Trisandrah Emberstrom

A small mana ray arrived at Trisandrah’s apartment. Fastened to it was a small box containing a delicately wrapped cupcake and a handful of Dwarven spices. In its mouth, a cylinder housing a piece of parchment.

     “It’s been a few weeks since we last talked. In that time I’ve made my way to Ironforge. It’s nice here, and relatively peaceful. One of the local pups has a small balcony that overlooks the Great Forge. There’s an odd comfort to be found sitting in the forges glow, basking in its warmth. The people here are fairly kind. There are the sour looks, sure, but most are polite enough. I think I may even prefer it here to Father’s estate.

     I’ve taken up baking in my time here. Try the sweet I sent along with Lueur and let me know what you think. I’m sure communicating by Mana Ray is new to you. When you’re ready, deposit your letter in tube he carries and send him on his way. He’ll eventually find his way back to me.

I’m looking forward to when we cross paths again.

Truly.

L.E.”

Why can’t you loosen up, you silly girl? What harm would there be? You know you would enjoy it. It’s not like you’re going to find what you want anyway. Nor find out what you want to know.

Tris had made her way back to her flat after leaving Raerys, Tali, and Abra knowing no more than when they’d first gotten there. It wasn’t as if she didn’t enjoy spending time with them, but it was unfruitful. It really only added to her foul mood.

Her fists clenched and unclenched as she walked. More than ready to settle in for a bout with Duir. Clear her head. He was good for talking sense into her, even though he never uttered a word.

She saw it out of the corner of her eye, just as she entered her apartment. She spun around, ready to light whomever it was hiding in the shadows.  The little mana ray flitted about and chirped at her.  She relaxed, but only slightly as she investigated the little critter and the box he carried. She walked in and plopped down on the couch with the box. As she slid the box off, she tilted her head, staring at the confections.

A wary eye appraised them as she pulled the note from the box. She quickly looked to see it was from Leileah. Why is it the people I want to contact me don’t and the ones that… Tris sighed and balled the parchment up, throwing it across the room as she strode towards Duir.

Later, she was back, sweaty and tired, smoothing out the wrinkles in the crumpled parchment. She stuck a finger in the icing and licked it from her finger as she read.

She curled up on the settee, hugging her arms around her. What do you want, Leah? To be friends? To be family? Why did I even seek you out?

She sighed and reached for the note again, re-reading it, looking for clues. Looking for the nefarious intent she was sure existed. As she sat down at her desk, her whole body sagged.

All of her life she had wanted family. Never realizing what she did know was not normal. When she first met Leah, she had hoped they would be different. But Leah had as much as verified that her father was every bit as greedy and resourceful as her own. The fruit did not fall far from the tree. Still, she reached for the quill and a piece of paper.

Leah,

Ironforge? I have not been there before. I’ve heard about it. Does it smell? I am glad you have found kindness. What else are you up to?

I have tried your sweet. The icing is quite delicious. Are you planning on making more? Perhaps start a business?

The mana ray is new to me, at least communicating via one. I shall admit I was startled when I first saw him. He’s a cutie.

I do hope you’re not planning on coming to Silvermoon. We should be able to meet somewhere. Perhaps the Faire again? Or somewhere closer to you? I can’t say that I’m a fan of the snow, but it would be nice to see. If there’s a place where we could go.

Do you remember our grandparents? My mother? What were they like? My memories are so faded, I don’t even know what they look like. Do tell me. I want to hear the stories of your childhood.

I can get away most any time. I’ve been needing to. See you soon.

~T

Trisandrah dropped the note in the mana ray’s pouch and watched it disappear through the little void pocket.  Her lips pursed like she’d sucked on a lemon as she turned and headed back to her dressing room. “Duir! Don’t you even think we’re finished!”