The attending Druid lay the squalling infant on Maralah’s breast. Just moments ago the room bustled with activity, now everyone was quiet as Mother and child met for the first time face to face. Maralah looked into the pale blue eyes of her daughter and smiled through her fatigue. “Hello, Nariko. Welcome to Azeroth!” The birth attendants smiled and began the bustle again, taking the child from Maralah to see to the new life and to let mother rest after her ordeal.
She had made it as far as Feralas, Camp Mojache, before she could go no farther. It was under the light of the moons that Child Within became Nariko… it seemed like only days before that Maralah and Mingan had said their wedding vows under these very moons. Mingan… he’s still after me, I can feel it. Nariko doesn’t stand a chance. A tear slipped down Maralah’s cheek as she drifted into a deep and troubled sleep.
While the morning dawned just as early in Feralas, the canapy of trees prevented too much light from reaching the forest floor. Perhaps it was this delay in any real brightness, or perhaps it was Maralah’s long journey and recent ordeal… either way, morning was long past when she next woke. “I did as you asked,” the young druid that attended Nariko’s birth spoke quietly to Maralah, “there is a woman that lives in Freewind Post, Thousand Needles, who recently delivered. She and her husband have agreed to take the child and raise as their own.” Was that a hint of judgement in the other woman’s voice?
Maralah merely nodded her thanks, fearing that opening her mouth would bring on the tears she wanted to shed. The thought of leaving her child broke her heart, but what else could she do? Mingan would stop at nothing to find and kill Maralah, that she could handle. But he would also continue to search for his daughter, no doubt hoping he had a son to train in his image. The child was defenceless. The only defence Maralah could offer was anonymity.
“Do it,” her voice cracked, but she continued anyway, “I don’t want to see her again, and I don’t want to know the woman’s name. Take her and go.” The other druid nodded, her face a fierce mask of disapproval, and left the tent. Slowly Maralah began to pack her things.
She’ll understand. When the time comes, she’ll understand. Maralah’s tears fell unchecked.
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