In the absence of Dar'Khan with his portal ability, Nerisen and Tiene had to make their way south-east of the Manor and north of Southshore to the nearest flight path at Tarren Mill. 

One of the town's suppliers who had also been visiting the Manor to provide provisions for the influx of soldiers had kindly offered them passage when he was returning home. Nerisen bought some fruit from the merchant, and Tiene sat quietly munching as they trundled along.

Tiene started looking at one of the books Nerisen had brought with them but soon became distracted by the surrounding countryside. Carefully, she placed the book back in the satchel he'd provided and turned her eyes to nature. 

She'd never been any farther than Fairbreeze Village in Eversong Woods, and even that was by accident when she'd been stalking a lynx. 

The sights around the Hillsbrad Foothills, therefore, were of great interest to her. Although not as vibrant as her beloved Quel'thalas, the countryside was still exquisite, boasting fresh, green foliage, clear water streams and rivers, and snow-covered peaks in the distance.

She saw mountain lions, similar to the lynx back home, but they seemed even more vicious and powerfully built. They were, nonetheless, beautiful creatures; at least in Tiene's eyes. Much more alarming were the spiders. Some were about the size of a bear cub, others the size of papa bear! The only advantage? They could be easily seen a safe distance away as they roamed the hillsides. Snapjaw turtles wandered near the river searching out their staple diet of frogs and toads.

The wildlife was certainly varied, and a little strange. Point proven when her eye caught sight of the most peculiar creature she's ever seen. It looked like a giant flightless owl, its body covered in feathers, but with antlers on its head. It walked upright like a man; in fact, it was as tall as one, but that was all the resemblance it bore to a humanoid. Another appeared, then another. They were oddly and strangely unsettling.

The merchant was kind enough to tell her they were called owlbeasts, and there were many different kinds throughout the land. The ones here, however, were savage and not to be trifled with unless you knew exactly what you were doing.

Their journey to Tarren Mill didn't take too long, and soon they were thanking the merchant for his kindness. 

The effects of the war here were still evident, would be for months to come yet, and that meant everywhere, not just in this small town. Some buildings, having been razed to the ground by invading orcs, were slowly being rebuilt and remodelled. The surrounding land, scorched from canonfire and pyrotechnics, including magic, was also in the process of being cultivated, readied for the following season's crops.

Children ran around the small square, giggling and squealing, playing chase, and sometimes nearly bumping into adults who were busy transporting timbers and stone for the rebuilds. An occasional warning was shouted from parents and merchants alike, and soon the children were venturing to safer areas of the town to play.

Tiene wondered if those children had borne witness to some of the horrors of the war. Had they seen the monsters from Draenor? She'd only heard about the orcs – hulking beasts with tusks protruding from their jaws and hands the size of shovels which could crush an elf ; like squeezing juice from a snapvine watermelon. As if the trolls weren't bad enough! She shuddered. With peace returning, Tiene hoped that whatever the future held, it would not be as dire as this war had been.

Nerisen made his way to the flight master, and Tiene followed closely. It seemed this would be another first for her.

She'd never flown before, whether it be the majestic dragonhawks back home, or gryphons, like the ones here. She was nervous about the giant bird-lion type beasts. They looked like they could give a nasty bite with their huge, yellow, curved beaks. Also, one could end up shredded if they stood too close to those magnificent but utterly terrifying talons.

One eyed her with menace. Its beak made clacking noises in short, rapid succession. Then it stretched its wings and vigorously shook its dense plumage, ruffling the straw beneath it that lined its perch.

The flight master assured her that "Bucky" and Co were docile creatures only likely to turn nasty in the event they had to defend themselves or protect those that rode them. Hardly comforting. 

Nerisen told her not to worry; they would share the same mount.

He handed her the satchel, which she shrugged onto her shoulders. Nerisen mounted the gryphon first, then leaned down and offered his hand to pull her up. She swung her leg over the saddle of the beast and quickly grabbed Nerisen's waist as the gryphon lurched forward. It made a loud screech before it started to beat its wings. Then, after taking a couple of long, jolting steps forward, it soared into the air.

Tiene's stomach heaved, and she shut her eyes tightly, nervous as the ground disappeared beneath her. She clung even tighter to Nerisen. Gradually, as the creature's flight levelled out, becoming steady and smooth. 

Nervously, Tiene opened her eyes. The sights below were wondrous!

The gryphon glided with little effort, the updrafts from between the Hillsbrad Hills keeping it buoyant. Only now and again did it need to flap its wings to gain altitude or slightly change direction. It was exhilarating!

They were soon approaching the City of Dalaran on the edge of Lordamere Lake. Tiene marvelled at the high towers and spires outlined against the skyline. It was indeed magical, and home to The Six: the Ruling Council, also known as the Kirin Tor, High Council of Dalaran. The Six were the most influential magi in all of Azeroth, although not necessarily the most powerful when it came to wielding spells - sorcery was only part of being a mage. Knowledge, order, excellence in strategy, and the ability to lead were deemed noteworthy attributes for one interested in acquiring a seat on the council.

The most talked-about structure in Dalaran was the Chamber of Air, a room perched at the apex of the highest tower, and allegedly concealed by powerful magic. That magic was meant to look like a storm, a whirling dervish that encircled the apex, all clouds and lightning. The room itself was rumoured to resemble an elegant revolving platform, sparsely furnished, and to constantly pass through time. It was accessed only by a secret portal hidden somewhere within the base of the structure. The council held their most clandestine meetings there, making decisions of the utmost importance that would impact the world: sometimes for the better, sometimes catastrophically - but necessary.

Tiene was hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystical tower as they approached, but the great bird veered off to the northeast before they so much as touched the outskirts of the magical city.

A fleeting thought crossed her mind - Dar'Khan would probably still be in the company of Prince Kael'thas. She would perhaps ask the Magister to tell her about his visit one day and find out more about the Chamber of Air when next they met. Not that she planned on that any time soon.

They crossed the border into Ghostlands and Tiene's heartbeat quickened as Nerisen informed her they were about to fly over Zul'Aman, the Amani trolls' home city. She clung tighter to his waist. Even knowing it was impossible odds from way up high, her eyes still searched for any sign of her brothers and their Rangers in the vicinity.

The area seemed relatively quiet, which on the one hand was a relief, but it also gave rise to a sense of foreboding. Nerisen tried to reassure his young student that the Rangers were most likely still at Farstrider Enclave, a little further north and that they'd be awaiting orders. Tiene took little comfort from that assumption, but on recalling Fyn's words of wisdom, decided Nerisen was probably right, and she should try to have faith that her brothers would arrive home safely in the next few weeks or so.  Hopefully much sooner if things went well.

The landscape changed again as they flew over the border and into the beautiful vibrant colours of Eversong Woods; the last lap of their journey. Judging from the sun's position, it was late afternoon, and when they touched down just outside Silvermoon's Shepherd's Gate, Tiene suddenly realised she was hungry.

As they walked briskly through the city towards the guild hall, it dawned on her that other than a piece of fruit before they took flight, she hadn't eaten since breakfast. Since her Moonberry muffin episode. She shunted Dar'khan away into the room named "Not Today!"  Her stomach growled loudly, confirming her need for nourishment. 

Nerisen grinned. "Go home," he said. "Take these books with you and study for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, I will test you on what you've learned."

Tiene felt the weight of the books in the satchel on her back. There were about five books of varying sizes in there. "Well, give me a clue to which I should read first, please. I can't get through all of them in one day."

Nerisen laughed. "Read the one about kill points, Tiene. You have to understand where best to strike an opponent, not that you will be doing that for a while, but a sound knowledge of anatomy is crucial. It can mean the difference between being the killer or the victim."

Tiene found that exciting and nodded her approval. They turned into Murder Row.

"Oh, and there is another one in there which I believe is a must for you," Nerisen said as he moved away almost cautiously.

"Which one?" she asked before he was out of hearing distance.

"Cooking for Beginners," he shouted, laughing. "Could help a bit at home, I hear." 

She glared at his smirk before he disappeared into the guildhall.

Only her brother could have informed Nerisen of that! Mental note - reprimand Inaris for divulging her failings in the kitchen. Then again, she was in such a good mood after today's excursion that she thought she might even try a recipe in the said cookbook. Lor'themar had kindly ensured their cupboards were full for the next few days, so there would be ample provisions to try something.

Time was getting on, and she didn't have too long before her warlock brother and her father would arrive home, so she picked up the pace and headed along Farstriders Square.

Two hours later, Yathas and Inaris came home and were greeted by the delicious aroma of roasted meat and spices. Surprised, they were more than a little apprehensive to find Tiene placing plates of steaming food on the dining table. 

Yathas's eyes moved to the unusually large number of pots, pans and utensils piled up in the kitchen sink. She must have used their entire collection of cooking equipment to create whatever 'masterpiece' she was dishing up.

Father and son looked at each other, sharing a small smile, both of the same mind - can't expect perfection just yet. At least the food wasn't burnt for once. Now they had to hope it wasn't raw either.

Tiene caught them standing at the archway, looking decidedly hesitant.  She beckoned them into the dining area and excitedly told them to sit. They took their places and were astonished to see the food looked very - well - edible!

"We sent you to rogue class, and you come back as a cook?" Inaris commented.

Tiene wore a forced smile as she moved behind her brother. In her hand was the cookbook, with which she scuffed the side of his head. He raised his hand and just managed to dodge another attack. "Hey!" he winced, rubbing the area she'd smacked.

"That's for telling tales on how awful I was in the kitchen," she explained. "Nerisen openly laughed about it!" Then she planted a sisterly kiss on his cheek. "And that's a thank you for doing so."

She promptly sat down and started plating up the food. "We picked up a few books for me to study, including this cookbook, which Nerisen said he'd heard I could benefit from..." She deliberately stared at Inaris, whose face broke into a large grin. "But, I guess it helped me make this." She gestured to the fayre on the table: roasted boar meat, candied sweet potato and spice bread stuffing.

The family enjoyed a light-hearted meal as Tiene spoke avidly of her trip to Ravensholdt Manor. They laughed when she told them of the library incident, the lesson about patience, and how at first she'd thought that Nerisen was just a bit dumb, especially asking Dar'khan to open a portal for them.

Her father's face darkened just a smidge when she mentioned the mage, but soon smiled again when she explained he was visiting Dalaran, so she didn't see him after that.

She recollected the haunted faces of the soldiers, druids and other passers-through at the Manor, but then she smiled as she told them about Fyn Godwin, the little priest. 

Finally, of course, her exhilarating journey home, which had been her first flight and something she definitely had to do again. She wanted to fly as often as possible now.

Yathas was delighted to see his daughter so enthusiastic after her first-day training, and somehow he knew it would continue as time went on. He hid a bittersweet smile as he felt a tinge of nostalgia - laced with a little envy.

He hadn't missed his days as a Crimson Blade, although they had indeed been adventurous, exciting and dangerous. Back then, he thrived on action and adventure. And, of course, they had been filled with days when his beautiful Lina was with him. Things changed, and he had to take care of his family, which, truthfully, had been a saving grace.

From that day, Tiene studied the books at every opportunity and even enquired if she could have more. Very rarely did she shirk chores now; she even carried them out without complaint, and when not at guildhall training, she was in her room or out into the woods, studying. 

And every day, she hoped word would arrive from the Crimson Blades.

After a few weeks of concentrated study, she'd gained sufficient knowledge of anatomy, weaponry, offensive and defensive manoeuvres, poisons and their properties. She was finally ready to begin training with the wooden "blades".

But still, no word from the Crimson Blades.

Her training, whilst with Nerisen most of the time, had progressed to Zelanis, who demonstrated the techniques involved in various effective strikes. Initially, the students used training dummies to familiarise themselves with the hits. The rule of thumb was: when you struck a training dummy, you named the area you were attacking to demonstrate you understood the most effective strike following whatever scenario Zelanis issued. He would assess you each time, and your score would determine the next stage of your training.

Before entering the combat ring, Cel trained students in moves which would mean the difference between ending up like pincushions or successfully deflecting attacks and stunning their opponents. These movements also helped to maximise their suppleness, dexterity and speed.

Tiene had developed a flair for agility and swiftness, thanks to her hours-long studies of the lynx, and she found training with Cel a breeze. 

It was during one of these lessons that Tiene shifted into stealth, much to the amazement of  her fellow pupils and instructor. When Tiene dropped the concealment, she was greeted with an approving look from Cel and stunned silence from several students.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked, looking at all the open mouths. She suddenly felt very small. Foolish.

"Not at all, Tiene," Cel replied. "It's just... well, we haven't covered that aspect of your training yet."

"Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't think." Tiene was embarrassed.

"How did you do it?" asked Camnath, one of the young males who had started only a week before Tiene.

"Magic," she replied, surprised that he had to ask. Again she looked at the group. They were all still astonished. "Is there another way?"

Cel stepped forward. "Yes, Tiene. We do not use magic to stealth, at least, not magic in the traditional sense."

"Sorry. I won't do it again..."

"Oh, no!! Please, by all means, you can use it. Perhaps you can even teach it to the group?"

Tiene was stunned. Pleasantly so. "Well... I could. Yes!  If you wish. I just assumed everyone knew how to do it."

"We're not all blessed with such a wonderful warlock for a brother," Cel said dreamily. Tiene could have sworn a little flush appeared on her instructor's cheeks. Good grief!

"But you will still teach the traditional method rogues commonly use, yes?" Camnath asked Cel.

"Of course! It is still important. In fact, in some situations, it will also be the best method to use. I dare say, however, with Tiene's input, you could well turn out to be one of the best groups we have had in the art of stealth."

The trainees all nodded and voiced their approval with enthusiasm. Cel explained, contrary to common belief, not all rogues had been able to master concealment, and so their approach to their work had to be adapted to accommodate the lack of stealth practice.

Fundamentally, the technique involved an understanding of practicality. And yes,  it still required a high level of skill. Firstly, a sound knowledge of the terrain or the buildings you were surveying was essential, so you would wear appropriate attire. For example, if you were working in the snow-covered mountains, you did not wear bright coloured garb that made you the easiest target on the landscape. It was the ability to blend with your surroundings which provided the illusion, in other words, camouflage.

Cel finished the lesson by telling her pupils, "If you manage to perfect the skill, you will be able to move around in the most densely populated areas without detection." 

Camnath

Training was over for the day, and the students bade their trainers good afternoon. On the way out, Camnath approached Tiene. He was a pleasant-looking young man with black hair worn in the traditional elven high ponytail. He was also one of the better students, fiercely dedicated, focused and competitive. He'd paid no more attention to Tiene than he did to anyone else in the class; he was quiet, reserved, but her demonstration today had seemed to pique his interest.

"Tiene!" he called after her. She turned to see him trotting towards her.

"Camnath. What is it?"

"I was wondering - can I walk you home?"

Tiene stuttered a little in her response. "Well, y - you can if you wish. I - I don't live too far from here, but it is out of your normal way, I think."

"I don't mind. I would like to walk with you."

She nodded coyly, and together, they climbed the stairs to the Court of the Sun. 

"So," Camnath began a little awkwardly, "I was well impressed by your stealth today."

"Oh," she answered, still looking embarrassed but throwing him little glances as they strolled. "Well, I feel a bit of a fool, to be honest. I thought it was something most of us would know."

"No, we don't, as you now know." He smiled, but it faltered as he saw Tiene was upset. "That wasn't a criticism; I was just pointing out we all learned something today." That worked. She looked better pleased. "I would very much like to learn your way, though. I know Cel has asked you to teach us in class, but I thought - well, I hoped - that perhaps..."

"Well, hello, my lovely." Tiene turned to see Dar'Khan making his way towards them. 

She audibly groaned, possibly annoyed the intrusion? Quickly she turned to face Camnath. "What was it you were going to ask?"

The young elf eyed the approaching Magister before looking back at Tiene. "It doesn't matter. I will see you in class tomorrow." He stepped back.

"Why can't you tell me now?" Her eyes kept darting to the approacing figure who was rapidly closing the distance.

"You have company," Camnath said, nodding in the mage's direction. "I should go."

"Dar'Khan? He's only..." she started to explain, but Camnath turned and quickly moved away.

*****

The disappointment Tiene felt was almost tangible. She was still looking in the direction of the young elf's hasty retreat, when Dar'Khan reached her. 

Slowly she turned to meet his gaze. Surely he had the message now that their intended game devised weeks earlier was no longer necessary? Annoyingly, whenever he was in town, he always sought her out.

In one way, it was flattering, especially when she noticed some of the other city girls' envious expressions: a handsome mage paying Tiene attention instead of them? Preposterous! Bland, plain old Tiene had a debonair magister running after her? Belore be damned! Right at this moment, however, she'd been enjoying the company of someone else. And the megalomaniacal magister had ruined the moment.

Dar'khan noticed where her eyes kept drifting. "Did I... interrupt something?" he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"Possibly," came the sharp reply, unintentionally out loud. Tiene blushed but for once, not because of Dar'khan's handsome visage. This time it was rising frustration coupled with distinct annoyance. Quickly she changed the subject , hoping to also hide her disappointment that Camnath had done a runner. "So, what brings you here today, then, oh,  great one?" She could match his sarcasm, that was for sure.

The magister stared at her, his eyes intense. A tiny twitch tugging the corner of his mouth.

She caught his gaze; it took her a little by surprise. He did not usually look at her in that way. A way which, although she could not decipher it, just knew it was - different. Much to her amounting vexation, he still managed to make her feel a little giddy in his presence. She avoided his eyes and instead stared out across the court. Her foot tippy-tapping the stone ground. 

Dar'khan noticed, the teasing smile now curved his lips into a full on charismatic beam. "I am sorry, Tiene. I see I've annoyed you. Maybe even upset you?" He batted his lashes at her.

Tiene studied his gaze. She hadn't expected an apology even though she heard the mockery lilying underneath it. Nevertheless, it made her feel bad that she was rude to him. "No, Dar'Khan, you haven't. I didn't mean to imply that you did." There. No matter what, you're not getting an apology from me. In any guise.

"Well, then," he said having quickly reverted to his more familiar histrionic manner. "Allow me to escort you home, and I will tell you all my news." He gestured, she walked on, and then he fell into step with her.

"So. What is your news?" she asked, only mildly interested. Her mind was still lamenting the fact this insufferable ass had Camnath fleeing the scene.

"Your brother and Lor'themar will return home tomorrow."

She halted. Her face lit up. "Are you sure?" Her joy was overwhelming.

Dar'khan blinked. "Quite sure, young lady. And I can report that both are well."

"That is great news. You know, for a moment I thought you implied you had news of your own. I assumed you were going to tell me that you finally had a promotion." She laughed, then noticed his jaw tighten and his eyebrows pinch together. 

After a moment, he coolly replied, "No. I'm afraid I have no news of that nature. That is not to say that I am not still working on it."

"Forgive me. I did not mean to be insensitive." An apology was warranted for that, she decided.

He suddenly stopped walking. She followed suit. When their eyes met this time, she noted a fire in them she had never seen before. It lasted only a second, but she had seen it. And it inexplicably unnerved her. But his next move utterly stunned her. He cupped her chin and gave her the briefest of kisses on her mouth.

She staggered back, eyes wide, but still drawn to his damn mouth - as she always seemed to be. Why did he have this effect on her? The kiss was undoubtedly part of the game he seemed intent on pursuing. She was confused. What did he hope to gain? What was his purpose? Her surprise melted into irritation. "Why do you insist, Dar'Khan?"

"Excuse me?"

"I have told you there is no need to maintain this pretence. I am in training as a rogue now, and you do not have to convince my father anymore."

He took a step closer. She stepped back. Lifting his head high, his eyes sparkled as he looked down at her. "And what if, my lovely, my interest in you is no longer for the purpose of fun or furthering your career?"

"What other reason could there possibly be?" She was ready to explode.

Then he circled her. Rooting her to the spot."Perhaps I want to court you. Genuinely," he whispered in her ear.

She fought the screaming sensations in her lower abdomen and forced the flush to stay away from her face and neck. There was a decidedly unsettling side to him which had currently eluded her. Every other girl would do something dumb like coo. Or faint! But Tiene only thought about possible intention. And the only word she could think to describe it was untrustworthy. "No, Dar'Khan!" she said firmly. "You do not wish to court me, but I sense you take great pleasure in teasing me. Quite why I do not know; perhaps one day I will have the answer. I doubt I will like what I find."

She moved away, but he grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her back.  Into his embrace. Again he kissed her, deeper this time. She pulled free, lifting her fingers to her mouth, astonished by his audacity.

The sly smile lingered on his lips. "Think carefully then, my lovely, for one day the answer may indeed surprise you. And I will collect on the kiss you promised me." He spun round abruptly. With his cloak billowing, he walked away.

Absolutely furious, Tiene stamped her feet in frustration. Damn you, Magister, she thought. Damn me! The swine still managed to stir unknowable sensations in her core. Turning, she stomped her way home.

As she entered the house, her father came to greet her. He stopped dead as he saw the look of  on her face. "Tiene? Is something wrong?"

She shook her head and forced a smile, then hugged him. "No, everything is alright, father. I'm just a little tired." She hated lying to him.

"Ah, alright. You'll be pleased then to hear Duthan and Lor'themar will be heading home tomorrow."

"Yes, I ..." She stopped. Best not let on she'd already heard the news;  and from Dar'Khan, of all people. "I am thrilled by that news, father," she corrected just in time. Another lie. "Shall I cook for them?" That's it. Deflect.

"Well, I think that would be nice, yes. They will be pleasantly surprised by your newfound talent."

At that, she genuinely smiled. Her father was not wrong; her cooking ability had significantly improved, even though it was mostly everyday food she prepared that didn't required too much work. Nonetheless, it was a vast improvement on past efforts and tasty and wholesome to boot.

She turned to move through to her room. 

"I have some other news as well," her father said. 

She stopped and spun to face him. Expectant. 

Yathas could not keep it from her any longer. He approached with a letter in his hand. "Sauren Nightflame of the Crimson Blade has finally written back."

She bounced on her toes. Her fingers twitched, wanting to snatch the letter, but she was too nervous. "Please - just tell me!" She pleaded, a distinct quiver in her voice.

Yathas smiled reassuringly. "You will start training with them in a month."

Squealing with delight, she jumped  up and down before hugging her father and mumbling 'thank you' against his shoulder.

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