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.

Camnath and Tiene spent the night at Farstrider Enclave. Tiene had insisted the Magister's head was placed in a sack for her to deliver to Lor'themar the next day. The rest of Dar'Khan's body was dismembered, burned and then scattered to the four corners of Quel'thalas. Tiene saw it as assurance Dar'Khan would never rise again.

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

https://youtu.be/yUo9WMPmEpE

As the night drew to an end, Camnath tended Tiene's wounded shoulders and arms, gently bathing and dressing the cuts. While nothing serious he insisted they were cleaned to prevent infection.

He knew Tiene was exhausted from their day's work, perhaps more emotional than physical, but he was content to sit next to her in bed, just holding her in his arms. He planted little kisses of reassurance on her brow to let her know he was there for her.

She whispered she loved him. Soon after she slipped into the land of dreams snuggling against him, fingers laced in his long ebony hair.

With Tiene in his arms, Camnath no longer thought of the past with bitterness. He had set aside his hurt years ago, although his concern for her had never lapsed. Through the ever-informative rogues' network, he had heard snippets about her accomplishments, her progress, and the respect awarded from others in the profession. Inevitably, Sauren's name was always intertwined.

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

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

There was still a residue of resentment toward Sauren, even though he was now dead. The monster had stolen years which should have belonged to Camnath and Tiene.

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

His homeland, broken, in ruins, was not 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."

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 they would grow to be a nation again.

Their beloved Quel'thalas would return as eternal spring one day and perhaps he and Tiene would see their children running through the meadows among butterflies and dragonhawks. 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.

Looking down at her face, he could not help but feel 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.

Sad although the memory was, he recalled her on the beach, watching the boat carrying her family towards their final horizon. Although lost and heartbroken, still she had remained dignified, firm, 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 him. 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." He kissed her brow and slid down beside her, pulling her into his embrace.

She sighed. "I would give anything to stay like this," she said. "Promise me you'll never leave me, Camnath."

"I promise. I will 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 smiled, snuggling 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 closer.

"You will always win when it comes to talking Tiene, that doesn't count." He laughed softly.

She nipped him, and he flinched.

"Go to sleep, woman." His face was beaming from her mischievousness.

She nipped him again, laughing as she did so.

Camnath rolled her over, pinning her hands either side of her head. A moment of surprise flickered in her eyes. "I'm telling you, I love you more," she said. Her eyes glistened, a teasing grin playing on her soft mouth.

Smiling, Camnath brushed her hair away from her face, and his fingers stroked her cheek. "You can tell me all you want, my love, but I will 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 which tumbled 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 would be an arduous task.

As the Sin'dorei worked methodically clearing away the rubble and cleaning up the city, it was apparent 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, without magic. The glory days were over, and it saddened Tiene immensely.

All the more so now, knowing she had no home to return to, no father waiting to hug her and no Inaris or Duthan to tease her. As the thoughts flooded her mind, her pace slowed. Her chest tightened, and her eyes brimmed with tears.

She had been fine that morning, even when she started on the journey to the city. Perhaps it hadn't seemed real then. 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. Tiene stood, head down, trembling. He moved to her side and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him. He did not need to ask, he knew, and he felt her pain too.

She put her arm around his waist, her fingers wringing his tunic. It was an effort to control her breathing, to fight down the all-consuming grief. A few moments passed, and she nodded to let him know she would be alright. He kissed her brow, his lips lingering upon her skin.

"Tiene?"

Camnath and Tiene 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. 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 almost akin to a regretful smile on 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 tears in her eyes. Sedrine's shoulders rose and fell as she tried to regain composure. "I am truly sorry, Tiene."

Still confronting her sorrow, Tiene was nevertheless able to appreciate the sentiment. It probably took courage for Sedrine to approach her.

Mustering some dignity of her own Tiene thanked Sedrine and enquired if her family were alright. They were. Tiene smiled, although it didn't reach her eyes.

She turned to leave when Sedrine moved 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 done ... to both of you, in the past." She glanced at Camnath, an uncertain smile flickering on her mouth.

Tiene was overwhelmed. Quite why Sedrine felt the need to say that, she did not know, but it somehow had a profound effect on her. She hugged the woman gently. "I appreciate that Sedrine. Let us leave the past where it belongs and look ahead now, work towards a brighter tomorrow."

Sedrine smiled. "Yes, I hope so, Tiene. Thank you." Then the almond-eyed woman looked at Camnath. She was awarded a smile and a nod from the ebony-haired elf. Sedrine then turned and left.

Camnath looked at Tiene, eyebrows raised. It had been an odd moment but her reaction to Sedrine's words made him love Tiene all the more. He pulled her close and gave her a soft kiss. "You never cease to amaze me," he said.

Wrapping her arm around his waist again, they continued towards Sunfury Spire. It was tempting to look through Murder Row, hopeful to see if the Students of Shadow had survived the damage. But, realising such hopes were unrealistic considering the carnage throughout the city, she decided to forego the visit. 

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

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

"Yes, but perhaps more aid will arrive. Prince Kael'thas may find more 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, he held many more pieces of parchment.

Tiene smiled as she watched him striding towards the Rangers. Focused on the scroll, Lor'themar did not notice her or Camnath until he looked up and started to speak with one of the Ranger lieutenants.

He smiled broadly, indicating he would be with the couple shortly. Once he finished with business, the Rangers turned and marched toward Farstrider Square.

Lor'themar came forward and hugged Tiene, warmly. "Oh, it is good to see you, Tiene." He looked at Camnath and held out his hand. The elves shook hands.

Tiene was surprised at the sound of relief in Lor'themar's voice - as if she was a welcome distraction. Studying his face, she saw how tired he looked. He was challenged with making decisions which perhaps were not meant, ordinarily, for him to make.

The once fastidious Ranger who had worked his way up the ranks, earning respect from all his peers seemed distant, like a memory.

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

In his place was a man who shouldered responsibilities he did not ask for, nor indeed believed he was capable of executing. Yet, she knew he could do whatever was required. Lor'themar was not a man to 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 your final blows which ended him. There was no need to evidence it, but thank you. You have both honoured Quel'thalas with a great service."

He signalled to one of the guards who stood at the entrance of 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 of a habitable condition.

Large cracks ran to the domed ceiling, drawing elaborate designs across the plaster, exposing some of the raw brick behind. The once beautiful chandeliers hung on fractured chains minus their candle lights, looking like rusty, iron skeletons robbed of their grandeur. Dust particles danced and swirled on the sun's rays as they filtered through the remaining stained glass panes, dangerous shards still sitting in place and others 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 for the surroundings. Camnath and Tiene smiled, telling him not to concern himself with trivial things. He invited them to sit.

He crossed to a sideboard where an assortment of wines sat. Tiene noted he still carried the scroll with him. He laid it down as he stood deliberating which was the best wine to choose. After pouring some for his guests, he brought over their glasses. 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 Lord 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 them for years too, Tiene, do not forget that."

She flinched. Camnath took her hand, interlocking his fingers with hers.

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

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

The Ranger Lord 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.

Picking up 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 Queen, 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?"

He leaned forward and presented the scroll. "Here, this tells you." He handed the letter to his sister.

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 never afraid of hard work, ruling a nation was not his idea of a career choice. 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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