The bulk of demon hunters were already experienced soldiers, offering the new Illidari years of accumulated expertise and knowledge. They came with varied and specialised styles of fighting. Their demonic abilities, however, needed to be nurtured, but at the same time, the Illidari had to learn to keep their inner demons under control.

Tiene flourished. Her established skills as an exceptional rogue and her new demonic traits gelled perfectly.

She embraced the tactics she and Camnath had developed and used them to full effect when she fought alongside her fellow Illidari. As always, her husband kept her focused.

She was not opposed to giving credit to her years spent with the Crimson Blades also. No-one who knew him could deny her Guild Master had been a monster in so many ways, but Sauren had certainly trained Tiene well. Even his advice telling her when to rein in her abilities lest they lead others to a fatal error was invaluable.

And Louvel's input stayed with her also. She incorporated the Shado-Pan moves into her new demonic fighting technique.

She found herself growing stronger, faster and fiercer as each day passed. As a demon hunter, Tiene had a supreme level of mobility. She could jump inordinately high and lift off to full flight. Debilitating eye beams cut through her enemies like the keenest of honed blades.

Tiene's vitality was replenished by consuming fragments of demons' souls; an invaluable source of sustenance which fed her inner beast, the felhunter, thus making her invincible.

Reports of Tiene's feats on the battlefield soon reached the Lord of Outland's ears. Her sharp intuition, focus and precise tactics had proved time and again to be pivotal in the successful and timeous slaughter of countless demons.

She found herself rapidly earning more respect with increasing numbers of demon hunters waiting to hear her orders. She never lost sight of who the ultimate leader was, however, and this, too, was rewarded. She was given the rank of Lieutenant, and she stood side by side with Arcaena and a fellow Sin'dorei, Kayn Sunfury.

Time, however, was running out for the Lord of Outland. His governing the Black Temple was refuted by many, none more so than the Elder of the Broken, Akama. He was angered for Illidan had not relinquished the Temple to his holy order as promised. In the process, many of Akama's people perished, and the Broken proclaimed Illidan as a liar and evil-doer.

Tiene recalled Akoth's warning - "Know your friends from your enemies." She wished she had been more observant in this case, but it seemed Illidan was not without his suspicions about the Elder. Yet, he still trusted divisions of the Ashtongue - the demon hunter was thorough and weeded out those who were duplicitous.

Humans, dwarves, elves, along with draenei and those of Horde affiliation were battling their way to the Temple and it's Lord.

"Look at them," Illidan said, surveying the encroaching army from his viewpoint at the Temple's zenith. "They do not realise they aim to destroy the only chance they have of salvation."

"Why do they come for you?" Tiene asked as she stood beside the great demon hunter and his lieutenants.

"They are fools, Tiene. They do not see beyond their arrogance and ignorance."

"They have judged you wrongly, my love," Arcaena said.

Illidan smiled at his wife, cupping her chin with his taloned hand. She cooed as she looked up at her husband, nestling against his touch.

Kayn smirked awkwardly at Tiene. The demon hunters' occasional show of affection for each other always made Kayn uncomfortable. He fidgeted from one foot to the other, keeping his gaze fixed on the approaching masses below.

"Illidari," Illidan called, standing back from the edge. "We must take the fight to the source. You must go to Mardum and retrieve the sargerite keystone. It is the heart of my plan to defeat the Legion."

Then, uttering some ancient Thalassian spell, he cast a bolt to the back of the landing and a portal opened before the demon hunters.

"Go now," he said. "Do not fail, or the Legion will burn this world and all others. The keystone is also your only way to return to me at the Black Temple."

"No! Illidan, we must stay and fight with you," Arcaena protested.

"I will take care of these fools, Arcaena. You, along with our lieutenants, must lead our demon hunters through Mardum."

"Once we find this sargerite keystone, what then, Lord Illidan?" Tiene asked.

Illidan turned to face her. "We will then attack the demons in the very place they least expect. Their homeworld, Argus. Let them feel what it is like to watch their homes burn."

The lieutenants listened as Illidan explained what they would need to do. The fight through Mardum would be tough but what worried Tiene more was the time it could take them to achieve their goal successfully.

Looking over the ramparts of the Temple, the numbers pressing forward were vast. And even more concerning, was their ambition - they were hellbent on reaching her leader. She scanned the immediate area for any signs of the traitorous Akama and his new allies the Wardens, but so far, they were nowhere in sight.

"Tiene!" Illidan said, sharp.

"Sorry, my Lord I was checking the entrances here."

"You must focus on what needs doing in Mardum. Have you understood what is required?"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Then go, all of you."

Tiene believed in her leader implicitly. Illidan was indeed a formidable force, but even he would not be able to hold off the numbers which approached the temple indefinitely. She feared for his safety, as did Arcaena.

"I am ready, my Lord," Tiene said, standing straight. With Kayn beside her, they ran through the portal followed by their squads. Arcaena stayed behind a few moments more and bade her husband farewell with a kiss then she was through the portal with the others.

Tiene's recollection of events following their passage to Mardum was somewhat foggy, patchy and came to her in snippets.

She and her cohorts had to activate three gateways to allow the Lord's allies into Mardum and aid the demon hunters in sourcing the sargerite keystone. Each lieutenant led their squad to their designated portal — Kayn to the one for the Ashtongue while Arcaena led the way to the Shivarra, sabre-bearing female demons, each with six arms. And Tiene opened the way for the Coilskar, a division of the sea-dwelling Naga.

"Camnath."

She could recall the sounds of warglaives clashing against swords and polearms when they fought through the endless run of demons blocking their way. Bodies of the foul creatures lay gutted at their feet as the army of Illidari pressed on.

"Camnath."

A long, arduous battle ensued. Tiene was injured, but still, she fought, absorbing the demons' souls to sustain her. The final enemy was a female arachnid, demonised to an even more hideous creature with spider-web wings and huge blade-like antlers. She was the keeper of the sargerite keystone and fought fiercely to protect it. The Illidari were relentless and would fight to their last breath if need be for their Lord and master.

"Camnath."

Someone called out the keystone was now secured, and all were to move forward and prepare the way back to the Black Temple. Tiene saw a portal form ahead. Blinded by the green swirling mass, they pressed through. On arrival, they were shocked to find their Lord was incapacitated.

"Camnath."

Green clad warriors with arced weapons stood guard over the now-imprisoned Illidan. Arcaena wailed and shouted for the Illidari to save their Lord. They tried, but one of those green-clad warriors stopped them effortlessly. "You bear the mark of his corruption!" the warrior said, her voice laced with venom. "And so the demon's blood within you will be your prison."

Tiene's weapons were ripped from her, and she watched, helpless as the felblood became her sarcophagus.

"Camnath!"

*****

How much time had passed, Tiene knew not. Her vision of the world was distorted, green and hazy, encased within the fel. But, she was aware many of her colleagues were similarly subdued nearby, incarcerated within their felblood prisons also.

The only thing Tiene had left was the sweet memories of her husband whose face she visualised constantly, and whose name she kept repeating to herself lest she forgot over time.

Events leading up to her imprisonment were blurred, but she knew she had been fighting the Burning Legion under the leadership of Illidan Stormrage.

Then, Tiene heard a voice; the same one she'd heard during her capture. It still bore loathing, but this time with a hint of desperation. "I have spent my entire life as Keeper of the wicked, ensuring the world was safe from your kind."

Through the multi-faceted surface of her containment, Tiene saw the green-clad warrior. The figure approached Tiene's encasement. "But," the warrior said. "I would do anything to save Azeroth."

Tiene heard crystalised shards hitting the floor and grunts and groans from the demon hunters. A flare of panic soared through her - it sounded as though her fellow Illidari were being butchered.

The solidified fel then shattered around Tiene, and she stared, disbelieving as the warrior freed her remaining colleagues.

The demon hunters, both surprised and angry, looked at the warrior - the Keeper of the wicked, a Warden. Her helm hid her face, but as she turned, Tiene knew she was looking at each of them. "Illidari," she said. "Will you help us?" She unlocked the racks of warglaives then left the chamber.

The demon hunters were quick to respond, all of them sensing the presence of the Burning Legion and its minions.

A voice, familiar to Tiene, spoke from the far side of the cell. "My love," it whimpered.

Tiene turned and saw Arcaena. She watched, bemused, as Arcaena collected pieces of the felblood casing and stored them in a small pouch on her belt.

The first lieutenant looked at Tiene. "We have to find my husband," she pleaded.

Tiene nodded and was about to move forward when she heard the Warden's voice from outside the chamber. "The Burning Legion has entered Azeroth, in greater numbers than ever before. Help us, demon hunters!"

Tiene glanced back at Arcaena, still slightly confused. Arcaena hissed. "Maiev Shadowsong," she explained, inclining her chin towards the door where the warrior had left. "She has hunted Illidan for years, hellbent on capturing him and us."

"Then why has she released us?"

"You heard, Tiene. The Burning Legion has returned to Azeroth, but something is different, I can sense it. And the fight must be more than what the Azerothians can handle. Now, they need us. Now they will see the error of their ways."

"Then now we will have Lord Illidan back!" Tiene growled. "And I want that bitch's head!" She pointed towards the door.

She was surprised by Arcaena's soft laughter. "You will have to join the queue for that privilege, Tiene."

That had been almost two years ago. A decade encased in felblood within the Vault of the Wardens preceded those years too. And so much had happened since the demon hunters' release.

The Betrayer, Lord of Outland and Lord of the Illidari, Illidan Stormrage, was now imbued with the power of the Naaru and had become the saviour of Azeroth by leading the fight against the Burning Legion.

Factions had united in the war and combined resources with the Illidari to ensure their world survived.

Tiene now sat on a hillside overlooking Stormwind, the Alliance capital, and she pondered over events of the past months.

During the war, Tiene had met some interesting individuals, including two who hailed from another world, called Earth. A woman named, Sarah Metcalfe, who vouched for Lord Illidan since first she stepped into King Varian's court was instrumental in both the Lord of Outland's rescue and the final battle which resulted in a victory for Azeroth.

Tiene did not know all of Sarah's story, but she had heard the woman was absent for almost a year while the war raged on. She had been sent back to her world, by her lover, Archmage Khadgar on the premise Earth should never be subjected to the threat of the Legion again.

As it turned out, Arcaena's parting gift to Sarah played a vital role in the shape of events to come. The portal stone, comprising the felblood shards from the Vault of the Wardens and pieces of the sargerite keystone, had granted Sarah a way back to Azeroth.

And thankfully too, for they could still be sitting incarcerated within the Vault of Wardens had the woman not returned. Illidan could have remained lost in the Twisting Nether. But this Sarah, armed with a knowledge which Tiene could not fathom, rescued Illidan, and when he set foot upon Azeroth again, he was even more formidable; infused with the power of celestial beings known as the Naaru.

Now, Sarah and the Archmage Khadgar were destined to be parents, so the Earthling had remained in Azeroth.

Tiene smiled a little as she thought of the second Earthling - the man who had come to Azeroth with Sarah on her return. Drew Stewart, a dear friend of Sarah's.

He reminded Tiene of Camnath in many ways from the first moment she saw him. Perhaps it was the black hair, or his mouth, full and inviting, which first caught her attention. But, something about the way he looked at her, made her heart yearn every time. Perhaps she should not have done so, but she seduced him in the forests of Azsuna. She had felt a need for intimacy, and this man reminded her so much of her late husband. A small laugh escaped her as the memory played out.

Tiene glanced over at Arcaena, who was nestling against her beloved Illidan. It was almost comical seeing the great demon hunter sitting under a tree, one arm behind his head and the other around his woman. Tiene had never seen him so relaxed.

With a sigh, she looked out over the hills just beyond the city, towards the north. She so wanted to return home, to fulfil her promise to Camnath, but now, as time had passed, she realised a demon hunter never stopped being just that; even in death. Her soul would continue to fight demons in the Twisting Nether, thus meaning she could never be with her beloved in the afterlife.

She still had friends out there, somewhere - Lexie, Louvel, Fyn and Brett plus Thil'las and Emmek of course. And her brother, Lor'themar who she had not seen in so many years.

She did not, however, want to carry on any more. She was tired, and with her goal achieved, it was now time. Sadness knowing she could never walk with Camnath as his wife in the Twisting Nether was overwhelming. But she took some comfort in the knowledge that vengeance was now met. Nevertheless, she felt utterly alone.

"Tiene." The baritone of her leader spoke, bringing her out from her reverie.

Scrambling to her feet, Tiene afforded Illidan a respectful bow.

A low rumble of laughter rose from Illidan's chest. "There is no need for such formality on this day, Tiene."

Nodding, she kept her gaze downcast.

Illidan lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. Arcaena stood beside them, wearing her signatory lop-sided smile. "I know your story, Tiene," Illidan said. "And I know the price a demon hunter must pay."

If she could have cried, Tiene's cheeks would be glistening, but all she could manage was a bite of her lip and a quivering chin.

"Do not be sad, Sin'dorei. Your place is not here, but by your husband's side."

"It is what I wish more than anything, my Lord, but I know it is not possible."

Illidan smiled, his fangs flashing just a little as the sun reflected on his face. "Many things have changed, Tiene. Including this..." He pointed to the Naaru sigil on his forehead.

"Yes, my Lord," Tiene replied, not understanding.

"I will not lie to you, I could use your skills in the coming battles against the Void, for you are without doubt one of my best. But, I know it is not what you want nor need. So, I will bestow a gift, Sin'dorei."

Tiene watched, mesmerised as the Naaru sigil grew brighter, its radiance near blinding. Instinctively, she turned from the light, but Illidan's hand held the back of her head, so she remained facing him, and his other hand hovered over her face, partially shielding her from the glare.

He pulled her to him, and she felt a torrent of power wash over her entire body. It was not unpleasant, but she still felt a little unnerved. Gradually, the light dimmed, and Illidan released her. Something felt different, but Tiene could not ascertain what the change was.

"Leave now, Tiene; fly north as fast as you can. Go home and be with your husband," the Lord of the Illidari said, his lips curving in a generous smile.

At that moment Tiene realised what he'd done. Overcome, she struggled to catch her breath. Arcaena stepped forward and hugged her. "Go, Tiene. Be happy."

Tiene turned to leave but looked at Illidan Stormrage one final time. "Thank you, my Lord. Thank you so much!" Then unfurling her wings, she kicked off and flew like the wind.

Music: Winter's Tale composed by BrunuhVille

https://youtu.be/KOuau4q-g9c

The warm currents carried her high, and in her euphoria, Tiene spun and looped her way overland.

Soon, looming ahead was the daunting Blackrock Mountain, shimmering into view on the horizon. Its fiery lava streams crept down its slopes and into the surrounding river of fire. She looped around the peak and continued north.

Dun Morogh offered a stark contrast to the rivers of lava, and it's pristine snowy peaks sparkled in the sun's rays. Tiene swooped down, startling the boars and snow leopards which roamed the plains. Some dwarves in Kharanos waved as she swooped overhead. She returned the gesture.

And up, up she rose over the high gates of Ironforge, spinning as she flew over the mountain fortress and onwards to the Wetlands.

The swamplands spread below and Tiene dived down, scuttling some of the murlocs on the western shores. She laughed as she saw them hurriedly slip-slapping on their webbed feet, paddling across streams to get away and shaking angry fists at her. She still adored the little critters.

Soaring, she rose over Thandol Span and into Arathi Highlands. The vibrant foliage, shrubs and grasses were rippling in the late autumn breeze, making the land look like a green sea in constant motion. She chased raptors, spiders and even caused a few fire elementals to spin as she passed over their sacred stone circles.

Briefly, she made a stop at Tarren Mill, now run by the Forsaken. She made a purchase, and after an in-depth conversation with the apothecary, she took off to continue the journey home.

Climbing with the currents again, she flew over the Hinterlands. Sighting the Owlbeasts brought back memories of her visit to Ravenholdt Manor, and she dived toward the ground, weaving through the feathered creatures causing them to roar and flail as she passed. Laughing, she embraced the mountain air as it brushed through her hair and rippled her demon-hide wings.

Onwards once more through Eastern Plaguelands, over the Alliance towers at Crown Guard, Lights Shield and Eastwall. She skimmed past Plaguewood and the giant fungal forest with the old human bastion of Stratholme at its north-western tip.

Soaring, she turned east, up through Quel'lithien Lodge, where some of her people still resided, though they remained bitter from days-gone-by.

Next, the scarred lands of Ghostlands opened before her. The dark purple and blue landscape was unchanged and even the Dead Scar, remnants of Arthas and the Scourge attacks, still painted the land in shades of sorrow.

Yet strangely, Tiene did not feel that sadness now. She was going home.

She detoured slightly to pass over Farstrider Enclave in remembrance of Duthan and Lor'themar's earlier years. She hovered for a while above the building before skimming across the lake, her fingers creating ripples on the water's surface.

Then, her final destination came into view - Eversong Woods. It's glorious colours, still warm and inviting, seemed to reach up to embrace the demon hunter as she crossed over the meadows. Her homeland was welcoming her home.

She had one more stop she needed to make.

Flying over Silvermoon, Tiene landed on a balcony at Sunfury Spire - Lor'themar's study, and she dared to sneak inside after checking the room was vacant. Her breath trembled as she remembered the day Lor'themar had shown Camnath and her the scroll from Kael'thas, naming her brother Regent Lord of Quel'thalas. She did not have time to dally though and quickly, she took a sheet of paper and a quill, then wrote some final words.

Blowing gently on the ink to dry it, she then opened her pouch and removed the little trinket she had carried for years.

A sound from the corridor alerted her company was close, and she darted out onto the balcony again. Placing the note on the wall with the trinket providing enough weight to prevent it from blowing away, she lifted into the air as the study door opened.

Tiene had planned to fly away, but when she caught sight of Lor'themar walking to his desk, she could not bring herself to leave without one last look.

For a while, she hovered, watching her brother as he took his seat and started his day with a quill in hand. He dutifully checked each document and either signed or stacked it with others for consideration at a later date.

Tiene wanted to sweep down and hug him, but she resisted the urge. They had not seen each other in years, and he may even have believed her dead. Furthermore, he had never seen her as a demon hunter - the shock could be too much for him. But above all else, her farewell would be made a hundred times harder.

With a lump in her throat, Tiene blew Lor'themar a kiss before rising in the air and heading out to the meadows.

                                 ___________________________________________

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