down while you fetch Rhoe for your aunt Aleesa.” She gives Yami a wane smile as she sinks into the snow.

**Araatris:** Rhese trudges over, Aleesa still held against his chest and Dorian hovering nervously. “Lovely?” He watches as Lassa cuddles against her side.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress blushes and clears her throat. “Take care of Aleesa. M-My armor is a little tight. That’s all. Give me a moment and I’ll loosen it.”

**Araatris:** Her mate frowns at her, but he nods. “Little butterfly, keep an eye on her for me?” Lassa nods and waves at him. Yami’s frown matches his father’s.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse sighs in relief when the men hurry with the draenei towards the house. She tugs at the latches on her armor, fumbling in the cold to open it.

**Araatris:** Deft little fingers help her as Lassa mutters, “Min’da silly.” The latch slips free, and the child giggles as she scrambles to her other side.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress slumps and takes a deep breath. “Oh Elune… thank you, little one. That’s much better. I have no idea why it seems so tight.”

**Araatris:** Lassa just grins knowingly. With a gleeful cry, she flops back into the snow and starts throwing handfuls in the air. Nysse can’t help but smile.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse gathers snow and packs it into a ball and lightly tosses at Lassa. The girl flails and laughs. “Miiin’da!” The huntress breaks into giggles.

**Araatris:** Inside their cottage, Dorian works on lighting the fire to warm the cold, abandoned house as Rhese tucks blankets around Aleesa’s prone form.

**Rhoelyn:** “Should I call min’nu? Min’da forgot she went to the Broken Shore.” Yami rifles through the chest he knew the priestess kept her back-up stone.

**Araatris:** Rhese glances over at him and nods. “Yes, little light. See if you can reach her. I think Aleesa needs her gift.” The draenei stirs slightly.

**Rhoelyn:** The fire blazes brightly about the time that Yami finds the stone. He activates it and it glows, ready to use. “Min’nu, we’re at your house and-”

**Araatris:** “Yami!” The shocked voice on the other end is not his aunt’s, but it’s still familiar. Leothir quickly hushes himself despite his shock. “Light…”

**Rhoelyn:** The young man grins. “An’nu Leo! Can you get ahold of min’nu? We could use her help to heal a friend.” Yami smile fades at the silence.

**Araatris:** Shortly, the blood elf’s voice comes back at a whisper, “L-little elf, she’s final-” A soft murmur in the background cuts him off, and he sighs.

**Rhoelyn:** Leothir answers the voice. “Yes. Yami.” He pauses. “Well, he said a friend needed– Yes, princess.” To Yami, he replies, “We’ll be right there.”

**Araatris:** The voidling young man smiles and lets the stone go dark, tucking it atop the chest. Nysse slips into the house, a snow-dappled pair with Lassa.

**Rhoelyn:** “Will Rhoelyn be here soon?” Nysse looks at Yami’s sheepish grin. “Yes, but… I think we woke her up. An’nu Leo was trying to be quiet.”

**Araatris:** The huntress blushes slightly and glances at Rhese, who is concentrating on what little he can do to help Aleesa, a green glow around his hand.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse sighs. “Let’s see what we can make to eat. I’m sure everyone will be hungry later. Why don’t you-” She pauses, hearing voices outside.

**Araatris:** The hushed tones pause before the door creaks open, letting in a blast of cold air and the familiar cloaked forms of Rhese’s sister and her mate.

**Rhoelyn:** Rhese looks up, his expression is lined with worry. “Thank Elune. Sis, I could use a hand over here.” Rhoe’s hood falls as she hurries to him.

**Araatris:** Leo watches with a little sigh as she drops to her knees at Aleesa’s bedside, the exhaustion lining her face barely lightened by her little nap.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress joins him, her loose armor chiming softly as Lassa hovers behind her. “I’m sorry, Leo. I know how much she tends to work.”

**Araatris:** The blood elf turns and nods before resting a hand on her shoulder. His voice is pitched very low. “It’s amazing to see you all. We feared…”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse nods and swallows nervously, whispering. “I’m sorry for worrying you. D-does she know? Please tell me that you didn’t tell her, Leo.”

**Araatris:** His emerald gaze slips back to Rhoelyn’s bowed head. “I had to tell her something. You’ve been completely unreachable for so many months.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress’ eyes widen. “We… we were gone for that long? He said months, but I c-couldn’t believe it. It only felt like a couple of days.”

**Araatris:** “Half a year, give or take.” Leothir sighs and his hand tightens on her shoulder. “Morthis… he just asked me to tell her the truth a few days ago.”

**Rhoelyn:** The night elven woman pales, gaping. “Oh no… She must have thought that we–You all must have thought…” She buries her face in her hands.

**Araatris:** “I… didn’t tell her, yet.” Leo pats Nysse’s shoulder. “We feared you were dead, but she… thought you were all on a very long assignment.”

**Araatris:** He glances over. “As it is, she’s been working herself into the ground whenever I’m not there to stop her and has a stack of letters as tall as me.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse clutches her hands to her chest, revealing her guilty expression. “I… d-don’t know what to say. This is w-worse than the shipwreck.”

**Araatris:** Leo sighs softly. “I wasn’t there for that part, but… I’ve heard her stories. Nysse, you were all dragged into it. It’s not your fault.”

**Rhoelyn:** “But I promised her I was going to Stormwind… t-that I’d be careful. I don’t even know if this affected the tw-” Her stomach rumbles loudly.

**Araatris:** The mage smirks. “Well. Yes, you have quite a few lies to explain to your sister. But she’s busy, and you’re hungry. As usual. Lunch first, Nysse.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse gives a jerky nod. “I’ll fix a little something for everyone.” The huntress hurries away, leaving a small child starting up at Leo.

**Araatris:** Lassa grins and holds up her arms. “Up!” The blood elf obeys rather automatically, smirking at her. “If you’re one of the twins, I may faint.”

**Rhoelyn:** She giggles. “I not twin.” Lassa pokes her draenic head crest. “Like Yami. Min’da said I could visit.” The girl wraps her arms around his neck.

**Araatris:** “Like…” The mage makes a sound that’s halfway between a chuckle and a groan, cuddling her. “Oh, I see you’re going to be trouble, little girl.”

**Rhoelyn:** The child huffs. “Mirran says I is good girl.” Lassa lays her head on his shoulder and yawns. He pats her back as watches as the others work.

**Araatris:** Dorian stomps over to Leo, holding out his stocky arms. “Ah’ll ‘ave’er from ye, then.” The Horde mage blinks at him. “And you’re who, exactly?”

**Rhoelyn:** “Ah’m Dorian. ‘Lees and ah care fer th’ wee voidlin’s. Lassa’s th’ yung’un.” The dwarf grumbles. Leothir raises an eyebrow. “How many are there?”

**Araatris:** “Seven. No’ countin’ Yami.” The dwarf keeps his arms out, eyes narrowing. Leo frowns at him. “Dorian…? Rhese! Did you forgive the enemy, again?!”

**Rhoelyn:** Rhese glances up with an exasperated sigh and growls, “Leo, we’re working over here. Is he trying to kill you?” “No, bu-” “Then it can wait.”

**Araatris:** The mage sighs and passes Lassa to Dorian. “I’m just going to assume it’s a good story and take comfort in the fact that you’re tentacle free.”

**Rhoelyn:** Lassa giggles and shoves Dorian’s beard from her face. Suddenly, she squirms, looking over his shoulder. “Look! Vakari’s awake, zolomi!”

**Araatris:** They turn, and Dorian shoves past Leo to approach the bed. Aleesa shifts sleepily, her luminous blue eyes open. Rhese supports his sister.

**Rhoelyn:** “Dorian…” She murmurs, “I’m glad you’re back.” Lassa wiggles reaching for Aleesa. “Bedtime, vakari.” The dwarf helps her onto the bed.

**Araatris:** Lassa settles happily into Aleesa’s arms, curling against her side as Rhese escorts Rhoe away to make space. Dorian sits at the bedside. “‘Lees…”

**Rhoelyn:** Aleesa smiles gently. “Do not worry. I am better.” Her eyes flutter as she fights sleep. “Ah, ‘Lees. Just rest fer a bit. Ah’ll wait ‘ere fer ya.”

**Araatris:** She nods, her eyes drifting shut, and offers him her hand. The shadow-scarred dwarf grins and presses his around it as her breathing slows.

**Rhoelyn:** The mage retrieves a spare mattress and lays it out in the corner. Rhese guides his sister to the makeshift cot while Nysse and Yami cook.

**Araatris:** Rhoelyn swats at her brother when he tries to get her to lay down. “You are finally all returned. If you think I will sleep now, you’re moon-mad!”

**Rhoelyn:** “I want to see Nysse and Yami.” Rhoelyn’s voice is firm. Rhese snorts, “Alright, sis, but if you fall asleep at the table, you’re going to bed.”

**Araatris:** “I wouldn’t!” Leothir raises a brow and snorts. “Aren’t you just funny, princess? That’s not what the Hero’s Welcome staff say.” She blushes.

**Rhoelyn:** They settle her at the table as Nysse sets a few plates down. Her armor still hangs loosely where she hasn’t bothered to tighten it again.

**Araatris:** “Sister, let m-” Leo sets a hand on one shoulder and Rhese on the other, preventing the priestess from getting up. She sighs and stays seated.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse ducks her head. “It’s the least I can do, R-rhoe.” She voice is timid as she busies herself making another plate. “You need to rest.”

**Araatris:** “Me?” Rhoelyn looks at Nysse, her brow furrowed. “I am not the one who has been in mortal danger somewhere at the very doorstep of giving birth!”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress sighs and shrugs off her armor, then turns to face Rhoelyn. “It hasn’t been that long for us, sister. I… it’s hard to explain.”

**Araatris:** This time when Rhoelyn stands, neither man stops her. But Leo winces as she approaches Nysse, gaping. “I-I… I don’t understand, Nysse.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I… I lied. Morthis didn’t know where Rhese was, but I begged him to let me go find him. I never went to Stormwind. A… a lot happened.” Nysse sighs.

**Rhoelyn:** She stares at the floor. “We ended up with Aleesa, Dorian, and the voidlings on a rock in the middle of nowhere, but… those days were months here.”

**Araatris:** For a long, tense moment, the priestess stares at her sister, brow furrowed and tears welling in her eyes. Eventually, she looks over at Yami.

**Rhoelyn:** Yami cringes at her look. “I’m sorry, min’nu. I didn’t know what min’da was doing, but she was so upset and… I wanted to bring an’da home…”

**Araatris:** Rhoelyn says nothing, only sliding her gaze to Rhese as a single, silent tear slips free. He stands and walks over, taking her hands. “We’re safe.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse bites her lip and shifts uneasily. “I’m really sorry, Rhoe…” Her voice trails off as the priestess sniffs, more tears following the first.

**Araatris:** Rhoelyn finally says softly, “I-I know. I… understand.” She wipes at her eyes, pulling away from Rhese. “I need a moment.” She rushes out the door.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress stares wide-eyed at the door and then the others. Before she can think about it, she drops her armor and bolts toward the door.

**Araatris:** When Rhese takes a step after them, Leo rests a hand on his arm. He sighs and, without a word, nods and just steps over to Yami. “But an’da...”

**Rhoelyn:** Her heart pounded frantically and her lungs burned from the cold as she raced. “R-rhoe! P-please stop!” Nysse fingers brush Rhoe’s arm.

**Araatris:** Her sister pauses in the snow, keeping her back to her. Her head bows. “Nysse,” she says softly, voice thick. “I will come back soon enough.”

**Rhoelyn:** Tears rise in Nysse’s eyes as she clings to Rhoe’s sleeve. “D-don’t leave! I’m making you run from your own home like I run to Tsume and-”

**Araatris:** “No.” The priestess wipes her palms across her eyes before she turns. Her cheeks and nose are dark, reddened by more than the cold. “I understand.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse shakes and ducks her head. “I don’t. I don’t understand.” Tears start streaking down her cheeks. “I didn’t want you to worry.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I thought I’d be gone a week at most, but it was wrong. I shouldn’t have lied to you.” Her hand falls from Rhoe’s sleeve to wipe her eyes.

**Araatris:** The smaller elf crumples to sit in the snow. “But you had to, didn’t you? There was nothing I could do to help you. Only… only burden you.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress slumps to her knees. “N-no! Never! I knew you’d come, but the temple needed you so much. I didn’t want to worry you more…”

**Araatris:** “That’s part of the truth,” Rhoelyn tries to wipe at her tears before they can fall, shivering in the cold. “But all of it…? I do not think so.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse looks down guiltily. “You’re right, but not in the way you think. I… was scared. If Rhese was d-dead, I didn’t want to do this alone…”

**Araatris:** Her sister pauses, blinking at her. “You… were trying to protect me?” The huntress nods, sniffling. “I couldn’t risk losing you both, Rhoe.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I need you, Rhoe. Just as much as I need Rhese. I’m still scared. I’m sorry for everything…” Nysse clutches the front of her tunic, shivering.

**Araatris:** The priestess sniffles, considering her sister thoughtfully. Finally, she shifts forward and wraps her arms around her. “I will always forgive you.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress leans into the embrace and lays her head on Rhoe’s shoulder. “T-thank you. I won’t try to hide something like that again.”

**Araatris:** Rhoelyn nods against her hair. “Please don’t. I know I’m not brave, and I’m not strong enough to fight against the kinds of threats you face.”
**Araatris:**  She sniffles and wipes at her eyes. “If you tell me to stay behind, I will. But I cannot lose you all and never even have a chance to help.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse hugs her tightly. “I swear it, sister.” She wipes her own tears and smiles weakly. “At least you didn’t miss out on the twins growing…”

**Araatris:** The priestess laughs softly, rubbing Nysse’s arms. “There is that. Oh, if only you knew… well, every letter I wrote asks about you and them.”

**Rhoelyn:** “You… you can check on them yourself if you want.” Her teeth chatter softly as she leans back. Her cheeks are redder than the cold allows for.

**Araatris:** Rhoe nods at her sister and rests trembling hands against her rounding belly. As magic glows around her hands, Nysse is suffused with warmth.

**Rhoelyn:** Closing her eyes, the huntress relaxes and smiles. She rests her hands on top of Rhoelyn’s, mumbling, “Is it strange that I prefer your healing…?”

**Araatris:** The priestess grins softly. “Yes, probably. But Leothir has told me something similar. Even over his brother’s!” She shakes her head. “Mystifying.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blushes. “I took Relare with me. Morthis wouldn’t let me go otherwise. How are they? I’m a little worried with everything that’s happened.”

**Araatris:** As the glow of magic fades, the cold creeps back in. “They are magnificent, my sister. Beautiful and strong and healthy.” Rhoe smiles tearfully.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress grins and hugs Rhoelyn again. “I’m so glad!” When they both shiver, she giggles. “Perhaps we should head back. Are you ready?”

**Araatris:** Though she nods, the priestess doesn’t move, staring at her sister. When Nysse prompts, “Rhoe?”, her face suddenly crumples, and she sobs.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse gasps and hugs the elder woman. “R-rhoe! What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?” She rubs the priestess’s back as her sister sniffles.

**Araatris:** “I missed you.” Rhoe’s words are muffled through her sobs and Nysse’s shoulder. “I missed you all so much! And I was so worried and lonely.”

**Rhoelyn:** The young elf hugs Rhoelyn tighter. “We missed you, too, Rhoe. So very much. I’m sorry we left you for so long.” She holds Rhoe patiently.

**Araatris:** For a very long time, her older sister just clings to her and cries as a light snowfall starts around them. Nysse just soothes her wordlessly.

**Rhoelyn:** Rhoelyn touches Nysse’s bare arm, sniffling. “You’re frozen.” The huntress grimaces and fights off a violent shiver as Rhoe leans back.

**Araatris:** The priestess whispers something under her breath and golden energy begins to gather across her skin. She slips to her feet, offering a hand.

**Rhoelyn:** When Nysse takes Rhoelyn’s hand, warmth spreads across her. She stands and smiles. “Oh Elune… That’s better.” They make their way back.

**Araatris:** Yami practically mobs them the moment they open the door. He throws his arms around Rhoe, exclaiming, “Don’t be sad, min’nu! We’re sorry!”

**Rhoelyn:** Rhoelyn lets go of Nysse’s hand in surprise. “Oh! Darling boy, I’m doing much better.” The huntress snags a piece of fruit as her stomach rumbles.

**Araatris:** The priestess kisses the young man’s cheek before she pulls away. “Let us have the meal I interrupted, and you can tell me about your adventure.”

**Rhoelyn:** They all settle down, chatting softly at the table until they scatter to rest. Rhese manages to only glare at Leo as he lays down next to Rhoelyn.

**Araatris:** Nysse laughs softly and cuddles in next to him, tugging his chin to look at her. “When are you going to get used to them? It’s their house.”

**Rhoelyn:** He smirks, wrapping his arm around her. “Am I allowed to say never?” Nysse kisses him. “She’s put up with me stealing you into our own house.”

**Araatris:** The druid nuzzles her, mumbling, “Well, my sister is very understanding. And he’s a sin’dorei mage. I think I get an extra lifetime of resistance.”

**Rhoelyn:** She lays her head on his shoulder. “We’ll see about that. They seem to get along well. Who knows what the next step will be…” Nysse teases.

**Araatris:** He growls, squeezing her. “Hush, you. The only next step for them is when I figure out how to get him lost on the other side of one of his portals.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Oh? And I was thinking it’d be nice if our children had someone to play with…” Unable to keep a straight face at his expression, she giggles.

**Araatris:** “Half-bl-!” He’s interrupted by a voice from the other side of the room. “I have very good hearing! And our children will be amazingly adorable!”

**Rhoelyn:** “L-leothir!” Rhoelyn gasps. Rhese snorts. “Aren’t you being overly ambitious?” Nysse squeaks and hides her face against her mate. “Rhese!”

**Araatris:** “I’ll have you know w-mmfmfmm.” It’s clear when a certain dainty hand covers his mouth, and Nysse finds herself giggling through her embarrassment.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse kisses Rhese before he can respond. Yami groans, “I’m sleepy. Can we go to sleep now?” She’s still giggling, but answers, “Yes, sweetie.”

**Araatris:** When Rhoelyn squeaks and Leothir just chuckles, Nysse is forced to silence her mate with one last kiss before she wraps her arms around him.

**Rhoelyn:** Rhese kisses the top of her head. “Rest well, dalah’surfal.” Nysse hmms sleepily. He chuckles and closes his own eyes, dozing shortly after her.