The Winterflows
The Winterflows are the remnants of an old Highborne lineage, their history an intimate dance between power and tragedy. Before the War of the Ancients, they lived in opulence within the night elf capital of Zin-Azshari, reveling in the arcane might of the Well of Eternity and the privileges of their noble status.
But that era is long gone. The once-flourishing family has been reduced to a shadow of its former glory; the Winterflows' home cities lying in ruin and their status faded into bittersweet memories. After Prince Tortheldrin’s brutal defeat at the hands of the Horde, the family was forced to flee the crumbling Eldre'Thalas into the wilds to escape sharing their leader's fate. Some time later, it was only under Mordent Evenshade’s persuasion that the shunned Highborne were allowed back into the greater night elf society.
Yet, rather than bend the knee to new rulers in Darnassus, the Winterflows chose to build themselves a hideout in the depths of Feralas.
That prideful decision might've saved them their lives, when Maiev Shadowsong's opposition to the return of the arcane practitioners led to the deaths of many Highborne.
Though they've survived ten long millennia, Azeroth’s endless conflicts — and the loss of the night elves' immortality — now threaten to end what little remains of the tenacious bloodline.
Serafier
Serafier is the eldest living member and the austere mistress of the withered Highborne house. She fled Zin-Azshari during the War of the Ancients and joined the Shen'dralar in Eldre'Thalas with her young sons Dalathir and Vasserath. Expecting her third child at the time, she gave birth to Reikh'aris in Feralas. Serafier is considered the most powerful member of the family, an artificer who guards her ancient knowledge of the arcane with secrecy.
She holds her house together, and behind her cold exterior, the echoes of the past move her. She knows the price of failure in a world that no longer has the Highborne at its helm.
But how did she come to have Acrona?
The truth about the youngest Winterflow's father is tightly guarded. According to Serafier, he was a fellow Highborne whom she encountered during her travels through northern Kalimdor roughly three centuries ago, both seeking the same magical artifact.
Their brief but intense affair ended in tragedy. As Serafier tells it, the night elves of Ashenvale ambushed the two mages, and her lover’s life was cut short while they were attempting to escape with their infant daughter. The child taken by the attackers, who then raised her as one of their own, and gave her the name that she goes by today - Acrona.
Their reunion has been far from an easy one, thanks to their vastly different world views.
Dalathir
As flamboyant as he's dexterious, Dalathir uses his arcane prowess to conjure a spellbow and enchanted arrows in battle. Unlike his mother’s cool composure and unyielding demeanor, Dalathir offers a warmer impression with quick smiles and mischievous quips. Whether it's the heat of battle or dance floor, he doesn't shy from using his charisma to get exactly what he wants.
Compared to the other members of the family, Dalathir treats Acrona with noticeable kindness, appearing to have grown even fond of his half-sister.
Reikh'aris
Reikh'aris is the youngest son of Serafier and Mafus, born in Eldre'thalas soon after the Sundering. Devoting himself to the research of ancient knowledge, the mage often travels the world with his mother to unearth hidden artifacts.
Owing to his great age, his manners are often belittling toward Acrona, armed with refusal to see the sorceress his equal in any way. Yet at their mother's behest, Reikh has also been mentoring Acrona in magic.
Vasserath
Vasserath, twin brother of Dalathir, was once a proud scion of the Winterflow line. But everything changed in the wake of a grave deed that shattered his bond with Serafier when Prince Tortheldrin's orders began to thin thin the elven population of Eldre'thalas. After lashing out at his mother, he shed his family named and vanished.
Now a rogue figure and leaning into his father's legacy as Vasserath Nightomen, he walks a path unknown to the Shen'dralar and the Winterflows. But Serafier knows his vendetta runs thicker than a mere grudge; it’s a poison in his veins. Vasserath's words may sting, but his silent steel cuts deeper.
And it may yet be lodged in Serafier's back.
Mafus Nightomen
A Zin-Azshari Highborne, late husband of Serafier and the father of Dalathir, Vasserath and Reikh'aris. Though his and Serafier's marriage had been arranged by their families, as was common among their caste, the two eventually loved each other deeply.
Until recent times it had been assumed that Mafus Nightomen sacrificed his life defending Queen Azshara's palace against the Kaldorei Resistance during the War of the Ancients. But whispers have begun to surface that Mafus's fate may not have been as final as once thought...
Malavde Starspire
Malavde Starspire, wife of Reikh'aris, thrives on spectacle, seeking to capture the attention of every room she steps into. Whereas Serafier might exude calm, distant elegance, Malavde revels in the limelight, her boldness as effortless as the illusions she weaves. A mistress of gossip, she enjoys stirring up whispers almost as much as she enjoys being the subject of them.
When Acrona enters the picture and draws Serafier’s attention, Malavde’s envy ignites. Unable to challenge her sister-in-law openly, she brews trouble in the background. For Malavde, the game has always been about power, and she has no intention of losing the heritance she feels owed, for casting her lot with the Winterflows over a thousand years.
Luni
Serafier's saber companion, often seen in the form of an exuberant cub.
