Dedicated to @ea_carter for bringing Sauren "back to life", so-to-speak.

Lor'themar had welcomed the distraction of the rogues. It was good to relax a little, but a little was all he could afford. The recently appointed Lord of Quel'thalas had to take his leave to continue with duties but promised to join Camnath and Tiene for dinner. He warned them it would only be essential dining; supplies were limited.

While Lor'themar seen to things of state, the two rogues joined in helping those who had been working tirelessly on clearing debris. Their aid was appreciated, and they managed to have a sizeable area relatively clear by late afternoon. They moved on to see where else they could assist.

As Camnath worked with a team of three elves shifting vast slabs of stone, Tiene drifted toward the inevitable. She moved toward the broken house she once knew as home. Painful though it would be, she felt compelled to walk through the rooms she had once lived and laughed in as a child.

Before taking her last step through the broken doorway, she turned around. Camnath was watching - a flicker of disquietude within his eyes. Tiene held out her hand, and he crossed the plaza to join her. Silently, they made their way into the house.

The entire north wall was practically gone, exposing the kitchen and dining area. Inside, everything was thick with rubble, dust, broken fixtures and furniture. Tiene remembered preparing family meals - although it took Nerisen's intervention with a cookbook for her to achieve culinary delights. She smiled fondly at the memory, although sadness was not far behind.

Carefully the couple stepped over large pieces of brick, plaster and wood, moving through to the stairwell which led to the bedrooms.

Camnath moved ahead, ascending the broken stairs first, with due care. "Slowly," he said to Tiene, holding out his hand to support her.

The odd creak of damaged timbers underfoot gave rise to caution as did thin rivulets of powdered plaster from overhead. The instability of the building was made no more apparent than when they crested the top stair.

The upper floor was missing most of its ceilings, the remaining rafters, shattered and jagged, clinging precariously to the east and south walls.

Tiene looked upon the remnants of her bedroom. Some clothes and one or two of her childhood toys were mangled in the debris and her furniture - not one piece survived whole. It was a sobering sight, but her grief was on the rise again, her bottom lip quivering. It felt as though her past was being erased at that very moment - invalidated, gone. It was an unsettling feeling.

She felt Camnath's arms around her shoulders. He pulled her close against his chest, resting his chin on top of her head.

"I thought this would be a good idea," she whimpered. "A form of closure. Now I'm not so sure."

"It was never going to be easy." Camnath's arms squeezed her gently.

"No. I suppose not," Tiene agreed.

"Come, let's move."

He led her to what had been her father's and then her brothers' rooms. If she had hoped to find anything as a memento, she was bitterly disappointed. The explosion of the Sunwell had practically sandblasted everything which was not held together with bricks and mortar.

Leaning against Camnath, she mourned. "At least it hasn't been able to destroy my memories of them," she said, fighting to keep the tremor from her voice.

Camnath nodded and kissed her brow. "Shall we go?" he asked gently. Tiene nodded then he guided her back down the stairs and out of the house.

There was nothing there for Tiene, other than pain. Her family's images were emblazoned in her mind and imbedded in her heart; they were an integral part of her and always would be. Here, now - there was only a broken house, unsalvageable sticks of furniture and some powdered crockery.

They made their way back to the Spire, to freshen up before dinner.

*****

News had spread that this was the couple who had brought an end to Dar'Khan. Tiene, being the only surviving relative of Lor'themar, was treated with the utmost respect. House staff in the Spire were only too happy to ensure her and Camnath's stay was made as comfortable as feasibly possible including filling a tub in the couple's room so they could bathe.

Camnath helped Tiene wash her hair, gently rubbing her scalp and teasing out her blonde mane, ridding her of all the dust and dirt from their work that day. Gently he bathed her, and she started to unwind, the trials of the past few days lifting, easing. He held up a towel to wrap around her as she stepped out the tub. Once she dried herself, she turned her attention to Camnath.

Repeating the treatment he had given her, she washed his hair, lathering and rinsing it. She took her time. She seemed lost in thought as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Tiene," Camnath said softly.

"Hmm?" She continued massaging his scalp.

"I've been thinking. About us." He sounded nervous, apprehensive.

Her fingers stopped as she felt a slam of panic.

Camnath turned around, quickly clasping her hands. "Nothing bad," he said, reassuringly.

Tiene exhaled, the moment of panic dissipated.

Camnath's mouth twitched, he continued. "I want to make you happy, Tiene..."

"You do!" she replied, surprised he could even think he did otherwise.

"I mean - always though."

Tiene was betwixt nervous anticipation and a strange sense of disbelief at the implication in Camnath's words.

"I have accrued a fairly handsome sum of money over the years," he continued. "Enough to make us a nice home, nothing grand I admit - " he smirked, nervous, " - but very presentable, homely and enough money to give us a comfortable life after that."

A quivering smile and misty eyes replaced Tiene's uncertainty.

"Would you marry me, Tiene? We could start a new life somewhere - maybe Kalimdor?" His brow furrowed as she remained silent. He blundered on. "For a while, anyway, or at least until Silvermoon is restored then we could come back here. Or not, I mean - take your time to think. No - hurry -" He was floundering as he used to when he worried about upsetting her or saying the wrong thing.

Tiene smiled then silenced him with a kiss. Mindless that his wet hair was soaking her towel as she clung to him. "I can't believe you are still nervous when speaking your feelings to me. It makes me love you all the more."

He pulled back, a little coyly. "I'm not very eloquent at it I'm afraid."

"You're perfect, to me, and I wouldn't want you any other way."

"So, is that a yes, then?"

She laughed. "Of course it's a yes."

Camnath beamed a huge smile. "Then I'd like to ask for Lor'themar's blessing if you feel that would be appropriate?"

His consideration moved Tiene. She nodded approval before embracing him again.

Dinner was a relaxed affair. Although Lor'themar had forewarned them the food would be basic, it was nonetheless wholesome and tasty consisting of freshly caught fish, seasonal potatoes and vegetables. There was even a cake for dessert.

It had been a busy day for all three. Lor'themar's time, of course, had been spent mainly executing administrative tasks, which noticeably irked him. He admitted he was miserable when stuck behind a desk signing endless documents - he was already missing his days as a Ranger.

He did, however, have news regarding Prince Kael'thas, whose efforts at retrieving supplies in Silverpine Forest had some interesting developments.

The Prince had been met by two Night Elves, during an investigation of some reported scourge activity near Dalaran. "They told His Highness they suspected a particular individual to be responsible for the ruckus," Lor'themar told Tiene and Camnath. "Someone by the name of Illidan Stormrage."

"Who is he?" Tiene asked, taking a bite of cake.

"According to them, a former elf, once druid and sorcerer but now a servant of the Burning Legion and a betrayer of their people."

On hearing this, Tiene couldn't help but think that Night Elves also seemed to have their own version of Dar'Khan Drathir. "And these elves, who were they?"

"One was a priestess of Elune, Tyrande was her name and the other a Watcher, called Maiev."

"So why would Prince Kael'thas heed the words of a priestess and a Watcher?" Camnath asked.

"He told them of our plight and how Arthas and Dar'Khan had all but destroyed his homeland," Lor'themar said. "They empathised. Tyrande then agreed to help him, and in exchange, he would aid them in the search for their felon."

"And did they find him?" Tiene asked.

"Regrettably no. The exercise ended in tragedy when an attack from some lurking undead resulted in the priestess being dragged into the river - the bridge they were crossing collapsed."

"She died?"

"I don't know. Kael'thas had wanted to help her, but the other elf was quite offhand, saying Tyrande had known what she was getting into and of the risks involved. This Maiev insisted they continue their search for Illidan." That, he concluded, was as much as he knew.

"What are your thoughts on this?" Camnath asked the Regent Lord as he took a sip of wine.

"Well -" Lor'themar inhaled deeply. "I have to wonder why our Regent let a Warden talk him out of helping her companion, a priestess of Elune, no less, and equally why he is continuing helping her to find this Illidan."

"Hmm," Tiene mumbled, taking a bite of cake. "More importantly, just how is this meant to help us, his people?"

"Time will tell. I am sure he knows what he is doing," Lor'themar drained his glass.

"Are you?" Tiene asked, eyeing her brother.

The Regent Lord held her stare. "You know, sometimes Tiene, your feisty nature borders on impudence."

Tiene huffed; she was able to read Lor'themar like a book. He was not so much scolding her for her boldness as he was airing his frustration; the Prince was active in the field while he was stuck behind a desk holding a quill.

"I know you, brother, and your fealty to Prince Kael'thas is admirable," she said, holding his gaze. "But, I was under the impression, he was not just tracking Arthas for the murder of his father - our King - and raping of our lands. He was meant to be looking for a means to aid our people. We need resources! He cannot leave you here to simply clean house while he is off galavanting trying to solve someone else's problem."

Lor'themar sighed heavily, Tiene's words were hitting an already bruised nerve. "I am more than just a butler, Tiene!"

"I know you are! But does he?"

Tiene noticed Camnath shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He had wanted to ask something specific of Lor'themar, and her nipping at the Regent Lord about the Prince's questionable tactics wasn't making it easy for him to broach the subject. She smiled, apologetically, and clasped Camnath's hand, giving him a brief nod.

Camnath, looking nervous, took a deep breath. He looked directly at Lor'themar, he blurted, "I have asked Tiene to become my wife, and I am hoping it meets with your approval. I want to ask for your blessing, Lor'themar."

The Regent Lord froze, then lowered his glass slowly, looking at the two elves, silent, steady. Scraping his chair back, he stood and approached Camnath.

Tiene, still holding his hand, felt Camnath tremble, nerves getting the better of him. She tightened her fingers around his, hoping to reassure him. She was starting to feel a bit unsure herself though as the tall ex-Ranger neared - his face unreadable.

Lor'themar Theron stood in front of the younger elf, imposing, his one eye focused on him intently. His lips broke into a broad smile, and he offered Camnath his hand. Camnath heaved a sigh of relief and shook his hand.

"Of course you have my blessing, Camnath," Lor'themar said with a small chuckle. "I am delighted by the news." He gave him a congratulatory pat on the back.

Lor'themar moved around and plucked Tiene out of her seat, wrapping her in a bear hug. She reciprocated, laughing. "You still like to tease me, don't you, brother?" she said.

"I could not resist, Tiene. And I apologise, Camnath..." He faced the ebony-haired elf once more. "I did not mean to worry you. This is the best news I have had in weeks," he said, looking between the two of them. "And probably the best I will hear for a very, very long time."

Lor'themar focused on his sister. "Tiene, this makes me so proud. I've watched you grow from a small child to a rebellious youngling. I saw you become a promising student in a guild of rogues, and now you are a fierce and talented fighter, brave beyond words. You demonstrate strength, where others would have crumbled. And you possess dignity, the likes of which would make a king kneel. Now, you have bloomed into a beautiful young woman, and I see you happy, and very much in love."

He held out his hand, gesturing Camnath to join them. With his arms around both their shoulders, he said, "You two are meant for each other. I am so glad you will be married. Truly I am." He eyed the bottle of wine on the table. "I would say this requires a drink, wouldn't you?"

*****

They decided not to linger in Silvermoon, and although they were keen for their wedding day to arrive, Camnath and Tiene had people to see and things to set in motion before it could go ahead.

Lor'themar advised them to focus on each other. Recent events had aptly demonstrated one should grab every precious moment when they had the chance.

With a fond farewell, they returned to the Crimson Blade headquarters the following day.

On arrival, Tiene immediately sought out Brett for an update on the state of play in Capital City.

"Things are not good," he told her, his voice weary. "The scourge attacks have caused a split between the races in Lordaeron. Pretty much everywhere really..." he told her.

Tiene looked around the complex. The guild was busy, packing things up. She looked back at her Guild Master, questioningly.

"I've decided to up-sticks Tiene," he explained. "The Crimson Blades is going to find a new home."

"What? Where?"

"It is in hand, that is as much as I can say for now, but we have to clear the grounds as soon as possible. A new order is infiltrating the city, and we cannot put the recruits in the path of this unforeseen threat."

"New order? Threat? Brett, what is going on? Why didn't you keep me informed?"

Brett's lips broke into a tired smile. "You had enough on your plate, lass and besides, I knew you would be coming back when news reached me about Dar'Khan's death."

Tiene was flummoxed. Her Guild Master had kept her out of the loop.

The old rogue placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That lad of yours, he made sure I knew what was happening." His eyes drifted behind her, and she turned to see Camnath striding towards them.

As Camnath came to a halt beside them, Brett shook his hand warmly. "It is good to see again, Camnath."

"And you, Brett. Thank you - for everything."

Tiene stood, discombobulated, a hundred questions on her mind. Brett shouted orders to some of his elite and the business of 'moving house' continued at a conscientious pace. It was evident work was needing to be carried out timeously.

"We will talk later," Brett said to both of them. "But right now, we could use your help readying the wagons. Alaen and his mages are going to open up portals to a temporary location. I have an itinerary of supplies and various other items we will need. See Thil'las and Emmek - they will tell what is required."

Tiene and Camnath did as Brett asked and found the elf and dwarf in the main hall. Emmek was talking with some of the young recruits while Thil'las helped to take down the tapestries - gifts awarded Sa'themar in days gone by. Their faces lit up when Tiene walked in. Brief introductions between her colleagues and Camnath done, Tiene then asked what they required them to do.

From weaponry and armour to kitchenware, tapestries and furnishings, they loaded all onto wagons. They, in turn, were then teleported to the temporary location.

Emmek assigned the eager young recruits to salvage books from the library as well and some paintings, including the one with Tiene's parents and Sa'themar.

"I thought they were all advised to leave until further notice," Tiene commented to the dwarf as she watched the youngsters disappear toward the library.

"Aye, they wur, but some chose tae remain behind. No mony, mind - we are running at less than half capacity - and that's includin' all us staff."

"Where are we going?"

"Some auld farmstead tae the northwest o' here, lass. It's been adequately scouted and well, fur now, it's safe. But, afore ye ask, no, I dinnae ken where oor final destination will be - a' ah ken is Brett has been negotiating with somebody. It's been a bit hectic as ah'm sure ye will understand."

Tiene nodded. With another wagon loaded, she watched it roll out to a portal then vanish as it entered the magical doorway. She started gathering more weapons for the next load. "So tell me what's going on. What is the new order Brett spoke of?"

"'Tis a filthy business, Tiene, and yin which you might find particularly disturbin'."

Tiene paused. "How so?"

Camnath, who had been nearby, also stopped to listen.

The dwarf broke the news. "The Banshee Queen has claimed Lordaeron. They're stertin' to swarm under the Keep, carvin' deeper intae the dungeons, makin' an extensive undercity."

"Banshee Queen? You mean Sylvanas Windrunner?"

"Aye. Seems that evil son-of- bitch, Arthas, hus lost control o'er a contingent o' the scourge. He's fled tae Northrend again while Windrunner leads whit she now calls the Forsaken, wi' an agenda o' hur ain."

Tiene now understood why Lor'themar's voice was laden with distaste when he'd spoken Sylvanas' name. She also didn't forget Duthan had died trying to protect his Ranger General. But, despite her brother's efforts, once the mad Prince had killed and transformed Sylvanas into a banshee, she'd swept through Quel'thalas under his banner, aiding the scourge in their cull of the elven nation.

Understanding the necessity to move now, Tiene and Camnath continued helping - discouraged by the news another one of their own had turned against them.

*****

Finding space to store all the supplies was proving harder as yet more wagons kept coming through the portals.

"I hope we move to new headquarters soon, Brett, because we are running out of space here. Has a location been decided?"

"It's being finalised as we speak," he replied, heaving things off the back of the latest wagon to arrive.

Tiene shook her head. She believed he knew what he was doing, although she also suspected he was a little secretive.

She took a pile of books into the old barn and looked for somewhere to store them. A collection was already in place further back, so she navigated her way between the crates and boxes to reach them. She cursed as she knocked over a tower of books in her path; they landed in a dishevelled heap.

With a deep sigh, she started restacking the books, until she uncovered something behind them which she had not expected to find. She stopped, breath catching in her throat, panic gripping her.

There in its gilt frame was the portrait of Sauren which had hung in the library. She remembered it amid the shelves of knowledge - watching over all who entered the library and the secreted Missions room.

The painting's eyes were hypnotic - following her every move intently. She tried to stack the books again, but those eyes continued to bore into her; filled with an accusation, the glare of betrayal, all Sauren's anger and shock - she felt it all.

And also his hurt. He'd believed in Tiene, made her the ruthless assassin she was, expert in covert operations. He had also been protective, generous, even kind to her. "I made you great, and you betrayed me, Tiene." She could hear him - his gravelly voice echoing in her mind.

She felt herself fold. Why did she think such contrition after all Sauren had done to those she truly cared for and loved? And why on Azeroth had Brett even brought this along?

Inexorably she was drawn back to the painting, like a moth to the flame. Was this to be her lot then? She wondered. To be held to ransom by a dead man?

Hope had come in the form of the man she had always loved. Camnath, in all his goodness and heartfelt sincerity. He was the man she wanted to be with, and he loved her; he didn't try to own her. Yet this monster haunted her still; from behind eyes in a painting - which should not have even been here.

The scrape of a boot alerted her to someone's presence. She turned her head, glimpsing Brett's mahogany leather armour. He was stunned as he noticed the painting.

"Why is this here?" she asked. Her voice was dark, conflicted.

"I didn't know it was, Tiene, I swear. The young 'uns must have loaded it without thinking. I never thought to tell them to leave it behind; I assumed they knew. I'm sorry."

Tiene moved abruptly and stopped in front of him. Her jaw was tight, face flushed, but her eyes evaded his. "It should have been burned along with his body!" she hissed. "Get rid of it!" She hastened past him, out of the room almost bumping into Camnath as he came through the door with more armour.

"Tiene?" he called, surprised by her urgency to leave.

She dodged him and headed for the woods.

Camnath looked at Brett questioningly, but the Guild Master only shrugged, perplexed, apologetic. Camnath dumped the armour and ran after her.

Weaving her way in and out between the trees, Tiene ran over mossy mounds and leapt over timbers and shrubs. Twigs cracked underfoot, the rustling of ferns echoing through the thick canopy.

But, she was tiring, slowing. The shock discovery in the barn weighed her down, consuming her. So many memories started to collide; emotions surged and burst forth. A frightening, confusing upheaval of feelings she'd tried to repress was awakened, tormenting, punishing her.

"Tiene!" Camnath called again.

Music: Fix You by Coldplay

https://youtu.be/aK3TROzVRiE

Tiene turned on hearing Camnath's voice; her eyes feral. An inexplicable impulse made her run back towards him.

He slowed as she neared, then stumbled back when she launched herself at him. Fiercely she kissed him, pulling at his jerkin, yanking open the straps and buckles, then started to undo his britches.

He pulled back. "Tiene. Stop!"

She pushed forward reaching for him. Once more, he backed away holding his hands up, warding her off. "What's going on, Tiene?"

She faltered, her eyes darting, confused. Camnath saw that look once before; the night she'd looked at Sauren, just prior and after she'd killed him.

Buttoning his jerkin and retying his britches, Camnath looked angry, glancing at her from under his long dark lashes. "I am not him, Tiene. Nor will I ever be!" He fastened the last strap of his armour firmly in place before turning to head back to the farmstead.

"I know!" she cried, choked. "And I thank Belore that you are not like him." She sank into the undergrowth.

She was wretched, broken. "The butterflies," she whimpered. "They died that night. The glass fell to the floor and smashed. I – I couldn't save them."

A pained cry fell from her. Camnath moved to her side and hunkered down. "Tiene," he whispered. "I'm sorry -"

She blurted out her pain. "Every day, Camnath, and I mean every day, I thought of you. I would remember first the young boy with grass stains on his cheeks, with the look of wonder in his eyes when he stealthed using magic and stole a kiss. But the memory always changed, into the older you at the Gathering. You looked at me with such hurt in your eyes, and doubt, before you– before you..."

"Walked away," Camnath said, regret weighing heavily in his voice. He shifted beside her and sat down among the ferns. He waited for her to continue.

Her eyes turned to him, tears still streaming. "It took a very long time for me to understand had you stayed and challenged him he would have killed you. But, all I felt initially was - abandoned."

Camnath hung his head, unable to speak.

"All Sauren knew was power, it was what he craved," Tiene continued. "He was also driven, insatiably, by lust. He was so strong that night; I couldn't fight him. I was addled with too much wine, and in shock and hurt and scared. But from somewhere, I found a strength, a resolve." She paused as Camnath's hand took hers, gentle, comforting.

With a deep breath, she carried on. "Perhaps it was not the right path to travel, but I quickly discovered Sauren's weakness. Regrettably, it meant I surrendered the gift I had intended to give you that night. I set out to use what I had, what he craved, and turn it against him. I visited a brothel..."

Camnath's eyes widened, but Tiene remained impassive, she needed to tell all. "There, I learned from the madame how to deceive him; how to play him at his own game. Sex was his weakness, you see, and if I gave him what he wanted, then he would trust me implicitly. He invested in me as a rogue, though, trained me, worked with me, made me a killer. I loved that part of it. And, I grew to - to..." Again she faltered.

Camnath pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.

Then her words tumbled out in a rush. "I enjoyed the sex. Sauren became my addiction. I knew I would still have my revenge one day, but, I relished the intimacy even though I never loved him - never! So, I am not what you think I am, Camnath. I am not nice anymore; if indeed I ever was, I am just ruthless, driven by forces I don't even understand. But I ask you - what does that make me? Because I don't know."

He rocked her gently, stroking her hair. "A survivor, Tiene," Camnath said, his voice gentle, compassionate. "It makes you a survivor."

She pulled away and looked at him, her eyes stinging from tears. With the heels of her hands, she dried her cheeks. "Except, I became like him in some ways, Camnath. I revelled in the fact my fellow recruits saw me as a leader. I basked in some of the glory. I showed off."

She sniffed, loud, although her tears were beginning to lessen. Camnath retook her hand, gently stroked her knuckles with his thumb, waiting for her to continue.

"Once I learned of his involvement with Kel'thuzad, Dar'Khan and Arthas, it was too late. I discovered my friends, slaughtered by him then turned into undead at the hands of necromancers schooled by his cohort, Kel'Thuzad; it was only then I finally woke up." She caught her breath. "He had been so brutal Camnath, and he opened the way for Dar'Khan and Arthas to annihilate Quel'thalas and murder my family."

She took a few moments as she tried to banish those images. Eventually, a faint smile adorned her lips. "Then, you and I met each other again. You were the ghost from my past, a constant, beautiful memory, my hope, my dream. For the first time in years, I felt alive - truly alive." Her fleeting smile waned, and a distant look entered her eyes. "But, then I saw that portrait in the barn, and now I feel damaged, unclean again -"

"Wait! What portrait?"

"Sauren. There was a portrait in the library at the headquarters. The recruits helped gather the books and paintings. They brought that one along too. Brett didn't know, though, he apologised."

Camnath nodded. "And this portrait, has - what? Made you question yourself? Question us?"

Her eyes focused, and she looked directly at him. "Are you trying to tell me that a few moments ago, you did not question me, also? Were you not going to leave me - again, Camnath?"

He lowered his head. A moment later, he took a deep breath. "We both have our regrets, Tiene. My biggest one was leaving you that night, and I have lived that with guilt all these years. And yes, just now I felt like the self-piteous, cowardly, stupid bastard, I was back then. But I came back this time. And I'm here to stay. With you."

Tiene stared at him. His beautiful mouth smiled, warm, sincere, loving. She exhaled as if a huge weight had just lifted from her shoulders.

Camnath lightly brushed her cheek with the backs of his fingers. "I love you Tiene, no matter what you had to do to get through those years. To me, you are still that girl in the meadow, teaching a love-struck boy how to stealth using magic. You will always be her...with a better body now, I must admit..." He grinned.

She laughed. Camnath pulled her close, laughing lightly with her. "I'm sorry, my love. I warned you I wasn't very eloquent at these things. I guess I hoped that now, we would sail into the future, our past firmly behind us. I know now, there are things which happened that have moulded us into who we are today. But, my sweet lady -" He cupped her chin. "I have, and always will love you, my darling, Tiene Firefury."

He kissed her softly, and the two of them sat amid the ferns and grasses, watching the sunset through the trees, ending one more busy day.

                                     ________________________________________________

Thank you for reading!!!

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