The Last Tenderness

The Lordaeron Palace was decorated more festively than ever before Winter Veil. The Dwarf festival traditions had been around for many years. According to the festival's traditions, everyone received a gift from Winter Father, and elders could also give a gift to the younger generation! Nathanos's gift was particularly special—it was from his father—two of the farm's strongest and most energetic sheepdogs! The gift seemed strange, but he loved it nonetheless. His father meant that he hoped Nathanos would protect the land like a sheepdog. Of course, Nathanos told himself—he loved this land to death!

However, even amidst this Tranquility and harmonious atmosphere, Nathanos harbored an unease. Several months had passed since Arthas and Uther began their joint campaign against the surrounding Orcs. Initially, Nathanos had assumed Arthas would accompany him as usual, but the Prince of Lordaeron had refused his request, stating that this time he wished to act alone, and King Terenas had surprisingly agreed. He told himself that Arthas simply wanted to do something alone, but the sudden change still caught him somewhat off guard.

At least that was the case when Alleria Windrunner arrived at his doorstep.

The Female Elf's visit was the most surprising thing for him, but the surprise was quickly replaced by joy. Nathanos had initially been a little reserved about how to introduce her to his family. Unexpectedly, Alleria had solved the problem herself. Her graceful manners immediately won the favor of her father Bred, and mother, Daphne, and she was currently helping her mother in the kitchen.

Winter Veil... maybe it won't be so cold anymore.

Stephan lit the scarecrow, and a festive atmosphere filled Marius Farm. Nathanos watched from the window as his cousin and his father, Jonathan, suddenly started a snowball fight. The innocent scene stirred something Nathanos had never felt before, and an inexplicable emotion welled up in his eyes. Suddenly... he looked at his cousin.

He's already sixteen! Nathanos was somewhat surprised. Time flies. Stephan... is almost an adult.

What kind of coming-of-age gift should I prepare for him?

'Wake up, it's still early!'

'Preparing now will make it more original.'

Will he believe you spent two years preparing the gift?

Two voices argued in his mind, and Nathanos shook his head, agreeing with the other. Yes! What's the rush? Two years is a long time, a really long time. A lot will happen, like: he'll marry Alleria!

Marry?

Nathanos was surprised that he had this idea. He knew this day would come, but he never mentioned it to anyone, especially Alleria.

Excited and nervous!

Will she accept it? Perhaps Alleria will say it's too early, that she has official business to attend to, or something like that. Nathanos wouldn't blame Alleria; she's right. But the human clearly expects the Female Elf to give a different answer, one that would make him faint on the spot...

She gradually came to be seen as a member of the Marius Family.

Nathanos began to notice this change when his mother asked Alleria to help her prepare the Winter Veil dinner.

His beloved was Ranger-General of Silvermoon City, a man of noble birth, but Nathanos felt no unease about this. They truly trusted each other!

On the night of Winter Veil, they welcomed the first snow of the new year. The frozen Sodori River was covered with layers of white snow, like a smooth ribbon. The snow began to fall at dawn and continued until an hour later. Afterward, starlight dotted the dark, velvety night sky, and the moonlight softened everything, making it all feel gentle and dreamlike.

A soft, warm hand slid into his palm.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Alleria said quietly. Nathanos nodded, but didn't look at her.

"I... am very surprised."

"Because of my intrusion?" Alleria raised an eyebrow.

"No, what I mean is..."

He finally turned to her, but instantly held his breath. Just hours ago, Alleria had been dressed in that Ranger's outfit, but now he was stunned by her beauty. The Female Elf looked like a snow maiden. Not in a lavish, noble way, but simply in the most ordinary cotton robe, the fabric adorned with a very pale blue. The silver ring that combed her hair was bathed in the warm, soft light of the moon, making her breathtakingly beautiful from head to toe, both captivating and gentle. Her cheeks flushed slightly from his gaze, her blue eyes trembled slightly, and her long golden hair rose and fell over her shoulders with her breath.

"You... I... we." He didn't know how to begin, and blurted out, "So beautiful!"

A lovely smile spread across Alleria's face. "Yes," she chuckled, gently touching his hair, "It would be the same if the child were a girl."

He froze instantly.

"Alleria... you!"

She chuckled. "Until then, we must follow tradition."

"Child!" The word struck Nathanos like a bolt of lightning. He was speechless. What did Alleria mean? Did she agree with what he had just been thinking about saying to her? But he hadn't even asked her. This seemed... too easy!

No! He denied his own judgment! Alleria was sincere, and so was he, so it didn't matter who said it, as long as... as long as the other person's answer!

Nathanos reached out and hugged her tightly. The moment was so warm. He held her close with all his might, savoring, immersing himself in, and cherishing it.

This silent response moved Alleria and also relieved her considerably. She had thought she had been too hasty and too direct, and might have scared Nathanos into fainting, but now, all her worries seemed utterly meaningless...

After a sumptuous dinner

He gently stroked her silky golden hair, inhaling her fragrance. In this brief night, man and elf cast aside everything, letting themselves lose themselves in each other. Their world was small and warm, a world where only the two of them existed. Nathanos loved Aurelia by his side; he loved holding her in his arms at night; he loved her scent and fragrance, her purity and smile.

What happens when everything is lost?

In the middle of the night, half-asleep, he was suddenly awakened by this sentence that flashed through his mind. His reaction was to hug Alleria even tighter. The Female Elf frowned slightly, sensing his movement, and with her eyes closed, a faint smile appeared on her lips that he couldn't detect.

"What's wrong?"

Those three simple words, like moonlight, offered him comfort.

"Don't leave me, Alleria. No matter what happens, no matter what, don't leave me."

"I never will, Nathanos. I never will!" the Female Elf murmured, reassuring him. Her certainty that she wouldn't put his mind at ease.

I won't lose him! Alleria thought to herself, and those words were etched deep into her mind.

He won't lose me!

Many years later

The snow-covered Northrend Continent, Icecrown Glacier, remained as cold and desolate as ever. Since the Lich King's defeat, he had never set foot here again. The metallic surface of the arrowhead in his hand reflected his face. That repulsive face was now barely recognizable as flesh and blood. What disgusted him even more was why? Why did he suddenly remember things from so many years ago? That past he should have forgotten was now flooding back like a tidal wave?

"What a ridiculous promise!"

His hoarse voice was drowned out by the cold air, along with his deep laughter.

Suddenly, someone whispered in his ear, "The Witherer, they're here!"

He stood up, his eyes fixed on the crowd crossing the valley below. They were all well-equipped, even their war wolves were clad in heavy armor, and their red banners adorned with totems shone brightly. He didn't want to attack them, but unfortunately for him, these people possessed something he needed...

"Kill them all!"