Dedicated to @Finfychan & @ea_carter  - a trip down memory lane for you

Darnassus, her love, torn from her hold

By The Well of Eternity in stories of old

Across the waves, her sweet voice doth sing

An ancient lullaby for her beloved king

His essence he sends, carried over in ships

To land on her shores with his eternal kiss

Embrace my love, across ebb and flow

A fairer lady one will never know

With open arms she welcomes thee

Drink freely her beauty and serenity

Warmth, tranquillity are gifts she bestows

Upon those whose hearts, true love knows

And still, she watches, across the sea

Observing his timeless nobility

Apart forever, she remains his queen

His love, his heart... his Auberdine

Time was against the Crimson Blades. The scourge was sweeping through Lordaeron and now the lands to the east and west. The need to establish a new base was paramount.

A meeting to be held in the secondary barn was declared, and all were expected to attend.

Camnath shook Tiene awake. She looked at him, sleepily and yawned. "Come on," he said. "Brett wants everyone at the barn. Now."

"Why? Is the scourge closing in?" A moment of panic flared.

He shook his head. "No," he said smiling, then grabbed her hand and pulled her up.

"You seem particularly happy this morning," she commented, looking at him quizzically. She suspected he knew something she did not.

"I'm always happy when I'm around you," he replied.

Tiene smirked, delighted by his sentiment, but was unconvinced it was the sole reason he seemed so gleeful.

They arrived at the barn where bodies were already milling in and around it. Tiene noted familiar faces, and not all belonging to the Crimson Blades. Her spirits lifted when she realised they were from Camnath's guild. She looked up at him, expectantly; his smile told her all she needed to know.

Someone made a great show of clearing their throat. All eyes turned to a makeshift platform made of hay bales. There overlooking the crowd, was Brett and alongside him, towered Belaen Bloodbane, Guild Master of the Sigil of Shadow.

Brett took the floor. "The Crimson Blades location in Capital City has, as you know, been compromised. The Forsaken, the undead, led by Sylvanas Windrunner, Banshee Queen and former Ranger General of the Farstriders, has made the sewers and dungeons of Capital City Keep, it's home of operations."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, a mixture of anger and dread.

"We know she has disassociated herself from Prince Arthas but what her plans are, remain mere speculation at this point."

Tiene's fingers clasped around Camnath's hand. He leaned down to her. "It will be alright, don't worry," he whispered.

She nodded but hearing about Sylvanas from her Guild Master seemed to have a more significant impact than when she'd heard it from Emmek.

"Added to this new uncertainty, is a division of loyalties following the scourge attacks not only in the city but also further north, namely the elven realm of Quel'thalas. Our guild comprises of not only humans, but also dwarves and elves, be they the recently re-named Sin'dorei, or the Kal'dorei, from the continent of Kalimdor. We have worked well together with one aim. To be the best and carry out our work expertly, diligently and with honour."

"Pre-Sauren it seems," someone whispered to Tiene's left. Her eyes flashed at the young man who spoke. He was one of their senior students. Tiene pulled against Camnath's hand, inching towards the culprit.

"We have never lost sight of our honour and integrity," she hissed. "Only the things he did outwith of guild business was diabolical. Remember that!"

The young man duly chastised uttered no more. Tiene scanned the faces nearby, noting a few nods of agreement.

Camnath coaxed her back, wrapping his arms around her, keeping her pinned to his chest.

Belaen Bloodbane then stepped forward on the podium. "Brett Hornsby and I are committed to the same work ethic. We want our guilds to maintain good relations with all these races and an on-going trust, developing the skills of current and future rogues for years to come."

Several cheers erupted.

"Therefore, after discussions, a considerably easy solution has been reached. An amalgamation of our guilds."

Great enthusiasm rose within the crowd, even the young man reprimanded moments before, joined in the cheer.

The elven Guild Master gestured a hush, and the audience quietened. "No doubt the ongoing divisions of races and factions will spread to our homeland of Kalimdor and our numbers may deplete also. But, regardless, the Crimson Blades will join us and take residence at the Sigil of Shadow headquarters in Auberdine. Are there any who oppose this amalgamation? If so, let us hear from you now."

Chatter spread through the crowd with some eager nods of agreement. No-one was objecting.

Belaen waited for what he deemed long enough before he continued. "Good! So, for simplicity, The Sigil of Shadow and The Crimson Blades will become either The Crimson Shadow or The Shadow Blades. The vote is open."

Camnath's lips brushed against Tiene's ear. "It seems marriage of all kinds are in the air."

Tiene giggled.

"This deserves another announcement then," Camnath said, kissing the top of her head. "Agreed?"

Smiling her agreement Camnath clutched her hand and edging his way to the front of the crowd.

"Belaen!" he called out as he neared the platform where the two Guild Masters stood.

His Guild Master looked at him, surprised. "Are you - objecting, Camnath?"

The ebony-haired elf smiled broadly. "No, I am not. I do, however, have an announcement of my own, and I humbly request that it takes precedence once we reach Kalimdor."

"Well - that all depends," Belaen said, his eyebrows knitting together.

"Hmm," Camnath rubbed his chin. "May I suggest we put it to a vote also, then?"

The elven Guild Master took a moment as he looked at first Camnath and then Tiene. Slowly a smile crept on his lips. "Very well," he said, a knowing look in his eyes. "Go ahead then." He jerked his chin in the direction of the waiting crowd.

Camnath pulled Tiene close, wrapping his arms around her once more. Looking out over the crowd, he proudly announced, "We're getting married! Who is up for a wedding when we reach the shores of Auberdine?"

Something to celebrate in these dark days was required, and Camnath's news met the approval of all in attendance. Without exception, the crowd cheered - 'Yay's' resounding throughout the old barn.

The young rogue turned back to his leader, beaming. "Guess that's a yes," he said.

Belaen jumped down from the platform and enthusiastically shook hands with Camnath. "Congratulations, Cam. I'm very happy for you, lad. And -" He gently pushed the young rogue aside and scooped Tiene up in a hug. "Not that I reckon you need telling, but you have got the best, in young Cam. Congratulations, Tiene."

"I know, and thank you," Tiene said, giggling. She looked across to where Camnath was being warmly congratulated by the assembly. Lots of back-slapping, ponytail tugging and some rather suggestive hand signals passed between the young bucks.

Brett then approached Tiene, his face thoughtful, filled with pride but he was struggling to find something to say. He coughed, covering his mouth with his knuckles. He seemed almost shy.

Belaen, watching, slapped Brett's back. "Go on, man, hug the girl."

Brett's brow furrowed, embarrassed, but with a smile curving his lips. "She's like a daughter to me if you don't mind," he said, a little choked. "Give me a minute."

Tiene realised the burly rogue was quite emotional. Belaen nodded understanding and took a step back.

Brett took Tiene's hands, then pulled her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you, lass. It's no more than you deserve."

Tiene held onto him, knowing how much this meant to him too. He had looked out for her all these years, even when he felt helpless to prevent certain things. Brett pulled back, wiping a small tear from his eye before warmly shaking Camnath's hand and patting his shoulder.

Tiene asked Brett about her friends, Louvel, Fyn and Lexie. He told her they were safe, not far from where their current location. "I want to see them," she said. Brett nodded and said he would arrange it.

*****

Belaen had already sent for four ships. They were to anchor to the west of their current location where the waters were deep. A combination of small boats and mage's portals would allow the Blade's and their supplies to board the ships smoothly and quickly. Then they would set sail to the motherland of the elven races – Kalimdor.

"Why are you so nervous?" Tiene asked Camnath. He stood, fidgeting, rubbing the back of his neck, glancing around. They were waiting for Tiene's undead friends to arrive.

"I don't want to offend them by reacting improperly," he explained, a nervous twitch toying with the corner of his mouth.

Tiene smiled as she reached up and stroked his cheek. "You will be fine, my love. Don't worry."

A whistle sounded. Tiene looked up to see Thil'las escorting the noble rogue, the little priest, and her best friend into the farmstead. The elf excused himself, once they spied Tiene, and he joined others readying the wagons.

Tiene smiled as her three friends walked toward her, their undead faces a little difficult to read, but still recognisable.

Lexie wore a mask, concealing the lower part of her face. The mouthpiece would allow her to eat and drink - although her diet would not be what it once was. Studded gloves, covered her hands and the leather armour ensured no part of her was left bare.

If it weren't for the sunken eyes and deathly pallor, you could be forgiven at first for thinking she was like any other human being, just a little malnourished compared to many.

Tiene fondly recalled her first days at the Crimson Blades when an over-enthusiastic Lexie fawned over the Firefury name. Then, with a bittersweet note, she remembered the day at the hospital, when Lexie revealed her secret and voiced her belief about Tiene's future at the hands of the Guild Master.

Watching her now as she strolled up the small hill, linking arms with Fyn, Tiene realised what Sauren had done to poor Lexie was the most horrible of all. Slitting her mouth open from ear to ear, was symbolising her 'speaking out of turn', and was nothing short of barbaric.

Louvel, once dashing in his way, still maintained an air of nobility as he strode towards the young elven couple. He now sported an elaborately decorated walking cane in his shredded hand, while the thumb of his other one hooked over the small pocket in his waistcoat.

His head twitched, and he'd smack it now and again as one did to clear water from the ear after bathing or swimming. It was odd behaviour for an undead though, Tiene mused.

Sadly, his features had deteriorated more, notably his eye socket. His monocle, securely pressed in, was wedged against bone. The area under that eye was now bereft of skin entirely with no eyeball residing behind the glass.

Tiene recalled when this fine man had taught her and Lexie the way of the Shado-pan monk - the times she panicked when he tricked her into believing she'd hurt him - but it was all in good humour. And she could still see him meditating under the trees while she and Lexie tucked into a picnic. Looking at him now, she found it immeasurably hard to accept this was the same noble rogue.

And as for the third undead; the little priest Fyn - Tiene adored him. His comforting words from years before in Ravensholdt Manor remained with her. The way he used to look up into her face, his little eyebrows riding up high on his brow, and his hands knitting together nervously.

He was so kind, so willing to help those less fortunate - not that there were many others less fortunate than himself now. Bless.

As he shuffled nearer, she saw with growing sadness, that he was more emaciated since last she saw him. Barely any flesh was left on his head, and what there was had crusted over, looking like dry, cracked plaster. The familiar purple and silver robes now hung like a sheet over his thin, wiry frame. Yet still, he smiled on seeing Tiene. It brought a lump to her throat.

She ran to greet Fyn and ever so gently put her arms around him, fearful that he would break. His chortle was a little throaty now, but he was nonetheless thrilled to see her.

Louvel raised what little eyebrow remained, and his monocle fell out to swing on its cord over his chest. He took Tiene's hand, bent down and kissed it. "An honour, as always, Tiene."

Then Lexie boldly hugged her, the leather armour creaking, preventing anything undead touching the elf and also ensuring no more of her decomposing body fell off from the contact.

Tiene turned and beckoned Camnath. He walked forward, his face bearing a concentrated effort not to look unsettled. The three undead were not fooled, however, nor were they offended. They smiled - all in varying degrees of disturbing.

"This is Fyn..." Tiene said introducing Camnath to the first of her friends. "He is an expert healer, priest, confidante and my good friend."

Camnath nodded welcome, managing a whispered hello. He very carefully shook the priest's bony hand.

"Louvel," Tiene continued. "A fellow rogue, though a lone wolf, and expert in the ways of the Shado-pan monks. Also, my good friend."

Again, Camnath nodded respect and offered his hand. Louvel popped his monocle back in then accepted Camnath's greeting.

"Pleasure," the noble rogue said.

"And this is Lexie." Tiene turned to the final member of the trio. "A courageous woman who, although hunted by Sauren's henchmen, risked everything by returning a year later to aid in over-throwing Sauren. She is my best friend, and I love her dearly."

Camnath once more nodded and offered his hand. Lexie shook it. The undead female looked him up and down. "If you weren't so damn ugly I'd kiss you instead of shaking your hand," she said, then cackled, loudly.

The unexpected comment broke the ice and had everyone laughing, Camnath included. Tiene regained some composure and introduced her beau. "This is Camnath, everyone."

"Ahh! The 'letter' boy!" Lexie said, throwing her arms up and cackling more. "You finally banging your true love then, Tiene. That's the best news yet!"

Camnath's face reddened, he didn't know where to look, but a smirk betrayed the fact Lexie amused him. Fyn would have blushed - if he'd blood vessels and skin. Louvel tutted at the vulgarity.

Tiene tried hard not to guffaw. "Actually," she started, stifling her laugh. "I wondered if you were all up for a trip?"

"A trip?" Louvel's monocle dangled again on its cord. "Where to, might I ask?"

"To Auberdine in Kalimdor," Camnath answered, his smile causing a little sigh to escape Lexie. "You are all cordially invited to our wedding."

"Wedding?" Lexie screeched. "Hell, he's even making an honest woman of you, Tiene!" Though they could not see because of her mask, Tiene knew Lexie was grinning with what little facial muscle she had remaining.

"No Lexie," Camnath quipped, having the measure of the undead woman. "Tiene is making an honest man out of me."

Lexie cackled loudly again. "I like this guy!" She playfully punched Camnath in the arm.

"Well, I am very honoured indeed," Louvel said, trying to to be heard over the grating masked woman. "But what shall I give you as a gift?"

"Oh, yes," Fyn nodded in agreement, his knuckles clacking together. "A gift. What would you young people like?"

Tiene smiled. "You have already given the best gifts. You Lexie, the gift of friendship. Louvel, the gift of specialist skills and appreciation of fine wine. And Fyn, the gift of faith and the knowledge people's love for each other is a power unto itself."

Louvel smirked and sniffed a little. "You say the kindest things," he replied, his voice trembling a little.

"And you have a good heart, Tiene," Lexie added, soft and sincere. Then, with a clap of her leather-clad hands, she asked, "So, when are we going?"

Tiene and Camnath chuckled. "Now, if that is agreeable."

"Fine by me," Lexie said, then she linked arms with Fyn and pointed toward the barn.

"Yes, that way," Tiene answered.

As Lexie moved forward, she shouted over her shoulder, "Name the first girl after me, won't you? Oh, and a boy could be called Fyn."

Louvel clucked his tongue. "As if they're going to name a babe after a fish part!" He wandered off after his two friends. "Louvel, however, is a fine name," he said before moving out of earshot.

Tiene and Camnath watched them head in the direction of the barn, where Brett awaited their arrival. "I like them," Camnath said. "I do!"

"Yes, they are wonderful people." Her eyes welled, but she forced the tears back. Linking arms, they followed the others ready to set sail for a new life in Kalimdor.

Music: Breakout composed by Ronan Hardiman

https://youtu.be/eh_3sYpQnxQ

Tiene stood at the bow of the ship as it neared the harbour of Auberdine. She watched as another ship, sailing for a destination she knew not, moved away from the far side pier.

Members of the Sigil of Shadows disembarked first and gathering dockhands started unloading the supplies from the ship onto carts already waiting.

Belaen ushered the Blades and their undead wedding guests to the harbour entrance. They followed in line, taking in all their surroundings.

Camnath held Tiene's hand as they walked along the pier toward the building at the top. She stopped for a moment to look at the horizon. The sun was setting, its deep oranges, golds and russets reflecting on the sea - it was tranquil, unmarked by the horrors which had befallen her home.

She inhaled. The salty air mixed with the sweet scent of mageroyal and peacebloom - it was warm and inviting.

Camnath tugged her hand, and she skipped into step beside him as he ran up the pier toward the others.

He greeted the harbourmaster as they entered the building then dashed out again on the other side catching up with Lexie, Louvel, Fyn and Brett.

As they moved onward, he pointed out the flight path to their right. Regal looking hippogryphs sat on large nesting boxes, their bright azure blue and maroon plumage shimmering in the setting sun. The giant birds watched the newcomers with quiet disregard, then shook their feathered heads with a loud screech.

"It seems you have competition for the most annoying laugh, Lexie," Louvel said with a smirk, eyeing the hippogryphs.

She hitched an eyebrow and smugly replied. "As do you for your plumage oh, Great Fop of a rogue. But, at least their colours are bright."

Louvel scoffed, though his nostrils flared at the insult awarded his precious coat. He suddenly smacked the side of his head again.

"Why do you keep doing that?" Tiene asked, looking at him curiously.

"It's the bugs!" he replied, giving himself another smack. "Rattling about in my head, I hate them. They give me the creeps."

Tiene had forgotten about his phobia. Poor Louvel, he was now destined to be plagued by them forever.

The procession carried on over a bridge linking the harbour to the mainland. As the group reached the other side, Tiene smiled, overwhelmed by the vista before her.

Auberdine opened in front of them, warm and welcoming. Lanterns burst into life, imbuing all the little windows and doorways with gold and silver light. Buildings embraced the harbour and lined the hillsides boasting a relatively large population, although nothing in comparison to Capital City or Silvermoon.

Houses, more earthen and raw than those once in Quel'thalas, epitomised an ancient elven culture. Peaked roofs with decorative cornerstones and turrets bespoke a time when the elven races were united; a rich magical civilisation, steeped in history.

But this was where the Night Elves lived. Considerably taller and bulkier than their distant cousins, the Sin'dorei, they still possessed the signature elven attributes such as long ears, tapered eyebrows and glowing eyes. Theirs, however, shone silver, untainted by the outlawed arcane magic which the High elves favoured; the very reason they were banished from Kalimdor thousands of years before.

Their skin too was different, ranging in varying shades of purple, blue, and green through to white. Upon their faces, they bore markings, intricate patterns, some almost animal-like.

"What do the markings on their faces mean?" Tiene asked Camnath.

He smiled. "They all have different meanings, Tiene and appear only on the women. It is a rite of passage, symbolising their journey into adulthood. As they reach maturity, they can then choose which markings will represent them best as individuals, maybe even reflect a profession if they wish."

"Men do not have markings?"

"Not on their faces, no. They are mainly on their chest, or shoulders and arms. But they do not have anything to do with a rite of passage."

"So what would mine be, if I had them?" she asked him, curious.

"Hmm- " Camnath scratched his chin. "Possibly one of two. A Shadow - it represents stealth, silence, mystery and hidden potential." He whispered the last attribute squeezing her behind. Tiene smirked, removing his hand before others saw.

"Or," he continued. " -you could have Blades, of course, meaning justice, focus, truth, courage." He smiled down at her.

"Nothing for passion then?" she whispered, a glint in her eyes.

He shook his head. "Sorry, Tiene. They don't do rabbits."

She elbowed him in the ribs. He laughed, then put his arm around her shoulders as they continued following the wagons and his guild up the hillside.

Townsfolk watched, silent and unassuming, as the large group of rogues and three scary-looking individuals headed toward the Sigil of Shadow headquarters, the small fortress near the crest of the hill.

The stone walls shimmered as the fading orange glow of sunset gave way to a cloak of shadow from the night's embrace. Enormous wooden doors, two storeys high opened with a quiet whoosh, hinges well-oiled.

The Crimson Blades entered the courtyard with whispers of appreciation and awe.

Belaen waited for them to gather in the centre. The carts trundled in and halted around the perimeter, their contents due for dispersion once everyone had settled.

All eyes turned towards the Sigil of Shadow Guild Master as he took a stand on a podium.

His voice, as ever, boomed across his attentive audience. "This stronghold is far bigger than we, the Sigil of Shadow, truly need, but as events have determined, its accommodation and facilities will finally be put to use as intended. Dormitories, more than adequate for the recruits are readied. My staff will show all high ranking Blades to their rooms. Our special guests..." he said, picking out the three undead in front of the podium. "- will also have a comfortable accommodation. Welcome to you all."

Bodies started dispersing as everyone was shown to their rooms. Brett approached Tiene and Camnath. He looked weary but also very relieved.

Smiling warmly at her, he placed his hand on her cheek, just like her father used to do. "Well, lass, what is your first impression? And do you think I have done right for the guild, bringing us here?"

Tiene's hand covered his. "I think you have made a clever decision, Brett. This is amazing! I cannot wait to explore tomorrow. Did you manage to get my letter sent to Lor'themar about the wedding?"

"Yes, I did. One of our mages has delivered it directly. I know Lor'themar is a busy man, but rest assured, he will attend, even if it is only for the ceremony. We will teleport him in and out."

"You've thought of everything, as I knew you would. Thank you, Brett."

He smiled and planted a small fatherly kiss on her brow. "I don't mean to dampen this joyous occasion, but I'm afraid after the wedding we will need to return to the Eastern Kingdoms. We have been hired to help with the ongoing battle against the scourge."

"Yes, I know. But for now, I want to embrace this reprieve and tend to my husband-to-be." She smiled up at Camnath, whose beautiful mouth split in a knowing smile.

Brett cleared his throat, and his face flushed a little. He stepped back. "Yes. Well then -" he said, flustered. "I won't keep you from - your erm... Yes. Right. Goodnight then." He nodded curtly then turned and headed toward Belaen who was waiting for his fellow Guild Master to join him.

Camnath led Tiene to his rooms. Unlocking the door, he stopped her before she could enter then scooped her up in his arms.

"Hey! Not time for that yet," she laughed.

"Practice makes perfect," he replied, kicking the door open. He crossed the threshold and slammed the door shut with his foot before setting her down.

The room was large, airy and tastefully furnished. A large table with four leather upholstered chairs sat off to the left of large double glass doors. Opposite, an imposing four-poster bed graced a platform which sat in front of a bay window.

A fire at the back of the room crackled, flames licking the logs in the grate. It was all perfect, homely, safe.

Tiene moved to the glass doors, and Camnath opened them for her. They swung out onto a small balcony edged by an ornate iron railing. Looking out across the sea, Tiene watched the final rays of Belore slip below the horizon, as Elune came into her own, casting diamonds over the Veiled Sea.

Overwhelmed, she fought back tears, but for once they were not shed through sadness. A sublime serenity settled over her for the first time in years.

Camnath's arm slipped around her waist, and his breath ghosted the side of her neck. He swayed gently with her as the night breeze kissed their faces.

"Welcome to your new home, my love; for the time being anyway," he whispered in her ear, nuzzling her lobe. She sighed deeply.

Once more, he scooped her up in his arms and crossed to the bed. He lay her down gently, watching as she shed her clothing. He did the same, dropping his garments on the floor.

Tiene held her arms out, inviting his love, and Camnath moulded into her embrace.

The lullaby of Auberdine floated once more across the sea to her waiting lover and Kalimdor slept peacefully under the watchful eye of Elune.

                                    ______________________________________________

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