Dedicated to Sara@Finfychan for allowing me to incorporate her wonderful character Louvel Nottley in this story.  I hope I have done him justice.

The following morning, Tiene rose bright and early having heard a cock crowing from somewhere nearby. She washed and dressed, then spent some time brushing her hair thinking of Camnath and her family. She could not help but put a little lip balm, eyeliner and blusher on.

She looked at her little pots of magic, as she called them. It hadn't occurred to her until now, but suddenly she wondered where she might purchase some more when she needed them? Could she dare visit Aledine for more when she went home sometime? That would be a bit cheeky, she thought with a smile. Perhaps she would look today in the city. Her training was not due to start until tomorrow so she could look around.

She would need to find out what the protocol was though for students leaving the grounds. She wondered if anyone would be awake yet. She daren't just leave, that might be considered bad manners, or against rules or something. She could at least go to the library meantime.

Squeezing into her leather boots, then fastening a cape around her shoulders, she quietly opened her door. Sauren's rooms lay directly across the hall from hers. She waited, listening for any movement - nothing; silence. He was probably still asleep. It was early after all. She slipped out of her room and closed the door softly behind her.

She remembered where the library was situated easy enough. As she passed the dining hall, the smell of freshly baked bread drifted towards her. The kitchens, located to the rear of the room, offered up wonderful aromas. They permeated the air, making her feel all warm and gooey. The combination of ham, eggs, mushrooms all smelled delicious.

As all dining took place over two sittings, she decided to opt for the second one, or else buy something in the city, if she found out she was allowed leave of course. Meanwhile, she would visit the library.

The moment she opened the door, she was drawn back to the portrait of her parents. She could not get over how amazing they were, and her father looked so young! She smiled. As she looked at Lina's image, she could see the resemblance between mother and daughter - right down to the slight upturn of her nose. She continued to stare at the painting.

Observing quietly, Sauren sat on the window ledge to the right of the main door, one foot poised on the sill, with bended knee. His elbow loosely resting on it he held a book casually. He'd smiled as she'd entered the library. Somehow he knew she would pay an early visit. He noted how like her mother she was. She possessed the same grace and beauty.

Since witnessing the Firefury's in action, he had wished to emulate their sleek, stylish moves but had never succeeded in finding a partner capable enough. Yathas and Lina's excellent skills resulted in their successful and pristine execution of missions and made them legends of the guild.

But all those he had tried to initiate, failed to reach his ultimate goal. The day Yathas' letter arrived, he had become hopeful of finally finding his dream partner. His curiosity could be staid no longer, and when he'd heard Brett was going to a wedding Yathas and his family would also be attending, he could not help but insist he accompany his right-hand man.

He recognised Yathas as soon as he'd arrived at the wedding. The man was much older than when he had last seen him, but he nonetheless possessed the same stature and poise. He was still, undoubtedly, a great man.

It was only the second time he had met him outside of the Blades' complex since he'd left. The memory of the day he'd advised Sa'themar he was resigning, swept across Sauren's mind. It had been a sad day.

Sauren had been greeted warmly at the wedding by the ex-Blade. Yathas spoke kindly, remembering him as a young boy spying on him and his wife Lina as they were put through their paces. They had occasionally tutored him too. Fond memories indeed.

Sauren knew there were two sons and a daughter although he had never met them. Yathas and Lina had secreted them away in their home city of Silvermoon. Friends had looked after the boys when the two assassins were on missions for the guild. But their family became their centre, their focus, their world. They were proud of their children, and when their daughter reached her tenth year, they'd planned to retire from the life of espionage, thievery, and assassination once and for all.

As it turned out, fate brought that day around much sooner than anticipated — it was a sad day indeed for the Crimson Blade.

Time had marched on though, and one day a letter arrived from Yathas, requesting his daughter enrol with the guild. Sauren was going to meet the Firefury daughter, who wished to follow in her parent's footsteps.

She had, by all accounts, sounded a promising pupil from his sources. He had no doubt she would be beautiful too, just as her mother had been, but, he had not expected her to have quite the impact she did on him.

When he saw her in that ice-blue gown, he saw much more than just a promising partner in the field of espionage and covert missions.

And now, she was here. His pupil. His possession.

He slapped the book shut in his hand, smiling a little wickedly, seeing Tiene jump at the sound. He couldn't contain his mirth as she spun around.

"Sorry, I did not mean to frighten you," he said light-heartedly. "Startle you, yes - a little maybe."

She laughed, having composed herself. "That you did! I thought you were still sleeping."

Pushing himself off the sill, he moved across the room, placing the book in a gap on one of the shelves. "Oh? Did you listen at my door, Tiene?" he asked, his voice a quiet rasp, his eyes mischievous.

She fidgeted from one foot to the other, embarrassed that he would think such a thing. "No! Not at all," she protested. "But, thinking you would still be asleep at this hour, I crept, so not to wake you."

He looked her over, before focusing on her eyes. "Most considerate," he replied. "But, I do not sleep late at any rate, not even after ... a very exhausting night."

She felt an inexplicable shiver from the way he said that but managed to conceal her discomfort by turning to the book on the dais. She had an inkling what he'd meant, thanks to her brothers' wine-soaked chats she repeatedly eavesdropped.

The best way to tackle awkwardness was to change the subject. "Might I ask what your rules are on students leaving the grounds?" she asked, turning back to face him.

He still had a sly smile on his lips. "Why, Tiene! You wound me. You have just arrived, and now you wish to leave? Are my hosting skills that dire?"

She laughed a little. "No! I have no doubt you are the perfect host. However, I am here in my capacity as a student, your pupil, not a guest..."

His eyes hardened just a shade. Tiene shared her mother's knack for assessing a situation and putting it into perspective. She had rather skilfully reminded him that he was the trainer, and she the student. Though technically, they were neither; that little detail, however, could wait until later. She had, nevertheless, albeit subtly, set the boundaries.

"What I meant was, as my training does not start until the morrow, am I permitted to explore the city?"

He raised his eyebrows. "You wish for a tour?"

"Well, I have never been to Capital City before, and I hoped to see some of it before you drill me in the ways of a rogue."

A small cough caught in his throat, but his fist covered his mouth to hide a smirk. An unfortunate turn of phrase, he thought. "On one condition then," he said, having recovered.

"What is that?"

"As you are not officially my pupil until tomorrow, you will allow me to escort you."

Tiene was very surprised at the offer. "Don't you have other pupils to see to, though?"

"That is why, Tiene, I employ trainers. To teach students," he said, raising his eyebrows.

She lowered her head, feeling somewhat foolish. "Of course. Can we go now then?"

He smiled at her impatience. "Have you had breakfast yet?"

"No, I was considering buying something when I was in the city."

"Hmm," an idea formed. "We could always steal some. A little exercise in stealth?"

"I thought you said I was not your pupil until tomorrow." She grinned.

"Oh, you are very astute, Tiene." He laughed lightly. "Very well, if you will not eat from my table here, then you will eat from one I frequent elsewhere."

"Fair enough," she agreed.

*****

The city was already buzzing for all the early hour of the day. Carts and barrows were trundling through the cobbled streets while stallholders were going about their daily task of setting up shop and displaying their goods. Butchers sharpened their hatchets and knives ready for the slaughter of innocents which would end up on someone's dinner table that night.

Sauren stayed back a little as Tiene enjoyed taking in everything around her. She still possessed a childlike quality with her curiosity. That was most definitely all that was childish about her though, he thought. As he watched her move back and forth to different stalls, he appreciated her body - tempting, teasing, curved and soft - capable of taking and giving pleasure he was sure.

He looked away to try stem such thoughts. She would be within his reach for a minimum of five years. That was the contract agreed and signed by her father. It was the time it usually took to turn someone into a swift, highly skilled and deadly Blade. Reports in response to his enquiries before Tiene joined them, however, suggested she would reach her peak earlier. And, if her parentage was anything to go by, he was confident that would be the case.

She was stopping at nearly every stall which was open for business, but his stomach growled, he was ready for breakfast. He came up behind her as she examined small trinkets and snuff boxes.

His dark eyes met that of the stallholder, an older woman with an ample bosom, ruddy complexion and blue eyes. Leaning towards Tiene's ear, he said. "May I suggest we have breakfast now, or otherwise I may have to eat you."

The busty woman made a cooing noise followed by a little chortle, bringing chubby fingers to her lips in a bid to cover the fact she was missing a tooth. Sauren smirked, then his eyes reverted to Tiene.

The blonde turned to face him. "You must be hungry then to think you can eat me," she replied innocently.

Once more, he glanced at the stallholder. "Oh, you have no idea," he said, knowing the woman would be sent almost into rapture by the innuendo and his gravelly voice.

The woman's chortle was like a bark causing Tiene to look up at her. The stallholder instantly turned away, embarrassed. Tiene glanced back at Sauren, whose grin said it all.

He had been deliberately teasing the stallholder. Although the poor woman did not seem to mind - in fact, she seemed to have had enjoyed it -Tiene felt a little uncomfortable. The Guild Master was a flirt and enjoyed taunting the fairer sex. She then reminded herself her brothers, Inaris in particular, did precisely the same.

"Okay, let's eat," she said. They turned to leave but not before Sauren tossed a coin to the fawning stallholder. She caught it in her sausage-like fingers. "Thank you, sir," she panted. His smile made her coo again.

He took Tiene to an inn in the centre of the busy trade area. It was cosy, with low ceilings, small-paned windows and tables in the middle of the room. Further back were some booths for those who wanted more privacy. At this hour, it was relatively quiet still, though three of the tables out front were taken.

Blacksmiths, sporting their dirty hands and aprons, were devouring food at one table. Seated at another was a young couple, obviously in love, as they held hands over their plates. The last table had four shady-looking individuals, which Tiene could not even guess their status.

Two booths in the back were also occupied. One by a trio of men huddled together speaking animatedly about something of the utmost importance going by the waving of arms and shaking of heads. At the other sat a lone figure, well dressed and wearing a monocle. He had a bottle of wine in front of him, quietly sipping away, watching all going on around him. He almost looked out of place.

But then, so did Sauren in his well-tailored dark blue jacket and trousers tucked into riding boots. He was always immaculate, every time she saw him. Even yesterday, when he was relaxed, greeting them as they arrived, he wore a plain white shirt with tan leather trousers and still looked amazing.

He ushered her to one of the remaining booths, where they were quickly attended to by a young waitress.

Sauren looked at the girl, the smallest of twitches playing at the corners of his mouth. The platinum-haired half-elf had transfixed her.

Lazily, he looked towards Tiene. "What would you like?"

"Do you have ham and eggs? Oh, and moonberry muffins, do you have those?" she asked the girl. The waitress did not answer; her gaze was lingering on Sauren.

Tiene looked at them both, waiting. Sauren huffed. "My guest asked you a question, girl. Answer her." His was voice low, almost angry.

"Oh!" She jolted from her lapse of concentration and looked at Tiene, then lowered her eyes. "Forgive me. What did you ask for ma'am."

"Ma'am?" Tiene giggled at being given such notability. "I am not worthy of such an address."

The girl blushed. Tiene felt instantly guilty for making her feel so bad. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to mock. Please, forgive me."

The girl smiled sheepishly, stealing another glance at Sauren, whose brown eyes bore into her.

Tiene repeated her order. "Ham and eggs I asked for, and do you have moonberry muffins?"

"No ma' – Miss, I'm afraid we have no moonberry muffins, but we do have croissants, they are delicious served warm with wild berry jam."

"Ooh, that sounds lovely. I will have those as well then, please."

The girl nodded, then turned back to Sauren.

"I will have the same," he said, dismissing her without so much as a look, please or thank you.

The girl hovered until he lifted his eyes to her.

"It has been a while, Sauren," she said, her voice trembling.

Tiene sensed tension between them. Sauren looked calm, although there was a hint of irritation in his eyes. The girl seemed close to tears.

"And so it shall remain," he replied, blunt. The girl turned and fled to the kitchen.

Tiene looked at the Guild Master, questioningly. He had been very rude to the young girl and Tiene couldn't fathom his impoliteness.

He caught her looking, questioning. "She is infatuated," he offered in the way of explanation for his behaviour.

"So was the stallholder earlier, yet you were nice to her," Tiene said matter-of-factly. Years of chastising Inaris for his behaviour towards the fairer sex was hard to shake. But, this was her Guild Master, and he was buying her breakfast. She blushed profusely and apologised under her breath.

Sauren was speechless. He was not used to having his behaviour called into question, at least not since he was a child, and most definitely not by a beautiful woman - a trainee at that. The fact she was now painfully embarrassed at having spoken in such a manner, however, amused him. He sat up straight, flexing his neck slightly. "Some are harmless fixations, Tiene, others are... well, unhealthy, shall we say."

A small burst of laughter came from the booth next to them. Tiene's eyes flashed across to the monocled individual who was sipping his wine. He wore a grin on his lips.

Turning her attention back to Sauren, she nodded and replied, "I see." Though she didn't; not really. She was still flustered by both his rudeness and her scolding him.

"Perhaps you will - one day." Sauren managed a tight smile, confident his explanation was accepted.

Another small chortle. This time Sauren heard it and twisted round to the booth next to them. Its monocled occupier just looked at the handsome half-elf and continued sipping his wine. "Do you have something to contribute, Nottley?" Sauren hissed.

The man slowly lowered his glass, his eyes, dark.

Tiene inadvertently reached across the table and covered Sauren's hand. At the touch of her fingers, he snapped his head back round and stared at her. She pulled away. Instinctively, Sauren reached across and grabbed her hand, closing his long fingers around it.

Tiene, surprised and wide-eyed did not dare object.

"I apologise," he said quietly, stroking her knuckles. "My behaviour has been most unbecoming in front of a lady."

"A lady?" asked the man called Nottley.

Tiene's eyes pleaded Sauren not to snap at him. He took deep breaths to cool his irritation. "Yes, Nottley," he said in a measured tone turning back to face the monocled individual. "She is most definitely a lady. I introduce you to Tiene Firefury."

Nottley poked his head around the seats of the booth. "A Firefury, you say?"

It was now Tiene noticed the man was beyond his first bottle of wine. She smiled. "Yes, that's right. Nottley, is it?"

The man turned in his seat, to face the two diners. "Do not be like that young whipper-snapper," he pointed to Sauren, whose expression had changed considerably. It was lighter now. "Calling people by their surnames, I hate that. No! My name is Louvel. Louvel Nottley." He nodded courteously.

"Pleased to meet you Louvel," Tiene said, leaning forward, removing her hand from Sauren's slender fingers and offering it to Louvel.

"Likewise," Louvel responded, shaking her hand. "And you are a Firefury? As in Yathas and Lina?"

Tiene nodded.

The monocled man smiled broadly. "Then you are more of a Princess than a Lady."

She was quite overwhelmed by this compliment and laughed lightly.

"And you would know all about royalty, wouldn't you ... Nottley," Sauren said. Tiene stared at him, momentarily unnerved by his tone once more, until she saw him smiling. Those amazing teeth were on display again.

The colourfully dressed man tutted. "Whipper-snapper."

"I take it you two are not at loggerheads then?" she said, her eyes flitting between them.

Louvel and Sauren laughed. "No, Tiene, we are not." Sauren explained, "I have tried to persuade this man to join us on numerous occasions, but he flatly refuses."

She felt enormous relief. "Oh? You are a rogue?" she asked, wide-eyed. He hardly looked like the stereotypical assassin with his bright and slightly eccentric choice of attire, monocle and unkempt black hair. She couldn't imagine him blending in with his surroundings very well, not unless they were at a fayre, that is. "So who do you work for, if you don't mind my asking?" she said.

Louvel held her gaze, steady. Pretty little thing, he thought. "Myself! I will not join or follow anyone; it gets too complicated."

"But, is there not sometimes an advantage to working with others, say in large espionage missions?"

"Pfft!" Louvel huffed. "The only advantage in that is following where the squads go then nipping in and grabbing the loot before they know what's hit them. But that is also inclined to be messy."

Sauren laughed out loud. "So that's why some of my people come back with pitiful hauls. It's because you have been there already, thieving from thieves."

Louvel grinned. "Ahh! I would not dare step on your toes, Sauren Nightflame."

"Hmm, just as I would not touch that ludicrous coat of yours," Sauren laughed.

Tiene looked puzzled.

Sauren explained. "If anyone were to so much as put a pinprick in that coat he would disembowel them."

Tiene raised her eyebrows. Over a coat? She thought.

"My wife made it for me. I treasure it," Louvel informed her proudly. His expression unexpectedly changed as he looked at the floor. He shifted, sharp, and jumped in his seat before he stomped his foot loudly. Twice. The action caused Tiene to flinch.

Louvel looked up, slightly sheepishly. "Spider," he said apologetically, scraping his foot across the floorboards. "I hate bugs. Of any kind." He shuddered. Then he shook again.

She tried to suppress a smile and had to look away at Sauren, who rolled his eyes at Louvel's phobia.

The young waitress reappeared carrying their plates of ham and eggs while a young boy followed with the croissants. "Thank you," Tiene said, smiling at the girl. She had been crying. Tiene glanced at Sauren, who once more chose to ignore the waitress. The girl curtsied, then left with the young boy scuffling closely behind.

"Have you had breakfast?" she asked Louvel, although her eyes trailed after the young girl.

He held up his glass. "On my seconds," he said with a grin. Tiene turned back to Louvel. She thought it was more than just a tad early for alcohol, but said nothing.

Pointing at Sauren, glass still in hand, he asked Tiene, "So, what are you doing with the whipper-snapper, Tiene?"

She glanced at Sauren to find him smirking at the rogue's name for him. She could not help but grin herself. "He is going to be my trainer," she replied before taking a mouthful of delicious creamy herbed eggs.

Louvel stifled a laugh. Sauren glared at him and dabbing his mouth with his napkin turned to Tiene. "I have a confession to make," he said.

"And what is that?" she asked, eyebrows raised.

"I have not been a trainer for the last three years, nor will I be your mentor."

"Oh!" This piece of news surprised her.

"Since my father died, I became the commander of the guild. He had trained me for the eventuality. I do take groups out on training exercises periodically, but I mainly lead missions with my more qualified rogues. My employees, however, will be your full-time trainers."

She stopped munching and swallowed. "So you lied to me at the wedding?"

"Wedding?" Louvel's eyes widened, staring at Sauren. "But you're ..."

"It was a wedding in Ghostlands which Brett and I attended," Sauren replied hastily. "That is where I first met Tiene. I was curious to see how my new recruit would measure up." He met Louvel's stare, his eyes holding menace at bay.

The eccentric grinned, shrugged then took another swig of wine.

"And I didn't lie, Tiene." Sauren returned his attention to the blonde, looking apologetic. "I just understated the truth a little."

She smirked. She would allow him that. Her attention then moved back to the brightly clad Louvel. "So, from what Sauren hinted earlier, am I to understand you have some link to royalty?"

Louvel extended his pinky as he took another sip of wine. Adopting a lofty pose, he then addressed Tiene's question. "Ahh, well that is a long story and one I prefer to keep to myself. No offence, you understand. Must have some mystery, you know. But yes, there is blue blood in my veins."

Sauren guffawed. "Only from the copious amounts of Brightsong wine, you consume."

Laughter rippled around the company at the Guild Master's quip. Breakfast resumed amid small chit-chat, the mood was light.

Sauren afforded a glowing commendation about Louvel. He told Tiene the monocled connoisseur was considered one of the most excellent rogues alive, and that was why he had wanted him to join the guild. But the 'blue-blood' refused time and again, stating that such an arrangement would be detrimental to his craft. He only carried out work which paid well and where all the takings were for himself.

Even with more than generous offers from Sauren, the eccentric rogue flatly refused to join the guild. Louvel could not be persuaded to change his mind.

It was apparent Sauren had a lot of respect for this bizarre individual, and there seemed to be a genuine camaraderie between them. There was the odd moment where they seemed to dance around unspoken secrets, however, but that was fine with Tiene. Everyone had a little privileged information.

Sauren threw some coins on the table to cover the cost of breakfast. He even left enough for another bottle of wine for Louvel, which was gratefully accepted.

As they stood to take their leave, the monocled rogue smiled up at Tiene. "Good luck, young lady. I'm sure you will rise to dizzying heights. And should you ever care for an evening of wine and good banter, I am usually in the vicinity."

"Thank you, Louvel. I will most definitely take that offer up sometime. It has been an absolute delight."

He raised his glass as they exited the inn. He watched as they passed the window and blended into the medley of market-day stalls in Capital City. She had seemed a nice lass, he mused. The guild she was now a part of was undoubtedly the best this side of the Great Sea. At least it was when Sa'themar ran things.

Sauren was a likeable enough young man, but there was a side to him of which Louvel could only guess. A dark side. Precisely what he dabbled in he did not know, for Sauren was incredibly intelligent and cautious, but the cub was swept up by the power his position gave him, and it seemed to make him want more. Always more.

In another area, news had leaked out about his, how could one put it - perversions of the flesh? It had cost a life or two, yes, but it was out there, not everyone was able to keep secrets.

He hoped for Tiene's sake she was not going to end up as one of Sauren's playthings. Not that all had complained, some positively swooned about his alleged ability in the bedroom, but Tiene possessed a quiet dignity and hailed from an impressive bloodline. It would be a crime should that be tainted by the young man's insatiable sexual hunger.

Louvel Nottley, The Noble, would keep an ear to the ground and would hope, for Tiene's sake, he never heard the sound of her world crashing around her feet.

Sauren and Tiene had spent another couple of hours exploring the city. He showed her the keep where King Terenas Menethil II ruled, and his son Prince Arthas was tutored in combat by none other than Muradin Bronzebeard, brother of the dwarven king, Magni Bronzebeard.

These were names she had heard over the years but never truly paid attention. She had led a sheltered life in Silvermoon and politics and such like had never really interested her. But, her Guild Master made these things sound fascinating.

Sauren delivered Tiene safely back to her quarters after she had bought some things in the market. He smiled as she tried to conceal the little pots of face paint and a bottle of scented water. Did she think he would disapprove, or laugh? The truth was he liked that she wanted to make the most of herself, even though she didn't need it.

His mind, as always, when alone with a beautiful woman, strayed to more carnal desires. He had no idea if Tiene was still intact or not, although he suspected she was. He couldn't imagine that ebony-haired elf she was with at the wedding having either the time nor probably the guts to bed her.

Sauren had deflowered many a young woman, but few did he involve any further. They bored him after a while with their pretend 'oohing' and 'ahhing'. He was not stupid; he knew when it was fake. Other than the two lovely courtesans - who had provided his education in such matters - there had been only one woman who had been constant for him - his wife. Such a pity, she had proven to be barren. Sex with her had been mind-blowing in the beginning, but her inability to produce an heir took its toll on the marriage. She then wanted her own rooms and refused to allow him near her. That triggered other emotions in him.

So he played the field.

The lack of an heir was shameful in the eyes of his peers. And those who resented him found anything in which he failed, amusing.

The situation worsened when two women he had bedded claimed they were carrying his child. Now that he knew it was Piper who was barren, the thought of a bastard child angered him even more somehow. He swiftly had the women carted off to the surgeon whose hand he liberally painted in gold to alleviate 'the problem'.

He was advised to have his "pets" drink an elixir before sex; this would prevent the need for such drastic measures in the future.

Ironically, a renowned herbalist had supplied him with the necessary prior to his marriage to Piper. They had been careful; he had wanted to spare her the shame of being with child outwith wedlock. But, the knowledge that it had been unnecessary with her, just rubbed salt into an already deep wound.

He then had a constant supply brought in and Piper removed from the grounds.

However, with Tiene, his 'prized pet', he would wait. No matter how frustrated he became or how much he ached for her, he would leave her be until the time felt right. Tiene was going to be worth the wait.

As the night drew to a close, his needs peaked. A pageboy was sent, as usual, to the female dorms and told which one to bring.

The young girl knew what was in store, and she smiled to her dorm mates as she quickly splashed a bit of scented water behind her ears and in more intimate areas. Then she painted her lips a warm, rose pink.

She followed the pageboy who hushed her as they ascended the stairs to Sauren's rooms. The girl glanced at the door opposite when the pageboy indicated she keep quiet. He opened Sauren's door and ushered her inside. The soft click of the door closing told her the pageboy was gone.

She stood, heart beating, juices flowing as she caught sight of Sauren's naked magnificence, toned, muscled. He moved with such confidence - he was utterly erotic, his allure added to by the cloth bonds he held over his shoulder.

He stopped in front of her, his hand sliding around her nightgown and gripping her left buttock. She marvelled at the tattoo of a serpent writhing around a blade on his chest. She traced it with her fingers.

He grinned. "Evening Lexie," he said in his dark gravelly voice.

"Evening - Master," she cooed.

He slapped her butt and pushed her toward his bed.

Thank you for reading :) All comments, advice and suggestions are most welcome. Should you like this chapter, please be kind enough to vote, it would be most appreciated.