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Shattered	By : Koori Category: +S through Z > World of Warcraft Views: 8001 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own World of Warcraft, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Chapter Thirty-Five – Nathaniel Conway
The smell of baby powder greeted Nathaniel as he awoke; he smiled at the infant resting between him and his sister.   Sara’s eyes were closed, but she was propped up on her elbow nursing Violet. He untangled his fingers from her hair and the eyes opened. She looked weary. “Want me to burp her for you?” he whispered. “Get a few more minutes of rest?”
Sara expressed her gratitude and after she finished feeding, let him pick her daughter up as she rolled over on her side, facing away. Sitting up Nathaniel put a cloth over his bare shoulder and patted the baby gently. Glancing around he saw Ma and Pa were still asleep; his mother was spooned by Pa from behind. A soft burp came from the babe. Nathaniel changed his hold to cradle Violet against his chest, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. With his other hand he poured a glass of water, picking it up he brought it to his mouth. The cool water dampened his closed lips. Sighing, he pulled his hand back; his tongue licked the moisture from his lips.
“Big brother,” he thought silently, “please help me conquer this fear.   Please … give me strength.” Closing his eyes he picture Foster in his mind as he raised the cup once more. In his mind he heard his brother say, “Open.” His lips parted and the cool water entered, he swallowed.
“Who fucking told you, you could swallow.”
The cup fell from his hand with crash, Violet let out a cry. Warm arms wrapped around him from behind and pulled him back away from the edge of the bed. His parents were awake at the sound of breaking glass. Pa slipped on his boots and walked over. “You okay?” he asked, bending down and gingerly picking up the bigger pieces.
“I swallowed some water …” Nathaniel started.
“Wonderful,” Sara replied.
“Who fucking told you, you could swallow,” Nathaniel said with a ragged breath. “Then he beat me … I was just so hungry …”
The broken glass was once again thrown to the ground as his father reached up and cupped his face. “Me,” he growled, “focus on me. That bastard can’t hurt you.”
“How did you swallow the water in the first place?” Sara asked from behind, rubbing his back gently. In his arms Violet let out a content coo.
“I pictured Foster telling me to open,” Nathaniel said.
“Then that’s who told you could swallow,” Sara said, “and he kicked Vance’s ass. Listen to our brother, leave that ghost where he belongs, haunting the Plaguelands.”
“Listen to your Sister,” Pa said, kissing his forehead. Then he bent down and started collecting the glass. Ma slipped out of the room and returned a few minutes later with a broom and dustpan. Once they were sure the shards had been cleaned up, Pa poured a second glass of water and offered it to him. As he took the glass, Ma took Violet from him. “Close your eyes,” Pa said, “picture your brother … listen to him. I will be your shield out here, let him be your shield in your heart …” Pa placed a hand on his chest.
“Open,” Nathaniel heard Foster says. His lips parted and the cool water slipped into his mouth. He swallowed and the vision of Foster nodded.
Nathaniel smiled and pulled the glass away with a ragged breath. Sara hugged him from behind. “Foster isn’t the only one kicking ass,” she said, “good job, Big Brother.”
Patting the arm around his neck, he stood his legs only slightly shaky. He stretched his arms above his head. “Feels like my last bath was in the harbor,” he said, “are there showers we can use?”
“Around back they have a small bath house,” Sara answered.
“I’ll come with,” Pa said.
Soon they gathered up a set of fresh clothes and were walking down the stairs. Pa had a firm grip on his arm as they descended. After they reached the ground floor, Nathaniel had to sit down in a chair and catch his breath. “A week, huh?” he asked.
Pa rubbed his back, “you’ll get there. Beth did say you were on bed rest for a few days.”
“Ugh,” Nathaniel said standing. They made their way outside and found the bath house empty and stocked with fresh towels and soap. Soon they were both standing under hot water, Nathaniel sighed contently. “Think I can just live here.”
“I think Lady Tillstone will get grumpy if we use up all the hot water,” Pa said, taking a bar of soap he started working it through Nathaniel’s hair.
“So very elven of you,” Nathaniel said, “before you know it we’ll be showering with the girls.”
That got a light jerk on his long hair. “I don’t think so, young man,” his Pa growled playfully. “Rinse!”
For a brief moment his will waivered as it was Vance barking the command, but suddenly Foster’s face came to his mind and the fear left. Nodding his head he stepped under the water and rinsed the soap from his locks. “I can do this,” he whispered.
“I sure hope so,” his Pa said with a laugh, oblivious of the brief inner struggle. “I’m not dressing you.”
Nathaniel returned the smile as he finished rinsing and turned the water off. After toweling off they dressed and returned to the inn to find Ma, Violet and Sara at a table in the dining room, they were waved over. Sara stood up as they sat down and moved behind Nathaniel. She pulled his wet hair up into a high ponytail.
“What the hell is an elf doing here?”
Nathaniel glanced over at the heavy set human male that had spoken. “Eating breakfast,” he replied with a smile.
Lady Tillstone appeared in front of the other, her arms crossed. “He’s a guest, is there a problem, Hank?”
“Don’t see too many High Elves,” the man said with a shrug, “apologies.”
The innkeeper put a large plate of pancakes down in front of Nathaniel; “eat up,” she said, “if you turn sideways we won’t be able to see ya, need some meat on those bones.”
“Thank you,” he said.
He took his fork, feeling his family eyes on him; he cut a bite of pancake. Closing his eyes he pictured Foster, “we got this,” he thought to himself, as he took the bite from the fork.
He was on his second pancake when he felt warmth enter his chest and he smiled. “Morning, Beth,” he said, standing and moving another chair to the table. “How am I doing, doc?”
“You shouldn’t be eating something so heavy,” Bethany chided as she sat down. “You should be in bed, eating applesauce.”
“Uh huh,” Nathaniel said, as he took a bite of pancake.
“Don’t come crying to me when that hits and bounces,” Bethany said as she took a couple of pancakes off the large platter in the middle of the table and put them on the plate the innkeeper had placed on the table. “But truly, doctor’s orders, after breakfast a light healing and then a nap.”
Nathaniel sighed, “Pa and I need an armor smith and I need to find a fletcher to fill my quiver and …”
“And that can wait until tomorrow,” Pa said. “Listen to her, get better.”
Sighing he took a bite of sausage, the moment the taste hit his tongue. He froze, ignoring his brother is his mind he spit out and pushed his chair away from the table. It took every ounce of will power not to make a scene. “Pa …” he whispered as he stood.
His father wrapped an arm around him and together they walked back upstairs. They didn’t speak until they reached the room. “Tell me,” Pa said.
“It was a bite of sausage I chewed without being told,”   Nathaniel took a ragged breath. “Afterwards he made me spit it out and then he beat me until I pissed myself.” Nathaniel paused and assessed his mind as his Pa’s gaze darkened. “Pa, I may never eat sausage again but he doesn’t terrify me anymore. I hate him and wish I could punch his face bloody but I am not afraid.”
“Good,” Pa said, “now get your ass into bed and get some rest.”
Slipping his shirt and boots off, Nathaniel walked over to the bed. He watched Pa pick up the sword and shield. “Where are you going?”
“The warrior guild,” Pa answered, “to find a practice dummy I can picture as Vance and chop into little pieces.”
“Wish I could join you,” Nathaniel says stretching out on the bed. There was a knock at the door.
“Beth,” Nathaniel said.
Pa nodded and let the healer in as he stepped outside. Bethany walked over and looked down at him. Nathaniel met her gaze. “Unbelievable,” she said as a soft emerald glow floated down from her fingertips and enveloped him, “who would have thought going to war was the best medicine for you? Your eyes have lost their haunted look, welcome back, Nathaniel.”
“Finally decided to leave the ghosts where they belong,” Nathaniel said, he stifled a yawn.
“Did you have to …” he wanted to question her use of a sleeping spell but found the words hard to form.
“Yes,” Bethany replied, “otherwise it would be Arthur’s way of tying you down. Let me help you sleep, your body is recovering quickly.
He awoke to an empty room, stretching out on bed he looked around. Pinned to the door was a note, all it read was “Rest”. There was a tray with juice, rolls and fruit on it. Taking an apple he paused a second and took a bite. Smiling as he swallowed he stood up and walked over corner of the room. After moving the furniture away, he pulled the rug over to the empty spot. He started stretching, eventually moving to sit-ups and push-ups. He was doing a handstand when the door opened; he flipped, landing lightly on his feet.
“Hey, Pa,” he said, without needing to look.
“Resting well I see?” Pa asked with a bemused smile.
“Joust with me?” Nathaniel asked as Pa set down his sword and shield.
“Beth would have my head,” Pa replied, as he grabbed the pitcher of water and poured some in a basin, he splashed his face.
“Come on old man,” Nathaniel said, “afraid this child will kick your ass?”
Pa grabbed the pitcher and bowl, after he dried his face, and moved them to the far side of the room. Nathaniel shrugged his shoulders and fell into a fighting stance, punching at an imaginary foe. There was no warning when Pa charged; catching Nathaniel around the waist he pulled them both to the ground. Laughing, the elf got his legs up between them and pushed his father away. They both quickly got to their feet and fell into defensive positions. As they circled each other, the door opened again as Pa glanced over his shoulder to see who it was Nathaniel sprang. And found himself pulled across the room and thrown on the bed. He looked over at Bethany startled. The priestess had her arms crossed and a disapproving look on her face. It dawned him she had used her magic to literally throw him onto the bed. “I’m disappointed,” She scolded, “I expect such things from Nathaniel, but you Mr. Conway…”
“He started it,” Pa said with a sheepish grin, “And if we’re going to be traveling together Beth, please call me Tom.”
Nathaniel flopped back on the bed, lying across it, with his feet on the floor. “Sorry, Beth,” he said. “Never was good at this bed rest thing.”
“Your body is still recovering,” Bethany said, “if you can’t stay in bed at least no more beating each other up.”
“Eh, he wouldn’t have laid a hand on me,” Nathaniel said with a smirk.
“I kinda of recall you being on your back a moment ago,” Pa said.
“That’s because you surprised me!” Nathaniel replied. “And I wasn’t there for long.”
Bethany placed a hand over her face and sighed loudly. “I’ll behave, Beth,” Nathaniel said, “promise, no more rough housing … today.”
“Good enough,” she replied.
Bethany made a circle motion with her hand and he adjusted his body so he was lying correctly. She took a towel and got it wet in the water basin and used it to wipe the sweat from his brow.   The cool water felt good. She dampened the cloth again and continued to wipe his face and neck, as the towel went lower he snagged her wrist. “If you’re aiming to give me a sponge bath,” he said, “I’ll have to ask Pa to leave the room he gets all flustered when I get naked in front of women folk.”
The blush went all the way to her ears. “I … was just cooling you down,” she said and abruptly dumped the pitcher of water on him. Nathaniel let out a gasp and stared at her for a long moment before letting out a laugh.
“I’m tempted to take both of you over my knee,” Pa said. “Lady Tillstone isn’t going to be pleased.”
“I’m the innocent here!” Nathaniel said with a smile as he stood and started to pull down his leggings. “If she wanted to see me naked all she had to do was ask, not soak my one and only pair of pants.”
Pa cursed and Bethany gasped as his pants pooled on the ground. “They are wet!” Nathaniel explained, grabbing a blanket and wrapping it around him. “And now I am too!” He sat down on a rocking chair near the fire to dry out.
Pa and Bethany stripped the bed of its wet linens, luckily he had taken most of the water so the mattress underneath was barely damp. With a heavy sigh Pa bundled up the wet sheets and walked out the door. A short time later he returned with a stack of clean sheets and blankets and a lecture from the dwarf innkeeper he happily passed along.
Letting the conversation wash over him, Nathaniel stared into the flames of the fire. Though orange they reminded him of the flames in Foster’s gaze. What would Pa think when he saw is eldest, trapped in the body of an undead warrior? Would he still find his son, the same way Nathaniel had found his big brother in the stony gaze?
A hand on his shoulder brought him out of his musing and he looked up at Pa.   The elder Conway studied him and Nathaniel did the same, looking at the wrinkles around the eyes and the grey hair cut short. “You need to eat,” Pa finally said after a long moment. “Have a bowl of soup here.”
Nathaniel nodded and a small tray was moved in front of him, with the aforementioned soup along with some rolls and glass of water. Picking up the spoon he pictured Foster in his mind and took a spoonful of broth bringing it to his lips. His hand shook slightly and the soup splashed out. “Open,” Pa whispered and his lips parted. “It’s okay, Son,” Pa said sitting down across from him. “Stormwind wasn’t rebuilt in a day. You’re doing great; I’ll be here to help if needed.”
Nodding, Nathaniel tried another spoonful, this time with Foster’s help he was able to swallow it on his own. By the time he finished his meal he was mentally exhausted and didn’t argue the suggestion of another nap.
The room was packed full the next time he awoke. Pa, Sara, Argus, York and Arthur were in the corner playing a game of cards.   Bethany and Ma were sitting near each other cooing over Violet. On the other bed were his nieces and nephews, playing with Wendy supervising. Lucy was sitting on the floor near the fire; reading and even the Paxtons had made the trip and were sitting off to the side. He frowned when he noticed his fingers wrapped around the locks of the dark-haired woman sitting beside his bed, Jenna.
Nathaniel laid there watching for a long time, just taking in the love and laughter in the room and committing it to memory for the cold days ahead. Lucy was the first to notice his eyes open and she smiled at him. He returned the grin as she stood and walked over.
“Lucy,” Wendy whispered, “leave your Uncle alone.”
“It’s okay, Sis,” Nathaniel said untangling his fingers; adjusting himself and patting the bed beside him for Lucy to sit. Making sure to keep himself covered with the blanket, his pants were hung over a chair nearby.
“Hey sleepy head,” Argus said from the corner, “thought you would sleep our visit away. The girls couldn’t bear you leaving without saying goodbye.”
“My apologies,” Nathaniel said, “I didn’t mean to keep you late …” He eyed the lanterns around the room and glanced over at the clock that read 8:00.
“Sleep is good for you,” said Jenna standing. Her hand traced his face and he felt her healing magic enter him. “You’re looking good, big brother; Beth has taken good care of you.”
“And I hope to repay her kindness in our travels,” Nathaniel said.
Lucy suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck. “Please don’t go,” she whispered, “you just got home … please.”
“I’m sorry, baby girl,” Nathaniel said, hugging her back. “I have to, but I promise I will be back.   Don’t you get married on me while I’m gone.”
“Uncle Nathaniel!” she gasped.
“Oh please,” Wendy said, “let’s not talk marriage. I’m barely able to comprehend she’ll be old enough to join a guild next year if she wants.”
Soon his bed was full with young ones, he laughed as he fell back letting them crawl over him. He picked up Pearl and held the toddler over his head for a moment. Before lowering her, rubbing noses, and lifting her back up; the little girl let out a happy sound. He was suddenly locked in a gentle wrestling match with the three boys, Mathew, Nate and Henry.
“I see Uncle Nathaniel’s butt!” Little Henry said and Nathaniel quickly adjusted his blanket.
“Oops,” Nathaniel said with a shrug and went back tussling with his nephews. Too soon his sisters were collecting their children. He gave each a warm hug and told them to help watch over their Grandma and Aunt Sara while they were gone. He went to shake hands with York and Argus but was pulled into a hug by both men.
“Watch yourself,” York said.   “Tell …” the blacksmith paused and glanced at his children and whisper, “you know who, to get his ass home.” It dawned on Nathaniel then that the children hadn’t been told of their other uncle’s existence.
The Paxtons were next and each gave him a warm hug and wished him a speedy and safe trip.
Then it was time to say goodbye to his sisters, he brushed a tear away from Wendy’s cheek. “It will be okay, Big Sis,” he said, “we’ll be back before you know it.”
“Tired of losing you,” she said softly.
“I’m like a bad copper,” Nathaniel said, “I keep turning up, no worries.”
“I’ll worry,” she replied, “That’s what I do best.”
Then it was Jenna’s turn, she embraced him tightly. “Love you, Big Brother,” she said, “stay safe and I’ll see you again soon.”
He was surprised when Sara stepped up next. “You leaving?” he asked.
“Aye,” Sara said, “I need to get back to the homestead, someone has to look after it. Love you, Big Brother, please be careful and keep them both safe.”
Nathaniel kissed the babe she held in her arms whispering loving words into his niece’s ear before embracing Sara holding her tight. “This is why I hate goodbyes,” he whispered, feeling tears in his eyes.
“Not goodbye,” Sara said brushing his cheek, “until we meet again. May the Light watch over you all.”
Arthur embraced her from behind and nodded at Nathaniel. “I gave your father some potions and elixirs that will help on your trip.”
“Thank you,” Nathaniel said, a small smile coming to his lips at the affection between the rogue and his sister. It brought a small bit of peace to him to know Sara would have a strong man in her life.
“Son,” Ma said, “There is one more goodbye you must endure.” She stepped up to the edge of the bed.
“I thought you would stay until we left on the boat,” Nathaniel said.
“You are not the only one that hates good-byes, my son,” she said leaning down and hugging him tightly. “I love you, my star-kissed child.”
“But …” Nathaniel started looking over at Pa. His father shook his head, his own eyes damp with tears. Sighing he embraced her for a long moment. “Love you too, Ma, sorry I am not strong enough to heal on my own, but I swear we will return.”
“You are stronger than you know,” Ma said kissing his cheek. “Al diel shala, to all of you.”
Nathaniel smiled at the High Elf words for safe travel and looked at the group getting ready to depart, “Shorel'aran” he said.
Pa and Bethany walked out with everyone leaving him alone. After using the chamber pot in the corner he slipped on his pants. As he was fastening them the door opened and Bethany came back in, in her hand was a tray. “Eat and sleep,” Nathaniel said, sitting down on the corner of the bed. “I feel like a baby.”
“In that case, I’m glad you’re out of diapers,” she replied with a smile. “Have meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans with a slice of peach cobbler and a glass of ale.”
“Real food?” Nathaniel exclaimed as she set the tray down on the table. The food smelled wonderful and he picked up the fork, taking a bite of potatoes on it he brought it to his lips and paused only a moment before placing it in his mouth. He was about halfway done when Pa came back, the older Conway’s eyes were red from tears and Nathaniel frowned. “Pa?”
“I’m fine,” he said. “How’s dinner sitting?”
“Great,” Nathaniel replied, “it’s nice to eat something other than soup and bread.”
“I’m going to say my goodnights,” Bethany said, “I don’t believe you’re in need of constant care, just take it easy. I’ll check back in a couple of days, finalize our traveling plans.”
Standing Nathaniel gave her a hug and wished her goodnight; Pa did the same and then walked her to the door. Soon it was just the two men, Nathaniel went back to eating his dinner as Pa sat down at the fire and lit his pipe.
“Pa,” he said, “are you sure about this? I can feed myself now …”
Pa reached into his pocket and pulled out something long and white and Nathaniel startled. “Where did you get that?” He asked, “It’s mine.”
“Sara says you use it for a sleep aid,” Pa ran is fingers through the strand of hair. “How well is it doing keeping the demons away when you slumber? Even your afternoon nap was more peaceful once Jenna sat down and let your hand fall into her hair. I’m not going to let you bed with Bethany, but I’ll do my best to keep the nightmares at bay.”
Nathaniel flexed his hands; he knew his face was crimson with embarrassment. “Please,” he said, “may I have it back?”
“Is it really his?” Pa asked standing and walking over, “it’s as white as snow.”
“He’s not the same as he was,” Nathaniel said taking the ponytail. “He’s prone to angry outbursts, has all but lost his sense of humor, his blood is ice cold, and he’s hard to look in the eyes, but regardless of what he will tell you his heart is still warm. Despite everything he’s been through they couldn’t extinguish his love of family.”
“You aren’t what you once were,” Pa said rubbing a finger along Nathaniel’s cheek. “And once this journey is over we’ll both be different than we are now.”
“Stronger,” Nathaniel said.
“At peace,” Pa replied.
“Whole once again, at my brother’s side,” Nathaniel added.
“Aye,” Pa said, “where you belong.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE END … for now ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Koori’s Korner: I started publishing this story 1 ½ years ago, but I started writing it back in 2010. I wanted to have most of it done before I put it up, so there wouldn’t be a 2 year wait between updates like I did back with Hell Cavern and Brothers originally. I know you don’t want to see it end and it hasn’t, I’ve started the next part of the Conways story but once again I want to have a lot of it written before I start posting so I know I’ll finish it. I don’t know if this will allow me to post an e-mail but if it does send me a note to losthowl@hotmail.com and once I start publishing again here I’ll let you know. We’ll set a target date for six months from now (no groaning!). Thank you to my core reviewers, lolu, Tyrion/Tyreon, Althea, Demmu and Seleya, I hope you’ll be back to see the end of the tale but just in case thank you so much for all your reviews and encouragement. Every one of them made me squee no matter how long or short they were. And for the shyer readers that just read and didn’t review, thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed it. A huge thank you to my Sis, who spent many nights SQUEEing with me as we bounced ideas back and forth, looking forward to many more evenings of “I don’t think they can bend that way” with you. Shorel'aran ~ K
Updated 12/6/14: I'm afraid we are well pass the six months I mentioned prior, a lot has happened since then, nearly 10 months ago. My BFF has had a very rough time of it which has stolen her squee. Our Saturday night writing fests have slowly been coming back in bursts. I've also stopped playing WoW, been clean for six months or so. But that has not stopped me writing about Nathaniel and Foster. I'm 100 pages into the final part of their story, developing new characters and bringing back old ones. But my writer's blocks are many, so until 100% sure I can post it from start to finish in a timely fashion I won't start publishing. Thanks so much for the friendly pokes over the past months, does encourage me to keep going! Just wanted to leave a note somewhere that said I was still alive. ~ K
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Shattered