My Characters

Inside the Hall of Blood...

“Initiate Sunsworn, you stand before the Knight-Lords Bloodvalor and Dranarus.”

“Knight-Lord. I petition for the right be to sworn as a Knight-Adept of Silvermoon City.”

Lin turned to look at the crowd gathered, her gaze meeting Selileine’s, who looked at the pair lovingly.

“So we see, Initiate. Have you completed your Trials?”

“She has, Knight-Lord.” Lin said with a stoic expression, resting her hand on the hilt of her sword. “She has passed all the Trials, and I personally vouch for her bravery and dedication to our City.”

“So be it. Initiate Sunsworn, step forward and kneel.”

Alicena walked forward, dropping to one knee in front of the two Lords in front of her. Lin stood silent at her right, face unreadable.

“Initiate Sunsworn, you have completed the Trials. You have a Champion vouching for your bravery and dedication. We accept your advancement to Knight-Adept.”

Ali could barely keep the smile from her face as she nodded, “Thank you, Knight-Lord.”

“Master Roseshield, this girl is your pupil, is she not?”

“Yes, Knight-Lord. I have trained her since she was a young girl. It is my hope that one day she will surpass my own skill.”

“None here question your dedication, or your mastery of our arts, Roseshield. Do you believe she will be a boon to our Order? That she will serve to the best of her ability? That she will, with her own life if necessary, defend our City and her people?”

“I do, Knight-Lord. Alicena is all that our people must strive to be. She will protect the City and her people at all costs. This I swear, on my name and rank.”

“So be it. Initiate Sunsworn, you may rise.”

Alicena stood before the two Lords. She turned her head, looking at Lin. At the two Lords in front of her. She turned and looked at the crowd behind them; Blood Knights and Magisters and noble Lords and Ladies alike watching in equal parts fascination and amusement. Her eyes met Sel’s, as the older woman smiled almost motherly at the Blood Knight.

“The Blood Knight Order accepts you, Initiate Sunsworn. You will fulfill your duties to the City, and to her people. You must lay down your life if it is called for, obey your superiors, and above all, uphold the ideals the Sin’dorei people represent. Do you accept this honor?”

Alicena’s face hardened. “I do, Knight-Lord.”

“Master Roseshield, do you accept responsibility for this Initiate, to take her under your wing once more, to ensure she learns all there is to learn? To watch over her, and to not let personal bias cloud your judgement?”

Lin nodded as the Lord spoke, “I do, Knight-Lord.”

“Then this Council is complete. Initiate Sunsworn, you are hereby granted the rank of Knight-Adept of the Blood Knight Order. May you fulfill your duties ably. Congratulations.”

Ali let out a cheer as the assembled crown clapped and applauded. Turning to Lin, Ali embraced the older woman tightly, “Thank you, Lin!”

Lin laughed as Ali hugged her, the crowd beginning to disperse to the many vendors and merchants selling various food and drinks. “Ali, I knew you could do it. I never doubted you for a moment.”

“We have to celebrate! No more sleeping with the Initiates, no more early-morning lectures...come one! Let’s go to Wayfarer’s and celebrate!”

Shaking her head, Lin clasped Ali on her armoured shoulder, “Alright, Ali. I’ll join you for a drink or two. But after that, we’re going to Sel’s home. I believe she has a dinner being prepared in honor of your advancement.”

Ali’s eyes widened, “She does? But...that’s so...nice of her.”

Smiling, Lin looked Alicena up and down, “She knows how much you mean to me, Ali. You’re like a daughter to me. I’ve watched you from before you could swing a sword properly. And now, look at you. A full Knight-Adept. You’ve earned the right to wear the Order’s colors, to patrol the City, and to be assigned orders and missions by the Knight-Lords.”

“Does this mean I can go with you now? Whenever you and Selileine leave the City on Order business?”

Lin sighed, a sad look crossing her face, “Not quite, Ali. As you’re just an Adept, you’re most likely going to be assigned to patrol the City more often than not. Whenever you’re not assigned to that, then yes, I’ll be more than happy to take you with us wherever we happen to go. But you’re going to be spending a lot of time staring at the cobblestones here.”

Ali nodded, staring at the crowd still dispersing. The two stood, now alone, on the dais in the Hall of Blood. “Well, someone has to patrol the City, hm? Don’t worry, Lin. I’ll catch up to you. I’ll be able to go on your adventures too, just watch.”

A flash of golden light surrounded Teresei’s sword as she cut down the last of the Scourge before her. The Sin’dorei slowly lowered her blade, panting and glancing about warily before sheathing the shimmering weapon in her hands.

“I believe that was the last of them, love.” Lilinaelasha said, glancing around as well.

“If only.” Teresei ran a gloved hand through her sweat-matted hair before turning and smiling brightly at her companion, “Though I believe we can return to Eversong now, regardless.”

The pair had come from Silvermoon City, dispatched by Lindrelyn Roseshield, a Master Blood Knight of the Blood Knight Order, to deal with a small incursion into Sin’dorei lands.

“Why would they travel so far north? Even mindless abominations should know better than to test Sin’dorei steel and magic this close to the City.”

Teresei sighed, adjusting her sword-belt before answering, “I don’t know, my love. Master Roseshield ordered me here, and so I came. Who knows what lies behind those...dead eyes.”

Starting back towards their horses, Lilinaelasha tutted disapprovingly and checked her fingernails, “You would think the Blood Knights would send more than a single Knight-Adept to deal with a Scourge incursion, however minor they are deemed.”

Teresei groaned, cupping her hands as a step for Lilinaelasha to climb onto her mount. “Love, you know this will be one of my Trials. All Adepts must go through several.”

Mounting her own warhorse, Teresei pulled the reins to the left, starting them back on the road to Silvermoon City, “And besides. You came with me. What should a lowly Knight-Adept fear when a member of the Magistry is with her?”

Lilinaelasha threw back her head and laughed, “Oh yes, and unsanctioned excursion to the Ghostlands by a Magistrix, accompanying her paramour on a Trial. What could possibly go wrong?”

Grimacing, Teresei reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a skin of water, taking a long pull before handing it to her companion, “The Trials are meant to test our resolve and dedication. Not our ability to kill by ourselves.”

Lili took the skin and drank, shaking her head, “I will never understand your Order and their obsession with violence and death. What is gained if you waste the lives of all who seek to join your ranks?”

Teresei continued staring straight ahead, reaching down to stroke the neck of her Charger, “Through such tests, we prove our worthiness and dedication. If you are not willing to die for our people, or our City, then what good are you?”

Scoffing loudly, Lili shot Teresei an offended look, “Of course, what good are the bakers? Or the artisans? The writers and poets? The healers and doctors, and nobles? They have no worth outside of their ability to die in defense of our City.”

Teresei shook her head, “No, love, that’s....not what I...” She sighed, pulling her mount to a stop. “I just mean...Our Order is made up of the protectors of our City...Lady Liadrin expects nothing less than our full devotion.”

As the pair passed the Shepherd’s Gate, Teresei leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to Lili’s cheek, “I’ll meet you for supper at Wayfarer’s Rest, my love?”

Lilinaelasha blushed lightly, “Of course, dear.”

Teresei continued on to the Hall of Blood, handing the reins of her Charger to a young Sin’dorei stablehand. “See he is watered and brushed down. And saddle my gelding shortly, I’ll be leaving soon.”

The blood-red and black banners of her Order reflected the torchlight strangely as Teresei strolled through the halls of her Order. Turn after turn, stair after set of stair she continued, until she finally reached the door she sought.

A tall Sin’dorei in the black and red of her Order looked her up and down as she strode up to him. “Knight-Adept Teresei Roseshield to see Knight-Master Roseshield.” The Knight nodded solemnly, “A moment while I announce you.”

The older man disappeared through the door for quite some time before reappearing. “Lady Roseshield will see you know, Knight-Adept.”

The interior of the office was almost quaint, with hardly any decoration or flair. Teresei strode into the room with an air of confidence. She stepped up to the desk and the Sin’dorei woman sitting behind it and bowed, “Knight-Master Roseshield.”

The woman behind the desk continued writing on a parchment with a quill for a moment before glancing up and nodding at the woman before her, “Teresei. You have returned with good news, I take it?”

Teresei went to one knee before the woman, “Knight-Master, the Scourge war-party you sent me to destroy has been dealt with accordingly. They will no longer trouble our people.”

Lindrelyn Roseshield raised an eyebrow, “Oh? And you dispatched the entire group yourself?”

Beads of sweat appeared on Teresei’s forehead, “I...no, my lady. Lilinaelasha of the Magistry accompanied me. She...her aid was...”

Lin waved a hand dismissively, “Stop, Teresei. I know she was by your side.”

Teresei started, surprise evident on her face as she stared at the Knight-Master before her, “You...knew?”

Throwing back her head and laughing, Lindrelyn shook her head as she stared at the younger woman, “Of course I knew. Do you think I would send you out there alone? The Trials are meant to test you in certain aspects. Do you think Lady Shadowheart allows me to go on every errand our Lady Liadrin sends me on without aid?.” Lin sighed, standing and leaning with her hands spread on her desk, “Teresei, you are my cousin, and a very capable warrior in your own right. I would not wish to waste your life battle some trifling Scourge incursion.”

Slowly rising to her feet, Teresei shook her head, “My lady, I don’t...”

Lin sighed, gesturing towards the parchment she had been writing on, “Teresei, I do not throw away lives. I do not waste good soldiers for nothing. These are you advancement papers. I will sponsor your Knighthood. You will be a full Knight of of our Order, if you wish it.”

Standing beside their two geldings, Ali tapped her foot anxiously.

Where is she...What’s taking so long?

Lindrelyn strode into view, her long leisurely strides contrasting sharply with Alicena’s nervous foot-tapping.

“Well, Lin, it sure took you long enough.”

Rolling her eyes, Lin straightened her sword-belt and walked up to Ali, embracing her fellow Knight tightly, “I’m sorry, Ali. Sel wan-”

“Say no more. I don’t want to hear about how you said goodbye to your new paramour.”

Stepping back, Lin clapped the girl lightly on the shoulder, moving to her mount and stepping into the saddle with practiced ease, “No? Don’t want all the romantic details?”

Ali faked a gagging noise, mounting her own steed and patting the large beast on the neck, “I just don’t want you daydreaming the entire ride, is all. What is it we’re delivering, anyways?”

Lin put her spurs into the horse, kicking the animal off into a trop, “Troop deployments for the Guards at Tranquillen. Orders from Lord Lor’Themar himself.”

The pair rode in silence for a time, merely enjoying the company of each others presence. Finally, Alicena broke the silence with a loud, exaggerated sigh, “Why are we delivering the Lord Regent’s orders, anyway? Isn’t that more of a job for the Farstriders?”

Reaching into her saddlebag to retrieve the sealed scroll, Lin shook her head, “Not this time. Too many Alliance spies in the area. Lord Lor’Themar knows that the Alliance is looking for any excuse to annex not only Lordaeron, but Quel’thalas as well. So he sends Blood Knights with important missives. A lone Farstrider could make the trip in half the time, its true. But what if they were ambushed by Alliance forces? A single bow couldn’t do much against Darnassian glaves, or Worgen claws.”

Ali scoffed in disgust, “The Alliance. Always looking to pry their nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

With a reproachful look, Lin pursed her lips at Ali’s comments, “Ali. You know our people were once members of the Alliance. Our forefathers fought to defend our land, and the lands of the Alliance, from the original Horde. You shouldn’t speak so badly of them.”

Ali looked at Lin incredulously, “You can’t possibly be defending them! They abandoned us! The Alliance is self-serving, only looking after its human members first, and the other races when it suits them.”

Lin pulled the reins of her horse, shooting Ali a hard glare, “Alicena! I’ve taught you better than that. The original paladins were humans. They are the ones who brought the Church of the Holy Light to our lands, taught us to wield the Holy Light as easily as our ancestors did the Arcane. We owe our very existence to the Light, and the Draenei, if you remember.”

Aghast, Ali shook her head at Lin, “But...Lin! Even Lor’Themar and Lady Liadrin recognize that our place is with the Horde. Not the Alliance! The Forsaken are the ones protecting our southern borders, no-”

“Ali! Enough! We withdrew from the Alliance because of past mistakes. On both sides. I won’t hear any more of this...horde-centric talk. Our Order is dedicated to one thing. The preservation of the Sin’dorei. Our people. Not the Horde, not the Alliance. If you do not understand that, then perhaps I have made a mistake in sponsoring you as a Blood Knight.”

Alicena stared at Lin, a shocked look on her face. Lapsing into a sullen silence, Ali and Lin rode for some time in an uneasy quiet.

Finally, Lin sighed, looking over at Ali as the pair crossed a bridge, “Ali, I’m...sorry. I did not mean to...”

Ali shook her head, staring straight ahead as she spoke, “No, Lin. Don’t apologize. You’re right. The Horde protects us now, yes...But the Alliance did so in the past. Our people have a...complicated history. And it is up to us to preserve our people so that we have a future.”

Lin pulled at the red and black tabard that adorned her chest, “A future, Ali. That’s precisely it. Whether that future is with the Horde, or the Alliance...it does not matter. The only thing that matters is our people. Our Order has changed, since its inception. We now wield the powers of the Holy Light by asking, by revering the Light that guides us, fuels the Sunwell...The same Light that has preserved the Draenei, and shines in the great Cathedral of Stormwind. We are one, Ali.”

A confused look crossed Ali’s face, “One? I understand we worship the Light the same as the Alliance but...”

Alicena’s loud laughter reverberated through the dining room, as Lin chuckled into a glass of wine, and Selileine smiled warmly at the girl.

“I bet you’re glad to be out of the Initiate Hall, aren’t you, Ali?” Lin said with a grin on her face. “I know I was, when I was your age.”

Ali nodded, slicing a piece of meat on her plate and chewing thoughtfully before answering, “I am. I’ll miss some of the younger ones, the ones who won’t follow me for another year or two. But some of the others...it will be nice to have my own chambers.”

Selileine signaled a servant to refill her wine glass and peered at Ali, “Are you nervous? This advancement comes with more responsibility, Lin tells me.”

“Oh, I’m sure Ali will do just fine, love.” Lin responded. “I trained her, after all. I have faith in her.”

“I have faith in her too, Lin! I was just asking.” A slight pout crossed Sel’s face.

“Don’t worry about me, you two. I’ve got everything under control. My first patrol is scheduled for late this evening. Until early tomorrow morning. It’s just a routine patrol of the Royal Exchange and the Bazaar. Nothing too extravagant.”

Lin nodded, taking another bite of food and swallowing before answering, “They gave me the same route when I first became a Knight-Adept. Don’t worry, before long you’ll be patrolling the Court of the Sun. And after that, assignments outside of the City.”

“When can I go with you and Lady Shadowheart out of the City, Lin?” Ali asked eagerly, a fearsome gleam in her eyes.

Sel smiled at the younger woman, reaching across the table to pat her hand while Lin responded, “Soon enough, Ali. Once you spend a few weeks patrolling the City, catch a few lawbreakers...I’m sure they won’t object to me taking you on one of my excursions. You just have to earn the right to be trusted outside of the City.”

“I’m already ready, though! I left the City plenty of times with you when I was younger,” Ali protested.

“Ali, that was some years ago...” Sel began quietly.

“Yes, and you were just a Squire, then. Now you’re a full Knight of the Order, Ali. You accepted this responsibility, and all that it entails. I’ll take you with Sel and myself soon, I promise you. But you have to earn your place in the Order, just like I did.”

Ali sighed and poked at the food on her plate with a fork, “I know, Lin. I’m...sorry. I just...I want to be out there with you. Making a difference, meeting new people. I want to see Adam and Stewart again. Visit Thunder Bluff.”

Lin’s expression softened as she looked at Ali. She reached over and took Sel’s hand in her own, “Sel and I will have plenty of adventures with you, Ali. I promise. You just have to wait a few months. Just until the Knight-Lords are satisfied with you.”

Some hours later....

Lin and Sel lay in Selileine’s bed together, Sel resting her head on Lin’s chest.

“I feel bad for her.” Sel said quietly.

“Why? She’s exactly where I was when I was her age.” Lin replied mildly.

“She wants so badly to explore, to get out of this City. But she chose the path that puts her within the City walls more often than not. She did it because she idolizes you.”

Sighing, Lin tightened her arms around Sel, kissing the top of the woman’s head. “Sel, I’m not exactly anyone worth idolizing.”

Nuzzling her head into Lin’s chest, Sel managed a small shake of her head, “She doesn’t think that. You’re strong, and brave. Loyal. You’re a wonderful woman, Lin. Funny and sweet, and you care so deeply about her, it’s like she’s your own daughter.” Sel smiled, “I think you’re a wonderful idol.”

Lin stared up at the dark ceiling, eyes dancing around to different paintings and banners hung around the various walls, “You think so? Maybe I...bah.”

“What is it, love?” Sel asked, tilting her head to look up at Lin.

“I thought...maybe if I spoke to the Knight-Lords, they would let me take Alicena out on an errand. Give her a headstart.”

Sel disentangled herself from Lin’s arms, crawling on top of the woman and staring her in the eyes. Sel propped herself up on her hands, one to either side of Lin. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Lin. Now, come here and kiss me again...”

1. What is your name?

“Lin.”

2. What is your real name?

“Lindrelyn Roseshield.”

3. Do you know why you were called that?

“Because my mother and father liked the name.”

4. Are you single or taken?

“Taken.”

5. Have any abilities or powers?

“The abilities of the Light grant me their power.”

6. Stop being a Mary Sue.

”What?”

7. What’s your eye color?

“Golden.”

8. How about your hair color?

“Strawberry blonde.”

9. Have you any family members?

“My brother and sisters. Many cousins. The Roseshields are a large family.”

10. Oh? What about pets?

“None.”

11. That’s cool I guess, now tell me about something you don’t like.

“Leaving the City. I prefer to stay inside the walls of the City.”

12. Do you have any hobbies/activities you like doing?

“I like drinking.”

13. Ever hurt anyone before?

“Yes. It comes in the job description.”

14. Ever… killed anyone before?

“Absolutely.”

15. What kind of animal are you?

“A lynx.”

16. Name your worst habits.

“Drinking. I like to smoke the occasional bloodthistle joint.”

17. Do you look up to anyone at all?

“I look up to the traditional paladins. Turalyon, Uther, Gavinrad. Turalyon is another one.”

18. Gay, straight, or bisexual?

“Bisexual. I like both.”

19. Do you go to school?

“No. My training and schooling was done at the Blood Knight Academy.”

20. Do you ever want to marry and have kids one day?

“Yes, absolutely.”

21. Do you have any fanboys/fangirls?

“What?”

22. What are you most afraid of?

“The City falling again to the Scourge. Or the Forsaken.”

23. What do you usually wear?

“My armor. When I am off duty, usually flannels and cloth.”

24. Do you love someone?

“Yes.”

25. When was the last time you wet yourself?

“When I was an infant?”

26. Well, it’s not over yet!

“What?”

27. What class are you? (High class, middle class, low class)

“I am a member of a noble family. House Roseshield.”

28. How many friends do you have?

“Few enough.”

29. What are your thoughts on pie?

“I...suppose it is fine?”

30. Favorite drink?

“Water.”

31. What’s your favorite place?

“My home.”

32. Are you interested in someone?

“Yes.”

33. What’s your bra cup size and/or how big is your willy?

“C.”

34. Would you rather swim in the lake or the ocean?

“A...lake?”

35. What’s your type?

“Sin’dorei. Cute noble girls.”

36. Any fetishes?

“I suppose being dominant.”

37. Seme or uke? Top or Bottom? Dominant or Submissive?

“What? I guess I am a dominant top.”

38. Camping or indoors?

“Indoors. I do not care for the outside.”

39. Are you wanting the interview to end?

As Ali and Lin left the chamber, climbing back up the long, seemingly endless flight of stairs, they both rubbed sleepiness from their eyes, groaning and stretching after a night spend kneeling before an altar.

“Lin...I have a question.”

“Of course Ali. What is it?”

“...Well, I’ve been wondering. Something that’s been bothering me.”

“Yes?”

“...Do we have to do this again?”

Laughing, Lin reached over and patted Ali on the shoulder, “No, Ali, we don’t. The vigil is only before you become a Knight. After that, the promotions are all ceremonial; No more night-long vigils.”

Ali sighed, straightening her sword belt and looking around at the torches and braziers they passed, the flags and tapestries adorning the walls of the staircase, “Good. I don’t think I can do any more of those. Are you going to go see Selileine?”

Lin nodded, rubbing the back of her neck and brushing her hair back with a gloved hand, “Yes, she wants to be there for your advancement ceremony. I’m going to go to her home. Hopefully she’ll be awake at this hour.”

“Just don’t be late. Don’t want you two getting ‘distracted’ and ending up an hour late.”

Laughing, Lin shook her head, “Ali, you know I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Sel, you look wonderful.”

After fussing with her hair, Sel smoothed her robes out again, staring at the mirror. “Are you sure? I don’t want to lo-”

“Sel. You’re gorgeous.” Lin said with a smile, walking forward to take Sel’s soft hands in her gloved ones. “Absolutely radiant. Everyone will be jealous of you.”

A warm blush colored Sel’s cheeks, “Lin..always so sweet to me.” Sel stood on her tiptoes and gave Lin a quick kiss, “You think this is fine?”

Stepping back, Lin rested her hand on the hilt of her sword, looking Sel over with a critical eye. “Hm. Well...”

Sel paled as Lin looked her over.

Lin laughed, reaching out and tapping the tip of Sel’s nose with a finger, “I think you look lovely. Much better than me.” Lin held her arms out, gesturing to herself, standing in front of the smaller woman wearing her ceremonial black and red plate, covered neck-to-toe. Everything but a helmet covering her.

“I’m sure even Ali looks better than myself. Her armor is freshly forged, not a scratch or dent in it. The girl has always had a knack for dodging...”

“You’ve known her for most of her life, haven’t you?”

Nodding, Lin sat on the edge of the bed. “Trained her for the last several years. I watched her grow up into a fine young woman.”

Sel smiled brightly, “If she is anything like you, I’m sure the City has nothing to fear. Not with the two of you defending it.”

Lin threw her head back and laughed, “Of course not. That girl can stitch a wound, ride a horse with the best of them, and give better than she gets in the practice ring. Not to mention all the cockiness and arrogance of the young. She wears that armor like she was born to it. My armor looks like I found it on the side of the road. Too many years of wear, I suppose.”

“Lin, love, you look absolutely stunning. Your armor is polished to an absolute shine. I’m the one that has to fuss over every detail, every wrinkle in my robes...”

Stepping forward, Lin put one hand on Sel’s waist, with the other she cupped her cheek and smiled lovingly, “Sel. You look beautiful.”

Again, a blush colored Sel’s cheeks. “You always know what to say, Lin.”

Leaning down and kissing Sel’s nose lightly, Lin stepped back and looked out the window of their room.

“Ah...I believe it’s time to go. The ceremony will start soon.”

Waking with a groggy stretch and yawn, Lin sat up in bed. Careful not to wake the woman sleeping beside of her, Lin softly padded to the washroom of their quarters.

After a quick wash with cold water, a scrub of her teeth, and giving her hair a quick run-through with her fingers, Lin began gathering her clothing.

Stewart’s big day today...Adam is going to Knight him. And when we return to the City, I’ll be there to advance Ali another rank.

After putting her flannel shirt and tight cloth pants on, came the more labor-intensive task of donning her red and black plate.

As Lin began bucking her shoulderguards on, she felt one hand on her lower back, and another go under her shoulder, “Here, let me help you.”

Smiling, Lin turned and let Sel fasten the shoulderstraps together. “I believe I can put my own armor on...but thank you.”

“Of course. What else am I here for, hm?” Sel said with a wink.

Pulling her swordbelt from the peg where it hung and buckling it around her waist, Lin’s eyes roamed over Sel’s body as the other woman dressed, fixed her hair, put her earrings in...

Everything a lady does in the morning. Not...whatever it is I do.

Shaking her head to clear the negative thoughts, Lin walked over and gave Sel a quick kiss on the cheek, “Ready to go?”

“...is the difference between Adam and myself, Stewart.”

“I...think I understand, Lady Roseshield. About your order, I mean. I’d love to see you in action. I mean, not in the practice yard. In a fight. A real fight.”

Chuckling, Lin laid a gloved hand on the boys shoulder, looking him in the eyes, “Stewart, if you ever wish to make the journey to Quel’thalas, I’d love to have you stay with me while you visit the City. And I’m sure Ali would love to see you again. I’m afraid her duties as an Initiate don’t allow her much free-time to travel. Nor will she have much as an Adept, not if she wants to be promoted again soon.”

Stewart nodded, a somewhat sad look on his face, “I understand, Lady Roseshield. Your order sounds...rigorous.”

“Stewart, I’ve practically watched you grow up. Call me Lin, please.”

Sel giggled beside her, her arm around Lin’s waist as she watched the pair of them interact. “Are you nervous, Stewart?”

“N-nervous, my lady? I, ah...well..only a little. I’m ready, though.”

Clapping Stewart on the shoulder again, Lin beamed at the young man, “Stewart, I don’t know of any finer soldier than Adam Sutherland, and that man trained you since you could walk. You’re going to make a fine knight, I know it.”

“Thank you, La-...Lin. That means a lot to me.”

Lin and Sel find themselves among a crowd, standing inside a large chapel in Hearthglen, watching as Stewart kneels before an Archbishop, and several Knights, Adam included.

“...swear to uphold truth and justice, not only when it is convenient, but most especially when it is not?”

“I do, Holiness.”

“And finally, do you swear to be a defender of the Light, and all its children, be they human, orc, elven, or any other? To protect the weak and innocent, to help the helpless?”

“I do, Holiness.”

“Who will vouch for this young man?”

Adam steps forward as the Archbishop bows his head and raises his hands.

“I will, Holiness. Stewart Planter, I stand before the Light and, in good conscience, name you Sir Stewart.” Drawing his sword, Adam laid the flat on the blade against each of Stewart’s shoulders.

“Rise, a Knight.”

Slowly standing, Stewart got to his feet and beamed at Adam, the two embracing each other tightly, as Stewart then clasped arms with each of the other knights on the dais.

“You sure you can’t stay any longer, Lin?” Stewart asked with a frown.

Shaking her head as she fastened the saddle on her horse, “I’m sorry, Stewart. I’d love to stay for the celebration, but I need to be back in the City very soon. I’m going to oversee Ali’s promotion within the Order.”

Stewart nodded, “I understand, Lin. Give Ali my best, will you? Tell her congratulations for me.”

“Of course, Stewart.” Lin looked over to Sel’s horse, where Adam was on a knee in front of Sel.

“...back soon, my lady. Hearthglen is yours, whenever you would like.”

“Oh for the love of...Adam! Get up you old lecher.” Lin said with a laugh as she pulled Adam to his feet and embraced him. “I’ll see you again soon, yes?”

Adam chuckled heartily and returned the hug, “Of course, Lin. Perhaps we’ll drop by the City sometime, and as I was telling the lovely Lady Shadowheart...you two are always welcome here. One of you more than the other...”

“Take care of yourself, Adam.” Lin said, as she helped Sel mount her horse. With one last clap on the shoulder for Stewart, Lin mounted her own and the pair set off.

Two days later, Sel’s home...

“Here you are, Sel. Home, safe and sound.” Lin said, smiling as she helped the woman off her horse.

“Thank you, Lin. I had a magical time. Would you...like to come in for some tea?”

Sighing, Lin cupped Sel’s face with one hand and lightly stroked her  cheek with her calloused thumb, “I’d love to, but I have a vigil with Alicena tonight. It’s her last one as an Initiate.”

Nodding, Sel stood on her tiptoes and gave Lin a quick kiss, “Well, then give Ali my best, and wish her the best of luck. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Lin smiled as she turned and mounted her horse once more, “As my lady commands.”

The Hall of Blood, an inner chamber...

“Took you long enough. I thought I was going to have to start without you.” Alicena said with all the impatience and arrogance of a sixteen year old.

“I had something to take care of before I came here. I only just returned to the City, you know.”

Ali rolled her eyes as the pair descended down a small staircase, each holding a torch and in their full ceremonial armor, “I’m sure this business has long hair, doe eyes, and hips that would make a dancer jealous.”

Lin scoffed, but her lack of an answer only put a grin on Ali’s face.

“Come on, Lin. I know your type. What’s her name? Do I know her?”

“Her name is Selileine Sha-”

“Sel? I remember her, from when I was young. Mother and Papa were serving Lord Fireshard.”

“Yes, Ali. She is who I have been...spending my time with.”

As the pair reached the bottom of the stairs, they each threw their torch into a brazier on opposite sides of the room. Walking to an altar at the end of the room, against the back wall, Lin and Ali each knelt at the foot of the altar and began their vigil of utter silence for a full night. A time honored tradition for Blood Knights, showing their dedication, commitment, and resolve.

....

....

....

....

....

Wake up.

Make bed.

Go to mess for morning meal.

Go to the yard for physical training.

Lectures on history, mathematics, religion, politics, and general knowledge.

Noon meal.

More lectures. Spellbreaking. City structures. Gangs.

Afternoon physical training.

Dinner.

Free time.

Turn-down bed.

Bedtime.

Rubbing her back and groaning, Alicena sat down on her bed with a sigh.

“Didn’t go to hard on you, did I Ali?” Roslyn asked with a laugh.

“I think the baby is just not used to it yet, Ros.” Said San’dren, throwing his shirt onto the bed and sitting with a thump.

“Why don’t you two just shut it?” Ali snapped.

“Aw, the little one is getting angry, Ros. We should leave her alone.”

“This ‘little one’ is going to become a Knight-Adept soon, and thankfully I won’t have to put up with either of you anymore after than.” Ali said with a wistful sigh, “My own quarters, hot baths, no more lectures...”

“Don’t get too hopeful. They’ll probably kick you back to Initiate the first time you’re let out into the City alone, Sunsworn.” Ros said with a sniff, taking her earrings out and laying them neatly on her bedside table. “Besides, who in their right mind wound even sponsor you to become an Adept? It’s not like you’ve impressed any of the Knights here.”

“I have too! And for your information, the Knight I squired for is going to stand as my Champion. Lindrelyn Roseshield.”

“Roseshield? Never heard of her.” San’dren said, covering his mouth as he yawned. “Must be new.”

“For your information, she is not new. She’s a full Knight-Master. More than qualified, and a thousand times better than either of you.”

Laughing, Ros rolled her eyes at Ali, “Oh, I’m sure she’s just an absolute paragon. No doubt the finest Knight who ever lived.”

“Why don’t you just shut up?!” Ali yelled.

“WHAT IS ALL THIS RACKET?!”

The door burst open, and a rather large man burst through the door, with fire in his eyes. He surveyed the room, eyes fixed on Alicena Sunsworn, who was now standing by her bed, fists clenched at her sides.

“Instructor! We..we were ju-”

“I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU WERE DOING, SUNSWORN! CAN THE CHATTER, NOW! IN BED, ALL THREE OF YOU!”

“Yes, Instructor!” All three yelled, crawling into bed at the same time.

After the door slammed shut and the candles had been blown out, Ros whispered loudly to Alicena, “Just because your mother was a noble, don’t think you’re any better than us.”

“I’m better than you anyway, Roslyn.”

An Hour Later, in the Great Hall of Hearthglen....

“So I says to him, I says, ‘Oh really? You and what army?’“ Roaring with laughter, Adam slammed his tankard of ale on the table, Stewart chuckling beside him. Lin merely groaned and shook her head as Sel giggled.

“Adam, I think I’ve heard that story a tho-”

“Oh tell another one, Adam!” Sel said, still giggling. “I loved it!”

This is going to be a long trip...

“Now, what do you say, you old bat? Shall we step into the ring for old times sake? Even if you don’t have little Ali here with you to go against Stewart, I think I can handle you on my own.”

Fire flashed in Lin’s eyes as she pushed herself up, “You’re on, Adam. Let’s go.”

“Don’t get hurt!” Sel called after Lin, as she and Adam made their way to the armory.

“If my lady would follow me, I’ll take you to the ring where we can watch.” Stewart said with a polite bow.

Standing just outside the circle with Sel, Lin leaned in closely, her lips brushing Sel’s ear lightly, “Would my lady care to give me a favor to wear in the ring?”

Blushing, Sel reached into her robes and withdrew a silk handkerchief, handing it to Lin at the same time as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss Lin’s cheek, “Good luck, Lin. I believe in you.”

“Go Lin! You can do it!” Sel cried, cheering and clapping as Stewart shouted similar encouragement to Adam.

I’ll show him...and hopefully impress Sel.

Lin swung her sword again, the shock going up her arm from the contact with Adam’s wooden shield. “Come on, old man! Scared of letting me beat you for the umpteenth time?”

Adam merely laughed, hefting his shield back up and dancing around Lin’s next swing, “Hardly, you old bat. Don’t think I’m giving you any ground!” With a grin, Adam swung his foot out, connecting with the back of Lin’s heel. Lin fell to the ground with a yelp, landing flat on her back.

Still grinning, Adam sheathed his sword and reached a hand down to help Lin up, “Like I said, not giving you any ground.”

“That was a cheap trick and you know it!”

Rolling his eyes, Adam chuckled, “This, coming from the Blood Knight? Don’t they teach you glorified city guards to avoid that kind of stuff?”

As Lin grumbled, she pulled off her helmet and shook her hair out, running a gloved hand through it just as Sel came running up to the pair, “Lin! Are you alright? That looked like it hurt.”

Nodding her head, Lin wrapped an arm around Sel’s waist, the pair facing Adam who merely smiled, “Trust me, Sel, there’s not a thing Adam can do to me in the practice yard I haven’t had done to me a thousandfold before.”

Stewart came striding up to the trio, “Well fought, Sir Adam, Lady Roseshield.”

Sel reached up and lightly tapped Lin’s nose, “My champion fought valiantly, I think.”

Lin smiled down at the shorter woman, leaning in to kiss her forehead, “Always, my lady.”

“It was so nice of Adam to give us these quarters for the night, wasn’t it, Lin?”

“Hm? Oh, yes. I was just thinking how he probably put lice in the bedding, it would be just like him.” Lin said with a suspicious glance at the bed in the corner of the room.

“Oh don’t be so hard on him, Lin. He seems to be a nice man.”

Grumbling, Lin finished removing the last of her plate armor, standing in tight-fitting black cloth pants and a red and black striped flannel shirt. “I’ve known Adam for a long time, he always was a prankster.”

“How long have you two known each other?”

Lin sighed, brushing her hair back with a hand, “Maybe...thirty years now? Our fathers were both merchants, they had contact with each other. He visited Quel’thalas on occasion, and my father sometimes took me to visit his estate in Lordaeron.”

Sitting on the bed, Lin began unbuttoning her shirt. When she finished, she tossed it onto a chair nearby.  Catching Sel’s gaze, Lin suddenly looked down and rubbed her arm, “Why are you staring at me?”

Starting, Sel covered her mouth with a hand, “Oh, Lin I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. I was just...admiring you.”

“Admiring me?”

Sel crossed the room and sat on the bed beside of Lin, tracing some of her more prominent scars with a finger, “Your muscles, and your scars. You’re very beautiful, you know.”

Taking Sel’s face in one of her calloused hands, Lin smiled, “Thank you, my lady. Though I’m nowhere near as fair and pretty as you.”

Covering Lin’s hand with her own, Sel turned her head and lightly kissed the inside of Lin’s hand. “Tell me about them.”

“What?”

“Your scars, tell me about some of them.”

“Ah, Sel, that would...they’re not all pleasant stories.”

Touching the long scar running from Lin’s right shoulder to her left him, Sel looked up into Lin’s eyes, “Tell me about this one.”

Lin sighed, “That one...I tackled Karnubis out of the way, when a fel-crazed orc would have cut him in half. Nearly did me.”

Next Sel ran her fingers over the multitude of smaller, circular scars going from her left shoulder to her thigh. “These?”

“A Goblin shredder. Fireshard business deal gone bad. Shredder had a machine gun attachment that fired at me point-blank as I went in for what I thought was the kill.”

Shuddering, Sel touched the long, thin scars on the back of Lin’s left shoulderblade, “And these? Some crazed Night Elf with a dagger?”

Lin chuckled humorlessly, “No, those are from the surgery Matthew performed on me to remove the shrapnel embedded in my muscle.”

Sel wrapped her arms around Lin’s neck, drawing the woman in close for a hug. “Oh, Lin. I’m sorry, I...”

What is she...

Sel crossed the short distance between herself and the Blood Knight, being mindful of the fire that once roared with life as the embers betray what little is left. In the soft glow of their light.

Her hips...Fel, she’s absolutely mesmerizing.

As soon as she was able to reach her, Sel traced the Blood Knights shirt pattern before stepping closer to wrap her arms around the other woman's waist, leaning up on her tiptoes to leave behind a gentle kiss.

“Now I’ve properly told you goodnight.” Sel said, her lips curling up into a playful smile. Resting her head on Lin’s chest for a moment, Sel listened to the powerful, racing heartbeat. Smelled the smoke from the fire, the musky scent of sweat from the day’s ride.

“Sel, I...I don-”

Suddenly Lin’s lips found Sel’s once more, as Lin gently held Sel’s chin with one hand, pressing their lips together.

“There, now I’ve said goodnight as well.”

Giving Sel one final squeeze around her waist, Lin smiled down at the smaller woman, “I think it’s time for bed, my lady.”

What the fel was that?

Lying in her tent, Lin’s mind raced with thoughts of the kiss they had shared. Never dreaming Sel found her as attractive as Lin found the other woman, it came as a surprise.

Rolling over and groaning, Lin buried her face under her furs.

Her lips were so soft...her hips...

A rustling noise caught her attention. Lin sat straight up, reaching for the long knife tucked safely beside her pillow.

Just as she was about to draw the blade from its sheathe, a very familiar face poked inside her tent flaps.

“Lin...I’m cold.”

Laughing as they rode, Lin and Sel passed the time telling stories. Sel of her childhood in a noble family, and Lin of her time spent in the Blood Knights. Both of them remembered stories from their days serving House Fireshard.

“...and then Drahven fell right into the water!” Throwing her head back and laughing, Lin wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

Chuckling, Sel shook her head. “Oh that man. I do miss everyone, though. Well...almost everyone.”

“Look, we’re almost to Hearthglen! Adam will give us a royal welcome, I’m sure of it.”

“Adam? I’ve heard you talk about him before, I think.”

Lin nodded, quickening the pace of her horse, “Adam Sutherland, he’s an old friend. Him and his squire used to spar against Ali and myself.”

“Oh, I see. Well I can’t wait to meet them!” Sel said with a bright smile.

Fel, I think I’m going to be sick, Lin thought to herself, rolling her eyes as Adam took a knee before Sel, grabbing her hand and kissing it lightly. “If there is anything my lady needs, she has only to ask and I will see it done.”

“Hey, Adam, let’s move along, shall we? You never do that display for me.”

Adam clears his throat and stands, “Well, Lin, maybe if you were a bit more ladylike, people would treat you like one.”

Before Lin could respond, Sel laid a hand on Lin’s arm, stopping her. “I think she is wonderful just as she is, Adam.”

“Thank you, Sel. At least someone appreciates me.”

Adam scoffed, giving Lin a light punch on the arm, “Oh come on you old bat, let’s settle our differences in the ring, eh? I know Stewart is excited to see you again, too. Where’s little Ali, anyway?”

Rolling her eyes, Lin smiled down at Sel, “I have a different companion for this trip, Adam. And besides, Ali isn’t so little anymore. She’s sixteen now, nearly ready to take her vows and be sworn in as a full Knight-Adept.” Puffing her chest out with pride, Lin beamed at Adam, “She asked me to stand as her Champion for her advancement ceremony, as I did for her initiation.”

Adam groaned with mock disgust, “Another poor child, corrupted by the loose discipline and lacking morals o-” A smack to the back of the head cut Adam off. Laughing, he rubbed the back of his head, “Hey! Watch it, Lin.”

Sel slipped an arm around Lin’s waist, giving the taller woman a squeeze, “Lin, I’m starving. Let’s find something to eat.”

Eyes widening, Adam looked at Sel, then Lin, then back and forth between the two. A smile slowly growing on his face, he asked with faked shock, “Why, Lin, have you found someone who will put up with you? I’m amazed!”

Growling, Lin started to smack Adam on the shoulder again, but Sel’s laughter interrupted her. “I like him, Lin.”

Of course she does. Adam and his damnable charm.

Lin tilted her head down and softly kissed the top of Sel’s head, “Oh hush.”

Lindrelyn stood waiting by the stables just outside Silvermoon City’s gates, two horses hobbled nearby. So much for being on time. And me in my full plate, I think I’m going to die, Lin thought to herself.

As if the approaching figure had read her mind, Selileine came walking towards her, giving a wave and a bright smile, “Sorry to keep you waiting, Lin. I had some business to finish in the City first.”

She is a beauty, Lin couldn’t help but think. “Ah, no trouble at all, Lady Shadowheart. The horses are good company.” Stupid. The horses? She’s going to think you’re crazier than she already did.

“Oh I’m sure of that,” Sel giggled, “but please, Lin, just call me Sel. We’ve worked together for how long now?”

A light blush colored Lin’s cheeks before she answered, “Of course, Sel. My apologies, old habits die hard.”

Sel rolled her eyes, walking over to her horse, the more lightly outfitted of the two, and giving it a gentle rub on the neck, “Help me mount?”

“What?” Lin asked, somewhat startled.

“I said, ‘will you help me mount’?” Sel rolled her eyes again. “It’s only polite, I am the ‘lady’ here after all.” She finished with a laugh, brushing her hair behind an ear.

Lin nodded, “Of course, my- Sel.” Striding over to the horse, Lin cupped her hands together as a step for Sel, the woman lightly bounding up and onto the back of the horse.

Selileine smiled brightly down at the Blood Knight, “Now, shall we be off? We have a long way to go before night.”

“I...of course.” Lin mounted her own horse, and began the ride to Hearthglen.

                                               Some hours later....

Lin threw her head back and laughed, Sel doing the same. “Ah, Sel, where did you learn all these jokes?”

Pouting, Sel stuck her lip out, “What? Is a Lady not allowed to know how to joke?”

Stammering, Lin hurriedly tried to think of something to placate her, “N-no! Not at all, my lady. I only meant, well, I haven’t...I haven’t met many Magistrix that enjoyed joking.”

Sel’s pout immediately disappeared, replaced by a mischievous smile, “Well, Miss Roseshield, I am one of a kind, you see. And I’m not quite a Magistrix. Oh, my family has had several prominent members of the Magistry, but I never got that far into politics.”

Lin pulled off a glove and brushed her sweat-matted hair out of her face, “Oh, I have no doubt you’re one of a kind...and I see. My apologies.”

She’s comfortable with silence...I like that. Lin thought, after the pair had ridden some distance, both content to look at the trees, or a passing critter. Stop it you idiot, you’re here to protect her, not daydream about her.

“Is there anyone special in your life, Lin?”

Startled, Lin stared over at Sel, her jaw dropping momentarily before she could recover herself, “I..well, I mean, after Drahven and I....no, not..not really. Why do you ask?”

Sel laughed lightly, “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Lin.”

Shaking her head and pushing her hair back with the same hand, “No, no, it’s quite alright. I just...haven’t found the right person, I suppose. Not too many people like being the partner of a Blood Knight. Long, late hours, we spend more time with our horse than our partner...And that’s not even mentioning the ones who go out with Lady Liadrin on her quests and campaigns.”

Nodding, Sel reached down and patted her horse on the neck gently, “I see...Well, you deserve someone who will make you happy, Lin.”

Is she flirting with me? No, no chance. I’m just going insane. “Oh, I, ah, thank you, Sel. You too.” Idiot. What the fel was that?

Sel giggled, looking at the setting sun in the distance, “I believe we should make camp soon. I don’t want to travel after dark unless we must.”

“Of course, my lady. I know a spot just up the road.”

“Help me get down, Lin?” Sel asked Lin with a playful smile.

“Ah, of course.” Lin slid down her own horse, landing on her feet with a thump. She strode over to Sel and put her hands around the smaller woman’s waist, lifting her up and off the horse quickly.

Sel laughed as Lin set her down, “My, how strong.”

“One of the perks of my line of work.” Lin held up one of her arms, flexing her bicep and grinning, “There’s a reason I can walk around in this plate all day and night, you know. It’s not just for looks.”

“No? And here I thought your chiseled figure was just some magical glimmer.” Sel winked, digging around in her saddlebag.

Chiseled....what? “I, ah, well, I spend most of my free time with Ali, training. I’m going to set up camp, if that’s alright with you, my lady.”

“Of course, of course. Do let me know if you need any assistance.”

                                    One camp-setting-up montage later....

She really is quite beautiful. Lin thought, again, as she stared at Sel from across the campfire.

Closing her book with a soft thump, Sel smiled at her companion, “Copper for your thoughts, Lin?”

“I...well, I was just, ah, nothing.”

“Oh come now, don’t be like that.” Sel pouted, her lip sticking out slightly.

“I was just thinking about how beautiful you looked, in the firelight.” A blush colored Lin’s cheeks as she answered.

“Thank you, Lin, you’re very kind.” Sel said with a smile, “You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?”

Standing, Lin stretched exaggeratedly, before turning to her tent, “I believe it’s time for me to get some rest. Sleep well, Sel. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

Small. Female. Blonde hair. Piercings. Tattoos. Modest sized home. Front door. Always locked. Multiple locks. Wooden. Metal frame.

Dalleine gave a smile and a wave to a passing patrol of guards as she continued surveying the house. She had spent the last few days casing it, learning the patters of the guards around it, of their owner. It wouldn’t be long before she was robbing whatever poor fool owned it of everything she had.

She sat with Zalen in one of the trees hanging over their camp. Her mate and most of their animals has not yet began their day. Zalen’s tail swished lazily, the cat beginning to nap again, though the day hadn’t even started. Lin couldn’t help but laugh. About Zalen, about Tez, about where she was, the absurdity of it all.

A year ago I was patrolling the streets of Silvermoon City, and now I’m living in the jungle with a troll for my mate.

Lin closed her eyes, leaning back against the tree and sighing. She remembered the smell of the city, and the sounds, and the way the colors were always that of the most beautiful spring day. She thought of the Row, and how starkly it contrasted the Court of the Sun, scant blocks away.

She remembered training in the Square, and the feel of her horse between her legs as she rode through the city streets, above everyone else.

Lastly she remembered her initiation ceremony into the Blood Knights, where she siphoned pure energy from the captive Naaru. How powerful she felt. It was not a warm feeling, no, the warmth would come later, with her Order’s redemption. But it was power.

“Initiate Roseshield!”

Her heels snapped together, her fist thumped against her chest as she stood at attention.

“Initiate, today you become an Adept. You’ve shown exceptional marks in the martial portions of your testing, and your devotion to your people is unquestionable. Today, we welcome you into the Order.”

“Thank you, sir!” She remained at attention, awaiting what came next anxiously.

“Initiate Roseshield, follow me.”

“Yes sir!”

The pair continued further into the Hall of Blood, until they reached a stairwell. As they descended it, Lin felt a shift in the air. Something was causing the air itself to crackle with energy.

Finally they reached the bottom of the stairs. The staircase had lead into a tunnel, with the occasional magical brazier on either side of the hall. The walls were draped with what Lin assumed were red and black banners, though the light was so dim that they might a well have been the same color.

As they reached the end of the tunnel, her eyes had adjusted enough to make out to figures, one on either side of the door. Honor guards, she thought absentmindedly.

Stepping though the door, Lin finally saw the source of the energy. There, in the center of the room, and bound by what appeared to be magical shackles of some kind, was a Naaru. She had heard what the Order used for its powers, but it did not prepare her for the sight itself.

The Champion looked back at Lin, smirking at the awestruck look on her face, “Roseshield, let’s go.”

“Yes sir! Sorry sir!”

Walking closer, the energy in the air only intensified. Lin looked around, surverying the other occupants of the room. Several members of the Magistry were there, as well as two more Initiates, each accompanied by a Champion. And there, standing on a small balcony overlooking them all, was the Matriarch herself, Lady Liadrin. Lin had heard the Matriarch liked to observe all the Initiations personally, but she hadn’t fully  believed it.

Her Champion placed a hand on her shoulder, “You remember what to do?”

Lin nodded, “Yes sir.”

“Good. Don’t let me down.”

She stepped forward, standing directly in front of the Naaru. Looking up at Lady Liadrin, the Matriarch nodded once.

Lin exhaled slowly, her eyes closing as she remembered her training, how she was taught to do this when the time came.

She remained upright, her posture straight, authoritative. She was not to bow to this, it was to bow to her. She was to command it, force it to come to her aid.

Cold permeated the room, filled every inch of it. Lin could feel it filling her up, cold, hard, and powerful. She shivered, despite the ludicrously heavy and padded parade armor she had on. Was it supposed to be this cold? Her body felt covered with ice, as it her blood itself had been frozen.

Lin opened her eyes, and standing in front of her was not a Naaru, it was a familiar face, a face with black armor and one missing tusk.

Gasping, Lin jerked awake, nearly falling out of the tree when she did so. She was panting, and her entire body was screaming at her to run.

“A dream. Just a dream. Just...a dream.”

She climbed down, slowly, and stumbled over to where Tezani was sleeping. Lin laid down next to her, crawling under the hide blanket and throwing an arm around her lover, too scared to be alone with her own thoughts anymore.

Watch as I shamelessly rip off the Raptor Squad from Jurassic World! Evil Laugh!

As she raced through the jungle, vines and trees nothing but a blur, she saw Blue out of the corner of her eye. The raptor was nearly fully grown, and had quickly become the beta of their little pack, her sister and brothers falling in line.

The two quickly reached their destination, a small freshwater spring well away from the boundaries of camp. She watched Blue stalk, kill, and eat a parrot in less time than it took her to fill their waterskins. Watching the whole process made Lin acutely aware of just how long they had been away. And how little she cared. She didn’t know anything that was happening with the company, or at the Foundry, or with Matthew. Lin assumed he would at the very least attempt to contact them if something were terribly wrong, but so far, no word had been sent.

And so, she assumed, Heay was doing her job, and there was no need for her and Tezani to return just yet.

Lin rubbed her shoulder, pressing through the crocilisk hide that covered it. Her shoulder didn’t pain her, not anymore, but old habits die hard. She found that, after considerable effort, she could lift her arm a little higher than she could before. That was always followed by spending the next hour drenched in sweat and exhausted, however.

Tezani helped, as much as she could. The most comforting thing was her being there, at least to Lin. They had carved out their own little corner of Stranglethorn. Tezani, Lin, and their animals. It wouldn’t be home without her.

Home. That was a strange concept. She hadn’t had a real home since before Silvermoon fell. She had her quarters in the Hall of Blood, of course, but that was only out of necessity.

Here, necessity had become her drug of choice. Stalking a tiger, watching Zalen or the Raptors flush out any number of deadly creatures, or swimming in the crocilisk-infested lakes and rivers....she loved every bit of it. Her red and black plate was a long-forgotten memory, a distant dream of a dream. The nightmares that once plagued her sleep and kept her from ever resting were gone. Tezani, the jungle, Zalen, all of it...it had brought her out of a pit she had not even realized she had been in. Of course, that was not the only thing that had changed.

She had become better with her rifle than she ever was with a sword, Lin believed. Stalking her prey and waiting patiently, letting one, or more, of her beasts do what she had once done in her old life.

And though everything that she was had changed for the better, she knew that someday she would have to return to the Foundry, go back to the company. She still had a life back there. A life she had put on hold, had left in a vacuum. Someday she would have to go, and face the one demon that still lingered from her life before. The one shadow that plagued her future.

She had been tracking them for days. A pack of raptors. Whenever she thought she was close to finding their nest, there wouldn’t be any clues for a day or two.

Lin could swear they were outsmarting her. Not even Zalen could keep up with their trail. Until she stumbled across the nest while out foraging. So simply hidden, she was amazed she hadn’t found it sooner. Althought that was part of the brilliance of it, she assumed.

As she slowly crept through the nesting ground, she had the worst sense of unease. She knew something was watching her. She could feel eyes on her back. Even Zalen’s fur was standing on edge.

Then, she saw it. Standing in front of her like it had been there the entire time. But she still felt...of course. She glanced around cautiously, one on either side of her. Zalen turning behind her and snarling confirmed her suspicion that there was another one back there, too.

Slowly, Lin put a hand on her rifle, easing it up and out of the holster. The raptor in front of her hissed. Zalen was now circling her, trying to keep an eye on all four raptors at once. She stared at the lead raptor, never breaking eye contact. 

Holding her rifle with one hand, Lin whistled sharply, still staring at the raptor. Slowly, a loud rumbling noise echoed throughout the jungle.

The trees burst apart as the raptors turned towards the source. Thori’endal, Lin’s newly-acquired Devilsaur, had come, tearing through trees at her call. The great beast roared angrily at the raptors as they turned tail and ran, clearly displeased with the notion of fighting that for their next meal.

Lin pinched the bridge of her nose, frowning. She was glad Thori’endal camed when she did, but...now she would have to hunt the raptors again and try to pick one off.

Sigh. “What are we going to do, Zalen?” Lin looked around. “Zalen, where’d you run off to?”

She followed his tracks to a small indention, covered with feathers and twigs. Inside, Zalen was sniffing at four large eggs.

Lin’s face paled at the sight, but she had the faintest flicker of an idea.

Heay sighed, flipping through the papers on Lin’s desk in the Foundry. She had not expected paperwork when she accepted The Commander’s offer. 

She had no idea how long Lin would be gone, only that she was to fulfill her duties until she did. That included dispatching guards, assigning patrol schedules, and training in the yard with the guards.

The Pandaren leaned back in her too-small seat, rubbing a paw across her face. Lin owed her for this. She had her own students in Tian Monastery she was abandoning, not to mention she had to travel here from the Jade Forest, which had been a long and tiring journey.

Heay grimaced as she continued to rifle through the stack of papers, coming across one addressed to someone named Adam.

Adam? Why did that name sound familiar?

Lin had mentioned him, right. She had said he might stop by to check on her. Why had she written him a letter? Did she want it given to him?

Slowly and gently sliding it into the sleeve of her robe, Heay glanced up towards the ceiling. Just because she did not see that troll does not mean the troll does not see her. Heay had been politely informed by the red-haired troll that Lin had told her to ‘watch’ Heay and enure she did not ‘fuck up’ anything.