Alas, ladies and gentlemen, I’m afraid this is where we finally reach the end of our epic tale. I hope you all enjoyed the journey thus far, but now it’s time for me to take you to our inevitable conclusion.
With the news of my daughter’s eminent departure, I quickly organized a great feast to be held in her honor. My entire party was invited, along with most of my staff, and of course Onyxia’s cherished siblings were in attendance as well. All of them came to pay their respects and wish my daughter well, although I could tell that my other children were taking the news very hard. They would miss their older sister, and did not wish her to leave, but they nevertheless gave her their blessings and supported her all the same.
As for me, I spent most of the day keeping to myself, as I watched my daughter from a distance while she said her last goodbyes. Her scales now glimmered beautifully in the bright summer sun, a reminder that her heart was now well and truly good. For a brief moment, I was reminded of that time so many years ago when a little cat-sized monster had tried to eat my face, yet as I looked upon her now, all I saw was a strong and powerful dragon who was preparing to face her destiny.
At some point during the party, I was approached by Bruthus (the half-orc warpriest of Ragathiel) who wished to offer me his condolences and express his gratitude for introducing Onyxia to him in the first place.
“You should be proud,” the half-orc said. “What you have done with your daughter is truly a miracle, and I am honored to have met a man such as you. On behalf of Ragathiel I give you my thanks, and I pray that he continues to watch over both you and your daughter for the rest of your days.”
He raised his mug of ale in salute, and I quietly did the same, offering him a warm smile and a simple ‘Thank you’ in return.
Later that night, after the feast had finally concluded, I found myself standing outside of Onyxia’s barn while my daughter finished packing the last of her treasure hoard into a bag of holding. I hadn’t spoken to her up until this point, and when she finally emerged from the barn and said that she was ready to go, I was unable to hold back my words any longer.
“I…I bought this for you,” I said, as I slowly held out my hand and offered my daughter a Ring of Regeneration (I’d also like to point out that I ended up selling a lot of my own personal magic items just to afford her this ring). “This will help to keep you safe, for as long as you are wearing it, your wounds will slowly heal no matter how severe.”
After placing it on her hand, I slowly stepped back and looked at my daughter with a warm and tender smile. It was hard to keep my emotions in check, but there was still so much more that I desperately needed to say.
“I am so very proud of you my daughter. So very proud. I always knew this day would come, and as much as it pains me to watch you leave, I am grateful to have seen you grow into the dragon that you have become. I have never been to the Worldwound, so I can only imagine the hardships that you will end up facing there. However, no matter what happens and no matter what you might see, always remember this: You are not alone. There will be times when you will be tested, when you will be faced with impossible odds and heart-breaking decisions. Many will try to kill you, others will try to use you, and some will even attempt to tarnish your very soul. Do not let them, my daughter. No matter what happens, do not let them win.”
I paused for only a moment, before embracing my daughter in one last loving hug, fearing that this would be the last time I would ever hold her again.
“Do not be afraid, my beautiful Onyxia. Do not be afraid to trust in others, and do not be afraid to trust in yourself. I know that many people might judge you poorly, who will look upon your scales and think you a monster. Many might believe that you are just another black dragon…cruel and vicious…wicked and foul. Do not let their perceptions change who you are. You know who you are my daughter, and if you ever doubt it, then remember that I have always believed in you since the day that you were born. I know that you will strike terror into the hearts of your enemies, and the righteous will surely flock to you to learn from your example. Be strong and be safe, my precious Onyxia, and never forget that your family will always love you no matter where you are.”
Before pulling away, I gently placed a kiss upon Onyxia’s forehead, as I did my best to keep the tears from streaming down my eyes.
“You will always have a home in my heart…my daughter…my Onyxia…my blessed Obsidian Dragon.”
After that, I never saw my beloved daughter again.
To this day, I like to believe that she went on to become one of Ragathiel’s most trusted allies and favored champions, bringing vengeance upon the wicked and justice to the innocent. I know that someday soon, Arthas, Valeera, and Nefarian will also leave me as well, no doubt going on to create great stories of their own.
However, as I sit here reflecting upon all that I have done, I know that while my own adventure is slowly starting to end, the legends of my children have only just begun.
And so, to close things out, I would like to leave you all with a quote from a very special person whose words that, to this day, still touch my heart.
“Within every soul dwells a dark and fearsome beast. It roars, and howls, and rages for destruction, seeking to tear apart all that is good and just in the world. I have fought this monster many times throughout my life, and I am here to tell you now that despite its immense power…despite it’s mighty claws and razor-sharp teeth…this great and terrible monstrosity…it can be overcome.” – Onyxia, the Obsidian Dragon.
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