Dedicated to @ea_carter for giving Rogue such a touching tribute and sending this song to reflect the love story between Tiene and Camnath.  Thank you my friend.

The magister's head was placed in a sack for Tiene to deliver to Lor'themar the next day. Evidence that the monster had been dealt with. The rest of Dar'Khan's body was dismembered, burned and then scattered to the four corners of Quel'thalas. Tiene saw it as a necessary measure to ensure that Dar'Khan would never rise again.

Music: BEAUTIFUL by Crush (Cover version by Daryl Ong)

https://youtu.be/yUo9WMPmEpE

As the evening drew to close, Tiene and Camnath retired to their private room. Tiene's wounds had been field-dressed after they left Deathholme, but Camnath now tended her injuries properly, gently bathing and redressing the cuts and grazes. While none were serious, he insisted they were cleaned properly to prevent infection.

He knew Tiene was exhausted, and perhaps more emotionally than physically, but he was more than content to just hold her in his arms. He planted little kisses on her brow, reassuring her that he was there for her in whatever capacity she needed.

She whispered she loved him before slipping into the land of dreams, snuggling against him, her fingers interlaced in his long ebony hair.

With Tiene in his arms, Camnath no longer thought of the past with bitterness. Through the ever-informative rogues' network, he'd heard snippets about her accomplishments, her progress, and the respect she'd earned from others in the profession. He'd always been proud of her, and that made the ache of not being with her all the harder to bear. But aware that wallowing in heartache would hinder his own success, he set aside his hurt years ago, although his concern for her had never lapsed.

Inevitably, Sauren's name would always be intertwined.

The shame and agony Camnath carried for turning and walking away from Tiene that fateful night still cut deep. He'd berated himself for a very long time, and even now, guilt still simmered, if he was honest.

Tiene shifted in his embrace, a tiny moan slipping from her lips. He lightly squeezed her shoulders, and reflected once more.

A residue of resentment remained toward Sauren, even though the man was now dead. He'd stolen years which should have belonged to Camnath and Tiene. Yet, he couldn't deny that her deious guild leader had been instrumental in making Tiene one of the most efficient rogues this side of the Great Sea. Probably even beyond that.

Whatever Camnath felt towards Sauren Nightflame, he accepted the fact that the man had left his mark on Tiene. Whether it was entirely good or not, he didn't know for sure, but his gut told him that Tiene was her own person. That there was a part of her which no one would ever change. Her instinctual compass for empathy and kindness.

And now, after all this time, Camnath was the one lying beside her, with her soft breath ghosting on his chest, and he knew she loved him. Finally, he felt in harmony with all things.

His homeland, broken and in ruins, didn't seem quite so grim with Tiene beside him. His life had never felt so rich and full as it did at this precise moment. Tiene was his world.

He would protect her to the bitter end. A small laugh escaped as he realised she was more than capable of defending herself. But, he would do everything in his power to keep her safe and, hopefully, give her a good life. She so deserved to be happy. His beautiful Tiene. So brave, so loving.

He pondered their future as he watched her sleeping. Belaen's words came to mind, "...your paths will cross in the future when the time is right." He smiled. 

Well, here they were, years later, the world around them ravaged, wounded, but together, he believed they had a future. From the ashes, the phoenix was born, and it was their people's emblem after all.

Now they were of the Sin'dorei - Blood Elves. Much healing and rebuilding were required, and it would take time, but they would rise, become healthy once more, and grow into a nation again.

Their beloved Quel'thalas would return as the eternal spring land one day, and perhaps he and Tiene would see their children running through the meadows among butterflies and dragonhawks. He smiled as he visualised them with sons and daughters. Maybe two of each? That would be nice, he thought, involuntarily tightening his arm around Tiene again. 

Her fingers briefly weaved through his hair, then she settled again.

As he looked upon her face, he couldn't help but feel a deep admiration. After everything she had endured and with the painful loss of her beloved family, she was, without a doubt, the bravest person he knew.

He recalled her on the beach, watching the boat carry her family towards their final horizon and although she felt lost and heartbroken, she had remained remarkably dignified, firm, and brave. He doubted very much that he would have been as courageous had it been his parents and sister, Faelle, who sailed the sea to eternal rest. Merely thinking about it brought a lump to his throat.

Tiene stirred, tightening her arm around his waist. A strand of her hair slipped over her face. Gently, he tucked it behind her ear.

Her eyes flickered open at his touch, and she lifted her chin to meet his gaze. Sleepily, she asked, "Were you watching me?"

He stroked her cheek. "Yes. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to disturb you. I'm sorry...." He kissed her brow and slid down beside her, pulling her into his embrace.

She sighed. "You didn't disturb me, Camnath." She sighed. "I would give anything to stay like this," she said. "Promise you'll never leave me, Camnath."

"I promise. I'll always be here for you, Tiene." He placed her hand on his heart. "This beats only for you."

She smiled. "And you have mine. Guard it well, my love."

"Always and forever. Now sleep, my sweet lady."

"I love you," she murmured.

"I love you too."

"I love you more." She snuggled closer.

"No, you don't." He smirked.

"I do so."

"Not a chance."

"Told you I'd be too much for you," she whispered, smugly and nestling even closer.

"Only when it comes to talking. You'll always win there. So that doesn't count." He laughed softly.

"I do love you more..."She nipped him, and he flinched.

"Nope! Now, go to sleep, woman." His face was beaming, he was enjoyng her mischievousness.

She nipped him again, her laughter free and light.

Camnath rolled her over, pinning her hands to either side of her head. 

Surprise flickered in her eyes but then she knew. "I'm telling you, Camnath - I love you more," she said. Her eyes glistened, a teasing grin playing on her soft mouth.

He brushed her hair away from her face, his fingers stroking her cheek. "That's the thing, you can tell me all you want, my love, but I will always show you what it is to be truly loved." His lips brushed her throat, his warm breath ghosting her skin.

As he loved her, the only sounds to tumble from her mouth were soft, deep sighs.

Music: The Sin'dorei composed by Russell Brower from The Burning Legion

https://youtu.be/7UaIn5H5vus

Rebuilding Silvermoon City was going to be an arduous task.

As the Sin'dorei worked methodically clearing away the rubble and cleaning up the city, it was apparent that the effort and time required in resurrecting the one-time jewel of the elven nation would be punishing indeed.

Without the Sunwell, the people would have to resort to regenerating the city the old-fashioned way, with very little contributions from their spellweavers. Magic required too much energy, and the magisters were struggling to do the simplest spells without their life source. The glory days were over, and it saddened Tiene immensely.

Knowing she had no home to return to, no father waiting to hug her, and no Inaris or Duthan to tease her, the new reality was hard to accept. As the thoughts flooded her mind, her pace slowed. Her chest tightened, and her eyes brimmed with tears.

She'd been fine that morning, even when she started out on the journey to the city. Perhaps it hadn't seemed real then. But now, with broken pavements beneath her feet, crumbled buildings on all sides, the grim reality hit hard.

Camnath turned when he realised she'd stopped moving. 

She stood, head down, trembling. He moved to her side and with his arm draping around her shoulders, pulled her close. He didn't need to ask; he knew, and he felt her pain, too.

With her arm around his waist, her fingers wringing his tunic, she tried to steady her breathing, calm her trembling. It was an effort; her grief was still so new, so raw. They stood together for a  few moments, and she nodded to let him know she was all right. He kissed her brow, his lips lingering upon her skin.

"Tiene?"

They turned to see who had spoken and exchanged a look of surprise.

"Sedrine," Tiene acknowledged.

Here stood the girl who used to look down her nose at Tiene, as if the young Firefury were nothing more than vermin. "The runt of the Firefury clan."  She was all grown up now. 

Sedrine made towards the couple, her steps small and dainty as they had always been. She nodded to Camnath, something resembling quiet regret toying with her lips.

Turning to Tiene, she spoke again. "I – I wanted to pass on my condolences. I heard about..." Her voice faltered, and Tiene was surprised to see Sedrine was weeping. Genuine tears. The girl's shoulders rose and fell as she tried to remain composed. "I am truly sorry, Tiene."

Still trying to contain her own sorrow, Tiene nevertheless appreciated the sentiment. It probably took a lot of courage for Sedrine to approach her.

Tiene thanked her and enquired whether her family were all right. They were.  Although genuinely glad for her, Tiene's smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

She turned to leave when Sedrine swept forward and touched her arm. Tiene focused on the woman in front of her. 

She was no longer the spoiled, self-assured, arrogant girl from years gone by; instead, she was a woman who now saw things outside of her little bubble. A world of harsh reality, sorrow and death. 

"I also want to apologise for things I said... and did to both of you, in the past." She glanced at Camnath, an uncertain twitch flickering on her mouth.

Tiene was stunned. Quite why Sedrine felt the need to apologise to them both she didn'tknow, but it had a profound effect on her. Instantly, she hugged the young woman. "I appreciate that, Sedrine. Let's leave the past where it belongs and look ahead now. We must all work towards a brighter tomorrow."

Sedrine's breath caught in her throat. Overwhelmed, fresh tears lined her eyes. "Yes, I hope so, Tiene. Thank you." Then the almond-eyed woman looked at Camnath. He awarded her with a smile and a nod. No hard feelings.

Sedrine then turned and left.

Camnath looked at Tiene, eyebrows raised. It had been a peculiar little moment, most unexpected, but the way Tiene handled it made him love her even more. He gathered her to him and kissed her, softly. "You never cease to amaze me," he whispered against her ear.

Arm in arm they continued towards Sunfury Spire. 

It was tempting to look through Murder Row, hopeful to see if the Students of Shadow had survived the carnage. But, such hopes were unrealistic given the amount of damage throughout the city. So she decided to forgo the visit. For now anyway.

In The Court of the Sun, needless to say, the fountain had remained dry, the statue in pieces within its centre. Similarly, some steps to the Spire needed mending;  rubble, metal and dust still covering a large area near the entrance.

"It's going to take a long time," Tiene said.

"Yes, perhaps more aid will arrive. Prince Kael'thas may find more the resources to help us."

"I hope so, Camnath."

Ascending the stairs, they saw some Rangers milling about. They appeared to be awaiting orders.

From the entrance to the Spire, Lor'themar emerged, his eye focusing on a scroll in his right hand. In his left hand, he held many more pieces of parchment.

Tiene smiled as she watched him stride towards the Rangers. Focused on the scroll, Lor'themar didn't notice the young rogues until he looked up and started to speak with one of the Ranger lieutenants.

He smiled broadly, and indicated he would be with them shortly. 

Once he was finished with business, the Rangers turned and marched toward Farstrider Square and Lor'themar's step quickened as he neared his sister. He hugged her warmly. "Oh, it is good to see you, Tiene." 

He looked at Camnath and held out his hand. The elves shook hands.

Tiene sense they were a welcome distraction. Studying Lor'themar's face, she saw how tired he looked. She knew he was now making decisions that perhaps did not always sit comfotably with him. The once fastidious Ranger who'd worked his way up the ranks, earning respect from all his peers, seemed distant, like an old memory.

Lor'themar had relished family life with the Firefurys, and in particular, time spent in the company of her eldest brother and fellow Ranger, Duthan. But the Lor'themar whom Tiene had grown up knowing was fading before her eyes.

In his place was a man who shouldered the responsibilities of a nation. Something he did not ask for, nor indeed believed he was capable of executing. Yet, she knew he would do whatever was required. Lor'themar was not a man to shirk duty or kneel in defeat. But he did look tired.

She linked arms with him. "We have a gift for you, brother, a little gruesome, I admit, but one we were pleased to acquire."

He chuckled. "I heard of your success, Tiene, and of the final blows which ended him. It seems you've made quite the impression on my Rangers. Both of you did," he looked at Camnath with an appreciative smile. "There was no need to evidence your success though, but thank you. You have both honoured Quel'thalas in carrying out a great service."

He signalled to one of the guards standing at the entrance to the Spire and asked him to dispose of the package Camnath carried. 

He then led the two rogues into the Spire, where he took them through to a separate set of rooms. The chambers, surprisingly, were habitable despite the obvious damage.

Large cracks ran to the domed ceiling, drawing elaborate designs across the plaster and exposing some of the raw brick behind. The once-beautiful chandeliers hung on fractured chains, without their candlelight, like rusty iron skeletons stripped of their grandeur. Dust particles danced and swirled on the sun's rays as they filtered through the remaining stained-glass panes, with dangerous shards still in place with others still scattered on the floor.

The furniture, mostly torn and dusty, had not been used since the blast of the Sunwell. The selected few items in use had been cleaned, made presentable and positioned around the large fireplace.

Lor'themar looked apologetic about the surroundings. Camnath and Tiene told him not to concern himself with trivial things. He invited them to sit.

He crossed to a sideboard where an assortment of wines sat on a tray with some glasses. 

Tiene noted he still carried the scroll she'd seen him with on the steps when they'd arrived. He laid it down as he stood, deliberating which wine to choose. After pouring some for his guests, he brought over their glasses. Then, with a drink for himself, he rejoined the couple and flopped down, exhausted, into one of the better chairs. 

They raised their glasses, offering a silent toast and drank. The Ranger Captain drank deeply.

"You look tired, brother," Tiene said, cupping her glass in both hands. "When was the last time you slept?"

Lor'themar stared into his glass, swirling the contents, watching it lap and coat the edges. He smiled lopsidedly. "About three days ago. I think."

Tiene shifted forward on the sofa. "You cannot keep going on like that, Lor'themar. Is it something Prince Kael'thas has asked of you? Why isn't he overseeing his people?"

Lor'themar shifted in his seat. "He has gone to help our people in other ways, Tiene. He is fighting alongside the Alliance..."

"Even though his father wished to withdraw his support?"

The Ranger Lord fixed her with a stare. "It is our best hope at defeating the scourge, Tiene. Besides, politics is a dirty river which needs bridges built now and again to cross difficult currents. That is how a nation can prosper."

"And fighting alongside a faction whose belly that evil snake Arthas crawled out of is building a bridge?"

Lor'themar held her gaze. In as gentle a tone as he could muster, he said, "You have fought beside the Alliance for years, too, Tiene; do not forget that."

She flinched. Camnath took her hand, interlocking their fingers.

Lor'themar noticed the gesture. The corner of his mouth twitched. "They are not all like Arthas, Tiene. We've had our fair share of traitors, too, one whose head  you just delivered moments ago."

He was speaking the truth. Tiene took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. What I'm concerned about, however, is the fact that he's left you to mop up this mess. You are a Ranger, Lor'themar. The Farstriders are your life."

The Ranger Captain stood and moved across to the sideboard again. He topped up his glass and held up the bottle to his guests. They declined with a shake of their heads.

Retrieving the scroll, Lor'themar moved back to his seat. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I feel those days are numbered, Tiene. In fact, I know they are. Other than keeping the scourge to a minimum, there is little call for me to be a Ranger. Kael'thas has made Halduron Brightwing, Ranger-General of Silvermoon, now that Sylvanas is - a banshee." A look of distaste crossed his face. 

Tiene knew Halduron was a good friend to her brother, and she noted no bitterness in Lor'themar's voice when he spoke of Halduron's promotion. The banshee, however, was a different story - he sneered when he spoke of his late Ranger General, Sylvanas Windrunner. But something was going on which Tiene still did not understand. "So where does that leave you?"

"Before Kael'thas left, he ...promoted me to Ranger Lord."

Tiene beamed. "Well, that's great! Isn't it?" 

He leaned forward and presented the scroll. "Then this...Here, read it." 

Tiene took the scroll. Looking at Camnath, she slowly unrolled the message. It was a signed decree from His Highness, Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. Camnath sat forward, and together, he and Tiene read it.

The couple looked up, in awe. But the man sitting opposite did not share their enthusiasm. While he was never afraid of hard work, ruling a nation was not his idea of a career. He took another large draught of wine.

Lor'themar was to be addressed by a new title. One which carried tremendous responsibility - in effect, a political career. A position which he did not favour nor embrace, but one which Tiene knew he would carry out honourably and as conscientiously as he could.

Lor'themar Theron, once Farstrider, Ranger, Ranger Captain and Ranger Lord, was now Regent Lord of Quel'thalas.

                               ____________________________________________

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